Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Chinese Navy hospital ship completes medical service to Fiji, heads for Tonga Xinhua) 08:32, October 09, 2025 SUVA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Navy hospital ship "Silk Road Ark," which is on "Mission Harmony-2025," successfully completed a seven-day friendly visit and humanitarian medical service to Fiji and set off for Tonga on Wednesday. During its stay in Fiji, the hospital ship provided medical treatment for 3,330 person-times, performed 426 surgeries of various types, and carried out 2,531 auxiliary examinations and tests. Fiji's Minister for Defense and Veterans Affairs Pio Tikoduadua said that the "Silk Road Ark" has delivered tangible benefits to the Fijian community, representing a welcome symbol of care, service, and goodwill. Before the hospital ship set sail, it conducted a joint maritime search and rescue drill with the Fiji Navy in the waters near Fiji, focusing on subjects such as maritime transfer and maritime treatment. After the drill, the "Silk Road Ark" left for Tonga. This is the third time that a Chinese naval hospital ship carried out the "Mission Harmony" in Fiji. It is also the first time that the Chinese and Fiji navies have conducted a joint search and rescue drill. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) NORRIS, Tenn., Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The North Alabama Mountain Lakes region of the Tennessee River Valley has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first destination in Alabama to receive the "Destination Verified" status from Wheel the World. This designation from Wheel the World, a global organization that specializes in accessible travel, demonstrates the region's pledge to provide an easier and more pleasant experience for visitors of all abilities. Travelers looking for a destination that embraces inclusivity should consider visiting the North Alabama Mountain Lakes region. Plan your visit today and experience the welcoming atmosphere and accessible attractions that make this area a standout destination. Detailed accessibility information for numerous regional sites, including scenic overlooks, outdoor adventures, cozy lodges, and local dining options, can be found on Wheel the World's online booking platform at https://wheeltheworld.com/. Wheel the World collaborates with Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), local businesses, and travelers worldwide to redefine inclusive tourism. Their mission is to ensure that all destinations are accessible to everyone, from small towns to modern resorts. The North Alabama region joins other Southeast destinations like Savannah, Georgia; Kissimmee, Florida; and Lexington, Kentucky, in receiving this recognition, setting a new benchmark for accessibility within the state. "For the past ten months, we have been working with Wheel the World and local businesses to verify accessibility and share resources. This designation marks a significant step forward," says North Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourism Association President, Tami Reist. "making the North Alabama Mountain Lakes region a model for inclusive tourism in the Southeast, and ensuring that everyone can enjoy the scenic overlooks, outdoor adventures, and local dining that our region has to offer." This achievement underscores the region's commitment to ensuring every traveler can fully appreciate the beauty, adventure, and hospitality of North Alabama. The "Destination Verified" status is not merely about meeting requirements but about fostering a culture of welcome and inclusion. The Tennessee River Valley's North Alabama Mountain Lakes region serves as an example for inclusive tourism in the Southeast. By prioritizing accessibility, the region not only enriches the visitor experience but also fosters economic growth and strengthens community bonds. Key highlights of this achievement include: First in the Region: The North Alabama Mountain Lakes region is the first in the Tennessee River Valley and in Alabama to receive this designation. The North Alabama Mountain Lakes region is the first in the Tennessee River Valley and in Alabama to receive this designation. Commitment to Accessibility: The recognition highlights the region's dedication to making travel easier and more enjoyable for visitors with physical, cognitive, and invisible disabilities. The recognition highlights the region's dedication to making travel easier and more enjoyable for visitors with physical, cognitive, and invisible disabilities. Comprehensive Verification: Wheel the World worked with various local businesses to verify accessibility, ensuring reliable information for travelers. The Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council, a 501 c3 nonprofit, serves as the steering committee and editorial board for the Geotourism MapGuide website. It is comprised of volunteers from a seven state region. The Council's efforts are made possible through the generous support of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). SOURCE Tennessee River Valley State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code 35 brand new high skilled jobs for Wrexham as a result of Prime Ministers trip to India This article is old - Published: Thursday, Oct 9th, 2025 175 brand new jobs will be created in Wales thanks to a raft of major new deals secured by the Prime Minister during his visit to India this week, UK Government have said. In a statement they said, Indian investors have confirmed their confidence in Wales as a business destination by collectively investing 1.2 billion into some of Britains most thriving businesses demonstrating the impact the UK-India trade deal is already having on investor confidence. Listing a range of investments, Wrexham gets a mention where Indian pharmaceutical company Wockhardt investing 8 million to upgrade its facility in Wrexham, creating 35 new high-skilled jobs to expand its global operation. Others includes EdSupreme, an Ed-Tech company specialising utilising AI in physiotherapy which is investing 10 million in London and Wales, creating 50 jobs in Wales over three years. In addition, medical device pioneer NeoCeltic Global Ltd is investing 5 million, creating 50 jobs in Wales to deliver next-generation solutions in mobility and rehabilitation. Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: India is now the fourth-biggest economy in the world, and by investing billions of pounds to back thousands of jobs from sectors as diverse as AI, education, and financial services shows the scale of opportunity this presents for Welsh businesses. Their success in India will only grow as our new trade deal galvanises economic partnership, brings our two countries even closer together, and ultimately delivers economic growth right across Wales. Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: Our landmark trade deal with India will boost jobs and economic growth across Wales. Key industries in Wales, such as the renewable energy sector, the creative industries and food and drink producers will see the benefits and Welsh businesses will also have access to Indias huge procurement market with increased protections so they can confidently export goods and services. This government is proving it can deliver on our mission to grow the economy, create new jobs and put more money in working peoples pockets. India is already the UKs second largest investor and more than 1,000 Indian companies operate in the UK, supporting millions of UK jobs. It comes off the back of a two-day trade mission by the Prime Minister to Mumbai, where he met with Indian business leaders and directly sealed the deals that will result in growth and jobs that will put money directly into the pockets of hardworking British people. Police appeal for information after two caravan burglaries in Wrexham Police are appealing for information following reports of two separate caravan burglaries in the Wrexham area. North Wales Police said they received a report at 11:15pm on Tuesday, 7 October, that a caravan had been broken into in the Wrexham Road area of Johnstown. The previous evening, at 10:24pm on Monday, 6 October, officers were notified of another burglary at a caravan in the Aberderfyn Road area of Ponciau. According to police, Milwaukee power tools were reported stolen from a garage at the same property. A spokesperson for North Wales Police said: Enquiries are ongoing, and we are asking anyone with information to contact officers on 101, or via the website, quoting reference number 25000826347 for the Johnstown incident and 25000821153 for the Ponciau incident. No arrests have been reported in connection with either incident. A president looking to seize power beyond the executive branch. A Congress controlled by Republican lawmakers unwilling to directly defy him. And a minority party looking for any way to fight back. The dynamic left Washington in a stalemate Thursday the ninth day of the government shutdown and lawmakers openly venting their frustration as they tried to gain traction without the trust that is typically the foundation of any bipartisan deal. To have good-faith conversations, you have to have trust. Theres a real challenge of trust, said Rep. Brad Schneider, chair of the New Democratic Coalition, a pragmatic group of House Democrats. Groups of lawmakers huddled over dinners, on phone calls, and in private meetings have tried to brainstorm ways out of the standoff that has shuttered government offices, kept hundreds of thousands of federal employees at home and threatened to leave them without a scheduled payday. But lawmakers have found themselves running up against the reality that the relationship between the two parties is badly broken. Were in an environment where we need more than a handshake, said Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat who has engaged in talks with Republicans. The frustration was evident this week as House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, on separate occasions, engaged in tense exchanges in the Capitol hallways with members of the opposing party. President Donald Trump and Republicans have so far held to the stance that they will only negotiate on Democratic demands around health care benefits after they vote to reopen the government. They also say Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer is beholden to the left wing of his party and only staging the shutdown fight to stave off a primary challenge. Republicans jump on Schumer's comments Schumer, a New York Democrat, told Punchbowl News in an interview that Democrats were winning the shutdown fight, saying, Every day gets better for us. Republicans quickly seized on those comments, arguing it showed that the New York senator is approaching the shutdown with purely political motives. Senate Majority Leader John Thune stood on the Senate floor flanked by a poster printed with Schumer's words. This isn't a political game. Democrats might feel that way, but I don't know anybody else that does, said Thune, a South Dakota Republican. The longer this goes on, the more the American people realize that Democrats own this shutdown. Schumer, in his own floor speech, responded that it was Trump and Republicans who are playing with people's lives. Every day that Republicans refuse to negotiate to end this shutdown, the worse it gets for Americans and the clearer it becomes who is fighting for them," said Schumer. When a handshake deal is not enough Democrats have insisted they can't take Trump at his word and therefore need more than a verbal commitment for any deal. Conflicts over spending power had already been raging before the shutdown as the White House pushed to assert maximum power over congressionally approved budgets. The White House budget office had canceled scores of government contracts, including cutting out the legislative branch entirely with a $4.9 billion cut to foreign aid in August through a legally dubious process known as a pocket rescission. That enraged Democrats and disturbed some Republicans who criticized it as executive overreach. I hate rescissions, to be honest with you, unless theyre congressionally approved, said Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican. Matt Glassman, a fellow at the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University, said the president's use of rescissions was blowing up the underlying dynamic of the bargaining because it inserts intense partisanship into a budget appropriations process that otherwise requires compromise, particularly in the Senate. Then, as the government entered a shutdown, Trump's budget director Russ Vought laid out arguments that the president would have even more power to lay off workers and even cancel pay due to furloughed federal workers once the funding lapse is solved. Vought has also announced that the administration was withholding billions of dollars for infrastructure projects in states with Democratic senators who have voted for the shutdown. Were only going to cut Democrat programs, Trump said in a Cabinet meeting Thursday. He added: Were going to give them a little taste of their own medicine. Yet on Capitol Hill, there has been an acknowledgment that the hardball tactics are making it harder to negotiate. I think with senators, carrots work better than sticks, said Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican. One Democratic idea may win GOP support Before they vote to reopen the government, Democrats' main demand is that Congress take up an extension of tax credits for health plans offered on Affordable Care Act marketplaces. Trump has sounded open to a deal, saying that he wants great health care for Americans. What's received less attention is that Democrats also want new safeguards in the law limiting the White House's ability to claw back, or rescind, funding already approved by Congress. While final appropriations bills are still being worked out, Republicans have been open to the idea. When you end the shutdown and get back to regular order within the appropriations bills, theres very clear language about how we feel about rescissions, said Sen. Mike Rounds, a Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee. I think youll find hard, solid support from Republicans to see that what we agree to will be executed on. In the meantime, the main sticking point for lawmakers this week has been finding any agreement on extending the health care subsidies. Failed votes and the consequences of an extended shutdown The Senate failed, in a 54-45 vote, to advance a stopgap funding bill for the seventh time Thursday, and there has been no sign of significant progress to ending the impasse. Lawmakers are now looking ahead to the dates when federal employees will miss a payday, nervous about both the financial implications for federal employees and military members and the political blowback. Active-duty military troops would miss a paycheck on Oct. 15. As House Speaker Mike Johnson fielded questions on C-SPAN Thursday morning, one caller pleaded with him to pass legislation that would allow the military to get paid during the government shutdown. The woman, identified as Samantha, said her husband serves in the military and that they "live paycheck to paycheck. She pleaded with Johnson to call the House back to Washington, saying, You could stop this. Johnson said he was sorry to hear about her situation, blamed Democrats for refusing to pass the stop-gap spending bill and added, I am angry because of situations just like yours. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.) The mayor of South Lake Tahoe has resigned after admitting to embezzling money from a local church. The City Clerk says Tamara Wallace submitted her resignation by email late Monday night, effective immediately. In her letter, Wallace also urged Mayor Pro Tem Cody Bass to resign. However, a new mayor pro tem must also be selected alongside a new mayor. Both appointments will be discussed at the next city council meeting which is scheduled for October 21st. City Manager Joe Irvin has assured residents that city services are continuing as normal and emphasized that no individual council member has access to city finances. OCTOBER 8, 2025 (5:45 p.m.): The City Manager of South Lake Tahoe has issued a statement on social media after recent incidents involving the city's mayor and mayor pro tem. In a video on Facebook, City Manager Joe Irvin assured people that the city continues to offer services as normal. "If you call, we will respond," he said. "We're here, committed to providing service to our community." Irvin assured people that no one individual city councilperson has access to the city's finances, which are managed by Irvin and the city's finance director. He also said the city is committed to transparency and that it will update people with important information if new developments arise. OCTOBER 8, 2025 (10 a.m.): A Tahoe area church is reacting after the South Lake Tahoe mayor apologized for stealing money from the congregation - and almost nearly ending her life amid the ongoing investigation. The Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church says Tamara Wallace's admission of theft is a 'significant offense' against the congregation and has since been forwarded to law enforcement. "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." In a public letter, Wallace said she is undergoing counseling and is being treated for her mental health. OCTOBER 6, 2025: South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tamara Wallace says she stole money from a church and almost ended her life amid the ongoing investigation. Her letter was first printed in the Tahoe Daily Tribune. 2 News Nevada also obtained a copy of it - which you can read below - In it, Wallace says she took funds from a Presbyterian Church for an extended period of time. And due to the ensuing guilt she felt after, she says she tried to take her own life last month. Wallace says she admitted to the church thefts and is currently undergoing counseling and is be treated for her mental health. She also says she accepts whatever consequences may come as a result of the embezzlement and says she will pay back "every cent". Wallace's current term ends in November 2026. We're working to get more information on the case, but for now, the El Dorado County District Attorney's Office sent us this response: Our office is currently handling the investigation into the allegations involving Mayor Tamara Wallace. Because this matter remains an active investigation, we are unable to provide further comment at this time. Also recognized among the winners were fellow V&V Supremo patrons Alaina, Amery and Aidan Dinderman of Orangeville, IL, whose herd earned multiple class titles, including Senior Champion Junior Show and Total Performance Winner Junior Show with Maplehurst Drone Nugget. "We're incredibly proud of our patron farms whose commitment to quality and animal care exemplifies the excellence behind V&V Supremo products," said Gilberto Villasenor II, Chief Visionary Officer. "These national wins reflect the same dedication to craftsmanship and heritage that define our brand." Judged by Mark Rueth (Oxford, WI) and Tina Vilter McDonald (Signal Mountain, TN), the 2025 International Guernsey Show brought together the nation's top dairy producers. Learn more about the 2025 International Guernsey Show winners on cowsmo.com. V&V Supremo Foods, a Chicago-based producer of authentic Mexican cheeses, creams, and chorizo, proudly sources milk from family farms committed to animal welfare and premium quality. The company celebrates the achievements of its partner dairies that help maintain the tradition and integrity of its award-winning products. About V&V Supremo Foods, Inc. V&V Supremo is an award-winning producer of authentic Mexican cheeses, creams, and chorizo, and the maker of Chihuahua Brand Cheese. The company was founded in 1964 by Mexico natives and brothers-in-law Gilberto Villasenor, Sr. and Ignacio Villasenor. It is now the nation's oldest family-owned and operated Hispanic cheese company. V&V Supremo serves both the retail and food service industries. To learn more about V&V Supremo Foods, Inc. visit www.vvsupremo.com. V&V Supremo Foods on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vvsupremo V&V Supremo Foods on Instagram and TikTok: @vvsupremo V&V Supremo Foods on YouTube: www.youtube.com/vvsupremo For media inquiries, please contact: Media Relations [email protected] 312.224.2820 SOURCE V & V Supremo Foods, Inc. 21 % more press release views with Request a Demo Parents and high school seniors across Nevada are being reminded that the deadline to apply for the Nevada Promise Scholarship is October 31. The scholarship, created by the Nevada Legislature in 2017, allows students statewide to attend community college without paying tuition or mandatory fees for up to three years. The program is open to Nevada students regardless of income or GPA and is considered a last-dollar scholarship, covering the remaining costs after federal or state aid is applied. High school seniors graduating in spring 2026 who plan to attend a Nevada community college in the fall immediately after graduation are eligible to apply. Students who earn a GED or High School Equivalency (HSE) before turning 20 may also qualify. The Nevada Promise Scholarship is truly transformative, said Western Nevada College President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. It provides every high school graduating senior in Nevada the opportunity to continue their education at a community college without the concern of cost. At WNC, we are committed to supporting students and their families throughout the process to help ensure success. Students, be sure to meet the application deadline! While the scholarship can be used at any eligible Nevada community college, WNC is one of the institutions actively guiding students through the application process. WNC representatives help students complete requirements, including: Submitting a FAFSA application Attending a training session Completing community service hours Meeting with a mentor The scholarship does not cover textbooks, lab fees, or housing, but it offers a clear and affordable path to higher education for students across the state. Students can apply at wnc.edu/advising/promise, and WNC encourages those with questions to call 775-445-3267. Reno-Tahoe International Airport remains open and operational despite the federal government shutdown, but federal employees, including Transportation Security Administration, Customs and Border Protection, and Federal Aviation Administration staff, continue to work without pay. These federal employees are our neighbors, friends, and colleagues. They live and work right here in northern Nevada, said Daren Griffin, president and CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. Even as they face uncertainty, they continue to show up every day to keep our airport safe, secure, and operational. We invite our community to join us in showing support, and together, we can make sure these essential workers know we all stand with them. To assist, the airport authority has partnered with The Childrens Cabinet and the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, two local organizations equipped to deliver direct support. The Childrens Cabinet will assign a dedicated team member to help federal airport workers access resources, including food, diapers, and household items, through its community market. Employees do not need to have children to receive help. The Food Bank of Northern Nevada will offer food resources through its pantry program and more than 150 partner agencies. Its online tool allows individuals to locate nearby food distribution sites and view upcoming pantry events. The RTAA encourages community members who want to help to connect directly with these organizations, which have systems in place to receive donations, coordinate volunteers, and provide ongoing support. How to get involved: The Childrens Cabinet: Visit childrenscabinet.org 775-287-6883. Online donations can be dedicated to Federal Airport Employees. Online donations can be dedicated to Federal Airport Employees. Food Bank of Northern Nevada: Visit fbnn.org 775-331-3663 for support opportunities, volunteer shifts, and pantry locations. For more details, visit https://www.renoairport.com/federal-gov-shutdown/ Blog Archive: Dec 2025 (46) Nov 2025 (141) Oct 2025 (153) Sep 2025 (149) Aug 2025 (154) Jul 2025 (155) Jun 2025 (150) May 2025 (155) Apr 2025 (9) Mar 2025 (149) Feb 2025 (139) Jan 2025 (155) Dec 2024 (144) Nov 2024 (143) Oct 2024 (155) Sep 2024 (149) Aug 2024 (155) Jul 2024 (155) Jun 2024 (150) May 2024 (153) Apr 2024 (149) Mar 2024 (155) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (155) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55) A group of talented Bay Area women artists are back for their fifth annual show, running through Sunday, October 26th. Plus, Jins Eyewear returns to San Francisco with a new store at Stonestown Galleria, and Nordstrom Local opens in Pac Heights as a service hub sans shopping. After a three -year absence, Jins Eyewear returns. (Courtesy of Jins Eyewear) Sayonara, Union Square. Hello, Stonestown Galleria. Last Friday, October 3, Japanese eyewear brand Jins celebrated the grand opening of its new store in the Lakeshore mall (currently in the midst of a major glow-up). Bespectacled folk of all types were there to celebrate, shop, and warmly welcome the much-loved retailer back to the city. This was never an unrequited love story: San Francisco has held a special place in our hearts ever since our first expansion into the U.S. 10 years ago, and we are ecstatic to be back, says Mickey (Katsumi) Kubota, president of Jins Eyewear U.S. Shoppers picked up right where they left off, filling the sparkling space on the hunt for picture-perfect glasses and sunnies. The full range of Jins core collections, including the Airframe, Combination Titanium, JINS 360, and Modern Rimas well as limited-edition styles and technologically advanced lensesare meticulously displayed. (Were obsessed with the Jins x Peanuts collab .) The store design itself is inspired by traditional Japanese wooden townhouses. It features light gray tones and mortar-like textures up front, while the back is finished in warm wooden materials to create a more intimate feel. But its the actual shopping experience thats the coolest. It goes like this: Scan the QR code of the frame, wait for your number to be called, choose lenses, and get fitted. Next, stroll the mall or hang out for 30 minutes or so. Wait for a text letting you know the specs are ready, andvoilascan the QR code at the pickup locker and, ahem, see yourself out. // 3521 20th Ave. (Lakeshore), us.jins.com Embroidery, Policarpio Valencia, before 1931. Courtesy of the Museum of International Folk Art 'Appearances Deceive: Embroideries by Policarpio Valencia' Appearances Deceive: Embroideries by Policarpio Valencia WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; through July 26, 2026 WHERE: Museum of International Folk Art, 706 Camino Lejo on Museum Hill, Santa Fe HOW MUCH: $7 New Mexico residents, $12 nonresidents, free for children 16 and under and qualified individuals, at internationalfolkart.org The Museum of International Folk Art is tying together family history and art with Appearances Deceive: Embroideries by Policarpio Valencia. The exhibit is dedicated to Valencia, a Nuevomexicano artist whose family contributed stories to the exhibit. I love being able to connect descendants with artwork that their ancestors made, Carrie Hertz, exhibit curator, said. Its such a wonderful experience. The exhibit originated because a descendent of Valencia reached out, requesting to view artwork that the museum had in storage. Hertz pulled out the six pieces they had and laid them out for the family. When we saw them all out together, it was just spectacular, Hertz said. And I was like, Oh, no, thats an exhibit. The pieces are embroidery textiles that Hertz said are made from recycled items, including old clothes, quilt patches and woven blankets. Hertz said that the words written across the pieces were some of the most wonderful aspects, and noted that the text strikes a balance between philosophical and humorous. Theyre in New Mexican dialect Spanish, which is now considered endangered, Hertz said. So it captures the way he spoke and wrote in the 1920s, so its a great capsule of the language of that time period from his community. The exhibit includes narration from the family reading the texts aloud in English and Spanish. The narration is part of a touch table the museum created for the exhibit, which allows visitors to view high-resolution images of the embroidery from front to back. The text is also translated and transcribed in a gallery guide. Ad As Hertz dived deeper into Valencias history and family stories, it went from being a quick put together exhibition to something more. I realized that it needed to be something a little deeper and richer, Hertz said. The great thing is that that family history is so tied in with New Mexican history (and) cultural history. Valencia was alive from 1853 to 1931, during which New Mexico was transitioning from a territory to a state. Theres so much you can see through his artwork about what was going on during that time period, Hertz said. The exhibit features all 10 known pieces of Valencias artwork. Hertz said her favorite part of the exhibit was being able to talk with the family and learn from them. Some of the family members, especially like the elders, they had memories. They had some stories that were shared, some family lore, Hertz said. But a lot of the younger ones had never heard of this ancestor before (and) got very excited about it. Many of them said, You know, we dont feel like we have artists in the family, Hertz said. And this changed that. They loved that he was being celebrated as an artist. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham at a September news conference at the Governors Office in Santa Fe. Lujan Grisham on Wednesday signed into law the last of five bills passed during the special session. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday signed into law the last of five bills passed during the special session, allowing state health officials to set their own guidelines for vaccinations without input from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Senate Bill 3, passed in the Legislature last week, grants the New Mexico Department of Health the authority to use vaccine recommendations from physician groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics instead of federal agencies. The current CDC guidelines are set by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, staffed entirely by appointees of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The bill gives the NMDOH the ability to purchase vaccines other than the ones recommended by the CDC, requires that the immunizations be covered in full by state health insurance plans, and allows state vaccine requirements for children to enroll in school or child care that diverge from federal standards. The changes go into effect Dec. 31 and last until July 1, 2026, though the Legislature could extend them during its next session. Under the bill, medical and religious exemptions from vaccines are still available for children as they were in the past. The measure passed along party lines, receiving no support from Republicans, who argued the law was unnecessary and confusing for parents. Lujan Grisham signed SB3 almost a week after the other four bills that passed during last weeks special session. The legislation was originally intended to guarantee New Mexicans access to the COVID-19 vaccine booster despite federal guidelines that required a prescription, though the CDC changed its position on the COVID booster Monday, allowing those seeking the vaccine to use their own individual-based decision making. The changes in SB3 are vital to safeguarding the health and safety of New Mexicans in light of the United States Department of Health and Human Services failure to follow science and make timely and necessary vaccine recommendations, Lujan Grisham said in a message to the Senate Wednesday. Twenty-two states, including New Mexico, use nonfederal entities to establish vaccine guidelines, either in addition to or instead of the CDC, as of Sept. 22, according to health policy nonprofit KFF. Im deeply disappointed in Republicans for voting to restrict vaccines, but our Department of Health remains committed to vaccine access, Lujan Grisham said in a statement last week. Zion Miera, center, talks with his attorney, Deirdre Ewing, right, before a detention officer takes him away Wednesday. Judge Emeterio Rudolfo ordered Miera stay in custody until trial for his role in the July 25 shooting death of his brother. Eddie Moore Zion Miera was ordered Wednesday to stay in custody until his trial for his role in the July 25 shooting death of his brother at a University of New Mexico dorm room. Eddie Moore Zion Miera was under a judges order not to possess firearms or commit crimes at the time his brother was fatally shot in a University of New Mexico dorm room. Miera, 19, violated those conditions in June when he and others gathered for a drug-fueled night at UNM that ended in the shooting death of 14-year-old Michael LaMotte, a judge ruled Wednesday. State District Judge Emeterio Rudolfo ordered Miera to remain behind bars while awaiting trial on two counts of tampering with evidence and other charges connected with his brothers death in June. He has demonstrated his inability to make safe decisions, Rudolfo said of Miera at his pretrial detention hearing in 2nd Judicial District Court. I dont think we need federal cases or federal judges to tell us that mixing drugs and firearms is dangerous for anyone, especially someone so young. The case stems from a June 25 incident when Miera, his half-brother LaMotte, and two other teenagers met at UNM for what prosecutors describe as a night of heavy drug use, including LSD and cocaine. Prosecutors allege that shortly after midnight, John Fuentes, 18, fatally shot LaMotte in the head and fired a second shot that grazed Daniel Archuleta, a provisional UNM student, in the back of the head. Fuentes, who was treated and released at a hospital, was arrested soon after the July 25 killing and is awaiting trial on an open count of murder and lesser felonies. Archuleta, 19, was arrested Tuesday on a charge of tampering with evidence and is scheduled for a pretrial detention hearing Friday. Assistant District Attorney John Kloss argued Wednesday that Miera was charged in May for allegedly confronting a former girlfriend with an assault-style rifle during a handoff of the couples child. Rio Rancho police arrested Miera on May 31 on a felony charge of false imprisonment and misdemeanor battery, according to a criminal complaint filed in Sandoval County Magistrate Court. Miera allegedly searched the womans apartment with the rifle looking for a male co-worker, the complaint said. Ad On June 2, about seven weeks before the fatal incident at UNM, a Sandoval County magistrate judge released Miera on his own recognizance but prohibited him from possessing firearms or committing additional crimes. Those conditions remained in effect until Sept. 24, when Magistrate Judge Delilah Montano-Baca dismissed the charges. Rudolfo cited those conditions as a key reason for his decision to hold Miera in custody pending trial. While the case was ultimately dismissed, there was still an order in place for him to comply with conditions of release no drugs, no firearms, no dangerous weapons, Rudolfo said. Mieras attorney, Deirdre Ewing, argued that Miera has no criminal convictions because the charges against him were dropped. Nor has Miera been incarcerated before in his life, she said. We are not here on charges that Mr. Miera killed his brother, Ewing told the judge. Trying to paint Mr. Miera with Mr. Fuentes crimes in order to detain him is beyond the pale. Mr. Miera was shot at by Mr. Fuentes just as his brother was. Miera is charged with two counts of tampering with evidence for allegedly deleting evidence from his personal cellphone and removing a backpack from the dorm room where LaMotte was fatally shot. Miera also is charged with one count each of possession of cocaine and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. So the offenses were actually dealing with are nonviolent third- and fourth-degree felonies the nature and circumstances of which do not point towards detention, Ewing said. Prosecutors allege that Miera had supplied LaMotte with drugs to sell to classmates with the understanding that they would split the profits. Weeks before the shooting, Miera began talking about selling and trading guns with LaMotte, prosecutors allege. LaMottes mother told police she knew Miera kept multiple guns in his younger brothers room. A south Alabama high school was ranked in the Top 20 of best public high schools in the country, according to high school and college search platform Niche. The 2026 ranking from Niche lists the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science as the 19th best public high school in the country as well as the best public high school in Alabama. The magnet schools additional rankings include being the best high school for STEM in Alabama, the best College Prep Public High School in Alabama and the best Magnet High School in Alabama. Students from any of Alabamas 67 counties can attend the school as long as they are in the 10th through 12th grade. As Alabama families continue to navigate the School Choice movement and reflect on education options for their children, ASMS is absolutely a school to consider for rising 10th-12th graders, ASMS President Dr. John Hoyle said. A controversial Halloween decoration in the front of Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch's private home as taken by Whitney Newman. supplied image posted with permission by Whitney Newman The leader of a grassroots progressive group that has organized No Kings protests in Mobile this year said Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch is unworthy of our trust and of his position and lacks the fitness to serve as the countys top law enforcement officer. Maura Mandyck, planning and messaging coordinator with Indivisible Mobile, said in a news release Thursday that a Halloween display outside Burchs personal residence illustrates a mocking tableau displayed in gleeful cruelty. The display, created by Burchs wife, Michelle, features skeletons dressed as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents chasing skeletons wearing sombreros and traditional Mexican ponchos. The decorations have drawn widespread criticism on social media and brought national attention to Mobile, Alabamas third largest county. Burch is playing for laughs (at) the real and serious tragedy taking place across our nation, Mandyck said. She added that President Donald Trumps administration has demonized and targeted immigrants for years, and now has ICE agents sweeping up people with legal status, including some American citizens, in their indiscriminate and increasingly violent raids. Making light of the desperation felt by these people, both legal residents and otherwise, is unconscionable, and particularly repellent from an elected official, Mandyck said. Decoration fallout Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch John Sharp The Mobile County Sheriffs Department said in a statement that questions about Burchs personal Halloween decorations should be directed to the couple. An email sent to AL.com indicated that correspondence about the display would be forwarded to Burchs personal secretary and that he would respond individually, but not in his official capacity. Michelle Burch said Tuesday, in a statement, that her husband had no involvement with the decorations other than mowing the grass around them. She said the theme was a play both on my Cuban background and new, needed changes in federal immigration enforcement. Hispanic activists have called the decorations problematic and are linking Sheriff Burch directly to them. To be honest with you, I understand the wife is taking credit on this, its the sheriffs home, said Grace Resendez McCaffery, owner of Latino Media Gulf Coast in Pensacola. If this is the way he allows his home to be run, I question if this is how he allows his department to be run. Past confrontations A "No Kings!" protest takes place in downtown Mobile on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The event was hosted by the Mobile chapter of Indivisible, and was part of a nationwide day of protesting against the Trump administration and current events taking place in Washington, D.C. The protests also recognized the 250th anniversaries of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which kicked off the American Revolutionary War. In this picture, Maura Mandyck, organizer with Indivisible Mobile, leads the speeches during the protest rally at Mardi Gras Park. John Sharp Mandyck and Burch clashed in June ahead of a No Kings protest after Burch warned of violent retaliation by authorities if the demonstrations became unruly. In an interview on the Midday Mobile radio show on FMTalk106.5, Burch said that if protesters attempted to pull barricades from law enforcement officers, orthopedic hand surgeons will have one hell of a weekend fixing hands. That barricade can become a weapon. Mandyck said barricades have not been erected at many of the protests in Mobile this year and that protesters have not engaged in violent behavior. One incident occurred during a No Kings march when a protester threw liquid at a counter-protester, who then punched the protester in the face. The event was otherwise peaceful. 31 1 / 31 No Kings protests across Alabama During the same radio interview, Burch said that if protesters blocked the interstate and someone drove through the crowd, the driver would not face criminal charges. He cited legislation in other states that provides legal protections to drivers who hit protesters. Mandyck said no such law exists in Alabama. The public entrusts law enforcement officials with tremendous power, and therefore we must demand that they show respect for each and every human being over whom they might wield that power, Mandyck said. Caroleene Dobson, a candidate for Alabama Secretary of State, speaks at a meeting of the Mobile County Republican Executive Committee on Oct. 6, 2025. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com Alabama Secretary of State hopeful and former 2nd congressional district candidate Caroleene Dobson thanked Mobile voters for supporting Mayor-elect Spiro Cheriogotis in an outcome that she claims is saving the future of this state. Dobson, during the end of her speech Monday during a Mobile County GOP event, thanked her fellow Republicans for saving the future of this state by defeating Barbara Drummond. I know this room was split in the mayors race and there were some wonderful people running, but I admire that you all came together to save this state, Dobson said. Thank you. Asked to clarify her remarks, her campaign provided the following statement on Tuesday. The city of Mobile, together with the Port, is crucial to Alabamas economy, and liberal blue-city policies are destroying communities throughout our state and squandering taxpayer dollars, the statement reads. I am grateful that Mobile voters rejected radical left-wing politics and elected a common-sense, pro-law enforcement leader like Spiro Cheriogotis. Dobsons comments came as several Republicans, during the Mobile County GOP event, expressed support over the idea of sending federal troops or the National Guard to police Alabama cities. Alabama Rep. and Mobile mayoral candidate Barbara Drummond speaks outside Morningside Elementary School on the morning of Sept. 23, 2025, before casting her vote in the city's runoff election. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com Drummond, in a statement Wednesday to AL.com, said she has fought for funding for Mobile and the State Port, and claimed that Dobson hasnt fought for anything for Mobile. I am a person who loves Mobile, I am a legislator and I fought vigorously for funding for the Port of Mobile which is a great asset, Drummond said. I was on the forefront to help fight for the funding. If its in Mobile, Ill fight for it and will continue to do so. I fought for funding for the new (downtown international airport). Drummond said she was unclear over what Dobsons statement meant but said that the mayors race was non-partisan. While local elections in Alabama are non-partisan, Drummond has been a Democratic member of the Alabama House of Representatives since 2014. She is the current House Democratic Caucus chair. Cheriogotis, from 2018 until January, had been a Republican judge serving in Mobile County. When I look at the place I love and call home, this is a place I will always fight for to be the very best, Drummond said. I will say, look at my record. This person doesnt have a record. She hasnt fought for anything for Mobile. My desire is for the very best of Mobile. Mobile Mayor-elect Spiro Cheriogotis celebrates his win during the mayoral runoff election on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at Crown Hall in downtown Mobile, Ala. John Sharp The Alabama Works PAC blamed Cheriogotis for backing Dobson during the 2024 congressional contest, which Dobson lost against current Democratic U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures of Mobile. The Dobson support was meant to paint Cheriogotis as a MAGA Republican. While no prominent elected Democrats have donated any of the millions in Spiros war chest, he has been financially supported by other Republicans, including Caroleene Dobson, the Alabama Works PAC statement said ahead of the Sept. 23 runoff. While Spiro may wish to now proclaim bipartisanship because its in his best interest for this race, he has shown where his allegiances lie through his actions and his spending. Cheriogotis narrowly defeated Drummond, earning 51.42 percent of the vote to Drummonds 48.58 percent. Cheriogotis will take office Nov. 3 as Mobiles next mayor. Dobson, a lawyer and fifth-generation cattle farmer from Monroe County who lives in Montgomery, is running to replace current Republican Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen next year. She faces Alabama Auditor Andrew Sorrell during the May 19 Republican primary. The winner will likely face Wayne Rogers, the former head of the Jefferson County Democratic party, during the November general election. Hes the only announced Democratic challenger in the race. College dorm rooms are standard issue, but Alabama college students are increasingly going all out to personalize decorations and furnishings. College dorm rooms are rivaling luxury apartments in style and in price. While some families can afford to spend thousands on storage, linen and wall decor, there are ways to save money and stay stylish. Samantha-Lynn Thomas, a 16-year-old UA junior with a double major in political science and Spanish, said her lifted bed isnt just about adding extra space. Shes minimizing the temptation to snooze when she should be studying. Thomas said she raised the bed as high as it can go to prevent me from taking midday naps. Samford University, the University of Alabama and other schools across the state are throwing up new residence halls with community kitchens, grand staircases and other amenties. Dorm rooms: freedom and first impressions More than likely thats the first time theyve had their freedom from their parents in their parents home, said Drew Daniel, an interior design graduate and MBA candidate from the University of Alabama. Daniel said students use moving into a smaller space as an opportunity to buy smaller furniture and lighting. Daniel said the need to completely transform a dorm room has only increased since she was an undergraduate, thanks to TikTok and other social media, which fuels comparison and trends. I think of dorms as almost a first impression, Daniel said. Its kind of your first new space, the first time you meet a lot of your college friends. Theyre seeing the space youre living in and it kind of gives you the chance to show your character and personality. Luxury dorm decorating is exploding on campuses nationwide. Parents are spending between $5,000 to $10,000 on linens, pillowcases and furniture, according to The Washington Post. This far exceeds the average family spending $1,325.85 on back-to-college costs, according to the National Retail Federation. AL.com got photos of dorm decor from University of Alabama and Auburn University students. Budget-friendly decor Families dont need to spend a ton of money to create a stylish room. Daniel said theres often a lot of pressure to turn dorm rooms into Instagram-worthy spaces. She said to prioritize items that increase storage space or add lighting, given the small size and dim lighting in many college dorms. Dressers that can fit under a bed or an ottoman that doubles as storage space are worth spending money on. She said adding items that makes them feel at home, makes them feel comfortable can help a student adjust to living away from home. I think if youre going to spend money on something, its going to need to be something thats dual use and then pieces that can transition beyond dorms into future living spaces, Daniel said. At college, she saw students throw away bedding because the dorms washer and dryer ruined them. Dropping a ton of money on bed linens shouldnt be a priority within a decoration budget. Trendy wall art or decor can make smaller rooms feel claustrophobic or end up becoming outdated, so she recommends not putting a lot of money into these items. You need to stick to whats necessary and functional first and then spend more money on the multipurpose reusable items, Daniel said, who recommended DIY for wall decor and shopping at Home Goods, TJ Maxx or secondhand stores for affordable and cool finds. You need to focus more on making the space homey, functional, organized, Daniel said. I feel like this can be achieved pretty affordably. I think you can balance the design and then the financial responsibility and still prioritize comfort and usability and not just Instagram. There is a new tax in Alabama that applies to pornographic websites and is intended to offset some of the harm the bills sponsor said is caused by childrens exposure to porn. Alabama lawmakers passed the tax as part of a new law that requires adult websites to verify that users are at least 18 - the Materials Harmful to Minors Act. Rep. Ben Robbins, R-Sylacauga, the sponsor of the bill, which passed almost unanimously last year, said the state and nation face a crisis because there are so many ways that children are exposed to porn. It affects the development of a child when they are exposed and repeatedly exposed to violent and gratuitous pornography, Robbins said. Males become more violent as they become adults, and females have higher rates of anxiety and depression. And it causes the breakdown of relationships because it distorts the way in which people, children, when they become adults, it distorts their view of healthy and happy relationships. Alabamas age verification requirement for porn sites took effect last year. The law also requires the websites to post several specific warnings about the harms caused by exposure and addiction to porn. The new tax took effect September 1 of this year. Companies will pay 10% of gross receipts for sales, memberships, subscriptions, performances, and other activities based in the state. In July, the Alabama Department of Revenue posted a notice telling companies how to register to pay the tax. Frank Miles, spokesman for the Department of Revenue, said he could not disclose the names of companies that have registered or say how many companies have registered because of confidentiality requirements. Miles said the first payments are due on October 20. Money raised by the tax will go to the Alabama Department of Mental Health for the care and treatment of people with behavioral health needs, including prevention, treatment, and recovery services and supports. Robbins said the need to expand mental health care is one of the most consistent messages he hears as a state lawmaker. I hear repeatedly that we need to fund mental health, and we have mental health issues, Robbins said. And I think the pornography is a driver in causing mental health issues. And so to offset the damage caused by these companies, they need to pay basically a sin tax to the state, which then we use to help support our mental health services. Alabamas age verification requirement is similar to laws passed in many states. Representatives of the porn industry sued to challenge the age verification law in Texas, claiming that it violated the First Amendment because it hindered the rights of adults. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Texas law in a 6-3 decision. Robbins noted the comments of Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who has seven children and spoke during oral arguments over the Texas law about the difficulty of protecting children from porn. She said its an impossibility for adults to completely safeguard children from this content because theres so many avenues to access the Internet and this is so pervasive that even the most diligent and astute parent cannot prevent their child from accessing this, Robbins said. So I think parents are trying, but theyre against immeasurable odds. When the age verification requirement took effect last year, Pornhub, one of the most popular adult websites, blocked access to Alabama users rather than follow the new law. Read more: Pornhub blocks access in Alabama over state law requiring age verification, citing privacy concerns In a statement to AL.com last year, Aylo, Pornhubs parent company, said it supported the effort to protect children from pornography but said the best way to do that is with filters that are available on devices. Barrett, who supported the decision to uphold the Texas age verification law, said content filters are not enough. Kids can get online porn through gaming systems, tablets, phones and computers, Barrett said. I can say from personal experience ... content filtering isnt working. Robbins said a few other adult websites have blocked access for Alabama users, like Pornhub. Alabama lawmakers passed a bill in April requiring that smart phones and tablets activated in Alabama must have a filter that can block obscene content. The device setup process must include the users age, and the filters must be automatically activated if the user is a minor. The law took effect Oct. 1 and applies to devices manufactured after June 1, 2025. Robbins said he thinks that will help. As I said earlier, parents are against immeasurable odds, Robbins said. Its a David versus Goliath fight. So any tools that we, as parents, you know, can have, thats going to be of a benefit to all parents of Alabama. Robbins said he plans to bring more legislation next year addressing technology and algorithms that drive addictive behavior on devices and expects other lawmakers to have bills. Theres going to be a lot of attention on how are we protecting children in this rapidly evolving world, Robbins said. Weve made a stab with pornography, but I think theres more that needs to be done. As a federal holiday, government offices are closed on Columbus Day. The Post Office is closed as well, meaning mail wont run on Monday. (Associated Press/John Minchillo) Theres no escaping some holidays. Store shelves seem to fill with Halloween decorations the second July 4th is done. Then, before you can even say Thanksgiving, Christmas decorations are everywhere. Its easy to remember those holidays and recognize that many places and services wont be available. But Columbus Day? That one is harder to remember and can leave you wondering why government offices are closed and theres no mail in your mailbox. READ MORE: Post office has a new way to prevent mail theft Monday, Oct. 13 is Columbus Day, the holiday that recognizes Italian explorer Christopher Columbus making landfall in the Americas in 1492. It is celebrated each year on the second Monday of October, which falls on Oct. 13th this year. The day is also Indigenous Peoples Day to recognize the culture, history and contributions of Native Americans and other Indigenous people. As a federal holiday, government offices are closed on Columbus Day. The Post Office is closed as well, meaning mail wont run on Monday. READ MORE: Do this first when you get a new credit card Columbus Day is the eighth postal holiday of the year, following New Years Day (Jan. 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday (Jan. 20), Presidents Day (Feb. 17), Memorial Day (May 26), Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19), Independence Day (July 4) and Labor Day (Sept. 1). There are three more postal holidays this year: Veterans Day (Nov. 11), Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27) and Christmas Day (Dec. 25). Post offices will reopen and mail will resume on Tuesday, Oct. 14.holidays Food City is planning to bring six locations to Huntsville, according to the April 27, 2023 city council agenda. Winn-Dixie has revealed more plans for three of its Alabama locations. On Wednesday, the chain confirmed that it plans to close its Fultondale location in early November. Today, the chain revealed it plans to divest three Alabama Winn-Dixie stores to Food City, transitioning them in early November. 1721 U.S. 31 N., Fultondale 465 Main St., Trussville 2405 U.S. 78 East, Jasper This decision is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of our business, and allows us to accelerate reinvestment into innovation and the renewal of our store fleet, Southeastern Grocers said in a statement. In a statement, Food City said it plans to hire the majority of the store associates. We will continue to make significant investments in the locations over the coming months to meet the needs of our customers and ensure the future success of our new teammates, Food City CEO Steven C. Smith said. Earlier this year, Winn-Dixie closed four locations in three Alabama cities. Aldi is converting 220 Winn-Dixie and Harveys stores it previously acquired, including stores in Alabama, into Aldi locations. Earlier this year, Aldi announced it is selling roughly 170 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores to a consortium, along with Winn-Dixies liquor store business. The Montgomery City Council adopted a resolution this week to try to keep Jackson Hospital open. The council voted unanimously on Tuesday to enter into an agreement to provide support for the struggling hospital, which announced last week that it could close in 30 days if it does not secure financial assistance. The city of Montgomery is willing to enter into agreement if all parties are participating, the county, the state, and everybody, said council member Cornelius Calhoun. The county and the state is not participating in this agreement. So this is the resolution that were putting forth as a city. Were willing to partner to save Jackson, but we need our other partners to participate also. The resolution did not contain any details of how much financial assistance the city would provide. Jackson hospital is the single most important hospital in the state of Alabama because of the regional care it provides, said U.S. Rep Figures, the Democratic congressman whose district includes the hospital. And its situation is a collective problem, which I agree requires a collective solution, and we are all obligated, as elected officials, to take leadership in seeking that solution. Figures on Tuesday told the city council that the earlier prediction that the hospital would close in 30 days was not the right number. He said that the hospital could stay open past that deadline as stakeholders worked to find a long term solution. Figures added that while there is no federal money available in emergency situations like the one Jackson is facing, he is working with the state and seeing if there are any other options available at the federal level. Last year, Jackson Hospital defaulted on about $60 million in bonds. A few months later the hospital announced changes in its leadership. Earlier this year, the hospital approached the city about guaranteeing a portion of its debt. Since then, the hospital has received approval for its Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan, which is allowing it to remain open while hospital officials restructure its debt. The hospital, one of three in Montgomery, has about 2,100 employees and has been in operation for almost 80 years. According to officials with Jackson Healthcare, the hospital has about $2 million in the bank, which should allow it to remain open through the end of the month. Officials say that the hospital will need a $50 million grant, and about $100 million in infrastructure funding to make deferred changes, such as upgrades to its NICU, trauma and cancer facilities. It also needs to make other changes, such as shoring up its nursing workforce. Councilman Calhoun said that the city is willing to take the lead in the fight to save the hospital in Montgomery, but they will also need to negotiate with surrounding communities that rely on Jackson. As we go forward with negotiation with the countywe need to talk about Autauga County, Elmore County and all the surrounding counties that use Jackson Hospital, said councilman Calhoun. Because I agree this is not a burden just for the citizens of Montgomery to bear. The county and the city of Montgomery takes on a lot, and this is just not going to be something that we go out and front and everybody uses it. Its kind of like everybody wants to eat at the barbecue, but no one wants to bring their pig or their cow. Chessie Wood, mother of Brittney Wood, speaks during a news conference with her attorney Michael McDuffie, on Oct. 29, 2013. (Michael Dumas/mdumas@al.com) bn File The mother of Brittney Wood, a teen whose 2012 disappearance unearthed a child sex abuse ring that led to her mother being arrested, has died. According to social media posts from relatives and the Justice for Brittney Wood Facebook page, Chessie Wood died Tuesday. A GoFundMe created by Chessies niece prior to her death stated that in July she was diagnosed with breast cancer and rapidly deteriorated over the past few months. If we can take a little stress off of them financially, it would be a huge blessing, the GoFundMe description reads. I am humbly asking everyone to help by donating whatever God lays on your heart to donate. At this time, we are trusting Gods plan for Chessie. Mystery has surrounded the disappearance of 19-year-old Brittney who went missing on May 30, 2012 after reportedly going to visit her uncle Donnie Holland. She has never been found. Two days after Brittneys disappearance, Holland was found dead with a gunshot wound which investigators deemed to be a suicide. It was revealed about two years later that Holland was under investigation for child sex crimes and was found to be the ring leader of a child sex ring involving other members of Brittneys family. Brittney, who investigators believe to be dead, was found to be a victim and potential witness to these crimes. The case led to convictions and lengthy prison sentences for several of Brittney Woods relatives and family friends. In 2016, Chessie Wood pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor offense, after initially facing sodomy and child sex abuse charges. She was accused of sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl in 2009. Chessie Wood maintained her innocence. I believe that theyre just going to arrest everyone in this family, whether they did anything or not, she told reporters as she was led into jail in 2013, according to a Press-Register article. If (Brittney Wood) was here, she could clear all this up for me. She would come and tell the truth about everything. Donnie Hollands wife, Wendy Holland, got 219 years in prison and her sister. Mendy Kent, got 40 years. Chessie Wood told The Associated Press in 2014 that she didnt know what was going on in the family until after her daughters disappearance. Brittneys case was the story for a three part docuseries called Monster in the Shadows which released on Peacock in 2021. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Publix, one of Floridas most popular grocery chains, is now allowing customers across the Sunshine State to openly carry guns due to a recent court ruling, employees say. Florida began allowing open carry on Sept. 25 after an appeals court overturned the states ban on openly carrying firearms, deeming it unconstitutional. Under the law, businesses and other private property owners have the option of banning open carry. Publix, which has a large presence in Florida with more than 900 stores, has opted to allow it, according to many of those who work there. Call a local Publix and youre likely to be told people can now carry guns into the store. Lindsey Willis, a spokeswoman for the Lakeland-based grocery chain, provided the following statement to the Sun Sentinel on Wednesday: As of Sept. 25, 2025, Florida law allows the open carry of firearms. Publix follows all federal, state and local laws. Treating customers with dignity and respect is a founding belief at Publix. In any instance where a customer creates a threatening, erratic or dangerous shopping experience whether they are openly carrying a firearm or not we will engage local law enforcement to protect our customers and associates. Sheila Alu, a former Sunrise commissioner, contacted the Sun Sentinel after calling her local Publix and being told they were no longer banning open carry. Alu says she is a supporter of the Second Amendment right to bear arms, but plans to avoid any grocery store that allows customers to open carry. Open carry in a grocery store or in a mall will frighten people, Alu told the Sun Sentinel. (Publix) is not an establishment that I or my family will be patronizing. Ana Campos, a private investigator who lives in Fort Lauderdale, has a different take. Seeing someone carry a firearm into Publix might shock the average shopper, Campos said. But she says shed actually feel safer seeing someone with a gun. Thats assuming the person is a responsible gun owner, she said. And if theres a problem, they will be there (to respond) before the police show up. Readers shared with the Sun Sentinel the emailed response they got from Publix after they contacted the company with their concerns about open carry: Thank you for taking the time to share your comments with us. We appreciate the trust you have placed in us to address your concern. Treating Publix customers with dignity and respect is a founding belief at Publix, and we follow federal, state and local laws. As is true for many issues which arise every day, Publix leaves it to the discretion of store managers to determine if a customer is creating a threatening, erratic or dangerous shopping experience whether they are openly carrying a firearm or not and engage local law enforcement to protect our customers and associates. Winn-Dixie says it plans to continue to prohibit open carry in Florida stores despite the recent ruling. Our priority is creating a safe and welcoming shopping experience for all customers and associates, according to the parent company of Winn-Dixie, Southeastern Grocers. As a private business, our policy remains unchanged: We do not permit open carry of firearms inside our stores. We respectfully ask customers to secure firearms safely before entering, and we appreciate the continued cooperation that helps us maintain an environment where everyone feels comfortable. Walmart, a chain that also sells groceries and produce, is asking customers not to bring firearms into its stores. Driven by our commitment to maintaining a safe environment in our stores and clubs, we ask that customers refrain from openly carrying firearms into Walmart or Sams Club locations, except where permitted for authorized law enforcement officers, a company spokesman said Tuesday. Walmart on Wednesday afternoon clarified that its not accurate to say the company prohibits open carry. Our statement said we ask customers to refrain from bringing firearms into our stores; we did not say we were prohibiting them. The Sun Sentinel also sent requests for comment to Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Aldi and Target. As of Wednesday, they had not yet replied with a statement about their policies. When the Sun Sentinel contacted Publix stores throughout South Florida to inquire whether they are allowing open carry, several employees replied they werent sure and checked with a store manager. One customer-service employee at a Publix in Fort Lauderdale said she already knew the answer: Theres a law now, so we cant tell people they cant bring their guns into the store. A manager at a Publix in Davie said open carry is now allowed as a result of the new ruling. Its OK as long as they are not causing a disturbance, he said. If they are, we will contact the authorities. A customer service representative at a Publix in Miramar transferred the call to a store manager. Publix does follow the law and we do allow open carry, the manager said. The only time we would intervene is if someone is acting outside the parameters of the law. A manager at a Publix in Hollywood said the store was allowing open carry, but had yet to see anyone walk in openly carrying a gun. An employee at a Publix in Boca Raton checked with a store manager, then came back on the line to say: Yes, customers are allowed as it aligns with the new state law. In Delray Beach, a store manager confirmed Publix was allowing open carry. In general, I think every store or supermarket is following the new state law, she said. A manager at a Publix in Homestead said they, too, are allowing open carry. As long as its not causing a disturbance in the store, its allowed, he said. Otherwise we can tell them to leave the premises. A customer service employee at a Publix in Coral Gables said he wasnt sure of the answer. Twelve minutes later, another employee came on the line to say he had gotten a recent email about open carry from the store manager. If a customer openly carries into the store, dont take action unless you have concerns about the behavior of the person, he said, reading from the email. In Central Florida, eight Publix stores in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Lake counties were contacted by the Orlando Sentinel. Four Central Florida stores confirmed customers are allowed to openly carry firearms, though some noted caveats. A manager at a Publix in Kissimmee said law enforcement would only intervene if that person was suspected of a crime. Another in St. Cloud said staff are not allowed to approach customers solely about their weapons. In that store, the manager said customers are allowed to openly carry as long as the customer is respectful to others and not causing a disruption. At two stores in Lake County, the instructions given to workers were not as clear-cut. A manager at one Publix in Tavares said the store allows open carry. But a customer service representative at a store in Groveland said that as of this week, they are operating under the old directive that bans open carry but permits concealed carry. Three Publix stores in Sanford, Lake Mary and Orlando gave a virtually identical response, saying their policy on open carry is whatever Florida law is. A manager at a Publix in Ocoee gave a similar answer but said staff would intervene if a customer complains. _____ (Sun Sentinel staff writer Bill Kearney contributed to this report.) _____ 2025 South Florida Sun Sentinel. Visit at sun-sentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Birmingham held a tree lighting on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in front of City Hall at Linn Park. (Photo by Greg Garrison/AL.com) ggarrison@al.com For a generation of Magic City dwellers, the December holiday season was a rose-tinted time downtown. Holiday decorations in department store windows. Seasons carols. Christmas sales wars for the perfect present. All were ingredients to lure shoppers and revelers to Birminghams sidewalks. Now a slate of events being planned by REV Birmingham is hoping to conjure up more merriment for the 21st century. We have been talking for years about wanting to inject a little more magic into downtown Birmingham for the holiday season, said Julie McKinney, vice president of people and places for REV Birmingham. Tucked away in REVs downtown economic vitality report released this week is a list of events that are scheduled to kick off in mid-November to rekindle some of those memories, and create new ones. Jackson Dean, a data and research manager for REV, said theres still a great many people who venture downtown for holiday events, such as the Alabama Theatre with its Holiday Film Series. The BJCC, Lyric Theatre and Red Mountain Theatre also attract visitors, as well as events like the menorah and tree lightings. The Alabama Theatre by itself drew more than 30,000 visitors last December, Dean said. But its also the slowest month for downtown workers and students. Even though the city center sees five times as many people as, say, Homewood during the holidays, much of that foot traffic is spread out among events, he said. We know there are some really good holiday traditions that exist downtown, McKinney said. But theres not a ton thats festive to do, so we wanted to fill in that experience. Visitors to the Pizitz Food Hall can already see local artists working on fixtures for an ornament trail planned for 20th Street North to Linn Park. Other efforts planned include: Lighting along 20th Street North medians. Live music along 20th Street. Surprise carolers dropping in high foot traffic areas. Window and facade decorations at underused storefronts. A scavenger hunt for children of all ages. More social media promotion of downtown shops. The events are being paid for through the Downtown BHM Business Improvement District (BID), an organization of downtown businesses. Were wanting to give people some connective tissue, to give people some options of things to do, McKinney said. Its an extra dose of festivity. Some events will roll out ahead of the annual Birmingham tree lighting Dec. 7. A federal judge has tossed out a long-running lawsuit where an Alabama councilwoman sued the towns mayor on accusations including racial harassment and intimidation. The case involving Tarrant Councilwoman Veronica Bandy-Freeman against Mayor Wayman Newton has been part of a series of legal, political and personal conflicts that crippled action in the small city of 6,000 just northeast of Birmingham. This lawsuit was politically motivated from the beginning, designed to damage my reputation and distract from the work my administration was doing to move Tarrant forward, Newton told AL.com. The courts decision confirms what I have maintained all along that the allegations were completely unfounded. Freeman declined to comment to AL.com. In the lawsuit, Freeman alleged that Newton violated her First Amendment free speech right by blocking her ability to participate in Facebook livestreams of the city council and post on the city of Tarrants Facebook page. Freeman also accused Newton of violating her Fourteenth Amendment equal protection right by using racial slurs to address her after she did not blindly support his agenda and vote consistently with his positions and agenda because of her race. Both Freeman and Newton are Black. Freeman said Newton began a campaign of bullying and harassment after she refused to loyally vote in a coalition of Black council members for everything he proposed shortly after Newton became mayor. Hostility between Newton, Freeman and the rest of the council continued through most of their terms, dividing the citizens and stalling civic action. While the dispute is over, so are the political careers of the litigants. U.S. Magistrate Judge Nicholas A. Danella dismissed the case Sept. 24 just a day after both Newton and Freeman lost their bids for reelection. Nevertheless, Newton embraced the ruling as vindication against Freemans claims. Although my time in office has come to an end, my commitment to truth, accountability, and progress for the people of Tarrant remains unchanged, he said. I am proud of the accomplishments we achieved and will continue working to build a stronger community for everyone. While the ruling did not address the legitimacy of the allegations, Judge Danella said Freeman failed to prove constitutional violations. On the record evidence, Bandy-Freeman cannot show that Newton violated a clearly established First Amendment free speech right by blocking Bandy-Freemans ability to post on the citys Facebook page, he wrote. Regarding alleged racial slurs and insults, Danella said Freeman failed to prove constitutional violations because Newton did not hold a position of power over her. Here, there is no evidence that Newton was Bandy-Freemans supervisor, he wrote. The only evidence is that Newton and Bandy-Freeman were apparently coequal elected government officials, and apparently (eventually) political rivals. Newton was defeated in his bid for a second term by Councilwoman Tracie Threadford. Freeman also lost her council reelection bid to Charles Johnson. Tarrants new leaders take office Nov. 3. Rep. Michael Lawler, R-N.Y., left, confronts House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., in a heated discussion to endorse House bill H.R.5145 that would extend the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell) AP New York Congressmen Hakeem Jeffries and Mike Lawler got into a shouting match Wednesday during a testy exchange over the ongoing government shutdown. Lawler, a Republican, confronted the House minority leader after a news conference about Affordable Care Act subsidies, a sticking point in negotiations between the two sides. Lawler asked Jeffries why he wouldnt sign onto a bill that extended the subsidies for one year. Weve got a one-year extension, why dont you sign on right now? Lawler asked. Did you get permission from your boss? Did your boss Donald Trump give you permission? Jeffries responded. Hes not my boss, Lawler replied. Youre making a show of this to make yourself relevant, Jeffries said. Youre an embarrassment. The only embarrassment here is you, Lawler snapped back. My constituents are suffering as a result of your ridiculous ploy. The two then argued over the merits of Trumps controversial One Big Beautiful Bill. I voted for a tax cut bill that gave the largest tax cut to Americans in history including, by the way, the average New Yorker getting a $4,000 tax cut. Are you against that? Lawler asked. Youre embarrassing yourself, Jeffries said again. The largest cut to Medicaid in American history you voted for that. Jeffries then pointed at Lawlers chest and accused him of talking over him. Why dont you just keep your mouth shut? he said. Oh, is that the way to talk? Lawler replied. Earlier in the day, Arizona Democratic senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly confronted Speaker of the House Mike Johnson about his delay in swearing in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, another Democrat. Johnson has been accused of trying to prevent a vote to release the Epstein Files. You just dont want her to be on the Epstein discharge petition, Gallego told Johnson, who volleyed that the claim is totally absurd and said, You guys are experts at red herrings and distractions. ________ 2025 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks in the Oval Office of the White House before President Donald Trump signs an executive order regarding childhood cancers and the use of AI, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. was mocked Thursday after suggesting a link between early circumcision and autism. Theres two studies that show children who are circumcised early have double the rate of autism, Kennedy said during a cabinet meeting hosted Thursday afternoon by President Donald Trump. Its highly likely because they were given Tylenol. Kennedy did not provide further information about the studies, but one appears to be a Danish study from 2015. Researchers found that study was flawed in an article published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. Most likely, both autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and early circumcision reflect parental conscientiousness, the researchers wrote. Kennedys suggestion comes more than two weeks after he stood with Trump when the president announced unproven ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism without giving new evidence. Speaking from the White House, Trump said women should not take acetaminophen, also known by the brand name Tylenol, during the entire pregnancy. He said the Food and Drug Administration would begin notifying doctors that the use of acetaminophen can be associated with an increased risk of autism, but did not immediately provide any medical evidence for the FDAs new recommendation. Kennedys latest theory left critics scratching their heads. The Republicans against Trump account on X had a simple reply: Wut. Liberal influencer JoJofromJerz, real name Joanne Carducci, dismissed Kennedys suggestion. This motherf----- cut the head off a f------ whale, she tweeted. The popular X account Spiros Ghost, which has more than 240,000 followers, gave a similar response. WHAT THE F---!!!!!! the account tweeted. The Associated Press contributed to this report. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. The brand new drama series 9-1-1: Nashville premieres on ABC Thursday, Oct. 9 at 9/8c. During the series premiere episode, a powerful tornado tears through Nashville, threatening the lives of those who reside there, leaving Captain Don Hart to lead the fire station on a rescue mission. How to watch 9-1-1: Nashville Cord cutters looking to catch the latest spinoff part of the 9-1-1 franchise can stream the series premiere of 9-1-1: Nashville through Fubo and DirecTVboth of which offer free trials for new subscribers to enjoy. Fubo is a popular live TV streaming service that appeals to cord cutters looking to enjoy a plethora of live TV channels and helpful features. Starting at $84.99 a month after its free trial, this popular streaming service offers users over 100 live TV channels through its base package and includes helpful features like unlimited DVR. DirecTV is one of the leading streaming platforms taking the industry by storm. With plans starting at $86.99 after its 5-day free trial, DirecTV offers a plethora of live TV channels, tailor-made genre packs to slim down filler overload, and a load of other appealing features. More about this weeks episode In the wake of a devastating storm, Captain Don Hart leads fire station 113 on a harrowing rescue mission to save those attending a country music festival. Meanwhile, Hart turns his attention to family matters as fallout from a long-held family secret finally comes to light. More about 9-1-1: Nashville According to an ABC press release, the newest entry into the popular franchise is a high-octane procedural about heroic first responders, as well as their family saga of power and glamour set in one of Americas most diverse and dynamic cities. The series stars Chris ODonnell, Jessica Capshaw, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, LeAnn Rimes, Hailey Kilgore, Michael Provost, Junai Feliz and Hunter McVey. October 9, 2025: By the end of 2023, the Russian Black Sea Fleet was largely destroyed by Ukrainian airborne and naval drones, as well as land-based anti-ship missiles. About a third of Russian ships survived, and these took refuge 488 kilometers away in the Sea of Azov. There, the Black Sea Fleet remains while repairs are carried out on damaged ships and crews undergo training. This did not help because an even larger problem was sailors being sent to Ukraine as infantry. It wasnt just that; desperate Russian generals were also mobilizing sailors from the Baltic, Northern, and Pacific fleets. The army also conscripted shipyard workers. Then there is corruption. Even with a war going on, corruption persists among shipyard workers, managers, and equipment suppliers. Russian government and military officials didnt see the war as a national emergency but as an opportunity to get rich by stealing money meant to fund the war. All this was nothing new because the poor performance of Russian troops in Ukraine was due in significant part to endemic corruption in the Russian military. These wasteful practices have been around for a long time and explain the tradition of poor performance by the Russian military. Young men from wealthy families can buy their way out of military service or avoid being sent to Ukraine. That costs about $500. If you end up in a combat zone, paying the right person over $10,000 gets you a certificate of combat injuries, and a medical certificate can get you out of the military. If you stay in uniform, you can obtain various forms of special treatment by paying bribes. It costs nearly a thousand dollars to get extended leave from military service to visit family and friends. While in uniform, you can pay bribes to obtain promotions, certificates of physical fitness, or a military drivers license for those who dont know how to drive. Bribes will also get you out of trouble for being caught with a cell phone. Most Russian soldiers dont have access to the kind of cash required to bribe their way out of trouble or danger. Poor soldiers die, while soldiers with wealthy parents not only survive but come home with purchased certificates of honorable combat service. Bribes are also used to avoid unpleasant or embarrassing discussions. A decade ago, there were efforts to modernize the military. That included developing methods to reduce corruption. It turned out that there was no practical way to decrease or eliminate corruption because too many people in the military or corrupt and ineffective defense industries grew prosperous from the bribes, and many paid to have their offenses ignored. Corruption and poor management created major problems. Many officers were incapable of, or uninterested in, following suggestions for improving combat capability. Many senior officers were still more concerned with becoming wealthy than building modern post-Cold War armed forces. Defense industry officials were apparently incapable of sustained competence, and new weapons were either not developed effectively or built in a shoddy fashion. The troops have been complaining about this for years, while reform efforts do little about it. Critics of this situation want more effort applied to the problems in the military, especially the corruption and the shabby Russian defense industries. Since the 1990s, a military modernization effort has been underway as the government realized it had to do something about rapidly aging military equipment. In many cases, these purchases were essential because buying new equipment and weapons stopped, with a few exceptions like ballistic missiles, during the 1990s. Because of that, most of the armed forces were still using Cold War-era weapons and equipment manufactured in the 1970s and 80s. Fortunately, even older 1950s and 60s-era equipment was not discarded after the size of the armed forces shrank by 80 percent in the 1990s. Since Russian defense industries were never world-class, the Russian military was usually stuck with updated Cold War equipment that was not competitive with the new generations of weapons and accessories Western forces were receiving. It was believed that, by the end of the 1990s, at least a third of the Cold War-era equipment would be replaced. In some categories, especially those requiring new technology, over 80 percent of the older equipment needed replacements. The government had been telling the military about these big plans, and when they didnt deliver, morale suffered. This happened quickly in the navy because officers and sailors had been told that money would be available to maintain more ships so they could spend more time at sea. It turned out that existing ships couldnt handle heavy use and workload because corruption crippled repair efforts. That meant there had to be more new ships or expensive and extensive refurbishment of existing warships. After the 1990s, the air force resumed long-range air patrols over areas off the Russian coast, which had not seen Russian navy or air force activity since the 1980s. From 1991 until quite recently, Russian warships spent most of their time tied up at dock, meaning an entire generation of sailors lacked experience at sea. The big problem so far is that the new equipment that has been received is not impressive. The troops can go on the internet and find videos and technical specifications for a lot of contemporary Western ships and equipment. The Russian equivalents rarely look good in comparison. But at least they arent stuck with aging Cold War-era equipment that rarely works. The Russian armed forces have already come to grips with the fact that they will never return to the glory days of the Soviet Union, which dissolved in 1991. The army was called the Red Army back then, and the mighty Soviet naval force was known as the Red Fleet. During the Cold War, the armed forces had five times as many troops, over five million of them. Before 1991, the military received 10-20 percent of the national GDP, which was estimated to be about two trillion dollars. No one is sure of the exact amount, as the communists were not big fans of accountants and accurate financial reporting. Currently, Russia is playing by Western European rules when it comes to military spending, meaning no more than 3-4 percent of GDP goes to the military. With a $2.1 trillion economy that continues to grow, the generals and admirals can expect a lot more cash to work with. But most of this money went to replace Cold War-era weapons, which were considered out-of-date and of limited usefulness in the 21st century. Artificial intelligence (AI) will pain a whole swathe of the UK economy before ultimately providing a net benefit, the chief technology officer of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has said. The greatest under-appreciated AI-driven cyber threat on the horizon is models learning to find weak spots in digital spheres, Ollie Whitehouse added. Companies that cannot effectively use AI for cyber defence will feel the brunt of models revealing these vulnerabilities and this will be quite a painful correction, he said at a cyber security start-up event at the National Theatre, central London, on Thursday. Meanwhile, the UKs AI Security Institute (AISI) is focusing on the danger of advance AI creating chemical and biological threats, cyber capabilities and autonomous systems that cause real widespread harm, attendees heard. The CTO at NCSC, the UKs cyber security authority, was asked on a panel for the most under-appreciated AI-driven cyber threat on the horizon that were not preparing for today. Mr Whitehouse told the event hosted by Harmonic Security: It is the one where AI gets very effective at surfacing what our vulnerability truly is, and us simply not having the capacity to be able to triage and respond to that. At the moment, there is this beauty in us not knowing the true extent of that and being able to quantify it that is going to rapidly change. And then when we do know the true level of our vulnerability across digital states, across software, we are going to be left with some really hard decisions. This threatens good corporate governance, future profits and other wellbeing in the UK, he said. NCSC staff are AI optimists, he told the room, but I think the journey between where we are today and that sunny upland is going to be rocky and uneven. There is definitely going to be the risk of the haves who are able to employ AI for effective cyber defence, but theres going to be a whole swathe of the economy who are unable to, and are going to feel the brunt and the implications of that in quite a painful correction. But we will net out in a far better situation. Ben Dewar-Powell, the recently-appointed chief information security officer (CISO) at AISI, said: At the institute were focused on the most serious emerging risks from advanced AI, so things like chemical and biological threats, cyber capabilities and autonomous systems that cause real widespread harm. Last year the institute found that models can produce expert-level knowledge about biology and chemistry, with some providing answers equivalent to PhD-level experts. These could be used for positive or harmful purposes, it said. AISI, which is part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, prioritises what could cause severe damage, what is uniquely enabled by cutting-edge AI capabilities, and where Government-backed research actually adds value that others cant provide, Mr Dewar-Powell said. My take on the cyber piece is its really the automation of the entire kill chain, so not just bits and pieces at every stage running at pace. So campaigns that have taken weeks can take hours running parallel, and completely change the economics. A cyber kill chain outlines the stages an attacker must successfully complete to achieve an operation goal. The comments came after Alastair Paterson, chief executive and co-founder of Harmonic Security, said the UK cannot afford to rely on other nations for the technologies that protect our infrastructure our technology, our economy, really our way of life, but we are right now. A raft of businesses have been hit by major cyber attacks in recent months, including British car maker Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), high street retailer Marks and Spencer and nursery group Kido Schools. Mr Paterson referenced JLR and said the attack cost taxpayers 1.5 billion in a loan guarantee. Pretty much every week or every month we see the headlines here that just underline how important this sector is, he said. However Britain is being outpaced and out-competed all the time by other nations, notably Israel, he said. Israel has this incredible ecosystem that really turns their (cyber start-up) founders into serial winners, right? They go back, they help each other out again and again. And they built an incredible technology sector there, specifically around cyber security. He added: At the same time, the geopolitical environment around the UK is shifting pretty fast right now youve got, obviously, the rise of China; youve got a really belligerent Russia that is expansionist right now (and) have their shadow war going on; and then unfortunately the US is more inward-looking than its been before as well. (Getty) Elizabeth Hurley led the star-studded arrivals at this years Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, celebrating trailblazers and allies of the LGBTQ+ community. Held at Camdens Roundhouse on Wednesday, the 14th annual ceremony drew a host of famous faces including Dannii Minogue, Katherine Jenkins, and Russell Tovey for one of the industrys most vibrant nights. Hurley, 60, turned heads in a plunging purple gown as she arrived with her son Damian, before being honoured with the coveted Honorary Gay Award for her long-standing allyship. Taking to the stage to accept her award from presenter Anna Richardson, the actress and model said: Thank you very much indeed this is so fetching. Its such a huge honour, and I would like to dedicate this beautiful award to all my beautiful gay friends, because you have quite simply made my life better. She continued: You have stuck by me through thick and thin, and even when Ive been at my absolute lowest ebb, it has always been you whove come in like the cavalry and stood by my side. So my heartfelt thanks to all my personal friends and to everybody in this community youve always had my back, and I promise you Im always going to have yours. Katherine Jenkins attended to present an award (Getty Images) Actor Luke Evans was honoured with the Book Awards (Getty Images) The Austin Powers and Bedazzled star has long been celebrated as a pop culture icon and LGBTQ+ ally, from her defining 1990s Versace safety pin dress to her enduring advocacy work and screen presence. Other winners on the night included Dannii Minogue, who accepted the Ally Award, wearing a sweeping pink gown. I just want you to know that in return, I have always, in your presence, felt safe, felt seen and been celebrated, she said. Russell Tovey, named Man of the Year, delivered a powerful speech after being presented the award by writer and producer Russell T Davies. He called for unity within the community, urging the audience to look around and say, I got you, Im here for you, and weve got this, while warning of catastrophically damaging and hostile government rhetoric. Scissors Sisters picked up the Music Icon Award and performed (Getty Images) Mawaan Rizwan posed for photos (Getty Images) Gok Wan won the Icon Award at the ceremony (Getty Images) Photographer and filmmaker Campbell Addy was honoured with the Creators Award (Getty Images) Reflecting on the queer pioneers who paved the way, Tovey said: As a community, we carry their trauma and we should. They did the hard work so that maybe we didnt have to. But thats changing, because now we do have to. More than ever. He ended with a warning about the rise of Reform UK, calling on the community to ring-fence and water-tight its rights. Its our time now, he said. Because if not us, then who? The evening, hosted by Jamie Laing and Mika, featured performances from Scissor Sisters, Pam Ann, and Calum Scott, alongside appearances from Edward Enninful and Denise Welch, fresh from Charli XCXs recent wedding celebrations. Calling it the best party shes been to all year, Welch told The Standard: It was just the most wonderful time and completely unpretentious. Reflecting on her viral Instagram post from the wedding, which was a slew of selfies with the celeb guests, she added: It was quite exciting for me to post pictures of lovely people that Id met at the barbeque turn out to be Troye Sivan - and yknow all these really cool people I didnt know at the time until my Instagram blew up. She concluded: It was testament to Charli and George just how lovely and relaxed it was. It was great Im very happy for them. Heartstopper star Corinna Brown walked the carpet (Getty Images) Denise Welch presented an award to Tom Allen (Getty Images) Jamie Laing and Mika hosted the awards (Getty Images) Meanwhile, Russell T Davies offered a glimpse into his next project, Tip Toe, revealing theyre just four weeks into filming but already very excited about whats to come ahead of its 2026 release. The series stars Alan Cumming and David Morrissey as Leo and Clive, neighbours whove lived side by side in Manchester for nearly 15 years. Just as life begins to settle, the world around them grows increasingly tense. Im more excited by this than anything else in a long while its really good, he told The Standard on the carpet. Its very funny, very savage too, a really tough piece of work, because the world is getting tough, and its about that the pit were all sliding into. Other honourees included Luke Evans, Campbell Addy, Gok Wan, Tom Allen, Dominic Skinner and Tiara Skye, while the Williams family accepted the Inspiration Award on behalf of late drag icon The Vivienne. Donald Trumps 19-year-old son, Barron, could be in the running for a top job at TikTok, according to the presidents former social media manager. Trump has previously claimed that he saved TikTok and that users now owe his government for allowing it to remain available in the US. Jack Advent, the presidents 22-year-old former social media manager, joined in by saying that Trump should give his teen son a position on the social media platform to broaden its appeal for young people. 'Young people are overwhelmingly the user base of TikTok, Advent told the Daily Mail. I'm hopeful President Trump will consider appointing his son Barron and maybe other young Americans to TikTok's board to help ensure it remains an app young people want to keep using. Barron Trump could be in the running for a top job at TikTok according to his father Donald (Getty) Barron recently moved back into the White House while he attends classes at New York Universitys DC campus and has not commented on Advents claims. According to his mother, first lady Melania Trump, Barron was a key part of Trumps win in 2024. The Republican leader has also claimed that his son suggested he go on Joe Rogans podcast. The president has had a complicated relationship with TikTok during both of his administrations, suggesting that the app threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans personal and proprietary information during his first term. Trump later rolled back a ban on the social media platform in January 2025, keeping the platform available while a buyer for the US version was found. Advent, nicknamed TikTok Jack by Trump, told the Daily Mail that the president has delivered on his promise to save TikTok, a sentiment echoed by the president himself. "To all of those young people of TikTok, I saved TikTok, so you owe me big," Trump said, in his first post on the platform since signing the executive order. The comments section on Trumps post was divided between people claiming he saved everything and others begging him, Please dont manipulate TikTok. Barron Trump was a key part of his fathers win in 2024, according to his mother (AFP via Getty Images) Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, which will allow US investors to access a licensed copy of the apps robust recommendation algorithm. American companies will own approximately 65 percent of the US version. ByteDance, the firm that created TikTok, and other Chinese investors will own less than 20 percent of the company. According to Trump, the new group of investors will be led by Oracle, a software company, helmed by 81-year-old tech billionaire and Republican donor Larry Ellison. Trump said at a press conference that media mogul Rupert Murdoch and Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Computers, will also be among the new shareholders. The president described the group as great investors. Trump has suggested that Larry Ellison will helm the takeover of TikTok (Getty Images) Previously, he has also suggested that the social media platform could start prioritising MAGA content. I always like MAGA-related, he said. If I could, Id make it 100% MAGA-related. However, shortly after, he claimed that every group will be treated fairly. The Independent has approached the White House, Jack Ardent, and TikTok for comment. Lenny Henry has argued that Britain should pay reparations to Caribbean countries and black British people - David Hartley/ Press Photos Ltd It seems that some examples of slavery matter more than others. Chattel slavery was a significant part of the Ottoman Empires economy and traditional society. Millions were enslaved including Slavs, Eastern Europeans, Africans, and people in the western Mediterranean. The Ottoman Empire captured and utilised white slaves primarily European Christians through various methods such as raids into European territories and the Black Sea slave trade originating from the Balkans and Caucasus. Under the Devshirme system, Christian boys were conscripted and forced to convert to Islam, trained to serve as slave soldiers (the Janissaries). The gradual rolling back of Ottoman imperial slavery was ultimately the result of Western pressure. Yet as far as I know theres no campaign against the modern state of Turkey from the descendents of enslaved people who were captured by the Ottoman Empire. But the call for the UK to pay slavery reparations has once again reared its ugly head, with British comedian Sir Lenny Henry demanding that it pays 18tn to Caribbean Commonwealth countries and black Britons. Based on recent ONS figures, the Policy Exchange think-tank calculated that this would cost 260,000 per person and 634,000 per household. The figure of 18tn is seven times more than the total value of the UKs GDP for 2024. As well as being a truly outrageous request that is ultimately designed to bankrupt Britain, it overlooks the pioneering humanitarian role it played in suppressing the Atlantic slave trade. The decades-long operation by the Royal Navys West Africa Squadron (also known as the Preventive Squadron) to intercept the more sophisticated and dynamic slave ships and liberated captured Africans destined for the Americas, should be a source of British national pride. This was a mission carried out under incredibly challenging conditions, with many sailors losing their lives in combat operations or because of tropical diseases. It was the most expensive moral action in history and is not given the attention it deserves. Indeed, the legacy of the Squadron is the continued role of the Royal Navy in policing international waters to contain modern slavery. What this campaign was fighting against included the Arab enslavement of sub-Saharan Africans, involving the trafficking of millions through the trans-Saharan, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean routes. Should black Africans ask Arab countries for reparations? Slaves served across the Middle East and North Africa as labourers, domestic servants, concubines, and in some cases, were eunuchs. The Arab Muslim slave trade is widely recognised as the longest in history, spanning over 1,300 years. Britain effectively ended Zanzibars major Arab-owned slave market through the enforcement of the 1873 Frere Treaty, which outlawed the import of slaves and resulted in the shutdown of the market. The treaty was a significant blow to the Indian Ocean slave trade, driven by British pressure on the Sultan of Zanzibar with slavery in Zanzibar eventually being declared illegal after becoming a British protectorate. There is no denying that the Atlantic slave trade was a moral atrocity. But we must also recognise Britains magnificent role in suppressing slave-trading activities. As Policy Exchanges History Matters project has documented, this rich tradition of humanitarianism and moral sacrifice is all too often downplayed, if not completely ignored, by those who appear hell-bent on portraying Britain as a historic force of wickedness. Demands for it to atone for slavery in the form of reparatory justice should never be entertained. Dr Rakib Ehsan is a Senior Fellow at Policy Exchange Great Britains energy system operator has said there could be tight days for energy supply over winter but stressed that new battery storage will help to meet national demand. The National Energy System Operator (Neso) indicated that imported electricity supply from Europe could be used when required to help power homes and businesses. The electricity grid operator and National Gas have published their latest energy outlook reports for this winter after prices ticked higher at the start of the month with a rise in the price cap. Neso said on Thursday that electricity margins, which reflect the cushion of spare power supply available to meet customer needs, have risen to their strongest level since 2020. But it added there could still be some tighter periods which could need support from the energy industry. We expect a sufficient operational surplus throughout winter, although there may still be tight days that require us to use our standard operating tools, including system notices, the report said. System notices are how the grid operator informs the wider energy industry that electricity supply has not matched demand, allowing for production to increase if needed. Early data from electricity firms and forecasters has suggested that tight days are most likely to take place in early December or mid-January. Neso added that imports will be available when needed to help cover demand, supported by adequate electricity supply across Europe. Deborah Petterson, director of resilience and emergency management at Neso, said: A resilient and reliable energy supply is fundamental to our way of life. At Neso we are looking at the upcoming winter and can report this years winter outlook sets out the strongest electricity margins in six years. It is critical that we continue our work with the wider energy industry to prepare for the coming months to build on this foundation and maintain our world-leading track record of reliability. Meanwhile, the latest analysis from National Gas indicated that Great Britain has enough gas supply capability to meet peak demand. It indicated supply can meet demand, even even accounting for unforeseen network outage scenarios. The gas network operator said gas demand is expected to be 3% lower than last winter, easing pressure on supply. It said high-demand days are still expected but it stressed that it is confident the market will operate as needed. Glenn Bryn-Jacobsen, director of energy systems and resilience at National Gas, said: As we head into winter, we remain confident in the resilience of our gas system and our ability to meet Britains energy needs during periods of peak demand. The energy landscape is evolving, with a growing reliance on imports and the continued decline of UK continental shelf supplies. Meeting these challenges requires a co-ordinated, forward-looking approach, and were working closely with Government, industry, and regulators to develop the right solutions that safeguard security of supply for the future. But the report from National Gas shows a fall in Britains gas storage capabilities, thanks to the Rough storage site off the coast of Yorkshire no longer storing gas, which means there is an increased reliability on importing liquified natural gas (LNG) to plug the gap in times of high demand. The facility in the North Sea is the largest of its kind in the UK, but owner Centrica has stopped filling it with natural gas amid concerns over its financial viability. The Rough site comprises about half of Britains storage capacity, and acts as a buffer when the weather is especially cold and demand for gas spikes. Centrica has long warned it will be decommissioned without government support to allow investment in the site. Credit: Hangzhou China / YouTube Staring earnestly into the camera in an open-necked shirt, with the sleeves rolled up to the elbow, Christopher Berry extols the virtues of West Lake, the chief tourist attraction in Hangzhou, a city of 13 million in eastern China. Hi, Im Chris from Oxford in the United Kingdom, announces the man accused, until recently, of spying for China, before a clumsy cut whisks the viewer to a lengthy montage of shimmering water, tree-lined causeways and rolling hills. Over eight meandering minutes, Chris from Oxford talks of West Lakes views and history, of the poets who lived on its shores and of the two bouts of dredging that shaped its contours. The lake, he concludes, is the idealised fusion between man and nature, one that allows people to project feelings onto its landscape. To all appearances, it is the work of an underpaid English language teacher supplementing his income by making promotional videos for the Hangzhou municipal council. But Mr Berry was suspected of espionage during the time that the video was published. Authorities waited for him to return to Britain on holiday in 2023, then arrested him alongside his friend Christopher Cash, a parliamentary researcher who had taught English at the same Hangzhou school in 2018. Both men were charged under the Official Secrets Act in April last year with providing Beijing with information potentially prejudicial to the safety of the UK. They denied the allegations and the case collapsed last month after prosecutors failed to obtain witness statements from government officials attesting that China posed a threat to national security. Mr Cash has attracted greater scrutiny and attention because of his access to the House of Commons as a researcher for Alicia Kearns, the Conservative MP, while she chaired its Foreign Affairs select committee. But investigators claimed that it was Mr Berry who sat higher in the chain of command. Christopher Berry was charged with allegedly spying for China - HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP According to the Crown Prosecution Service, an individual identified as a Chinese intelligence agent commissioned at least 34 reports from Mr Berry on matters of political interest. Mr Berry, in turn, allegedly obtained information from Mr Cash and incorporated it into reports for the agent, who then passed them on to a senior member of the Chinese Community party (CCP) and a politburo member. That information was said to have been sensitive rather than classified details such as hotel room numbers for MPs, including Ms Kearns, during a Foreign Affairs committee trip to Taiwan in 2022. British prosecutors suspected that the ultimate recipient of the intelligence was one of Chinas most senior officials, The Guardian reported last week. That man is believed to be Cai Qi, the fifth-ranking member of Chinese Politburos main standing committee and the de facto chief of staff to Xi Jinping, Chinas president. Mr Cai was Hangzhous mayor between 2007 and 2010 before rising through the provincial hierarchy. His son, Cai Erjin, worked for the municipal office that oversaw the school where Mr Berry and Mr Cash worked. Cai Qi met Prince Andrew in 2018 during a five-day trip to Britain - Xinhua / Alamy Stock Photo Both men would no doubt dismiss this as coincidence. In a city as vast and bureaucratic as Hangzhou, it is far from implausible that they never encountered the Cai family. The Cai family are indeed well-connected. Lin Chengsheng, Cai Qis wife, previously served as the deputy director of the Taiwan affairs office in Zhejiang province from November 2012 to April 2014, during which time she also travelled to Taiwan at least twice. Among the material that Mr Cash and Mr Berry allegedly passed to Mr Cai were details of a Foreign Affairs committee delegation that travelled to Taiwan in November 2022. Mr Cai also travelled to Taiwan in July 2012 while serving as a member of the standing committee of the Zhejiang provincial party committee. Mr Cai, pictured at the second plenary session of the National Peoples Congress this year, travelled to Taiwan in 2012 while serving as a standing committee member - GREG BAKER/AFP Mr Cai made headlines in China in November 2024 when reports surfaced that Cai Erjin had been detained after suffering a car crash, which some alleged was an assassination attempt. Local Chinese media claimed that he had been put under investigation by the central commission for discipline inspection, the highest internal control institution of the CCP. The incident took place as news broke that Miao Hua, a member of Chinas central military commission and the head of its political work department, had been suspended as part of a purge by Mr Xi dressed up as an anti-corruption campaign. Little is publicly known about exactly what Mr Cash and Mr Berry did in China. What is certain is that Mr Berry worked at Hangzhou Dongfang Middle School between 2017 and 2019, while Mr Cash spent a year there in 2018. Mr Cash, now 30, later returned to Britain and joined the Chinese Research Group, set up by Beijing-sceptic Conservative MPs in April 2020 and chaired then by Tom Tugendhat, who later joined the Cabinet. Ms Kearns succeeded him in September 2022. Impressed by Mr Cash, a fluent Mandarin speaker, Ms Kearns secured a parliamentary pass for him so that he could be more readily available. Christopher Cash (centre) was previously a researcher for Alicia Kearns, the Conservative MP - HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP He was, she later said, very capable someone who loved China but was always critical of the CCP. At the same time, prosecutors alleged, he was passing information about the groups activities to Mr Berry in Hangzhou. According to the CPS, Mr Berry submitted reports to his Chinese handler between December 2021 and February 2023. If the claims have any basis which both men strenuously deny the intelligence gathered was probably of limited value, analysts say, as neither had access to classified information. Kerry Brown, the director of the Lau China Institute at Kings College London, said: I come back to this issue of what these individuals would have known given what we know about their status. They didnt have security clearance and they werent working in an absolutely key part of government that was dealing with actual China policy. The enigma of the man in the video may now never be solved. He may have been, like his friend, a hapless innocent abroad caught up in a nightmare not of his own making or a master of subterfuge, a reincarnation of the Cambridge Five as the Oxfordshire One. The spy case regarding Mr Berry and Mr Cash was, in the end, never tested in open court, ensuring that questions surrounding it will rumble on for months to come. Chris Murray was attacked by a great white shark while swimming in California (Getty) A British swimmer has revealed how he managed to fight off a great white shark attack while swimming off the coast of Los Angeles. Chris Murray was attempting the 20-mile swim across the Catalina channel on Tuesday 30 September when the juvenile great white clamped its teeth into his outstretched hand at around 1:20am. He managed to shake himself free but the shark came back for a second time, leaving his foot a mess. Mr Murray was rushed to hospital by the fire service, where he received 20 stitches in his hand. Speaking to CBS News, he said he was left annoyed by the incident after training for the swim for six months. He told the news channel that the shark, which is believed to be a juvenile, first launched itself onto his hand: Id shook it off, it was wriggling around me a bit, and I can remember it feeling like pure muscle. Shortly after, he felt it clamp its jaws around him once again, this time on his foot. I felt another attack and a clamp on my foot, he said. I managed to hit it pretty hard with my heel, so that dragged it off. Mr Murray swam to meet his team at the dive boat following him to inspect the damage. When asked if he knew he had been the victim of a shark attack he said: No, I just knew something had bit me. It was only when his team shone their searchlight into the water below they realised a great white was circling. Mr Murray was rushed to hospital where he was treated for his injuries. "A 3-to-4-foot white shark nipped at his leg and then took off," Shaun Corby, a fire boat pilot, told CBS News, adding such attacks off the coast of Los Angeles were extremely rare. "I didn't feel pain, just adrenaline," Mr Murray added. The long-distance swimmer had been attempting the so-called triple crown of open-water swimming, which also involves swimming a gruelling 21 miles across the English Channel, already completed by him, and 28.5-mile swim around Manhattan in New York. He said he had been left annoyed by being unable to complete the challenge. I didnt even feel shocked, he told CBS. The only thing Id say I felt was really annoyed. Asked if he would attempt the challenge again, Mr Murray said: Never say never. Tamfana may have run her last race for current connections before her date with the auctioneer at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale. The four-year-old has taken syndicate owners Quantum Leap Racing on a brilliant journey over the past three seasons, developing from a shrewdly-bought 20,000 purchase into a Group One winner. Trained by David Menuisier, most recently she contested the Prix de lOpera at ParisLongchamp during the Arc meeting, and though just out of the money in sixth place she was only beaten three-quarters of a length, on her first start since the Lockinge in May. When she goes through the ring she will be a fascinating lot considering her half-sister sold for over 1.5million guineas at the same event last year, despite having run only once and reached none of the heights Tamfana has. There may be one final roll of the dice first, however, as the British Champions Day meeting at Ascot is not ruled out, but either way she has already done more than enough in her racing career. I thought she ran tremendously after a lay-off, I think she just got tired in the last strides, said Eamonn OConnor of Quantum Leap. If youd have told me before that shed be beaten only three-quarters of a length Id have taken it if I hadnt known that would mean finishing sixth! No excuses at all, she ran a great race and she doesnt owe us a thing. We dont know if shell run again for us, but shes proven shes still a racehorse and Im delighted with her and for her. Shes in the December sale at Tattersalls, whether theres another run for her or not, I dont know yet. Theres only Ascot left now and we wont make a decision on that until late in the day. David will have a good look at her over the next week or so, but if that was her swansong, she hasnt let us down. He went on: Her only poor performance was the Lockinge, when she knocked into herself and that finished the race for her, other than that she has been there or thereabouts every single time. Shes been a tremendously versatile horse with a great temperament as well, all the jockeys say that they can put her anywhere in the race. You can send her forward, you can hold her up, she stays, its pretty brilliant to have a horse who tries for you like that. by Austin Bay October 8, 2025 On Oct. 6, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois charged Chicago resident Juan Espinoza Martinez with criminal murder for hire. Martinez offered $10,000 for the murder of Commander at Large of the U.S. Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino. Martinez leads the Latin Kings, a gang infamous for trafficking drugs and committing violent crimes in Chicago and northern Illinois. Is this the backstory for a film noir crime flick? No. It's grim urban American reality 2025, from Seattle to Portland to Chicago to Baltimore. The Chicago truth gets grimmer. The Department of Homeland Security pegs Martinez as a Mexican national who illegally entered the U.S. at an "unknown date." Translation: This big-league gangster is an illegal alien. The Justice Department charge sheet includes two Snapchat quotes: "2k on information when you get him" and "10k if u take him down." That's not bad Hollywood dialog. The confident tough hombre who doesn't take lip promises cash to wannabe snitches and killers -- $2,000 for targeting and $10,000 for murdering a federal police officer. But this is real-world criminal solicitation that should appall responsible citizens. One federal attorney described Martinez' in-your-face plot as "an attack on the rule of law." Yes. And more. I argue Martinez committed an act of insurrection. Armed insurrection. Federal law doesn't apply to him. He has millions in cash to hire gunmen (militiamen). Moreover, he's a member of a protected class in sanctuary city Chicago -- he's an undocumented resident, which is left-wing propaganda lingo for illegal alien. In December 2006, brazen, unremitting violence by Mexican drug gangs wracked the western Mexican state of Michoacan. With civilian police forces either cowed, corrupted or overwhelmed, President Felipe Calderon ordered the Mexican Army to quell cartel-inspired violence. Cartel gunmen were ambushing and out-gunning municipal, state and federal police. Calderon believed the cartels were in the process of creating a "criminal mini-state" in the region. The well-armed and well-financed drug cartels certainly threatened Mexico's internal stability. Calderon didn't defeat the cartels. Mexico is still fighting that internal war. Sadly, that internal war has been exported to the U.S. No, the USA's internal situation is not as desperate as Mexico's, where cartels control armed enclaves ("duchies" is another description). The cartels field well-armed gunmen, essentially a militia army. But Chicago and other lawless blue city disasters do confront "hybrid war" conditions. The Border Patrol reported its agents driving through Chicago's South Side were attacked and "boxed in" by a convoy of 10 vehicles -- in others, a coordinated motorized attack. The attackers then tried to run over the Border Patrol officers. Near homicide by auto. If not an insurrection, it's damn close to it. How easy is it for an adversary state to harness cartel and gangster firepower? All too easy. It's happened before, and if we open our eyes, we see definite signs it's happening again. Gangs backed by state actors have waged war in east and southeast Asia (Burma a prime example). Some of the "freedom fighter" groups in central and east Africa are really smuggling operations. Yes, they would love to become the government, then they would control the mining rights. For a cut of the action Venezuela's socialist dictatorship gave drug cartels a safe haven and operational base. Over time that relationship has grown. Drugs kill Americans. The drug gangs are essentially hybrid warfare militias backed by state actors who are waging disintegrative warfare against the USA. DHS alleges that drug cartels have participated in attacks on ICE facilities in sanctuary cities. Hence the Trump administration has decided to use American military assets to destroy drug-laden boats coming from Venezuela. Cartels also connect to terrorists. In June 2017, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson appeared before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. During the hearing, Rep. Mike McCaul (R-Texas) quoted DHS Secretary John Kelly as saying, "... Cartels share ties with terror networks ... and they have the ability to sneak drugs and people, including potential terrorists and dirty bombs" into the country. McCaul asked Tillerson if he agreed that these ties represent a real national security threat. Tillerson replied: "Yes, I do. ... We clearly see the connections, extending all the way back to ISIS and Al Qaeda." The war in American streets, the drug war and the War on Terror overlap. King Charles and Queen Camilla were presented with miniature Lego versions of themselves during a visit to Aberdeenshire. The royal couple attended Ballater's Albert Hall to mark its 150th anniversary, enjoying performances from award-winning Highland dancers and a specially composed fiddle piece. The area has a long association with the royal family and is near their Balmoral and Birkhall residences. Their Thursday arrival was met by crowds and music from the Ballater and district pipe band. Charles sported his King Charles tartan kilt. Inside, they met children from Ballater School, who had held a competition to design a new flag for the hall. The building was reopened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1987. The couple received Lego versions of themselves The Earl and Countess of Aboyne were in the hall, showing the royals a trowel used to lay the first stone of the building in 1875. As Charles and Camilla met people from the Ballater community, they were shown a Lego recreation of the building in which they were standing, which had been created by the villages Lego club. Nicola Reid, 45, put the final touches on the Lego diorama, which included tiny versions of herself, Charles and Camilla. She explained to the King and Queen that it had taken weeks to build the model. Charles was seen to pick up the Lego versions of himself and his wife. Charles and Camilla meet tourists outside the Albert Hall in Ballater Ms Reid said afterwards that the model was a labour of love and the royals had seemed to really like it. She said afterwards: He seemed quite impressed he might treasure it. The King and Queen also saw a brief highland dance performance from Annie Hutcheon and Lexi McCracken, the latter of whom won a prize at the Braemar Gathering Highland games. They also heard a special fiddle tune composed and performed by local musician Dr Paul Anderson for the occasion. Archie McEwan, 12, also played cello music during the event. As they left the community hall, the royals waved and shook hands with a crowd outside, which included a group of tourists from Australia. Charles and Camilla watch a Highland dancing performance Gordon Riddler, chairman of the Victoria and Albert Halls Trust, showed the royals around the Albert Hall. He said the royals had been in great spirits, saying: People in Ballater call them good neighbours, because thats what they are. Birkhall is only three miles away and thats where he spends most of his time. They feel totally relaxed in Ballater because people talk to them as if theyre neighbours. Mr Riddler said that before Charles became King, he would sometimes drive into the village while staying in Aberdeenshire, though such impromptu visits were not possible with his new role. Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, at the partys annual conference in Bournemouth on Sept. 23, 2025 - Carlos Jasso/Bloomberg Who remembers the Bird of Freedom? That was how the Liberal Democrats described their new party logo following the merger in 1988 between its two predecessor parties: the Liberals and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Despite Mrs Thachers unlikely attempt at Pythonesque humour at the time dismissing the new party, as represented by an avian of dubious origin, as an ex-party, it has ceased to be the LibDems are still around and giving the impression that it is in the prime of life. But more than a year after a general election in which Ed Daveys party secured the highest number of seats ever, its membership figures tell a different story. An analysis by the BBC reveals that, since Davey became party leader in 2020, the number of party members has almost halved from 118,000 to 60,000. And it is unclear how many of those are non-paying supporters rather than fully paid-up members. Not that there is an unbreakable link between party membership and electoral success. Labours membership under Jeremy Corbyn soared to unprecedented levels, despite the party failing miserably to win the next two elections. And by the time Keir Starmer became Prime Minister in 2024, membership had already tumbled from their Corbyn-era high. Nevertheless, the figures will worry the LibDem leadership, especially since they are set to face an unfamiliar challenge from the Left in the form of the Green Party, whose own membership figures have surged upwards since Zack Polanskis election as leader. Again, theres no hard and fast rule that this means unprecedented electoral success for the far-Left party, but at a grassroots level it seems that political centrism now holds less attraction for political activists and possibly voters. The broader story seems to be that a large percentage of voters, increasingly disillusioned by the failure of all three main parties in the last couple of decades, have decided that enough is enough and have hitched their wagons to parties further towards the edges of the political spectrum. Reform UK has been leading the polls by a more-or-less stable margin since the start of the year, while the Greens have been making modest progress in the same period. The main story, of course, is the drastic reduction in popularity of both Labour and the Conservatives, the combined total of support for both barely hitting 30 per cent in some polls. The regular cry from Blairites and assorted centrists for a long time has been that general elections are won from the centre by parties with the broadest electoral appeal. As every election-winning prime minister in political history has found, its not enough to hold on to those who voted for your party the last time it lost an election: to achieve government, you must add to their number a considerable number of those who voted for the government last time. As one of those Blairites, I hope this remains the case, and there is reason to believe it does. Labour, under the leadership of Keir Starmer, made great efforts to attract the support, not only of traditional Labour voters who had deserted the party in recent years, but also centre-ground Conservatives. But in office he has found himself embattled and unnerved by the various pressures from the hard Left and the pro-Gaza insurgency in particular, which has led to some cynical changes to Britains foreign policy towards Israel. Ministers have also tied themselves in knots over whether to hold a national inquiry into the cover-ups of the crimes committed by the Pakistani grooming gangs across the country, another sign, critics suggest, of yet more self-interested concerns about holding onto the votes of a certain domestic demographic. Combined with the small boats crisis and various unforced errors on the scrapping of welfare and winter heating allowances, the impression is given that Labours natural constituency has never been smaller. The Government has done little to assuage such concerns, and the result has been an inevitable swing, especially among working-class, former Labour-voting communities, towards Reforms cynical brand of populist solutions. On the other side of the spectrum, unhappy and bored middle-class voters are increasingly open to messages of radical change the evils of capitalism, Israel and immigration controls, for example from the likes of the Greens. That relatively narrow piece of political territory on the far-Left is about to become even more crowded with the arrival of Corbyns new Your Party, if its leadership ever get around to launching it. Can the centre hold? Yes, but only if the parties there dont lose sight of the importance of that broad coalition of voters, and only if they display the necessary self-confidence to attract back at least some of those who have fallen for the easy populist answers peddled on the fringes of politics. That doesnt mean pulling those resisting voters back in line: it means expanding the territory of the centre ground so that it naturally includes a broader range of opinion. The alternative is a balkanisation of our politics, with each party representing only a narrow splinter of public opinion. Both Labour and the Conservatives have forgotten what a broad church actually means. Unless they can rediscover it, the future belongs not to the centre, but to the new parties of the political fringes. The Post Office Horizon IT scandal is seen as the worst miscarriage of justice in UK history. Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images Compensation schemes for victims of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal will be improved, with a new appeals process and funded legal advice for post office operators, the government has announced. Responding to the first part of the findings from a two-year public inquiry, the business secretary, Peter Kyle, said there would be a new appeals process for people who have accepted fixed-sum offers under the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS), one of several compensation schemes. Funded legal advice will be offered for appeals for those affected by the scandal, regarded as one of the worst miscarriages of justice in UK legal history, including for those who have previously settled for fixed sums. The Post Office will close this scheme on 31 January rather than 27 November, to give post office operators who have not yet applied more time to put in applications. Sir Gary Hickinbottom has been appointed as a senior lawyer to oversee the HSS scheme. The Post Office will also close the Suspension Remuneration Review scheme to new applications. The government will publish a clear definition of what constitutes full and fair redress to provide greater clarity for claimants. Those who apply to the HSS scheme can choose between a 75,000 fixed sum or a full assessment of their case if they believe they are entitled to a higher amount. The Post Office said it had made progress on compensation, with more than 1.2bn paid to 9,100 people across all schemes. But there is still more work to do, said its chair, Nigel Railton, adding that the state-owned body had been working closely with the Department for Business and Trade to speed up payments. Volume 1 of the final Horizon inquiry report, published in July by Sir Wyn Williams, the retired judge who chaired the hearings into the scandal, looked at the disastrous human impact on thousands of post office operators wrongly held responsible for shortfalls in their branches caused by faulty software. Related: Post Office scandal may have led to more than 13 suicides, inquiry finds The report said Post Office bosses either knew, or should have known, the Horizon software supplied by Fujitsu was faulty but maintained the fiction that its data was always accurate when prosecuting branch owner-operators. The report found that more than 13 people may have killed themselves as a result of the scandal and it drove at least 59 more to contemplate suicide. About 1,000 post office operators were prosecuted and convicted by the Post Office between 1999 and 2015, the report said. A further 50 to 60 people, possibly more, were prosecuted but not convicted. The total number wrongly held responsible for losses was in the thousands, with many making up the shortfall out of their own pockets without ever being charged. The government said it had accepted all but one of the recommendations of Williams initial report. Kyle said: We must never lose sight of the wronged post office operators affected by the Horizon scandal, which the inquiry has highlighted so well. There is clearly more to do to bring justice to those affected. The recommendations we are accepting today will be a crucial step towards this. The government is looking into establishing an independent body that will oversee and manage the redress for any future scandals. Earlier this year, the government announced it would move forward with compensation for close family members of post office operators who were victims of the scandal. It also began work on a restorative justice project, a platform for victims to share stories. A Fujitsu spokesperson said: We have apologised for, and deeply regret, our role in subpostmasters suffering. The company is involved in the restorative justice programme. We remain committed to providing our full cooperation to the inquiry as Sir Wyn prepares his final report and we are engaged with government regarding Fujitsus contribution to compensation. The Post Office minister, Blair McDougall, said: The inquirys recommendations are a key milestone in correcting past wrongs. By accepting them today, we are setting out a path forward towards concluding this horrific scandal. Ministers are considering handing over ownership of the Post Office to its operators. A review is looking at the ownership model of the Post Office, which is ultimately controlled by the government, including the possibility of mutualisation or a BBC-style charter model. Israel and Hamas took a historic first step towards peace on Thursday, signing an agreement for a ceasefire, hostage exchange and partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Donald Trump said he hoped to visit the Middle East in the coming days and that hostages would be released at the start of next week, as the region dared to hope for an end to the violence after two unprecedented and bloody years. The armistice notably only secures agreement for the first phase of a more comprehensive peace deal, and large knots including agreement on a two-state solution remain to be untangled. As part of the deal, which was ratified by Benjamin Netanyahus ministers late on Thursday evening, Israel will halt its operations and partly withdraw troops from Gaza, leaving space for Hamas to begin the process of releasing the remaining hostages, and for Israel, in turn, to release Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Trucks carrying food and aid will also be allowed to surge into Gaza to relieve civilians, hundreds of thousands of whom have been sheltering in tents after Israeli forces razed much of the enclave. Click here for the latest updates on the peace deal A source familiar with the negotiations told The Independent that Hamas would start releasing the 20 hostages believed to still be alive as soon as Sunday and as many as five aid crossings would be opened to deliver badly needed supplies. Discussions on a second stage of the agreement are expected to begin the following day. President Trump said on Thursday that all of the remaining hostages should be released on Monday or Tuesday in what he described as a complicated process that will mark a day of joy. Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the ceasefire, describing it as a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world. He added that he was grateful for the tireless diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United States, supported by regional partners. While fragile, news of the breakthrough was met with jubilation in Gaza and Israel. Israeli soldiers near the Israeli-Gaza border on Thursday, following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan (AP) Hostage families and supporters celebrate the announcement of the ceasefire at the Hostages Square plaza in Tel Aviv, Israel (AP) These are the moments that are considered historic, long-awaited by Palestinian citizens, said Gaza resident Khaled Shaat. The joy we saw a short time ago in the street is relief from the massacres, killing and genocide. Senior Hamas official Izzat al-Risheq said that the ceasefire was the fruit of the tremendous sacrifices and the legendary patience of our people. In Tel Aviv, people gathered in Hostages Square, now a symbol of the ordeal of those still held in Gaza. Omri Lifhshitz, 51, son of Oded, a peace activist seized on October 7 and killed in captivity, said: We are so happy for the war to end. We dont want any more soldiers to die we dont want any more civilians in Gaza to die. We hope for a better future for all of us. For us, the Palestinians and the Middle East. We feel like right now this is the end of the war. Arriving in Israel after hearing his son was to be released, Tal Kuperstein, the father of hostage Bar Kuperstein, said: Until it happens, it hasnt happened. Well wait and see. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a great day for Israel, thanking troops and President Trump for their mobilisation for this sacred mission of releasing our hostages. Hamas described the plan as responsible and serious. The war began on 7 October 2023 when Hamas led an incursion into Israel, massacring some 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back into Gaza. Israels subsequent campaign has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, including thousands of children, according to local health officials. The UN reported that at least 1.9 million people have been displaced in Gaza, often multiple times, and that famine has unfolded. A UN commission of inquiry concluded Israel has committed genocide. Pressed by The Independent, an Israeli government spokesperson declined to specify how and when aid would be rolled out, and whether the UN and humanitarian agencies would be able to resume their full work to alleviate starvation in the strip. Israel will withdraw to the yellow line for Hamas to arrange the release of the hostages (TruthSocial/RealDonaldTrump) Hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack on Israel (Bring Them Home) The World Health Organisation told The Independent it is calling for unimpeded access across Gaza and unhindered entry of supplies through all routes. Mr Trump said his deal would ensure that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon creating the first steps towards a Strong, Durable and Everlasting Peace. Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who in the past has called for the complete destruction of Gaza, said his far-right Religious Zionism party would not support the deal. Preparations were underway regardless. The IDF said it had begun operational preparations, including those to transition to adjusted deployment lines soon. A government spokesperson said that after all the hostages are released, the military would hold about 53 per cent of Gaza. Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Al-Araby TV that Israel would pull out from all populated areas in Gaza on Friday, as the release of the hostages would require arrangements on the ground. Mark Wallace, former US ambassador to the UN, told The Independent the deal could be transformational. The return of the hostages and cessation of violence is so important. The challenges ahead lie in the greatest reconstruction effort certainly since Kuwait, if not the Second World War. And, of course, what does the governance look like that is sustainable and peaceful? Overtures to peace were no guarantee that it would materialise. Discussions on the second stage of the agreement were to begin a day after the hostages were released, sources told Al-Araby. But there was still the possibility the first stage could be upended. People celebrate the ceasefire agreement at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, 9 October (AP) Palestinians celebrate following the announcement, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip (AP) Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said Israel had begun to manipulate the dates, the lists, and some of the procedures and steps agreed upon in the ceasefire agreement. He said they were in touch with mediators to oblige Israel to comply with what was agreed upon. Qassem told Al Jazeera that the living hostages in Gaza could be released at the same time as the deceased if conditions on the ground allow it, though Israeli sources told CNN that Israel assesses Hamas may not be able to find and return all 28 believed to have died. As it stands, some 250 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons and 1,700 Palestinians in Gaza detained by Israeli forces since the war began will be released, a Palestinian source told the BBC. City Voices (ES) Much of the new governments focus has been on artificial intelligence and high-tech innovation, so it was a welcome shift when the Labour Party Conference spotlighted more everyday issues: regenerating high streets, a New Youth Guarantee, and a fresh push on apprenticeships. These plans may lack the glamour of AI, but the 5 billion Pride In Place scheme for high street revival, paid youth placements, and a pivot away from degrees towards gold standard apprenticeships could have a far greater impact on Britains future. And at the heart of all three lies an industry often overlooked: beauty. For more than a decade, hair and beauty businesses have been the backbone of our high streets, drawing people into towns and cities from Belgravia to Barnsley. According to the British Beauty Councils Value of Beauty report by Oxford Economics, every pound spent on beauty generates another pound for neighbouring retailers such as cafes and sandwich shops. This is an industry of small businesses - 95 per cent of members are SMEs - with the capacity to create hundreds of thousands of entry-level roles. These jobs are inclusive, resistant to automation, and offer young people a pathway into skilled, stable employment. If every member took on just one new starter, it would mean more than 100,000 jobs overnight. The sector already supports 697,000 jobs in the UK, 90 percent of them held by women, with two-thirds of beauty businesses employing fewer than five staff. It spans salons, barbershops, nail bars, skincare clinics, cosmetics, fragrance retail and spa services. Unlike many industries where AI is hollowing out junior roles, beauty depends on human qualities: touch, empathy, and trust. Yet despite growing at four times the rate of the national economy, the industry is being held back by outdated policies. The Council has called for modest but vital reforms: fairer business rates, VAT thresholds that dont punish growth, and incentives for salons to hire and train apprentices. This is urgent. Our report by Pragmatix found beauty businesses face an additional 400 million in wage costs this year alone, thanks to changes in National Insurance and the Minimum Wage. These costs fall hardest on the small firms most likely to take on young staff - and for the first time since the pandemic, employment in the sector is projected to shrink. Meanwhile, opportunities elsewhere are vanishing. Since the advent of AI in 2022, junior and graduate vacancies in media, finance, marketing and tech have dropped by a third. Entry-level roles have been automated or outsourced, leaving school-leavers stranded. Beauty, by contrast, remains AI-proof - and life-enhancing. Ask Josh Wood, our vice chair and one of the worlds leading hair colourists, or entrepreneur Richard Marshall of Pall Mall Barbers. Both began through government youth training schemes, which gave them careers that now employ scores of others. It wasnt perfect, says Wood, but it opened a whole new world to me - one I loved, and one where I now employ dozens of people. Beauty jobs dont just teach hair and skincare. They instil customer service, professionalism, business basics, and people skills. They provide a springboard into fashion, wellness, healthcare, entrepreneurship - or simply into a stable career with dignity. The beauty industry is resilient, inclusive, and employable. With the right reforms, it could create the entry-level jobs this country desperately needs, while breathing life back into our high streets. Whats not to like? Our annual British Beauty Week, a celebration of the industry which starts on Monday Oct 20th, this year has the theme The Future of Beauty. With the right incentives it could also be the future of Britain. Millie Kendall is founder and CEO of the British Beauty Council Elon Musk has reached a settlement with fired Twitter executives who sued the tech billionaire for more than $128 million in a dispute over their severance pay. When Musk acquired Twitter in October 2022, he conducted a massive purge of employees, including CEO Parag Agrawal, Chief Financial Officer Ned Segal, Chief Legal Officer Vijaya Gadde and General Counsel Sean Edgett. In March 2024, these former executives sued Musk and his rebranded X social media platform for a collective sum of more than $128 million to cover the severance they believe they were owed. In court documents filed last week, and first reported by The Verge Wednesday, it was revealed that Musk and X had reached a settlement in the case that requires certain conditions to be met. A settlement amount was not included in the documents. The Independent has reached out to attorneys for Musk and the plaintiffs for comment. Elon Musk has reached a settlement with fired Twitter executives who sued the tech billionaire for more than $128 million in a dispute over their severance pay (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) When Musk acquired Twitter in October 2022, he conducted a massive purge of employees, including CEO Parag Agrawal and other executives (Big Event Media/Getty Images for HumanX Conference) Musk agreed in April 2022 to buy Twitter, but months later, he said he was going to back out of the acquisition. Twitter went as far as to sue the tech mogul to force him to complete the deal. After closing the $44 billion deal that fall, Musk quickly fired Agrawal and the other top employees. The executives accused Musk of attempting to avoid paying more money toward the severances of a group he had a special ire toward, according to their lawsuit. Because Musk decided he didnt want to pay Plaintiffs severance benefits, he simply fired them without reason, then made up fake cause and appointed employees of his various companies to uphold his decision, the group said in the suit. Musk agreed to buy Twitter after initially trying to back out of the deal (Twitter account of Elon Musk/AFP via Getty Images) The suit cites Walter Isaacsons biography of Musk, which says the tech tycoon closed the Twitter deal a day early to prevent the executives from having their stock options vested. Isaacson quotes Musk saying there was a two-hundred-million differential in the cookie jar between closing tonight and doing it tomorrow morning. In August, it was announced that Musk and X reached a settlement in principle in a $500 million lawsuit over the severance of about 6,000 other fired workers. The suit, filed by Courtney McMillian, who had overseen Twitters employee benefits programs, and Ronald Cooper, who was an operations manager, claimed most employees were expected to receive two months of their base pay and one week of pay for each full year they were at the job, but were only offered at most one month of severance pay and many laid-off workers didnt receive any additional compensation, Reuters reported. President Donald Trump has claimed on various occasions that he has solved seven wars in seven months. He has also made it very clear that he wants the Nobel Peace Prize for it, which would place him in the same category as Mother Theresa and Nelson Mandela. His latest claim is that he played an integral role in securing a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, which will lead to everlasting peace in the region. But with dozens of armed conflicts officially active right now, like in Ukraine, and the us">US remaining the top arms exporter in the world by a considerable margin, some may wonder whether his claims are based in truth. Trumps plans to rename the US defence department as the Department of While President Trump and his administration have been involved in diplomatic negotiations for issues ranging from armed warfare to international tensions, his claims of ending multiple wars are, in fact, pretty tenuous. Lets break down each of the wars he claims to have solved. India and Pakistan Earlier this year, conflict erupted along the India-Pakistan border as the two nuclear nations clashed following a terrorist attack that killed 25 tourists. President Trump announced a full and immediate ceasefire on May 10, 2025 on Truth Social, marking a truce after four days of fighting amid decades of tensions. At the time, Pakistan publicly thanked Trump for his role in the negotiations, but India later claimed that the US hadnt played a role. While Trumps role in this conflict is unclear, there are also signs that it may not last. Today, Pakistan warned of a new war with India after 11 of its troops were killed by a terrorist group associated with New Delhi. Chances of war with India are real. I do not want escalation, but the risks are real, and I am not denying that. If it comes to war, God willing, we will achieve a better result than before, said Pakistans Khawaja Asif. Rwanda and DR Congo The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighbouring Rwanda have technically been fighting since 2022, but it forms part of a complex armed warfare that includes rebel groups, pro-government militias and government forces that stretches back decades. Trump claimed to have secured peace in the region earlier this year, but the horrific conflict continues to this day. The White House presented an agreement between Rwanda and DR Congo that outlined the terms of economic cooperation and respect for territorial boundaries in June 2025. However, the tentative peace agreement didnt include the armed group M23, which is responsible for unrest in eastern DR Congo and has links to the Rwandan Tutsi, yet with no official ties to the government of Rwanda. The agreement would give the US the right to invest in the minerals sector, but didnt address the root causes or all of the parties to the conflict. In fact, the DRC is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world at the moment, and continues to be ravaged by war. Thousands of people have died this year alone, and many more have been displaced, with reports revealing there is no sign of peace on the ground. Israel and Iran As well as bombing several other Middle Eastern countries, Israel also launched a surprise attack on Iran, which quickly descended into conflict between the two countries this summer. President Trump then claimed to have negotiated a ceasefire between Israel and Iran after 12 days of fighting. This came after the US military bombed military targets in Iran, a move that was criticised by the UK government for escalating the conflict, rather than solving it. Trump also claimed he destroyed Irans nuclear capabilities, but reports at the time suggest there was uncertainty about the whereabouts of Irans enriched uranium. While the agreement itself appears to have helped subdue the conflict, tensions remain high in the region. Cambodia and Thailand In July, there was an escalation in the long-running border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand. The US was involved in pushing for an agreement alongside Malaysia and China, with Trump threatening to end trade negotiations and impose tariffs of 36 per cent. Cambodian and Thai officials did eventually meet in Malaysia and agree to a ceasefire, although both countries have since been quick to accuse the other of violating it. Both countries remain on edge, and no solution has been agreed to over the contested border region. Armenia and Azerbaijan Following decades of conflict, a peace deal was reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan on August 8, negotiating a trade corridor between the two countries, named the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). It will be upheld by the US, which also affords the country investment rights in the area for a term of 99 years. The peace deal ousts Russia from its role as primary negotiator in the decades-long conflict. However, neither side has yet to ratify the agreement, despite thanking Trump for his role. Egypt and Ethiopia Bizarrely enough, Egypt and Ethiopia havent been involved in a conflict since the 1800s, and theyre not even neighbouring countries. Nonetheless, the US State Department listed Egypt and Ethiopia among the seven wars he ended in seven months. Its understood that the two nations (alongside Sudan) were in dispute over a hydroelectric dam that some fear may impact water in the River Nile, and Trump has seemingly implied he averted a potential war as a result. The dam was inaugurated last month and no official conflict has ever emerged. Serbia and Kosovo Another odd addition to Trumps list is Serbia and Kosovo, which havent technically been at war since 1999 and long before Trump even stepped into politics. Kosovo actually declared its independence from Serbia in 2008, but Serbia has never recognised this declaration. During Trumps first term, Serbia and Kosovo signed an agreement which essentially normalised economic ties, but tensions remain high in the region. There is also the ongoing North Kosovo crisis, with tensions, arrests and clashes happening frequently in the region. Has Trump solved seven wars? Its clear that the Trump administration has been involved in de-escalating various conflicts. However, tensions remain incredibly high, not just in some of these warring territories, but also worldwide. From proxy and shadow wars to threatening rhetoric and military strikes that included targeting Venezuelan boats, some may argue that the US has also destabilised some regions at a time of severely heightened tensions. Nigel Farage is set to meet the billionaire owner of Manchester United before Christmas as Reform UK doubles down on its drive to woo business chiefs. The Reform leader will try to win over Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the founder of chemicals giant Ineos, who has amassed an estimated fortune of around 20bn. Sir Jim, who has been a fierce critic of Britains net zero drive, which Mr Farage and Reform also oppose, disclosed details of the meeting on a podcast. The Reform leader requested the meeting (PA) Speaking to The Timess The Business, he said Mr Farage requested the meeting and that he has also met Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. Sir Jim lashed out at energy secretary Ed Milibands plans to remove fossil fuels from the electricity supply this decade and the governments 2050 net zero target, describing the goals as absurd. And he said the plans would put more than a million jobs at risk over the next 10 years. Jim Ratcliffe said he would not donate to Reform (PA) You could probably multiply that by 10 if you look at all the indirect jobs that are related in terms of services. Its probably 10 million jobs in Europe and three-quarters of a trillion euros in value, he told the podcast. But, despite alignment with some of Mr Farages views on the governments net zero agenda, Sir Jim ruled out donating any money to Reform. He said: Ive always been neutral on political parties. Ive never had a preference one way or another. I just want one that runs the country well. I cant see myself paying for policies. Sir Jim described Sir Keir Starmer as a reasonable bloke and a nice man. He added: Im not sure its easy to manage his party. But you have to make some tough decisions and I dont know whether he is maybe a bit too nice. And he said Britain is a high tax, high immigration, high crime country, and that if you look at why Trump won, on tax, immigration and the economy, and the current government, for whatever reason, isnt delivering on those areas. When asked whether he would support Mr Farage, Sir Jim said: I think most people would support him if he could sort those things [the economy, crime and taxation]. Reform UK was asked to comment. Jennifer Marvaree-Robinson in Cornwallis Cloth, a new short film commissioned by the Imperial War Museum to explore the Caribbean contribution to the second world war Photograph: Tv Trev Photography Its a significant chapter of wartime history that has until now been largely confined to memory, private archive and songs by 1940s Trinidadian calypsonian Lord Invader. Now, the hidden story of how Caribbean workers helped win the second world war has finally been revealed by researchers commissioned to make a film by Imperial War Museums (IWM). Labourers from across the British West Indies were recruited to build bases in the western Atlantic and Caribbean for the US, on what was then British territory. It was a deal which changed history. It marked the emergence of the US as an interventionist global superpower, cemented the UK-US special relationship and prevented countries close to the US falling under Hitlers control, securing victory in the Atlantic and freeing up forces and resources to defend Europe. It fired up independence movements in the Caribbean, while influencing West Indian music and fashion. But the Caribbean civilians who built and worked on the bases received little recognition in the UK. Now a new short film, Cornwallis Cloth, will begin screening at the Old Royal Naval College in London from Saturday, with a cast including Jennifer Marvaree-Robinson, bringing the era to life. The film will be accompanied by an exhibition exploring its themes and the historical background of the stories it uncovers. The installation follows 30 years of investigative research, including testimonies and diaries from Caribbean elders, veterans in the East End, merchant seamen, American airmen and German U-boat crew, co-director Tony Thompson said. The Old Royal Naval College said they were delighted to present the film, while an IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund spokesperson said the project explores the transformational impact of war on men, women and children living in the British Caribbean, providing a new way to interpret and remember these important if underexplored stories. Thompson, who produced the film with Rebecca Goldstone, co-founder of Sweet Patootee Arts, said: Thousands of workers from across the Caribbean were recruited to build all these air and naval bases in record time. They went wherever they were needed Bermuda, St Lucia, Antigua, Trinidad and did the heavy lifting and groundworks, putting up hangars and a lot of the outbuildings and laying roads. In the 1930s, Caribbean trade unions and workers were at the vanguard of the civil rights movement, with sugar estates, banana plantations, docks and coaling stations rocked by strikes and marches. Nonetheless, the British government resisted demands for universal adult suffrage and independence for Caribbean nations. Soon after, however, the Atlantic became a theatre of war. As German U-boat submarine campaigns targeted shipping routes used for vital goods such as oil (from Venezuela) and bauxite, the raw material for aluminium, (from what was then British Guiana), the Caribbean became strategically important. Britain was dependent on imports to survive and win the war. By 1940, prime minster Winston Churchill desperately needed new warships for the Royal Navys battle of the Atlantic. The result was what has become known as the destroyers for bases deal, in which US president Franklin D Roosevelt agreed to provide US-built destroyer warships in exchange for bases in British territories in the Caribbean. The air and naval bases in Antigua, the Bahamas, the former British Guiana, Barbados, Bermuda, Jamaica, St Lucia and Trinidad would prove critical to anti-submarine warfare. For the workers of the Caribbean who volunteered to build them, it meant higher wages and political leverage. Thompson, artistic director of Sweet Patootee Arts, said: The only way the colonial powers could make those bases operational was to agree to civil rights concessions. Suddenly the British government and the colonial machine desperately needed the people whose resistance it had put down. Cornwallis Cloth, commissioned by the Imperial War Museums Legacy Fund, explores Caribbean civil rights struggles in the war era through the story of the character Bonita Skeete, revisiting the 1942 German torpedo attack on the merchant ship SS Cornwallis in Barbados. The story was inspired by oral histories that came from Barbadian elders including Belfield DaCosta Ifill, who travelled to Trinidad for construction work, and James Stewart, who went on to join the Royal Engineers after building military roads. The film-makers also interviewed Michael Manley, the trade unionist who became Jamaican prime minister in the 1970s, and Alfred Hilaire from Trinidad, who as a teenager was recruited to blast rocks, drive Jeeps and tie metal piles underwater because of his free-diving skills. In Hamburg, the film-makers tracked down Herbert Schlipper, a former first officer on a German U-boat, who described how everybody was happy to be posted to the Caribbean after the most terrible fighting in the north Atlantic. However, the allied anti-submarine warfare, supported by the chain of destroyer bases in the Caribbean, drove Axis forces from the region. Songs recorded by Lord Invader in the 1940s, like Rum And Coca-Cola and Yankee Dollar in which he sang now the war is over, Trinidad is getting harder explored the impact of the US presence in Trinidad. But much of the era has been shrouded by archival silence around Black history, cold war aspects and geopolitical rivalries, Thompson said. He added: People just didnt tell their stories. Some of them went on to join the RAF, others went back to plantations or came to the UK. There were Barbadians and Trinidadians who didnt speak of this period for years. The American presence would have a massive impact on the Caribbean the economy, the cultural and social experience. The influence can be heard in calypso and seen in the fashions of the Empire Windrush. It transformed Caribbean societies crippled by the Great Depression, plantation economies defined by squeezed wages and deliberate unemployment, all of which had fired up the civil rights movement. The tacit agreement between Caribbean workers leaders and colonial officials to support the war effort brought a semblance of equality. This article was amended on 10 October 2025. The actors Paterson Joseph and Suzette Llewellyn do not appear in Cornwallis Cloth as an earlier version said. They were in fact the leads in a previous Sweet Patootee project, Turning Point. A further amendment was made on 13 October 2025 to remove an incorrect reference to Michael Manley being a lawyer. Swiss postmodernist novelist Christian Kracht and Australia's Gerald Murnane and Alexis Wright are among the favourites for the Nobel literature prize, experts told AFP ahead of the Swedish Academy's much-anticipated announcement on Thursday. The academy made history last year by choosing South Korea's Han Kang, making her the first Asian woman to win the prize. But this year several experts predicted the winner would likely be a man -- and European to boot. "I could see it going to a European man -- that the Academy could do that with a clear conscience because they chose a non-European woman last year," Sveriges Radio culture critic Lina Kalmteg told AFP. Kracht, Hungary's Laszlo Krasznahorkai and Peter Nadas, and Romania's Mircea Cartarescu are among those whose names are making the rounds. Kracht, a 58-year-old German-language postmodernist author who writes about pop culture and consumerism, is a favourite in literary circles, Bjorn Wiman, culture editor at Swedish paper of reference Dagens Nyheter, told AFP. At this year's Gothenburg Book Fair held annually a few weeks before the Nobel announcement, "many members of the Swedish Academy were there, sitting in the front row during his event", Wiman said. "And that is usually a sure sign," he said, adding that the same thing happened when Austrian playwright Elfriede Jelinek won the prize in 2004. Since it was first awarded in 1901, the Nobel literature prize has been dominated by Western male writers. There are only 18 women among the 121 laureates, and only very few prizewinners have bodies of work written in Asian or Middle Eastern languages. No African languages are represented. A 2018 #MeToo scandal left the Academy in tatters, and more than half of its members ended up being replaced. The institution promised to broaden the prize, both geographically and linguistically, and since then, there has been a more even gender balance among laureates. Since 2018, every other laureate has been a woman. "Authors like Han Kang would have been unthinkable five or six years ago," Wiman said, noting that the Academy previously tended to honour older men and she was only 53 when she won. But, Wiman said, he also thinks this year the award would likely go to a man "from the Anglo-Saxon, German or French-language world". Kalmteg said that the list of previous laureates shows a pattern of sorts: "it's kind of 'OK, this year was a European, now we can look a little further afield. And now we go back to Europe. Last year was a woman, let's choose a man this year.'" But with no public shortlist and the prize committee's deliberations sealed for 50 years, it is always difficult to predict which way the 18-member Swedish Academy is leaning. Others regularly mentioned in the run-up to the Nobel are Canada's Anne Carson, Chile's Raul Zurita, India's Amitav Ghosh and Argentina's Cesar Aira. The last South American to win the Nobel was Peru's Mario Vargas Llosa in 2010, and the region could be overdue, Kalmteg told AFP. She also named Mexican author Cristina Rivera Garza as a possibility. The Academy does have a penchant for shining a spotlight on writers relatively unknown to a wider public, regardless of their race or gender. Among possible winners frequently mentioned this year are Australia's Gerald Murnane and his Aboriginal colleague Alexis Wright. Born in 1939 in Melbourne, Murnane describes his work as "literary fiction" that comprises "the contents of my mind". In his first book "Tamarisk Row" (1974), he wrote about his father's gambling, his mother's religion and his schoolfellows' cruelty. His novel "The Plains" (1982) delves into Australian landowners' culture, described by the New Yorker as a "bizarre masterpiece" that feels more like a dream than a book. "The question is whether he'll answer the phone (when the Academy calls), I don't know if he even has one," joked Josefin de Gregorio, literary critic at Sweden's other main daily SvD. "He's never left Australia. He lives in the countryside, he doesn't make himself very accessible," she said of her favourite author. "I hope he wins, I want more people to discover his wonderful work," de Gregorio said, adding that she would also be happy to see American short story writer George Saunders get the nod. The 2025 winner, who will take home a $1.2 million cheque, will be announced on Thursday at 1:00 pm (1100 GMT). Israel and Hamas have agreed to the initial phase of a ceasefire plan in Gaza, pausing hostilities in the devastated territory and bringing the best hope yet of a definitive end to a bloody two-year conflict that has killed tens of thousands, destabilised much of the Middle East and prompted protests around the world. Donald Trump announced the agreement on his Truth Social network saying all of the hostages held in Gaza would be released soon and Israel would withdraw troops to an agreed line as the first step to a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. Hamas said on Thursday it had agreed to the US presidents proposal and confirmed the deal included an Israeli withdrawal from the territory and a hostage-prisoner exchange. Trump is expected to visit Jerusalem on Sunday, according to a statement by the Israeli presidents office, though the US has not officially announced a visit. There was celebration among Palestinians in Gaza and among Israelis, though few anywhere needed reminding that two previous deals had failed to end the war. Israel said all parties had signed the final draft of phase one of the deal in Egypt on Thursday morning. The office of Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said the ceasefire would take effect once the agreement was ratified by his government, which is scheduled to convene at 6pm (1600 BST) on Thursday after a security cabinet meeting. An Israeli government spokesperson said the ceasefire would go into force within 24 hours of the cabinet meeting. The 20 hostages believed to still be alive in Gaza would then be freed within 72 hours, they said. Israels forces would withdraw to an agreed line in the Gaza Strip that would leave them in control of 53% of the territory, a spokesperson for the Israeli government said. Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange, but the spokesperson said Marwan Barghouti, a senior figure in Mahmoud Abbass Fatah movement who is hugely popular in the West Bank and Gaza and has frequently been talked of as a future leader, would not be among them. Hamas called on Trump and guarantor states to ensure Israel fully implemented the ceasefire. Related: A Gaza ceasefire deal could be Trumps biggest diplomatic achievement but the devil is in the detail The Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem told Al Jazeera Arabic the group was seeking guarantees from international mediators that Israel would implement the provisions of the deal, after accusing it of manipulating parts of the agreement. There was talk with friends about a ceasefire at noon this day, but the occupation, for internal considerations, is postponing the announcement to other dates, said Qassem said. In an interview on Wednesday, Trump said he believed the hostages would be coming back on Monday. In Tel Aviv, families of hostages and their supporters started chanting Nobel prize to Trump as they gathered in the early hours of the morning. Some popped open champagne and cheered. Crying tears of joy, families hugged previously released hostages in hostages square, the area occupied for the last two years by protesters calling for the captives release, where the mood was festive.. Im feeling fantastic, it feels like Im in a dream. Two years of this, who would have thought that it would finally happen? said Margo Orton, a retired nursery teacher who was holding a US and an Israeli flag. Palestinians in Gaza reacted to the news with a mix of joy and disbelief. Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing, said Abdul Majeed abd Rabbo, in the southern city of Khan Younis. I am not the only one happy, all of the Gaza Strip is happy, all the Arab people, all of the world is happy with the ceasefire and the end of bloodshed. Trump hailed what he said was a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel and all surrounding nations, as well as the US. We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS! he posted. The UN chief, Antonio Guterres, welcomed the agreement and called on all parties to abide fully by its terms. Speaking from India, the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, called it a moment of profound relief. This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza, he said. Successful completion of the deal would mark the biggest foreign policy achievement so far for Trump, who took office in January promising to quickly end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, only to be confronted with obstacles and complexities he had apparently not foreseen. Senior envoys from the US, Qatar and Turkey had joined the talks in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm-el-Sheikh this week, apparently adding momentum to discussions launched on Monday. Trump sent his son-in-law Jared Kushner and the special envoy Steve Witkoff. Signs that a deal was close came earlier on Wednesday during a White House round table, as the secretary of state, Marco Rubio, gave the president a handwritten note with the words very close underlined. Many of the details of the agreement reached after three days of indirect talks remain unclear and the challenges of implementing its terms are immense. If negotiators have closed gaps between Hamas and Israel over the details of the first phase of the 20-point plan announced by Trump in the White House last week, it was not immediately certain whether the parties had made any progress on thornier questions, such as how Hamas will be disarmed, as Netanyahu has demanded, and the eventual governance of Gaza. But if implemented, the agreement would bring the two sides closer than any previous effort to halt a war that evolved into a regional conflict, drawing in countries such as Iran, Yemen and Lebanon, and reshaping the Middle East. One previous ceasefire lasted just 10 days, the other six weeks. After the announcement of the deal, Trump told Fox News the US would play a role in helping to rebuild war-torn Gaza. Well be involved in helping them make it successful, and helping it stay peaceful, the president said. Related: Almost 55,000 preschool children in Gaza acutely malnourished, Lancet study estimates More than 67,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in the relentless Israeli offensive, and more than 170,000 injured. Approximately 20,000 children are among the dead. Much of Gaza has been reduced to ruins, its people now homeless and destitute in the rubble of their homes among barren fields and broken roads. Witnesses describe entire neighbourhoods, even towns, reduced to fine gravel. Thousands more casualties are thought to be buried and yet to be identified. About 1,200 people, also mostly civilians, were killed by Hamas militants in the raid on Israel of 7 October 2023, the worst such loss in the history of the country. A further 251 people were taken hostage. Hundreds of Israeli servicemen and women have died in the war in Gaza. Hamas has already said it will have difficulty locating the remains of all the dead hostages. In recent days, Israel reduced the intensity of its military campaign at Trumps behest, but it has not halted strikes altogether. Gaza medical authorities reported eight people were killed in Israeli strikes in the last 24 hours.Even if aid surges in, through the UN and the Red Crescent as specified under Trumps plan, hundreds of thousands will still not have enough food or shelter. The war in Gaza has spilled across the region, triggering further conflicts in Lebanon, Yemen and Iran. The relief among regional rulers, many of whom faced waves of popular anger, will be great, if tempered with some anxiety about what may follow in Gaza. They will now have to answer the question of who will provide troops for the promised stabilisation force in the territory and pay for its reconstruction, which will take decades. Agence France-Presse, the Associated Press and Reuters contributed reporting Fish fast-food joint Long John Silvers becomes latest brand with bold logo change: Now its all about the chicken The tide is turning at Long Johns Silvers as chicken has claimed the spotlight from fish. The fast-food chain, famous for its seafood, revealed a new logo last week that makes it clear that chicken is now the focus. The redesigned blue, white and yellow logo replaces the traditional fish imagery with a chicken and introduces the tagline Chicken + Seafood. The new logo is live on Long John Silvers website and social media, and will appear on a Front Row Motorsports car at the South Point 400 race in Las Vegas on October 12. disastrous rebrand The move comes hot on the heels of Cracker Barrels disastrous rebrand. The popular Tennessee brand faced major backlash in August after replacing its traditional "Old Timer" logo with a minimalist design. Conservative critics, including President Donald Trump, said the change strayed from the brands nostalgic roots and labeled it as woke, calling for a return to the original logo, which the brand ultimately did. However, the Lexington, Kentucky-based eatery does not anticipate a similar response. "Guests have been telling us for years that our chicken is a best-kept secret," Christopher Caudill, Long John Silver's senior vice president of marketing and innovation, said in a news release. "Our hand-battered chicken stripsknown as Chicken Planks are every bit as crave-worthy as our legendary fish. It's time we let that secret out." In its new logo, Long John Silvers replaced the fish with a chicken to highlight its focus on chicken (Long John Silver's/Allrecipes) Long John Silvers shift from fish to chicken aligns with a broader fast-food trend, as chains like McDonalds and Wendys expand chicken offerings. A survey conducted by the National Cattlemens Beef Association last year found chicken is the most popular protein in the U.S., chosen by 44 percent of consumers, ahead of beef, fish, plant-based alternatives, and pork. The initiative also follows successful product trials at Long John Silvers new flagship location in Louisville, Kentucky, including a range of new chicken and seafood dishes. According to the restaurant, guest feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many saying these items surpass similar offerings at competitors. Long John Silver's has long been associated with fish-based branding (Getty Images) In addition to testing new menu items, the chain is now highlighting chicken in its $6 Basket lineup. Designed to give guests more ways to enjoy both chicken and seafood favorites, the lineup features four basket options: tender Chicken Planks, hand-battered fish, batter-dipped shrimp, or grilled shrimp. Despite the rebranding, Long John Silvers maintains that seafood remains a cornerstone of its menu. Classic options such as wild-caught Alaska fish, shrimp, crab cakes, and grilled salmon continue to be available. "This brand was built on making the coastal experience accessible to everyone, so seafood will always be part of our DNA," Caudill said. "But chicken is also part of our heritageand a big part of our futureso it deserves its rightful place on our logo, our menu, and our guests' tables." The Independent has contacted Long John Silvers for further comment. An aerial view of homes which were destroyed in the Palisades fire with some lots cleared of debris on 15 March 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California. Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images A 29-year-old man has been arrested and charged with igniting the fire that days later became the devastating Palisades blaze, which killed 12 people and destroyed more than 6,800 structures in one of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history. Jonathan Rinderknecht was arrested near his Florida residence on federal charges of destruction of property by means of fire, acting US attorney for the central district of California, Bill Essayli, announced on Wednesday. No motive was presented. The investigators allege Rinderknecht maliciously started what became the Lachman fire, shortly after midnight on New Years Day in the Pacific Palisades. That fire smoldered underground for nearly a week before resurfacing on 7 January amid heavy winds, spreading rapidly to become the Palisades fire, investigators say. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) said a wide-ranging investigation it conducted in past months raked in more than 13,000 items of evidence, and included hundreds of interviews some overseas and more than 200 leads. Investigators also documented more than 300 ATF reports, including a 200-page report detailing the origin and cause of the investigation. According to Essayli, Rinderknecht, who was a Palisades resident before relocating to Florida, had been working as an Uber driver on New Years Eve and returned to the Pacific Palisades after his evening shift. Two passengers told law enforcement he appeared agitated and angry that night, Essayli said. After dropping off a passenger, according to the investigators, Rinderknecht parked his car and walked up a nearby trail, taking iPhone videos at a hilltop location while listening to a rap song whose music video included objects being set alight. He had reportedly listened to the song and watched its video repeatedly in the days before the fire. Law enforcement officials identified and interviewed Rinderknecht on 24 January. During questioning, he allegedly lied about his location when he first saw the fire, claiming he was near the bottom of a hiking trail. However, geolocation data from his 911 call showed he was standing above the fire in a clearing merely 30ft from the blaze as it rapidly grew, prosecutors said. Among the digital evidence collected was an image Rinderknecht had generated on ChatGPT months before the fire, depicting what Essayli described as a dystopian painting showing in part a burning forest and a crowd fleeing from it. Rinderknecht made several 911 calls to report the fire, according to a criminal complaint. During his January interview, Rinderknecht told investigators where the fire began, which was information that was not yet public at the time, according to the criminal complaint. The Palisades fire was one of several major blazes that encircled Los Angeles in early January. The blaze destroyed more than 6,800 structures, including homes and businesses, and damaged over 1,000 more buildings. A fire that broke out the same day in nearby Altadena killed nearly 20 people. Investigators have not yet determined the cause of that fire. Rinderknecht faces a mandatory minimum five-year federal prison sentence if convicted, with a maximum penalty of up to 20 years. He was scheduled to make his initial appearance on Wednesday afternoon in federal court in Orlando, Florida. While we cannot undo the damage and destruction that was done, we hope his arrest and the charges against him bring some measure of justice to the victims of this horrific tragedy, Essayli said. In a statement, California governor Gavin Newsom thanked investigators for confirming the indisputable facts on the ground. Todays arrest of 29-year-old Florida resident Jonathan Rinderknecht marks an important step toward uncovering how the horrific Palisades fire began and bringing closure to the thousands of Californians whose lives were upended, he said. On Wednesday, the LA fire department released an after-action report on its response to the Palisades fire. The department concluded that firefighters lacked enough resources and struggled to communicate clearly in the first 36 hours of the blaze. The report also said the department did not pre-deploy enough resources despite warnings of severe winds. The department could not effectively recall off-duty personnel, the report said, and some fire chiefs had limited experience with managing an incident of such complexity. An outside review of Los Angeles countys response to the blazes released last month found that critical staffing shortages, including at sheriffs department and the office of emergency management, contributed to the emergency. The report also concluded that outdated policies for sending emergency alerts led to delays in warning residents about the need to evacuate as flames began consuming neighborhoods in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades. In addition, the report noted, information sharing between emergency responders was hampered by unreliable cellular connectivity, inconsistent field reporting methods, and the use of different communicating platforms. The report was produced by the consulting firm McChrystal Group and was commissioned by county supervisors. The Associated Press contributed to this report Tim Westwood has been charged with multiple rapes and sexual assaults (PA Archive) Former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood has been charged with multiple rapes and sexual assaults. The Metropolitan Police said the 68-year-old is accused of offences against seven different women who were as young as 17 years old. He is charged with four counts of rape, nine counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault, which allegedly happened between 1983 and 2016. Westwood, of Westminster, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on 10 November. The former Radio 1 DJ pictured in 2004 (PA Archive) Police have said the former Radio 1 DJ is alleged to have indecently assaulted a 17-year-old girl in the Fulham area of London in 1983. He is also accused of indecently assaulting a woman in her 20s in the Vauxhall area of London in 1986, as well as allegedly raping and indecently assaulting a woman, aged between 17 and 18, in London between 1995 and 1996. Westwood is alleged to have raped and indecently assaulted a woman aged 17 to 18 between 2000 and 2001, and is accused of raping a woman in her 20s in 2010 with the alleged offences also reported to have taken place in London. He is further accused of sexually assaulting a woman in her 20s in Stroud, Gloucestershire, in 2010 and allegedly sexually assaulting another woman in her 20s in the Finchley area of London in 2016. The BBC Board previously apologised following a review that said the corporation did not take adequate action after learning of concerns regarding the hip hop DJs alleged behaviour. In response to historical sexual abuse allegations, Westwood has previously said he strongly denies all allegations of inappropriate behaviour. He stepped down from his show on Capital Xtra in April 2022 and left Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra in 2013 after nearly 20 years. On Thursday, Chief Crown Prosecutor Lionel Idan said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has decided to prosecute Westwood for a series of serious sexual offences. He said: Our prosecutors have established that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings. The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy appealed to anyone with information to contact police. He said: It takes courage to come forward and report allegations of this nature. The women who have done so have put their trust in us, and we continue to provide them with all available support. Our investigation remains open, and wed encourage anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone with information, to come forward and speak with us. Any reports will be dealt with in the strictest confidence by specialist officers. Any information can be passed to police by emailing CIT@met.police.uk or by calling 101 and quoting 4672/09OCT25. Support is also available by contacting the independent charity Rape Crisis on its free 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line by calling 0808 500 2222. Our render shows what next years new DS No.7 SUV could look when it arrives to rival the Tesla Model Y (Steve Fowler) French premium brand DS has struggled to make headway in the fiercely competitive premium car market since its separation from Citroen in 2014. Only now are models like the new DS No.8 and DS No.4 looking like real rivals to the established German brands. However, speaking exclusively to The Independent at the launch of the new DS No.4, DS CEO Xavier Peugeot hinted that a Tesla Model Y rival is next on the cards for his brand. The new DS No.8 has set the French premium car brand on the way to rival Mercedes, BMW and Audi (DS Automobiles) Over the past year, the best-selling model in the DS range has been the mid-size SUV, the DS No.7 taking fifty per cent of the brands sales as a petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid model. Asked why DS wasnt prioritising a replacement for its biggest seller, Peugeot smiled and said, You wont have to wait that long. A new DS No.7, taking the new number naming strategy inspired by French perfume maker Chanel and first seen on the DS No.8, is expected to be unveiled in March next year. And the new naming style wont be the only thing borrowed from the No.8. Key to the new model will be the STLA Medium platform that is already used by the DS No.8, which will unlock full electrification for the DS No.7 pitting it squarely at the big-selling Tesla Model Y. The new DS No.7 is likely to get an upmarket interior like the one in this DS No.8 (Steve Fowler) However, with the same 97kWh battery on board, wed expect the DS No.7 to go further on a full charge than the Model Y possibly around 450 miles, while the Tesla maxes out at 387 miles. The STLA Medium platform can also accommodate internal combustion engines, so a plug-in hybrid could also be a possibility, as with the DS No.7. However, the focus initially is set to be on electrification, with both the 97kWh battery and a smaller 74kWh battery set to be available, the latter also set to offer a decent range of well over 300 miles. Front- and all-wheel drive versions are also set to be offered. Our exclusive render shows how a new DS No.7 could look, with an intricate avant-garde grille thats set to be illuminated, plus the same contrasting bonnet that was first seen on the DS No.8. The interior of the new DS No.7 is also expected to follow the DS No.8s lead with a uniquely French design featuring Alcantara and leather options, some intricate detailing and an upmarket Focal audio system. The DS No.8s unique X-shaped steering wheel is also likely. As well as the Tesla Model Y, the DS No.7 is also going to have to face two other new all-electric arrivals next year: the new BMW iX3 and Mercedes GLC, with the former offering a hugely impressive maximum range of 500 miles as well as ultra-fast charging. A south London council is cracking down on drivers exceeding the 20mph speed limit on residential roads. Kingston Council will install speed indicators across 18 roads in the borough to encourage drivers to stick to the speed limit and improve safety. The council has been reviewing drivers speeds across Kingston to assess compliance with the 20mph speed limit it rolled out across all residential roads it controls in the borough. A survey of 40 roads showed that while the average speed had fallen across all of them since the rollout, only 22.5 per cent of the roads had an average speed that did not exceed 20mph. The roads were chosen as they had previously recorded high speeds. The results showed 65 per cent of the roads recorded an average speed between 20mph and 24mph. The council will install extra speed indicators on these roads to remind drivers to watch their speed. The devices will monitor speed and provide feedback to the council. A new report by council officers said the authority aims to improve road safety, make streets more welcoming for pedestrians and cut vehicle emissions by requiring drivers to stick to the 20mph speed limit. Data provided by Transport for London (TfL) showed the number of collisions in Kingston has fallen by roughly 18 per cent since the introduction of the 20mph borough-wide speed limit. There were 1,039 collisions, including four fatalities, between 2017 and 2019. This compares to 883 collisions between 2022 and 2024, which resulted in four deaths. The council has confirmed the roads in the borough where new speed indicators will be installed, which are listed below: Coombe Lane West Kingston Road (near Kingsmeadow) Blakes Avenue Bodley Road Church Road, Old Malden Kenley Road Motspur Park Thetford Road Traps Lane Ashby Ave Cox Lane Oakcroft Road Balaclava Road (west of Ackerman Road) Beresford Avenue Kingsdowne Road Portsmouth Road Upper Brighton Road Warren Drive North The authority will survey another 40 roads as part of the 2026 review of the borough-wide 20mph speed limit. Donald Trump has said Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to end the war in Gaza Photograph: Evan Vucci/AP For Donald Trump, a peace deal or even a durable ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could be the biggest diplomatic achievement of his presidency. The details and sequencing of a deal to end Israels war in Gaza remain murky but the statement of purpose by both Israel and Hamas is meaningful. In agreeing to a deal with political backing from Arab states and other regional powers, this is the best chance for an end to the war since a ceasefire broke down in March, returning Gaza to a grinding war that has left nearly 68,000 people dead, most of them civilians. Since March there have been rumblings of a deal but nothing that has come this close. The first phase of the peace plan, as Trump called it in a Truth Social post on Wednesday, is straightforward: the return of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a limited withdrawal by the Israeli military. But finding all the hostages, and managing an Israeli withdrawal, could be complicated. Related: Gaza ceasefire deal: What we know so far about the first phase of the peace plan In keeping with the tone of Trumps presidency, hopes are expressed in hyperbole, with the president saying: ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. All Parties will be treated fairly! There is so much left to be discussed. The 20-point peace plan proposed by the administration attempts to thread the needle between creating the conditions for a ceasefire and negotiating a lasting end to the war; the hard questions of Hamass future and whether the militant group will disarm, along with Israels vision for the future of Gaza, remain to be hammered out. And we have been here before: the Trump administration was in a hurry to negotiate an end to the Gaza war even before the inauguration, and a hastily organised ceasefire in January broke down over the sequencing of the release of the hostages still held in Gaza. Yet this is a crucial moment. As the US president spoke at an anti-antifa roundtable on Wednesday afternoon, he was handed a note by the secretary of state, Marco Rubio: Very close. We need you to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first. Nobody said Israels war in Gaza had to end with Oslo-style peace accords or political deliberations. This is a different moment an openly partisan and flighty US president, who nonetheless has wielded his unpredictability to keep both his allies and enemies off-balance. Trump is also said to be motivated by a desire to see himself as the first US president given the Nobel peace prize since Barack Obama. That prize is to be delivered on Friday, and the desire to give the US president a win has driven political considerations in Washington and throughout the Middle East. The remaining tensions are clear. Hamas called on Trump and other parties to ensure that the Israeli occupation government fully complies with the terms of the agreement. The fear is that Israel may resume its offensive once the hostages are returned. We will never abandon our peoples national rights until freedom, independence, and self-determination are achieved, the group said, referring obliquely to a desire for Palestinian statehood that has been rejected by Netanyahu and largely abandoned by the White House. Netanyahu, too, has political considerations to deal with. On Thursday, he said, he would convene the government to approve the agreement and bring all our dear hostages home. He must manage the response from the rightwing members of his government, including the finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, and the national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who have threatened to topple the government in the event of a ceasefire. Trump has tried to overcome those considerations by brute force, threatening all hell would break out in Gaza against Hamas if his desire for peace was not met. When Netanyahu expressed doubt about the deal, Axios reports that he told the Israeli leader: I dont know why youre always so fucking negative This is a win. Take it. The US president is said to be planning to travel to the region this weekend for the signing of a deal. This is his moment, and it may require all of his personal brand and influence to prevent yet another breakdown of talks and a return to the fighting in what would be a diplomatic defeat for his administration. What started as a routine yard cleanup turned into an extraordinary archaeological discovery when a New Orleans couple unearthed a marble slab bearing an ancient Roman inscription. Experts have confirmed that the slab is a tombstone dating to the 2nd century, sparking an international effort to return it to Italy, as well as raising questions about its journey to Louisiana. In an interview with 11 Alive, Tulane classical studies professor Dr. Susann Lusnia said: [The discovery caused that] shiver in your spine, and it's just kind of like, Oh my God this is, this is an actual Roman thing. The curious case started when Tulane University professor Dr. Daniella Santoro and her husband, Aaron Lorenz, discovered the stone beneath six years of overgrown vines at their historic home in the Carrollton neighborhood. When Santoro noticed the marble slab was carved with ancient names and abbreviations, she contacted colleagues at the University of New Orleans and Tulane University for help. The ancient Roman tombstone was found in a New Orleans couple's garden, under six years of overgrowth (D. Ryan Gray) Lusnia and UNO archaeologist Dr. Ryan Gray eagerly began examining the artifact. Gray sent photos of the tablet to Harald Stadler at the University of Innsbruck, who then shared them with his brother, a Latin instructor. Both researchers independently identified the slab as a 2nd-century Roman tombstone for a Roman Imperial Navy sailor named Sextus Congenius Verus, matching one missing from a Civitavecchia, Italy, museum since it was bombed during World War II. The stone must be formally returned to Italy, so Santoro turned it over to the FBIs Art Crime Unit to begin the long process of repatriation. How the tombstone ended up in New Orleans remains a mystery, however. Gray said it may have been sold by an antiques dealer, reused as a paving stone, or passed through other hands, as researchers continue to investigate. For me, this story reflects a wonderful intersection of a homeowners curiosity ultimately bringing to light something unexpected and historically significant, Gray wrote in his Preservation Resource Center article. Dr. Daniella Santoro, a cultural anthropologist and Tulane University adjunct professor, reached out to colleagues after she and her husband, Aaron Lorenz, discovered the tombstone in their yard (Susann Lusnia) Researchers also look into the propertys history to try and find a path for the tablet. Archival records show that the home of Santoro and Lorenz belonged to the family of Frank and Selma Simon for most of the 1900s, Gray said. After Frank died in 1945, his daughters retained the property until 1991, and Santoro and Lorenz purchased it in 2018. Frank worked at a wholesale shoe company, while his daughters largely worked in retail, meaning they were unlikely sources for the stone, according to Gray. Initially, Santoros team considered a neighboring World War II Navy veteran as the possible person who brought the tombstone from Italy, but records confirmed he served only in the Pacific theater. Lusnia eventually traveled to the city of museum of Civitavecchia to try and find an answer. The museum was heavily shelled allies during World War II, losing most of its collection in process. It did not reopen until 1970. It is likely, Gray wrote, that the item was lost in the chaos after the war. Lusnia research indicated that U.S. troops did travel through the city and remained there for some time after Rome fell to allied troops in 1944. However, the group opted against examining the thousands of U.S. service records from the area for any links to New Orleans, given there was no guarantee of success. Gray added that it was possible that the stone eventually ended up in the hands of an antique dealer, who sold it to a tourist after the war given the lack of restrictions in doing so at the time. While we may never know exactly how Sextus Congenius Verus tombstone ended up in New Orleans, we do know that the item is now safe, and it is on the path to being returned to where it can be properly displayed, Gray said. The stone remains in the U.S. for now, with a repatriation ceremony planned at the Italian museum next summer. As part of a trend loosely called sovereign AI, governments around the world are developing their own AI technologies Illustration: Getty Images In Singapore, a government-funded artificial intelligence model can converse in 11 languages, from Bahasa Indonesia to Lao. In Malaysia, ILMUchat, built by a local construction conglomerate, boasts that it knows which Georgetown youre referring to that is, the capital of Penang and not the private university in the US. Meanwhile, Switzerlands Apertus, unveiled in September, understands when to use the Swiss German ss and not the German-language character . Around the world, language models like these are part of an AI arms race worth hundreds of billions of dollars mostly driven by a few powerful companies in the US and China. As giants such as OpenAI, Meta and Alibaba plough vast sums into developing increasingly powerful models, middle powers and developing countries are watching the landscape carefully, and sometimes placing their own, expensive bets. Those bets are all part of a trend loosely called sovereign AI, in which governments around the world, from the UK to India to Canada, are developing their own AI technologies and attempting to define their place in the emerging ecosystem. But with hundreds of billions of dollars in play globally, can smaller investments secure meaningful gains? While US-based companies and the US government and China are able to essentially blitzkrieg their way into AI dominance, its harder for smaller powers, middle powers, says Trisha Ray, a resident fellow at the Atlantic Council, a US strategy thinktank. Unless youre a rich government or a big company, its quite a burden to build an LLM from scratch. Defence concerns But many countries are unwilling to rely on foreign AI to supply their needs. The second-largest market for OpenAI users globally, India has registered over a hundred million downloads of ChatGPT in the past few years. But, says Abhishek Upperwal, founder of Indian developer Soket AI, there are numerous examples of US-built AI systems falling short. An AI agent deployed to teach students in a remote village in the state of Telangana speaks English in a strong, nearly-incomprehensible US accent, while an Indian legal startup recently tried to adapt Metas LLaMa AI model for its clients, only to find the model delivered a useless hash of hybridised US-Indian legal advice, says Upperwal. Then theres the national security issue. For Indias defence ministry, the Chinese model DeepSeek, says Upperwal, is off the table: It could have some random training dataset that might say that, oh, Ladakh is not part of India Utilising that particular model in a defence setup is a big no-no. I have spoken to people who are in defence, says Upperwal. They want to use AI, but, forget about DeepSeek, they dont even want to rely on [US] OpenAI-type systems because data might go outside the country, and that is absolutely not OK with them. Soket AI is one of a handful of companies attempting to build a national LLM for India with the support of Indias government-funded IndiaAI Mission, which has committed roughly $1.25bn to AI development. Upperwal envisions a model significantly smaller than leading models from US and Chinese tech companies, one roughly the size of some releases from French AI company Mistral. AI researchers have long argued that significant resource investment including in chips and computing power is necessary to push the frontier of the technology and achieve AGI artificial general intelligence the elusive endpoint of the AI arms race. Upperwal says India will have to make up for the funding gap with talent. Being in India, we dont have the luxury of pouring billions of dollars into it, he says. How do we compete versus say the $100 or $300 or $500bn US dollars that the US is pumping in? I think that is where the core expertise and the brain game comes in. In Singapore, AI Singapore is the government initiative that backs SEA-LION, the family of language models trained in south-east Asias regional languages, which are often poorly represented in US and Chinese LLMs, including Malay, Thai, Lao, Bahasa Indonesia, Khmer and others. I wish the people who are building these [sovereign] AI models were aware of just how far and just how fast the frontier is moving Tzu Kit Chan Leslie Teo, senior director of AI Singapore, says these models are designed to complement larger models, as opposed to replacing them. Systems such as ChatGPT and Gemini, he says, often struggle with regional languages and culture speaking in stilted, overly-formal Khmer, for example, or recommending pork-based recipes to Malaysian users. Building regional-language LLMs allows local governments to code in cultural nuance and at least be smart consumers of a powerful technology developed elsewhere. Im very careful with the word sovereign. I think what were trying to say is we want to be better represented and we want to understand the capabilities of AI systems, he says. Multinational cooperation For countries trying to find their place in an intensifying global market, theres another possibility: team up. Researchers affiliated with the Bennett School for Public Policy at Cambridge recently proposed a public AI company distributed among a consortium of middle-income countries. They call the initiative Airbus for AI, in reference to Europes successful play to build a rival to Boeing in the 1960s. Their proposal would see the creation of a public AI company that would combine the resources of different countries AI initiatives it names the UK, Spain, Canada, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, France, Switzerland and Sweden to create a competitive rival to the US and Chinese giants. Joshua Tan, the lead author of a paper setting out the initiative, says the idea has attracted the attention of AI ministers of at least three countries so far, along with several sovereign AI companies. While it is now focused on middle powers, developing countries Mongolia and Rwanda among them have also expressed interest, he says. Nowadays, I think its just a fact theres less trust in the promises of this current US administration. People are asking like, can I still depend on any of this tech? What if they decide to turn it off? he says. Tans proposal is optimistic about the potential for multinational cooperation. But others say that even a coordinated, multi country strategy risks wasting valuable taxpayer money on an initiative that will ultimately fall short. I wish the people who are building these [sovereign] AI models were aware of just how far and just how fast the frontier is moving, says Tzu Kit Chan, an AI strategist who advises the government of Malaysia. Whats the cost? The cost to governments having a bad strategy of building this roadmap for their own sovereign AI models is that they waste a ton of money. A better strategy, says Chan, would be for governments like Malaysia to spend the same money on developing stronger regulations around AI safety as opposed to competing with international products that have already won the market. Walk the streets of Malaysia, go to Kuala Lumpur, find a finance-bro-looking-person, ask them what model theyre using, he says. Eight out of 10, I bet theyre not using the sovereign AI models. Theyre saying, ChatGPT or Gemini. Marco Rubio interrupted a roundtable with Donald Trump to notify him a deal was very close - Francis Chung Hamas and Israel have agreed to the first phase of Donald Trumps peace plan. The terror group has pledged to release all Israeli hostages and Israel will withdraw its troops to an agreed-upon line. The US president hailed the historic and unprecedented event in a late-night announcement, adding that it was the first step towards peace in the Middle East. Mr Trump could fly to the region as soon as Friday, his press secretary said. News of an agreement drew celebratory gatherings from hostage families in Tel Aviv and cautious optimism from some in Gaza. Hamas intends to release all 20 living hostages in a matter of days, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza. Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, joined celebrations in Tel Aviv - Ronen Zvulun Uncertainty remains about some of the thornier aspects of Mr Trumps proposal. These include whether and how Hamas will disarm, and who will govern Gaza. However, both sides appear closer than they have been in several months to ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, destroyed most of Gaza and triggered other armed conflicts across the Middle East. The whole world has come together on this one, Israel, every country has come together, Mr Trump told the Reuters news agency. This has been a fantastic day. This is a great day for the world. This is a wonderful day, a wonderful day for everybody. Sir Keir Starmer expressed profound relief and called on both sides to keep their promises. He added: This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza. The deal announcement was made hours after the extraordinary moment Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, interrupted a roundtable on Antifa to hand the president a note. Credit: Floridas Voice I was just given a note by the secretary of state saying that were very close to a deal in the Middle East, and theyll need me pretty quickly, Mr Trump announced. The hand-written note read: We need you to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first. Mr Trump had a very warm and emotional conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, shortly after announcing the agreement. The pair congratulated each other on the historic achievement, with Mr Netanyahu inviting his American counterpart to address the Israeli Knesset. In an official statement released by the Israeli leaders office, Mr Netanyahu said he would not rest until all the hostages were home. God Bless Israel. God Bless America. God Bless our great alliance, he added. Meanwhile, Hamas urged Mr Trump to ensure Israel enacts its side of the agreement without delay. The terror group said in a statement that the US and other mediating countries, including Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, should compel it to implement the agreements requirements fully and not allow it to evade or delay the implementation of what has been agreed upon. Hamas said it agreed to the first phase proposal to end the war of extermination against our Palestinian people and the occupations withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. In Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egyptian delegates were seen smiling and hugging moments before Mr Trump announced the deal. Egyptian delegates shake hands moments before Mr Trumps announcement - Barak Ravid In Israel, it was reported that the government had begun drafting a formal proposal for ministers to vote on on Thursday. Wednesday began with leaks that Hamas was making difficult demands, including the return of the bodies of symbolic figures such as Yahya Sinwar and his brother Mohammed, both former leaders of the terror group. There were also reportedly unresolved differences on the issues of Hamass disarmament and the IDFs withdrawal timetable from Gaza. These two sticking points remain, as the deal agreed on Wednesday night, described as the first phase by Mr Trump, only mentions the hostages return and Israels withdrawal. Other officials suggested earlier on Wednesday that all hostages could be returned while the details on disarmament remained to be negotiated, contrary to expectations. Hamas is believed to hold 48 hostages, 20 of whom Israel believes to be alive. The terror group has asked the IDF to stop operating in some areas, to allow them to collect the bodies. Fears for the health of the living hostages grow as each month passes. The next phases of Mr Trumps 20-point plan should see a permanent end to the war, aid flooding into the region, the disarmament of Hamas, the complete withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza and the rebuilding of the enclave under Palestinian authority. According to the plan, the US president will eventually oversee a transitional government in the Strip as the head of a new body called the Board of Peace, which Sir Tony Blair, the former British prime minister, would also sit on. Eventually, all sides will engage in new talks on Palestinian self-determination and statehood, if Mr Trumps plan goes ahead. Mr Trump had told reporters on Wednesday afternoon that talks with Hamas seem to be going well and that a deal was very close. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said in a statement that Mr Trump was considering heading to the Middle East on Friday. After the deal was announced on Truth Social, reports suggested he may head to Israel on Sunday. Mr Trump announced the news on Truth Social - Truth Social Israel to release 2,000 prisoners According to the outline of the deal set out by Mr Trump last week, Israel has pledged to release just under 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences. It remains to be seen how many will be totemic figures of traditional Palestinian armed resistance, such as Marwan Barghouti, whom Israel is known to want to retain. Hamas said on Wednesday morning it had submitted a list of prisoners it wants released from Israel, as stated under the peace deal. While Hamas had agreed to some points in Mr Trumps 20-point plan, it had stopped short of agreeing to others, such as the demand to disarm. Steve Witkoff, Mr Trumps Middle East envoy, and Jared Kushner, the presidents son in law, arrived in Egypt to join the talks on Wednesday morning. A ministerial meeting will be held in Paris on Thursday, when European, Arab and other states will discuss Gazas post-war transition. On Wednesday, Israeli forces intercepted a new Gaza-bound aid flotilla, days after stopping Greta Thunbergs boats from reaching the territory. The International Committee to Break the Siege of Gaza, a network of pro-Palestine activists, said three vessels had been attacked and illegally intercepted early on Tuesday morning around 130 miles off the coast. The group said a fourth was under attack. The Israeli military has no legal jurisdiction over international waters... our flotilla poses no harm, the organisers added, claiming that the flotillas signals had been jammed. Israels foreign ministry dismissed the incident as a publicity stunt. by Akim Reinhardt The Lakota name for Wounded Knee Creek is Cakpe Opi Wakpala. The first letter is a -ch sound. The signifies not an n, but nasalization as when you say unh-unh to mean no. * When I teach Indigenous history, at the beginning of the semester I tell my students theyre going to have unlearn things they think they know. By the end of the semester, they are often astounded at how much they didnt know. * Wounded Knee Creek begins in southwestern South Dakota, near the Nebraska state line. It flows mostly north and a little west for about a hundred miles before joining the White River. The White River, which originates northwestern Nebraska, continues mostly east and a little north until it reaches the Missouri River. The Missouri starts in the Rocky Mountains of Montana and runs for nearly 1,500 miles before joining the Mississippi River near modern day St. Louis. The Mississippi empties into the Gulf of Mexico south of Louisiana. * On December 28, 1890, the U.S. Army, specifically the 7th Cavalry, slaughtered an unknown number of Lakota (sometimes called Sioux) people near Wounded Knee Creek. The exact number is unknown because the corpses were buried in a mass grave without being counted. However, no one disputes that the majority of murder victims were women, children, and the elderly. * I teach my students about settler colonialism. White ethnonationalists and some other right wing extremists get upset when teachers and scholars teach and discuss settler colonialism. But it is a real and ongoing process, just like capitalism and cultures. Like capitalism and cultures, settler colonialism is a system, not an event, though like other systems, it produces many, many events. * After the massacre at Wounded Knee, Congress award Medals of Honor to 19 soldiers for actions that included dislodging Sioux Indians from ravines. This was settler-speak for, among other things, hunting down women and children and murdering them. The murders took place upwards of two miles from the battle site. Another dozen Medals of Honor were awarded to U.S. soldiers for their work in the larger campaign of persecuting practitioners of Indigenous religion on Lakota reservations. * Wounded Knee Creek is located within the boundaries of the Pine Ridge Reservation. Pine Ridge was originally part of a larger, single reservation called the Great Sioux Reservation. The United States first recognized the Great Sioux Reservation, along with additional Lakota lands, in the Ft. Laramie Treaty of 1868. But despite treaty promises to the contrary, the federal government broke up the Great Sioux Reservation in 1889. This coincided with the creation of North and South Dakota; much of the Great Sioux Reservations land was assigned to these two new states and its settlers. What remained was five smaller Lakota reservations: Standing Rock, Cheyenne River, Pine Ridge, Rosebud, and Lower Brule. The massacre at Wounded Knee occurred just over a year after the breakup of the Great Sioux Reservation, amid the grinding poverty, cultural persecution, political destabilization, and massive land theft of settler colonial invasion. * As a system, settler colonialism has common processes, goals, and outcomes. One of the common processes is erasure. The settler colonial system erases Indigenous people, both their history and their modern presence from the settler consciousness. If you are a settler, odds are you know very little about the Indigenous past or present. That is not an accident. Thats how the system works. But perhaps youve heard of Wounded Knee. * Pine Ridge Reservation was carved out of the Great Sioux Reservation for a subdivision of the Lakota Oyate (nation) called Oglala. But relatively few of the Wounded Knee massacre victims were Oglala. Most were from a different Lakota subdivision called Mnikowoju (often spelled Miniconjou), who had recently come down to Pine Ridge from Standing Rock Reservation. * My students are like any Americans under the age of 50 or so. They are primed to understand the United States in partisan terms. The era of consensus politics that began during WWII and did not begin substantially eroding until after the Cold War, is a foreign concept to them. Theyve known only rank political divisions through lenses like Democrat-Republican and Liberal-Conservative. Stances on most political issues, it seems to them, can be neatly filtered through such lenses. But not settler colonialism, I tell them. Remember, its not a single issue, but rather a complex system that benefits all the settlers, whether Democrat, Republican, or Independent, whether liberal, conservative, or moderate. No matter what you think about politics, or even if you never think about politics at all, the settler colonial system benefits you if you are a settler. * Another number that is also probably impossible to determine is the number of massacres Europeans and their descendants perpetrated against the Indigenous peoples of the Americas from 1492 and into the 20th century. There were, without question, at least thousands of massacres if not tens of thousands. Perhaps the best numerical descriptor is countless. Among countless massacres settler perpetrated against Indigenous peoples, Wounded Knee is the best known in the United States, the most infamous. * In late September, Secretary of Defense Pete Hesgeth, who now goes by the title Secretary of War, emphatically insisted that the long movement to have the Medals of Honor revoked was over. Were making it clear that (the soldiers of the 7th Cavalry) deserve those medals, he said. Their place in our nations history is no longer up for debate. He also said the era of politically correct, overly sensitive, dont-hurt-anyones-feelings leadership ends right now at every level, * Indigenous Americans are a minority in the United States, about 3% of the national population. Arent the Democrats more supportive minority issues? Arent they better on Native affairs than Republicans? Sometimes. Sometimes not. Heres an example of not. The Liberal Lion of the Supreme Court, the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, was for the most part, horrible on Indigenous affairs. Her opinion in the infamous Sherrill v. Oneida Nation not only dismisses a ratified treaty, the U.S. Constitution, federal and state laws, and several earlier court decisions to side with the town of Sherrill, NY over the Oneida, but it largely rests on the judicial logic of tough shit, you lost. My words, not hers. Hers were gussied up: The principle that the passage of time can preclude relief has deep roots in our law, and this Court has recognized this prescription in various guises. She also said that righting prior wrongs the United States has committed against Indigenous nations was impractical. You know. Might makes right. Meanwhile, Trump appointee Neil Gorsuch is probably the best Supreme Court justice on Indigenous affairs of the 21st century, and perhaps even going back a bit further. Settler colonialism is a complex system, not a this-or-that partisan issue. * At the Wounded Knee massacre, 25 U.S. soldiers were killed and another 39 injured. This was not the excuse the U.S. military needed to mislabel the event a Battle instead of a Massacre. The U.S. army had a simple formula for settler-Indigenous violence back then: every time the United States lost, it was a massacre. No matter if U.S. forces were trying to sneak up on a sleeping village, as was the case at the Little Big Horn in 1876 when Brigadier General George Custer led the 7th Cavalry (yes, that 7th Cavalry) to defeat at the hands of Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho soldiers. That was officially a massacre. And every time the United States won, it was a battle. Like at Wounded Knee.Congress waited a hundred years, until 1990, to finally stop insisting that what happened at Wounded Knee was a battle. That it was indeed a massacre. * Most of the U.S. soldiers deaths and injuries at Wounded Knee came from friendly fire. The soldiers surrounded the Lakota people and began firing across the circle theyd formed, shooting each other. Plus, U.S. artillery fire from a nearby hill rained down on everyone below. * While the colonial system dutifully erases the memory of nearly all massacres from the collective settler consciousness, not so Wounded Knee. Perhaps youve heard of it. It is one of the few, often the only massacre that many Americans have heard of. Wounded Knee quickly became the exception that proves the settler rule of erasure, a stand-in for all the other erased U.S. settler colonial massacres. It wasnt just a battle, it was the last battle of the so-called Indian wars. Indian wars is a common settler term for the settler violence that was crucial to the ethnic cleansing and genocide of Indigenous peoples. * The Oglala Sioux Tribe issued a statement calling Hsegeths actions and words despicable, untruthful and insulting to the Great Sioux Nation. To call Wounded Knee a battle dishonors the truth, desecrates the memory of our relatives, * The Wounded Knee massacre victims were practitioners of an Indigenous religion that settlers called the Ghost Dance. The federal government had banned the practice of this religion. Indigenous people were being arrested for practicing their religion. The Ghost Dance religion incorporated elements of Indigenous religious practices with elements of Christianity. * Hundreds, perhaps thousands of books have been written about the Wounded Knee massacre. Many of them are not good. Some of them are excellent. * A few days before the massacre, a colonial official had ordered deputized Lakota policemen to arrest the Lakota leader Tataka Iyotaka (Sitting Bull) in the middle of the night. He had committed no crime. The colonial official just didnt like him. He thought Tataka Iyotaka was a trouble maker. The arrest turned violent and Tataka Iyotaka was shot in the back of the head. The Mnikowoju victims of the Wounded Knee massacre had fled to Pine Ridge because they were running away from colonial persecution and violence. * Is U.S. Warrior Chief Hesgeths refusal to overturn the 19 Medals of Honor a sign that he and/or his president and/or his party are worse than other U.S. Warrior Chiefs and/or presidents and/or parties? No prior U.S. warrior chief or president or party had overturned the 19 Medals of Honor. Warrior Chief Hesgeths tone and emotion are a fair bit nastier than those of most recent high ranking observers, a rhetorical step backwards. However, his decision to not overturn the Medals of Honor is perfectly consistent with the decisions of all prior U.S. warrior chiefs, presidents, and parties not to overturn the medals. Some of them considered it, or held investigations, or said respectful things. But none of them overturned the medals. The medals of honor were all awarded in the 1890s. * Settler colonialism is not an event. It is a system. Akim Reinhardts wesbite is ThePublicProfessor.com Police-recorded hate crime in England and Wales has risen for the first time in three years, including increases in both racially and religiously motivated offences. Hate crimes targeted at Muslims were up by almost a fifth, with the Home Office noting a spike in these offences after the Southport murders last summer and the riots which followed. While there was a drop of 18 per cent in the number of religious hate crimes targeted at Jewish people, the department cautioned that the overall figures exclude those recorded by Britains biggest police force, the Metropolitan Police, because of a change in their crime recording system. The Home Office said the Met recorded 40 per cent of all religious hate crimes targeted at Jewish people in the last year. There were 137,550 hate crimes recorded by the police in England and Wales, including the Met, but the department said the change in recording means this is not directly comparable year-on-year. Overall, excluding the Met, there were 115,990 hate crime offences recorded by police across the two nations in the year ending March 2025. This was up two per cent from 113,166 for the previous 12 months. The Met recorded 40 per cent of all religious hate crimes targeted at Jewish people in the last year (PA) Race hate crimes rose by 6 per cent from 77,901 in the year to March 2024 to 82,490 in the year to this March. Religiously motivated hate crimes were up 3 per cent from 6,973 to 7,164 to their highest annual total on record. Anti-Muslim hate crimes rose from 2,690 offences recorded in the 12 months to March last year to 3,199 offences in the year ending March 2025. The Home Office said there was a clear spike in these offences in August 2024, which coincides with the Southport murders on the 29 July and the subsequent disorder across several English towns and cities. Excluding the Met, religious hate crimes targeted at Jewish people and recorded by the other forces in England and Wales fell by 18 per cent, from 2,093 to 1,715. Since the pandemic, the total number of police-recorded hate crimes peaked at 128,485 in the year to March 2022 but overall numbers had been falling in the years since. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood (PA) The latest figures show falls in hate crimes based on sexual orientation down 2 per cent to 19,127 from 18,702 and disability hate crimes which decreased by 8 per cent from 11,131 to 10,224. There was also a fall in transgender hate crimes by 11 per cent from 4,258 to 3,809, the second consecutive annual fall. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the hate crime statistics show that too many people are living in fear because of who they are, what they believe, or where they come from. Jewish and Muslim communities continue to experience unacceptable levels of often violent hate crime, and I will not tolerate British people being targeted simply because of their religion, race, or identity. We have stepped up police patrols at synagogues and mosques following the abhorrent attack in Manchester last week, and I am working closely with faith leaders, providing 50 million to keep places of worship safe and make sure they remain sanctuaries, not targets of hatred. We stand with every community facing these attacks and will ensure those who commit hate crimes face the full force of the law. Fifteen London Fire Brigade fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been fighting a fire at a Poundland store on the High Street in Penge (London Fire Brigade) Around 100 firefighters have been called to a major fire in south-east London. The massive blaze engulfed a Poundland shop on Penge High Street. The London Fire Brigade was first called at 4.30am on Thursday, arriving to find a two-storey terrace building in flames. A large part of the ground floor, where Poundland is located, was pictured on fire. Footage showed several firefighters using an aerial platform to douse the fire from above. Several neighbours and nearby businesses were evacuated as thick black smoke billowed into the air. Local residents were urged to keep doors and windows closed due to heavy smoke. Penge High Street is closed due to the number of fire engines in the area, and drivers are being advised to avoid the area. A statement from London Fire Brigade read: Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been called to a fire on High Street in Penge. Firefighters are tackling a fire in a two-storey terraced shop where a large part of the ground floor is alight. Crews are using a 32-metre turntable ladder as a water tower to help extinguish the fire from above, and the Brigade's drone team is providing the Incident Commander with a greater situational awareness of the fire. Neighbouring properties have been evacuated as a precaution and residents in the area are advised to keep their windows and doors shut due to the smoke. There is significant traffic disruption due to the number of appliances and the High Street is closed. People are advised to avoid the area. The Brigade's Control Office was called at 4.30am and mobilised fire crews from Beckenham, Forest Hill, Woodside, West Norwood and other surrounding fire stations to the scene. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage. A leading industrialist is calling on politicians to make an urgent intervention to save the chemicals industry. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of Ineos, one of the worlds largest chemical companies, warned that Europes chemical industry is at a tipping point and only urgent action can save it. Sir Jim believes that around half of Europes ethylene production capacity will close before 2030, adding that 21 major European chemical sites are already shutting, representing more than 11 million tonnes capacity, with more to follow. Chemical output is plunging across Europe, with production down by 30% in the UK, 18% in Germany and 12% in France, he said. Sir Jim said eight of the worlds 10 largest chemical companies were scaling back or withdrawing from Europe, while, in contrast, all of the USs top 10 producers were investing and expanding. The Manchester United minority owner warned that the consequences for Europe could be devastating, adding: Were at the 11th hour and there are three things that need to happen urgently. First, remove the green taxes and levies from energy costs. Second, scrap the carbon taxes. And third, give us some tariff protection. We need actions, not sympathetic words or there wont be a much of a European chemical industry left to save. What happens next after Israel and Hamas agree first phase of Gaza peace deal? Wednesday evening in the United States brought the news millions across the world have been praying for: a ceasefire deal for Gaza that hopefully heralds in the end of one of the bloodiest conflicts of our time. The details of the deal have yet to be fully disclosed. Reports are emerging that it will initially concern the release of the remaining 20 living hostages, who could be freed as early as this weekend. In tandem, there will be the release of hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli prisons and a staged withdrawal of Israeli forces from the besieged enclave. A source familiar with the negotiations told The Independent that Hamas will start releasing the 20 living hostages as early as Saturday, but the 28 bodies of the remaining deceased hostages are apparently not included in this phase. But it is important to note that this is an initial phase, not the entire plan for the final end to this devastating two-year conflict. It is not an answer to what comes next for Gaza. Its the news millions across the world have been praying for: a ceasefire deal for Gaza that hopefully heralds in the end of one of the bloodiest conflicts of our time (AFP/Getty) That said, US president Donald Trump and the Qatari leadership triumphantly announced Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a first phase of a Gaza truce, anchored on a 20-point peace plan Trump first proposed a few weeks ago. In a characteristically enthusiastic social media post, Trump said that would mean ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon and also that Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed upon line. He spoke of the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace and signed off with BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS. In more sober tones, Dr Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry, said that negotiators had agreed on an implementation mechanism for the first part of an agreement he also insisted will lead to ending the war. He said that included not only the release of Israeli hostages, but also Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid. A vigil in Sydney to mark the second anniversary of the 7 October attacks (AFP/Getty) There remain many, many questions. Hamas will not have agreed to hand over its only leverage card without some serious guarantees from the US, that has power being the largest weapons supplier to Israel. Netanyahu will also have to sell this to the war-mongering extreme-right members of his cabinet, who have repeatedly threatened to collapse his razor-thin coalition if he signs a deal. It also doesnt answer whether Hamas agreed to disarm, whether Gaza will be demilitarised as Trumps plan insisted, who or what will run Gaza in the short and long term, whether Hamas will be permitted any role in that and whether this is ultimately a pathway to Palestinian statehood. Then there is the occupied West Bank, which has also seen unprecedented levels of violence, where another kind of war has been raging for two years, and which wasnt even mentioned in Trumps initial 20-point plan proposal. Donald Trump announced the deal Wednesday, saying blessed are the peacemakers (Getty) But either way, this is a movement towards the end of the slaughter that we have not seen before. It will bring much-needed respite to millions of Palestinians in Gaza who have endured bombing, displacement, destruction, famine and as a recent UN commission of enquiry concluded genocide. It will be an answer to the desperate cries from the families of the remaining 48 hostages and captives, who have been in the streets for two years begging Netanyahu for a truce exchange deal to bring their loved ones home. The international community must rally around it to ensure it delivers a fair and just peace. Jeremy Clarkson has revealed that the first calf born on his Diddly Squat farm has been destroyed after contracting bovine tuberculosis (TB). The Clarksons Farm star, 65, shared the news on Instagram alongside a photo of the animal, explaining it was pregnant with twins when it tested positive for the infectious disease. This was the first calf ever born at Diddly Squat, he wrote. And this morning she was destroyed, while pregnant with twins, because she has TB. So sad. Messages of support quickly poured in from fans of his hit Prime Video series, with one recalling the joy and excitement of the calfs birth and another urging: Please give this man and this farm and the animals a break. Clarksons 1,000-acre Oxfordshire holding has faced a series of challenges since he took over in 2019. In the summer, he revealed that his herd was under TB restrictions and that he was locked down while awaiting retests. Speaking on Times Radio at the time, he said: You have a test every six months on the cows and then you sort of become blase its a hypothetical threat. And then the vet looks up and says, Im really sorry, this ones failed. Its just dreadful. Bovine TB, which can spread between cattle and badgers, leads to tens of thousands of animals being culled across Britain each year. According to government data, more than 21,000 were killed in England between April 2024 and March this year. Clarkson has previously spoken about the emotional toll of losing livestock and his frustration at the disease, once describing the animals responsible for spreading it as b*****d badgers. The former Top Gear and The Grand Tour presenter bought Diddly Squat Farm in 2008 but only began running it himself after the previous farmers retirement. The venture has since been documented in Clarksons Farm, which has earned him both praise and sympathy for showing the harsh realities of rural life. Despite the loss, he told followers he remains committed to farming even if, as he once admitted, Im not enjoying it this week. Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that his right-hand man Kaleb Cooper will be stepping out his shadow and into the spotlight after landing his own show on Prime Video. The Hawkstone Farmers Choir, which Clarkson helped to mastermind, also left the Britains Got Talent judges in tears following their audition earlier this week. Palestinians celebrate in Nusairat Camp on Thursday after news of a Gaza ceasefire deal. Photograph: APAImages/Shutterstock Israelis and Palestinians celebrated on Thursday night as Hamas and Israels government began preparations to implement a ceasefire deal that promises a durable end to a bloody two-year conflict that has killed tens of thousands, destabilised much of the Middle East and prompted protests around the world. In Gaza, there was joy but much anxiety. Many expressed the fear that the new deal would collapse, bringing more suffering to the devastated territory. Though crowds gathered in some places to dance and sing, in many places witnesses reported muted reaction amid loud overflights by warplanes and drones. In Israel, on a day of fast-moving and sometimes chaotic developments, hospitals readied to receive hostages to be released by Hamas, the ruling coalition government signed off on the new ceasefire deal and thousands took to the streets of Tel Aviv to express joy and relief. Late on Thursday evening, a statement from the government said it had just approved the framework for the release of all the hostages both the living and the deceased. Donald Trumps announcement of his peace proposal last week triggered a frantic round of indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm-el Sheikh. The US president said on Thursday he would try to go to Egypt for the signing of the new deal. In Israel, officials suggested that the US president was expected to visit there on Sunday. Trump added that 48 hostages held by Hamas, of whom less than half are thought to be still alive, would be released on Monday or Tuesday and said that the deal had ended the war in Gaza. It was announced on Thursday night that the US would send about 200 troops to Israel to help support and monitor Gaza ceasefire deal. World leaders scrambled to welcome the breakthrough, even if most of Trumps broader peace proposal has yet to be negotiated or even explicitly acknowledged by Hamas and Israel. The US president told reporters in the Oval Office that nobody would be forced to leave Gaza under the terms of the deal. No, its just the opposite, he said. This is a great plan. There was some confusion during Thursday on the timing of the first phase of the deal reflecting the general uncertainty about many of its main principles. The office of Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said the ceasefire would take effect once the agreement was ratified by his government. But an Israeli government spokesperson said the ceasefire would go into force within 24 hours of the cabinet meeting. Those hostages believed to still be alive in Gaza would then be freed within 72 hours, they said. Israels forces would withdraw to an agreed line in the Gaza Strip that would leave them in control of 53% of the territory, a spokesperson for the Israeli government said. In exchange, Israel will free about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, but the spokesperson said Marwan Barghouti, a senior figure in Mahmoud Abbass Fatah movement who is hugely popular in the West Bank and Gaza and has frequently been talked of as a future leader, would not be among them. Hamas sources said the list of released prisoners was still being discussed late on Thursday. Hamas called on Trump and guarantor states to ensure Israel fully implemented the ceasefire. The exiled Gaza chief Khalil Al-Hayya said on Thursday the group has received guarantees from the United States, Arab mediators and Turkey that the war on Gaza has permanently ended, according to Reuters. UN agencies said they were ready to rush aid into Gaza, where a famine was declared by experts in August. Antonio Guterres, the UN secretary-general, said to turn this ceasefire into real progress, we need more than the silencing of the guns. Guterres called for safe access for humanitarian workers, the removal of bureaucratic obstacles to swift delivery of aid, the rebuilding of Gazas shattered infrastructure and funding to meet the immense needs. In Israel, thousands of people filled a square in Tel Aviv that has become a focus of the campaign to bring home the hostages. Many sang and danced as they waved Israeli and American flags. It feels like we can finally see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel we have all been walking through, said Einav Kahila, a 25-year-old student who travelled from Jerusalem. Theres a lot of anxiety, also, because were always feeling unsure or insecure about the situation. But the people that came here today chose to be on the side of optimism. Einav Zaugauker rejoiced at the prospect of freedom for her son Matan, one of the last hostages. I cant breathe, I cant breathe, I cant explain what Im feeling its crazy, she said. In Gaza, Ola Al-Nazli, 47, said she had learned of the ceasefire from her neighbours in al-Muwasi, a crowded and squalid coastal strip where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by successive Israeli offensives have sought shelter. I did not know how to feel, whether to be happy or sad. We have experienced this many times before, and each time we were disappointed again, so this time fear and caution are stronger than ever, said al Nazli, who was forced to leave her home in Gaza City by the recent Israeli offensive there. Everyone lives in tents that do not protect from the cold or from the bombing. Those who had money or work lost everything. That is why our happiness is incomplete, mixed with pain I only hope that we can live in safety, not hear the sound of bombs again, not be forced to move from one place to another, and that the crossings [into Gaza from Israel] will open soon. Successful completion of the deal would mark the biggest foreign policy achievement so far for Trump, who took office in January promising to quickly end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, only to be confronted with obstacles and complexities he had apparently not foreseen. Senior envoys from the US, Qatar and Turkey had joined the talks in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm-el-Sheikh this week, apparently adding momentum to discussions launched on Monday. Trump sent his son-in-law Jared Kushner and the special envoy Steve Witkoff. Both were reported to have arrived in Israel on Thursday night. Negotiators have closed gaps between Hamas and Israel over the details of the first phase of the 20-point plan announced by Trump, but it is unclear whether the parties had even discussed thornier questions, such as how Hamas will be disarmed, as Israel has demanded, and the eventual governance of Gaza. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan on Thursday told Qatar-based broadcaster Al Araby the Palestinian militant group rejects Trumps proposal for an interim Board of Peace to oversee Gazas administration, headed by the US president himself. Though huge challenges remain, the agreement nonetheless brings the two sides closer than any previous effort to halt a war that evolved into a regional conflict, drawing in countries such as Iran, Yemen and Lebanon, and reshaping the Middle East. In recent days, Israel reduced the intensity of its military campaign. Gaza medical authorities reported eight people were killed in Israeli strikes on Wednesday. Even if aid surges in, through the UN and the Red Crescent as specified under Trumps plan, hundreds of thousands will still not have enough food or shelter. About 1,200, mostly civilians, were killed in the Hamas attacks of October 2023 and 251 taken hostage. Israels retaliatory offensive has killed more than 67,000, mostly civilians, and reduced much of Gaza to rubble. Agence France-Presse, the Associated Press and Reuters contributed reporting The King and the Prince of Wales have enjoyed a rare public night out together to mark the countdown to the COP30 climate conference in Brazil. As the father and son arrived at London's Natural History Museum for the 'Countdown to COP30: mobilising action for climate and nature', it was confirmed that Prince William will attend the leaders' gathering in Belem on behalf of King Charles. William was already due to fly to Rio de Janeiro on 3 November for the Earthshot Awards. He will then travel to Belem on 6 November for the COP30 world leaders' summit. Historically, the King has delivered numerous keynote speeches at the UN Climate Crisis conference, both as Prince of Wales and monarch. Arriving together at the Natural History Museum, the two men - who share a passion for the environment - seemed in their element, with the event bringing together changemakers tackling climate change and nature loss. Speaking to Prince William, the deputy prime minister David Lammy and Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, appeared to be telling the prince how delighted they were that he was attending the climate conference in three weeks' time. William's global profile will be a significant boost for the UK's presence at the summit. Read more from Sky News: Princess of Wales: Phones creating 'epidemic of disconnection' Ex-Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood charged with four counts of rape The King and William also met the Brazilian ambassador to the UK, Antonio de Aguiar Patriota, and minister of health, Alexandre Padilha, who were representing the COP30 host nation. At the end of the evening, William appeared to have waited to say goodbye to his father, as the King was happily deep in conversation with one of the attendees, but eventually, with an affectionate hand on the shoulder, William said his farewells. Kiss rock star Gene Simmons is recovering after he fainted while driving along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, and crashed his SUV into a parked car, authorities said. Simmons, a co-founder and bassist for the band, was evaluated at a hospital on Tuesday before being released. He posted on social media that he was doing well. Thanks, everybody, for the kind wishes. Im completely fine. I had a slight fender bender. It happens. Especially to those of us were horrible drivers. And thats me. All is well. Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) October 8, 2025 Thanks, everybody, for the kind wishes. Im completely fine. I had a slight fender bender. It happens, Simmons said on X. The 76-year-olds SUV crossed several lanes before hitting a parked car along the highway, agencies that responded to the crash told several media outlets. Simmons was then transported to hospital, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department said. Kiss retired from half a century of touring in 2023, but Simmons and his bandmates plan to play in November at a special event in Las Vegas. In August, US President Donald Trump announced that Kiss will be among this years Kennedy Centre honorees. Louis Tomlinson has revealed Niall Horan informed him about the death of the pairs former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne, saying we all looked up to him. The 33-year-old said Payne had been pushing for a reunion of the band, which also included Harry Styles and Zayn Malik. Payne died at the age of 31 in October last year after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina. Speaking to host Steven Bartlett on The Diary Of A CEO podcast, Tomlinson said he was in Los Angeles when he first heard of Paynes death. In the car, in LA. I found out through Niall, he said, telling Bartlett the news evoked a similar reaction to when his sister Felicite died of an accidental drug overdose in 2019. Former One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson (Ian West/PA) I had the same feeling that I had with Felicite, and I think anyone has this when theyre around someone whos struggling; my 150 per cent wasnt nearly enough. And thats when its my own arrogance thinking that I could have helped really, because it was so much deeper than what I could have done for him. He was definitely struggling at that time in his life. A post-mortem examination report said Payne died of multiple traumas and internal and external haemorrhage after falling from a third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires. At the time, Tomlinson shared an Instagram post in which he said he was beyond devastated to have lost a brother. When I put up my post about him, I really wanted him to be remembered the way that he should be remembered, Tomlinson told Bartlett. I could just go on and talk all day about how amazing he was, but I think we all looked up to him. Tomlinson also revealed that Payne had been campaigning for a One Direction reunion, but he said it would not feel right. Never say never but Im just not sure it would be right to (Payne), Tomlinson said. Say for the sake of argument, 25 years time, its like a f****** Oasis thing, they offer us an arm and a leg, and theyre like, Come back and do this many shows, I dont know. (left to right) Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles and Niall Horan (Joe Giddens/PA) (Paynes death) just completely put a pin in all of that. And the irony is, there was no one campaigning for One Direction to get back more than Liam. I would say I came in a close second. A court in Argentina dropped charges in February of criminal negligence against three out of the five people who had been charged in connection with Paynes death. At the Brit Awards in March he was remembered with a video montage which showed him with his family and a clip from his time on The X Factor and then with One Direction, who won seven gongs at the music awards before they split up. After his band went on hiatus Payne released his debut solo album LP1 in December 2019, which included the songs Polaroid with Lennon Stella and Jonas Blue, and Strip That Down featuring Quavo, as well as the track For You with Rita Ora. Madeleine McCanns sister tells trial of woman claiming to be missing sibling: I always knew she wasnt Madeleine Madeleine McCanns sister has told a court she always knew that a woman who claimed to be the missing girl was not her sibling. Amelie McCann received a string of messages from Julia Wandelt in which she insisted she was her missing sister, who vanished without a trace from a holiday resort in Portugal in 2007. Ms Wandelt, 24, from Lubin in south-west Poland, is accused of stalking Kate and Gerry McCann, causing serious alarm or distress between June 2022 and February this year. Giving evidence remotely at Leicester Crown Court, Amelie said it was creepy and distressing when Ms Wandelt sent her messages detailing apparent flashbacks she had from their childhood. These included requests for a DNA test and alleged recollections from their childhood such as playing Ring-A-Ring-A-Roses with other children. Ms Wandelt also sent images of herself which were clearly altered or edited to make it look more like her, the court heard. Court artist sketch of Amelie McCann giving evidence via video link to Leicester Crown Court (PA) It is quite disturbing that shes coming up with these supposed memories even though shes not Madeleine, Amelie said. However, she said she did not want Ms Wandelt - who denies stalking - to get a DNA test. Asked why, Madeleines sister continued: Because I always knew that she wasnt Madeleine, so I didnt need to do one and the, not guidance, but the people around me didnt think it was appropriate either for her to get a DNA test. There was a sound of desperation in the messages, Amelie said, noting she blocked her on a number of online platforms. Asked how the messages made her feel, she added: It makes me feel quite uncomfortable because it is quite creepy she is giving those details and trying to play with my emotions. Three-year-old Madeleine McCann vanished from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007 (PA) The daughter told jurors the alleged stalking took a toll on her mother, who was targeted the most. She said Kate McCann was stressed and on edge after Ms Wandelt visited her family home, calling it an invasion of their privacy. It definitely took a toll on her and her wellbeing because all the time her phone would be going off and it would be Julia, she added. Its upsetting when someones begging you to believe them and playing with your emotions to the point you are questioning yourself and doubting yourself. My mum really struggled with that her saying Im your daughter. Amelies twin brother Sean said he found Ms Wandelts claims hurtful and deeply disturbing. I find it disrespectful that shes making this claim and getting a lot of attention and support for it, he said in a statement read to the court. The fact Julia has no regard for how we feel about her claims is hurtful. He added: I do not believe she is my sister. The fact Julia is doing this has caused me a great deal of stress and I find it deeply disturbing. Kate and Gerry McCann gave evidence at Leicester Crown Court on Wednesday (PA) Prosecutors allege Ms Wandelt repeatedly contacted Madeleines parents in a string of messages and phone calls and turned up at their address, on one occasion begging please dont give up on your daughter. She is accused of bombarding the mother with 60 calls and messages in one day, the trial heard. Kate and Gerry each gave emotional evidence from behind a curtain on Wednesday as they spoke of impact of the incessant contact from Ms Wandelt. The 24-year-old called Kate mum when she turned up at their home in Rothley, Leicestershire, in December last year with Karen Spragg, 61, from Cardiff, the court heard. Wandelt sobbed and shouted why are you doing this to me? from the dock as the mother told jurors about the distressing confrontation. Karen Spragg denies stalking Kate and Gerry McCann (PA) Gerry claimed the alleged stalking had damaged efforts to find his daughter, adding: It has many effects we dont know what happened to Madeleine, theres no evidence to say shes dead. We really hope, and we know its only a glimmer, that Madeleine is alive. When so many people claim to be our missing daughter, it inevitably pulls your heartstrings, but theres wider effect that is more damaging. Opening the crowns case on Monday, prosecutor Michael Duck KC told jurors that there was unequivocal scientific evidence that Ms Wandelt has no familial link to the McCanns. Ms Wandelt and Ms Spragg, of Caerau Court Road in Caerau, Cardiff, both deny stalking the parents. The trial continues. New plan to boost fight against hepatitis 08:32, October 09, 2025 By Wang Xiaoyu ( China Daily China aims to strengthen newborn vaccination against hepatitis A and B and reduce the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen in children under 5 to 0.2 percent by 2030, compared to around 0.3 percent at present, according to an action plan released recently. Meanwhile, the diagnosis rate for chronic hepatitis B patients and the antiviral treatment rate for newly reported patients will both reach at least 80 percent by 2030, said the document released by the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration and eight other government departments. China had about 120 million carriers of hepatitis B an infection linked to a higher risk of chronic liver disease and liver cancer in the early 1990s. Since 1992, the nation has been administering hepatitis B vaccines to newborns. The vaccine was included in the national immunization program in 2002, followed by the addition of the hepatitis A vaccine in 2008. Health authorities recently said that mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B is on track for elimination, while the spread of hepatitis B and C through blood transfusion has been essentially blocked. The plan is aimed at further bolstering the fight against the infectious disease, especially the most common type of hepatitis B that still affects about 75 million people nationwide. By 2030, the full-course vaccination coverage rate for hepatitis A and B vaccines among children should remain consistently at or above 95 percent and the mother-to-child transmission rate of hepatitis B should be reduced to 1 percent or below. The plan stipulates that nursery care centers, kindergartens and schools should strictly inspect vaccination certifications of children upon enrollment. For adults, efforts will be made to promote immunization against hepatitis B for high-risk groups, such as frequent recipients of blood products, individuals with weakened immunity, family members and sexual partners of infected people. To achieve elimination of mother-to-child transmission, healthcare institutions are required to provide hepatitis B testing for all pregnant women as early as possible and offer standardized antiviral treatment to infected individuals. Newborns of infected mothers should receive the hepatitis B vaccines and immunoglobulin injections within 12 hours after birth. Regular follow-up examinations should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. The action plan also called for the use of information technologies and encouraging voluntary testing to detect undiagnosed cases. "Those testing positive will be offered services to confirm diagnosis and antiviral treatment. Patients who cannot be managed locally should be transferred to other venues promptly," it said. To improve access to standardized treatment, the document requires healthcare institutions to carry out pretreatment testing and treatment eligibility assessment for infected people and mobilize them to undergo standardized antiviral therapy. "Efforts should be made to explore internet-based diagnosis and treatment models, along with medicine delivery services, as well as offer health education and counseling to patients and their family members so as to enhance treatment compliance and outcomes," it said. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Zhong Wenxing) by Jeroen Bouterse In Timur Vermes best-selling novel Er ist wieder da (Hes back), Adolf Hitler wakes up in Berlin. Somewhat disoriented after discovering the year is 2011, he soon finds his way to the public eye again: he is understandably regarded as a skilled Hitler impersonator, an excellent ironic act for a 21st-century comedy show. His handlers dont mind the fact that he never breaks character. Clips make it to YouTube, and the Fuhrer becomes a beloved persona. After humiliating the ineffectual leader of a far-right fringe party, he is assaulted by skinheads. Politicians express their sympathies, a book deal follows. The novel ends with its main character at the head of an up-and-coming party, whose slogan is: Es war nicht alles schlecht it wasnt all bad. Vermes puts Hitler in a Germany that believes it is finally able to laugh at him, or at itself through him. Commercial media encourage his popularity, which at first seems tongue-in-cheek but gradually turns out to be more than that. The country is unprepared for his literal-minded and violent racist madness and for the traction it subtly gathers, the threads in our own discourse that it starts to pull on again. Everyone thinks they know Hitler, but fails to recognize him when he is among us now. I thought of this story again as I read historian Alec Ryries new book The Age of Hitler and How We Will Survive It. Ryries thesis is that after the Second World War, the Atlantic and European world placed Hitler at the center of the Western value system (as its negative mirror image). This went at the cost of another historical figure, whose return we have similarly stopped expecting: in the nineteenth and early twentieth century, Jesus had represented a moral authority that was deeply felt not just by Christians, but also by free-thinkers and atheists. In the mid-twentieth century, Nazism became the new moral absolute. This model lasted for decades, but Ryrie discerns a new cultural shift, one that is happening now. With the age of Atlantic hegemony, the age of Hitler is coming to an end too. What lies beyond it is still up for grabs. We will be alone Ryrie is tentatively optimistic about what the next synthesis could be, even though his own moral intuitions and sensibilities are fully of the age of Hitler. I feel in my bones, he writes, the conviction that Nazism is the modern embodiment of evil. [] So the prospect of those bedrock values shifting beneath our feet is frightening. But it is plainly happening. One of the things that make Ryrie such a perceptive cultural historian is that he is contextualizing and historicizing his own deepest commitments. Even as a Christian, he observes, the narrative of Christs self-sacrifice does not affect him with the same immediacy as stories set against the narrative of the true religion of our culture: the Second World War. That war is red-shifting, receding into the past, both because of the simple passage of time and because of the cultural and political changes that are reshaping our present. The prospect that we lose our connection with it indeed frightens me. I often think of words Angela Merkel spoke in 2018: We will be alone, the generations born after the Second World War. The then-chancellor warned the German Bundestag that there would be ever fewer Zeitzeugen people who had experienced the Nazi regime firsthand (literally time-witnesses). We would have to draw our lessons for ourselves. The political context was a controversy over the United Nations Global Compact for Migration. Merkel reminded her audience that one of the causes of the Second World War had been the failure of international cooperation after the First, and that both the United Nations and the original treaties for the protection of refugees had grown in the aftermath of the war that Germany started. Her appeal to what Ryrie calls the sacred story could still count on the support of a large majority, but not on that of the representatives of a new far-right party. The Alternative fur Deutschland opposed the Migration Pact, and found Germanys fretting over the past unnecessary. Direct attacks on the sacred story by some of its leaders the Holocaust monument in Berlin was a disgrace; not all members of the SS had been criminals mostly failed to gain traction. Those incursions were obvious, and broadly and easily condemned. Refugee migration proved to be a more effective wedge issue: even mainstream parties came to see the internationalism and respect for human rights at the core of the Wests self-definition as a bit of a burden. Shortly before the 2025 federal elections, front-runner Friedrich Merz tested the taboo against relying on far-right votes in the Bundestag, accepting their support for a motion demanding stricter immigration laws. He was immediately faced with large-scale protests and criticized by fellow Christian Democrats. He also went on to win the elections and become the current chancellor but the cordon sanitaire had held for now. To me, both episodes are evidence that the values of the age of Hitler are worth affirming: though their hold on public opinion and politics has weakened considerably, they still function to keep dangerous forces at bay. Ryries argument is interesting because he takes seriously the rise of anti-democratic and nationalistic politics monsters that we were told had stakes driven through their hearts stir and shamble back into life. At the same time, he is looking at the end of the post-war era in an almost welcoming way: it is indeed time to leave the age of Hitler behind us. Why? Pure evil One reason is that Ryrie believes the lessons we have taken from the Second World War come with significant flaws and blind spots. For one, National Socialism has driven other and older crimes to the periphery of our vision: imperialism, slavery, or present-day forms of oppression that dont look similar enough to that of the Nazis. On the Left, a wider view of racial oppression and other forms of exclusion, encompassing more historical reference points, is now gradually decentering the genocide committed by the Nazis. Ryrie is not sure how to think about that, but suggests it is not necessarily a bad thing. This progressive push for inclusion fits within the logic of the era of human rights, although Ryrie suspects it may have divided and weakened that consensus. It is one reason he believes a new synthesis between progressive values and older, conservative or religious values is necessary. Ryrie also sees risks in taking your world-historical lessons from a world-historically exceptional constellation. We know that appeasement failed in the 1930s, and it has become tempting to err on the side of escalation instead. As a Brit, the Suez crisis, the Falklands War, and the invasion of Iraq in 2003 come to Ryries mind as does the entire Cold War. He sees the logic of anti-appeasement in the response to Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine, too. We are always convinced that whoever is given an inch will go on to take a mile, because our main mental model is the memory of the 1930s. There are good reasons to deter or punish aggression, and Ryrie does not mean to leave Ukraine to its fate; but in our obsession with Hitler, we forget how unusual his maximalist ambitions were. The Second World War was also atypical in resulting in complete and unconditional surrender and the acceptance of the post-war order by the defeated country. One of the lessons drawn was that evil can be defeated by force if you oppose it wholeheartedly enough. This, too, is often not the case; and the idea that violence is a good thing, provided the aims are noble, has been applied too eagerly to Ryries taste. The West needs to remember that wars generally dont purify, but poison. Like Thomas Wells did on this website a few years ago, Ryrie even asks whether even the American Civil War was worth it, intolerable though the institution of slavery was. We have, in Ryries eyes, centered something in our narrative that, even though it may sometimes be the lesser evil, is still intrinsically evil. We have done so because war was what vanquished what we conceive of as the worst evil: Hitler. In replacing Jesus with Hitler as our moral reference point, we have replaced a positive exemplar with a negative one. We have also personified evil, and think of it as pure: there are baddies and they need to be beaten. But here Ryries historical sermon borrows a little bit from his theology evil is hardly ever pure. It is often impersonal, and hardly ever embodied in something or someone that you can just kill. When even during Covid, the primary historical paradigm for a coordinated response to a deadly threat remained the Second World War, it hardly helped to make the correct calls. Transcending the culture wars? There is a dialectical logic to Ryries cultural history: Christianity-centered ethics failed to prevent the horrors of National Socialism, and Western culture moved away from it, towards a universalist kind of humanism that seemed a more perfect opposite of Nazi ideology. After unfolding further, this ethical system is now suffering from over-stretch, trying to achieve too much with too few allies; it is losing the culture wars. In the last two chapters, Ryrie tries to look ahead at what a new synthesis could look like. A historian of the Reformation, he knows a thing or two about deep cultural ruptures, and he believes we will find our way out: I think some sort of resolution to this struggle is almost inevitable. He addresses his last two chapters to progressive secularists and conservative traditionalists respectively. Progressive secularists need to understand how dire their situation is, and should consider tapping into older, rooted traditions Ryrie is primarily thinking of Christianity, but other options are available. Now that pluralism and universalism are weakening, we should add some serious particular commitments into the mix. We cant just hover above the world deciding how it ought to be we need to tether ourselves to it. That is, we need to attach ourselves to older wisdom and ethics, provided we do so in a reflective and critical manner. Conservative traditionalists Ryrie is thinking of Christian supporters of the politics of Trump, Orban, Meloni or Putin need to realize that these illiberal movements do not respect, but weaponize their tradition and identity. The religious Right is hollowing itself out by letting itself be more about politics than religion. It needs to regain a deeper, more confident sense of itself, to engage more with the moral lessons of the twentieth century, and to find room for humility over a my tribe right or wrong-attitude. The traditions that prosper in this century will be those which find ways of transcending the culture wars, Ryrie says. His message to progressive secularists was slightly harder for me to hear, or less convincing, than his message to conservative traditionalists; but I appreciate the honest effort. Tactically, I agree that with some open-mindedness progressives and conservatives should be able to find each other, and realize that in the long run, they have a common interest in liberal democracy. My worry is that this is not a new synthesis that can finally start taking shape, as Ryrie hopes; but rather an old and fading one. The European Union was built by coalitions of social democrats, liberals, and crucially Christian democrats. It was the shared support of these ideologies for liberal democracy that constituted the postwar consensus in the West. Their alliance belonged to the age of Hitler all along, and it is dwindling with it. In the sacred story of the rise, terror, and defeat of National Socialism, the parallels would not be with the genocide and world war in which that story ends, but with the crumbling of political support for the Weimar republic with which it begins. Hitlers takeover is historically unique, but not in a way that undermines the lessons naturally drawn from it. The story of the disintegration of democracy in Germany holds a special warning for the West: a reminder that it can happen here, that there is no necessity, no exceptionalism that immunizes us against it. If anything, those lessons remain underappreciated because Hitlers party was an outlier in many other ways, and its reign so insanely murderous. Whenever I wonder why people cant see that X or Y is exactly like 1933, the correct answer is that obviously it is not exactly like that, because that is not how history works. The premise of Timur Vermes novel is openly and comically anachronistic. Literally speaking, the exact same thing cant come back. Still, in a more abstract sense, something is back. Nationalism, xenophobia, racism, the undermining of the free press, of the rule of law, of international cooperation, of fair elections, the power grab of one party through the executive branch, oppression and threats against opponents, minorities and outsiders, the unscrupulous use of lies and propaganda all of that has never been really gone, and a lot of it has become a lot more prominent in Western politics, with significant popular support. At its zenith, the age of Hitler may have served as a brake on these temptations. Now, at its end, the mental models it left us with make it harder to see the present dangers in their proper proportions. This is where Vermes fiction and Ryries history meet each other: our obsession with the story of Nazi Germany stands in the way of its own moral. We know the time and place of National Socialism too well. The proper response may indeed be to decenter it, adding more diverse, more precise historical references. Ezra Klein recently proposed to read the crackdown on left-wing speech by the Trump government in parallel not with the Nazi response to the Reichstag fire, but with the Red Scare of the 1950s. That seems like a wise suggestion. It is probably healthy, now that the old taboos are rapidly losing their force, to cease relying on them as heavily as we did. Realizing, with Ryrie, that the anti-Nazi story cannot do all the work we are asking of it, is both tactically important and culturally necessary. Ryries book is to be applauded for its self-searching and forward-looking nature; for some, it may even carry some therapeutic value. For myself, I realized rather how attached I remain to the age whose end Ryrie is heralding. I am grieving for what we are losing, and worried about what is ahead. That new synthesis had better come soon. A trial of two women accused of stalking the family of Madeleine McCann is taking place in Leicester this week. Three-year-old Madeleine vanished from the family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in Portugal on May 3, 2007, and this case throws a fresh spotlight on the McCann family parents Kate and Gerry, and twins Amelie and Sean, a champion freestyle swimmer, who is being tipped to compete in the next Olympics. Both Gerry and Kate have given evidence at Leicester Crown Court, describing the distressing impact the case had on the family. Today, Madeleines sister Amelie is giving evidence via videolink. Amelie, 20, and her twin brother are understood to be studying at separate universities in the north of England, having lived the majority of their lives in the shadow of their sisters tragic disappearance. Both are talented, according to their great-uncle, while parents Gerry and Kate said recently that they were grateful to be able to live a relatively normal and enjoyable life now, despite the heartbreak over their daughters absence as well as the continued speculation and suspicion they have faced over the years. Police investigating Madeleine McCann's disappearance are set to begin a major new search in Portugal this morning. (PA) The couple, both physicians and devout Catholics, still live in the same house they lived in when Maddie disappeared a redbrick detached house in Rothley, Leicestershire and Gerry still works as a physician specialising in cardiology. From Kates frontline work during the pandemic to the twins sporting careers, heres what we know. Mother Kate McCann, 57: a former GP who wrote a moving memoir 'Developed evidence:' Kate and Gerry McCann Kate McCanns 2011 memoir Madeleine probably gave the greatest insight into some of the realities of her life since her eldest daughter vanished: that she still buys Maddie birthday and Christmas presents; that it was difficult not to be overprotective towards twins Amelie and Sean after Maddies disappearance; that she worried about the impact the disappearance would have on her marriage, particularly intimacy with her husband. "The first was my inability to permit myself any pleasure, whether it be reading a book or making love to my husband, she writes. The second stemmed from the revulsion stirred up by my fear that Madeleine had suffered the worst fate we could imagine: falling into the hands of a paedophile." She describes how these harrowing thoughts tortured her to such an extent that even the idea of sex became repulsive to her. "I worried about Gerry and me. I worried that if I didn't get our sex life on track our whole relationship would break down." The book also describes how her strong Catholic faith was tested by Maddies disappearance, and how quit her job as a GP because she didnt want her twins to be left alone with child carers and because she wanted to focus her attention on the search. She did, however, return to the NHS during the Covid pandemic in 2021, working on the frontline in local Leicester hospitals and saying she was pleased to be "doing her little bit to help" as the city battled with soaring hospital admissions. Today Kate, now 57, works with sufferers of dementia, and is an ambassador for the charity Missing People. We miss our complete family of five, she said recently, in her ambassador role for the charity. Father Gerry McCann, 57: a heart specialist still working at the University of Leicester Kate and Gerry McCann, whose daughter Madeleine disappeared from a holiday flat in Portugal more than a decade ago (Joe Giddens/PA) (PA Archive) Gerry, 57, is a physician by trade, like his wife, and currently works as a research professor in experimental medicine and a professor of cardiac imaging. According to his bio on the University of Leicester website, he is a heart specialist with a subspecialist interest in MRI scanning, who conducts experimental research in people to better understand heart disease. His CV includes various high-profile positions, including working as the Cardiovascular theme lead for NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, the immediate past-chair of the British Society of Cardiovascular MRI research group, and lead of the PhOSP-COVID cardiovascular working group and East Midlands Cardiovascular Clinical Research network. He and his wife, who met as junior doctors in Glasgow in 1993 and married five years later, have both spoken of trying to live a normal and busy life to cope with the disappearance of their daughter, and their efforts to help their children do the same. I am certainly more protective than I was, but you cant mollycoddle them, he has said of raising the twins. They have to be independent. What happened to us is incredibly rare. Sister Amelie McCann, 20: a popular Durham University student who has competed in triathlons Gerry, Kate and Amelie McCann remember Madeleine on the 16th anniversary of her disappearance (Terry-Harris.com / SplashNews.com) Its nice that everyone is here together, but its a sad occasion. These were the words Amelie McCann Madeleines younger sister, who was just two years old when she went missing said when she spoke publicly about her sisters disappearance for the first time two years ago. The then-18-year-old was speaking at a vigil to mark the 16th anniversary of her sibling going missing, with around 70 people gathered near their village of Rothley, Leicestershire, in May 2023. She was seen lighting a candle for her sister and other missing children, and joined others in reading mantras including never, never give up, leave no stone unturned, and still missing, still missed. The now 20-year-old is currently studying at university in the north of England Durham, according to her LinkedIn page where she is reportedly popular, outgoing and sporty having competed in cross country and triathlon events growing up. According to her great-uncle Brian Kennedy, her parents couldn't be prouder. Kate and Gerry are pleased with their achievements, and the fact that they are making their own way in life, he said recently. Indeed, Amelie and her twin brother Sean have lived the vast majority of their lives in the shadow of their older sisters tragic disappearance. They were just two years old when Madeleine went missing in 2007 reports say Kate checked the children at 10pm to find Maddie had disappeared but the twins were still sleeping soundly in their cots. She reportedly once told her mother: Mummy's sad because Madeleine is not here. But Amelie is here, and Amelie and Sean will always be here.'" More recently, Kate said of the 20-year-old and her brother Sean: "They have their own friends and they keep busy and they're really sporty but their only wish is for their big sister to come home. Brother Sean McCann, 20: a competitive swimmer being tipped for the 2028 Olympics Sean McCann competing in the 2023 Youth Commonwealth Games (Getty Images for Commonwealth Sp) Amelies twin brother Sean, also 20, has long been understood to be a champion freestyle swimmer he began competing at the age of eight but it was last month it was revealed he was being tipped to represent Scotland at next year's Commonwealth Games and could even be selected to compete for Team GB at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. This wouldnt be the first time Sean has competed in the spotlight. He represented Scotland at the 2023 Youth Commonwealth Games, taking part in the 400 and 1500m Freestyle finals, and is part of the countrys National Open Water Development Squad for open water swimming. "At the age of ten, I was selected to swim at City of Leicester, and I have since gone on to win multiple county titles, as well as becoming regional and national champion in my age group, he recently wrote on a local website. In order to have achieved this, I have had to remain extremely dedicated, getting up at 4am multiple mornings each week to train. He currently trains at the University of Loughborough, where he is studying chemical engineering. He is close with his family, reportedly once telling his mother When you're old, me and Amelie will look for Madeleine. A man who was arrested and released without charge over the Manchester synagogue attack has been rearrested at the city's airport. The 30-year-old was detained at 12.34pm on Thursday on suspicion of failing to disclose information about an act of terrorism, said Greater Manchester Police. The unnamed suspect had been arrested on 2 October on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism following the terror attack in Crumpsall last week. Following his rearrest at Manchester Airport on Thursday, the man has since been released on bail with conditions. It has now been revealed that last Thursday, 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie called 999 during his deadly rampage, pledging allegiance to the so-called Islamic State terror group. He drove his car at Jews gathering at the Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue for the holy day of Yom Kippur, then attacked others with a knife and tried to storm the synagogue, wearing a fake suicide belt, before armed police shot him dead. Father-of-three Melvin Cravitz, 66, was killed in the attack, along with Adrian Daulby, 53, who was believed to have been inadvertently shot by police as he ran to block the synagogue doors to stop al Shamie getting inside to continue his knife rampage. Read more: The father of Jihad al Shamie calls for unity How attacker became radicalised On Wednesday, the police watchdog said it had found no evidence of misconduct in the police's actions. But the three Greater Manchester Police officers who fired their weapons are being treated as witnesses and the case remains under review, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said. Counter-terror police believe al Shamie, a Syrian-born UK citizen, was influenced by extremist Islamist ideology. Despite claiming to act on behalf of Islamic State, MI5 has reportedly been unable to establish any links between al Shamie and the terror group or other proscribed organisations. Counter-terror police initially arrested six people in connection with the attack, releasing two without charge on Saturday. The four others arrested were released without charge on Wednesday, a day ahead of one's rearrest. Young mother Vivienne Baraka was found dead in Ealing (Met Police) A man has been charged with murder almost 19 months after a woman was found dead at an address in Ealing. Officers from Met Police were called to Riverside Close in Ealing on March 26 last year following reports raising concerns for the welfare of a woman. Upon arrival at the scene, officers and paramedics from London Ambulance Service found a 35-year-old woman with serious injuries. Despite their best efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman was later named as a young mother, Vivienne Baraka. A post-mortem examination showed she had died from compression to the neck. Paying tribute to Vivienne, her family said: Vivienne had an infectious smile, was a mother, sister, daughter and was a bubbly person who was full of life. Vivienne was outgoing and loved to support her family, friends and community. The family continues to struggle with her untimely departure and aren't sure if time will ever bring solace or healing after she was taken too soon from us. Viviennes family are being supported by specialist officers. Alvin Githai, 43, of Uxbridge Road, in Ealing, was charged with murder on Wednesday, October 8 almost 19 months after Vivienne was found dead. He is set to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates Court today. Githai was arrested at the scene before being released under investigation. He was re-arrested on Wednesday and later charged. Hugh Quarshie (Andy), Susan Sarandon (Mary Page Marlowe) in Mary Page Marlowe at The Old Vic (2025) ( Manuel Harlan) Oscar-winner Susan Sarandon makes a scanty but impactful and democratic London stage debut here. Shes the eldest of five actresses (plus one doll) playing a woman glimpsed at different stages of life in Tracy Lettss well-crafted, prismatic play. Her three scenes take up around 15 minutes of the shows 100-minute exploration of the titular, more-or-less Catholic Ohio accountant, and they have a warm, elegiac understatement. Its an undeniable thrill to see the star of Rocky Horror, Thelma and Louise and Dead Man Walking in the flesh and close up Matthew Warchuss in-the-round production puts her almost in touching distance of the first three rows. But Sarandon deftly serves the play and the ensemble rather than dominating the event. The fireworks go to a shifty, slippery Rosy McEwen and a wracked and haunted Andrea Riseborough who play the title character from her later 20s to the age of 50, as a wife, mother, adulteress, divorcee and alcoholic. Mary Page, born to a traumatised World War Two veteran, is constantly pigeonholed by society or the men around her. Alisha Weir (in her first stage role) and Eleanor Worthington-Cox show us the character as a malleable pre-teen and a watchful 19-year-old student desperate to escape convention. The doll represents Mary Page as a baby, absorbing her parents acrimony and secrecy by osmosis. Hugh Quarshie (Andy), Susan Sarandon (Mary Page Marlowe) in Mary Page Marlowe at The Old Vic (2025) (Manuel Harlan) The play is not as profound as it thinks it is and certainly doesnt approach the brutal majesty of Lettss Tony and Pulitzer winning domestic tragicomedy August: Osage County. But it is a subtle and elegantly constructed piece of work. Each of its eleven scenes stand alone as dramatic snapshots of a life, but each informs the others. We connect threads, yet well only ever have a partial picture of Mary Page, as we do of pretty much everyone. Things are not what they appear to be, says a fellow student, casting her tarot. Telling a palliative care nurse about her job, Sarandons final version of Mary Page says its rare for all the numbers to add up. Even a woman who considers herself unexceptional will have unknowable depths. The play opens with Riseboroughs version of the character, aged 40, telling her kids Wendy and Louis that she and their father Sonny are divorcing. Then comes the easy comedy of the college tarot scene. And then, OMG, its her Sarandon, playing a comfily-clad and easygoing retiree, but those eyes, that bone structure and that presence are riveting. Her Mary Page banters with third husband Andy (Hugh Quarshie) while they eat pasta and watch Hugh Laurie in House. Intrigue creeps in, along with an eloquently small gamut of emotion from Sarandon, as we learn that Mary Page went to prison for something that required her to pee in a cup and not leave the state. Ronan Raftery (Dan), Rosy McEwen (Mary Page Marlowe) in Mary Page Marlowe at The Old Vic (2025 (Manuel Harlan) We never see Sonny but later we see McEwens MPM explain to a shrink why she cheats on him (shame guilt power). Then we watch her trying to extricate herself from an impulsive tryst she apparently initiated with her manager. Riseboroughs Mary Page has a spectacular screaming match with interim husband Ray about her self-destructiveness, the main reason for which is revealed late, and clumsily. Theres glibness in Mary Pages repeated hankering for Paris, when even Kentucky feels alien. And in the symbol of an American quilt a patchwork by many women that tops and tails the show. The large supporting cast acquit themselves well, mostly in cameos, in Warchuss polished production. Theres not much of a set but the costumes pleated stonewashed jeans, velour track pants, rainbow sneaker-laces neatly signify era and place. This is an elegant, bittersweet ensemble piece, inspired by the death of Lettss mother and informed by his sensitivity as a Tony-nominated actor. It gives Riseborough and McEwan lots to chew on. And after scenes as a twinkly elder and a dying sardonic crone, the 79-year-old Sarandon reappears at the end as a 59-year-old Mary Page, careworn but upbeat and absolutely radiant. Pretty amazing. To 1 Nov, oldvictheatre.com. First Lady Melania Trump is already getting into the holiday spirit. Years after she was recorded complaining about her preparations for Christmas, Melania is preparing for her first holiday season back in the White House since her husband, President Donald Trump, was re-elected in November 2024. On Wednesday, the First Ladys X account posted a five-second clip of Melania placing a gold ornament on a gold-themed table-scape. Christmas meeting in the @WhiteHouse, the video was captioned. An official theme and an unveiling date have not yet been revealed. The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment. Christmas meeting in the @WhiteHouse pic.twitter.com/58NXq6Rdri Office of the First Lady (@FirstLadyOffice) October 8, 2025 Throughout the presidents first term, Melania was widely criticized for her holiday decorations, as her red trees in 2018 were panned for appearing to be covered in blood. That same year, a conversation was recorded by one of her friends, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, in which she complained about her decorating responsibilities. Im working ... my ass off at Christmas stuff that you know, who gives a f**k about Christmas stuff and decoration? she can be heard saying in the clip, which was leaked to CNN in 2020. But I need to do it, right? Correct? OK, and then I do it, and I say that Im working on Christmas and planning for the Christmas and they said, Oh, what about the children that, they were separated? Give me a f**king break, she added, likely referring to a visit to the southern border she made to see children who had been separated from their parents. The first lady was previously criticized for decorating the White House with red trees, which people claimed they appeared covered in blood (AFP/Getty) The president has previously spoken about the backlash his wife received about her holiday decorations while visiting the First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas in 2021. She would make the most beautiful Christmas decorations, he said about his wife. And I remember she made these magnificent red trees, and the media said, Oh, thats terrible. I said, Honey, next time, try white. She made magnificent, remember, the most beautiful youve ever seen, white trees? And they said, Oh, thats terrible. I said the next time, lets do it more traditional. Lets go with green, he added. We went with beautiful green trees, and they said: Why wouldnt you make them white like they used to be? But Ill tell you what, shes loved all over, and shes got a tremendous heart, and she says hello, he said. Earlier this year, in August, it was announced in a press release that Melania was looking for talented musical groups including school bands, choirs, and holiday-themed entertainers to volunteer to perform in Washington, DC, on eight specific dates in December during the holiday open houses at the White House. In addition, Melania was looking for volunteers to help decorate the White House for the Christmas season. Both performers and decorating volunteers are responsible for their travel accommodations and personal expenses in DC. Along with open houses, the White House hosts a National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony every year, with celebrities headlining. The Met Police has imposed conditions to separate protesters marking a week since the Manchester synagogue terror attack and pro-Palestine activists. A protest organised by the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) will begin in Whitehall at 7pm on Thursday, marking a week since the terror attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester. Father-of-three Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed during the attack last Thursday. Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, rang 999 during his deadly rampage, pledging allegiance to the so-called Islamic State terror group. He drove his car at Jews gathering for the holy day of Yom Kippur then attacked others with a knife and tried to storm the synagogue, wearing a fake suicide belt, before being shot dead by armed police. Police clash with pro-Palestine protesters last month (James Manning/PA Wire) It comes after a vigil was held earlier on Thursday outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue where dozens of local Jews, some with arms linked or hugging, paid tribute to the victims. Ahead of the CAA protest in central London, the Met Police said it will have officers nearby to keep attendees safe and to respond to any incidents. The force said on Thursday it had also become aware of plans by a number of pro-Palestinian groups to also gather in Whitehall at the same time as the CAA protest. The Met explained that while there was no indication that the pro-Palestinian protests will directly counter the CAA, it is our judgement that the coming together of large groups with opposing views in the same location poses a risk of serious disorder. Public Order Act conditions have been introduced to prevent anyone taking part in the pro-Palestinian protests from assembling in a specific area around Whitehall. Further conditions have also been imposed to prevent the pro-Palestine protesters from gathering around Great Portland Street and Portland Place as it is close to a synagogue. The Met warned anyone breaching the conditions or encouraging others to do so could be arrested. It comes as police are to be given greater powers to restrict protests by allowing them to consider the cumulative impact of repeated demonstrations. The measures follow frequent pro-Palestinian demonstrations, including in London last Saturday, despite calls for restraint following the synagogue attack. Almost 500 people were arrested, the majority for supporting the banned terror organisation Palestine Action. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said repeated large-scale protests had caused considerable fear for the Jewish community. 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 to impose conditions on public processions and assemblies. More than 1,000 people crossed the English Channel in small boats on Wednesday, figures from the Home Office show. There were 1,075 migrants who crossed the Channel on 15 small boats and it is the fourth time this year that more than 1,000 migrants have arrived in the country in a singe day. There were 1,195 migrants who arrived on small boats in the UK on May 31. A further 1,101 arrived on September 6 and 1,072 people arrived on September 19 - shortly after the Governments one in, one out deal with France was introduced. The latest crossings bring the total number of migrants who have arrived in small boats since the start of the year to 35,476, up a third compared to the same date in 2024. This puts 2025 on course to break the record for most arrivals in a single year. It comes as 19 migrants were sent to France as part of the Governments one in, one out migration deal brokered with the country. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said flights across the Channel were "under way and ramping up", sending migrants trying to cross into the UK by small boat a message that "if you come here illegally, you face being detained and removed, so think twice before making that journey". The 19 returns, including a flight earlier on Thursday, followed seven deportations last month. The deal means people who arrive in the UK by small boat can be detained and returned across the Channel in exchange for an equivalent number of people who applied through a safe and legal route. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is to host European allies for talks on immigration crime and security in the Western Balkans as the Government searches for ways to curb the rise in small boat crossings, it was announced on Wednesday. The Foreign Secretary will meet partners from countries including Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as European allies such as France, Germany and Italy on Thursday. Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes rift with her own party for failing to come up for a fix for the Affordable Care Acts health care marketplace amid the government shutdown is now a full-on assault after the MAGA firebrand ditched her normal outlets like Fox News, One America News Network and Newsmax to go on CNN live Thursday. The Georgia congresswoman and ardent supporter of President Donald Trump joined Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown in the left-leaning cable news giants DC studio. I dont think its something to wear political party team jerseys on, she told the hosts. I think its something that we have to address and fix. The government shutdown is now on its second week and leaders of Greenes party on Capitol Hill including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune say that Democrats are at fault for voting against a so-called clean continuing resolution to keep the government open. But Democrats want a continuing resolution to include an extension of enhanced tax credits for the Affordable Care Acts health care marketplace. Notices have already gone out to recipients of insurance on the marketplaces notifying them that their premiums could double as the tax credits expire at the end of the year. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) joined with her Democratic colleagues and broke with Republican leadership to say there needs to be a fix to prevent tax credits for the Affordable Care Act marketplace from expiring. (CNN) Greene said she is not a fan of the Affordable Care Act and talked about how businesses and patients were affected by the law signed by Barack Obama in 2010. I am a Republican and I support the president, she said. She also added that while she voted for the continuing resolution last month, she also wanted to continue working on the spending bills to fund the government throughout the fiscal year. Im getting phone calls from people that are saying if the ACA tax credits expire, they arent going to be able to have health insurance. theyre going to have to drop it, she said. Brown brought up how, as the government shutdown began, a Washington Post poll showed a plurality of Americans blamed the shutdown on Trump and Republicans on Capitol Hill and only 30 percent blamed Democrats. Im not putting the blame on the president, Im actually putting the blame on the speaker and Leader Thune in the Senate, Greene said. This should not be happening. Greene suggested that Republican leadership in the Senate should get rid of the filibuster. We control the house, we control the Senate, we have the white White House, she said. Ive been vocal saying, you know, you can use the nuclear option in the Senate. This doesnt have to be a shutdown. Republicans in the Senate have so far rebuffed overtures to remove the 60-vote barrier required for most legislation to pass. But Greene also criticized Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who responded to a tweet from Greene suggesting a foreign government try to kill her. Cruz said it suggested that she meant Israel, given Greenes criticism of the Israeli governments war in Gaza. I never said Jewish people, Im not anti-Semitic, she said. I dont hate any people, group for their identity or who they are. So that was unbelievably low for a sitting U.S. senator to say that, but what Im talking about is very real. I have a tremendous amount of death threats. its documented. In recent months, Greene has broken with her party leadership, most significantly, she joined with Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and signed their discharge petition to declassify files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Every Democrat signed on, as did two other Republicans: Reps. Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Nancy Mace of South Carolina. Democrats have criticized Johnson and House Republican leadership for not swearing in Adelita Grijalva, who won a special election and who pledged to be the 218th signature to force the legislation to go to the House floor. There is a new Democrat thats been elected that does deserve to be sworn in, her district elected her, she said. We we have other bills that we need to be passing. And if its to avoid the discharge petition, why drag this out that that is going to have 218 signatures. Despite initially being a firebrand in the House of Representatives when she initially arrived, Greene largely clinged to former House speaker Kevin McCarthy. But she has had a testy relationship with Johnson since shortly after the House GOP unanimously named him as their new speaker two years ago this month. Last year, Greene filed a motion to vacate Johnson from the speakers chair, which failed. National guard troops in Elwood, Illinois. Photograph: Jim Vondruska/Reuters Hundreds of national guard troops remained in the Chicago area as city and Illinois officials awaited a judges decision to stop Donald Trumps aggressive immigration enforcement operation in the nations third-largest city. It was still unclear where specifically the Trump administration would send the troops, who reported to an army training site south-west of Chicago that was laden with extra fencing and tarps put up to block the publics view of the facility late on Wednesday evening. As they arrived this week, trucks marked Emergency Disaster Services pulled in and out, dropping off portable toilets and other supplies. Trailers were set up in rows. The federal government has not communicated with us in any way about their troop movements, the Illinois governor, JB Pritzker, told reporters. I cant believe I have to say troop movements in an American city, but that is what were talking about here. Related: US immigration enforcement using military hardware and tactics on civilians Roughly 500 soldiers 200 from the Texas national guard and 300 from the Illinois national guard were mobilized to the city for an initial period of 60 days, according to statement issued from US Northern Command, part of the defense department, which called the operation a federal protection mission. The guard members are in the city to protect US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) buildings and other federal facilities and law enforcement personnel, according to Northern Command. A small number of troops have started protecting federal property in the Chicago area, officials told the Associated Press. Footage showed uniformed troops arriving early on Thursday morning at an Ice processing facility in the suburban community of Broadview, which has become a focal point of protests. They carried shields and what appeared to be luggage. In a statement, the village of Broadview said three vans carrying 45 members of the Texas national guard had arrived at the federal building. During their patrols, Broadview police officers observed the vans parked in the rear of 2000 25th Ave and all of the guards were sleeping. We let them sleep undisturbed. We hope that they will extend the same courtesy in the coming days to Broadview residents who deserve a good nights sleep, too, the statement said. While the deployment came as part of a crackdown threatened by Trump, in response to unsubstantiated claims that big cities run by Democrats are overwhelmed with crime, the stated mission says military would be performing ground activities to protect federal functions, personnel and property. It marks Trumps fourth deployment of national guard troops on to the streets of a major US city in as many months, following deployments in Los Angeles, Washington DC and Memphis. In all cases except Memphis, it has been against the wishes of state and city leaders. Trump repeatedly has described Chicago in hostile terms, calling it a hellhole of crime, although police statistics show significant drops in most crimes, including homicides. A judge will also have a role in determining how many boots are on the streets: a court hearing was being held on Thursday after a request by Illinois and Chicago to declare the guard deployment illegal. The state of Illinois urged April Perry, a federal judge, to order the national guard to stand down, calling the deployment a constitutional crisis. The government plowed ahead anyway, attorney Christopher Wells said. Now, troops are here. Wells arguments opened an extraordinary hearing where heavy public turnout at the downtown Chicago courthouse caused officials to open an overflow room with a video feed of the hearing. Eric Hamilton, a justice department lawyer, said the Chicago area was rife with tragic lawlessness. He discussed an incident last weekend in which a border patrol vehicle was reportedly boxed in and an agent shot a woman in response. But in a court filing, city and state lawyers say protests at the Ice building in Broadview have never come close to stopping federal immigration enforcement. The president is using the Broadview protests as a pretext, they wrote. The impending federal troop deployment in Illinois is the latest episode in a broader campaign by the presidents administration to target jurisdictions the president dislikes. Its one of several major court fights on the deployment of federal troops to American cities. Also Thursday, a federal appeals court heard arguments over whether Trump had the authority to take control of 200 Oregon national guard troops. The president had planned to deploy them in Portland, where there have been mostly small nightly protests outside an Ice building. The US district judge Karin Immergut on Saturday granted a temporary restraining order blocking the Oregon troops deployment, and on Sunday blocked the deployment of any national guard troops to the city. The case at the heart of Sundays decision was brought by the states of Oregon and California, whose national guard troops Trump had sent to Portland. Two dozen other states with a Democratic attorney general or governor signed a court filing in support of the legal challenge by California and Oregon. Twenty others, led by Iowa, backed the Trump administration. The case centers around the nearly 150-year-old Posse Comitatus Act, which 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. This is about authoritarianism. Its about stoking fear, Chicagos mayor, Brandon Johnson, said. Its about breaking the constitution that would give him that much more control over our American cities. Trump, meanwhile, sent barbs from Washington, saying on social media that Pritzker and Johnson, both Democrats, should be in jail for failing to protect federal agents during immigration enforcement crackdowns. Asked about Trumps wish to jail him, Pritzker extended his arms and told MSNBC: If you come for my people, you come through me. So come and get me. Meanwhile, the homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, said the department was doubling down by buying buildings in Chicago and also Portland for Ice personnel to operate from. Were purchasing more buildings in Chicago to operate out of. Were going to not back off, she said. In fact, were doubling down, and were going to be in more parts of Chicago in response to the people there. At the same time in Memphis, a small group of troops were helping on Wednesday with the Memphis Safe Task Force, said a state military department spokesperson who did not specify the exact role or number of the guard members. The taskforce is a collection of about a dozen federal law enforcement agencies ordered by Trump to fight crime. Tennessees Republican governor, Bill Lee, who has welcomed the guard, has said previously that he would not expect more than 150 guard members to be sent to the city. The Associated Press contributed reporting Pakistani civil and military officials attend the funeral of soldiers killed in the operation against suspected militants in Orazai, KPK province - BASIT GILANI/EPA/Shutterstock Pakistan has warned of a new war with India after 11 of its soldiers were killed by a terrorist group it claims New Delhi backs. Khawaja Asif, Pakistans defence minister, said the chances of war with India are real after an attack in the north-western Orakzai district on Wednesday in which 11 Pakistani soldiers, including two officers, were killed. Fighters linked to the Pakistan Taliban fired on the Pakistani military convoy whilst it was carrying out an intelligence operation. The Pakistani military said 19 members of Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) Pakistan were also killed. Pakistani authorities have long accused New Delhi of supporting Pakistani Taliban fighters as well as separatists in Balochistan. India denies the allegation. Mr Asifs comments threaten to reignite tensions after months of uneasy calm following a four-day exchange of air and missile strikes between the two countries in May that left dozens dead and pushed South Asia to the brink of a war. In an interview with Samaa TV, Asif said: There is a threat of armed confrontation and Pakistan is keeping its guard. Chances of war with India are real. I do not want escalation, but the risks are real, and I am not denying that. If it comes to war, God willing, we will achieve a better result than before. Asif claimed Pakistan now has more supporters and allies than it had six months ago, while accusing India of losing international goodwill after the May fighting. Khawaja Asif, Pakistans defence minister, said, if it comes to war, God willing, we will achieve a better result than before - WASEEM KHAN The Pakistani armys media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said its top commanders met in Rawalpindi to review the situation and warned India that any imaginary new normal it was trying to impose in the region would be met with a new normal of swift retributive response. The statement described recent comments by Indian political and military leaders as provocative and irresponsible, accusing them of whipping up war hysteria for political gain. The latest war of words began last week after General Upendra Dwivedi, head of the Indian army, warned Pakistan to end state-sponsored terrorism or risk losing its place on the map. Next time, India will not exercise the restraint shown during Operation Sindoor 1.0, he said, referring to the May offensive. In the operation, launched on May 7 in response to a deadly terror attack in Kashmirs Pahalgam region, India claims it destroyed nine militant camps inside Pakistan. Islamabad said 31 civilians were killed in the strikes and that India had hit homes, mosques and a power plant. In the ensuing four days, both countries exchanged missile and drone attacks across their borders. Pakistan claimed it downed six Indian warplanes, including three French-made Rafales, while India claimed to have destroyed several Pakistani air bases and at least a dozen aircraft, including U.S.-made F-16s. Both militaries on alert The fighting stopped abruptly on May 10 after US president Donald Trump announced a full and immediate ceasefire. Pakistan later nominated Mr Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, crediting him with defusing a potential nuclear confrontation. Trump also stated a number of times that he saved millions of people from annihilation in a nuclear war. Tensions have remained high ever since last week when Rajnath Singh, Indias defence minister, warned Pakistan against any aggression in the Sir Creek area, saying such an act will change both history and geography. Sir Creek, a tidal estuary separating Indias Gujarat and Pakistans Sindh province, remains a longstanding territorial dispute. As both sides trade threats, analysts warn that a new conflict could spiral faster than previous ones, especially as nationalist fervour rises in both capitals. Pakistans recent mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia, under which an attack on one would be treated as an attack on both, has added another layer of complexity to the regions fragile balance. For now, the ceasefire along the Line of Control in the Kashmir region appears to be holding. But with both militaries on alert and rhetoric hardening, fears are growing that India and Pakistan are moving close to an open war. Around 100 firefighters have battled through the early hours to contain a major blaze at a shop on a busy high street in southeast London. Fifteen fire engines were called to High Street in Penge at around 4.30am following reports of a two-storey terraced shop engulfed in flames. Dramatic footage shows crews using an aerial platform to douse the fire from above, as flames towered over nearby buildings. Photos suggest the fire has ripped through a large Poundland store. Several neighbouring businesses have been evacuated, and local residents have been urged to keep doors and windows closed due to heavy smoke. Firefighters tackle large blaze on Penge High Street (London Fire Brigade) Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been called around 4:30am to a fire on High Street in Penge. (Marcin Nowak/LNP) The fire was brought under control just before 9am. The cause of the fire is currently unknown. A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: Firefighters tackled a fire located in a two storey terraced shop, where a large part of the ground floor was alight. Operations were carried out to contain the fire to the shop, and prevent it spreading to adjacent properties. Crews are used a 32-metre turntable ladder as a water tower to help extinguish the fire from above, and the Brigade's drone team was deployed to provide the Incident Commander with a greater situational awareness of the fire. Around 25 people have been evacuated to a rest centre as a precaution from neighbouring properties, and people in the local area were advised to keep their windows and doors shut due to the smoke. There are no reports of any injuries. There is significant traffic disruption due to the number of appliances and the High Street is closed. People are advised to avoid the area. The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of ten calls reporting the fire at 0430. Crews from Beckenham, Forest Hill, Woodside, West Norwood and surrounding fire stations were mobilised to the scene, and firefighters were able to bring the fire under control by 0848. Crews will remain on scene through the day to fully extinguish any remaining hotspots. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Brigade's fire investigators. Bromley Council has said it is working to support residents who have been evacuated. Councillor Angela Page said: On behalf of local residents we are enormously grateful to the firefighters who have been at the scene of this ferocious fire, with their professional dedication and bravery once again called upon. This is a very difficult time for all those in Penge but particularly local residents who have been evacuated because of the fire. We are reaching out to support evacuated residents in what is fast moving and changing situation. High Street Penge currently remains closed, with traffic being diverted, with these arrangements in place for some time to come. Russian President Vladimir Putin has admitted that his countrys air defences were responsible for shooting down an Azerbaijan Airlines plane that crashed in Kazakhstan on Christmas Day, killing 38. Putin made the statement at a meeting with Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliev in Tajikistans capital of Dushanbe on Thursday. Both men are attending a summit of the former Soviet nations. Of course, everything that is required in such tragic cases will be done by the Russian side on compensation and a legal assessment of all official things will be given, Putin said. It is our duty, I repeat once again ... to give an objective assessment of everything that happened and to identify the true causes. Video footage taken on Thursday showed Putin and Aliyev shaking hands and smiling before the meeting, where the Russian leader spoke about the crash. Putin said the missiles fired by Russian air defences to target a Ukrainian drone exploded near the Azerbaijan Airlines plane flying from Baku as it was preparing to land in Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya. Ukrainian drones have regularly struck deep inside Russia. The Azerbaijan Airlines plane after crashing in Kazakhstan (The Administration of Mangystau Region) Until now, Putin had avoided saying that Russia had shot the plane down, but had apologised for the tragic incident in Russian airspace. Aliyev, meanwhile, criticised Moscow for trying to hush up the incident. Chechen air defences were prepared for incoming Ukrainian drones at the time of the incident. Azerbaijani government officials told Euronews immediately after the crash that there had been drone activity above Grozny. They said Flight J2-8243 was accidentally hit by fire from Russian air defences on December 25, then tried to land before crashing near Aktau airport. The pilots had asked for help from different airports in Russia, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, but were denied access to Grozny, officially due to fog. The plane crashed near Aktau after crossing the Caspian Sea. Azerbaijan said it had been hit by external interference before coming down. The crash remained under close investigation for months after a preliminary report found fragments from foreign metal objects inside the plane. It said that there was damage to the plane, including on its stabilisers, hydraulics and trim systems. A new and beautiful day is rising and now the rebuilding begins, Donald Trump told world leaders in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, heralding the success of the first phase of his peace agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the war. If the first phase sought to address the key demands of both sides namely a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of the hostages to Israel the second would focus on rebuilding the enclave in a way that guarantees lasting peace and security. Trump acknowledged on Monday that the path to peace will be winding. The phases of the deal are all a little bit mixed in with each other, he said, assuring later that elements can still be taken out of order in a positive way. The US presidents formula for peace is outlined in a 20-point plan unveiled at the end of September. The proposal contains a few short timeframes for the immediate pressures, as well as a number of more abstract commitments to the future. Israel said it accepted the terms during its presentation on 29 September. But negotiations with Hamas on phase two are ongoing, Trump said on Monday. Palestinians rally around aid trucks in Khan Yunis after the ceasefire began (AFP via Getty) Challenges to peace Trumps visit to Israel coincided with the effective completion of the first phase of the agreement. Israeli forces withdrew to an agreed line at the end of last week and ceased their fire, allowing Hamas to prepare the living hostages to be returned to Israel on Monday. Israel released around 2,000 Palestinians held in Israeli jails in exchange. Already there has been some movement on the terms. Initially, Hamas was supposed to release all 48 hostages, alive and dead, within 72 hours. Israeli families were incensed to learn on Monday that not all of the remains of deceased hostages would be returned by the deadline. Israeli sources told CNN ahead of time that Israel had assessed that Hamas might not be able to recover all the bodies by the deadline, but defence minister Israel Katz said an intentional delay would be a violation of the agreement. The ceasefire is fragile, and negotiators are adapting in real time. Perhaps intentionally, the 20-point framework does not define many hard conditions, leaving some space for discussion. Before heading to Egypt, Trump told reporters that the phases were all a little bit mixed in with each other. Later, he said, were actually in stage three and four. Its not going to be, you know, just divided down so simply, he said. We can be long advanced on some of the things that we say we're going to do. We can take them out of order in a positive way. Hostages return home to Israel on Monday after two years in Hamas captivity (AFP via Getty) Disarming Hamas and rebuilding Gaza The ceasefire that came into effect on 10 October should pave the way for the unrestricted flow of aid into Gaza via the UN and its agencies, and the Red Crescent. Access to food, water, shelter, energy and medication will be the most urgent priorities for the people of Gaza in the days that follow. The ultimate task will be to rebuild Gaza, creating more permanent installations and guaranteeing security for both the local population and the people of Israel. Jaco Cilliers, a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) official, told reporters on Tuesday that there were very good indications that countries, including the United States as well as Arab and European states, were willing to contribute to the $70bn cost of rebuilding Gaza. He estimated that the two-year war had generated at least 55 million tons of rubble. Trumps plan originally called for Hamas to lay down its weapons and disarm, making way for a transitional government until a more permanent one can step in. When Hamas agreed to return the hostages in exchange for detainees on 3 October, it also agreed to hand over power to Palestinian technocrats. It did not mention the condition to disarm. A Hamas source told the AFP news agency that disarmament was out of the question. The full withdrawal of the Israeli military is contingent upon Hamas disarming, according to the agreement, and Israeli withdrawal from the parts of the strip it currently resides in (around 53 per cent) will be necessary for a comprehensive rebuilding operation. Concerns that this could have derailed Gazas rebuilding were assuaged somewhat when Trump implied Hamas has been given approval to act as a Palestinian police force in Gaza for a period of time. Asked on Monday about reports Hamas was rearming, the US president said, they are standing because they do want to stop the problems, and theyve been open about it, and we gave them approval for a period of time. Hamas gunmen on pickup trucks escort buses carrying freed Palestinian prisoners and detainees on 13 October (AP) The International Stabilisation Force Disarmament may not be immediate. Hamas, the de facto governing authority in Gaza, has been responsible for employing some 30,000 civil servants. Trumps peace plan calls for the US to work with Arab and international partners to build a so-called International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to train and support vetted police forces in Gaza. But the vetting and redeployment of those jobs will take time. The ISF will help to maintain the ceasefire and begin the task of bringing order back to Gazas streets. It will have to allow Hamas to step back without creating a power vacuum that could allow militant groups to emerge. Details again are unclear. Diplomats told the Financial Times on Monday that the size, remit and origin of the ISF were still unknown to them. The second phase disarmament and ultimate withdrawal from the strip would determine the success or failure of the agreement, some indicated. Even in principle, the involvement of a foreign force policing Gaza remains tricky. Unless there is clear buy-in from Palestinian elements on the ground (to include Hamas, which opposes the idea), it is hard to imagine any Arab forces willing to deploy on the ground, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) assessed. Much of Gaza has been reduced to rubble by Israels two-year bombardment, and will cost a substantial amount to rebuild (AP) What comes after Hamas? The original plan describes a transitional government technocratic and apolitical managing the overall running of Gaza, overseen by an international body called the Board of Peace. The proposal suggests the interim government could be replaced by the Palestinian Authority (PA), subject to certain reforms. Mahmoud Abbas, president of the PA, attended the summit in Egypt on Monday, and a senior Palestinian official told Sir Tony Blair, pegged for a role on the Board of Peace, on Sunday that the group was ready to work with him and Trump to consolidate the ceasefire and start rebuilding. There are issues with installing the PA. The governing body based in the West Bank, run by Fatah, a rival to Hamas, is unpopular with Palestinians and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already rejected their rule in Gaza. Edmund Fitton-Brown, a former British ambassador and international security expert, suggested Gaza could end up with the gradual, and potentially highly problematic constitution of a sort of Jordanian-Egyptian trained Palestinian police force under supervision from the Board of Peace and Tony Blair, reinforced by this ISF, which could include small numbers of peacekeeping troops. Donald Trump greets Mahmoud Abbas, leader of the Palestinian Authority, during a summit on Gaza in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday (POOL/AFP via Getty) The cost of peace There are varying figures on the cost of rebuilding Gaza. The UN today suggested it could cost as much as $70bn (52bn) to rebuild. In February, a UN official put the cost at $53.2bn over the next 10 years. Jaco Cilliers, the UNDP official, said that it could take a decade or even decades to fully rebuild the Palestinian enclave after two years of almost ceaseless conflict. Bezalel Smotrich, Israels finance minister, said in August that th(e war had cost Israel 300 billion shekels (67.87bn). Palestinian health authorities say the 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. Israel bombarded Gaza after Hamas led an incursion into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage in the bloodiest day in Israels history. Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Thursday. Photograph: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters While Republican lawmakers lined up to praise Donald Trump on Wednesday for brokering a tentative deal on the first phase of an agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the fighting in Gaza, and win the release of the remaining Israeli hostages, Palestinian Americans were more wary. President Trump is the peace president! Finally, the living nightmare the hostages have been forced to endure will end and Americans Itay and Omer can be laid to rest, Joni Ernst, the Iowa senator, wrote on social media, referring to Israeli hostages who died in captivity. The tentative agreement would ensure the return of living Israeli hostages, and the remains of those who have died in Gaza since 7 October 2021. Bernie Moreno, the Ohio senator who introduced a resolution in June calling for Trump to be awarded the Nobel peace prize for bombing nuclear sites in Iran, said the announcement made this a historic day, for the United States, Israel, and peace in the Middle East. President Trump has once again delivered on his promise to achieve peace through strength. An incredible feat that will go down in history. NOBEL PEACE PRIZE! Moreno added. Brian Mast, a Florida representative who once served as a civilian volunteer in the Israeli military, and wore his old Israeli uniform to work in the aftermath of the 7 October 2021 Hamas-led attack, also praised Trump. President Trump just did what career diplomats never could he brought the world closer than its ever been to peace in Gaza, Mast, who chairs the House foreign affairs committee, wrote. This deal only works if Hamas follows through. We dont trust terrorists, we trust results. While the US lawmakers did not mention the suffering of the Palestinian people, and the exact terms of the agreement remain unknown, a senior Qatari official said on social media that it also includes the release of Palestinian prisoners and the entry of aid. Still, Mosab Abu Toha, a Palestinian poet who won a 2025 Pulitzer prize for his New Yorker essays about Gaza, expressed trepidation. Trump officially announces that Hamas and Israel signed off the first phase of Peace Plan. To be honest, I do not like the language here, Abu Toha wrote on social media. The agreement signed should be emphatically about a permanent ceasefire. No more slaughtering of more Palestinians. It must not take phases to end a genocide. This is not truly anything close to peace! To me, it sounds like a pause of bloodshed for a few days or weeks! Im old enough to remember the first phase of the previous ceasefire deal in January this year, he added. There was caution too from Yousef Munayyer, a Palestinian American who leads the Palestine/Israel program at Arab Center Washington DC. Very likely scenario moving forward, he wrote on X. 1 Trump gets his Nobel Friday 2 Israel gets its captives back Saturday 3 Genocide continues Sunday. Shibley Telhami, a Palestinian American who is the Anwar Sadat professor for peace and development at the University of Maryland, scoffed at the idea that Trump deserves to be awarded the Nobel peace prize this week. The agreement Trump announced on Wednesday would be very welcome, especially if it includes full ceasefire and flood of badly needed Gaza aid, Telhami wrote. But so much remains unclear, even about first phase, including point of Israeli withdrawal. Key will be measures agreed to assure that first phase doesnt become last phase. While ending carnage is badly needed, Keep in mind: Gaza is obliterated, 10% of its population killed or wounded, possibly more, with overwhelming majority rendered homeless. Could take decades just to build what has been destroyed and thats assuming killing has really ended, the scholar, who was born into a family of Palestinian Christians outside Haifa, added. Agreement is welcome, but peacemakers dont enable war crimes, including the killing of thousands of children, for most of a year, then expect Nobel prize when a ceasefire is finally achieved, Telhami observed. Italys PM has been referred to the ICC for much lesser enablement of war crimes. The Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, said on Tuesday that she had been reported to the international criminal court for alleged complicity in genocide in connection with support for Israels offensive in Gaza. Revival Power will have to fend off another Aidan OBrien colt if she is to finish her juvenile campaign with Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project Cornwallis Stakes glory. Tim Easterbys star two-year-old supported her hard-fought Roses Stakes success at York in August with an impressive Flying Childers triumph during the St Leger Festival on Town Moor. A full-sister to Nunthorpe heroine Winter Power, the Bungle Inthejungle filly defeated Ballydoyles Kansas by a length and a half on her latest outing with another OBrien charge, Mission Central, finishing further down the field. That Doncaster victory harboured hopes of a potential Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint tilt, but connections have decided to remain at home for the Group Three contest on the Rowley Mile, where Revival Power will take on OBriens market leader Brussels, who was last seen taking the runner-up spot in the Middle Park Stakes. We are very happy with her, Alastair Donald, racing manager for owners King Power Racing, said. We chose to run her again, we just feel shes still quite green and needs the experience for next year so we are running with a penalty. It will be quite tough to give Brussels 3lb, but I wouldnt swap her. We think the world of her. The grounds not a problem. Its a stiffer five, but I think thatll be OK. Her sister won the race and we think shes better than her sister. Shell have to run a pretty big figure to win, but we feel shes capable of it. Brussels drops to five furlongs for the first time in his career and OBrien is interested to see how the son of the late Wootton Bassett will fare. Hes dropping back in trip, he said. Hes run well at seven, it was six the last day when he ran well in the Middle Park and now hes at five. It was a very good run the last day, so it will be interesting to see how he gets on over this trip. Easterby has another smart filly in the race with Argentine Tango, Michael Bell has Spicy Marg, Ayrs Harry Rosebery Stakes winner Chairmanfourtimes goes for Adrian Keatley and Charlie Appleby lines up Beckfords Folly among the 11-runner field. Hugo Palmer is excited about the future of Blingys Sister, who will step up to seven furlongs for the first time in the Godolphin Lifetime Care Oh So Sharp Stakes. The daughter of Starspangledbanner came from the rear to finish third in the Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sales Stakes last time out and the Manor House trainer believes she will be in contention once again. Obviously we are happy, I thought she ran a massive race in Ireland and I like her, Palmer said. I think shes got her future all ahead of her. I think shes a talented filly. She should like the quick ground at Newmarket and we are really looking forward to running her. Its another step up. The evidence of how she ran over six (furlongs) at the Curragh would suggest it is going to improve her. I think she will run really well. Andrew Baldings Mubasimah has course and distance experience, Owen Burrows Calendar Girl has two wins under her belt already in sales race, and Roger Varian has two arrows for the Group Three contest with Classic Cuvee and Coming Attraction. Rishi Sunak met Demis Hassabis, Dario Amodei, and Sam Altman in May 2023. The tech leaders head DeepMind, Anthropic and OpenAI respectively - Simon Walker/No 10 Downing Street Rishi Sunak has taken up a job advising on AI just as the bubble is expected to burst. Mr Sunak will become a senior adviser at Microsoft and US-based Anthropic, two of the worlds largest artificial intelligence companies. He had dealings with both while prime minister. Both companies were invited to the former prime ministers AI conference in 2023, and he had meetings with the chief executive of each company while in No 10. The former Conservative leader also had one-to-one meetings with Bill Gates, the Microsoft founder, and the pair were interviewed by AI for a YouTube video. Anthropic and Microsoft both have contracts with the Government to help public services with AI and cloud services. There is no suggestion that Mr Sunaks appointment was a result of contracts handed to the firms by the Government. Rishi Sunak attends the AI Safety Summit in November 2023. British leadership in the burgeoning technology was a central theme of his time in office - Justin Tallis/Getty Images His new role comes after the Bank of England warned a bubble in AI stock prices was threatening to spark a major market correction that could damage Britains economy. A collapse in over-valued US tech stocks that bears echoes of the dotcom bubble could trigger a global shock, Threadneedle Street said in its starkest warning on AI to date. The financial stability committee, the Banks panel of policymakers tasked with identifying what could spark the next financial crisis, said: On a number of measures, equity market valuations appear stretched particularly for technology companies focused on artificial intelligence. In his final weeks in office, Mr Sunaks officials repeatedly dismissed speculation that he would return to the US tech world if he lost the general election. The former prime minister has remained the MP for Richmond and Northallerton, in North Yorkshire, and still lives there. But he has taken up a number of jobs alongside his role on the back benches including an advisory role at Goldman Sachs, which he announced in July. Mr Sunak also founded a charity, the Richmond Project, aimed at improving childrens numeracy across Britain. The Whitehall appointments watchdog flagged concerns that the former prime ministers time spent at the top of government could be seen to offer an unfair advantage to the AI firms. The advisory committee on business appointments (Acoba) said of his new role at Microsoft: As the former prime minister, there is a reasonable concern that you could be seen to offer unfair access to, and influence in, the UK Government. This risk is heightened given the ongoing debate and lobbying efforts by large tech companies, including Microsoft, on the approach to best regulate AI. Acoba ruled that Mr Sunak cannot lobby for the firms for two years from his last day in ministerial office, nor draw on any privileged information from his time in government. Mr Sunak has made clear his roles will be internally facing and he would not be advising on specific UK policy matters nor having contact with the Government. He also said he would donate his salaries to the Richmond Project. He joined Anthropic just months after his former chief of staff, Lord Booth-Smith, took up a job at the company. Anthropic confirmed to Acoba that Mr Sunaks role would be appropriately ring-fenced to focus on internal strategic advisory matters. Microsoft told the watchdog that it would comply with the Governments business appointment rules, and the job will not involve lobbying to the Government. A spokesman for Microsoft said: Microsoft works with advisors from a range of industries and is thankful for their expertise and insights. We look forward to working with the former prime minister in this capacity. Sir Sadiq Khan has credited Londons open, liberal and diverse culture for the surge in American tourism to the capital. In what is likely a thinly veiled swipe at US President Donald Trump who recently claimed that London could move to Sharia Law the Mayor of London said the city was becoming increasingly attractive to American citizens. New figures analysed by City Hall show that the number of US visitors to London increased by eight per cent in 2024 and a fifth since 2022. Last year the capital saw 5.56 million American tourists, according to the International Passenger Survey. Further figures released by the ONS show that American visitors spent 4.62 billion in London in 2024, compared to 3.7 billion two years earlier. In contrast, there has been a downward trend in the number of Brits holidaying across the Atlantic. Just 2.2 million did so in 2024, a fall of 100,000 from the year prior and a significant fall from the 3.13 million that went on holiday there in 2019. Sir Sadiq and President Trump have long been at odds (ES Composite) The Mayor of London told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): Im delighted that weve seen a major surge in visitors from the USA. Its testament to the world-leading offer we have in London, from our hospitality, to our arts and culture, to our brilliant shops and restaurants. London remains the best city in the world to visit and explore. For a lot of Americans I speak with its also Londons values which increasingly make it so attractive. We celebrate our open, liberal and diverse culture, and have a clear message that whatever your background therell always be something for you in London and youll always be welcome here. His comments may be seen in White House circles as a riposte to the US President, who stepped up his decade-long feud with the Mayor of London during a UK visit last month. Last month, President Trump said he didnt want Sir Sadiq at the Kings state banquet and branded him as among the worst mayors in the world. Days later, when addressing the UN General Assembly in New York, Trump said London had a terrible, terrible mayor, and its been changed, its been so changed. He added: Now they want to go to Sharia law. Sir Sadiq responded by suggesting the US President is racist, sexist, misogynistic and Islamophobic. He added: People are wondering what it is about this Muslim mayor who leads a liberal, multi-cultural, progressive and successful city, that means I appear to be living rent-free inside Donald Trumps head. The Mayors office has been pushing back on various attacks on London primarily from President Trump and Reform UK as part of a counter-narrative to claims that London is a lawless city. The capital saw 20.9 million visits from abroad in 2024, up three per cent on the previous year. Spending also rose by four per cent to 17.3 billion. The increasing visitor numbers have prompted calls for ministers to allow the Mayor to implement a tourism tax in the capital in order to raise revenue for infrastructure projects. While Sir Sadiq has stated he is in favour of this, the government have insisted there are no plans to introduce a levy. Last week a Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson told the LDRS: There are currently no plans to introduce a tourism tax in England, but we are open to hearing views from local leaders on this. Places including London can already choose to introduce a levy on overnight stays through the Accommodation Business Improvement District model. Sale e Pepe Mare: vongole will be on the menu (Justin De Souza) A new branch of the historic Italian restaurant Sale e Pepe will open at the Langham hotel in the West End next month, taking over the space once occupied by the legendary chef Michel Roux. Called Sale e Pepe Mare, the new concept will open in November and is to focus on Italian coastal dining, from the Amalfi Coast to Puglia. It replaces a space that was once Roux at the Landau, which shut in 2023 and later for six months briefly opened as Mimosa. The room has been empty since August 2024. The menu will feature old hits from the original Knightsbridge restaurant a celebrity hotspot since 1974 alongside new dishes created for the launch. Classics will include lobster linguine, salt-baked sea bass, and vongole with bottarga, while the likes of bluefin tuna on baked brioche, and tagliarini of Dorset crab, anchovies and parsley are set to debut. The restaurant will also feature a central seafood display to show the daily catch on offer, with oysters, langoustines, and fish from the UK and Mediterranean the focus. As well as seafood, Sale e Pepe Mare will sell prime steaks cooked on a new Josper grill, while press material also highlighted a tableside Caesar salad, bucatini cacio e pepe, and porcini risotto. The restaurant is to also wheel out an old-time dessert trolley tiramisu will star a Champagne and Negroni trolley, while an Italy-heavy wine list is to sit alongside an updated cocktail menu. The design of the 5,000 sq ft space makes use of warm wood panelling, plush Italian fabrics, a marble bar, and bespoke textured artwork to evoke a sense of sun-drenched escapism, said an announcement. Sale e Pepe has always been more than a restaurant, its part of Londons cultural fabric, said Markus Thesleff, who owns Sale e Pepe under the Thesleff Group. With Sale e Pepe Mare, were honouring that legacy while reimagining it for today, capturing the spirit of la dolce vita in a setting thats effortlessly elegant and luxurious. Stefan Soennichsen, The Langhams managing director, said: Were delighted to welcome Sale e Pepe Mare by The Thesleff Group to The Langham, London. Just as our hotel blends English tradition with modern hospitality, the restaurant brings a contemporary flair to classic Italian roots. It promises to be a fantastic addition to our culinary offering, and were confident it will prove hugely popular with our hotel guests and London diners alike. Sale e Pepe Mare will open late November 2025 at1C Portland Place, W1B 1JA, langhamhotels.com Connections of Santorini Star are excited to see if the Prix de Royallieu runner-up can make her mark on the staying division when she returns to the track next season. The William Haggas-trained four-year-old headed to ParisLongchamp on the back of victory in the Park Hill at Doncaster and was seeking a hat-trick on her first start in Group One company. After a bold bid on the front-end, she ultimately had no answer to Doncaster runner-up Consent who turned the tables in the French capital, but her team were delighted with the performance and are now looking forward to the lightly-raced daughter of Golden Horn reappearing in 2026. Sean Graham, racing manager for Tony Bloom, who owns the filly alongside Ian McAleavy, said: She ran a cracker and had to make the running from where we were drawn. Tom Marquand always planned to go forward on her, but we were hoping something might want to go faster than us and give us a lead. That didnt materialise and she had to lead and Luke Morris gave the winner a brilliant ride, as he just sat on our tail and used us as a target. In fairness our filly and the winner were first and second the whole way round and finished first and second and Tom set some good fractions, but just might have set the race up for the winner. It showed weve got an exciting filly on our hands and next season I think one-mile-six-furlongs will probably be her minimum trip. She definitely stays two miles and I imagine we would be looking at some of the Cup races next year. Shell have a break now and wont run again this season. She had a hard-enough race at Longchamp and has been on the go all season, but were hoping she will come back a bigger, stronger filly next season. Even though shell be five, she hasnt had that much racing and she didnt have her first race till the October of her three-year-old career, so there is fair chance there still might be some improvement to come from her. Sky Majesty was also in action in France for the same connections during Arc weekend, failing to play a serious role from an unfavourable draw and on drying ground in the Prix de lAbbaye. Ground conditions could again now prove a sticking point for her planned next start in the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot later this month. Sky Majesty slipped coming out of the stalls and the ground was probably too quick for her so a lot of things conspired against her, continued Graham. The plan is to go to Champions Day at Ascot, but she is a filly who wants soft ground and the weather forecast is dry. The number of times Ive watched British Champions Day and on the day its been bucketing down and the ground has been atrocious, yet this year you could get good to firm ground. PC Duncan Bouette suspended from duty (Jordan Pettitt/PA) (PA Archive) A serving Metropolitan Police officer has appeared in court charged with allegedly sharing graphic messages about child sex abuse of children on Telegram. PC Duncan Bouette, 38, was arrested at his Essex home by officers from the forces Central Specialist Crime Unit on Tuesday. Bouette is attached to the North East command covering Newham and Waltham Forest in east London. On Wednesday, he was accused of two counts under the Obscene Publications Act. Bouette appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday. It is alleged that in Hertfordshire on November 18, 2024, the constable sent a series of graphic messages relating to the sexual abuse of children. Between October 2 and 3 this year, he is said to have shared messages via the secure messaging app Telegram that relate to extreme, violent sexual practices. A force spokesman said: The officer was suspended from duty while in police custody and was remanded to court following the charge. As is routine in such circumstances, the Mets Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed. The new Skoda Epiq should cost around 26,000 when it goes on sale next year (Skoda) Skoda is back with a bang in the small SUV space and its gone electric. The new Epiq show car previews what will become the Czech brands most affordable EV to date, promising funky looks, clever packaging and a range of up to 264 miles all for around 26,000 when it launches in 2026. The Epiq is Skodas first car to fully embrace the brands Modern Solid design philosophy, delivering a bold, boxy shape that in profile is more than a little reminiscent of the much-loved Skoda Yeti. Measuring just over 4.1 metres in length, the Epiq is compact on the outside but promises to be seriously roomy inside, with space for five and a decent 475-litre boot. The boxy proportions of the Skoda Epiq are similar to the legendary Skoda Yeti small SUV (Skoda) At its core, the Epiq is designed to be a practical, no-nonsense urban SUV but one thats fully electric and future-facing. It made its debut at the Volkswagen Group media workshop ahead of the Munich Motor Show, joining other small EVs from VW and Cupra as part of the Groups new Electric Urban Car Family. Although its labelled a show car for now, Skoda says the production version of the Epiq will remain close to whats been revealed. Its built on the same all-electric platform as the Volkswagen ID.2 and Cupra Raval and is expected to feature front-wheel drive and a usable range of around 264 miles on a single charge plenty for a weeks worth of commuting for most people or a weekend away. But its the price thats arguably the most eye-catching. Skoda is targeting a starting figure close to that of its petrol-powered Kamiq, meaning around 26,000 in the UK. That would place it among the most affordable electric SUVs on the market and give it a unique edge with that Yeti-style upright stance and trademark Simply Clever storage solutions. The new Epiq is the first Skoda to fully embrace the company's Modern Solid design language (Skoda) From the outside, the Epiq sets a new tone for Skoda design. Theres no traditional grille instead, a black Tech-Deck Face flanked by distinctive T-shaped LED lights dominates the front end. A pronounced tornado line runs down the flanks, visually separating the glassy upper cabin from the chunkier body below and giving the car a confident, planted stance. A robust front bumper, matt Cashmere paint and grey accents finish off the rugged aesthetic. Inside, its all about functionality. The minimalist interior houses plenty of traditional Skoda Simply Clever touches, including wireless phone charging, configurable compartments, physical buttons, haptic scroll wheels and loads of family-friendly storage. The brands Mobile First approach is evident throughout, with a stripped-back digital experience that still feels intuitive and connected. When production begins in 2026, the Skoda Epiq will be manufactured at Volkswagens Navarra plant in Spain, alongside its VW and Cupra siblings. Its all part of the wider Group strategy to bring affordable EVs to the masses what VW calls the democratisation of e-mobility. Skodas take will appeal to buyers looking for something both functional and characterful and with prices likely to start around 26k, it sits right in the target market where a modern-day Skoda Yeti would sit. The Epiq should go on sale in the UK towards the end of 2026. Just over 34,000 people have crossed the Channel from France in small boats so far this year - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Sir Keir Starmers digital ID card plan will not resolve illegal Channel crossings, the head of the Calais region has claimed. Xavier Bertrand, the president of the Hauts-de-France region, also said the one in, one out migrant swap scheme agreed between the UK and France risked exacerbating the small boats crisis by creating both illegal and legal ways to make the crossing. Sir Keir announced plans for mandatory digital IDs last month. Everyone in Britain will be given a code that will prove their identity by the summer of 2029. The cards will initially be used only to prove a persons right to work in the UK. On Wednesday night the plan was expanded so it could be used to access tax records. Mr Bertrand, of the Right-wing Republicans party, said: The British tell us, were going to change things, were going to tighten the regulations. Ive been hearing that for 10 years. They say, but tomorrow, were going to ask for ID cards. Well, its going to take a century just to get that in place. And in the meantime, it doesnt solve our problem. And whats happening? Nothing. Because theyre hypocrites on the other side of the Channel. They have cheap labour that they exploit. Asked to elaborate by The Telegraph, an aide of Mr Bertrand said: The ID system wont be in place until 2029 at the earliest and what do we do in the meantime? Xavier Bertrand has said the second party responsible for deaths in the Channel is Britain, behind people smugglers - Lafargue Raphael/Shutterstock Pierre-Henri Demont, a former MP for Calais and current deputy secretary general of Mr Bertrands party, was less critical of the ID scheme, but he said the jury was out on whether the plan would make the UK less attractive to illegal immigrants. In one way, its good news, but we need to see how long it takes to roll out and whether it conforms to the British constitution, he said. But it all depends on what theyre going to do with it, because its not enough to have an identity card, whether digital or otherwise. The issue is whether checks are carried out and sanctions are taken against those who do not have a valid residence permit in the United Kingdom, and that, for example, an employer cannot employ someone who does not have one. The ID card proposals have been opposed by both the Tories and Reform UK, as well as civil liberties groups. An online petition that has called the national ID system a step towards mass surveillance and digital control has gained 2.8 million signatures prompting a response from the Government. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said: 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. A Border Force vessel brings migrants who were intercepted crossing the Channel into Dover earlier this week - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Mr Bertrand reiterated a previous call to suspend Frances current borders scheme with the UK, in which British Border Force officials conduct passport checks on French soil and vice versa. The UK has already paid 760m (659m) to France to secure its border based on the 2018 Sandhurst Treaty, and has pledged to finalise a new three-year funding cycle between 2026 and 2029. A new doctrine for law enforcement at sea to prevent crossings is also set to be deployed soon. We should tell the Border Force, This week, stay at home, we dont want to see you and were going to let everyone through, said Mr Bertrand. Then youll see what happens: the English will get scared, and in two days theyll sit down at the table with proposals to change things. Right now, were practically forced to beg them to give us part of the cheque they owe us simply because were guarding the border for them. Thats enough. Let the migrants through. My proposal isnt very clever. But its the only one that can change things. He said France was indifferent to the fact that people are dying every week in the English Channel, adding: Very clearly, we know who is primarily responsible: the smugglers, the criminals who exploit these networks. The second party responsible is the British. Because there wouldnt be these deaths, there wouldnt be hundreds of people trying to cross every week, if they didnt have jobs in Britain. Mr Bertrand said he held Britain, along with people-smugglers, responsible for deaths in the Channel because of the UKs hypocrisy over its stance on the black market economy. He said: The British say, now were going to set up a legal immigration channel. That means were going to accept them legally and then send them back to France. The conservative official, who may run to be the French president in 2027, told the regional newspaper Nord Littoral: Of course, it cant work. Well just end up having two channels, one illegal and one legal. Sir Keir and Emmanuel Macron, the French president, agreed to the one in, one out pilot scheme in July. Under it, Britain deports undocumented people arriving in small boats to France in return for accepting an equal number of migrants with legitimate asylum claims and family connections in the UK. So far, 18 small-boat migrants have been deported back to France under the scheme, with 10 flown out last week on Air France commercial flights, which became operational three weeks ago. They are all offered voluntary return to their country of origin under a scheme in which the French government pays the airfare and offers 2,500. Those who are ineligible for asylum but refuse to return to their home country will be given orders to leave France. In return, it is believed France has so far sent a family of three legitimate asylum seekers, including a young child, to the UK. More than 12,000 migrants have so far reached the UK in small boats since the deal was signed on July 10. Just over 34,000 have crossed the Channel this year a record high at this point in a year since the first boats arrived in 2018. Stephen Miller gives remarks to the media outside the West Wing. Photograph: Aaron Schwartz/Pool/Aaron Schwartz - Pool/CNP/Shutterstock An odd moment in a CNN interview with Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, has been circulating on social media after Millers distinct pause when discussing the plenary authority of the president. A technical glitch crossed wires from another broadcast in Millers earpiece caused him to stop talking before completing his thought, CNN said. But the term plenary authority, has been taken as subtext for the broader ambitions of the Trump administration to assert legally unassailable power over the use of the military and other functions of government. What is plenary authority? The Legal Information Institute of Cornells law school defines plenary authority as power that is wide-ranging, broadly construed, and often limitless for all practical purposes. It is most often applied to legislative bodies, as when government chooses to levy a tax or expend revenue. Lawmakers do not need to refer to the courts or a higher federal power for authorization to act when they have plenary authority over a matter. What was Stephen Miller referring to when discussing plenary authority? Miller had just been asked a question about the presidents legal authority to deploy federalized national guard troops. Millers initial response was to cite title 10 of the federal code, and then to assert that this gives the president plenary authority to direct those troops as he sees fit. Title 10 is the general military law of the armed forces. While it does not use the term plenary authority or plenary power, the administration relies on its text to assert wide-ranging authority to use the military. The executive also relies on article II section two of the US constitution which states: [t]he President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States. Does the president actually have plenary authority over the military? Not really. Jennifer Elsea published a primer with the Congressional Research Service on the current debate about the extent of the presidents power to use the military in December 2024. The constitution reserves the power to declare war to Congress, and has constrained presidential authority over the military with laws like the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the use of the military to police civilians, the Insurrection Act, which establishes exceptions to Posse Comitatus, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice and again title 10 of the federal code, which widely constrains what the military is allowed to do, and what orders the president can issue lawfully. The president does have plenary authority over the governments conduct in foreign affairs, as delineated by the constitution and affirmed by supreme court decisions. Presidents have referred to this authority when explaining the use of the military in other countries. Why has Stephen Millers comment raised hackles? For many, the term plenary authority, as applied to Trump, is synonymous with autocratic control and disregard for the constitution or court orders. Trump asserted near-plenary authority in Newsom et al v Trump the lawsuit by Gavin Newsom, Californias governor, that forced Trump to withdraw most national guard troops from the Los Angeles area. Trumps assertion of plenary power was rejected by the court. Eric McArthur, representing the federal government, asserted that Trumps decision to federalize national guard troops to send to Portland is beyond review by a federal court. Citing Martin v Mott, in which the supreme court in 1827 ruled that deployment of the militia was at the discretion of the president alone. McArthur argued that deployment relies on preconditions of rebellion and that the president has sole and exclusive judgement about whether the statutory preconditions have been met. (Press handout) Once confined to the menu of St John, the suckling pig has become the capitals most coveted dish. Oddly timed? Perhaps, given it feels like the whole world is using weight-loss drugs to curb their appetite. Still, take a look around: the capitals restaurants are leaning into the indulgence. Suckling pig is exactly what it sounds like: a young pig (two to six weeks old) still nursing from its mother. The result? A gorgeously tender meat with a mild, delicate flavour, and for its skin, which crisps beautifully when roasted. It is an ancient kind of delicacy, one enjoyed since Roman times, and today remains a centerpiece of Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, where it's known as cochinillo and leitao respectively. Nieves Barragan Mohachos latest restaurant, Legado (1C Montacute Yards, E1, legadorestaurants.com), is leading the charge (hunt?) with its 85 suckling pig feast. Cooked low and slow in true Segovian style, its all about buttery soft meat, a crackling so crisp, and a struggle to fit in dessert. Bring friends; though its a quarter of a pig, this is no solo dining dish. It arrives so tender that waiters slice it at the table using a plate the traditional way to show off that its been cooked to perfection. The suckling pig at Legado (Sam Cornish) Its not simply a Spanish affair. Over in Fitzrovia, Luso (30 Charlotte Street, W1, luso.restaurant), the Portuguese newcomer occupying the former Lisboeta space, is also riding the Iberian roast renaissance, with a similarly theatrical piggy production. Chef Kimberly Hernandez, formerly of Luca and Dosa, has collaborated with Leandro Carreira on a menu that also champions the crispy leitao. The 39 dish can be shared or not. According to Marco Mendes, co-founder of MJMK Restaurants, who are behind Luso, diners want the quality of the main ingredient the young pigs are milk-fed as well as the slow cooking and seasoning process that gives the meat that melt-in-the-mouth tenderness and the glass-like crispy skin. No wonder he calls the dish iconic. The slow cooking gives the meat that melt-in-the-mouth tenderness and the glass-like crispy skin Roe (5 Park Drive, E14, roerestaurant.co.uk) is likewise striking while the iron is hot, and for its Sunday roast is eschewing the basic roast beef in favour of their own take on suckling pig. Here the pig is served with tender meat and crispy skin, smothered in gravy and presented with the necessary trimmings roast potatoes, swede mash, sprouts and, of course, a Yorkshire pudding. Its a dramatic offering, pictured at the top of this page. At Notting Hills Dorian (105-107 Talbot Road, W11, dorianrestaurant.com), guests can crunch into a juicy suckling pig, served to share, on what the restaurant calls Super Sundays. Like at Legado, its a quarter of a pig, but its more than enough to leave guests bursting. At Kol (9 Seymour Street, W1, kolrestaurant.com), meanwhile, Santiago Lastra has added confit Welsh suckling pig as one of the courses of the coveted Chefs Table menu in the private dining room, which is inspired by the grand houses of Oaxaca. Here, theres a mezcal pairing to aid digestion. But those wanting to go the whole hog should stick the original at St John (26 St John Street, EC1, stjohnrestaurant.com). Theres a reason a pig is the restaurants logo. Fergus Henderson made his name with the philosophy of nose-to-tail dining, and nowhere is it more obvious than with the pig offering. On its feasting menus, which are printed seasonally, there is almost always a whole roast pig option, where the meat is served with greens and potatoes. Options are a small pig for 700 or a large one for 900. But to give you an idea of just how indulgent an entire suckling pig really is, the first feeds 15 (46.67 a head) while the larger will do nicely for 22 (40.91 a head). Youll still need to go decidedly starving and prepare to leave stuffed if decidedly on brand. Trump and Netanyahu Hamas and Israel have agreed the first phase of Donald Trumps Gaza plan. The deal represents a breakthrough on the path towards Mr Trumps ambitious 20-point plan for peace in the Middle East. Under the terms, hostages will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces have also agreed to withdraw troops in Gaza to an agreed upon line. That leaves most of the rest of the plan, including a stabilisation force, aid and a future Palestinian state, to be negotiated. Here are the key points and how they could begin to unravel. Along with recovering the hostages, ridding Gaza of terrorists was the Israeli key war aim. As for deradicalisation, Mr Netanyahu made clear that Israel has little faith in the Palestinian Authority which is ultimately destined to take control of Gaza under the plan to deradicalise the population, with measures such as changing the school curriculum. However, he expressed confidence that the Trump plan and the transitional authority was worth a try. A vague point but important given that the first time Mr Trump and Mr Netanyahu stood together in the White House this year the president suggested displacing the population and redeveloping the Strip into a richmans paradise. Withdrawal lines have been sticking points in previous negotiations. However, those set out in the map released by the White House on Monday were presumably tempting for Hamas to accept, as they would oblige the IDF to withdraw from Gaza City and other key strongholds, where Hamas was under heavy assault. This reflects the changed thinking in Israeli and US corridors of power since the previous round of negotiations broke down in July. Namely, that a further programme of staged hostage releases simply would not fly. Steve Witkoff, Mr Trumps diplomatic envoy, tried to reheat the January-February ceasefire deal many times, after all, without success. An agreement to exchange hostages and Palestinian prisoners was reached on Oct 9. Although it is a large number already, there were fears Hamas could delay a deal by arguing for more. Ultimately, however, there would not be a deal without this, painful as it is to the Israelis to release killers. Mr Netanyahu previously offered exile to Hamas members, saying in March that Hamas leaders will be allowed to leave Gaza. But his promise was made in relation to Mr Trumps plan for voluntary migration of Gazans and Israel has killed all but one of Hamass senior leadership in Gaza. Israel will have to allow aid to enter the Strip, as the rest of the plan will be largely pointless if the people of Gaza continue to go hungry. Whatever they sign up to, Israel knows that it will retain control over the inflow of aid and can impose restrictions at the Jordanian and Egyptian borders, or entry points to Gaza. However, the plan does not suggest which countries will be in charge of the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure. This is arguably the bitterest pill Mr Netanyahu has to swallow the long-term potential of Palestinian Authority control of the Strip, however vague. Mr Trump acknowledged that in the press conference. But this, it seems, a price the Arab partners demanded, and it is one Mr Trump was determined that he paid. At one time, the idea of Gaza being run by the president along with Sir Tony Blair might have been mistaken as a particularly bad joke but we are in a new reality. Indeed, it is Mr Trumps direct oversight of the post-war transition process stopping Israel dragging its heels on military withdrawal that may be a key factor securing Arab and indeed Hamas support. It wouldnt be a Trump plan if there wasnt strong economic incentives. The list of countries waiting to donate billions of pounds to reconstruct Gaza is long, making this point the least contentious. Arab Gulf nations such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia have already pledged to donate, while European nations will do the same. Trading is trickier as Israel will probably insist on controlling all goods entering Gaza until it is sure that Hamas is no longer active in the enclave but it will be considered in Israels interests, by its moderates, to see Gaza prosper economically once a transitional government manages to uproot Hamas and take full control of the Strip. It is almost as if Mr Trumps February Middle East Riviera press conference never happened. Elements in Israel had already begun planning where the first Jewish settlements would be situated in Gaza. What role the UN will play in helping run the post-war Gazan society is an open question. Israel detests UNRWA, which has acted as a proxy civil service for decades, but a handful of whose members took part in Oct 7. Mr Trump also labelled them corrupt. As for the Palestinians who want to leave Gaza, the most important question remains unanswered: which countries will take them in? This was the technical grist on the pathway to peace. The independent monitors are key here, as otherwise Israel could be tempted perhaps under pressure from the ultra-nationalist coalition members to slow the process by unilaterally deciding that a certain district or area has not demilitarised. However, it is still likely that Israel will retain a certain amount of control with this process. It is ultimately their security at stake, after all. A deconfliction mechanism will be agreed upon by the parties. This will be one of the more difficult elements for Mr Netanyahu to sell at home. What started with the October 7 massacre, ending with, potentially, Arab boots on the ground in Israels back yard will not go down well with everyone. However, it does mean that the exhausted IDF does not have to remain in Gaza permanently, a big relief to both the young men and women of Israel, who are called to serve on the front line, and its commanders. No process of deradicalisation and demilitarisation is ever entirely successful, so the strength of this new policing model will be crucial. A lot will be determined by the long-term commitment of outside nations to make it work. The dreams of Mr Netanyahus coalition partners are explicitly dashed here. But it could be a long process. It is not impossible that this collapses the governing coalition, prompting elections where alterations to the deal could be on the agenda. But it gives Mr Netanyahu an easy way out of a major headache that would see Israel in violation of international law while being responsible for the lives of two million Palestinians. An occupation of Gaza would cost Israel billions of pounds every month to sustain, while putting enormous pressure on an already exhausted army. Israel was expected to insist on being the one deciding when to declare terror-free areas. But there are question marks over the timeframe for handing over responsibility to the international force and whether the force is ready to fight Hamas if it resurfaces in the terror-free zone. On the plus side, from Israels point of view, the IDF will keep the security perimeter it claimed since October 7. This denies local Hamas leaders of derailing the whole process. However, the prospect of disarmament, deradicalisation and IDF withdrawal taking place successfully in one area while fighting continues in another seems hard to contemplate. Gaza is not a large area, after all. But this clause illustrates the commitment of the White House to drive the process forward. Who could argue with this? Except perhaps the Israelis and the Palestinians, the former still deeply wounded from October 7, the latter having endured what they see as a genocide. This almost directly reflects the language the Saudi Arabia et al have spoken for years as their price for recognising Israel. It is a huge coup for the Palestinian Authority (even if they arent named in this particular clause). And a huge blow for Mr Netanyahu, who has built his career on preventing Palestinian statehood. However, a credible pathway is a long way from a state. This is extremely vague and, it could be argued, covered off by previous more concrete points. But a laudable aim, nonetheless, particularly after the polarisation of the last two years. Marco Rubio speaks to Donald Trump after handing him a note - Jim Watson/AFP via Getty It was the sort of dramatic moment on which Donald Trump thrives. The US president was presiding over a meeting about Left-wing Antifa violence, cameras trained on his every move, when Marco Rubio, his secretary of state, passed him a handwritten message. I was just given a note by the secretary of state, announced the president, hushing his audience, saying that were very close to a deal in the Middle East, and theyre going to need me pretty quickly. A photographer captured the text with a long lens (see below). Very close, read the scrawl, with the two words underlined. We need you to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first, it added. Some have likened the image of Mr Rubio and Mr Trump to that of George W Bush and his chief of staff Andy Card on the morning of September 11 2001, when Mr Card whispered into the presidents ear as he read a story called The Pet Goat to children at Emma Booker Elementary School in Sarasota, Florida. Mr Card told Mr Bush that a second plane had hit the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and America is under attack. Andy Card and George W Bush - Reuters/Win McNamee This is how history is made in this White House. Not with a press conference or an Oval Office address, but with a post on the presidents own social media platform. A few hours later, it dropped. I am very proud that Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of our peace plan, it said. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS, the post concluded. The statement capped a frenetic period of diplomatic activity in which Mr Trump has applied the full heft of the White House towards reaching a deal. Truth Social/via REUTERS If it holds and it is a big if the president would have a good case to achieve his long-held dream of being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Insiders said the latest round of negotiations kicked off in earnest exactly a month ago, on Sept 9, when Israel carried out its failed air strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, the capital of Qatar. Missiles crashed into the terror groups headquarters, killing the son of chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, just as its political bureau was weighing up the latest US proposal. Mr Trump was furious. The strike had embarrassed the United States, sparked fury among the Arab and Gulf allies crucial to any deal, and achieved none of its military goals. Israels strike against Hamas in Qatar infuriated Mr Trump - Jacqueline Penney/AFP The presidents impatience with Mr Netanyahu hardened. He delivered via backchannels and, later, in person a message: if you do not go along with us on this path to peace, the US will withdraw from its position as Israels chief ally. At the same time, Mr Trump tightened his alliance with Qatar, ensuring its leaders would do everything in their power to bring Hamas to heel. Soon afterwards, Al Jazeera, the state-owned broadcaster, began to promote calls for the Islamist terror group to lay down arms, while watering down anti-Israel coverage. Another breakthrough came in a meeting between Mr Trump and leaders from Arab and Muslim countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The US president said he would not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. But diplomats from those countries were surprised when the presidents 20-point plan dropped the following week. They felt it reflected Israeli interests much more strongly than the recommendations they had made to Mr Trump and his officials. A diplomatic source familiar with discussions told The Telegraph: The output didnt quite add up to the inputs shall we say. But Mr Trump and Qatar were now at the head of a process with growing momentum. The source said Arab and Muslim leaders were still discussing how best to raise their worries about the peace plan when Hamas announced they would accept it. A credible pathway to statehood Mr Trump then invited Mr Netanyahu to the White House on Sept 29 and presented a draft of the peace plan pulled together with input from Sir Tony Blair. Some of it was hard to swallow for the Israeli prime minister. Point 12 stated that Gazans would not be forcibly displaced from the Strip. Point 19 outlined how the deal would help create a credible pathway to a Palestinian state. The Israeli team managed to make last-minute tweaks, but Mr Trumps team rejected an amendment that would allow it to restart the war if it deemed Hamas had broken clauses of the agreement. To cap off Mr Netanyahus sudden reversal of fortunes, he was brought into another of the presidents Made For TV moments in the Oval Office. Handed a phone by the president, he was forced to call up the Qatari prime minister and personally apologise, more like a naughty schoolboy than the political colossus who has devastated Gaza and humiliated Iran and its proxies. Mr Netanyahu was persuaded to call up the Qatari PM and apologise personally - The White House Next, the plan was presented to Hamas. The group, Mr Trump warned, had three or four days to respond and, if it refused, Israel would be let off the leash to destroy it. On the night of Oct 3, Hamas issued a full-throated agreement to release the 48 hostages it holds (20 alive, 28 dead). But it skirted the demand to disarm, and remove itself from post-war governance in Gaza. Analysts characterised it as a carefully calibrated Yes, but. Mr Netanyahu saw it as a flat-out rejection and phoned Mr Trump to persuade him of that view. A key dividing line between the two men appears to be their approach to the Israeli hostages. Mr Netanyahu spends little time with the hostage families, many of whom accuse him of continuing the war for personal political gain. By contrast, Mr Trump knows some hostages by name and keeps tabs on their recovery, while Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy to the Middle East, regularly texts with the families praying for the release of their loved ones. Hamas took a gamble: the clear win for Mr Trump would be enough for him to overlook its murky views on other parts of the 20-point plan. It paid off. When Mr Netanyahu phoned the president in an attempt to torpedo the deal, he replied: Why are you always so f---ing negative? Axios reported. The president told the news website he had given Mr Netanyahu no choice but to move towards peace. I said, Bibi, this is your chance for victory. He was fine with it, Mr Trump said. Hes got to be fine with it. He has no choice. With me, youve got to be fine. Instead of nitpicking the Hamas reply, the president ordered Israel to stop bombing in Gaza City, where its troops had begun a full-scale offensive. Mr Netanyahu accepted, this time. He could not outmuscle the commander-in-chief, as he had with both Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The Israel Defense Forces halted offensive operations and began to prepare to receive the hostages. Israelis in Tel Aviv celebrate news of the ceasefire and hostages deal - Chris McGrath/ Getty Images On Saturday, the Israeli prime minister gave a brief, televised address to the nation. He said Israel had achieved its war goals and cast the move towards diplomacy as his decision, rather than one taken at the behest of the White House. Hostage families protested in Tel Aviv and other cities, warning against any attempt to sabotage the deal by Mr Netanyahu or his far-Right coalition partners, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who abhor the prospect of an agreement with Hamas. By Monday, delegations from Israel and Hamas had arrived in the Egyptian resort of Sharm-el-Sheikh. Following reports of progress, Mr Witkoff and the presidents son-in-law, Jared Kushner, joined the talks on Wednesday morning. An Egyptian news crew captured the moment Mr Witkoff and Mr Kushner arrived for the talks on Wednesday - Khaled Desouki/AFP via Getty Images However, there were several sticking points to iron out before the 72-hour window in which Hamas would release the hostages opened. Israel objected to some of the individuals the terror group wanted to be among the 250 life prisoners freed, including Marwan Barghouti, who was jailed for his role in the Palestinian uprising in the early 2000s. In a rare interview, Khalil al-Hayya, the Hamas leader who dodged the missile strike in Qatar, said his group was seeking real guarantees that the war would not resume after the release of the hostages, as it had after two earlier ceasefires. The terror group also demanded the body of its former leader, Yahya Sinwar. Children in Khan Yunis, Gaza, celebrate the peace deal - Omar al-Qattaa/AFP By Wednesday night, it appeared that enough progress had been made behind closed doors. In the White House, Mr Trump was handed the note. True to his style, the president went on to take a further 11 questions, spanning the government shutdown, sanctioning Antifa and on his Nobel Peace Prize hopes, before departing the state dining room to address the matter of ending the war in Gaza. One of the new cadre of softball reporters who are now routinely admitted to such events pointed out that several nations had nominated Mr Trump for the prize. By many by many, many countries, he agreed. Thats right. Mr Trump had, by his own count, ended seven wars and was on the brink of an eighth, he continued. The claims are greatly exaggerated, critics contest. I dont think anybody in history has settled that many, but perhaps theyll find a reason not to give it to me, he said. Minutes later, he was gone, heading back to the Oval Office, flanked by JD Vance and Mr Rubio. Then a Truth Social post dropped, buzzing on journalists phones all across Washington and beyond. Thumbs scrambled to see if it meant peace in the Middle East. Democrats, intoned the sombre narrator of a political video, the party of open borders, transgender for everybody, lawlessness in our streets, are shutting down the government in an effort to appease the radical Left. A false alarm, as it turned out. But the world was listening, and it did not take long for the big announcement to drop. Some 50 minutes passed before the president finally declared: I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our peace plan. All hostages would be released and the IDF would withdraw to an agreed-upon line, his post said. That leaves most of the rest of the 20-point peace plan, including a stabilisation force, aid and a future Palestinian state, to be negotiated. But that is a problem for another day. Secretary of State Marco Rubio writes a note before handing it to President Donald Trump during a roundtable meeting on antifa in the State Dining Room at the White House Photograph: Evan Vucci/AP It started with a whisper. Marco Rubio interrupted Donald Trumps roundtable event with conservative influencers discussing antifa, speaking quietly into Trumps ear. Rubio handed the president a note, which read Very close. We need you to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first. Soon afterwards Trump posted to Truth Social that the first phase of a peace plan to pause fighting and release some hostages and prisoners held in Gaza had been agreed by Israel and Hamas, bringing the best hope yet of a definitive end to a bloody two-year conflict. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace, Trump wrote. Trump hails first step to peace Donald Trump hailed what he said was a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel and all surrounding nations, as well as the US. We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS! he posted. Hamas said on Thursday it had reached the agreement after talks on the proposal, confirming the deal includes an Israeli withdrawal from the enclave and a hostage-prisoner exchange. Responding to the announcement, the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said: With Gods help, we will bring them all home. Read the full story Republican lawmakers praise Trump for Gaza deal as Palestinian Americans remain wary: So much remains unclear While Republican lawmakers lined up to praise Donald Trump on Wednesday for brokering a tentative deal on the first phase of an agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the fighting in Gaza, and win the release of the remaining Israeli hostages, Palestinian American were more wary. Read the full story Kristi Noem compares antifa to MS-13, Hamas, Hezbollah and the Islamic State The homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, on Wednesday compared antifa to MS-13, Hamas, Hezbollah and the Islamic State, calling the loosely affiliated network of antifascist street activists just as dangerous as designated terrorist organizations during a White House roundtable discussion. They are just as sophisticated as MS-13, as TDA [Tren de Aragua], as Isis, as Hezbollah, as Hamas, as all of them, they are just as dangerous, Noem said. They have an agenda to destroy us, just like the other terrorists weve dealt with for many, many years. The roundtable featured rightwing social media journalists such as Andy Ngo, Nick Sortor, Katie Daviscourt and others who cover leftwing protests. Read the full story US shutdown deadlock deepens as senators reject competing bills The deadlock over ending the US government shutdown deepened on Wednesday, with senators once again rejecting competing bills to restart funding as Democrats and Republicans remain dug in on their demands for reopening federal agencies. The funding lapse has forced offices, national parks and other federal government operations to close or curtail operations, while employees have been furloughed. Signs of strain have mounted in recent days in the parts of the federal government that remained operational, with staffing shortages reported at airports across the US as well as air traffic control centers. Read the full story IRS to furlough nearly half its workforce due to government shutdown The Internal Revenue Service will furlough nearly half of its employees about 34,000 workers due to the ongoing government shutdown. In a statement on Wednesday, the IRS said that due to the lapse in appropriations, it will begin its furlough on 8 October for everyone except already-identified excepted and exempt employees. Read the full story Trump calls for jailing of Chicago mayor and Illinois governor as national guard arrives in city Donald Trump on Wednesday called for the imprisonment of Brandon Johnson, Chicagos mayor, and JB Pritzker, the Illinois governor, accusing them of failing to protect US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) officers. Chicago Mayor should be in jail for failing to protect Ice Officers! Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday morning. Governor Pritzker also! Both Johnson and Pritzker are Democrats. Read the full story Ex-FBI director James Comey pleads not guilty on lying to Congress charge The former FBI director James Comey pleaded not guilty in court on Wednesday in connection with federal charges that he lied to Congress in 2020. Comey entered the federal courthouse shortly before 10am through a private entrance. He was joined in court by his legal team, as well as his wife and daughter, Maurene, who was fired last month as a federal prosecutor in the southern district of New York. Troy Edwards Jr, Comeys son-in-law who resigned as a prosecutor in the eastern district of Virginia immediately after Comey was indicted, was also seen at the courthouse. Read the full story What else happened today: Catching up? Heres what happened 7 October 2025. President Donald Trump appeared confused when asked if he was considering suspending habeas corpus a Constitutional right that allows people to challenge unlawful detention responding, Suspending who? The 79-year-old president was taking questions from conservative influencers in the State Dining Room of the White House Wednesday as part of a roundtable on so-called Antifa terror when he was asked about how he plans to handle the anti-fascist movement. Antifa, short for anti-fascist, is a term used to describe left-wing activists that the Trump administration has villainized. On Wednesday, the president said he is designating Antifa as a major domestic terrorist organization for protesting his Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies. During the roundtable, Trump was asked: Have you given any more thought to possibly suspending habeas corpus to not only deal with these insurrectionists across the nation, but also to continue rapidly deporting illegal aliens? Suspending who? Trump responded, either mishearing the question or thinking habeas corpus was a person. President Donald Trump appeared to either mishear a question or think the constitutional right of habeas corpus was a person during a roundtable at the White House Wednesday. (Getty Images) Habeas corpus, the person repeated, causing Trump to defer to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who was sitting alongside him during the panel. I dont know. Id rather leave that to Kristi, he said, turning to ask Noem, What do you think? Noem awkwardly replies, No, sir. I havent been part of any discussions on that. Trump quickly moved on to the next question. When reached by The Independent about the incident, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said: Amidst ongoing violent riots and lawlessness, that local leaders like [Illinois Gov.] Pritzker have refused to step in to quell, President Trump has exercised his lawful authority to protect federal officers and assets. President Trump will not turn a blind eye to the lawlessness plaguing American cities. Habeas corpus is a Latin term that means you have the body. The right of habeas corpus is directly given in Article I of the U.S. Constitution, allowing those detained by the government to challenge their detention by filing a petition with a court that has jurisdiction. All people in the U.S., including immigrants, are awarded habeas corpus. However, it can be suspended in cases of rebellion or invasion if public safety requires it. While Trump stumbled over the question, Noem may not have been the best person to ask about the fundamental right. In May, as the White House threatened to suspend habeas corpus, Noem stunned members of a Senate hearing when she completely blundered its definition. When asked by Senator Maggie Hassan to define it, Noem claimed it is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country. Hassan, a New Hampshire Democrat, interrupted Noem, declaring, Thats incorrect. Trump turned to Noem on the question about habeas corpus, though the Homeland Security Secretary previously humiliated herself when she failed to properly define it during a Senate hearing in May. (Getty Images) As Trumps latest gaffe went viral online, California Gov. Gavin Newsom jumped on another opportunity to dunk on him, simply writing, Comforting, along with the clip. Other social media critics mockingly suggested that Trump thought he was suspending a person, instead of the constitutional right protecting people from unlawful detention. President Non Compos Mentis has no idea what the writ of habeas corpus is, wrote conservative lawyer George Conway on X. Another social media user joked, Habeas Corpus, I hear hes doing very well. Very strong, very powerful. Federal agents confront Antifa protesters outside of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building on in Portland, Oregon (Getty Images) During Wednesdays roundtable, Trump said he was going to designate Antifa a foreign terror organization. He designated it a domestic terror group last month. Antifa is not a single organization but rather a loosely affiliated, left-wing movement with no central hierarchy, organization or clear membership structure. Its adherents have used a variety of protests strategies, including violence, as part of their activism, and Antifa-style protesters have a presence on the West Coast in cities like Portland and Seattle. Trumps former FBI director, Christopher Wray, told Congress in 2020 that Antifa is not a group or an organization, but rather a movement or an ideology. The Anti Defamation League describes Antifa as a decentralized, leaderless movement composed of loose collections of groups, networks and individuals. Even so, Attorney General Pam Bondi backed Trumps attacks on the movement. Fighting crime is more than just getting the bad guy off the streets, Bondi said. Its breaking down the organization brick by brick, just like we did with the cartels. Were going to take the same approach, President Trump with Antifa, destroy the entire organization, from top to bottom. Were going to take them apart. It was not immediately clear what may change under the new designation. The U.S. government does not provide a precise, comprehensive, and public explanation of groups it may consider to be domestic terrorist organizations, in part because of free speech concerns, according to a 2023 Congressional Research Service report. Trump first said he was going to designate Antifa as a terrorist organization during his first term as president during protests against the murder of George Floyd in 2020. A peace plan that Benjamin Netanyahu hails as a great deal for Israel and is welcomed by Hamas as responsible and serious is an unprecedented achievement. Indeed, a historic one. There have been so many false dawns in the region over many decades that it is almost impossible to suppress caution about the prospects for an end to the war in Gaza, let alone a wider settlement in Israel-Palestine, but this is clearly a moment for optimism. The Gaza peace plan, which is to be signed shortly, must be taken seriously as a potentially decisive break in the cycle of violence that has brought so much indescribable suffering to the peoples of the region and not just since the atrocities of October 7 2023. A war that looked to be unending, and has brought allegations of genocide against Israel, appears to be winding down and perhaps with it, the wider conflict that has persisted since 1948, and before. At the very least, the remaining hostages should be released from their torture in the coming days, Palestinian captives in Israel will be freed, the humanitarian aid will flow in to relieve famine conditions, Israeli forces will start to withdraw, and the momentum towards peace and stability will build. From bitter experience, we know this will not be a smooth and uneventful process, and no peace process is free from setbacks, delays and tension, but this is the first time in years that any realistic path towards the ultimate goal of a sovereign Palestinian nation and state of Israel coexisting can be even vaguely discerned, and in the least propitious of circumstances. Quietly, with no one much seizing upon it, Donald Trump has forced Mr Netanyahu to implicitly accept the emergence of a Palestinian state. The Gaza peace plan must be taken seriously as a potentially decisive break in the cycle of violence that has brought so much indescribable trauma (AFP/Getty) So the plan deserves to succeed, not just because its the only option available, but on its own merits. The 20-point plan is logical, tempered by creative ambiguity, and does not try to accomplish too much too rapidly. It is balanced and has already created the kind of trust that will be needed to make sure a fragile peace grows into something more lasting. That, so far as can be judged, has much to do with the work done by diplomats across the region, especially those from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, and by figures in the background such as Jared Kushner and Sir Tony Blair. It must also be added that it is difficult to imagine that the warring parties could have been brought to this point without the forceful personality of President Trump. Whereas previous presidents have tended to use words and gentle nudging to entice the various sides to start negotiating, Mr Trump has, frankly, used violence and coercion to bend them to his will. Not since Jimmy Carter who had a very different personality brokered the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt in 1978 has an American leader enjoyed what seems to be such success in the region, albeit not yet secure. There is much talk, not least from the president himself, about the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to him for his efforts. It feels, at this juncture, premature, but if things develop as planned, then there would be an indisputably stronger case for it next year. However, no one should find it an outrage if the committee in Oslo were to take a risk of their own and add Mr Trumps name to that of previous laureates such as Nelson Mandela, Yasser Arafat, Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres and Mikhail Gorbachev (as well as presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Carter, and Barack Obama). Mr Trump is not known for his patience, but he may have made an even more impressive, if improbable, contribution to world peace if he continues in his work as chair of the Peace Board and steers Israel and Palestine towards coexistence. In that context, one important factor in the continuing process is the likelihood that the Netanyahu coalition administration will collapse, because its extreme nationalist elements cannot accept the establishment of any kind of Palestinian entity at all. The Israeli people will soon, and certainly within a year or so, have an opportunity to elect a new government, and one that is much more committed to making Israel secure and ending its international isolation. As Mr Trump remarked to Mr Netanyahu, Israel cant fight the world, Bibi, and the great prize for Israel would be a comprehensive framework of peace accords, adding Saudi Arabia and others, plus international forces to guarantee its agreed borders. For now, the hostages will be coming home, the Palestinians will be safe from bombings, and those are reasons enough for blessed relief and tearful rejoicing. With the leaders of Hamas and Israels prime minister agreeing to phase one of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, Donald Trump may finally be on the verge of ending a bloody conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and which largely defined the 2024 election. The U.S. president could also be on the verge of achieving a major accolade hes openly sought for months, if not longer: the Nobel Peace Prize. Awarded to Barack Obama in 2009, winning the prize is Trumps way of attaining a similar level of the same global respect his longtime political foe achieved with ease almost immediately upon taking office. And as Israels ministers vote on the peace agreement the countrys Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to Washington to support, it remains obvious that the Israeli government and Netanyahu himself could still put serious obstacles in the way of any deal becoming permanent. Even as leaders of Hamas vowed to return all living and dead hostages, Israeli military forces continued to carry out strikes throughout the day Thursday, according to reports from inside Gaza. Trump himself was posed questions about Netanyahus level of commitment to the deals capacity to end the war on a long-term basis, and found himself unable to qualify it. Asked how he could guarantee Hamas would disarm and Israel would not resume bombardments of Gaza at a Cabinet meeting, the U.S. president responded that his current priority was the return of hostages: After that, well see...but theyve agreed to things, I think its gonna move along pretty well. Donald Trump told reporters on Thursday, well see, when asked whether the ceasefire agreement would continue into a full deal to end the war between Israel and Hamas (AP) Were going to see how it all goes. Theres a point at which we may do something that would be a little bit different, and maybe very positive for everybody, Trump added of the possibility of Palestinian statehood. Well be looking at that at the time. I think we will get to that. It isnt completely clear the extent to which both sides have agreed to later phases of the peace process. Israel remains publicly opposed to any consideration of statehood for the Palestinian territories, which remains a major sticking point to the deal particularly as it concerns Hamass willingness to disarm and relinquish political control of the Gaza Strip, which the militant group has not said it will do. Beyond the larger points of a long-term peace agreement, theres still the chance that hostilities erupt again before that conversation even takes place. Israeli tanks were recorded firing on coastal road densely packed with Palestinians after news of the ceasefire agreement was announced, which had driven many into the streets in celebration. Reporting throughout Thursday indicates significant roadblocks still in the way. Nearly all stem from Israeli unwillingness to accept Palestinian demands: among those asks included a request for imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti to be among the hundreds of Palestinians released from Israeli custody in an exchange of hostages with Hamas; it was denied. The head of the Palestinian mission to the UK warned: "this is not a time to relax." "We have experience with Netanyahu," Husam Zomlot told Radio 4, noting that the prime minister "looks for loopholes" and "doesn't want to end [the war]". Donald Trump and Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Washington to announce a 20-point peace plan last week (AP) The prime minister also remains under serious political pressure at home. With many Israelis fuming over the peace agreements terms and the growing public support for a Palestinian state among Western nations, Netanyahu faced a threat from far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to dissolve the governing coalition if the prime minister doesnt secure an agreement for the total dissolution of Hamas. Hamas, meanwhile, faces the opposite pressure. Much reporting indicates that the involvement of Arab countries and Turkeys President Erdogan forced the militant group to accept a deal with little in the way of tangible guarantees of success. When Trump put forward his plan, as lopsided as it was, the Arab states and others embraced it, not because they loved the terms but because they just wanted to be done with this. That put Hamas in a very difficult position, Khaled Elgindy, visiting scholar with Georgetown Universitys Center for Contemporary Arab Studies told The New Yorkers Isaac Chotiner this week. As a result, supporters of a ceasefire across the political spectrum (with the exception of Israels loyal defenders on social media) widely agree: for this deal to succeed, the brunt of Trumps pressure is going to need to be aimed squarely at Netanyahu. The Israeli bombing of Qatar, aimed at assassinating Hamas political leaders, was seen as a key moment that shifted the presidents view much like the delay in Ukraine-Russia talks and continued Russian strikes on civilian targets in Kyiv and elsewhere seemed to turn Trump against Vladimir Putin. The fact that Trump and his team could step in aggressively to get a deal done this week shows that the war could have ended much earlier had the U.S. pressured the Netanyahu government appropriately earlier. The key reason Trump moved forward with pressure on Israel at this point is because of Israel's overreach by bombing Qatar in September. It made the White House recognize that Israel's recklessness was increasingly becoming an American problem, wrote the progressive Quincy Institute scholar Trita Parsi. His words were approvingly echoed on X by Curt Mills, executive director of the American Conservative magazine and a voice among the war-skeptic MAGA right. Mills, who has also called the Israeli assault on Gaza a genocide, derided Netanyahu and critics of the agreement to release living and dead hostages within the Israeli governing coalition on Thursday. The January ceasefire secured by [Steve] Witkoff even before he was in office, a baller move ushered in the very positive first phase of the Trump Admin. That was disrupted by the Israelis breaking the deal and then by June 13. This is a grand opportunity to get back on track, wrote Mills. Steve Bannon, the MAGAworld populist ex-Breitbart baron, added on his podcast: What really drove this was Netanyahus overreach. The greater Israel project backfired. We warned them. He dragged America into wars the public wont support. Thats why this deal happened. The War Room host was more optimistic than most progressives, and even moreso than his former boss that Palestinian statehood remained not just firmly on the table, but now inevitable. Its a peace plan in Gaza, but its going to be the beginning of a two-state solution, Bannon declared Thursday. Can Trump force Netanyahu to budge on the one position that seems certain to shatter the Israeli leaders political coalition? If he does, the Nobel Peace Prize would certainly be on the table though the prime ministers vow to nominate him for it could be the price. When the peace deal came, it came quickly. Rumours had been spreading over the course of the day, anticipation grew. A source told me that a deal would be done by Friday, another said perhaps by Thursday evening. Israel and Hamas agree to peace deal - live updates They were both wrong. Instead, it came much sooner, announced by Donald Trump on his own social media channel. Without being anywhere near the talks in Egypt, the president was the dominant figure. Few will argue that he deserves the credit for driving this agreement. We can probably see the origins of all this in Israel's decision to try to kill the Hamas leadership in Doha. The attack failed, and the White House was annoyed. Arab states started to express themselves to Trump more successfully, arguing that it was time for him to rein in Benjamin Netanyahu and bring an end to the war. They repeated the call at a meeting during the UN General Assembly, which seems to have landed. When the president later met Netanyahu, the 20-point plan was born, which led to this fresh peace agreement. Does it cover everything? Absolutely not. We don't know who will run Gaza in the future, for a start, which is a pretty yawning hole when you consider that Gaza's fresh start is imminent. We don't know what will happen to Hamas, or to its weapons, or really how Israel will withdraw from the Strip. But these talks have always been fuelled by optimism, and by the sense that if you could stop the fighting and get the hostages home, then everything else might just fall into place. In order to agree to this, Hamas must surely have been given strong assurances that, even at some level, its demands for Palestinian self-determination would bear fruit. Otherwise, why would the group have given up their one trump card - the 48 hostages? Once they have gone, Hamas has no leverage at all. It has precious few friends among the countries sitting around the negotiating table, and it is a massively depleted fighting force. So to give up that power, I can only assume that Khalil al-Hayya, the de facto Hamas leader, got a cast-iron guarantee of... something. Arab states will greet this agreement with joy. Some of that is to do with empathy for the Palestinians in Gaza, where 67,000 people have been killed and more than 10% of the population has become a casualty of war. But they will also welcome a path to stability, where there is less fear of spillover from the Gaza conflict and more confidence about the region's economic and political unity. Trump's worldview - that everything comes down to business and deal-making - is welcomed by some of these leaders as a smart way of seeing diplomacy. Jared Kushner has plenty of friends among these nations, and his input was important. Read more about 7 October: 'It is trauma': Two lives torn apart 'Instead of getting married, they got buried together' For many Israelis, this comes down to a few crucial things. Firstly, the hostages are coming home. It is hard to overstate just how embedded that cause is to Israeli society. The return of all 48, living and dead, will be a truly profound moment for this nation. Secondly, their soldiers will no longer be fighting a war that, even within the higher echelons of the military, is believed to be drifting and purposeless. Thirdly, there is growing empathy for the plight of the Gazans, which is tied to a fourth point - a realisation that Israel's reputation on the world stage has been desperately tarnished. Some will object to this deal and say that it is too weak; that it lets Hamas off the hook and fails to punish them for the atrocities of 7 October. It is an accusation that will be levelled by far-right members of Netanyahu's coalition government. It could even collapse the administration. But for most people, in Israel, Gaza, across the Middle East and around the world, it is a moment of relief. Last week, I was in Gaza, and the destruction was absolutely devastating to witness. Whatever the compromises, the idea that the war has stopped is, for the moment at least, a beacon of optimism. Amid destruction and rain, people go about their day in Jabaliya, 11 February 2025 Photograph: Enas Tantesh/The Guardian Over the past two years in Gaza, the world has witnessed one of the worst onslaughts against a civilian population in recent history and has been unwilling or unable to stop it. More than 66,200 people have been killed and nearly 169,000 injured, meaning that about one in 10 of Gazas Palestinian population have been casualties of Israels military campaign. After the Israeli army destroyed a mosque and wrote on it in Hebrew, someone from Gaza wrote on the dome: A promise we will construct it. Gaza City, 24 February 2025 Left: Israeli bombs fall in Khan Younis, 18 June 2024. Right: the ruins of the Bank of Palestine in Gaza City, 24 February 2025 Israel says its target is Hamas but more than 80% of the deaths have been civilians. A UN human rights report has deemed that Israels actions in Gaza constitute a genocide. The survivors have endured prolonged famine as a result of a deliberate Israeli policy of cutting off food supplies, and the Israel Defense Forces have made much of the Gaza Strip uninhabitable. According to a recent survey by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, about 70% of Gazas buildings have sustained severe damage. People hope to receive new tents in Khan Younis after theirs were lost to the tide, 25 November 2024 People return to southern Gaza with their belongings, 27 January 2025 Life goes on amid the destruction of the Jabaliya camp, February 2025 The statistics are shocking but impersonal. Through her photographs, Enas Tantesh has recorded what those crude numbers mean in intimate terms what it looks like when your home and community are pulverised. Before the war started, with a deadly Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, Tantesh had never considered being a photographer. She was finishing high school and following in the footsteps of her father, a locally celebrated and widely beloved swimming instructor, and had started to teach children in her home town of Beit Lahiya. However, as the Israeli bombardment took its toll and increasing numbers of Gazas journalists either fled or were killed, her older sister Malak began writing for the Guardian and other European newspapers. Around the same time, in the spring of 2024, Enas started taking photographs of the turmoil and devastation around her, equipped only with a Samsung mobile phone and a few tips from her father. Her pictures taken over the next 18 months show an entire people reduced to nomads and scavengers on their own land. Children look for drinking water in Beit Hanoun, 3 February 2025 Nine out of 10 people of Gaza have been forced to leave their homes because of bombardment or Israeli evacuation orders. Like almost every other Palestinian family, the Tanteshes have had to pack everything they could carry, travel across Gaza to cram into a relatives home, and then move again when that home came under fire, and then do so yet again. The family have had to move 11 times, and in common with most people in Gaza they have ended up living in tents improvised out of bits of wood, cloth and plastic sheeting. A cat sits in the rubble of a home in Beit Lahiya, 10 February 2025 Tanteshs photos capture the impermanence, despair and constant insecurity of day-to-day life for a traumatised populace trudging through a ruined urban landscape. Following the direction of her eyes is a reminder that survival is not just about finding shelter and water and scraping just enough to eat. It is also about seeking out moments of normality and human connection whenever possible: eating with the family, children playing, or one of Gazas cats somehow retaining its elegance, immaculately groomed and aloof amid all the wreckage. Clockwise from top left: Enass uncle tends to the plants around his tent in Rafah, 29 April 2024; Enass sister, Malak A Tantesh; fruit from the surviving orange trees on the family farm in Beit Lahiya, 31 January 2025; crops around the familys tent in Khan Younis, 10 December 2024; Enass father hugs the tree he planted before the war began, in Beit Lahiya, 31 January 2025 Tantesh has faced suspicion and abuse while going about her work. Passersby sometimes wish death upon her, assuming she is one of an increasing number of people who shares images of other peoples suffering online, without context or permission, to fuel their personal fundraising efforts. She was once detained by Hamas while on the street working. She was questioned about her motives and credentials but was freed after a brief interrogation. In the course of the war, Tantesh has developed a thick skin and a steady nerve. On one assignment, she photographed a man being operated on for a stomach wound that had become infected in one of Gazas semi-wrecked hospitals. She was allowed into the cramped operating theatre on condition she would help pass surgical implements and swabs while the patients abdomen was opened up. A patient undergoes surgery in Deir al-Balah, 29 September 2024 When a beachside cafe was shelled a block away from the temporary family home in Gaza City, Tantesh recorded the aftermath, taking pictures of what remained of its customers, too graphic to be published. Like all Palestinians in Gaza, Tantesh has become inured to death. It has become routine, she said. People see something terrible and just keep walking. Evidence has grown that Israel is targeting journalists in Gaza: 248 have been killed so far. Tantesh has learned to live with fear and how to mitigate risk, always keeping one eye on the sky for killer drones. A girl looks out of her tent in Khan Younis, 23 May 2024 The most dangerous place she had worked, she said, was at Gaza port, where Israeli patrol boats would regularly strafe the shore with machine-gun fire. In the apartment where the family stayed in Gaza City, one room facing the sea had a bullet hole in the wall. Tanteshs father would bar his children from going in there when there was shooting, but she would often tiptoe to take photos from its vantage point over the beach. Earlier in the year, the family returned to Beit Lahiya in the north and Tanteshs pictures recorded the bitter homecoming. She and her sister tried to find their family house amid the ruins but finally had to be guided there by a neighbour because each flattened street looked like the next. The sun sets over the destruction of Beit Lahiya, 3 February 2025 She and her sister climbed one of the few multistorey structures still standing, braving Israeli snipers to get a view of the desolation. Those photographs of my own home were the hardest I ever had to take, Tantesh said. Reporting by Julian Borger The Kremlin is undertaking a reflexive control campaign of threats to discourage the US from supplying Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). On Wednesday, Andrei Kartapolov, a senior Russian lawmaker, said: We know these missiles very well, how they fly, how to shoot them down, we worked on them in Syria, so there is nothing new. Only those who supply them and those who use them will have problems We will find ways to hurt those who cause us trouble. It came as the Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Wednesday that the powerful momentum towards reaching a peace deal in Ukraine after the presidential meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Alaska had largely gone. Ukrainian forces were inflicting heavy losses in a counteroffensive in eastern Donetsk region, the wars main theatre, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday. The Ukrainian presidents account, based on a report by his top commander, contrasted with Putins address to senior Russian officers a day earlier in which he said Moscows forces held the strategic initiative in all frontline sectors. Zelenskyy said he spoke for almost an hour to Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, with particular attention on the Dobropillia operation, our counteroffensive. Ukraine has pointed to successes in Dobropillia, just north of the logistics hub of Pokrovsk, one of Russias key targets. In an assessment dated 7 October, the ISW said Russia was incurring heavy casualty rates, particularly from Ukrainian drone attacks, in return for limited tactical advances. Ukrainian forces, Zelenskyy said, were defending ourselves along all other directions, referring specifically to Kupiansk, a largely destroyed town in north-eastern Ukraine under heavy Russian assaults for months. He described conditions as difficult around Novopavlivka, further south in the Zaporizhzhia region, but said our active defensive actions there are showing good results. Russias defence ministry on Wednesday claimed it had taken control of the village of Novohryhorivka in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. In reporting the claims, the Reuters news agency said it could not independently verify battlefield accounts from either side. The regional governor in Ukraines southern region of Kherson said Russian attacks on Wednesday killed three people in and around the city of the same name. The governor of Sumy region, on the northern border with Russia, said three people died in Russian drone attacks in different districts. Ukraines air force said it intercepted or jammed 154 out of 183 Russian strike and decoy drones overnight into Wednesday. In Russias Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, a missile strike killed three people in the village of Maslova Pristan, the local governor said. A Russian attack seriously damaged one of Ukraines thermal power plants, authorities said on Wednesday. Two workers were injured in the attack, according to DTEK, Ukraines biggest electricity operator. It provided no further information, including the plants location, but Ukrainian authorities said Russia struck energy infrastructure in Ukraines northern Chernihiv, southern Kherson and south-eastern Dnipropetrovsk regions. In the north-eastern Sumy town of Shostka, hit hard by the Russian onslaught against the power supply, authorities have put up tents where people can warm up, drink hot tea, charge their phones and receive psychological support, according to regional head Oleh Hryhorov. He posted photos of people cooking in outdoor kitchens in the street over open fires on Tuesday. Each year, Russia has tried to cripple the Ukrainian power grid ahead of bitter winters of which January and February are the coldest months. Ukraine has hit back with long-range strikes on the Russian energy and petroleum supplies, causing disruptions. Ukraines ambassador to Nato on Wednesday urged European allies to step up purchases of US weapons for Kyiv. Its not that we prefer American weapons over French or German or some other European weapons the issue is that we are asking the US for weapons which European countries cant provide, said Alyona Getmanchuk. Countries supporting Ukraine are due to meet in Brussels next week. European nations have been buying US arms for Ukraine under a scheme running since July, and so far weaponry worth $2bn has been funded. Zelenskyy has said he needs $1bn worth each month. Ukraine has massively ramped up its own production especially in drone manufacturing and says it is producing 40% of the weaponry it needs. German federal police will soon be allowed to shoot down unmanned aerial vehicles, interior minister Alexander Dobrindt said on Wednesday, after a spate of drone sightings believed to be Russian efforts to spy and intimidate. Unveiling a draft law, Dobrindt said police would be authorised to take state-of-the-art technical action against drone threats, for example with electromagnetic pulses, jamming, GPS interference, but also with physical means. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday said Europe must ramp up its defences to deter Russias hybrid warfare after air incursions, cyber-attacks and damage to undersea cables. This is not random harassment. It is a coherent and escalating campaign, von der Leyen said in a speech to the European parliament. Two incidents are coincidence, but three, five, 10 this is a deliberate and targeted grey zone campaign against Europe, and Europe must respond. Boots balances youthful high-jinks and romantic angst - Netflix The story of how the US military kicked into touch the uncomfortable reality of gay soldiers in its ranks is told in surprisingly upbeat fashion in the irreverent boot camp drama Boots (Netflix). Adapted from the memoirs of (then closeted) Marine Greg Cope White, it follows bullied, semi-fictionalised, high-school graduate Cameron Cope (Miles Heizer) as he signs up to the Marines in 1990. Those here for army training ground cliches will find lots to love in a series that balances youthful high-jinks and romantic angst. From red-faced drill sergeants screaming obscenities in the faces of recruits to baby-faced soldiers-to-be barking, Sir, yes, sir!, no stereotype escapes the bayonet. Sir, yes, sir!: Liam Oh as Ray McAffey and Miles Heizer as Cameron Cope in Boots - 2025 PA Media At the time of the storys setting, gay people were prohibited from serving in the US military (the restriction would be eased, albeit in Kafka-esque fashion, with Bill Clintons Dont Ask, Dont Tell regulations in 1994). This presents an obvious and deeply existential challenge for Cope, who is coming to terms with his sexuality even as he flees a ghastly home life and his deadbeat mother (a brilliantly burned-out Vera Farmiga). There isnt much sex in Boots. Much like the US military at the time, it keeps its queer erotic life under a bushel. It instead functions as both a relatively demure, gay coming-of-age story and another entry in the genre of shouty US military drama a milieu broad enough to encompass psychological horror (Kubricks chilling Full Metal Jacket), comedy (Matthew Brodericks Biloxi Blues), and melodrama (Colin Farrells Tigerland). Copes repressed sexuality is personified by a waspish alter-ego (also played by Heizer) who pops up to taunt him about his attempts to fit into straight society. He also discovers he has an erotic charge with several other soldiers. However, the most profound connection is with his superior, Sergeant Bobby Sullivan (played by Max Parker, the former Emmerdale and Casualty actor, with a flawless American accent). Sullivan is gay, too. His secret heartache is one of the storys most compelling subplots, as laid out in flashbacks to a doomed romance on a US military base in Guam. Cope, by contrast, is a far less melancholic figure. He is largely accepting of both life in the closet and the travails of boot camp (it helps that he signed up alongside his straight best friend, played by Liam Oh). As he gets to grips with the demands of the military, it is notable that there is little of the misery that made Full Metal Jacket, in particular, such a tough watch. Showrunner Andy Parker has explained that he did not want Boots to be drab and bleak. To that end, the action is spruced up with quippy dialogue and a boisterous soundtrack that makes frequent use of Wilson Phillips sunny 1990 hit, Hold On. A brilliantly burned-out Vera Farmiga plays Barb Cope, Camerons mother - Courtesy of Netflix There is one tragic death, several punch-ups and lots of toilet humour. But the tone is generally one of youthful optimism as Cope discovers he is more than his sexuality and makes peace with being both gay and someone born to wear a uniform. There arent many feel-good dramedies about a closeted man who finds himself by going through hell at Marine boot camp. In that category of one, the fun and buoyant Boots is the uncontested champion. Boots is on Netflix from Thursday 9 October A 14-year-old boy was allegedly beaten by a 23-year-old man while the mans heavyset friend pinned him down after the teen rang their doorbell and ran (Getty Images/iStockphoto) A Utah man faces an aggravated child abuse charge after allegedly beating a 14-year-old who rang his doorbell and ran, while the mans heavy-set friend pinned the teen. Marshal Aho, 23, was arrested Wednesday after a teen said he and friends ding-dong ditched a string of Riverton townhomes, KSL.com reports. Aho and two others, who had allegedly been in the garage of one of the targeted townhomes, ran after the teens. The 14-year-old told police that he fell on some rocks near a sidewalk, at which point one of the men, later identified as Aho, allegedly pushed his face into the gravel and began kicking and punching him, the outlet reports. The victim stated that Aho punched him in the back of the head multiple times and kicked him in the side. A 14-year-old boy was allegedly beaten by a 23-year-old man while the mans heavyset friend pinned him down after the teen rang their doorbell and ran (Getty Images/iStockphoto) As the assault continued, another man, estimated to weigh between 300 and 400 pounds, reportedly sat on the teens back. Aho allegedly asked the teen, Do you want to die tonight? and Do you want to meet Jesus tonight? The victim also claimed that Aho instructed one of his friends to grab a gun before slamming the boys head into the rocks, per the report. The larger male was said to have struck the teens back with a hammering motion. As the assault ended, Aho allegedly stomped on the boys head. The victim later told police he feared for his life during the attack. He reportedly sustained a concussion, broken braces, cuts and bruises to his ribs and forehead, as well as additional bumps and bruises to his head, stomach, and back, investigators told the outlet. Police traced the teens doorbell-ditch targets, ran vehicle plates, and identified Aho, whose address matched one of the homes. The teen then picked him out of a photo lineup. Aho has a court appearance scheduled for later this month, according to the outlet. The Independent has contacted the Riverton Police Department for comment. Letitia James speaks at an election night watch party for Zohran Mamdani in New York on 25 June. Photograph: Julius Constantine Motal/The Guardian A federal grand jury has indicted Letitia James, the New York attorney general, for bank fraud and making false statements. Two charges were brought against James, who had brought a civil fraud case against the Trump Organization in 2022 that Trump claimed was a malicious prosecution. Lindsey Halligan, the US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia, personally presented the case to the grand jury on Thursday, the person said. US attorneys do not typically present to a grand jury. This is nothing more than a continuation of the presidents desperate weaponization of our justice system. He is forcing federal law enforcement agencies to do his bidding, all because I did my job as the New York state attorney general, James said in a recorded video statement on Thursday. These charges are baseless, and the presidents own public statements make clear that his only goal is political retribution at any cost. The presidents actions are a grave violation of our constitutional order and have drawn sharp criticism from members of both parties. Halligan was installed in the role last month after Donald Trump became frustrated with the pace of investigations against his rivals. No one is above the law, Halligan said in a statement. The charges as alleged in this case represent intentional, criminal acts and tremendous breaches of the publics trust. The facts and the law in this case are clear, and we will continue following them to ensure that justice is served. According to a copy of the federal indictment, James is charged with one count of bank fraud and one count of making false statements to a financial institution. Jamess attorney, Abbe Lowell, said his client flatly and forcefully denies these charges. James is set to appear in a Virginia court on 24 October. Her attorneyswill probably argue that the charges arise from a vindictive and selective prosecution and there is no material fact to the charges and should be dismissed. Democratic party officials were quick to defend James. New Yorkers know @NewYorkStateAG James for her integrity, her independence, and her relentless fight for justice, New Yorks governor, Kathy Hochul, posted on X. What were seeing today is nothing less than the weaponization of the Justice Department to punish those who hold the powerful accountable. The Democratic mayoral candidate for New York City, Zohran Mamdani, said in a statement: No one should be surprised that Donald Trump is employing fascist tactics prosecuting his opponents, weaponizing the federal government, and attacking the very fabric of our democracy. And Trump should not be surprised when millions of Americans stand up to his authoritarianism and his greed. New York Citys comptroller, Brad Lander, condemned the indictment, pointing to the mortgage fraud case James brought against the Trump organization in 2022 that resulted in a $464m judgment that was later overturned as a excessive. Tish James knew the risk that she was taking when she brought that prosecution, and I, like many other people, said something to her at the time, Lander said. And when she says without fear or favor, you know she means it. Related: New York Democrats rally behind Letitia James day after indictment for mortgage fraud The US president has made little secret of his desire to use the justice department to punish his rivals. What about Comey, Adam Shifty Schiff, Leticia [sic]??? Theyre all guilty as hell, but nothing is going to be done, he said in a September post on Truth Social that was addressed to Pam Bondi, the US attorney general. We cant delay any longer, its killing our reputation and credibility. The move is Trumps latest effort to weaponize the Department of Justice to punish political rivals. It comes two weeks after Halligan secured charges against James Comey, the former FBI director. Career prosecutors prepared a memo in that case outlining why charges were not warranted. Comey pleaded not guilty on Wednesday. A grand jury empaneled earlier this year had been investigating allegations that James may have committed fraud when she helped her niece buy a home in Virginia. James received a $137,000 mortgage on the home in 2020. The indictment alleges that James got a more favorable mortgage rate of 3% because she signed a Second Home Rider, which required her to use the property as a secondary residence. But prosecutors say she rented the property out to others, which meant that she should have paid a mortgage rate of 3.815%. According to the indictment, she saved a total of $18,933. It was not known that prosecutors were scrutinizing James 2020 home purchase. Prosecutors were believed to be investigating a 2023 home she purchase in Norfolk she assisted her niece with. On a document that was part of that transaction, there was a box checked indicating James intended to use it as her primary residence, which would make better mortgage rates available. But in other documents and emails with her mortgage broker, James clearly indicated she did not intend to use the home as her primary residence. A career prosecutor in the eastern district of Virginia, Elizabeth Yusi, had determined there was not probable cause to file mortgage fraud charges against James and had been preparing to present her thinking to Halligan. James attracted Trumps ire after she led a civil fraud case against the president and his business that resulted in a $500m fine. The fine was recently overturned by an appellate court. There has been considerable turmoil in the US attorneys office for the eastern district of Virginia in recent weeks. Erik Siebert, Halligans predecessor, was removed from his post for failing to bring charges against Comey and James. Maya Song, one of his top deputies, was also fired. A third prosecutor, Michael BenAry, who was not involved in the Comey case, was also fired after being targeted by Trump allies online. William Pulte, the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and a staunch Trump ally, has made criminal referrals on mortgage issues against several Trump rivals, including James, the California senator Schiff, and the Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook. The US has carried out a number of unprecedented strikes on what they claim are narco trafficking vessels The White House has slapped down Colombias president after he claimed citizens were on board an alleged drug smuggling boat bombed by the US. The Pentagon carried out an attack on a fourth vessel off the coast of Venezuela on Oct 3. Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, said four people had been killed on the narco trafficking vessel. Indications show that the last boat bombed was Colombian with Colombian citizens inside of it, Gustavo Petro, the Colombian president, said in a statement. The aggression is against all of Latin America and the Caribbean. He added: A new theatre of war has opened up: the Caribbean. Credit: X/@WhiteHouse However, a White House spokesperson has disputed the claim, labelling it baseless. The United States looks forward to President Petro publicly retracting his baseless and reprehensible statement so that we can return to a productive dialogue on building a strong, prosperous future for the people of United States and Colombia, the spokesperson said. Critics have questioned the legality of strikes, which mark an unprecedented intervention by the White House. On Oct 2, Mr Trump declared the US is in an armed conflict with drug cartels, a move some suggested was to co-opt sweeping wartime powers that would allow him to legally launch military strikes on drug boats. Under international law, countries at war can kill enemy fighters who pose no immediate threat and detain them without trial. If Mr Petros claim is true, it could create a headache for the US, which has long had an important trading and strategic relationship with Colombia. Colombia could also be important to Mr Trump if the US decides to push ahead with a potential plan to try to oust Nicolas Maduro, the leader of Venezuela, whom the administration has accused of enabling the flow of drugs into the US. In August the US justice department offered a $50m (2.7m) reward for information leading to Mr Maduros arrest. The White House has accused Nicolas Maduro of enabling the flow of drugs into the US - ZURIMAR CAMPOS During Mr Trumps first term, he charged Mr Maduro and other high-ranking Venezuelan officials with a range of offences, including narco-terrorism, corruption, and drug trafficking. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is reported to have drawn up plans for military strikes against cartels on Venezuelan soil to tackle drug smuggling at its source. Attacks could potentially begin this month, sources told NBC News, blaming Mr Maduro for failing to stop the flow of illegal drugs into the US. A White House spokesperson told the Telegraph: Despite policy differences with the current government, Colombia remains an essential strategic partner. We are committed to close cooperation on a range of shared priorities, including regional security and stability, and we remain engaged in efforts that improve the lives of Americans and Colombians alike. Valentin Vacherot celebrates after his match against Holger Rune (Getty Images) World No 204 Valentin Vacherot stunned Holger Rune to reach the Shanghai Masters semi-finals, becoming the lowest-ranked player to advance to the semi-finals of an ATP 1000 event in 26 years. Qualifier Vacherot, 26, defeated the World No 11 Rune 2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4, converting his third match point to become the first player representing Monaco to reach an ATP Tour semi-final. He collapsed onto the court after prevailing in more than two-and-a-half hours, and will play Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals after the 38-year-old defeated Zizou Bergs. Valentin Vacherot will play Djokovic in the semi-finals (Getty Images) I didnt come as a qualifier, I came as an alternate. I wasnt even sure I was going to play qualifying, said Vacherot, who missed half of last year sidelined with an injury. This is just unbelievable. The last win meant already so much to me. This one means even more. It was tough not to think about it on match point, also breaking the top 100. I know this is just a step, but I tried not to look at the rankings for this whole tournament. I had read that if I won, I would break the top 100, but this is just unbelievable for me. I cannot wait for [the semi-final]. Im just so happy and living the dream. Both Vacherot and Rune struggled in the brutal heat and humidity in Shanghai, with Vacherot also battling painful blisters on his right foot. The 22-year-old Rune twice received treatment in the decider after suffering from cramps. (AP) After already beating Alexander Bublik, Tomas Machac and Tallon Griekspoor this week, Vacherot has now beaten four top-32 players to become the first qualifier to reach the Shanghai semi-finals in tournament history. Vacherot could yet be joined in the semi-finals by his cousin, the French player Arthur Rinderkneck, who will look to back up his win over Alexander Zverev when he takes on Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday. Vacherot is the lowest-ranked player to reach an ATP 1000 semi-final since Chris Woodruff made the Indian Wells semi-finals as the World 555 in 1999. Vacherot is the second-lowest ranked player in ATP history to reach the semi-finals of a Masters tournament and the result will see him enter the worlds top 100 for the first time. "It would mean a lot to play at least one of the guys of the 'Big Three' in my career," Vacherot said on playing Djokovic. Migrants try to board a dinghy bound for the UK on Aug 25 - Carl Court/Getty France has been accused of misusing a European Union-funded surveillance aircraft to spy on Channel crossings. The European Court of Auditors (ECA), the blocs financial watchdog, said the plane had been deployed outside the Schengen free-travel zone for a third of its flight time, in contravention of the rules. Tens of thousands of illegal migrants have reached the UK in small boats after leaving the French mainland. While the ECAs report did not specify where the aircraft was being used, it said: We noted that on occasion the equipped aircraft were deployed outside the Schengen Area in contravention of the applicable legislative and contractual requirements. A source close to the audit told The Telegraph that the aircraft in question was a Dassault Falcon 50M, which are flown by the French navy on maritime surveillance missions. While Paris paid for the aircraft, it contained equipment funded by Brussels. It was one of the examples found of cash from Brussels being misspent. Migrants wade into the sea on the French coast in an attempt to board a small boat heading for the UK - Dan Kitwood/Getty In Greece, auditors found an EU-funded loan to promote entrepreneurship had been used to purchase a private property, complete with a swimming pool. A project in Poland to provide disabled students with accessible online library services was found to be not operational or not fit for purpose. In another case, inspectors arrived at a West African youth employment project to find EU-funded greenhouses had collapsed, irrigation systems had failed and childcare facilities had been left unused. The EU spent 167.9bn in 2024, of which 3.6 per cent was found to have been spent erroneously. It is the sixth consecutive year in which EU auditors have delivered an adverse opinion when signing off on the blocs annual budget. A substantial proportion of this expenditure is materially affected by error, the auditors said. Report makes for grim reading The Luxembourg-based ECA also warned that the European Commissions using of debt to fund spending was putting future budgets at risk. Brussels took out a near 650bn loan to support pandemic-stricken economies, and more recently agreed to borrow 150bn to fund a continent-wide rearmament programme. The ECA warned that interest payments for Next Generation EU, the post-Covid recovery programme, could exceed 30bn more than double the Commissions previous forecasts. In order to safeguard the sustainability of future MFFs [multi-year financial framework], there will be a need to take into account the growing burden of borrowing-related obligations, the ECA report said of future EU budget negotiations. The EUs 27 member states will shortly begin grappling over a 2 trillion budget proposal put forward by Ursula von der Leyen, the commissions president, for 2028-34. Frank Furedi, the executive director of the think tank MCC Brussels, said: The Court of Auditors report makes for grim reading. The EUs system of budgetary control increasingly resembles that of the Soviet Union. Tim Westwood faces alleged offences dating from between 1983 and 2016 - Joseph Okpako/Getty Tim Westwood, the former BBC DJ, has been charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault. The Metropolitan Police said Mr Westwood, 68, faced four counts of rape, nine counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault against seven different women. The alleged offences date from between 1983 and 2016 and include the indecent assault of a 17-year-old girl in Fulham in 1983, the indecent assault of a 20-year-old woman in Vauxhall in 1986, and the rape and indecent assault of a teenager in London between 1995 and 1996. They also include the rape and indecent assault of another teenager in London between 2000 and 2001, the rape of a woman in her 20s in London in 2010, the sexual assault of a woman in her 20s in Stroud in 2010, and the sexual assault of woman in her 20s in Finchley in 2016. Mr Westwood is scheduled to appear at Westminster magistrates court on Nov 10. Investigation launched in 2022 Lionel Idan, the Chief Crown Prosecutor, said: The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute Tim Westwood for a series of serious sexual offences. Our prosecutors have established that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings. Det Supt Andy Furphy, of the Metropolitan Police Service, said: It takes courage to come forward and report allegations of this nature. The women who have done so have put their trust in us and we continue to provide them with all available support. Scotland Yard launched an investigation in 2022 following reports in the media that a number of women had come forward to allege historic abuse. The investigation was led by the Mets Specialist Crime Command, and the DJ was questioned by detectives twice the following year. Denied historical allegations The BBC Board previously apologised following a review that said the corporation did not take adequate action after learning of concerns regarding the hip hop DJs alleged behaviour. In response to historical sexual abuse allegations, Mr Westwood had said he strongly denies all allegations of inappropriate behaviour. He stepped down from his show on Capital Xtra in April 2022 and left Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra in 2013 after nearly 20 years. He also presented the MTV UK car makeover show Pimp My Ride UK, which ran for three seasons from 2005 to 2007. Mr Westwood is the son of Bill Westwood, the former Anglican bishop of Peterborough, who died in the 1990s. He started his career in pirate radio before launching a rap show on BBC Radio One in 1994. In 1999, he was injured in a drive-by shooting in Kennington, south London. Sid Siddiqui with his sons Baasit, left, and Raza on Gogglebox - Nick Eagle/Channel 4 A Gogglebox star took part in the Channel 4 show while being signed off with stress from his NHS job, according to reports. Sid Siddiqui, 80, has continued to film the series despite being absent from his part-time role as a health service environmental manager since July. He works three days a week and with the full-time salary ranging from 55,690 to 62,682, his pro rata salary would be around 35,000, according to the Daily Mail. Mr Siddiqui, who has been a regular on the fly-on-the-wall series since 2013, was given leave by Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust on mental health grounds. Were picking up the pieces His recent appearances on national television have allegedly caused frustration among some of his NHS colleagues. One insider at the trust claimed staff had been left to pick up the pieces while Mr Siddiqui is at home on full pay. Were all under massive pressure at work weve hardly got any staff and were doing everything we can to keep things going, they told the Mail. We get home after a long day, put the telly on and there he is, laughing and joking on Gogglebox. Hes basically sat there with two fingers up at us while were picking up the pieces. Both Mr Siddiquis doctor and his employer are said to have confirmed there is no conflict in continuing the show because it is unrelated to his role, filmed outside working hours and deemed to be good for his mental health. Mr Siddiqui and his sons at the National Television Awards in 2016 - Tristan Fewings/Getty The grandfather appears on Gogglebox alongside his three sons, Baasit, Umar and Raza, at their home in Derby. He is originally from Pakistan, but moved to the UK when he was 16 and qualified as a power engineer after attending the University of Derby. In 2016, Mr Siddiqui and his family attended the National Television Awards to collect the award for Best Factual Television Programme on behalf of the show. Mr Siddiquis job is focused on driving the NHS towards net zero targets, improving waste management and reducing the trusts environmental impact. He has promoted Gogglebox on his social media accounts in recent weeks, celebrating that the show was back on air last month. In an Instagram clip posted before the Sept 19 episode, he appeared on camera alongside his cat, Rocky, to encourage the public to tune in. Mr Siddiqui said: Hi everyone, its Friday and its Gogglebox tonight. Nine oclock, Channel 4. Youll see me and him and a couple of other guys too. So give us a wave. Well probably wave back to you, as well. So enjoy the hour tonight. See you. Bye. The Derbyshire trust told the Mail: Were unable to comment on the personal circumstances of any individual employee. A Gogglebox spokesman told The Telegraph: The welfare of our contributors is always of paramount importance. While it wouldnt be appropriate to comment on individuals health conditions, we can confirm that all necessary medical and employment permissions were given, with full support, for Mr Siddiqui to continue filming the Gogglebox series. Any suggestion to the contrary is categorically untrue. The Telegraph contacted the trust for further comment. Roger Beazley: he accumulated 7,000 hours flying time on 150 different aircraft types Group Captain Roger Beazley, who has died on his 84th birthday, was one of the RAFs leading test pilots during the Cold War, when he flew a wide range of combat aircraft and evaluated weapon systems; for many years he played a significant role in supervising and co-ordinating display flying in the UK and at international airshows. In 1972 Beazley, who had served on Lightning and Phantom air defence fighter squadrons, was selected to attend the Empire Test Pilots School (ETPS) at Boscombe Down near Salisbury. He graduated a year later and joined B Squadron at Boscombe, where he flew bomber and transport aircraft including the Vulcan, Hercules and Nimrod. Following a reorganisation at Boscombe Down, he transferred to A Squadron, which was responsible for the testing of a new generation of fast-jet aircraft. He became increasingly involved in the early days of the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (by then named Tornado), and he flew the UKs first Tornado when it made its maiden flight. Subsequently, in Manching, Germany, he flew the first tri-national assessment of the aircrafts navigation and attack system. His other flight test work at Boscombe Down included development and certification flying on the Hawk, Phantom, Buccaneer and Jaguar aircraft, embracing aircraft handling, systems, weapon-aiming and air-to-air refuelling work. After two years, he was appointed to be the squadrons senior pilot, a post he held for a further two years. Roger Hubert Beazley was born on September 15 1941 Battle of Britain Day in Wiltshire, and was brought up and educated in Wootton Bassett. In 1959 he was awarded an air cadet flying scholarship and went solo in a Tiger Moth. He then qualified as a gliding instructor within the air cadet organisation while employed as an electrical engineering draughtsman. In 1964 he left industry and joined the RAF to train as a pilot. He was posted in 1967 to 19 Squadron, based at RAF Gutersloh in Germany, a few minutes flying time in his supersonic Lightning from the East German border. The squadrons role was to police the border area under radar control. Two aircraft were kept at five minutes alert for 24 hours a day. Many hours of sitting on Battle Flight were rewarded with the occasional scramble to intercept aircraft flying near the border. Beazley and his colleagues were brought to a more advanced state of readiness following the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. He converted to the Phantom and joined 43 Squadron, based at Leuchars in Scotland, where the squadron maintained a quick reaction alert posture (QRA) at 10 minutes readiness to scramble to intercept intruders into UK air space, not infrequently Soviet Air Force bomber and reconnaissance aircraft. During this period, he was the Phantom display pilot for two years. Leaving Boscombe Down as a test pilot in 1978, he was awarded the Air Force Cross (AFC) and then served in the UK MoD Operational Requirements Division working on the test flight, weapons and piloting issues of the Tornados entry into RAF service. In 1981 he returned to the test-flying arena as Commander Flying at the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Bedford. His research flying focussed on radar and flight systems, workload assessments, fog flying and turbulence response measurements. He found it a particular privilege to fly several sorties in the First World War fighter, the SE5a, following its major servicing at Bedford. He later delivered it to its home in the Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden. Following the six-month Air Warfare Course at RAF College Cranwell, he spent three years at the Nato Supreme Headquarters in Belgium. Returning to the UK, he was appointed Head of Experimental Flying at the Royal Aircraft Establishment. Although besieged by the inevitable administration and staff work, he was able to conduct a range of test flights on a wide variety of aircraft. His final military appointment was as Director of Flying (Research and Development) in the MoD. His responsibilities included the supervision and regulation of all research, development and production flying both at the official establishments and in industry. He retained hands-on contact by continuing to fly occasionally. In all he accumulated 7,000 hours flying time on 150 different aircraft types. On retirement from the service in December 1996 he was appointed CBE. Beazley became an adviser at the flight test centre at Boscombe Down and then a consultant to ETPS. When serving at Farnborough, his appointment included that of Display Director of the Farnborough International Airshow. This association extended for 12 years, and well into retirement Beazley also lent his expertise to several other airshows in the UK and overseas, including the Dubai International Airshow and Asian Aerospace in Singapore. Beazley was elected a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the US Society of Experimental Test Pilots, and honorary member of the Flight Test Society of Australia. In 2003 he was awarded the Masters Commendation from the City of London Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators for his work at the Farnborough International Airshow, and in 2006 the Guild awarded him a Master Air Pilot Certificate. Roger Beazley is survived by his wife Christine and by their son and daughter. Roger Beazley, born September 15 1941, died September 15 2025 The Metropolitan Police overstated the scale of hate crime in the capital by as much as 20 per cent, it has emerged. Britains biggest force admitted it had been recording thousands more of the offences than it should have because quality issues led to an error in the way it assessed them. As an example, it cited a public order incident where officers would have counted all the offences as hate crimes when only one had been identified as such. The force, which typically accounts for nearly 20 per cent of all hate crimes in England and Wales, defines the offence as one which is perceived by the victim to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a persons race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or prejudice against a person who is transgender or perceived to be transgender. After responding to the error, the Met reported there was a 21 per cent fall in hate crimes in the year to March 2025, compared with the same period last year. The drop to 21,560 cases, from 27,454 in the year to March 2024, produced the lowest level recorded in London since 2018/19. Race hate crimes fell from 20,944 to 16,397, while religious hate offences were down from 4,041 to 2,901. A Home Office spokesman said: While the [Met] were accurately counting the number of total crimes in line with the Home Office counting rules, data in previous years were overstating the number of offences that were hate crimes. Clear spike in offences outside London Outside of the capital, police forces recorded a 2 per cent rise in hate crimes. One week on from the Manchester synagogue attack, it has also been revealed that outside London religious hate crime led to a record high of 7,164 offences in the year to March, up 3 per cent from 6,973 in the previous 12 months. Excluding the Met, hate crimes targeted at Muslims were up by almost a fifth, from 2,690 offences recorded in the 12 months to March last year to 3,199 offences in the year ending March 2025. The Home Office said there was a clear spike in these offences in August 2024, which coincides with the Southport murders on July 29 and the subsequent disorder across several English towns and cities. b' Religiously-motivated hate crimes per year ' Religious hate crimes targeted at Jewish people outside London fell by 18 per cent, from 2,093 to 1,715, which reflects a drop following the peaks in anti-Semitism after the Oct 7 Hamas terror attacks in Israel. Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed outside Heaton Park synagogue on Oct 2 after Jihad al-Shamie, 35, launched a car and knife attack. On Wednesday, it emerged he had dialled 999 following the attack and said: I have killed two Jews in the name of the Islamic State. Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, said: Todays hate crime statistics show that too many people are living in fear because of who they are, what they believe, or where they come from. Jewish and Muslim communities continue to experience unacceptable levels of often violent hate crime, and I will not tolerate British people being targeted simply because of their religion, race, or identity. We have stepped up police patrols at synagogues and mosques following the abhorrent attack in Manchester last week, and I am working closely with faith leaders, providing 50m to keep places of worship safe and make sure they remain sanctuaries, not targets of hatred. Ms Mahmood added: We stand with every community facing these attacks and will ensure those who commit hate crimes face the full force of the law. Excluding the Met, overall police-recorded hate crime in England and Wales stood at 115,990 in the year ending March 2025 up 2 per cent from 113,166 for the previous 12 months. It was the first such rise in three years. Race hate crimes rose by 6 per cent from 77,901 in the year to March 2024 to 82,490 in the year to this March. Race accounts for 71 per cent of all hate crimes. Hate crimes based on sexual orientation were down 2 per cent to 18,702 from 19,127, and disability hate crimes decreased by 8 per cent from 11,131 to 10,224. There was also a fall in transgender hate crimes by 11 per cent from 4,258 to 3,809, the second consecutive annual fall. Prince William will also present the Earthshot prize, a global environmental award, while he is in Brazil. Photograph: Chris Jackson/AFP/Getty Images The Prince of Wales will attend the crunch Cop30 UN climate summit in Brazil next month, the Guardian has learned, but whether the prime minister will go is still to be decided. Prince William will present the Earthshot prize, a global environmental award and attend the meeting of representatives of more than 190 governments in Belem. Environmental experts welcomed the princes attendance. Solitaire Townsend, the co-founder of the Futerra consultancy, said it would lift what is likely to be a difficult summit, at which the world must agree fresh targets on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Is Prince William attending Cop a stunt? Yes. But that doesnt mean its a bad idea, she said. Cop has long been as much about so-called optics as it is negotiations. Prince Williams announcement will likely encourage other leaders to commit, and will have the global media sitting up to attention. I suspect HRH knows very well that by showing up, hell drag millions of eyes to the event. In an era when climate impacts are growing, but media coverage dropping, anything that draws attention should be celebrated. King Charles has attended previous Cops, but will not be going to this one. Related: The Guardian view on Cop30: Starmer must stop havering and announce that hes going to Brazil | Editorial Gareth Redmond-King of the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit, an environmental thinktank, said: All hands on deck and any prominent, high-profile individual like the Prince of Wales, there helping make the case for the difficult job that needs doing, is almost certainly a good thing. [King Charles] was the Prince of Wales when he went to Cop26 [in Glasgow in 2021] and pitched in to help galvanise talks. I dont think it necessarily needs both of them to go. The British prime minister, Keir Starmer, has not yet said whether he will attend the summit, to which all world leaders are invited, with scores already confirmed. He was heavily criticised by leading environmental voices, including the former UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon and the former Irish president Mary Robinson, for appearing to waver on the decision late last month. Ban said: World leaders must be in Belem for Cop30. Attendance is not a courtesy, it is a test of leadership. This is the moment to lock in stronger national commitments and the finance to deliver them, especially for adaptation to the effects of the climate crisis. The world is watching, and history will remember who showed up. Tributes left for the victims of the Southport attack in July last year - Belinda Jiao/Reuters The Southport killer was taken off the government terror watchlist despite his obsession with violence, an inquiry has heard. Axel Rudakubana murdered Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29 last year. On Thursday, the Southport Inquiry, at Liverpool Town Hall, was shown the first referral to the anti-terror programme Prevent, made by Acorns School in Ormskirk, in December 2019. It included details that Rudakubana had brought a knife to his previous school 10 times. It also said that he was found researching school shootings in the US during a lesson, and that he questioned why he could not look at guns on the internet before requesting a picture of a severed head. Credit: Merseyside Police However, the inquiry heard that Prevent was aware of his obsession with violence when he was taken off the watchlist. Sgt Carmen Thompson, of Counter Terrorism Policing North West, who at that time worked at Prevent and dealt with Rudakubanas referral, said she found the contents concerning upon first reading the referral, but needed to get more information and speak to him to make a full assessment. The inquiry heard she eventually recommended closure of the referral, deciding that Rudakubana did not meet the threshold for a referral to Channel the government programme that provides support to those identified as being vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. Sgt Thompson told the inquiry she had not been aware that the investigation into Rudakubanas school browsing history found he had searched for images of degloving injuries and glue guns. I believe if Id have seen that search history as youve just explained, then I would have referred it to Channel, she said. I accept that he was violent, he had been arrested for a violent offence, but for my assessment as to was he meeting a threshold for a referral to Channel I didnt view it as extreme violence in a Prevent way. Sgt Thompson said she did not see that he was trying to promote a specific ideology. Axel Rudakubana murdered Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar in Southport last year - Merseyside Police Acorns School made a second referral to Prevent in February 2021 when Rudakubana shared a post about the pros and cons of Muammar Gaddafi, the former Libyan dictator. A third referral was made in April 2021, detailing the teenager reading about the London Bridge terror attacks on the internet and discussing the IRA, MI5 and the Israel and Palestine conflict with a teacher. Sgt Thompson was the case officer for both referrals which were closed after it was decided they did not change the earlier assessment. Rachael Treharne, a former detective sergeant who was Sgt Thompsons supervisor at the time of the second and third referrals, admitted her level of supervision for the second referral could have been better. The inquiry continues on Monday. Faraj al-Shamie is the father of Jihad al-Shamie, the terrorist who attacked Heaton Park synagogue - Facebook The father of the Manchester synagogue terrorist has described the city as the embodiment of multicultural peace. Faraj al-Shamie, a surgeon from Syria who praised the October 7 Hamas terrorists, said his sons actions had brought deep pain to both his family and those of the victims. Jihad al-Shamie, 35, his eldest son, was shot dead by armed police last week after he rammed his car into Jewish worshippers entering Heaton Park synagogue and stabbed several congregants outside. The attack occurred on Yom Kippur, Judaisms holiest day, and was said to have been fuelled by Islamist ideology, with the terrorist declaring his allegiance to Islamic State during a phone call to police after the attack. Jihad al-Shamie was shot dead by armed police after he rammed his car into Jewish worshippers Mr al-Shamie refused to comment on the terror attack or his son when contacted by The Telegraph,but said in a statement on his Facebook account that Manchester remains a shining example of unity and coexistence. The father of four arrived in the UK from Syria in the 1990s, settling in the Crumpsall area of north Manchester, which is home to a large Jewish population. He emigrated to France approximately 10 years ago, where he is understood to have remarried and fathered a daughter with a languages academic. In his statement on Facebook, Mr al-Shamie wrote: Manchester has always been and remains a shining example of unity and coexistence, where Muslims, Christians, Jews, and people of all faiths live side by side in respect and harmony. Having lived here for years, I can say with pride that this city embodies the true spirit of multicultural peace and solidarity. Mr al-Shamie, who previously lived in a council house just over half a mile from the Heaton Park synagogue, added: The recent tragic act of terror has brought deep pain to our family and to the families of the victims. Our hearts and prayers are with them. No one should ever experience such suffering again. We must all stand together united, vigilant, and compassionate to prevent such acts and protect the peace of our communities. My sincere thanks also go to the Manchester Police, who continue to work tirelessly to ensure safety, justice, and peace for everyone. Speaking over the phone on Thursday, Mr al-Shamie said: I do not want to say any words, I do not have anything to say at the moment, I do not want to speak. I said what I said on my Facebook. I have nothing more to say. The Telegraph traced Mr al-Shamie to Arras, a town in Picardy approximately two hours north of Paris. He is believed to have been running an online medical clinic and formerly worked as a trauma surgeon in south Sudan, treating those injured in the countrys civil war. Credit: ICRC | Manchester attacker's father working as a surgeon in Sudan in 2015 The Telegraph previously revealed that Mr al-Shamie had praised Hamas terrorists as Allahs men on Earth. In a translated Facebook message written on Oct 7 2023, Mr al-Shamie said those who had infiltrated Israel on motorbikes and paragliders had proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that it would be destroyed eventually. The post was uncovered hours after Mr al-Shamie had issued a statement from his Facebook account, expressing his profound shock at his sons heinous act which he and his family strongly condemned. Hippie culture began in the 1960s as a social movement focused on peace, environmentalism, and simple communal living. While it has faded as a mainstream identity, its values of alternative lifestyles, art, sustainability, and social freedom continue in specific communities around the world. These places maintain cooperative living, local art scenes, and open social spaces that reflect the original countercultural ideals. Pai, Thailand Credit: iStockphoto Pai is a small town in northern Thailand known for its relaxed atmosphere and scenic setting in the mountains of Mae Hong Son Province. It attracts backpackers and travelers interested in affordable guesthouses, hot springs, and motorbike routes. The main walking street hosts local food stalls, handmade crafts, and small cafes. Agriculture, especially rice farming, remains central to the areas economy. El Bolson, Argentina Credit: Tripadvisor This Patagonian town grew around artists and idealists who settled here in the 1970s. It's surrounded by mountains and forests that feel far removed from anything fast-paced. El Bolson still holds onto its cooperative spirit, with organic markets and community art projects shaping daily life. Nimbin, Australia Credit: Wikimedia Commons Its impossible to visit Nimbin and not notice the walls. Everything is painted: storefronts, sidewalks, even the parking signs. The town rewrote its story after the 1973 Aquarius Festival, which brought thousands of students and artists promoting communal living, environmentalism, and creative self-sufficiency. Many settled permanently. Finisterre, Spain Credit: Wikimedia Commons At the edge of Spains Atlantic coast, Finisterre draws in pilgrims wrapping up the Camino de Santiago. After the long walk, many camp out near cliffs and build beach bonfires that last into the night. Theres a communal atmosphere where musicians and wanderers watch the waves crash below. Tulum, Mexico Credit: Wikimedia Commons Tulums mix of Mayan ruins and beachfront yoga studios has drawn barefoot travelers for decades. It used to be an off-grid backpacker retreat, but now features boutique eco-hotels and kombucha bars. You can still find hidden coves and DIY hostels if you know where to look beyond the beachfront. Nelson, Canada Credit: Getty Images Nelson is a small city in British Columbias Selkirk Mountains known for its strong arts community and progressive culture. It was once a mining town, but was revitalized in the 60s and 70s by artists, environmentalists, and back-to-the-land settlers. Today, it has numerous galleries, co-ops, and small cafes, along with legal cannabis shops and heritage buildings that reflect its preserved downtown character. Chefchaouen, Morocco Credit: pexels The blue-washed buildings might be what first draws travelers in, but Chefchaouen's relaxed pace keeps them around. It became popular with European hippies in the 60s, and traces of that era remain in the local culture. Eugene, Oregon Credit: iStockphoto Eugene keeps the 1960s alive in a very Pacific Northwest way. Local farmers markets and drum circles on campus lawns are regular fixtures. Alternative medicine and co-housing communities have become lifestyle norms. The Oregon Country Fair, held nearby, still draws tens of thousands of people every summer. Gili Air, Indonesia Credit: Tripadvisor Gili Air is one of the three Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok. The island prohibits motor vehicles and instead relies entirely on bicycles and horse-drawn carts for transport. Its economy centers on tourism, with small guesthouses, beach cafes, and diving schools. The atmosphere is informal and community-oriented. Pokhara, Nepal Credit: Tripadvisor Pokhara lies in central Nepal beside Phewa Lake, framed by views of the Annapurna mountains. The city combines outdoor tourism with spiritual and cultural life. While many travelers use it as a starting point for mountain expeditions, others stay to enjoy its calm atmosphere and lakeside setting. Goa, India Credit: iStockphoto Anjuna Beach and its market are well known, but Goas identity comes from its mix of influences. The state has Indian and Portuguese heritage, which can be seen in its architecture, food, and festivals. The hippie movement of the 1960s left a lasting mark and gave rise to Goas music, art, and alternative communities. Ubud, Bali Credit: Tripadvisor Far from the surf towns, Ubud attracts writers and yoga teachers. The towns focus on wellness and mindfulness is deeply woven into its daily life. Monkey Forest, art markets, ceremonial parades, and vegan cafes turn the experience into one long, incense-filled afternoon. Christiania, Denmark Credit: iStockphoto Christiania still operates independently since its birth from squatters who took over a military base in the 1970s. It has its own economy, murals on nearly every surface, and a strong anti-capitalist ethos. Though tourism has grown, the locals remain fiercely protective of its free-town roots. Banos, Ecuador Credit: Wikimedia Commons Banos sits between volcanoes and waterfalls, but its free-spirited crowd gives it a lot more appeal. The town is small, but its packed with adventure sports, thermal baths, and hostel courtyards full of hammocks and guitars. Local shamans offer cleansing rituals, and many hostels double as art galleries. Arembepe, Brazil Credit: Tripadvisor This fishing village near Salvador hosted icons like Janis Joplin back in its hippie heyday. A small, still-functioning hippie community lives nearby in dome-like houses without electricity. The beach is wide and usually empty, and coconut water costs less than a soda. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam Credit: pexels Cat Ba is visited less often than its neighbors, and thats part of its charm. Its economy relies on fishing and growing tourism, with seafood restaurants, small hotels, and hostels catering to travelers. The island features limestone cliffs, boat tours, and access to Cat Ba National Park. Taganga, Colombia Credit: Tripadvisor This fishing town is now a laid-back backpacker base near Tayrona National Park. Its rough around the edges, but full of character. Hammocks hang at every hostel, and snorkeling tours are easy to book after a breakfast of fresh arepas. Altea, Spain Credit: iStockphoto Altea, a hillside town overlooking the Mediterranean, attracts many artists. Its whitewashed buildings and winding streets are charming. Artists sell ceramics and paintings out of studios built into their homes. Himalayas, Nepal Credit: Wikimedia Commons Beyond the trekking trails, parts of the Himalayas still feature the 1970s traveler scene. Villages like Manang and Dharapani house meditation centers and stone huts that welcome long-term guests. The mountain air, layered with smoke and prayer flags, offers peace thats hard to find anywhere else. Valley Of The Moon, Sardinia Credit: Wikimedia Commons This rocky pocket in northern Sardinia hides a loose community of nature lovers and free spirits. There are no shops and little cell service. Instead, travelers sleep in caves, cook over fires, and follow a shared etiquette based on respect and resourcefulness. A firefighter vehicle is seen in Bagram U.S. air base, after American troops vacated it, in Parwan province, Afghanistan July 5, 2021. REUTERS/Mohammad Ismail By Saeed Shah (Reuters) -Afghanistan's regional neighbors, including American allies, appeared to unite against U.S. President Donald Trump's stated aim of taking over the Bagram military base near Kabul, according to a statement released after they met in Moscow. The "Moscow Format" meeting on Afghanistan - the seventh such event hosted by Russia but attended for the first time by the Taliban administration's foreign minister - included U.S. partners India and Pakistan. The 10 nations also included Russia, China and Iran as well as Central Asian countries. In a joint statement released by Russia's foreign ministry late on Tuesday, the 10 countries did not name the United States or Bagram itself, but seemed to take aim at Trump's plan for the base, endorsing the Taliban's position on the issue. "They (the countries meeting) called unacceptable the attempts by countries to deploy their military infrastructure in Afghanistan and neighboring states, since this does not serve the interests of regional peace and stability," the joint statement read. TALIBAN OPPOSITION TO FOREIGN FORCES At a press conference on Tuesday in Moscow at the conclusion of the event, the Taliban's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi reiterated its position. "Afghanistan is a free and independent country, and throughout history, it has never accepted the military presence of foreigners. Our decision and policy will remain the same to keep Afghanistan free and independent," he said. The U.S. Department of State did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Taliban's first administration was ousted in 2001 by a U.S.-led invasion of the country, triggering an insurgency by the group. Bagram, just outside the capital Kabul, became the biggest and best-known U.S. base in Afghanistan before the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from the country in 2021 as the Taliban retook control. Last month, Trump threatened "bad things" would happen to Afghanistan if it does not give back Bagram, and cited what he called its strategic location near China. Current and former U.S. officials have cast doubt on Trump's goal, saying that re-occupying Bagram might end up looking like a re-invasion, requiring more than 10,000 troops as well as deployment of advanced air defenses. (Reporting by Saeed Shah and Mohammad Yunus Yawar; writing by Saeed Shah; Editing by Aidan Lewis) Israeli tanks sit, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, on the Israeli side of the border with Gaza, October 9, 2025. REUTERS/Ammar Awad Israeli tanks sit, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, on the Israeli side of the border with Gaza, October 9, 2025. REUTERS/Ammar Awad By Matt Spetalnick WASHINGTON (Reuters) -With the Gaza war entering its third year, U.S. President Donald Trump has achieved something no other world leader has been able to do: strong-arm Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into the first step of a broader peace deal while persuading other Middle Eastern countries to pressure Hamas. But despite its potentially historic nature, Trumps rushed deal signed in Egypt on Thursday leaves a host of unresolved issues that could still trip up implementation of the initial phase and impede progress toward the next, analysts say. While crediting Trump with the most promising breakthrough yet to end the war, experts say the immediate challenge will be to iron out practical details for what has been agreed to on paper: silencing the guns, exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners and a partial Israeli withdrawal inside the devastated enclave. After that, negotiators must tackle other parts of Trumps 20-point plan over which the two sides remain bitterly at odds, including the disarmament of Hamas, which the militant group rejects, a formal end to the conflict and Gazas post-war governance. None of this was dealt with in three days of indirect negotiations in Egyptian beach resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where Trump had sent his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff to help mediate. But a quick resolution appears unlikely. There is an enormous number of potential sticking points that are going to really determine whether this ceasefire ends up being the beginning of peace or just another twist in the cycle of violence, said Jonathan Panikoff, a former deputy U.S. national intelligence officer on the Middle East. Preventing the ceasefire deal from unraveling, as others have under Trump and his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden, will require a sustained, detailed effort by the president and his national security team, said Panikoff, now at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington. But with Trump's foreign policy team stripped of some of its policy expertise due to job cuts and now hampered by the federal government shutdown, that wont be easy. For now, though, Trump - who has touted the deal as another reason why he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize - has through force of will seemingly gained momentum for Gaza peace beyond what many experts thought was possible. Successful completion of the deal would mark a significant foreign policy achievement for the Republican president, who had campaigned on bringing peace to major world conflicts but has struggled to swiftly deliver, both in Gaza and on Russia's war in Ukraine. TRUMP'S STRATEGY Just weeks ago, peace in Gaza seemed more distant than ever after Israel launched a strike on Hamas leadership in Qatar, a U.S. ally. But Trumps aides decided to turn his anger at Netanyahu into pressure on the Israeli leader to accept a framework for ending the war, which they presented to Muslim leaders on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly last month, according to people familiar with the matter. Whereas Netanyahu readily defied Biden over Israels assault on Gaza in response to Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border attack, he found it harder to buck Trump, despite Israeli misgivings over the Gaza plan, including cracking open the door to eventual Palestinian statehood. Trump had joined Israel in striking Irans nuclear sites in June and stood by Netanyahu amid increasing international isolation. Opinion polls have consistently shown Trump more popular with the Israeli public than their prime minister. Without the leverage, there was no deal. Bibi cannot say no to Trump, said Dennis Ross, a former Middle East adviser to Republican and Democratic administrations, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. But the Israeli leader still faces big risks at home, including the chance that some far-right members of his governing coalition could quit his government over the concessions he has agreed. In addition, Trump was able to marshal support from key Middle East states, especially Qatar and Turkey, to pressure Hamas to drop its opposition to certain issues, such as releasing Israeli hostages, dead and alive, at the start of the process rather than using them as bargaining chips further down the line. Qatar, home to the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, has warmed to Trump over upgraded security and business ties since he took office in January. During a White House visit in late September, Trump put Netanyahu on the phone with the Qatari prime minister to apologize for the strike in Doha. Trump has also deepened his relationship with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who is seeking advanced U.S. weaponry, and asked him to help push Hamas to accept the deal. Known for his love of pomp and ceremony, Trump appeared ready to head to Israel this weekend around the time the hostages are due to come home. Netanyahu has invited him to address Israel's parliament. Even so, some of the details of the first phase of Trump's plan remain unsettled, such as the final lists of Palestinian prisoners to be freed by Israel in exchange for the 20 living hostages and estimated 28 dead. Also unresolved are longer-term questions about Gazas future. Those include whether Hamas would be allowed to have any part in governing Gaza, something Trump and Netanyahu have steadfastly rejected, as well as how to rebuild the territory from its ruins and who will pay for it. The elusive quest for Middle East peace has been the bane of American presidents from Jimmy Carter to Biden. But some analysts see hope for at least a halt to the latest wave of destruction. There seems to be momentum behind it, said Jonathan Alterman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank in Washington. But its a mistake to think that this is all resolved. We will have some white-knuckle moments in the coming weeks. (Reporting By Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Don Durfee and Alistair Bell) Portland, Oregon Ongoing protests outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility in Portland, Oregon, have largely been contained to a single block in the downtown South Waterfront neighborhood, but the perception of Portland as unsafe has created ripple effects across this 135-square-mile city. On one particular October day, Mother's Bistro and Bar in downtown Portland was seeing more customers than usual, which is rare, according to longtime owner Lisa Schroeder. "You know, we have our days where we're busy, but it's not like it used to be," Schroeder told CBS News. Schroeder said that since the 2020 pandemic and ensuing social justice protests emptied out downtown, business has gone from bad to worse. Portland has recently been a focal point in President Trump's deployment of the National Guard to quell opposition to ICE activity in blue cities. On Sept. 28, Mr. Trump announced he would be deploying federal troops to Portland in response to the protests at the South Waterfront ICE facility, describing the city in a social media post as "war-ravaged." The Trump administration later confirmed it would be placing 200 Oregon National Guard troops under federal control for a period of 60 days. Speaking to hundreds of generals and admirals on Sept. 30 at the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Virginia, Mr. Trump called Portland a "war zone." And on Oct. 5, he told reporters that "Portland is burning to the ground." "My business is half of what it was, but it's certainly not going to get better by somebody telling the world that our city is war-ravaged," Schroeder said. On Saturday, in response to a lawsuit from the state of Oregon, a Trump-appointed federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the federalization and deployment of Oregon National Guard troops, and a day later, the same judge blocked the deployment of any National Guard troops to Oregon from other states as the Pentagon said that it planned to send another 200 California National Guard troops to Portland. On Wednesday, an appeals court temporarily granted a White House request that the 200 Oregon National Guard troops remain under federal control. However, the appellate court noted that National Guard troops are still prohibited from deploying to Portland while the case plays out. Federal law enforcement officers form a line outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility as both protesters against and in support of ICE gather, in Portland, Oregon, on Oct. 6, 2025. / Credit: Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images Business owners have submitted legal declarations of support for the state's lawsuit, saying the president's rhetoric has been damaging. Diners here feel it, too. "No, it's not Portlanders," one diner at Mother's Bistro and Bar said of the Rose City when asked if the city is a warzone. "It's not who Portland is, and it's not the 99.9% of who's out there." Schroeder says that Portland has an "image problem." "I feel like Goliath is coming after David," Schroeder said. "We're a little city here, just trying to get by, trying to sort out our problems. And we don't need the big cheese to come here... We are definitely in a state of recovery. We are not there." According to data from the Portland Police Bureau, total crime was down 19% in 2024 compared to 2022. But as the protests play out on the national stage, Schroeder says she is losing money. "This does not help," Schroeder said. "It does not help at all. We don't need this. And certainly to spend our money on troops to come here for this... This is what our government is spending money on? It's a shame, a crying shame. And I'm crying." Autonomous Vehicles for the Global Supply Chain Faster By Design: MISUMI Gives 'Time Value' To Engineers Driving the Future of Color Transformation with Behr Paint Company Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs speaks with attendees at the 2025 Legislative Forecast Luncheon hosted by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Jan. 10, 2025. Photo: Gage Skidmore / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from Original (The Center Square) Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs announced Wednesday shes running for reelection in a border state race that's likely to focus heavily on immigration. Im running to serve you for four more years because theres more work to do, the Democrat said in a video posted on her campaign website, katiehobbs.org. Hobbs announcement follows those by a growing number of Republicans. President Donald Trump has endorsed two of them: Freedom Caucus member U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs and Karrin Taylor Robson, who lost in the 2024 U.S. Senate primary to Republican Kari Lake, who then lost to U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, a Democrat who's now serving the first year of his first term in the Senate. On Sept. 30, a third Republican announced he was running for governor: U.S. Rep. David Schweikert of Phoenix. In her video Wednesday, Hobbs cited her accomplishments including getting tough on the border with Mexico, but Republicans later pointed to her vetoes of immigration bills and legislation to increase penalties against fentanyl dealers. But Hobbs noted Arizona seized over 12 million fentanyl pills after she ordered the Arizona National Guard to fight drug and human trafficking at the border with Mexico following failed policies in Washington, D.C. Hobbs added she stood up to other Democrats to make sure Arizona got its share of Colorado River water. The video also noted she terminated a lease to a foreign corporation that was pumping Arizonas groundwater. Hobbs also talked during her video about turning a $1.4 billion state deficit into a balanced budget. Over the last three years, we cut taxes for middle-class families, small businesses and veterans, said the Arizona native, who grew up in Tempe. We lowered childcare costs, so working parents arent saddled with yet another expense, said Hobbs, who earned her bachelors and masters in social work at Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University Set to pleasant music and showcasing Hobbs in various settings, the video featured Arizonans praising the governor. But members of the Republican Governors Association made it clear theyre not fans in a statement emailed Wednesday to The Center Square. Over the past three years Katie Hobbs has proven shes in over her head and out of touch with everyday Arizonans, said Courtney Alexander, the associations communications director. She vetoed legislation to crack down on fentanyl dealers, opposed the Secure the Border Act, and even supported taxes on groceries at a time when families can least afford it. Meanwhile, state government has been plagued by mismanagement under her watch, and Arizona has fallen in key economic rankings, Alexander said. If Katie Hobbs worked in the private sector, shed have been fired long ago. The Republicans statement noted Hobbs vetoed a bill to increase penalties against fentanyl dealers, defunded the Arizona Border Strike Force and vetoed the AZ ICE Act, which would have increased cooperation with local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement. As previously reported by The Center Square, GOP leaders criticized Hobbs veto of Senate Bill 1610, which would have required county jails, on the request of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, provide identifying information and access to illegal immigrants arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, shoplifting, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer or any other offense that results in death or serious injury to another person. Hobbs said in her veto message that she objected to the legislation because of the burdens it puts on local law enforcement. The governor also vetoed House Bill 2099, which would have required the governor, the attorney general, and every county, city and town to enforce and cooperate with immigration orders, actions and programs from the federal government. Hobbs said Arizona wouldnt take its marching orders from Washington, D.C., but the Republican Governors Association accused her of being just another Open-Borders politician. Republicans hold majorities in both the Arizona House and Senate but lack enough seats to override the Democratic governor's vetoes. While disagreeing on immigration, Hobbs and Republican legislative leaders did manage to compromise this year on the state's $17.6 billion budget, but only after resistance from the House and an extension of the session. The Legislature passed it with just days left to keep the government running. TOPSHOT-PHILIPPINES-JAPAN-DEFENCE (Photo by TED ALJIBE/AFP via Getty Images) Japans likely new prime minister is a wake-up call for Americas Indo-Pacific allies who have been lagging in shoring up their militaries, foreign policy experts told the Daily Caller News Foundation. Sanae Takaichi, who is likely to become Japans first female prime minister after being named president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has pledged to rapidly remilitarize Japan amid the growing Chinese threat in the Indo-Pacific region. The U.S. has long pressed Japan and other Asian states like Taiwan and South Korea to prepare for Chinese aggression, and Takaichis election may be Asias last call to bolster their militaries, experts told the DCNF. Xi put a time limit on it, Victoria Coates, former National Security Advisor to President Trump, told the DCNF. He said, Be ready to go by 2027. So, that means not only that the [Peoples Liberation Army] needs to be ready by 2027, but Taiwan and any who would participate in the defense of Taiwan need to be ready by 2027.(RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Chinese Govt-Tied Network Training Illegal Immigrants To Drive Big Rigs In US) Sanae Takaichi, the newly-elected leader of Japans ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) attends a press conference after the LDP presidential election in Tokyo on October 4, 2025. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Takaichi has advocated for repealing Article 9 of the Japanese constitution, a pacifist measure instituted after World War II under American occupation to prevent a resurgent Japanese empire. However, the article has effectively lost its original purpose due to both cordial U.S.-Japan relations and growing threats from China. Takaichis likely selection as PM of Japan means Japan will take a serious approach to security, William Chou, senior fellow and deputy director of Hudson Institutes Japan Chair, told the DCNF. Japan faces threats from China, North Korea, and Russia, in numerous sectors military, energy, supply chains, cyber. Takaichi was mentored in large part by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was also a strong proponent of Japanese rearmament and close friend to President Donald Trump. In 2014, Abe modified the interpretation of Article 9 in order to allow for collective self-defense in the face of attacks on allies. As any security contingency involving Japan would almost certainly involve an attack on US forces, Japan will respond, Chou told the DCNF. U.S. defense experts and officials have long held frustrations with Japan over their defense spending, saying the nation must seriously increase its investments in its military amid Chinas rapid militarization. I think if you look at the facts [of] Japans [defense] spending its improvement but its manifestly inadequate for the strategic situation, a U.S. defense official told the DCNF in August. However, Japan faces serious economic challenges that have significantly hampered its ability to spend on its military. As of October, the Japans debt has exceeded its gross domestic product (GDP) by 149% while its GDP growth remains underwhelming amid a shrinking population. As Takaichi pushes to re-arm Japan, Washingtons growing frustration with Taiwan and South Korea has pressured both nations to follow suit. Taiwan plans to massively.) increase its defense spending amid American pressure for 2026, planning to surpass 3% of its GDP in defense spending with a $31.27 billion investment. South Korea has also pledged to increase its military spending by 8.2% next year in response to U.S. pressure. However, questions still remain as to whether or not Taiwan and South Koreas efforts will be enough given the 2027 timeline. Much like Japan, South Korea and Taiwan also face increasing economic headwinds, with the nations suffering declining birthrates and mounting public debts that threaten to hamper rapid military expansion. They need to have a real sense of urgency here because the clock is ticking, Coates told the DCNF. While Takaichi is not formally Japans leader yet, she is highly likely to ascend to the office due to the LDPs dominance in the lower house of Japans government. She also admired late UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher during her campaign. My goal is to become the Iron Lady, she told a group of school children during her recent campaign, according to the BBC. The Pentagon did not respond to the DCNFs request for comment. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. A fire burns Oct. 3 at the Chevron El Segundo refinery outside Los Angeles. An explosion late on Oct. 2 produced a blaze that could be seen from miles away. (Apu GomesGetty Images) California is well known for its high fuel prices and strict environmental regulations, but a string of upcoming oil refinery shutdownsexacerbated by a massive fire at a huge Chevron plantthreatens to spike the states sky-high prices further and force the state to import much more oil from Asia. The upcoming closures by refining giants Phillips 66 and Valero Energy have triggered an about-face from Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and state regulators to try to keep the fuel complexes open after years of rules that cut into their bottom lines. Its too late to save Phillips 66s Los Angeles refinery, but theres at least an inkling of hope to cut a deal to salvage Valeros Benicia refinery just north of San Francisco. Losing both cuts off nearly 20% of the states refining capacity and makes California susceptible to potential shortages if there are disruptions to foreign, waterborne supplies. The state has continued to overestimate its ability to wean itself off liquid fuels, and I think theyre starting to realize it may be too little, too late, Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, told Fortune. Prices will rise, and the pricing volatilities are going to be more extreme. The politically blue state of nearly 40 million people faces the imminent closure of Phillips 66s Los Angeles refinery, which is processing its final shipments of crude oil in October before closing by the end of this year. Up next, the Benicia complex is slated to shutter by the end of April. While California is a leader in renewable power and electric vehicle adoption, it still relies on lots of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. California consumes almost 900,000 barrels of gasoline a day, down from a 2017 peak of nearly 1 million barrels daily. Refiners dont want to invest in California because of expensive regulatory burdens in a declining market, but the refineries are closing more rapidly than demand is falling, putting the pinch on the state and its motorists. California thinks its going to be able to put the end date on gasoline and fossil fuels, but thats just impossible, De Haan said. Essentially what they did was signal to the industry that theyre not open for business when it comes to refining. And it didnt help when Chevrons huge El Segundo refinery outside of Los Angeles suffered an explosion on Oct. 2. The fire was put out a day later, primarily harming a large, jet fuelproducing unit. Chevron, which is rooted in Standard Oil of California, moved its long-tenured headquarters from California to Houston last year. We have been able to meet our customer commitments throughout the incident and anticipate continuing to do so as we move toward a fuller recovery, said Chevron spokesman Ross Allen in a statement. The refinery continues to operate and create transportation fuels, although at diminished rates. Jim Mitchell, Wood Mackenzie director of oil trading analytics, said the coincidental timing of the closure and fire could not have been worse even if they were planned. There is going to be a price spike. Is it going be $8 a gallon? I dont see it getting that bad, Mitchell said. Jet fuel prices already have jumped about 13%an increase of 30 cents per gallonsince the fire, according to the California Energy Commission. Larger gasoline price hikes are expected next year, especially when and if Benicia closes, analysts said. California gasoline already is the most expensive in the nation at $4.66 per gallon for regular unleaded, which is about $1.50 more than the national average and more than $2 over the refining hub of Houstons average of $2.62 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. And this is with nationwide fuel prices being at their lowest since the demand bust during the pandemic in 2020. Whats being done? Just over a month ago, California opted to delay by five years planned price caps for refiners that were adopted when pump prices jumped to nearly $6.50 a gallon in 2022, when global crude costs surged after Russias invasion of Ukraine. The state also is weighing changes to a new law mandating refineries spend extra to store minimum levels of petroleum products on site. That law was considered the final straw for Phillips 66s refinery that churns through 139,000 barrels of crude daily. But any potential changes must go through periods of stakeholder feedback and rulemaking considerations, the state energy commission said, so nothing will happen in the near term. Negotiations are ongoing with Valero for its 170,000-barrel-per-day Benicia complex, which supplies about 10% of the states refining capacity. Newsom and the energy commission wont comment on specifics. But reports indicate the state could help cover maintenance costs or facilitate a sale. Valero did not respond to requests for comment for this story, but on a second-quarter earnings call in late July, Valero executive vice president Rich Walsh acknowledged the states efforts to keep Benicia open, and Valero hasnt shut the door just yet. Theres a genuine desire for them to avoid the refinery closure, but theres no solutions that have materialized, at least not from our perspective, Walsh said on the earnings call. As for Phillips 66, the Houston refiner will soon conclude its oil-refining operations in the state. Last year, Phillips 66 transitioned its Rodeo refinery near San Francisco into a renewable diesel production complex that processes hydrotreated vegetable oil. In 40 years, the number of California refineries has plunged from 40 to 14 amid closures, consolidation, and expansions of the surviving facilities. Looking at the numbers, Californias gasoline demand of 874,000 barrels a day is already overwhelming the states refining capacity that falls to 740,000 barrels daily after the Phillips 66 closure. Next year, capacity would dip to 668,000 barrels daily, well below consumption, according to Wood Mackenzie estimates. As for jet fuel, the states demand of 176,000 barrels a day will outpace its capacity of 146,000 barrels daily at the end of this yearnot counting the El Segundo disruption. Next year, capacity would plunge to 131,000 barrels daily. California essentially operates as an island between the Pacific Ocean and mountainous terrain that makes it incredibly difficult and expensive to build oil and fuel pipelines, Mitchell said. The bottom line is California will have to import a lot more gasoline and jet fuel from Asia, even though the U.S. is by far the worlds leader in oil production. Arizona also will suffer from the Los Angeles closure, he said. The state will lean on South Korea, Singapore, Japan, India, and the Middle East for its fuel, Mitchell added, and that will cost more and make California more vulnerable to disruptions, especially since the overseas treks take nearly two weeks to move the products. Californias total petroleum product imports have risen to a high of almost 300,000 barrels per day in recent months and threaten to move higher in 2026. The Asian suppliers are very interested in the California market, Mitchell said. Thats because they see a necessary willingness from California to pay more. For California to get the supply that they need, theyre going to have to up their price. Theyre going to have to up their bid, Mitchell noted. Thats a hefty voyage, so you have to preplan. And it leaves California more susceptible to disruptions. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, speaks during a Unite and Win rally held by Turning Point Action at the Arizona Financial Theatre on Aug. 14, 2022, in Phoenix. Kirk and Pastor Rob McCoy of Newbury Park work in tandem to encourage pastors to become politically active. (Antranik Tavitian/USA TODAY NETWORK/Imagn) Manatee County leaders approved a plan to name a road after controversial political activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated last month. Commissioner Jason Bearden brought the idea forward at a board meeting on Tuesday. He called to immediately rename a major road like Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Upper Manatee River Road, 75th Street or Moccasin Wallow Road to Charlie Kirk Boulevard. Today, were talking about a man who will be in our history books, such as people like Martin Luther King Jr., Bearden said to open the discussion, reading from a prepared statement that went on for several minutes. Manatee officials push for Kirk tribute This vote is an opportunity to send a message, Bearden added later in his statement. Not a political message, but a community message. That we believe in connection over isolation, conversation over silence and understanding over division. But after discussion, commissioners voted to create a memorial highway in honor of Kirk rather than change the name of a major road. The board also decided to consider a future road for the designation rather than an existing one. They chose an unbuilt section of 51st Street West, planned to run north-south between 53rd Avenue West and El Conquistador Parkway in the Bradenton area. During their discussion, several commissioners praised Kirk and said they wanted to do something to recognize him in Manatee County. Charlie Kirk stood for something important in our community and throughout our country, which is open dialogue (and) freedom of speech, and I think we need to remember that, Commissioner Amanda Ballard said. Ballard cited Kirks connection to the area through a condo he owned on Longboat Key. Charlie Kirk was a great man, theres no doubt about it, Commissioner Mike Rahn said. He wasnt a divider, he was a uniter. Mixed opinions on activists legacy But public discourse over Kirks death, as well as public comment on Beardens proposal, show that public opinion is far from unanimous about whether Kirk was a positive influence in U.S. culture. A recent YouGov poll found that a majority of Americans are opposed to most memorials in Kirks honor, such as renamed highways, commemorative coins and official holidays. Kirk was considered a prominent voice of the MAGA movement who helped President Donald Trump win reelection, but critics have slammed the activist for promoting what they view as hateful and divisive rhetoric that disparaged minorities while helping to popularize conspiracy theories and pushing youth toward far-right political ideology. While no one on the board criticized Kirk on Tuesday, some commissioners acknowledged that a tribute to Kirk might not be popular with all residents and called for more discussion. I dont care about the names of roads, Commissioner George Kruse said. Thats not why Im up here, to rename roads. Ill support the motion to get started, I would just make sure that were aware that were renaming roads for the entirety of the community ... people may have comments. There are many people here in Manatee County that should be involved in this process, Commissioner Bob McCann said. Im not saying that Im against this, Im just saying I want to involve all the people in this. I think the important thing is we have public input, Commissioner Tal Siddique said. There are some people that are going to be very proud and want to see this in their community. However, Bearden opposed the idea of having public hearings on the subject. I dont think were going to get anything accomplished doing that, because youre going to have people that are on both sides that are going to have (difference) of opinions, Bearden said. After more debate, Siddique suggested creating a memorial roadway for Kirk instead of renaming a road because of the extensive costs involved with changing signage and addresses. Memorial highways pay tribute to an individual with signs posted along a section of a road. However, the road retains its original name for addresses, street signs and official purposes. Recent local examples include a state-designated memorial highway to U.S. Army Specialist Nicholas Panipinto along a portion of U.S. 19 in Palmetto and a memorial roundabout to two Lakewood Ranch teenagers killed in a 2018 car crash. It does the same thing youre trying to do. It does the same honor and respect. It costs the county virtually nothing, said Kruse, who supported the idea. Youre not going to have homeowners and business owners coming in and complaining about having to make modifications. Bradenton-area residents react to Kirk tribute Public comments on the possible local tribute to Kirk were mixed. Ahead of Tuesdays meeting, one resident wrote that she would rather see Manatee County veterans honored. I hope that, before considering other names, the commissioners will prioritize honoring local Manatee County military heroes when discussing road name changes, Diana Adams wrote. Others strongly opposed the idea. We have better things to spend our tax dollars on. I dont want my tax dollars spent on memorializing a divisive figure who spread hate, Shannon Keever wrote. We deplore violence as a political tool and are heartbroken for Charlie Kirks family. Assassination has no place in a civilized society, wrote Bradenton resident Bob Cusick. But when considering who deserves a memorial, and while debating Charlie Kirks worthiness, consider he is the man who said these things. Cusick enclosed a list of controversial statements made by Kirk, including instances where Kirk questioned the qualifications of Black airline pilots and made remarks opposing womens rights and the separation of church and state. Clearly, none of these statements reflect those of a kind, caring human being, nor one who truly respects the Constitution of the United States and its Amendments, Cusick wrote. Perhaps we can find a more suitable candidate or simply focus on our local communitys needs and heroes. I think the best way that we can definitely honor Charlie Kirk is moving forward with ... open dialogue, said Bradenton resident Keith Green. At the end of the day, if we dont talk to each other, how are we supposed to learn from each other? Charlie Kirk is a martyr and a hero as far as Im concerned, Glen Gibellina said in support of the road-naming tribute. And we should honor him just like any other person that made such an impact on our young people. Charlie Kirk tribute event planned Conservative political groups have held several local tributes to Kirk since his assassination, including an event hosted by Sarasota-Bradenton Young Republicans, Pinellas County Young Republicans and Tampa Bay Young Republicans last month at G.T. Bray Park. The Republican Party of Sarasota County plans to hold another tribute to Kirk at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18. New College of Florida is also planning to install a privately-funded statue of Kirk on the public liberal arts schools campus. We are doing a monument to Charlie Kirk, which will be pretty cool when it gets built, said Rahn, who sits on the New College Foundation Board of Directors. What happens next? After discussion, the board voted 7-0 to have staff come back with a resolution to establish the memorial highway named after Kirk. There will be a public hearing at a future date before the board takes a final vote on the issue. A Democrat from Arizona who won a special election for a seat in Congress on Sept. 23 is still waiting to be sworn in to the House of Representatives. Adelita Grijalva says the first thing shell do is sign the paperwork that would let the House vote on a bill to compel President Donald Trumps administration to release files on child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. "Most importantly for me is for the victims to have a voice, for victims to be able to get some justice, and for the perpetrators of crime that they have to deal with the consequences of their actions," Grijalva told USA TODAY in an interview. But a spokesperson for House Speaker Mike Johnsons office says she will need to wait for the government shutdown to end to get sworn in. "It is custom practice in the House to swear in members when the chamber is in session," he said. 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. Democrats say the reason Johnson is refusing to swear in Grijalva is that she is the deciding signature on a petition that would force the vote on the Epstein files. Without her sworn in, the paperwork remains stalled. "The government is in full shutdown and the Republicans are refusing to call the House back into session," Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., said Oct. 3 on X. "Want to know why? Because we have secured the final vote on releasing the Epstein Files and they dont want it out." Johnson told News Nation on Oct. 8 that the delay in swearing in Grijalva "has absolutely nothing to do" with Epstein. "This is a scheduling matter," he said. "As soon as the Democrats vote to reopen the government, we will get back to the regular order and session of Congress, and that will be I'm sure among our first orders of business." Grijalva said she is "very frustrated and more frustrated and angry every day that passes." She pointed to three other lawmakers who were sworn in within 24 hours of their special elections this year, and an entire class of lawmakers sworn in during the last shutdown. "But for me, this Chicana from Arizona, all the rules have changed," she said. Grijalva waiting longer than her colleagues Grijalva won the race to represent Arizonas 7th Congressional District by nearly 40 points over her Republican opponent. She is the daughter of the late Rep. Raul Grijalva, who held the same seat until his death in March. The district includes the city of Tucson and a large part of Arizona's southern border with Mexico. About 60% of the district is Hispanic, and 20% were born outside the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. "He set a bar very high," Grijalva said of her father. "So I want to be able to do my job the way he did his job for these constituents, and its just so frustrating. And every day that passes, I want to have my family there with me, my husband there with me, my mom." Adelita S. Grijalva (left) is seen Jan. 4, 2024 while serving as a Pima County Supervisor. This is the longest time any representative-elect has waited to be sworn in by Johnson. In April, Johnson held a short session in order to swear in two Florida Republicans the day after they won their special elections. He also swore in Rep. James Walkinshaw, D-Virginia, on Sept. 10, the day after he won his special election. Johnson said in an interview with News Nation that the Florida Republicans was "a unique exception" that he only made "because they flew all their family and friends in for the ceremony." When the interviewer asked if Grijalva flying in her family would get her sworn in, Johnson called the issue "a distraction." The last day for staff working for the late congressmans office was Sept. 19, the Friday before the special election. Grijalva said her name is on a placard outside what will be her office in Washington, DC, but she doesnt have any keys and would need to have an escort let her into the office. She cant hire staff. She said that when constituents call her, she can refer their inquiries to the states senators, Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego. The two men, also Democrats, had a heated exchange with Johnson outside his office on Oct. 8. "Get your people in, and stop covering up for pedophiles," Gallego said. "Its very simple." "Nobodys covering up for pedophiles, so knock it the h--- off," said Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican from New York. U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) speaks during a press conference with fellow Democratic senators calling on the Trump administration to continue Medicare drug price negotiations on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., January 22, 2025. REUTERS/Jon Cherry. REUTERS/Jon Cherry 'Smoke and mirrors' on the Epstein files The Trump administration has refused to release all of the files on Epstein that are in the possession of the Department of Justice, and Johnson has not brought legislation to the House floor to vote on whether to release the Epstein files. Theres a petition circulating among representatives that would force a vote to compel the administration to release the Epstein files. Supporters need 218 signatures the majority of the chamber but currently have 217. Grijalva promises to be No. 218. "I believe now more, strongly than I did before, that there is something very incriminating in those files," Grijalva said. She pointed to early comments by Republicans and Trump prior promising to release the Epstein files. "I think once they had an opportunity take a gander at them, they decided better, and perhaps this isnt the thing that needs to be out," she said. "And there is a lot of smoke and mirrors, a lot of distractions, and people saying, 'Nothing to see here.'" Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks as U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) looks on during a press conference on the first day of a partial government shutdown, at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 1, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst If all 218 people who vote to bring the issue to the floor also vote in favor of the bill, it will pass. The Senate would then need to approve the measure, and Trump would need to sign it. Johnson said on C-SPAN on Oct. 9 that he is in "full support" of an ongoing effort by the House Oversight Committee to prepare and release the Epstein files. "The only thing we want to make sure of is that were protecting the names of the innocent victims," he said. The last government shutdown, during late 2018 and early 2019, lasted 35 days. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Speaker Mike Johnson delays swearing in Adelita Grijalva of Arizona The Hans Christian Heg statue stands in front of the Wisconsin State Capitol with the dome visible behind trees in Madison. Photo: Eric Kilby / Flickr /CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from Original (The Center Square) Federal bureaucrats are influencing Wisconsin policy through guidance and federal requirements, with 14 specific examples of this taking place since 2011, according to a new report. Those findings from the Institute for Reforming Government will be reported by IRG General Counsel Jake Curtis at 10 a.m. on Thursday in front of a joint meeting of Wisconsins Senate Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs and Assembly Committee on Government Operations, Accountability, and Transparency. "In many respects, Wisconsin has been the gold standard for enacting common sense regulatory reforms," Curtis told The Center Square. "Unfortunately, the current progressive administration combined with a Supreme Court intent on eliminating key legislative tools to review proposed rules has had a direct impact on the rulemaking process." The report pointed out that sometimes, the alignment of federal and state policy can be helpful. But it is crucial that state lawmakers are made aware of when federal policy is influencing state rulemaking and policy in order to have oversight over when that occurs. "The reforms being considered by the legislature, in particular the proposals to establish a regulatory budget and sunset review process, represent bold proposals to re-establish Wisconsins rightful position as a leader in the administrative reform movement," Curtis said. The 14 examples include federal guidance on drop boxes before and after the 2020 election. The drop boxes were determined to be unconstitutional in Wisconsin after the 2020 election, but that ruling was later reversed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court after its political makeup changed before the 2024 election. Unelected federal bureaucrats often set policy for Wisconsin from behind the scenes, often unbeknownst to the peoples duly elected representatives, Curtis said in a statement. Our elected officials, not bureaucrats in Washington, should be calling the shots. Wisconsin must lead the way in reminding Washington and state leaders that our Constitution starts with the states, not the other way around. The report highlights IRG polling from earlier this year which showed that 32% saying that the Legislature should be making the states policy decisions while 8% favored bureaucrats at state agencies make those decisions. The poll showed that 76% of Wisconsin voters believe vote4rs and elected officials should be able to overturn burdensome regulations. The examples of federal influence on state policy included Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources climate-related policy including pollution guidance, air permits and audit thresholds along with groundwater standards. Medicaid renewals and standards along with standards on items such as raw milk, public pools, camps and even bridge funding came from federal guidance and requirements. Crafting a mechanism for legislative oversight of federal guidance documents must be done carefully so as not to raise separation of powers issues, the report said. In Wisconsin, courts have struck down laws which sought to control how state agencies publish guidance documents, and legislation seeking to control how state agencies interact with federal guidance documents received by the agency could likely suffer the same fate. Cars are seen at an Exxon gas station in Brooklyn, New York City, U.S., November 23, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly BAGHDAD (Reuters) -Iraq and Exxon Mobil will sign an agreement on Wednesday to manage, develop, and operate Majnoon oil field in southern Iraq, three Iraqi official sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The agreement will also include upgrading Iraqi oil export infrastructure in the south, and a profit sharing crude oil and refined products trading agreement, the three sources added. (Reporting by Aref Mohammed and Ahmed Rasheed;Editing by Elaine Hardcastle) A screen grab of a post by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account, announcing that Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of the U.S.-proposed Gaza deal, allowing for the release of all Israeli hostages, on October 8, 2025. Social Media/via REUTERS By Maayan Lubell and Nidal al-Mughrabi JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -Israelis and Palestinians rejoiced on Thursday after a ceasefire and hostage deal was announced, under the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's initiative to end the war in Gaza which has killed tens of thousands and reshaped the Middle East. The enemies publicly endorsed the deal and had been expected to sign it around noon in the Egyptian beach resort of Sharm el-Sheikh (0900 GMT), though there was no immediate official confirmation that a signing had taken place. Residents in Gaza reported a series of air strikes on Gaza City around the time it was due to be signed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the ceasefire would take effect once ratified by the Israeli government, which would convene after a security cabinet meeting scheduled for 5:00 p.m. CEASEFIRE, WITHDRAWAL AND RELEASE OF HOSTAGES Under the deal, the biggest step towards peace yet, fighting will cease, Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza and Hamas will free hostages it captured in the attack that precipitated the war, in exchange for prisoners held by Israel. A source briefed on details of the agreement said Israeli troops would begin pulling back within 24 hours of the deal being signed. The release of all 20 Israeli hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza is expected on Sunday or Monday, an Israeli official said. Another 26 hostages have been declared dead in absentia and the fate of two is unknown. Hamas has indicated it may take time to recover bodies scattered across Gaza. Palestinians and the families of Israeli hostages broke into wild celebrations after news emerged of the pact. In Gaza, where most of the more than 2 million people have been displaced by Israeli bombing, young men applauded in the devastated streets, even as Israeli strikes continued. 'ALL OF THE GAZA STRIP IS HAPPY' "Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing," said Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo in Khan Younis in southern Gaza. "I am not the only one happy, all of the Gaza Strip is happy, all the Arab people, all of the world is happy with the ceasefire and the end of bloodshed." Einav Zaugauker, whose son Matan is one of the last hostages, rejoiced in Tel Aviv's so-called Hostages Square, where families of those seized in the Hamas attack that sparked the war two years ago have gathered to demand their return. "I can't breathe, I can't breathe, I can't explain what I'm feeling ... it's crazy," she said, speaking in the red glow of a celebratory flare. "What do I say to him? What do I do? Hug and kiss him," she said. "Just tell him that I love him, that's it. And to see his eyes sink into mine ... It's overwhelming this is the relief." Still, Gaza residents said Israeli strikes on three Gaza City suburbs continued overnight and in the morning hours of Thursday, residents said. The Gaza health ministry said at least nine Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire in the past 24 hours, a lower toll than typical in recent weeks as Israel carried out one of its biggest offensives of the war, an all-out assault on Gaza City. The agreement was reached just a day after the second anniversary of Hamas militants' cross-border attack that triggered the war, and is the first phase of 20-point framework put forward by Trump. MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT FOR TRUMP The deal received a chorus of support from Arab and Western countries and was widely portrayed as a major diplomatic achievement for the U.S. president, who cast it as a first step towards reconciliation in the wider Middle East. "All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen," he wrote on social media. "BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!" Western and Arab countries were meeting in Paris on Thursday to discuss an international peacekeeping force and reconstruction assistance for Gaza once the fighting stops. But the agreement still left many issues unresolved, including plans to govern Gaza after the war and the ultimate fate of Hamas, which has so far rejected Israel's demands that it give up its weapons. Netanyahu called the deal "a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel". Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel has an interest in expanding the circle of peace and normalisation in the Middle East. But far-right members of Netanyahu's coalition have long opposed any deal with Hamas. One, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, said Hamas must be destroyed once the hostages are returned. He would not vote in favour of the deal, although he stopped short of threatening to bring down the government. More than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's assault on Gaza, launched after Hamas-led militants stormed through Israeli towns and a music festival on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages. In parallel with the assault on Gaza, Israel's military has waged campaigns that have tipped the regional balance of power, crushing Hezbollah Lebanon and launching a 12-day war against Iran. But global outrage has mounted against Israel's assault, leaving it internationally isolated. The next phase of Trump's plan calls for an international body led by Trump, and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, to play a role in Gaza's post-war administration. Arab countries say it must lead to eventual independence for a Palestinian state, which Netanyahu says will never happen. (Additional reporting by Jana Choukeir and Tala Ramadan in Dubai and Miranda Murray in Berlin; Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Peter Graff) US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks as he introduces US President Donald Trump to speak to senior military officers gathered at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico, Virginia, on September 30, 2025. Credit - Jim WatsonAFP/Getty Images New rules that would limit press access to the Pentagon are raising alarm among news organizations, who warn that the new policy amounts to intimidation and threatens journalists ability to keep the public informed about the military. Reporters have just under a week to sign the Pentagons updated press policy or face potential restrictions to their access. Those who opt to sign agree to recognize the rules even if I do not necessarily agree with such policies and procedures, according to the policy. The agency relaxed the new guidelines following negotiations with journalists after an earlier draft outlined last month was met with backlash. That draft, which stated that information must be approved for public release by an appropriate authorizing official before it is released, even if it is unclassified, was widely interpreted to mean that reporters would be required to seek approval from the Pentagon before publishing information that hadnt officially been released, or risk losing their credentials to report within the building. The updated policy will not mandate that approval. But the Pentagon Press Association (PPA), which represents journalists covering the department, said on Wednesday that the revised rules reporters are being asked to sign still appear designed to stifle a free press and potentially expose us to prosecution for simply doing our jobs. This press access has never precipitated the kind of national security crisis feared by the current leadership of the department, the group said in a statement. The American people deserve to know how their military is being run. They deserve more information from this administration, not less. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has previously accused journalists of hunting for scandals all the time and being a part of the fake news. When the initial draft of the new restrictions was released last month, Hegseth wrote on X, The press does not run the Pentagon the people do. The policy marks the latest move by the Trump Administration to limit the presss access to the federal government. In January, the Pentagon removed several outlets from their work spaces at the department and replaced them with more conservative-leaning publications, such as The Daily Caller and The Washington Examiner. The following month, the White House excluded the Associated Press from events for not following the Presidents Executive Order renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. Trump himself has also made pointed attacks against a number of media organizations and outlets. The President sued multiple entities connected with the Wall Street Journal after it reported in July that he had sent a bawdy birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003, for instance, and then the New York Times in September over allegations that the paper sought to damage his reputation. The latter lawsuit was dismissed days later. The PPA acknowledged on Wednesday that under the Pentagons updated guidelines, it is no longer requiring reporters to express agreement with the new policy as a condition for obtaining press credentials. The group expressed concern, however, that the revised version leaves open the threat that reporters credentials could be revoked if they release information that hasnt been formally approved for release, even if its unclassified. The policy conveys an unprecedented message of intimidation to everyone within the DoD, warning against any unapproved interactions with the press and even suggesting its criminal to speak without express permissionwhich plainly, it is not. The PPA also noted that the updated policy suggests the department will move all of our news organizations from our dedicated workspaces, which it said would further isolate reporters, making it harder to interact even with the spokespeople inside the Pentagon who are entrusted to approve information for public release. Gabe Rottman, vice president of policy at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, similarly warned that the updated policy would pose an obstacle to media efforts to cover the Pentagon. The fact is we still have concerns with the updated language of the policy and expect that it will pose a significant impediment as journalists weigh with their employers whether or not to sign this revised version, Rottman said in a statement to multiple outlets. Contact us at letters@time.com. Demonstrators outside the U.S. Supreme Court as justices heard arguments in a case about abortion medication in March 2024. This year, lawmakers in at least eight states tried and failed to restrict access by classifying the drugs as controlled substances, and abortion opponents are still pushing for more federal restrictions. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images) Demonstrators outside the U.S. Supreme Court as justices heard arguments in a case about abortion medication in March 2024. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images) Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit this week that calls on the federal government to strike down rules that allow the distribution of abortion drugs without an in-person doctors visit. Its her latest attempt to place restrictions on out-of-state shipments of mifepristone, a medication that used to terminate pregnancies but that also has other life-saving and gynecological uses. Murrill filed suit Monday against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in Lafayettes federal court district. It calls for the agency to reverse regulatory action it took in 2023 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing doctors to prescribe mifepristone through remote patients visits or as the lawsuit claims without any interaction with a medical professional. (Read the lawsuit below) As a consequence, hundreds of unlawful abortions occur every month in Louisiana, the lawsuit said A similar case to stop mail-order mifepristone went before the U.S. Supreme Court last year. Justices ruled unanimously that the doctors and medical groups who filed the lawsuit didnt have legal standing as plaintiffs, and they did not consider the merits of the case. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Joining Murrill as a plaintiff in the new case is Rosalie Markezich, a Louisiana woman who said her boyfriend coerced her into taking mifepristone he obtained in October 2023 from a California doctor. Murrill has issued an arrest warrant for the physician, Dr. Remy Coeytaux. Shes the second health care provider the attorney general has attempted to take into custody to face charges in Louisiana. The attorney general also wants to prosecute a New York physician, Dr. Margaret Carpenter, who she said shipped abortion drugs to a West Baton Rouge woman for her pregnant minor daughter. The physician and the girls mother were indicted in January for allegedly violating a 2022 state law that makes it a crime to knowingly cause an abortion through medication. States where abortion remains legal have thwarted prosecutors with laws that protect medical providers from being prosecuted in states where abortion is banned. Murrill and 14 other Republican attorneys general have urged Congress to strike down such shield laws. Murrill also supported a first-of-its-kind state law Louisiana approved last year that treats mifepristone and misoprostol, another reproductive care medication, as Schedule IV controlled substances. The designation requires doctors and medical facilities to follow much stricter storage and dispensing guidelines. Other uses for the drugs include treating ulcers, severe postpartum hemorrhages and to aid in the insertion of inter-uterine devices and diagnostic hysteroscopies. Doctors have said the new law has created difficulties for their patients obtaining the drugs from pharmacies for routine gynecological care. In defense of the Schedule IV law, Murrill labelled these firsthand reports from care providers and patients as attempts from the news media, political organizations and opposition candidates to sow confusion and doubt in order to further their own financial and/or political agendas. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Jay Jones, who is running to become Virginia's attorney general in 2025, speaks to the audience during Abigail Spanberger's bus tour stop at Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax, Virginia, on June 26, 2025. - The Washington Post/Getty Images The embattled Democratic nominee for Virginia attorney general returned to the campaign trail Wednesday as a major state police group called on him not to take office if he wins in November following the disclosure of violent text messages. Jay Jones made unannounced stops before the Henrico County Democrats and the Richmond Democrats and campaigned an at an early voting site in Eastern Henrico with state Sen. Lashrecse Aird, according to his social media posts. Top Democrats declined to call on him to withdraw with early voting already underway and more than 421,000 Virginians having already cast their ballot, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. But the Virginia Police Benevolent Association, which endorsed Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger, called on him to decline to take office even if he wins. The VAPBA has not endorsed Jay Jones in this election. Mr. Jones is now on the ballot for statewide office, and voting is already underway. Even if he were to withdraw, his name would remain, and he could still win the election. Voters now have the full picture of Mr. Jones character and must weigh that information carefully as they cast their ballots, a statement reads. If he were to win, he should decline to take office. Leaders cannot serve effectively when their own conduct has undermined their credibility, the statement continues. CNN has reached out to the Jones campaign for comment. Spanberger has touted the PBAs endorsement, four years after the group backed Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. The PBA this year endorsed Jones opponent, incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares. In a 2022 exchange between Jones and Republican Virginia Delegate Carrie Coyner, Jones griped about how the then-Republican speaker of the House of Delegates Todd Gilbert was paying tribute to a former moderate Democratic lawmaker who died, according to screenshots of text messages first reported by the National Review and obtained by CNN. Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, hitler, and pol pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head, the text reads in part, referring to Gilbert and the two dictators. The National Review reported that Jones tried to call Coyner after she objected to his language. He went on to say in the text messages that Gilbert and his wife are breeding little fascists in reference to Gilberts children, the National Review reported. Many Democrats have sharply criticized Jones and denounced political violence but have not called on him to withdraw. Im supporting the team, US Sen. Mark Warner said Wednesday when asked if he backs Jones running. CNNs Ted Barrett and Manu Raju contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Waves from the Pacific Ocean break along the coast near the 60-ft high Victoria Beach Pirate Tower on a summer day on Sept. 19, 2025 in Laguna Beach, Calif. Credit - Kevin CarterGetty Images From Toronto to Minneapolis, Chicago to Omaha many places in North America are seeing a surge in summer heat well into fall. But one of the drivers is a weather phenomenon occurring thousands of miles away, in the Pacific Ocean. A marine heat wave, stretching from the coast of Japan to North America, is contributing to higher temperaturesand is expected to have a crucial impact on winter forecasts. Heres what to know. What is a marine heat wave and does climate change impact it? Marine heat waves occur when sea surface temperatures exceed 90% of typical regional temperatures, the equivalent of an increase of about one to three degrees Celsius. That doesn't sound like a lot when you're over land, but when you're over water, it makes a big difference, says Paul Pastelok, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather. Just as climate change is causing warmer temperatures on land, our oceans are heating up too. The 2025 Copernicus Ocean State Report found that, in the Northwest Atlantic, marine heat waves have increased in frequency and intensity over the past three decades. Large marine heat waves have occurred in the Pacific during each of the last six yearsfive of them were the largest heat waves on record for the eastern North Pacific since monitoring began in 1982. All the evidence today shows that the frequency and the scale of these marine heat waves is substantially greater in the last decade than recorded time, and all indicators point to that being a direct cause of climate change, says Ben Halpern, director of the University of California, Santa Barbara National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis. How a marine heat wave creates a warmer fall Though its a little-known phenomenon, a marine heat wave can have major impacts on weather. The ocean plays a big part in cooling down our coasts. The ocean serves as sort of like an air conditioner for us. As you go inland, it can be 100 degrees in the summer, but on the coast, maybe it's only 70 degrees, says Halpern. The water creates humidity [and absorbs heat] that helps keep temperatures down. Marine heat waves can also impact the jet stream, the bands of strong wind in the upper levels of the atmosphere that help shape weather patterns. The temperature and the speed of how this [air] flow will happen across or through the jet stream will be impacted by the temperatures coming out of the ocean, says Frederic Bertley, president and CEO of the Center of Science and Industry. The heat pushes the jet stream further north, paving the path for unusually warm air to flow. Scientists are still studying the full connections between marine heat waves and the jet stream, but this years marine heat wave was linked to the hottest summer on record in Japan and eastern China. The ocean anomaly has also been associated with extreme weather events, including droughts; warmer ocean temperatures can also generally help hurricanes develop more rapidly, and exacerbate fires, says Pastelok. How will this impact winter weather? The phenomenon is expected to influence our forecasts into the winter, says Pastelokleading to more storms on the west coast. If this marine heat wave holds in the eastern Pacific, some of these storms early on in the fall, late in early, winter season could be pretty strong and produce heavy mountain snows and heavy rainfall, he notes. Its also bad news for marine life that faces sweltering temperatures. Marine creatures don't have the luxury of an air conditioned room, says Halpern. They are stuck and it can be weeks or months that they're struggling to survive through this marine heat wave. So the impacts are much longer lasting in the ocean than they are on land. Write to Simmone Shah at simmone.shah@time.com. An employee of e-commerce MercadoLibre works at the company's offices in Buenos Aires, Argentina September 6, 2024. REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian (Reuters) -Latin American e-commerce firm MercadoLibre will test the waters for online pharmaceutical sales in Brazil through its newly acquired drugstore, its local head said on Thursday, a first step in entering the country's multi-billion-dollar online medicine market. Uruguay-based MercadoLibre, Latin America's largest company by market cap, already sells medicines online in Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Colombia, but not in Brazil, the firm's largest market. In a call with journalists, executive Fernando Yunes confirmed recent media reports that MercadoLibre had acquired a physical drugstore in Brazil, a requirement under local law for companies selling pharmaceuticals. Yunes said the company does not intend to build a nationwide drugstore chain. Another executive added that the goal is to allow small and medium-sized drugstores to sell in MercadoLibre's e-commerce platform in Brazil, and not to compete directly with pharmaceutical companies. "The pharmaceutical sector is the only one in Brazil that we do not operate in. It's a sector where we see potential for improvement in access," Yunes said. "We want to be a marketplace, we want drugstores selling on MercadoLibre." Next steps will depend on how its first drugstore performs, executives said. MercadoLibre is also talking with Brazilian authorities to update the country's regulation for the pharmaceutical sector, which creates operational challenges, Yunes noted. "Brazilian law was created a long time ago. We believe it needs to be modernized. This will allow pharmacies to have greater access to customers," he added. (Reporting by Michael Susin; Writing by Fernando Cardoso; Editing by Kylie Madry and Natalia Siniawski) A stormy few days are on tap for much of the East Coast and the Southwest United States as a pair of storms bring a variety of nasty weather. Along the Atlantic Coast, a developing nor'easter is forecast to wreak havoc from the Southeast to the Mid-Atlantic, and likely the Northeast, over the weekend and into early next week. Confidence is increasing the east coast storm will have significant coastal impacts, bringing "a myriad of hazards," especially from the Carolinas northward, the National Weather Service said in Oct. 10 forecasts. Coastal flooding and high surf, compounded by seasonal high tides, with dangerous rip currents and gusty winds are all expected. And in the Southwest, tropical moisture from former Hurricane Priscilla will contribute to a multi-day thunderstorm, widespread heavy rainfall and flash flooding event across the region. Flash flooding will be particular concern in burn scars, slot canyons and urban areas, according to the weather service. Western Alaska could also experience coastal flooding and high winds as yet another tropical system winds up in the region. Nor'easter for East Coast A major coastal storm known as a nor'easter will produce heavy rain, gusty winds, severe beach erosion and potentially major coastal flooding along the Eastern Seaboard this weekend and early next week, said Houston-based meteorologist Matt Lanza in his Substack "The Eyewall." "The threat of a coastal storm this weekend with significant impacts in the Mid-Atlantic and perhaps as far north as New England continues to increase," Lanza said Oct. 9. "We now have various watches and advisories posted along the coast from the Carolinas through New Jersey." The Weather Prediction Service of the National Weather Service has released updated images for the storm along the U.S. East Coast on the weekend of Oct. 11 - 12. Meteorologists say the developing nor'easter is forecast to interact with a second storm that's drifting southeastward across the Great Lakes. In the Southeast, the noreaster could bring as much as 6 inches of rain in isolated locations along Floridas east coast and up to 4 inches along North Carolinas Outer Banks. Uncertainty remains in the forecast further north along the Atlantic Coast, meteorologist Roger Martin of the Morehead City, North Carolina, weather office wrote in a morning forecast Oct. 9. By the weekend, the nor'easter has the potential to bring moderate flooding with major coastal flooding in some isolated locations. The effects of the coastal flooding from the noreaster along the Atlantic coast is forecast to be exacerbated by the king tides occurring along the coast in conjunction with the full moon and seasonal high tides. October moon brings king tides, flood risk to East Coast The "combo flood threat" from freshwater and saltwater flooding will extend across Florida on Friday, Oct. 10 and peak across the coast of the Carolinas through Saturday, Oct. 11, Ashton Robinson Cook, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center wrote in a morning forecast. A nor'easter is forecast to develop off the Southeastern coast of the United States and get pulled northward along the mid-Atlantic coast through Sunday, Oct. 12, bringing a dangerous combination of both saltwater and freshwater flooding in addition to gusty winds and rain, according to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center. A 1- to 3-foot storm surge also is possible along the coast from North Carolina to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, according to AccuWeather. Other areas of the eastern seaboard already have seen coastal flooding this week from those higher tides, including portions of Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties in Southeast Florida. Southwest faces flood threat A heavy rain event is forecast to unfold across the Southwest into Saturday, Oct. 11 as a large-scale weather system just off the California coast moves slowly eastward, the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center forecast early Oct. 9. The system is expected to pull up what remains of former Hurricane Priscilla, and combined with moisture streaming into the region, widespread flash flooding is possible, the weather service said. The five-day rainfall forecast across the United States from the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center. "The pattern has parallels to early October 2018, when remnants of Hurricane Rosa moved into the Great Basin and prompted extensive flash flood impacts across central Arizona," Cook wrote in the morning forecast from the weather prediction center. A moderate risk of excessive rainfall more than 40% chance is possible across portions of central and northeastern Arizona, with multiple hours of repeating thunderstorm potential, Cook wrote in an advanced forecast for Friday Oct. 10 and into Saturday Oct. 11. Widespread 1-2 inch rainfall amounts can be expected, with locally higher totals. Tropical Storm Priscilla is seen in a composite satellite image on the morning of Oct. 9 off the Baja California Sur, Mexico peninsula. The fading storms remnants are expected to contribute to a potentially heavy rain event across central and northeastern Arizona. "Significant impacts are possible given the prolonged heavy rainfall potential," Cook wrote. By Saturday morning, some of the heaviest rainfall totals might reach the region along the Arizona/New Mexico border. Scattered thunderstorms also are also expected to occur over the next couple of days from southeastern California into eastern Utah and southwestern Colorado, with a few instances of flash flooding where the heaviest rain falls, including near urban areas, burn scars and slot canyons, the weather service said. Western Alaska also seeing flooding Another former tropical system is forecast to bring high winds and heavy rain into western Alaska over the weekend. The extratropical cyclone that was Typhoon Halong is spinning into the region and will bring strong winds and heavy rainfall by Sunday, Oct. 12 with high coastal waters and possible coastal flooding, said the weather service in Fairbanks, Alaska. The storm will bring high winds over the coastal waters through the northeastern Bering Sea and along the Seward Peninsula Coast and into the Chukchi Sea that could lead to "significant rises in water." Major flooding is forecast by the morning of Oct. 13 at Unalakleet, Alaska, according to the National Water Prediction Service. The tide is forecast to rise by more than 16 feet overnight starting on the afternoon of Oct. 12. Elsewhere, major flooding occurred at a tide gauge in Kotzebue, Alaska on the morning of Oct. 9. Local forecasts Among the many advisories, watches and warnings this week, here are a few notable local forecasts from the weather service regions: Jacksonville A coastal flood watch is expected to become a coastal flood warning. Strong onshore winds will help push the ocean into the upper reaches of the St. Johns River, holding back the flow which could cause higher than normal water levels inland along the river. If some of the forecast flood values are realized, they would be the highest along the Southeastern Georgia and Northeastern Florida coast since Hurricane Nicole in November 2022, and along the St. Johns River it could be the highest flooding since Hurricane Milton in October 2024, said weather service meteorologist Jason Hess. Charleston High tides on the morning of Oct. 9 fell just shy of the forecast, but nearly a dozen road closures were reported in Charleston and downed trees were reported in Colleton County, the weather service said. In Charleston Harbor, major coastal flooding could occur through the morning of Oct. 10. Wilmington In northeastern South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina, the greatest coastal flood threat is expected late on Friday morning through midday. Minor to moderate tidal inundation is forecast along the entire coast with beach erosion and flooded roads possible. Up to 2 inches of rain is possible, but in a worst-case scenario, up to 6 inches could fall along portions of the southeastern North Carolina coast. The high seas and flooding raise concerns for areas of the Outer Banks, where nine houses have collapsed into the surf since Sept. 30. See Outer Banks houses collapse: Washed into surf by a pair of hurricanes Philadelphia/Mount Holly, NJ High surf is expected with a potential for significant coastal flooding, and gusts in excess of 45 mph along the coast, with periods of heavy rain. Phoenix, Arizona Rainfall is forecast to peak in the Phoenix region overnight Friday as Priscilla's remnants move across Arizona from southeast to northeast, with wind gusts of up to 57 mph. A double rainbow appears in the sky over Sun Lakes, Arizona. This story has been updated to add new information. Doyle Rice and Dinah Voyles Pulver are national correspondents for USA TODAY, with decades of experience covering hurricanes, weather and climate. Reach them at drice@usatoday.com and dpulver@usatoday.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colliding storms doom weekend weather forecast for much of the US Ackley, Iowa, is located in the north-central part of the state, about a hundred miles northwest of Cedar Rapids and about the same distance north of Des Moines. The community is one of those charming small towns that we cant help but love. With a population of around 1,600 people, the town is surprisingly rich with culture and history and openly celebrates all the local talent and heritage with several unique exhibits around town. When the sun goes down, however, whispers circulate among the residents about a very different kind of living history in Ackley, or perhaps more aptly, non-living history. Is Ackley truly the most haunted town in Iowa? All the rumors center around one location: a beautiful but mysterious cemetery where residents claim to have seen unexplainable things. We think Ackley is worth a visit any time of the year, but during the Halloween season, it may be the perfect destination for the daring. The roots of the town of Ackley date back to 1852, when the first European settlers arrived in the region and built a cabin. That cabin has grown into a thriving city of around 1,500 people today. If youre interested in learning more about the towns history first-hand, head to the Ackley Heritage Center, a collection of historic buildings and exhibits. There, youll find an old, one-room schoolhouse, historic farm equipment, and collections of military artifacts from the wars in which many of the towns residents have fought. Ackley is proud of its military history, as a visit to the towns veterans memorial and Freedom Rock make clear. Ackley doesnt have much of a dining scene, but it is the headquarters of SkyCone, a beloved ice cream brand seen at many state fairs and events. In the fall, however, all eyes are on one place: Hazel Green Cemetery, a beautiful and quiet resting place or is it? Over the years, Ackley residents and visitors have reported strange, paranormal occurrences, such as floating orbs, banging, and howling. The most haunted spot in the cemetery is an old gazebo, where people have claimed to observe an old woman rocking a baby, creating an intense sense of sadness in those who witness this apparition. Photo by Robert stock.adobe.com The official Ackley website, and the Ackley Heritage Center Facebook page offer more information about the town and its history. Have you visited Ackley, maybe the most haunted town in Iowa? Wed love to hear all about your visit to this town and what you saw-paranormal or not. Do you know of any other haunted places or urban legends in Iowa? Be sure to tell us all about your favorites on our Nomination Page. If youre interested in a trip through Iowas heartland, Ackley isnt far from the charming off-the-grid town of Eldora. Make sure to pack all your road trip supplies before you head out. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own small-town adventures in the Hawkeye State using Only In Your State's itinerary planner. Incoming Jackson County Sheriff Rick Boone, left, and outgoing Sheriff Kelly Janica, right, discuss the importance of the Operation Lone Star Task Force working across multiple jurisdictions. Photo: Bethany Blankley / The Center Square (The Center Square) Texas Department of Public Safety officers working through Texas border security mission, Operation Lone Star, continue to apprehend violent criminals at the Texas-Mexico border. Latest arrests include a confirmed Tren de Argua (TdA) gang membe and prison escapee, convicted murderers and gotaways tracked several miles by K9 units. OLS officers made a major TdA arrest in El Paso after Texas DPS Criminal Investigations Division special agents led a multiagency investigation. Working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol agents investigated they tracked a possible wanted TdA gang member, convicted murderer, rapist, and Venezuelan prison escapee staying at a hotel in El Paso. After CID special agents encountered the suspect at the hotel, he attempted to evade capture by jumping out a second-floor window. He was apprehended and identified as Venezuelan national Alexis Ramon Perozo-Monasterio, 36, a confirmed TdA gang member. OLS DPS CID special agents also confirmed he was a fugitive wanted by Venezuelan authorities after he escaped from prison. Perozo-Monasterio was convicted and sentenced to 17 years in prison for the rape and murder of a 10-year-old child. Perozo-Monasterio also has a history of illegal reentry; in April 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers charged him with alien inadmissibility, OLS officers found. El Paso has been a hub for TdA activity and human trafficking, The Center Square reported. The FBI has long warned of violent criminal activity in the states largest western city. The Trump administration designed TdA, a violent gang originating from a Venezuelan prison, as a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year. It did so after a record one million Venezuelans illegally entered the country under the Biden administration and violent crime increased exponentially, The Center Square reported. TdA members are involved in murder, kidnapping, extortion, and human and drug trafficking, with confirmed cases in roughly half of all U.S. states. Thats up from 22 states first reported by The Center Square last December. Last November, Gov. Greg Abbott designated TdA as a foreign terrorist organization and directed Texas DPS to target and eradicate them from the state. Hundreds of miles southeast in Webb County, OLS DPS officers captured a criminal illegal foreign national, convicted murderer and confirmed gang member from Mexico. After conducting a traffic stop in Laredo, CID special agents and DPS troopers learned the driver, Gregorio Denova-Cantu, 51, a Mexican citizen, was in the U.S. illegally, authorities said. They also discovered he was an aggravated deported felon who illegally reentered the U.S. after he served prison time for murder as well as a ranking member of the Hermandad de Pistoleros Latinos gang, authorities said. He was convicted in 2004 of murder and engaging in organized crime and served 18 years in prison in Huntsville. He was then deported to Mexico in 2023, DPS said. After this arrest, OLS officers turned him over to ICE, where he remains in custody. In neighboring Starr County, OLS DPS brush teams working with K-9 units are still actively pursuing illegal border crossers known as gotaways. Gotaways are those who illegally enter the U.S. to intentionally evade capture and dont make immigration claims or return to Mexico or Canada. More than two million were reported during the Biden administration, The Center Square exclusively reported. OLS officers working with K9 Malina tracked a group of four illegal border crossers after they bailed out of a vehicle in pursuit by authorities. Malina tracked them for nearly two miles leading her DPS handler through rugged, thick brush, assisting with their ultimate apprehension. They were turned over to Border Patrol. Operation Lone Stars mission continues, Texas DPS Lt. Chris Oliverez said when posting a video of Malinas successful apprehension. Outstanding Work by Texas DPS K-9 Malina!On 9-29-25, @TxDPS K-9 Malina tracked for nearly two miles through rugged, thick brush in Starr County while assisting U.S. Border Patrol in locating a group of illegal immigrants who bailed from a vehicle.K-9 Malina and her handler pic.twitter.com/aafVtKESDh Chris Olivarez (@LtChrisOlivarez) October 4, 2025 A woman watches the sunset over the Pacific Ocean at La Jolla's Windansea Beach during a summer heat wave on August 24, in San Diego, California. - Kevin Carter/Getty Images A marine heat wave spanning much of the North Pacific Ocean is already influencing the weather in North America and is poised to make its mark on winter. The unusually warm ocean water, coined the blob due to how it appears on weather maps, has brought milder and more humid air to the West Coast in recent weeks, according to Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles. This has led to unusual thunderstorms in coastal California and may be helping to limit the severity of the late summer and early fall wildfire season, at least for now. What is clear to meteorologists is that the Pacific heat wave may be a significant player in influencing late fall and winter weather patterns across large parts of the Northern Hemisphere. But long-range forecasters have another global weather pattern to consider this winter: La Nina has arrived, just announced Thursday morning by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The big question mark for winter in the United States is what the extreme ocean heat, with water temperatures running as much as 9 degrees Fahrenheit above average for this time of year, will do to the jet stream. I think it clearly already is affecting the weather, Swain said of the expansive Pacific marine heat wave. He called its intensity phenomenal, really remarkable, and noted it has been responsible for record warm temperatures over the summer in South Korea, Japan and other areas. It is probably going to result in some shifts in the Pacific storm track late this fall and winter, Swain said. To Swain and other experts, this event is larger than previous Pacific blob heat waves that were more limited in geographic scope. It is, based on experts descriptions of it, the blob to end all blobs. The jet stream, which is a band of strong winds in the upper atmosphere, steers and energizes storms as they move from west to east across the Pacific and across North America. Its strength comes from the extreme difference between the tropics (very warm) and the Arctic (very cold). The warm blob diminishes that difference and takes some of the wind out of the jet streams sails, according to Swain. What does that mean for US weather? It could increase the amount of moisture in storms, making atmospheric rivers more prolific rain and snow producers, while also slowing the winds in the jet stream somewhat, which in turn means slower-moving storms, Swain said. Firefighters block off a flooded road on November 22, 2024, in Windsor, California, after a powerful atmospheric river brought heavy rain and wind to the San Francisco Bay Area. - Justin Sullivan/Getty Images The setup across the Pacific also could give the jet stream a bit of a shove to the north, resulting in a wetter than average winter in the Pacific Northwest, Swain said. The nascent La Nina in the tropical Pacific, which features cooler than normal water along the equator, also needs to be factored into the winter forecast, experts told CNN. Typically, seasonal climate forecasters put more weight on conditions in the tropical Pacific than conditions farther north, but Swain said the widespread heat wave occurring to the north will interact with the La Nina in ways that need to be taken into consideration. The warm Pacific, coupled with warmer than average Atlantic water, too, could result in a mild winter for the Lower 48 states, at least to start with, he said. The global oceans are super, super warm right now, so thats just going to favor some of that warmth, Swain said. Colder weather may arrive later in the winter, as has been the case in other recent winters. Atmospheric scientist Elizabeth Maroon of the University of Wisconsin-Madison told CNN there are large uncertainties in how this marine heat wave will affect the atmosphere above it, but there is no question that the blob will have an impact. For example, she said there is the question of, Will the marine heat wave get amplified by La Nina conditions, which is a very distinct possibility? Those two would then work together to change winter weather patterns, she said, calling it one of several scenarios. Its really hard without running some sort of weather model that has this exact sea surface temperature pattern in it to know how its going to impact weather over North America this winter, Maroon said. Predicting what this kind of extreme ocean behavior will do to winter weather, she added, is at the cutting edge of the science we have. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said he may visit the Middle East this weekend as he looks to finalize a peace deal between Israel and Hamas to end the war in the region. Trump on Oct. 8 said he believes the peace deal has a "good chance of happening," adding that he would go to the Middle East on Saturday or Sunday if he chooses to make a trip. "We'll see, but there's a very good chance. Negotiations are going along very well," Trump said. "Our final negotiation is with Hamas, and it seems to be going well." More: Two years of death and devastation in Gaza, visualized Israel, world mark 2-year anniversary of Oct. 7 attacks at Nova music festival in Reim Seats remained empty in honor of Israeli hostages as hundreds attended a ceremony marking the second anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel at Temple Israel Center in White Plains, N.Y. Oct. 5, 2025. A Trump administration team led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, is in Egypt for indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas facilitated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt. Trump said he hasn't decided where in the Middle East he may visit but said it would "most likely" be Egypt. He said visiting Gaza is also under consideration. "I may do that. We haven't decided exactly." Hamas on Oct. 3 said it agreed to pieces of Trump's 20-point plan to end Israel's two-year war in Gaza, including the release all Israeli hostages, alive or dead, from Gaza. Trump quickly touted Hamas' statement, calling it a "very special day," and vowed to secure a formal agreement from the terrorist group. More: Trump tells Israel to stop bombing Gaza after Hamas accepts portion of his peace plan President Donald Trump participates in a roundtable on antifa, an anti-fascist movement he designated a domestic "terrorist organization" via executive order on September 22, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 8, 2025. On the two-year anniversary of its attack on Israel, Hamas on Oct. 7 said it was ready to finalize a deal to end the war based on Trump's plan but pointed to lingering hurdles. 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." Contributing: Reuters Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump says he may go to Middle East to see through Gaza peace deal The remnants of Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Storm Raymond brought significant rainfall to the Southwest between October 9 and 13, 2025. Priscilla was the first to move through the area, with Raymond hitting many of the same places just a couple of days after. Starting With Priscilla On the first day of October, the National Hurricane Center began monitoring an area capable of tropical development. On Oct. 4, Priscilla was named a tropical storm off the coast of southwestern Mexico. Priscilla was large from the get go, so despite never making landfall, the storm lashed the west Mexico coastline with tropical-storm-force winds, large waves and rainfall from outer bands as it moved northwestward. The storm peaked as a powerful category 2 hurricane on Tuesday, Oct. 7, before beginning to weaken as it moved into cooler water. The storm weakened back to a tropical storm on Oct. 8 and eventually fell apart as a remnant low on Oct. 9, never actually making landfall in Mexico. Priscilla's Remnants Soak Southwest For those of you who love stats, get ready for the following section. Las Vegas saw 0.92 inches of rainfall on Oct. 10, which was its fourth wettest day ever recorded in October. This rainfall total shattered the previous daily rainfall record of 0.16 set back in 2012. Daily records also fell across parts of Arizona, including Flagstaff, Winslow and Prescott. Jacks Canyon, located east-southeast of Flagstaff, Arizona, saw a more than 5-foot rise in water levels on the morning of Oct. 10 due to around one inch of rain. In Arizona, Flagstaff saw more than 2 inches of rain over Oct. 10 and 11. U.S. 60 was closed in both directions in the Mesa area southeast of Phoenix on Sunday morning as standing water covered the roadway. Flooded roads were also seen to the north near Sedona. This rainfall spread north to Colorado as well. Grand Junction, CO also saw more than 2 inches of rain, setting daily rainfall records on both days. Hundreds were ordered to evacuate from the Vallecito Creek area north of Durango, where overflowing mountain streams put homes at risk. Raymond Piles On Tropical Depression 17-E formed on the morning of Oct. 9, southwest of Mexico as the Southwest was beginning to see Priscilla's impacts. The system was named Tropical Storm Raymond just a few hours later and followed a similar track along the west Mexico coastline, hitting parts of the coastline with tropical-storm-force winds and rainfall. The storm fell apart late on Oct. 11, but its remnant moisture headed into the Southwest the next morning morning, lasting through Oct. 13. A flash flood emergency was issued for parts of Pinal County in southeastern Arizona late in the morning of Oct. 12. The National Weather Service warned that 2-3 inches of rainfall fell during the time the flash flood emergency was in place. Numerous water rescues were reported around Phoenix due to the heavy rain. Sky Harbor Airport has picked up 3.26 inches of rain so far this month, its third wettest October on record, helped to the combined rainfall from Priscilla and Raymond. Phoenix's average rainfall for October is about 0.56 inches. The city saw nearly three inches of rainfall in three days, its wettest 3-day stretch in October. Some Moisture Was Needed The Southwest was experiencing significant drought conditions ahead of the storms. The entire states of Arizona and Utah were in at least moderate drought stage, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. While rainfall from these types of storms can be helpful, that much rainfall in such a short period of time is not as helpful for relieving drought as people would think. Why Pacific Hurricanes Matter In The Southwest When the region is called the Desert Southwest, it is no surprise that rainfall is scarce. Phoenix, for example, has a yearly average rainfall of 7.22 inches, with no monthly average even reaching 1 inch. But states like California and Arizona do experience bursts of moisture from the tropics several times during a year. These bursts of moisture can often bring several inches of rainfall. That may not seem like a lot to someone in the Southeast, but to the Southwest, this is a big deal. Desert soil isnt able to hold moisture as well as other regions, so it doesnt take much rainfall before runoff and flooding begin. Dangerous land and rock slides are often not far behind. And recent burn scars are even more susceptible to these dangerous debris flows and landslides. Rob Shackelford is a meteorologist and climate scientist at weather.com. He received his undergraduate and masters degrees from the University of Georgia studying meteorology and experimenting with alternative hurricane forecasting tools. WASHINGTON An attempt in the Senate to stop President Donald Trump from launching deadly strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea failed on Oct. 8 after 51 Republicans voted it down. The War Powers Resolution, introduced by Democratic Senators Adam Schiff and Tim Kaine, aimed to wield congressional power to stop Trump's ongoing strikes on fishing vessels off the coast of Venezuela that the administration claims were run by "narco-terrorists" trying to bring drugs into the U.S. The resolution received 48 yes votes, with Republican senators Rand Paul and Lisa Murkowski joining the Democrats in support. "For perhaps the first time in our history, a president of the United States ordered the U.S. military to use lethal force against individuals who posed no imminent threat of attack and who could have been stopped thousands of miles from our shore," Schiff, long considered a Trump nemesis, told Congress. "We can't have a policy where we just blow up ships, where we don't even know the people's names," Paul, who represents Kentucky, said in a Bloomberg interview before the vote. The Trump administration launched the first known deadly strike on a boat it alleged was transporting drugs on Sept. 2, killing 11 people, and placing the U.S. in new legal territory. Since then, at least 10 more people have been killed in three strikes. After each publicly disclosed strike, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other Trump officials have posted footage to social media of what appears to be the targeted boat sailing through the water, then bursting into smoke and flames after the strike. Pete Hegseth: See the combat veteran's career from Fox News to Secretary of Defense Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth takes the stage during a rally with U.S. Army troops on June 10, 2025 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Hegseth and President Donald Trump traveled to Fort Bragg Army base to observe a military demonstration and give remarks in honor of the U.S. ArmyOs 250th anniversary. "The United States has now reached a critical point where we must use force in self-defense and defense of others against the ongoing attacks by these designated terrorist organizations," the White House said in a statement. Schiff says Congress learned of strikes through 'social media' Schiff and other senators have said they've received no information about the identities of those killed or the intelligence that showed the boats were trying to carry drugs into the U.S. "We have learned of these strikes through social media posts from the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the press. In fact, administration officials have offered differing accounts of where these vessels were heading," Schiff said. The first boat struck was turning around before it was hit, Schiff said, citing media reports. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters after the first boat was struck that it was "probably headed to Trinidad or some other country in the Caribbean." Rubio said the boat could have been interdicted, but instead, "on the presidents orders, we blew it up." President Donald Trump has ordered strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea that killed at least 21 people. Nearly a month after the first strike, the Pentagon sent a notice to some senators that, because drug cartels "are now transnational and conduct ongoing attacks throughout the Western Hemisphere as organized cartels," Trump "determined" that they are "non-state armed groups" whose "actions constitute an armed attack" against the U.S. "The President determined that the United States is in a non-international armed conflict with these designated terrorist organizations," the notice read. 'Reverse engineering' justification for attacks Lawyers and experts have said that striking the boats even if they were carrying drugs put the Trump administration in murky legal territory. "The reasoning seems to have been shifted to: 'We're in a... non-international, ongoing armed conflict, and therefore we don't need to make the determination that the person who we're targeting poses an imminent threat to the United States they're a combatant.' That seems to be reverse engineering," James Baker, former chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, said at an Oct. 8 panel discussion at the Center for a New American Security. "It's not clear at all that there's an armed conflict," he added. "I'm not seeing it." According to the War Powers Resolution, within 48 hours of deploying U.S. forces without congressional approval, the White House must tell lawmakers why the use of military force was necessary, what legal authority justifies it, and how long the "hostilities" are likely to last. Without authorization from Congress, the use of force cannot run past 60 days, the law dictates. The White House handed over a notification of the first strike to Sen. Chuck Grassley, who is the president pro tempore of the Senate, two days later. It read: "It is not possible at this time to know the full scope and duration of military operations that will be necessary." Trump rides on post-9/11 law The counterterrorism-focused wars of the past 25 years moved the U.S. military beyond past precedent about how much information about military operations the government should reveal. Still, lawyers say, these latest strikes have crossed a line. "The Trump administration is not so much seeking to stretch the legal underpinning of the war on terror to a new battlefield," Brian Finucane, a former State Department lawyer who advised the government on those conflicts, wrote in a commentary. "Instead, the administration is effectively asserting the prerogative to kill outside the law entirely." The War Powers Resolution was passed at the height of the Vietnam War over President Richard Nixon's veto in an attempt to curtail the president's ability to indefinitely use military force outside of an official war declared by Congress. Days after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Congress passed several laws handing President George W. Bush sweeping authority to use military power to target terrorist groups, including in secret. The law has defined counterterrorism policy for decades and served as the legal backdrop of policies like torture, detentions at Guantanamo Bay and warrantless surveillance programs. In February, Trump designated some drug cartels as "foreign terrorist organizations." In a nod to the post-9/11 law, administration officials have indicated that the designation adds legal justification for the strikes. Lawyers say that logic doesn't add up. "The reason you can target a terrorist is not because you put the word 'terrorist' on their head. It's because they pose an imminent threat of attack on the United States," Baker said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Senate measure to stop Trump's strikes on boats in Caribbean fails Trump says he doesn't know 'who the hell is leading' the Democrats WASHINGTON As the government shutdown stretched into its ninth day, President Donald Trump took swipes at top Democrats during a Cabinet meeting, saying "we really don't know who the hell is leading" them. His insults included a suggestion that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, has more influence among Democrats in Congress than the party's official leadership, namely House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York. "She's taking Hakeem Jeffries' place," he said. The president has been targeting Jeffries online with offensive and vulgar memes since the pair first had an unsuccessful sit-down meeting in the Oval Office just before the shutdown. 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. Trump also predicted that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, will retire before his reelection in 2028. "Schumer's afraid that she's going to run against him," he said of Ocasio-Cortez. Schumer, the head of Senate Democrats who has effectively held his party together since the shutdown began, has not said whether he has plans to retire in the coming years. Asked on CNN in April whether his caucus is due for a leadership change, he said, "I am focused on winning, as I have always been." "I am staying put," he said. Despite widespread speculation, Ocasio-Cortez has not said she is interested in running for Schumer's Senate seat. She has been serving in the House of Representatives as a prominent progressive voice since 2019. "Nobody cares about some election years from now," she recently told NBC News. "They care about if their kids can get insulin, if they can put food on the table." Zachary Schermele is a congressional reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and Bluesky at @zachschermele.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump jabs AOC, predicts Schumer will retire President Donald Trump's National Guard deployments to Portland and Chicago will be tested in court Thursday, Oct. 9, as state leaders push back against what they've described as an illegal and unwarranted militarization of their cities. In Illinois, a judge is expected to decide whether to block hundreds of guardsmen from deploying into the nations third-largest city. In California, a federal appeals court will decide whether to leave in place a lower court's order preventing the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland. The hearings are set to start at noon ET in both San Francisco and Chicago. State and local officials have pushed back and accused the White House of manufacturing a crisis to justify militarization, amidst protests over ramped-up ICE raids. National Guard members arrive in Illinois despite governor, Chicago mayor objections Texas National Guard troops walk through the Joliet Army Reserve Training Center, after President Donald Trump ordered increased federal law enforcement presence to assist in crime prevention, in Elwood, Illinois, Oct. 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." The planned deployment of troops from Texas has infuriated Democratic Governor JB Pritzker, who said they "should stay the hell out of Illinois." The legal showdown comes as 500 soldiers 300 from Illinois and 200 from Texas assembled in Illinois and seemed poised to enter the city. On Wednesday, Oct. 8, hundreds of people marched through downtown Chicago to protest the deployment. Lawsuits pile up against Trump's National Guard deployments The Trump administration is battling four lawsuits over National Guard deployments to Portland, Los Angeles, Washington DC and Chicago. The deployments have been ruled illegal by the two trial courts that have reached early decisions, with judges ruling that protests in Los Angeles and Portland did not warrant a military response. In the Portland case, U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, a Trump appointee, blocked an initial deployment of Oregon National Guards troops before the White House announced it would send guardsmen from California and Texas. The attempt to sidestep Immergut's initial order led her to prohibit any troops from entering Portland. See the protests outside of an ICE facility in Portland President Donald Trump said he is sending troops to Portland, Oregon, to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, in the latest deployment of forces to a U.S. city. The move follows weeks of protests outside ICE's field office in South Portland opposing Trump's mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. U.S. Border Patrol Agents detain a demonstrator during a protest outside of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters in south Portland, Oregon, October 3, 2025. The Trump administration appealed the decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which has previously ruled in its favor. The appeals court in June overruled a lower court's finding that the deployment of troops to Los Angeles over the summer was illegal. In Illinois, state and local leaders sued the Trump administration over its deployment of troops over the weekend. U.S. District Judge April M. Perry at an emergency hearing allowed the deployment to move forward but warned that any troop action before an Oct. 9 hearing could be used as evidence against the Trump administration. Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's troop deployments in Chicago, Portland to be argued in court President Donald Trump raises his fist while boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before departing for New York, Sept. 7, 2025. Photo: Daniel Torok / Official White House Photo via Flickr / United States Government Work (The Center Square) The federal government is looking into buying more property in Chicago to continue conducting federal law enforcement efforts. Members of the Illinois and Texas National Guard have been mobilized for the next two months in Illinois. This follows clashes between protesters and federal agents, including suspects using vehicles to ram federal agents vehicles. The guard is operating with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as the lead agency. The state of Illinois sued the Trump administration Monday. A motion for a temporary restraining order is pending a judges order Thursday midday. After an unrelated event Thursday morning in Chicago, Gov. J.B. Pritzker criticized the use of the National Guard as an overreach. He blamed federal agents for clashes between protesters and law enforcement. In my view their using as pretext the choices that [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] and [Customs and Border Patrol] are making on the ground, the things they're doing on the ground, in order to cause problems on the ground that could end up being an issue of disorder and then they make it look legal to send in troops, they say its about protecting the facility, they say its about protecting ICE agents, officers. Pritzkers comments came simultaneously as President Donald Trump was having a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington D.C. We stop crime and they allow crime. They want crime. It doesn't make sense, Trump said Thursday when talking about Chicago. We stop it and they actually incite it. It's crazy. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the government is buying more buildings in Chicago to conduct their activities. What they are trying to do with these riots and violence is theyre trying to distract us from going after suspects, Noem said. Noem said they plan to see crime numbers drop in Chicago with continued DHS activities. If we have to do the hard way in Portland and Chicago, we will, Noem said. Pritzker said Trumps use of the National Guard to protect federal assets enforcing federal law doesnt make sense as Trump has said his efforts are to reduce crime. He wants everybody to think hes bringing down crime. Hes doing nothing of the sort, Pritzker said. Hes cutting funds from crime prevention. Pritzker said using the National Guard is a huge mistake. The government doesnt want it there, but we do, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said, noting the pending litigation being discussed in federal court in Chicago during the White House cabinet meeting. The people want it, Trump said of his public safety efforts. Without naming names, Pritzker said some Republicans have privately raised concerns. And how it is we can protect, because remember, even in these Republican districts, these federal agents are disrupting things and causing real havoc, Pritzker said. Pritzker asked what if the tables were turned if this happened with a Democratic president and a Republican state. (Reuters) -The U.S. and Saudi Arabia are advancing on an agreement that would allow U.S. chip companies to export semiconductors to Saudi Arabia and a deal could be finalized soon, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. (Reporting by Jasper Ward, writing by Christian Martinez) In the aftermath of the passage of President Trumps Big Beautiful Billwhich set aside billions of dollars for the rapid prototyping and integration of artificial intelligence systems for the Defense Departmentstartups are in a mad dash to raise capital so they can compete for the funding. One of those companies is HavocAI, a Rhode Islandbased startup that demonstrated its autonomous vessels just last summer and is already selling boats to the U.S. military and its allies. HavocAI closed an $85 million venture funding round at the end of September so that it can be prepared to manufacture thousands of autonomous boats and incorporate its autonomous tech stack into new types of vessels at a moments notice, its cofounder and CEO, Paul Lwin, tells Fortune. When the reconciliation bill came out, all of our existing investors said: Hey, dont go and try to raise money and take six months doing it. They said: You need to run fast, Lwin notes. HavocAI put together the new round within three months, Lwin saidbolstering the startups total funding raised to nearly $100 million since the company launched just last January. This most recent roundwhich included venture capital firms B Capital, Up.Partners, Scout Ventures, and Outlander Ventures; the CIAs venture capital arm, In-Q-Tel; defense behemoth and strategic partner Lockheed Martin; and Taiwans public and private venture capital fund, Taiwania Capitalwill position the startup to compete for a piece of the more than $3.3 billion that the new legislation set aside specifically for the development of medium and small unmanned surface vessels. Lwin declined to provide a valuation. HavocAIs strategy is all about manufacturing speed and affordability, Lwin says. U.S. military leadership has for years complained about the lengthyand costlyprocess of building ships in the U.S. It can take years and hundreds of millions of dollars for contractors to build a ship for the U.S. Navy. A medium-size naval vessel, for example, like a frigate, can take somewhere around six years to manufacture, compared with the typical one to two years of a commercial shiplargely owing to advanced technology and more stringent and mission-specific requirements. But Lwin says that commercial boats would work just fine in the defense sector, too. The boat isnt what you need to reinvent, he says. What you need to invent is technologies to make these boats into robots and connect them to each other, he says. HavocAI is working with commercial boat manufacturers to build HavocAI standard-size boats, then to retrofit those vessels with its autonomous softwareusing AI algorithms and perception models similar to what you would see on a self-driving car. HavocAI debuted its product for the first time last summer at Silent Swarm, a two-week experimentation event hosted by the Navy. After the event, the Navy immediately purchased a dozen of HavocAIs initial 14-foot Rampage vessels for $100,000 a piece, Lwin says. We want our vessels to be priced similar to munition prices, where if you expend these, or you use them, or they get blown up, its not a big dealyou still have thousands of them, Lwin says. The price point is part of the product for the Rampage vessels, he says, though he points out that larger vesselssuch as what HavocAI has started working on with Lockheed Martinwill be more expensive. Since Silent Swarm, HavocAI has started operating another 20 more of its boats as a contractor for the U.S. Army, Navy, and Defense Innovation Unit, and it has begun to incorporate its tech into a 38-foot Seahound vessel and a 42-foot Kaikoa, according to the company. HavocAI is currently testing a single 100-foot Atlas vessel on the water in Rhode Island. Lwin and his cofounder Joe Turner both have backgrounds in the military. Lwin, a Myanmar refugee who came to the U.S. with his family when he was 10 years old, flew EA-6B Prowlers for the Navy. Turner, the COO of HavocAI, was formerly a naval surface officer before cofounding an autonomous systems company, where Lwin would also serve as chief technology officer. The two of them cofounded HavocAI in January 2024. Lwin envisions the Navy and U.S. allies being able to use the boats to create a distributed sensor network across thousands of vessels, so that militaries can have better visibility into large geographic areas. He says that the Army and the Marine Corps could also use the 14-foot boats to move up to 300 pounds of supplies without putting people at risk. Poland is apparently testing HavocAI boats in order to potentially gather intelligence against Russia in the Baltic Sea. Since starting the company last January, HavocAI has grown to 80 people. Boatbuilder Metal Shark announced Thursday that it was incorporating HavocAIs autonomous platform across its existing fleet of unmanned surface vessels. HavocAI was one of a series of American defense tech companies, including RapidFlight, Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems, and Cyberlux, that were sanctioned by China at the end of last year for selling U.S. arms to Taiwan. There are now several autonomous boat startups that have popped up to compete in the market, including Blue Water Autonomy. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com SNL alum Rachel Dratch may have left the iconic late-night sketch show in 2006, but the Massachusetts natives indelible characters remain some of the most memorable Saturday Night Live performances to date. From Denise from Boston Teens to a junior high school boy in the hilarious Wake Up, Wakefield sketch, Dratch is a chameleon who really can do it all. But if theres one character Rachel Dratch is most synonymous with, its Debbie Downer, the perpetually gloomy woman who can bring anything downfrom Disneyland to a wedding. Dratch stopped by buddy Amy PoehlersGood Hang podcast this week in one of the pods most hilarious episodes. With her usual side-splitting deadpan storytelling, Rachel Dratch explains the surprising inspiration for everyones least favorite party guest, Debbie Downer. I started when I went on a vacation by myself. It had been suggested to me by a therapist. I usually leave that detail out. She kept saying like take a trip for yourself, and I was like why? I don't wanna do that, I could go with friends. I just kind of took it as like doctor's orderslike I just feel like I'm doing thisand I like self-propelled myself to the jungles of Costa Rica. No, but I wanted to pick somewhere that it wasn't gonna be like honeymooners, she shared. The Debbie Downer story is that when later I was like sitting at dinner and people are just making chitchat and someone said like where are you from, and I said New York. And then they said like ohh, you there for 9/11? And it was like three years after 9/11, it wasn't like it just happened, and then I was kind of like ohh yeah. And then like its kind of like just like in Debbie Downer, you had to like get the conversation back because it was like vacation. Related: Former 'SNL' Cast Member Shows Off Jaw-Dropping Fitness Transformation at 57 The Iconic Sad Trombone Sound Was Born from Late-Night Laughs The comedienne also explains that the Debbie Downer sad trombone wah-wah sound effect came from late-night writing sessions with co-writer Paula Pell as the two tried to make each other laugh. Realizing the sound effect added to the hilarity of the Debbie Downer sketches, the two decided to try it out at the legendary SNL table read. The character, the sketch, and the sad trombone were a hit, with Dratch explaining cast members struggled to keep a straight face while on air. Fans Share Their Love for Rachel Dratch If youve not jumped on the Good Hang bandwagon, this episode featuring Rachel Dratch is the perfect example of what we love about Amy Poehlers pod. Poehler is as expert an interviewer as she is a comedienne. Every episode feels like listeners and viewers have been invited into the most hilarious hang with Poehlers elite group of comedy besties. If only we could be friends in real life. Poehlers ability to dig deep-ish (just enough to be a serious interview, not enough to feel heavy), while keeping the laughs coming, is part of what makes this podcast a must-listen, even if youre less familiar with the featured guest. Listening to Rachel Dratchs long and winding, but never not funny, story of her solo Costa Rica trip that inspired one of the most memorable characters in SNL history, is giving fans a renewed appreciation for the comediennes endless talent. She might be the funniest person ever, commented one fan on a social media post shared of the interview. Even Debbie Downer would agree with that. SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 8, 2025, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. A new CD pays tribute to Alexander Toradze and his father, the composer David Toradze. For those of us who loved Lexo, this feels like a necessary way of keeping his memory alive. I am personally grateful to Ettore Volontieri for making this happen, and to Behrouz Jamali for permitting us to excerpt audio from his exceptional film An Hour with Alexander Toradze and Joseph Horowitz. For the CD booklet, I wrote: I have never met anyone more gifted at thinking while speaking than Alexander Toradze. It was doubtless in his native Tbilisi, where toasting is a competitive creative act, that Lexo acquired his understanding of conversation as an art. A Toradze story required an introduction, a climax, and a coda, suitably interspersed with digressive footnotes and annotations. At the piano, his mettlesome intellect engaged in fraught interaction with a volcano of feeling. As a Toradze tale could not possibly be abridged or excerpted, a Toradze interview was invariably a false experience. For years I attempted to sit him down to speak, unimpeded, in front of a camera. Finally, during a Shostakovich festival in Washington, D.C., with my PostClassical Ensemble, I shoved him into a cramped office in which Behrouz Jamali awaited with his equipment. My goal was to have Lexo tell only two stories one about his father, one about Ella Fitzgerald and then to describe the manner in which he interpreted Prokofievs Seventh Piano Sonata (which he was performing that week). Behrouz phoned the next day to inform me that there was no possibility of editing this footage into a film. This did not surprise me; the tempo of Lexos discourse, its ebb and flow, accelerations and diminuendos, was inviolable. I told Behrouz to take a deep breath. He phoned the next day and announced that he now discovered that the film was already there. And so it was. Behrouz proceeded to elegantly undertake some snipping, then to add some supplementary footage, and it was done. You can see it, all 59 minutes, on youtube. And you can hear two excerpts on the present CD. The first excerpt is a story about Lexos father. The second is an exegesis on Interpretation. Initially, Lexo focuses on the first movement of the Prokofiev sonata, in which he heard the sobs of wartime mothers. Lexo always required a story even for Beethovens Op. 109 Piano Sonata, his eventual topic here, in which he glimpses Beethovens vicissitudes in love. As he once told me: I cant just look at a score and think: Gosh, what a beautiful concerto; Im going to make it just delicious. That doesnt interest me. Composers, if they are expressing something, they do it because they cannot express it in other ways, because there is something they need to get out of their system. You dont need to get out of your system pure happiness and joy. No, because its comfortable. So you need an element of discomfort, of irritation, certain spiritual urges that make you create this or that. Thats where our real differences are in pain. Tolstoy, at the beginning of Anna Karenina, says, All happy families resemble one another; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. So I have to find this element. I have to find two or three pages of pain. Then I use that, because I can associate with that, and elaborate. I can use my own experience. And fortunately, my own experience with pain is quite considerable. It has been enough. [Quoted from The Ivory Trade (1990), p. 100] The Ella Fitzgerald story that Lexo told Behrouz, missing from our CD, is about the urgency of jazz in Soviet Russia and how jazz vitally infiltrated the Toradze piano style. All this pertains to his interpretation of his fathers Piano Concerto (which Lexo premiered and performed three times). Its jazzy pages are electrified by the physicality of Lexos stabbing accents and syncopations. And doubtless Lexo found a story in the narrative pages. If he is no longer around to tell us what that story happened to be, and if the story actually coincided with what his father told him about the piece, it really doesnt matter what matters (as I remark on film) is that Lexos stories mattered to him. *** Notwithstanding Lexos enduring passion for the piano works of Ravel, his repertoire concentrated on four Russians: Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, Prokofiev, Shostakovich. They have in common Russian turmoil. The first two lived in an exigent condition of exile they differently negotiated. The third quit his exile to return, controversially, to Mother Russia. The fourth experienced a kind of internal exile as a peoples artist, a beneficiary and victim of the state. The turmoil of Lexos own exile was intermittent but cruel. He was born in 1952 to a family anchored in art. At the Moscow Conservatory, he thrived on the support of inspired pedagogues, but loudly feuded with others. Touring as a Soviet pianist, he was enthralled by new experience and infuriated by restrictions placed on his activities. He defected suddenly, in Spain in 1983, when he discovered himself travelling with a Russian orchestra and yet not permitted to perform. He wound up, incongruously, in South Bend, Indiana, where he created the Toradze Piano Studio. It toured widely, only to implode. His prolonged American honeymoon ultimately stranded him, a stranger in a strange land. The final chapter of Lexos life transpired in relative self-seclusion: in loving partnership with Siwon Kim, his final protege. When Vladimir Putins Russia invaded Ukraine, Lexos response was unique: he instantly foresaw that the Russian artistic environment in which he had been raised, and which had been his cherished inheritance for more than half a century, would be poisoned for decades to come. I have no doubt that this intuition hastened his death in 2022. It was the magnitude of Lexos presence his particular breadth of experience and understanding that ultimately sealed his contribution to the tumultuous decades he inhabited. To read my eulogy for Lexo, click here. Following last years historic reconciliation between Palestinian factions in Beijing, "blessed" by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the People's Republic of China did not take part in ceasefire negotiations over Gaza. Even after last night's breakthrough, Beijing appears aloof. Business remains the crux of its involvement in the region. Milan (AsiaNews/Agencies) In todays daily press conference, Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun answered a question from an AFP journalist, the last of the day, after an agreement was announced in Sharm el-Sheikh on the first phase of Trump's Gaza plan. China hopes that a full and permanent ceasefire in Gaza will be realized as early as possible, the humanitarian crisis will be effectively eased, and tensions in the region will be diffused, Guo said. China upholds the principle of the Palestinians governing Palestine and promotes the implementation of the two-State solution. We stand ready to work with the international community to make unremitting effort towards an early, full, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question and a peaceful and stable Middle East, he added. Trumps plan, which should lead to a ceasefire in Gaza, is set to start in 72 hours with the release of the last Israeli hostages still alive in Gaza and approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. The press conference, as one might expect, began with a question from Central China Television (CCTV) concerning Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech announcing his attendance at the inaugural session of the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women, which the United Nations is holding in the Chinese capital on 13 and 14 October, 30 years after the 1995 Beijing Conference. It is telling that no Chinese state media saw fit to ask the Foreign Ministrys spokesperson about Chinas reaction to the Gaza agreement, a very delicate issue, seemingly more concerned about its position on the proposed Olympic Truce for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games. At the moment, Guo said, the world is neither peaceful nor tranquil, and regional security hotspots keep cropping up. China supports taking the Olympic Truce resolution as an opportunity to bridge differences through dialogue and replace confrontation with cooperation, enhance mutual understanding and safeguard world peace and development. Thus, seen through today's lenses, the picture taken on 23 July 2024, seems decidedly far away. Under the "blessing" of Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China, representatives of 14 Palestinian factions gathered in Beijing for a historic reconciliation, which was supposed to be the start of Chinese efforts to settle the long conflict in the Middle East. It was presented as the start of a process for the establishment of a national reconciliation government that would address the post-war situation in Gaza. In the end, it was no more than another photo-op, with Beijing choosing the sidelines of diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire. In fact, Beijings position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is something of a balancing act. Historically, a supporter of the Palestinian right of self-determination, China has also invested heavily in business ties with Israel: from the ports of Shanghai and Ashdod to forms of cooperation (more or less avowed) in the hi-tech sector. In China itself, many Chinese sympathise more with Netanyahu than with the Palestinians after being subjected for years to the regimes nationalist rhetoric about the "terrorist" threat in Xinjiang. This explains why Beijing is staying clear from the dangerous quagmire of seeking peace in the Middle East in order not to jeopardise other more pressing interests. RED LANTERNS IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHINA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY THURSDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. by Gershon Baskin AsiaNews publishes the thoughts on the Gaza peace deal (in its first phase) by the political activist and mediator. A key player in the release of Israeli soldier Shalit, he has worked behind the scenes in recent months to achieve a ceasefire. Against the backdrop of Biden's weakness, the Netanyahu government's war at all costs, and Trump's strength in imposing peace (with Turks and Arabs), Baskin's remarks are a testament to the ongoing struggle. Jerusalem (AsiaNews) At 2:00 am, all of the participants in the negotiations entered a large room with tables and chairs set up in a square. The Israeli delegation sat directly across from the Hamas delegation. This was the first time in history that official Israelis and officials from Hamas sat in the same room. The deal was signed and now we have to wait for its full implementation. And now we can begin to breathe again. Gershon Baskin, an Israeli political activist, founder of the Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information (IPCRI), a former columnist for the Jerusalem Post, and a leading expert on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is among those who worked in recent months to reach the agreement signed overnight by Israel and Hamas. A mediator and key figure in the release of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier held by Hamas for nearly five and a half years, and part of the Israeli-Palestinian delegation received by Pope Francis in October 2024, Baskin has closely followed the development of the negotiations, working to open and maintain active channels of dialogue, especially with the United States, the Palestinians, and an Israeli leadership bent on war. Today, in a lengthy piece posted on X and granted to AsiaNews for publication, he retraces the main stages of the mediation, which ended with the first face-to-face meeting between the parties. The mediation was hard, starting with the weakness of former US President Joe Biden and restarted with renewed momentum under Trump. Our agency spoke with Baskin last May, and he himself insisted on the importance of stopping the war to ensure the return of the hostages, a key goal for his compatriots, while the Israeli government and Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu kept the conflict going to survive politically. Below is Baskin's full text. This is definitely a morning for celebration. The war is ending. The killing and destruction will stop. The Israeli hostages will be coming home the living and the deceased. For Palestinians, there will be celebrations with the release of Palestinian prisoners and detainees from Gaza. Israelis and Palestinians will be able to breathe again. First, we all have to thank President Trump and his emissary Steve Witkoff, and of course, Jared Kushner, who helped to put the full court press on Israel and on Hamas. Trump and Witkoff made sure that the Qatari Prime Minister, the Egyptian Minister of Intelligence, and the Turkish head of Intelligence were all present for the final push. This was a brilliant move. Trump locked Netanyahu into the agreement, and the Qataris, Egyptians and Turks locked Hamas into the agreement. There are still details that we dont know. What is important is that this agreement is a declaration of the end of the war, not a temporary ceasefire. There are guarantees that the war will not be renewed once Hamas releases all of the hostages. We dont know the exact details of those guarantees I had made some suggestions to the US and Hamas negotiators, but I dont know at this time what has been concluded. We also dont know for sure the names of the Palestinian prisoners who will be released and what the terms of their release will be. What we should also know is that this deal could have been done a long time ago. Hamas agreed to all the same terms in September 2024, as outlined in the Three Weeks Deal that I had received in both written and voice messages, in Arabic and English. But at that point, the Israeli negotiators responded that the Prime Minister did not agree to end the war. Even though the Three Week Deal proposal landed on the desk of President Biden, his person in charge, Bret McGurk, refused to stray from the bad deal that he was negotiating. I met with members of the American negotiating team in October 2024, and they were as frustrated as I was with their inability to convince Biden and Bidens people to look seriously at the deal on the table. The Qataris invited me to Doha in October 2024, and I presented to them the deal that Hamas agreed to, which they were fully aware of, but they said that without the American adoption of the plan, nothing could be done, because the obstacle was Israel, not Hamas. That is the same message I received from the Egyptian intelligence Hamas was ready for a deal to release all of the hostages, not to govern Gaza any longer, and to end the war. But Israel was not prepared to go ahead. On December 26, 2024, I met with Ronen Bar in his office in the Shin Bet headquarters. In that meeting, three weeks before Trump entered the White House, I was asked not to use my back channels because in three weeks there will be a ceasefire deal. Trump told Netanyahu that he wanted a ceasefire before he entered the White House, and Ronen Bar knew it would happen, and it did on January 19, 2025. To me, it was clear that President Biden projected American weakness while President Trump projects American power. From that moment, on December 26, 2024, it was clear to me that the only way the war would come to an end would be when President Trump decides it has to end. From that time, my primary efforts were to communicate with Steve Witkoff and find a way to work a back channel between the American side and Hamas, knowing that the negotiation did not have to be directly with the Israeli side. The Israeli side would accept whatever Trump forced them to accept. In December 2024, Samer Sinijlawi heard that Witkoff would be speaking at a Bitcoin conference in Abu Dhabi. He suggested that we invest the money to go there and stake out Witkoff to make first contact. We did that, and we managed to speak with him, exchange cards, and we gave him an article that Samer and I authored together. That investment paid off big time. Jumping ahead, after hours of working the back channel, on September 8, 2025, Hamas received from the Qatari prime minister the American proposal that I assisted in drafting together with Hamas negotiators. I was on the telephone with the American side at the same hour the Qataris were presenting to Hamas the final American proposal at 10:00 pm on September 8. The American side told me that Hamas planned to spend September 9 discussing the proposal and getting clarifications from the Americans, through me and the Qataris, on issues such as the lines of the Israeli withdrawal, the nature of the guarantees that the war would not be renewed when Hamas releases all of the hostages. Then Israel bombed the home of Khalil al Hayya, and that phase of the negotiations ended. On September 10, one of the Hamas negotiators contacted me and said that the whole leadership survived the attack and that the Qataris had instructed them not to go out and not to use their telephones at all. Hamas was convinced that the attack could not have happened without the agreement of Trump. Despite the American denials, Hamas no longer trusted that Trump and the Americans were working in good faith. The proposed American guarantees were no longer relevant. The Americans requested that I tell the Hamas leadership that the Americans had nothing to do with the attack and that the US and President Trump were still committed to reaching an agreement to end the war. Hamass messages to me were that they had no faith in the Americans because Israel could not have attacked in Doha without the American agreement. On September 10 at 1:22 am, Witkoff sent me the following message: We had zero to do with this. They (the Israelis) have apologized to us. Their statement confirms this. And the Presidents Truth Social post attests to it. During the period between the Israeli attack in Doha and September 19, I was working on ways to get back to the point where we were negotiating the end of the war, with all of the details. Hamas was in a paralysis mode and did not know what to do or how to get back to talks about ending the war. On September 19, in the late evening, Witkoff called me and said, We have a plan. We had a long conversation, and I supported what the Americans were planning, and I made a few suggestions on how to get Hamas on board. I was asked to convince the Hamas leadership that Trump was serious and wanted the war to end. Throughout the last months, I have been in contact with eight members of the Hamas leadership outside of Gaza. Three of them engaged with me in discussions. I did not make suggestions regarding the Israeli side because, for over a year, I believed that if President Trump decides that the war has to end, Trump will force Netanyahu into the agreement. That is exactly what happened. There is a great deal of critical information we still dont know. I have been in discussions regarding all of the issues, but I was not in Sharm El Sheikh, and I dont know what has been decided and what still needs to be decided. But the most important thing at this time is the declaration by both sides that the war is over and it will not be renewed. The hostages and prisoners will be freed in the coming days. Israel will begin to withdraw. Regarding the Hamas weapons, the discussions and proposals were that Hamas would turn over their weapons (those that can kill several people at the same time not necessarily every rifle) to a new Palestinian security force, perhaps together with Egyptian support. Hamas would not surrender its weapons to Israel, but it could to a Palestinian security force. I dont know what has been decided. The new government in Gaza this has to be a Palestinian government and not a neo-colonial mechanism that the Palestinians do not control. The names of independent Gazans with a public profile have been given to the Americans and also to other international and Arab players involved with the day after and the reconstruction of Gaza. The names that Samer Sinijlawi and I submitted to these important players were Gazan civil society leaders with whom we met several times on Zoom. They drafted a letter to President Trump, which I delivered to Witkoff for the President, stating that they were willing to play a role in the governance of Gaza. We dont know how this new government will be formed and when it will take over. As far back as last year, Hamas has agreed to this kind of government. We dont know if Mahmoud Abbas will ask Dr. Nasser Elkidwa to play a role in the governance of Gaza something that he has said he is ready to do. We dont know which Palestinian prisoners will be freed in the deal and where they will be freed to. The option of freeing and deporting those who are considered by Israel to be the most dangerous may have been agreed to we dont know yet. I put in a great deal of time and effort providing the Americans with information about Marwan Barghouthi. I sent the opinions of around 20 very prominent Israelis. Most were in favor of releasing Barghouthi, but some very significant Israelis were opposed. Those who were in favor spoke about the positive role Barghouthi could play in moving the conflict toward a renewed peace process. Those who were opposed believed that Barghouthi would not play that role. To wrap up this initial response, President Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. Steve Witkoff is a dealmaker, and without Witkoff, none of this would have happened. Witkoff speaks for the President, and everyone knows it. Jared Kushners role at this point was crucial because, in the near future, Ron Dermer will be working for Kushner and not for Netanyahu. Bringing Kushner to the final round of negotiations was a brilliant move to neutralize Dermers defined role of foiling every chance of ending the war. The Turkish head of Intelligence is very close to Witkoff and to Hamas, and the Turkish intensive role was crucial in putting the pressure on Hamas to agree to the deal and not to walk away from the table. At 2:00 am, all of the participants in the negotiations entered a large room with tables and chairs set up in a square. The Israeli delegation sat directly across from the Hamas delegation. This was the first time in history that official Israelis and officials from Hamas sat in the same room. The deal was signed and now we have to wait for its full implementation. And now we can begin to breathe again. (https://x.com/gershonbaskin) 9 October 2025 15:03 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more New evidence presented at the Baku Military Court has shed light on Armenias large-scale recruitment of foreign mercenaries during the 44-day war, Azernews reports. The court heard excerpts from classified letters submitted by several Azerbaijani state agencies as part of the ongoing criminal case against Armenian citizens accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity. A document dated October 24, 2020, revealed that Armenia made extensive efforts to recruit foreign citizens into its armed forces in the then-occupied territories of Azerbaijan to compensate for battlefield losses. The Armenian government and diaspora organizations abroad reportedly urged members of the Armenian community to take part in combat, organized special ticket sales campaigns, and established assembly points in various countries. As a result, foreign terrorist fighters from France, the United States, Syria, Russia, and other countries were brought into military operations on Azerbaijani territory. The proceedings also noted the participation of the Yerevan-based military training center VoMA, the ASALA terrorist organization, and other extremist groups. One of the identified mercenaries, Artur Hovhannisyan from Marseille, France, reportedly took part in fighting in the Hadrut and Jabrayil regions of Azerbaijan as part of the Armenian armed forces during the war. Another document revealed that a criminal case has been launched against Gilbert Minasyan, a member of ASALA, and 15 individuals with military experience who engaged in illegal actions in Azerbaijani territory. The court also cited evidence showing that mercenaries from Syria, Russia, Spain, Canada, France, Greece, Lebanon, and countries across the Middle East and Latin America, as well as members of various terrorist organizations, took part in operations against the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. Initially invited to train Armenian troops in sabotage and reconnaissance tactics, many of these fighters were later deployed directly to combat zones. The trial continues for Armenian citizens accused of a wide range of grave offenses including crimes against peace and humanity, terrorism, the financing of terrorism, genocide, and violations of the laws and customs of war committed during Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan. 9 October 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more As the global economy undergoes rapid transformationshaped by geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions, and growing climate-related pressuresthe Azerbaijan Halal Business Forum (AZHAB Forum) has emerged as a critical platform for redefining the future of ethical and resilient economic development. Held in Baku for the second time in 2025, the AZHAB Forum is not merely a sectoral event for halal-certified products; it is a bold attempt to reimagine the role of the halal economy in the global marketplace. With the overarching theme, Halal industry as a source of resilience in the rapidly changing world, the forum aligns deeply with the worlds growing appetite for business models rooted in transparency, sustainability, and values-based commerce. By bringing together government leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, scholars, and international organizations from across OIC member states and beyond, AZHAB has positioned Azerbaijan at the crossroads of ethical trade, green innovation, and interregional cooperation. As part of the forums broader objective to strengthen international partnerships within the halal economy, First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev used the platform to highlight Azerbaijans growing trade and diplomatic engagement with OIC member states, underscoring the strategic importance of the Islamic world in Azerbaijans economic vision. In his remarks at the forum, Elnur Aliyev reported that trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries reached approximately $6 billion in the first eight months of 2025. He emphasized that Azerbaijan is not only a strong trade partner within the OIC but also an active cultural and diplomatic actor, advancing Islamic solidarity and intercultural dialogue on the global stage. Citing examples such as Bakus designation as the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2009 and Nakhchivans in 2018, Elnur Aliyev framed Azerbaijans leadership in the halal sphere as part of a broader vision of multicultural cooperation and shared development. He also expressed appreciation to the OIC and its specialized agencies for supporting the AZHAB Forum, underlining that recent economic and trade agreements signed with OIC members aim to simplify trade, enhance customs cooperation, and stimulate cross-border investments. The AZHAB Forum was marked by two key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that demonstrate the halal industrys increasing integration with sustainability, digital transformation, and global partnership networks: 1. SMBDA and Bilisim Valley (Turkiye) signed a memorandum in support of the Baku Climate Declaration, a COP29-related initiative that promotes green entrepreneurship and environmental protection among SMEs. This move signals the growing convergence between halal principles and climate-conscious innovation, aligning Islamic economic ethics with global ESG standards. 2. A second MoU between the Malaysian Halal Development Corporation Berhad and the SME Alliance paves the way for closer cooperation in halal business development, investment promotion, and knowledge exchange. The agreement links Azerbaijan to Malaysias globally recognized halal ecosystem, enhancing the scalability and credibility of Azerbaijans own halal sector. These agreements illustrate a broader trend: halal is evolving from a certification label into a comprehensive business philosophy, increasingly tied to green economy goals and ethical international collaboration. "Halal is not just a label Its a behavior" This evolution was echoed in the keynote speech by Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA). Describing halal trade as a new stage of honest entrepreneurship, Mammadov emphasized that halal values must be reflected not just in products, but in business conduct, financial ethics, and social impact. If we maintain honesty, justice and transparency in our economic relations, our profits and our society will be halal, he said. With the global halal economy estimated at $3 trillion, Mammadov stressed the importance of embedding these values into institutional frameworks and SME ecosystems. One key step in this direction is the planned creation of the "SME Network of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)," which aims to facilitate cross-border knowledge exchange and business development across ECO member states. The AZHAB Forums 2025 theme is not a rhetorical flourishit reflects the strategic rethinking of global economic systems in the face of fragmentation and volatility. The halal economy, built on principles of fairness, risk-sharing, community engagement, and sustainability, offers a compelling alternative to extractive or speculative growth models. In an era where trade routes are shifting, supply chains are localizing, and trust is becoming a global currency, the halal sector provides: - Stable, values-driven consumer demand across both Muslim and non-Muslim markets - Strong certification systems that can serve as trade advantages - A built-in emphasis on transparency and accountability - Potential for resilient digital transformation and SME empowerment - Moral and psychological grounding for communities navigating global uncertainty By supporting innovation and ethical growth, the halal industry could become a cornerstone of the post-fragmentation global economy an economy in which trust, sustainability, and inclusiveness are no longer optional, but essential. The AZHAB Forum is quickly evolving into more than just a regional eventit is becoming a thought leadership platform at the intersection of faith, ethics, and future-ready economic strategy. In championing the halal industry as a model for economic resilience, Azerbaijan is not only leveraging its geographic and cultural position but is also offering the world a blueprint for values-based globalization. At a time when many question the direction of global trade and development, AZHABs message is clear: profit and principle canand mustcoexist. 9 October 2025 13:27 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Luis Moreno Ocampo, the Argentine lawyer and former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has long been surrounded by controversy. Known for his connections to offshore companies, tax evasion schemes, and questionable lobbying networks, Ocampos name has appeared in multiple scandals. Yet, despite his own ethical baggage, he continues to make bold and unfounded claimsespecially when it comes to Azerbaijan. His latest remarks criticizing the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UN WGAD) over its report on Ruben Vardanyan are a clear example of this pattern. In March 2025, the UN WGAD concluded that Vardanyans arrest in Baku was not arbitrary and rejected Yerevans claims that the criminal case against him was unlawful. Ocampo dismissed the report and called on the UN to invalidate it, accusing the Working Group of bias. He went further by targeting Anna Yudkovska, the current chair of the Working Group. Without evidence, he claimed she was affiliated with a law firm that provides services to Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR and alleged that her husband had ties to corruption and Baku. These accusations were not only baselessthey were deeply ironic. Why ironic? Because Ocampo himself has been linked to unethical behavior. Leaked documents from his time at the ICC revealed that he had close ties to parties involved in major legal cases and earned large sums through consulting deals that raised serious questions. He has been accused of working with offshore entities and lobbying groups while holding one of the most powerful legal positions in the world. Yet now, he accuses others of misconduct without proof. Even more troubling is Ocampos long-standing silence on war crimes committed by Armenian forces in Garabagh. During his time at the ICC, he never spoke out about the ethnic cleansing, mass killings, and displacement of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Meskhetian Turks, and others. But once the region was liberated, he suddenly became vocaldefending figures like Vardanyan and questioning Azerbaijans legal process. This double standard is hard to ignore. The so-called "republic of garabagh" was never recognized by any countrynot even Armenia or Ocampos own Argentina, despite its strong Armenian lobby. The UN passed multiple resolutions demanding the withdrawal of occupying forces from Garabagh. If the regime was illegal, then its leaders must be held accountable for the crimes committed under its rule. Ocampos attempt to discredit Azerbaijans judicial process is not just unfairits dangerous. The trials currently taking place in Baku are similar to the Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi leaders were held accountable for crimes against humanity. Just as the world supported justice then, it must support justice now. These trials send a clear message: no crime goes unpunished. Justice may be delayed, but it will come. So the question remains: whose side is Ocampo really on? Is he defending justice, or protecting impunity? His selective outrage and silence on real atrocities speak volumes. If he truly believes in human rights, he should start by acknowledging the suffering of the victimsnot shielding those responsible. 9 October 2025 16:00 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more In the evolving landscape of global politics, few regions illustrate the complexity of transformation as vividly as the post-Soviet space. More than three decades after the collapse of the USSR, the newly independent republics continue to navigate a delicate balance between sovereignty and dependence, reform and inertia. The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), established as a mechanism to preserve cooperation among former Soviet republics, has gradually turned into a reflection of these contradictions an organization caught between nostalgia for the old order and the search for a new identity. Among these, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) became both a symbolic and practical instrument for Russia to preserve its influence over the former Soviet republics. Yet only a few of these states managed to turn post-Soviet challenges into opportunities. Azerbaijan stands out as a remarkable example: despite the devastating consequences of war, occupation, and nearly one million refugees and internally displaced persons, it has transformed into one of the most successful and stable countries in the region. Azerbaijan not only restored its territorial integrity through military strength and diplomatic resolve but also reintegrated its liberated lands into the national economic framework. Today, peace in the South Caucasus brings dividends that extend beyond the region itself. Bakus stability and development have generated new political and economic realities, opening vast opportunities for trade, investment, and regional cooperation. Following its victory, Azerbaijan assumed the role of initiator in the peace process one grounded in the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Washington meeting held on August 8 this year became a reflection of this success, symbolizing Azerbaijans diplomatic maturity and President Ilham Aliyevs strategic leadership in regional affairs. Today, President Ilham Aliyevs visit to Dushanbe, at the invitation of Tajikistans President Emomali Rahmon, to attend the CIS Heads of State Summit marks another chapter in this evolving narrative. The summit, however, takes place under entirely new geopolitical circumstances. RussiaAzerbaijan relations remain cautious and somewhat cool, though both sides express readiness to discuss accumulated issues as confirmed in a positive tone by Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov ahead of the AliyevPutin meeting in Dushanbe. Meanwhile, the long-standing ArmeniaAzerbaijan conflict, once deemed insoluble, is nearing its conclusion. In Central Asia, a new dynamic is unfolding: countries of the region are rapidly deepening ties with the European Union, filling the strategic gap left by Russia, which remains entangled in its war against Ukraine. Political and economic interest in Central Asia has grown more sharply than at any time in the past three decades. This expansion of interests starts in the South Caucasus region. The CIS countries are just a few steps away from regional integration, and the one missing the opportunity in this process appears to be its founder, Russia. In fact, Azerbaijan has become a key actor in this transformation. Through strengthening cooperation with CIS states particularly those in Central Asia it is positioning itself as a vital hub for trade, energy, and transport. This approach is a core element of Azerbaijans long-term strategy, which views CIS countries not merely as markets or transit partners, but as integral participants in shaping a single space of stability, energy cooperation, and connectivity stretching from the Caspian Sea to Europe. Between January and August 2025, Azerbaijans trade turnover with CIS countries exceeded $5 billion, reflecting a steady upward trajectory. According to the State Customs Committee, this accounted for over 15 percent of Azerbaijans total trade turnover a clear indication that Bakus economic integration with the region continues to deepen. Yet for Azerbaijan, this cooperation transcends numbers. It is rooted in shared history, cultural proximity, and collective challenges the very foundations of long-term regional partnership. Under Azerbaijans leadership, initiatives that once existed only on paper have evolved into tangible projects with measurable impact. Transport corridors connecting East and West, cross-border energy networks, and the rise of the Organization of Turkic States all represent the broader architecture of a new regional order. Interestingly, while these integrative processes expand, it is Russia, once the architect of post-Soviet unity, that now hesitates to fully engage. The landscape is changing. A new phase has begun, marked by strategic pragmatism and the redefinition of interests. Russia, while still capable of influencing outcomes, can no longer unilaterally dictate them. The regional "chessboard" is vast, and the objective for every player is to secure maximum advantage but increasingly on their own terms. The future of the post-Soviet region lies not in isolation or submission but in what can be called sovereign pragmatism the ability of each state to derive benefit from global engagement without compromising its independence. The foundations are shifting, from military-security paradigms to economic and monetary frameworks. Reforms are essential not through the templates of Brussels or Moscow, but through nationally driven models that serve domestic needs. Foreign prescriptions rarely bring lasting prosperity. True stability and progress come when nations pursue their own formula for success when they take the best the world offers, but only within the limits of their sovereignty and self-interest. The two-day CIS summit officially begins today in Dushanbe, providing a critical platform to assess the evolving dynamics within the post-Soviet space. As the discussions unfold, we will observe which alliances are reinforced and the likely direction of political and economic processes. 9 October 2025 20:05 (UTC+04:00) A famous Azerbaijani proverb says that a close neighbor is better than a distant relative. This simple but profound wisdom has guided Azerbaijans foreign policy for decades. The country has always aimed to build stable, mutually respectful, and constructive relations with its neighbors. Azerbaijan understands that in a region as strategically complex as the South Caucasus, cooperation with neighboring states is not only a matter of diplomacy but also a matter of national security and economic growth. Unfortunately, there are always some forces than t attempt to create divisions between Azerbaijan and its neighbors, seeking to exploit tensions for their own agendas. The recent cooling of relations between Azerbaijan and Russia can largely be traced to the activity of these disruptive actors. The downing of an Azerbaijani aircraft over Russian airspace triggered a wave of tension. Within Russia, public figures such as Margarita Simonyan, Konstantin Zatulin, and Vladimir Solovyov and others played active roles in inflaming the situation, pouring oil on the fire. Their rhetoric, often sensationalist and politically charged, aimed to push bilateral relations into a crisis, undermining the decades-long framework of cooperation that had been carefully cultivated. However, the recent high-level meeting in Dushanbe has shown that Azerbaijans law-based and pragmatic foreign policy approach remains effective. The meeting between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia sent a clear signal to both domestic and international audiences: the period of tension and mutual suspicion is behind us. The careful diplomacy that Azerbaijan has pursued has borne tangible results, demonstrating that rational engagement and respect for international norms can overcome even the most challenging crises. The Russian presidents statements regarding the aircraft incident confirmed that these issues have been addressed and resolved, opening the way for a renewed chapter in bilateral relations. The significance of these developments goes beyond the mere resolution of an isolated incident. They mark a clear defeat for those who attempt to interfere in Azerbaijan-Russia relations for ideological or geopolitical purposes. Figures such as Simonyan, Solovyov, and Zatulin, along with other Armenian-leaning or anti-Azerbaijani voices, failed in their efforts to destabilize the relationship. Their repeated attempts to provoke discord have been countered by rational, principle-based diplomacy. This outcome demonstrates an important lesson: neighborly cooperation, grounded in mutual understanding and respect, remains stronger than propaganda-driven attempts at division. Moreover, President Putins media statements clarified another critical dimension: the deliberate efforts of anti-Azerbaijani, Armenian-leaning forces within Russia are acknowledged and countered at the highest levels. By addressing these issues publicly, both countries signal a commitment to constructive engagement that leaves little room for outside interference. This approach not only stabilizes bilateral relations but also contributes to broader regional stability. As another Azerbaijani proverb emphasizes, a neighbor often depends on another neighbors ash. When viewed through a political and economic lens, this saying underscores a universal truth: the highest returns in diplomacy and commerce often come from relationships with neighboring countries. Proximity, shared history, cultural familiarity, and mutual understanding make cross-border cooperation more effective and resilient. Azerbaijan and Russia, despite occasional political turbulence, continue to exemplify this principle. Their ties extend across multiple dimensions: cultural, economic, and strategic. Economically, the relationship between Azerbaijan and Russia is both deep and mutually beneficial. Russia holds a significant share in Azerbaijans non-oil exports, often ranking first among its destination countries. This highlights the diversification of Azerbaijans economy beyond the energy sector, a priority for Baku in recent years. Conversely, Azerbaijan plays an important role in supplying food products to Russia. While Azerbaijans contribution may be modest in the context of Russias vast market, it is strategically meaningful, fostering interdependence and stability. Finally, the recent developments between Azerbaijan and Russia demonstrate that neighborly relations, when based on mutual respect, pragmatism, and legal norms, can overcome attempts at destabilization. The enduring message is clear: third-party efforts to sow discord between these two nations are not only futile but counterproductive. Azerbaijans foreign policy, grounded in rationality and foresight, has ensured that ties with its neighbors remain strong, productive, and mutually beneficial. 9 October 2025 13:03 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Azerbaijan must align its financial system with international fintech trends, and the primary responsibility lies in improving the countrys legislative framework. Azernews reports that this was stated by Zakir Nuriyev, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Banks Association (ABA), during the Baku Fintech Forum 2025. According to Nuriyev, one of the key regulatory updates should address how electronic money institutions manage their funds. Currently, there is a requirement for these institutions to hold funds in more than one bank, he noted. A similar requirement already exists for other players in the financial sector. For example, insurance companies are obligated to distribute their funds across multiple banks. Extending this requirement to fintech companies could become increasingly important in the near future. Nuriyev emphasized that this approach would not only enhance the security of customer funds using payment services but also strengthen the resilience of electronic money institutions. We believe that, in order to advance financial inclusion and improve the application of modern financial approaches, the legal framework must be expanded to allow fintech companies to explore additional areas of activity, he added. The statement reflects growing momentum in Azerbaijans financial sector to modernize its regulatory environment in line with global standards, ensuring that fintech development is both secure and sustainable. 9 October 2025 14:23 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more As part of an official business visit by an Azerbaijani delegation to Kuwait, Azerbaijans Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov held a high-level meeting with Subaih Abdul Aziz Abdul Muhsen Al-Mukhaizeem, Kuwaits Minister of Finance, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Acting Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment, and Chairman of the Board of the Kuwait Investment Authority. Azernews reports that Minister Jabbarov shared details of the meeting via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. We highlighted Azerbaijans favorable investment climate and the steady growth of economic ties between our two countries, Jabbarov noted in the post. The ministers discussed potential areas for deepening cooperation, including trade, tourism, traditional and renewable energy, agriculture, transport, and transit logistics. The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by both nations to strengthen bilateral economic relations and explore new avenues for investment and strategic partnership. 9 October 2025 14:42 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more In the latest edition of its "Around Azerbaijan" series, Euronews has aired a report highlighting the transformation of Ismayilli district, Azerbaijan, as it embraces change while preserving its traditional charm, Azernews reports. The district is embracing new residents and artisans while maintaining its traditional rural charm. The segment, presented by reporter Anca Ulea, took viewers on a journey through Ismayilli to discover its tranquil lifestyle and enduring customs. The reportage, titled " Disconnect in Azerbaijan's Ismayilli district, where farm-to-table is just standard living" states the following: "Easily reached from Baku, Azerbaijan's Ismayilli District has long been a pastoral getaway for city dwellers seeking a slower pace of life. Today, a rural renaissance is underway as newcomers bring new energy and skills, creating a charming cultural blend. In Ivanovka village, formerly the last kolkhoz in the Caucasus, visitors can explore local history at the Molokan Cultural Centre and buy honey and cheese from farmers like Andrey Antifeev, whose honey is internationally recognised. Damir Art Gallery showcases the village's creative revival, welcoming artists from Baku, while guest houses like Ohio Inn & Cafe host international visitors. Wine lovers can visit nearby Chabiant Winery, where Italian winemaker Marco Catelani uses his expertise to highlight the country's heritage grape varieties like Madrasa and Bayan Shira." Breaking silence: Reconciliation with end of life China Daily) 08:49, October 09, 2025 The picture shows the exhibition hall of "Bringing Death Back to Life" at the MACA Art Center in Beijing. The event seeks to break a long-standing taboo surrounding the mention of death. (CHINA DAILY) China is aging at a fast pace. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, by the end of 2024, the number of elderly people aged 65 and above in China had reached 220.23 million, accounting for 15.6 percent of the total population. However, a research report from a think tank of The Economist indicates that among the 80 countries surveyed, China's quality of death index ranks 71st globally. "When every family faces the dilemma of elderly care and end-of-life arrangements, a dignified departure becomes a luxury, and that is not a good sign. It reflects our lack of death education," said Jing Jun, a sociology professor at Tsinghua University. Other sociologists also noted that it is the harsh reality of aging that has spurred this trend of death education. Professor Jing Jun, the academic supporter of the exhibition, delivers a speech at the event on June 29 at the 798 Art Zone in Beijing. (CHINA DAILY) The rise of death education is manifested at multiple levels: nationwide pilot programs for hospice care hospitals, the promotion of the "living will" initiatives in communities such as a few in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, and the introduction of death education as an elective course in universities. Furthermore, art exhibitions, with their unique emotional resonance, are becoming an important vehicle for advancing this dialogue, sparking reflection and discussion among people of all ages. Art against taboo An exhibition on death held in Beijing spent two months stirring public discussion on the topic through artistic means. Starting from June 28, the exhibition displayed death-related installations, paintings, video art, and featured a documentary reading area. It regularly held lectures and seminars on life quality during weekends. Shi Qing, a tourist from Hebei province, who visited the exhibition, said: "The exhibition is titled 'Bringing Death Back to Life'. Through art, it reintroduces this usually avoided topic into everyday conversations." The artwork "Taklamakan: Life Series", which is created by Lin Lecheng, calls for a calm mind in the face of aging. (CHINA DAILY) Co-exhibitor Zhou Wenjing personally experienced reconciliation with death. "When mothers suffered severe bleeding during the removal of an intrauterine device (IUD), that moment made many people realize that we must face the painful moments in life," she said. Her artwork "Intrauterine Devices" embeds 300 copper IUDs on blue velvet. The clash between cold instruments and soft materials provokes deep reflection on life control. Her work sparked extensive discussion on Chinese social media, generating over 40,000 comments and more than one million words of online discourse. Many viewers said they believed that the meaning of life quality should be "contemplated, and that such education and discussions should be embraced from more dimensions". Artist Yun Feng's artwork "Heading Toward Where The Light Is" places moth sculptures throughout the exhibition space. "Hospice doctors tell patients to 'walk toward the light', which made me think of the image of moths flying into a flame both the end of life and a final yearning," he said. Through aesthetic transformation, these works make the topic of death more palatable. "Doctor Me", which is created by Zhou Wenjing and Jing Jun, voices for the control of antibiotic overuse. (CHINA DAILY) The exhibit that left the deepest impression on visitor Li Qi was the "Memorial Bear," a teddy bear made from the clothing left behind by a deceased loved one, embodying the grief and longing of surviving family members. "Seeing those memorial bears sewn from the clothes of the deceased, I suddenly understood what it means for grief to require materialization," she said. The emotional resonance is precisely the unique ice-breaking power of art. Humanistic care Many scholars have pointed out that in China, death has been transformed from a "family event" into a "medical event" over the past decades. The interactive installation "Breath "at the exhibition simulates the operation of an ICU ventilator. When the mechanical sound shifts from steady to frantic before abruptly stopping, viewers experience the end of life under technological intervention. "Modern medicine often allows people to die alone, surrounded by medical devices," said Lu Guijun, director of the pain management department at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital. He conducted lectures at the exhibition, advocating for allowing death to "return from the hospital to the setting of life". "Dislocation", which is created by Zheng Que, focuses on structural tension in near-death states. (CHINA DAILY) This paradigm shift is occurring at a systemic level. "The 'Death Narrative Study' by Professor Jing's team collected 146 texts and found that dying people in China commonly exhibit fanxiang guanhuai (reverse care), where patients strive to care for others even in the final stages of their lives," said Song Min, a young researcher specialized in palliative care at Tsinghua University. "This overturns the traditional view of the dying as passive recipients, showcasing a self-awakening of life dignity," said a participant surnamed Qian, who suffers from multiple chronic illnesses. At 86 years old, she no longer fears death itself and expressed her wish to do more for her family in her remaining days. She said she believes that "many elderly people share similar thoughts, and such ideas need to be conveyed to the younger generation in appropriate ways. At home, such topics are not often suitable for discussion, making seminar settings highly necessary." Behind this trend lies Chinese society's broader reflection on life quality. Liu Jian, deputy director of the population and culture development center of the National Health Commission, said: "The quality of death will inevitably become an important component of people's aspiration for a better life." "Women's Series: Intrauterine Device", which is created by Zhou Wenjing, expresses the impact of intrauterine devices on women's health. (CHINA DAILY) This trend in death education is also reshaping public policy. Shanghai has promoted "home hospice care beds" in communities; Guangzhou has piloted "medical insurance payments for end-of-life care"; and more cities are integrating death education into community health service programs. Meanwhile, the exhibition plans to tour six cities across China, promoting the formation of community-level dialogue mechanisms on death. "The wisdom about life and death in traditional culture is being rediscovered," said co-exhibitor Yue Mingyue, pointing to an artwork made of silk. "The Chinese saying shengsheng buxi (life thrives endlessly) inherently contains a profound understanding of the cycle of life and death." In this rapidly aging nation, art exhibitions have become catalysts for civilizational advancement prompting Chinese people to reflect not only on the importance of good birth and good life, but also on good death. "Breath", which is created by Zhang Muchen, conveys the idea that death is no longer an experience but rather a technical issue. (CHINA DAILY) "When 300 IUDs are no longer merely symbols of family planning and moths flying into flames metaphorically represent the pursuit of life at its end, a nation is rethinking how to reconcile with death and make farewells a complete part of life, and that would be beneficial to society in the long term," said Zhou, the event's exhibitor. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Zhong Wenxing) 9 October 2025 17:42 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Beneath the ancient walls of the Shirvanshahs' Palace, in the heart of Baku's historic Icherisheher, a musical performance emerged as a powerful connection between generations, Azernews reports. To mark the International Day of Older Persons and the 140th anniversary of the legendary Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibayli, a special event was held: beloved arias from the operetta "The Cloth Peddler" were performed by elderly citizens alongside children from an orphanage. The event was organized by the Social Services Agency under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, in partnership with the Administration of the Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve. It became a powerful symbol of continuity, respect, and love across generations. With a warm atmosphere, heartfelt emotions, applause, and, of course, the timeless music of Uzeyir Hajibayli, the evening left an indelible mark. The music brought hearts together, and the ancient palace walls seemed to come alive once more, echoing the soul-stirring performance of "The Cloth Peddler", now imbued with even deeper meaning. The International Day of Older Persons is observed every year on October 1, a date designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1990. The day aims to raise awareness about the issues and challenges faced by the elderly, promote their well-being, and recognize their contributions to society. It serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting older generations, ensuring their rights, and providing opportunities for their participation in social, economic, cultural, and political life. The theme of the day varies each year, focusing on specific aspects of aging, such as health, financial security, or social inclusion. In Azerbaijan, the International Day of Older Persons holds particular significance as the country has a growing aging population. The government and various organizations mark the occasion with events, cultural programs, and community activities aimed at honoring the elderly. These celebrations emphasize respect, dignity, and appreciation for the elderly, with a focus on their role in preserving traditions and passing on knowledge to younger generations. 9 October 2025 15:46 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more A meeting has been held between the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), Azernews reports. The meeting focused on the implementation of the new tasks and assignments determined during the 12th Summit of the Heads of State of the Turkic Council, which was held in Gabala, Azerbaijan. Culture Minister Adil Karimli emphasized the importance of cooperation with TURKSOY, noting that this partnership has been expanding and gaining new dimensions over the years. He highlighted the significance of joint projects aimed at preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Turkic world. TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev expressed satisfaction with the collaboration with Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture and extended his deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the support in strengthening the ties. During the meeting, Vugar Mammadov, the newly appointed representative of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry to TURKSOY, was introduced to the Secretary General. It was noted that he would begin his duties in the coming days. The parties exchanged views on the organization's activities for the current year and emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation in the implementation of joint projects. Over the past years, TURKSOY has made significant contributions to promoting Turkic cultural heritage through different initiatives. Most of these projects have become a tradition and are continued every year. Since its establishment, TURKSOY has been carrying out activities to strengthen the ties of brotherhood and solidarity among Turkic peoples, transmit the common Turkic culture to future generations and introduce it to the world. The organisation actively collaborates with international bodies like UNESCO and maintains partnerships with institutions such as the Organisation of Turkic States and the International Turkish Academy. Azerbaijan actively participates in TURKSOY's initiatives, hosting events like the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World project in Shusha city. Many events of cultural significance, including the Kharibulbul International Folklore Festival, the Korkut Ata Turkic World Film Festival, the Cultural Days of the Turkic People, the Vagif Poetry Days, the International Festival of Children's Creativity, Wonderland Shusha 2023 International Scout Camp, and other events were organized in Azerbaijan's cultural center in accordance with the Action Plan. 9 October 2025 09:54 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more An international conference titled Combining Efforts and Expanding Cooperation to Resolve the Issue of Missing Persons is being held in Baku today within the framework of the Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons, Azernews reports. The event has been organized by the State Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Prisoners of War, Hostages, and Missing Persons, Trend reports. The conference is attended by Chairman of the State Commission and Head of the State Security Service (SSS) Colonel General Ali Nagiyev, along with delegations from Turkiye, Georgia, Croatia, Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and several other countries. 9 October 2025 11:53 (UTC+04:00) At the invitation of President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in Dushanbe on October 9 to participate in the meeting of the CIS Heads of State Council, Azernews reports. A guard of honor was arranged for the Azerbaijani President at Dushanbe International Airport. President Ilham Aliyev was welcomed by Rustam Emomali, Chairman of the National Assembly of the Supreme Assembly of the Republic of Tajikistan, and other officials. The 60-year-old, who has starred in the likes of The Purge and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, has shared glimpses of his time in Northern Ireland online, including a visit to Deanes Meat Locker, which he described as his favourite restaurant in Belfast. Celtic torcs and hammered silver inspired by a rainy summer brought a taste of Ireland to a jewellery festival this month, writes Jade Beecroft Vanessa Murtagh took two of her collections to Romania Louisa Scott works from her home studio on the Ards peninsula Louisa Scott, from Co Down, recently joined four female independent studio jewellers representing the island of Ireland at Romania Jewelry Week 2025. Louisa (35), who works from her home studio on the Ards peninsula, took her Ancient Islands collection, which is inspired by her homeland, travels in Sri Lanka, and afternoons spent admiring ancient Celtic gold jewellery in Dublin Archeology Museum. Speaking before she flew out, Louisa said: The central piece of my collection is a torc necklace, inspired by the museums collection of Celtic and pre-Celtic torcs, but with a very contemporary and wearable feel. When it comes to contemporary jewellery, this event in Romania is up there with the best there will be representatives from all over the world. Louisa joined Nicole van der Wolf, from Dublin, Natasha Heaslip and Siobhan McArdle, both from Galway, and Vanessa Murtagh, from Wicklow. All five are members of the Irish Jewellers and Silversmiths Guild, so they knew of each other, and although each applied independently to attend the event, they then decided to form a collective after discovering theyd all been selected by the international judging panel. Vanessa explains: This is the first time that this volume of Irish exhibitors have gone to Romania, and the key thing is that for us as artists, we get to exhibit and meet other artists. The calibre of judges is really impressive our work will be in front of people at the pinnacle of contemporary jewellery art. A lot of people dont consider jewellery to be art, but thats what it is. Vanessa explains that contemporary jewellery uses different techniques and concepts to create bespoke, often themed collections that tell stories. She says: We dont follow fashions and these are not throwaway pieces. Our work is created with heart. For Louisa, that story draws on her experiences travelling the world to learn about jewellery making and gemstones, before settling back home in Northern Ireland to launch her business, Louisa Scott Jewellery. I fell in love with jewellery in India, during a gap year travelling, she explains. Back home, I got a degree in business management, but all through uni I just couldnt stop talking about jewellery. After graduating, she moved to London and worked for a fine jeweller in sales and admin, while at the same time studying for a gemology diploma at the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. Louisa Scott Wanting to travel again, she took an introductory course in jewellery making in Barcelona, before moving to Sri Lanka in 2019 to work with a fifth-generation gem merchant, learning about the mine-to-market journey of gemstones. Then Covid hit and everything changed, she smiles. I moved back home and did a year at the Dublin School of Jewellery. I spent a lot of my free time at the Archeology Museum at the National Museum of Ireland, looking at their incredible collection of ancient Celtic gold. Louisa founded her business in 2023, launching her first collection Ancient Islands and also taking on bespoke commissions. Her main collection is in sterling silver, with freshwater pearls and coloured gemstones, although she also offers bespoke pieces in other metals. Vanessa says: Whats really unique about Louisas work is that she is connecting with designs that are millennia old, like the torcs, and making them feel really contemporary for todays world. Louisa adds: My soul fish pendant is also an amalgamation of inspiration from Ireland and Sri Lanka both islands once based on a traditional fishing way of life. Islands pendant by Louisa Scott Vanessa (47) took two of her collections 3D# and Hammered Water to Romania. She founded her business, Vanessa Ree following 20 years working in the creative advertising industry. I love precious metals and the hands-on side of jewellery making, she explains. I abhor things that are mass produced and dispensable. I want to create things that are handcrafted, tactile and full of meaning. I set up my business in 2019 and then boom, Covid hit. But I always wanted to go global. Vanessas 3D# collection is a truly global concept, marrying her interest in languages she has a degree in Italian and also speaks Irish, French, German and Spanish with a now globally recognised tagging system. I remember when the hashtag was just a button on the landline phone and nobody knew what it was for, she laughs. Now it has even entered our language. Its ubiquitous for our digital world. Vanessa Murtagh took two of her collections to Romania The other collection Vanessa took to Romania, Hammered Water, has true Irish origins. The idea came from that washout summer in 2023, trying to entertain my two kids on a boat on the Shannon, she explains. It rained so much in Ireland, but at the same time, other countries were suffering droughts and fires. It got me thinking about our relationship with water. It brings drama, reflection and movement, and has an intimate feeling on our skin. My collection uses sterling silver, because thats the metal that looks most like water and reflects like water, and I have tried to emulate that movement and fluidity in my pieces. Louisa Scott works from her home studio on the Ards peninsula Belfast History Explained: Who was Sheila the Elephant? Romania Jewelry Week 2025 took place in Bucharest, organised by the Assamblage National Jewelry Association, and involved exhibitions, conferences and workshops, as well as awards chosen by an international panel. While each of the five Irish jewellers creates under their own name and brand, the group collaborated to put a spotlight on Irish contemporary jewellery as both a fine craft and cultural expression. Louisa adds: Its exciting to come together with different artists inspired by Irish culture, landscapes and history, and also representing the diversity of contemporary Ireland. Louisa is also preparing to launch her new collection in the coming months. Its created around the elements, she says. See www.louisascottjewellery.com and www.vanessaree.com Creep who begged girl for bath pics and travelled to Belfast to meet her avoids jail Reading computer coder handed 18-month suspended sentence after being snared by paedophile hunter group Bipul Paul, from Reading, at Belfast Crown Court. Photo: Alan Lewis John Cassidy Thu 9 Oct 2025 at 17:01 A computer operator who travelled to Belfast to meet what he thought was a child has avoided prison. Cushnahan not bound by Irish law to keep confidential information about 1.1bn loans to himself, lawyer tells court Ex-bankers barrister says some people thought developers and builders were being hung out to dry and the interests of the banks and the state were prioritised over the hopelessness that some developers were faced with Nama accused Frank Cushnahan arriving at Belfast Crown Court today. Photo: Alan Lewis/PhotopressBelfast.co.uk Sam McBride Thu 9 Oct 2025 at 17:27 Frank Cushnahan was not bound by an Irish law to maintain confidentiality around its Northern Ireland loans worth more than a billion pounds, his lawyer has told a Belfast jury. Remarkable Belfast shop sums up the spirit of resilience that our small business owners need A parents campaign group for children with special educational needs has called for clarity following reports that some of their children are being transported to school by drivers with criminal records. Giving evidence at a Stormont scrutiny committee today Dorothy Murray, from SEN Reform NI, said the situation regarding the sub-contracting of transport for SEN children is causing serious concerns. Every August parents wait anxiously to learn how their children will travel to school, she told MLAs at Stormonts Education Committee. Many do not know who will pick their children up until a couple of days before term, if at all. This uncertainty makes childcare and employment almost impossible to manage. For children with SEN who rely on routine and a familiar adult this is devastating. She added that safety concerns are equally serious. Parents have reported children being transported without legally required car seats and sub-contracted vetting remains extremely unclear, she said. The EA assures families that private contractors are checked, but the position with sub-contractors is far less firm. We would like the EA to provide information on their policies on the safeguarding of transport for our children, especially with the sub-contractors. We have heard reports from parents that Access NI checks have come back with convictions flagged but the person is still able to transport some of our most vulnerable children. Parents need clarity and more transparency regarding the safety of their children. Parents would also like to know who the responsibility lies with if an incident happens and the child has not got the correct car seat, or if the driver has convictions. Driving laws are not being adhered to in relation to car seats. MLAs also heard from parents how the Education Authority is continuing to fail thousands of children with special educational needs as commitments to reform have not yet been matched by delivery. Ms Murray told committee members that 81% of parents involved in the campaign group have said the situation over placements and transport has been worse this year than in 2024. A further 96% say they want to see urgent legislation to support their children once they turn 19, adding that at present they leave their school years and fall off the edge of a cliff. She continued to describe how some parents have to give up work to help look after their children when no suitable place at school can be found. She described the system as structurally inequitable and continuing to deny children with SEN the right to an equal education, with many now being placed in mainstream settings which are not appropriate to their needs. While we do recognise the EA commitment to SEN transformation, we as parents are not feeling it in daily life, with commitments not being met by delivery, she said. Ninety-six to 97% of parents seeking a statement of special educational needs are having their applications turned down and are forced to appeal when those parents are the ones who know their children best. We have a system where all mainstream children are made aware of their placements for school the following year in April, yet SEN pupils are left waiting, often until the very last minute. Then we have the situation where some pupils have still not been able to attend school as they have a place in a mainstream school with a special education unit (SPIMS) which is not ready. Some who do get a place are often in an environment not suitable for their needs. Every SEN child has the right to have their access to education upheld. But 77% of our parents have expressed the same feeling that their children are not valued by the system. SEN parents took their protest to Stormont last month. Belfast History Explained: Who was Sheila the Elephant? Fiona Cole from SEN Reform NI told the committee of the frustrations of one parent in particular, Angela Haughey, in fighting for the education of her son Charlie. Ms Cole relayed a message from Ms Haughey to the committee: I spoke to the Committee for Education in 2018 pleading that Charlie and other kids like him had the equality and opportunity and never would have I imagined that seven years later I would still be pleading and begging for a place and realising more than ever that Charlie will never be equal and never have the opportunities in life that he should have. I believe the EA are quite indifferent to children with disabilities. As a mother with two other children in mainstream education I truly believe that Charlie matters less. Ms Cole added that the mother had received the offer of a placement for her son this year, but 20 miles from her home. This is constantly saying were giving you the opportunity but they are opportunities which are often simply not viable. This shifting of the burden towards parents having to run down places needs to change, she said. The EA has been approached for comment. A mob outside the home of Naomi Long as police arrive Justice Minister Naomi Long has hit out after a mob, some wearing masks, protested outside her home. It is understood the gathering involved around 40 people outside the property she shares with her husband Belfast councillor Michael Long. The PSNI confirmed they are investigating the protest and are reviewing footage to determine if any potential offences were committed. Both the First Minister and deputy First Minister have condemned the incident. The Alliance Party leader has served as Justice Minister in the Executive since February 2024. She previously held the post from January 2020 to October 2022. Posting about the incident, Mrs Long said: Over the last 25 years I've been in front-line politics, I've engaged with people from all backgrounds and perspectives. I've been open to debating and discussing issues, whether we agreed or not, including on here. Turning up as a mob, some in masks, at my home just isn't on. That line was crossed last night. It isn't engagement and it isn't legitimate protest to turn up at my home, disrupt my neighbours, my family and place pressure on police. It's bullying and intimidation. It's threatening and wholly unacceptable. It needs to stop. Mr Long, her husband, added: Last night, about 40 people, some wearing masks, turned up at our house to protest. They filmed & the PSNI had to attend. "In 25 years, no one has protested at our house. For the first time in 12 years, a PSNI car has had to sit outside the house overnight in case of attack. First Minister Michelle ONeill said the incident was absolutely disgusting. Turning up at someones home is intimidation, not protest. It is never acceptable, she said. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly wrote online: In public life, we all expect criticism and robust exchanges of views. At times, there will be protest and anger. What is entirely unacceptable is when that crosses over into using protest to intimidate or harass at the private and personal address of a person. It is particularly frightening, and appalling behaviour that must be faced down. Sending my support to Naomi and her family after this upsetting and terrible behaviour last night at her home. Alliance deputy leader Eoin Tennyson said while the motivation of the crowd was not yet clear he said he had no doubt that some of those who gathered would portray themselves as defenders of women and girls. He said it was ironic they had targeted a politician who has a stronger record than any of us in Northern Ireland at tackling violence against women and girls. Im conscious that this reprehensible incident hasnt developed in a vacuum, he added. It has followed months of toxic misinformation and personal abuse and harassment of Naomi online fuelled by far-right activists and malign influences." Mr Tennyson said the incident had been live-streamed by those involved. He blamed a toxic atmosphere which he said has been whipped up online and in Northern Irelands Assembly chamber. Mr Tennyson said Mrs Long had been subject to misinformation, disinformation and a misrepresentation and had been singled out for targeted and personalised attacks. We also have a responsibility in this building the words that we utter in the chamber are not without consequence, he told reporters at Stormont. It is simply not good enough for any politician to light the touch paper and then try to walk away and absolve themselves of responsibility when the flames are burning. This is an important turning point and inflection in our politics. We have a choice to make about the kind of society, the kind of politics and the kind of future that we want. Is it a politics that is driven by hate, misinformation and disinformation and divisive culture wars, pandering to those on the extremes, or is it a politics thats about bringing people together, offering positivity and offering hope? The Alliance Party has been here before. We are no strangers to intimidation and harassment, and we will not be deterred, because we know what side of that divide we rest on. We are focused on building a progressive, united and inclusive community for everyone who calls this place home. I know that Naomi and Michael are strong and formidable politicians, but theyre also human. They will not be deterred from that work, and this party will not be deterred from that work. Support for Ms Long also came from other parties, including DUP leader Gavin Robinson who said the private homes of elected politicians should be firmly off limits. A mob outside the home of Naomi Long as police arrive Analysis: Justification for murder- why does every conversion on the future tumble back to the past | Allison Morris UUP leader Mike Nesbitt said he was shocked, horrified and depressed by the incident. We live in a democracy. In a democracy, you will see things you dont like. Youll hear things you dont agree with. Youll be upset by decisions politicians make, he added. There are acceptable ways to express your opposition. Intimidation is not one of them. I hope the PSNI have gathered enough evidence to lead to prosecution. Upper Bann MLA Doug Beattie branded the incident utterly disgraceful. He said: Nobody deserves this. Shame on those who have tried to intimidate Naomi and Michael Long. SDLP leader Claire Hanna branded the incident disgraceful. The SDLP will always stand against those who seek to use violence or intimidation. There can be no place for it in our politics or our society, she said. There will always be political disagreement, particularly in a place with as fraught a history as this, but to turn up outside a politicians home and try to intimidate them is sinister and entirely wrong." A spokesperson for the Police Federation of Northern Ireland posted online: We totally condemn this and the detrimental impact it has had on your home life. A PSNI spokesperson said: Police attended a protest outside a property in east Belfast on Wednesday evening, October 8th. We have commenced an investigation. An evidence-gathering operation was in place and we will now review the footage and consider if any potential offences were committed. The First Minister has said comments from a former Sinn Fein MP including about some Troubles murders being justified were wrong and did not represent the partys view. Michelle ONeill who herself previously said there was no alternative to IRA violence said she did not agree with Michelle Gildernews remarks. Ms Gildernew, who previously represented Fermanagh-South Tyrone as MP, told the BBC podcast Borderland UK or United Ireland? that certain conflict killings were justified. She also described Northern Ireland as a s***hole during an exchange with former DUP MP Ian Paisley. Asked about the various remarks for the first time, Ms ONeill said: Michelles views are her own and certainly not mine. "They do not reflect my view, and they certainly do not reflect the view of our party. I work every day to build this place up. I work every day to give people hope, to create opportunity, to build a brighter and better future for all. Thats what I am very focused on. Speaking to reporters, Ms ONeill continued: Ive spoken at length on many occasions in terms of the many tragedies and injustices that have happened to many families across this place, but our job is about healing the wounds of the past. Our job should be about looking towards the future and supporting families that have been impacted by conflict. When asked directly if she thought Ms Gildernews comments were wrong, the First Minister replied: I think that she was wrong. She is a member of Sinn Fein, but her views are her views, and not my views. Ms Gildernew was MP until 2024, and did not seek re-election, as she was contesting a European Parliament seat in the Irish Republic. Earlier this year she said she was disappointed when her employment contract with the party ended, but confirmed she remained a member. The comments were made during the Borderland podcast hosted by Chris Buckler, which brings together figures from across the political divide to discuss the prospect of a border poll and the future of Northern Ireland. In the same episode, loyalist activist Jamie Bryson agreed with Ms Gildernew that some murders during the Troubles were justified, saying: Thats fine, at least we can be honest with each other. I believe loyalists had a right to do the same the other way, stating his comments referred to IRA terrorists, not civilians. During the discussion, Ms Gildernew also accused the Army of having brought a war to our streets, while Mr Bryson said he believed the murder of IRA people was justified, yes, not civilians. Mr Paisley, who was part of the discussion, said he was interested in listening to the debate but focused instead on how the UK could be improved. He also said he was "open" to hearing "persuasive arguments" around the potential of a united Ireland. The DUP later clarified that Mr Paisley was appearing in a personal capacity and not on behalf of the party. Michelle O'Neill Belfast History Explained: Who was Mary Ann McCracken? Ms ONeill said her focus was firmly on reconciliation: Our job is about healing the wounds. Our job should be about looking towards the future. When asked about IRA violence on a Red Lines podcast in 2022, Ms O'Neill replied: "I think at the time there was no alternative." She added at the time: "Now, thankfully, we have an alternative to conflict and that's the Good Friday Agreement. "My whole adult life has been building the peace process. "I wish the conditions were never here that actually led to conflict. "The only way we're ever going to build a better future is actually to understand that it's OK to have a different take on the past. "My narrative is a very different one to someone who's perhaps lost a loved one at the hands of republicans." People found to be sharing the image may be committing an offence', officers warn Police said Albert Basin and Bridge Street in Newry are closed due to a serious crash. Stock image. Police at the scene of a fatal accident in Newry following a collision between a pedestrian and a lorry. Police have warned that anyone sharing graphic and distressing images of an accident scene in Newry could be committing a criminal offence. A photograph of the aftermath of the incident, in which a man was struck by a lorry, has been circulating online. John O'Brien (67) was killed after the incident in the Albert Basin area of the city on Wednesday afternoon. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed the fatality on Thursday morning, and urged people not to share graphic images of the crash scene. Police at the scene of a fatal accident in Newry following a collision between a pedestrian and a lorry. Inspector Cherith Adair from the PSNIs Collision Investigation Unit said: Shortly after 3.30pm, we received a report of a male pedestrian having been struck by a lorry in the Albert Basin area of the city. Our officers attended alongside emergency service partners, however the man was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. "The area, which was closed for a period of time as we conducted a forensic examination, has now re-opened. The PSNI said officers are aware of a distressing image being circulated from the scene of this road fatality. They added: We request the sharing of this graphic scene image to cease immediately out of consideration for the family impacted. Persons found to be sharing the image may be committing the offence of improper use of public electronic communications network. "If anyone has information about the originator, or this image being disseminated, please contact police on 101. Campaign group The Road Ahead NI also urged people to be respectful. We are also deeply concerned that a video of the incident has been shared on social media, they said. "We find this appalling. Please do not share such content, it causes further distress to the bereaved family and can be extremely traumatic for those who view it. "Out of respect, we ask everyone to show compassion and dignity for the deceased and all who knew and loved him. The Newry Salvation Army said it has opened a book of condolence for Mr O'Brien, describing him as our lovely Scottish John". The community is invited to visit The Haven at the Salvation Army hall. The organisation said: "We are praying for all our friends who come to The Haven, Newry, and John's family and friendship circle. "The Salvation Army hall will be open today and tomorrow from 10am for anyone who needs space to reflect, pray, talk, or be with others. Thanking God for all the joy and laughter John gave to us and praying for his eternal peace. "A book of condolence is open at The Salvation Army for anyone who would like to pay their respects to John O'Brien, our lovely Scottish John." John OBrien Mob gathers outside the home of NI Justice Minister Naomi Long Sinn Fein MLA and Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said it was devastating news, adding: "My thoughts and prayers are with the mans family and friends at this time. Newry and Armagh MP Daire Hughes also said he was devastated by the news. My thoughts and condolences are with their loved ones as they come to terms with this tragic incident and heartbreaking loss, he said. The PSNI has released a photograph of a man who left his victim bedridden with injuries more than five months after he failed to appear in court. Last month, the Belfast Telegraph exclusively reported that police were unable to locate Christopher Simpson of Glanroy Avenue in Portadown despite it being nearly a year since he pled guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent and threats. A warrant for his arrest was issued by Dungannon Crown Court on April 2. In a statement, a PSNI spokesperson said: This is Christopher Simpson. There is currently a bench warrant outstanding for him after he failed to appear at court on Wednesday 2nd April. If you know where he is, please get in touch immediately. Call 101 or phone the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. The Op Relentless reference number is CW 76 25/07/25. Read more Police unable to find thug more than a year after guilty plea for attack on his ex Simpson guilty plea related to a sustained and violent attack on December 27, 2022 when he punched and kicked Nuala Devlin until she lost consciousness, leaving her with permanent physical and mental injuries. Simpson was arrested and later released on bail. Ms Devlin, a mother of two, spent six weeks recovering from her serious injuries and was previously in a relationship with Simpson for nine months. She suffered fractured ribs and multiple cuts and bruises to her head and body. She told the Belfast Telegraph she had been left in limbo and continues to live in fear while her ex-partner is still at large. Christopher Simpson Christopher Simpson "Initially, he was really charming. Now I see there were red flags, but I just wasnt wise to it at the time, she said. He was very full-on, he didnt move in with me but rarely went home. Hed miss work because he wanted to be with me all the time. He claimed to have been in the Army and seen all these terrible things, and told me I was the only person who understood him. But he was manipulative. If I tried to break it off hed claim to be suicidal, and would even fake suicide attempts for attention. He would accuse me of going with other men, despite rarely leaving my side. But to others outside the relationship, he was so charming. My parents were initially really fond of him. She also described lying in a pool of her own blood following the assault. Two people have been treated for smoke inhalation following a house fire in north Belfast. Earlier this evening, four fire appliances attended a property fire in the Shore Crescent area. A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: the incident occurred at around 6.15pm. Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) stock image. Picture: Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph Shore Road in Belfast closed due to sorm Amy flooding "Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and hose jets brought the fire under control and they extinguished the fire, they added. "Two casualties suffered smoke inhalation and were handed over to our colleagues at the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. TUVs undeliverable demands could bury Stormont and open the door to Dublin, claims Mike Nesbitt UUP leader alarmed by rise of English nationalism and its consequences for the Union UUP leader Mike Nesbitt Suzanne Breen Thu 9 Oct 2025 at 07:23 Mike Nesbitt has said that the TUVs political demands are not deliverable, and that if Stormont collapses again, it is never returning. Barry Heneghan has returned to Ireland after being detained by Israeli forces while taking part in an aid flotilla (Brian Lawless/PA) TD Barry Heneghan has returned to Ireland after being detained by Israeli forces whilst attempting to provide aid to the people of Gaza, Tanaiste Simon Harris said. On Wednesday, it was announced that three flotilla vessels carrying medicine and nutritional supplies were intercepted just off the coast of Gaza. Mr Heneghan, a TD for the Dublin Bay North constituency, was one of five pro-Palestinian activists from Ireland who was aboard the vessel. Mr Harris said: Ive just received confirmation that Deputy Heneghan is back in Ireland, and had a brief message from him to that effect. Mr Harris expressed his condemnation at the interception of the aid flotilla during leaders questions at The Dail, on Thursday, when questioned by Social Democrats deputy leader TD Cian OCallaghan. Mr OCallaghan said that the kidnapping of five Irish citizens on Wednesday night by Israeli forces in international waters was utterly unacceptable. Mr Harris said: I share your condemnation of what happens to our five Irish citizens. We believe it was illegal in terms of how they were detained, and I do intend to consider how to pursue that with other counterparts today, though I join with you in welcoming the very real life prospect of a ceasefire. The United Nations has talked about there being enough food in the region to feed the people of Gaza for three months. If we can just get that in, and get that in urgently, and our aid people will be endeavouring to assist on that. Mr Harris said that he is calling for the swift release of the other four Irish citizens detained by Israeli forces. The pro-Palestinian activists still detained in Israel include Naoise Dolan, Fionn Macarthure, Veronica OKeane and Mutaz Jadaan. Mr Harris has said that he welcomes the very real prospect of a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan for Gaza, paving the way for a pause in the fighting and the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. On Tuesday and Wednesday, 15 Irish activists on board the Global Sumud Flotilla, who were held in an Israeli prison after their vessels carrying aid to Gaza were intercepted also returned to Ireland. Dozens of people including family members, friends and supporters gathered at arrivals in Dublin Airport to welcome home the pro-Palestinian activists. I dont think Ill ever fully heal: Teenage girl who discovered father secretly filming her in shower waives anonymity as hes jailed She was 17 when she noticed a light coming from the laundry basket and found her fathers phone Gerard Madden whose daughter waived her right to anonymity so that their small town could know what he did Eavan Murray Thu 9 Oct 2025 at 09:23 An Irish man who recorded his teenage daughter in the shower in a monumental breach of trust has been jailed for six years. Sir Keir Starmer has said no ministers were involved in the collapse of the trial of alleged Chinese spies. The Prime Minister reiterated that responsibility lay with the previous Conservative administration which was in power at the time of the alleged offences. It came after two former top civil servants questioned his explanation for the pulling of the prosecution of Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry, a teacher. Sir Keir has maintained that because the last Tory administration had not designated China as a threat to national security, his Government could not provide evidence to that effect, which the director of public prosecutions Stephen Parkinson said was required to meet the threshold for prosecution. Mr Parkinson had blamed ministers for failing to provide the crucial evidence needed to proceed. Former cabinet secretary Lord Simon Case said intelligence chiefs had warned of the threat from China for years, while his predecessor Lord Mark Sedwill expressed puzzlement about why the trial fell apart because Beijing was of course a threat to the UK. But Sir Keir argued that the evidence should focus on the stated foreign policy position towards China of the Tory administration in place between December 2021 and February 2023, when the alleged offences occurred which was not to call President Xi Jinpings country a threat. In the 2023 refresh of the integrated review of defence, published under Rishi Sunaks premiership and one month before the two mens arrest, the Asian superpower was described as an epoch-defining challenge, but not as a threat. Sir Keir was asked at a press conference during a trade trip to India whether any minister was involved in the decision not to provide the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) with evidence that, at the time of the alleged offences, China represented a threat to national security. The Prime Minister, a former director of public prosecutions, said: The evidence in this case was drawn up at the time and reflected the position as it was at the time. And that has remained the situation from start to finish. That is inevitably the case, because in the United Kingdom you can only try people on the basis of the situation as it was at the time. You cant try people on the basis of situation as it now is or might be in the future. And therefore, the only evidence that a court would ever admit on this would be evidence of what the situation was at the time. Sir Keir Starmer speaks during a press conference in Mumbai (Leon Neal/PA) So thats the base on which the evidence was drawn up, the witness statements were drawn up. And I can be absolutely clear, no ministers were involved in any of the decisions since this Governments been in in relation to the evidence thats put before the court on this issue. The evidence was the evidence as it then was, thats the only relevant evidence, and that evidence was the situation as it was under the last government, the Tory government, rather than under this Government. Its not a party political point. Its a matter of law. You can only try someone on the basis of the situation as it was at the time of the alleged offence. You cant try them on the basis of the situation as it might evolve, weeks, months, years down the line. Thats a fundamental and thats at the centre of this particular issue. Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher who worked with senior Tory MPs (Jeff Moore/PA) Mr Cash and Mr Berry were charged by the CPS in April last year with the offence of spying under the Official Secrets Act 1911 after they were accused of collecting and communicating information which could be useful to an enemy. The case against the two men who both denied charges was dropped on September 15. Mr Parkinson said the CPS had tried over many months to get the evidence it needed to show China was a threat to national security, but it had not been forthcoming from Sir Keirs administration. Critics have pointed to Sir Keirs attempts to build relations with the worlds second-biggest economy as a possible reason for the Governments reluctance to label China an enemy or threat. Lord Sedwill, formerly Britains most senior civil servant, said he was puzzled by the collapse of the spy trial (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Lord Sedwill, who served as national security adviser from 2017 to 2020, during which time he was also Cabinet secretary, said he was genuinely puzzled about the collapse of the trial. The truth is that of course China is a national security threat to the UK directly, through cyber, through spying and so on, and indirectly because of some of their aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea and elsewhere, he told The Crisis Room podcast. Im genuinely puzzled, to put it politely, about the basis on which this trial has fallen. I mean, we introduced the National Security Act because the Official Secrets Act was not fit for purpose. But the idea that you could leak or sell or betray the secrets of this country to anyone who isnt described as an enemy, and somehow or other that means you couldnt be prosecuted, I certainly didnt understand that to be the case under the Official Secrets Act. Could you really have taken a whole nuclear deterrent and put it in a newspaper and that wouldnt be a breach of the Official Secrets Act? So I simply find that interpretation very hard to understand. The UKs terror law watchdog has insisted China is a threat to national security and he is investigating the matter after the collapse of the trial of alleged Chinese spies. Jonathan Hall KC suggested the explanation given on the matter was inadequate and the public deserved fuller clarity, as Sir Keir Starmer meanwhile insisted no ministers were involved in the pulling of the case. The Prime Minister reiterated that responsibility lay with the previous Conservative administration which was in power at the time of the alleged offences. Sir Keir Starmer speaks during a press conference in Mumbai (Leon Neal/PA) It came after two former top civil servants questioned his explanation for the pulling of the prosecution of Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry, a teacher. Sir Keir has maintained that because the last Tory administration had not designated China as a threat to national security, his Government could not provide evidence to that effect, which the director of public prosecutions Stephen Parkinson said was required to meet the threshold for prosecution. Mr Parkinson had blamed ministers for failing to provide the crucial evidence needed to proceed. Mr Hall, the UKs independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, told LBC China was a threat to Britains national security. He added: Whats going on with the prosecution is something that Im investigating. I know quite a lot about it now and I dont think that the public explanation thats been given so far is at all adequate. I personally find it confusing and I do think that when something like this happens, the public and everyone who was looking at this to say, well, how is the UK going to treat this sort of behaviour by China? It deserves a much fuller explanation. Former cabinet secretary Lord Simon Case said intelligence chiefs had warned of the threat from China for years, while his predecessor Lord Mark Sedwill expressed puzzlement about why the trial fell apart because Beijing was of course a threat to the UK. Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher who worked with senior Tory MPs (Jeff Moore/PA) But Sir Keir argued that the evidence should focus on the stated foreign policy position towards China of the Tory administration in place between December 2021 and February 2023, when the alleged offences occurred which was not to call President Xi Jinpings country a threat. In the 2023 refresh of the integrated review of defence, published under Rishi Sunaks premiership and one month before the two mens arrests, the Asian superpower was described as an epoch-defining challenge, but not as a threat. Sir Keir was asked at a press conference during a trade trip to India whether any minister was involved in the decision not to provide the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) with evidence that, at the time of the alleged offences, China represented a threat to national security. The Prime Minister, a former director of public prosecutions, said: The evidence in this case was drawn up at the time and reflected the position as it was at the time. And that has remained the situation from start to finish. That is inevitably the case, because in the United Kingdom you can only try people on the basis of the situation as it was at the time. You cant try people on the basis of situation as it now is or might be in the future. And therefore, the only evidence that a court would ever admit on this would be evidence of what the situation was at the time. So thats the base on which the evidence was drawn up, the witness statements were drawn up. And I can be absolutely clear, no ministers were involved in any of the decisions since this Governments been in in relation to the evidence thats put before the court on this issue. He added that it was not a party political point, but a matter of law and that you could can only try someone on the basis of the situation as it was at the time of the alleged offence. Chinese President Xi Jinping (Matt Cardy/PA) You cant try them on the basis of the situation as it might evolve, weeks, months, years down the line. Thats a fundamental and thats at the centre of this particular issue, Sir Keir added. Mr Cash and Mr Berry were charged by the CPS in April last year with the offence of spying under the Official Secrets Act 1911 after they were accused of collecting and communicating information which could be useful to an enemy. The case against the two men who both denied the charges was dropped on September 15. Mr Parkinson said the CPS had tried over many months to get the evidence it needed to show China was a threat to national security, but it had not been forthcoming from Sir Keirs administration. Critics have pointed to Sir Keirs attempts to build relations with the worlds second-biggest economy as a possible reason for the Governments reluctance to label China an enemy or threat. Lord Sedwill, who served as national security adviser from 2017 to 2020, during which time he was also Cabinet secretary, said he was genuinely puzzled about the collapse of the trial. The truth is that of course China is a national security threat to the UK directly, through cyber, through spying and so on, and indirectly because of some of their aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea and elsewhere, he added on The Crisis Room podcast. The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry is examining the design and construction of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, and the childrens hospital on the same campus (PA) Whistleblowers who raised concerns about a major hospital are owed an apology for having had to do so in the first place, a medical director has told an inquiry. Dr Scott Davidson has been medical director at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) since October 2024. Prior to that, he served as deputy medical director for acute services at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow since 2019, and was previously its clinical director when it opened in 2015. The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry is examining the design and construction of the QEUH and the Royal Hospital for Children, which is on the same campus. It was launched in the wake of deaths linked to infections, including that of 10-year-old Milly Main. Giving evidence to the inquiry, before Lord Brodie, on Thursday, Dr Davidson was asked if he had previously described whistleblowers to a colleague as being very tribal. Senior counsel Fred Mackintosh KC had read an extract from a document where Dr Andrew Murray and Dr Davidson had discussed colleagues who raised safety concerns around the hospital, with Dr Murray claiming Dr Davidson had made the comment. Dr Davidson told the inquiry: I suspect he was describing the tensions within the team and the situation. I dont believe Ill have gone into an specific detail. I certainly, for example, dont recognise the use of the word tribal, thats not a word I would use. He was then asked if NHSGCC had done everything it could to ensure it encouraged the disclosure of patient safety issues through the whistleblowing procedure. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content He replied: I have no reason to believe not, and I do believe we are doing everything that we can. Mr Mackintosh then asked if Dr Davidson agrees with the suggestion that his colleagues should not have had to become whistleblowers in the first place in order to see safety concerns addressed. He said: Were sitting in a public inquiry. I think, even on a personal note, I feel an acknowledgement is an apology for every patient, family member, staff, both internal and external, that require to be acknowledged, and we need to learn from the inquiry, and we need to move on and ensure that we have that culture and environment going forward. Mr Mackintosh then asked a number of times if a more specific acknowledgement to whistleblowers would be appropriate, as opposed to a general apology to all parties involved. Dr Davidson said: I would like to be in an environment where whistleblowing is really important, that its there, so people have it. But I would like to be in a situation where whistleblowing is almost a never-event. So yes, there should be an acknowledgement. The KC interrupted, asking again if the board should make a specific acknowledgement to them. He said: Im obviously a member of the board, and I feel that yes, there should be an acknowledgement for those colleagues, whistleblowers. The afternoon session heard evidence from professor Jann Gardner, chief executive of NHS GGC. Ms Gardner gave her commitment to ensuring whistleblowers can speak freely and that they do not feel ostracised for doing so. She said: You want people to come into work feeling fully supported and feeling that, actually, because whistleblowing, or indeed, opinion, is very rarely a static point. We need to create the conditions whereby I feel safe and I feel supported, to be able to speak up about issues, rather than in any way being held back by the fact that I raised something and people didnt listen to me properly and didnt let me be a part of a solution. The inquiry continues. The Prince of Wales and his father the King at the Natural History Museum on Thursday evening (Aaron Chown/PA) The King and the Prince of Wales have stepped out together for a rare joint environmental engagement coinciding with news William is to attend the Cop30 global climate change summit in Brazil. William is travelling to the South American country for his Earthshot Prize awards in Rio next month, but will stay on to join world leaders at the UN conference in Belem in the Amazon. Kensington Palace confirmed the prince is to attend the summit on behalf of his father, and give a speech, with the announcement seen as a major development of the heir to the thrones responsibilities on the world stage. William smiles as he and the King head into the venue (Aaron Chown/PA) The King, 76, who is still being treated for cancer, previously led at the event in person on the royal front. It will be the first time William has travelled internationally for a Cop summit, having previously attended Cop26 in Glasgow in 2021, as did Charles. The King and William arrived at the Natural History Museum together in the state Bentley for a Countdown to Cop30 reception on Thursday evening, designed to shine a spotlight on environmental challenges ahead of the climate talks in six weeks time. They were all smiles as they were seen chatting to each other as they walked up the stone steps, with the King leading the way at first before they walked side by side, amid intense flash photography from awaiting cameras. William and the King ahead of the environmental reception (Aaron Chown/PA) The royal duo met a host of politicians in the vast Hintze Hall including former prime minister Theresa May. The event, hosted by the museum and the UK Government, was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds. It brought together global climate ambassadors from the private sector, scientific research and environmental charities including a delegation from Brazil. The King and the prince were last pictured at the same London museum together in 2019 but with the Duke of Sussex, when the trio whose relationship is now troubled joined Sir David Attenborough for the premiere of the broadcasters Our Planet series. The then-Duke of Cambridge, Sir David Attenborough, the then-Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex at Netflixs Our Planet premiere at the Natural History Museum in 2019 (Kirsty OConnor/PA) William last week set out his own approach about his future role as king, saying change is on my agenda change for good in an interview with Eugene Levy for Apple TV+ series The Reluctant Traveller. He said he wanted to question things more and referred to being Prince of Wales and king as a job and said he takes his roles and responsibilities seriously but it was important you dont feel they own you you have to own them. William earlier this year gave a speech at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco, calling for urgent collective action to combat rising sea temperatures, plastic pollution, and overfishing. In 2022, the King missed the Cop27 summit in Egypt, the first climate change summit of his reign, following advice from the Government while Liz Truss was prime minister, despite it being widely reported he had hoped to attend in person. The Prince of Wales arriving at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco in June (Manon Cruz/PA) Charles, who also attended in 2015 and 2021, went on to fly to Dubai for Cop28 in 2023, where he gave the opening address to world leaders. He warned delegates that the world remains dreadfully far off track in key climate targets and called for meaningful change. But he missed Cop29 in Azerbaijan in 2024 after being diagnosed with cancer earlier that year. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said Britain would be working to push for greater action on clean energy and forests at Cop30. The incredible coalition assembled at the museum speaks to the fact that in their workplaces, in their schools, in their communities, in their places of worship, people up and down Britain know that tackling the climate and nature crisis is the right thing to do for todays generations and future generations, he said. He added: Britain will be working with those other countries at Cop30 and our friends from Brazil to push for greater global action on issues from clean energy and finance to forests and adaptation. Together lets carry Britains call for climate action and leadership to Belem and beyond it. Charles and Camilla visited the Albert Hall in Ballater (Jane Barlow/PA) The King and Queen received miniature Lego versions of themselves as they met with their good neighbours at a community hall in Aberdeenshire. Charles and Camilla visited the Albert Hall in Ballater to mark its 150th anniversary, seeing award-winning Highland dancers and hearing a piece of fiddle music composed specially for the occasion. The area has a long association with the royal family, being near their residences at Balmoral and Birkhall. They were greeted by crowds and music from the Ballater and district pipe band as they arrived on Thursday morning. Charles wore a kilt in his own King Charles tartan. Charles received Lego versions of himself and Camilla (Jane Barlow/PA) As the royal couple entered the hall, they met children from Ballater School, who had held a competition to design a new flag for the hall. The building was reopened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1987. The Earl and Countess of Aboyne were in the hall, showing the royals a trowel used to lay the first stone of the building in 1875. As Charles and Camilla met people from the Ballater community, they were shown a Lego recreation of the building they were standing in which had been created by the villages Lego club. Nicola Reid, 45, put the final touches on the Lego diorama, which included tiny versions of herself, Charles and Camilla. She explained to the King and Queen that it had taken weeks to build the model. Charles was seen to pick up the Lego versions of himself and his wife. The royals met tourists outside the hall (Jane Barlow/PA) Ms Reid said afterwards that the model was a labour of love and the royals had seemed to really like it. She said afterwards: He seemed quite impressed he might treasure it. The King and Queen also saw a brief highland dance performance from Annie Hutcheon and Lexi McCracken, the latter of whom won a prize at the Braemar Gathering Highland games. They also heard a special fiddle tune composed and performed by local musician Dr Paul Anderson for the occasion. Archie McEwan, 12, also played cello music during the event. As they left the community hall, the royals waved and shook hands with a crowd outside, which included a group of tourists from Australia. A brief Highland dance performance took place (Jane Barlow/PA) Gordon Riddler, chairman of the Victoria and Albert Halls Trust, showed the royals around the Albert Hall. He told the PA news agency the royals had been in great spirits, saying: People in Ballater call them good neighbours, because thats what they are. Birkhall is only three miles away and thats where he spends most of his time. They feel totally relaxed in Ballater because people talk to them as if theyre neighbours. Mr Riddler said that before Charles became King, he would sometimes drive into the village while staying in Aberdeenshire, though such impromptu visits were not possible with his new role. Palestinians carry plastic bottles with water in an area of a makeshift tent camp for displaced people along the shore of Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) The USs top Middle East adviser, the prime minister of Qatar and other senior officials joined the third day of peace talks between Israel and Hamas in Egypt in a sign that negotiators aim to dive deeply into the toughest issues of an American plan to end the war in Gaza. Hamas says it is seeking firm guarantees from mediators that Israel will not resume its military campaign in the Palestinian territory after the militant group releases all the remaining hostages. All sides have expressed optimism for a deal to end the two-year war that has left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and most of the Gaza Strip destroyed. But key parts of the peace plan have still not been agreed to, including a requirement that Hamas disarm, the timing and extent of an Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, and the creation of an international body to run the territory after Hamas steps down. In a sign the talks were going well, US President Donald Trump said he is considering a trip to the Middle East within a matter of days. I may go there sometime toward the end of the week, Mr Trump said from the White House as he opened a roundtable event on a different matter. The trip could occur on Sunday, the US president said, adding that negotiations are going along very well. Yet another hint of a deal came later in that event when US secretary of state Marco Rubio passed Mr Trump a note on White House stationery that read: You need to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first. Truth Social is the presidents preferred social media platform. The note prompted Mr Trump to proclaim: Were very close to a deal in the Middle East. Mr Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and the presidents son-in-law Jared Kushner arrived on Wednesday at Sharm el-Sheikh for the discussions, as did Qatars prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus top adviser Ron Dermer. A vehicle passes in front of the International Conference Centre where Israeli and Hamas officials are set to hold indirect talks (AP) Representatives for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine were also in attendance, and a delegation from Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another fringe militant group that holds an unknown number of Israeli hostages, was scheduled to arrive, according to officials. Their participation underscores the aim of the talks to encompass all Palestinian groups. A Palestinian official said negotiators made headway on Wednesday on the names of prisoners who will be released and on guarantees that Israel will not resume fighting if the hostages are released. The official said Hamas promised to release all living hostages but would postpone returning the remains of dead hostages until conditions on the ground in Gaza permit. The official would not say which Palestinians Hamas wants Israel to release from jail, adding that mediators informed both sides that a deal must be reached by this Friday. The official said President Trump would declare an end to the war once a final deal is reached. Two officials from Arab countries said progress was made in Wednesdays talks and that a deal could be reached in the coming days. The Trump plan calls for an immediate ceasefire and release of the 48 hostages that militants in Gaza still hold from their attack on Israel on October 7 2023 that started the war and triggered Israels devastating retaliation. Smoke rises following an Israeli military strike in the northern Gaza Strip, seen from southern Israel (Emilio Morenatti/AP) Around 20 of the hostages are believed to still be alive. It envisions Israel withdrawing its troops from Gaza after Hamas disarms, and an international security force moving in. The territory would be placed under international governance, with Mr Trump and former UK prime minister Tony Blair overseeing it. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said on Wednesday in televised comments that the negotiations so far were very encouraging. Mr Netanyahu has already accepted Mr Trumps plan. His office said on Tuesday that Israel was cautiously optimistic, framing the talks as technical negotiations over a plan that both sides already had approved. In a statement on Tuesday, Hamas reiterated its long-standing demands for a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, but said nothing about disarmament, a step it has long resisted. Hamas has also spoken against the idea of international rule, though it has agreed it will have no role in governing post-war Gaza. Palestinians carry plastic bottles to collect water in an area of a makeshift tent camp for displaced people along the shore of Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) Speaking in Sharm el-Sheikh, Khalil al-Hayya, Hamass top negotiator, told Egypts Qahera TV that the group wanted solid guarantees from Mr Trump and mediators that the war will not return. 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. In January, the two sides had a ceasefire that brought the release of some Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Under the agreement which Mr Trump and Mr Witkoff played a major role in brokering the two sides were then supposed to enter negotiations over a long-term truce, an Israeli withdrawal and a full hostage release. But Israel broke the ceasefire in March, resuming its campaign of bombardment and offensives, saying it aimed to pressure Hamas for the remaining hostage releases. Past rounds of negotiations have frequently fallen apart over the same obstacle, with Hamas demanding assurances of the wars end and Mr Netanyahu vowing to keep fighting until the group is destroyed. The Trump plan attempts to resolve all the issues at once, by laying out Hamas disarmament and a post-war scenario for governing the territory with provisions for a major reconstruction campaign. Foreign ministers from European and Arab countries will meet in Paris on Thursday to signal their support for Mr Trumps plan and discuss the future of Gaza. Buildings that were destroyed during the Israeli ground and air operations stand in the northern Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel (Ariel Schalit/AP) Israel and Hamas have agreed to a pause in their devastating two-year war and the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners a breakthrough greeted with joy and relief but also caution. Uncertainty remains about aspects of the broader peace plan advanced by the administration of US President Donald Trump such as whether and how Hamas will disarm and who will govern Gaza. But the sides appear closer than they have been in months to ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, reduced much of Gaza to rubble, brought famine to parts of the territory, and left dozens of hostages, living and dead, in Gaza. Israels Cabinet has approved the outline of a deal to release hostages held by Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said early on Friday. The war, which began with Hamass deadly attack on Israel on October 7 2023, has also triggered other conflicts in the region, sparked worldwide protests and led to allegations of genocide that Israel denies. Even with the agreement expected to be signed later in the day, Israeli strikes continued, with explosions seen on Thursday in northern Gaza. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. An Israeli military official said Israel was continuing to hit targets that posed a threat to its troops as they reposition. In the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, celebrations were relatively muted and often coloured by grief. I am happy and unhappy. We have lost a lot of people and lost loved ones, friends and family. We lost our homes, said Mohammad Al-Farra. Despite our happiness, we cannot help but think of what is to come. The areas we are going back to, or intending to return to, are uninhabitable. In Tel Aviv, families of the remaining hostages popped champagne and cried tears of joy after Mr Trump announced a deal late on Wednesday. People celebrate in a plaza known as Hostages Square in Tel Aviv following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting (Emilio Morenatti/AP) In Jerusalem on Thursday, Sharon Canot celebrated with some others. We are so excited this morning, we cried all morning, she said. Its been two years that we are in horror. Under the terms, Hamas intends to release all living hostages in a matter of days, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza, people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. Some 20 of the 48 hostages still in captivity are believed to be alive. In a short video posted by US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, Mr Trump was seen speaking by phone to a group of elated hostage families. The hostages will come back, said the US president, who is expected in the region in the coming days. They are all coming back on Monday. Israeli tanks block the beach road to Gaza City as displaced Palestinians gather on the coastal road near Wadi Gaza in the central Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to convene his Security Cabinet late on Thursday to approve the ceasefire, and the entire parliament will then meet to approve the release of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas called on Mr Trump and the mediators to ensure that Israel fully implements the troop withdrawal, the entry of aid into Gaza and the exchange of prisoners. Hamas officials said nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners are to be released, including 250 serving long sentences, while the rest are people who were detained during the war in Gaza. The days ahead could be politically tricky for Mr Netanyahu, who has been shadowed by an ongoing corruption trial as he navigated the Gaza war. His grip on power has been largely contingent on the support of hardline, far-right coalition partners who have urged him to continue operations against Hamas until the group is eliminated. But Mr Trump on Thursday suggested Mr Netanyahus political standing has been bolstered by the ceasefire and hostage deal. Hes much more popular today than he was five days ago, Mr Trump said. I can tell you right now, people shouldnt run against him. Five days ago, might not have been a bad idea. Far-right Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has opposed previous ceasefire deals, said he had mixed emotions. While he welcomed the return of the hostages, he said he had immense fear about the consequences of emptying the jails and releasing the next generation of terrorist leaders and called for Israel to continue trying to eradicate Hamas and ensure Gaza is demilitarised once the hostages are released. The deal being submitted to Israels parliament and then expected to be signed in Egypt will include a list of prisoners to be released and maps for the first phase of an Israeli withdrawal to new positions in Gaza, according to two Egyptian officials briefed on the talks, a Hamas official and another official. Israel will publish the list of the prisoners and victims of their attacks have 24 hours to lodge objections. The withdrawal could start as soon as Thursday evening, said the officials. As Mr Trump indicated, the hostage and prisoner releases are expected to begin on Monday, the officials from Egypt and Hamas said, though the other official said they could occur as early as Sunday night. A child watches a person wearing a mask depicting US President Donald Trump in a plaza known as Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel (Emilio Morenatti/AP) Five border crossings would reopen, including the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, allowing 400 trucks in the initial days and increasing to 600 trucks after that, the Egyptian and Hamas officials said. The Trump peace plan calls for Israel to maintain an open-ended military presence inside Gaza, along its border with Israel. An international force, comprised largely of troops from Arab and Muslim countries, would be responsible for security inside Gaza. The US would lead a massive internationally funded reconstruction effort. The plan also envisions an eventual role for the Palestinian Authority something Mr Netanyahu has long opposed. But it requires the authority, which administers parts of the West Bank, to undergo a sweeping reform programme that could take years. The Trump plan is even more vague about a future Palestinian state, which Mr Netanyahu firmly rejects. Some 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas-led assault that triggered the war, and 251 were taken hostage. Palestinians celebrate outside Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) In Israels ensuing offensive, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and nearly 170,000 wounded during the war, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants but says around 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. Even with many details yet to be agreed, many expressed relief at the progress. Beginning on Wednesday night and continuing into Thursday, joyful relatives of hostages and their supporters spilled into Tel Avivs central square, which has become the main gathering point in the effort to free the captives. Many sang and danced as they waved Israeli and American flags. Einav Zangauker, the mother of Israeli captive Matan Zangauker, told reporters that she wants to tell her son she loves him. If I have one dream, it is seeing Matan sleep in his own bed, she said. From the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah, Alaa Abd Rabbo called the announcement a godsend. This is the day we have been waiting for, said Abd Rabbo, who was originally from northern Gaza but was forced to move multiple times during the war. We want to go home. This would be the third ceasefire since the start of the war. The previous two also saw hostages and prisoners exchanged. Israel ended the most recent ceasefire, which started in January, with a surprise bombardment in March. Ayman Saber, a Palestinian from Khan Younis, said he plans to return to his home city to try to rebuild his house, which was destroyed last year by an Israeli strike. I will rebuild the house, we will rebuild Gaza, he said. French President Emmanuel Macron has said that he will name a new prime minister in the next 48 hours, for now rejecting other options in the face of a political storm. The naming of a replacement for outgoing prime minister Sebastien Lecornu, who abruptly resigned on Monday, will at least for now move France away from the likelihood of snap legislative elections, another possibility that is available to the French leader but which could plunge the EUs second-largest economy into even greater uncertainty. The announcement from Mr Macrons office of a prime ministerial appointment before the weekend came after Mr Lecornu at the presidents request spent the two days after his resignation taking the temperature in Parliament, to see whether there was enough support in the powerful but fractured lower house to form a new government. Then French defence minister Sebastien Lecornu, right, and Frances President Emmanuel Macron talk at the end of an address by the president to army leaders in Paris (Ludovic Marin/AP) Mr Lecornu concluded that there was, even though Mr Macrons camp and its allies do not have a majority in the National Assembly and the French leaders prime ministerial appointments, leading minority governments, have tumbled one after another in quick succession over the past year. The presidential statement said that in the wake of his talks with political parties, Mr Lecornu determined that a majority of National Assembly lawmakers do not want snap legislative elections and that it is possible that they could agree on a 2026 budget for France by the end of the year. On this basis, the president of the Republic will name a prime minister within 48 hours, the statement said, without a hint of who Mr Macron will choose. Mr Lecornu signalled that it will not be him again. Im not chasing the job, he said. My mission is finished. In an interview with broadcaster France Televisions before Mr Macrons announcement, the outgoing prime minister said his 48 hours of talks with all parties except those on the far left and far right that refused negotiations had made progress and that an absolute majority of legislators do not for now see a need to dissolve the National Assembly, a move that backfired on Mr Macron when he last did that. Mr Lecornu said Mr Macrons centrist camp and its allies in the Parliament, plus some opposition parties, could still come together to form a new government. French socialist party secretary general Olivier Faure and Boris Vallaud, president of the socialist parliament members at the National Assembly, arrive for a meeting with outgoing prime minister Sebastien Lecornu (Christophe Ena/AP) Theres a majority that can govern, Mr Lecornu said. I feel that a path is still possible. It is difficult. The result from the elections triggered by Mr Macrons stunning National Assembly dissolution in June 2024 was a hung Parliament. No one group has enough legislators in the 577-seat chamber to form a government alone. The ensuing political deadlock has rattled investors, infuriated many voters and frustrated efforts to agree on a budget to tackle Frances mounting state deficit and damaging debts. Without a stable majority, Mr Macrons minority governments have lurched from crisis to crisis, collapsing as they sought legislators support for unpopular cuts to public spending. Mr Lecornus resignation on Monday morning came just 14 hours after he had named a new cabinet the night before, with his fragile coalition shattering in the face of political and personal rivalries. To buy more time to weigh his options, Mr Macron then asked the 39-year-old Mr Lecornu a close ally who had previously served as defence minister to reach out again to parties in the National Assembly, to try to build consensus behind Frances next budget, an urgent national priority. Pope Leo XIV has criticised how the wealthy elite live in a bubble of comfort and luxury while poor people suffer on the margins, confirming in his first teaching document that he is in perfect lockstep with his predecessor Pope Francis on matters of social and economic injustice. The Vatican on Thursday released the document, entitled I Have Loved You, which Francis had begun to write in his final months but never finished. Leo, who was elected in May, credited Francis with the text, cited him repeatedly, but said he had made the document his own and signed it. The 100-page document traces the history of Christianitys constant concern for poor people, from Biblical citations and the teaching of church fathers to the preaching of recent popes about caring for migrants, prisoners and victims of human trafficking. Leo credits especially womens religious orders with carrying out Gods mandate to care for the sick, feed the poor and welcome the stranger, and also praised lay-led popular movements with advocating for land, housing and work for societys most disadvantaged. The conclusion Leo draws is that the Catholic Churchs preferential option for the poor has existed from the start, is non-negotiable and is in fact the very essence of what it means to be Christian. He calls for a renewed commitment to fixing the structural causes of poverty, while providing unquestioning charity to those who need it. When the church kneels beside a leper, a malnourished child or an anonymous dying person, she fulfils her deepest vocation: to love the Lord where he is most disfigured, Leo writes. Leo cites Francis frequently, including in some of the Argentine popes most-quoted talking points about the global economy that kills and criticism of trickle down economics. Francis made those points from the very start of his pontificate in 2013, saying he wanted a church that is poor and for the poor. God has a special place in his heart for those who are discriminated against and oppressed, and he asks us, his church, to make a decisive and radical choice in favour of the weakest, Leo writes. Echoing Francis, Leo rails against the illusion of happiness derived from accumulating wealth. Thus, in a world where the poor are increasingly numerous, we paradoxically see the growth of a wealthy elite, living in a bubble of comfort and luxury, almost in another world compared to ordinary people. Franciss frequent criticism of capitalism angered many conservative and wealthy Catholics, especially in the United States, who accused the Argentine Jesuit of being a Marxist. In a recent interview, Leo said such misdirected criticism cannot be levelled against him. The fact that I am American means, among other things, people cant say, like they did about Francis, he doesnt understand the United States, he just doesnt see whats going on, Leo told Crux, a Catholic site. As a result, Leos embrace of Franciss teaching on poverty and the churchs obligation to care for the weakest is a significant reaffirmation, especially in Leos first teaching document. Leo signed the text on October 4, the feast of St Francis of Assisi, the 13th-century mendicant friar who renounced his wealth to live poor among the poor. The date was not coincidental. The late Pope Francis named himself after the saint and one of the pontiffs most important documents, Fratelli Tutti (Brothers All), was itself published on the October 4 feast day in 2020. Leo, too, seems inspired by the saints example: As a young priest, the former Robert Prevost left the comforts of home to work as a missionary in Peru as a member of the Augustinian religious order, one of the other ancient mendicant orders that considers community, the sharing of communal property and service to others as central tenets of its spirituality. The fact that some dismiss or ridicule charitable works, as if they were an obsession on the part of a few and not the burning heart of the churchs mission, convinces me of the need to go back and reread the Gospel, lest we risk replacing it with the wisdom of this world, Leo writes. Leos emphasis on the churchs age-old preferential option for the poor, is unusual given the Vaticans troubled history in dealing with liberation theology, the Latin American-inspired Catholic theology that had the preferential option for the poor as its mantra. The Vatican under St John Paul II spent much effort battling liberation theology and disciplining some of its most famous defenders, arguing that they had misinterpreted Jesuss preference for the poor as a Marxist call for armed rebellion. Leo, in contrast, doubled down on the concept, citing several of the Latin American churchs fundamental documents on the issue. He praised as an inspiration St Oscar Romero, the Salvadoran archbishop who was killed in 1980 by right-wing death squads opposed to his preaching against the repression of the poor by the army. Leos text minimised the dispute over liberation theology by saying the Vaticans 1984 crackdown on its promoters was not initially well received by everyone. President Vladimir Putin has said Russias air defences were to blame for downing an Azerbaijani jetliner in December that killed 38 people, his first admission of responsibility for the crash in an apparent bid to ease tensions between the neighbours. Mr Putin said the missiles fired by Russian air defences to target a Ukrainian drone exploded near the Azerbaijani Airlines plane flying from Baku as it was preparing to land in Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya, on December 25 2024. Ukrainian drones have regularly struck deep inside Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev shake hands prior to their talks on the sidelines of the Russia-Central Asia summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan (Grigory Sysoyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) Speaking at a meeting with Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev in Tajikistans capital Dushanbe, where both arrived to attend a summit of the former Soviet nations, Mr Putin pledged to punish those responsible and provide compensation for the victims. Azerbaijani authorities said the jet was accidentally hit by fire from Russian air defences, then tried to land in western Kazakhstan, where it crashed and killed 38 of 67 people aboard. Days after the crash, Mr Putin apologised to Mr Aliyev for what he called a tragic incident but stopped short of acknowledging responsibility. Mr Aliyev, meanwhile, criticised Moscow for trying to hush up the incident. The controversy over the crash has rocked the previously warm ties between Moscow and Baku. Their relations were further destabilised by deaths of ethnic Azerbaijanis rounded up by police in a Russian city in June and a series of arrests of Russians in Azerbaijan. Speaking to Mr Aliyev on Thursday, Mr Putin said Russian air defences that targeted a Ukrainian drone fired on the Azerbaijani airliner because of a technical malfunction, adding that two missiles exploded just 10 metres (33ft) away from the passenger jet. The Russian side will obviously do everything to provide compensation and give legal assessment to all responsible officials action, he said. Of course, these words related to this tragedy, aimed at supporting morally supporting the families do not solve the main problem: We cant bring back to life those who died as a result of the tragedy, Mr Putin added. He voiced hope for overcoming the strain between the countries and fully rebuilding the ties. Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin talk during their meeting on the sidelines of the Russia-Central Asia summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan (Grigory Sysoyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) Relations with Baku have become increasingly important for the Kremlin since it sent troops into Ukraine in 2022, especially as Azerbaijans close ally Turkey has become a key economic partner for Russia as it faced sweeping Western sanctions. Azerbaijan is a key transport corridor for Russias trade with Iran and other partners in the Middle East. The energy-rich Caspian Sea nation has also bought oil and natural gas from Russia to meet internal demand while exporting its own hydrocarbons to the West. Russia, in turn, has been the main market for Azerbaijans fruit and vegetable exports and is also home to a sizeable Azerbaijani diaspora. A 2021 census listed about half a million ethnic Azerbaijanis living in Russia, but unofficial estimates put the number as high as two million. All those ties have suffered as tensions over the jets crash have surged. Both leaders on Thursday signalled their desire to turn the page and ease the strain. I hope that our co-operation not only will be restored, but continue in the spirit of our relations, the spirit of our alliance, Mr Putin said. Mr Aliyev responded that they had a chance to discuss a broad and positive bilateral agenda, voicing hope that the messages we are sending today to our societies will meet a positive response. As part of his state visit to Tajikistan, Mr Putin also sought to bolster relations with the Central Asian nation that neighbours Afghanistan and hosts a Russian military base. Displaced Palestinians gather on the coastal road near Wadi Gaza after the announcement that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting, as Israeli tanks block the road leading to Gaza City, in the central Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) But will it lead, as US President Donald Trump proclaimed on social media, to a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace? It took pressure on both Israel and Hamas from the United States, Arab countries and Turkey, each saying it was time to end a two-year-old war that has devastated the Gaza Strip, killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, sparked other conflicts around the region and increasingly isolated Israel. That push sealed an agreement on a first phase that would free the remaining living Israeli hostages within days in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. But it left unanswered a long list of questions over what happens next. Israel wants to ensure Hamas disarms. Hamas wants to ensure Israel pulls its troops completely out of Gaza and is not allowed to restart the war. At the same time, a post-war government for Gaza must be worked out to replace Hamass rule. Without that in place, reconstruction is unlikely to take place, leaving Gazas more than two million people in continued misery. With no trust between the sides, much relies on continued pressure from the deals guarantors the US, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey. Any hitch in working out those intertwined issues can unravel everything and potentially lead to Israel resuming its campaign to destroy Hamas. Here is what we know about the deal. Immediate steps We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to convene his smaller Security Cabinet and then the full Cabinet expected late on Thursday to approve the deal. A partial pullback of Israeli forces in Gaza will then start, according to Arab officials and a Hamas official. The extent of the withdrawal has not yet been made public, but Hamas officials have said troops will move out of populated areas. Hamas has agreed to release the 20 living hostages within a few days, probably on Monday, and Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas will also hand over the remains of around 28 hostages believed to have died, though for logistical reasons that may take longer. At the same time, hundreds of aid trucks will start moving into Gaza, with the numbers growing over time. Negotiations for the next phases would then begin. Troop withdrawal Israeli soldiers move near the Israeli-Gaza border, as seen from southern Israel (Ariel Schalit/AP) Hamas had long insisted it would not release its last hostages unless Israeli troops leave Gaza completely. Now, after agreeing to free them first, Hamas says it is relying on solid guarantees from Mr Trump that the full withdrawal will happen. But how long it will take weeks, months, years is unknown. Israel has spoken of keeping troops in a buffer zone within Gaza and in the Philadelphi Corridor, a strip of land on Gazas border with Egypt. Israel is unlikely to relinquish those areas unless Hamas disarms and the void left in running Gaza is filled by a body that Israel deems palatable. An initial 20-point plan issued by Mr Trump last week called for an Arab-led international security force to move into Gaza, along with Palestinian police trained by Egypt and Jordan. It said Israeli forces would leave areas as those forces deploy. It is not known whether that system will be followed or an alternative will be negotiated. Disarmament Israeli tanks block the beach road to Gaza City as displaced Palestinians gather on the coastal road near Wadi Gaza after the announcement that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting, in the central Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) Hamas long refused to give up its weapons, saying it had a right to armed resistance until Israels occupation of Palestinian territories ends. For Israel, it is a key demand. Mr Netanyahu has repeatedly said its campaign will not end until Hamass military capabilities are dismantled, including the network of tunnels built around the territory. There are signs, however, that Hamas could agree to a decommissioning of its offensive weapons, handing them over to a joint Palestinian-Egyptian committee, according to the Arab officials with direct knowledge of the negotiations. Future government Palestinians outside Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) Israel has said it wants a Gaza purged of Hamas influence. But it has also rejected giving any role to the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority or any arrangement that could lead to the creation of a Palestinian state. Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, has agreed to step down from governing the territory and hand over governance to a body of Palestinian technocrats. What takes its place is still uncertain. Under Mr Trumps plan, agreed to by Mr Netanyahu, an international body the Council of Peace or Board of Peace, as both names have been floated will govern. It would hold most power while overseeing the administration of Palestinian technocrats running day-to-day affairs. It would also hold the commanding role of directing reconstruction in Gaza. Mr Trumps initial 20-point plan called for former British prime minister Sir Tony Blair to lead the body. Hamas has so far not agreed, saying Gazas government should be worked out among Palestinians in light of their rights to sovereignty. The stakes Ofir Kimchi prays in Tel Aviv, Israel, as relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting (Emilio Morenatti/AP) Israelis celebrated the agreement announced overnight after three days of talks in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh. For much of the Israeli public, freeing the last of the hostages held for two years has been their top priority. But Palestinians in Gaza were more uncertain. There was relief that the relentless bombardment and ground offensives may stop for a time and aid may flow in. But there was also scepticism and worry over how long any pause in fighting would last, whether hundreds of thousands will be able to return to their homes, and whether Gaza its cities largely in ruins will ever be rebuilt. Many Palestinians fear Israel will take any breakdown in the talks as a chance to resume its assault. For months, Mr Netanyahu and his hard-line allies have insisted they will keep long-term direct security control over Gaza and have spoken of pushing out its Palestinian population, ostensibly on a voluntary basis. In Gaza, many believe that remains Israels objective. Pressure from the United States and its allies if it continues after hostages are out could prevent Israel from relaunching a full-fledged war. But there is another, murkier scenario. If Hamas and Israel cannot reach a final deal or negotiations drag on inconclusively, Gaza could slide into an unstable limbo, with Israeli troops still holding parts of it and Hamas still active. In that case, Israel would be unlikely to allow significant reconstruction, leaving Gazas population languishing in tent camps or shelters. Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip celebrate after the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) World leaders have expressed hope for peace and urged Israel and Hamas to fulfil their commitments in the hours after US President Donald Trump announced that the parties had agreed to the first phase of a deal signalling a major breakthrough in the two-year war in Gaza. Hamas will release all 20 living hostages in the coming days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace, Mr Trump wrote on social media. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media: With Gods help we will bring them all home. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement, saying: The United Nations will support the full implementation of the agreement and will scale up the delivery of sustained and principled humanitarian relief, and we will advance recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The UN chief urged all parties to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward towards ending the occupation, recognising the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and achieving a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose country played a role in the negotiations, hailed the agreement. In a statement posted on X, Mr Erdogan thanked Mr Trump for demonstrating the necessary political will as well as Qatar and Egypt for facilitating the deal. Mr Erdogan said Turkey would closely monitor the full implementation of the agreement and continue to contribute to the process. I extend my heartfelt greetings to my Palestinian brothers and sisters who have endured indescribable suffering for two years, he said. Turkeys Foreign Ministry said sending humanitarian aid to the region is a priority and stressed the urgent need to begin rebuilding Gaza. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi hailed the deal between Israel and Hamas as a historic moment. This agreement does not only close the chapter of war; it also opens the door of hope for the peoples of the region for a future defined by justice and stability, Mr el-Sissi wrote on social media. China hoped for a lasting and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun saying that Xi Jinpings government expects the agreement to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and calm tensions in the Middle East. We are ready to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts to promote a comprehensive, fair and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue and the realisation of peace and stability in the Middle East, he said, noting that China advocates for a two-state solution. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the agreement and said he was hopeful for a full deal this week. Mr Merz said the developments are encouraging and there is a great opportunity to reach an agreement with Hamas in the coming hours already for the remaining hostages to be released this week and for the Israeli military to pull back. He told reporters that hopes regarding Israel and the Gaza Strip increased again last night, but this is not yet really concluded, so we are of course watching the situation very closely and remain optimistic that a solution will be reached there this week. Saudi Arabia welcomed the possible start of a ceasefire, with the Foreign Ministry expressing its hope that this important step will lead to urgent action to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, a complete Israeli withdrawal, the restoration of security and stability and the initiation of practical steps to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders. Jordans deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ayman Safadi praised the efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the United States and thanked Turkey for its role in the deal. Mr Safadi stressed the need for aid to enter Gaza and said Jordan was ready to resume aid deliveries. Lebanons President Joseph Aoun said he hoped the initial agreement would constitute a first step toward a permanent ceasefire and an end to the humanitarian suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people in Gaza. Mr Aoun called for continued international and regional efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace in the region that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and for Israel to halt its aggressive policies in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. French President Emmanuel Macron said the agreement is a great hope for the hostages and their families, for the Palestinians in Gaza, and for the entire region. Mr Macron added that the deal will be discussed in Paris later Thursday during a meeting between European and Arab countries foreign ministers on the future of Gaza. This agreement must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution, he said. Italian leader Giorgia Meloni hailed the agreement, calling it extraordinary news. This agreement and the broader path outlined by the Trump plan constitute a unique opportunity to end this conflict that must be seized, Ms Meloni said. Therefore, I urge all parties to fully respect the measures already agreed upon and to work to swiftly implement the next steps envisaged in the peace plan. Dutch foreign minister David van Weel, speaking during a visit to Indonesia, said the agreement is a significant step and a historical turning point for peace and stability in the Middle East. It can put an end to two years of unimaginable suffering. But the full implementation of this plan is crucial. And that starts with the release of hostages, the unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and the cessation of all hostilities, he said. Posting on social media, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said: I am relieved that the hostages will soon be reunited with their families. After years of intense suffering, peace finally feels attainable. Canada calls on all parties to swiftly implement all agreed terms and to work towards a just and lasting peace. Mr Carney, like several other leaders, praised Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for their role in the negotiations. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Argentine President Javier Milei posted on X: I want to take the opportunity to say that I will sign the candidacy of Donald J. Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to international peace. The libertarian leader and Trump ally added: Any other leader with similar achievements would have received it a long time ago. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the agreement as a ray of light. He said the announcement brought hope that after eight decades of conflict and terror, we can break this cycle of violence and build something better. Today the world has cause for real hope, the Australian leader added. Meanwhile, New Zealand foreign minister Winston Peters said: Over the past two years, both Israelis and Palestinians have suffered immensely. Today is a positive first step in bringing that suffering to an end. Mr Peters urged Hamas and Israel to fulfil their parts of the deal. This is an essential first step towards achieving lasting peace, Mr Peters said. We urge Israel and Hamas to continue working towards a complete resolution. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X that he hoped the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace. Pakistans prime minister said the deal represents a historic opportunity to end the suffering in Gaza and move toward a just and durable peace. Shehbaz Sharif also praised Mr Trump for his role in paving the way for the deal. He said: President Trumps leadership throughout the process of dialogue and negotiations reflects his unwavering commitment to world peace. Japan welcomes that the agreement on the first phase has been reached among the involved parties, chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters. This agreement is an important step toward de-escalating the situation and achieving the two-state solution, Mr Hayashi said. He also praised the US, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and other mediating countries for their relentless effort and sought sincere and steady implementation by all involved parties. Mr Hayashi promised Tokyos support and contribution to improving Gazas humanitarian conditions and reconstruction. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. BENNINGTON The defendant in a Bennington shooting incident, allegedly over a $60 marijuana debt, resulted in a quick deal, a guilty plea, and the extradition of a second suspect from Massachusetts. Michael James Murray, 28, a resident of Bennington, was arrested in September in Rutland after a woman called police to tell them her husband was driving in a vehicle with another individual who told her husband how he had committed a shooting in Bennington four days earlier. He pleaded "not guilty" at his arraignment to three felony charges, including felony kidnapping, which carried a possible life sentence, felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and misdemeanor dispensing marijuana to a person under 21. At a change of plea hearing on Thursday, Murray pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. In return for his guilty plea, prosecutors dismissed the kidnapping and dispensing charges. The plea deal calls for a minimum sentence of 6-months to a maximum of 6-years in prison, meaning Murray will have to serve a minimum of 6-months behind bars, and possibly the full 6-years, depending on a Department of Corrections assessment and guidelines. If he is released sooner than the maximum, he will either be furloughed or put on parole for the remainder of his sentence. Murray was initially facing a possible life sentence on the kidnapping charge, fifteen years on the aggravated assault, and an additional two years on the dispensing charge. No one was injured in the incident on September 16, which was recorded on several video surveillance cameras in the area of Benmont Ave and River St. in Bennington at approximately 9:30 p.m., in the middle of a public roadway. According to an affidavit in the case, several community members alerted police to a single gunshot and a vehicle taking off immediately after. Neighbors described a vehicle parked on River St. facing east toward Depot St. Witnesses described how another vehicle then pulled in front of the first vehicle. An individual then allegedly exited the second vehicle, stood in the street, and fired a single gunshot toward the first vehicle, which was reversing away. After investigators canvassed the area for evidence, another witness approached the police and described a station wagon-style vehicle parked nearby. A tall, Black male with long hair reportedly exited the vehicle, walked toward Benmont Ave, and returned about five minutes later. According to the witness, a second vehicle, a Nissan Versa, was following the individual back to his parked vehicle, which he pulled in front of to block it from moving forward. The parked vehicle reversed toward Benmont Ave as a single shot was heard. Yet another witness described two individuals exiting the second vehicle, with one kneeling and firing toward the reversing vehicle. The second vehicle then departed. Video surveillance obtained by investigators confirmed the witness statements. Police later found a spent shell casing near a parked car at the scene. A statement made to police by the victim revealed a minor $60 debt allegedly owed to Murray for a prior marijuana purchase. The second suspect, known locally as Sevo, was later revealed to be Ronnell Smith of Bennington. Police requested and were granted an arrest warrant for Smith, who was recently picked up in Massachusetts and is currently being extradited to Vermont to face charges. Investigators were granted a search warrant for Murrays residence, where they allegedly found a spent 40mm shell casing, three suboxone pills, and a digital scale, reportedly inside a childs bedroom. Murray pleaded not guilty on all counts at his arraignment via video from the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility in Rutland, where he was being held without bail pending a weight of evidence hearing scheduled for Thursday, which then became a change of plea hearing after he accepted the proposed deal. According to the affidavit, Murray has a lengthy criminal history in Vermont. He is currently scheduled for an official sentencing hearing on October 28. An exhibition of upcycled wearable art by designer Deborah Carter and her intern Aidan Mack is on display through Dec. 31 at Kimball Farms in Lenox. When Claire Griffin couldn't get the story of George Denison Morgan and Yuki Kato out of her head, she knew she had to write a novel based on them. Her research took her to Japan. Pittsfield city councilors are calling for a comprehensive review of how the Shannon Grant is being used and whether longtime partner 18 Degrees is effectively reaching the youth most at risk of gun violence as the grant approaches renewal. As worthwhile as the battle against nip bottle litter is, its pervasive presence is a sign that two much more complex problems alcoholism and drunken driving not only persist but seem to be growing. As Paul Reinhardt knew, name-calling, shaming and finger-pointing are doomed to fail; they invariably make matters worse. On Friday, the team that conducted the $750,000 Reconnecting Communities feasibility study will release its final report, recommending whether the city should repair or remove the deteriorating bridge over Marshall Street, which divides the busy area between Main and River streets. Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Lauren R. Stevens | The View from White Oaks In the heart of the Hoosac Valley, rivers and history runs through it Quality local journalism needs your support Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for 99 Subscriber Sign In | Return Home BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. Rubicon Research raises Rs 619.09 Cr from 32 anchor investors October 09, 2025 | Thursday | News Funding inorganic growth through unidentified acquisitions and other strategic initiatives image credit- shutterstock Rubicon Research, leading specialty pharmaceutical company focused on innovative product development and differentiated generic formulations, has allotted 1,27,64,691 equity shares to 32 anchor investors, comprising marquee domestic and global anchor and raised Rs 619.09 crore ahead of the companys proposed IPO at the upper end of the price band at Rs 485 per equity share with the face value of Rs 1 per equity share. Out of the total allocation of 1,27,64,691 equity shares to the anchor investors 49,56,750 equity shares were allocated to 8 domestic mutual funds through a total of 18 schemes. The anchor book witnessed strong participation from a diversified set of high-quality domestic and global investors. Participation came from leading domestic mutual funds such as HDFC Mutual Fund, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund, Canara Robeco Mutual Fund, Mirae Asset Mutual Fund, Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund, PGIM India Mutual Fund, and Bajaj Finserv Mutual Fund, along with HDFC Life Insurance Company. Global interest was equally notable, with significant participation from marquee foreign institutional investors and sovereign funds including Fidelity Funds India Focus Fund, Nomura Funds Ireland India Equity Fund, Goldman Sachs Funds India Equity Portfolio, Aranda Investments Pte. Ltd., Amansa Holdings Private Limited, Aionios Alpha Fund, Al Mehiwar Commercial Investments L.L.C. (Wanda), GP Emerging Markets Strategies, LP, Think Investments Master Fund LP, University of Notre Dame Du Lac, and Valoquest India Inflexion Fund, among others. The companys initial public offering comprises a fresh issue of up to Rs 500 crore and an offer for sale aggregating up to Rs 877.5 crore on by the promoter selling shareholder, General Atlantic Singapore RR. The company proposes to utilise the net proceeds from the fresh issue offer towards prepayment or scheduled repayment of all or a portion of certain outstanding borrowings availed by the company, funding inorganic growth through unidentified acquisitions and other strategic initiatives and general corporate purposes. The proceeds from the offer for sale shall be received by the selling shareholder, General Atlantic Singapore RR. Solh Wellness launches Indias first AI-based stress monitoring device October 09, 2025 | Thursday | News Streffie offers preventive, personalised, and scalable stress management solutions In a landmark moment for Indias mental health and technology landscape, Delhi-based startup Solh Wellness has unveiled Streffie, Indias first artificial intelligence (AI)-based stress monitoring kiosk, at the Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, held at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka. Streffie marks a breakthrough in the way stress is detected, measured, and managed. Using AI-driven facial biomarker analysis, it captures 68 micro-expressions and facial points to assess stress levels in real time. These signals are then translated into measurable insights, allowing individuals, institutions, and organizations to proactively track and manage emotional well-being. Streffie represents a new era where technology doesnt just connect devices it connects emotions, awareness, and action, said a Solh Wellness spokesperson. Through this innovation, were making stress visible, measurable, and manageable bringing data-driven precision to emotional health. Integrated within the Solh Wellness ecosystem comprising the Solh App, Smart AI Dashboard, and REACH AI framework Streffie offers preventive, personalised, and scalable stress management solutions for organisations, universities, and healthcare systems. Adding his perspective on the intersection of AI and mental health, Kapil Gupta, Co-Founder & CEO of Solh Wellness, said, AI and mental health share a quiet but powerful intersection. AI helps us measure what was once invisible the subtle weight of stress, the early signs of strain. But data alone cant heal; empathy does. The real revolution begins when AI meets compassion thats where transformation truly happens. The Indian Mobile Congress 2025, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, celebrated Indias rapid ascent in global technology innovation. This years theme focused on AI, semiconductor innovation, quantum security, and 6G connectivity, highlighting the nations march toward digital self-reliance. How Indias National Biobank can power next frontier in healthcare October 09, 2025 | Thursday | Views | By Saransh Chaudhary, President, Global Critical Care, Venus Remedies; and CEO, Venus Medicine Research Centre For the healthcare industry, the National Biobank opens opportunities to co-create value In 1996, the term biobank was first used by researchers Steffen Loft and Henrik Enghusen Poulsen to describe the use of human biological material in studying cancer risk factors. Since then, biobanking has evolved into a cornerstone of medical innovation worldwide, powered by advances in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and the ability to analyze vast patient-linked datasets. Globally, it has emerged as one of the most powerful engines of discovery, accelerating drug development, strengthening diagnostics and enabling healthcare systems to move from reactive to predictive care. India has now entered this frontier with the launch of the Phenome India National Biobank at the CSIRInstitute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB). Backed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), this initiative is designed to build a longitudinal health database that reflects Indias vast ethnic, regional and socio-economic diversity. Inspired by the UK Biobank, but tailored to Indias unique health landscape, it aims to collect genomic, clinical and lifestyle data from 10,000 individuals across the country. The National Biobank is not just a repository of samples and stays as the foundation of a predictive and personalized healthcare ecosystem for 1.4 billion people. By generating India-specific datasets, it will help address questions that Western health models cannot, such as why diabetes manifests at lower body weights in Indians or why cardiovascular disease strikes earlier here than in other populations. These insights are vital for tackling Indias distinct health challenges. The potential impact, however, is far-reaching. The Biobank will accelerate research into complex diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and rare genetic conditions. It will enable early diagnosis and precision treatments while also supporting frontier technologies like AI-powered diagnostics, CRISPR-based therapies and disease-pattern mapping. CSIR-IGIB, which has pioneered genomics in India through breakthroughs in genetic diagnostics, COVID-19 genome sequencing and rare disease research, is bringing its scientific leadership to the initiative. With its focus on indigenous, scalable solutions, the Biobank represents a major step toward healthcare self-reliance and future-ready personalized care systems. At the same time, several critical challenges must be addressed to unlock the full potential of the National Biobank. For instance, while the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA) is a landmark step in introducing global-standard safeguards such as consent, purpose limitation, and the right to erasure, several gaps persist for biobanking. The law gives individualscalled data principals the right to control how their genetic data is used, shared, or stored. However, the lack of biobank specific rules makes its application unclear for complex scientific practices. Similarly, DPDPA also permits cross-border data sharing to support international research, but this could expose Indian genomic data to privacy risks if not carefully regulated. On the socio-ethical front, without robust legal and institutional safeguards, genetic data stored in biobanks could be misused by third parties such as insurance companies, employers, or commercial entities. This could result in denial of health coverage, employment discrimination, or even targeted advertising based on inferred health risks. The opacity of many data-sharing agreements only deepens these concerns. Additionally, for a country like India where caste, class, and gender biases already shape opinions, the risk of genetic discrimination is particularly pressing. For instance, individuals whose genetic data indicates potential health risks such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, or rare genetic conditions may face social exclusion, stigmatization, or economic disadvantage. To counter such risks, community engagement will be equally vital. By fostering trust, addressing ethical concerns, and ensuring that research reflects social values and priorities, biobanking can secure both legitimacy and participation. This will require inclusive governance through advisory boards, open dialogue via public meetings and focus groups, and collaboration on research design to guarantee transparency and shared benefits. Furthermore, our healthcare system must evolve, investing in new infrastructure and re-training healthcare professionals so they can integrate biobank-generated insights into clinical care. Sustaining this momentum will depend on consistent funding, progressive policy support, and active collaboration from the private sector. For the healthcare industry, the National Biobank opens opportunities to co-create value. Industry players can help build the pipelines that translate discoveries into affordable diagnostics, therapies and digital health solutions. Collaboration between government, academia and industry will be essential to ensure that discoveries move beyond research papers and translate into real-world benefits for people. Its success, however, will not be determined by vision alone but by the collective commitment of all stakeholders to perfectly execute, scale and measure impact. Saransh Chaudhary, President, Global Critical Care, Venus Remedies; and CEO, Venus Medicine Research Centre A TD has described the VAT rate cut for food hospitality as a scam. Independent Seamus Healy called on the Government to reverse its decision, saying the state will be subsidising a small number of large and profitable businesses, including McDonald's and Supermac's. Restaurants and businesses serving food will benefit from a VAT reduction from 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent, as of July next year. Dubbed the McBudget by the Social Democrats, this cut will bolster the operating margins of large multinationals such as McDonalds. Tanaiste Simon Harris has said he doesn't accept that it is the wrong decision. Mr Healy told the Dail that a small number of fast food chains will get a windfall of 55 million from this budget: "Could I suggest Tanaiste, that your government fell for a fierce lobbying campaign that is effectively a scam. Advertisement Budget 2026 Topline takeaways from Budget 2026 Read more "There's no crisis in the hospitality industry. Small local cafes and restaurants have a legitimate case for support, but the main industry is thriving." As reported by the Irish Times, Enterprise Minister Peter Burke thinks the VAT cut for the hospitality sector announced in the budget will salve the troubled souls of the sectors emboldened lobbyists. This argument is finished, he told reporters on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Vintners Federation of Ireland has sharply criticised the delay in introducing the reduced VAT rate saying it fails to deliver for the thousands of traditional pubs now fighting for survival and leaves food pubs waiting months for promised support. Myleene Klass has said her home now has to be like Fort Knox after a man posted her an air pistol and handcuffs. Peter Windsor, 61, was found guilty on Tuesday of stalking after he sent the TV and radio star handcuffs, a police uniform and disturbing unwanted letters. Jurors also convicted him of stalking Klasss Classic FM colleague Katie Breathwick by sending her details of a DIY will-writing kit and other raving and unhinged mail. Stalker Peter Windsor (West Midlands Police/PA) Speaking after the verdict, Klass said Windsors behaviour left her looking over her shoulder and that the air pistol could have killed someone. She told ITV News: As the police have pointed out, the fact that the gun wasnt opened is a literal lifesaver, because whilst it was an air pistol, at six foot its still fatal. Advertisement It was in a parcel. Think of the hands that would have touched that parcel from the post office all the way through to my colleagues at work, through to the person delivering the parcel, the girls at reception, who work at the reception where I work. All Ive done is play through how many people would have held the box with the gun in it before it got to me. Youre always looking over your shoulder. You have to remember I didnt know what my stalker looked like, she said of her experience. Its like literally Fort Knox now. We live in Alcatraz now Myleene Klass Klass told the broadcaster she had been forced to increase her security. Its like literally Fort Knox now. We live in Alcatraz now, she said. I have to be careful. I dont want to become my own prisoner. I certainly dont want that for my family. Windsor, of Mary Road, Stechford, Birmingham, had denied stalking both Klass and Breathwick by sending items to Classic FMs central London studios between March 2020 and August 2024. Entertainment Stalker found guilty of targeting Myleene Klass by posting air gun and handcuffs Read more Jurors at Birmingham Crown Court reached their unanimous guilty verdicts 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 order. Victoria Beckham has said she became very good at lying as she battled an eating disorder. The fashion designer and Spice Girl said she was never honest with her parents about her struggles and never spoke about it publicly. Speaking in her new eponymous Netflix documentary series, Ms Beckham said she took control over her weight because she had no control over the photos that were taken of her and the words that were written. In the series she recalled the moment she was weighed on TV six months after giving birth to her first son, Brooklyn. She said: Get on those scales on television. Have you lost the weight?. You know, we laugh about it and we joke about it when were on television. But I was really, really young, and that hurts. I really started to doubt myself and not like myself, and because I let it affect me. I didnt know what I saw when I looked in the mirror. Was I fat? Was I thin? You lose all sense of reality. I was just very critical of myself. I didnt like what I saw. Advertisement Ive been everything from porky posh to skinny posh. Its been a lot, and thats hard. I had no control over what was being written about me, pictures that were being taken. And I suppose I wanted to control that. I could control it with the clothing. I could control my weight and I was controlling it in an incredibly unhealthy way. The Beckhams at the world premiere of the documentary. Photo: Ian West/PA. When you have an eating disorder you become very good at lying. I was never honest about it with my parents, I never talked about it publicly. It really affects you when youre being told constantly youre not good enough. And I suppose that has been with me my whole life. Her husband Sir David Beckham said people felt it was OK to criticise women for their weight in the 1990s and 2000s when his wife was the subject of media scrutiny over her appearance. He said: People felt that it was OK to criticise a woman for her weight, for what shes doing, for what shes wearing, there were a lot of things happening in TV then that wont happen now, that cant happen now. Advertisement Speaking about how this affected their life, Sir David said: My Victoria that I knew sits at home in a tracksuit, smiling, laughing, having a glass of wine and that started to go purely because of the criticism that she was getting. The three-part series charts the businesswomans early life and music career with the Spice Girls, while also following her as she prepares for a high-stakes fashion show at Paris Fashion Week. Victoria Beckham is streaming on Netflix now. A creche worker who pushed the face of a 19-month-old toddler into a brick with force in the act of throwing him to the ground has been sentenced to 21 months in prison. Alexandre Pallares, 27, of Maynooth Road, Celbridge, Co Kildare, pleaded guilty at a sitting of Naas Circuit Criminal Court to a charge of assault causing harm to the baby boy, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Act. The Spanish national was also accused of a charge of child cruelty, contrary to Section 246 of the Children Act 2001, in relation to the same incident at the Giraffe creche where he worked on October 22nd, 2024. The court heard Pallares grabbed and threw the toddler to the ground after he became frustrated at toys and boxes being strewn around the floor of a playroom. Advertisement The child suffered bruising to his forehead and cheek, which showed scarring from indentation with bricks. Detective Garda Padraig Murphy said the toddlers mother had received a call at 11:36am on the day from the creche to inform her that her son had injured himself after losing his balance and falling on some Duplo bricks. He said the boys mother was told there was no need to get a doctor, as her son was in good form, and to pick him up whenever she was able to. Det Garda Murphy said both the toddlers parents collected their son from the creche at 1:50pm where they were told by a manager that these things happen as kids were at that stage. The manager said that Pallares had said he was sorry for the incident and that it was his fault. The court heard that the boys parents received another call from Giraffe two days later to inform them that, following a review of CCTV footage, their son had actually been assaulted. Det Garda Murphy said the creche manager had looked at the footage because she was concerned about a lack of supervision, as she suspected Pallares had been on his mobile phone. He told counsel for the DPP, Daniel Boland BL, that Pallares had not reported the incident to his manager for a number of hours and had falsely claimed that he helped the crying child by bringing him to a kitchen to place an icepack on his forehead. Advertisement Following his arrest, Det Garda Murphy said the accused claimed he had got nervous about what had happened and misspoke some words due to translation issues. The court heard that Pallares, who has qualifications in childcare from Spain, had been working in the creche since June 2024 after having previously worked there for a 12-month period around 2021. He told gardai that he did not believe he had used a lot of force with the child, but referred to the fact that he had some problems at the time with his family in Spain and had trouble sleeping. Asked why he had lied about the incident, Pallares said because he thought the toddler was OK, but acknowledged he would be disappointed if the same thing had happened to his own son. Det Garda Murphy also remarked how the accused had shown no emotion and no empathy during an interview with gardai. Pleading for the defendant to be given a fully suspended sentence, counsel for Pallares, Damien Colgan SC, said he had no previous convictions and had entered an early guilty plea. Mr Colgan said he had lost his job at the Giraffe creche and was now working in a restaurant and wished to remain in Ireland. He said Pallares had also brought 5,000 to court as a token of his remorse. "Moment of frustration" The barrister said the accused recognised that he would never work with children again and would have to live with the consequences of his moment of frustration. Judge Elva Duffy said she did not accept that Pallares original explanation of the childs injuries being due to a fall was down to his poor English. Advertisement It was a falsehood, the judge observed. In a victim impact statement, the childs father described the incident as an act of wickedness, evil, and extreme cowardice. The CCTV images of that incident live with me and haunt me every day, he said. The father said the footage interrupts his train of thinking at social events and crosses his mind at inopportune times in his professional life. He said what happened had a lasting and profoundly negative impact on him and his family and had made it difficult to trust people in positions of care. The father also criticised the disgraceful lack of concern and lack of willingness to help the innocent child victim of this crime by Giraffe and Tusla. It is extremely difficult to trust that appropriate apparatuses are in place to support and protect any future unfortunate victims of such a crime, he observed. The court heard his son still suffers from anxiety and night terrors and has developed a natural fear of most adult males. Judge Duffy said the CCTV footage had shown a completely different version of what happened from what Pallares claimed had occurred as he had driven the toddler into the ground. He was upended and forced into a Duplo brick with force, the judge remarked. She said: It was out of all concepts with any form of any normal level of frustration. The judge said his appalling conduct did not stop with the incident itself, as he did not report it for a number of hours. Advertisement She said Pallares had engaged in a self-serving attempt to get himself out of trouble. The judge said his actions were very surprising and concerning because they came out of nowhere and were very fast and very furious as his victim had not been misbehaving but engaging in normal, innocent child play. Ireland Man (30s) died of stab wounds after being attacked in pub in Cork, court hears Read more She claimed an aggravating factor was that the creche worker was trusted with the care of babies. Judge Duffy said the gravity of the offence was too serious to suspend any sentence in full. Sentencing Pallares to three years in prison, the judge suspended the final 15 months on condition that the defendant placed himself under the supervision of the Probation Service for two years on his release and address his offending behaviour by complying with conditions detailed in a probation report. The judge expressed hope that the childs parents would get some closure from her ruling and also directed that the 5,000 be either given to them or to Barnardos if they did not wish to accept the gesture from the accused. The DUP has distanced itself from comments made by the son of one of the founders of the party over being open to hearing persuasive arguments around the potential of a united Ireland. Ian Paisley, a former MP for North Antrim, also emphasised his British identity as he took part in new podcast series Borderland by BBC Northern Ireland. He is the son of Ian Paisley, one of the founders of the DUP who went on to serve as First Minister of Northern Ireland and later became Lord Bannside. Ian Paisley, left, the former Northern Ireland first minister, with his son Ian Paisley Jnr after his father took his seat in the House of Lords. Photo: Stefan Rousseau/PA. Its who and what I am. Im a Brit, Im a British citizen, Im a British person, my identity is British, my history is British and my emotions are British, he said. He indicated to the podcast that he appeared on alongside former Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew in at times testy exchanges that he was open to persuasive arguments. Advertisement My mind is open, Im a true believer in Britain and this place being British, he said. But if you have got persuasive arguments please present them because to date I have not heard them. However, Mr Paisley also said: My flag wont fly in that country, the flag my wifes great-grandfather perished for, and thats a multi-generation thing. We have people who are living today who carry the bullet wounds for defending this country, their flag will not fly in that country, their sovereign will not be sovereign of that country. He also called for champions within the UK government who are prepared to recognise that Northern Ireland is an integral and essential part of the union. I insist that a Cabinet and the government has to make the case for the United Kingdom, otherwise why are they in this game? he said. As Ian is no longer in public office, he is entitled to give his own views but he is not appearing on behalf of the party DUP statement In a statement on Tuesday, the DUP said they wished to make clear that Mr Ian Paisley is appearing in this series in his own personal capacity and not on behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party. As Ian is no longer in public office, he is entitled to give his own views but he is not appearing on behalf of the party, they said. The Democratic Unionist Party is not interested in engaging or being persuaded on the so-called merits of a united Ireland or new Ireland or any other label those who want to pursue that aspiration might put on their latest project. Advertisement We believe in the union and we are not open to taking part in discussions about a new Ireland and we will not be enticed by honeyed words designed to convey an impression that unionists would be welcomed and openly accommodated in a united Ireland. They went on: A cursory examination of how unionists are treated when they find themselves in a minority tells us all we need to know and gives the lie to the narrative being pursued. Nationalists are trying to convince us that a united Ireland is inevitable. That is total rubbish. Leo Varadkar, whilst active in politics, did more to harm relationships between the Republic of Ireland and unionists in Northern Ireland than many of his predecessors and should learn from his mistakes rather than stirring up a divisive debate about a border poll. For us, we will promote the benefits of the United Kingdom and will not be diverted down the route of talking about any new Ireland or a divisive border poll that takes the focus away from the important ongoing real issues that people face on a daily basis. An Irish flotilla activist has said detainees were separated by Israeli forces depending on their religion. Diarmuid Mac Dubhghlais said he was held in a packed cell at Ktzi'ot Prison for six days without access to fresh water or showers, after Israeli forces stormed their flotilla carrying aid to Gaza. The charity worker from Finglas, Co Dublin remembered other detainees being asked if they were Christian or Muslim before the Muslims were taken to one side. "I was in the first boat when we were hit by drones carrying firebombs which were dropped onto the deck," he said. "All electronics on the boats, internet, radios were all disconnected before heavily armed soldiers boarded. They had night vision goggles that you'd see in the movies, clipped down on their eyes. They were wearing tactical gloves and, as far as I could see, most were carrying three firearms. Advertisement "We had thrown all sharp implements overboard and stood there with arms in the air. We were offered water and a sandwich, but we had already decided to refuse anything. "Once we set foot on the shore, we were manhandled and brought to a holding area. We were made to either kneel or sit on the ground and we weren't allowed to look up. When we were moved there, we were in double armlocks and our heads were bent down so you could only see your feet and the ground in front of you. "I was lucky. I wasn't physically harmed, but I did see them slapping another guy around the place. "They asked everyone if they were Christian or Muslim, and they moved all the Muslims to one side, out of my viewpoint, which I found very worrying." World Israeli military intercepts Gaza aid flotilla, organisers say Read more Diarmuid said he was placed in a cell which had 15 people in it, one toilet and one tap which poured murky water. He claimed they were not offered fresh water, food or access to showers in the six days they were there. He said that a Greek delegation chartered an aeroplane and they offered to take others onboard. They, along with some French, Spanish and Germans, were allowed to leave and flew to Greece and then to Ireland. "I did get word that when the Israelis were busy with us, some fishermen got access to the supplies we were carrying so at least some food made it to those in need," he said. A Dublin man charged with possession of cocaine in connection with a major drug seizure has been remanded in custody with consent to 15,000 bail. Derek Harcourt, 48, of Thomond Road, Ballyfermot, appeared at Dublin District Court on Thursday evening. He is charged with offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act for unlawful possession of cocaine and possessing cocaine for the purpose of sale or supply, at two locations, his home address, and at Thomond Road on October 7th. Sundrive Road station Garda Sergeant Barry Hanrahan told the court that the accused made no reply when charged. Defence solicitor Brian Keenan confirmed strict bail terms had been agreed with gardai. Judge Binchy noted that the Director of Public Prosecutions' directions were not yet available. Sergeant Hanrahan explained that the drugs needed to be first sent to Forensic Science Ireland, and it would take several weeks before a certificate of analysis was issued. Advertisement Judge Binchy set conditions sought by gardai, in Mr Harcourts bond of 10,000, and a 5,000 independent surety needs to be approved before he can be released. She ordered him to reside at his current address, notify gardai of any change, sign on daily at his local garda station, and remain in the State. He has already surrendered his passport and phone. The judge also ordered him to remain of sober habits, provide a new phone number within 48 hours of taking up bail, and observe an 11 pm 6 am curfew. Mr Harcourt did not address the court and has yet to indicate a plea. Legal aid was granted after Mr Keenan explained his client was on a disability allowance. The court heard that during his Garda detention, he had to be brought to St Jamess Hospital for an assessment. Judge Binchy directed that he receive medical attention and remanded him in prison with consent to bail under the terms outlined. He will face his next hearing at Cloverhill District Court on October 16th. A masked mob turned up at the home of Alliance Party leader Naomi Long on Wednesday night, the MLA has said. Posting on social media site X, the representative for East Belfast said a line was crossed, adding: It isnt engagement and it isnt legitimate protest to turn up at my home, disrupt my neighbours, my family and place pressure on police. She said during her 25 years in frontline politics, she has engaged with people from all backgrounds and perspectives, and has been open to debating and discussing issues, whether we agreed or not. She described what happened outside her house as bullying and intimidation. She added: Its threatening and wholly unacceptable. Over the last 25 years I've been in front-line politics, I've engaged with people from all backgrounds and perspectives. I've been open to debating and discussing issues, whether we agreed or not, including on here. Turning up as a mob, some in masks, at my home just isn't on. > Naomi Long MLA (@naomi_long) October 9, 2025 It needs to stop. Responding to her post, Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill described the incident as absolutely disgusting. Advertisement The Sinn Fein vice-president added: Turning up at someones home is intimidation, not protest. It is never acceptable. Speaking on BBC Radio Ulsters Nolan Show, Alliance Party deputy leader Eoin Tennyson said the incident had been live-streamed by those involved. What is completely unacceptable is to seek to harass and intimidate politicians in their homes, and that is exactly what happened last night Eoin Tennyson, Alliance deputy leader He said Mrs Long and her husband Michael, who is an Alliance councillor, have never shied away from being held to account. He added: But what is completely unacceptable is to seek to harass and intimidate politicians in their homes, and that is exactly what happened last night. He blamed a toxic atmosphere which he said has been whipped up online and in Northern Irelands Assembly chamber. He said much of it has targeted Mrs Long, describing the discourse as mostly misinformation, disinformation and a misrepresentation of Naomis position. Mr Tennyson added: There is a difference between robust political debate and what has been, I think, a targeted and personalised attack on Naomi in particular. In a statement on Thursday, the PSNI said they attended a protest outside a property in east Belfast on Wednesday evening. They said they have begun an investigation and an evidence-gathering operation is now in place. They will review footage and consider if any potential offences were committed. Ireland's Special Rapporteur on Child Protection and international human rights lawyer, Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, has called the continuing prevalence of child marriage across the world a human rights emergency. Child marriage remains widespread across the globe - despite the practice being illegal in many countries - with 12 million girls married before their 18th birthday every year, which is one every three seconds. "Child marriage both stems from and causes human rights violations - it results from entrenched gender inequality, and girls married in childhood are more likely to experience domestic violence, less likely to remain in school and have far worse economic and health outcomes than their unmarried peers," Ms Gallagher said. Describing it as a "human rights emergency", she said "action is required now". Ms Gallagher, who works at Doughty Street Chambers in London, was back in her native Dublin to deliver a keynote address a Plan International Ireland event to mark this Saturday's International Day of the Girl. Advertisement She spoke after a premiere screening of the film, "Nawi: Dear future me", hosted by writer and broadcaster Maia Dunphy. The film tells the story of Nawi, a 13-year-old who is the top student in her class but faces patriarchal traditions that would see her married off for a substantial dowry in livestock. Nawi takes a stand for her own life and those of other young girls at risk, embodying themes of resistance, hope, and transformation. World UN condemns Zimbabwe child marriages as girl dies after giving birth Read more Plan International Irelands new CEO, Feargal OConnell, said: Progress is too slow, and laws are not doing enough to protect girls, meaning they are facing more risks and fewer choices - such as the right to decide if or when to marry or have children. This International Day of the Girl we are calling for investment in programmes that tackle the damaging social beliefs, practices and expectations that allow child marriage to persist and provide real protection for girls at risk. "Improved access to education, awareness and strengthened online safety standards also need to be prioritised. Child marriage is not normal and should never be seen as such it is a violation. Girls must be allowed to choose their own future, and we will not stop until that right is a reality. A man referred to as a trusted lieutenant in a crime gang has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Jordan Domican (24) of Collinstown Grove, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, pleaded guilty to two counts of facilitating a criminal organisation at unknown locations within the State on dates between May 9th and May 11th of 2024. He has 30 previous convictions, all of which are from the District Court. Passing sentence on Thursday, Judge Martin Nolan said this defendant involved himself in "serious criminality. He said there were two incidents, one involving arson and the other discharging a firearm. Judge Nolan said Domicans role was to procure vehicles, and the evidence suggests that he is high up in this organisation and he was indispensable to this organisation. Advertisement The judge said he would take Domicans personal circumstances and his very valuable guilty plea as significant mitigating factors in this case. Judge Nolan sentenced him to seven and a half years in prison, backdated to when he went into custody on this matter. Detective Inspector Brian Hanly told Grainne ONeill, BL, prosecuting, of his significant work history within the gardai and his work with the organised crime unit. He described Domican as a trusted lieutenant in a crime gang. Detective Sergeant Sean Cosgrove told Ms ONeill, prosecuting, that a house in Dublin was damaged by arson on May 9, 2024. He said individuals arrived at the house by car. The court heard that the car was purchased earlier that day, with Domican involved in its procurement. Phone evidence was gathered that showed Domican phoned the vendor of the car five times and had a picture of the car saved on his phone. Domican did not attend the purchase of this car, but dropped an individual off who did purchase the car. CCTV footage of Domicans car and the purchased car travelling on the M50 was also obtained by the gardai. Det Sgt Cosgrove said that on May 11, 2024, two men arrived at a location in Dublin on a motorbike. Two rounds were discharged by a civilian on the motorbike. The court heard that Domican drove an individual to Co. Wicklow to buy the motorbike. He stated that he did not know what the motorbike would be used for. Advertisement CCTV footage was obtained by the gardai that showed Domicans car and the motorbike travelling in convoy from Wicklow. The court heard that Domican was not involved in the purchase of the motorbike. The court heard that Domican was interviewed eight times in total. Both vehicles were bought using fake names. Domican has been in custody since February of this year. Det Sgt Cosgrove agreed with Dominic McGinn SC, defending, that his client has a child who requires 24-hour care. Mr McGinn said: Any connection with organised crime has a level of seriousness and my client recognised that. Ireland Creche worker jailed for 21 months for assault on 19-month-old toddler Read more Counsel said: The court must recognise the crime committed and his role - he has pleaded guilty to obtaining a vehicle and a motorcycle. He said the guilty plea entered by his client shows his remorse and contrition. He said his client knows what he did was wrong and he now wants to move on from it. Letters from members of Domicans family were handed into court, who are all law-abiding members of the public. They outlined to the court that they do not want Domican defined by these incidents. The court heard that there are a number of co-accused who are still before the courts relating to the above offending. A Dublin woman shot a drug dealer and worked "as a unit and as part of an agreement" with her boyfriend to kill him and another man, with their bodies later found "bound in rope, tape and covered in tarpaulin" by fishermen on a lake island over a decade ago, the State is to argue at a murder trial. Opening the trial of Ruth Lawrence (45) at the Central Criminal Court today, counsel for the State said the 12 jurors will hear evidence that the accused woman shot one of the two men, but this was not immediately fatal and was "quickly followed up" by a shot from the defendant's boyfriend. The 12 jurors were also told by senior counsel Michael O'Higgins that it is the prosecution's case that the accused woman and her boyfriend had "spoken openly" about "the murders and disposing of the bodies". "The prosecution contends that the comments made by Ms Lawrence indicate she was involved in both of the murders and disposing of the bodies," he said. Advertisement Ruth Lawrence, who is originally from Clontarf in Dublin but with an address at Patricks Cottage, Ross, Mountnugent in Co Meath has pleaded not guilty to murdering Anthony Keegan (33) and Eoin O'Connor (32) at an unknown location within the State on a date unknown between April 22, 2014 and May 26, 2014, both dates inclusive. Opening the State's case at the Central Criminal Court today Michael O'Higgins SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said the prosecution can last place Mr Keegan and Mr O'Connor as being alive on the early evening of April 22 in 2014 and "thereafter they disappeared from sight". Counsel said the bodies of the two deceased men were recovered on May 26, 2014 on Inchicup Island on Lough Sheelin, which measures 7km by 4km, and "straddles" the borders of counties Meath, Westmeath and Cavan. Mr O'Higgins said the jury would hear that Ms Lawrence lived with her boyfriend, South African national Neville van der Westhuizen, in Patricks Cottage, which is on the Westmeath side of Lough Sheelin. Mr O'Higgins added: "Where the bodies were hidden, the island is about 100 metres from the shoreline, at a point very close to the cottage". He said the postmortems established that both men died from gunshot wounds. Detailing the evidence that will be heard, counsel said Mr Keegan was shot in the neck and head, whilst Mr O'Connor was shot in the head and stomach. The barrister said the jury would hear from expert forensic witnesses as well as ordinary people giving evidence of what they saw and things they heard being said. Advertisement The issue in the case, Mr O'Higgins said, was whether the evidence established that Ms Lawrence murdered the two men. Mr O'Higgins said sometimes more than one person can be involved in a murder, such as those who plan it and getaway drivers. However, he said, where different parts of a team are operating with a common goal, that phrase is known as joint enterprise or common design. He added: "The person who pulls the trigger and the person who provides the firearm and the person who is waiting down the road to drive the shooter away; provided they are working towards the same common aim, each is guilty of murder even though one may not be at the scene where the person was shot". The barrister said the prosecution is contending that Ms Lawrence did work with another person, "particularly her boyfriend," and they were "working as a unit, as part of an agreement to kill Mr O'Connor and Mr Keegan". Counsel said the prosecution will be contending on the evidence before the jury that Ms Lawrence shot Mr O'Connor. "The particular shot discharged did not appear to be immediately fatal but was quickly followed up by a shot by her boyfriend," said the barrister. The lawyer said it was contended that Mr van der Westhuizen shot Mr Keegan, but as the accused and Mr van der Westhuizen were acting as a team, "it was contended both are guilty of the offence of murder". Mr O'Higgins said the evidence will be that Mr O'Connor was a drug dealer and sold drugs to Mr van der Westhuizen. Mr van der Westhuizen owed Mr O'Connor "a fairly considerable sum of money" in the region of 70,000. Advertisement Mr O'Connor was under pressure to be paid as he in turn had "to pay money up the line". The jurors, counsel said, would hear that an immediate payment of 15,000 was to be forthcoming. The court heard there will be further evidence that two other drug dealers - who can only be identified as Mr AB and Mr CD - had put Mr O'Connor in touch with Mr van der Westhuizen. Counsel said the other deceased, Mr Keegan, had accompanied Mr O'Connor to Co Cavan "in a supporting role" in case there was any trouble, and it was not suggested it was any more than that. The lawyer said the panel would also hear about a father and daughter. The father sold drugs locally around Ballyjamesduff in Co Cavan and on occasion he got drugs for Mr van der Westhuizen and Mr O'Connor. Counsel said the father had a daughter, who was then doing a post-Leaving Certificate course and sold insignificant quantities of 'weed' and cannabis on campus. The barrister further stated that Mr van der Westhuizen was also friends with a Latvian national, who twice came to Patricks Cottage on April 23, which he said is believed to be the day after the two murders took place. Mr O'Higgins said the Latvian national was on occasion involved in a clean-up of the cottage assisted by the accused and Mr van der Westhuizen so it would be difficult to find evidence of the two deceased men being there in the event of any forensic examinations. The Latvian national had also brought cement blocks known as 'H-blocks' to the cottage. Advertisement Referring to Monday, April 21 2014, Mr O'Higgins said the jurors would hear that Ms Lawrence had inquired of her landlord and neighbour whether she could hire a boat to go out on Lough Sheelin. On the same day, Mr O'Connor travelled to the home of the father as he was looking to be paid money owed to him. Mr O'Connor was paid a small sum of money but was also anxious to make contact with Mr van der Westhuizen, who he said owed him a higher sum of money and that he was immediately seeking 15,000. The father and daughter, counsel said, drove to Dublin that evening and picked up two mobile phones from a man, which they dropped to Mr van der Westhuizen on their way home. On the evening of Tuesday April 22, Mr O'Connor drove himself and Mr Keegan to Ballyjamesduff in his mother's silver-coloured Ford Focus. The prosecution contend that the purpose of the journey was to meet up with Mr van der Westhuizen. He said the jury would hear evidence of contact between those parties. Counsel said the court will hear that the last contact on Mr Keegan's mobile phone was at 8.32pm and the last text Mr O'Connor received was at 8.38pm. "That's the last time any evidence can point to the time scale when these two men were last alive". Mr O'Higgins said the prosecution was not in a position to adduce evidence "to pinpoint the precise moment" when both men were shot dead, however "looking at the evidence in the round" it seems likely it was later on the evening of April 22. At 3.20am that night, counsel said gardai drove into a car park at Lough Owel on the N4 in Co Westmeath and found there were no cars parked there at the time. However, around 8.10am the next morning witnesses identified a silver-coloured Ford Focus parked there, which the prosecution contend was driven there by the accused woman between 3.20am and 8.10am. Shortly after that a 999 call was received by gardai regarding information on the two deceased men. The lawyer said over the course of April 23 the Latvian man came to Patricks cottage. Ms Lawrence got an outboard motor from her neighbour and a clean-up took place using the 'H-blocks'. Mr O'Connor's family were very concerned about him and some of them drove to Ballyjamesduff. Contact was made with An Garda Siochana and a missing persons investigation began. In the meantime, the father and daughter went to Patricks cottage, where the accused, her boyfriend and the Latvian man were. He said the atmosphere was "extremely intense" and people were hyper and intoxicated with drugs and alcohol. Counsel said it is the prosecution case that the accused and her boyfriend were "speaking openly" about "the murders and disposing of the bodies". Counsel said gardai wanted to speak to Mr van der Westhuizen and the father, whom officers met at Navan Garda Station on the evening of April 24. Ireland Domestic violence refuge opens in Dublin Read more The court will also hear evidence, the lawyer said, that sometime in the early hours of the next morning the accused, Mr van der Westhuizen and the father and daughter drove to a disused house in Ashbourne, where Mr van der Westhuizen forced entry. The four of them slept in the house for a few hours before they all travelled to Rosslare Port in Co Wexford around 8.30pm on April 25, where they boarded a ferry to Fishguard in Wales and continued to London. Another part of the prosecution case will be that within a few days, Mr van der Westhuizen left England and returned to South Africa. Counsel said Ms Lawrence had been living in South Africa until recently. He said the father and daughter had returned to Ireland a few weeks after they left and were interviewed at length by gardai. The barrister said the court will hear evidence regarding gardai going to Inchicup Island on May 26 2014, where there had been men fishing on the lake a few days previously. He said when the men "pulled up to have a cup of tea" close to the island they got a bad smell and alerted gardai. The island was searched and the men's bodies were found bound in rope, tape and covered in tarpaulin and other material. They had died from gunshot wounds. The trial continues tomorrow before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of four men and eight women. It is expected to last until November 14. World leaders have expressed hope for peace and urged Israel and Hamas to fulfil their commitments in the hours after US President Donald Trump announced that the parties had agreed to the first phase of a deal signalling a major breakthrough in the two-year war in Gaza. Hamas will release all 20 living hostages in the coming days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace, Mr Trump wrote on social media. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media: With Gods help we will bring them all home. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement, saying: The United Nations will support the full implementation of the agreement and will scale up the delivery of sustained and principled humanitarian relief, and we will advance recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Advertisement The UN chief urged all parties to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward towards ending the occupation, recognising the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and achieving a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose country played a role in the negotiations, hailed the agreement. In a statement posted on X, Mr Erdogan thanked Mr Trump for demonstrating the necessary political will as well as Qatar and Egypt for facilitating the deal. Mr Erdogan said Turkey would closely monitor the full implementation of the agreement and continue to contribute to the process. I extend my heartfelt greetings to my Palestinian brothers and sisters who have endured indescribable suffering for two years, he said. Turkeys Foreign Ministry said sending humanitarian aid to the region is a priority and stressed the urgent need to begin rebuilding Gaza. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi hailed the deal between Israel and Hamas as a historic moment. This agreement does not only close the chapter of war; it also opens the door of hope for the peoples of the region for a future defined by justice and stability Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi This agreement does not only close the chapter of war; it also opens the door of hope for the peoples of the region for a future defined by justice and stability, Mr el-Sissi wrote on social media. China hoped for a lasting and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun saying that Xi Jinpings government expects the agreement to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and calm tensions in the Middle East. Advertisement We are ready to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts to promote a comprehensive, fair and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue and the realisation of peace and stability in the Middle East, he said, noting that China advocates for a two-state solution. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the agreement and said he was hopeful for a full deal this week. Mr Merz said the developments are encouraging and there is a great opportunity to reach an agreement with Hamas in the coming hours already for the remaining hostages to be released this week and for the Israeli military to pull back. He told reporters that hopes regarding Israel and the Gaza Strip increased again last night, but this is not yet really concluded, so we are of course watching the situation very closely and remain optimistic that a solution will be reached there this week. Saudi Arabia welcomed the possible start of a ceasefire, with the Foreign Ministry expressing its hope that this important step will lead to urgent action to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, a complete Israeli withdrawal, the restoration of security and stability and the initiation of practical steps to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders. This agreement must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution French President Emmanuel Macron Jordans deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ayman Safadi praised the efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the United States and thanked Turkey for its role in the deal. Mr Safadi stressed the need for aid to enter Gaza and said Jordan was ready to resume aid deliveries. Advertisement Lebanons President Joseph Aoun said he hoped the initial agreement would constitute a first step toward a permanent ceasefire and an end to the humanitarian suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people in Gaza. Mr Aoun called for continued international and regional efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace in the region that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and for Israel to halt its aggressive policies in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. French President Emmanuel Macron said the agreement is a great hope for the hostages and their families, for the Palestinians in Gaza, and for the entire region. Mr Macron added that the deal will be discussed in Paris later Thursday during a meeting between European and Arab countries foreign ministers on the future of Gaza. This agreement must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution, he said. Italian leader Giorgia Meloni hailed the agreement, calling it extraordinary news. This agreement and the broader path outlined by the Trump plan constitute a unique opportunity to end this conflict that must be seized, Ms Meloni said. Therefore, I urge all parties to fully respect the measures already agreed upon and to work to swiftly implement the next steps envisaged in the peace plan. Dutch foreign minister David van Weel, speaking during a visit to Indonesia, said the agreement is a significant step and a historical turning point for peace and stability in the Middle East. Advertisement It can put an end to two years of unimaginable suffering. But the full implementation of this plan is crucial. And that starts with the release of hostages, the unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and the cessation of all hostilities, he said. Posting on social media, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said: I am relieved that the hostages will soon be reunited with their families. After years of intense suffering, peace finally feels attainable. Canada calls on all parties to swiftly implement all agreed terms and to work towards a just and lasting peace. Mr Carney, like several other leaders, praised Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for their role in the negotiations. Congratulations to President Trump for his essential leadership and thank you to Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye for their tireless work to support the negotiations. I am relieved that the hostages will soon be reunited with their families. After years of intense suffering, peace Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) October 9, 2025 Argentine President Javier Milei posted on X: I want to take the opportunity to say that I will sign the candidacy of Donald J. Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to international peace. The libertarian leader and Trump ally added: Any other leader with similar achievements would have received it a long time ago. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the agreement as a ray of light. He said the announcement brought hope that after eight decades of conflict and terror, we can break this cycle of violence and build something better. Today the world has cause for real hope, the Australian leader added. Meanwhile, New Zealand foreign minister Winston Peters said: Over the past two years, both Israelis and Palestinians have suffered immensely. Today is a positive first step in bringing that suffering to an end. Mr Peters urged Hamas and Israel to fulfil their parts of the deal. This is an essential first step towards achieving lasting peace, Mr Peters said. We urge Israel and Hamas to continue working towards a complete resolution. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X that he hoped the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace. President Trumps leadership throughout the process of dialogue and negotiations reflects his unwavering commitment to world peace Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistans prime minister Pakistans prime minister said the deal represents a historic opportunity to end the suffering in Gaza and move toward a just and durable peace. Shehbaz Sharif also praised Mr Trump for his role in paving the way for the deal. He said: President Trumps leadership throughout the process of dialogue and negotiations reflects his unwavering commitment to world peace. Japan welcomes that the agreement on the first phase has been reached among the involved parties, chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters. This agreement is an important step toward de-escalating the situation and achieving the two-state solution, Mr Hayashi said. He also praised the US, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and other mediating countries for their relentless effort and sought sincere and steady implementation by all involved parties. Mr Hayashi promised Tokyos support and contribution to improving Gazas humanitarian conditions and reconstruction. Fianna Fail TD for Cork South Central, Seamus McGrath has said that he believes Wednesday nights meeting of the parliamentary party to discuss Jim Gavins presidential campaign will be a game changer for how the party does business. The lengthy meeting involved frank, open, honest, robust, clearing of the air, he told Newstalk Breakfast. Mr McGrath said he was satisfied that party leader and Taoiseach Micheal Martin had taken on board the depth of feeling among party members. It was a very helpful meeting, very civil, not personal. Going forward, we will be stronger after this. He (Mr Martin) did express regret and I think he made it clear that we are all devastated in terms of how this turned out and then look to the future in terms of how we ensure something like this doesn't happen again. Advertisement "So I am satisfied and after listening to all the views the Taoiseach did a wrap up at the end and I think he genuinely took on board the depth of feeling among the members. Mr McGrath said that the meeting had never been about Micheal Martins leadership. It was about how we do business and I believe that will change now. Theres no question of a leadership issue at the moment. When asked about reports that presidential candidate Catherine Connolly used a taxpayer-funded allowance for 3,691 in spending described as related to Syria in her statement to the Standards in Public Office Commission (Sipo) for the year 2018, Mr McGrath said that ms Connolly has questions to answer, the issue merits further discussion. The issue was significant and of concern. There needed to be full disclosure by Ms Connolly about how the trip was funded and for it to be described as research was stretching it. Former Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail has said party leader Micheal Martin connected effectively with members of the party and appeared to listen and take all the messages onboard. The room, while being full of anger, was also full of goodwill, because there was unanimity that number one, Jim Gavin and his family needed to be supported now with the aftermath of the trauma that they've been through, but equally so, Fianna Fail needs to get over what has been an utter and absolute debacle, he told RTE radios Morning Ireland. Advertisement This is about more than Micheal Martin. Was his apology enough? It may have been enough to resolve this particular situation. What has occurred around the presidential selection and the really appalling campaign is a symptom of how we've been doing our business as a political party for some time, added Mr O Fearghail. During Wednesday nights meeting Mr O Fearghail told a story about Charlie Haughey at a restaurant where he made the selection for his guests, when asked about the vegetables, Mr Haughey said theyll have the same as Im having. My point is that for a period of time it would appear that the parliamentary party have been the vegetables. We have been told what to do, what to think, and we haven't been taken seriously. Mr O Fearghail said he did not have a great degree of confidence that the parliamentary party was going to change radically. Ireland Micheal Martin apologises to Fianna Fail TDs and Senators after Gavin withdrawal Read more I think there'll be a reaction, a reaction to the current situation, and then things were likely to go back to the way that they were. The situation would not have any impact on Micheal Martins leadership in the short term, he said. I think our focus, our entire focus has got to be on leading the country through what remains of this year and implementing the provisions of the budget and preparing in this first half of next year for the EU presidency and then Ireland distinguishing itself." Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity and Cork South West TD, Christopher O'Sullivan: I think the general sense was that we take learnings from this, that we learn from the processes and that we implement those learnings in future, I suppose, elections of presidential candidates. "I felt there is strongly amongst the parliamentary party a desire to move on from this The sister of Madeleine McCann has told a UK court that messages from her familys creepy alleged stalker left her feeling uncomfortable because it was playing with my emotions. Amelie McCann said she did not want to do a DNA test with Julia Wandelt after she told her she wanted to prove she was the missing youngster, saying: I always knew that she wasnt Madeleine, so I didnt need to do one. Giving evidence via video link at Leicester Crown Court on Thursday, Miss McCann said Wandelt had sent images of herself which were clearly altered or edited to make it look more like her. She told the jury she thought there might be something she would recognise if Wandelt was her missing sister Madeleine. It makes me feel quite uncomfortable because it is quite creepy she is giving those details and trying to play with my emotions Amelie McCann Prosecutors allege Wandelt, from Lubin in south-west Poland, peddled the myth that she was Madeleine who went missing in Portugal in 2007 while stalking her parents by sending emails, making phone calls and turning up at their address. Madeleines sister told the jury her mother Kate McCann was stressed and on edge after Wandelt visited her family home, calling it an invasion of their privacy. Advertisement The court also heard Miss McCanns twin brother Sean found Wandelts claims that she is Madeleine disrespectful and deeply disturbing. In a statement read to the court, he said: I find it disrespectful that shes making this claim and getting a lot of attention and support for it. The fact Julia has no regard for how we feel about her claims is hurtful. He said: Im aware Julia may be suffering from some sort of mental health. I do not believe she is my sister. The fact Julia is doing this has caused me a great deal of stress and I find it deeply disturbing Sean McCann If, however, shes fully aware she is not Madeleine, yet makes these claims she is, that will be very upsetting for me. I do not believe she is my sister. The fact Julia is doing this has caused me a great deal of stress and I find it deeply disturbing. Mr McCann said his family have had unwanted distress over a very sensitive and traumatic matter, since Madeleine went missing. Amelie McCann said the messages she received had a sound of desperation which made her feel uncomfortable. Asked about how she felt after she received the first batch of messages in January 2024, she said: It was quite distressing to see the messages. As you can see, its a long message and theres a sound of desperation in her message which puts quite a lot of stress on me. Advertisement I felt uncomfortable about it because I dont want to receive messages like that. Miss McCann also said Wandelt had messaged her about Madeleines childhood. Questioned about how she felt about those messages, she said: It is quite disturbing that shes coming up with these supposed memories even though shes not Madeleine. Julia Wandelt is accused of stalking Madeleines parents Kate and Gerry McCann (Elizabeth Cook/PA) Prosecutor Nadia Silver said the messages from Wandelt included requests for a DNA test and alleged memories from their childhood such as playing ring-a-ring-a-roses with other children. Asked how the messages made her feel, Miss McCann said: It makes me feel quite uncomfortable because it is quite creepy she is giving those details and trying to play with my emotions. Questioned on whether she replied to any of the messages sent to her by Wandelt, Miss McCann said: No, I didnt think it was appropriate to get involved and I dont usually reply to people I dont know, to protect myself really. Ms Silver continued: At any point, did you want to do a DNA test with Julia Wandelt? Miss McCann replied: No. Asked why she did not want to do a DNA test, the witness continued: Because I always knew that she wasnt Madeleine, so I didnt need to do one and the, not guidance, but the people around me didnt think it was appropriate either for her to get a DNA test. She said she felt guilty for not listening to Wandelts messages, but said she was not persuaded to ask her parents to do a DNA test. Advertisement Miss McCann told the court: No, I did not find it persuasive. But it does make you feel quite guilty because shes desperate to connect and reach out to me. It makes me feel guilty for not listening to her request but, at the same time, I know deep down it was not Madeleine, so I did not feel persuaded by her. She added: Its clear that she thinks shes Madeleine and she cant understand why no-one is helping her to kind of get proof or whatever, and she thinks that I would have told my parents to listen to her. Karen Spragg denies one count of stalking (Jacob King/PA) One message from Wandelt said she would do whatever to prove my identity as her missing sister, the court was told. Asked by Ms Silver how the message made her feel, Miss McCann said: It made me feel not scared, but it shows you the lengths she would go to to try and get heard, which is a bit scary because you dont know what she would do next. Questioned on why she took the view Wandelt was not her missing sister, Miss McCann said: I think because she was on the radar of the police and my family since 2022, and nothing had happened in that time, I think, by 2024, I just knew that if that got dismissed and if the police were saying to my parents they were not going to do a DNA test, I knew it was not her. I had a feeling there would be something about her I would maybe recognise or believe more, whereas I did not think she looked like us, and shes Polish and has Polish family who are her parents. Ireland 'One every three seconds': Irish human rights lawyer warns of child marriage crisis Read more So, it did not make sense to me. Wandelt and Karen Spragg, 61, of Caerau Court Road in Caerau, Cardiff, both deny one count of stalking. The trial continues. Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood has been charged with rape and sexual assault in the UK. The London Metropolitan Police said the 68-year-old is accused of offences against seven different women as young as 17 years old. He is charged with four counts of rape, nine counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault, the force said. The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 1983 and 2016. Westwood, of Westminster, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on November 11. The obvious difficulty for anyone telling the story of 1066 is that there are no surprises: we all know what happened at the Battle of Hastings. The Bayeux Tapestry a kind of 11th-century version of a miniseries, rendered in embroidery depicted the saga over 58 scenes that show how Harold, King of England, died when an arrow pierced his eye, and his rival from Normandy earned a new title, William the Conqueror. Politically, it was a convulsion. England, now ruled by a French king, was about to be transformed. Not many of us know much, however, about the machinations and intrigues that led up to that final fight, still less about the rivals themselves. I think this is the thing, says Danish actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. He plays William in King and Conqueror, a new eight-part series dramatising that power struggle. We know the major things that happened. Like any major historical drama, we know how its going to end. But how do we get there? Thats the fun part. What did they talk about? And who the hell can we trust? Nobody, it seems; a dagger can appear from anywhere. Written by Michael Robert Johnson, whose credits include Guy Ritchies Sherlock Holmes, King and Conqueror is a bloody mix of historical fact and imaginative reconstruction, enlivened with some large dollops of swashbuckling. British viewers and critics have compared it to Game of Thrones not least because Coster-Waldau also played GOT villain Jaime Lannister but also found a modern parallel in Succession. The similarities are, in fact, glaring. Harold is the middle boy of three brothers, constantly vying with his bullying reprobate sibling, Sweyn, for his royal fathers favour; William the Bastard has survived a chaotic childhood and acquired a legitimate title only because he was scooped up as a favourite by Henry, the French king (Jean-Marc Barr). The Roy family fictional characters, yet also not quite fictional, rather like these kings would fit right in. Humans evolve, but not that much, says Coster-Waldau. Were still a greedy bunch that always wants more. That doesnt seem to change. James Norton as Harold, King of England, in King and Conqueror. James Norton plays Harold, giving him plenty of swagger; he is also one half of Rabbit Track Pictures, the production company behind the series. Michael Johnson brought him the idea seven years ago, in the companys early days. It was very humbling, as an actor, to see how much work goes into the script stage, particularly, he remembers. Endless notes, endless revisions, even before we had anything to take to the BBC and CBS. Timelines had to be compressed for dramatic purposes, but Norton was surprised how closely the script cleaved to what historical records there are. When Mike was issuing more and more scripts, we couldnt believe that what he was writing about had actually happened, Norton says, laughing. But as they moved into production in Iceland, he steered away from his producers duties to concentrate on Harold as a dramatic character. For me, it was about the why. Why he was willing to sacrifice so much for power, for the crown. He persuades himself its to protect his family, but at a certain point something else has taken hold. Advertisement LifestyleLife & relationshipsMental health It felt instinctual: How Rachel found her mojo in a block of wood Robyn Willis October 9, 2025 3:50pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 1 View all comments The first time Rachel Shaw started carving wood, she felt like she had come home. The former interior designer had been searching for purpose since relocating from Sydney to the south coast in 2017 when her partner Melissa Mylchreest suggested she sign up for a woodcarving class at a festival at Bulli. She said now were country folk we should go do something country folk do, Shaw says. Rachel Shaw says working with reclaimed wood to create beautiful, small objects has given meaning to her life again. Janie Barrett Despite thinking the whole idea was ridiculous, Shaw signed up. Advertisement I sat down and started carving and I just thought Ive done this before, says Shaw. I feel like it was instinctual and I just loved it. Honestly, after that three-hour class, I thought Ive got to do more of that. Shaw says she pestered woodcarving teacher, Carol Russell who directed her on what tools to buy to get started. And that was that. Eight years on and Shaw says carving is a form of meditation for her. I love shutting off and just going for it, she says. There is something deeply meditative about it. Now, her purpose is to share that feeling with others. Her sell-out workshops are among 240 events on offer for Sydney Craft Week Festival, a 10-day program which kicks off across 37 suburbs on Friday. In its ninth year, the festival is a practical celebration of contemporary craft and an antidote to the infiltration of AI into our lives says director Lisa Cahill. This years theme is material intelligence. Advertisement Related Article Wellbeing Feeling overwhelmed? It might be time to take your cue from grandma In many ways material intelligence is a counterpoint to our lives increasingly lived online, with artificial intelligence rapidly taking on what we once considered human skills, Cahill says. Craft practitioners have a deep respect for their materials, continually honing the practices needed to work with them. They often reuse and reinvent materials with an emphasis on sustainability. Workshops range from pottery and embroidery to jewellery and printmaking, but there are also exhibitions and talks on the agenda, as well as The Australian Design Centres MAKE Award for craft and design. This year there are 36 finalists across ceramics, lighting, jewellery, furniture, textiles, glass and object. For Shaw, though, the focus will be on sharing her skills with those who may not have had the opportunity before. A lot of the older women are still carrying that grudge that they werent allowed to learn woodwork at school and [make statements like] my dad left me all these tools but he wouldnt show me how to use them, says Shaw. Advertisement She also runs workshops at her home in Shoalhaven Heads and through Japanese Tools in Kogarah where she teaches students how to carve small objects like bowls, vases, birds and spoons. Her workshop space is deliberately home-like to attract the widest possible audience. She says there is a definite shift in mood once everyone begins to work with the tools. Rachel Shaw in her workshop at Shoalhaven Heads Janie Barrett I notice everyone comes in and theyre a bit nervous but as soon as you start carving you go into this state of flow and I havent really found that with anything else Ive done before, she says. To keep the practice as accessible as possible, Shaw says she only works with small tools no axes or lathes that can be used at the kitchen table. They are, however, extremely sharp and need to be handled with care. I do have to watch what I do, she says. It is permission to play with knives I guess, which were always told not to. Advertisement Rather than buying new timber, Shaw works almost exclusively with reclaimed timber, the more unwanted, the better. Old doors are cut up and turned into bowls, rectangular beams become spoons. Nothing goes to waste. Related Article Interior design The world-renowned Australian designer youve never heard of I like the mystery. I dont generally go to the shop to buy a piece of wood, I try to find something a bit random. Other people might be looking for a clean slate but I am more interested to see what I can find and Ill have a go at it. If its been in the skip bin for a while it probably has all sorts of paint on it so I will see what I can come up with. Everything is used. Its nose to tail in carving. The space she occupies now is a far cry from her former life as an interior designer for wealthy clients. Advertisement If anyone had said to me you will be teaching wood carving 10 years ago I would have thought that was absolutely ridiculous. I [used to be] up to all hours of the night thinking about what tiles I was going to put in someones bathroom. I turned 50 three years ago and I was thinking theres got to be more to life than this. Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday. The tsunami threat has subsided after an earthquake struck off the Philippines today, but authorities have confirmed at least two people have died. The magnitude 7.4 earthquake off the south of the country has damaged a hospital and schools, knocked out power and prompted evacuations of coastal areas. Loading At least two people died after being pinned in damaged houses in Davao Oriental, provincial governor Nelson Dayanghirang Sr told ABS-CBN News Channel. He added that about 250 patients had been evacuated from a damaged hospital and would be temporarily housed in tents. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Honolulu said small waves were detected on the coasts of the Philippines and Indonesia before the threat passed about two hours after the quake, which was first reported about 1pm AEDT. The Philippines is still recovering from a September 30 earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 that left at least 74 people dead and displaced thousands of people in the central province of Cebu. Advertisement Analysis NationalSpace Nuclear-powered villages could be on the moon within 10 years. Where do we fit in? Angus Dalton October 9, 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 Examine, a free weekly newsletter covering science with a sceptical, evidence-based eye, is sent every Tuesday. Youre reading an excerpt sign up to get the whole newsletter in your inbox. I had never touched something from space until last week, when my fingers came away black with soot still clinging to a futuristic pod the size of a beach ball, built to ferry drugs back from orbit. The capsule was made by US space company Varda, which is harnessing the fact that chemicals behave differently in microgravity to make new and possibly cheaper drugs in space (theyve already cooked up a version of HIV drug ritonavir in low-earth orbit). One of Vardas space pods, used to manufacture drugs in space under microgravity. Varda Last week during the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney a global gathering of astronauts and rocket scientists, where the capsule was on display Varda announced Adelaide-based company Southern Launch would facilitate another 20 returns of their space pods. Advertisement Thats great news for the industry, which has come leaps and bounds since the last time Sydney hosted the IAC in 2017, when the Australian Space Agency (ASA) didnt even exist. But whether Australia is going far enough in seizing its geographical advantage as a giant launch/landing pad, and positioning itself as a major player in space, is an open question as the US and China battle to occupy the moon with nuclear-powered villages within a decade. The Artemis I moon rocket taking off from Florida in 2022 the first of a series of missions that will see humanitys return to the moon. NASA Space is the ultimate higher ground. Its the best vantage point for security, said ASAs head Enrico Palermo. But the exciting thing this race drives is innovation if you look at the Apollo era, it created a generation of scientists and engineers, and the spin-off technologies were remarkable. So what do we have to gain or lose in the Artemis era? Advertisement NASA facing existential threat On show at IAC was the Roo-ver Australian-made moon rover, which looks a little like a microwave on wheels. It will head to the moon by the end of this decade to search for water, an objective aligned with NASAs current push to return to the lunar surface the Artemis missions. The rover symbolises both the evolution of the Australian space industry and its reliance on the US as our major partner in space, at a time when NASA is staring down existential chaos under President Donald Trump. A model of the Australian Roo-ver lunar rover on show at the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney. Flavio Brancaleone Just this week Bill Nye (Americas answer to Dr Karl) called on congress to push back against extinction-level budget cuts to NASA proposed by Trump, who has flagged a 24 per cent slash to the space agency. About US$6 billion would be torn out of the agencys planetary science and astrophysics programs, with satellites that monitor the ozone layer, bushfires and damaging coronal mass ejections (plasma bursts from the sun) at risk. Advertisement Trump acolyte Sean Duffy, the US transport secretary and acting NASA Administrator, said in an IAC address in Sydney that he didnt want NASA to burn up resources on climate and sustainability at the cost of human space exploration. That perhaps reflects the pressure of an intensifying rivalry between the US, China and Russia to colonise the moon, which will serve as humanitys gateway to Mars and the rest of the cosmos. An artists impression of two NASA astronauts working on the moon. Will China beat them to it? NASA Experts have cast doubt on the ability of Elon Musks SpaceX contracted by NASA to build the USs moon landing vehicle to pull off the delivery of astronauts on the moon by 2030, partly because the mission relies on a refuelling operation in low-earth orbit never before achieved. A number of former NASA executives have warned congress China is now the frontrunner in the Space Race 2.0. But a relentless focus on space exploration at the cost of science programs risks undermining the whole point of reaching for the stars: to make life better on Earth. The promise of space and its potential as a scientific cornucopia only applies if space-bound technologies find their way back to our home planet. Advertisement Australia is good at this kind of thinking. A NSW-built spiderlike robot built to 3D-print lunar shelters out of moon dust could fast-track house construction on Earth, for example. And Melbourne company Lunaria Ones mission to grow plants on the moon could reveal new ways to grow crops on farmland made harsher by climate change. The US scaling back its priorities to focus on direct space exploration is yet another signal Australia needs to improve its independence in the space race and help ensure humanitys quest to conquer the cosmos doesnt lose its focus on Earth. The spider-shaped lunar construction robot Charlotte could one day fast-track the building of homes on Earth. Flavio Brancaleone The new rocket-launch mission centre on wheels The partnership between Australia and the US was strengthened through the signing of a framework agreement at the AIC to expand cooperation in space, allaying some of the industrys concern that Trumps NASA cuts could have a knock-on effect here. Advertisement But Australia also diversified its allies during the congress by signing a major agreement with the European Space Agency, which helps guard against any unexpected scenarios with the US, chief executive of the Space Industry Association of Australia Dan Lloyd says. Its his view Australia needs to capitalise more on its clear skies and low population density to become the Southern Hemisphere hub for rocket launches. Australia has a starting position that should give it an unbelievably disproportionate share of the global launch market, he says. China is scaling up its launch capacity. Russia has a very high cadence launch capacity. Yet Australia has done very few launches. Inside a new CSIRO mobile mission control centre, a converted b-double trailer containing a suite of computers that can support rocket launches. Flavio Brancaleone To help change that, a new rocket-launch support pad on wheels rolled off the factory floor two weeks ago. The CSIROs Mobile Operations Centre is a converted b-double trailer fitted out with dozens of screens and vibration-proof satellite servers. Advertisement Built to serve as a roving mission support centre for space operations and as an educational tool that can visit schools, its part launch pad, part Healthy Harold van, designed to drive public interest in space while getting more Australian launches off the ground. Related Article Space Lasers and a table-sized spider: What the next lunar landing could look like Lloyd is hoping that increasing attention on Australias part in the race back to the moon will lead to the government building an overarching strategy for space, reaping the technological benefits in security, communications, science and disaster monitoring. The US, the UK, Japan, India and New Zealand all have national space plans, but not us. For many people in our government, space seems like a bit of an imaginary, fanciful science fiction concept, he says. But theres a huge opportunity for Australia that we cant let slip away. The Examine newsletter explains and analyses science with a rigorous focus on the evidence. Sign up to get it each week. Advertisement NationalQueenslandCrime Former RAAF pilot to stand trial accused of staging wifes death as lawn mower accident Cloe Read Updated October 9, 2025 1:22pm ,first published October 9, 2025 11:52am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A former Royal Australian Air Force pilot has been committed to stand trial over allegations he killed his wife and then staged it to look like a lawn mower accident. Robert John Crawford allegedly killed his wife Frances Elizabeth Crawford at their rural Upper Lockyer Valley property near Toowoomba on July 30 last year about 3.30am. Alleged wife-killer Robert Crawford leaves the Ipswich Magistrates Court on Thursday. Brisbane Times/Cloe Read The death was staged to look like an accident, the prosecution has alleged, and the 47-year-old is accused of manipulating the scene by sending messages from his wifes phone to himself after her death. Following a two-day committal, Acting Magistrate Sue Ganasan said on Thursday Crawford would face trial in the Supreme Court. Advertisement The former pilots barrister said the case was extraordinarily weak, and reiterated there was no concession in the case. When asked if he wished to say anything, Crawford answered: Not guilty, your honour. The committal heard evidence from forensic witnesses and police who spoke of their analysis of Mrs Crawfords injuries. Frances Crawford was found dead near a lawn mower at her rural property. Nine News On Thursday morning, the court heard evidence from Detective Timothy Roberts, who declared a crime scene at the property on the morning of July 30. Advertisement Crawfords barrister, Saul Holt KC, questioned Roberts over how officers had accessed Crawfords phone at the scene. Crawford served as a pilot and safety officer with the Royal Australian Air Force. Nine News Roberts said he was shown text messages between the husband and wifes phones. At the time of the death, Crawford was being treated as a witness, with Roberts telling the court he was unable to determine if other people had been at the home during the night, and Crawford had said he was asleep for a period. Holt asked Roberts if he recalled how Crawford had expressed concerns to him his wifes death was being reported in the media as a suspicious death. Advertisement Do you recall assuring him that he was not, in fact, a suspect and the media were just doing what the media do, rather than anything else? he asked. The court also heard from a member of the Queensland Police Services electronic evidence unit, who assessed Crawfords phone. He told the court under his analysis that the login data on the phone could only be generated by manual usage of the device. Crown Prosecutor Chris Cook told the court there was no contest Crawfords phone was accessed many times between midnight and 4am. Under objection from Holt, Cook stopped his questioning. The committal yesterday heard evidence from Dr Andrzej Kedziora, who told the court Mrs Crawford suffered injuries to her head, neck, chin, and fractures to the ribs. Advertisement Kedziora was questioned on the various scenarios he considered when analysing the death. He said it was difficult to rule out possibilities without seeing a reconstruction or looking at the lawn mower parts himself. The scenarios included Mrs Crawford falling from the mower over the retaining wall, or that she was allegedly strangled. He said it was possible some of Mrs Crawfords injuries could have been caused from a fall or the lawn mower. He also said some of her neck injuries could have been caused by a hand rubbing or an elbow during a headlock. And the abrasions may have been caused by [Mrs Crawfords] nails grasping the forearm and hitting the skin of the neck. This is a possibility and I do not give it any probability, he said. Kedziora also told the court when Queensland Ambulance Service arrived about 4am, they reported Mrs Crawfords body was cold and stiff, and rigor mortis in basically all muscle groups. So basically, it sort of means that Mrs Crawford had been deceased for some time for the rigor mortis to develop, Kedziora said. Advertisement If I see quite a bit of bruising around the neck, it means that it may have been sustained during life. Crawford and his legal team declined to comment to media outside court. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalQueenslandCrime Real intent and hatred: Details of Qld mans alleged threat to kill Albanese revealed Julius Dennis October 9, 2025 12:48pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A Queensland man who allegedly posted online his intention to kill Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been refused bail as details of the threats were revealed in court. It is alleged Norman Dean Lake, 40, posted mark my words I will assassinate the Australian prime minister on his Facebook account on September 19. He is also alleged to have posted other comments declaring his intentions and changed his profile picture to an image of him looking through the scope of a rifle. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Dominic Lorrimer The court was told the photo was taken while Lake was taking part in an Australian Defence Force pathway course 15 years ago when he was trained to use the weapon. Advertisement The comments published on the post allegedly said, have your laugh, all good, youll see. I have no reason to live, things will happen soon, and, watch the news in two weeks. Youll see Albo, its coming, Im ready to kill. Prosecutor Annabelle Bridgland told the Brisbane Magistrates Court that NSW Crime Stoppers received an anonymous tip about the posts on September 30, and Lake was arrested on October 3. The court heard Lake allegedly published the posts after drinking with some friends, and took down the posts the next morning. Lake was represented by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service, and appeared via video link. The crime of using a carriage service to make a threat to kill can carry a maximum of 10 years in jail. Advertisement In delivering his decision, Magistrate Julian Noud said the current political climate must be considered. Gone are the days, if they existed, where such threats might be seen as the nonsensical behaviour of a disgruntled constituent, he said. I consider that this offence is serious because primarily it involves a genuine threat of violence against a person, who happens to be the prime minister. He said it seemed the posts were made with real intent and hatred. The matter will next be heard in the Redcliffe Magistrates Court on November 12. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsNSWDevelopment Revealed: How long it will take to turn Woollahra into a train station housing hub Max Maddison October 9, 2025 3:26pm 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 112 View all comments Ten thousand new homes planned to accompany a finished Woollahra train station would be built and operational by 2051, more than 26 years after they were announced, a departmental briefing note has revealed. And internal chats show Transport for NSW bureaucrats were asked to pull together rail and road capacity modelling 72 hours before the NSW government said it would revive the eastern suburbs half-built train station. NSW Premier Chris Minns made the announcement about Woollahra station on August 24. Sitthixay Ditthavong On August 24, Premier Chris Minns announced the ghost station at Woollahra abandoned in the 1970s would be revived and built by 2029, costing taxpayers $200 million. The heavy rail station would support the construction of thousands of new dwellings, Minns said. A Transport for NSW Teams chat created just after 2pm on August 21 added the departments chief transport planner and the director of land use, network and place planning. Advertisement About 5.30pm, Transport for NSWs chief transport planner emailed the departments deputy secretary for planning, integration and passenger with a summary high-level assessment of growth due to 10,000 new dwellings resulting from the Teams chat. Editor's pick Exclusive NSW State Parliament Shes the woman most likely, but can Kellie Sloane save the NSW Liberals? The briefing note said the population growth and additional station on the eastern suburbs T4 rail line would pose no capacity issues on the network in 2041 and not anticipated in 2051. Morning peak road traffic would see uplifts of 20 per cent along Oxford Street and 10 per cent on New South Head Road by 2051. Impacts on road capacity still underway. Existing road conditions indicate potential issues at the Ocean Street/New South Head Road/Ocean Avenue intersection, the email stated. A briefing note titled Edgecliff and Woollahra rezoning proposal with a creation date of Friday, August 22, stated the 10,000 dwellings converts to ~22,000 population increase and assume all built and operational by 2051. Advertisement Transport Planning are not aware of any existing studies to assess growth of this magnitude in the area, the briefing stated. The only known recent study undertaken in 2023-24 by Woollahra Council for the Edgecliff Commercial Centre assessed a significantly lower level of growth of only 490615 dwellings. Related Article NSW State Parliament Eastern suburbs to get new railway station, up to 10,000 new homes Just after 11am the following morning, a Transport bureaucrat messaged saying Sydney Trains were providing some notes on this from a rail perspective for the Premiers Office to get footage of the uncrowded train. The revelations are among internal Transport for NSW messages in a NSW parliamentary call for papers. On Thursday, a NSW government spokeswoman said modelling had been undertaken months prior and was sufficient to give the green light for the announcement, but would not disclose when the analysis took place or what was modelled, citing cabinet confidentiality. Advertisement Early modelling was undertaken months prior to the announcement which takes into account the number of existing dwellings, transport and other infrastructure capacity, the impact of changes to planning controls and feasibility of development, she said. Related Article NSW State Parliament No-brainer: Architects, developers ready to pounce on Woollahra ghost station Investigations and technical studies are being undertaken following the announcement of the state-led rezoning, as is usual practice, including a transport plan, technical studies of infrastructure and servicing, traffic, open space and more. We are delivering Sydneys first new heavy rail station in more than a decade enabling up to 10,000 new homes over the next 15 years by rezoning land around Woollahra and Edgecliff stations. Land within 800 metres of the new station and 400 metres of Edgecliff would be rezoned for the new homes. In August, Minns agreed the dwellings would probably be delivered over 10 to 15 years. Advertisement Transport for NSW began high-level consideration of the cost of building the Woollahra station in late June 2024, emails show. An initial estimate characterised as very rapid and preliminary on June 28 put the cost up to $140 million with a potential dwelling yield between 90 and 150 apartments. Eight days later, an email to Transport for NSW secretary Josh Murray said: The cost estimate is conservative and doesnt include contingency. For quoting I would put it at over $200m. Yield is low for housing. Related Article Exclusive NSW State Parliament Opening of eastern suburbs ghost station on the cards The plan came less than two years after the government defended not including Edgecliff in the initial tranche of transport-oriented development zones. Planning Minister Paul Scully explained the exclusion was because there was limited sewer and water infrastructure and a railway line operating at high capacity. The T4 rail line from Bondi Junction to the city during AM peak hours reached 50 per cent of capacity, a Transport assessment stated. This meant there was spare capacity of 12,000 people in the peak hour and could support over 80,000 dwellings across Bondi Junction, Edgecliff and Kings Cross. Advertisement A report commissioned by Minns and delivered by the Centre for International Economics found Woollahra was the most feasible of any council area for lifts in mid- and high-density housing. The announcement came three months after the much-hyped sale of Rosehill Gardens racecourse to build a mini-city of 25,000 homes was rejected by Australian Turf Club members. Woollahra was one of several announcements considered as a Plan B. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsNSWCrime The drug dealers, their mother and the Sydney drive-by shootings Kate McClymont October 9, 2025 10:02am 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 Raptor Squad officers have charged a man with conspiracy to murder after a Concord home belonging to the mother of convicted cocaine dealers was shot up this year. In the early hours of July 3, a two-storey home in Davidson Avenue, Concord, was peppered with bullets. No one was at home at the time. The house is owned by Hasna Frangieh, 77, the mother of convicted drug dealers Ray and Joe Frangieh. According to corporate records, her property-developing son Joe, 48, and his wife, Sharon, list the Davidson Avenue home as their residential address. Roni Korovou-Tokaduadua was arrested in Mascot on Wednesday morning. Police later raided premises in Granville where they seized five electronic devices, a Taser and balaclavas. The 27-year-old was subsequently charged with conspire and agree to murder any person, participate in a criminal group, and two counts of possess prohibited drug. Advertisement This was Hasna Frangiehs third drive-by shooting. In September 2003, the Frangieh familys home in Bristol Street, Merrylands, was the target of up to a dozen shots. No one was injured. A second targeted shooting of the Frangieh home in December that year proved fatal. Cocaine dealer Ray Frangieh. Instagram On the evening of December 7, 2003, Hasnas daughter, Elizabeth, and other members of the family had just arrived home when a man wearing a stocking over his face jumped out of a car and pulled out a gun. Elizabeth fled but her father, Sayed, 59, who had come out onto the porch, was killed by a single shot to the chest. It emerged the intended target was Ray Frangieh. Ray and his brother, Joe, had been released from prison in February that year, having been jailed for cocaine supply. Advertisement Ordered to pay restitution to the NSW Crime Commission, Ray Frangieh had sold his yellow BMW to another crime figure, Ken Tan. When Tan failed to pay the $50,000 for the car, Ray reported the matter to the police. According to court records, the first drive-by shooting occurred on the same day the police confiscated the BMW. Earlier on the day of the second shooting, Ray had run Tan off the road in a road-rage incident, which prompted Tan to retaliate by sending associates to shoot up the Frangieh house. Tan was later jailed for manslaughter. Joe and Sharon Frangieh and bullet holes at the Concord home. In Brisbanes Supreme Court in 2021, Ray Frangieh, a former Gold Coast nightclub promoter, pleaded guilty to trafficking in dangerous drugs including cocaine. His ex-wife, Melissa, narrowly avoided jail for money-laundering almost $200,000, which the court heard was the criminal proceeds from her husbands drug supply empire. Ray Frangieh, 45, also has a conviction for assault, and in 2022 he pleaded guilty to dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception when he falsely nominated the previous owner of his car as the driver when he was caught doing 83km/h over the speed limit in Lane Cove Road at North Ryde. Advertisement Ray and his brother, Joe, had been jailed in NSW in 2002 over cocaine supply. For more than a decade, Joe Frangieh was embroiled in a long-running dispute with the Australian Tax Office over an audit of his tax affairs dating to 2007. According to court documents, there was $3,234,064 in unexplained deposits made into Frangiehs account that year. Roni Korovou-Tokaduadua is arrested at Mascot on Wednesday. NSW Police Frangieh subsequently provided a number of statutory declarations from family and friends claiming that certain deposits made to his account were repayments of loans or payments for motor vehicles. He claimed some of the deposits were loan repayments from Ray, whom hed lent $200,000 to buy a car. Advertisement Related Article Crime Five shots fired: Lucky escape for mother of cocaine dealers in third drive-by shooting Joe Frangieh also claimed his sister, Elizabeth, and mother, Hasna, had deposited money with him to make property investments. Although Frangiehs dispute with the ATO was settled, he sued the ATO for $8.75 million in 2017, claiming its pursuit of him had caused humiliation, embarrassment, stress, anxiety, emotional hurt and inconvenience. He lost and was ordered to pay costs. His appeal was also unsuccessful. Mr Frangieh submitted that malice, bad faith and conscious maladministration had been demonstrated by an ATO official. None of these grounds is made good, the NSW Court of Appeal held. Korovou-Tokaduadua was refused bail on Thursday morning. He will next appear in court at the Downing Centre on December 4, and made no application for bail. Get alerts on breaking news as it happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert. Advertisement Analysis WorldMiddle EastIsraeli-Palestinian conflict Trumps Gaza deal is a welcome ceasefire. Now for the tricky bit Peter Hartcher October 9, 2025 6:19pm 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 Donald Trumps Gaza deal is a circuit breaker in the cycle of death. But it does not address its drivers. This is a ceasefire. Peace is harder. Did the US president hasten the deal so that he could beat the Friday deadline for the announcement of the Nobel Peace Prize winner? So it seems. But so what? Blessed are the peacemakers! as Trump said, quoting from the Sermon on the Mount. And surely everyone who values the sanctity of life would agree, even if Trump actually prefers a medal to a blessing. US President Donald Trump reads a note handed to him by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. AP Only a determined president of the US could force Israel to the negotiating table. And also apply sufficient pressure on two of the three main sponsors of Hamas Qatar and Turkey, but not Iran so that Hamas was forced to talk terms with Israel. Trumps intervention has set a path to achieve at least four things under phase one. First, to stop the wholesale killing of Palestinians, at least for now, and for Israel to make a partial withdrawal from Gaza. Advertisement Second, to free the remaining 20 or so Israeli hostages thought to be alive in return for Israels release of some 2000 Palestinian prisoners. Third, to allow aid to flow into Gaza. A fourth benefit cascades from these three to the rest of the world. The ceasefire eases some of the pressure that the war has exerted on the great politico-ethno-religious fault line that invisibly circles the globe, dividing communities and energising animosity between Jews and Muslims. Loading Australia is only one of many nations relieved that this ancient animating hatred is, for now, being moderated, after two intense years of killing. But Israel and Hamas so far have agreed on implementation of only the first phase of Trumps 20-point plan. So this is a ceasefire, not a peace agreement. While welcome, its a reprieve, not a resolution. That makes it the third ceasefire, or attempted ceasefire, of the Gaza war. The first phase is relatively easy, says ANU emeritus professor of Middle East studies Amin Saikal. The crunch time will come when they have to face the second political transition in Gaza. Israel hasnt defined what a partial withdrawal of its army means, and how and when will Hamas be disarmed? Advertisement To turn ceasefire into peace, Trump has to somehow overcome drivers of death. Because not everyone values the sanctity of life. On both sides, there are fanatical forces committed to the utter destruction of the other. Related Article Updated Israeli-Palestinian conflict Celebrations in the streets after Trump announces Gaza peace deal In the case of Hamas, it exists only to kill Jews. It is a death cult its fighters fully committed to martyrdom in its cause. Under Trumps plan, its fighters are supposed to decommission all their weapons and its infrastructure of war, such as tunnels and arms factories and calmly walk away from their mission. Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence with Israel are to be given amnesty and provided safe passage to receiving countries if they choose to leave, in the words of the Trump plan. The groups political leaders, housed in luxury in Qatar, might be prepared to accept these terms. It seems unlikely that its fighting forces, waging guerilla warfare in and under Gaza, will meekly convert from fanatical genocide of Jews to enjoy peaceful coexistence. Even if they relinquish their weapons and leave Gaza, many are sure to regroup and renew their war from another location. Moshe Phillips pointed out in the Jerusalem Post this week the precedent of 1982. Advertisement Israel had Yasser Arafat trapped in Beirut and planned to kill him. Under US pressure, Israel allowed him to survive and decamp. It was, wrote Phillips, chairman of Americans for a Safe Israel, the beginning of a long-term tragedy. Arafat regrouped in Tunis, rebuilt his network and rebranded himself from terrorist to statesman. Related Article Analysis Israeli-Palestinian conflict A moment of hope breaks the despair of the Gaza war thanks to Donald Trump Yet the blood never stopped flowing. Under his leadership, terror continued from suicide bombings in Israeli cafes to the glorification of martyrdom in Palestinian school textbooks to incitement in Palestinian Authority-controlled media. In the case of Israel, its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pursuing perpetual war against Palestinians largely to appease the fanatical far-right members of his governing coalition. The Gaza war already is the longest in the history of Israel. Netanyahus stated aim of the elimination of Hamas, down to every last fighter, never was achievable. Advertisement That was the point. It licensed him to conduct war without end, a demand of his finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, and national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir. Related Article Israeli-Palestinian conflict Why Trump is unlikely to win Nobel Peace Prize, even after Gaza breakthrough And as long as they remain part of Netanyahus coalition, Netanyahu remains in power, safe from any reckoning for his failure over the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre and immune from conviction over the corruption cases still pending against him. On each side, a minority of fanatics seized control over their people to pursue unquenchable hatred against the other. So Hamas and the Netanyahu regime will be on alert to grasp any pretext to find fault in the process, to walk away from peace talks and resume the killing. The whole thing could collapse and Donald Trumps credibility would be undermined, reflects Saikal. We are at the beginning of a very arduous process. This weeks Nobel Peace Prize is supposed to be for events of 2024. By this time next year, we should be able to see whether Trump qualifies for the 2025 prize. Advertisement Peter Hartcher is international editor. Get a note direct from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here. Advertisement WorldMiddle EastIsraeli-Palestinian conflict What we know about the next steps in the deal to pause the Gaza war Lee Keath and Samy Magdy Updated October 10, 2025 8:45am ,first published October 10, 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 Cairo: A breakthrough deal pausing the war in Gaza has been reached. But will it lead, as US President Donald Trump proclaimed, to a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace? It took pressure on both Israel and Hamas from the United States, Arab countries and Turkey, each saying it was time to end a two-year-old war that has devastated the Gaza Strip, killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, sparked other conflicts around the region and increasingly isolated Israel. Displaced Palestinians watch smoke rise after Israeli military strikes as they gather on the coastal road near Wadi Gaza, in the central Gaza Strip, on Thursday. AP That push sealed an agreement on a first phase that would free the remaining living Israeli hostages within days in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. But it left unanswered a long list of questions over what happens next. Advertisement Israel wants to ensure that Hamas disarms. Hamas wants to ensure Israel pulls its troops completely out of Gaza and is not allowed to restart the war. Related Article Updated Israeli-Palestinian conflict Israel approves Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas At the same time, a postwar government for Gaza must be worked out to replace Hamas rule. Without that in place, reconstruction is unlikely to take place, leaving Gazas more than 2 million people in continued misery. With no trust between the sides, much relies on continued pressure from the deals guarantors the US, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey. Any hitch in working out those intertwined issues can unravel everything and potentially lead to Israel resuming its campaign to destroy Hamas. Here is what we know about the deal. Advertisement Immediate steps Israels government on Friday ratified the ceasefire with the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Friday, clearing the way to suspend hostilities in Gaza within 24 hours and free Israeli hostages held in Gaza within 72 hours after that. The Israeli cabinet agreed to the deal early Friday morning, roughly 24 hours after mediators announced an agreement to free Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, in the first phase of US President Donald Trumps initiative to end the two-year war in Gaza. View post on X Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his smaller security cabinet and then the full cabinet early on Friday AEDT to approve the deal. Advertisement The extent of the withdrawal of Israeli forces has not yet been made public, but Hamas officials have said troops will move out of populated areas. Hamas has agreed to release the 20 living hostages and Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas also will hand over the remains of around 28 hostages believed to have died, though for logistical reasons that may take longer. A truck carries a military tank from inside the Gaza Strip in southern Israel following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting. AP At the same time, hundreds of aid trucks will start moving into Gaza, with the numbers growing over time. The US will also deploy 200 troops as part of a joint task force for Gaza stability, with no Americans on the ground in the Palestinian enclave, two senior US officials said on Thursday. Advertisement The officials, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity, said the 200 would be the core of a task force that would include representatives from Egypts military, Qatar, Turkey and probably the United Arab Emirates. Related Article Updated Israeli-Palestinian conflict Celebrations in the streets after Trump announces Gaza peace deal The officials said the US troops exact location had yet to be decided. But they would develop a joint control centre and integrate other security forces that will work in Gaza to coordinate with Israeli forces to avoid clashes. No US troops are intended to go into Gaza, said one of the officials. Negotiations for the next phases would then begin. Advertisement Troop withdrawal Hamas had long insisted it would not release its last hostages unless Israeli troops leave Gaza completely. Now, after agreeing to free them first, Hamas says it is relying on solid guarantees from Trump that the full withdrawal will happen. But how long it will take weeks, months, years is unknown. Israel has spoken of keeping troops in a buffer zone within Gaza and in the Philadelphi Corridor, a strip of land on Gazas border with Egypt. A member of the Egyptian Red Crescent inside the aid warehouse in Al-Arish, near the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza, on Thursday. Getty Images Advertisement Israel is unlikely to relinquish those areas unless Hamas disarms and the void left in running Gaza is filled by a body that Israel deems palatable. An initial 20-point plan issued by Trump last week called for an Arab-led international security force to move into Gaza, along with Palestinian police trained by Egypt and Jordan. It said Israeli forces would leave areas as those forces deploy. It is not known whether that system will be followed or an alternative will be negotiated. Related Article Analysis Israeli-Palestinian conflict A moment of hope breaks the despair of the Gaza war thanks to Donald Trump Disarmament Advertisement Hamas long refused to give up its weapons, saying it had a right to armed resistance until Israels occupation of Palestinian territories ends. For Israel, its a key demand. Netanyahu has repeatedly said its campaign will not end until Hamas military capabilities are dismantled, including the network of tunnels built around the territory. There are signs, however, that Hamas could agree to a decommissioning of its offensive weapons, handing them over to a joint Palestinian-Egyptian committee, according to the Arab officials with direct knowledge of the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity. Future government Israel has said it wants a Gaza purged of Hamas influence. But it has also rejected giving any role to the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority or any arrangement that could lead to the creation of a Palestinian state. Advertisement Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, has agreed to step down from governing the territory and hand over governance to a body of Palestinian technocrats. What takes its place is still uncertain. Under Trumps plan, agreed to by Netanyahu, an international body the Council of Peace or Board of Peace, as both names have been floated will govern. It would hold most power while overseeing the administration of Palestinian technocrats running day-to-day affairs. It would also hold the commanding role of directing reconstruction in Gaza. Trumps initial 20-point plan called for former British prime minister Tony Blair to lead the body. Hamas has so far not agreed, saying Gazas government should be worked out among Palestinians in light of their rights to sovereignty. Advertisement The stakes Israelis celebrated the agreement announced overnight after three days of talks in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh. For much of the Israeli public, freeing the last of the hostages held for two years has been their top priority. But Palestinians in Gaza were more uncertain. There was relief that the relentless bombardment and ground offensives may stop for a time and aid may flow in. People gathered in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Thursday to celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a plan to pause the fighting. AP But there was also scepticism and worry over how long any pause in fighting would last, whether hundreds of thousands will be able to return to their homes, and whether Gaza its cities largely in ruins will ever be rebuilt. Advertisement Many Palestinians fear Israel will take any breakdown in the talks as a chance to resume its assault. For months, Netanyahu and his hard-line allies have insisted they will keep long-term direct security control over Gaza and have spoken of pushing out its Palestinian population, ostensibly on a voluntary basis. In Gaza, many believe that remains Israels objective. Pressure from the US and its allies if it continues after hostages are out could prevent Israel from relaunching a full-fledged war. But there is another, murkier scenario. If Hamas and Israel cannot reach a final deal or negotiations drag on inconclusively, Gaza could slide into an unstable limbo, with Israeli troops still holding parts of it and Hamas still active. In that case, Israel would be unlikely to allow significant reconstruction, leaving Gazas population languishing in tent camps or shelters. AP Chinese scientists use AI protein language model to uncover mystery of life evolution Xinhua) 08:54, October 09, 2025 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." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) By Bairbre Holmes, PA Catherine Connolly confirmed she paid for her 2018 trip to Syria with part of her Parliamentary Activities Allowance (PAA). Responding to criticism, she had given the impression the fact-finding mission had been paid for from personal funds, the presidential hopeful said: I never gave that impression, thats an allowance thats given to every single independent TD. There are a number of different categories, and I tend to use it under policy and research. And thats exactly what I did. Independent candidate Catherine Connolly arriving ahead of the RTE Drivetime presidential candidates debate at RTE studio in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) Speaking to reporters she said the average person would understand what she had meant as they know me exactly. She added: I leave it up to the people. The PAA is paid to party leaders and independent TDs to cover expenses arising from parliamentary activities, including research. Ms Connolly is reported to have spent almost 3,700 euros from the allowance for the trip. The Galway TD travelled to the Middle Eastern country while it was still under the rule of Bashar al-Assad with ex-MEPs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace. Earlier in the day her political rival Heather Humphreys said of the trip: I dont know what facts she needed to find, because everybody knows that the head of state Assad was a brutal dictator. Middle Valley Church of God, at 1703 Thrasher Pike in Hixson, announces that Pastor Mitch McClure will be preaching on Sunday, in the 10:30 a.m. service. His topic will be "Who Is This God We Serve?" The purpose of the sermon is to lead all believers to know that God is interested in you and your life, paying attention to you. His purpose is to get us to the Father and redemption. All are welcome to participate. Each Sunday at 5:30 p.m. the church conducts a prayer meeting, which is open to all who wish to participate and is designed to encourage prayer.Information on various methods of prayer will be shared with participants. The goal of this prayer meeting is to encourage believers to seek God through prayer. All are welcome to participate. Each Wednesday at 7 p.m., an interactive, interesting, and informative Bible Study will be held in the church auditorium. Craig Paul is currently leading this Bible study. All are welcome to participate. The goal of this Bible study is to encourage believers to study the Bible and discuss with others, making the Scripture their guide. Middle Valley Church of God is a community focused church with various ministries in the Middle Valley area and in Cusuna, Honduras. The community is welcome to join in times of worship and community service. MVCOG has been ministering in the Middle Valley Community since 1948 from the same location. If you have questions, please contact the church office at 423 843-1539. All are welcome. Please note that MVCOG will make public announcements about dangerous road conditions and cancellations. Postings about cancellations will be made on the church Facebook page. Please look there for information. The Hamilton County Election Commission is in the process of preparing for the 2026 election cycle. Three elections will be held during the year. Those include the Hamilton County primary election that will be on May 5. Key dates for this election include Dec. 22, 2025, which is the first day for candidates to pick up petitions for this race. The qualifying deadline will be Feb. 19, 2026. The state and federal primary and the county general election will be held Aug. 6. The first day to pick up petitions will be Jan. 9, 2026. And the qualifying deadline is March 10. And Nov. 3 will be the date of the state and federal general and municipal elections. The first day for candidates to pick up petitions for these races will be June 22 and the qualifying deadline is Aug. 20. Other dates of importance relating to these elections can be found at elect.hamiltontn.gov. The goal of the election commission is to have a fair and equitable election with a large turnout, officials said. Several members of the public came to the meeting of the commission with that same objective. One request was to add an early voting site at the Southside Community Center. Kanika Jones said that the building is already equipped to handle an election, with parking and security in place, and the site is ADA compliant. She said this would be a help for elders who often do not like the turmoil on a regular election day. Scott Allen, the county administrator of elections, said the commission has considered that site for early voting in the past, and will look at it again to see if the numbers justify opening another early voting site. He said the cost to open a new site is $70,000-$80,000 and another $35,000-$40,000 to staff it. Mike Walden, chairman of the commission, said to justify the expense, the decision will be based on data that includes the number of registered voters, the population of the district and historical turnout. The county now has six early voting locations. But all this information is subject to change, said Ms. Jones, because population growth is expected because of new development in the Westside. Chattanooga averages 50 percent of early voters compared to those who vote on the election day. He said 70 percent of the voters in Knoxville vote early and there are about twice the number of early voting sites there, which may contribute to the higher turnout. The election commission staff prefers early voting, said Mr. Allen, who will confer with officials in Knoxville to see if there is a correlation. A concern about how voters information is shared, which would include an individuals Social Security number and their voting history, was voiced by another citizen. That was a concern also brought up by Commissioner Gene Shiles, who proposed a resolution concerning limiting information sharing and the way it would be stored and shared. His personal opinion is that requests seeking voter information are expected from the federal government. Any request for that information needs to conform to both state and federal laws, he said. He asked the commissioners to consider a resolution that would require a written opinion from the Tennessee Attorney General before disclosing personal voter information. A vote on the resolution failed to pass with just two of the commissioners in favor. Anybody can request voter data, but not the social security numbers, said Commissioner Chris Clem. Commission Chairman Mike Walden noted that it has been recognized that Tennessee is the most secure state for voting. The election commission meetings are posted on its website however the suggestion from a citizen, was to advertise the meetings on social media. That would be a way to get more engagement with the public, it was said. The election commission will now be providing training for poll workers through the program Vote 1. The cost was originally $19,000 and there will be a recuring $15,000 to update it each year. This training and testing app can be seen on the election workers phones to find answers if there is a question. Award season is in full swing for Ringgold's own Randall Franks, with nominations and appearances highlighting his multifaceted career in music, film and entertainment.Mr. Franks recently walked the red carpet at the Infinity Music and Film Awards in Nashville, where he was nominated for both Film Director and Producer of the Year for his Chickamauga-filmed project, The American's Creed.During the event, he was interviewed by former American Idol contestant Isaiah Grass."I am blessed to be recognized by my peers in several of my areas of endeavor," Mr.Franks said. "I am so honored that folks are finding what the Lord gave me to share to be of interest."In addition to his film accolades, Mr. Franks directed the IBMA Special Industry and Distinguished Achievement Awards in Chattanooga, a segment of the overall IBMA Awards welcoming legends from Steve Martin to Del McCoury to the Scenic City.He also attended the Annual ROPE Awards in Nashville, where honorees included country music icons from Randy Travis to Barbara Mandrell.Further south in Atlanta, Mr. Franks earned nominations for Musician of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year for Faith Will See Us Through and Video of the Year for "Purple Robe" at the International Singer Songwriter Awards."With award season far from over, Mr. Franks has even more exciting developments on the horizon as he has seven nominations in the upcoming Josie Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House in November," officials said. A Chattanooga Police Department sergeant has been relieved of his law enforcement duties after he was indicted on Wednesday by the Hamilton County Grand Jury for aggravated assault.Worlie Dwyane Johnson was one of the CPD's Neighborhood Policing Bureau sergeants.On Monday at approximately 8:30 a.m., CPD responded to a reported aggravated assault near the intersection of Gunbarrel Road and Crane Road.The officer was off duty at the time.The suspect was later identified as Sgt.Johnson.After the initial CPD response, the case was referred to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) for further independent investigation. HCSO presented it to the Hamilton County Grand Jury on Tuesday.On Wednesday, Sgt. Johnson was transported to the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center, where he was booked on one count of aggravated assault. The Chattanooga Police Department also took possession of his city-issued equipment and patrol vehicle. He is relieved of all law enforcement duties and responsibilities at this time.The CPD will continue to cooperate fully with the HCSO and any subsequent judicial proceedings, it was stated. The Tennessee Supreme Court on Thursday held that the warrantless seizure of a firearm did not violate the U.S. Constitution. The court found that the firearm was seized properly under the plain view exception. Seizures made without first obtaining a warrant generally are considered unreasonable under the Fourth Amendment, and any evidence seized as a result of a warrantless seizure cannot be used at trial. However, there are a few exceptions including the plain view exception which states that law enforcement officers who see incriminating evidence in plain view may seize the evidence without first obtaining a warrant, and the item may be admitted into evidence at trial. In this case, an officer of the Jackson Police Department responded to a report of an automobile accident and discovered the vehicle located on the wrong side of the road and partially in the front yard of a residence. After seeing a handgun in the passenger seat of the car and discovering shortly thereafter that the driver, Ambreia Washington, was a felon, the officer arrested him and seized the firearm. Washington was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Before trial, Washington moved to suppress the firearm as evidence because the officer seized it without obtaining a warrant. The trial court denied the motion, and the Court of Criminal Appeals upheld the trial courts decision. The Supreme Court affirmed Washingtons conviction. In its analysis, the court noted the elements necessary to satisfy the plain view exception, including the requirement that the incriminating character of the evidence must be immediately apparent. The court clarified that this element is not a strict temporal requirement. The court thus concluded that the officer lawfully seized the handgun even though he learned that Washington was a felon a few moments after first seeing the firearm in the passenger seat. Accordingly, the firearm was admissible into evidence. Justice Dwight E. Tarwater joined in the courts opinion and wrote a separate concurring opinion to further address the plain view doctrines immediately apparent requirement and its interplay among the Second, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. To read the unanimous opinion in State v. Ambreia Washington, authored by Chief Justice Jeff Bivins, and the separate concurring opinion authored by Justice Dwight Tarwater, visit the Supreme Court opinions section of TNCourts.gov. Drivers traveling near North Terrace in Hamilton County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will temporarily impact traffic. As part of Phase 2 (the second of two projects) to widen and improve the I-75 at I-24 interchange, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) contract crews will perform a temporary ramp closure on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. During this time, the I-24 West entrance ramp from North Terrace at Marlboro Avenue will be closed to allow the contractor to complete guardrail installation at this location. Drivers seeking to access I-24 West should use the Exit 183 entrance ramp at Germantown Road as an alternate route. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and expect delays. Drivers should follow all posted signage and remain alert to changing traffic conditions. As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel. Get the latest construction activity traffic updates from the TDOT SmartWay Map. Travelers can also call 511 for statewide travel information. The Move Over Law was passed in 2006. The penalty for violating the law in Tennessee can be up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of up to $500. The UTC Dean of Students Office has determined that Turning Point USA is approved as a Registered Student Organization, UTC officials said on Thursday morning.That came after the UTC Student Government Association recommended that the chapter not be approved.Officials said, As part of the process of becoming a Registered Student Organization at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the Dean of Students Office has completed its review of a group of students application to establish a chapter of Turning Point USA on campus. The Dean of Students Office has determined that Turning Point USA is approved as a Registered Student Organization.While the Student Government Association may voice opinions, recognition of student organizations is determined by the UTC Dean of Students and Chancellor.Turning Point USA has been authorized in accordance with university policy and the law.Turning Point USA is a group that was led by conservative leader Charlie Kirk. Mr. Kirk, who was shot and killed on Sept. 10, often visited college campuses to dialogue with students.UTC officials said on Wednesday, A group of students is currently working to register a chapter of Turning Point USA as a recognized student organization at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. All organizations who properly complete the registration process will be recognized by the University."On Tuesday, the Student Government Association voted to recommend the student organization not be approved. The vote is a recommendation to the Dean of Students Office, who makes the final decision. The Dean of Students decision will be made in accordance with University policy and the law."As with any student group, the University is working to ensure the students are appropriately supported as they navigate the process of registering a new student organization.Meanwhile, hundreds of UTC students walked out of classes and marched in protest of changes to DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) organizations based on recent federal and state law. 25-010653 900 BLK Spring Creek Road Disorder / Arrest Police Officers responded to a Disorder. On scene, Police found that a party had assaulted someone before taking off on foot. Police located the party walking southbound on Spring Creek Road and arrested him. The party was non-compliant with Police instructions until he was booked for Simple Assault at the Hamilton County Jail. Day Shift October 8 : A Squad25-010638 601 Justice Way Warrant Service A party was arrested on an outstanding East Ridge Forfeiture Capias for Driving on Revoked for DUI while at Hamilton County Jail. 25-010608 1000 BLK Hibbler Circle Supplemental The caller reported that all items listed as stolen in this case have been returned to him by the suspect. He also requested to decline prosecution in the matter. 25-010627 3600 BLK Helen Lane Assist Other Agency Officers responded to assist Chattanooga Police in locating an assault suspect. On scene, the suspect was observed leaving in a vehicle and a traffic stop was conducted. CPD declined to interview the suspect for their charges, and he was released from the scene. A report was completed for an alleged assault that occurred within the city limits of East Ridge, but a primary aggressor could not be determined. CPD Case #25-088446. 25-010624 3600 BLK Ringgold Road Suspicious Activity A party called to report that he was being stalked after observing two trucks parked in the parking lot. He stated he believes he is being tracked with a GPS on his car and that people are trying to harm him. 25-010623 6600 BLK Ringgold Road - Suspicious Vehicle Police were notified about a vehicle that had been parked at the entrance of a business for approximately one hour. Witnesses informed officers that no one had entered or exited the vehicle during that time. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers made contact with two occupants, who stated they had been discussing Dungeons & Dragons (DND) and had lost track of time. 25-010633 - Mack Smith Road at Ringgold Road - Indecent Exposure Police were informed of a white male at a business who had reportedly urinated in the parking lot. Officers made contact with the individual and asked if he had urinated outside the business. The party denied doing so at the business but admitted to urinating near a different business, stating that no one had allowed him to use their restroom. Officers advised the party that such behavior was inappropriate and instructed him to locate a proper restroom in the future to handle such matters. 25-010631 5300 BLK Stone Street - Animal Cruelty Police responded to the East Ridge Animal Shelter after a citizen brought in a young white and tan dog that he stated he found leashed to a stop sign at S Moore Road & Maryland Drive. The party said he found the dog last night and brought her home until he could bring her to the shelter. ERAS took possession of the dog. 25-010637 5400 BLK Connell Street - Domestic Assault The caller reported that while on the phone, she could hear her friend and her boyfriend getting into a fight. Police spoke with both parties who said they were arguing but it never got physical. The female party advised that the caller was on her way to pick her up for work and she would be leaving the residence for her shift. She denied needing any assistance from police. 25-010639 601 Justice Way Warrant Service A party was arrested on an outstanding East Ridge Forfeiture Capias for Driving on Revoked while at Hamilton County Jail. Night Shift October 8: C Squad 25-010645 5700 BLK Roper Street Unknown 911 Call The 911 Dispatch Center received a hang-up call from a 911 only phone. Police Officers responded to the location and checked the area. Police did not locate any signs of distress. 25-010649 1300 BLK Boyd Street Harassment The caller reported that another party had texted him earlier in the day which violated an Order of Protection through Hamilton County. Police found the protection order was valid and submitted evidence to the Hamilton County Magistrate. An arrest warrant for the party will be generated through Hamilton County Chancery Court for Contempt of an Ex Parte Order of Protection. 25-010650 200 BLK Eads Street Residential Fire Police Officers responded with Fire Department units to a possible electrical fire. Police Officers blocked the roadways while fire inspectors isolated the electrical issue and prevented further damage. 25-010654 4300 BLK Bennett Road Burglar Alarm / Fire Alarm Police Officers and Fire Department units responded to multiple alarms. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the false alarms were triggered by a fault in the security system. 25-010655 1500 BLK Prigmore Road Domestic Disorder Police responded to an Unknown 911 call. On scene, Police determined that two parties had been arguing over a cell phone. Both individuals claimed to have been assaulted by the other, but no physical marks or evidence was observed. Police spoke with each individual separately and explained the Order of Protection process through the Hamilton County Court system. The parties agreed to separate for the rest of the day. Previous Next October is Pro Bono Month, a time to recognize and expand access to justice through volunteer legal service. Legal Aid of East Tennessee will honor this month with a series of free legal clinics, special programs and milestone celebrations across the region.Throughout October, LAET and community partners will provide opportunities for residents across the 26 counties comprising East Tennessee to receive free legal advice and assistance in key areas such as expungement, family law, name changes and more.Clinics include:- Virtual Name Change Clinic: Oct.16 via Zoom. Pre-registration is required by Oct. 13, and can be handled by calling 423-402-4766 (any resident of the 26 counties serviced by LAET).- Family Law Advice Clinic: Oct. 28 from 4-6 p.m., Dr. at Carol B. Bertz Family Justice Center (Hamilton County).- Expungement Assistance: now through Oct. 31. Call 423-402-4766 to determine eligibility (Hamilton County).- Free Legal Advice Clinics Johnson City & Kingsport (Oct. 14 and Nov. 1).- Veterans Legal Advice Clinics Oct. 8 from noon-2 p.m. at the Knox County Public Defenders Community Law Office (Knoxville area).- Debt Relief Clinic Nov. 15 from 9-11 a.m. Pre-registration is required by Nov. 7,and spots are extremely limited. Pre-registration can be handled by calling 423-402-4766 (Knoxville region). Shirley Seitz was born on May 15, 1935, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the youngest child of Edgar and Bertha L. Seitz. Shirleys early years were marked by both love and loss. When she was under the age of 10, her mother, Bertha, passed away. Her older sister, Jo Ann, when a teenager, moved to live with their Aunt Lou Ella and Uncle Hobart Ballou, while Shirley remained in Chattanooga with her father, Edgar, and stepmother, Gladys Seitz. As a child and young adult, Shirley was known for her quiet nature and deep affection for her family. One of her most cherished places was the home of her Aunt Ollie Parks, where she shared many joyful meals and conversations with her cousinsRita, Hattie, Joseph, and Bo Parks. Weekends spent with her sister, Jo Ann, were among her happiest memories. After graduating from Howard High School, Shirley joined Jo Ann in Boston, where they lived with cousins Rita and Hattie Parks and Ettra Mitchell. Together, the women built a full and lively life, often enjoying the vibrant Boston nightlife and jazz scene. Shirley was known to frequent local jazz clubs, where she mingled with up-and-coming Boston personalities, including members of the Royal Bolling family. Even in her later years, Shirleys love for music and social gatherings endured; she especially enjoyed attending annual Jazz Brunches with her sister, Jo Ann, and great-niece, Staci Cox, along with Stacis parents, Rosalind and David Cox. Shirley began her professional career at Bostons Black radio station, WILD, where she assisted the famed DJ WILD Man Steve. Her passion for community and justice soon led her to the Boston Branch of the NAACP during the Civil Rights era, where she worked tirelessly for equality and encouraged family members to become NAACP members, themselves. By 1968, Shirley had joined the Boston Housing Authority, where her commitment to service and advocacy continued to shine. Eventually, Shirley found her calling in the travel industry with United Airlinesa company she came to love deeply. Over the course of more than 20 years, she worked in several locations and even brought her beloved sister Jo Ann into the company. Following her retirement, Shirley continued to serve others by volunteering at Dulles Airport, where she assisted veterans with compassion and care. Shirley was also dedicated to giving living essentials to children in countries in Africa. A devoted member of Galilee United Methodist Church, Shirley found joy and purpose in the ministry. Alongside Jo Ann, she faithfully prepared the church each week for worship services. Beyond her career and service, Shirleys life was rich with creativity and adventure. She delighted in knitting, sewing, and crafting beautiful handmade items. Travel brought her immense happinessshe and Jo Ann journeyed together to Paris, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, throughout Europe and the Holy Land, building lasting friendships around the world. At the heart of Shirleys life was her unbreakable bond with her sister, Jo Ann. Their love, devotion, and shared adventures were a source of joy to all who knew them. Shirley was predeceased by her beloved sister, Jo Ann Seitz; her parents, Edgar and Bertha Seitz; her brother, Donald Henderson, his wife, Darlene; and her niece, Donyalle Henderson. She is survived by her cherished brother, Jeffrey Seitz, his wife, Rosemary, along with loving nieces, Danielle Murphy, Kiva Henderson and Dr. Joya Sykes, one nephew Jordan Seitz; two great nephews, one great niece, cousins, and many dear friends and extended family members. Shirley Seitz lived her life with quiet grace, compassion, and joy. She will be remembered for her loving spirit, her deep commitment to family, her passion for music and travel, and her unwavering generosity. We shall miss Shirley dearly, but her light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m. at the Hampton Inn, 623 Camp Jordan Parkway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37412. East Tennessee State University has announced the names of students who attained a grade point average qualifying them for inclusion in the dean's list for summer 2025.To receive this honor, undergraduate students must pass a minimum of 12 credits (excluding audits, incompletes, repeats and pass/fail) with no grade below B- in any course taken, and a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.More than 200 students were named to the summer 2025 dean's list at ETSU.The following local students made the list:- Josue Jesus Rafael of Chattanooga, a computing major;- Agustin Mitre Villasenor of Chattanooga, a computing major;- Tiffany Wise of Chattanooga, a human services major;- Cassandra Bolton of Chattanooga, a computing major;- Carmelo Chapman of Chattanooga, a computing major;- Christopher Cape of Chattanooga, a surveying and mapping science major;- Kelsey Boyd-Thompson of Chattanooga, a computing major;- Gabriel Palma Orellana of Chattanooga, a computing major;- Lindsay Burns of Chattanooga, a interior architecture major;- Isaiah Cooke of Chattanooga, a computing major;- Aaron Morrow of Chattanooga, a computing major;- Xinke Chen of Chattanooga, a computing major;- Yaretzi Sanchez of Chattanooga, a computing major;- Derrick Smartt of Chattanooga, a computing major; and- DeShaun Acklin of Chattanooga, a computing major. Photo Credit: Official Website/ DFW Airport Interfaith Chaplaincy Texas lawmakers are urging Dallas-Fort Worth Airport to clarify its policy on chapel use following an incident where a pastor was denied access after an announced prayer service. Tom Ascol, pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral and president of Founders Ministries, reported the incident on September 26 at the DFW Meadows Interfaith Chapel, after he responded to an airport PA announcement about a prayer service. Upon arriving at the chapel, Ascol claimed he found an imam-led prayer service already in progress, with prayer rugs and a symbol on the ceiling pointing toward Mecca. In a letter, addressed to DFW International Airport CEO Chris McLaughlin, Representative Chip Roy from Texas stated that Ascols account indicates he was denied entry and effectively barred from practicing his faith. DFWs chapels are supposed to be open to all travelers, not closed off or co-opted for one group at the exclusion of others, Roy said. To deny Christians entry into a public chapel in one of Americas largest airports undermines the very mission of an interfaith space. He emphasized that DFW Airport is a public institution funded by taxpayers and federal grants, which, he added, makes neutrality and equal access a clear obligation. He also requested McLaughlin to provide a full schedule of services offered in all seven DFW interfaith chapels and more details on how the access policies were determined, including who authorized them and what justification was provided for limiting entry during services. State Senator Mayes Middleton, representing the 11th District and currently running for attorney general, also called the incident outrageous, saying, We arent letting Texas turn into Dearborn, Michigan. Last week, Greg McBrayer, the executive director of the DFW Airport Interfaith Chaplaincy, issued a statement calling the report disheartening, and stating, We never refuse others from observing any service, or place requirements or restrictions on entering the space during any services. McBrayer added that upon learning of Ascols claims, the chaplaincy which operates independently from the airport as a nonprofit investigated the incident with its Muslim cleric, who was shocked and saddened by the report. He was not aware of the incident, and it was not brought to his attention until after the post was made online, the statement explained. Had he been made aware of the alleged encounter, he would have made clear that the space is open and available to all people with no restrictions on entry. The DFW Airport Chaplaincy, known as the worlds largest airport chaplaincy with over two dozen chaplains representing various faiths and denominations, will add 10 new chaplains in the coming months. Home News 5 highlights from Senate hearing on anarchist violence: Cruz slams Dems for not denouncing Antifa Solutions to curb the violence caused by Antifa and radical anarchist groups were discussed in a U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing this week, with one prominent Democrat walking out after being challenged to denounce Antifa. The hearing of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was titled The Right of the People Peaceably to Assemble: Protecting Speech by Stopping Anarchist Violence. During the hearing, Cruz denounced Antifa, a far-left movement comprised of organized militant groups who claim to oppose fascism but instead commit violent assaults, vandalism, arson and other criminal activity to thwart free speech. Recently, they've been seen committing violent acts in protests nationwide, including in Seattle and Portland. Cruz accused Antifa of stealing the protests of minorities searching for racial justice, and denounced Democrats on the subcommittee, such as Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, for refusing to denounce Antifa by name. The following pages list five highlights from the hearing. Home News 5 highlights from Trump's Antifa roundtable: 'Protest industrial complex' The White House hosted a roundtable on Antifa Wednesday, just weeks after President Donald Trump designated the violent, far-left activist group a terrorist organization. Participants in the discussion included Trump, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, FBI Director Kash Patel, along with several journalists and researchers who have covered Antifa and been brutally attacked by its activists. The attendees presented information about violence they've personally experienced from Antifa and provided information about the organization's structure and financial background, and the impact of its new designation as a terrorist organization. Participants also discussed the media's coverage of the violent group and law enforcements response. Here are five highlights from the Trump administration's Roundtable on Antifa. Home News Church vandalized in brazen attack for hosting TPUSA event A church in Alabama was defaced by vandals days after announcing its decision to host a Turning Point USA event. The Movement Church of Madison was the target of an attack by an individual or group of vandals who spray-painted the words Bryan Dawson serves the antichrist and Beware his falsehoods on the exterior of the church building sometime between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, according to authorities. Dawson serves as president and CEO for a conservative group called 1819 News and was scheduled to speak at a Turning Point USA event that the church is hosting Thursday evening. The Madison County Sheriffs Office released a statement Wednesday evening asking for the public's assistance in apprehending the guilty party. Detectives are actively reviewing all available evidence and are encouraging residents and business owners in the area to check their security cameras or doorbell footage for any suspicious activity that may have occurred during the timeframe of the incident, stated authorities. Even small details, such as an unfamiliar vehicle, a person on foot, or unusual sounds or movements, could provide valuable leads to help solve this case. Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner was quoted in the statement, with the law enforcement official stressing that vandalism wouldn't be tolerated in his municipality. Every person, regardless of their beliefs or affiliations, deserves to feel safe where they worship, work, or gather, said Turner. Our office will use every available resource to identify those responsible for this senseless act and bring them to justice. Movement Church Pastor Seth Adgate told CBS News affiliate WHNT News 19 that while the vandalism was not surprising, it still caught him off guard. But its not surprising based off past events where weve had to bring our sheriffs office here. I mean, our security internally has had to step it up, he continued. Adgate told WHNT that his church still intends to hold the event, though they are talking with the sheriffs department and local authorities are doing some extra things to make sure this event runs free and clear of problems. We have internal security, and the sheriffs office was already going to come, Adgate added. But because of the nature of what it is, that it is at a religious organization, it is considered a hate crime at that point. Last month, Turning Point USA and TPUSA Faith co-founder and CEO, Charlie Kirk, was fatally shot at an event on the campus of Utah Valley University, leaving behind a wife and two young children, ages 3 and 1. Shortly after the murder, authorities arrested Tyler James Robinson, 22, who allegedly assassinated Kirk because he disagreed with his conservative Christian views. Robinson was charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, tampering with a witness, and violent offense committed in the presence of a child. Home News Antifa throws flash bombs at children, injures pastor at Christian prayer event in Portland Dozens of black-clad Antifa militants carrying shields and melee weapons on Saturday assaulted Christians, including children, who were attending a prayer and worship event in downtown Portland, Oregon, featuring Canadian Pastor Artur Pawlowski. Portland police looked on as Antifa bear-sprayed Christians and their children, lobbed flash bombs into the crowd, and reportedly threw the sound equipment being used for the prayer event into the Willamette River, PJ Media reported. In black bloc and riot gear, armed Antifa could be seen in a video physically confronting the Christian attendees. One of the members sprayed a congregant with what appeared to be pepper spray. The attendees stepped back to evade the assault, The Post Millennial reported. Where is your God now? one of the Antifa members can be heard shouting in the video. A woman attending the prayer event described the group as ruthless. Antifa just rolled in like an angry mob, started throwing flash bombs at everybody, macing everybody ... rotten eggs, CBN News quoted her as saying. They threw a flash bomb into a group of kids that were out there from 4 months old to like 10. Pawlowski, who serves as pastor of Street Church and Cave of Adullam Church in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and has been seen in viral videos documenting his encounters with law enforcement over COVID-19 restrictions, was also sprayed in the face with mace. An attendee who helped the pastor was quoted as saying, Walked up to ask them to stop throwing things at the children. Theres kids down there. I mean, theyre toddlers and they sprayed me too. Welcome to Portland. You wont like it here, pastor, tweeted an Antifa member, who identifies herself as Melissa Lewis on Twitter. In an earlier interview with The Christian Post, Pawlowski spoke about his interactions with authorities over the past year and doubled down on his characterization of local law enforcement as Nazis and communists. Pawlowski has compared the measures taken by law enforcement officials to enforce novel coronavirus restrictions on churches to the actions taken by authorities in his native Poland when it was under communist rule. In March 2020, he was informed that Street Church would have to shut down and stop taking care of the poor. Pawlowski refused to obey that order, concluding that by issuing orders to stop feeding them [and] giving them necessities of life, they were sentencing them to death. [And] some of them did die. All of those people wandering the streets, if I dont feed them or someone like me does not feed them theyre going to attack your house or break into your car, he added. You got to provide people with food if they cannot get it on their own for whatever reason. Addictions or mental illness or whatever it is, those people will eat this way or that way. I prefer to feed them instead of letting them go and hurt other people to get what they need. The Saturday prayer and worship event in Portland was announced a month ago, which gave Antifa enough time to plan the attack. Antifa has also attacked several churches in Portland. Home News Antifa attack forces Portland church to close shelter, suspend homeless services A group of more than 100 black-clad rioters vandalized a Catholic church in Portland, Oregon, that regularly serves meals and provides shelter to the homeless, forcing the church to suspend worship services and all of its outreach to the needy. St. Andre Bassette Church in downtown Portland, which is known for helping disadvantaged people in the area, suffered extensive damage after the violent attack Wednesday, The Post Millennial reported. Three of the churchs front windows were smashed, after which all of its hospitality services had to be suspended, the news site said, adding that the National Guard had to be called in to control the rioters. Surveillance video shows a crowd of protesters, all wearing black, march past Saint Andre Bessette Church on West Burnside Street when one person rushes up to a door and repeatedly hits the glass with what appears to be a hammer, KOIN 6 reported. A homeless person sleeping on the doorstep hurries away as the glass shatters. The video also shows that after the homeless man was forced to flee, rioters stole his blanket and the few worldly possessions he had lying next to him. Father Tom Gaughan was quoted as saying, The building is compromised because of this. ... The actions of this one individual has forced us to cease our outreach and its hundreds of people we normally give food to, we are not able to because I dont feel like my staff is safe. He added, We ask for everyones prayers for peace in our streets which is so long overdue, and pray for our sisters and brothers who call the streets and shelters home. Because the act of one person has prevented us from providing for hundreds of people over the course of a week. Police have reportedly arrested a dozen people and confiscated weapons, including firearms. Portland has witnessed street protests since May. Oregon Governor Kate Brown responded to the vandalism of the church, saying, "They shattered the windows of a church that feeds Oregonians in need, a women-owned and operated business that raises money for immigrant and womens rights, and many other storefronts. Indiscriminate destruction solves nothing." Home News Appeals court vacates earlier ruling against La. law requiring Ten Commandments in public schools A federal appeals court has vacated an earlier ruling against a Louisiana law that requires public schools to display a copy of the Ten Commandments. In a brief per curiam opinion released Monday in the case of Darcy Roake et al v. Cade Brumley et al, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated a ruling from earlier this year. Additionally, the per curiam opinion agreed to hear an appeal in the case en banc, meaning oral arguments will be presented before the full appellate court rather than just a panel. Glad to see the Fifth Circuit is taking this en banc, said Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, as quoted by WAFB 9. Looking forward to those arguments in court. A coalition of progressive groups representing the plaintiffs in the case, which includes Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, released a joint statement in response to the opinion. They noted that an earlier district court preliminary injunction against the law remains in effect, and they look forward to presenting our clients case to the entire court of appeals. [W]e remain confident that the constitutional values and principles at the heart of the First Amendment, which guarantee religious freedom for all students and families, will prevail in the end, they stated. In June of last year, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed House Bill 71, which mandated that public school classrooms display a copy of the Ten Commandments that was at least 11 inches by 14 inches in size. The new law also allowed public schools to display other historical documents, such as the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence and the Northwest Ordinance. "If you want to respect the rule of law you've got to start from the original law given, which was Moses," said Landry at the signing ceremony in 2024. Shortly after HB 71 was signed, progressive legal groups sued Louisiana on behalf of an interfaith group of individuals with minor children who were enrolled in state public schools. In June, a three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit issued a decision upholding a lower court injunction against HB 71. Circuit Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez, a Biden appointee, authored the panel opinion, writing that the law inflicts significant practical harm on Plaintiffs First Amendment rights. As noted, if H.B. 71 goes into effect, Students will be subjected to unwelcome displays of the Ten Commandments for the entirety of their public school education. There is no opt-out option, wrote Ramirez. Home News Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Samaritans Purse leave ECFA over leadership policy The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritans Purse have disaffiliated from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability over a recently added leadership policy. The ECFA posted an update on Oct. 1 listing its new and former members. The update noted that BGEA, whose namesake helped found ECFA in 1979, had voluntarily resigned from the group. Samaritans Purse, the international charitable arm of BGEA, has also left the ECFA, likewise listing voluntary resignation as the reason. Both Samaritans Purse and BGEA are led by the Rev. Franklin Graham, son of the late evangelist Billy Graham. Graham explained his reasons for having his two Evangelical groups cut ties with ECFA in a letter dated July 2, in which he told ECFA President Michael Martin that it was because of our conviction that ECFA has inappropriately ventured outside its founding mission, purpose, and practice. Graham specifically cited the ECFAs Excellence in Supporting Leadership Integrity policy, which was launched in March of last year. Graham told Martin that he believed the new policy puts ECFA into the role of trying to be the moral police of the evangelical world. The Leader Care standard also deals with personal spiritual maturity and behavior, matters clearly outside the scope of ECFAs expertise, wrote Graham in July. Without clear agreed upon standards and guidelines, a new standard is essentially meaningless window dressing. We are also concerned that ECFA, after instituting its new Leader Care standard, could, in future years, add other standards outside the scope of financial accountability. For his part, Martin said in a statement that while he was disappointed by the decision of Samaritans Purse and BGEA to leave, he wished them well as they continue to pursue their missions. While we are disappointed that the leaders of BGEA and Samaritans Purse have decided to withdraw from ECFA, we honor their legacy, stated Martin, as quoted by The Roys Report. Nearly 50 years ago, Rev. Billy Grahams leadership was one of the primary catalysts for ECFA, and these two organizations have served as invaluable partners in the ministry accountability and integrity movement for many years. Last March, ECFA unveiled the Leader Care accreditation standard, which is described as being built on biblical principles and will support healthy leadership, renewed trust, and a brighter future for ministries and the communities they serve. In an interview with The Christian Post last year, Martin explained that the new standard was intended to seamlessly join our existing standards of integrity in matters of governance, financial accountability, and stewardship. Specifically, the Leadership Standard will require ECFA-accredited organizations to take proactive steps to care for and support the health and integrity of their senior leaders, he said at the time. "The new Leadership Standard already has strong support from a diverse group of ECFA leaders and ministries, including local churches, international ministries, pregnancy centers, rescue missions, media ministries, and educational institutions." One of its provisions included requiring the boards of ECFA-accredited churches and ministries "to engage their leaders at least annually to discuss holistic care and the leader's commitment to upholding mutually agreed-on biblical principles." "We acknowledge that in a fallen world, it's impossible to prevent all failures in leadership," Martin told CP. "As with other ECFA accreditation standards, the goal of the new Leadership Standard is not perfection." "The standard is designed to support the integrity and well-being of leaders, to assist accredited organizations in implementing appropriate safeguards, and to assure donors that prudent steps are being taken in critical areas to reinforce trust." Home News Fulani kill kidnapped pastor despite receiving ransom payment ABUJA, Nigeria Suspected Fulani criminals in western Nigeria kidnapped and killed a Christian pastor despite receiving 5 million naira ($3,125) in ransom, sources said. The Rev. James Audu Issa of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in the Ekati area of Kwara state was found dead in the wilderness last Thursday after he was kidnapped from his home within ECWA premises in Ekati town, Patigi County, on Aug. 28. The pastor was killed by Fulani bandits terrorizing Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas in Kwara state, area resident Peter Kolo said. His captors initially had demanded an exorbitant sum of 100 million naira ($62,500 USD), Kolo said. The distraught family members of the pastor and the Ekati community were able to negotiate the sum down to 5 million naira, which they paid in an effort to secure the pastors freedom, he said. After collecting the 5 million naira, the bandits exhibited extreme cruelty by demanding an additional 45 million naira ($28,125). Tragically, before any further negotiation could take place, Rev. James Audu Issa was killed by the Fulani bandits. The Rev. Romanus Ebeneokodi, spokesman of ECWA, issued a brief statement about the killing. This harmless pastor has been cut down, one among many, leaving his wife, children, extended family, church and friends in agony, Ebeneokodi said. Ralph Madugu, editor of the ECWAs Todays Challenge Magazine, described the killing as one of many targeted attacks on Christians and their pastors. Yet there are some government officials denying that there is genocide against Christians? Madugu said. Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report. They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states. Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam, as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds. Nigeria remains among the most dangerous places on Earth for Christians, according to Open Doors 2025 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. Of the 4,476 Christians killed for their faith worldwide during the reporting period, 3,100 (69%) were in Nigeria, according to the WWL. The measure of anti-Christian violence in the country is already at the maximum possible under World Watch List methodology, the report stated. In the countrys northcentral zone, where Christians are more common than they are in the northeast and northwest, Islamic extremist Fulani militia attack farming communities, killing many hundreds, Christians above all, according to the report. Jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and the splinter group Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), among others, are also active in the countrys northern states, where federal government control is scant and Christians and their communities continue to be the targets of raids, sexual violence, and roadblock killings, according to the report. Abductions for ransom have increased considerably in recent years. The violence has spread to southern states, and a new jihadist terror group, Lakurawa, has emerged in the northwest, armed with advanced weaponry and a radical Islamist agenda, the WWL noted. Lakurawa is affiliated with the expansionist al-Qaeda insurgency Jamaa Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, or JNIM, originating in Mali. Nigeria ranked No. 7 on the 2025 WWL list of the 50 countries where it's most difficult to live out one's Christian identity and faith. This article was originally published at Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News Home News Israeli-American haunted by 'echoes of suffering' after nearly 500 days in Hamas captivity WASHINGTON Two years after Hamas terrorists kidnapped Israeli-American Keith Siegel from his home, he spoke publicly about the 484 days he was held hostage in a dark underground tunnel, where he was regularly beaten and starved. The brutality we endured still haunts me, the former hostage said during a Tuesday vigil hosted at the Kennedy Center in recognition of the two-year anniversary of the Hamas-led terrorist attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, as well as the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. In addition to Siegel, other former hostages and family members of those who are still being held captive by Hamas gathered at the Sukkah of Hope, a temporary structure that the Hostages and Missing Families Forum helped create. Celebrations of the seven-day Jewish holiday of Sukkot typically involve constructing a hut, known as a Sukkah, eating meals inside the structure, and sometimes even sleeping in it to commemorate the Israelites' 40-year journey through the desert after their exodus from Egypt. The images of medieval torture, the echoes of suffering, they do not fade, Siegel told event attendees. We were trapped in suffocating tunnels, left alone, 130 feet underground. We were starved, denied water, beaten, held in unbearable conditions, forced to make propaganda videos and pressured to convert to Islam, the freed Israeli-American hostage added. Siegel, who was born in California and raised in North Carolina, moved to Israel in the 1980s, eventually establishing a home for himself at Kfar Aza, a kibbutz in southern Israel. Together, he and his wife, Aviva Siegel, have four children and five grandchildren. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas invaded the kibbutz and kidnapped Siegel and his wife during the terror groups attack in southern Israel that resulted in the massacre of at least 1,200 people and the abduction of over 240 others. The terrorists who captured Aviva and me, both in our 60s, held absolute power over our lives, Siegel said during the Tuesday vigil, remembering how his captors used weapons and constantly threatened to kill him and the other hostages to control them through fear. As a 65-year-old man, I knew how vulnerable I was, he said. After enduring 51 days in captivity, Aviva was released during a temporary ceasefire in November 2023, and Keith initially believed that the same would happen for him, allowing himself to hope for the first time that he would see his family again. The ceasefire collapsed, however, and the father of four remained in Gaza as a hostage. After nearly 500 days in captivity, Siegel was one of three hostages released as part of a deal at the beginning of February. I am here standing in front of you today as the result of a life-saving agreement. That agreement was secured through leaders who made it a priority President Trump and the U. S. administration, Siegel added. For the past two years, the amazing community in the U.S. has worked tirelessly to amplify our cause through rallies, events, gatherings, prayers, advocacy, and making sure the world does not forget about the hostages, he continued. Following his release from captivity, Siegel said he has made it his lifes mission to advocate for the return of the remaining hostages. When I was finally released, I fulfilled my promise to Aviva and my family to survive, Siegel stated, emphasizing that efforts to bring the hostages home must continue. They are in a life-threatening situation, they are suffering, and we could lose them at any moment, he warned. Also during Tuesday's event, the family of Omer Neutra, an American-Israeli citizen and IDF soldier whose body is still being held by Hamas, said a prayer for the hostages in Gaza. Omers parents Orna and Ronen initially believed that Hamas had taken their son hostage, and they advocated for his freedom for a little over a year. It took 421 days for us to find out that Omer didn't survive the attack and probably died in captivity the same day, Ronen said. The parents have continued advocating for the release of their sons remains so they can give him a proper burial, as well as the safe return of the hostages who continue to be held against their will in Gaza. Grant them a healing of the body and a healing of the soul, Omers mother prayed, referring to the hostages who are alive. And for those declared deceased, return them to their families so that they may be given a proper and dignified burial, she added. Do not let them remain buried in a tunnel in Gaza. On the same day as the event, President Donald Trump issued a letter to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum after the group submitted a letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee. The letter supported awarding Trump the Nobel Peace Prize, praising his dedication to securing the hostages freedom and establishing peace in the Middle East. "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, Trumps letter states. These unspeakable scenes have been seared into our memories, and we will never forget," the president continued. In a Sunday post on his Truth social page, Trump said very positive discussions had occurred between Hamas and Arab and Muslim countries, despite the terror group not agreeing to each of Trumps 20-point Gaza peace plan. On Wednesday, the president announced on social media that Israel and Hamas both signed off on the first phase of the peace plan. This means that ALL of the hostages will be released very soon and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace, Trump stated. Of the 48 hostages still in captivity, 20 of them are believed to still be alive. This is a GREAT day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, and all surrounding nations, and the United States," the president continued. "We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey who worked with us to make this historic and unprecedented event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS! Home News Israeli hostage Alon Ohels family approves release of image from Hamas video amid fears of his worsening condition The family of 24-year-old Israeli hostage Alon Ohel on Wednesday agreed to publish a still image of their kidnapped son from a recent Hamas propaganda video that was released on Monday ahead of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, we received a sign of life from our Alon, the mother Idit said in a message that was published by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. Weve looked at each and every frame [of the clip] to get as much as we can out of it. The more we look, the more we worry, she continued. You can see clearly that Alon is now blind in one eye, the mother Idit Ohel said. Were extremely concerned about Alons second eye, she continued. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly spoke with Alons parents, Idit and Kobi, before departing to the U.S. to deliver his annual address at the United Nations Assembly in New York. The Prime Ministers Office said that Netanyahu and the government's hostage point-man, Gal Hirsch, explained that a joint military-diplomatic maneuver [is] being continuously carried out to defeat Hamas and return all our hostages. Idit reportedly thanked the prime minister for a long and sensitive conversation while stressing with concern that her sons condition had greatly deteriorated as a result of cruel captivity and maltreatment. Alons father, Kobi, argued that Netanyahus diplomatic journey to the U.N. in New York is a time for greatness for all the cabinet ministers to rise to the hour [and] be human enough and strong enough to give him all the support and strength so hell act for the release of Alon and the hostages. Idit and I expect him to return from this trip with good news, Kobi said. While agreeing to publish a still image, the Ohel family urged the public not to publish the entire Hamas video, which they blasted as psychological terrorism that is meant to hurt us. Alon Ohel, who is a talented pianist, was brutally kidnapped by Hamas terrorists from the Nova Music Festival on Oct. 7, 2023. In February, the family received the first signs of life from Alon Ohel after 492 days in captivity. After 492 days of uncertainty, we received our first sign of life today, our Alon is alive. He is injured and not receiving treatment, the Ohel family stated. Since he was abducted, Alon has been held in difficult conditions in Hamas underground tunnels, without daylight and without access to basic human conditions. We were informed that Alon has an eye injury, the Ohel family said at the time. In addition, Alon is being held in particularly difficult conditions of captivity, with a severe shortage of food, the family added. Germany and Serbia have also condemned the brutal kidnapping of Alon Ohel, who, in addition to his Israeli nationality, also holds German and Serbian citizenship. The dehumanizing footage of the German-Israeli national Alon Ohel, which Hamas published of all times on Rosh Hashanah, is unbearable. Hamas must immediately release all hostages, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Monday on X. The ceasefire must come now; the suffering must end." Serbian Foreign Minister Marko uric also blasted the Hamas video and stressed that Serbia stands in sorrow with the Ohel family. The video released today is a cruel blow to his parents, Idit and Kobi, and to all who long for his return, uric said. We call for the immediate release of Alon and all hostages, Serbias top diplomat demanded in a post on Facebook, May this new year bring peace and freedom." This article was originally published at All Israel News Home News Trump heading to Jerusalem Sunday, says first stage of historic and unprecedented peace deal is done All hostages to be released very soon DENVER President Donald J. Trump is heading to Israel on Sunday. He is expected to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and deliver a major address to the Knesset Israels parliament in Jerusalem. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has invited Trump to visit Israel, given that the final round of negotiations took place in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, and that two years of talks have been conducted in Cairo. However, at this point, there is no indication from the White House that Trump will visit Egypt. Rather, he wants to speak directly to the people of Israel Americas most trusted and faithful ally in the region and the target of Irans seven-front war. "I am expected to arrive in Israel in the coming days, Trump told a reporter for Axios News. They want me to speak in the Knesset, and I will definitely do so if they want it that way." "My conversation with Bibi was great. He is happy and rightfully so. This is a big achievement. The whole world rallied to reach this agreement, including countries that were previously enemies." From the White House, Trump announced at 5:06 p.m. Mountain Time on Wednesday that his negotiators had achieved a dramatic breakthrough in Sharm. Two full years after Hamas invaded Israel from the Gaza Strip slaughtering 1,200 civilians and soldiers, and taking 251 innocent civilians hostage igniting the longest and most painful war in Israels modern history, Trump says peace is now palpable. I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our peace plan, the president declared on social media. This means that ALL of the hostages will be released very soon and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace, he continued. All parties will be treated fairly, he promised an apparent message to Hamas that Israeli military forces will not attack them during the release and transfer of the hostages. It is believed that 48 hostages remain in Hamas captivity. Twenty of them are believed to still be alive. Trump added, This is a GREAT day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, and all surrounding nations, and the United States. We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey who worked with us to make this historic and unprecedented event happen. The President then added, in all caps, BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS! Hope is surging throughout Israel, especially among families whose loved ones have been held captive in Gaza for 733 days. But there are many questions as well. Will Hamas keep its word and really give back all the hostages alive and dead? Will Hamas truly lay down its weapons and surrender? Can Gaza truly be demilitarized and rebuilt under direct supervision by the Israel Defense Forces? This is a fast-moving and rapidly developing story originally published at All Israel News. Home Opinion 7 reasons for the trans conflict with Christianity Recently, the United States has experienced shocking acts and threats of violence against Christian communities and Christian voices that highlight a growing and troubling conflict. On August 27, a person identifying as transgender opened fire during Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, killing two young children and injuring many others. Authorities are investigating it as an anti-Catholic hate crime. Less than a month later, on September 10, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University during a public event of Turning Point USA. Sophie (Nicholas) John Roske attempted the assassination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh on June 8, 2022, in Chevy Chase, Md. Audrey (Aiden) Elizabeth Hale was responsible for the mass shooting at The Covenant School, a Christian elementary school, on March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. William Lily Whitworth, who identified as transgender, plotted shootings against three Colorado Springs schools and at least one church, and was arrested in March 2023 and sentenced on January 30, 2024 These tragedies have intensified the question: why is there such aggressive hostility in some quarters especially among some who identify as transgender toward Christian values? To be clear, not all trans-identified individuals share hatred or seek conflict with the Christian faith. But these incidents suggest there is a strand of antagonism that intersects with cultural, ideological, and moral disagreements. I believe there are seven core reasons why transgender ideology often clashes with biblical Christianity. 1. The Bible teaches binary gender (Genesis 1:27) From the beginning, the Bible presents human identity in male and female categories: So God created man in his own image male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27). This binary is part of the creation order. When the transgender movement affirms fluid or multiple gender identities, or that gender can be chosen or changed, it directly conflicts with this foundational biblical teaching. Hence, many are upset at those who hold a Scriptural view of a binary divine design. 2. The Bible teaches that legitimate marriage is limited to one man and one woman (Genesis 2:18-24) Scripture consistently presents marriage as the union of one man and one woman. In Genesis 2, Adam and Eve are joined by God; in the Gospels, Jesus references this same model (Mt 19). For many in the transgender movement, questions of identity also connect to broader questions of sexual relationships and marriage definitions. Christians who affirm the biblical model see it as Gods original and ongoing design. To others who affirm marriage models outside the one-man, one-woman structure, biblical teaching feels exclusionary or oppressive. 3. God designed us when we were fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-16) Psalm 139 speaks to Gods intimate hand in our creation: You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb fearfully and wonderfully made. This language affirms that every part of our biological self has purpose. While the Bible acknowledges brokenness, suffering, and identity struggles (including gender dysphoria), Christians believe the starting point is Gods design, not personal desire or self-construction. The conflict arises when identity becomes primarily about what feels true inside rather than the outside reality. 4. Scripture assumes psychological identity aligns with biological identity Throughout Scripture, identity assumptions are aligned with biological sex. Biblical commands and narratives assume a coherence between what one is physically and what one is socially and psychologically. For example, Gods speech to Job (brace yourself like a man) and prophetic calls to Ezekiel (son of man, stand on your feet) imply that gender roles and identity as male or female are not mutable or subjectively chosen. When transgender ideology separates psychological or subjective identity from biological sex, the biblical narrative sees that as a break from creation order, thus potentially putting a wedge between the trans culture and Christianity. 5. God rejects human autonomy and rebellion Much of modern thought, including some strands of transgender ideology, places high value on autonomy on each person being the final arbiter of their own identity, feelings, and life path. Christianity, however, teaches that human beings are made to live under Gods authority, not to define what is true for ourselves apart from Him. When someone claims the right to define their own gender or identity, the Christian critique is not primarily about restriction, but about the heart posture of autonomy and its implications. Conflict arises when what Christianity holds as submission to divine order is perceived as oppression by those embracing self-chosen identity. 6. Scripture is clear on how God feels about sexual ethics, which some see as intersecting with trans ideology Not all transgender-identified individuals advocate for or practice same-sex relationships, but much of LGBT activism treats them as interconnected. Scripture in multiple places Leviticus 18; Romans 1, 1 Corinthians 6 to name a few teaches that sexual activity outside of Gods design (including same-sex relations) is inconsistent with His will. For Christians, upholding these teachings is seen not as hatred but fidelity to Scripture. For those who feel that gender identity necessarily leads to or includes sexual redefinition, Christian opposition to it feels like moral condemnation to the trans community and that can breed hostility. 7. Scripture teaches our primary identity is in Christ, not our feelings One of the central claims of the New Testament is that in Christ we become a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), that our identity is found first in being children of God (John 1:12) believers in Christ not in our feelings, internal identity, or social categories. Identity politics often elevates feelings, self-declaration, and labels as the defining essence of a person. Christian teaching reorders that; the Christians truest self is in relationship with Christ. For many who have anchored identity in feelings or internal experience, this can feel like erasure but for believers, it is seen as release: identity no longer subject to every shifting feeling but grounded in something eternal. Understanding the conflict and what Christians should do What we see in the church, school massacres, and in the killing of Charlie Kirk is more than tragic violence. They are symbolic moments where this conflict has turned deadly. These are not isolated ideological disagreements but signs of a deeper war of worldviews: one that says my feelings, my identity, my autonomy are supreme; the other that Scriptures witness about creation, identity, morality, and human dignity is final. Christians should have a posture of both conviction and compassion. Conviction: to hold fast to biblical ethics and morality. Compassion: towards the trans individuals who carry pain, confusion, brokenness, and deep longing for belonging and truth. As Christians, we are called not just to defend teaching but to live out its implications with grace, truth, and humility. We may be hated by some for these truths. Yet the Gospel calls us to love even those who oppose us even to pray for them. And above all, to preach Christ: that in Him, identity is healed, brokenness is redeemed, and our true selves are known and loved no matter the cost. Salesforce is bringing agentic AI to IT service management (ITSM). The CRM giant is taking aim at competitors like ServiceNow with Agentforce IT Service, a new IT support suite that leverages autonomous agents to resolve incidents and service requests. The suite includes an agentic IT service desk that provides end-to-end IT service management functionality compliant with ITIL processes, AI agents that work together as subject-matter experts (SMEs) to support employees and IT teams, and a range of enterprise-wide connectors, integrations, and workflows. Underneath it all is an agentic configuration management database (CMDB) and service graph to deliver a full view of connectivity and dependencies via an enterprise graph of all infrastructure, applications, and services. We have consistently heard the feedback from our customers that the same experience we enable them to provide to their customers, they also want to provide that to their employees, Kishan Chetan, EVP & GM of Service Cloud at Salesforce, said in a press conference Wednesday. They want to engage with employees in a personalized, proactive manner. Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. Andrew Cuomos first campaign ad for the New York general election depicts him trading on the New York Stock Exchange, operating a subway, and washing windows from dizzying heights. The unreal scenes and glossy patina of the images are immediately recognizable as AI to anyone who spends time on online platforms todayopening the door for an easy retort from rival Zohran Mamdani: Maybe a fake Cuomo is better than the real one? A year ago, a political ad made with the help of AI would likely have been seen as a controversial violation of content standards on many online platforms. But Cuomos ad wasnt even the buzziest example of AI-generated video in politics that week. President Trump mocked Democratic leaders in a video derided as racist, while California governor Gavin Newsom shot back with videos of a cartoonishly oafish JD Vance. Last year, anxiety about deepfakes spreading political misinformation was still alive and well, with experts fearing the 2024 election would be Americas first AI election. AI-generated images and videos of public figures were not allowed by Google and OpenAI. Now AI companies are quietly abandoning the guardrails around image and video generation. New TikTok-style apps from OpenAI and Meta make it simple for anyone to create videos of real people in invented situations. And politicians like Cuomo who are openly embracing AI-generated video of themselves make it all the easier for tech companies to justify a rollback in protections. Newsoms video is one of several AI images hes posted of political opponents, or himself, as part of his ongoing parody of Trumps social media strategy. By doing this, he seems to be contradicting the spirit of a bill he signed last year requiring platforms to remove deceptive and digitally altered content during elections. He stated on X in September 2024: You can no longer knowingly distribute an ad or other election communications that contain materially deceptive contentincluding deepfakes. While his videos are not ads, they are political messaging intended for the public. The major AI platforms have a patchwork of restrictions around the creation of images depicting public figures and sensitive political situations. To test these restrictions, the Tow Center asked six AI image/video generators to generate images of fifteen politicians, tech leaders, and other well-known public figures at the scene of a protest. We found that the platforms ranged from anything goes, in the case of Grok, to highly restricted, in the case of Sora, OpenAIs new video app. In the middle was ChatGPTs 4o image generator, which allowed about half of the figures we tested to be shown at a protest. It generated images of Vance and Kamala Harris, along with all New York mayoral candidates. OpenAI loosened the restrictions on image generation earlier this year when it launched its new image model. Joanne Jang, previous head of model behavior at OpenAI, wrote in a blog post that AI lab employees should not be the arbiters of what people should and shouldnt be allowed to create. Public figures who dont want to appear in the image generator must fill out a form to opt out. Sora is, for now, fairly locked down for public figures, with restrictions tightening in recent days. The app encourages users to create cameos of themselves to allow anyone to use their likeness, essentially opting in to the service. Tows analysis found the Sora app did not produce videos of a person unless their cameo was tagged, as with Sam Altmans AI character. Using more sophisticated methods, the AI detection company Reality Defender was able to create deepfakes on Sora within a day of the apps release. In a comment to CJR, OpenAI referenced its own description of the technology to explain the policy differences between ChatGPT and Sora: Hyperrealistic video and audio raises important concerns around likeness, misuse, and deception. Videos on Sora include metadata and watermarks. These markers are important for verification, but often they are not sufficient to confirm whether something has been manipulated or collected by artificial intelligence, according to a spokesperson from Reality Defender. Googles Gemini chatbot was until recently one of the most restrictive models in Tows testing. But the company seems to have shifted its policy on public figures with its October image generation release. Gemini now allows realistic image creation of Joe Biden, Trump, Elon Musk, Taylor Swift, and Cuomo. Meta AI and Grok, xAIs chatbot, were the least restrictive platforms in Tows testing. Meta declined to create an image or video of just one figure: Swift. Both Grok and Meta attempted to create an image of Mamdani, but failed to depict him accurately. Metas AI platform had few restrictions on image and video generation of public figures like Joe Biden and Anderson Cooper. Unsurprisingly, Groks image generation allowed all the public figures Tow tested to be shown in protests. Since Musks takeover of X, the platform has removed guardrails and curtailed moderation. Grok allows users to create nearly any image they want, including sexually explicit content. Although deepfakes didnt end up playing a large role in the 2024 election, AI visuals perpetuate what a European report called the pollution of information. In the past two years, the report showed, AI infiltrated elections across eleven countries. Cuomos campaign video was not meant to deceive voters into thinking it was real, but it runs the risk of muddling the truth in an already precarious media environment. Its normalizing something thats going to be really bad when used in malicious ways, said Anika Collier Navaroli, a Columbia Journalism School professor and Tow Center fellow who has previously worked in content moderation. Theres a hypocrisy to it. Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. Last month, the Department of Defense issued a memo to reporters imposing an unprecedented set of restrictions on covering the Pentagon and setting a deadline for members of the press to sign a pledge of compliance. Since then, news organizations have pushed back. The Pentagon Press Association, a group representing journalists who work in the building, has met with the press office, as did the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. Some considered bringing a legal challenge to the policy. As the deadline for signatures nearedand no one, it seemed, was willing to submit to the termsthe Pentagon issued a revised version of the document. But reporters quickly determined that it wasnt much of an improvement. I think well all be out of the building within weeks, a member of the press corps told me. Since Monday evening, when the revised policy was released, Pentagon reporters have been trying to make sense of what it means, exactlyand conferring with one another about their shared unease with the vagueness in the language, which they fear could leave them vulnerable not only to having their credentials revoked, but also to facing legal repercussions. Soliciting information from Pentagon personnel would not be considered protected activity under the 1st Amendment, according to the document, and members of the news media who find themselves in possession of information that appears to be unsanctionedwhether thats classified national security information or controlled unclassified documentsare expected to discuss those materials with the Pentagon press office ahead of publication. But its unclear precisely what that would entail. Its standard practice by us and any other news organization to get a Pentagon statement when were going to report something, an editor of a DC-based military publication told me. We would always discuss, I guess, in one sense of the word. But it looks like they want to have a discussion like, Okay, talk about it with us before you publish it so that we can tell you not to publish it. The deadline to sign on to the rules is next Tuesday. Jane Kirtley, a professor of media law at the University of Minnesota who reviewed the policy, said that the updated guidelines are clumsy, burdensome, and very likely to delay the release of information, even if were talking about unclassified information. The policy would have a chilling effect, she noted, particularly on members of the military. To be clear, these are the laws and regulations that apply to military members and DoWDepartment of War, the Trump administrations new name for the Department of Defensecivilian employees and contractors, the memo states. Members of the news media are not required to submit their writings to DoW for approval. However, they should understand that DoW personnel may face adverse consequences for unauthorized disclosures. As Kirtley observed, There are multiple statements in here that say that the journalist does not need to obtain approval, that the burden of getting approval rests on the military personnel, and that even if a journalist gets classified information that they didnt solicit, they have the constitutional right to publish it. And yet the Pentagons policy notes, too, that an advertisement or social media post by an individual journalist or media outlet that directly targets DoW personnel to disclose non-public information without proper authorization would constitute a solicitationwhich could lead to a reporters press credentials being revoked. Barbara Starra senior fellow at the University of Southern Californias Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership and Policy, who spent more than two decades as CNNs correspondent in the buildingsaid that, while the Pentagon has amended some of their original press policy, its still extremely concerning that everything is aimed at restricting the ability of the press to do its job under the First Amendment. Which, by the way, every member of the military swears an oath to protect. Another reporter in the Pentagon press corps told me, We were going to try and make a very good effort to get the document revised with an aim of it being something that most media organizations could sign. But the updated version was just really disappointing to read, the reporter said. The first set of rules, about reviewing our work, were admittedly rolled back, but in every other meaningful way, the document was actually an escalation of the restrictions. Tara Copp, the Washington Posts Pentagon correspondent, addressed Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defense, on X, saying that he falsely suggested Pentagon reporters prowl the hallways accessing offices they are not allowed. We dont. Even his boss, President Trump, allows reporters in to the Oval to ask him questions, and every defense secretary Ive covered for more than a decadeboth Republican and Democrathas welcomed reporters to their office to talk. Hegseth is the exception. Copp, a member of the Pentagon Press Association, also shared a statement from the group. The Pentagon Press Association has been cautious with our public statements since the Defense Department first announced it would force reporters to make a choice: sign onto rules creating unprecedented restrictions on our ability to report the news, or end our historically-held access to the Pentagon, the message went. This caution was meant to support efforts to negotiate revisions to the document the Defense Department is requiring our members to sign to secure new credentials, in place of valid badges that are being taken awaythe kind weve always worn. Unfortunately, those negotiations have not been as successful as we had hoped. Sign up for CJRs daily email The group also wrote that the policy leaves open the threat of the Department of Defense revoking credentials for reporters who exercise their First Amendment rights by seeking information that hasnt been pre-approved for formal release, even when the information is entirely unclassified. It also intimidates DoD officials, they argued, suggesting its criminal to speak without express permission. The statement raised concerns about the increasing isolation of reporters, noting plans to move them out of their dedicated workspaces in the Pentagon. In January, Hegseth upended the long-standing arrangement of the buildings press offices, ordering the removal of the New York Times, NPR, and Politico. Breitbart News and One America News Network were invited in. A lot of the conversations are just talking about how we see our day-to-day lives, a Pentagon reporter said, of the talk around the building this week. What does our normal workday look like in a post-Pentagon world? Do we go back to our bureaus? Do we work from home? There are some reporters for smaller outlets who are interested in seeing if we can make a communal work situation happen. Even though were all in competition with each other, being in close proximity to our peers who are also experts in the military and bouncing ideas off each otherthat sense of community is helpful. Sean Parnell, the chief Pentagon spokesperson, responded to criticism of the policy with a statement: Beyond their displeasure at no longer being permitted to solicit criminal acts, the Pentagon Press Associations objection to our updated media policy is that we require journalists to simply acknowledge they understand our rules protecting information critical to operational and national security. Of the new guidelines, he said, the only change is an overdue update to our credentialing process, which hasnt been revised in yearsif not decadesto align with modern security standards. Parnell also noted that even The New York Times has recognized the Departments accommodating approachreferring to an article that covered the news of the latest memo. But the Times story (headlined Pentagon Relaxes Press Access Rules) has been heavily criticized by reporters around the Pentagon, who believe it mischaracterized the revisions as representing greater leniency. (In a Fox News interview with Peter Doocy on Sunday, Hegseth said that the Pentagon press corps can squeal all they want.) When the Pentagon shared its updated policy with reporters, the press office noted that it had engaged with members of the Pentagon Press Association and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press to address press concerns contained in the previous version. Even so, Gabe Rottman, the vice president of policy for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said in statement, We still have concerns with the updated language of the policy and expect that it will pose a significant impediment as journalists weigh with their employers whether or not to sign this revised version. The policy has already put Pentagon reporters in a tough position. Just this Sunday, when President Trump was speaking in Norfolk, he made this comment that We conducted a strike yesterday in Venezuela, a member of the press corps told me. That set off a flurry, because we were like, Hang on, the strike was on Friday. Does he mean Friday? Or was there another one on Saturday? And I did my reporter thing. I called officials in the Navy. I called officials at the Office of the Secretary of Defense and eventually managed to get an off-the-record Hey, no, I think he misspoke. It is becoming increasingly difficult to even get on-the-record statements along those lines of No, no, this is just not factually correct. You know, I had accepted it, another Pentagon reporter told me. I mean, its infuriating and upsetting. At the end of the day, its just going to make our jobs harder. But were not going to stop doing our jobs. Were just going to have to keep finding new ways to do it. Derrick Groves has been captured in Atlanta after a five-month manhunt. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media ATLANTA, Georgia Derrick Groves, the final fugitive from a May jailbreak at the Orleans Parish Justice Center, was arrested Wednesday in Atlanta, concluding a five-month nationwide manhunt, the Associated Press reported. According to ABC News, Groves, 28, was found hiding in a crawl space beneath a home in southwest Atlanta. His capture followed a brief standoff involving a coordinated effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The escape, which happened on May 16, involved Groves and nine other inmates breaking out of the Orleans Parish Justice Center. They exploited a broken cell door and escaped through a hole behind a toilet, The Guardian reported. According to AP, Groves was convicted of second-degree murder in 2024 for opening fire on a family block party the day of Mardi Gras. The shooting killed two people and injured others. He faces life imprisonment without parole, having been serving a life sentence before the escape. Authorities offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture, which ultimately came through a tip to New Orleans Crimestoppers, WDSU reported. Following his arrest, Groves was booked into the Fulton County Jail as a fugitive from justice. He is expected to face extradition proceedings to Louisiana, where he will face additional charges related to his escape, the media outlet added. China, Malaysia to hold joint military drill Xinhua) 09:15, October 09, 2025 BEIJING, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and Malaysian armed forces will conduct a joint drill in Malaysia and its adjacent waters in mid-to-late October, according to a statement released by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense on Wednesday. Code-named "Peace and Friendship 2025," the drill will focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as maritime security, said the statement. The live joint exercise will involve multi-service forces from the Chinese and Malaysian militaries. Other ASEAN member states have been invited to send observers, it said. This will be the sixth joint exercise program of the "Peace and Friendship" series. It aims to deepen practical cooperation between the militaries of China and Southeast Asian countries, enhancing their capability to address non-traditional security threats and safeguard regional peace and stability. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) City accuses Facebook, Google, TikTok, Snapchat of fueling child addiction to social media Lawsuit joins more than 2,000 similar cases nationwide Complaint cites youth screen time, subway surfing deaths, and public health costs New York City has filed a sweeping lawsuit accusing some of the worlds biggest technology companies of fueling a youth mental health crisis by making their platforms addictive. The 327-page complaint, filed Wednesday in Manhattan federal court, seeks damages from Meta Platforms (owner of Facebook and Instagram), Alphabet (owner of Google and YouTube), Snap (owner of Snapchat), and ByteDance (owner of TikTok). It alleges the companies engaged in gross negligence and created a public nuisance. The city is joining more than 2,050 similar lawsuits in nationwide litigation being handled in federal court in Oakland, California. NYC among the largest plaintiffs With a population of 8.48 million, including about 1.8 million minors, New York City is one of the largest plaintiffs in the case to date. Its school and healthcare systems are also parties to the suit. The complaint cites research showing that more than 77% of city high school studentsand more than 82% of girlsspend at least three hours a day on screens. Officials said this contributes to sleep loss, chronic absenteeism, and mounting pressure on the citys public health system. The citys health commissioner formally declared social media a public health hazard in January 2024. The lawsuit says taxpayer dollars are increasingly being used to respond to the crisis. Platforms blamed for compulsive use and subway surfing According to the complaint, the platforms are deliberately designed to exploit the psychology and neurophysiology of youth, driving compulsive use for profit. It also blames the rise of risky behaviors such as subway surfing, in which young people ride on top of or alongside moving trains. Police data show at least 16 subway surfers have died since 2023, including two girls ages 12 and 13 in the past month. In the latest surfing incident, two teenaged girls were found dead on top of a subway train at a Brooklyn station last week. They appeared to have been subway surfing, police said. Its heartbreaking that two young girls are gone because they somehow thought riding outside a subway train was an acceptable game, Demetrius Crichlow, the president of New York City Transit, according to a New York Times report. Defendants should be held to account for the harms their conduct has inflicted, the city said in its filing. As it stands now, (the) plaintiffs are left to abate the nuisance and foot the bill. Companies push back Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda rejected the allegations, saying claims against YouTube are simply not true, in part because YouTube functions as a streaming service rather than a social network. A spokesperson for New York Citys law department noted that the city had previously withdrawn from litigation announced by Mayor Eric Adams in February 2024 in California state courts, opting instead to pursue claims in the federal system. Prevention tips for parents and caregivers Set screen time boundaries early: Establish clear limits for daily use and enforce them consistently, particularly before bedtime. Model healthy digital habits: Children often mimic adult behavior limit your own phone use around them. Encourage alternative activities: Promote sports, arts, reading, or outdoor play as counterbalances to screen time. Use parental controls: Platforms offer settings to restrict time, filter content, and monitor activity. Talk openly about risks: Discuss with children how algorithms can be manipulative and why balance matters. What to do if you think your child is affected Weve been in this weird space where a lot of the condemnation of the comedians who performed at the Riyadh Comedy Festival and those same comedians response has been pretty racist. Bill Burr, for instance, defended his performance in Saudi Arabia by saying, If you actually give a fuck about those people and how theyre living over there, theres gonna have to be these types of things to pull them in. And I will tell you, the Cheesecake Factory in Riyadh, its incredible. You idiot. The oppressed people of Saudi Arabia dont need Western capitalist shithole restaurants. They need a government that doesnt use execution as its due process. Burrs other defense, which has also been echoed by Dave Chappelle, is that the U.S. is heading in a similar direction as Saudi Arabia, and no one is up in arms about that. Except thats not true. People are very much outraged and are organizing against the ICE abductions and deportations, to the extent that Donald Trump has deployed the National Guard to smother protests and sit-ins. And the comedians who performed in Saudi Arabia werent just performing for the general public, they were performing for, and at the behest of, the Saudi royal family. Don't Miss That would, for these men who now seem so fond of equivocating harms, be like performing for, and at the behest of, Trump. Yes, Trump rules over a nation of oppressed people, but if a super-woke pro-immigrant comic came over from the U.K. and performed for our thick-ankled president, would anyone think it was in the hopes of changing hearts and minds? Or would we presume it was for a fat check? Not all of the defenses and excuses have been as tirade-driven and out of touch as Burrs, however. Omid Djalili, a comedian and actor who also performed in Saudi Arabia, wrote that he spent 15 years rejecting offers to perform in the kingdom because of its extensive history of human rights violations. He said he finally accepted because it seemed like there was an observable shift toward a more free society in Saudi Arabia. In certain circles there have been calls to boycott my U.K. tour Namaste, a show in which I try to explore the nuances of the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, Djalili wrote for The Guardian. After explaining that the restrictions on performing in Saudi were exactly the same as in Dubai basically no jokes about the royal family, no disrespecting Islam and no humiliation of the government a concerned friend texted me, I think youre at risk of invalidating your right to make jokes about anything important. Advertisement Djalili doesnt agree, and made the same argument that other comics who performed at the festival have made: that the comedy festival was a sign of progress, however small. Allowing international performances in Saudi, especially comedy, subtly broadens whats thinkable and sayable in a society, Djalili echoed. Every laugh at a taboo subject shifts norms, albeit slightly. Bear in mind slightly is a seismic movement in the Middle East. I dont agree with Djalili I think comedians are being used in Riyadh in a similar way Trump used Joe Rogan, Theo Von and Andrew Schulz to build legitimacy and popularity with young men in the U.S. Its a way to build cultural currency, not a clear signal of specific political inclinations. Paddington Bear is famous for his curiosity, his love of marmalade and his distinct lack of a life-ruining cocaine addiction but that hasnt stopped some British parodists from suggesting that Paddington has a problem with nose candy. The iconic character dates back to the 1958 book A Bear Called Paddington, but hes seen a surge in popularity in the past decade thanks to a new crop of movies, including the critically-acclaimed Paddington 2, which according to Rotten Tomatoes, is a better movie than Citizen Kane. But this newfound attention has seemingly led to a not-so-flattering spoof. Don't Miss The British satirical puppet show Spitting Image recently launched a new YouTube series, Spitting Image: The Rest Is Bullshit. The fake podcast is hosted by a puppet version of Prince Harry and also Paddington, who always looks like he just spent a sleepless night on the floor of a bus station restroom. If there was any confusion as to who this brown bear with a red hat and a blue duffle coat was supposed to be, according to the London Evening Standard, the character introduced himself by exclaiming, I am from Peru, motherfucker. I am Paddington Bear from Peru. In one video, he introduces himself as Paddington Bear, Perus number one thirst trap for the over-50s in a Triumph the Insult Comic Dog-esque cadence. In another, he reveals his self-care regimen, which consists of taking 100 percent Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine. Advertisement As The Telegraph pointed out, the coke-fiend version of Paddington, who also reads ads for guns and robot sex dolls, actually originated with a 2023 musical stage show. One poster for the show boasted the tagline Cocaine bear has got nothing on Paddington in Peru. Advertisement Advertisement You know who seemingly doesnt love this portrayal of Paddington? The estate of his creator, Michael Bond, and StudioCanal, the studio that produces the Paddington movies. They recently filed a High Court complaint citing design rights concerns and copyright targeting Spitting Images production company Avalon. While the filing does not reveal the details of the claim, it seems highly doubtful that it would be for any reason other than the new show starring Paddington the strung-out dirtbag. Advertisement It remains to be seen how this will all shake out (the U.K.s parody laws differ from those in the United States), but hopefully Paddington 4 wont be all about the talking bears adventures in rehab. Mike Judge has found inspiration in some pretty odd places. For example, Dale Gribbles unhinged King of the Hill conspiracy theories were partly informed by real-life unhinged conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. And Judge got the idea for Dales buddy Boomhauer from an answering machine recording of a deranged hillbilly guy who was pissed off that Beavis and Butt-Head (or Porkys Butthole as he called it) was on too often and didnt start right on the hour. What about Beavis and Butt-head? Well, Judge once told Howard Stern that the Beavis voice was inspired by a kid from his high school calculus class, who got all hot and bothered when their new teacher turned out to be a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. But as Judge once told David Letterman, he also has a noisy neighbor to thank. Something that I realized almost a year after I started doing Beavis and Butt-Head. I had a next-door neighbor at a studio apartment I was living at, Judge explained during a 1994 appearance on The Late Show. And you could hear everything through the walls. Don't Miss The guy next door to me was a little nuts, the animator continued. And if he was on this medication that, when he stopped taking it, he would get really happy. Hed get happy by not doing drugs. So he stopped taking it. And for, I guess it was about a week, he was just laughing, it seemed like 24 hours a day. He was watching TV the entire time, so hed be going, Huh-huh, Charlie the Tuna Man. I would hear it all night long. If that doesnt sound familiar, we should note that Judge used the Butt-Head voice while doing the impression of his old neighbor. He also recalled that he later saw the same guy carefully removing the back windshield out of a really nice 78 Nova. When Judge asked why he was doing that, the proto-Butt-Head responded, Now its like a truck. Advertisement Advertisement So the next time youre annoyed by a neighbor, remember that it could be the beginning of a multimillion dollar cartoon franchise. When Bill Burr showed up on Conan OBriens podcast this week, he accused bots of stirring up fake outrage about his appearance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival. Blaming fake social media accounts for his troubles seemed like a reach, but now Redditors are accusing Burr of essentially the same strategy. To Bill Burrs hired PR shills in here, I say whats up, began a thread in the r/conan subreddit. Youre not fooling anybody. Noticed them in burrs subreddit this morning, replied another user. Clankers everywhere. Don't Miss The theory makes sense in theory. Any competent management company would try to mitigate damage done to its comedian client, even if that damage was largely self-inflicted. Could that reputation repair include creating social media accounts to defend that comedian? It wouldnt be the most ethical strategy, but sure, it could be done. Over in r/BillBurr, positive comments are hard to find these days. Still, there are a few contrarians. Im a massive Bill Burr fan, and I couldnt give a fuck that he played a show in a country with an atrocious civil rights record, wrote one user. Hes a comedian feeding his family. Its none of my business how he earns his money. A PR shill? Maybe, but that Redditor has racked up nearly 16,000 comment karma over the past six years its a hell of a cover-up job if all of those comments on the guitar pedalboard threads were in preparation for this moment. A more likely candidate is an account created last month with no public posts to its name. This user posts a pretty spirited defense of Burr, using suspiciously advanced spelling and grammar for a random Redditor: People dont realize this wasnt for money. Bill could make that much doing 3 shows in Vegas without traveling across the world. I totally understand the concerns and Im not denying the serious issues that still exist in SA especially around womens rights and free expression. But I think its more nuanced than the public is willing to see. What Im trying to say is that things like a comedy festival might not be revolutionary on their own but they can be signs of gradual cultural change. Especially in a country that was completely closed off just a few years ago. Even if its state funded. A lesbian made gay jokes and that is shocking for SA. Acknowledging that doesnt mean endorsing the government or forgetting the past. I think it means recognizing that progress is often uneven and sometimes messy. I think its possible to hold both truths that serious human rights issues exist AND may be changing in some areas. Advertisement Suspicious! If thats a social media pro posing as a Burr fan, they should dumb it up a little to fit in. It doesnt really matter, since an overwhelming majority of Redditors in comedy threads are ready to ride Burr out of town, even angrier over the comedians justifications than his playing Riyadh in the first place. Positive comments are being shouted down by contests to come up with a new nickname for Burr. Currently, Billy Bonesaw, Billy Burqa and Old Billy Bloodmoney are the frontrunners. Amid a ton of mixed statements, it can be hard to determine what was real Depending on who you ask, the rules for performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival ranged from: none at all to an extensive list of rules, guidelines and parameters. Its all been very confusing, and has complicated arguments about whether or not the participating comedians censored themselves in the name of cashing a big juicy check from the Saudi Arabian government. While the censorship isnt the most concerning issue with agreeing to perform for the Saudi Royal family (if I had to pick it would be the brutal murder and dismemberment of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, at the direction of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2018), its been a point that a lot of the participating comedians have cited. Dave Chappelle said it was easier to speak in Saudi Arabia than it is in the U.S., while Louis C.K. insisted that Saudi Arabia was opening up, in a conversation with Bill Maher. But all of this insistence that Saudi Arabia didnt censor the American comics they paid for doesnt stack up with other information weve received. Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka shared on Threads the stipulations she received for performing in Riyadh, an offer which she declined. Don't Miss In screenshots, the censorship specifically detailed what the artists could not say during their sets: ARTIST shall not prepare or perform any material that may be considered to degrade, defame or bring into public disrepute, contempt, scandal, embarrassment or ridicule: A) The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including its leadership, public figures, culture or people; B) The Saudi royal family, legal system or government, and; C) Any religion, religious tradition, religious figure or religious practice. Okatsukas post is seemingly supported by another comic who did agree to perform at the festival, Omid Djalili. Djalili wrote an essay in The Guardian about his decision to perform, including what rules were outlined by the government for all performers. The restrictions on performing in Saudi were exactly the same as in Dubai basically no jokes about the royal family, no disrespecting Islam and no humiliation of the government, Djalili wrote, essentially confirming what Okatsuka posted. Right-wing comedian and podcaster Tim Dillon even claimed he was fired by the Saudi government based on jokes he previously made about the Saudi Arabian government using slave labor in the country. I addressed it in a funny way, Dillon said on his podcast, and they fired me. I certainly wasnt gonna show up in your country and insult the people that are paying me the money. Advertisement So based on multiple accounts, the Saudis definitely had rules in place for performers at Riyadh Comedy Festival. Still, theres a minimization there about just how much censorship that really is. Maybe for a bunch of American comedians, the argument that they didnt need to change their sets that much because they didnt have material about the Saudi government in the first place holds up to some people. But as an outside observer, it does seem like everyone who participated did agree to being censored. However, the head of Kantsus IT department then said, Its impossible to restore all of our customers at once. Kantsus logistics operations are supported not only by its own employees, but also by external partner companies. President Tatsujo held an online meeting with these partner companies to explain the current situation and future recovery plans, and requested further cooperation. Throw away all your old systems More than two weeks after the cyberattack, Kantsus management team was faced with an important decision: what to do with the RPA and order placement systems that had been implemented. These systems had completely stopped functioning due to the cyberattack, but there was a possibility that these systems themselves had become a route for attacks. How long will it take to recover? In response to managements question, the system manager replied, It will take at least a month, but even if it is restored, there is no guarantee of safety. On hearing this, President Tatsujo decided that we have no choice but to make the bold cuts. The total amount is 700 million yen (about US$4.6 million). Its a big blow to Kantsu, but its better than waiting for a system that the company didnt know when it would be fully operational again. At that time, a security expert told me, A house that has been broken into by a thief cannot be used without investigating everything from the entry point to the house itself. So we need to investigate thoroughly. Please give us one to two months to do so. Furthermore, the cost of the investigation alone would exceed 50 million yen [US$330,000]. However, if we spent a month on the system, all our customers would leave. These are circumstances that so-called security experts do not understand. After thinking about it for three or four days, I decided, Lets throw away all the old system and build a new one, President Tatsujo says. As a result, the two security specialist companies were consolidated into one. We worked with two companies: a major security company and a venture company, but the major company specialized in investigations rather than recovery, which takes time. What we wanted was a speedy recovery. In that respect, the venture company acted quickly, formulating hypotheses as they investigated, and made flexible proposals to minimize risk while identifying the essence of the problem. We chose this company because we were looking for speed. Even when it comes to something as simple as security, I really felt that it was important to carefully determine which company was strong in what areas, President Tatsujo adds. Along with building the system, compensation for business partners is also important. Insurance companies were slow to clarify how much damage insurance would cover, but Kantsu had to quickly clarify how much compensation it would provide to business partners. To do this, it was necessary to determine the extent of the damage and explain it to insurance companies and business partners, but it is not easy to recover data that has been lost in a short period of time. If the data could not be recovered, it would be impossible to determine whether personal information had been leaked, and there would be no evidence to support a claim. We also had cyber insurance, but the insurance company said they wouldnt cover the risk hedging limit. I dont understand why we had cyber insurance. We needed a lot of cash to build the system and compensate our business partners, so we were extremely stressed, President Tatsujo says. The insurance claim certification process began in mid-December, three months after the incident. Ultimately, the full amount was paid, but while the system was being restored, it was unclear how much of the insurance money they could rely on. The reason they quickly obtained a loan from a financial institution was to avoid a worsening cash flow that would put them in a difficult position. In the end, Kantsu suffered a total loss of 1.7 billion yen (US$11.1 million), including 700 million for system renewal and 1 billion for compensation. Nevertheless, they were able to announce a recovery internally at the end of October and externally on Nov. 1. No matter how much we defend, we cannot completely prevent [cyberattacks]. It is important to prepare incident manuals and recovery plans in advance so that we can respond even if we are hit by a cyberattack, President Tatsujo says of the experience. Modified: Thursday, 9 October 2025 08:45 BST Tim Boyer STORY LINK British Pound to Euro Forecast: GBP Rises as France Faces Political Deadline GBP/EUR Forecasts: Sterling Hits 3-Week Highs Save on Your GBP/EUR Transfer Get better rates and lower fees on your next international money transfer. Compare TorFX with top UK banks in seconds and see how much you could save. Compare the Best GBP/EUR Rates Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: The Pound to Euro exchange rate pushed higher to 1.1540 despite conflicting market signals - record FTSE highs pointing to optimism, but golds surge above $4,000 signalling deep investor unease.The Euro has suffered a further setback in early Europe on Wednesday with the Pound to Euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate strengthening to 3-week highs around 1.1540.Markets are continuing to monitor underlying market conditions very closely given current moves.UK equities were able to make further headway on Wednesday with the FTSE 100 index at a fresh record high which suggests firm risk conditions, but gold has surged to a fresh record high close to $4,050 per ounce which suggests underlying unease over financial and geo-political conditions.There is an important risk that currency volatility will explode.There have been no significant UK data releases, but there has been another embarrassing mistake from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) who reported that the government borrowing requirement for the currency year had been overstated by 2.0bn.There were further concerns surrounding the near-term German economic outlook.Industrial production slumped 4.3% in August after a 1.3% increase the previous month and compared with consensus forecasts of a 1.0% decline.ING noted the potential for support from the fiscal boost, but added; All in all, its not only the general mood in Germany that turned sour over the summer. Available monthly data so far suggests that the risk of yet another quarter of contraction and thus an outright technical recession is very real.The French political situation will continue to be monitored closely in the short term. Prime Minister Lecornu, who tendered his resignation on Monday, is due to outline a last-ditched attempt to reach a consensus by the end of Wednesday.According to Danske Bank; Betting markets assign roughly a 60% probability of snap elections by month-end, though such an outcome may do little to resolve the underlying gridlock.The latest comments from Lecornu were slightly more positive.According to Lecornu the 2026 budget deficit target should be below 5% of GDP and that there will be a budget before the end of this year.He stated that the possibility of parliamentary dissolution was becoming more remote.Any deal would be likely to provide an element of Euro relief.ING expects the reaction would be muted; The formation of a new government today may not yield huge benefits to the euro, considering the fragility of any political agreement at this stage.Rabobank commented on market chatter; a possible way out being floated is France abandoning its planned pension reforms to placate socialists in parliament. Yet would that risk swapping a political crisis for a financial one?Danske Bank noted; FX markets will continue to track the OAT-Bund spread as a key gauge of French risk. A sustained widening from here would likely reignite fiscal concerns. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Pound Euro Forecasts Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Well, now we know the difference between serious statecraft and token virtue-signalling. Donald Trump has provided a clear demonstration of leadership and hard power, using his mighty office and more importantly the sheer force of his gargantuan personality to move mountains and secure the release of Hamass hostages, which will hopefully end the Gaza war. Keir Starmer and his fellow political pygmies - French president Emmanuel Macron, Canadian PM Mark Carney, along with the Spanish and Australian prime ministers Pedro Sanchez and Anthony Albanese have had nothing to offer but performative gestures over the recognition of a non-existent Palestinian state. Trumps critics call him a bully, venal and a megalomaniac. But we too often ignore what is good about him. That solipsism, together with street smarts and shamelessness, give him a unique ability to smash through seemingly unbreachable obstacles to upend the status quo. In the Middle East, this has proved priceless. Polite, received opinion has insisted for decades that the Israel-Palestine conflict was unsolvable. But to Trump, that is only a spur to success. We saw that in his first term when he negotiated the unprecedented Abraham Accords, through which Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Sudan established diplomatic relations with Israel. While the deals were sidelined by the October 7 terrorist atrocity which plunged the Middle East into crisis, if this works, will truly cap it all. Imagine if Joe Biden or Kamala Harris were still in office. Hamas felt emboldened every time Biden castigated Israels military strategy, particularly when the doddery premier called Benjamin Netanyahus plan to enter the southern city of Rafah a red line. The Israeli PM ignored him - and subsequently the operation proved hugely effective in driving out Hamas. Trump has taken a very different approach, backing Israel to the hilt, understanding that Hamas had to realise it could not win if peace was to be secured. That, combined with the equally important decision to turn the screw on Qatar to rein in the terrorists of Hamas, has brought us to the imminent release of the remaining hostages. US President Donald Trump has struck a deal to secure the release of Hamass hostages People celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan And what a contrast, and potentially an end to this hideous conflict with our own prime minister. Sir Keir Starmers main contribution since taking office last July has been to treat Israel our long-standing ally in the fight against Islamic terror as some sort of recalcitrant enemy. Cowed by a surging block of sectarian Muslim voters, Starmer has blocked certain arms exports to Israel, backed the International Criminal Courts bizarre arrest warrant for Netanyahu, restored funding to UNWRA, the UN agency that employed some of the October 7 terrorists, and most recently rewarded Hamas for its despiciable massacre by recognising a Palestinian state. How puny and ridiculous Starmer and British statecraft now look. While he rewarded Hamas, Trump, has secured near-universal support from Arab and Muslim states for a comprehensive plan to bring the war to an end and, if the next stages of his plan can be delivered, rebuild Gaza. Trump is said to crave the Nobel Peace Prize. If indeed the hostages are released and Gaza becomes the focus of rebuilding and peaceful co-existence, he will be a shoo-in. Donald Trump deserves three cheers for knocking heads together. He pushed his natural ally, Israel, to swallow a ceasefire deal that will see it withdraw from a quarter of the territory it currently occupies, and succeeded in isolating Hamas from its traditional allies in the Arab world to the point that it felt forced to give up a suicidal struggle. Relief at news of the ceasefire will, however, be accompanied by anxiety and recrimination. From Palestinians radicalised by the loss of mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers in an Israeli bombing campaign that is said to have claimed the lives of 67,000 Gazans, to Iranian-backed forces bent on sabotaging any accord that does not contribute to the downfall of Israel, the path to lasting peace is lined with pitfalls. Meanwhile, the Israelis, mindful of the savage onslaught on October 7, 2023, which sparked the Gaza conflict, fear that Hamas is buying time to prepare for another rampage. In turn, the Palestinians see themselves as victims of Israels revenge. Militants among them, not least the young men who came of age under Jerusalems relentless bombardment, are likely to see the partial withdrawal of Israeli troops as an opportunity to rearm and reorganise. After all, when Israel pulled its forces out of the Gaza Strip two decades ago, Hamas seized power there and periodically launched missile attacks on neighbouring Israeli towns. People gather in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv after US Present Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire Palestinian children celebrate the news of the ceasefire at a camp for displaced people in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip It will take time, then, for this uneasy ceasefire to evolve into a genuine peace. The Israeli lion is not going to lie down with the Palestinian panther just yet. The devil, as ever, will be in the detail of Trumps plan to turn a territory reduced to rubble by war into a thriving community once again. Rebuilding Gaza will take years and involve massive investment. If ordinary Gazans are to turn their backs on Hamas hardliners eager to restart conflict, they will need to see a peace dividend. And soon. So its vital that the area is flooded with humanitarian aid so people can put their lives back together as quickly as possible. But rehousing two million Palestinians in a shattered territory will require billions of dollars worth of materials as well as a great deal of political will. No-one should forget how Hamas used construction aid intended to build Gazas houses, hospitals and schools to construct a network of tunnels and bunkers to store its weapons, imprison its hostages and visit terror and death on Israeli civilians. The Strip will need a large and well-armed international police force in reality military peacekeepers to check anything and everything entering the territory and monitor it once it gets there. Such action is, of course, fraught with the risk of renewed violence. Will an international police force have the staying power to face down Hamass grotesque brand of terrorism and suicide bombing? Under the terms of Trumps deal, Hamas fighters are being offered the chance to lay down their arms and leave Gaza. I doubt many will take up this offer, and the terrorist group itself, whatever it agrees on paper, will want to keep its enforcers on the ground. But, with the US President holding everyones feet to the fire, the deal represents the closest we have come to resolving a conflict that has raged for 80 years. Without American pressure, the path to a lasting peace could be sabotaged by meddling, if well-intentioned, European leaders and sinister Iranian-backed forces such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and various Shia militias in Iraq. Some people say Trump is solely motivated by his vainglorious lust for a Nobel Peace Prize. But his legacy will be best served by the guns falling silent, their terrifying boom replaced by the sonorous whirring of cement mixers. Savvy shoppers have gone wild for Marks & Spencer as the supermarket has released a range of pans that 'reminds them of Le Creuset'. While a pan from the French heritage brand can cost more than 200, Marks & Spencer is offering similar colourful homeware options for less than 50. Among the most popular pieces is M&S's stylish all-in-one saucepan. The 30 piece has been described as a budget-friendly alternative to the 130 Our Place pan - prompting delighted shoppers to brand it 'absolutely brilliant' and a true 'bargain.' The saucepan, which is part of the retailer's Cook with M&S range, boasts a classic French-style design, complete with sleek matte finish. It comes in two colours: cream and charcoal. UK-based TikTokker Melda, who uses the handle @meldaozkasim, showcased the pan in a clip that racked up more than 6,000 views. She urged her followers to 'get one immediately, right now'. Putting the pan through its paces by using it to make a batch of pancakes, Melda used spray oil, but concluded that the non-stick feature is so effective, that the oil was probably unnecessary. Describing her experience cooking with the all-in-one saucepan, Melda said: 'M&S has done it again. Marks & Spencer has just launched a chic 30 saucepan. Called the all-in-one pan, it is a dupe of the Our Place pan which retails at 130. Fans have called dupe 'absolutely brilliant', and described it as a 'bargain' '[I] found a dupe of the Our Place, The Always Pan, and this was literally 30 as opposed to like the hundred and something pounds that the Always Pan [costs]. 'It's got the little steamer basket, which is exactly the same. That's how you know it's a dupe. 'It's really roomy, really big, comes with a little lid. So we're gonna put it to the test...anyway, it worked a charm. And it's 30. And they have two colours. So you need to go and get one, immediately, right now.' Taking to the comment section of the video, one viewer wrote: '*sighs* fine I'll go to M&S again!!' Meanwhile, another said: 'God, I love M&S. I'll be popping in after work!' A further social media user wrote: 'I've managed to order the charcoal one and got 20 per cent off on my sparks card!! Thanks for reviewing.' Another budget-friendly dupe offered by the store is an alternative to one of Le Creuset's pricey pots, which can cost upwards of 200. M&S's Cast Iron 2.6L Casserole Dish retails at just 38. As it is made from cast iron, it offers even heat retention for consistent cooking, and its khaki colour makes it a stylish piece. When it comes to other kitchen pieces, TikTokker Keira, from London, urged others to 'run, don't walk to M&S' after she found Gustaf Westman dupes for a fraction of the price. Another kitchenware enthusiast managed to find a dupe of the Laetitia Rouget plates, which retail at 60 a plate A TikTokker, who posts under the name @therealhousediary revealed she found a very similar style for just 12 Meanwhile another budget-friendly alternative to Le Creuset's eye-wateringly pricey pots, which can set you back upwards of 200, is the Cast Iron 2.6L Casserole Dish which retails at just 38 London-based TikTokker Keira urged people run to M&S to check out the retailer's affordable alternative to pricey Gustaf Westman pieces Many were equally as impressed with the M&S homeware and rushed to the TikTokers comments The social media creator, who uses the handle @itskeiraandjess, racked up more than 35,000 views on her clip about the cookware. She wrote: 'We have been frothing at the mouth every time we see those chunky plates but honestly the budget just wasn't going to stretch so these dupes from M&S have made our day. These are from the M&S 'Bubble' collection, and are an absolute steal - 5 for the bowls, 6 for the plates. 'They also have matching cups and saucers, side plates and a serving plate which I'm going to rush to go and get before they sell out.' Many rushed to the comments to say they were adding the kitchenware to their 'wish lists'. One viewer said: 'M&S pops off these days.' To which Keira replied: 'I was genuinely surprised but they had some lovely bits.' Another added: 'A nice pretty yogurt with all the toppings would look so good in those bowls!' And another commenter wrote: 'If you love these, have a look at HAY design - more spenny but my lawd the colour ways they have.' Meanwhile, another kitchenware enthusiast managed to find a dupe of Laetitia Rouget plates - which retail at 60 a piece. The TikTokker, who posts under the name @therealhousediary, revealed she found a very similar style for just 12. In her clip, she said: 'I'm obsessed with these Laetitia Rouget [pieces]. I wanna say sorry if I butchered that, but that's 60 quid and that's not happening. 'I've seen that M&S have very similar ones so let's go see if I've got them in my local store.' Picking up the plates the content creator was delighted with her purchase and managed to save herself 48. More than 40 years ago, I wrote a piece for a newspaper about the screaming domestic chaos of my first months of marriage. I told of how my husband Leo and I made love all night, and I spent all day, except for a scurrying shopping lunch, at the office, then rushed home to wash, iron, clean the flat, cook and eat supper, make love all night, go to the office. A pattern that was repeated until one died of exhaustion and our flat was so dirty I found a fungus growing under the sink. This led to a little book called How To Stay Married, published in 1969, in which, even though I had been married only seven years, I merrily laid down the law on everything from sex to setting up house, from in-laws to infidelity. In 2011, How To Stay Married was republished to coincide with our golden wedding anniversary, with a new foreword written from a 50-year perspective. This entailed re-reading How To Stay Married for the first time since it was published, whereupon I nearly died of horror. What a smug, opinionated, proselytising little know-all I was then. For a start, I announced sternly that men detested seeing women slaving in the house, so their wives must arrange to work from 8.30am to 4.30pm, so they could rush home and clean, iron and cook before their husband returned. If you amuse a man in bed, I went on, hes not likely to bother about the mountain of dust underneath it, or, even more hubristically, be likely to stray. How could I have insisted that a woman should be grateful her husband wants her, and suggested that if a wife refuses her husband sex more than two days running, then she has only herself to blame if hes unfaithful. Ouch, ouch! More shamingly, I have never practised what I preached. I advocated total honesty about money being essential in marriage, and that couples should always know what the other is spending. That from a wife who regularly smuggled new clothes into her wardrobe, ripping off the price tag, lying: This old thing. Jilly Cooper and her husband Leo. He died in 2013 aged 79 When Jilly was writing it was a different age. 'No one had dreamt up new men or paternity leave, and two-career marriages were a rarity', she said No wife has the right to go to seed, I thundered, when I myself become a positive hay field when Im trying to finish a book not washing my hair for days, hairy ankles sprouting out from ragged tracksuit bottoms. Yet not a word did I add urging husbands to exert self-control to avoid a beer belly. Back in 1969, of course, men were expected to be masterful. If a man is married to a slut, I pronounced fiercely, he must remonstrate with her, adding that women like a firm hand. Theyd probably prefer a farm hand, Leo observed. In mitigation, I suppose I was writing in a different age. No one had dreamt up new men or paternity leave, and two-career marriages were a rarity, particularly if the couple had children. Despite the arrogance and the bossiness, I think there is good sense in much of How To Stay Married. What, I wonder, is the secret of a good marriage? My secret was to marry a really sweet man whod been married before. Thus, after a cataclysmic row when I was tearfully packing my bags, he would reassure me that such tempests were normal in marriage and would blow over. Then he would make me laugh by saying we mustnt let Michael, our black cat, be the victim of a broken home. Throughout our marriage he has constantly been funny. What does Jilly wear in bed? asked one journalist, to which Leo replied: Dogs mostly. We have now reached a stage in our marriage when we worry much less about screwing than unscrewing the top on the Sancerre bottle or on the glucosamine pills. I still believe a happy marriage is the best thing life has to offer, cemented as much by the moments of irritation as of tenderness. Marriage, for all its limitations, makes people try harder. It is extremely easy to get married. It is much harder to stay married. We have had marvellous patches, and patches so bad that they rocked our marriage to its foundations. But Ive come to realise that if you can cling on like a barnacle during the bad patches, your marriage will survive and, in all probability, be strengthened. SURVIVING THE WEDDING For the bride, this is blast-off the day you (or rather your mother) have been waiting for all your life. It will pass in a dream and afterwards you wont remember a thing about it. Leo would make me laugh by saying we mustnt let Michael, our black cat, be the victim of a broken home, wrote Jilly Dont be disappointed if you dont look your best. Far more likely, youll be scarlet in the face and piggy-eyed from lack of sleep. Coming down the aisle is tricky. You never know where to look, that radiant smile can easily set into a rictus grin and theres bound to be one guest you know too well, whose eye you want to avoid. If you look solemn, people will think youre having second thoughts. Best policy is to settle for a cool smirk, with your eyes on the door of the church. At the reception, you will get so tired of shaking hands, trying to remember faces and gushing like an oil well, that you will begin to have a real sympathy for the Royal Family. Dont worry when you circulate among the guests afterwards if none of them will speak to you. Theyll all feel youre far too important to waste time talking to them, and youll wander round like a couple of wraiths. Also, try not to get too drunk. You may feel like it, but it will cause recriminations later. DIY DANGER One of the great myths of marriage heavily fostered by television commercials featuring smiling young couples up ladders is that home decorating is fun when you do it together. It isnt. Its paralysingly boring and caused more rows in our marriage than anything else. During our first attempts at wallpapering we lost our tempers, the measure and the scissors. I had bought enough paper to do two rooms, but we had to scrap so much we only managed three-quarters of one room. ANNOYING HABITS Everyone has some irritating habits. The only thing to do when your partner draws your attention to them is to swallow your pride and be grateful, because they may well have been irritating everyone else as well. Dame Jilly believed a happy marriage is the best thing life has to offer, cemented by the moments of irritation and tenderness. Marriage, for all its limitations, makes people try harder I have given up smoking and eating apples in bed, and cooking in my fur coat. My husband no longer spends a quarter of an hour each morning clearing the frog out of this throat. Dont worry too much that habits which irritate you now will get more and more on your nerves. A tame psychiatrist told me: Those quirks in ones marriage partner which annoy one in the early days often become, in later years, the most lovable traits. END ROWS WITH A LAUGH Never be too proud to apologise after a row, but do it properly, none of that: Ive said Im sorry, havent I? followed by a stream of abuse. Try not to harbour grudges. Never send someone to Coventry. A sense of humour is all-important. My husband once, mid-row, put both feet into one leg of his underpants and fell over. I went into peals of laughter and the row was at an end. FLIRT WITH YOUR IN-LAWS The ideal is to marry an orphan. However hard you try, you will probably have some trouble with the in-laws. As my mother-in-law once pointed out to me, nobody is ever good enough to marry ones children. Jilly pictured at home in Putney, 1978. Wives can flirt with their fathers-in law, but dont overdo it, she wrote The husbands best tack is to flirt with his mother-in-law few women can resist flattery. Wives can flirt with their fathers-in law, but dont overdo it, or youll have your mother-in-law branding you a fast piece. BE A WILD LOVER Call it what you like, but bed/sex/intercourse/making love, is the cornerstone of marriage. If the sex side of a marriage is really good, you seldom hear of it breaking up. The first essential is to be honest. Dont pretend to be in ecstasies of excitement if you are not, or your partner will assume he is doing the right things to please you. Dont be too fastidious. Nothing that two people who love each other do for their mutual enjoyment in the privacy of their own home can be wrong. In any good marriage, sex should get better as the years go by, even if you indulge in it less often. WEAR A BRA TO PARTIES When I was newly married I went to the Authors Ball at the Hilton in a party of my husbands grandest business colleagues. Very brown from the South of France, I wore a white, strapless dress which was so tight I didnt need a bra. The five-course dinner was too much for it. As I stood up to dance with one of the directors it split, leaving me naked to the waist. DONT BECOME A CABBAGE I would like to say a brief word about Cabbage-itis, which is my name for the slough of despond a wife goes through when she has two or more very young children to look after. She and her husband cant afford to entertain much, and when they are asked out she finds she is so used to saying No and Dont to children all day, she is unable to contribute to the conversation. Remember that your husband must always come first, even before the children, wrote Dame Jilly, pictured here in 1992 with a tiger cub for a charity photo shoot If you are going through this stage and I think it is one of the real danger zones of marriage remember that it isnt going to go on for ever. The children will grow up, go to school, and you will have acres of free time to go back to work, to take up hobbies, and to make new friends. Remember that your husband must always come first, even before the children. He probably isnt having a very easy time either: pushed for money, harassed at work, coming home to a drab, fractious wife every night. So dont catalogue your woes: concentrate on giving him a good time. SPOT A CHEAT A great fallacy is that marriage stops you falling in love with people. It doesnt. There are indications that your partner is having an affair: FOR HER: If your husband starts a pointless row at breakfast, so he can storm out of the house and neednt come back until late. If he suddenly starts working late consistently and comes home smelling of scent. If he looks happy on a Monday morning and miserable on a Friday night. If he suddenly starts having a bath in the morning. If he keeps making ridiculous excuses to buy more cigarettes during the weekend when there are plenty of packets in the house. FOR HIM: If your wife, after always dressing scruffily for the office, suddenly starts smartening herself up, shaving her legs, buying new underwear and getting home late. If she doesnt look dismayed when you say youre going to America for three weeks. If she suddenly gets sexually revved up. If you have a man friend to stay and he knows where to put things away when hes doing the drying up. TRY TO FORGIVE AFFAIRS Infidelity is awful, but for the person committing it, its often just a frolic. Forgive, is my advice. It will blow over. I am also very much against friends who think they are doing you a good turn by telling you your husband is knocking off someone else. Lots of people are at it and if you are, keep your trap shut. Youd be insane to confess. We had a lovely house in Fulham and there was always a couple in the spare room sleeping with someone who wasnt their wife or husband. One couple had such vigorous sex that the ceiling came down. Dame Jilly wrote that infidelity is awful, but for the person committing it, its often just a frolic. Forgive, is her advice. It will blow over How can anyone even commit adultery any more? You havent got a hope! You can say youre in the office but your husband/wife knows immediately, if theyve got one of those tracking devices on their mobile phones, that youre in a hay field. Hideous! And they can find out all the numbers youve rung. These days you have to be much more furtive if you want a secret affair. IF YOU DONT FANCY SEX, TALK ABOUT IT I think I was completely wrong to suggest that men had the right to demand sex, but I still think they should be able to talk about it and say, I love you and Id like to have it. These days, poor men practically need a legal consent form before they touch a woman. Men ought to be conscious and proud of their sexuality but theyre so insecure they are even afraid to say if someone looks beautiful. I do think its a tragedy that theyre so diminished now. They are terrified of making a pass at a woman. I love being wolf-whistled. I am honoured at my age. I dont see why you wouldnt be unless youre a very young girl who might be embarrassed by horrible leering. It all depends on context, doesnt it? SHARE THE CHORES Share the household chores. Fifty years ago I was telling wives to get home early from work to clean the house. Actually, Leo did most of the tidying and was such a wonderful cook he was known as the Escoffier of Putney. A chap I know is nicknamed the Iron Man Id assumed because he was so strong. Actually, its because he does all the ironing. Wonderful! KEEP A PET Every marriage should have room for a dog or cat. The author with her adopted children Felix and Emily - and their dogs - in the late 70s Animals cheer you up and you can laugh through them. After one particularly acrimonious row, I was packing my bags when Leo said, You dont want the poor cat to be the victim of a broken home. We started laughing, and the argument was forgotten. SALUTE HOUSE HUSBANDS House husbands and shared parenting were unheard of in the Sixties, but today, if youre lucky enough to have a stay-at-home husband who looks after the kids, be eternally grateful. Its a tough job and not to be underestimated. IGNORE SEX SURVEYS Take sex surveys with a very large pinch of salt. They usually talk to 20 people in Ealing, then generalise about the whole world from the findings. I read one recently that said it takes the average woman 13 minutes to achieve an orgasm. That sounds like a long time to me. Surely it depends on the context and how aroused you are. LOVE AND CHERISH Hold these words close to your heart, and your relationship will prosper. I hate it when couples put each other down. Celebrate your wife/husbands achievements and tell them when they look lovely. ALWAYS SHARE A BED Never share razors, have separate TVs if you need to but always share a bed. Sex is such a lovely, cheering thing, and if couples stop sleeping in the same bed, its the first step towards stopping having sex. Laughter is key, too. Marriage, Ive always believed, is kept alive by bed-springs creaking as much from helpless laughter as from sex. ROWING AT BEDTIME I have never agreed with the adage, Dont let the sun go down on your wrath. Why try to resolve a row when youre both exhausted at bedtime? Far better to go to sleep and everything will seem better in the morning. THE LAST WORD... Marriage is not a battlefield it is a partnership, and married people should be partners, not rivals. And although it is important to be a reliable wage earner, a splendid cook, a good manager and magnificent in bed, the most priceless gift one married person can give to another is a merry and loving heart. The Hallmark Channel stars have issued a stark warning to fans urging them to be wary of scammers impersonating them. Actors including Andrew Walker, Jonathan Bennett, Tyler Hynes, and Tamera Mowry appeared in a video posted in which they called out the 'industry-wide' deep fake problem. In the clip, they also stressed to fans that they would never ask them for financial help, donations or to meet up in real life. 'There's a growing industry-wide problem across social media,' Walker, 46, said. 'Fake accounts have been impersonating actors and reaching out to fans directly with misleading messages,' the rest of the cast continued. 'If you receive a message like this, it's a scam. Please block the account and report it to the social media platform immediately.' They concluded the video by imploring viewers to stay safe and stay connected. 'We love our Hallmark family and that means doing our part to raise awareness around scammers, some who are impersonating Hallmark stars,' the caption read. The Hallmark Channel stars have warned fans to be wary of scammers impersonating them. In a video posted to social media they called out the 'industry-wide' deep fake problem The famous faces stressed to fans that they would never ask them for financial help 'Learn how to spot the signs and protect yourself.' Social media users applauded the warning and voiced their appreciation. One commented: 'You are all amazing! Always caring about your fans and wanting to keep us safe.' 'This is so sweet and it shows that they care and Hallmark cares,' another said. A third continued: 'Thank you so much for this! It's crazy that it needs to be said over and over!' Artificial intelligence has made impersonation scams easier to create, especially as deepfake technology is used to alter a person's appearance to pretend to be someone else. Amid the rising tide of impersonation scams and sophisticated deepfake technology, it's easy to despair of ever keeping the cyber criminals at bay. In July, Daily Mail reported how a British man revealed he was cruelly conned out of $267 by what he believed was a heartfelt message from Friends icon Jennifer Aniston. A British man was scammed out of $267 by an a fake Jennifer Aniston account Paul Davis, 43, fell victim to a disturbing new wave of artificial intelligence scams after being bombarded with messages from deepfake celebrity accounts on social media. The unemployed man, who suffers from depression, said he was 'relentlessly' targeted by AI-generated videos including ones that appeared to feature Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk and even the beloved sitcom star Jennifer herself. In one particularly cruel twist, Paul was sent an image of what looked like Jennifer's driving license, before she told him she 'loves him' and asked for money. He said: 'I've got fake videos from Jennifer Aniston asking me for 200 ($267) and saying she loves me.' Tragically, Paul believed the message was real and sent the money in the form of non-refundable Apple gift cards... 'I was bitten. Once bitten, twice shy,' he added. The King and Prince of Wales are tonight undertaking a rare joint public engagement, brought together by their shared passion for the environment. King Charles and Prince William are at the Natural History Museum in London for 'Countdown to COP30', which brings together organisations and individuals tackling the global environmental crisis and nature loss issues ahead of the United Nations' annual climate change summit in Brazil in November. Father and son arrived together in the State Bentley from Buckingham Palace where they had met up together beforehand. Kensington Palace have also tonight confirmed that the heir to the throne will attend the COP30 Leaders Summit on behalf of the monarchy in Belem on November 6. He will already be in Brazil for his fifth annual Earthshot Prize Awards in Rio de Janeiro that week. At the 'Fixing Our Broken Planet' exhibition they were greeted warmly by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband. Miliband told Prince William how grateful he was that he had come because of 'how important this is'. The King and Prince of Wales are tonight undertaking a rare joint public engagement, brought together by their shared passion for the environment King Charles and Prince William at the Natural History Museum in London for 'Countdown to COP30' King Charles shaking the hand of a military personnel at the event King Charles and Prince William walking up the steps to enter the Natural History Museum together King Charles speaking with the Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband The King arriving in the main hall during the event Countdown to COP30 The Prince of Wales speaks with Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, at the Countdown to Cop30 event They spoke of how busy the summit is - which is being held in Belem, at the start of the Brazilian Amazon - and how tight accommodation was, joking they might be forced to share a room. In previous years Charles - a lifelong campaigner on green issues - attended when he was Prince of Wales, with the baton now being handed down to his eldest son. However palace sources have said they could not rule out the King attending a future event. While the the King and the prince do attend State occasions together, they are less seen in public on more general engagements and their dual presence shows the importance of the issues to both men. Father and son viewed photography by the Woodland Trust before meeting business and finance leaders to hear how they are supporting projects to protect forest and woodlands in the UK and around the world. William told the Brazilian ambassador to the UK, Antonio de Aguiar Patriota, that he was delighted to be bringing the prize to his country and hoped that Brazilian nominations for the awards would bring an air 'of collective excitement'. 'I'm really looking forward to it,' he added. Inside the museum's iconic Hintze Hall, Charles and William viewed displays highlighting innovative solutions developed in the UK to some of the world's climate and nature challenges. Powerful films about the importance of saving the planet including William's own Guardians series, highlighting the vital work of conservation rangers, and 'The Speeches: 50 Years of Speaking Up for the Planet' looking back at the King's legacy on the issue. He is widely considered to be one of the leading global voices on environmental issues, while William has followed in his footsteps with his own Earthshot Prize awards, designed to discover and develop some of the most ground-breaking solutions to repairing and regenerating the planet. Afterwards the two men split to view displays highlighting innovative solutions developed in the UK to some of the world's climate and nature challenges. As they walked around, powerful films about the importance of saving the planet including William's own Guardians series, highlighting the vital work of conservation rangers, and 'The Speeches: 50 Years of Speaking Up for the Planet' looking back at the King's legacy on the issue. King Charles shaking the hand of former prime minister Theresa May The King and his son Prince William attending Countdown to Cop 30 The King and Prince William speaking at the event at the Natural History Museum Former prime minister Theresa May and her husband Philip arriving at the Countdown to Cop30 event which brings together organisations and individuals tackling the global environmental crisis and nature loss issues Ed Miliband arriving at the event hosted by King Charles and Prince William Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy and his wife Nicola Green arriving at the Countdown to Cop30 event Among those the King, 76, spoke to were Claire Lund of GSK, who have long been involved in his Sustainable Markets Initiative and are sponsoring the Fixing Our Broken Planet exhbition at the museum. 'His Majesty said of what we are all doing: 'Isn't it wonderful, but we need to do more' 'He also spoke to Marisa Drew, chief sustainability officer at Standard Bank, and was touched to hear he had taken her on a private tour of Highgrove a decade ago, firing her journey with sustainability. Charles also spoke to schoolchildren Ibrahim Nyang, 12, and Jaydah Hinton, 12, from Harris Academy in Chobham, Surrey, about the brilliant work they have done transforming their school into a nature paradise with a pond and new eco-systems. 'He told us what we were doing was marvellous in terms of the biodiversity we have created and how much more beautiful it was,' Ibrahim said. Jaydah added: 'He asked us how we felt about our school now and told us toi keep up with what we are doing.' Before he left William came to find his father and said a fond farewell, the two men touching arms and chatting. Natural History Museum Director Dr Doug Gurr said: 'We need everyone in society to get on board to tackle the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change. The collective commitment to act for the planet was palpable tonight - from the support of His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and the leadership of the UK Government, to the school students who are striving to transform their school grounds, making them a haven for wildlife.' Princess Anne will be touring Australia in November with her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. The tour will travel to New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland for four days from Saturday 8 November until Tuesday 11 November. 'The Princess Royal will be visiting Australia in her role as Colonel-in-Chief to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, with the visit marking 100 years since the formation of the Corps,' a statement from the Australian Government Defence announcing the official visit read. She has been a cornerstone in the King's slimmed-down working monarchy, and has played a big role by stepping up in support of Charles amid his cancer diagnosis. The Princess Royal is often regarded as the 'hardest working' member of the royal family. Last year, Anne clocked up 474 engagements, with King Charles completing 372. Anne has two children - Peter Phillips, 47, and Zara Tindall, 44 - from her first marriage to Captain Mark Phillips, before their divorce in 1992. She has been married to Sir Laurence since December that year. Princess Anne was last on Australian soil in September 2022 for a short engagement in Sydney, and has been on more than 20 visits to Australia. The Princess Royal was admitted to intensive care last June with concussion and head injuries after being kicked by a horse at her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire. She was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol for tests, treatment and observation, before returning to duties that July, where she was seen sporting a black eye. She carried out her first public engagement in 1969 aged 18 when she opened an educational and training centre in Shropshire, and a year later, she began her longest association with a charity, becoming president of Save the Children and later patron. The royal, a skilled horsewoman who competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, was going for a walk when the incident occurred. Tim Laurence The Princess Royal during the Trooping the Colour ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in June 2023 The announcement comes following speculation Prince William and Princess Kate will visit soon after Anthony Albanese invited them to return. 'Im certainly hoping there will be one, theres a standing invitation that the royal family are always welcome in Australia,' he told News Corp. 'It was wonderful to welcome King Charles and Queen Camilla to Australia recently, that had a very successful visit and His Majesty is very engaged and I hope that the Prince and Princess of Wales are able to visit as well and we are hopeful that might occur in the coming period.' It's understood the royal visit will most likely happen in July or August 2026 to align with the UK summer school holidays, according to Sunrise royal editor Rob Jobson. 'The period, I think, is probably going to be the summer of the UK when the kids are not in school,' he told the program on Monday. 'I can't see William and Kate going down to Australia and leaving the kids behind.' 'Kate hasn't really done a foreign trip of any significance since 2022. So this is a major trip for her.' Prince William and Princess Kate last visited Australia in 2014 with their eldest son George, now 12, who was a baby at the time. The three-week tour included official visits to Sydney, Uluru, and Canberra. Prince William and Princess could soon be heading to Australia with their three children The Prince and Princess Wales (pictured with son George) last visited Australia in 2014 Their younger children Charlotte, 10, and Louis, 7, have never visited Australia. There were plans for the royals to tour Australia in 2020 to visit communities devastated by the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires in 2019-2020. However those plans were derailed by the Covid pandemic. Prince William previously visited Australia in January 2010 and again 14 months later in March 2011 to meet with flood victims in Queensland and Victoria. His first visit was as a nine-month-old when his parents Prince Charles and Princess Diana toured Australia in 1983. A woman revealed her twisted act of revenge on her unfaithful husband They say relationships are harder than ever in 2025 - and judging by the stories making waves online, it's not hard to see why. And now a podcast has detailed one anonymous woman's shocking act of revenge after discovering her husband had been unfaithful. Speaking on It's a Girl Thing, a UK-based podcast hosted by Lucie and Ebony Day, the woman confessed she found out her husband was cheating on her with someone from his workplace. Rather than immediately walking away, she decided to make his life quietly unbearable before filing for divorce. She explained that her husband had a Sunday ritual of watching television while ironing his shirts for the week. Knowing this, she devised what she admitted was a 'petty and gross' plan - diluting her urine and pouring it into the iron's water reservoir. 'I obviously wanted to separate from him but first I wanted to mess with him a little bit,' she said. 'The amount of joy I felt watching him iron my piss into his work shirts each Sunday was electric. Speaking on It's a Girl Thing, a podcast hosted by Lucie (pictured) and Ebony Day, an anonymous woman confessed she found out her husband was cheating on her with someone from work 'For as long as we lived in the same house a faint aroma of urine followed his every step.' The podcast hosts were horrified - and amused - at the revelation. Lucie quipped, 'He probably didn't keep seeing her because he stank of wee. That's the ultimate ick.' Ebony added, 'It might be really tame at the beginning of the day, but as he sweats more, it gets worse.' The clip quickly went viral, sparking a wave of comments from listeners who admitted to their own small acts of revenge on cheating partners. One claimed to have regularly scrubbed her ex's toothbrush in the toilet before putting it back. Another bought 50 keyrings, numbered them, and scattered them around their ex's suburb, ensuring he was bombarded with calls from strangers claiming to have 'found his keys.' 'I used to deflate the same car tyre so he thought he had a puncture. He replaced it and then had to buy a new alloy because he thought there was a crack in it,' a woman shared. The woman devised what she admitted was a 'petty and gross' plan - diluting her urine and pouring it into the iron's water reservoir While the story had listeners laughing, it also highlighted a more serious conversation around relationships. Many Australian women have admitted in recent years that finding a trustworthy partner is harder than ever, with dating apps plagued by ghosting, casual flings, and stories of betrayal. In forums and social media groups, Aussie women frequently describe dating as 'a minefield,' with many saying loyalty and commitment feel like outdated concepts. The viral revenge confession has now become a talking point about how people process betrayal - whether through humour, closure, or in this case, an unusually creative act of payback. Doctors have been warned against prescribing two widely used drugs together amid fears the combination could increase the risk of seizures. Researchers found patients given the opioid painkiller tramadol alongside certain widely used antidepressants were almost 10 per cent more likely to suffer a seizure. The study, by scientists at Ohio State University, analysed health records from more than 70,000 nursing home residents. It showed a 'modest but measurable increase' in seizure risk when tramadol was taken with antidepressants that inhibit the CYP2D6 liver enzyme, which helps the body process drugs. These so-called CYP2D6 inhibitors which include fluoxetine, paroxetine, bupropion, sertraline and fluvoxamine can block the breakdown of tramadol, causing it to build up in the body. The effect was consistent regardless of which medicine was started first. Dr Yu-Jung Jenny Wei, a geriatric pharmacoepidemiologist and study co-author, said: 'Our findings underscore the need for careful prescribing practices, especially for older adults with complex health conditions. 'Doctors should be aware of potential seizure risks when prescribing tramadol with antidepressants, particularly CYP2D6 inhibitors.' She added: 'Given how commonly both are prescribed to older adults, these interactions may be more important than previously thought.' Doctors were today warned about dishing out two common drugs given to millions at the same time, over fears the combination could raise the risk of seizures Your browser does not support iframes. Researchers analysed ten years of health records to identify 70,156 nursing home residents aged 65 and over who had been prescribed both tramadol and an antidepressant. Participants were divided into two groups based on which drug they were given first. Of these, 11,162 took tramadol before adding an antidepressant, while 58,994 started on an antidepressant and later added tramadol. For every 100 people who took tramadol first, 16 experienced seizures. Among those who began with an antidepressant, the figure rose to 20. After adjusting for other factors, the researchers found seizure risk was nine per cent higher for people who took tramadol first when it was combined with a CYP2D6-inhibiting antidepressant, compared with one that did not affect the enzyme. For those who started on an antidepressant and later added tramadol, the risk was around 6 per cent higher when the antidepressant was a CYP2D6 inhibitor. Writing in the journal Neurology, the scientists cautioned that their findings do not prove the drug combination causes seizures and said further research is needed. They suggested, however, that the increased risk could be due to CYP2D6 inhibitors interfering with the way the body metabolises tramadol. Opioids like tramadol, can provide highly effective pain relief when used in the short-term. But doctors have previously warned that patients waiting months for NHS operations are taking the painkillers for dangerously long periods Your browser does not support iframes. When the CYP2D6 enzyme is blocked, tramadol may not be metabolised properly and can build up in the body, increasing the risk of side effects such as seizures. It comes as separate research this week also suggested tramadol is 'not that effective' for treating chronic pain. Danish scientists analysed health records for more than 6,500 patients and found the drug was linked to a higher risk of serious side effects, including heart disease. Publishing their findings in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, the team at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen argued that tramadol's potential harms 'likely outweigh' its modest benefits. Tramadol is one of the most commonly prescribed opioid painkillers in the UK, with hundreds of thousands of NHS prescriptions issued each month. In the US, it ranks among the most widely used opioids, with more than 16 million prescriptions issued annually. The warning comes as use of antidepressants continues to rise. Around 8.7 million people in England, or roughly 15 per cent of the population, were prescribed antidepressants last year, while in the US about 13 per cent of adults take them regularly. Doctors have long warned that patients waiting months for NHS operations are often left on tramadol and other opioids for dangerously long periods, increasing the risk of addiction. After Alex Donaldson fell backwards from a chair and hit her head with force what she describes as a 'good bash' doctors feared she had injured her neck, but she had a different concern. For almost instantly Alex, 45, a GP and mother-of-two from Hertfordshire, was affected by such severe dizziness it made everyday life almost impossible. 'For the first few weeks I struggled so badly with it that I couldn't drive,' says Alex. 'If I kept my head still I would be OK, as the dizziness only hit when I moved. I told my doctor but they put it down to concussion and said it was temporary I was told to simply rest. 'But it didn't go away. I couldn't work because I looked anxious if a GP looks nervous it worries the patient.' Several weeks after the fall in October last year, Alex was referred to a specialist in balance disorders, who diagnosed benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) one of the most common types of vertigo, which can cause the sensation of dizziness or spinning. BPPV is so common that according to the Meniere's Society, a charity that offers support to people affected by dizziness or balance disorders, an estimated 50 per cent of us experience it at some point in our lives. The condition occurs when crystals (formed of calcium carbonate) that sit in our inner ear became loose, usually due to a trauma such as a fall, although it can also happen as part of the ageing process. Alex Donaldson says her dizziness meant she 'couldn't work because I looked anxious if a GP looks nervous it worries the patient' BPPV is so common that according to the Meniere's Society, a charity that offers support to people affected by dizziness or balance disorders, an estimated 50 per cent of us experience it at some point in our lives These microscopic crystals ordinarily sit in a bed of jelly in the inner ear, but if dislodged they can fall into one of the semi-circular canals in the ear (which form the vestibular labyrinth which helps inform the brain how you are moving). These canals contain fluid and fine hairs which respond to the movement of our head, and nearby nerves then send messages to the brain to maintain our sense of balance. The presence of the crystals can lead to confused messages being sent to the brain that someone is moving, even when they are perfectly still, prompting a disturbing sense of dizziness. It is called paroxysmal, because the sensation of dizziness generally comes in short, intense bursts of up to a minute. Although Alex's BPPV was the result of a serious trauma, Dr Diego Kaski, a neurologist at the National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery in London, who specialises in balance disorders says it can follow even a relatively mild bang to the head. 'I've seen people get BPPV both after falling off a roof or even just falling backwards without serious injury,' he tells the Daily Mail. 'The crystals don't dislodge very easily, but you don't have to be concussed for it to happen. 'It is more common in older people because the jelly the crystals sit in degenerates with age, making it easier for the crystals to become dislodged. Adele Buckley says she experienced such severe spells of dizziness she fell over and needed eight stitches in her eyebrow 'And although it is called "benign" you can fall as a result of the dizziness it causes, and falls can be fatal.' BPPV is diagnosed using a specialist manoeuvre, known as the Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre, during which a medical practitioner rapidly moves your head from side to side to determine the location of the misplaced crystals. It was after being put through this test by Dr Kaski, that Alex was diagnosed. She recalls: 'The movements were very quick and involved simply moving my head to see which side the problem was we didn't discover until much later on that, because my injury was so explosive, both ears were affected.' Not everyone who develops BPPV will require treatment as it can resolve spontaneously either as the crystals fall out of the semicircular canal or because they break down or dissolve. But some will need treatment which takes the form of different manoeuvres, the aim of which is to nudge the displaced crystals back out into the ear canal. Dr Kaski began treatment on Alex using the Semont manoeuvre. This involved Alex sitting on the edge of a bed and then lying down with her head to one side, and then switching to the opposite side. 'Dr Kaski did the Semont twice,' says Alex. 'I felt terribly dizzy throughout, and even though it took just a few minutes, I felt totally exhausted afterwards. 'The next day you have to take it slow and let the brain learn to trust what it is seeing the trouble is, having suffered such debilitating dizziness, your eyes don't trust what they are seeing. 'You are left with a real fear of the sensation returning, of feeling once again that you are on a rollercoaster.' Alex did the movements at home twice a week for a month but her dizziness persisted, so Dr Kaski recommended she try a different technique known as the Epley manoeuvre. It involves a practitioner repeatedly turning the head and body from left to right to try and dislodge the crystals using slower movements than the Semont. It's the 'only real treatment for BPPV if the Semont manoeuvre doesn't work', says Dr Kaski. 'We try the Semont first because it is easier to perform in a busy clinic, and it can work for some patients. 'We have millions of these crystals sitting in this jelly in our inner ear, but after the manoeuvre, the dislodged crystals don't actually go back into the jelly they get absorbed into the lymphatic system and eventually leave the body.' Three months after the initial treatment, at Dr Kaski's recommendation, Alex underwent the Epley manoeuvre and was clear of symptoms after two sessions. Alex recalls: 'The first time it worked partially, and then 48 hours after the second manoeuvre, it disappeared completely.' Yet she is one of the lucky ones as Dr Kaski says many of those affected continue to suffer without the help they need as 'there is a lack of awareness of BPPV itself, alongside a huge lack of awareness of the simple, effective treatment because it isn't routinely taught in undergraduate medicine'. As a result many continue to suffer with BPPV, which Dr Kaski says is 'very scary and disabling patients are often on sick leave, unable to function at work, at home or socially'. This was the experience of Adele Buckley, 63, from Southwold, Suffolk, who lived with unexplained extreme dizziness for a year without a diagnosis. 'I thought I had a brain tumour at first,' confesses the hospitality worker and mother-of-two. 'I couldn't walk down the stairs without holding on. And if I turned my head too fast, I got horribly dizzy. 'Everything was moving around me, and my fear of falling was intense. I fell over once and had eight stitches to my eyebrow. 'Until you've experienced a period of acute dizziness and poor balance, it is hard to appreciate just how debilitating it can be. It impacts every aspect of your life.' She saw five different specialists, was sent for brain and body scans and received several mistaken diagnoses, including an inner-ear infection, before a sixth specialist diagnosed BPPV almost a year after her symptoms began. The most likely cause, the consultant said, was that Adele had blown her nose too hard repeatedly over an extended period when she had a heavy cold, and the strain of it had dislodged her inner-ear crystals. Adele underwent the Epley manoeuvre, just once, and at the end of it the dizziness had gone. 'I was violently sick afterwards' she says. 'And then I felt fine.' However, her experience in 2005 was so frightening that she says ever since she 'is careful about blowing my nose too hard'. Dr Kaski, who has never heard of over-enthusiastic nose-blowing triggering BPPV, says: 'More GPs need to understand that, of all the neurological problems there are, this [BPPV] is one you can fix, often, in just 45 seconds,' says Dr Kaski. 'Dizziness is often referred to ENT (ear, nose and throat) departments but this [BPPV] is such a treatable problem that arguably all doctors should be aware of it. 'Physiotherapists need to be part of the medical treatment for BPPV too, because the Epley manoeuvre is a form of physiotherapy and falls within their clinical skills.' Some BPPV patients need repeat treatments, which can be done at home, although it's not something that patients can do themselves, says Dr Kaski, as 'it can be difficult for patients to get themselves into the correct position due to the symptoms it generates'. 'It is far less likely to be successful than those done by someone else, and there is a potential risk of moving the crystals into another canal, which can complicate treatment afterwards.' A mother has issued an urgent warning over the trendy herbal supplement kratomtouted online as a natural remedy for anxiety and stressafter her 27-year-old son died just six weeks after he began taking it. The powder, made from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, is sold widely across the US in the form of teas, pills and energy shots. Fans claim kratom can boost mood, relieve pain and ease withdrawal from other drugs. But experts warn it is addictive and potentially dangerous, with side effects that can include seizures, hallucinations and, in some cases, death. It has since earned the nickname 'gas station heroin' after reports of users becoming hooked, with some describing severe withdrawal symptoms similar to those caused by opioids. Depending on the dose, it can act as both a stimulant and a sedativeproducing bursts of energy in small amounts, but causing drowsiness, euphoria and dependency in larger ones. According to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, the effects can begin within 10 minutes and last up to an hour and a half. Robert 'Wyatt' Wheeler, 27, died in October 2022 after taking the supplement for less than two months. Robert 'Wyatt' Wheeler was just 27 years old when he passed away after overdosing on Kratom Kratom is widely available across the US in the form of energy shots, powders, teas and pills. Speaking to People magazine, his mother Patti Wheeler said: 'He found this kratom alternative to try to take the edge off during a party. We just had no way of knowing that it was addictive as it was.' When she discovered her son was taking kratom, she said she wasn't initially worried after Wyatt reassured her it was just a herbal supplement. But two weeks later, on October 25, Wyatt suffered a fatal seizuredespite his twin brothers' desperate attempts to save him. Ms Wheeler said: 'It's not pretty at all. There's convulsing... people bite their tongue and there's blood. I heard the stories. I know what my son went through that day. 'As a parent, you teach your children everything about danger; how to look both ways, how to cross the street, how to watch out for people in dark corners. 'And then he walks into a gas station, buys something off the shelf, and he's gone at just 27 years old. It's unfathomable.' Ms Wheeler is now taking part in the filming of a new documentary, Kratom: Side Effects May Include, in which she and other bereaved families share their experiences of losing loved ones to the controversial drug. She added: 'I really do hope to circumvent that for other people. I don't want them to go down the path my son did. I want people to be able to identify kratom.' Drug induced liver injury is liver damage that happens as a side-effect of taking a drug Heartbreakingly, Wyatt's story is not unique. More than 2,000 deaths linked to kratom were officially recorded in the US between 2021 and 2023 alone, prompting government discussions about classifying it as a Schedule I drugthe same category as heroin. Officials hope such a move would make the substance harder to access, but experts warn it could also drive the trade underground, making supplies even more dangerous. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has repeatedly urged consumers not to use kratom because of the risk of serious side effects, including liver toxicity, seizures and addiction. One of the biggest concerns is drug-induced liver injury (DILI)damage caused when the liver struggles to process a medicine, drug or supplement. The liver is responsible for metabolising substances so they can be safely removed from the body, but sometimes, active components of a drug remain behind and build up, leading to inflammation or scarring. According to the British Liver Trust, symptoms of DILI can include extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice, itching, nausea, pain under the ribs on the right-hand side, and rashes. Any drug or supplement is more likely to trigger liver damage if taken in high dosesand doctors warn that with unregulated substances like kratom, users often have no way of knowing how much they're actually consuming. Kratom is illegal in the UK after it banned under the Psychoactive Substances Act in 2016. A former adviser for the Make America Healthy Again movement who is now working to replicate the initiative in Europe has said the public deserves an apology for Covid vaccine mandates. In a commentary published in Science, Public Health Policy and the Law, cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra and co-author psychologist Dr Andrea Nazarenko argue that informed consent, the 'fundamental' principle of healthcare, was abandoned in the Covid pandemic, eroding trust in public health institutions. They claim that by enforcing mandates and downplaying potential side effects of the new vaccines, such as myocarditis, authorities 'silenced truth seekers' and damaged confidence in healthcare systems. 'Until the most urgent questions are answered,' they wrote, 'nothing less than a global moratorium on Covid mRNA vaccines, coupled with formal, unequivocal apologies from governments and medical bodies for mandates and for silencing truth seekers, will suffice.' 'Restoring legitimacy requires three concrete commitments: Full transparency of data, independent evaluation of evidence, and accountability through both policy change and public acknowledgement of harm.' At the federal level, America enacted several Covid vaccine mandates that were not removed until May 2023, including a requirement that all employees be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing. Some states, mostly Democrat-led, such as California, Oregon and New York, went even further and fired state employees who refused the vaccines. There were also widespread mask mandates and lockdowns put in place across the US. Many of these policies remained in place for months, and in some states health officials have reinstated mask mandates in certain settings in response to rising viral cases. Dr Aseem Malhotra (pictured) was formerly named MAHA Action's Chief Medical Advisor Your browser does not support iframes. Following the orders, trust in America's health system declined, with 61 percent of citizens now saying they have confidence in the CDC compared to 73 percent in December 2020. There have also been 14,800 claims for injuries people claim they suffered because of the Covid vaccines filed in the US to date, of which only 122 have resulted in a payout for compensation. An estimated 270 million Americans received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine, with the shots estimated to have prevented more than 3.2 million deaths and 18.5 million hospitalizations. Serious adverse side effects of the inoculation are believed to be rare. In an interview with the Daily Mail ahead of the commentary's publication, Malhotra said: 'In retrospect, this mandate on the general public, particularly on people at low risk like young adults, was criminal. 'They were getting close to no benefit from the shots, while at the same time exposing themselves to serious potential harms.' Malhotra was an adviser to Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr's MAHA Action movement, but has now joined a team of doctors working to Make Europe Healthy Again (MEHA) in order to replicate the movement in other countries. In the paper, titled 'Mandates and Lack of Transparency on COVID-19 Vaccine Safety has Fuelled Distrust An Apology to Patients is Long Overdue,' the doctors warned of the harms linked to Covid vaccination, and called for further investigation. 'Perhaps the most egregious failure to learn from emerging evidence concerned vaccine safety signals,' they wrote. 'The original trials characterized the vaccines as safe, with mostly short-term, mild-to-moderate reactions. [But] within six months of roll-out, safety signals emerged, yet policies and recommendations largely persisted.' Brianne Dressen (pictured), a mother of two from Utah, received AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine as part of clinical trials in November 2020, at the age of 39. Within an hour, she developed a tingling sensation in her arm, and soon she was unable to walk Lindy Ayers (pictured), a 31-year-old army veteran from Arkansas, has been wheel-chair bound since her second Pfizer shot in 2021 as part of the federal government's military mandate Lindy Ayers, 31, is shown above. She has now been diagnosed with an injury caused by a Covid vaccine Older adults and those with underlying conditions were at much greater risk of hospitalization or death from Covid, compared to healthy children and younger adults who had a much lower risk of complications from the virus. At the same time, however, the Covid vaccines were linked to myocarditis, or heart inflammation that is often mild and eases in a few days, but in rare cases can be fatal in younger individuals. This raised concerns over whether the risks of vaccinating young adults and children against Covid outweighed the potential benefits. The authors added: 'It is understandable that, in the early days of the pandemic, decisions were made under uncertainty, guided by the best evidence available at the time. However, such justification cannot extend indefinitely. 'Once new evidence emerged and challenged initial assumptions about the benefits and risks, the ethical obligation was to reassess policy accordingly.' Dr Mattias Desmet, a clinical psychologist at the University of Ghent, Belgium, who was not an author on the paper, told the scientists in a press release that their paper described the 'true tragedy' that emerged during the Covid pandemic. 'Society has placed its fate in the hands of a science that is no longer a science,' he said, 'a science that lost all sense of truth.' 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 Outspoken Donald Trump critic Jimmy Kimmel said he would 'love' to have the President on his show amid his tumbling ratings. The late night host was discussing his return to the screen after his show was temporarily axed over his comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The remarks prompted an outcry, followed by celebrations from Trump when it was announced that Kimmel was being yanked off air. The TV host was reinstated a week later, but has recorded sliding ratings ever since with viewership down more than 70 percent in his first week since his return. In his first interview since the scandal, Kimmel told the Bloomberg Screentime Conference: 'I'd love to have Trump on the show, for sure.' However, he admitted that the President might be hesitant given his long history of criticizing Trump. 'I don't know...alright I'll ask him,' the host joked before admitting that his inflammatory comments on Kirk had been, 'intentionally and maliciously mischaracterized'. Trump has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! three times, the last during his presidential campaign in 2016. Jimmy Kimmel said he would 'love' to have Donald Trump on his show amid tumbling ratings The President ridiculed the decision to reinstate Jimmy Kimmel Live! after only a week off air after he was cancelled due to his comments about Charlie Kirk's assassination But in his second term Trump has consistently called for Kimmel and several other late night hosts to be pulled off the air, poking fun at their ratings and left-wing comedy. 'Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED,' he posted following the decision. 'Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if thats possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT.' Kimmel's viewership has dipped 71 percent in one week since his triumphant return. 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. The show was suspended on September 17 after Kimmel made comments about conservative influencer Charlie Kirk's death. 'We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,' he said. ABC pulled the show only to reinstate it less than a week later thanks to protests from avid fans who boycotted ABC and Disney products and protested outside of their studios. President Trump condemned the decision on Truth Social. The show was reinstated after fans protested outside of the studios Kimmel has had Trump on his show three times, the last during his first campaign in 2016 Kimmel was suspended due to his comments following the death of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10 'I cant believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was canceled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his talent was never there. 'Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, whos not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99 percent positive Democrat GARBAGE,' he wrote. Once reinstated on September 22, Kimmel drew in a viewership of 6.5 million viewers, the show's highest ever. Typically, Kimmel gets about 1.8 million viewers each night on television. The numbers released by ABC do not include viewership from streaming services. During his first show back, Kimmel apologized for his comments about Kirk. 'It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,' he said. But Kimmel said during his interview on October 8 that his comments about Kirk had been 'intentionally and maliciously mischaracterized'. 'I hope that we drew a really bold, red line about what we as Americans will and will not accept,' he said. Commentary: Two years on, Gaza's agony demands end to conflicts and return to two-state solution Xinhua) 09:19, October 09, 2025 CAIRO, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli-Palestinian conflict reached its grim two-year mark on Tuesday. With the people of Gaza still caught in a cycle of destruction and despair, the Middle East now stands at a crossroads. The two years of conflict have left the Gaza Strip devastated and its people in dire straits. More than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed during the conflict, and over 1 million displaced. Neighborhoods lie in ruins, basic services have collapsed, and the humanitarian crisis has become one of the world's most urgent and enduring tragedies. In the face of the staggering humanitarian toll, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described the Gaza Strip, under relentless bombardment and blockades, as "the living hell." One of the key lessons of the Gaza conflict is that force cannot produce peace, and violence cannot ensure safety. Israel's actions in Gaza are premised on a simple equation: sustained strikes equal neutralized threats. Yet the result has been the opposite -- not security, but greater insecurity; not stability, but deeper instability. The outcome is not a broken cycle of violence, but one more deeply entrenched than ever. Over the past two years, criticism of Israel and calls for a cease-fire have reverberated worldwide. The UN Security Council has voted multiple times on resolutions demanding an immediate halt to hostilities, the reopening of humanitarian corridors, and the resumption of political negotiations. However, the efforts have all been blocked by the United States. Across the globe, street protests, public demonstrations, and petitions have kept the call for a Gaza cease-fire at the forefront of international attention. Many countries, including China, have actively worked to facilitate peace in Gaza, creating channels for dialogue and advocating for renewed implementation of the two-state solution. Taken together, these efforts have coalesced into an insistent message: the fighting must stop, the humanitarian disaster must end, and Gaza cannot wait any longer for peace. In recent months, a new wave of international support for the formal recognition of a Palestinian state has gained momentum. Some Western nations, notably France, Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal, have announced their recognition of the State of Palestine. To date, more than 150 of the United Nations' 193 member states have recognized the State of Palestine. The growing international recognition of Palestine is a response to a stalled peace process. It signals mounting global frustration with Israel's reluctance to cease hostilities and reflects a consensus forged by two years of conflict: the two-state solution is the only viable path to lasting peace, and fair political arrangements are the prerequisite for enduring security in the Middle East. The Gaza conflict is more than a regional conflict -- it is a wound on humanity itself, testing the limits of international governance and conscience. Against the backdrop of relentless bombardment and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the rhetoric of "human rights" and "democracy" espoused by Washington rings hollow. The principles of fairness and justice have been sacrificed to the geopolitical calculus, exposing the moral bankruptcy of certain countries. It is imperative that all sides heed the global call for an immediate ceasefire, resume dialogue through diplomatic means, and work toward the full implementation of the two-state solution. Only by silencing the guns and returning to the path of negotiation can lasting peace, security, and dignity be secured for both Palestinians and Israelis, and genuine stability be restored to the region. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) MSNBC host Michael Steele has been mocked online for misspelling martial law while trying to criticize Donald Trump on social media. The former RNC chair, 66, shared a link to a news article on X on Wednesday, claiming the president has floated the idea of invoking the Insurrection Act to put active-duty troops on the ground in US cities. 'This has always been the end game. It's how Trump gets to Marshall Law and ultimately suspending the '26 Elections,' Steele said. 'The fact they are "debating" it should have alarms sounding off. It won't help to wake up to this fact after he does it.' However, commenters were quick to point out that Steele wrote 'Marshall Law,' which is a misspelling of martial law. 'Is Marshall Law anything like martial law?' one person quipped. 'What is Marshall Law and why are you treating it as a proper noun?' said another. 'It's spelled "marital law," actually,' a third person added. 'As an expert in being named Marshall, I can assure you that youre using the wrong word,' said a fourth. 'Moron. Its "martial law." You are actually as dumb as your reputation, a fifth person said. MSNBC host Michael Steele (pictured) has been mocked online for misspelling martial law while trying to criticize Donald Trump The former RNC chair shared a link to a news article on X Wednesday claiming the president has floated the idea of invoking the Insurrection Act Some people made jokes about Steele's mistake, using the definition of 'marshal,' a high-ranking law enforcement official, as the pun. 'Marshall Law. Wasn't he in one of those cheesy '50s TV westerns?' one person said. 'Oh, yeah? Well, there's a new "Marshall" in town,' joked another. Others sarcastically asked Steele if he was referring to other famous Marshalls. 'Thurgood Marshall Law?! Oh no, not that,' one person said, referencing the deceased Supreme Court Justice. 'Is that like Marshall Mathers law?' a second person said, referring to the rapper Eminem. Steele, who served as the lieutenant governor of Maryland from 2003 to 2007, made headlines in March after he got into a heated debate with his cohost over Bernie Sanders and AOC's 'tone-deaf' tour. While Steele acknowledged the lawmakers' efforts, he questioned whether the term 'oligarchy' truly resonates with everyday Americans. 'The oligarchy tour, I think, kind of misses middle America because, again, Democrats, in my view, being tone deaf from what the American people are saying, you know, folks sitting at the local pub aren't using the term oligarchy,' Steele said. His cohost, Symone Sanders-Townsend quickly pushed back. 'OK, wait, but I'm sorry, they're in middle America. He launched a tour in Omaha. They were in Denver,' she countered. Steele held firm, arguing that the issue wasn't where the tour took place but how its message was framed. 'It doesn't matter where you launch it. It's what you say when you launch it. And if you're using terms and phraseology that is not directly connecting people, then that becomes a concern in the process,' he explained. The Financial Conduct Authority's ban on crypto exchange traded notes, or ETNs, was lifted on Wednesday to much fanfare from crypto fans. The new products offering a new way to include cryptocurrencies in an investment portfolio. 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. They allow 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 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. Figures from investing platform IG suggest that the UK's crypto market could grow by some 20 per cent as new investors look to pile into these new crypto products. However, any keen investor looking to get in early will have been disappointed to find that despite the ban lifting, these ETN products are still not available to retail investors. Wait: Investors will have to wait until at least 13 October before they are able to but crypto ETNs, despite the FCA's ban being lifted In fact, investors will have to wait until at least 13 October before they are able to but crypto ETNs. The delay comes as a result ETN providers being required to submit their prospectuses for FCA approval before they can offer these products. However, the FCA only began accepting draft prospectuses on 25 September. According to Financial Times sources, one person familiar with the matter said the FCA and the London Stock Exchange were 'going back and forth' on whether they needed a new segment of the exchange for these crypto products. Thomas Brown, partner at law firm Shoosmiths, said: 'The delay has been described as concerning, especially given that European and US retail investors already enjoy access to similar products.' He said the regulator's decision to only accept prospectuses two weeks before the lifting of the ban gave insufficient time for its discussions with the LSE over a possible new crypto ETN segment of the exchange. Harvey Knight, partner and head of the UK financial services regulatory team at Withers, said: 'The delay is not necessarily a mere operational blip but quite symptomatic of how the UK has handled its approach to crypto and digital assets more generally.' The FCA, however, said the opposite was true. A spokesperson told This is Money: 'We had to wait until the segment opened on the LSE before we could start reviewing prospectuses. That happened on 23 September, and we started accepting prospectuses for review two days later. 'We are progressing policy development in support of the development of a sustainable, competitive crypto sector. We want to rebalance risk, and lifting the ETN ban allows people to make the choice on whether such a high-risk investment is right for them.' When the FCA announced that the ETN ban would be lifted back in August, it said it would begin to review prospectuses after recognised UK exchanges admitted crypto ETNs to retail investor markets. Nick Jones, chief executive of crypto infrastructure firm Zumo, said: 'Practically, retail access to these crypto ETN products goes through the authorised retail brokers. While at least some have stated a public commitment to make the products available from today's ban lifting date, others have stated timelines into next year, while a number are yet to make any public comment. 'Part of the issue is that these products have been labelled as Restricted Mass Market Investments and therefore come with a significant compliance process, including consumer appropriateness tests, that providers must now complete to offer these products.' These assets are more risky than more common exchange traded products like physical ETFs, which hold the assets they track. ETN providers can match the return of the asset in any way they wish. Knight said: 'The products must be structured as ETNs traded on a recognised investment exchange, which retail customers should be aware embeds counterparty/issuer risk rather than true asset ownership.' 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. These products can be held within Isa wrappers and registered pension schemes, His Majesty's Revenue & Customs confirmed on Wednesday, meaning that investors can now gain tax-free exposure to cryptoassets for the first time. HMRC said: 'Crypto ETNs will be automatically eligible for inclusion in stocks and shares Isas.' However, from April next year, they will be reclassified as qualifying investments for innovative finance Isas and at that point become ineligible to stocks and shares Isas. HMRC said: 'The government will keep the inclusion of in tax-advantaged accounts under review with a view to including them in the stocks and shares at a later date as the market matures and as consumer understanding deepens.' Products featured in this article are independently selected by This is Money's specialist journalists. If you open an account using links which have an asterisk, This is Money will earn an affiliate commission. We do not allow this to affect our editorial independence. A Lifetime Isa or Lisa lets you save up to 4,000 a year into the account. The Government then tops up your contributions by 25 per cent, giving your savings a very generous boost. The catch? You can only access your savings when buying your first home, or when you reach 60. You can potentially bag a total of 32,000 from the Government if you max out your contributions each year between the age of 18 and 50, the age at which you stop earning the Lifetime Isa bonus. In general, this makes Lifetime Isas a great deal for first-time buyers who know they'll be purchasing a home in the next few years. But the account has also come under fire, because the property you buy must cost less than 450,000. This level has stayed the same since the Lisa's introduction in 2017, despite property prices increasing over that time. Here we look at how Lisas work, what types of products are available, and their benefits and pitfalls. We also examine the best Lifetime Isa providers on the market, giving you options for both a cash Lisa and a stocks and shares Lisa. Read more: The best stocks and shares Isas Best Lifetime Isa: Our pick of the top providers How we review Lifetime Isa providers Our Lifetime Isa round-up is informed by This is Money's extensive experience of hunting for the best savings rates and testing and reviewing different investment accounts. For cash Lifetime Isas, we consider the interest rate primarily. We examine the available boost, the underlying rate, the minimum deposit, and how easy it is to transfer your money. For stocks and shares Lifetime Isas, we look at account fees, whether you'll earn any interest on uninvested cash, and how easy it is for beginners to get started. Keep in mind that because investments rise and fall in value, experts generally suggest investing for a minimum of five years. Why trust us Sam is Money and Consumer Guides Writer at This is Money. He has more than 10 years' experience covering financial topics and has worked as a writer at organisations including NerdWallet, the Financial Ombudsman Service and Simply Business. He's skilled at uncovering the best money deals and breaking down complex topics for readers. What is a Lifetime Isa? A Lifetime Isa is a type of Individual Savings Account that's designed to help younger people save for their first home, or for retirement. The 4,000 you can save each year in a Lisa forms part of your overall 20,000 Isa allowance. As with other Isas, both cash and investment Lifetime Isas are available. The best feature of the Lisa is the 25 per cent Government bonus on contributions. However, the eligibility criteria and rules about accessing your money are stricter than other Isas. Lifetime Isa eligibility Everybody aged 18-39 can open a Lifetime Isa. This includes those who already own a home and are saving into a pension, although you can't use the money for a house purchase unless you're a first-time buyer. You can pay into a Lisa until you're 50, meaning savers can potentially earn a total of 32,000 from the Government by stashing away 4,000 a year from the age of 18. Your account stays open after you turn 50, and your savings can continue to earn interest or achieve investment returns, but you can't make more contributions. If you're saving for retirement in a Lisa, you can only withdraw money once you reach 60. If you're buying a home with someone else who meets the criteria, you can both use Lifetime Isas for the purchase turbocharging your savings with more Government bonus. Are there any Lifetime Isa early withdrawal penalties? You can only use the money when buying a first home worth up to 450,000, or for retirement when you reach 60. If you need to withdraw for other reasons, you're hit with a stiff 25 per cent penalty, which affects your own contributions and not just the Government bonus. There's no withdrawal penalty if you're terminally ill with less than 12 months to live. What else should you know about Lifetime Isas? Both cash Lifetime Isas and stocks and shares Lifetime Isas are available. You can hold multiple Lifetime Isas, but you can't deposit money into more than one in each tax year. The 4,000 maximum you can pay into a Lifetime Isa counts towards your annual 20,000 Isa allowance. The Lifetime Isa has effectively replaced the Help to Buy Isa, which was a previous scheme that also paid out a Government bonus and is closed to new savers. If you have both a Help to Buy Isa and a Lifetime Isa, you can only use the bonus from one to buy a home. Saving for a home: A Lifetime Isa is a good option for first-time buyers What are the rules when using a Lisa to buy a home? Lifetime Isas are best for first-time buyers who are definitely going to buy a property in the next few years. If you're considering opening a Lifetime Isa for this reason, you should be aware of the rules and eligibility criteria. For instance, you must be a first-time buyer. You can also buy with another first-time buyer and both use separate Lisa savings. It's possible to buy with someone who isn't a first-time buyer and use your Lisa, although they can't use their own Lisa if they were to have one. The property must cost less than 450,000 and the Lisa needs to be open for at least 12 months before you can use it for the purchase. If you know you want to buy a first home at some point but don't yet have a Lifetime Isa, a popular tip is to open one with just 1 as soon as you can. You won't then have to wait for 12 months before you can withdraw the money. You can't have previously owned a property, in the UK or anywhere else. It's worth noting that the property you purchase must also be in the UK. The scheme isn't for those purchasing a buy-to-let or holiday home you must be buying a home you plan to live in. Finally, you have to be buying the property with a mortgage. How to access the money for a house deposit When you eventually buy a property, you can't just withdraw the funds, because you'll be hit with a penalty. Instead, the solicitor handling your purchase should deal with withdrawing the money. You'll need to tell them you're using a Lisa to buy the property. You can use the money towards the deposit when you exchange contracts prior to completion, although there can't be a delay of more than 90 days. If the sale falls through, your solicitor will be able to put the money and bonus back into your Lisa though it must be the same amount. Best Lifetime Isas: what cash providers can you choose from? Lifetime Isas can boost savers' pots, but in practice there aren't many providers on the market. This is particularly true of cash Lifetime Isas. Larger banks generally don't offer them, meaning cash savers can choose from a small group of less well-known providers. These include Moneybox, Paragon Bank, Plum* and Tembo. The best cash Lifetime Isa provider by rate is currently Moneybox, which is offering savers 4.25 per cent interest although this rate plummets by 1.2 per cent after 12 months. You could look to transfer provider after the bonus rate ends. App-based Tembo currently has the best underlying rate of 4.1 per cent, which is great if you don't want to faff around with bonus rates. However the positive with bonus rates are they're usually fixed, so it should mean that you beat the base rate for at least 12 months. CASH LIFETIME ISA Provider Rate % Moneybox (1.2% bonus for 12 months) (1+) 4.25 Plum* (0.84% bonus for 12 months) (1p+) 4.2 Tembo (1+) 4.1 Paragon Bank (1+) 3.51 Bath Building Society (1+, no transfers allowed) 2.85 Skipton Building Society (1) 2.3 Compiled by This is Money, checked 26 November 2025. Rates may change without banks notifying us. Always check details before applying Best stocks and shares Lifetime Isa providers: a pick of the top platforms A dearth of products could pose problems for first-time buyers with a shorter time horizon. Investing is for the long term the usual rule of thumb is a minimum of five years so an investment Lifetime Isa probably isn't the right choice if you want to buy a home sooner than that. For those who won't need access to the money for at least five years, investing may be a good option. Investments rise and fall in value, and there's a risk you might get back less that you invest. But over the long term, investing gives you the opportunity of beating the interest earned on cash savings. Those interested in a stocks and shares Lifetime Isa can choose from more recognisable names than cash savers. Providers include AJ Bell*, Hargreaves Lansdown*, Moneybox and Nutmeg. Read more in our guide to the best investment platforms. For do-it-yourself investors: AJ Bell You can open an AJ Bell Lifetime Isa* with a minimum of 250 or by setting up a monthly direct debit of at least 25. You can also transfer in from another Lisa provider. AJ Bell charges 0.25 percent annually on your investments. For shares, investment trusts, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), gilts and bonds, this charge is capped at 3.50 a month. In terms of trading fees, AJ Bell charges 1.50 for fund dealing and 5 for shares dealing. If you'd prefer to have your investments managed, you can choose one of AJ Bell's own ready-made portfolios. Just check the underlying ongoing fees for these funds. Hargreaves Lansdown You can open a Hargreaves Lansdown Lifetime Isa* with a minimum lump sum investment of 100, by setting up a minimum monthly payment of 25, or by transferring. Investors pay an annual fee of 0.25 per cent on the first 1million held in funds, 0.10 per cent on the value between 1million and 2million and nothing on the value above that. There's no dealing charge for buying or selling funds. For shares, investment trusts, ETFs, gilts and bonds, the 0.25 per cent charge is capped at 45 per year. There are dealing charges for these investments, starting at 11.95 a deal if you make less than 10 deals a month. You can invest in the shares, funds or trusts you like. If you prefer a more hands-off approach, you can pick one of Hargreaves Lansdown's ready-made Isa portfolios, tailored for different investment needs. Be sure to check any ongoing charges within the investments themselves. For hands-off investors: AJ Bell Dodl Dodl is AJ Bell's app for beginner investors. You can open an Dodl Lifetime Isa account* with 100 or a 25 monthly direct debit. The range of investments is more limited than its full investment platform, but it still gives you more choice than other hands-off platforms. You can go for one of AJ Bell's seven ready-made portfolios, a selection of ETFs that track a market sector or investment theme, or pick from 80 shares available through the app. Dodl's account charge is low at 0.15 per cent, with a minimum of 1 a month. Be sure to check charges for the underlying investments - the majority of AJ Bell's own funds have ongoing charges of 0.31 per cent. Dodl offers a very competitive 4.06 per cent interest on cash held in your account. Moneybox Moneybox aims its Lifetime Isa at those saving a deposit for their first home, rather than targeting people investing for retirement. When you sign up, Moneybox offers you a choice of three risk-rated portfolios as 'starting options' cautious, balanced and adventurous. However if you're more experienced, you can build a customised portfolio with a selection of ETFs. Moneybox gives you exposure to cash, global equities and global property equities through these funds. You can start investing with just 1. It charges 1 a month to cover transaction fees and also has a platform fee of 0.45 per cent. Investors pay underlying fees for the investments on top of this. JP Morgan Personal Investing JP Morgan has retired the Nutmeg brand and launched a new investment platform, but the details of its Lifetime Isa remain the same as Nutmeg's. JP Morgan's Lifetime Isa has a minimum lump sum requirement of 100. You choose an investment style and risk level and then JP Morgan manages your portfolio for you. Make sure you check the fees. As a service that manages your investments, fees are relatively high. For its actively managed investment styles, JP Morgan charges 0.75 per cent annually on up to 100,000 of investments and 0.35 per cent on the portion above that. Keep in mind there are also underlying fund costs ranging from 0.16 per cent to 0.39 per cent. OneFamily You can open OneFamily's Lifetime Isa* with a minimum 250 lump sum investment or 25 a month direct debit. There are three investment styles to choose from - cautious, balanced and adventurous, depending on the level of risk you're happy with. The annual management charge for these funds is high at 1.1 per cent. However, this is the only fee that OneFamily charges, making it more straightforward to understand - there are no fund-level fees on top. Is a Lifetime Isa worth it? Lifetime Isas are usually worth it for first-time buyers who know they'll definitely be purchasing a property in the next few years, and that the property will cost less than 450,000. This cohort stands to benefit the most from using the account, because the generous 25 per cent Government bonus can supercharge their savings, helping them buy a home quicker. It's a less useful account for saving for retirement. You must stop paying into it at 50, but you can't access it until you're 60 so you'll miss out on 10 years' worth of saving. If saving into a Lisa means opting out of a workplace pension or missing out on employer contributions, the first port of call should be auto-enrolling to the pension and maximising employer contributions. However, a Lisa could still be worth it when used in combination with other accounts. And if you're part of a group that won't get employer contributions to a pension, such as the self-employed, the Government bonus is one way to receive a similar top-up. > The best mortgage rates for first-time buyers How to decide whether a Lifetime Isa is worth it for you There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to open a Lifetime Isa and the drawbacks can outweigh the advantages for some people. Ask yourself the following questions when considering a Lifetime Isa: Do you think you'll need to withdraw money in an emergency? Lifetime Isas are not a good choice if you need easy access to your money. You'll lose a quarter of your savings when withdrawing, including from the bonus and any interest or investment growth you've built up. That's a hefty loss, so you need to be sure you can lock up your money until you buy a home or retire. Do you know how much you'll need to save for a home deposit? If you want to save for a home using a Lifetime Isa, you should know what sort of property value you'll be considering. Firstly, you can only buy a property worth 450,000 or less, which is potentially an issue in pricier locations such as the capital and for those who need a larger than usual first home, for example if they have a family. Secondly, it helps you plan how much to save in a Lifetime Isa. Any excess funds beyond your deposit will remain in the account, which you won't be able to access until you're 60 without penalty. Are you maximising employer contributions into a workplace pension? After you've bought a home, the Lifetime Isa turns into an inferior retirement product when compared with saving in a workplace pension. Auto-enrolment rules mean employers have to pay into your pension. Some employers go beyond the minimum they must contribute, matching your own contributions up to a certain amount. If saving in a Lifetime Isa means you're not squeezing the maximum contributions possible out of your employer, you're forgoing free money. The Lifetime Isa is only a decent retirement savings vehicle for the self-employed, who don't receive employer contributions towards their pension. Read more: The best self-invested personal pension (Sipp) providers Are you planning to use a Lifetime Isa within the next five years and are you ready to invest? If you're planning to buy a home within five years, it makes sense to open a cash Lifetime Isa and grab any bonuses during that period. Any period shorter than this is less than the timescale financial advisers traditionally recommend for investing over saving. But stick with cash for any longer than that and you're missing the opportunity for better returns. The hard work and risks of investing are practically invisible to people saving into workplace pensions. The vast majority are in a default fund, and don't have to think much about how their investments are managed. If you intend to hold an investment Lifetime Isa, you'll have to be more proactive and knowledgeable. Even when choosing a do-it-for-you platform such as Nutmeg, you should research its different investment approaches and think about how much risk you want to take. Many financial experts think one of the biggest risks of the Lifetime Isa is that young people will simply open a cash version and stick with it, potentially losing thousands of pounds of investment returns over the decades. That's on top of missing employer contributions into a pension, if they hang onto their Lifetime Isa as a retirement product after buying a home. Might you need to fall back on benefits at any point in your life? Lifetime Isa savings will be taken into account if you ever need to claim benefits, but pension savings are not included in the assessment. If you are in a weak financial situation or in the kind of precarious employment where you might have to rely on state benefits at some time in the future, any savings you build up will be protected in a pension pot. What income tax rate are you on? The Government pays tax relief on contributions to pension pots, in line with the principle that we all save for retirement out of untaxed income. It does this based on income tax rates of 20 per cent, 40 per cent or 45 per cent. So if you earn too little to pay income tax or are on the basic rate of 20 per cent, the Lifetime Isa bonus is a fair deal, especially if your primary goal is to buy a home. But if you are on the 40 per cent or 45 per cent rate, you will get more money from the Government if you stick with saving into a pension. Your Lifetime Isa fund will be tax-free when you eventually withdraw it, but your payments into the pot come from taxed income. The Lifetime Isa bonus evens the field for basic rate taxpayers, but not for those on the higher rates. With pensions, higher rate taxpayers get an extra boost at the outset from more tax relief - increasing the size of the initial fund which then benefits even more from investment compound growth. Pension withdrawals will be taxed as income in retirement, but many people end up on a lower rate in retirement than when they were earning a salary, so the overall system works in their favour. Ofcom has rejected calls to stop Openreach launching a new broadband deal, the communications regulators confirmed in an open letter published on Thursday. Openreach, owned by Britains largest broadband provider BT Group, is launching a discount scheme allowing internet service providers to upgrade customers to full fibre while paying the lower 80/20 Mbps rental rate from 10 October to April 2026. The regulator's decision comes as Britain battles to ramp up ultrafast broadband rollout as rival networks invest billions into fibre networks, intensifying price competition. A number of rival network providers raised concerns with Ofcom about Openreachs special offer. The providers asked Ofcom to investigate the potential impact of the deal on competition in the market - and to prevent the offer coming into effect while it completes the probe. Concerned rival networks complained that the price of the Openreach offer was below the cost of a 'reasonably efficient operator', and could have an 'adverse impact on the development of sustainable network competition'. Regulator update: Ofcom has rejected calls to ban an Openreach broadband deal Some competing firms were concerned that the deal risked locking them out of the market before their networks were ready. The rivals were also concerned about the limited duration of the Openreach offer 'in combination with the price levels', Ofcom said. On Thursday, telecom and media regulator Ofcom said it found no immediate competition concerns with Openreach's special offer, which allows internet service providers to upgrade customers to high-speed fiber connections at discounted rates. 'We do not at this point in time have prima facie concerns that would lead us to decide to investigate the offer in further detail,' Ofcom said in a statement. Ofcom said Openreach's average fiber-to-the-premises price remained above its estimated cost range for an efficient operator even with the new offer factored in, and noted the discount applies only to a narrow segment of proactive customer migrations that internet providers initiate rather than customers request. The regulator said it would use its formal information-gathering powers to monitor the offer's impact on pricing and provider behaviour, and stood ready to intervene quickly if necessary while considering the evidence when setting rules for 2026 to 2031. Ofcom said it was still reviewing responses from its consultation and plans to publish final decisions in March 2026. HSBC shares fell on Thursday after the banking giant confirmed it plans to pay nearly 11billion to buy the rest of ailing Hang Seng bank in Hong Kong. HSBC has offered to pay HK$155 (14.89) per share for the 36 per cent of the bank it does not already own, valuing the stake at about HK$106.1 billion, or 10.7billion. The London-listed lender said it would pause its share buybacks for the next three quarters in order to build up the capital required for the deal, which was struck at a 30 per cent premium to Hang Seng Banks closing price on Wednesday. Hang Seng Bank has been hit by its exposure to falling property markets in the city and mainland China. Impaired loans reached 6.7 per cent of its gross loans in June 2025, up sharply from 2.8 per cent at the end of 2023. HSBC shares fell 6.24 per cent or 66.50p to 999.50p on Thursday, having risen nearly 50 per cent in the past year. Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, said: 'HSBC still stands as one of the FTSE 100's top performers over the last five years despite this morning's drop, and while the pause on the buyback is disappointing, it makes sense to take full control of Hang Seng. Share slide: HSBC shares fell on Thursday after it confirmed it plans to pay nearly 11m to buy the rest of ailing Hang Seng bank in Hong Kong 'Having been on such a tear since April, today might spark some weakness that could provide an entry point for this long-term Asia growth story.' On Thursday, HSBC said it would keep the Hang Seng brand and branch network following the proposed deal. Hang Seng, which was founded in 1933, is one of the largest domestic banks in Hong Kong. It was acquired by HSBC in 1965, marking a milestone deal for the group at the time, but the subsidiary has struggled in recent years after being hit hard by Hong Kongs property slump and seeing rising bad debts. Georges Elhedery, group chief executive of HSBC, said: 'Our offer is an exciting opportunity to grow both Hang Seng and HSBC. 'We will preserve Hang Sengs brand, heritage, distinct customer proposition and a branch network, while investing to unlock new strengths in products, services and technology to deliver more choice and innovation for customers.' He added: 'Our offer also represents a significant investment into Hong Kongs economy, underscoring our confidence in this market and commitment to its future as a leading global financial centre, and as a super-connector between international markets and mainland China.' The bank expects the deal to complete in the first half of 2026. HSBC had faced pressure from its largest shareholder, Ping An, in 2022 to split its Asian and Western businesses, though it fended off the investor calls. It has also since launched a restructuring of Hang Seng and recently appointed a new chief executive for the unit. HSBC said: 'One of HSBCs strategic priorities is to grow in Hong Kong. 'HSBC believes it is best positioned to do so by strengthening the Hong Kong banking presence of both HSBC Asia Pacific and Hang Seng Bank, focusing on their relative strengths and competitive advantages, but continuing to allow all customers to choose where to bank.' It added it plans to 'continue to invest in people and technology across both HSBC Asia Pacific and Hang Seng Bank.' But it signalled potential cost-cutting in the region, saying it 'expects there to be an opportunity to create greater alignment across HSBC and Hang Seng Bank that may result in better operational leverage and efficiencies'. It marks the latest move under an overhaul being led by Elhedery since he took on the top job last year. Elhedery has already reorganised HSBC into four new divisions and pulled out of some businesses. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: 'Like a toddler who has been told they cant have another biscuit, HSBC shareholders are stamping their feet on news they wont be getting any share buybacks for the next few quarters. 'The bank plans instead to put its cash towards buying out minority investors in Hong Kong lender Hang Seng Bank. This is a key plank of HSBCs wider restructuring plan. However, given it is a tidying-up exercise it is unlikely to excite the market too much, particularly as Hang Seng has been hit by a property slump in Hong Kong.' He added: 'Chief executive Georges Elhederys plan to reshape the business has moved with pace since he took charge just over a year ago, with the company winding down certain investment banking operations in the US and Europe and pulling out of certain markets. 'The bank has made generous capital returns, which are about to get a fair bit less generous, and there has been a positive sector backdrop with most banking shares enjoying strong gains over the past year. 'In the context of a continuing pivot towards Asia, HSBCs latest deal has logic. But along with the recent exit of chair Mark Tucker, the poor reception to it represents perhaps the biggest challenge Elhedery has faced at HSBC to date.' Homebuying may be about to become quicker, cheaper and easier thanks to government plans to revolutionise the process. The Government has launched two consultations aimed at understanding the measures needed to improve the home buying and selling process. The aim is to speed up sales, halve the number of failed transactions and improve the availability of material information in property listings. The hope is also to prevent last-minute fall-throughs and drive up the standards of estate agents and conveyancers. Under the reforms, sellers and estate agents would need to give buyers key information about a property upfront. The consultations are set to finish by the end of the year. Homes advertised for sale are already meant to show certain details such as whether the property is leasehold or freehold, the council tax band and EPC rating. But if the consultation is followed through on, sellers and estate agents may be required to include any legal and transactional information such as title deeds and the sellers identity. The government has launched two consultations aimed at understanding the measures needed to improve the home buying and selling process This could include local searches, building safety information, searches, property condition assessments, planning consents, flood risk data and chain data. Buyers and sellers may also have the option to sign binding contracts that would end the practice of buyers and sellers pulling out during the process. The Government will also look into making records more easily accessible via digital property logbooks. 'Creating proper digital infrastructure to connect data across conveyancers, estate agents and the Land Registry could transform the process,' says Paula Higgins of property advice website, Homeowners Alliance. 'But digitising the Land Registry will be expensive - and it's unclear who will pay for it.' What could this mean for buyers? If followed through with, it could be a gamechanger for buyers. Moving home can be one of life's most stressful events. Some people describe it as up there with death and divorce. It is a notoriously lengthy process with setbacks and delays par for the course. The house buying process takes 41 per cent longer than most people expect, according to research from the Open Property Data Association. In total, people are on average spending seven months to move home, according to Rightmove. Amy Reynolds, head of sales at estate agency Antony Roberts, says: 'Providing key information upfront will help everyone make more informed decisions, reduce fall-throughs, and restore confidence in the market. 'Estate agents are often caught in the middle when transactions stall because of missing information or unexpected issues so giving buyers clarity earlier will save not only time and money, but also a lot of unnecessary frustration.' Paula Higgins of HomeOwners Alliance agrees. 'Buyers would have more information earlier in the process, says Higgins. 'That could reduce the risk of nasty surprises and fall-throughs later on.' Paula Higgins of property advice website, Homeowners Alliance However, Peter Stimson, director of mortgages at the lender MPowered says buyers may still feel cautious about proceeding without doing their own due diligence. 'If estate agents - who don't forget work for sellers, not buyers - are the ones compiling the rebooted HIPs, will buyers trust the reports they produce?,' asks Stimson. 'Sensible buyers will still insist on commissioning an impartial survey before committing to what's likely to be the biggest purchase they ever make.' Jeremy Leaf, north London estate agent and a former Rics residential chairman thinks there is a danger of buyers committing before they are fully ready to do so. 'Will buyers be obliged to enter into binding contracts before taking legal advice which may result in subsequent title, leasehold or lender issues?' asks Leaf. 'The legal profession will need to become conversant with any new arrangements asap. 'For instance, what are 'reasonable' grounds for withdrawal to avoid gazumping and gazundering as well as ensure the smoothest possible post-consultation delivery?' No more gazumping and gazundering? One issue that haunts many buyers and sellers is the practice of gazumping and gazundering. Gazumping is when a buyer who had agreed a deal with a seller is then outbid by another buyer - sometimes after they have already spent money towards legal costs or a survey. Gazundering works the other way. It's when a buyer lowers their offer - often at the eleventh hour - reneging on the previous deal struck with the seller. This can often happen after a survey or before contracts are exchanged. Around two in five buyers have seen it happen, according to research by the HomeOwners Alliance. 'This can be a particularly negative experience,' says James Caldwell, director of Clifton Private Finance. 'Particularly if you have found your dream home and had a bid accepted. 'All those hopes and plans you may have for the property are taken away at the last second. 'But introducing a binding contract as a point of no return on deals may only have the effect of shifting the gazumping window earlier in the process.' What could it mean for sellers? For sellers, time and money may have to be spent preparing all the information before they list their home on the market. While this will hopefully speed up the process once they are on the market, it will increase their costs and effort upfront. Andrew Groocock, chief operating officer of estate agency at Knight Frank is concerned it is putting too much onus on estate agents and sellers. 'There is a danger that the proposals simply pass all of the accountability and costs onto the vendor and estate agent.,' says Groocock. 'Under the current system the time delay sits between the offer acceptance and exchange period, the government's proposals will simply shift this delay to the period before any property can be launched to market. 'We would encourage the government to consult with all those working at the sharp end of the industry in order to make meaningful, effective change which will benefit home buyers and sellers for the long term.' The fear shared by some experts is that it could result in fewer homes coming to market if homeowners feel they have to part with cash upfront. 'There's a danger that some sellers will be put off from putting their home up for sale,' says Peter Stimson. 'Sellers who don't need to move for a new job or a big life event might just press the pause button - perhaps to wait and see if the Government's new scheme fizzles out in the same way the ill-fated HIP did.' Peter Stimson, head of product at MPowered Mortgages What could it cost sellers? Combined, the upfront cost could easily reach several hundred pounds, or more for complex transactions. The consultation estimates an additional 310 for producing the upfront information pack, covering searches and documentation. On top of that, a homebuyer survey (Level 2) could cost between 400 and 1,000, depending on the property, according to HomeOwners Alliance. Will it work? There are multiple reasons why sales fall through, but preventing the sales process from dragging on for months should hopefully help. 'The best thing going for the Government's proposals is the potential they hold out for speeding up the maddeningly slow buying process, by increasing transparency and reducing the risk of transactions falling through,' says Stimson. However, there are other factors that cause sales to fall through. A major reason sales fall through is often due to mortgage lenders' searches and valuations, which are designed to protect them against risky buyers or properties. 'Mortgage-related hold-ups, whether due to paperwork or approval delays based on a buyer's individual circumstances, can still derail sales at the eleventh hour.,' says Fergus Allen, head of bridging at Clifton Private Finance. 'Even with new reforms to property information, many buyers are left out of pocket and under considerable stress.' There is also the matter of whether the rules will actually be enforced. Peter Stimson of MPowered recalls a similar scheme that failed to materialise almost two decades ago and fears there is a risk of history repeating itself. 'The idea of sharing these costs more equitably with the seller is seductive, but there's a depressing sense of deja-vu with the Government's proposed reforms. 'They bear an uncanny resemblance to the short-lived Home Information Pack (HIP), a scheme introduced by the last Labour Government in 2007. 'HIPs were paid for by sellers, and estate agents as well a number of specialist providers made a tidy profit from creating packs that included much of the information the current Government is now talking about. 'But in practice HIPs led to a duplication, rather than a reduction, of the costs borne by buyers. 'In England and Wales, they were quietly killed off barely two years after launch. But a better-targeted scheme introduced the following year in Scotland, the Home Report, was successful and continues to this day.' Many property adverts are not compliant even with current legislation, according to research by the HomeOwners Alliance, which means people are left without crucial information in the early stages of buying a home. The HomeOwners Alliance research reviewed adverts across Rightmove, Zoopla and OntheMarket in London and Manchester and found that many agents are failing to comply with the rules. Almost a quarter of leasehold listings did not include the number of years left on the lease. Almost two in five listings failed to disclose service charge costs and around half excluded details of ground rent. Less than one in 10 included the date of the next ground rent review. Lacking: Only 62% of current listings mention service charges, and less than half include ground rent, according to a study by HomeOwners Alliance 'There are plenty of good ideas, but unless there's political will, resources and real enforcement behind them, these reforms risk remaining just that - ideas,' says Higgins. 'There's no clear timeline or prioritisation of which proposals come first, which means progress could be painfully slow. 'Many of the suggestions, such as 'voluntary binding contracts,' are voluntary in name and toothless in practice. 'We already have Codes of Practice and regulatory touchpoints, but weak enforcement means bad practice often goes unchecked. The industry remains highly siloed, with estate agents, conveyancers and lenders all working to protect their own interests. Change will only happen if the government mandates collaboration, not just encourages it.' Andrew Groocock of Knight Frank says: 'While the proposals' ambition is commendable, there needs to be a complete overhaul of the Land Registry so that the data on it is accurate to at least a month rather than three or four months delayed,' he says. 'The ability to provide searches needs to be significantly improved, there are boroughs in London where local authority searches consistently take over 40 working days - this needs to be digitised and instantly available, but that change sits with the government to invest in the correct solution to speed things up.' This week, I had my first anniversary of being a homeowner. Although I was only alerted to this thanks to an automated email from my mortgage broker, it did feel like something to celebrate. Getting on the housing ladder, for me and my partner, was a long-held ambition and the result of many years of hard saving. However, we were also given a vital leg-up by the government, in the form of a stamp duty tax break. We timed the purchase of our two-bed south London flat to take advantage of the reduced stamp duty threshold, which was in place between September 2022 and March 2025 a bid by the then-Conservative government to inject growth into the economy. It was crucial that we got in under this wire because, had we bought the flat after that, our stamp duty bill would have more than tripled. This would have taken it from a highly inconvenient, but just about manageable, expense to one which would have completely derailed our plans, requiring at least another year of saving. On the ladder: The higher stamp duty threshold that was in place between 2022 and 2025 gave many a financial boost when they moved home or bought their first property So I have to applaud Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who this week used her speech at the party conference to announce that the Tories would scrap stamp duty if they won the next election in 2029. This would only apply to people buying a home to live in full-time, with landlords and holiday home buyers still on the hook. Badenoch argued that stamp duty stifles social mobility, because the thought of paying the hated tax, which costs those who pay it an average of 4,582, makes people less likely to relocate for a new job or strive to move up the housing ladder. The policy change, of course, relies on the Conservatives winning an election for which they are hardly the favourite at the moment. Nonetheless, economists and property experts have gone wild for the idea, with Tom Clougherty, executive director of the Institute of Economic Affairs describing it as the 'single best reform any government could make' to the tax system. Your browser does not support iframes. While the Treasurys coffers would take a hit the tax is forecast to make it 26.5billion annually by the year 2029-30 experts say much of this could be replaced by the economic halo effect that is set in motion when someone moves house. Workers who move across the country for a new job with a pay rise contribute more in income tax. Those who buy a new home tend to spend cash on furniture and white goods, which bring money back to the government in the form of corporation tax and VAT. They're also likely to do some repairs and renovations, from which the Treasury gains income tax and national insurance on tradespeoples earnings. Ive certainly forked out plenty towards the latter in the last year, having suffered a broken boiler (twice), blocked drain and broken washing machine. Its true that stamp duty isnt a concern for many first-time buyers. We are based in London, which is our choice, and the 300,000 threshold under which no stamp duty is currently paid is still reasonable in many parts of the country. But with the average house price creeping ever-closer to that level at 298,184, according to Halifax figures, how long will it be until that is no longer the case? And with many now buying well into their thirties and beyond, those in more affordable parts of the country might already need to go over the limit to get a home big enough for their current or future family. When it comes to home movers, a growing number of middle-income families now pay the tax, thanks to house prices rising but the thresholds remaining the same. Of course, its easy to make a bold statement about cutting stamp duty when you know you wont have to act on it for almost four years - and even then, only if you secure a perhaps improbable election win. But the wildly positive reaction to Badenochs announcement shows how strongly Britons feel about this unfair tax and the spending power that could be unleashed if it was banished for good. First-time buyers are battling soaring house prices as brutal competition for homes heats up, new research reveals. House prices for those buying their first property have outpaced the rest of the market because it is now easier to get a larger mortgage, according to Zoopla. This is due in part to moves by lenders, backed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, to loosen their rules and allow first-time buyers to borrow more in relation to their income. The latest data from the property portal shows prices have climbed 2.4 per cent for first-time buyers in the last year far above the average 1.3 per cent across the country. But in one area prices have surged some 10.2 per cent, as buyers flock to cheaper areas where they can get more value and space for their money without a hefty stamp duty charge. Mortgage brokers think the pressure to secure homes in these more affordable areas has sparked 'fierce' competition which is driving up price tags. Improved affordability criteria means first-time buyers are now flocking north to buy bigger homes First-time homes outpace rest of market First-time buyers are now buying homes worth 229,000, some 2.4 per cent more than this time last year. That's compared to the average house price of 268,449, which has only increased by 1.3 per cent in the past year, Zoopla says. Swathes of lenders including HSBC and Lloyds have improved their affordability criteria which means first-time buyers can now borrow as much as 39,000 more than they could previously. This means they are stretching themselves and buying higher value homes in more affordable regions of the country. Fierce competition between first-time buyers to secure their dream home in sought-after regions is also causing prices to surge. Omer Mehmet, managing director of mortgage broker Trinity Finance, said: 'For first-time buyers, the property market is fierce. 'The fact that first-time buyer homes are rising faster than the rest of the market shows just how intense the competition is at the bottom end of the ladder.' North east buyers see prices rocket The price of a first-time buyer property is climbing faster than the overall market in nine out of 11 regions, the Zoopla data shows. The north east has seen the biggest rise in the price of a first-time buyer property, going up some 10.2 per cent to 134,800. And other northern regions are also seeing huge growth in the price of first-time homes. Scotland's first-time buyers can expect to pay 6.4 per cent more than this time last year while in Yorkshire and the Humber its 6 per cent. Values have also risen in the north west (5.1 per cent), Wales (4 per cent), the West Midlands (2.7 per cent) and the south east (2.1 per cent) In the south west, prices have grown just 1.9 per cent while the East Midlands has seen just a 1.7 per cent rise. Eastern England has seen prices edge up 0.7 per cent for first-time homes, less than the overall house price growth of 0.8 per cent. And in the capital, first-time buyer prices plummeted by 2.4 per cent to 420,600 over the last year. Overall price growth in London has slightly increased by 0.2 per cent. Stretched affordability in London and other southern regions - where house prices still remain far above the rest of the country is pushing first-time buyers away from these areas to cheaper homes in the north. As buyers have hit their affordability ceiling, they are moving away from the capital to more affordable areas, which has caused growth to cool. Michelle Lawson, director at broker Lawson Financial, said: 'In the south east, property prices are steady and first-time buyers are active but the market is on a knife edge. 'London is less attractive now due to the flexibility of working from home, making the outer perimeter regions and beyond more appealing and affordable than the big cities, which will then push up prices and demand. 'Sellers are holding out and digging their heels in on pricing.' While first-time buyers typically target homes priced 15 per cent below average prices within local areas, in London and the south east they target homes some 21 per cent below the average, Zoopla said. Stamp duty hike pushing buyers away from south The end of the stamp duty holiday in April, which lowered the thresholds at which stamp duty is payable has hit the south particularly hard due to higher house prices. For first-time buyers, stamp duty wasn't payable on the first 425,000 of a property's price tag. But this has been lowered to 300,000, adding thousands of pounds to young buyers' home moving costs. It means first-time buyers are now either house hunting elsewhere or delaying their move until they can stump up the funds. Stamp duty calculator How much tax would you have to pay on a home or buy-to-let? Purchase price Is this a buy-to-let or second home? (Higher rates apply) Are you a first-time buyer? Stamp duty charge Elliott Culley, director at broker Switch Mortgage Finance, said: 'It is unsurprising to see house prices in the south of England and London stagnating or reducing when compared to the rest of the UK. 'First-time buyers looking in these areas were hit substantially harder by the government's amendments to stamp duty. 'This has led to a cool down in this market as first-time buyers are having to save more money to cover the deposit and stamp duty before having the ability to move. As a result, buyers are being savvier when looking for their first house.' Richard Donnell, of Zoopla, added: 'First-time buyers in London and southern England are looking for cheaper homes than a year ago despite the extra borrowing capacity. 'Large deposits and mortgage regulations mean a high household income is needed to buy in southern England where affordability remains a challenge and this is acting as a drag on house price growth across southern England.' Best friends Duncan Birch and Nick Smith, both 43, decided to spend the weekend camping in Snowdonia on a whim, having booked the campsite 'last minute' after it was recommended by a friend. After arriving on the Sunday, they quickly set up camp and decided to go canoeing in the nearby Llyn Gwynant lake. Duncan and Nick had barely been on the water for 20 minutes, when they spotted a man flailing at the edge of the lake, next to a huge rock face, and quickly paddled over to investigate. Moments earlier, the injured man had plunged around 100ft and hit a rocky ledge, breaking both his legs and knocking him unconscious, before plunging into the water. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Duncan recalled seeing the man, who had partially regained consciousness at this point, covered in blood and looking 'white as a sheet'. 'He was coming in and out of consciousness. You would speak to him and he wouldn't be saying much and then he would say much. It was like fight or flight,' Duncan said. Nick quickly called 999 and a huge rescue operation ensued as police, the coastguard and mountain rescue teams were desperately scrambled to bring the daredevil to safety. Best friends Duncan Birch and Nick Smith, both 43, decided to spend the weekend camping in Snowdonia on a whim Duncan and Nick had barely been on the water for 20 minutes, when they spotted a man flailing at the edge of the lake, next to a huge rock face, and quickly paddled over to investigate 'The way we ended up there was just a random it was like a last-minute trip. I got the recommendation of the campsite of a friend of mine,' Duncan recalled. 'The day before we check the weather, weather looked okay so we just ended up being in the campsite. 'We set up camp for a bit and then we're gonna go and have like a stand-up paddle if there's a hire place at the at the campsite. They didn't have any life vest at the time so we basically went back to the camp just chill for a bit. 'It was 2 o'clock and we just decided to have a canoe instead. We will try and get the other end of the other end of the lake. So we're in great spirits, there was literally no one on the lake except someone close to the campsite in a dinghy that was about it. 'We've got a little boombox and we're just loving life, filming each other. We decide we want to just go in a straight line next to the other end of the lake.' But within minutes of being on the lake, Duncan spotted someone that looked like they were struggling in the water. 'It was like 20 minutes in and I just looked over to the right where these cliffs were in the middle of the lake and I could just see someone like flailing around a little bit in the shallows. 'I thought at first it was a bit weird, like he was trying to get onto board or whatever. We had the music going, so I just carried on paddling and then I looked back again. 'Something just wasn't right and then I went down and then I could hear someone up in the cliff shouting "help, help, help". 'I thought "What is going on here?" You just strap yourself in that moment you know. I'm gonna get myself stuck into it. So we just paddle over as quick as.' Speaking to the Daily Mail, Duncan recalled seeing the man, who had partially regained consciousness at this point, covered in blood and looking 'white as a sheet' When Duncan and Nick reached the injured man, they realised he was bleeding from one of his legs. They quickly brought him to shore and checked for any other injuries before dialing 999. 'He was not very well at all, he just looked white as a sheet. My mate had his phone with him, he called 999. 'He was breathing ok, but just struggling. He looked freezing. 'Then we just tried to talk for about 10/15 minutes and he's like trying to move about. We were just trying to get him to stay calm and stay still. 'The 999 operator was saying don't try and move him at all. So we didn't, we just kind of stayed with him, talked to him.' Police soon arrived on the other side of the lake, but were unable to reach the cliff face where the canoeists were. Duncan quickly remembered the owner of their campsite owned a boat, which officers then commandeered to cross the lake and reach the stranded men. A mountain rescue helicopter arrived shortly after and landed on a clear patch of grass close to the shoreline. 'The helicopter circled above us for a bit. It came down and just landed on this bit of rough that we just didn't think it's possible to land on. These two fellas get out, just dead calm and calmed the whole situation down. 'Mountain rescue turned up within like maybe 20 minutes, 25 minutes. Then another helicopter turned up with another ambulance guy that landed on the back of the mountain. 'It was just unbelievable how quickly they got so many people into that spot, we were just blown away. 'Everyone talking to each other and just organising everyone, deciding what was the best thing to do you know. It was quite impressive.' Duncan quickly remembered the owner of their campsite owned a boat, which officers then commandeered to cross the lake and reach the stranded men Rescue teams said he was 'lucky to survive' the fall and praised the efforts of Duncan and Nick, saying the man would have likely drowned if they had not stepped in 'Mountain rescue had bought this trolley for him to go and everyone just chipped in. They stuck him on the boat and on the trolley and took him away.' The injured man was airlifted to the trauma unit at a hospital at Stoke-on-Trent later that day. Rescue teams said he was 'lucky to survive' the fall and praised the efforts of Duncan and Nick, saying the man would have likely drowned if they had not stepped in. 'If we wouldn't have made that decision to canoe on the lake - cause it was late in the afternoon and there's no one on the lake - I think the poor fellow would've still been there in the evening,' Duncan said. 'It's just a mental, you know, you don't expect to do that. Just five minutes before we were laughing and joking, just messing about like. 'We're both best mates since we were at school, since we're like five or six. After that were in quite good spirits actually and we ended up having a few pints and a few whiskeys around campfire and cooking steaks. We were just in good spirit because we felt like we've done something good. 'It was a life or death situation. I've never been in that situation, I've never had to do that before. 'At the end of the day we were just in the right place at the right time. We weren't some heroes we were just in the right place on the right time. 'We had phone signal and we didn't shy away from it, we just got stuck in. 'I think the real heroes of the emergency services.' Tourists may have deserted the gambling capital of the world but the number of homeless has skyrocketed. Among them are the 'Mole People' who dwell in the decaying tunnels below the Las Vegas Strip. A petite blonde-haired woman in a red sundress, who goes by Natasha, emerges from her home under the Sahara Hotel and Casino on a sweltering late September day. She is just one of an estimated 1,500 people, many of whom are drug, alcohol or gambling addicts, who live underneath the glittering Strip in a vast 600-mile system of storm drain tunnels built in the early 1990s. At first glance she could be mistaken for an average tourist in town to play blackjack or see a show. It's not until she makes her way through the piles of garbage, including discarded shoes, a broken stroller, used syringes, old pizza boxes, dirty blankets, torn-open pillows, and leftover bags of junk food, and comes closer that you can see she's missing a front tooth and has sores all over her legs that are a telltale sign of fentanyl abuse. Natasha, from Anchorage, Alaska, admits she's high but is also lucid enough to explain her situation and describe life in the tunnels because, she says, many who live alongside her cannot. She has been underground on and off for two years. 'When I first came on the Strip - I've been here for a year - I was living in a truck,' she told Daily Mail. Natasha, who declined to give her full name, is one of the 1,500 homeless people living in a vast network of tunnels underneath the Las Vegas Strip The concrete network was originally constructed in the 1990s to manage flash flooding and stretches approximately 600 miles 'Then my boyfriend died [of an overdose] and so I've been down here off and on for weeks. I never knew how bad the whole [homeless] situation was here. 'People are sleeping in alleyways and living by dumpsters or they're in shelters. The people in the tunnels don't want to stop using drugs. It makes them happy. 'They can't do that with a normal lifestyle or any place where they have to follow rules.' Since 2022, homelessness in Las Vegas (and the wider Southern Nevada/Clark County area) has risen sharply, according to federal Point-in-Time counts. In 2022, there were just over 6,000 people counted as homeless on a single night. By 2023 that number grew to 6,566, and by 2024 it had jumped to about 7,906 an increase of 20 percent in one year and about 36 percent over two years. By contrast, Vegas has seen a sharp decline in tourism through 2025, with visitor numbers down more than 11 percent year-over-year in June and about 7 percent for the first half of the year. Analysts say rising prices - bottled water can cost as much as $12 or $14 in hotels along the Strip and resort fees, parking and food costs have increased exponentially - along with weaker foreign currencies and a slump in international visitors have caused Vegas to be a city currently down on its luck. International tourism has suffered the steepest drop: visitors were down by more than 13 percent in June alone. Homeless people in Vegas do not have to live in the tunnels. They have the option of going to what locals call The Courtyard, the primary hub for unhoused people in the city. The Daily Mail got a firsthand look at what life is like for Sin City's 'mole people' last month Inside, the underground stretch is littered with trash, debris, bedding, furniture and other items The sprawling facility includes access to medical, housing, employment, shower/restroom facilities, a kennel, day services, and more - and it is open 24/7. When the Daily Mail visited, there were people of all ages and conditions either sitting in chairs or lying on blankets on a vast stretch of concrete that was open-air but with a roof overhead. Eric Toledo, 47, said he landed here with his dog, Princess, after getting laid off from his job not long ago. 'Nobody will take me in. I don't have a mother. I don't have a father. My kids are my friends, and I don't tell my kids what I'm going through,' he told the Daily Mail. Toledo said he doesn't mind the shelter - but is well aware of the tunnel people and said they often live underground because they cannot abide living by shelter regulations. A tunnel dweller known as 'Preacher' but whose real name is Thomas, has matted hair and filthy clothes Natasha, for example, who likes the independence of tunnel living, survives by scavenging above ground by day for food as well as items like jewelry on the Strip. 'People leave so much stuff around and forget it,' she said. 'I find things like silver rings. Or I sell drugs myself.' Natasha is unusual among what some call 'mole people' - a term discouraged by the volunteers who help them and prefer to call them 'unhoused' - in that she is wearing clean clothes and her hair looks freshly washed. She said she's been to Alcoholics Anonymous and has had stretches of sobriety and says: 'I've held real jobs so I know both sides.' She said she's not scared to live in the tunnels as a woman although there have been many reports - both official and anecdotal - of serious violence including murder and rape in the underground storm drains. Piles of garbage, discarded shoes, chairs, broken strollers, used syringes, old pizza boxes, dirty blankets, and leftover bags of junk food litter the underground stretch Like the majority of 'mole people', Natasha has been addicted to drugs or alcohol for years In February 2023, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that an 'amazing' man was fatally gunned down in a drainage tunnel near Arville Street and Harmon Avenue. A woman was accused of shooting a homeless man over a bike in a storm tunnel in January 2023. Natasha is unfazed. 'I like being outside, and I like being in the dark. I don't mind it,' she said of life underground. 'A lot of things happen [at] night it's different. It's fun to see. It's not boring. 'I think a lot of people that use drugs are actually just bored in life. I swear. I swear to God, it's really what it comes down to.' Doug Poppa, a former cop from Virginia who ran security for casinos on the Strip for many years before turning to journalistic podcasting, warned the Daily Mail to be careful when venturing into the tunnels. 'You need to watch your back at all times,' he said. 'First off you can't just walk in. You need to be invited by someone in there. 'It's where people live and they take it very seriously. Second, you never know when something you might say or do will set someone with mental illness off and they can get violent.' Natasha agreed that territorial rules matter and there is a hierarchy in the tunnels. Could a stranger just show up and claim a spot? 'No, no,' Natasha said. 'Most people in there aren't going to talk to you the way I am,' she said. When the Daily Mail visited another tunnel under the Virgin Hotel and Casino and walked just past the entrance, the ferocious-sounding bark of a dog suddenly broke the silence - and a man and a woman who looked to be in their late 40s or early 50s limped out. The man, who said he is known as 'Preacher' in the tunnels but his real name is Thomas, was partially bent over, with wild, matted hair, and filthy clothes. The woman, who did not give her name, remained mute. She looked equally disheveled. Unlike Natasha, Preacher and his friend said very little and asked for money. They made it clear the Daily Mail was not welcome to just stroll into the tunnels. They both agreed to pose briefly for photos. Preacher, who said he was originally from Palo Alto, said he'd been living in the Vegas tunnels since 2013. He has no plans to leave, he said, before tiring of the questions and slinking back inside. There are limits underground, lines even residents do not cross, according to Natasha and others. 'Everybody knows you only go so far, and you have to know a password,' she told the Daily Mail when asked about deeper stretches of the system. She said the people who live in the farthest reaches of the tunnels or as she calls it, 'way back,' never or almost never come out. She said she's willing to talk to anyone who is underground but won't venture too far back. The tunnel people were first discovered back in 2007 when journalist Matthew O'Brien, who was chasing a crime story, found a hidden community underground. Preacher and a woman both looked to be in their late 40s or early 50s and were dressed in filthy tattered clothes Many of the tunnel people prefer to live underground instead of a shelter because they can't abide living by the facility's regulations, locals say O'Brien eventually wrote two books on the homeless tunnel people, 2007's Beneath the Neon: Life and Death in the Tunnels of Las Vegas, and 2020's Dark Days, Bright Nights: Surviving the Las Vegas Storm Drains. O'Brien also began an outreach project to help the tunnel denizens and later met Paul Vautrinot, a former heroin addict and Las Vegas native who spent several years underground. Vautrinot eventually got his life together after being arrested and sent to drug court. He expanded on O'Brien's earlier grassroots effort and formed Shine A Light Foundation with Jeff Iverson in 2015. Vautrinot is now the foundation's executive director. Vautrinot started small, according to Brent Nowak, the engagement liaison for Shine A Light. 'Every Saturday he went down and took bottled water and dry socks and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and connected with the people living underground,' Nowak told the Daily Mail. 'The next Saturday, more friends joined him, the next Saturday, so on and so forth. And here we are today.' Since 2017, Shine a Light has grown to 'anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 volunteers yearly,' Nowak said. As tourists drink, party, and win jackpots above on the street, thousands sleep in filth below 'On any given Saturday, there's probably about 50 to 70 volunteers that go out.' Nowak speaks from experience. 'I was homeless for over a decade all across the country,' he said. 'I lived in Manhattan myself. 'I was homeless there. I was homeless in California and Michigan and northern Nevada. I spent some time in prison. 'I was released from prison to Las Vegas. Basically, we're all ex-junkies at Shine a Light helping others. 'I owe it to the people who are still struggling to go down there and explain my story and let them know that there's help available if they're willing to trust us just a little bit.' 'There's a strange dichotomy,' Nowak added. 'You see multi-billions of dollars being generated on the Las Vegas Strip, and to know that there are people living destitute underneath the tunnels. 'But that's just the human condition. We have billionaires, and we have people who live homeless.' Shine a Light offers the homeless tunnel residents a two-year continuity case management program to people that accept help. Nowak said: 'We get them into treatment and pay for sober living and connect them with primary care physicians, obtain all their vital documents and get them from living in the tunnels to independently housed within 18 months to two years.' The foundation has a 70 percent retention rate. When asked how it works logistically, Nowak was blunt: 'Immediate, instant placement with access to housing. Our program is known as iPath. 'If you say to me, Brent, I'm ready to go right now, I say, grab your s**t and get in my car - we'll go.' A young woman savagely beaten, raped and left to die while on Spring Break last year grew furious when she later learned the identity of her alleged attacker - a Haitian man with a violent history who was in the country illegally. The suspect, who was deported while awaiting trial, was a stranger when the attack occurred in Miami last April. The 25-year-old victim's jaw was fractured and her teeth were knocked out in the alleged attack. She was also said to be unable to speak, and when a nurse handed her a sheet of paper, she struggled to write a single word 'beaten'. Now, 18 months later, after undergoing numerous operations, the victim, a fitness instructor from Kentucky who identifies herself as Jenny, has decided to finally speak out. 'Looking back on that day I remember laying on the floor of that house he dragged me into and thinking I had already died,' she told the Daily Mail in an exclusive interview. 'I was beaten so bad, over and over again, and I did not understand why. I didn't know this man.' She would only learn the suspect's identity nine months later after a DNA match led to the arrest of a man who was already well known to law enforcement. Junior Joseph, 28, had entered the US on a visa that had long since elapsed, records show. He remained here even after records show him being arrested for crimes including domestic violence, battery, burglary, drugs and resisting arrest. Jenny was left with a fractured jaw and broken teeth after being abducted, beaten and violently raped while on spring break in Miami last year Her alleged assailant was Junior Joseph, 28, who entered the US on a visa and stayed long after it expired. He was deported to Mexico a few months before the trial was due to start Joseph's rap sheet showed that he had previously been arrested for crimes including domestic violence, battery, burglary, drugs and resisting arrest 'It's hard to believe there was someone like that on the streets and allowed to repeatedly commit crimes,' she told the Daily Mail. 'He was in and out of the court system and he kept doing bad things. It ended with me almost losing my life.' She's now hoping to use her story to spread word of what she sees as a national disgrace the country's broken immigration system. She spoke with the Daily Mail on the heels of giving a videotaped interview to The American Border Story (TABS), a conservative group devoted to exposing the human impact of the nation's illegal immigration crisis. She joins a chorus of victims and victim families who have shared their own stories with the organization. It comes after Rachel Morin, 37, was raped and murdered on a hiking trail in Bel Air, Maryland in August 2023. Victor Martinez-Hernandez, 24, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador with his own violent past, received a life sentence for killing the mother of five. The President has highlighted Morin's tragedy in his campaign for border security, as battles over his administration's crackdown on immigration rage across the country. Donald Trump has blamed former president Joe Biden for letting millions of illegal immigrants flood across the border during his tenure, and has ramped up enforcement and deportations, arguing his priority is ridding the country of 'bad hombres'. Speaking about Jenny's case, Nicole Kiprilov, the executive director of TABS, told the Daily Mail: 'The reason this is so impactful is because the same thing happened to this girl too but by some miracle she lived. 'If you see the video, it's amazing she lived and can even talk at this point. This girl lived to tell her story.' Rachel Morin, 37, a mom of five, was raped and murdered on a hiking trail in Bel Air, Maryland in August 2023 by an illegal immigrant from El Salvador Victor Martinez-Hernandez, 24, received a life sentence for killing Morin and has been used as an example by Donald Trump for the need to crack down on immigration President Trump has been outspoken on his predecessor Joe Biden's handling of immigration stating his intention to rid the country of 'bad hombres' The initial attack on Spring Break received little media attention. Junior Joseph's arrest received some local coverage in Florida, as did the short-circuiting of his trial. The identity of the victim, whose basic account of the attack was summarized in police records, remained a secret. Jenny told the Daily Mail that she remained silent because she feared retribution. She said she's still fearful that she'll be targeted again. While the Daily Mail knows her real name, she asked to use an alias, not wanting anyone to track her down, whether it's another attacker or an online troll. The 14-minute video starts with her introducing herself, perched in a chair wearing a white tank top and with her blonde locks of hair resting on her shoulders. 'My name is Jenny, and I am 24 years old,' says the woman in a soft voice, her face blurred out. She talked about being raised by a loving family, how she was studying psychology in hopes of helping people with trauma before her trip to Miami. She goes on to share her story. 'I was visiting the beach on Spring Break and it was my first time there,' she said. Jenny was on spring break in Miami, a popular destination for college students, and was left by a friend who drove off without her after an argument. She was then abducted while walking on the sidewalk In a video created by The American Border Story (TABS), Jenny, 24, expressed her anger that her attacker had been able to exploit a broken immigration and criminal justice system Jenny said she was beaten so badly that her entire bottom row of teeth was gone. When she saw her image in the mirror she thought, 'No man will ever love me' She explained how she'd gotten into an argument with her travel companion, a friend, who drove off without her. Her voice tensed up as she described the stranger confronting her on the sidewalk. 'He knocked me on the ground, and he beat me in the head, and that's when my arm broke because it was protecting my eyes,' she recalled. 'And I kind of was going in and out of consciousness at that point, and I remember kind of being carried by him over his shoulder. 'And I looked and my arm, the bones were sticking out. And I blacked out again. I woke up in a house and he was on top of me.' The attack continued with the assailant beating and raping her. She closed her eyes in fear. She went into excruciating detail about how he then urinated into her broken nose and mouth. 'I was just I was so close to dying. I don't even know how I got out of that house,' she said. 'I guess I crawled out. And I went next door.' She said a little girl saw her through her window, came out to her and called the police. Joseph's arrest report from December 30, 2024, revealed he was charged with sexual battery, aggravated battery and kidnapping In June, just a couple months before the planned trial, US immigration officers removed Joseph from jail and deported him to Mexico Jenny was rushed to the hospital, where she had to be intubated. 'My jaw was broken,' she said. 'All the bones from below my eye sockets were shattered, all the plates, and the bottom portion of my maxilla where my teeth go It was completely gone, uh, from him kicking me so hard and beating me in the head.' She then recalled looking in a mirror for the first time, seeing her deformities, and thinking she might never heal. 'I was devastated,' she said. 'I thought, 'I'll never have a husband. 'There's no man that will ever love me with the way that I look.' She spoke of the operations to repair and reconstruct her face and limbs, and her painful ongoing recovery. She also shared how her attacker exploited a broken immigration and criminal justice system. In December last year Joseph was charged with rape and he could have been put away for life. But in June, just a couple months before the planned trial, US immigration officers removed him from jail and deported him to Mexico. Jenny told the Daily Mail that the congressman from her home state of Kentucky, James Comer, got in her in touch with The American Border Story after her ordeal Authorities in Miami were said to be furious, issuing a warrant for his arrest a seeming exercise in futility as Joseph's whereabouts remain unknown. 'I didn't understand that a person who was not supposed to be walking free on our streets, who had been locked up numerous times and was not supposed to be in our country, would kidnap me and beat and rape me until my jaw was broken and my teeth were gone,' Jenny said in the video. She continued, 'It's been about a year and a few months passed when that happened, so I've had a lot of time for my skin to heal and my bones to heal. But the mental trauma, I'm still healing from that and every time I talk about it, it's really hard. 'And there's nights where I'm terrified and I have nightmares about this person coming back to kill me and kill my family, to torture me and you know, I think it's something that may get better with time, but I will live with this for the rest of my life.' Jenny told the Daily Mail she was too scared to speak publicly after the attack, but that she later wrote a letter to President Trump expressing support for his administration's crackdown on illegal immigration while also seeking assistance. She said Rep. James Comer from her home state of Kentucky got her in touch with The American Border Story. 'Normal people cannot comprehend the level of suffering I endured at the hands of that man,' Jenny told the Daily Mail, sobbing. 'I do have faith in the lord because I am a Christian. God let me stay here for a reason. I have to tell this story so can stop it from happening again.' The heartbroken daughter of a British father who is dying in a Turkish hospital raced to the country to be by his bedside only to be told she could see him for just ten minutes. Joanna Kearney, 35, flew to the country last Friday after her 64-year-old dad, John, was in a horrific scooter crash in the resort town Icmeler. But when she arrived at the hospital the next day, she was told to line up and wait for her father's name to be called by security before having to show her passport. Only then was she allowed to be by John's side, where she took his palm into her gloved hand. It is costing the mother-of-three 100 in taxi fares every time she makes the two-hour round-trip journey to Mugla to have a fleeting moment with her beloved father. The grandfather is currently on a life support machine, with Joanna being given the devastating news on Tuesday that his brain injury was too severe and there was nothing else doctors could do. The doting daughter was told that even if John were to wake up he would likely have serious brain damage. She told the Daily Mail: 'I would sleep there if I could, but I can't.' Joanna has since started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help pay for his medical bills after his travel insurance said they would not cover the cost as he wasn't wearing a helmet. John Kearney was on holiday in Turkey with his friends and girlfriend when he was in a horrific scooter crash in Icmeler The 64-year-old father-of-six is currently on a life support machine with a severe brain injury. But doctors say there is nothing else they can do Joanna described the chaos inside the hospital when she visited on Saturday and said there was 'nobody there at all to speak to'. 'No one could understand us, and when I found where my dad was, they were showing us names on bits of paper that weren't even my dad's,' she said. 'The visiting times are between 2pm and 4pm but when you arrive everyone is queuing up. You are in a queue and then security will shout the patient's name and you have to show your passport. 'When I saw him, I just spoke with him and passed on messages from his missus and the family, telling him how much we love him.' John, a handyman from Birkenhead, Wirral, had been on holiday in Turkey with his friends and girlfriend Sheila, who is currently 'in a mess'. He had hired a scooter to get around the town, but had not been given a helmet by the rental company. It is illegal in Turkey not to wear protective headgear while riding a motorcycle or moped. Tragedy struck last Tuesday evening when John was travelling back to the harbour to pick up Sheila after dropping his pal off at her apartment. He was just metres from returning when it is thought his leg clipped a 4x4's trailer, which sent him 'flying' before his head slammed onto the floor. John, who wasn't believed to have been speeding, was rushed to hospital where he was diagnosed with a severe brain bleed and placed in an induced coma. He also has a gash on his leg and a graze on the side of his face. But doctors say they can't operate as it would kill him due to the swelling. He has now been taken off his sedation medication but has still not woken up and can't breathe by himself. Joanna piled clothes into a 10kg suitcase and boarded a plane with her uncle and John's brother, Phil, on Friday when she was told 'things weren't looking good'. His daughter, Joanna, 35, flew to the country last Friday. She arrived at the hospital the next day, but was only allowed to see him for five minutes Joanna described her dad as a 'very happy, cheeky, chappy' who would do anything for anyone. Her three children - aged 9, 14, and 16 - are aware of their grandfather's grave condition and flew out with a family member yesterday to Turkey. Joanna said she is heartbroken and broke down when medics told her they would be turning off her father's life support machine in a week. 'They told me they think dad will never wake up,' she said. 'They said that he's not going to make it or wake up. They have taken him off his sedation and medicines, and he has still not come round on his own. The machine is basically keeping him going. 'There is little blood flow to his brain.' Joanna said her father's prognosis has left her 'absolutely speechless'. She said: 'I knew it was bad, but I had been getting on with it, thinking that he would get better. 'I had a breakdown as it all was too much. I had been trying to speak to the hospital but it was an absolute nightmare. 'Today (Tuesday) was the only day I had a conversation and was basically told my dad isn't going to live. I'm worried, I'm stressed, and I'm scared.' Joanna described her father as a 'very happy, cheeky, chappy' who would do anything for anyone. 'Everyone loves him,' she said. 'He was always there for me when I needed him. My children had kept asking me when I was coming home. But I don't really know, so I was feeling stressed with that side. 'I feel like I need to go home but I can't go home as I know my dad needs me now more than ever.' John had taken out 'top-of-the-range insurance' but the family is unable to claim on it as he wasn't wearing a helmet. Joanna is blaming the rental company for not supplying her father with the safety gear, although she says she has seen 'loads of people' in Turkey riding motorcycles without one. 'When I can see everyone hasn't got one on, I can see why he didn't make a fuss about it,' she said. On her fundraising page, Joanna said doctors had agreed to keep her father on life support for another week. 'We're all still trying to process everything. It's so hard. We're holding on to hope, even though the reality is really heavy right now,' she wrote. The family of missing four-year-old August 'Gus' Lamont are still clinging to the faint hope he will be found, as the child's grandparent spoke for the first time. The little boy vanished almost two weeks ago after playing in the yard of remote Oak Park homestead in the harsh South Australian outback, 300km north of Adelaide. Huge air and land searches have failed to find any trace of him apart from a single footprint in the desert scrub since he disappeared on the evening of September 27. Police have now given up all hope of finding him alive and said last week the search had now been scaled back into body recovery mode. On Wednesday, the property, set in a vast stretch of flat featureless desert, was eerily quiet with no sign of any police operation, after Defence Force, SES and indigenous tracker teams withdrew from the area. But Gus's grandparent, Josie Murray - a transgender woman who locals say transitioned many years ago - told the Daily Mail the family had not lost hope. 'We're still looking for him,' she insisted, while declining any offers of assistance in the search effort. 'You can't help. We are still dealing with this.' The family of missing four-year-old August 'Gus' Lamont are still clinging to the hope he will be found as the child's transgender grandparent spoke for the first time Gus's grandparent, Josie Murray - a transgender woman who locals say transitioned many years ago - told the Daily Mail the family had not lost hope The little boy vanished almost two weeks ago after playing in the yard of remote Oak Park homestead in the harsh South Australian outback, 300km north of Adelaide Locals have now urged even well-meaning volunteers to stay away from the remote station as the grieving family grapples with their loss and contends with wild theories online. 'I know this family very well and they don't want people turning up and having to just deal with that,' one neighbour told the Adelaide Advertiser. 'Even if the people are well-meaning and sympathetic, they just want peace and quiet and to try and work out for themselves what's actually happened.' It is understood Josie Murray lives with Gus's grandmother Shannon Murray, and that the child's mother Jess is also on the property where Gus went missing. Locals have told the Daily Mail that Jess and Gus's father Joshua Lamont also share a one-year-old son, Ronnie, who is also believed to live on the station. However Mr Lamont himself lives two hours' drive away, 100km to the west in Belalie North, near Jamestown. The Daily Mail has been told that Josh and Jess remain a couple but he does not live on the station because of clashes with Josie. 'Josh doesn't think it's safe for the kids to be out there, it's dangerous,' a family friend revealed. The only trace of Gus found was a single footprint discovered about 500 metres from the homestead - and police have since cast doubt on that This week, the property, set in a vast swathe of flat featureless desert, was eerily quiet with no sign of any police operation Huge air and land searches have failed to find any trace of him apart from a single footprint in the desert scrub since he disappeared on the evening of September 27 It is understood Mr Lamont only found out his child was missing when police woke him up at his home, hours after Gus had vanished. Local experts who helped with the search say they are baffled by the disappearance and their inability to find any clues to the little boy's fate. Gus was last seen playing in a mound of dirt about 5pm but had vanished when his grandmother went to call him inside half an hour later. The boy had been wearing a grey broad-brimmed hat, a distinctive blue long-sleeved shirt with a Minion picture from the movie Despicable Me on the front, with light grey pants and boots. Despite the vast, flat, featureless landscape surrounding the property, there had been no sight of the boy alive or dead, raising questions about where he could be. 'I personally am very doubtful he is on the property,' said Jason O'Connell, an SES member for 11 years, who covered more than 1,200km as part of the search team. After days of hunting for the boy, Mr O'Connell and his partner Jen had expected to see birds of prey if there was a lifeless body on the property. 'No birds of prey means he's not there,' he added. 'It's just wide, open land. There's really not much there, and I'm surprised because we just didn't find anything. 'He's not on that property.' Gus had been wearing a grey broad-brimmed hat, a distinctive blue long-sleeved shirt with a Minion picture from the movie Despicable Me on the front Your browser does not support iframes. The only trace of Gus found was a single footprint discovered about 500 metres from the homestead - and police have since cast doubt on that. Local tracker Aaron Stuart told the media it was unusual to find one footprint as you would usually find 'tracks'. 'You'd find the next one, and the one after that,' the former policeman told the Adelaide Advertiser. 'You don't find one track, you find tracks.' Another Yunta local, Alex Thomas, said Gus's family had been the target of 'online vitriol' accusing them of being involved in the little boy's disappearance. 'I really want to gently inform people about the realities of rural life and ask them for their compassion and understanding,' Ms Thomas said. 'Because this gentle and loving family - they're not headlines, they are not a spectacle. 'They are real people who are hurting beyond belief.' Yunta local Alex Thomas (pictured) called out 'online vitriol' aimed at Gus's family, lecturing the conspiracy theorists on the 'realities of rural life' Assistant Police Commissioner Ian Parrott said his team were 'confident that we have done all we can to locate Gus'. 'The determination of every individual involved to find Gus has never wavered,' he said. 'Like every member of the community who has been following this sad event, they too have been very much affected by what has happened.' He's already installed a makeup studio complete with lights and a director's chair at the Pentagon, and now the Daily Mail can reveal that Pete Hegseth has kicked his beauty routine up a notch by getting Botox. The Defense Secretary, 45, underwent a round of cosmetic injections last month and has been since seen with noticeably smoother skin and visibly diminished wrinkles. An insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, said of the father-of-four: 'It's all an ego play for Pete. He's always been full of himself but lately his ego is off the charts. 'He's obsessed with his body and now he wants to create the entire military in his image.' Hegseth made headlines late last month after summoning top brass to a meeting at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, where he harangued them over military fitness standards. The Pentagon chief, formerly known as the Secretary of Defense before Trump's rebrand, added: 'No more DEI, dudes in dresses, or gender delusion...prepare for war.' He also told the generals that American enemies would 'FAFO', which stands for 'f**k around and find out,' if they challenged the US, before concluding: 'From this moment forward the only mission of the newly restored Department of War is this: war fighting, preparing for war and preparing to win. The former Fox and Friends host went on to say he was tired of seeing fat troops and wanted to see tough physical standards imposed. Pete Hegseth has been seen sporting a much more youthful appearance thanks to recent Botox injections, the Daily Mail has learned Insiders say the Secretary of War, 45 who announced his plans to enforce new fitness standards within the military last month has become obsessed with his own image But according to the insider: 'Now that's he's Secretary of War his sense of self-importance has gone to his head along with his vanity. 'And even though he strutted about the stage like a peacock when he gave his insulting lecture to the military brass, he still doesn't garner respect. 'He made a minor speech to important people, and he was still upstaged by Trump.' When asked for comment, the Department of War did not directly address whether Hegseth had had Botox treatment and instead attacked the Daily Mail for writing an article about it. The recent measures are the latest in a string of directives aimed at raising the nation's 'war fighting' readiness and follow a ban on transgender service members on mental health grounds, as well as a fitness challenge he launched in the summer along with Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. Dubbed the 'Pete and Bobby Challenge', it involves completing 50 pull-ups and 100 push-ups within five minutes. Neither Hegseth nor RFK Jr were able to complete it within the allotted time frame, although the Secretary of War did come within seconds of pulling it off. Hegseth went on to lay out other directives. Notably, that each service will require high-level physical requirements, adding a combat arms field test. Hegseth is said to have undergone a round of Botox injections in September, with photos of his October 4 appearance in Maryland showing noticeably tighter, smoother skin The former Fox News host's fine lines and wrinkles were much less visible last week Photos taken a month earlier during a cabinet meeting at the White House in August show Hegseth's lines on and around his forehead were more prominent He harped that the media has been obsessed over the number of firings the Secretary of War has made since taking over, adding that even more leadership changes will be made. He even asked his fellow officers to resign if they do not agree with his new military rules laid out during the speech. Muscleman Hegseth has long taken pride in his buff shape and is frequently filmed doing fitness exercises with US military members. But some of his aesthetic choices have caused consternation among Pentagon insiders not least his decisions to install the make-up studio and plaster the building with photos of himself and his blonde third wife Jennifer Rauchet, 40. Rauchet, dubbed 'Yoko Ono' by Pentagon staff, has become a familiar face in the building since Hegseth's installation and was caught up in the 'Signalgate' scandal. The former Fox News executive producer who has no official position in the government was found to be on a Signal group chat where he shared details of pending US attacks against Yemen's Houthi terrorists. She also raised eyebrows by accompanying the Secretary of War to meetings with his opposite numbers, notably a March conflab with British Defense Secretary John Healey. Referring to Hegseth's colorful love life which spans three wives and multiple affairs, the insider added: 'She's still stuck to him like glue. And you can imagine why.' Earlier this year, the former Fox News personality and fitness buff was reported to have installed a makeup studio at the Pentagon and insists on being photographed working out with the troops He was seen pumping iron and jogging outdoors in photos shared on social media in February, during a trip to Germany to visit senior military leaders at US command centers According to sources, Rauchet's constant presence is just one of the reasons that Hegseth's reign at the Pentagon has proven tumultuous to date and has been marked with spates of firings, including that of Navy Chief of Staff Jon Harrison last Friday. Sources also told the Daily Mail last week that the murder of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk has left Hegseth 'rattled' and fearing for his own safety. 'There's a manic quality about him. Or let me rephrase, an even more manic quality, which is really saying something,' one insider said. They also described him as being visibly distracted and on edge in the wake of Kirk's murder. A second source added: 'Dude is crawling out of his skin.' The Daily Mail previously exposed growing discontent within the Pentagon in July, after a draft letter deeming Hegseth 'unfit to serve' began circulating among senior military leaders and civilian staffers. Insiders shared details of its contents with complaints ranging from politicized decision-making to department-wide dysfunction, low morale, and a climate of paranoia driven by what they describe as Hegseth's obsession with rooting out dissent. They also pointed to his preoccupation with optics, citing his installation of a makeup studio inside the Pentagon, his staged photo ops lifting weights with the troops, and his new grooming and shaving policy for servicemen. Hegseth has been criticized for his apparent vanity and preoccupation with optics 'Sure, he wants everyone as fit as he is. But he also wants everyone noticing how he looks,' an insider said at the time. Aside from Hegseth's review of fitness standards, he also has focused on military grooming, including specific instructions on how members should shave. One insider pointed to current tensions in Europe and Asia, and full-out war spanning from the north to the south of the Middle East, and said: 'With everything that's happening in the world, he's choosing to focus on razor bumps. Seriously?' An alligator was taken into 'custody' after trying to crash happy hour at a popular Florida tiki bar. Officers with the Stuart Police Department were called to Hudsons on the River on Monday after an unexpected guest was caught discreetly lurking on the rocks mere steps from restaurant's front door. In classic Florida fashion, a 4-foot alligator, around 5 to 8 years old, was spotted trying to blend into the greenery while quietly watching bargoers sip their cocktails. Apparently eager for a drink himself, the alligator hissed and thrashed in protest, but authorities were able to safely detain and relocate the scaly visitor without any injuries. 'It was wild,' bar operations manager Ben Foster told 25 WPBF News. 'It was definitely nothing like we'd experienced before.' 'I didn't think I'd come to work today and see an alligator at my restaurant,' he added. At about 2:30pm, staff at the busy waterfront restaurant noticed a rowdy intruder making his way into the bar and quickly shooed him off, knowing more of the happy hour crowd was about to arrive. The alligator seemed to take the hint but remained nosy, instead trying to camouflage itself on the rocks near the side of the restaurant. An alligator was taken into 'custody' by police (pictured) after trying to crash happy hour at a Florida tiki bar, startling drinkers who spotted it lurking just feet from the entrance On Monday, officers with the Stuart Police Department were called to Hudsons on the River (pictured) after a 4-foot alligator, around 5 to 8 years old, was spotted trying to blend into the greenery while quietly watching bargoers sip their cocktails A bartender immediately informed assistant general manager Sarah Felten, who initially thought she was joking. 'She said, "What's our policy on alligators at the tiki?"' Felten told WPBF News. 'I thought she was joking, so I kind of laughed, and was just like, "They've got to be over 21."' 'And she said, "No, there's an alligator at tiki,"' she added. Both Felten and Foster headed over to the gator's spying enclave, where he looked less like a dangerous predator and more like a creature simply wanting a taste of human life. 'He was just very docile,' Felten told the outlet. Foster agreed, adding: 'He was definitely not being aggressive in any way. He was just hanging out.' But they knew they couldnt leave him there, despite his lack of aggression - especially since he had chosen a spot where children and pets often play while parents socialize. 'Thankfully, he was only about four and a half feet, so it wasn't a full grown adult, but it was definitely pretty scary,' Felten said. Before capture, the alligator remained nosy, instead trying to camouflage itself on the rocks near the side of the restaurant (pictured) Operations manager Ben Foster (pictured) said: 'It was wild. It was definitely nothing like we'd experienced before. I didn't think I'd come to work today and see an alligator at my restaurant' Two managers of Hudson's (pictured) said that the gator he looked less like a dangerous predator and more like a creature simply wanting a taste of human life 'I actually came in this area here to try and scare him off, but he was just not afraid of me at all,' she added. 'I was more afraid of him than he was of me.' Staff eventually called authorities where four officers responded - most of whom, surprisingly, had never dealt with an alligator on the job. 'I got there initially, was kind of surveying the scene, and trying to see what the best options are,' officer Kyle Osinga told Treasure Coast News. 'My coworkers all got there and determined they had some equipment that would be beneficial,' he added. With no trapper available, the officers had to handle the relocation themselves, using a dog snare around the alligators mouth to coax it off the rocks. The alligator fiercely resisted capture, hissing and wrestling as authorities worked to restrain it without causing injury to themselves or the reptile. 'Of course, alligators do their death rolls, where it just sits there and spins and we let it tire itself out,' Osinga told the outlet. While Osinga, a police officer with no prior wildlife experience, taped the reptiles mouth shut, two other officers experienced in handling gators were able to get on top of it, according to WSVN 7 News. 'I was a little nervous,' Osinga told TCPalm. 'My partner was holding the mouth shut. I'm like, "don't let go, I don't need to get bit."' With the gator finally restrained after roughly 15 minutes, one officer couldnt resist a triumphant photo - grinning ear to ear as he held its taped mouth and leg. 'Stuart Police received a call from a local tiki bar about an unexpected guest,' the department wrote in a Facebook post. 'And no, it wasnt a rowdy tourist dodging their tab, it was an actual alligator, apparently looking to crash happy hour.' 'Officers arrived and promptly took the scaly suspect into "custody" without incident,' they added. 'No injuries to the gator or any humans, just one wild story and a few surprised bar-goers.' 'The party-seeking reptile has since been relocated to a more suitable venue, where the only cocktails are in the swamp and the sun never sets on happy hour.' The bar joined in on the fun, reposting the police departments photos with the caption: 'Not an ordinary Afternoon at Hudsons - Gator on the Rocks, Cops for the Chaser!' In only a day, the police departments Facebook was flooded with comments about the cocktail-sipping alligator - some laughing, some shrugging 'only in Florida,' and others claiming he shouldve been left to enjoy the bar himself. 'Good news is, hes back at his swamp-side lounge where the drinks are bottomless and the cover charge is just showing your teeth,' one comment read. While Osinga, a police officer with no prior wildlife experience, taped the reptiles mouth shut (pictured), two other officers experienced in handling gators were able to get on top of it The alligator was ultimately moved to Haney Creek Nature Preserve on Northwest Dixie Highway, a sprawling 157-acre area of wetlands, prairies, pines and ponds (pictured: capture) Another wrote: 'Nice little swamp puppy just looking for a drinking buddy.' 'Seriously should have left him be,' condemned a third. One user joked: 'He wanted a Bloody Mary but not with vodka and tomato juice!!' 'I didn't see anything sign saying no alligators allowed,' another comment read. The alligator was ultimately moved to Haney Creek Nature Preserve on Northwest Dixie Highway, a sprawling 157-acre area of wetlands, prairies, pines and ponds. 'It's a designated area that is known to have that kind of wildlife,' Osinga told TCPalm. 'Some of my coworkers presented that location as a safe alternative,' he added. 'That way, it's away from people.' Warning: Graphic content The daughter of the notorious BTK serial killer Dennis Rader has revealed how her dad's secret, dangerous side would sometimes slip out behind closed doors - all the while he kept up his public facade as a pillar of the local community. Kerri Rawson was 26 years old when her father was finally unmasked in 2005 as the serial killer who had terrorized Wichita, Kansas, killing at least 10 men, women and children. For decades, Rader had masqueraded as a family man, a Boy Scout leader, a Park City compliance officer and president of the local Christ Lutheran Church. But, beneath the surface, he was living a double life. Between 1974 and 1991, Rader stalked victims, before breaking into their homes, sadistically torturing them and then strangling them to death. He often kept trophies such as underwear and took Polaroid photos of his victims' bodies to fulfill his sick sexual fantasies. During his reign of horror, the serial killer played a cat-and-mouse game with police and the media, sending taunting letters and clues and giving himself the chilling moniker BTK in a nod to his depraved method of murder: 'bind, torture, kill'. For those who knew him - even his wife and two children - Rader's sensational arrest in 2005 beggared belief. But looking back now, Rawson says in the new Netflix show 'My Father, The BTK Killer' that there were chilling clues in her childhood about her father's dark side. In an exclusive segment of the show, shared with the Daily Mail, Rawson gives a glimpse into life growing up with one of America's most infamous serial killers as a parent. Kerri Rawson was 26 years old when her father was finally unmasked as the BTK serial killer (pictured together) Dennis Rader murdered 10 people in Wichita, Kansas over a 17-year period between 1974 to 1991 She reveals that, behind closed doors of the family home, Rader exerted 'control' over the family and had chilling moments where he would 'flip on a dime'. 'My father on the outside looked like a very well-behaved, mild-mannered man,' Rawson says in the exclusive video. 'But there were these moments of dad - something will trigger him and he can flip on a dime and it can be dangerous.' Even as a child, Rawson remembers the need to fall in line with her father's bidding. 'As a kid, you just knew. I better not have my shoes out because I'm going to get yelled at about my shoes. You just knew not to sit at dad's chair at the kitchen table. You knew to let him get lunch first. You let him choose what activities you were going to do, what movies, where you were going,' she says. 'Like, a lot of control.' While that dark side lurked inside the family home, to neighbors and friends in the small tight-knit community, Rader seemed like any other family man, Andrea Rogers, Rawson's childhood friend, says in the exclusive video. 'Growing up with the Raders they were like every other family. I mean he did all the things that all the dads did,' she says. Kerri Rawson, daughter of BTK, speaks out in the new Netflix show 'My Father, The BTK Killer' Rader masqueraded as a family man, a Boy Scout leader, a Park City compliance officer and president of the local Christ Lutheran Church (pictured above) To the neighborhood kids, he wasn't known as BTK. Instead, he was known by the nickname 'the dog catcher of Park City' because of his work as a city compliance officer. Prior to his arrest, Rader even appeared on local TV talking about his work tracking down and catching dogs after they attacked some sheep. 'He didn't just do dog catching. He also did like violations for if your weeds were too high or whatever,' Rogers says. 'If somebody got a violation in Park City we would always make a joke: 'Oh Dennis had his little ruler out again.' Rader was still working as the so-called dog catcher when his mask was ripped off, revealing him to be the infamous serial killer. BTK's killing spree began on January 15, 1974, when he broke into the Otero family home and murdered Joseph Otero, 38, Julie Otero, 34, and two of their children, 11-year-old Josie and 9-year-old Joseph. Rader forced the children to watch as he killed their parents. Rawson and her father on her wedding day. Looking back now, she says there were chilling clues about her father's dark side in her childhood The body of Shirley Vian, 24, is carried from her house in Wichita in 1977. Rader murdered her while her young children were locked in the bathroom of their home After he then killed Joseph, Rader led Josie down to the basement where he hung her from a sewer pipe, masturbating while he watched the little girl die. The Oteros' 15-year-old son came home from school and found the bodies of his family. Four months after the quadruple homicide, Rader murdered college student Kathryn Bright. He had broken into her home and was lying in wait but, when she came home with her brother Kevin, his plans were scuppered. He shot Kevin twice and stabbed and strangled Kathryn. Kevin survived. It was after his second known murder that BTK began playing games with the police and media. Three men had been arrested on suspicion of the Otero murders and confessed to the shocking crime. Not wanting anyone else to take credit for his crimes, BTK sent a letter to the local paper The Wichita Eagle, announcing he was the killer and revealing grisly details of the murders that only the killer could know. 'P.S. Since sex criminals do not change their MO or by nature cannot do so, I will not change mine,' the letter ended. 'The code words for me will be bind them, torture them, kill them. B.T.K.' BTK's eight adult victims. In the top row from left: Joseph Otero, Julie Otero, Kathryn Bright and Shirley Vian. In the bottom row from left: Nancy Fox, Marine Hedge, Vicki Wegerle and Dolores Davis BTK's youngest victims Josie Otero, 11 (left), and Joseph Otero, nine (right), killed in 1974 BTK continued to send letters to various local papers and news stations, including one note where he pointed to an unnamed victim not yet linked to his slayings. In March 1977, Rader murdered 24-year-old Shirley Vian while her terrified children were locked in the bathroom of their home. That December, 25-year-old Nancy Fox was strangled in her home with a pair of stockings. Her body was found after Rader called police from a phone box to point investigators to the crime scene. Then, in the late-1970s the letters - and seemingly the killings - suddenly stopped. Years passed as Rader played the family man, raising Rawson and her brother while the Wichita community lived in fear of when BTK would strike next. Rader killed three more times between 1985 and 1991, but the murders were not connected to BTK until his arrest. In April 1985, he abducted and murdered his neighbor, 53-year-old Marine Hedge, dumping her body along a dirt road. After Dennis Rader's arrest, police found photos where he dressed up like his victims Rader at his sentencing in August 2005 after he pleaded guilty to 10 murders in Wichita, Kansas 'My father on the outside looked like a very well-behaved, mild-mannered man,' Rawson says. 'But there were these moments of dad - something will trigger him and he can flip on a dime and it can be dangerous' The following year, 28-year-old Vicki Wegerle was found strangled in her bed. For years, her husband was wrongly suspected of killing her. BTK's last known kill came in January 1991 when he abducted and murdered 62-year-old Dolores Davis. Three decades on from his first known kill, BTK's identity remained a mystery. Then, in 2004, a local news story to mark the 30th anniversary coaxed him back out of hiding. BTK sent a letter, Wegerle's stolen drivers' license and photos of the crime scene to the media, restarting the cat-and-mouse game he had played years earlier. The communications continued, with trophies of his killings, the synopsis of a book about his life and a tip about a cereal box left along a remote road. The net finally closed in on Rader when he sent a floppy disk. The disk was traced back to Rader's church and the city, to someone with the username: Dennis. On February 25, 2005, Rader was arrested and confessed to the 10 murders. He pleaded guilty months later, coldly recounting in graphic detail each of his killings in court - no glimmer of remorse or feeling. He was sentenced to a minimum of 175 years in prison. The case of the BTK killer seemed to be closed. Investigators in Oklahoma now believe a trove of creepy drawings made by the killer could depict victims yet to be found Rawson has been assisting law enforcement with the investigation into possible unsolved murders Then, in an explosive development two decades later, the Osage County Sheriff's Office launched a new investigation in January 2023 to determine if he was responsible for other unsolved cases. Investigators believe a trove of creepy drawings made by the killer could depict victims yet to be found. Rader has since been named a prime suspect in the 1976 disappearance of 16-year-old Cynthia Kinney in Oklahoma. Her body has never been found. Rawson has been assisting law enforcement with the investigation and revealed last year that the team had come across one of her father's journal entries, which read: 'KERRI/BND/GAME 1981'. 'BND' was Rader's abbreviation for bondage. Speaking on stage at CrimeCon 2024, Rawson said the discovery has led her to believe her father may have abused her as a small child. When she confronted her father in prison about the alleged abuse, as well as his possible links to other unsolved murders, she said he 'gaslit' her. Rader, now 80, is serving 10 life sentences inside the El Dorado Correctional Facility in Kansas. 'My Father, The BTK Killer' is out Friday October 10 on Netflix A Texas mother was shot dead outside a PetSmart after confronting a young woman who 'failed to say thank you' when she held the door open for her. Cecilia Simpson, 41, was killed after the argument with the assailant, who allegedly fired multiple bullets at her in Dallass Oak Cliff neighborhood on Tuesday. The 22-year-old suspect, Keona Zachyua Hampton, told police she was 'just trying to get Simpson away from her,' according to an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox 5 News. She was taken into custody at Dallas County Jail on a murder charge, with bond still pending a judges decision. The arrest affidavit revealed that the dispute erupted early Tuesday afternoon as Simpson and her 20-year-old daughter left a Five Below, in the same shopping center as PetSmart. As she held the door for the suspect on her way out, Hampton allegedly brushed it off without saying 'thank you,' according to the affidavit. An argument quickly erupted after Simpson scolded Hampton for her rudeness, before she and her daughter walked back to their car and drove a short distance to PetSmart. The mother spotted Hampton heading toward the store just moments later, prompting her to dash inside and warn an employee that she was being followed, according to the court documents. Cecilia Simpson (pictured), 41, of Texas, was shot dead outside a PetSmart on Tuesday after confronting a young woman who failed to say 'thank you' when she held the door open for her Simpson was out shopping with her daughter in Dallass Oak Cliff neighborhood on Tuesday when an argument over a womans lack of manners exploded into gunfire - leaving the mother dead from multiple bullet wounds in the parking lot (pictured: scene aftermath) The suspect, 22-year-old Keona Zachyua Hampton (pictured), told police she was 'just trying to get Simpson away from her' Hampton allegedly stormed into Petsmart, argued with Simpsons 20-year-old daughter, left, and then came back just minutes later. Both Simpson and Hampton, locked in another heated argument inside the store, were told to leave by employees - but the suspect allegedly continued following them back out to the parking lot. According to the arrest affidavit, Hampton hurled a drink bottle at Simpsons car as she and her daughter climbed inside, sparking yet another argument. Authorities said that Simpson immediately walked out of the car and charged at Hampton, which only ignited a physical fight between the two. Simpson's daughter alleged that during the violent altercation, her mother hit Hampton multiple times while yelling for her to leave them alone, according to the court documents obtained by Fox. As the brawl outside PetSmart boiled over, a 27-year-old ER nurse leaving the store sensed danger and stayed nearby, keeping a watchful eye on the unfolding chaos. 'The shooter was saying, "Come outside. Lets handle this outside. Let's fight outside." And the mom and daughter were just telling her to go away,' the witness told Fox. 'The mother and daughter tried to get in the car to de-escalate the situation but the lady wasn't having it,' she added. According to the arrest affidavit, Hampton hurled a drink bottle at Simpsons (pictured) car as she and her daughter climbed inside, sparking a violent physical fight between the two Simpson's daughter alleged that during the physical altercation, her mother hit Hampton multiple times while yelling for her to leave them alone (pictured: scene aftermath) An unnamed 27-year-old ER nurse (pictured) leaving PetSmart witnessed the argument and said that after Simpsons daughter stepped aside, Hampton allegedly pulled a black-and-silver handgun and fired three shots Thats when, she claimed, the altercation turned deadly. Just seconds after Simpsons daughter stepped aside, Hampton allegedly brandished a black-and-silver handgun and fired three shots - leaving the mother bleeding on the ground. The ER nurse leapt into action, performing CPR on Simpson. Hampton fled the scene immediately afterward. 'The daughter was next to the mom the whole time. It's hard, you know, because the screaming of a child for her mother is never easy and it's never going to leave my head,' the unidentified nurse told Fox. 'I've been trying not to cry, but like, you know, being in high school, my mom was such an important person in my life and she's the reason I became a nurse,' she added. 'My whole family is.' 'Honestly, if I could just hug that daughter. I just want her to know I did everything I could. Those other people did everything they could.' Dallas Fire-Rescue took Simpson to Methodist Central Hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after. Hampton (pictured) allegedly waived her rights during a police interview and admitted to arguing with Simpson and the witness, following them into PetSmart twice, and continuing the confrontation During questioning, Hampton allegedly admitted to throwing a bottle at Simpsons car as they tried to leave, but said she only drew and fired her gun when the witness got involved (pictured: scene aftermath) Hampton was taken into custody at Dallas County Jail on a murder charge, with bond still pending a judges decision. An investigation into Simpson's (pictured) death is still ongoing Dallas police launched an investigation and recovered surveillance footage showing Hampton driving away from the shooting scene in a black Ford Five Hundred, according to Fox. Authorities traced the address from the registered drivers license, staked out the property, and eventually spotted Hampton on the apartment balcony wearing the same clothes seen in the surveillance footage. The arrest affidavit revealed that police also obtained a cellphone video of the shooting, capturing both the heated argument and the gunfire. Investigators said that the cellphone video clearly showed the suspect, armed, swiftly walking away from Simpson, who was sprawled out on the ground. Later that evening, at roughly 7.45pm, officers stopped the black Ford Five Hundred captured on video driving along Trail Glen Drive. They subsequently escorted Hampton to Dallas Police Headquarters for an interview. During questioning, Hampton allegedly waived her rights and admitted to arguing with Simpson and the witness, following them into PetSmart twice, and continuing the confrontation. She also allegedly admitted to throwing a bottle at Simpsons car as they tried to leave, but said she only drew and fired her gun when the witness got involved, according to the affidavit. Hampton claimed that she shot Simpson simply because she was 'trying to get her away,' authorities said. With the investigation ongoing, Hampton remains behind bars, arrested and booked as bond details are sorted. A local legend adored by his community has been found dead on a Nantucket beach after a freak paddleboarding accident. The body of Somwong Kyomitmaitee, better known as Wong or the 'King of Shing' for his exterior contracting business, was discovered on the shoreline of Polpis Harbor, in Nantucket, Massachusetts on October 1. Kob Sathitanon, Kyomitmaitee's wife, reported him missing at 2.58pm after he never returned from checking on a boat moored in the harbor that morning. A search was launched by the Nantucket Harbormaster Sheila Lucey and Coast Guard Station Brant Point, according to the Nantucket Current. Harbormaster Lucey said that they found Wong's paddleboard first and then his body in the marsh of the shoreline. Kyomitmaitee was unresponsive and was administered first aid until they reached the fire department crews. 'The missing person was unfortunately determined to be deceased and was not transported to Nantucket Cottage Hospital by the Nantucket Fire Department,' said Nantucket Police Department Lieutenant Angus MacVicar. 'This case has been received by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and does not appear to be suspicious.' Somwong Kyomitmaitee, better known as the King of Shing for his exterior contracting business, was found dead on October 1 (Somwong with his wife Kob and son Justice) Kyomitmaitee's wife, Kob Sathitanon, reported him missing at 2.58pm after he never returned from checking on a boat moored, that morning Medical helicopters from Cape Cod were initially dispatched but deemed unnecessary, according to a report obtained by the outlet. The beloved craftsman's community has come together to support his wife and his son, Justice, raising over $111,000 on GoFundMe. Sam Nipatnantaporn, who started the fundraiser for Kyomitmaitee and referred to him as her uncle, told the Nantucket Current: 'We have been overwhelmed with gratitude for the Nantucket community and those from afar who have contributed to the GoFundMe to help Wong's family.' 'The money we have raised for Wong's wife and their son, Justice, is just a small testament to how loved he was and the impact that he had. The donations will make a huge difference in their lives and for Justice's higher education aspirations.' The crowdfunding effort has received over 440 donations so far, with some of the top donors contributing $5,000 or more. Residents of Kyomitmaitee's community mourned his loss online: 'What a beautiful person and loss to our community. He made me smile every time I saw him.' Harbormaster Lucey said that they found Kyomitmaitee's paddleboard first and then his body in the marsh of the shoreline in Polpis harbor The beloved craftsman's community has come together to support his family, raising over $100,000 on GoFundMe Another added: 'He would always throw a wave and a smile. And there were countless occasions he would swing by and drop off a present of fish or bushes for my yard. 'I have six plants in my yard from him. I will have to take extra special care of them to keep his spirit and friendship alive. He will be missed. This absolutely breaks my heart.' A third said: 'I lost a dear friend in Wong and one of the most selfless humans to walk this earth, RIP until we meet again in heaven, my friend.' Kyomitmaitee grew up in Bangkok, Thailand, and eventually landed in Las Vegas at the age of 19, according to an interview he did with the Nantucket Historical Association. He made his way to Boston, where he washed dishes for a man named Chin. Chin opened a restaurant in Nantucket in 1989 and asked Kyomitmaitee to join him. The craftsman agreed and was a chef at the restaurant in Massachusetts and soon found work with a local contractor. He later started his own business. He said in the interview: 'And Nantucket taught me a lot. So never feel sorry one second that I am here today. And I did really well compared with - every time I go back to Thailand people think I was a Donald Trump. Million Dollar Man and (unclear).' 'I go, "no, no. I'm not rich at home. I'm happy and I have what I focus for. I have what I mission for and have a happy family. And place I am is great." So they, "oh, Nantucket!" They all wanted to come.' Lobsterman Dan Pronk, a longtime friend of Kyomitmaitee, told the Inquirer and Mirror that his friend 'eventually becoming the go-to guy for exterior contracting on-island. Over several decades he became beloved by many.' Aside from his contracting business Kyomitmaitee also founded the Nantucket Trading Post. A New York judge has granted The New York Times access to Elon Musk's security clearances while running the Department of Government Efficiency for Donald Trump. The newspaper's lawsuit demanded a two-page list of what Musk had access to during his four month stint in the White House and 'any details about the extent and purview of each of the clearances'. The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency filed on the government's behalf, arguing the document would 'invade Musk's privacy' and that he was still a private citizen. Judge Denise Cote, who was appointed by Bill Clinton, rejected that argument and said it could be handed over after a review for potential redactions and appeared to blame Musk's own public statements. She pointed out that Musk had said he had 'a top secret security clearance' and posted online about DCSA-related topics, including his use of ketamine and contacts with foreign leaders. 'Musks numerous public statements regarding his own drug use and contacts with foreign leaders only enhance the public interest in disclosure, she wrote. Cote also cited the 'numerous contracts' Musk has been given by the government via SpaceX and called it 'one of the largest federal contractors'. 'Is not disputed that SpaceX handles sensitive government information,' she added, pointing out that Musk's Starlink provides internet services to the US military. A New York judge has granted The New York Times access to Elon Musk's security clearances while running the Department of Government Efficiency over his contacts with foreign leaders Musk spent four months running DOGE for President Donald Trump Her rejection argued 'substantial public interests in disclosure outweigh any cognizable privacy interest Musk holds'. Cote gave the Trump administration until October 17 to argue for any potential redactions 'to the extent any detail in the document invades Musks personal privacy beyond the issues discussed'. The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House for comment. Musk quit the Department of Government Efficiency and bid farewell to the White House in late May. The former First Buddy praised the president in an apparent effort to depart on good terms after he slammed Trump's 'big beautiful bill' and admitted he was disappointed with the treatment his DOGE team had received. 'As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President Trump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,' he wrote on X. 'The DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.' Musk was due to finish up his time at the White House by May 30. His appointment as a Special Government Employee was only temporary and designed to last 130 days. Judge Denise Cote, who was appointed by Bill Clinton, rejected that argument and said it could be handed over after a review for potential redactions and appeared to blame Musk's own public statements And the world's richest man had been slowly phasing out of politics for weeks amid whispers of tensions with top administration officials. After helping Trump win the 2024 election with financial contributions and stage-jumping endorsements, Musk earned the title of 'First Buddy' in the White House. For the first several months of Trump's second term, Musk was everywhere - briefing Trump personally, gutting federal departments and even bringing his son, X, along to crucial meetings in the Oval Office. But his arrival ruffled feathers both within the political establishment and among governmental employees, particularly when he set about mercilessly slashing jobs in an effort to root out wasteful spending. 'People burning Teslas,' he told the Post. 'Why would you do that?' As Tesla showrooms around the nation became the epicenters of violent protests, stock prices nosedived and reports emerged that the board was seriously considering replacing Musk. Musk saved an estimated $160billion in what he labeled wasteful government spending by decimating or shutting down 11 federal agencies - putting about 250,000 federal employees out of work in the process. But even that number is a far cry from the $2trillion he vowed to save when DOGE was launched, and it has cost him immensely with mounting lawsuits and global protests against both he and his companies. He stepped back from his high-profile role recently to refocus on his lifelong goal of colonizing Mars amid whispers his friendship with Trump was on the rocks and that he'd made enemies within the White House. Despite all the rumors, Trump praised Musk as he revealed the billionaire had taken a step back from DOGE and said he would have been welcome to 'stay as long as you want.' A Missouri police officer and father-of-four was tragically killed in a SWAT raid that went horribly wrong. Henry Franklin, 41, was serving a warrant to Nathan Peters, 36, of Sikeston, on Monday in connection with a homicide investigation from earlier in the day when Peters barricaded himself inside his Mississippi County home. Franklin and other members of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety's tactical team tried to contact Peters by telephone and loudspeaker - and when he did not respond, the officers approached the house. 'There was nothing to indicate that he was even still alive, so when the SWAT team from Sikeston went up to the windows to breach, that's when Franklin got shot,' Mississippi County Sheriff Britton Ferrell told the Standard Democrat. At that point, authorities called in another SWAT team from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop C, which was able to streamline communication. Negotiations then continued until 12.30am on Tuesday, when the State Highway Patrol officers breached Peters' house and found the suspect dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. 'Our department has suffered an unimaginable loss,' Sikeston Department of Public Safety James McMillen said. 'Officer Franklin was not only a dedicated public servant but also a husband, father, son and brother. We ask that you keep Franklin's family and our department in your prayers as we navigate this difficult time.' Officer Henry Franklin, 41, was killed in the line of duty Monday night while trying to serve a warrant to a homicide suspect Franklin is survived by his wife and four children Authorities say Gerard Essner, 62, a local farmer was also shot and killed in the assault on Monday. 'Yesterday was bad,' Ferrell said early Tuesday. 'Four families were affected by it... The Peters family is affected. The Essner family is affected. The Franklin family is affected. The law enforcement family is affected.' The sheriff explained that Essner was harvesting soybeans on the property next to Peters' home while speaking on the phone with his son Monday afternoon. At one point during the conversation, Essner told his son he thought he heard gunshots and was going to check on it, Ferrell said. That was the last time anyone had heard from him, and the sheriff's office received a call about a missing person about three or four hours later. 'We've dealt with Mr. Peters before in a civil matter. We knew he was a gun enthusiast. We knew he had a missing person, so we were extra cautious for that,' the sheriff noted. So when Peters barricaded himself inside the home, Ferrell called additional agencies for aid - including the Scott County and New Madrid sheriff's department and state highway patrol. Together, the officers managed to take one of Peters' security cameras with a baton - and found Essner's body under a tarp outside of the house near the garage. 'So then we went from a missing person to an assault and possible homicide,' Ferrell said. He joined the Sikeston Department of Public Safety in June 2013 Franklin served as a handler for K9 Officer Odin, and previously served in the Army National Guard An online fundraiser for his family has already raised over $8,000 At that point, the sheriff decided to call in more help - asking the Sikeston Department of Public Safety if it would mobilize its special response team. The department complied, and when the tactical team arrived on the scene and tried to breach the windows, Peters began firing - striking Franklin and leaving officials scrambling. 'We were trying to decide what to do, how to get Officer Franklin and Mr. Essner away from Mr. Peters, but officer safety has a lot to do with it. There's a timing issue you don't want to rush. You want to make a good decision so you don't have another person potentially injured or killed, which led to our calling of the Troop C SWAT team,' Ferrell said. 'They showed up, attempted to contact Mr. Peters and flew a drone in to assess the situation inside the house,' he continued. 'They distracted with munitions on the back side of the house [as] the front team went up and extracted Officer Franklin, and then it was all concentration on Mr. Peters. 'They were flying the drone around, and I heard a gunshot at that time and they flew the drone and confirmed that he had shot himself.' Authorities say homicide suspect Nathan Peters, 36, barricaded himself inside his home The raid finally ended early Tuesday morning, after another SWAT team with the Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed the suspect was dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound But when officers then tried to make entry into the house, they noticed a tripwire. 'You never know if these things are live or not, so we backed out and they sent their EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team to see if it was live or not,' Ferrell said. 'It was not; it was a dummy round, thank goodness. And then they went in and extricated Mr. Peters, which ended the standoff at around 1.30am.' The investigation into the shooting continued in the daylight on Tuesday, and Ferrell said his officers will continue collecting and processing evidence for reports and then it will be available to prosecutors for review. In the meantime, Peters' motivation remains unclear. 'When it first happened, we were dealing with a missing person,' the sheriff said. 'Well then all of a sudden it turns into a homicide; then all of a sudden, it turns into a barricaded subject with an officer-involved shooting. 'So there's a lot of layers to this, which is why we wanted to come back today during the daylight and process it meaningfully because we owe it to the Franklin family and Essner family to do the right job.' He added that the department is 'going to concentrate on the victims, the Franklin family and Essner family, and to be there for them - the Essners on the civil side and our law enforcement brother on the blue side.' Franklin had joined the force in June 2013, serving as a handler for K9 Officer Odin. He previously served in the US Army National Guard. The fallen officer is survived by his wife Leah and four children, along with his mother Sally Turner Doyle and sister Amy Eastman. An online fundraiser for them has already raised over $8,000, and notes that 'all the love and support is seen and felt.' Sikeston Mayor Greg Turnbow also ordered flags to fly at half mast for the fallen officer through the end of the day of the funeral. Capitol Hill lawmakers and aides doubt there will be a resolution to the government shutdown before mass anti-Trump demonstrations descend on Washington DC next week. The 'No Kings' protest set for October 18 is expected to draw thousands. Organizers say it'll be a show of force to oppose President Donald Trump's 'authoritarian power grab' and to put more pressure on Democrats to stymie the adminstration. Any capitulation by Senate Democrats before then is only expected to exacerbate liberal outrage, say the Daily Mail's sources on Capitol Hill. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, who may face a competitive primary against progressive Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez in 2028, will almost certainly feel pressure to hold the line against Trump. 'They are putting their own folks at a disadvantage,' one senior Senate Republican aide told the Daily Mail, predicting that the longer the shutdown last, the more Democrats will be blamed for it. 'If I were the 'No Kings' guys, I'd be saying we need to move this [protest] up to, like, the 13th or 14th,' the Republican aide added. An upcoming protest is on Democrats' radar as they try to find a way to fund the government The 'No Kings' protest map includes hundreds of cities nationwide. Washington, D.C., is expected to be the focal point of the event. Democratic lawmakers are taking notice, and may be pressured to hold fast if the government shutdown is still ongoing The top Senate Republican John Thune noted how the upcoming protest will put pressure on Democrats Nevada's Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez Masto told the Daily Mail she was confident her colleagues were closely tracking the 'No Kings' protest. She is one of the three Democratic senators who have bucked Schumer and voted alongside Republicans to fund the government and end the shutdown. Sens. John Fetterman, D-Pa., and Angus King, I-Maine, have also voted with the GOP. 'I think that the Democrats are under a ton of pressure from their far-left base,' Senate Majority Leader John Thune told the Daily Mail. 'They've got a big rally out here on October the 18th.' 'A bunch of liberal groups are organizing it, and I think they're afraid, honestly, to open up the government and the kind of abuse they'll take,' he added. A sixth vote to reopen the government failed on Wednesday by a margin of 54 to 45. At least 60 votes are needed for any funding bill to pass. President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers have blamed Democrats for the government shutdown. A GOP-authored spending bill has failed to pass the Senate due to liberal legislators voting against it. It needs 60 votes to pass The top Democrat in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, has repeatedly demanded that an ACA subsidy extension be attached to any government funding bill. Demonstrators take part in a protest against the Trump administration during the 'No Kings' national rally in downtown Los Angeles, California, on June 14, 2025 Few Democrats have been publicly forthcoming about the pressure they feel. Fetterman, who has repeatedly voted to reopen the government, told the Daily Mail the shutdown has caused chaos that impacts millions of US citizens. 'You really shouldn't hold it hostage,' he said. 'It's getting more and more difficult to be a voice of moderation.' Schumer and Democrats have said over and over that they would not vote to reopen the government until the ACA, or Obamacare, subsidies are renewed before they expire at the end of December. Tens of millions of Americans rely on these subsidies for low-cost insurance. If they are not renewed, some Americans could see their insurance costs double, or worse. A Secret Service Agent guards the entrance to the White House as thousands march through Washington D.C. in protest of Donald Trump's use of federal agents and the National Guardsmen to conduct policing actions throughout the city 'I would be very disappointed if I end up as the lone Democrat who believes both: it's always wrong to shut the government down but fully supports to extend these ACA tax credits.' Fetterman continued. Republicans, meanwhile, have argued that government funding bills should not be tethered to healthcare reform legislation. And they are not eager to engage with Democrats, who they believe started the shutdown with their healthcare demands. In fact, some would rather let them reap what they sowed. 'There's not much to talk about,' Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., told the Daily Mail. 'We can't solve Chuck Schumer's political problems that he's got.' As the shutdown heads into a ninth day, it is increasingly seeming like it will drag on well into October. The longest government shutdown in history came during Trump's first term and stretched for 35 days between December 2018 and January 2019. Canadians are this week coming to terms with a new reality of family life in their country, after a polyamorous gay 'throuple' went public about how they had adopted a three-year-old girl through the province's child services unit. The revelation has split progressives, who support gay and even multi-parent families, and conservatives, who have described the adoption as 'revolting' and expressed alarm at what the toddler will experience as she grows up. Now, the Daily Mail can exclusively reveal details about one of the driving forces behind legal changes in Quebec that have made the gay throuple adoption possible the veteran rights activist Mona Greenbaum, 61. Greenbaum successfully lobbied the Quebec Superior court earlier this year to recognize multi-parent families, after decades of work pushing for the recognition and legal rights for same-sex couples. The Mail can also reveal that most of her campaign is funded directly by taxpayers two thirds of her group, the LGBT+ Family Coalition's annual $513,000 budget and her six-figure salary have been paid for by the government, tax filings show. This is doubly controversial, given Greenbaum's track record of activism, including support for a campaign to cancel Mothers' Day and Fathers' Day in Quebec schools, and celebrating instead a more inclusive Parents' Day. For fans, Greenbaum is a brave trailblazer. But critics say she epitomizes how unelected progressive activists have used taxpayer money to bend society into a woke dystopia in which three gay men can adopt a toddler. Conservative pundits have slammed the gay throuple adoption. Glenn Beck called it 'a tragic example of adults prioritizing their desires over the best interests of a child.' Matt Walsh said it was simply an 'abomination.' North America was shocked by revelations that a gay 'throuple' have adopted a three-year-old girl in Quebec, following a court ruling in favor of multi-parent families in April Veteran activist Mona Greenbaum has for decades worked to expand traditional definitions of family life in Quebec But Greenbaum has fervently defended her campaign to push the courts to expand the traditional notion of families in recent decades, securing equal rights for gays and multi-parent families. 'It's not a question of whether we should allow these families to exist. They're already here,' Greenbaum said in April, after successfully persuading Quebec's Superior Court to order the province to allow equal recognition for multi-parent families. She called it a 'historic win' for equality for multi parent families. 'Families come in many forms, and all of them deserve recognition, protection, and dignity,' she said. Quebec's Justice Minister and Attorney General Simon Jolin-Barrette the following month launched an appeal against the ruling, saying it was 'not in the interest of the child' to have more than two parents. That appeal is ongoing. This was not the first time Greenbaum had courted controversy. She has been working to expand the traditional definition of a Quebec family since the 1990s, when she and her same-sex partner Nicole Paquette were seeking to adopt children. The gay power couple founded the Lesbian Mothers' Association out of their home in 1998, which merged with a group of gay dads to become the LGBT+ Family Coalition, with Greenbaum serving as executive director. She notched up a series of wins for gay parents in courts and fertility clinics over the decades, until she stepped down from her role in the coalition in June 2025. Among her most controversial moves was to get behind efforts in 2023 by teachers in Quebec schools to replace Mother's Day and Father's Day activities with a more inclusive 'Parents' Day.' Greenbaum praised the effort for its 'compassion, and inclusion.' Critics derided a 'woke assault' on cherished traditions. Eric LeBlanc, Jonathan Bedard, and Justin Maheu, (pictured together) said they had been trying to become fathers for years until they were finally matched with a child this month Mona Greenbaum and her partner Nicole Paquette blazed a similar trail, expanding rights for same-sex couples from the 1990s onward The trio (pictured together above), who live together in Montreal as a 'throuple', said they adopted the little girl through the Quebec Youth Protection Services (DPJ) this month The province's education minister Bernard Drainville called it a 'bad idea,' and the effort ran out of steam. Quebec conservatives have long railed about the large sums of taxpayers' money officials dole out to such unelected advocacy groups as Greenbaum's coalition. In 2024, government funding accounted for nearly two-thirds of the group's $513,314 budget (which amounts to $366,000 in US dollars). Tax filings also reveal that the five-member team's top earner in 2024, presumably Greenbaum, took home as much as $119,999 (US$86,000), more than double the $50,000 average in the French-speaking province. But perhaps Greenbaum's most controversial impact comes as she leaves the organization she has spearheaded since the 1990s paving the way in the courts for the adoption by a gay throuple. Eric LeBlanc, Jonathan Bedard, and Justin Maheu, said they had been trying to become fathers for years until they were finally matched with a child this month. The trio, who live together in Montreal as a 'throuple', said they adopted the three-year-old girl through the Quebec Youth Protection Services (DPJ) this month. However, it followed a long process involving two years of fostering, and after hiring a lawyer to convince adoption services they were a good fit. The trio said their main roadblock were Quebec's laws, which do not recognize more than two people as parents. Greenbaum's coalition was part of the Superior Court case aimed at overturning those laws. Mona Greenbaum and her partner Nicole Paquette have been LGBT+ campaigners since the 1990s The trio (pictured) said their main roadblock was Quebec's legal system, which does not recognize more than two people as parents, which isn't the case in other Canadian provinces Taxpayers are shocked to discover that they have funded Greenbaum's activism over the years The coalition's spokesperson Emde Dussault told the Daily Mail that the group has been in communication with LeBlanc, Bedard, and Maheu since 2022, but did not represent them. Greenbaum left the organization in June 2025, Dussault added. She declined to comment further, saying the 'ruling on multi-parenting is currently under appeal.' Greenbaum did not immediately answer our interview request. The case has ignited fierce debate across Canada about the limits of progressive social policy, the role of taxpayer-funded advocacy groups, and most fundamentally, what constitutes a family in the 21st century. With the government's appeal still pending, the controversy surrounding Greenbaum's decades-long campaign shows no signs of abating. A brave surfer has recalled the heartstopping moment he repeatedly punched a shark in the mouth that bit him three times. Lee Berryman remains in hospital two days after the terrifying encounter off South Australia's Kangaroo Island on Tuesday. The local tourist guide was surfing at a popular break in D'Estrees Bay when he suddenly felt what was believed to be bronze whaler shark on the back of his leg. That's when adrenaline and survival instincts kicked in, 10 years after former Aussie pro surfer Mick Fanning famously punched a Great White in a similar attack during a tournament final in South Africa. 'I have turned around and his nose is right near me,' Mr Berryman told Sunrise on Thursday. 'I actually did not want to punch him in the mouth. I was getting him in the side because I didn't want to go anywhere near those teeth. And I just yelled out, 'Shark!' 'I just knew that I couldn't sit there so I just kept punching it until he let go. 'I pretty much looked at him right in the eyes.' Mr Berryman can't remember how hard he punched the shark but admitted he was terrified. Lee Berryman is lucky to be alive after he was attacked by shark on Tuesday afternoon The avid surfer riding at a popular break in D'Estrees Bay off Kangaroo Island 'I was giving it everything that I had,' he said. 'He was still having his little chomp. He let go and started chasing a seal that was close by, which I never knew was even there.' Dramatic footage of the shark thrashing at the surfboard since gone viral online, which Mr Berryman said was the aftermath of the attack. He believed that his late father was watching from above and protected him. Despite his injuries, Mr Berryman managed to scramble to shore with the assistance of another beachgoer before driving himself to hospital. His wounds required 50 stitches. Mr Berryman knows how lucky he is to be alive. 'My main concern was that I was bleeding out because the shark came back for me a few times,' he said. The local tourist guide's wounds required 50 stitches Footage has emerged of the shark chasing Mr Berryman and thrashing at the surfboard Lee Berryman has vowed not to return to the water at D'Estrees Bay 'I find it quite hard to believe that I'm still here to tell it but I am really glad that I'm here,' he said. 'I now look at life in a new way.' Mr Berryman has made one vow when he's ready to head back into the surf. 'I will go back in the water but I am not sure how long it's going to be,' he said 'But I will not be surfing at D'Estrees Bay!' The latest attack comes almost five years after a 29-year-old surfer was attacked by a great white shark in the same spot. He managed to paddle to shore and walk to the car park before being transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A shark was sighted in the same spot three days before Mr Berryman was bitten. A double-killer who penned columns for national newspapers while serving time behind bars for murder drowned after falling from a marina pontoon, an inquest heard. Erwin James Monahan, 66, who went by Erwin James professionally and wrote for the Guardian and the Daily Mail, was found guilty of two murders in 1984 and was sentenced to two decades in prison. James, who was born in Clevedon, Somerset, achieved a history degree and became an accomplished writer during his prison sentence, becoming well-known for his Guardian column - A Life Inside - the first of its kind in the UK. He also authored three books, and became a well-respected public speaker, while also editing the prison newspaper Inside Time until 2023. The 66-year-old met his wife, Margaret, during his incarceration at HMP Long Lartin in 1999, with the pair going on to marry shortly after his release in 2004. An inquest into his death at Devon County Hall heard the author lived on his boat called Faithful, which was moored at Brixham Marina while his home was being renovated. On the evening of January 19 last year James had been at the Blue Anchor pub in Brixham, before returning to his boat for the night, the hearing was told. CCTV cameras from the marina captured him walking 'unsteadily' along the pontoon before falling over a railing and hitting his head, the coroner said. Erwin James Monahan, 66, (pictured) who wrote for the Guardian and the Daily Mail, was found guilty of two murders in 1984 and was sentenced to two decades in prison A rare childhood photo of Erwin aged six. A coroner concluded his death was accidental, contributed to by alcohol intoxication James stood up and began making his way towards his boat but fell into the water. His body was discovered by a family walking nearby the following morning. Area coroner Alison Longhorn reached a conclusion of accidental death, contributed to by alcohol intoxication. She said: 'Erwin James Monahan died on January 20, 2024, at Brixham Marina. 'He had been attempting to return to his boat, having been at a pub, under the influence of alcohol when he fell into the water and drowned. 'My conclusion is that Mr Monahan's death was an accidental death, contributed to by alcohol intoxication. 'It was dark and I heard evidence that it had been cold and the pontoon surface was slippery.' The coroner concluded the inquest by offering her condolences to James's family and friends. In a statement, James's wife Margaret Monahan described her husband who she met while working as a teacher as 'a very accomplished and articulate man'. Margaret visited the editor weekly when he was moved to a prison in Nottingham the following year and they married in 2004, when he was released. The couple lived in Hastings before the columnist purchased a property in Wales in 2023, as well as a boat called Faithful which was used as an AirBnB rental. Mrs Monahan described her husband's difficult upbringing, with his mother dying when he was aged seven and his father 'a drinker', with James leaving home aged 10. The father-of-two began stealing sweets and fruit but his offending escalated and he committed two murders in 1982 before fleeing to join the French Foreign Legion, later handing himself in to police. Her statement, read by the coroner, detailed how James - who she referred to as Jim - had a 'drink problem for most of his life' and had been banned from driving due to drinking. 'I think Jim used drink to block out the things that had happened to him during his life,' Mrs Monahan said. 'I know he also suffered with grief at the crimes he had committed. 'Despite the awful upbringing Jim had and serving 20 years in prison, Jim was the most kind, generous and loving man. 'He did a lot of work voluntarily and he was a good role model.' Sophie May, a woman who spoke to James at the pub shortly before his death, described how they discussed about 'the power of rehabilitation'. He told her about his sell-out performance at the Sydney Opera House and of attending the Christmas party of author JK Rowling, she said. 'We were a bit tipsy but not incoherent,' she said. 'I didn't think Erwin was unsafe to walk back on his own.' Emergency services were called to the marina at 10.49am on January 20 after James's body was spotted in the water. Marina staff told police it was not out of the ordinary for James to consume two bottles of whisky per day, the inquest was told. A post-mortem examination recorded his cause of death as drowning. A convicted paedophile who molested his own daughter was granted his dying wish to have a family photo by his bedside before he died. Daniel Hume, 55, was sentenced to 30 years behind bars for multiple offences including sex charges and indecent assault against 14 victims. He served just seven years of his sentence, when, suffering from terminal throat cancer, his application for Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) was granted. VAD in NSW is a legal end-of-life option that allows eligible individuals to request medical assistance to die, typically by taking a prescribed medication. Hume became the first prisoner in NSW to be approved for the controversial scheme and died in palliative care at Cessnock Hospital on August 28. His mother brought the family photo into the hospital, which was not checked by security guards, and placed it beside her son's bed. The photo included two of Hume's victims - his daughter Neveah Jett, now 27, and her sister - who were both being abused at the time the picture was taken. 'It makes me feel sick to my stomach he was allowed to look at me while he died,' Ms Jett told 9News. Convicted paedophile Daniel Hume (pictured), who molested his own daughter, was granted his dying wish to have a family photo at his bedside Hume's daughter and victim Neveah Jett, 27, said she feels 'sick to her stomach' about it Ms Jett explained she was never consulted on the decision to approve her father's VAD application and that he was given the 'easy way out' (the pair are pictured) Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon said an investigation had been launched into the department's protocols. He apologised for the trauma Hume's dying wish may have caused his victims. 'I'm deeply concerned the photos were not screened, that concerns me greatly,' Commissioner McCahon said. 'If there is any wrongdoing by my staff, they'll be held accountable.' Ms Jett told the Daily Mail last month that she was not consulted on Hume's application for assisted dying before it was approved. The 27-year-old said her abusive father's euthanasia allowed him to escape full punishment for his actions, and had forced her to relive her childhood trauma. 'The sense of justice I have been clinging to has been ripped away and he has taken the easy way out. He should be living the rest of his life in jail and he has won. No-one even told me it was happening,' she said. 'He won. He got off. He did not serve his sentence. It feels like a kick in the stomach. He died in comfort, pain-free, surrounded by his loved ones, who I believe were able to visit him in hospital multiple times. Hume (pictured) became the first prisoner in NSW whose application for Voluntary Assisted Dying was granted. He died at Cessnock Hospital on August 2 'Yes he had throat cancer, but he was offered oesophagus surgery and that could have extended his life, but instead he was allowed to choose the easy way out. 'He was in jail. He shouldn't have had choices. So many people aren't given this chance, so many have been turned down, so why was he allowed? 'Now I feel robbed that he did not serve out his natural life in prison and I was not even told. As far as I know, none of the victims were. 'If I had known, I would have fought to stop it. If cancer was going to kill him two weeks later anyway, then so be it. Why spend taxpayers' money on this man?' Ms Jett said her father's abuse was first revealed when staff at her daycare centre spotted unusual marks in her nappy. She believes her father started raping her when she was just seven years old. At the age of 10, she was briefly removed from his care by child protection authorities after two of his victims came forward. Hume was not charged and eventually regained custody of his daughter. Not long after that, he urged his daughter to befriend a little girl at the park. It was only years later that she realised it was so her father could lure the young girl into their home under the guise of a 'play date'. Ms Jett finally found the courage to speak after two of her father's victims came forward. Ms Jett explained her father started raping her when she was just seven years old Ms Jett is now campaigning against prisoners being granted Voluntary Assisted Dying Ms Jett said her attempts to raise the alarm fell on deaf ears, with the abuse only intensifying during her teenage years. At 17, she joined the Australian Army in a desperate attempt to escape her father. Ms Jett shared her story after two of her father's victims came forward in 2015. What followed was years of agony, police interviews and court hearings which forced her to relive every sordid detail of her abuse. 'He fought it the whole way,' Ms Jett said. 'He pled not guilty for three years and put us through hell. It wasn't until the day we were due to read our victim impact statements that he finally pleaded guilty.' She believes there are dozens more victims who remain unnamed. Donald Trump has described a CNN journalist as 'one of the worst reporters you'll ever see' in a public dressing-down. The President called on Senior White House Correspondent Kristen Holmes during an 'Antifa roundtable' he held in the State Dining Room on Wednesday, before promptly changing his mind. While her question was hard to hear over the chatter, she appeared to be referring to a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas when Trump interrupted. 'This is CNN speaking, by the way,' he said to the crowd gathered. 'So, you know, this is one of the worst reporters that you'll ever see. I don't even want to take her question. It's a waste of time.' He then moved on to a new question, from a new reporter. The brutal sledge is the latest in a host of digs Trump has taken at reporters from liberal news stations since returning to power. CNN, ABC and NBC reporters have become accustomed to being the butt of the joke during press conferences as Trump wages war on 'woke' media outlets who have wronged him with multi-million-dollar lawsuits. Donald Trump described a CNN journalist as 'one of the worst reporters you'll ever see' in a public dressing down Trump called on CNN Senior White House Correspondent Kristen Holmes during an 'Antifa roundtable' he held in the State Dining Room on Wednesday, before changing his mind Trump was speaking with reporters and influencers about Antifa - a Left-wing anti-fascist movement the administration recently designated as a terrorist group. But midway through the meeting he was interrupted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who handed him an urgent note about the ongoing peace negotiations between Hamas and Israel. 'I was just given a note by the Secretary of State saying that we're very close to a deal in the Middle East, and they're going to need me pretty quickly,' Trump told reporters gathered at the roundtable on Wednesday. The frantically scrawled note was caught on camera. It read: 'Very close. We need you to approve a post on Truth Social soon, so you can announce the deal first.' White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed that Trump was 'considering heading to the Middle East' as soon as Friday. At 6.51pm EST, Trump greenlit the Truth Social post, which read: 'I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan. Trump was speaking with reporters and influencers about Antifa - a Left-wing anti-fascist movement the administration recently designated as a terrorist group The brutal sledge is the latest in a host of digs Trump has taken at reporters from liberal news stations since returning to power 'This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.' Trump vowed that 'all parties will be treated fairly', describing the deal as 'a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America. 'We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!' Passengers commuting on British trains experience slower Wi-Fi speeds than their Romanian counterparts, new figures have revealed. In fact, UK trains have the third slowest Wi-Fi speeds in comparison to 18 major European and Asian railway networks. Meanwhile the Wi-Fi available onboard Irish trains is 25 times faster. The research conducted by Ookla found British trains have average upload speeds of 1.07 megabits, which usually only allows for basic internet browsing and emails. It suggests that this is because multiple rail operators are still using older Wi-Fi 4 based connectivity. Luke Kehoe, a researcher at Ookla said: 'Europe and Asia's rail networks, long heralded as a backbone of economic competitiveness, are now judged not only on punctuality and comfort but on the quality of the digital experience onboard. 'High-quality train Wi-Fi has shifted from nice-to-have to essential rail infrastructure. Commuters expect a home broadband-like experience for streaming, work calls and gaming while crossing the Swiss Alps or skirting Mount Fuji.' In comparison, Swedish rail networks have set the pace for high quality onboard Wi-Fi, delivering a 64.58 median download speed. Passengers commuting on British trains experience slower Wi-Fi speeds than their Romanian counterparts, new figures have revealed Swedish rail networks have set the pace for high quality onboard Wi-Fi, delivering a 64.58 median download speed The research conducted by Ookla found British trains have average download upload of 1.07 megabits, which usually only allows for basic internet browsing and emails It is followed by Switzerland with a 29.79 median download speed. Britain's median download speed is a mere 1.09 while Romania's is twelve times that. Railway networks are considered a challenge for telecoms operators because metal carriages are hard to penetrate with mobile signals. On top of that, it is hard for the signals to carry as trains pass through tunnels, cuttings and valleys. Train operators are exploring whether Elon Musk's broadband service Starlink could be used to plug coverage gaps. It is currently being tested on some ScotRail routes. Network Rail has also signed a deal with two private telecom firms to see 4G and 5G connectivity boosted on trains and in stations. The Department for Transport said work is set to begin next year and be implemented by 2028. Network Rail's chief financial officer Jeremy Westlake said the investment model would 'deliver the necessary upgrades to our telecoms infrastructure faster whilst offering significant value-for-money for the taxpayer and stimulating wider economic benefits across the country'. He told the BBC's Today programme that passengers would 'start to see the benefits from early next year actually because the roll-out will be progressive, but we will be starting straight away with not-spots in particular'. But it is not only the Wi-Fi that is slow onboard British railway, it is also notoriously slow. Last week it was revealed that CrossCountry was the UK's worst major train operator for cancellations this year. According to new analysis, nearly one in ten CrossCountry trains have been cancelled this year. Civil servants working from home could miss fraudulent asylum claims, an expert has warned. Home Office staff, who can oversee asylum seeker claims and cases of foreign national offenders, are permitted to work three out of five days a week from home. And the majority of their interviews for asylum bids are done remotely via video conference in lieu of in-person interviews at the department's base. The Home Office argued their flexibility regarding office working has helped manage the substantial number of claims, with lawyers, caseworkers, interpreters and support staff able to take part from varying locations. A job description for a caseworker role, details how staff would be a part of a 'supportive team', who 'conduct asylum interviews' and follow 'processes to make the most appropriate decisions on asylum cases. 'You will consider legislation and case law and produce letters on behalf of the Home Secretary to outline reasons for your decisions,' it added. However, former director general of Border Force, Tony Smith, has raised concerns that a pivot towards virtual interviews may lead to officers being unable to spot behavioural clues indicating an applicant's potential deceit. Migrants try to board a crowded smuggler's boat off the coast of northern France on September 19 in a bid to cross the English Channel The UK Border Force vessel brings migrants who were intercepted crossing the English Channel into Dover port on October 08, 2025 in Dover, England Expressing his concerns that the process has become 'codified', he told The Telegraph: 'It is much harder to spot if someone is telling the truth if you are doing it online rather than sitting in the room with the asylum seeker and their lawyer.' Explaining how he would conduct such interviews they would be done in person, where eye-contact with the applicant could be made, he added that behavioural patterns and potential deceit could be spotted. 'You get a sixth sense as to whether someone is being honest,' he said. 'I am not sure online interviews capture that.' Elsewhere, refugee groups have been at odds regarding the Home Office's virtual approach with UN Agency for Refugees (UNHCR), arguing online interviews gave applicants more flexibility and protected them from travelling 'unnecessar[ily]'. However, human rights charity Freedom from Torture said remote interviews could have a negative impact on decisions made regarding asylum seekers as they often struggle conveying their lived experiences virtually. Home Office job adverts say both enforcement officers as well as asylum decision-makers are allowed to spend as much as 60 per cent of the working week from home. Roles are available in London, Liverpool and Leeds, with interviewees expected to analyse evidence and decide if hypothetical asylum applicants should have their bid granted or if they should be deported. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a large portion of asylum interviews were carried out face-to-face at the department's interview centres dotted throughout the UK. Applicants were usually expected to be present alongside a legal representative and interpreters at centres at locations such as London, Liverpool and Glasgow, where there were stringent security procedures and audio recording in place. Before July 2021, video interviews were not a typical option. Your browser does not support iframes. According to Home Office data, during the year to June, a record number of asylum applications were made, totalling 110,000 bids. However, figures show the Government has been working through cases at a greater speed with application rates up 14 per cent from the previous year. And while they were also higher than the peak of 103,000 in 2003, officials were processing claims even more quickly prior to the general election. Statistics showed the backlog was almost half the peak of 134,000 claims at the end of June 2023, with a backlog of 71,000 relating to 91,000 waiting for a first decision. The Daily Mail has approached the Home Office for comment. A reporter who was allegedly attacked by a savage protester outside a Portland ICE facility recounted her harrowing experience to Donald Trump. Post Millennial reporter Katie Daviscourt shared her testimony at Trump's roundtable focused on Antifa violence on Wednesday. 'Today, I am sitting here with a black eye and a concussion after being violently hit in the face with a metal pole while reporting outside the ICE facility just this past week,' Daviscourt said. The bruised journalist claimed that after the vicious confrontation, she went to three different city police officers for help - but they 'refused to detain the suspect.' She alleged she 'chased down' the attacker on her own and 'had her held for 35 minutes' while she waited for police to arrive, although 'they never came.' 'That's what opened my eyes to what this group is actually doing,' she said. 'I watched 20 Antifa militants help my assault suspect escape into an Antifa safe house that is one block away from the ICE facility. 'This group is highly organized, it is being funded through mutual aid groups and they have no plans of stopping.' Katie Daviscourt (pictured) shared her heated testimony at Donald Trump's roundtable focused on Antifa violence on Wednesday Portland police are asking for the public's help in identifying the woman who allegedly harmed Daviscourt (pictured: an image of the suspect shared by police) She went on to claim that Portland residents have been 'held hostage' by Antifa protestors and are living in fear, urging Trump to 'restore law and order' in the city. Daviscourt said that when protests first erupted, she went 'undercover' for about a month to learn why the demonstrators were occupying Portland. 'They believe that ICE agents are the Nazi gazpacho who need to be killed,' she explained. 'Thank you, Katie,' Trump said in response to her roundtable contribution. 'That's pretty incredible. 'They only question nobody can answer is why are they [Antifa protestors] doing this? 'They are insurrectionists, they are terrible people, but you really wonder why, why are they doing it? 'What are they gaining other than they're obviously paid, they're paid a lot of money.' Turning Point USA contributor and political commentator Savanah Hernandez then responded with the claim that the administration has been made out to be full of 'Nazis and fascists' by some media outlets. The day after she was injured, Daviscourt (right) discussed the ordeal with Fox News' Jesse Watters (left) A police officer (right) is seen trailing behind Daviscourt, but he only briefly confronted the suspect (left), who told him she was 'underage,' before letting her walk free In a series of jaw-dropping X posts, Daviscourt chronicled how she was allegedly struck in the face by a ruthless anti-fascist protestor at the end of September. One video Daviscourt filmed shows a blond-haired, masked woman wearing oversized glasses in a group of other demonstrators waving a Palestinian flag and allegedly hitting her in the face with the metal flag pole. 'She was at the January 6 riot!' someone from the mob is heard repeatedly yelling. 'She just hit me in the face!' Daviscourt says in the heart-pounding clip. In another video from the aftermath of the incident, Daviscourt is seen following the alleged suspect as she walks along with another person to seek 'refuge in the Antifa tent encampment.' A police officer is seen trailing behind Daviscourt, but he only briefly confronted the woman, who told him she was 'underage,' before letting her walk free. The day after she was injured, Daviscourt discussed the ordeal with Fox News' Jesse Watters. 'Thats what its been like covering Portland for the past four months. Complete lawlessness,' she said, describing the hectic state of the city. Daviscourt (pictured) said she sustained a black eye after a protester struck her with a flag pole in Portland She described 'several blocks' of the city that are 'completely controlled' by Antifa protesters, who harass, assault and threaten anyone who they see to be a threat to their cause.' 'The Trump administration is absolutely correct in deploying federal troops here because Portland police has completely abandoned this zone,' she told the Fox host. 'They refuse to go in and everyone that shows up is one their own.' She said the administration must start 'treating Antifa like ISIS' and 'put an end to them here for good.' Portland police issued a press release on October 1, asking for the public's help in identifying the woman who allegedly harmed Daviscourt. According to the release, Daviscourt had flagged down a Dialogue Liaison Officer (DLO) when she was struck. The department explained that as a DLO officer, he 'cannot get involved in enforcement action.' The Major Crimes Unit is probing the attack. ICE protests in Portland have persisted for months, with Trump calling for National Guard troops to intervene (pictured: a Portland protest on Monday) 'The Dialogue Officer attempted to talk to the suspect to hear her side of the story. She would not stop, so the DLO told her she was being detained. She refused the lawful police order to stop and she fled,' police said. Daviscourt has been on the grounds, covering the chaotic ICE protests that broke out in front of Portland ICE facilities over the summer. At the same time, similar demonstrations broke out in other major cities, including Los Angeles. On September 27, Trump declared he would send 'all necessary Troops' to Portland to protect the city and its ICE facilities 'from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists.' He wanted to federally activate 200 members of Oregon's National Guard to quell protests at an ICE facility in the city. However, Oregon officials have fiercely pushed back against the president's plan, with the state swiftly filing a motion to block National Guard troops from patrolling the city. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson also asserted that there is no need for a National Guard presence. Trump had also ordered 300 California National Guard personnel to move to Portland, sparking outrage from Governor Gavin Newsom. One video Daviscourt filmed shows a blond-haired, masked woman wearing oversized glasses (left) in a group of other demonstrators waving a Palestinian flag A judge ruled that Trump could not federally activate 200 members of Oregon's National Guard to quell protests at an ICE facility in Portland (Pictured: Law enforcement officers stand in front of the facility on Saturday with a mass of protestors opposite them) In a statement, Newsom confirmed he was seeking legal action against the administration over the use of his state's National Guard in Portland, Oregon. He said: 'We're suing Donald Trump. His deployment of the California National Guard to Oregon isn't about crime. 'It's about power. He is using our military as political pawns to build up his own ego. It's appalling. It's un-American. And it must stop.' Illinois and Chicago also sued Trump over the deployment of National Guard troops into the city. But a federal judge declined to immediately block the Trump administration from doing so. Spanish emergency services have recovered the bodies of four people from beneath the rubble of a six-storey building that collapsed in central Madrid. The tragedy was said to have struck as the block was being renovated and turned into a hotel. Announcing the news, Mayor Jose Luis Almeida said: 'It is with deep sadness that we confirm that Madrid firefighters have recovered the bodies of the people who went missing after the collapse.' The victims have been identified as project architect Laura Rodriguez, 30, and construction workers Moussa Dembele, 40, Diallo Mamadun and a man called Jorge. Following a search-and-rescue operation in which police and firefighters deployed drones and sniffer dogs, two of the victims' bodies were found just before midnight on Tuesday, while the others were found in the early hours on Wednesday morning. The building, which was set to be transformed from an office into a luxury hotel with a ground-floor restaurant, is in the heart of one of Madrid's top tourist areas. It is just a five-minute walk from La Puerta del Sol, one of the city's most well-known squares. Around 40 people were said to have been inside the building as it collapsed. Three other construction workers were injured. The collapse of the building's interior structure left its facade intact. Spanish emergency services have recovered the bodies of four people from beneath the rubble of a six-storey building that collapsed in central Madrid One of the victims was identified as project architect Laura Rodriguez (pictured) Another victim was named as Moussa Dembele (pictured) - a construction worker One construction worker named Mikhail was pumping concrete into the building's lower floors and was outside when the collapse occurred. He said he saw a large cloud of dust and immediately sprinted away. 'I was the first to run, I didn't care about anything else. I'll save my life first and, if I can, save others later,' he told reporters on Tuesday. Authorities said the incident 'caused the different floors to also give way down to the basement of the building.' They added: 'The damage there is very severe, and the possible impact on adjacent buildings is also being analysed.' According to Madrid's online registry of buildings under construction, the property was built in 1965. It underwent two technical inspections in 2012 and 2022 and was classified as 'unfavourable' due to 'the general condition of the facade, exterior, partition walls, roof, roof terraces and plumbing and sewage system'. The former office building, located in an area of downtown Madrid popular with tourists near the opera house and royal palace, was being converted into a four-star hotel by developer Rehbilita, according to information on its website. Rehbilita did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. The property belongs to Saudi-based fund RSR, a real estate investor specialising in high-end hotels and tourist apartments in Spain and Portugal. RSR bought it for 24.5million (21.3million) in 2022. Its renovation, approved by municipal authorities in December 2024, was expected to last two years. Conservative influencer Nick Sortor showed Donald Trump a burned American flag he'd taken away before his arrest in Portland. Sortor, 27, was speaking during the president's Antifa roundtable in the State Dining Room at the White House after he was accused of getting into a fight outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility last week. He was speaking about what he saw on the ground during anti-ICE protests in the Oregon city when he suddenly produced a charred American flag. 'I took this flag from that man that was burning it in the street,' Sortor told the president. Trump asked: 'Do you know who he is?' When Sortor said he did, Trump responded: 'Why don't you give it to Pam? Give it to the attorney general and let's start prosecutions.' He then claimed he had taken a second American flag that the culprit had also attempted to burn. Trump said to Sortor: 'At least that horrible night made you famous'. Conservative influencer Nick Sortor showed Donald Trump a burned American flag he'd taken away before his arrest in Portland Trump said to Sortor: 'At least that horrible night made you famous' Sortor laughed and then bragged about having gotten a text message from Trump in response. The conservative activist was released without bond after being arrested in the altercation in Portland, Oregon late Thursday evening. He was arrested on suspicion of second-degree disorderly conduct along with two people, the Portland Police Bureau said. It comes after Sortor shared videos earlier this week of clashes outside the Portland ICE facility, which has frequently been targeted by immigration protesters amid Donald Trump's deportation crackdown. Sortor took to X after he was released, saying: 'Hey (Portland Police): you made a big freaking mistake.' 'You PROVED what weve all been saying for years: youre CORRUPT and CONTROLLED by violent Antifa thugs who terrorize the streets. 'You thought arresting me would make me shut up and go away. You couldnt have been more wrong. Stay tuned.' He added in a follow-up post that Portland Police 'are going to absolutely HATE what's coming. Lawyer up, folks! Announcement coming shortly.' The conservative activist was released without bond after being arrested in the altercation in Portland , Oregon late Thursday evening The exact details of how Sortor was arrested are unclear, although the Portland Police Bureau said it came after a number of fights outside the ICE facility on Thursday night. An earlier incident saw law enforcement briefly detain two other people, and police said it 'continued to monitor the situation and responded after seeing additional fights break out.' Sortor was in Portland as the city has become the latest target of Trump's federal crackdown on crime. He commands a following of over 1.2 million users on X, and first shot to prominence in 2023 as he criticized the Biden administration for its response to a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Sortor has since made Trump's deportation and crime crackdowns a central pillar of his social media activism. He traveled to Portland to support the deployment of National Guard troops, a move that Oregon authorities have fought. On Wednesday, Trump was flanked by Sortor, Bondi and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and held an hour-and-a-half discussion on Antifa. Much of the conversation surrounded what conservative journalists had seen on the ground in Portland, but Trump circled back to Chicago again and again. Sortor, 27, is known to agitate left-wing groups on social media, and earlier in the week he shared an X post predicting that he may be arrested at the ICE facility On Wednesday, Trump was flanked by Sortor, Bondi and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and held an hour-and-a-half discussion on Antifa He labeled Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker a 'loser' and pushed the idea that Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson could be prosecuted by the Department of Justice for not helping ICE. 'I understand that's a criminal offense,' Trump floated. Trump has also talked about the Insurrection Act in regards to Portland, after a judge on Sunday blocked the president from sending National Guard members from any state into the Oregon city. The president said he would invoke the Insurrection Act 'if it was necessary.' 'If people were being killed, and courts were holding us up, or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure, I'd do that,' he said. Trump has said the National Guard is necessary to combat crime in places like Washington, D.C., but he's also wanted soldiers to protect the efforts of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers as his administration carries out its mass deportation plan. NBC reported that the Insurrection Act discussions have centered around what the president could do if local law enforcement officers refuse to protect ICE. But having troops on the ground could lead to clashes between active-duty forces and American civilians, some involved in the discussions have warned. Trump had considered invoking the Insurrection Act during the series of 'Black Lives Matter' protests that followed the May 2020 death of George Floyd, but Defense Secretary Mark Esper waved him off the idea at the time. A senior administration official told NBC that Trump now regrets that decision and views the current decision through that prism. Key White House adviser Stephen Miller has been a proponent. Polling shows, however, that it would not be a popular move as 58 percent of Americans - including seven in 10 Democrats and half of Republicans - think the president should only send troops into areas where they face external threats, polling from Reuters/Ipsos revealed. Asked about it in the Oval Office on Tuesday, the president expressed an openness. 'Well, it's been invoked before. If you look at Chicago - Chicago is a great city where there's a lot of crime and if the governor can't do that the job, we'll do the. job,' Trump said. An 11-year-old boy has been left with life-changing injuries after falling 'between the tram and the platform' at a Metrolink stop. Emergency services were called to Brownley Road in Wythenshawe, Manchester on Tuesday afternoon following reports of a child being 'dragged underneath'. A large cordon was put in place and police have put out an appeal for witnesses. The victim remains in a stable condition after being flown by air ambulance to hospital. It is understood he had fallen 'between the tram and the platform' before the tram started to move away from the stop. A neighbour told Manchester Evening News: 'I just heard all the sirens - the police, ambulance, helicopter that landed across the road. It was completely shocking, I only found out what happened later and it's just horrible.' Tram services between Roundthorn and the Airport were suspended due to the police investigation with commuters advised to check the Transport for Greater Manchester website. Several road closures were also put in place. The boy was left fighting for his life after he was hit by a tram in Wythenshawe, south Manchester, and 'dragged underneath' on Tuesday afternoon Greater Manchester Police said on Tuesday the boy, 11, had suffered 'life-changing and potentially life-threatening injuries' A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police had said: 'Emergency services are currently responding to reports of a serious incident on the tram network at Crossacres tram stop in Wythenshawe. 'A boy was struck by a tram and has been taken to hospital with life-changing and potentially life-threatening injuries. 'Trams to Manchester Airport have been suspended whilst emergency service personnel conduct their enquiries.' Danny Vaughan of Transport for Greater Manchester told the Daily Mail: 'First and foremost our thoughts are with the boy - who suffered serious injuries during the collision - and his loved ones at this extremely difficult time. 'Our priority was to work with Greater Manchester Police and the North West Ambulance Service in their immediate response. We are now doing everything we can to support the police investigation into exactly what happened. 'We're also working with the operator to make sure the staff involved have the support they need.' Roads later reopened, with tram and bus services resumed as normal. An elderly woman has been rushed to hospital after swallowing eight live frogs in an attempt to ease her back pain. The 82-year-old Chinese woman, who was only identified by her surname Zhang, reportedly chose to swallow the amphibians because she was following folklore that claimed it would help ease her herniated disc. She asked her family to catch the frogs, all of them smaller than the palm of her hand, without telling them what they were for. After consuming three on the first day, Zhang is said to have swallowed five the next day. But she quickly developed abdominal pain, and was forced to reveal what she had eaten to hospital staff. Doctors found she had developed a parasitic infection. One at the hospital in Hangzhou, eastern China, said: 'Swallowing frogs has damaged the patients digestive system and resulted in some parasites being present in her body, including sparganum'. It comes just weeks after British medical experts cast doubts on a Chinese actress' claims that she has been having injections to make her greying hair turn black again. An elderly woman has been rushed to hospital after swallowing eight live frogs in an attempt to ease her back pain (File image of a frog) In a video posted to the Chinese version of TikTok, Douyin, actress Guo Tong, 37, posted that she had started a course of injections which promised to reverse her white patches to their natural colour. Speaking in the video, she told fans that her pigmentation issues were not hereditary but related to her stressful lifestyle. But when the Daily Mail asked top London-based experts, they were quick to explain that evidence is mostly anecdotal rather than scientific. Dr Shirin Lakhani, an aesthetics doctor told the Daily Mail: 'It is thought to help re-pigmentation of the hairs by stimulating melanocyte activity in the hair follicles.' And Dr Ed Robinson, a non-surgical cosmetic expert added: 'There is thought when exosomes are micro needled into the skin they might stimulate melanocyte stem cells to work harder. 'However, regarding treating grey hair, there is no solid, peer-reviewed clinical evidence that exosome treatments can reliably reverse generalised grey hair. 'There have been a couple of highly specific, very limited-use cases suggesting the potential for slight darkening hair, but these do not generalise to broader grey hair reversal. 'At the moment regulatory agencies remain sceptical about using exosomes for this reason and to market this treatment as a cure for greying hair at this stage is misleading at best.' A sheriff in Kentucky is accused of driving 110 mph while blaring his sirens and flashing his lights under the influence of the alcohol. Terry Gray, a sheriff in Robertson County, was apprehended by Mason County Sheriffs on October 7 and faces charges of DUI, reckless driving, wanton endangerment, and official misconduct. The incident marks the 48-year-old's third DUI charge in two years. His first DUI came in December of 2023, when he was caught driving drunk in his police cruiser near a school. His second offense was in August of 2024, while he was driving a tractor intoxicated. The sheriff rode the tractor on a main road and was later accused of overturning the machine, according to a report by Lex 18. Gray made an Alford plea during his second time being caught driving under the influence - a plea in which a person does not admit guilt but acknowledges that there may be enough evidence for a conviction. Now on his third incident, Gray was pulled over after nearly crashing into a Mason County sheriff. Gray was wearing his uniform, which featured Sheriff insignia, along with a firearm and handcuffs on his side. Gray refused to submit to a field sobriety test or a breathalyzer at the scene and was taken to the Mason County Detention Center, where deputies found a miniature bottle of liquor in his pocket. The authorities also discovered a bottle of Fireball whiskey in Gray's vehicle, and he had a registered blood alcohol content of 0.226 when he finally submitted to a test at the detention center, according to The Ledger Independent. Terry Gray, a sheriff in Robertson County, was apprehended by Mason County Sheriffs on October 7 A 0.226 blood alcohol level is nearly three times the legal limit in the state. His actions have prompted authorities across Kentucky to call for his resignation, including Governor Andy Beshear according to Fox 19. In Governor Beshear's letter addressed directly to Gray, he asked the sheriff, 'Tender your resignation as the Robertson County Sheriff to the County Judge/Executive within five business days of your receipt of this letter.' 'If you do not tender your resignation, the Governor will move forward with removal under KRS 63.100 for neglect of duty, habitual drunkenness in office, and gross immorality or misconduct in office amounting to neglect of duty.' 'We value the sanctity of law enforcement and the duty to uphold the law and serve and protect the communities that put their trust in their peace officers.' Mason County Sheriff Ryan Swolsky arrested Gray and told the outlet: 'There was no reason for him to be running lights and sirens.' The incident marks the 48-year-old's third DUI in two years. His first DUI came in December of 2023, when he was caught driving drunk in his police cruiser near a school The sheriff appeared on a video call from a rehab facility for his court hearing in 2023 'Obviously could smell the odor of alcoholic beverage on his person. We proceeded to do a DUI investigation from there.' 'At the end of the day, he needs to resign because he's tarnished the badge. I think I speak on behalf of law enforcement across this state, and we police our own, and his behavior is unacceptable.' The offender told sheriffs during his arrest that he was 'not that drunk' according to arrest documents obtained by the outlet. The sheriff has avoided jail time but has previously been told by a judge that his fourth DUI would result in a felony. Gray is scheduled for arraignment in Mason District Court on Monday morning. California Gov. Gavin Newsom dropped a scathing new nickname for Attorney General Pam Bondi after she refused to answer questions about President Donald Trump's connection to pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The outgoing governor dubbed the attorney general 'pedophile-protector Pam' on Tuesday as it was revealed Bondi aimed to simply attack senators rather than speak about the Trump-Epstein connection at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. 'Pedophile-protector Pam is still refusing to answer questions - and still hiding the Epstein files,' Newsom's press account posted on X. It came as photos from Bondi's Senate hearing suggest she wasn't going to answer questions about Epstein - and would instead hit out at senators who made the inquiries. 'Epstein - Did you take money from Reid Hoffman???' she wrote on a manila folder, under jabs she would make at Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. In one testy exchange, the Democrat senator questioned the attorney general about the disgraced sex offender 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. 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?' California Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a scathing new nickname for Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday The Attorney General refused to answer questions about President Donald Trump's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Newsom's press office called the attorney general 'Pedophile-protector Pam' The Trump administration has faced major backlash for its handling of documents related to Epstein's crimes, after Bondi teased a full release of evidence related to the disgraced financier. She had said earlier this year that a 'client list' was sitting on her desk. But by July, a memo from Justice Department and the FBI said 'no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted' in the case. Newsom has since said he believes Bondi blocked the release of the documents under President Trump's direction. 'Pam Bondi doesn't move without Trump,' he told reporter Marco Foster at the time. 'If she's fired, she's the fall person because there's no question she was directed by Trump to say what she said. Why was she told not to release the files?' California Rep. Eric Swalwell now says he has discussed the issue with 'a lot of House Republicans' and that their efforts to stop a vote to release the full documents are 'fading.' 'It's coming to an end guys. I've spoken to a lot of House Republicans this week and they've confided that Trump's movement/support is fading,' Swalwell wrote on X. The Trump administration has faced major backlash over its handling of documents related to the disgraced financier's crimes 'As one told me, "this Epstein bomb is about to drop and no want [sic] wants to defend a pedo-protector. It's just a matter of time."' Swalwell then claimed in a follow-up post: 'One Republican just texted me that if there's a discharge vote on Epstein they expect a "jail break" of over 100 members. Trump will go nuts!' Republican Rep. Thomas Massie previously said he has the 218 signatures required for the vote. A discharge petition allows lawmakers to circumvent party leaders to force a vote. Some of Swalwell's critics were quick to seize on the fact that congressman did not specify which Republicans he claimed to have spoken to and accused him of making the whole thing up. Photos from Bondi's Senate hearing suggest she wasn't going to answer questions about Epstein - and would instead hit out at senators who made the inquiries Adding to the speculation is the ongoing government shutdown, which has prevented the House from moving forward with the petition and led Swalwell, Massie and others to accuse Johnson of stalling to avoid a vote. Arizona Democratic Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, whose signature on the petition would tip the scales in favor of releasing the files, is waiting to be sworn into office as the recess drags on. On Tuesday, Johnson denied that he is holding up Grijalva's swearing-in to keep her from casting the decisive vote. 'It has nothing to do with that at all,' he said. 'We will swear her in when everybody gets back.' MAGA loyalist Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of four House Republicans to join Democrats in signing the petition, said she has never felt more heat on an issue. 'My signature is on that discharge petition, and there has not been another issue where I have ever received more pressure than that one, and I'm pretty much shocked by it,' Greene told NewsNation. 'I can't imagine I've never understood how this is an issue.' She added: 'I think when it comes to women being raped, especially when they were 14 years old, that's pretty black and white.' The Daily Mail has reached out to the Department of Justice for comment. A Virgin Australia flight attendant has been heaped with praise after she was filmed helping a stressed mother with her baby. Passengers on board a flight from the Gold Coast to Sydney on Monday watched the heartwarming moment the flight attendant offered to help the stressed mother. Jack Brubaker, owner of Fresh Filters Sydney, caught the interaction on video. 'During the pre-flight instruction there was a mother who had a few kids and was struggling with a crying baby,' Mr Brubaker told Daily Mail. 'The flight hostess walked past a first time and she made a comment like, "Oh, poor little baby". 'She then came back and asked the mother if she needed a hand.' The mother had spent two minutes trying to soothe the baby but, with the help of the hostess, was quickly able to help her other children settle and relax the bub. Mr Brubaker filmed the flight attendant bouncing the baby while the mother took a moment to breathe. A Virgin Australia flight attendant (pictured) helped a mother by holding her baby while she settled her other children 'I thought it was a pretty wholesome moment,' Mr Brubaker said. 'It's a bit of positivity and wholesomeness in a world that's pretty crazy right now.' The video was shared to TikTok where some social media users were worried the flight attendant would be reprimanded for the kind gesture. 'Unfortunately, this'll probably get her written up. Was not allowed to hold any passengers infants while working at (another airline),' one wrote. 'This video is gonna get her in massive trouble,' another said. One expressed concern the moment spent helping the mother meant the flight attendant wasn't able to finish her pre-flight checks. However, Mr Brubaker received a message from Virgin Australia praising the worker and thanking him for sharing the clip. 'I tagged Virgin in the video and they wrote back saying they were glad I shared the special moment of their staff member,' he said. Some commenters were concerned the flight attendant (pictured) would get in trouble for the act while others praised her for going 'above and beyond' to help customers 'I was glad because I read a few comments saying she might get in trouble or whatnot, but Virgin seemed happy with their staff member and everyone on board was more than happy too. 'She's done a great job.' Hundreds of commenters under the video applauded the flight attendant for helping the mother, to the benefit of everyone on board the flight. 'Bring back a time where mums had a village wherever they go,' one wrote. 'Give her a raise! What an absolute sweet soul,' another said. 'She went above and beyond to help not only one stressed customer but another upset little baby customer. That's a job well done,' another wrote. 'Give this woman Australian of the year. What an amazing, selfless thing to do. It's so stressful when your baby is crying on a plane,' another said. Daily Mail contacted Virgin Australia for comment. Erin Patterson could yet find herself behind bars for life, as prosecutors officially appeal her jail term over claims the judge erred on one detail during sentencing. Patterson, now 51, was last month sentenced to a minimum 33-year jail term after she was found guilty of murdering three family members and attempting to murder a fourth. Justice Christopher Beale stopped short of caging Patterson for life without parole after a shrewd plea submission by the killer's then barrister Colin Mandy SC. Mr Mandy SC submitted his client faced an unknown extended period in solitary confinement at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre due to her notoriety. The court heard solitary confinement is an especially brutal condition to serve a jail term especially for an extended duration and Patterson may be subjected to it for 'years to come'. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the 33-year minimum sentence calling it 'manifestly inadequate'. According to a notice of appeal filed to the court, acting-Director of Public Prosecutions Diana Piekusis submitted Justice Beale judge should not have found that Patterson would be held in solitary confinement 'for years to come'. 'The sentencing judge erred in finding that there was a substantial chance the respondent would be held in "solitary confinement for years to come" when such a finding was not open on the evidence,' Ms Piekusis states in the notice of appeal. Erin Patterson is led to court ahead of sentencing Pastor Ian Wilkinson survived the deadly lunch 'And finding infected his assessment of the respondents likely future conditions in custody and his decision to fix a non-parole period. 'The sentence imposed on the offender is manifestly inadequate, in that it was inappropriate for the sentencing judge to fix a non-parole period... or the non-parole period of 33 years is manifestly inadequate.' Patterson was found guilty of the murders of Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson. They died after consuming death cap mushrooms served in beef Wellington during lunch at her Leongatha home on July 29, 2023. Pastor Ian Wilkinson survived the lunch after being critically ill, with Patterson also convicted of his attempted murder. Patterson's estranged husband Simon Patterson was invited to the lunch but did not attend. Justice Beale sentenced Patterson to life in prison on September 8 but given her age, the 676 days she spent in detention at time of sentencing means Patterson, if the DPP appeal fails, will not be eligible to apply for parole until 2056, when she is in her 80s. Justice Beale granted the non-parole period after Mr Mandy SC convinced him she would face a harder time behind bars locked in a 'management unit' for the foreseeable future. Victims Don and Gail Patterson Patterson's estranged husband Simon Patterson was invited to the lunch but did not attend In sentencing Patterson, Justice Beale decided to jail her for life after agreeing with prosecutors that her offending deserved the full penalty available under Victorian law. Under Victorian law, 25 years is considered a life sentence. 'Your failure to show any remorse pours salt into your victims' wounds,' Justice Beale said. The court heard the respected judge found the matter of setting a parole date his toughest task. Patterson's victims had suffered a prolonged and agonising death after consuming the death cap mushrooms. Patterson and her new barrister Richard Edney have also successfully gained extra time to lodge an appeal over her convictions as the mushroom killer is expected to do before the end of the month. She originally had a 28-day deadline to challenge her convictions for three murders and an attempted murder, the court heard, but that timeframe would have lapsed on October 6. But a new procedural rule, brought in last month, automatically doubles that period by a further 28 days. Murder victim Heather Wilkinson with lone survivor Ian 'Given the length of this trial, the applicant is wanting to take advantage of that extension of time,' Justice Beale said. Justice Beale agreed to the extension. Any appeal will be lodged in the Court of Appeal. While the paperwork is yet to be filed, Mr Edney indicated to the court that Patterson would be lodging an appeal against her murder and attempted murder convictions. 'I can indicate there will be an appeal against conviction,' he said. It is unknown how the once wealthy killer, who is believed to have now exhausted that wealth, will fund the appeal. Mr Mandy SC represented Patterson during her triple-murder trial and plea hearing but Mr Edney will be the one to lead the fight to quash her convictions in the Victorian Court of Appeal. Donald Trump has told the families of Israeli hostages their loved ones will be returning home on Monday after Israel and Hamas agreed to phase one of a peace deal. The US president announced late last night that the two sides will pause fighting and release at least some of the hostages and prisoners. Trump wrote on Truth Social: 'All of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.' Qatar, which helped broker the deal along with Egypt and Turkey, said it was the 'first phase' of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the news as a 'moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world'. Under Trump's deal, Hamas plans to release all 20 remaining hostages in exchange for roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza. Last night, the US president spoke to the families of those held captive by the terror organisation during a phone call with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. With Trump on speakerphone, Lutnick asked the families: 'You have the best crowd in the world, what do you have to say to President Trump?' The entire group of about a dozen people responded: 'Thank you!' 'Thank you very much everybody,' responded Trump, as one of the family members exclaimed: 'You did it!' Your browser does not support iframes. Donald Trump broke the news to the families of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas that they will all be returning home on Monday After both Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a peace deal, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick held up a speaker phone to hostage families to speak to Trump Another family member told Trump: 'Mr President, we believe in you. We know you've done so much for us since you became the president and even before that and we trust you'll fulfill the mission until every hostage, every 48 of them, are home.' He thanked Trump again before repeating the president's own line from the deal announcement back to him: 'Blessed be the peacemakers'. Trump's Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to arrive in Israel today. The news of the deal comes just two days after the second anniversary of October 7 - the attacks by terror group Hamas on Israel which sparked the current conflict. Nearly 1,200 people were killed during the incursion, and around 250 people were taken as hostages into Gaza. There are 48 hostages still held in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Trump said he believed that all the hostages - including the deceased - will be 'coming back' on Monday. Hamas has said that it is still searching for some of the slain hostages held in the Strip. A taskforce has been established to locate the deceased missing hostages, an official told the Daily Mail, including representatives from Israel, the US, Egypt and Qatar, who will work with forces on the ground in the enclave to find their location. The prisoner-hostage exchange should take place within 72 hours of the Israeli government vote ratifying the deal later this afternoon, an official added. Trump confirmed that he spoke to Netanyahu earlier Wednesday night. The prime minister told him, 'I can't believe it,' according to the president's retelling Who are the hostages still being held by Hamas who may be alive? Two years after Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the terror group is believed to still be holding 48 hostages in the Gaza Strip. Israel believes 20 of the hostages are still alive. It is not known whether Bipin Joshi, taken from Kibbutz Alumim, and Tamir Nimrodi, captured from his base near the Erez Crossing, are alive or dead. The hostages believed to be alive are: Matan Angrest (22) - Israeli soldier taken from Nahal Oz Ariel Cunio (28) - Taken hostage from Nir Oz David Cunio (34) - Taken hostage from Nir Oz Gali and Ziv Berman (27) - The twins were taken captive from Kfar Aza Elkana Bohbot (36) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Rom Braslavski (21) - Working on security at the Supernova festival and abducted Nimrod Cohen (20) - Abducted from a tank in the Gaza envelope Evyatar David (24) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Guy Gilboa-Dalal (24) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Maxim Herkin (37) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Eitan Horn (38) - Taken hostage from Nir Oz Bar Kupershtein (23) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Omri Miran (48) - Taken hostage from Nahal Oz Eitan Mor (25) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Segev Kalfon (27) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Yosef-Haim Ohana (24) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Alon Ohel (24) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Avinatan Or (32) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Matan Zangauker (25) - Taken hostage from Nir Oz Advertisement On Wednesday night, Trump said the world 'coming together' had helped forge his landmark deal between Israel and Hamas. 'This is more than Gaza,' Trump told American TV presenter Sean Hannity during a telephone interview Wednesday night. 'This is peace in the Middle East.' Trump declared it was a 'great day for the world' as he imagined a prosperous future for the war torn area. 'The whole world has come together on this one, Israel, every country has come together. This has been a fantastic day,' he said. 'This is a great day for the world. This is a wonderful day, a wonderful day for everybody.' Trump also said Gaza will be a 'peaceful, much safer place' and the US would remain involved to ensure its safety and prosperity. 'Other countries in the area will help it reconstruct because they have tremendous wealth,' Trump said, adding: 'We'll be involved in helping them make it successful and helping it stay peaceful.' Trump confirmed that he spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier Wednesday night. The prime minister told him, 'I can't believe it,' according to the president's retelling. The president then told Netanyahu: 'Israel cannot fight the world, Bibi, they can't fight the world.' He added that the Israeli leader, 'understands that very well.' Trump said that other countries in the region will help Gaza rebuild but that the United States will help keep things peaceful. 'Gaza, we believe, is going to be a much safer place, and it's going to be a place that reconstructs, and other countries in the area will help it reconstruct, because they have tremendous amounts of wealth, and they want to see that happen,' he said. 'We'll be involved in helping them make it successful and helping it stay peaceful,' the president added. Trump also confirmed that the 20 living hostages will be released 'probably Monday'. The major peace deal was announced by Trump just two days before the 2025 winner of the Nobel Peace Prize is revealed. The winner will be be awarded on December 10 at a formal ceremony in Oslo, Norway. Trump has long made the prize one of his ambitions as president. He also credited his controversial tariff program as helping to lead to this peace deal. 'The tariffs have brought peace to the world, I'm telling you. They have brought peace to the world,' he said. 'They give you a tremendous road to peace and the saving of millions of lives, just millions and millions of lives.' President Trump announced Wednesday night that both Israel and Hamas had signed off on the 'first phase' of his proposed peace deal - a substantial step in ending the war in Gaza. 'This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. A man in a mask depicting Donald Trump waves an Israeli flag with a yellow ribbon in the center, as people celebrate peace in Tel Aviv Trump said that other countries in the region will help Gaza rebuild but that the United States will help keep things peaceful 'All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen,' he continued. 'BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!' Netanyahu said the government will convene Thursday to ratify the deal and looked forward to the release of the hostages. The deal will be formally signed on Thursday around midday in Egypt, a source with knowledge of the agreement told AFP on condition of anonymity. A Hamas official said negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire would begin 'immediately'. 'With God's help, we will bring them all home,' Netanyahu said in a statement. 'I thank the heroic soldiers of the IDF and all the security forces thanks to their courage and sacrifice we have reached this day. I thank from the bottom of my heart President Trump and his team for mobilizing for this sacred mission of freeing our hostages. 'With God's help, together we will continue to achieve all our objectives and expand peace with our neighbors.' Hamas thanked Trump, as well as mediators in Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for the peace deal which they say provides 'the withdrawal of the occupation, allows the entry of aid and implements a prisoner exchange.' Your browser does not support iframes. 'We call on President Trump, the guarantor states of the agreement, and all Arab, Islamic and international parties to oblige the government of the occupation to fulfill all the agreement's commitments, and not to allow it to evade or delay implementation of the accords.' Netanyahu's office said that he and Trump spoke and congratulated each other on the agreement to release all hostages, which Netanyahu's office described as a 'historic achievement.' According to a statement from the prime minister's office, the conversation was 'warm and moving.' Netanyahu thanked Trump for his 'efforts and global leadership,' while Trump praised Netanyahu's 'determined leadership and the actions he led.' A senior Hamas official said the group has handed over a list of Palestinian prisoners who will be released as part of the ceasefire deal. Zaher Jabarin, who oversees Palestinian prisoners' affairs, said in a statement the list was prepared in accordance with 'the criteria agreed upon in the agreement.' He said the group still 'awaiting final agreement on the names,' and that they will be announced 'once the relevant procedures and understandings are completed.' An Israeli official told CNN that they're preparing for Trump to visit early next week. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement between Israel and Hamas late Wednesday while urging all parties to 'abide fully by the terms of the agreement.' Guterres said that the U.N. will support the full implementation of the agreement and is ready to deliver more humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has been sitting on the border of Jordan and Egypt. 'I urge all stakeholders to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward towards ending the occupation, recognizing the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and achieving a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security,' he said. A view of devastation in Shujaiyya, one of the largest and oldest neighborhoods in eastern Gaza City The celebrations in Hostages Square continued well into the night following the agreement What does the deal include? Hamas will release 20 living hostages as part of the first phase of the deal, a Palestinian source close to the negotiations said. A top official within Hamas told AFP Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners: 250 among those serving life sentences and 1,700 others detained since the start of the war. The exchange should take place within 72 hours of the implementation of the deal, which was also 'agreed with Palestinian factions', another source within Hamas said. A daily minimum of 400 trucks of aid will enter the Gaza Strip for the first five days of the ceasefire, to be increased in following days, according to the same source. It also provides for the 'return of displaced persons from the south of the Gaza Strip to Gaza (City) and the north immediately,' they added. The deal stipulates 'scheduled withdrawals' of Israeli troops, the Hamas top official said, and includes 'guarantees from President Trump and the mediators'. Hamas called in an official statement on Trump to compel Israel to fully implement the agreement and 'not allow it to evade or procrastinate in implementing what has been agreed'. Advertisement Earlier in the day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had interrupted a roundtable Trump was having in the State Dining Room to deliver him an urgent note on the Gaza peace deal. 'I was just given a note by the Secretary of State saying that we're very close to a deal in the Middle East, and they're going to need me pretty quickly,' Trump told attendees. The frantically scrawled note was caught on camera. It read: 'Very close. We need you to approve a post on Truth Social soon, so you can announce the deal first.' At the same event, Trump confirmed reports that he would head to the Middle East as soon as this weekend. He told reporters he would likely travel to Egypt , where negotiations are happening, but expressed an openness to traveling to Gaza as well. Trump also has yet to travel to Israel during his second term. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the trip in a statement, saying that Trump would visit Walter Reed on Friday to meet with the troops and receive his annual physical as he's 'considering going to the Middle East shortly thereafter.' There, he would join special envoy Witkoff and son-in-law Kushner, who have been attending the talks. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed satisfaction Thursday that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire in Gaza and thanked Donald Trump's efforts to end the war. 'I am greatly pleased that the Hamas-Israel talks... have resulted in a ceasefire in Gaza, I especially thank US President, Mr. Trump, who demonstrated the necessary political will to encourage the Israeli government toward the ceasefire,' Erdogan said on his official X account. Turkey, which has been closely involved in the negotiations and sent a team to the talks in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, would 'closely monitor the strict implementation of the agreement', he added. Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said both sides have already agreed 'on all the provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement'. The note handed by Rubio to Trump appeared on camera as the president read it over. 'Very close. We need you to approve a post on Truth Social soon, so you can announce the deal first,' it says Prior to Trump's announcement, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said that he had received 'encouraging' signs and hailed the support of Trump, whose 20-point peace proposal formed the basis of the talks. Hamas too expressed 'optimism' over the indirect discussions with its foe Israel. 'The mediators are making great efforts to remove any obstacles to the implementation of the ceasefire, and a spirit of optimism prevails among all parties,' senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said from the resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, where talks kicked off on Monday. The terror group submitted a list of prisoners it wants to be released in the first phase of the truce 'in accordance with the agreed-upon criteria and numbers,' Nunu added. In exchange, Hamas is set to release 47 hostages, both alive and dead, that the group had seized during the October 7, 2023 attack in Israel, when 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken into Gaza as hostages. Among the bodies held by the terrorist group is an IDF soldier killed in the Strip in 2014. Once the hostages are returned, Israel will free 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, plus 1,700 Gazans arrested since October 7, including all the women and children. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 dead Gazans, the Trump plan says. President Donald Trump's put out the news in the anticipated Truth Social post, announcing that Israel and Hamas had signed off on the 'first Phase of our Peace Plan' Trump's announcement of a deal comes one day after the second anniversary of that grim day, which kickstarted the present war. This will be the third ceasefire reached since the start of the war. The first, in November 2023, saw more than 100 hostages, mainly women and children, freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners before it broke down. The second, in January and February of this year, saw Palestinian militants release 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight more in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel ended that ceasefire in March with a surprise bombardment. Defiant rally organisers have assured pro-Palestine activists that Sunday's planned march will go ahead, despite being banned from the Sydney Opera House. Massive crowds had been expected to flock to the CBD and march to the harbourside landmark, but the NSW Court of Appeal thwarted those plans on Thursday. NSW Police challenged the Palestine Action Group's right to protest at the Opera House during a full-day hearing on Wednesday, on the grounds of public safety due to the likelihood of overcrowding around the Opera House forecourt. NSW Chief Justice Andrew Bell, Common Law Chief Judge Ian Harrison, and Justice Stephen Free declared the safety risk to participants and others would be 'extreme.' Instead, pro-Palestine supporters will meet in Hyde Park from 1pm for a legal demonstration and then march down George Street along a route negotiated with police. 'We're going to fill George Street with people, demanding an end to this genocide, an end to the trade of military hardware and equipment to a country that has killed hundreds of thousands of people in the last two years,' organiser Josh Lees told reporters on Thursday. 'We will also on that day be calling on (NSW Premier) Chris Minns to light up the Opera House in the colours of the Palestinian flag.' Thousands of pro-Palestine activists will take to the streets this Sunday The pro-Palestine protest will go ahead, despite being banned from the Sydney Opera House 'We've heard a lot about how the Opera House forecourt can hold no more than 6,000 people, while 19,000 Palestinian children have been killed by the Israeli military in the last two years. 'It is time for our government to show that it stands on the side of those people who have lost their lives to this horrific genocide.' NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna has announced there will be a 'visible police presence' at the Opera House on Sunday in case activists defied the court order and still congregated there. 'I would say to anyone who thinks that they could go to the Opera House still, and be part of any type of demonstration or public assembly, that you will be committing an offence and appropriate action will be taken by us,' he said. 'I don't expect people to attend the Opera House but if people are silly enough to they want to flout the law, break the law appropriate action will be taken.' Premier Minns also welcomed the court's decision, and warned that those who don't comply will face 'the full force of the law'. 'If you litigate it in front of the Court of Appeal ... and they make a decision, then you've got to respect the umpire's call,' he said. 'The decision of the police and the government to [oppose the planned protest] ... on public safety grounds has been validated by the decision.' Palestine Action Group organiser Josh Lees vowed activists will 'fill' George Street on Sunday Pro-Palestine supporters will meet in Sydney's Hyde Park from 1pm for Sunday's CBD march Premier Minns also confirmed Mr Lees' request for the Palestinian flag to be displayed on the Opera House would be rejected. Mr Lees has a long history of activism and was once branded by 2GB host Ben Fordham as a 'full-time pain in the a**' who had 'a finger in as many protest pies as he can handle'. He has spent more than two decades protesting for a myriad of causes ranging from supporting refugees and LGBTQ rights, opposing the Iraq War and urging stricter Covid lockdowns. Confusingly, he was also part of a Black Lives Matter protest during lockdowns in 2020 that defied Covid restrictions that prevented such gatherings. Mr Lees also writes for Red Flag, the newsletter of Socialist Alternative, a group that identifies as Australia's largest Marxist organisation. The court's ban on an Opera House gathering was handed down shortly before US President Donald Trump announced that Hamas and Israel have agreed to a peace deal in Gaza after days of negotiation. Palestine Action Group has been organising weekly rallies in Australia's capital cities since Israel's military assault on Gaza began in 2023. About 1200 people killed after Hamas staged a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. As of the latest reports, 48 hostages taken during the October 7 attacks are still believed to be in captivity in Gaza, with around 20 of them thought to be alive. The subsequent war has already killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. 'Israel has only been able to commit this genocide due to the complicity of governments like our own,' Palestine Action Group Sydney posted online after Thursday's court ruling. 'We are fighting not just to end the genocide, but for the liberation of Palestine. Our movement will not be stopped, join us on the streets on Sunday. 'Our best reaction to this decision is to continue to mobilise.' The NSW Court of Judges ruled that it would be 'irresponsible to allow the public assembly to proceed'. NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna issued a stern warning for anyone planning to protest at the Sydney Opera House this Sunday Comparing the protest to the August rally at the Sydney Harbour Bridge which was attended by more than 100,000 despite wet and wintry conditions, Justice Bell expressed concerns that even more could attend Sunday's event. He also noted Macquarie Street could become a 'narrow funnel' that pushes protesters into a tight space. Palestine Action Group's lawyers denied there was a danger in such a large crowd, citing previous unticketed events at the Opera House, such as the popular light show Vivid, which were managed capably. In the 1990s, Australian-New Zealand band Crowded House performed on the steps of the Opera House to a crowd of 100,000 for a farewell concert, organisers noted in a post on social media. The lawyers also argued that 'altruism and mutual assistance' would prevent a public safety catastrophe. A South Carolina fire department has been inundated with calls after a local couple set up a hyper-realistic Halloween display. Sam Lee and Amanda Riggins Peden used bright yellow lights in each of the windows of their Fountain Inn home and white smoke billowing from underneath the front porch awning to make it appear that their two-story house is going up in flames. They turned on the display on October 3 - and that night, the local fire department received three or four calls reporting the house on fire, the engaged couple told USA Today. Some have even driven directly to the fire station after seeing the display, as it is only a block away, WYFF reports. Each time that happens, the fire department is forced to send a truck out to the house to ensure a real fire has not started. 'Its bad practice to not send a truck and, ethically, I cant take that liability,' Fire Chief Russell Alexander explained to TODAY. 'If we get a call, were sending a truck, no matter what.' But the fervor over the house is not as bad as it was in 2023, when Lee and Peden first set up a 'fire house' display. That year, Alexander said, the fire department received about 30 calls about the house. Sam Lee and Amanda Riggins Peden, along with her 15-year-old son, have set up an eerily realistic Halloween display The couple used bright yellow lights and smoke machines to make it seem as if their house was going up in flames 'The first year, we were inundated with phone calls from people driving by the home,' the fire chief said. 'This year hasn't been as bad... we've only had a few calls from people who are new to the area.' The locals, though, are used to Lee and Peden's over-the-top displays. In 2022, the couple built a car accident with an upside-down van containing a 12-foot-tall skeleton stuck inside. The year before, their homemade plane crash featured a broken jet with skeleton passengers, one of which hung from a tree, secured by a parachute. When Lee served as mayor of the town back in 2018, he and Peden tied red balloons to every sewer drain on Main Street to celebrate the release of the movie It. The couple also drive around in a hearse each October, and are known in the neighborhood for giving out the full-sized candy bars. 'It's just gotten crazier and crazier every year,' Lee said. This year's display has now reached levels the couple never expected, with a Facebook video showing their house being shared more than 88,000 times as of Wednesday night. More than 150 people have also left comments on the video, sharing both their support and their initial concern over a real tire. 'Bet 911 loves you this time of the year,' one Facebook user joked. Another said he 'was literally about to say "praying for you and your family,"' before he realized it was just decorations. Lee would not disclose exactly how he made the display - which locals can see from 8pm to 10pm every night through Halloween. 'You can easily Google it and find out how it's done,' he simply said with a laugh. But he did confirm that he uses a professional smoke machine, which sets his display apart from the other houses. Lee also denied that he uses a projector inside the home for the frames and windows, as he explained it is all just deceptive lighting and camerawork. The display takes anywhere from several hours to an entire day to set up, but Peden said her 15-year-old son loves to help out and relishes in the fact that his home is now TikTok famous. The couple's hard work even seemed to impress the local fire chief, who said the fire department was warned about the decorations ahead of time. 'It's got some real feel to it,' Alexander admitted. He is even now planning to use the house in a video to stress the importance of having a home fire escape plan and knowing the 'stop, drop and roll' extinguishing technique for National Fire Prevention Week, which runs through October 11. Terrifying footage captured the moment a Jetstar flight taxied down an airport runway with its cargo door still open. Horrified onlookers could do nothing but watch as the plane made its way onto the runway at Sydney Airport on Tuesday morning. The flight was bound for Ballina Airport, the main airport for Byron Bay in northern NSW, which takes a little over an hour. Footage showed a cargo door behind the plane's right wing was still open when the plane went onto the tarmac, but was noticed and closed before takeoff. 'We are currently investigating how this could have happened and are working with our ground handler to ensure it does not happen again,' a Jetstar spokesman said. 'A rear cargo door was left open after the door was unlocked to add a piece of oversized luggage to the hold. 'After the aircraft pushed back for departure, our pilots received a notification that the cargo door was open and returned to the bay.' The flight was delayed three hours while the issue was resolved. A Jetstar flight (pictured) was delayed three hours after being spotted on the runway with an open cargo door Jetstar emphasised 'there was no safety risk at any stage, multiple system safeguards ensure an aircraft cannot takeoff with a cargo door open'. The Transport Workers' Union claimed the cargo door was left open on Tuesday as a result of Swissport staff being overworked. Swissport is one of the companies used by Qantas and Jetstar after Qantas illegally dismissed 1,820 ground crew workers in 2020. 'They're under so much time pressure,' TWU national secretary Michael Kaine told Nine News. 'They're poorly paid, highly casualised and all of that adds up to a deadly recipe. 'This is horrific. This is what occurs when you have a workforce that is stretched beyond human limits.' Swissport denied the allegation with a spokesperson noting the company is 'aware of the incident and a full investigation is currently underway'. The company employs 65,000 staff across 300 airports in 45 countries. An accountant has urged Aussies to declare every penny they earn after the ATO uncovered a man's $100,000 side hustle selling used car parts. Tax Invest Accounting director Belinda Raso said the ATO's data matching program was cracking down on those who didn't declare income outside of their full-time job. Earnings from eBay, PayPal, Amazon and Square are now reported to the ATO, with a growing number of secret side hustlers getting a shock at tax time. 'Most people don't realise that these transactions actually get reported to the ATO on an annual basis,' Ms Raso said in a TikTok video. 'Since the first of July, 2023, this data matching program has actually been extended.' Ms Raso gave the example of a client who 'swore black and blue' that he didn't have any other income outside of his full-time job. 'When he presented for his 2024 tax return he was shocked to find that Square Merchant Facility had actually reported nearly $100,000 in income received by him in that financial year,' she said. The client eventually confessed he had been using Square to buy spare parts through Facebook Marketplace and sell them on for a profit. Accountant Belinda Raso (pictured) explained how the ATO is using data matching to expose Aussies not reporting earnings from their side hustles Earnings from eBay, PayPal, Amazon and Square are now reported to the ATO, with a growing number of side hustlers getting a huge shock at tax time (stock) He was ultimately liable for income tax and GST, as his earnings exceeded $75,000. The ATO's data-matching program is targeting Aussies earning more than $12,000 on platforms like Amazon and eBay. Ms Raso said the days of having secret side hustles are over. She urged every Australian with a side hustle to check what information is being reported in their name on their myGov account. You can do this by logging into your account and click on 'Tax', 'Manage' and then 'Reported Transactions'. Ms Raso said those who had already lodged their tax returns and received a refund weren't automatically in the clear. This is because the ATO can go back two years or more if they suspect there has been tax evasion. Almost 3.2million Australians had taken on side hustles or plan to in the next 12 months to tackle rising living costs, according to the new Deel Australian Payday Expectations Report. Australians heading to Japan will soon be asked to pay an increased hotel tax as hordes of tourists descend on the historic city of Kyoto. More than one million Aussies travelled to Japan between July 2024 and June 2025, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO). It marked a 128 per cent year-on-year rise. As Japan's popularity as a holiday destination grows, tourist accommodation in Kyoto has increased its hotel tax in a bid to reduce overcrowding. From March 2026, all tourists will be charged between 200 yen ($1.99) to the maximum cap of 10,000 yen ($99.37), across five tiers. For example, those paying between 6000 yen ($59.62) and 19,999 yen ($198.71) per night, will see the lodging tax double from 200 yen to 400 yen. For the highest tier, tourists paying 100,000 yen ($993.60) per night will be charged 10,000 yen ($99.36) - ten times the original amount. Currently, tourists can be charged a maximum of 1000 yen ($9.94) per night, which has been in place since Kyoto introduced a three-tiered tourist tax in 2018. Australians planning to visit the Japanese city of Kyoto will be forced to pay an increased tourist tax from March, 2026 (pictured tourists in one of Kyoto's main streets) Budget-conscious Aussies will see only a small increase, but those booking luxury stays could be hit harder, according to Japan Travel. The exemption for school trip students with chaperones will remain in place. It is understood the revenue from the tourist tax will be funnelled into infrastructure, programs for sustainable tourism and measures to counter over-tourism. Aussies on social media were divided on the policy. 'Honestly, a pretty smart move in theory. Lets see how it is implemented,' one said. 'I doubt this is going to thin out the crowds much, but if it means more income for the city, great,' a second person wrote. But a third argued the tax was targeting the wrong type of traveller to Japan. 'Most tourists do not earn anywhere near enough to stay in a 30k per night hotel room, let alone 100k,' they said. Aussie travellers booking high-end accommodation will see the greatest impact from the tax 'The brunt of these increases will be borne on business travellers and precisely the kind of tourist the Japanese government has spent decades trying to attract, while doing nothing to disincentivise the tourists who are actually contributing to the overcrowding.' Kyoto is not the only city in Japan to introduce a tourist tax, with Tokyo enforcing a similar charge in 2002, followed by Osaka in 2017. At least 13 municipalities across the country have adopted the fee as of April, with nearly 50 more considering similar measures. A sculpture installer who suffered facial lacerations working for popular art event Sculpture by the Sea claims he was sacked after complaining about safety. Lead installer Yuri Humeniuk was hospitalised and had to undergo facial surgery when he was injured at the organisation's storage depot in the Sydney suburb of Kingswood in January 2024. The city's annual Sculpture by the Sea event is billed as the largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition in the world and attracts an audience of about 450,000 people. Mr Humeniuk raised his longstanding safety concerns with the organisation's senior management in the months following the injury, according to Fair Work Commission documents. In September 2024, Sculpture by the Sea told Mr Humeniuk it 'would like to take a pause' in their working relationship until after that year's Bondi exhibition. Mr Humeniuk took his case to the Fair Work Commission, alleging he was exercising a workplace right in raising safety concerns and was sacked as a result, in contravention of workplace laws. Lawyers for Sculpture by the Sea argued Mr Humeniuk was employed on a casual basis and there was no obligation to offer him work at the Bondi event. They further argued the commission did not have jurisdiction to hear the matter because Mr Humeniuk had not actually been dismissed. An initial ruling agreed Mr Humeniuk had not been dismissed, but in September an appeal bench quashed that decision, finding the 'pause' in his employment amounted to a dismissal. The dispute has come to light weeks after Sculpture by the Sea publicised a $200,000 shortfall in its finances, launching a last-minute funding drive so the 2025 event could proceed. Sculpture by the Sea installer Yuri Humeniuk needed facial surgery after a workplace accident David Handley says it was first time a Sculpture by the Sea worker was injured in 29 years. It is now set to open on October 17, with donors pledging more than $125,000 and NRMA Insurance contributing $200,000 to become a major sponsor. The Fair Work case was not the cause of Sculpture by the Sea's money issues because it had been represented pro bono, founding director David Handley said. Mr Humeniuk is a highly regarded installer and has worked with Sculpture by the Sea for more than two decades. Company manager Davina Corti told him safety policies had changed since his injury and promised attempts had been made to find an alternative to the Kingswood site. 'You are important to Sculpture by the Sea and have been an integral part of our organisation since its early years. Your injury has rocked all of us,' she wrote in an email cited in the case. Mr Humeniuk replied: 'It is unfortunate that it has taken a workplace accident to bring these issues to the forefront ... I have voiced concerns verbally, for what seems like forever.' Parts of the organisation were plagued by gaslighting and blame culture, and while some depot site managers over the decades were amazing, others were 'wildly unsuited, lecherous, lazy or incompetent', he wrote in a later email. The incident at the Kingswood depot is the first time a Sculpture by the Sea worker has been injured in 29 years, according to Mr Handley. Although Sculpture by the Sea's landlord and insurer were told about the injury immediately, it took more than two months to inform SafeWork NSW, he acknowledged. Sydney's Sculpture by the Sea event attracts almost half a million people each year 'This was a mistake. I was not aware of the need to report such injuries, and as soon as I became aware, we reported it,' he said. Staff repeatedly offered to meet with Mr Humeniuk to resolve his concerns, but the installer did not respond, he added. SafeWork NSW has looked into the incident and issued two improvement notices which have been complied with, according to a spokesperson. Four people are dead after a man went on a rampage in Texas, fatally shooting three people across two locations before turning the gun on himself. Houston Police are investigating the motive for the shooting spree, but 'early indications' suggest that all four deaths are linked, according to Lt. Larry Crowson. The tragedy unfolded about 1pm in Sugar Land, Houston, when a motorist fired multiple shots at a woman driving another car. The victim was hit by the onslaught of bullets and was later pronounced dead in hospital, according to city police spokesperson Alicia Alaniz. Police were initially trying to determine if the incident was an act of road rage. It has since emerged that the shooter had been in a relationship with the victim, and that it was not a random attack, according to KPRC2. About 30 minutes later, Houston police received a report of a shooting at a mechanic just seven miles from the first incident. Mourners embraced one another after learning of the shooting Police were forced to investigate three shootings across Houston, determining they were all linked Crowson said the shooter first fired at a mechanic before turning the gun on a bystander who had filmed the violence. The description of the shooter and the vehicle he was in matched the accounts from the Sugar Land shooting, Crowson said. 'Early indications are that it's all related.' A female victim was found suffering gunshot wounds in her car, she was rushed to hospital where she was pronounced dead About four miles from the scene of the second shooting, police found the accused killer inside his car, dead from a bullet wound. Police believe he turned the gun on himself after his shooting spree. Authorities have not yet released the names of any of the victims, or of the shooter. Aussies have been left disgusted by KFC's decision to quickly reopen the store where staff cooked chicken metres from a dead body. A man was found unresponsive in the dining area of a KFC store in Bendigo, Victoria, on September 25. Emergency services were called to the branch on High Street, in Eaglehawk, at about 12.20pm and began examining the body. Despite the remains being just metres from the kitchen area, the store continued to serve customers in its drive-through until 4.19pm. William Farmer funeral directors collected the body at about 2pm. The man's death is not being treated as suspicious. KFC Eaglehawk quietly reopened just four days after the incident, serving both drive-through and in-store customers. A KFC spokesman told the Herald Sun the fast food company's 'immediate focus is the welfare and privacy of those affected'. Workers at KFC Eaglehawk, Bendigo (pictured), continued serving customers in its drive-through while a dead body was in its dining area 'All our team members at KFC Eaglehawk have been offered counselling and support,' they said. 'The restaurant team followed all police directives, and are assisting police with their investigation.' Despite being three weeks ago, the incident has continued to spark anger online with many questioning why staff were expected to keep working near a dead person. 'I bet the workers didnt want to work through that either,' one wrote. 'Fast food stores will literally do anything to stay open,' another said. Daily Mail has contacted KFC for further comment. Australian authorities are preparing for the return of more women and children from former Islamic State caliphates in the Middle East. Two women and four children who are Australian citizens have returned to Australia after managing to smuggle themselves out of Syria to Lebanon, where they were issued Australian passports after passing security checks. The women who had travelled or were taken to Syria to become partners of ISIS members, and their children, had been living in refugee camps in Syria after the collapse of the terrorist group. It has stirred up a political storm for the Albanese government as the opposition criticises the return of so-called 'ISIS brides', saying it had been kept secret from the public amid community safety concerns. The federal government says they arrived on their own volition and were not assisted or repatriated by Australian authorities. Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said authorities were preparing for the arrival of more people under similar circumstances, but would not confirm how many due to possible fluctuations. Mr Nutt also refused to confirm the location of the six people, saying there were ongoing investigations following their return. The investigations were part of the federal police's management of 'Australians of counter terrorism interest offshore', he told a parliamentary hearing on Wednesday, without detailing specifics. 'I can assure you that we have appropriate investigations, criminal investigations underway in relation to those who require criminal investigation as part of an Australian cohort offshore and their return,' he said. The AFP is preparing for more Australians linked to the Islamic State to return home as it monitors two women and six children who recently arrived. Stressing he wasn't making a specific reference to the group, Mr Nutt said the broad remit of investigations for people in a conflict zone could include criminal offences relating to terrorism, foreign incursion and crimes against humanity. Officials from the Home Affairs Department confirmed they were aware of the six people wanting to return from June, months before they arrived in Australia on September 26. The department's national security head said it hadn't sought a temporary exclusion order, which can prohibit a citizen from temporarily re-entering Australia if they're deemed a security risk based on a counter terrorism assessment. The risk was being managed and appropriate measures were put in place ahead of their arrival, he said. 'The advice from operational agencies is that a temporary exclusion order was not required and our judgement about the legal threshold for which the temporary exclusion order would apply was not met,' Hamish Hansford told the hearing. Commissioner Krissy Barrett added: 'I do want to provide assurance and confidence that the AFP remains appropriately prepared and positioned to respond to any self-managed returns from the internally displaced persons camps'. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke categorically denied the government was resettling any of the cohort amid community concerns, saying 'when Australian citizens seek to return to Australia, they are able to do so'. Home Affairs secretary Stephanie Foster confirmed Labor had repatriated four women and 13 children in 2022 and the former coalition government had repatriated eight unaccompanied minors in 2019. AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt says authorities are preparing for further arrivals (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS) Mr Burke said there had 'also been repeated occasions where people have returned of their own volition'. The minister added that 'while the discussion has been about women and children who have recently returned', 40 people returned on their own accord under the former Liberal government. This included people who fought for the Islamic State, provided support for the designated terrorist group or joined other Islamic extremist groups, he said. The victim in a rape case that has rocked Sydney's glittering eastern suburbs lives just a stone's throw from her convicted attacker's new girlfriend, it can be revealed. Disgraced travel mogul Nicholas 'Nic' Stavropoulos, 50, was found guilty in May by a Greek court of raping the woman in a Mykonos nightclub bathroom back in 2016. The attack occurred during a group holiday organised by families tied to elite eastern suburbs girls' school Kambala. The woman told the court Stavropoulos assaulted her in a nightclub bathroom after she repeatedly rejected his advances. He denied the allegations, but the panel sentenced him to six years' imprisonment. Despite the guilty verdict, Stavropoulos is back in Australia and living as a free man, after having lodged an appeal. A full retrial is expected to take place in Greece but, until then, he is living comfortably in Australia's most expensive suburb of Point Piper alongside Sydney's business and social elite. NSW Police sensationally withdrew an application for an apprehended violence order (AVO) connected to the case in Waverley Local Court on Thursday. Nicholas and Litsa Stavropoulos in Europe with their two children. The pair quietly ended their marriage - with Nicholas now dating Pembe Bekir (left), the former best friend of his his ex wife Litsa (right) Nicholas Stavropoulos was convicted in a Greek court in May following an attack on the island of Mykonos in 2016 The application was intended to protect the victim, who remains deeply affected by the events of 2016. The victim and her family reside in a different suburb, just a short distance from a luxury unit owned by Stavropoulos's new partner Pembe Bekir, who is the former best friend of his ex-wife Litsa. Ms Bekir recently purchased the penthouse which sits just 2km away from the victim's property. Stavropoulos's conviction and its explosive fallout has left Sydney's eastern suburbs social scene stunned. The controversial romance between Ms Bekir and Stavropoulos has only rocked it further. Well-placed sources have described the union as 'seismic' and having blown apart friendship circles. But insiders now say the newfound proximity between Stavropoulos's new partner and his victim threatens to permanently fracture the formerly tight-knight community. The victim, meanwhile, continues to wage her own legal battle. Her civil claim in the NSW District Court, paused since 2022, will resume on October 16. Stavropoulos's new partner Pembe Bekir (pictured) lives near to his victim Its understood she is seeking damages for mental health treatment and legal costs. The scandal caps a spectacular fall from grace for Stavropoulos, once celebrated as a rising star of the travel industry. His billion-dollar firm Excite Holidays collapsed in 2020, owing $35million and leaving furious agents empty-handed. It later emerged staff had been told to switch off their phones over Christmas to avoid calls from angry clients even as new bookings were being taken, despite hotels and airlines not being paid. Administrators KPMG told creditors their chances of recovering a cent were 'extremely unlikely'. Stavropoulos and fellow director George Papaioannou expressed 'deep regret' for the collapse, but privately, former staff described them as 'arrogant and untouchable.' If the travel scandal tarnished his reputation, the rape conviction has destroyed it. Three years later, he was back in the headlines for his ostentatious $100,000 masked ball at the State Library of NSW for then-wife Litsa's birthday. The couple's split earlier this year was messy enough until Pembe entered the picture. Now, with Stavropoulos's conviction hanging over him, the AVO dismissed, and the extraordinary twist of the victim living in close proximity to his girlfriend, the saga has become the talk of Sydney's most rarefied postcodes. Sir Keir Starmer has hailed Israel and Hamas' landmark agreement to phase one of a peace deal as a 'moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world'. Donald Trump announced late last night that the two sides have agreed to the first stage of his plan to pause fighting and release at least some of the hostages. In a phone call with the families of Israelis still held captive by Hamas, the US president told them their loved ones would be returning home as early as Monday. Responding to the news, Sir Keir said: 'I welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of President Trump's peace plan for Gaza. 'This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza, who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years.' The 'tireless diplomatic efforts' of the US, as well as Egypt, Qatar and Turkey have been crucial in moving towards peace, the Prime Minister said. He added: 'This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza. 'We call on all parties to meet the commitments they have made, to end the war, and to build the foundations for a just and lasting end to the conflict and a sustainable path to a long-term peace. Sir Keir Starmer has hailed Israel and Hamas' landmark agreement to phase one of a peace deal as a 'moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world' Donald Trump broke the news to the families of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas that they will all be returning home on Monday Your browser does not support iframes. 'The UK will support these crucial immediate steps and the next stage of talks to ensure the full implementation of the peace plan.' Under Trump's deal, Hamas plans to release all 20 hostages in exchange for roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza. The news comes just two days after the second anniversary of October 7 - the attacks by terror group Hamas on Israel which sparked the current conflict. Nearly 1,200 people were killed during the incursion, and around 250 people were taken as hostages into Gaza. Israel's military campaign, launched in retaliation, has led to the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, has devastated Gaza and revealed fault lines in global politics. Emily Damari, a British-Israeli who was held captive by Hamas for more than a year before being released in January, posted a video to her Instagram celebrating the news of the peace deal with friends. The group can be seen hugging each other and dancing around a room as they toast 'L'chaim', meaning 'to life'. Eli Sharabi, a freed hostage whose wife and two daughters were killed during the October 7 attacks, wrote on social media: 'Great joy, can't wait to see everyone home.' Vicky Cohen, the mother of hostage Nimrod Cohen, added on X: 'My child, you are coming home.' After both Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of the peace deal, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick held up a speaker phone to hostage families to speak to Trump Nimrod's father, Yehuda Cohen, spoke at the Israeli Embassy in London in March urging Mr Netanyahu to move a ceasefire deal forward. Early on Thursday, Mr Netanyahu called the deal a 'diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel'. He wrote on X: 'From the beginning, I made it clear: we will not rest until all our hostages return and all our goals are achieved. 'Through steadfast resolve, powerful military action, and the great efforts of our great friend and ally President Trump, we have reached this critical turning point. 'I thank President Trump for his leadership, his partnership, and his unwavering commitment to the safety of Israel and the freedom of our hostages.' UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres urged all parties to obey the terms of the deal as he said the UN would support its 'full implementation'. Speaking on Fox News in the US on Thursday, Mr Trump said hostages would 'probably' start being released on Monday. 'The whole world came together, to be honest. The world has come together around this deal,' Mr Trump said. 'It's been really an amazing period of time. So great for Israel, so great for Muslims and the Arab countries. 'You'll see people getting along and Gaza will be rebuilt.' He continued: 'Gaza, we believe is going to be a much safer place and it's going to be a place that reconstructs and other countries in the area will help it reconstruct because they have tremendous amounts of wealth, and they want to see that happen. 'I'm very confident there'll be peace in the Middle East.' Mr Trump announced Hamas and Israel had come to terms on his social media platform Truth Social. He said: 'This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. 'All Parties will be treated fairly!' A woman who was filmed cutting yellow ribbons for Jewish hostages held captive in Gaza has been questioned by police. Nadia Yahlom, 36, who is married to a Palestinian actor, was filmed using scissors to chop down the memorial bands which Jewish citizens had tied to railings in Muswell Hill, North London, on Monday in honour of those taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023. In the video, taken by horrified bystanders, Ms Yahlom declares the bands are 'condoning genocide'. The yellow ribbon is the symbol of the 'Bring Them Home' campaign for the hostages taken and held captive in Gaza. Yesterday, Met Police confirmed a 36-year-old woman has been interviewed in connection with the incident, which is being treated as racially-aggravated criminal damage. The incident came on the eve of the second anniversary of Hamas's attacks on Israel, in which around 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage. The Met Police said last night: 'A woman has been interviewed under caution following an incident in Muswell Hill. 'At approximately 16:25hrs on Monday, 6 October, officers were made aware of a video circulating online which appears to show a woman removing ribbons from fence poles in Muswell Hill. 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 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 'A 36-year-old woman attended a police station on Tuesday, 7 October, for a voluntary interview in connection with the incident, which is being treated as racially-aggravated criminal damage and a racially-aggravated Section 5 public order offence. 'Officers are continuing to carry out reassurance patrols in the Muswell Hill area.' Following the incident, a group of Muswell Hill residents gathered at the memorial to replace the ribbons cut down by Ms Yahlom. Yesterday, it emerged two more women were filmed tearing down yellow ribbons for Jewish hostages on the anniversary of the attacks. Footage shows the two women brazenly ripping the memorial bands from a metal barrier opposite a synagogue on Henlys Corner in Regents Park Road, North London, on Tuesday. They also snatch them from a nearby signpost, before smirking at each other and walking off with the ribbons stuffed inside a Mango shopping bag, surrounded by traffic. A witness alleged cars could be heard beeping their horns at the women as they strolled away with the bands. The Mail contacted Met Police about the new incident. A British-Palestinian doctor who 'denied the Holocaust' has been re-referred to a medical tribunal as the Health Secretary vows to overhaul 'failing' watchdog system that allowed the surgeon to keep her job. Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, was investigated by an interim orders tribunal last month over her social media posts, including a claim that the 'Royal Free Hospital in London is a Jewish supremacy cesspit'. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) ruled that Dr Aladwan would be able to continue to practice after concluding her previous posts did not amount to 'bullying or harassment', adding it did not believe the complaints against her were 'sufficient to establish that there may be a real risk to patients'. Now, Dr Aladwan has been re-referred by the General Medical Council (GMC) for another interim orders tribunal while it continues its investigation into her. This comes after she shared a number of posts last Thursday - just hours after Jihad Al-Shamie's terrorist attack outside a synagogue in Manchester that resulted in the death of two people - including a claim it was an example of 'Jewish supremacism'. Wes Streeting has weighed into the row describing Dr Aladwan's most recent claims as 'sickening comments' that have 'no place in the NHS and action needs to be taken to root the evil of racism out' while vowing to 'kick racists out of the NHS'. He has also blasted medical regulatory system claiming that it has 'completely failed to protect patients and NHS staff'. Mr Streeting said: 'The NHS is a universal health system that everyone should feel safe approaching if they need care, regardless of race, creed or religion. Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, was investigated by an interim orders tribunal last month over her social media posts, including a claim that the 'Royal Free Hospital in London is a Jewish supremacy cesspit' Health Secretary Wes Streeting has weighed into the row describing Dr Aladwan's most recent claims as 'sickening comments' that have 'no place in the NHS and action needs to be taken to root the evil of racism out' 'The current medical regulatory system is completely failing to protect patients and NHS staff, so I am looking at how we can rapidly overhaul the current regime to make it easier to kick racists out of the NHS.' In response to Mr Streeting, Dr Aladwan wrote on X: 'So you're telling me that the Chief Rabbi of Britain can spend two years supporting, praising and praying for the terrorist, child-killing, hospital-bombing, rapist IOF (Israeli Occupation Forces) but I can't be a British doctor and support the human, legal right of Palestinians to armed resistance? 'Streeting wants to centre Jews and falsely claim that Jewish patients are somehow unsafe. 'No jew has been harmed by anti-genocide, pro-Palestine healthcare workers. 'We are not 'Israeli' or Jewish supremacists. We see everyone as EQUAL... 'Free Palestine and Britain from Jewish supremacy.' The controversy surrounding Dr Aladwan started earlier this year after several social media posts from the NHS doctor were uncovered. Dr Aladwan's response to Wes Streeting's comments about her on X This included a claim that 'British Jewish children are taught that they are superior to non-Jews, that they have the right to colonise Palestine, and are groomed through birthright trips to become colonisers'. In other social media posts, believed to be written by Dr Aladwan, she described anti-Semitism and the Holocaust as 'concepts' used by Jewish people to 'promote a narrative of victimhood'. Following her comments, the General Medical Council, which regulates the conduct of NHS doctors, referred her to the MPTS. The GMC had asked the had asked the tribunal to impose an 12-month interim order of conditions on Dr Aladwan while an investigation is carried out. This would have placed restrictions on a doctor's practice, including that they are supervised or requiring them to undergo further training. Counsel for the GMC, Isobel Thomas described these conditions as necessary due the 'nature and seriousness of the allegations'. She told the hearing that Dr Aladwan's posts 'appear to demonise Israelis and Jews' and described the Holocaust 'as a fabricated victim narrative'. The tribunal ruled there was not sufficient evidence to show that Dr Aladwan posed a real risk to patients. Dr Aladwan sparked outrage for her many controversial post on social media Dr Aladwan's lawyer previously told the MPTS she is exercising her freedom of speech to oppose crimes by Israel, including those identified by the United Nations. He told the regulator she is a Palestinian doctor with an impeccable clinical record and is, herself, a direct victim of genocide and of dispossession. Following last week's terrorist attack, Dr Aladwan sparked fresh controversy after she shared a news article about members of the public being urged to stay away from A&E departments in Greater Manchester unless in need of urgent medical treatment. In a response, Dr Aladwan claimed that the decision 'effectively places a specific communitys security above the healthcare of the entire population, creating a dangerous and discriminatory precedent'. She did later clarify that the lockdown only applied to A&E services. Dr Aladwan also shared a post from a Palestinian journalist named Abubaker Abed, which read: 'Apparently, the lives of 4 Jews in Manchester are more significant than 53 lives of Muslims in Gaza. 'This is racism and Jewish supremacism. This is Western civilisation.' The interim orders tribunal hearing will take place on October 23. Dr Aladwan shared a post from a Palestinian journalist named Abubaker Abed In response to Wes Streeting's comments, Jahad Rahman - partner at Rahman Lowe Solicitors, - which is representing Dr Aladwan, said: 'We are concerned by the recent public comments made by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. 'As set out in our recent open letter to Mr Streeting, politicians must refrain from making statements that could be perceived as seeking to influence or direct the outcome of judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings. 'The independence of the judiciary, including independent tribunals such as the MPTS, is a fundamental principle of our legal system. 'When senior Government figures make comments on the merits or outcomes of ongoing cases, there is a real risk of undermining public confidence in the impartiality of those proceedings, the administration of justice and the rule of law. 'We are also deeply concerned by the decision to rehear the case and any external or political pressure on the tribunal would be wholly unreasonable, irrational, and likely to give rise to grounds for an application for judicial review. 'Dr Aladwan continues to participate fully in the tribunal process and remains confident that the MPTS will assess the evidence fairly and independently, free from any external or political pressure.' The interim orders tribunal hearing will take place on October 23. President Trump said the remaining Israeli hostages held captive by Hamas will be released early next week in a cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday. 'Getting them is a complicated process. Id rather not tell you what they have to do to get them. There are places you dont want to be, but we are getting the hostages back on Tuesday, Monday or Tuesday, and thatll be a day of joy,' he said. It comes ahead of an Israeli cabinet meeting later today when Netanyahu is expected to sign off on the first phase of the peace deal which will see hostages returned to the country and armed forces withdraw from Gaza. Trump last night announced both Israel and Hamas have signed off on the 'first phase' of his proposed peace deal - a substantial step in ending the war in Gaza . The declaration of a agreement sparked wild celebrations from Palestinians and the families of Israeli hostages with many applauding on the streets of Gaza where more than a million have been displaced following two years of bombing. Follow the Daily Mail's live updates on Donald Trump's Gaza ceasefire deal Speculation is mounting that Donald Trump has just secured the Nobel Peace Prize after he brokered the historic peace agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the two-year war in Gaza. Both sides have agreed to the first phase of Trump's plan to pause fighting and release hostages, a deal that could open the way to ending a brutal conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people and unleashed a humanitarian catastrophe. The accord, if fully implemented, would bring the two sides closer than any previous effort to halt a war that had evolved into a regional conflict that has reshaped the Middle East. With just hours to go before judges announce the winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, experts are waiting to see whether the US president will win the prestigious award he has been yearning for since his election. The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awards the prestigious peace prize, held its final meeting on Monday. This means a decision was made about the laureate before the conclusion of the agreement between Israel and Hamas. However, the committee could reconsider and make a last-minute change in light of the historic deal brokered by Trump between the warring sides. The deal was struck under pressure from the US president who has made no secret of the fact that he believes he is worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump has previously said that it would be a 'big insult' were he not to receive the prize and has put pressure on the Norwegian Nobel Committee, claiming to have 'solved' seven wars. He even phoned Jens Stoltenberg, the former head of Nato and now Norway's finance minister, to lobby for the prize, according to Norwegian media. His latest feat is the peace plan in Gaza, which will see Hamas release all 20 living hostages in the coming days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza. A woman in the colours of the US flag holds up a placard thanking US President Donald Trump in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square on October 9, 2025, following the announcement of a new Gaza ceasefire deal Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 09 October 2025 Israelis celebrate as they react to the news of the Gaza peace deal at Hostages Square on October 9, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel 'This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,' Trump wrote on social media. 'All Parties will be treated fairly!' But critics say this may still not be enough for the president to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Nina Graeger, the director of think-tank Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) told Financial Times: 'Putting pressure on the committee, going on talking about 'I need the prize, I'm the worthy candidate' it's not a very peaceful approach'. She separately pointed out that his behaviour at home and abroad have hindered his chances of receiving the award. 'The Trump administration has withdrawn from international institutions like the World Health Organization and the Paris climate accords, and if you look at Trump's wish to take over Greenland from Denmark this does not speak in favour of international cooperation', Graeger told the BBC. But these are not the only obstacles that Trump faces on his road to winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Nominations for the award - which had 338 this year - closed at the end of January. The prize is meant to honour actions in 2024, which was the year in which he was elected but not yet in office. Einav Zangauker has been the most ferocious anti-Netanyahu protester for her son, Matan, who is due to be released on Monday Palestinians celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting, outside Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 A girl holds a Palestinian flag, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, in the central Gaza Strip October 9, 2025 Foreign Christian pilgrims and other supporters of a ceasefire deal march through the Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem as they celebrate the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, on October 9, 2025 Your browser does not support iframes. Palestinians gathered in the city of Khan Yunis are celebrating after the announcement of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza on October 09, 2025 The winner will be announced on Friday. According to the latest betting odds, Trump is now the 5/2 joint-favourite for the distinguished prize, alongside Sudans Emergency Response Rooms, following the breakthrough deal in the Middle East. Graeger believes that if his peace plan for Gaza materialises and holds, Trump could be a contender next year. Israel and Hamas agreed to Trump's peace plan late on Wednesday - a day after the second anniversary of Hamas militants' cross-border attack that triggered Israel's devastating assault on Gaza. But the deal announced by Trump was short on detail and left many unresolved questions that could still lead to its collapse, as has happened with previous peace efforts. Successful completion of the deal would mark a significant foreign policy achievement for the Republican president, who had campaigned on bringing peace to major world conflicts but has struggled to swiftly deliver, both in Gaza and on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 'I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan,' Trump said on Truth Social. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a written statement, referring to the hostages held by Hamas: 'With God's help we will bring them all home.' He said he would convene his government on Thursday to approve the agreement. People react as they celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting, at a plaza known as hostages square in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 People react at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal Palestinians celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting, outside Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 Palestinians celebrate in Khan Yunis on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal Hamas confirmed it had reached an agreement to end the war, saying the deal includes an Israeli withdrawal from the enclave and a hostage-prisoner exchange. But the group called on Trump and guarantor states to ensure Israel fully implements the ceasefire, it added in a statement. Trump said earlier that a deal was almost done and that he may travel to Egypt this weekend, possibly leaving as soon as Saturday. 'All Parties will be treated fairly!' he said on Truth Social. 'This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen.' Senior envoys from the U.S., Qatar and Turkey had joined the talks, apparently adding momentum to discussions launched on Monday in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed satisfaction Thursday that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire in Gaza and thanked Donald Trump's efforts to end the war. 'I am greatly pleased that the Hamas-Israel talks... have resulted in a ceasefire in Gaza, I especially thank US President, Mr. Trump, who demonstrated the necessary political will to encourage the Israeli government toward the ceasefire,' Erdogan said on his official X account. Turkey would 'closely monitor the strict implementation of the agreement', he added. The agreement will be signed in Egypt on Thursday. Palestinians gathered in the city of Khan Yunis are celebrating after the announcement of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza on October 09, 2025 People react as they celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting, at a plaza known as hostages square in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 Itzik Horn, father of kidnapped Eitan Horn (L), celebrates after a peace deal is announced at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, 09 October 2025 Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip celebrate after the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians and wounded nearly 170,000 others UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the news as a 'moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world'. Under Trump's deal, Hamas plans to release all remaining hostages, both living and dead, in exchange for roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza. A top official within Hamas told AFP Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners: 250 among those serving life sentences and 1,700 others detained since the start of the war. A senior Hamas official said the group has handed over a list of Palestinian prisoners who will be released as part of the ceasefire deal. Zaher Jabarin, who oversees Palestinian prisoners' affairs, said in a statement the list was prepared in accordance with 'the criteria agreed upon in the agreement.' He said the group still 'awaiting final agreement on the names,' and that they will be announced 'once the relevant procedures and understandings are completed. The names of prisoners rumoured to be released include Ahmad Saadat, Ibrahim Hamed and Abbas al-Sayyid. Saadat is secretary-General of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and planned the assassination of Minister Rehavam Zeevi. Hamed is a senior member of Hamas' military wing in the West Bank and served as the main planner of suicide bombings during the Second Intifada. He is convicted of murdering 46 Israelis and injuring more than 400 and has been sentenced to 54 life terms. Al-Sayyid is another senior member of Hamas military wing in the West Bank and was one of the planners of the Park Hotel bombing in 2002, in which 30 Israelis were killed and 160 were injured. The exchange should take place within 72 hours of the implementation of the deal, which was also 'agreed with Palestinian factions', another source within Hamas said. A daily minimum of 400 trucks of aid will enter the Gaza Strip for the first five days of the ceasefire, to be increased in following days, according to the same source. It also provides for the 'return of displaced persons from the south of the Gaza Strip to Gaza (City) and the north immediately,' they added. The deal stipulates 'scheduled withdrawals' of Israeli troops, the Hamas top official said, and includes 'guarantees from President Trump and the mediators'. Hamas called in an official statement on Trump to compel Israel to fully implement the agreement and 'not allow it to evade or procrastinate in implementing what has been agreed'. Palestinian emergency personnel celebrate, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, in Gaza City, October 9, 2025 Israelis celebrate as they react to the news of the Gaza peace deal at Hostages Square on October 9, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel The celebrations in Hostages Square continued well into the night following the agreement What happens next? The timeline is emerging but still seems fluid. A ceasefire is expected to come into force once Israel's cabinet approves the deal at a meeting expected on Thursday. Israel will withdraw to predetermined lines within 24 hours after that. Once the shooting stops, Hamas is set to release hostages within 72 hours, which could possibly be on Monday. Humanitarian aid to Palestinians should then start to flow. Trump's plan also calls for an international stabilisation force, which could start taking shape when European ministers and top officials from Arab states meet in Paris on Thursday. They will also discuss issues such as future governance of Gaza, aid, reconstruction and demilitarisation. Trump is expected to travel to the region in coming days. The White House said he was considering heading there on Friday. Advertisement Last night, the US president spoke to the families of those held captive by the terror organisation during a phone call with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. With Trump on speakerphone, Lutnick asked the families: 'You have the best crowd in the world, what do you have to say to President Trump?' The entire group of about a dozen people responded: 'Thank you!' 'Thank you very much everybody,' responded Trump, as one of the family members exclaimed: 'You did it!' Another family member told Trump: 'Mr President, we believe in you. We know you've done so much for us since you became the president and even before that and we trust you'll fulfill the mission until every hostage, every 48 of them, are home.' He thanked Trump again before repeating the president's own line from the deal announcement back to him: 'Blessed be the peacemakers'. Weary Palestinians cautiously welcomed the deal Thursday as a potential breakthrough in ending the two-year war, following days of negotiations in Egypt. In Tel Aviv, families of the remaining hostages popped Champagne and cried tears of joy when the deal was announced. Among the photos is a rare picture of Einav Zangauker, mother of 25-year-old hostage Matan, smiling. She has spent the past two years fiercely protesting for the release of her son, kidnapped from kibbutz Nir Oz, and against Netanyahu's government for the ongoing military activity in Gaza. Trump's Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to arrive in Israel today. The news of the deal comes just two days after the second anniversary of October 7 - the attacks by terror group Hamas on Israel which sparked the current conflict. Nearly 1,200 people were killed during the incursion, and around 250 people were taken as hostages into Gaza. There are 48 hostages still held in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Trump said he believed that all the hostages - including the deceased - will be 'coming back' on Monday. Hamas has said that it is still searching for some of the slain hostages held in the Strip. A taskforce has been established to locate the deceased missing hostages, an official told the Daily Mail, including representatives from Israel, the US, Egypt and Qatar, who will work with forces on the ground in the enclave to find their location. The prisoner-hostage exchange should take place within 72 hours of the Israeli government vote ratifying the deal later this afternoon, an official added. The winner of the Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday, just days after the US president secured a peace deal between Israel and Hamas. Pictured: Smoke rises after Israeli airstrikes targeted areas in the Gaza Strip on October 09, 2025 Israelis react to the news of the Gaza peace deal at Hostages Square on October 9, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands at the conclusion of a joint press conference in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC on September 29, 2025 Who are the hostages still being held by Hamas who may be alive? Two years after Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the terror group is believed to still be holding 48 hostages in the Gaza Strip. Israel believes 20 of the hostages are still alive. It is not known whether Bipin Joshi, taken from Kibbutz Alumim, and Tamir Nimrodi, captured from his base near the Erez Crossing, are alive or dead. The hostages believed to be alive are: Matan Angrest (22) - Israeli soldier taken from Nahal Oz Ariel Cunio (28) - Taken hostage from Nir Oz David Cunio (34) - Taken hostage from Nir Oz Gali and Ziv Berman (27) - The twins were taken captive from Kfar Aza Elkana Bohbot (36) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Rom Braslavski (21) - Working on security at the Supernova festival and abducted Nimrod Cohen (20) - Abducted from a tank in the Gaza envelope Evyatar David (24) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Guy Gilboa-Dalal (24) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Maxim Herkin (37) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Eitan Horn (38) - Taken hostage from Nir Oz Bar Kupershtein (23) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Omri Miran (48) - Taken hostage from Nahal Oz Eitan Mor (25) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Segev Kalfon (27) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Yosef-Haim Ohana (24) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Alon Ohel (24) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Avinatan Or (32) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Matan Zangauker (25) - Taken hostage from Nir Oz Advertisement Israel's cabinet will meet on Thursday at 1500 GMT to discuss a plan to secure the release of all hostages held in Gaza, a government statement said after Trump's announced a ceasefire and hostage release agreement. 'Government meeting at 18:00 (1500 GMT). Agenda - Plan for the release of all Israeli hostages,' an announcement posted on the government website said. On Wednesday night, Trump said the world 'coming together' had helped forge his landmark deal between Israel and Hamas. 'This is more than Gaza,' Trump told American TV presenter Sean Hannity during a telephone interview Wednesday night. 'This is peace in the Middle East.' Trump declared it was a 'great day for the world' as he imagined a prosperous future for the war torn area. 'The whole world has come together on this one, Israel, every country has come together. This has been a fantastic day,' he said. 'This is a great day for the world. This is a wonderful day, a wonderful day for everybody.' Trump also said Gaza will be a 'peaceful, much safer place' and the US would remain involved to ensure its safety and prosperity. 'Other countries in the area will help it reconstruct because they have tremendous wealth,' Trump said, adding: 'We'll be involved in helping them make it successful and helping it stay peaceful.' Trump confirmed that he spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier Wednesday night. The prime minister told him, 'I can't believe it,' according to the president's retelling. The president then told Netanyahu: 'Israel cannot fight the world, Bibi, they can't fight the world.' He added that the Israeli leader, 'understands that very well.' European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for all parties to uphold the agreement's terms, while the EU's policy chief, Kaja Kallas, wrote on X that 'the EU will do what it can to support its implementation'. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the deal as 'extraordinary news' and urged its swift implementation, while Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel expressed hope for wider peace in the region. In France, President Emmanuel Macron said the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas brings hope for hostages, Palestinians in Gaza, and the entire region. He added the agreement will be discussed in Paris later Thursday during a meeting on Gaza's future. 'This agreement must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution,' he said. Saudi Arabia welcomes possible start of a ceasefire The kingdom said in a foreign ministry statement that it hoped the peace deal will lead to urgent action to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and a complete Israeli withdrawal. Saudi Arabia also expressed hope that the peace plan would lead to the 'initiation of practical steps to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders'. Wednesday's agreement reached in Sharm el-Sheikh, a favoured location for Middle East peace conferences over the decades with a patchy record of success, is only an initial phase covering handing over hostages held in Gaza, exchanging them with Palestinian prisoners inside Israel and a partial withdrawal of Israel from the enclave. Plenty of pitfalls remain after negotiators left for later discussions about some of the thornier issues on which previous initiatives have foundered, such as the full extent of an Israeli withdrawal, the disarmament of Hamas and who and how to guarantee that war will not resume after this phase. For a start, guns have not yet fallen silent. Trump demanded Israel halt its bombing when Hamas first indicated partial acceptance for his 20-point plan on Friday. That has not happened. Scores of Palestinians have been killed since then in airstrikes and shelling, particularly in and around Gaza City, the focus of a recent Israeli offensive. However, the bombardment has been more sporadic since Trump declared a deal had been secured on Wednesday, prompting celebrations in Israel, where families of hostages were jubilant in Tel Aviv's so-called hostages square, and in Gaza, where people gathered among the ruins even as blasts could be heard. While this is a partial deal, a notable difference from previous ceasefire arrangements is that there is no deadline for reaching a full deal. It does not set a deadline of a few weeks, after which hostilities could resume if talks falter. The jury is still out on whether that makes this deal more durable. There are those among Netanyahu's religious nationalist coalition who are already talking of more war. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a staunch opponent of any concession to Palestinians, has called for Hamas to be destroyed after the hostages are returned. But on this occasion, Trump has been far more vocal in his determination to hold feet to the fire on both sides, leaving less room for Israel to relaunch its offensive or Hamas to delay, even if past experience counsels caution over too much optimism. Trump announced his plan standing next to Netanyahu in Washington last week with what seemed a 'take-it-or-leave-it' offer for Hamas. Yet when Hamas gave only a partial acceptance, Trump immediately demanded Israel stop bombing. And as the days ticked by in Sharm el-Sheikh talks, he warned Hamas 'all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out' if it did not sign up. Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed more than 67,000 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. Madeleine McCann's sister has revealed how an alleged stalker claiming to be her missing sibling sent 'creepy' messages of about them playing together as children. Julia Wandelt allegedly sent a series of unwanted emails, made numerous phone calls and even turned up at the McCanns' family home, a court heard. The 24-year-old Polish national falsely claims to be Madeleine, who disappeared while on holiday with her family in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2007. A court has heard how she believed she had memories of the three-year-old's childhood, playing games with Madeleine's younger siblings Amelie and Sean, before then claiming to have been trafficked to Poland. Twins Amelie and Sean were sleeping in the same room as Madeleine when she disappeared and have never publicly spoken of Madeleine. However, 20-year-old Amelie gave evidence in Leicester Crown Court, describing how she had been left 'distressed' and 'uncomfortable' by Wandelt's messages. 'It's quite disturbing. She's coming up with these supposed memories even though she's not Madeleine,' Miss McCann told the court via video link. Telling jurors about one alleged message, Miss McCann said: 'I know how I was calling you when we were playing once, I know what happened.' In another message, Wandelt claimed she remembers her and Sean 'playing Ring a Ring o' Roses with other kids'. 'It made me feel quite uncomfortable,' she said, adding it was 'quite creepy'. Amelie McCann pictured at a vigil for missing Madeleine held annually in Leicestershire (her father Gerry and mother, Kate, are pictured rear) Miss McCann, 20, told a court Julia Wandelt attempted to contact her claiming to be her lost sister Madeleine (pictured) A court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Amelie McCann giving evidence via video link to Leicester Crown Court in the stalking trial against Polish national Julia Wandelt Miss McCann told the court she did not tell her family about the messages Wandelt sent to her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok as she did not want to add any 'additional stress to my parents'. Asked by Nadia Silver, prosecuting, if she had replied to any of the communications, a softly spoken Miss McCann replied: 'No I did not feel it was appropriate to get involved, I don't usually reply to people I don't know to protect myself really.' Jurors were also told Wandelt sent a letter to Miss McCann along with photographs of them both in a bid to demonstrate their supposed likeness. Miss McCann said: 'I didn't like it. She had clearly edited and altered the pictures to make me look more like her which once again was quite disturbing.' Miss Silver asked if she was at any point tempted to do a DNA test. 'Why were you so sure she was not your sister?' she asked. Miss McCann replied: 'I think because she was on the radar of the police and my family since 2022 nothing had happed in that time then I just knew that it wasn't her. 'I have a feeling there would be something that I would maybe recognise or believe more whereas I did not think she looked like us and she is Polish and has Polish family who are her parents and it did not make any sense to me.' A statement from Sean McCann was read to the court by Miss Silver. In it he said: 'I do not believe she is my sister the fact that she is doing this has cause me a great deal of stress and I find it deeply disturbing.' LISTEN: The Trial of the 'McCann Stalkers'. Listen to the latest on this Daily Mail podcast A sketch of Wandelt, who is on trial with co-accused Karen Spragg, in the dock at Leicester Crown Court Madeleine's sibling Sean McCann (pictured), 20, said Wandelt's alleged actions had caused him 'a great deal of stress', the court heard Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The court heard that one message from Wandelt to Miss McCann said 'I will do whatever is needed to prove my identity'. Miss Silver asked: 'How did you interpret that message, how did it make you feel? Miss McCann said: 'It is clear that she thinks she is Madeleine and she cant understand why no one is helping her to get proof or whatever and she thinks I would have told my parents to listen to her.' Miss Silver said: 'The passage where she says she will do whatever is needed, how did that in particular make you feel?' 'It made me feel not scared but it kind of shows you the lengths she would go to try and get heard which is also a bit scary as you dont know what she will do next,' replied Miss McCann. Earlier, a statement from the McCanns' neighbour Dr Alex Milton about the night Wandelt and her 'supporter' Karen Spragg turned up was read to the court. He has a Ring doorbell which captured a white car said to belong to Spragg. Spragg, 61, of Cardiff, and Wandelt, 24, from Poland, are on trial accused of stalking the McCanns. On Monday, Wandelt was ushered from court crying hysterically after screaming 'why are you doing this?' at the missing girl's mother. In dramatic scenes during Mrs McCann's testimony, Wandelt started sobbing uncontrollably before shouting and being taken out of the dock as a judge called for a break in proceedings. It came after an emotional Mrs McCann, 57, told Leicester Crown Court that 18 years on from her daughter's disappearance all she wants is for Madeleine to be back and 'calling me mum'. Wandelt is accused of calling, leaving voicemails, sending messages and turning up at the McCanns' home demanding a DNA test to prove she is Madeleine, despite 'unequivocal evidence' to the contrary. Wandelt is 24 - Madeleine would be 22 now. Also on trial is her 'supporter' Karen Spragg, 61, who is accused of stalking the McCanns, causing 'serious alarm or distress', from June 1, 2022, to February 21 this year. Both deny the charges. Asked about the impact of a letter sent by Wandelt addressed 'Dear Mom' and signed 'Madeleine', Mrs McCann said: 'Obviously that is the thing I want most, for Madeleine to be back and to be calling me "mum". That was really stressful for me. Referring to me as her mum is hard.' She said the 'incessant' nature of Wandelt's contact made her consider taking a DNA test, even though she knew from looking at photos she was not her daughter. Gerry McCann, giving evidence later, told how he was left 'angry and frustrated' by Wandelt's 'unrelenting' attempts to contact his wife. He became emotional when describing how he discovered she had also contacted their twins, Madeleine's younger siblings Sean and Amelie, now aged 20. He said there was 'no evidence Madeleine was dead' and people claiming to be her only hampered the investigation into her disappearance. Speaking of the twins, Mr McCann, 57, a consultant cardiologist, said: 'We have done our best to try to protect them.' Wandelt (pictured) is accused of stalking the McCann family for several years Karen Spragg, who is also on trial, is pictured arriving at Leicester Crown Court After pausing to compose himself, he went on: 'Given what has happened to Madeleine we try keep them out of the media as much as possible.' Michael Duck, prosecuting, told Mr McCann to 'take whatever time you like' as he struggled to talk though his tears. Mr McCann added: 'As a parent you want to try to protect your children. We know social media can be really damaging, all the horrible things that have been written about us and nasty stuff online.' He said the assertion by Wandelt that she was Madeleine was 'very emotive and distressing'. 'We know she's not our daughter,' he said. 'We don't know what happened to Madeleine, there's no evidence to say she's dead. 'We really hope, and we know it's only a glimmer, that Madeleine is alive. When so many people claim to be our missing daughter, it inevitably pulls your heartstrings, but there's [a] wider effect that is more damaging.' He said he also feared Wandelt's attempts could become physical. Mrs McCann was also asked about an annual vigil for Madeleine in their home village of Rothley, near Leicester, which Wandelt turned up to in May 2024. She had hoped to speak to the McCanns but they did not attend that year. Mr Duck asked: 'What was your feeling about her presence?' Mrs McCann replied: 'It [the annual vigil] is quite a hard but positive experience. It would have taken away from the actual reason we were there.' Eight months later, having again travelled from Poland, Wandelt turned up at the McCanns' home with Spragg. Mrs McCann said she returned from a swimming gala in Sheffield and was taking items out of her car when she heard a woman shout 'Kate'. 'She called me mum I think, she was asking for a DNA test, "why won't you do a DNA test?" and pleading with me,' she told jurors. Asked by Mr Duck how she felt to be 'greeted in that manner on your driveway', Mrs McCann said: 'I got a fright... I felt quite distressed. Then they followed me, I remember trying to close the door and Julia trying to stop me.' The trial 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. Keir Starmer faced more questions over the China spying row today as a former national security chief admitted he was bewildered about the case collapsing. Lord Mark Sedwill, who held the post when Theresa May was in No10, said it was obvious that Beijing constituted a 'threat'. He also suggested it was wrong to argue that only espionage carried out for enemy states could lead to prosecution. Ex-Cabinet Secretary Lord Case has also waded in to point out that intelligence chiefs had been publicly describing China as a 'threat' for 'years'. But asked during his visit to India today for an explanation of what had happened, Sir Keir merely stressed that the government's evidence for the case had been drawn up under the Tories. 'No ministers were involved in any of the decisions... the evidence was the evidence as it then was. That's the only evidence,' the PM told a press conference. Sources said afterwards that current National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell also had no role in the case. The allegations against Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry were dropped on September 15 before the could come to trial, sparking a backlash across political parties. Both had denied any wrongdoing. The decision reportedly came after senior Whitehall officials met to discuss the case, including Mr Powell and the Foreign Office's top civil servant Sir Oliver Robbins. The government insisted the decision was taken independently by the Crown Prosecution Service. Keir Starmer faced more questions over the China spying row today as a former national security chief admitted he was bewildered about the case collapsing Lord Mark Sedwill, who held the post when Theresa May was in No10, said it was obvious that Beijing constituted a 'threat' To prove the case under the Official Secrets Act 1911, prosecutors would have had to show the defendants were acting for an 'enemy'. In a letter to the chairmen of the home affairs and justice committees, Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson said: 'It was considered that further evidence should be obtained. 'Efforts to obtain that evidence were made over many months, but notwithstanding the fact that further witness statements were provided, none of these stated that 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 proceed.' Mr Parkinson added that a High Court judgment in a separate Russian spying case last year ruled that an 'enemy' under the 1911 Act must be a country which represents a threat to the national security of the UK 'at the time of the offence'. Lord Sedwill told Mark Urban's The Crisis Room podcast 'the truth is that, of course, China is a national security threat to the UK'. He added: 'Directly, through cyber, through spying and so on, and indirectly, because of some of their aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea and elsewhere, which potentially disrupts trade routes and so on, on which we are dependent. 'So, of course, those things are true. I'm genuinely puzzled, to put it politely, about the basis on which this trial has fallen apart. 'We introduced the National Security Act because the Official Secrets Act was not fit for purpose. 'But the idea that you could leak or sell or betray the secrets of this country to anyone who isn't described as an enemy, and somehow or other, that means you couldn't be prosecuted, I certainly didn't understand that to be the case under the Official Secrets Act. 'Could you really have taken the whole nuclear deterrent and put it in a newspaper and that wouldn't be a breach of the Official Secrets Act? 'So I simply find that interpretation very hard to understand. But it's clear that's partly why we had to introduce the new legislation so there was no ambiguity about that.' Lord Case told The Telegraph today: 'Going back over years we have had heads of our intelligence agencies describing in public the threat that China poses to our national and economic security interests.' But asked about the situation this afternoon, Sir Keir said: 'The evidence in this case was drawn up at the time and reflected the position as it was at the time. And that has remained the situation from start to finish. That is inevitably the case, because in the United Kingdom you can only try people on the basis of the situation as it was at the time. 'You can't try people on the basis of situation as it now is or might be in the future. And therefore, the only evidence that a court would ever admit on this would be evidence of what the situation was at the time. Lord Case, who served as Cabinet Secretary under Sir Keir and Rishi Sunak, pointed out that intelligence chiefs had been publicly describing Beijing as a 'threat' for 'years' 'So that's the base on which the evidence was drawn up, the witness statements were drawn up. And I can be absolutely clear, no ministers were involved in any of the decisions since this Government's been in in relation to the evidence that's put before the court on this issue. 'The evidence was the evidence as it then was, that's the only relevant evidence, and that evidence was the situation as it was under the last government, the Tory government, rather than under this Government. 'It's not a party political point. It's a matter of law. You can only try someone on the basis of the situation as it was at the time of the alleged offence. 'You can't try them on the basis of the situation as it might evolve, weeks, months, years down the line. That's a fundamental and that's at the centre of this particular issue.' A French appeal court is to rule on Thursday in the case of the only man among 50 who claims he is innocent after being convicted of sexually abusing Gisele Pelicot. The 72-year-old's former husband has admitted to drugging her with sedatives and inviting dozens of strangers to rape and abuse her over nearly a decade in a case that shocked the world. Gisele Pelicot allowed the public into the courtroom during the initial months-long trial last year to raise awareness about sexual violence, saying it was time for perpetrators - not victims - to be ashamed. But Husamettin Dogan, 44, has appealed his conviction for rape and nine-year prison sentence, saying he never intended to rape her and was 'trapped' by her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot in 2019. Gisele Pelicot told the court in the southern city of Nimes on Wednesday that Dogan had raped her and must 'take responsibility' for his actions. An investigator on Tuesday said that images of the abuse found on Dominique Pelicot's hard drive showed he had stayed at the house for at least 'three hours and 24 minutes' - not half an hour as he had claimed. Footage shown to the court showed him penetrating an inert Gisele Pelicot. Dogan risks a maximum of 20 years in jail. Gisele Pelicot arrives at appeal trial for Husamettin Dogan in Nimes with her son Florian Pelicot (centre -right), October 9 The appeal comes after a court found 51 men, including Ms Pelicot's former husband Dominique, guilty of sexual assault and rape in December 2024 Sixteen other men withdrew their appeals after the initial trial, with Husamettin Dogan the only one now attempting to overturn his rape conviction But such a severe sentence is unlikely as it would put him on a par with Dominique Pelicot, who abused his wife and recruited dozens of strangers to do the same for almost a decade. - 'Human rights are women's rights' - Antoine Camus, one of Gisele Pelicot's lawyers, however argued that Dogan's sentence should be revised. 'You don't touch a sleeping victim,' he said. 'We hope that this jury will say loud and clear that in France, human rights are also women's rights, that you cannot get consent from a husband, and that a sexual act imposed on a sleeping body is a rape,' he added. A panel of five judges issued the verdicts against Dominique Pelicot and his 50 co-defendants at the end of the trial last year in the southern city of Avignon. But this time in Nimes, it will be up to a people's jury of five men and four women to decide on Dogan's fate, likely in the afternoon. Last year, the prosecution had requested 12 years for Dogan. Public prosecutor Laure Chabaud at the time had urged the judges in all cases to issue sentences that could be a 'testament for future generations'. The other 49 men accused of abusing Gisele Pelicot received sentences ranging from three years in jail, including two suspended, to 15 years behind bars for a man who visited the Pelicot home six times. Another man, who did not assault Gisele Pelicot but repeatedly abused his own wife with Dominique Pelicot's help, was sentenced to 12 years. Gisele Pelicot on Wednesday called for 'victims to never be ashamed of what was forced upon them'. Children will be able to choose their own gender at any age under controversial new EU proposals. Therapy to check whether children are certain they want to change their gender and age limits on gender recognition could be discarded in the new plans. The proposals, which are laid out in the European Commission's new 'LGBTIQ+ equality strategy 2026-2030', have been condemned for 'silencing women'. EU member states who challenge gender ideology could be punished, with 'discriminating regions' that do not comply with 'values' seeing funding blocked. The document, published on Wednesday, declares it will 'support the development of legal gender recognition procedures based on self-determination that are free from age restrictions.' It states: 'Requirements for legal gender recognition vary significantly across Member States. 'While a number of Member States have adopted self-determination models, others impose medical procedures, which the European Court of Human Rights has found may infringe human rights. 'The Commission will facilitate exchanges of best practices among Member States to support the development of legal gender recognition procedures based on self-determination that are free from age restrictions.' Children will be able to choose their own gender at any age under controversial new EU proposals Talking therapy for children who are suffering from gender issues could also be banned. The EU commission proposals, which have not yet been ratified by national governments, criticise countries, including Britain, which require a GPs approval before they can identify as the opposite sex. The new strategy has been branded 'chilling' by sex rights campaigners. Maya Forstater, chief executive of Sex Matters, told the Telegraph: 'This chilling EU-wide strategy pushes legal gender self-identification for children of any age and a ban on talking therapy for vulnerable children. 'It is a mercy that British campaigners for sex-based rights dont have to deal with this sinister strategy and the pernicious capture of EU institutions, on top of our own challenges in the UK. 'Gender activists have entrenched their ideology in European institutions with devastating consequences for women and girls, vulnerable children, and gay and lesbian people.' Meanwhile, the Athena Forum, a European equivalent of Sex Matters, said women were being 'silenced' by the EU. Of 27 EU member states, only 9 countries currently allow for self-identification, while 12 impose medical requirements to confirm a gender change. In the UK, children as young as 16 can be given gender-affirming hormones, but they cannot change their gender on their medical record until 18. An engineering storeman sacked for greeting a manager 'top the morning to ya' in a mock Irish accent has won a 16,000 payout for unfair dismissal. Karl Davies, then 57, was working at the Oscar Mayer manufacturing site in Wrexham when he spoke to Scott Millward in the accent while listening to Irish music, an employment tribunal heard. Mr Millward had been escorting a 'red-headed' external auditor when the remark was made and he reported his colleague to their employer. The ready meal company then launched a probe into whether the comments, made on August 13, 2024, amounted to racial harassment, the tribunal in Mold was told. The claimant repeated the phrase multiple times, with tribunal Judge Vincent Ryan accepting that he was 'effectively channelling the musical vibe'. The judge said that Mr Davies adopted an accent in a 'reprehensible' and 'mocking' way and goaded Mr Millward by repeating the phrase 'in a manner that Mr Millward was bound to find irritating and embarrassing'. He said that the claimant was trying to get on Mr Millward's nerves to get a reaction from him and to cause him embarrassment. 'I find that the purpose was not to racially harass Mr Millward,' he added. 'And there is no evidence before me that it had the effect, either, on anyone.' Karl Davies, then 57, was working at the Oscar Mayer manufacturing site in Wrexham (pictured) when he spoke to Scott Millward in the accent while listening to Irish music, an employment tribunal heard 'It was nevertheless blameworthy as [Mr Davies] was subordinate to Mr Millward. 'It gave rise to the disciplinary proceedings and therefore contributed to the eventual sanction.' The claimant did not know and had not seen the auditor, who is not known or believed to be Irish, the tribunal heard. A manager, against whom Mr Davies had an unresolved grievance, conducted the investigation into Mr Davies's comments, the tribunal was told. The judge wrote that Oscar Mayer's disciplinary case was based on its perception that Mr Davies may have perceived that the auditor looked 'typically Irish'. Mr Davies's phrase was found by his employer to amount to harassment, but neither his clean disciplinary record or 27 years of employment for the firm were taken into account, the judge found. The tribunal ruled that the chosen investigator was not 'appropriate', witness statements were inconsistent and the probe was 'largely based on assumptions'. The judge said: 'The claimant was accused of using an employment ending, reputation damaging, loss-inducing, racially motivated slur, a slur which could have created an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive working environment; these are serious matters. 'On the facts peculiar to this case, I found that the dismissal was unfair, which does not mean that I approve the use of the greeting in question or the use of mock accents.' He added that the case was 'not an indication of wokeness or anti-wokeness'. Do YOU have a story to tell? Police have launched an urgent kidnapping probe after a 'young woman' was 'forced' into a tow truck in Canary Wharf by two men. Officers were scrambled to the famed London district at 11.25pm on Thursday, September 30. Witnesses reported seeing a woman being bundled into a white Ford Transit tow truck in Millharbour Road, close to the junction of Lighterman's Road, by two men. A 42-year-old man from east London was arrested on Wednesday, October 1, in connection with the alleged abduction, the Metropolitan Police said. It is unclear whether the woman, believed to be in her late 20s or early 30s, is still missing, with officers having been 'unable' to identify her. However, detectives from the Met's Central East Criminal Investigations Unit have said they are growing increasingly 'concerned' for her safety. Detective Inspector Grant Stevens, who is leading the investigation, said: 'We are keen to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident and are concerned for the welfare of the young woman involved, who we believe is aged between 28 and 32 and been unable to identify.' The incident took place just feet away from the Lanterns Arts & Education Nursery, close to the Millwall Inner Dock. The area is packed with high-rise residential flats. Witnesses reported seeing a woman being bundled into a white Ford Transit tow truck in Millharbour Road, close to the junction of Lighterman's Road (pictured), by two men The Met added the 42-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping has been bailed. The force is now appealing for any witnesses to the incident to come forward. DI Stevens added: 'Were you in or near Millharbour Road, E17 around the time of the incident and saw anything suspicious, or do you have any CCTV or mobile phone footage that will assist us with our enquiries? 'If so, please come forward by calling 101 and referencing 01/8032774/25.' Daily Mail has approached the Met Police for further comment. It was a scene that could have been lifted straight from a gangster film. As stunned sunbathers looked on and children played in the sand, a speedboat roared up to a busy Marbella beach - its masked crew leaping ashore to unload bulging packages before racing back to sea. The brazen landing last month, captured on mobile phones and shared across social media, has once again exposed the dark underbelly of Spain's sun-soaked Costa del Sol - now ground in Europe's spiralling cocaine trade. One notorious as a bolthole for Britain's most wanted criminals, the 'Costa del Crime' has become the front line in a battle between ruthless narco gangs and increasingly overwhelmed Spanish police. Shootings, high-speed chases and gruesome punishments are now alarmingly common along the country's southern coastline. Only this summer, two Scottish gangsters were shot dead in a bar popular with expats. Days later, a Swedish rapper was gunned down outside a cafe in front of terrified holidaymakers. And, as last month's shocking viral footage of balaclava-clad beach invaders at Playa Ancha, near Marbella, showed, they pay little attention if innocent holidaymakers get in their way. Spain has now overtaken Belgium and the Netherlands in as Europe's main cocaine getaway, according to the EU Drugs Agency - a shift law enforcement say is fuelling unprecedented violence. A group of alleged drug smugglers unloaded a shipment from a large speed-boat in front of stunned beachgoers on Spain 's Costa del Sol Customs helicopter flies low as a deterrent to scare away dozens of people trying to steal drugs seized by the police on a beach in Sanlucar de Barrameda, Spain, in July, 2022 Shootings, high-speed chases and gruesome punishments are now alarmingly common along the country's southern coastline Alberto Morales Plaza, chief commissioner of the Central Narcotics Brigade of Spain's National Police warned that many believe the drugs are only a problem to Spain, despite the fact they are then being shipped off to London, Stockholm and Prague. 'It's a worrying outlook for Europe,' he told The Sun, adding: 'You've got to put two and two together, but Spain is abandoned and the narcos are winning'. For decades, Spain's location - with its long Atlantic coastline and ties to South America - has made it a natural entry point for illicit cargo. The country is also the main corridor for hashish, thanks to the narrow nine-mile gap between Morocco and the southern port of Algeciras, easily crossed by high-powered boats within minutes. But what used to be a trade in cannabis and hashish has turned into a deadly new phase. Traffickers are now using the same smuggling routes to flood Europe with cocaine. Lucas Lavilla of the Unified Association of Civil Guards explained to the newspaper how cocaine - a Class A drug - is now replacing hashish - a Class B drug - at an enormous scale using the same boats and workers - which is proving to be far more profitable. One case in 2023 saw drug smugglers beach their boat on the packed Los Enebrales in Punta Umbria by stunned tourists following a Miami Vice-style sea chase. The men were filmed heading towards the sand at speed and narrowly missing parasols sunseekers had moved away from in a hurry as they rammed it into dunes. They jumped out of the vessel as police who had been pursuing them radioed to colleagues to scramble response vehicles. Two of the men were arrested as they tried to make their getaway but the others escaped. And just last month, a group of alleged drug smugglers unloaded a shipment from a large speed-boat in front of stunned beachgoers on Spain's Costa del Sol. Footage shot by tourists on Playa Ancha in Casares showed at least six men casually moving what appeared to be three bales of drugs from a speed boat and onto a vehicle parked up close to the shore. The majority of the men covered their faces with their T-shirts as they worked in front of families enjoying a day out at the beach. Once the alleged smugglers are finished unloading their cargo from the vessel, four men got into the car and drove off, while the two others sailed away, as beachgoers watched on in astonishment. When Spain banned the semi-rigid rubber boats favoured by smugglers, officials hoped it would stem the tide. Instead, the gangs simply adapted. Unable to dock on land, traffickers have turned the Strait of Gibraltar into a floating fuel network. Small supply vessels - known locally as petaqueros - lurk at sea with massive stockpiles of petrol, waiting to refuel the narco-boats mid-journey. Morales explained that the smugglers can earn the same amount of money for one shipment of cocaine as four for hashish, leading to a highly lucrative trade for fuel dealers. Drug smugglers beached their boat by stunned tourists after a Miami Vice-style sea chase in 2023. The men were filmed heading towards the sand at speed and narrowly missing parasols sunseekers had moved away from in a hurry as they rammed it into dunes Suspected drugs runners land speedboat on Mallorca beach during dramatic police chase in April 2023 Small supply vessels - known locally as petaqueros - lurk at sea with massive stockpiles of petrol, waiting to refuel the narco-boats mid-journey Sunbathers in Sorvilan in the southern province of Granada, Andalusia, unexpectedly became involved in a tense pursuit of two alleged drug smugglers in June 2021 In the footage, beachgoers later crowded around the abandoned boat (pictured) to see what was on board, and to their surprise, they discovered more than two dozen brown packages Customs helicopter flies low as a deterrent to scare away dozens of people trying to steal drugs seized by the police on a beach in Sanlucar de Barrameda, Spain, in July, 2022 In fact, the trade has become so profitable that a single jerry worth around 43 on land can fetch as much as 4,340 at sea. With unemployment high across southern Spain, locals are being lured in droves. A viral TikTok clip earlier this year showed two masked petaqueros dancing atop stacks of fuel containers, blasting reggaeton from a speaker - a chilling display of how normalised the trade has become. Authorities say the consequences are devastating. Yet, possession of fuel alone carries only minor penalties. Over 350,000 litres have already been seized this year - and officials admit it's just a fraction of what's out there. The move from hashish to cocaine has raised the stakes dramatically, and in turn, the violence has exploded. The traffickers' 'go fast' boats now tear through the waves at terrifying speeds to evade police. In February, two Civil Guard officers were killed after being rammed by a narco boat of Cadiz. Six smugglers and fuel suppliers have also died in similar collisions since last year. Lavilla explained that the danger lied in the fact that the traffickers were not scared of facing dying or going to prison, hence their lack of hesitation when it comes to running down authorities. But the brutality extends far beyond the sea. In one shocking recent case, a gang in Cadiz tortured a man for three days after losing a shipment. He was reportedly forced to drink cement and was scalded with boiling water in a warning to anyone who dares to cross the cartels. Morales warned that the traffickers are now even arming themselves with military-grade weapons as the gangs-problem escalates. He explained that it has now become unusual for authorities not to stumble across AK-47s and military weapons during raids, telling the newspaper: 'At the moment they have them for protection, but it's only a matter of time before we have an armed confrontation with them'. The UK, however, remains at the heart of the crisis, both as a key consumer and a major player in the smuggling networks. A drugs gang carry bags of what was claimed to be cannabis resin from a speedboat (right) to a parked car (left) on the Costa del Sol in Spain in 2019 The gang of men, who threatened to kill witnesses if they alerted police, took less than three minutes to make the transfer and their getaway Britain now has the highest rate of cocaine use in Europe and the second highest in the world, after Australia. An estimated 117 tonnes of cocaine are consumed in the UK each year - and deaths linked to the drug rose by 30 per cent in 2023, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA). Most of it arrives in containers shipped from Antwerp or Rotterdam, often concealed in fruit or vegetable cargo. The NCA has worked closely with Spanish forces on several major operations - including Operation Mentor, which dismantled a British-led trafficking clan run by a father and son, and Operation Black Shadow, which netter 3.8tonnes of cocaine and dozens of arrests in June. In one case, a shipment of cocaine disguised as frozen broccoli was traced from Morocco to a warehouse destined for Manchester. Nine Brits were arrested when police swooped in. The Spanish Sate Prosecutor's 2025 report confirmed a rise in extradition requests for British nationals linked to drug smuggling. Among them is Anthony Finnigan, a Liverpudlian caught in Murcia after a shootout with police. He was sentenced to six years for his role in trafficking cocaine from Morocco into Spain and onwards to the UK. An NCA spokesperson told the newspaper: 'We focus on tackling drug-smuggling at every stage of the journey: from source, to transit, to destination country. 'Through our International Liaison Officer Network we work with partners in countries where drugs are produced and throughout supply routes to prevent drugs getting in the UK.' F1 driver Carlos Sainz has expressed frustration after camera crews turned lenses away from on-track action and towards drivers' glamorous girlfriends. His comments come after action at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, with the Williams driver claiming that viewers missed some of the race's key moments including some of his and his fellow drivers' daring overtakes. Sainz's own model girlfriend, Rebecca Donaldson, was spotted posing alongside rival Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc's girlfriend, Alexandra Saint Mleux, prior to both drivers battling it out on the track. During coverage the cameras also picked out Margarida Corceiro, Lando Norris's girlfriend, while Sainz's car whizzed past Lance Stroll, Gabriel Bortoleto, Franco Colapinto, Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar to finish 10th from an 18th place starting spot. The 31-year-old Spanish driver fears F1's fascination with wives and girlfriends could result in fans missing out on the real action on the race track. Speaking to Spanish radio station El Partidazo de COPE, Sainz said: 'It's becoming a bit of a trend, which must have worked for them at one time, when people found it interesting to see our girlfriends, to see famous people on television, the reactions. 'I understand that if there is an overtake, a very tense moment in the race, it is understandable that the production team might want to show a reaction shot, if they have seen that this has worked in the past, but only if the competition is respected and you are always showing the important moments of the race.' Carlos Sainz and Rebecca Donaldson are seen regularly together on race days Carlos Sainz's partner, Rebecca Donaldson, has become a regular at Grand Prix events after the pair started dating in 2023 Margarida Corceiro, girlfriend of British driver Lando Norris, is another regular on the circuit He also addressed that the F1 coverage failed to show the dramatic contest between Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, with the latter making a late burst to try and finish ahead of his rival. Sainz added: 'Last weekend, they didn't show any of the four or five overtakes I did at the end, nor did they show Fernando's pursuit of Lewis, they missed a lot of things. The other [showing the off-track things] is fine, but don't lose sight of the main thing. For me, they go overboard a little by showing the celebrities and girlfriends.' Despite initially finishing a fraction ahead of Alonso, Hamilton was penalised with a 5-second deduction demoting him to eighth place, one place below his opponent, after has brakes began to fail on the final few laps. In response to what he saw as Hamilton's dangerous behaviour, Alonso made an expletive filled rant to his radio team. In it he said: 'Is it safe to drive with no brakes? It should be f****** P7, you cannot drive like you are alone on track. Charles Leclerc's girlfriend, Alexandra Saint Mleux is a digital content creator and social media influencer from Mexico British Mercedes driver George Russell appeared alongside his girlfriend, Carmen Montero Mundt, prior to competing in the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday Max Verstappen was spotted chatting with Brazilian model girlfriend Kelly Piquet at the US Grand Prix Alonso, who competes for Aston Martin, has also come out in recent days to criticise F1's coverage. In a post on social media after the Singapore Grand Prix the driver wrote that F1 should 'fine-tune the main coverage and bring all the on-track excitement to the fans.' Fans have also noticed the coverage's shift to focus more on the reactions to the action by partners, celebrities and family members of drivers. Some have taken to X to complain that cut aways to onlooking girlfriends stood with pit crews means that important moments of action are being diluted. to my point . F1 coverage has been more fixated on reactions from the stands and reactions from girlfriends after every lap , more from girlfriends , Domenicali saying races too long for new fans , yet you show them this instead of *check notes* racingpic.twitter.com/ZZpLJfKjcT https://t.co/bYt1Ua5KpX ahmed baokbah (@ahmed_baokbah) October 6, 2025 One fan even shared footage shared on Sky's live feed showing girlfriends looking on as their partners raced. Sky Sports, which has the broadcast rights for the F1 in the UK, take race footage from F1s world feed often meaning it has little control over decisions about what to show. However the broadcaster does offer on-board cameras from which viewers can watch live action without interruption. In response to complaints, F1 said: 'We always focus on giving our fans the best possible footage of the race and never compromise the key focus - the racing on track. 'Our team does a great job of covering a highly complex situation with multiple cars at different points on a track and also provide great context moments of the grandstands, high profile guests and the locations we race at. We are always in pursuit of excellence and improvement in what we deliver.' The Israeli government has approved a ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas, just days after the two-year anniversary of the October 7 massacre. Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced on Thursday that it had given its final approval to back the agreement after 734 days of war. The Israeli Prime Minister's office said in a statement: 'The government has just now approved the framework for the release of all of the hostages the living and the deceased.' It came despite fierce opposition from Israel's national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right party Jewish Power, had earlier declared he would be voting against the deal and threatened to topple Netanyahu's coalition government if Hamas's 'rule was not dismantled'. 'In conversations held between me and the prime minister in recent days, I made it clear that under no circumstances will I be part of a government that allows the continued existence of Hamas's rule in Gaza,' Ben-Gvir said. 'This is a glaring red line. The prime minister committed to me that this will be the case.' The ceasefire began immediately after the Israeli government's approval, with the military given 24 hours to withdraw from Gaza along an agreed-upon line, an Israeli official speaking on condition of anonymity said. 'We are getting the hostages back on Tuesday - Monday or Tuesday - and that'll be a day of joy,' Donald Trump said. After two years of brutal war, the Israeli security cabinet (pictured) has ratified the Trump-brokered peace deal Netanyahu meets with US President Donald Trump's special representative for the Middle East Steve Witkoff (second left) and Trump's son-in-law and former advisor Jared Kushner (left) Your browser does not support iframes. People react as they celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting, at a plaza known as hostages square in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 Israelis celebrate as they react to the news of the Gaza peace deal at Hostages Square on October 9, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 09 October 2025 Once they are returned, Israel will free 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans who have been held since October 7. Donald Trump earlier said during a meeting of his cabinet at the White House that he was 'working on the timing' to make the trip to Egypt to attend a signing ceremony. 'That will be a day of joy, I'm going to try and make a trip over,' the US President said. America will send 200 troops to monitor the ceasefire deal, although separate reports from a senior US official say they will not be deployed in Gaza. Instead, there will be a 'joint task force' that could include soldiers from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE. US Central Command will establish a 'civil-military coordination center' in Israel that will facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid as well as logistical and security assistance into the war-torn territory, officials told the Associated Press. It comes after Trump announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire, after days of indirect talks in Egypt. Trump wrote on Truth Social: 'All of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.' Qatar, which helped broker the deal along with Egypt and Turkey, said it was the 'first phase' of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the news as a 'moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world'. President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday A girl holds a Palestinian flag, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, in the central Gaza Strip October 9, 2025 Palestinians celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting, outside Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 Israelis react to the news of the Gaza peace deal at Hostages Square on October 9, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel People react at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal Trump confirmed that he spoke to Netanyahu earlier Wednesday night. The prime minister told him, 'I can't believe it,' according to the president's retelling Under Trump's deal, Hamas plans to release all remaining hostages, both living and dead, in exchange for roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza. Last night, the U.S. president spoke to the families of those held captive by the terror organisation during a phone call with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. With Trump on speakerphone, Lutnick asked the families: 'You have the best crowd in the world, what do you have to say to President Trump?' The entire group of about a dozen people responded: 'Thank you!' 'Thank you very much everybody,' responded Trump, as one of the family members exclaimed: 'You did it!' The security cabinet meeting was delayed by several hours, after being originally scheduled to take place at 5pm local time (3pm BST). One of the reasons for the delay was ongoing discussions regarding the list of Palestinian security prisoners to be released, reported Channel 12. There are 48 hostages still held in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Trump said he believed that all the hostages - including the deceased - will be 'coming back' on Monday. He is expected to arrive in Jerusalem on Sunday, the office of Israel's president said, after the U.S. leader announced Israel and Hamas had agreed to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. An event scheduled for Sunday at the Israeli president's residence in Jerusalem was cancelled 'in light of the expected release of the hostages, and... the upcoming visit of President of the United States Donald J. Trump to Israel,' the office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog said in a statement on Thursday. 'The decision was made due to anticipated security closures in Jerusalem surrounding the visit and the historic developments unfolding in the coming days.' When asked whether his trip to the Middle East could include Gaza, Trump said: 'I may do that.' A final draft of phase one of the deal was signed by all parties this morning. A top official within Hamas told AFP Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners: 250 among those serving life sentences and 1,700 others detained since the start of the war. The exchange should take place within 72 hours of the implementation of the deal, which was also 'agreed with Palestinian factions', another source within Hamas said. A daily minimum of 400 trucks of aid will enter the Gaza Strip for the first five days of the ceasefire, to be increased in following days, according to the same source. It also provides for the 'return of displaced persons from the south of the Gaza Strip to Gaza (City) and the north immediately,' they added. The deal stipulates 'scheduled withdrawals' of Israeli troops, the Hamas top official said, and includes 'guarantees from President Trump and the mediators'. Hamas called in an official statement on Trump to compel Israel to fully implement the agreement and 'not allow it to evade or procrastinate in implementing what has been agreed'. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had announced overnight that he would be convening a cabinet meeting Thursday to approve a plan for the release of hostages. He said on social media: 'With God's help we will bring them all home.' He called the deal 'a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel'. The prisoner-hostage exchange should take place within 72 hours of the Israeli government vote ratifying the deal, an official told the Daily Mail. Israel's security cabinet voted in favour of the deal, despite the fact that certain members of Netanyahu's far-right coalition have vehemently opposed any peace agreement with Hamas. Finance Minister of Israel, Bezalel Smotrich, said his far-right Religious Zionism party would not vote in support of a Gaza ceasefire. He wrote on X of his 'tremendous fear of the consequences of emptying the prisons and releasing the next generation of terrorist leaders, who will do everything to continue spilling rivers of Jewish blood, God forbid'. On Wednesday night, Trump said the world 'coming together' had helped forge his landmark deal between Israel and Hamas. He declared it was a 'great day for the world' as he imagined a prosperous future for the war torn area. Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli military strike in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 Palestinians, including children, gathered in the city of Khan Yunis celebrate after the announcement of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza on October 09, 2025 in Khan Yunis, Gaza 'The whole world has come together on this one, Israel, every country has come together. This has been a fantastic day,' he said. 'This is a great day for the world. This is a wonderful day, a wonderful day for everybody.' Trump also said Gaza will be a 'peaceful, much safer place' and the U.S. would remain involved to ensure its safety and prosperity. 'Other countries in the area will help it reconstruct because they have tremendous wealth,' Trump said, adding: 'We'll be involved in helping them make it successful and helping it stay peaceful.' Trump confirmed that he spoke to Netanyahu earlier in the night. The prime minister told him, 'I can't believe it,' according to the president's retelling. Weary Palestinians cautiously welcomed the deal Thursday as a potential breakthrough in ending the two-year war, following days of negotiations in Egypt. In Tel Aviv, families of the remaining hostages popped Champagne and cried tears of joy when the deal was announced. Among the photos is a rare picture of Einav Zangauker, mother of 25-year-old hostage Matan, smiling. She has spent the past two years fiercely protesting for the release of her son, kidnapped from kibbutz Nir Oz, and against Netanyahu's government for the ongoing military activity in Gaza. The major peace deal was announced by Trump just two days before the 2025 winner of the Nobel Peace Prize is revealed. The winner will be be awarded on December 10 at a formal ceremony in Oslo, Norway. Trump has long made the prize one of his ambitions as president. Saudi Arabia welcomes possible start of a ceasefire. The kingdom said in a foreign ministry statement that it hoped the peace deal will lead to urgent action to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and a complete Israeli withdrawal. Saudi Arabia also expressed hope that the peace plan would lead to the 'initiation of practical steps to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders'. According to the Hamas-run Gazan authorities, some 67,000 people have been killed in Israel's assault. It followed the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, when 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken to Gaza as hostages. People celebrate after a peace deal is announced at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, 9 October 2025 The celebrations in Hostages Square continued well into the night following the agreement Itzik Horn, father of kidnapped Eitan Horn (L), celebrates after a peace deal is announced at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, 09 October 2025 Palestinians celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting, outside Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 What happens next? The timeline is emerging but still seems fluid. A ceasefire is expected to come into force after Israel's cabinet approved the deal at a meeting on Thursday evening. Israel will withdraw to predetermined lines within 24 hours after that. Once the shooting stops, Hamas is set to release hostages within 72 hours, which could possibly be on Monday. Humanitarian aid to Palestinians should then start to flow. Trump's plan also calls for an international stabilisation force, which could start taking shape when European ministers and top officials from Arab states meet in Paris on Thursday. They will also discuss issues such as future governance of Gaza, aid, reconstruction and demilitarisation. Trump is expected to travel to the region in coming days. The White House said he was considering heading there on Friday. Advertisement European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for all parties to uphold the agreement's terms, while the EU's policy chief, Kaja Kallas, wrote on X that 'the EU will do what it can to support its implementation'. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the deal as 'extraordinary news' and urged its swift implementation, while Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel expressed hope for wider peace in the region. In France, President Emmanuel Macron said the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas brings hope for hostages, Palestinians in Gaza, and the entire region. He added the agreement will be discussed in Paris later Thursday during a meeting on Gaza's future. 'This agreement must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution,' he said. Turkey's Erdogan thanks Trump for showing `necessary political will' Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose country played a role in the negotiations, expressed pleasure with the ceasefire agreement reached between Hamas and Israel. In a statement posted on X, Erdogan thanked Trump for 'demonstrating the necessary political will' as well as Qatar and Egypt for facilitating the deal. A senior Hamas official said the group has handed over a list of Palestinian prisoners who will be released as part of the ceasefire deal. Zaher Jabarin, who oversees Palestinian prisoners' affairs, said in a statement the list was prepared in accordance with 'the criteria agreed upon in the agreement.' Einav Zangauker has been the most ferocious anti-Netanyahu protester for her son, Matan, who is due to be released on Monday Palestinians gathered in the city of Khan Yunis are celebrating after the announcement of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza on October 09, 2025 Palestinians, including children, gathered at the Nuseirat refugee camp celebrate with Palestinian flags after the announcement of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza on October 09, 2025 in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Foreign Christian pilgrims and other supporters of a ceasefire deal march through the Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem as they celebrate the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, on October 9, 2025 Who are the hostages still being held by Hamas who may be alive? Two years after Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the terror group is believed to still be holding 48 hostages in the Gaza Strip. Israel believes 20 of the hostages are still alive. It is not known whether Bipin Joshi, taken from Kibbutz Alumim, and Tamir Nimrodi, captured from his base near the Erez Crossing, are alive or dead. The hostages believed to be alive are: Matan Angrest (22) - Israeli soldier taken from Nahal Oz Ariel Cunio (28) - Taken hostage from Nir Oz David Cunio (34) - Taken hostage from Nir Oz Gali and Ziv Berman (27) - The twins were taken captive from Kfar Aza Elkana Bohbot (36) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Rom Braslavski (21) - Working on security at the Supernova festival and abducted Nimrod Cohen (20) - Abducted from a tank in the Gaza envelope Evyatar David (24) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Guy Gilboa-Dalal (24) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Maxim Herkin (37) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Eitan Horn (38) - Taken hostage from Nir Oz Bar Kupershtein (23) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Omri Miran (48) - Taken hostage from Nahal Oz Eitan Mor (25) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Segev Kalfon (27) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Yosef-Haim Ohana (24) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Alon Ohel (24) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Avinatan Or (32) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Matan Zangauker (25) - Taken hostage from Nir Oz Advertisement He said the group still 'awaiting final agreement on the names,' and that they will be announced 'once the relevant procedures and understandings are completed. The names of prisoners rumoured to be released include Ahmad Sa'adat, Ibrahim Hamed and Abbas al-Sayyid. Sa'adat is secretary-General of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and planned the assassination of Minister Rehavam Ze'evi. Hamed is a senior member of Hamas' military wing in the West Bank and served as the main planner of suicide bombings during the Second Intifada. He is convicted of murdering 46 Israelis and injuring more than 400 and has been sentenced to 54 life terms. Al-Sayyid is another senior member of Hamas' military wing in the West Bank and was one of the planners of the Park Hotel bombing in 2002, in which 30 Israelis were killed and 160 were injured. Wednesday's agreement reached in Sharm el-Sheikh, a favoured location for Middle East peace conferences over the decades with a patchy record of success, is only an initial phase covering handing over hostages held in Gaza, exchanging them with Palestinian prisoners inside Israel and a partial withdrawal of Israel from the enclave. Plenty of pitfalls remain after negotiators left for later discussions about some of the thornier issues on which previous initiatives have foundered, such as the full extent of an Israeli withdrawal, the disarmament of Hamas and who and how to guarantee that war will not resume after this phase. For a start, guns have not yet fallen silent. Trump demanded Israel halt its bombing when Hamas first indicated partial acceptance for his 20-point plan on Friday. That has not happened. Scores of Palestinians have been killed since then in airstrikes and shelling, particularly in and around Gaza City, the focus of a recent Israeli offensive. However, the bombardment has been more sporadic since Trump declared a deal had been secured on Wednesday, prompting celebrations in Israel, where families of hostages were jubilant in Tel Aviv's so-called hostages square, and in Gaza, where people gathered among the ruins even as blasts could be heard. While this is a partial deal, a notable difference from previous ceasefire arrangements is that there is no deadline for reaching a full deal. It does not set a deadline of a few weeks, after which hostilities could resume if talks falter. The jury is still out on whether that makes this deal more durable. There are those among Netanyahu's religious nationalist coalition who are already talking of more war. Crowd gathers at Hostages square, waving Israeli and U.S. flags and celebrating the ceasefire agreement reached and expected to take effect in Gaza on October 09, 2025, in Tel Aviv, Israel A woman in the colours of the US flag holds up a placard thanking US President Donald Trump in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square on October 9, 2025, following the announcement of a new Gaza ceasefire deal Palestinians, including children, gathered at the Nuseirat refugee camp celebrate with Palestinian flags after the announcement of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza on October 09, 2025 in Deir al-Balah, Gaza While this is a partial deal, a notable difference from previous ceasefire arrangements is that there is no deadline for reaching a full deal Smotrich, a staunch opponent of any concession to Palestinians, has called for Hamas to be destroyed after the hostages are returned. But on this occasion, Trump has been far more vocal in his determination to hold feet to the fire on both sides, leaving less room for Israel to relaunch its offensive or Hamas to delay, even if past experience counsels caution over too much optimism. Trump announced his plan standing next to Netanyahu in Washington last week with what seemed a 'take-it-or-leave-it' offer for Hamas. Yet when Hamas gave only a partial acceptance, Trump immediately demanded Israel stop bombing. And as the days ticked by in Sharm el-Sheikh talks, he warned Hamas 'all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out' if it did not sign up. Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed more than 67,000 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. Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas met with Israeli activists in Ramallah on Thursday to discuss long-term peace after Israel and Hamas agreed a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. 'I welcome the agreement signed today, the end of the war, and the release of the hostages,' Abbas told dozens of representatives from Israeli peace organisations assembled at the presidential palace in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. 'A few months ago, (U.S. President Donald) Trump had a plan to expel the Palestinians, but later he forgot about it,' he added. 'Nevertheless, we will remain in our homeland and establish a Palestinian state in Gaza, the West Bank, and east Jerusalem,' he said. Speaking from a podium in the presence of Arab-Israeli Knesset member Ayman Odeh and the Palestinian Authority's vice-president Hussein al-Sheikh, a jovial Abbas spoke to a friendly audience, sometimes exchanging smiles and jokes with activists. Two power cuts momentarily left all attendees in the dark, an AFP journalist reported. Among them was Iddo Ilam, an activist and refusnik who explained why he chose not to serve in the Israeli army, as Abbas gestured to him with two thumbs up. 'We are asking for a different future, peace between Jews and Palestinians,' said Rula Daoud, co-director of Standing Together, an Israeli grassroots movement aiming to bring together Palestinians and Jewish Israeli communities. Chemicals tycoon Jim Ratcliffe warned today that up to 10 million jobs could be lost in the next decade as he lashed out at green taxes that have left the industry in 'a mess'. Sir Jim, the billionaire co-owner of Premiership side Manchester United, hit out at carbon taxes and accused Labour of deliberately running down the oil and gas industry in the North Sea. The Ineos founder also hit out at the lack of support from Energy Secretary Ed Miliband for facilities including its Grangemouth refinery in Scotland, which closed earlier this year with the loss of 400 jobs. This week Ineos announced it will also cut a fifth of jobs at a plant in Hull, East Yorkshire, blaming 'dirt-cheap' imports from China and high energy costs. Some 60 jobs will go at the Ineos Acetyls site, which makes petrochemical products such as acetic acid, with more roles across the industry at risk without government intervention. In punchy comments to the Times's The Business podcast, Sir Jim warned that green levies were 'unsustainable' and helping to make Europe 'by far and away the worst, most difficult place for chemicals'. 'That's a lot of employment, which could go in the next 10 years, a million jobs,' he said. 'A million direct jobs and probably you multiply that by 10 if you look at all the indirects that are related in terms of services. 'So it's probably 10 million jobs in Europe and three quarters of a trillion in value.' He also said he will hold talks with Reform leader and fellow green energy sceptic Nigel Farage before Christmas, though he distanced himself from financially backing the party. Sir Jim, the billionaire co-owner of mid-table Premiership side Manchester United, hit out at carbon taxes and accused Labour of deliberately running down the oil and gas industry in the North Sea. The Ineos founder also hit out at the lack of support from Energy Secretary Ed Miliband for facilities including its Grangemouth refinery in Scotland, which closed earlier this year with the loss of 400 jobs. He warned that businesses were fleeing the North Sea due to the high taxes being levied. Sir Jim warned that businesses were fleeing the North Sea due to the high taxes being levied. 'The taxes now are 80 per cent and they're not giving any new licenses out,' he said. 'That's a policy of closure of the North Sea, really, which is a great shame because it's a fabulous asset for the UK. 'There's still lots of oil gas left, but everyone's running away.' Ineos has called on the UK government and European Commission to launch their own tariffs in an effort to stop China from undercutting local competitors with stronger environmental credentials. It claimed that many competitor products from China are made using coal and emit up to eight times more CO2 than Ineos's UK operations. The firm warned that 'more sites will close and thousands more jobs will be lost' across the chemical industry unless action is taken. On Monday, Ineos revealed plans to shut two plants in Germany due to high chemical sector costs in the EU. On his meeting with Mr Farage, the businessman said the reform leader asked for it. Pointing out he had also met with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch he added: 'I've always been neutral on political parties. 'I've never really had a preference one way or another. I just want one that runs the country well. I can't see myself paying for policies. It's not my style.' Donald Trump could secure the Nobel Peace Prize at the last minute after he brokered the historic peace agreement between Israel and Hamas. Both sides have agreed to the first phase of the US President's plan to pause fighting and release hostages, paving the way to ending the two-year war in Gaza. Mr Trump has been yearning for the award for since his election and the Norwegian Nobel Committee is set to announce who will receive it tomorrow. But the committee held its final meeting on Monday with a decision therefore having been made before the agreement between Israel and Hamas was struck. Mr Trump has said that he 'deserves' the prize and claims to have 'ended seven wars', adding that it would be a 'big insult' were he not to receive the honour. Now we are asking readers in today's poll whether they think he deserves the award amid added attention to the annual guessing game over who the winner will be. In one of two polls yesterday, we asked Mail readers: 'Should all black Brits be paid slavery reparations, as Sir Lenny Henry claims?' Out of 66,000 votes, some 97 per cent of you said 'no' and 3 per cent said 'yes'. In the other poll, we asked: 'Do you back abolishing stamp duty, as the Conservatives are proposing?' Out of 27,000 votes, some 87 per cent of you said 'no' and 13 per cent said 'yes'. He may be long gone and setting up a new party to steal voters from Labour, but the shadow of former leader Jeremy Corbyn still hangs over the party and the election of Keir Starmer's new deputy. Supporters of Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary and Starmerite candidate, have warned that the remaining rump of Corbynistas in the party are lining up behind her rival Lucy Powell. Luke Akehurst, the Durham MP, hit out on social media after Momentum, the pressure group founded by supporters of Mr Corbyn, urged supporters to vote for Ms Powell. Momentum stopped short of a full endorsement of Ms Powell, but advocated a tactical vote after the move was supported by 74 per cent of members in a ballot. In a statement the organisation said that without a 'socialist candidate' on the slate, 'a victory for Powell is the best option to show the breadth of concern in the Labour Party and labour movement over the direction our Government is taking.' Mr Akehurst, who supports Ms Phillipson, took to Twitter to say: 'I don't think Lucy shares their politics but the fact they see advantage in this outcome is something to bear in mind.' Supporters of Bridget Phillipson, the Education secretary and Starmerite candidate, have warned that the remaining Corbynistas in the party are lining up behind her rival Lucy Powell. Luke Akehurst, the Durham MP, hit out on social media after Momentum, the pressure group founded by supporters of Mr Corbyn, urged supporters to vote for Ms Powell. The Manchester Central MP, who was sacked from the Labour front bench by Sir Keir Starmer last month, is the current favourite to take the party role vacated by Angela Rayner. The Manchester Central MP, who was sacked from the Labour front bench by Sir Keir Starmer last month, is the current favourite to take the party role vacated by Angela Rayner. She has not been afraid to criticise his leadership during her campaign, `saying that 'things aren't going well' since he won power. In reply Ms Phillipson warned that a Powell win would see the party 'energising our opponents' through disunity. Ms Phillipson has the backing of unions including GMB and Unison, as well as former home secretary Alan Johnson, while Ms Powell has the support of Lord Kinnock who led the party from 1983 to 1992. An historic library is due to be turned into a mosque in a popular Welsh town after a Christian group dropped legal action. Labour council chiefs agreed a 30-year-old lease to turn the landmark into Abergavenny's first mosque after it had sat unused for ten years. But campaigners blasted the plans for allowing an 'incredibly important civic building' to be leased for a 'peppercorn rent' in the South Welsh town widely considered the food capital of Wales. The town has become a huge tourist destination for foodies, which is well-known for its internationally-renowned Abergavenny Food Festival and thriving market. Earlier this year, the grade II listed building was targeted with racist graffiti 'no masjid', which means mosque in Arabic. The stone building is a former Carnegie Library - built in 1905 with a grant of 4000 from a fund set up by Scottish-American steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. Three councillors and one resident threatened a legal challenge, which was backed by the Christian Legal Centre. They were battling against the 6,000 a year lease for Monmouthshire Muslim Community Association in the peaceful market town. Labour council chiefs agreed a 30-year-old lease to turn the grade II listed building into a mosque The Monmouthshire Muslim Community Association will be responsible for repairs and maintenance to the building, which made the lease unattractive to businesses Conservative councillors Louise Brown, Rachel Buckler, independent Simon Howarth and resident John Hardwick brought about the legal challenge after contacting Christian Concern. However, council chiefs now say the legal action has been dropped. Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said in a statement that the case 'raises serious questions about transparency, fairness, and the proper use of public assets'. Monmouthshire County Council has said it has since received confirmation that the judicial review won't be progressed. The spokesman said: 'The council can now confirm that it has received confirmation that there will be no judicial review. 'The council has absolute confidence in its decision-making and governance arrangements. Any attempt to frustrate the democratically agreed position of the council will be met with an appropriate challenge. That said, there will be no comment on any new or additional legal matters until they are concluded.' Monmouthshire's Labour-led cabinet agreed in May to lease the building, as it had deemed surplus to requirements the previous November, to the Muslim Community Association, which currently meet at the Abergavenny Catholic Church parish hall. The Monmouthshire Muslim Community Association will be responsible for repairs and maintenance, which made the lease unattractive to businesses. Cllr Buckler said the Christian Legal Centre was a 'very good organisation' and that it 'makes sense to collaborate with them' but said the challenge wasn't a religious issue. She said: 'The whole point is no organisation should be treated with any more favour than any other. 'It is not about a Christian agenda it's about the fact a lease was awarded, as far as we can see, for a peppercorn rent for 30 years for an incredibly important civic building that was given to the people by the Carnegie Trust in 1905.' A couple with a young baby have been landed with a supermarket car park penalty after finding themselves trapped by traffic mayhem. Kara Ambrose, from Poole in Dorset, had headed to her local Tesco to do a weekly food shop with her partner and child on the day of the alleged offence. The couple completed their trip to the large chain store in 90 minutes - half the permitted parking time. But chaos had begun to unfold while they were inside the Tesco Extra, with an emergency gas works unexpectedly closing nearby Waterloo Road. With signage reportedly poor, according to witnesses, cars had to turn off the busy A-road and into the supermarket car park in attempts to divert from the obstacle. The problems caused gridlock, with no one able to get out - including the young couple, who were in a parent and child bay beside the shop and far from the exit to the street. The delay saw them spend more than 90 minutes extra there, exceeding the three-hour parking limit - and forcing Ms Ambrose to breastfeed in the car. And despite the ordeal not being their fault, they were slapped with a 70 parking fine by Horizon, the firm which operates the car park at the Tesco Fleetsbridge store. Kara Ambrose (pictured), from Poole, Dorset, had headed to her local Tesco to do a weekly food shop with her partner and child on August 27 To add insult to injury, the mother has also claimed her appeal against the charge was rejected, contrary to promises from Tesco and Horizon. Ms Ambrose explained: 'We have a young baby so naturally the shopping takes a little longer. 'But after spending around an hour and a half in Tesco, and spending over 130, we exited the shop to see the car park completely gridlocked. 'We couldn't even move the car from out of the parking space as the other cars trying to exit couldn't - or wouldn't - let us out to join the queue. 'We had an entire week's worth of food in the car including freezer and fridge items that we were worried would spoil from being out of the fridge for so long.' The parent explained they live nearby but had chosen to drive to manage the large shop, with their baby in tow, more easily. And she had thought she need not be concerned about their delays in exiting potentially taking them over the parking time limit as this was out of their control. A Tesco spokesperson said: 'We're sorry to hear about this. But chaos had begun to unfold while they were inside the Tesco Extra (pictured), with an emergency gas works unexpectedly closing nearby Waterloo Road 'Due to nearby roadworks, there was a build up of traffic in our Poole Fleets Corner Extra car park on 27 August. 'Any car parking fines were issued in error and have been cancelled by the car park monitoring company. We apologise for the inconvenience.' It is understood staff contacted Horizon to ensure no one was charged - and anyone who paid an incorrectly issued fine will be refunded by the firm. A Horizon spokesperson said: 'We have been made aware of this issue and are ensuring that the Parking Charges issued on this date will be cancelled.' It comes after the Daily Mail revealed 'cowboy' parking firms are doling out a record number of tickets. Government figures suggest private operators issued 12.8million fines in 2023/24 one every two seconds. This is up nearly 90 per cent in just five years, despite the Government repeatedly vowing to stop predatory operators. With 2024/25 on track to be even worse, ministers are facing renewed calls to get tough on the ruthless firms causing misery for millions of motorists. Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said it was 'scandalous' how motorists were being stung by broken technology and firms deploying sneaky signs to take 'advantage of law-abiding citizens'. He revealed he was working with parliamentarians to stop parking firms 'marking their own homework' by overhauling the current complaints process. Mr Williams said: 'We want a truly independent single appeals service that only the Government backed private parking code of practice will deliver. 'We also want a scrutiny board which will ensure private parking operators conform to the rules and will face consequences if they do not.' Daily Mail analysis shows private parking firms requested driver information from the DVLA 7.2million times between April and October 2024. Firms only request such data, which costs 2.50 a time and includes the car owner's name and address, if they intend to hand out parking charge notices (PCNs) to drivers who've overstayed. Each ticket can cost up to 100. ParkingEye, Euro Car Parks and Horizon Parking, responsible for 36 per cent of all DVLA requests, turned over nearly 150million between them in 2023/24. Each has either been caught sending threatening letters to motorists who missed hidden signage, were incorrectly flagged by untrustworthy camera systems or fell victim to glitching pay and display machines. One of Italy's most wanted Mafia bosses has been arrested in night raid by police after five years on the run. Leonardo Gesualdo, 39, was dragged out of bed in the early hours of Tuesday morning by a specialist unit of the country's military police force the Carabinieri. Dramatic body cam footage, released by the Italian Ministry of Defence, shows armed police entering the fugitive's hideout in Foggia, Southern Italy, catching him asleep in his bedroom. Along with Gesualdo, police found a loaded gun which had its serial numbers filed off. Gesualdo is a senior member of the infamously brutal Societa Foggiana or Mafia Foggiana which operates across Southern Italy, mainly centered around the city of Foggia and the surrounding area. The gang is connected to arms, drugs and people trafficking, armed robberies, murders, racketeering, and even reportedly extorting 50 per coffin from local funeral homes. In a crime survey from 2017-2018 the gang was found to be connected to one murder a week, one robbery a day and an extortion attempt every 48 hours in Foggia province, leading to multiple extensive police operations to shut it down. One such operation, known as the Decimabis Operation, took place in 2020 when police managed to arrest dozens of Gesualdo's associates in targeted raids. The Mafia boss got the shock of his life as he woke up to find a gun barrel in his face Leonardo Gesualdo was dragged out of bed by police and is shown in footage being held by officers The early morning raid caught the Mafia boss by surprise making apprehension easy However, Gesualdo escaped and has been on the run for the past five years. He was tried in absentia with 25 others and given a 12 year prison sentences for Mafia related crimes. The fugitive's capture marks a significant moment in Italy's attempt to crackdown on organised crime after large scale operations against the Sicilian Mafia lead to the arrests of 181 gang members. Commenting on the coordinated dawn raids conducted by 1,200 officers back in February, prime minister Giorgia Meloni said that the operation 'confirms the states constant commitment to the fight against organised crime'. Even with a collection of big wins for law enforcement, the Mafia still retains a large and powerful presence in Italy according to The Orginised Crime Index. On its website it summarises: 'Corruption remains a significant problem, and there are growing concerns about traditional mafia groups exploitation of public funds made available for economic recovery after COVID-19. 'While state actors generally do not control criminal markets in Italy, corruption is widespread within the state apparatus, allowing criminal actors to benefit from lucrative public contracts at the expense of the general population. 'Collusion between law enforcement officials and criminal actors, as well as the direct involvement of the former in criminal activity, is prominent.' The raid follows a previous police operation to round up members of the Societa Foggiana Police have been searching for the fugitive for 5 years, ever since he avoided capture in 2020 Police are shown using powerful flashing lights to startle the Mafioso The organisation highlights that the Mafia in the country is pivoting its operations away from more violent acts to avoid attracting the attention of authorities, instead choosing to conduct more illicit activities such as smuggling. This change has been bemoaned by some of those involved in the criminal underworld as a 2023 police wire tap of Giancarlo Romano famously revealed. The former Palermo crime boss was recorded complaining to an associate about the standard of new recruits and wishing the Mafia was more like 'The Godfather'. 'The calibre these days is low, a miserable level,' he said, before continuing: 'If you watch "The Godfather," the connections he had he was very influential because of the power that he built at a political level. But us what can we do? Were on our knees, guys.' Although the days The Godfather movies are based on maybe over, organised crime is unlikely to fade away any time soon, with criminality, business and corruption within the state combining to offer the modern Mafia new opportunities. The Organised Crime Index states that in Italy: 'a growing number of actors within the private sector, such as entrepreneurs and independent professionals, are being found to be involved in utilitarian collaborations with mafia groups, allowing them to infiltrate the legal economy and engage in economic and financial exploits that blur the lines between legality and illegality.' An eight-year-old girl has died after suffering a 'medical episode' at a village primary school. Emergency services were called to Penrhys Primary School in Ferndale, Rhondda, South Wales, just after 2pm yesterday, after the pupil fell ill. She was taken to hospital but later died. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances and that an investigation is being carried out on behalf of the coroner. The school, which serves the small mountainside community, was closed to all pupils today following what staff described as a 'traumatic event'. In a statement posted on Facebook, the headteacher said: 'Due to the traumatic event that happened at our lovely school this afternoon we will be closed for all children tomorrow. School will be open for children and staff again on Friday.' Local councillor Julie Edwards said the incident was being investigated by South Wales Police and urged residents not to speculate online. A police spokesperson said: 'South Wales Police is investigating the sudden death of an eight-year-old girl in Ferndale. Emergency services were called to Penrhys Primary School in Ferndale, Rhondda, just after 2pm yesterday 'Emergency services were called to Penrhys Primary School in Ferndale just after 2pm on Wednesday, October 8, to reports of a medical episode. The girl was taken to hospital, where she later died. 'There are no suspicious circumstances, and an investigation on behalf of the coroner is now underway.' Cllr Edwards added: 'I've been made aware of a tragic incident which occurred in Penrhys on Wednesday. 'South Wales Police are fully investigating the matter and more details will be released shortly.' Children as young as six are taking knives into schools, new data shows, as the mother of murdered teenager Harvey Willgoose condemned the 'shocking' findings. Some 1,304 offences involving knives or other sharp objects were recorded at schools and sixth forms in 2024, with ten per cent of these committed by primary school children, who are aged 11 or younger. Among the incidents reported last year was a six-year-old who took a flick knife into class and told teachers: 'I have a plan... I am going to kill [name of another pupil].' In most cases involving under 10s, alternative agencies to the police become involved due to the children being under the age of criminal responsibility. Caroline Willgoose, whose 15-year-old son Harvey was murdered by a fellow pupil at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield in February, has said children are 'going to school frightened' as a result of knives being taken onto school grounds. The new data is a result of a BBC FOI request to police forces in England and Wales. It comes amid an epidemic of violence in British classrooms which saw almost 100,000 violent offences recorded in schools from 2021 to 2024. Just last week it was reported that an eight-year-old child brought a knife to their school in Suffolk. Harvey Willgoose, 15, died from a stab wound to the heart when he was attacked at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield Caroline Willgoose, Harvey's mother, said her son had been left scared to attend school after discovering classmates were carrying knives Harvey's school is now facing questions over its failure to act on a series of warning signs about the escalating knife culture among pupils The child, from Year 4, brought the weapon to Elmswell Community Primary School and was found with the blade around lunchtime on September 26. In a letter to parents, school management said staff were taking the incident 'extremely seriously' and reassured them that no pupils came to any harm. According to the new data, more than a third of the 41 police forces to respond found that knife offences had increased last year compared to 2023. The majority, around 80 per cent, were committed by male pupils, with male victims of violent offences also outnumbering female victims. Incidents included a six-year-old who was found with a meat cleaver and a five-year-old who took a ten-inch kitchen knife into school 'to show his friends'. And Kent Police responded to an incident involving 'malicious wounding' which involved a four-year-old with a knife at a school. Blades brought in across all age groups included machetes, butterfly knives, flick knives and swords. As well as very young children, schools safety campaigners have also raised concerns about high-profile crimes in recent years involving teenagers stabbing, and even killing, others on school premises. CCTV released by police shows the boy pushing Harvey in the corridor before the murder Harvey's mother Ms Willgoose previously told how her son had been afraid to attend school after becoming aware that classmates were carrying knives. Harvey was stabbed twice in the chest on February 3 by a fellow 15-year-old pupil, who was convicted of murder in August. The killer and Harvey had argued over Snapchat in the days leading up to the murder, when Harvey stuck up for one his friends. It culminated with the defendant warning Harvey in a private message on the morning of the attack: 'If u wan beef we can hav it [sic].' The school is now facing questions over its failure to act on a series of warning signs about the boy's murderous potential, which Harvey's family believe could have prevented the killing. The boy was not searched when he arrived that day despite being at the centre of a knife scare a week earlier, and the school knowing he had a history of possessing dangerous weapons. Just one hour before his death, Harvey told a teacher the defendant was acting like he had a knife hidden in his jacket. But she failed to raise the alarm and tragically, the schoolboy was dead within the hour. Liz Hopkin, who was injured in a knife attack by a 13-year-old girl at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Wales has said she could never return to the classroom Drama and Welsh teacher Fiona Elias, who was stabbed first and Ms Hopkin tried to defend The knife used by the 13-year-old during the attack, which also left a fellow pupil injured Police at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, which was put into lockdown as the attacker was contained and the two injured teachers and pupil were treated Ms Willgoose, 51, told the BBC: 'I always thought knives was a gang-culture type of thing. Never in a million years would I have thought there were knives inside school.' She added: 'I can't describe the pain... we need to get into schools and educate kids of the seriousness and the pure devastation that carrying knives can bring.' Harvey's death came less than a year after a 13-year-old girl attacked two teachers and a fellow pupil with a knife at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, in April 2024. The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty of three counts of attempted murder and told one of the teachers, Liz Hopkin, 'I'm going to kill you.' Ms Hopkin was injured as she intervened to try and protect her colleague Fiona Elias, who was also hurt in the attack. The teacher, 54, has since said she 'could never' return to work and that there is not enough action to tackle knives in schools. During the 13-year-old's trial at Swansea Crown Court, jurors were told the attacker would carry a knife to school every day and that she told fellow pupils on the morning of the attack she planned to stab Ms Elias. And in May this year a 16-year-old took a knife to Manshead CE Academy in Caddington, Bedfordshire, and took a fellow pupil hostage. The teenager 'slashed' a staff member and also attacked the child they held hostage, a court heard. They were said to be suffering from mental health issues at the time. At the Conservative Party conference this week, shadow education secretary Laura Trott said her party would have a 'zero-tolerance' approach to anyone caught with a blade. She said they would be instantly expelled from mainstream education and sent to alternative provision. She said: 'Under the Conservatives, our policy is simple: one knife and you are out. If you assault a teacher then you are out. If you sexually assault someone then you are out. 'If you've been expelled from not just one but two mainstream schools, then it's clear, mainstream classrooms aren't for you. 'If children bring knives into the classroom, then they shouldn't be there. If they are violent, then they shouldn't be there. And under the Conservatives, they won't be there.' Matt Wrack, NASUWT General Secretary, said: 'Teachers report rising numbers of young people bringing knives and other weapons into schools and that the age of pupils carrying weapons is getting younger. 'This is resulting in attacks and threats on fellow pupils and staff, with the result that young people and teachers in our schools have been killed and seriously injured. 'We believe social media is fuelling some of the violence we are seeing in schools at the same time as youth services have been stripped away from our communities. 'The Government needs to reinvest in dedicated services and spaces for our children and young people to offer them a healthier alternative to violence and a greater sense of achievement and belonging. 'We also need to see stronger regulation of social media platforms, including mandatory reporting, rapid removal of violent content, and real penalties for failure to act.' A government spokesperson said: 'We are addressing the root causes of knife crime, and through our Young Futures programme, we are identifying and supporting vulnerable young people at an early stage. In addition, schools have the power to implement security measures, including knife arches, where necessary. 'As part of the government's central mission to halve knife crime, we have also launched the largest-ever national knife surrender scheme and are backing Ronan's Law to strengthen protections.' A man has been accused of attempting to rape a woman while onboard an easyJet flight between Italy and Britain. Nicola Cristiano, 45, is said to have carried out the sex attack on the moving plane on May 13 this year. The incident occurred on a journey between the Italian city of Naples and Edinburgh Airport, prosecutors said. The charge includes accusations that Cristiano repeatedly got the woman to touch him as well as an allegation he grabbed and pulled her towards him. He is also alleged to have kissed and groped her. Cristiano allegedly exposed himself and repeatedly tried to get his victim to perform a sex act on him. A short virtual hearing took place at the High Court in Glasgow today. Cristiano pleaded not guilty to the charge via his lawyer Tommy Allan. After a brief discussion with Mr Allan and prosecutor Kath Haper KC on legal matters, judge Lord Scott said a trial could be fixed. The case was set for January 2026 in Edinburgh. The trial could last around four days. Giorgia Meloni has called for a burka and niqab ban in public places in Italy with fines of 2,600 to stop 'Islamic separatism'. The bill, presented to parliament by the Italian prime minister's Brothers of Italy party on Wednesday, would see those wearing the garment in shops, offices, schools and universities fined between 260 and 2,600. It will also introduce criminal penalties for 'cultural crimes' including virginity testing and increase punishments for forced marriages to up to 10 years in prison, with religious coercion grounds for prosecution. The bill will combat 'religious radicalisation and religiously motivated hate', the party claims. 'The spread of Islamic fundamentalism... undeniably constitutes the breeding ground for Islamist terrorism,' an introduction to the draft legislation said. The bill will also pile extra scrutiny on funding for mosques and Islamic education institutions by imposing transparency rules on the financing of organisations who have not reached formal agreements with the state. No Muslim organisation has such an agreement and thus they will be forced to disclose all sources of funding. Groups which pose threats to state security will be unable to provide funding. Giorgia Meloni has called for a burka and niqab ban in public places in Italy with fines of 2,600 to stop 'Islamic separatism' The bill would see those wearing the garment in shops, offices, schools and universities fined between 260 and 2,600 Burkas, a full body garment, and niqbas, a veil for the face, are already restricted in parts of Italy. Northern Lombardy banned anyone entering public buildings with face coverings in 2015. Ms Meloni's right-wing coalition government has a strong majority and the new bill, which will extend the ban nationwide, is likely to pass. Galeazzo Bignami, parliamentary leader of the Brothers of Italy, said the proposal was intended to defend Italy from 'all forms of extremism and any attempt to create parallel societies on Italian soil'. Sara Kelany, a co-sponsor of the bill said the country could not tolerate the 'creation of enclaves where sharia law prevails over Italian law', but would promote 'a model of society based on integration, legality and the defence of western values'. Ms Meloni's coalition partner the League, led by Matteo Salvini, earlier this year unveiled a more limited bill on face coverings. It is currently under review.Around 2million Muslims are estimated to live in Italy, with Muslim groups hitting out at the bill for alienating them rather than promoting religious harmony. France became the first European country to introduce a nationwide ban on burkas in 2011. Austria, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands have since followed suit and introduced some form of the ban. The European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly upheld the bans, while Nigel Farage has previously branded the veils 'anti-British'. A care home patient choked to death on a jam doughnut despite a warning she should not be given bread, an inquest has heard. Christine Thomas, 59, was handed the snack cut into three pieces by agency care worker Paula Parry, while taking lunch at the Swn y Wylan Home in Rhos-on-Sea, North Wales. When Ms Parry returned from fetching a napkin, she noticed the patient, who had physical and mental health problems, 'looking grey' and with blueish lips but she did not seem to be choking, the inquest in Ruthin, Wales heard. Paramedic Richard Roberts said he removed 'a small particle of food' from Ms Thomas's airway. Lynne Forbes, manager of the home, said she first found out about the doughnut incident a day later, when the care home patient had been admitted into intensive care. Ms Thomas, who had stayed at Swn y Wylan for 25 years, died at Glan Clwyd hospital in February 2023, three weeks later. An inquest heard her care plan had clearly stated 'no bread' due to the risk of choking, but Ms Forbes told the coroner the document, drawn up a year prior, did not refer specifically to doughnuts. The manager of the care home said: 'That is more of a cake with jam.' Christine Thomas, pictured, a care home patient, choked to death on a jam doughnut despite a warning she should not be given bread, an inquest has heard She was handed the snack cut into three pieces by agency care worker Paula Parry, while taking lunch at the Swn y Wylan Home in Rhos-on-Sea, North Wales, pictured The patient, who had stayed at Swn y Wylan for 25 years, died at Glan Clwyd hospital, pictured, in February 2023, three weeks later Ms Parry said she thought she could give her the sliced up doughnut because she knew she had previously eaten mashed potato and pasta. She added that her training had not covered dysphagia - difficulties with eating - and she believed she should have been made aware of the details of her care plan. The care worker said that a colleague had remained with Ms Thomas while she went to get the napkin. The cause of death was given as hypoxia - lack of oxygen to the brain - due to cardiac arrest caused by choking. Assessments into Ms Thomas's eating ability were carried out in 2018, 2021 and 2022. The inquest heard steps had since been taken to improve staff training at the care home, which is part of the Coed Du Hall group. A coroner recorded a conclusion of misadventure. John Gittins, senior coroner for North Wales East and Central, said: 'It is probable that carers were not properly conversant with the care plan, due to inadequate training.' He said the matter had also been referred to North Wales Police to consider whether a criminal offence had been committed, but no further action was taken. A woman who had just celebrated her 100th birthday died after being engulfed in flames when her clothes caught fire while cooking in her home. Renata Gessini marked her centenary on October 4 with a celebration that included a cake, flowers, and congratulations from the mayor and local community in Carpineto Romano, Italy. Tragically, only four days later, the retired schoolteacher died in a kitchen fire. On October 8, firefighters and Italian police rushed to her apartment after neighbours reported a blaze. However, upon their arrival, the fire had already spread, and rescuers could do nothing to save her. Initial investigations found that her clothes caught fire while she was preparing a meal, and she was unable to escape. Her home showed no signs of forced entry and was locked from the inside. Her body was taken to the Tor Vergata Polyclinic in Rome, and the property was placed under seal for further examination. Renata, born in 1925, had spent her career teaching generations of children to read and write and was described as a living part of the town's history. The municipality of Carpineto Romano had honoured her on October 4, writing on Facebook: 'Those who have lived a long and full life represent, like teacher Renata Gessini, a small piece of the history of Carpineto. 'She is the emblem of longevity, the symbol of an existence that leaves an indelible mark on our community and in our hearts.' It comes after a trailblazing woman who attributed her longevity to not having the stress of a husband died aged 108 just four days after celebrating her 100th birthday in February. Yvonne Glover, who was born in 1916 and lived through both world wars, never married or had children because she believed it impossible to commit to one person. She instead focused on her career, becoming the first female hydrographer in the UK during 40 years of service. Glover led a very active life, having been a prodigious young swimmer who narrowly missed out on competing at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Her passing came after the death of a Japanese woman who was the world's oldest person. Tomiko Itooka died on December 29 last year at a care home in Ashiya, central Japan, at the age of 116. And British man John Alfred Tinniswood was the world's oldest man when he passed away aged 112 last November. Another British supercentenarian, 116-year-old Ethel Caterham, is currently the world's second-oldest person. She is the last surviving subject of King Edward VII. The world's oldest man is currently 113-year-old Brazilian Joao Marinho Neto. Aspiring Democratic California governor Katie Porter has been accused of bullying her staff again in another clip that has spread like wildfire online. Porter, 51, is in hot water after she was caught on video berating and cursing at one of her employees to 'get out of her f***ing shot.' That video emerged after the Democrat went viral in a filmed clash with a local journalist. Now, a clip from 2021 shared on social media shows an agitated Porter shooting death stares at her staff over the way she was lit for a Zoom meeting. 'This is why I didn't...' a clearly annoyed Porter begins saying. 'I need the lights off... the bright lights,' she continues, becoming more exasperated by the second. 'I need you to turn these off. These, that are killing me,' Porter said as she stared at her employee with unbridled fury. 'Not that dark,' Porter says right before she cuts her camera and sound. Aspiring Democratic California governor Katie Porter was caught berating her staff in a third viral video The clip from 2021 shows an agitated Porter shooting death stares at her staff over the lighting The video was shared on social media by Torunn Sinclair, who said: 'Katie got big mad at her staff during a 2021 Zoom because they were struggling with the lighting. 'Instead of handling the moment gracefully, she suddenly cut audio and video after shooting her team a withering glare.' Porter - who has been leading in many of the polls in California's primary to replace Gavin Newsom - has caused a storm with the videos showing her treatment of her staff. Porter flipped out at a staffer for 'getting in her shot' in a newly resurfaced video of the Democrat's conversation with then-Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm to support the Biden administration in July 2021. An unedited version of the video, obtained by POLITICO, showed that just several minutes into the conversation a female staffer wearing a facemask ducked into view and a few minutes later she could be seen rifling through some items in the background. 'Get out of my f***ing shot,' Porter yelled as she noticed the aid, who said she simply wanted to correct something the congresswoman had said about electric vehicles. 'OK,' Porter replies, clearly irritated. 'You also were in my shot before that. Stay out of my shot.' The viral videos spell trouble for Porter, who has faced accusations for years that she was a difficult boss or was abusive to employees during her time in Congress. Porter was caught on camera flipping out at a staffer for 'getting in her shot' Her recent meltdown in an interview with local CBS News reporter Julie Watts also did not help. In the now-viral interview, Porter was being probed about Newsom's attempt to redistrict California to benefit Democrats - and what she would say to Californians who voted for President Donald Trump whom Watts said she will 'need to win.' Porter, though, seemed to disagree as she furrowed her brow and asked: 'How would I need them in order to win, ma'am?' Still, Watts stood her ground. 'Unless you think you're going to get 60 percent of the vote. You think you'll get 60 percent? Everyone who did not vote for Trump will vote for you?' 'If it is me versus a Republican? I think that I will win the people who did not vote for Trump,' Porter said, after turning to mug and laugh at the camera in an apparent attempt to get viewers on-side. Watts then pointed out that California's electoral system involves a 'jungle primary,' in which several candidates from all parties contest one primary, with the top two candidates moving on to the general. With that in mind, Porter was pressed on what would happen were her general election opponent to be another Democrat. 'I don't intend that to be the case,' she responded. Watts then questioned how Porter could be sure that a Democrat-on-Democrat general wouldn't happen. The question prompted the former congresswoman to get increasingly annoyed, as she said she would build the support and cited her experience representing Orange County in Congress, which is a swing district. Porter also lashed out at an interviewer challenging the Democrat on her candidacy for governor 'But you just said you don't need those Trump voters,' Watts retorted. With that, Porter finally began to crack, starting to gesture with her hands and questioning Watts' interview. 'Well you asked me if I needed them to win. I feel like this is unnecessarily argumentative, what is your question?' Porter indignantly claimed she 'never had to do this before' as she was daring herself to walk out on Watts, who again pointed out that every other candidate had done the same interview. 'I'm me. I'm running for governor because I'm a leader, so I am going to make-' she said before Watts asked: 'So you're not going to answer interview questions from reporters?' The clip was blasted across social media and pounced on by her electoral rivals on both sides. Fellow Democrat Xavier Becerra wrote: 'Im not interested in excluding any vote. Every Californian deserves affordable health care, safe streets, a roof over their head and a living wage.' The former congresswoman has faced accusations for years that she was a difficult boss or was abusive to employees during her time in Congress Republican Steve Hilton added: '15 years of one party rule. This is what you get. It's time for change in California.' The Daily Mail has reached out to Porter's campaign for comment. But in a statement to Politico on Wednesday, the former congresswoman said: 'It's no secret I hold myself and my staff to a higher standard and that was especially true as a member of Congress. 'I have sought to be more intentional in showing gratitude to my staff for their important work,' she said. Porter left Congress following an unsuccessful run for Senate. She was first elected to Congress in the 2018 midterms and has represented first California's 45th district and then 47th district since 2023. A heartbroken 10-year-old boy bravely stood face-to-face with his father's murderer five years after he was taken from him. Fernando 'Chino' Rivera, 35, was stabbed to death on October 31, 2020 while his son, Niko waited at home in his Super Mario Halloween costume for his father to take him trick-or-treating. Rivera was attacked from behind in West Haven, Connecticut in what police described as a 'serious assault.' He died a day later at the hospital from a neck injury. Terrance Johnson, aged 18 at the time, was charged with his murder. He initially pleaded not guilty, but soon took a plea deal that would see him get 30 to 45 years in prison, Riveras fiance and Niko's mother, Lindsee Baez, told the Hartford Courant. On Tuesday, Johnson, now 23, was sentenced to 38 years behind bars over the senseless death of the young father. His motive remains unclear. During the emotional hearing, Niko stood up and read his victim impact statement on video, telling the killer he wished 'he would go away and stay in jail for 100 years.' 'I didnt get enough time (with dad)My dad deserved to stay. My dad was taken from me too early,' Niko told Johnson, the outlet reported. After reminiscing on the memories of his father that he holds on to everyday, the courageous young boy said of Johnson: 'I wish he would go away and stay in jail for 100 years.' On Tuesday, Fernando 'Chino' Rivera's 10-year-old son Niko stood up in front of his father's killer as he was sentenced to 38 years behind bars for stabbing him to death in October 2020. (Pictured: An undated image of Rivera and Niko) Terrance Johnson was charged with his murder at the age of 18. The convicted killer, now 23, initially pleaded guilty before entering a plea deal Niko went on to say of his late father: 'I want him to know I miss him so much.' The 10-year-old only recently learned what really happened to his father that dreadful day as he was initially told he had died from a 'boo-boo,' Baez said. Now he knows his father was the victim of a violent assault. Baez also spoke during the hearing, telling the court that in 'a perfect world' Johnson would spend the rest of his days behind bars. Still, she said she knows the family is getting 'a semblance of justice.' She met Rivera when she was 16 and he was 18. They were together for 17 years. Baez told the court: 'He was truly my best friend.' 'We grew up together, from our teenage years into adulthood. The road was bumpy along the way, but we never gave up on each other. During his emotional victim impact statement, Niko told the court how much he missed his father and that wished his killer 'would go away and stay in jail for 100 years' Riveras fiance and Niko's mother, Lindsee Baez, also spoke to the court and Johnson during his sentencing. (Pictured: An undated image of Rivera and Baez) 'We chose our family every single day, and that choice made him so happy,' she added. She said that although her fiance was 350lbs, more than six-feet tall, and had several tattoos, he was a gentle giant who would help anyone. Baez recalled how he snapped into the role of fatherhood after their son was born, so much so that nurses in the maternity ward called him 'Papa Bear' from day one. She went on to speak of how she felt after losing the love of her life, including her battle with depression and suicidal thoughts. But, she knew she had to stay strong and carry on for their son, Baez said. She told Johnson: 'You took away someone irreplaceable, and you will have to live with that truth for the rest of your life. Baez remembered the love of her life as a gentle giant who would do anything for anyone 'You stole a life, you stole dreams, and you stole love, and no sentence can ever undo the damage you caused.' The single mother added: 'At the end of the day, my son doesn't have a dad.' Rivera enjoyed spending time outdoors, according to his obituary. Specifically, he loved to fish and ride bikes and ATVs. He also enjoyed music, gaming and 'was a lover of fast cars.' 'Chino's greatest joy was being a father and spending time with his son Nikolaos Rivera whom he loved unconditionally,' it read. A set of ancient artifacts were discovered on sale for just $22 at a Canadian thrift store. The set of precious rings and medallions were spotted by a shopper at Thrifty Boutique, a charity thrift store in Chilliwack, around 60 miles from Vancouver. The customer had a background in archeology and alerted the the store's volunteers who brought in experts from Simon Fraser University. Eleven rings and two medallions were handed over which are believed to date back to medieval or Roman times. The exact age and value of the artifacts is still under study, but it is suspected they are worth well above the $30 CAD OR $21.50 USD they were listed for. 'This is an incredibly exciting donation and an amazing opportunity for students here at SFU,' Sabrina Higgins, an associate professor in global humanities and archeology, said. The jewelry has been placed in the care of SFU's Museum of Archeology and Ethnology and is set to become apart of the student's curriculum. SFU students will be offered a course dedicated to the analysis of the jewelry set's designs and materials to determine the items origins. A set of ancient artifacts were discovered on sale for just $22 at a Canadian thrift store Simon Fraser University were donated the eleven rings and two medallions discovered in the store, which are believed to date back to medieval or Roman times Thrifty Boutique, a thrift store in Chilliwack, around 60 miles from Vancouver, unknowingly listed the items for sale for around $21.50 in US dollars 'It will take at least a semester if not longer to piece together the origins of these artifacts. Were fortunate to have access to cutting-edge research technologies within our department to properly study these objects, so it promises to be a rewarding journey for students,' Higgins added. Higgins, who specializes in Rome and late antique archeology, was the first to examine the set and said: 'I think they most likely originate from somewhere within the boundaries of what was once the Western Roman Empire. 'The shapes, designs and construction make me think that these are medieval, as the Romans typically used slightly different materials and techniques.' The university noted its museum is typically reluctant to accept items that are not properly documented, 'as there is the risk that such items may have been illegally looted'. However, museum director Barbara Hilden said: 'The fact that these items continue to exist is quite extraordinary. 'If they are hundreds or thousands of years old, then at any point along the way they could have been lost, broken or discarded. Yet theyve been kept, preserved, and now theyre entering a new chapter.' 'What we do in museums is tell stories about people and objects. Were really looking forward to telling the stories behind these belongings once we know more about them' she added. Assistant Professor Cara Tremain the Department of Archeology noted that the ethics of accepting to the donation and the items origins will be central to the course set to being in the fall of 2026. Pictured: One of the two medallions donated to the university from the ancient jewelry set Sabrina Higgins (pictured), an associate professor in global humanities and archeology, said: 'This is an incredibly exciting donation and an amazing opportunity for students here at SFU' Pictured: One of the eleven rings discovered in the jewelry set, believed to date back to Western Roman times 'Opportunities like this are incredibly rare. Students will get the chance to directly confront some of the ethical questions that the museum faced in accepting this collection under these circumstances,' she said. 'What if they were looted from their original archaeological site? Looting leads to the loss of cultural and scientific knowledge. Should we have advised on bringing them in without knowing where they came from? What would have happened to them if they werent brought in? 'Students are literally going to have these issues in front of them. Integrating the ethical considerations alongside the hands-on study of this collection is going to be really valuable for students.' The university also posed the possibility that the items may turn out to be forgeries, but Higgins and Tremain said their study would still provide valuable information for the students to study. 'Even if these end up being forgeries, theres still an interesting learning experience for the students,' Higgins said. 'What were doing is essentially being detectives were trying to recover the story of these items,' Tremain added. 'They could offer up new information that may change the way we think about that culture or history. In which case, we want to know that were basing our theories on something that is authentic.' Sue Knott, the executive director of Chilliwack Hospice Society which runs the thrift store, said it was a 'privilege' for the society to 'contribute to the continuing story of these artifacts.' 'This story is a beautiful reminder of how every donation carries meaningful history and unknown potential,' Knott said. A Florida couple was arrested last week after police said they abandoned their 16-year-old son on the side of the road with a bag full of guns. The parents, Bradley Leon Guerrero Santos, 36, and Rosanella Mendiola Borja, 35, are facing child neglect charges. Police in North Port, a city near Sarasota, received a 911 call on the evening of October 1 about 'a suspicious male' who was walking south on the northbound side on Interstate-75, according to a probable cause affidavit. An officer approached the boy, who reluctantly identified himself as the child of Santos and Borja. He said that when he got home from school that day, his parents told him they were taking a trip. After he walked the family dog, he saw them 'frantically throwing clothes into two duffel bags' before rushing the him and his eight-year-old sibling into the car, the affidavit said. Once the teenager was told that their destination was 'either Guam or Idaho', he said he didn't want to go, police said. That's allegedly when Santos and Borja kicked him out of the car, leaving him with two semiautomatic pistols in a bag and some cash. He was also told to 'take care of the house', police said. Last week, two Florida parents kicked their 16-year-old son out of the car and left him on the side of Interstate 75 (pictured near North Port) after he said he didn't want to go with them on a trip to 'either Guam or Idaho'. He was left with two semiautomatic pistols and some cash The boy's 36-year-old father, Bradley Leon Guerrero Santos, was described as a very religious man who tests his son's mental fortitude with difficult tasks. He faces two charges, including child neglect without great harm and permitting a minor to possess a firearm Rosanella Mendiola Borja, the teenager's 35-year-old mother, was only hit with the child neglect charge Both Santos and Borja refused to answer calls from the North Port Police Department. They were traced to this senior citizen center roughly an hour away from their home and were arrested. Both are being held in the Sarasota County Jail on $500,000 bond each The teenager also explained that his father is very religious and often saddles him with difficult tasks like this to test his 'mental fortitude'. He told his son that he was the 'chosen one' as he kicked him out of the car, police said. The boy's phone died as he walked home, leaving him unable to contact his parents or anyone else for help. Police drove the ditched teen back to the family home in North Port, where they discovered a scene of complete disarray with 'firearms laying out in the open'. Attempts to contact the parents were unsuccessful, according to police. When they called Santos, a man answered claiming his name was 'Jose' and that he did not know Santos. A call to Borja went through, but she promptly hung up once the officer identified himself as a member of the North Port Police Department. She did not answer subsequent calls, police said. Authorities traced Santos's phone to the address of a senior citizen center in Wauchula, Florida. It was roughly an hour northwest of their home in North Port, according to police. Both parents were arrested without incident in the parking lot of the center and have been in custody ever since. Santos and Borja were charged with child neglect without great harm. Santos was hit with the additional charge of permitting a minor to possess a firearm. Both are being held in the Sarasota County Jail on $500,000 bond each. A liberal Vancouver lawmaker choked back tears as he apologized for the city's decision to host a Harry Potter event after it was branded 'transphobic' by JK Rowling critics. Scott Jensen agreed with members of the LGBTQ+ community who claimed it was offensive to host the magical-themed forest walk in light of Rowling's attitude towards trans people. He became emotional as he addressed voiced their concerns at a Park Board meeting, telling them: 'I've been really moved by your words [...] the lived experiences, the hurt, so on behalf of myself I do apologize.' Vancouver was due to host Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience at Stanley Park on November 7. But an emergency motion was put forth to discuss the event during the Park Board meeting on Tuesday, following concern from the progressive community. Rowling has become a prominent voice in the gender critical movement and has faced backlash over the years for her comments. Members of the city's transgender community argued the walk would enrich the author and cause harm to trans residents. 'We're not interested in telling anyone what books they should read. We just don't agree with this particular individual's transphobic stand on a lot of other issues,' Rob Hadley, a member of the city's 2SLGBTQ advisory board said. Vancouver city commissioner Scott Jensen became emotional as he apologized over a 'transphobic' Harry Potter event due to take place in the city Rob Hadley, a member of the city's LGBTQIA+ advisory council, said Harry Potter author JK Rowling's anti-trans sentiments made it inappropriate for the event to go ahead Rowling has faced a backlash in recent years over her gender critical views Ky Sargeant, a representative from the queer organization Qmunity, told the board: 'I don't know if there's anything that can be said that will make people happy. 'But I do know there is a lot that can be said that will make it much worse.' City commissioner Angela Haer argued that the event was in celebration of the books and movies, not the author. But Hadley rejected this justification and said she sold her Harry Potter books and donated the proceeds to a trans affirming charity once Rowling's views came to life. The advisory board requested a public apology and insisted that the city council do more research into future events. They also sought confirmation that the event would only run for one season and requested that a portion of the proceeds be donated to pro-LGBTQIA+ causes in the city. Their testimony left many commissioners visibly moved, though they explained the event will go ahead as planned. 'To me, the most important part is the apology that goes out to the community... and I think the obligation is on us at the Park Board to convince you that this apology is real and will lead to concrete actions to support your lives and rights,' commissioner Tom Digby said. Members of the city's trans community, including Ky Sargeant, addressed the commissioners The Forbidden Forest Experience was due to be held on November 7 at Stanley Park The Park Board made an exception to allow members of the community to address them during the meeting Commissioner Brennan Bastyovanszky responded to the speakers. 'The pain is real. And when we as a city program these types of events, we need to acknowledge that and do better in the future to make sure the process is actually followed,' he said. Vancouver has embraced LGBTQIA+ affirming policies since 2016 and by many accounts is an openly affirming city, according to CTV News. The Daily Mail reached out to the Vancouver Parks Board and the event's organizers for comment. A Florida woman who sparked a major prison investigation after becoming pregnant in solitary confinement sobbed as the murder trial for her husband got underway. Daisy Link, 30, broke down in tears on Monday as jurors were shown police bodycam footage of the moments after she shot her husband Pedro Jimenez in 2022. Link made headlines after it emerged she had become pregnant with the baby of an accused killer who passed his semen to her through vents at the prison she was being held at while awaiting trial. Link initially told police that she found Jimenez bleeding in an alley and tried to help him, but later admitted to shooting him in the leg, a wound that proved to be fatal. In the bodycam footage, she is heard frantically asking officers: 'Is he OK? Is there a pulse?' Link told investigators she was domestically abused by Jimenez and acted in self-defense. Her lawyers told jurors this week that her husband was, 'out of control, unhinged, and dangerous'. Separate footage first shared by NBC6 appeared to show Link calmly walking away from the scene through a park after shooting her husband. Accused killer Daisy Link, 30, broke down in tears on Monday as jurors were shown police bodycam footage of the moments after she shot her husband Pedro Jimenez in 2022 Link was seen strolling away from the scene after shooting her husband, telling him: 'I think I hit a major artery, youll be fine.' She has pleaded not guilty and claims she shot him out of self-defense after years of abuse She could be heard telling him: 'I think I hit a major artery, youll be fine.' The trial went ahead despite Link arguing for release earlier this year due to her pregnancy. An investigation found that accused killer Joan Depaz impregnated her by passing a semen-filled seran wrap through air conditioning vents in their cells. Link's shock pregnancy behind bars captured national headlines earlier this year, and she went on to give birth to a daughter who is living with Depaz's mother. The inmate is reportedly still in touch with Depaz, who was sent to another prison, and they see their daughter over video chats. But Link faces life in prison if convicted of the murder of her husband. Prosecutors said this week as her trial began that she shot Jimenez out of 'rage'. They said Jimenez was not attacking her at the time and that he was running away from her 'in fear for his life'. Link's attorney Antonio Tomas told jurors that the shooting was the result of years of abuse, and said Link tried to leave the relationship a number of times to escape him. 'She did everything she could to get away from this man,' Tomas said. 'The evidence will show he was out of control, unhinged, and dangerous.' Link had been behind bars for about two years when she gave birth to her daughter, serving time without bond for allegedly murdering her boyfriend Link, 29, (left) was impregnated by fellow accused murderer Joan Depaz, 23 (right) in solitary confinement Their baby was born on June 19, and is now in the custody of Depaz's mother Tomas added that five days before Jimenez was shot, Link claimed to have been pistol-whipped by him during an argument. The judge previously ruled that jurors would not be told that Link became pregnant while imprisoned, which was suspected to be a plot to avoid incarceration. Link gave birth to her daughter on June 19, while serving time at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade, Florida. Link had spent two years behind bars by the time she gave birth as she was being held without bond for allegedly murdering her husband. The pregnancy confounded Link's family, who claimed she was sexually assaulted and demanded an internal investigation until an investigation found that she was actually impregnated by Depaz. The two had never met face-to-face and when asked if they ever even touched, Depaz told WSNV: 'Never, like the Virgin Mary'. The couple explained that Depaz passed his semen through the air conditioning vents in their cells. 'You would knock on it and you can hear the people from the different floors,' Link said. 'You would stand on the toilet and actually to be able to talk to them.' Link called her baby girl 'a miracle' and a 'blessing' after the unusual method they used to get pregnant The two inmates began a romantic relationship through the vents, passing notes and photos back and forth. 'Being in isolation for so long, you begin to spend hours and hours talking to this person, you know, to the point where it's almost as if you're in the same room as them,' Link explained. Eventually, Depaz shared his dream of sometime having a baby. 'I'm not gonna get to do that for a really long time,' he said he remembers telling Link. 'So if I had to choose somebody, you know, it would be you. 'And she was like, "Yeah, we could do that."' Link said she went ahead with the plan because they were both facing uncertain futures at trial, and felt that 'if we're gonna go out, might as well just go out with a bang, you know?' The couple then devised a plan in which Depaz would pass his semen to Link, using a chain of bedding. 'I put the semen in Saran Wrap every day like five times a day for like a month straight,' he recounted. The extraordinary pregnancy occurred at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade, Florida 'He would kind of like roll it up almost like a cigarette and he would attach it to the line that we had in the vent, and I was pulling it through,' Link added. She explained she inserted the semen using a yeast infection applicator. Link said it only took a few times before she became pregnant, and when she found out she was with child, she said she was 'very excited' and 'ecstatic.' 'I can't believe it worked,' Link said. 'I think everything happened for a reason. She's a miracle baby. She's a blessing.' 'She could be anything,' Link said of her baby girl. 'I think that she's gonna be something great.' A Texas woman has been convicted of murdering her fifth husband - seven years after the mysterious death of her fiance. Sarah Hartsfield, 49, was found guilty of killing Joseph Hartsfield, 46, with a large dose of insulin in January, 2023. During the seven-day trial, prosecutors suggested Hartsfield has killed in the past, saying she believed she would get away with it 'because its what shes always done.' 'What a wild coincidence that no person can leave her without consequences, said Chambers County Assistant District Attorney Mallory Vargas Vargas, as reported by NBC News. Prosecutors noted Hartsfield shot dead her former fiance David Bragg in 2018 in what she said was an act of self defense. Hartsfield has not been charged for the death and the case remains open. ADA Chambers also told the jury that Hartsfield was once investigated for allegedly asking her fourth husband to kill her third husband's new wife. Hartsfield has always denied involvement in the alleged murder plot. The killer's lawyer argued that Joseph Hartsfield, who was diabetic, likely caused his own death by taking medicine that made him more sensitive to insulin. Sarah Hartsfield, 49, was found guilty of killing her diabetic fifth husband Joseph Hartsfield, 46, with a large dose of insulin in January, 2023 Prosecutors suggested Hartsfield has killed in the past, saying she believed she would get away with it 'because its what shes always done' The killer fatally shot her ex-fiance in 2018 in 'self-defense,' but police have since reopened the case But Joseph Hartsfield's relatives testified that he had told them he was going to leave Hartsfield, but was worried she would kill him in his sleep. The victim was taken to the hospital with dangerously low sugar levels after Hartsfield called 911. A nurse who treated him said she believed he had been given something to 'counteract' the glucose administered at the hospital because his blood sugar kept crashing. A medical examiner later determined Joseph Hartsfield had been given a lethal dose of insulin. His cause of death was determined to be complications from toxic effects of insulin but the manner was undetermined. Officials said Hartsfield shared a video with her daughter that showed her husband gasping an hour and a half before she called 911. Before she was convicted, Hartsfield's children and living ex-husbands came forward - claiming they knew 'she'd end up in jail someday.' Hartsfield was arrested on March 11, 1996, for assaulting her second husband, Michael Traxler, at their home located on Rio Bonito. Prosecutors explained her relationships as being 'short-lived.' Hartsfield's first husband, whom she divorced in January 1996, said he was relieved his ex-wife could no longer hurt anyone else. Pictured: Hartsfield at the time of her February 2023 arrest Joseph Hartsfield was Sarah's fifth husband. The two married in February 2022 - a year after her fourth divorce Titus Knoernschild and Hartsfield were high school sweethearts. He recalled falling in love with his estranged wife in his junior year. The two tied the knot two years later. Their short-lived marriage ended with a messy divorce as Knoernschild claimed he received threats from Hartsfield and feared for his life. 'I'm glad she has finally been caught for who she is. I'm just sorry another person had to die to get her caught,' he said. He added that Hartsfield allegedly told him to 'not be surprised if he didn't make it through' the divorce. 'I was honestly surprised to get out of my marriage alive cause I was in the army, I had a $200,000 life insurance on myself,' he said. Knoernschild confirmed his ex-spouse's second husband was his former best friend. She then went on to her third marriage in 1999 with military man Christopher Donohue. The relationship was Hartsfield's longest and she had four kids. Donald Trump has privately fumed that Pam Bondi's prosecution of his political enemies isn't moving fast enough, at times complaining to aides that she even caused him to bleed. The President has been grinding his teeth behind-the-scenes about a bloody incident last year involving the attorney general's enormous diamond ring. The 79-year-old periodically reminds his White House aides he cut himself on Bondi's large wedding ring last year, causing him to bleed from his hand, according to a new report in the Wall Street Journal. Bondi, 59, is often seen wearing her glitzy diamond ring at public hearings and press conferences. She is twice divorced and currently unmarried, but has been dating her domestic partner John Wakefield since 2017. It is unclear from the WSJ report exactly how Bondi's ring caused Trump to cut his hand. The revelation comes amid claims Trump is privately peeved that the Department of Justice under Bondi's leadership is slow-walking the prosecution of former director of the FBI, James Comey. 'She's moving too slow,' Trump has said about Bondi, according to WSJ, who cited unnamed administration officials. Close aides have reminded the President that Comey's prosecution is a work in progress. The bombshell report also claims that Trump accidentally sent a message on Truth Social urging Bondi to prosecute Comey. The President was shocked to learn the message was public as he intended to privately send it directly to the attorney general. Donald Trump is said to have privately fumed that Pam Bondi's prosecution of his political enemies is not moving fast enough Trump was reportedly cut by his Attorney General's glitzy ring as they shook hands last year Bondi is currently unmarried but has been dating her partner John Wakefield since 2017 'We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility.' 'They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!' After Trump's social media mishap, Bondi was furious at Trump's social media mishap, and called the White House to complain directly to the President. Soon after, Trump sent out a second Truth Social post praising his attorney general for doing a 'GREAT job.' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that Trump appreciates DOJ leadership for all their hard work to make our country safe again and restore accountability in our previously broken justice system. In prior administrations, the DOJ has tried to appear separated from the White House, however, under Trump, it appears that tradition is dead. Less than a week after the President accidentally sent that message on Truth Social addressing Bondi, Comey was indicted for lying to Congress and obstruction. The former FBI director pleaded not guilty to the charges on Wednesday, while his lawyers noted he intends to argue that the case was brought forward to appease Trump. Since starting his second term, loyalists to Trump have ousted hundreds of DOJ staffers responsible for prosecuting Trump and his allies under the prior administration. Dozens of senior Justice Department prosecutors in Washington and New York have either been fired or forced to resign. Bondi and her boyfriend John Wakefield in Doombeg, Ireland In prior administrations, the DOJ has tried to appear separated from the White House; however, under Trump, it appears that tradition is dead Moreover, Trump's DOJ loyalists have sought to prosecute other perceived enemies of the President. Appointees have justified their actions based on the unprecedented action of the DOJ to prosecute Trump while he was running for office during the 2024 election. In the coming days, prosecutors in Maryland intend to reportedly charge ex-Trump national security adviser turned critic John Bolton with mishandling classified information. Former FBI director Christopher Wray, who led the FBI during the agency's raid on Trump's Mar-a-Largo residence, is also facing a criminal probe along with former CIA director John Brennan. A former beauty queen contestant from Philadelphia has vanished after she told her family and friends she was getting harassing phone calls. Months ago, Kada Scott, 23, was in the running to be the next Miss Pennsylvania USA and represent her state in the national Miss USA pageant. Now, she has been missing for going on four days. Scott last seen on Saturday night leaving her job at The Terrace at Chestnut Hill, an assisted living facility in the northwest section of the city. Scott's family reported her missing on Sunday, with her mother, Kim Matthews, telling police she saw Scott leave the family home in East Mount Airy, about 10 miles north of downtown Philadelphia, the previous day at around 9:45pm. She was scheduled to work her usual overnight shift, from 10pm to 6am, and coworkers reported seeing her leave the building in her black scrubs shortly after she arrived, police said. Detectives said the facility does not have any surveillance cameras, but they found Scott's car still parked outside. It is currently being analyzed for any possible forensic evidence. Captain John Craig, commanding officer of the Philadelphia Police Department's Northwest Detective Division, held a press conference to update the public about Scott's disappearance on Wednesday. 'What's troubling about this case is number one, you have a 23-year-old young lady who has completely disappeared. We have no cellphone activity or social media activity, and she's not reached out to family or friends,' Craig said. Kada Scott, a 23-year-old Philadelphia woman, has been missing since Saturday night, according to her family She was last seen at around 9:45pm leaving her job at The Terrace at Chestnut Hill, an assisted living facility in the northwest section of the city. Coworkers she left the building in her black scrubs shortly after she arrived Matthews added that she was aware Scott was getting strange phone calls from an individual or multiple people shortly before she went missing. 'We are trying to piece everything together to find out exactly who these people are,' Matthews said. Matthews and Scott's father, Kevin Scott, have been putting up flyers all around the neighborhood with her picture. Police described Scott as 5 feet 6 inches and 120 pounds with a thin build, brown eyes and black hair. 'It's my oldest daughter. I love her.' Kevin Scott told WPVI. 'The last few days have been crazy. Head's spinning. Trying to figure out what's going on.' Detectives are interviewing her friends and family, while trying to find any relevant surveillance video that may have captured Scott in the vicinity of the assisted living facility. The facility's management company, Bridge Senior Living, provided a statement addressing Scott's disappearance. 'We take our associates' safety and well-being very seriously and are fully cooperating with law enforcement's efforts to locate Ms. Scott. As this is an active investigation, we are unable to share additional details at this time. Our thoughts are with Ms. Scott and her family, and we remain hopeful for a positive outcome,' the statement read. Scott, a recent Penn State graduate, was in the midst of pursuing her entrepreneurial dreams and was described by her family as 'creative' and 'very artistic' Police are also combing through her social media activity by looking through her private messages and posts. 'Any information, no matter how small, it would will be of great use to detectives investigating this case,' Craig said. 'No matter what information you have, think of it as a possible piece of a large jigsaw puzzle if there's a 100 pieces to a puzzle, you may think yours is insignificant, but without your piece, that jigsaw puzzle is not being solved,' he added. Scott, a recent Penn State graduate, was in the midst of pursuing her entrepreneurial dreams and was described by her family as 'creative' and 'very artistic'. Scott was also one of 32 women who competed this summer for the Miss Pennsylvania pageant title. Rica Clements, an educator from York, Pennsylvania, was crowned the winner on August 2. 'I'm thinking positive. She's OK, wherever she's at, and we're going to find her,' Kevin Scott said. 'That's what I'm thinking right now.' Anyone who has information can call police at 215-686-TIPS. A Texas girl shocked her city after claiming bullies had chopped off her hair as she slept on the school bus. But now it's been revealed the ten-year-old actually cut off her own locks. Taylor Castillo claimed that bullies at her school in San Antonio had slashed off a large chunk of her hair 'in the middle and front,' according to social media posts by her mother. In a now-deleted TiKTok, Andie Rae Castillo said: 'It's gone [too f***ing] far now. This is beyond bullying. This is assault. 'Kids are so cruel and mean. My baby is the sweetest damn kid. She is so nice and sweet to everyone, I don't understand why anyone would treat my sweet girl this way.' A video shared by Andie on Facebook showed her fifth-grade daughter at a salon, getting a new haircut. She captioned the post: 'She ain't letting no bullies stop her. 'First thing tomorrow morning is raising hell at that school.' Taylor Castillo, ten, claimed bullies at the Compass Rose Legacy school in San Antonio had cut off a large chunk of her hair The alleged incident happened as the elementary student slept on the school bus Her mother Andie Rae Castillo took the story to TikTok and Facebook with a series of posts Andie claimed that Taylor had been bullied for years at Compass Rose Legacy public charter school. She added that 'this bullying thing' with Taylor was affecting 'everything,' alongside a crying face emoji. Castillo received an outpouring of support from her online community, with dozens of comments on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram supporting her daughter. Local outlets in south Texas picked up her anti-bullying pleas, forcing the school to issue a response. Compass Rose Legacy said on Tuesday: 'After carefully reviewing hours of bus footage and speaking directly with students and staff, we confirmed that false information had been shared. 'The evidence clearly showed that there was no bullying or misconduct by others.' The institution's full statement said that a 'thorough investigation' had been launched 'immediately' following Castillo's claims. Her mother said Taylor had been bullied 'for years' at the San Antonio public charter school A video shared by Castillo on Facebook showed Taylor getting a new haircut at a salon Castillo captioned the post: 'She ain't letting no bullies stop her. First thing tomorrow morning is raising hell at that school' The school added that it would typically 'handle an incident like this privately' but was responding publicly since 'some media outlets and social media posts shared incomplete and inaccurate information, which caused understandable concern within our community'. In a follow-up TikTok video posted Tuesday, Andie addressed the school's response after meeting with the principal and admitted bullies hadn't ruined her daughter's hairstyle. She said: 'The school acknowledged, "We know she's been being bullied for the last three years" but school policy is if it's one person bullying one kid, that's when they can address it as bullying. 'If it's multiple kids, which her bullying situation has been multiple kids, they don't consider it bullying. 'I guess it's just considered being picked on, and there's nothing they can do about kids being picked on.' Compass Rose Schools told the Daily Mail that they had not 'acknowledged' Andie's claims, and that her statements did not accurately represent their policies. Castillo said that she had noticed her daughter's hair and asked her what happened. The mother said her daughter responded: 'I don't know, I fell asleep on the bus. Someone cut it.' The school said its evidence showed that there was no bullying or misconduct by others The school suggested that 'false information had been shared' Her mother claimed that she had asked to meet with the school for 'almost the last three years' Andie added that she had been asking for 'almost the last three years' to meet with school officials but had never gotten a response until taking her daughter's bullying claims to social media. She said: 'I'm that mom when it comes to my kids. 'Nobody f**ks with my kids. I'm always going to believe my daughter.' In the follow-up TikTok, Andie claimed Taylor had said sorry to 'everybody she needed to apologize to,' including the principal of the school. However, the principal allegedly requested a public apology, outraging the mother. Andie said: 'She knows she did wrong, but I am not going to have my ten-year-old do a public apology. 'I'm doing the apology because I jumped the gun.' That included the social media posts about her daughter's story and, according to the TikTok, also going to a police station with the claims. Andie claimed 'many parents' had reached out to her, saying 'they had to withdraw their students from that school' due to bullying. She said: 'If my daughter's lie is what it takes to bring light to the bullying situation at the school and what's not happening [there], I believe everything happens for a reason. 'Maybe that was this reason because a lot of parents are coming forward and saying they had to remove their kids from that school because the bullying was so bad.' The Daily Mail reached out to the Compass Rose Legacy school in San Antonio and Compass Rose Public Schools for comment. A father of three died after a jet hose exploded and caught his face - and now his former employers have been fined 800,000 for health and safety failures. Miguel Galvao, 51, was struck by the hose while at work in Leeds and seriously injured on December 10, 2022. He died in hospital 17 days later. Mr Galvao was working as a drainage engineer and when priming the jetting hose, a loud explosion was heard at the Lanes Group Limited site in West Yorkshire. The end of the hose whipped up at high speed, striking him in the head and he was rushed to hospital. The father-of-three was placed in an induced coma but after two weeks in hospital, doctors told his partner Estefania Fonseca there was nothing more they could do. The couple had three children, Angelica, Michael and Jose. Ms Fonseca has now been speaking about how she made the heartbreaking decision to keep their father on life support until after Christmas, so they could spend one last holiday together. She said: 'They asked me if they could switch off the machine and then explained to me that Miguel could pass instantly or breathe by himself [for] between five to seven days. Miguel Galvao, 51, was struck by the hose while at work in Leeds and seriously injured on December 10, 2022. He died in hospital 17 days later 'Five days would have been Christmas Day so I told them they could not do that because of the kids, but they could do it afterwards. 'Since Miguel passed, I have PTSD - it has affected everything. Miguel was my everything, he was my rock. 'When Miguel died, it felt like the floor had been taken from under me.' Mr Galvao died on December, 27, 2022. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has since found that the company failed to ensure, so far as was reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of its employees. Lanes Group Limited were fined 800,000 over the incident on October 2 at City of London Magistrates' Court. The HSE investigation found the morning of the incident was very cold, with witnesses describing temperatures dropping to around -3 to -4 degrees. The end of the hose was suspended in an inspection chamber when a large pressure release, thought to be due to a build-up of ice in the system, caused the end of the hose to strike Miguel in the face. Lanes Group Limited were fined 800,000 over the incident on October 2 at City of London Magistrates' Court But it should have been mechanically secured in a system such as the vice provided on the vehicle. Ms Fonesca added: 'We lived together for 15 years and had planned to marry at Christmas 2023. 'We have three children - Angelica, Michael and Jose. It has been so difficult for them to cope without their dad. 'Michael screamed 'my dad is dead' when he saw him in hospital, and he still struggles with anger and grief. 'Angelica was a real daddy's girl - she has trouble sleeping and misbehaves because she feels no one cares about what happened to her dad. 'Jose, our eldest, has tried to be strong, but it has affected him deeply too. 'I have good days and bad days, but everything has changed. 'We used to go out as a family every two weeks - to the cinema, to London, or even just to the park late at night - Miguel loved making memories with the children. 'We can't do that now. The kids often ask why life is so different without daddy.' She added that finances had been difficult since Mr Galvao's death and she is now relying on benefits while she takes care of the children. 'We don't have a car anymore, I can't always afford the heating, and I have to choose which child I can buy something for each month,' Ms Fonesca said. 'It is heartbreaking. Miguel's dream was to buy a house and retire in Portugal. 'When my father died, he said he would be happy living in my mum's house there, and that is where we buried him. It is what he would have wanted. 'He worked for this company for nearly 10 years, and it hurts that he never came home from work. 'They came to his funeral but never spoke to me or the children. That lack of respect has been so painful. 'Miguel was a wonderful father and partner. He went to work that day and never came home. Our lives will never be the same without him.' The Water Jetting Association, a trade association representing those carrying out high pressure water jetting, released a safety alert reminding operators of the importance of restraining or anchoring the end of jetting hoses in the aftermath of Mr Galvao's death. Lanes Group Limited of Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom, pleaded guilty to breaches under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined 800,000 - reduced from 1.2 million due to the early guilty plea. They were ordered to pay 8,680 in costs and a 2,000 victim surcharge at City of London Magistrates' Court on October 2, 2025. HSE inspector Marcus Pope said: 'This absolutely tragic incident further demonstrates the need for companies to ensure there are suitable safe systems of work for non-routine work, such as work in freezing temperatures where machines are at risk of freezing. 'This investigation and the input from the Water Jetting Association should help demonstrate to the industry the importance of restraining or anchoring the end of jetting hoses when priming systems.' He's collected trademarks, towers and trophies but for Donald Trump, now 79, there's still one award that keeps slipping through his famously goldplated fingers: the Nobel Peace Prize. The President lamented that the committee members may 'find a reason not to give it to me.' He added on Wednesday: 'We settled seven wars. We're close to settling an eighth. And I think we'll end up settling the Russia situation, which is horrible.' Trump followed up: 'I don't want it. I want the country to get it.' His longrunning ambition for the award, set to be announced tomorrow, is no secret. It's a prize that has reportedly motivated his peacemaking negotiations throughout the start of his second term. The President most recently told the United Nations delegates last month that 'everyone says he should get a Nobel Peace Prize.' Experts say Trump is still a long shot for the win, despite a wave of headline-grabbing nominations and his repeated claims of credit for key foreign policy moves. A person familiar with the prize's operations said his well-known interest in the award could backfire, The Washington Post reported. 'The pressure from Trump is rather extraordinary and comes across not least as remarkably self-centered. That rhetoric and his whole approach must be said to collide quite dramatically with the traditions of the prize, even if that in itself may not be disqualifying,' the source said. 'If I were named Obama, I would have had the Nobel Prize given to me in ten seconds,' Trump said on the campaign trail last year He's collected trademarks, towers, and trophies - but for President Trump, now 79, there's still one award that keeps slipping through his famously goldplated fingers: the Nobel Peace Prize Trump meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, in Panmunjom, South Korea, June 30, 2019 Nina Graeger, the director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, said: 'It's unprecedented, and it's very unusual.' Graeger compiles an annual shortlist of prospective winners with a track record of identifying the right candidate - and this year, Trump is not included. Groups that have opposed Trump or clashed with his policies are among the contenders for the Nobel Peace Prize. On the shortlist is the International Criminal Court, the Haguebased tribunal that the President sanctioned in February over its investigation into Israeli leaders' actions in Gaza. Also included is the Committee to Protect Journalists, an organization dedicated to defending press freedom worldwide, which has voiced concerns about Trump's threats toward reporters in the United States. John Sitilides, a former State Department diplomacy consultant, told the Daily Mail that he believes the President deserves the title. 'If this broader Middle East plan can be effectively and wholly implemented, it will stand -however unconventionally achieved among the troubled historical animosities - as one of the greatest and most complex diplomatic feats of our time.' He added: 'President Trump may have accomplished what eight other presidents - democrats and republicans - over the past half century have failed to achieve. His long-sought day as peacemaker before the Nobel Committee may finally be at hand.' Over the years, a mix of US lawmakers, foreign politicians and loyal allies have thrown his name into the ring for the Nobel Peace Prize Beyond these formal nominations, Trump's inner circle, including former officials such as Mike Pompeo and even a pharmaceutical company boss have publicly championed the idea, all claiming it is 'long overdue' Yulia Navalnaya is one of 338 nominees for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The announcement of the prize is expected tomorrow The timing of a prospective award comes just a day before a deal was struck between Hamas and Israeli officials. Both sides moved closer to ending their two-year war today, reaching a preliminary agreement that could lead to a permanent ceasefire and a prisoner-hostage exchange. Trump's push to claim the same prestigious accolade once awarded to Barack Obama hasn't gone unnoticed. Over the years, a mix of US lawmakers, foreign politicians and loyal allies have thrown his name into the ring for the Nobel Peace Prize. Among them: Norwegian MP Christian Tybring-Gjedde, Japanese lawmakers, Pakistan's government, Cambodia and US Representative Claudia Tenney. Beyond these formal nominations, Trump's inner circle, including former officials such as Mike Pompeo and even a pharmaceutical company boss have publicly championed the idea, all claiming it is 'long overdue.' 'If I were named Obama, I would have had the Nobel Prize given to me in ten seconds,' Trump said on the campaign trail last year. The White House denied that the President cares about the prestige that comes with the award. 'While the President deserves the Nobel Peace Prize many times over, he doesn't care about recognition - only saving lives,' spokesman Anna Kelly said. Now, Trumps quest for the one trophy that has escaped him enters its final hours. Will the Nobel Committee will reward his unconventional brand of diplomacy? Tomorrow the world will know if he takes home the award - or if it will remain out of reach, one more time. Spain's Costa Blanca has been placed on high alert for heavy rains and officials have warned of 'extraordinary danger' as Storm Alice hits the mainland, a year after the country was struck by deadly floods. AEMET, Spain's weather agency, on Thursday issued a red alert for heavy rains in holiday hotspot Alicante and said it would be in effect from 10:00 am (0800 GMT) on Friday. Alicante, in the eastern region of Valencia, suffered catastrophic flooding in October 2024 that claimed the lives of 220 people. 'Extraordinary danger. Flooding and flash floods may occur. Follow the advice of civil protection,' the agency wrote on X. Rainfall totals could exceed 140 millimetres in 12 hours, especially in Valencia, the weather office said. Other Mediterranean coastal regions are also expected to be affected, including the neighbouring province of Murcia and the Balearic islands. AEMET said 'very heavy and persistent rainfall' was expected until Monday. 'Showers may result in local flash flooding in low-lying areas, streams and gullies, so the potential danger level of this situation is high', the agency added. Spain's weather agency on Thursday issued its highest alert for heavy rains in Alicante in the eastern region of Valencia. Pictured: A pedestrian walks past a damaged building affected by last year's flash floods, in Catarroja municipality, Valencia, Spain, 09 October 2025 AEMET said the red alert would be in effect from 10:00 am (0800 GMT) on Friday in Mediterranean coastal regions of the province of Alicante, as well as in the neighbouring region of Murcia Rainfall totals could exceed 140 millimetres (five and a half inches) in 12 hours, especially in Valencia, the weather office said The Balearic government said on Thursday it has reinforced emergency services in party island Ibiza after it was placed on an orange alert for rain and storms. Emergency services on the island of Formentera are also preparing to act quickly and effectively in the case that rainfall causes flooding. Heavy rainfall began lashing down on eastern Spain on Wednesday evening and is expected to persist throughout the week. Tourists heading to Spain's Mediterranean shores have been urged to monitor local weather updates and follow official guidance. The warning comes nearly a year after widespread flooding in Valencia killed more than 200 people, Spain's worst natural disaster in decades. The catastrophe sparked public fury over warning systems and the emergency response. Residents continue to protest, accusing officials of having failed to provide timely alerts. Heavy rains lashed the region again last month, forcing the closure of schools and universities, disrupting rail and road travel and causing localised flooding. Costa Blanca has been placed on high alert for heavy rains and flooding from Storm Alice as it hits the mainland AEMET, Spain's weather agency, on Thursday issued a red alert for heavy rains in holiday hotspot Alicante The warning comes nearly a year after widespread flooding in Valencia killed more than 200 people. Pictured: People work to clear mud and debris from a street in Aldaia, Valencia on November 5, 2024 The catastrophe sparked public fury over warning systems and the emergency response. Pictured: A view of wrecked cars stored in a junkyard outside Paiporta after they were damaged by flooding in Valencia, Spain on November 10, 2024 People walk past piled up debris in the flood-hit municipality of Catarroja, Valencia province, Spain, 05 November 2024 Because a hotter atmosphere holds more water that evaporates from a rapidly warming Mediterranean Sea, climate change increases the risk and intensity of flooding from extreme rainfall in the region. The European Commission last week said it had earmarked an aid package of 945million euros (820million) to help Spain's recovery from the deadliest flash floods in Spain's modern history. Almost 240 people died in the country after torrential rains last October triggered floods that swept through eastern and southeastern Spain. The most severely hit area was Valencia's southern suburbs where more than 220 people died. Spain allocated 2.3billion euros (2billion) in aid to reconstruct areas of the region hit by floods, which Prime Minister Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said were caused by climate change. The European Commission said on Friday the total earmarked aid for recovery from the floods would be close to 1.6billion euros, with an additional 645million euros coming from Spain's cohesion funds that would be reallocated. 'This commitment reflects our determination to help member states build greater resilience and withstand future crises,' European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in the statement. A former Gold Coast surf lifesaving volunteer asked a 13-year-old boy for sex in the back of her car before performing oral sex on him, a court has heard. Melanie Miyuki McNeilly, 23, was sentenced to a two-year probation order with no record of conviction at the Southport District Court last month. The offending began via messages where McNeilly gave the 13-year-old permission to flirt with her, the court heard. She pleaded guilty to nine offences including seven counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16 years old, the Courier Mail reported. Judge Katarina Prskalo referenced a psychologist's report which found McNeilly was at low risk of reoffending, didn't meet the criteria for paedophilia and showed insight into her offences. She also said McNeilly's moral culpability was reduced by mental conditions, though she wasn't necessarily incapable of appreciating what she did was wrong. The pair met on multiple occasions, including a sleepover at McNeilly's home where she kissed him and performed oral sex on him, the court heard. On another occasion McNeilly performed oral sex on the boy while waiting for roadside assistance to arrive to repair a flat car battery. Former Gold Coast volunteer surf lifesaver Melanie Miyuki McNeilly has admitted to a series of sex acts against a 13-year-old boy McNeilly's moral culpability was reduced and she was unlikely to reoffend, a judge found The 23-year-old had previously volunteered as a surf lifesaver on the Gold Coast The boy later limited contact with her and when asked why he was avoiding her, he said that he didn't want a relationship. McNeilly told the boy to keep their relationship secret and to delete their messages when the matter was being investigated, the court heard. The psychologist's report found McNeilly was emotionally immature and likely met the criteria for PTSD, major depressive disorder, ADHD and ASD. It said the available evidence suggested her behaviour occurred within the context of these and other psychological issues rather than arising from predatory or sexually deviant intent. Defence barrister Laura Dawson said the offending occurred in circumstances when she believed the boy was her equal. She also said McNeilly had undertaken 35-hours of therapeutic sessions for people who offend against children and has insight into her offending. A Texas couple who allegedly tortured their baby to death first began abusing him when he was just ten days old, prosecutors said. Demari Ossain Alston, 27, and Trinity Nyomi Perez, 22, are accused of inflicting a catalogue of injuries against their son Zayn, including a fractured skull which left him with a 'soft brain'. The infant died at two-months-old on September 11, 2024, eight weeks after he was first brought to the hospital with severe injuries that immediately caught the attention of investigators. Houston police launched a probe into the couple after his first medical visit on July 16, ten days after he was born, where he was found to have a fractured arm, clavicle and ribs. Zayn's maternal great-grandmother was assigned as a monitor of the infant by CPS, and Alston and Perez agreed not to see the child for two weeks, per Fox26. They were then allowed to see the child without overnight visitation after July 31, but on September 8, Zayn was again brought to the hospital with new injuries including a brain bleed. The baby tragically died three days later, and court records showed he had suffered a number of wounds including bleeding in the eyes and a skull fracture. Hospital staff told police that the injuries were highly concerning signs of abuse, and detectives alleged that Alston fatally assaulted his baby son when he was left alone with the child on the day he was last taken to hospital. Demari Ossain Alston, 27, and Trinity Nyomi Perez, 22, allegedly subjected their baby son Zayn to horrific abuse starting at just 10 days old The child tragically passed away on September 11, 2024, eight weeks after he was first brought to the hospital with severe injuries that immediately caught the attention of investigators Alston is facing capital murder charges and his bond was set at $2 million, while Perez was hit with lesser charges of felony injury to a child. Authorities alleged that Zayn was subjected to several beatings inside the couple's Houston apartment. According to court records cited by Fox26, the couple arrived at their apartment on the day he died at around 8am, where Zayn's maternal great-grandmother was taking care of him. Perez told detectives she spent the day inside the apartment with her child, but left him alone with Alston at around 5pm while she was on her cellphone. She said Alston told her that while he was in a bedroom with the two-month-old infant, he 'tripped' while holding him. Perez reportedly told cops that Alston was a 'good dad' and denied family violence, but provided a vague answer when asked why the baby had been taken to the hospital in the preceding weeks. When investigators questioned Alston, he said he took Zayn to the hospital on September 8 because of an allergic reaction. Alston allegedly fatally beat his infant son on September 8, 2024, and investigators said they found searches on his phone including 'best Houston defense lawyers child abuse cases' The couple told investigators that Zayn was not subjected to any violence and was taken to hospital for an allergic reaction, but police said that did not explain his injuries Alston said that he tripped over his shoe that evening, but denied seeing the infant hit his head on the wall and said he was not crying at the time. But investigators said the story did not explain the child's injuries, and a search of Alston's phone found internet searches that suggested he knew Zayn was injured, police said. According to court records, these included searches of 'My baby wont wake up but he is breathing'; 'Cant wake baby but still breathing. Normal?'; '2 month old baby hard to wake up'; 'What happens if your 2 month old doesn't have a pulse?' Later that night, cops said he searched: 'Does infant CPR really work? Can it save a baby who has stopped breaking (sic)'; 'Will you go to jail if you find your child unresponsive'; and 'My 2 month old died is anyone getting charged.' He also allegedly searched for, 'best Houston defense lawyers child abuse cases'. Authorities said that Alston tried to delete the searches, but waited 39 minutes between making the searches on his phone and calling 911. Two days later, Alston also searched for 'How to pass a lie detector test', according to the reported court records. Alston is facing capital murder charges and his bond was set at $2 million Perez was hit with lesser charges of felony injury to a child According to the court documents, medical records show Zayn had findings of a hypoxic brain injury, swelling and subarachnoid hemorrhages along with a skull fracture, and his death was ruled as a homicide While Zayn was in the hospital, investigators said the couple sent messages trying to establish their story. Alston allegedly texted Perez: 'Okay remember bumped head around 5-6pm trippin over shoe but he was still active.' A review of Perez's phone allegedly also found that she had questioned Alston about scratches and blood on Zayn and his clothes over the previous two months, and told him he was being too rough with the baby. Police said videos found on their devices, show Alston looking at Zayn and telling him to 'fix his face' and asking him who he is looking at. According to the court documents, medical records show Zayn had findings of a hypoxic brain injury, swelling and subarachnoid hemorrhages along with a left parietal skull fracture, according to Fox26. Court records state the autopsy ruled the manner of death as a homicide, and the cause of death from multiple blunt force injuries to the head, torso and extremities. Michelle Mone has taken another swipe at 'government-led lies' after getting 'glammed up' to go out for a birthday meal with her husband. The lingerie tycoon took to Instagram to share a series of stylish snaps in which she showcased her Chanel-themed outfit for her 54th birthday celebrations last night. She accompanied the photos with a message of gratitude for those who wished her a happy birthday, while claiming 'most days' she 'struggles' to face another day of 'government-led lies'. It comes after a judge ruled a company linked to 'Baroness Bra' which had access to the government's Covid 'VIP PPE lane' must repay 122million. Baroness Mone, ennobled by David Cameron in 2015, was dubbed a 'big gun' in the deal that saw the Department of Health buy 25 million sterile surgical gowns for the NHS at the start of the pandemic. The judge ruled the Chinese-made gowns, sought in desperation by the Government as the world went into lockdown, were faulty and that PPE Medpro - the firm linked to Mone and her husband Doug Barrowman - should pay back the full value of the contract. On the eve of the judgement, however, Baroness Mone implied PPE Medpro would be unable to pay, with 'little funds to make a settlement by itself', the firm effectively folding with just 660,000 in assets. In her statement on Instagram, defiant Baroness Mone insisted she is filled with a 'fierce determination to keep fighting for the truth to come to light'. Michelle Mone in her Chanel-themed outfit for a birthday meal out with her husband last night The lingerie tycoon took to Instagram to share a series of stylish snaps for her 54th birthday celebrations Alongside her glamorous outfit photos, Baroness Mone also included a snap of her three cocker spaniels, Rocky, Rusty, and Rory 'Thank you so much for all your kind birthday wishes. I genuinely mean that. I was truly taken aback by the thousands of positive, caring messages I received across my social media platforms. Each one meant more than you'll ever know,' she wrote. She continued to claim that most says, she struggles to 'find the strength to face yet another round of government-led ('spin doctor') lies'. Alongside her glamorous outfit photos, Baroness Mone also included a snap of her three dogs, writing: 'Yesterday I had a lovely birthday with my husband and our three gorgeous cocker spaniels, Rocky, Rusty, and Rory. Doug even convinced me to get dressed up, as he was taking me out for dinner. So, I got glammed up, put a smile on my face and had a fantastic night out. 'I woke up this morning filled with gratitude, renewed strength, and a fierce determination to keep fighting for the truth to come to light.' Signing off the message, she wrote: 'Life is too short to let lies and negativity win. Thank you all for reminding me of that.' The tycoon and her husband reportedly reaped profits of 60m-plus from Government PPE contracts totalling 200m during the Pandemic, having initially denied they were even involved in PPE Medpro. She has previously been pictured in a swimsuit on her private yacht, the Lady M, alongside her boastful caption: 'Business isn't easy. But it is rewarding.' Baroness Mone and her husband are both subject to an ongoing criminal investigation over allegations of 'pandemic profiteering', which they deny. Michelle Mone has been under pressure to pay back 122million the taxpayer wasted on useless Covid kit Baroness Mone and her husband Doug Barrowman, who blasted the High Court judgement Yesterday, it was revealed her luxury Belgravia London townhouse has been purchased by a racing driver whose father is worth 525million. The six-bedroom property was purchased for 5million less than the 23million asking price by 20-year-old Freddie Tomlinson. His father, Lawrence Tomlinson, lent him the 17.8million used to purchase the house, having made his fortune through care homes and racing cars. Tomlinson purchased the property in 2023 but details of the sale have only just emerged, a week after a judge ruled that a company linked to Baroness Mone which had access to the government's Covid 'VIP PPE lane' must repay 122million. Included in the deal was the 6,000 square-foot townhouse and an adjoining mews house. Bookies have installed U.S. President Donald Trump as the joint-favourite for the Nobel Peace Prize after he brokered the breakthrough Israel-Gaza peace deal, securing an end to the brutal two-year war. The U.S. president is now the 5/2 joint-favourite alongside Sudans Emergency Response Rooms in Ladbrokes Nobel Peace Prize betting ahead of Fridays announcement. It comes as Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Trump should get the prize. Both Israel and Hamas agreed Wednesday to the first phase of Trump's plan to pause fighting and release hostages, a deal that could open the way to ending a conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people and unleashed a humanitarian catastrophe. The accord, if fully implemented, would bring the two sides closer than any previous effort to halt a war that had evolved into a regional conflict that has reshaped the Middle East. With just hours to go before judges announce the winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, experts are waiting to see whether the U.S. President will win the prestigious award he has been yearning for since his election. The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awards the prestigious peace prize, held its final meeting on Monday. This means a decision was made about the laureate before the conclusion of the agreement between Israel and Hamas. However, the committee could reconsider and make a last-minute change in light of the historic deal brokered by Trump between the warring sides. Trump is due to fly to Israel on Sunday to join his Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner, who are expected to arrive in the Jewish state today. The deal was struck under pressure from the Trump who has made no secret of the fact that he believes he is worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize. President Donald Trump and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands at the conclusion of a joint press conference in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC on September 29 A woman in the colours of the US flag holds up a placard thanking US President Donald Trump in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square on October 9 following the announcement of a new Gaza ceasefire deal Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip 2025 Nobel Prize Winner These are the odds for who will win the prestigious prize, according to Sky Bet Donald Trump - 15/8 Yulia Navalnaya - 2/1 Sudan's Emergency Response Rooms - 3/1 Volodymyr Zelensky - 9/2 Antonio Guterres - 17/2 Greta Thunberg - 10/1 Doctors Without Borders (MSF) - 14/1 Jose Andres - 14/1 NATO - 14/1 Julian Assange - 18/1 The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees - 18/1 David Attenborough - 18/1 Advertisement 'Give Donald Trump the Nobel Peace Prize he deserves it!' the official X account of the Israeli prime minister said. Trump has previously said that it would be a 'big insult' were he not to receive the prize and has put pressure on the Norwegian Nobel Committee, claiming to have 'solved' seven wars. He even phoned Jens Stoltenberg, the former head of Nato and now Norway's finance minister, to lobby for the prize, according to Norwegian media. His latest feat is the peace plan in Gaza, which will see Hamas release all 20 living hostages in the coming days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza. 'This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,' Trump wrote on social media. 'All Parties will be treated fairly!' But critics say this may still not be enough for the president to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Nina Graeger, the director of think-tank Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) told Financial Times: 'Putting pressure on the committee, going on talking about 'I need the prize, I'm the worthy candidate' it's not a very peaceful approach'. She separately pointed out that his behaviour at home and abroad have hindered his chances of receiving the award. 'The Trump administration has withdrawn from international institutions like the World Health Organization and the Paris climate accords, and if you look at Trump's wish to take over Greenland from Denmark this does not speak in favour of international cooperation', Graeger told the BBC. Israelis celebrate as they react to the news of the Gaza peace deal at Hostages Square on October 9 in Tel Aviv, Israel Einav Zangauker has been the most ferocious anti-Netanyahu protester for her son, Matan, who is due to be released on Monday A girl holds a Palestinian flag in the central Gaza Strip after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a ceasefire Palestinians celebrate following the announcement outside Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip But these are not the only obstacles that Trump faces on his road to winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Nominations for the award there were 338 this year closed at the end of January. The prize is meant to honour actions in 2024, which was the year in which he was elected but not yet in office. The winner will be announced on Friday. Graeger believes that if his peace plan for Gaza materialises and holds, Trump could be a contender next year. It comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv would nominate Trump for the prestigious award in exchange for Tomahawk missiles, the American-made subsonic precision weapon that launches from ships and submarines. Zelensky pledged to lobby for Trump to win the distinguished award if he helps to broker a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, which have been fighting since Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022. 'During our most recent meeting, I didnt hear a "no". What I did hear was that work will continue at the technical level and that this possibility will be considered,' Zelensky told reporters in Kyiv about a meeting he held with the U.S. President at the United Nations General Assembly in New York at the end of September. Foreign Christian pilgrims and other supporters of a ceasefire deal march through the Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem as they celebrate the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles Palestinians celebrate following the announcement outside Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip Palestinians gathered in the city of Khan Yunis are celebrating after the ceasefire announcement Who are the hostages still being held by Hamas who may be alive? Two years after Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the terror group is believed to still be holding 48 hostages in the Gaza Strip. Israel believes 20 of the hostages are still alive. It is not known whether Bipin Joshi, taken from Kibbutz Alumim, and Tamir Nimrodi, captured from his base near the Erez Crossing, are alive or dead. The hostages believed to be alive are: Matan Angrest (22) - Israeli soldier taken from Nahal Oz Ariel Cunio (28) - Taken hostage from Nir Oz David Cunio (34) - Taken hostage from Nir Oz Gali and Ziv Berman (27) - The twins were taken captive from Kfar Aza Elkana Bohbot (36) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Rom Braslavski (21) - Working on security at the Supernova festival and abducted Nimrod Cohen (20) - Abducted from a tank in the Gaza envelope Evyatar David (24) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Guy Gilboa-Dalal (24) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Maxim Herkin (37) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Eitan Horn (38) - Taken hostage from Nir Oz Bar Kupershtein (23) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Omri Miran (48) - Taken hostage from Nahal Oz Eitan Mor (25) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Segev Kalfon (27) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Yosef-Haim Ohana (24) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Alon Ohel (24) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Avinatan Or (32) - Abducted at the Supernova festival Matan Zangauker (25) - Taken hostage from Nir Oz Advertisement 'The plan for ending the war wont be easy, but it is certainly the way forward. And if Trump gives the world above all, the Ukrainian people the chance for such a ceasefire, then yes, he should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize,' Zelensky said. 'We will nominate him on behalf of Ukraine,' he added. The Ukrainian leader also told reporters that U.S.-made Tomahawks cruise missiles which can strike targets precisely from 1,000 miles away would strengthen his country and 'sober the Russians up a bit, bringing them to the negotiating table'. Israel and Hamas agreed to Trump's peace plan a day after the second anniversary of Hamas militants' cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, that triggered Israel's devastating assault on Gaza. The deal announced by Trump was short on detail and left many unresolved questions that could still lead to its collapse, as has happened with previous peace efforts. Successful completion of the deal would mark a significant foreign policy achievement for the Republican president, who had campaigned on bringing peace to major world conflicts but has struggled to swiftly deliver, both in Gaza and on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 'I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan,' Trump said on Truth Social. Netanyahu said in a written statement, referring to the hostages held by Hamas: 'With God's help we will bring them all home.' He said he would convene his government on Thursday to approve the agreement. There are 48 hostages still held in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Trump said he believed that all the hostages including the deceased will be 'coming back' on Monday. Hamas has said that it is still searching for some of the slain hostages held in the Strip. A taskforce has been established to locate the deceased missing hostages, an official told the Daily Mail, including representatives from Israel, the US, Egypt and Qatar, who will work with forces on the ground in the enclave to find their location. The prisoner-hostage exchange should take place within 72 hours of the Israeli government vote ratifying the deal later this afternoon, an official added. Hamas confirmed it had reached an agreement to end the war, saying the deal includes an Israeli withdrawal from the enclave and a hostage-prisoner exchange. But the group called on Trump and guarantor states to ensure Israel fully implements the ceasefire, it added in a statement. 'All Parties will be treated fairly!' Trump said on Truth Social. 'This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen.' People react as they celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting, at a plaza known as hostages square in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 Itzik Horn, father of kidnapped Eitan Horn (L), celebrates after a peace deal is announced at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, 09 October 2025 Crowd gathers at Hostages square, waving Israeli and U.S. flags and celebrating the ceasefire agreement reached in Tel Aviv, Israel Senior envoys from the U.S., Qatar and Turkey had joined the talks, apparently adding momentum to discussions launched on Monday in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed satisfaction Thursday that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire in Gaza and thanked Donald Trump's efforts to end the war. 'I am greatly pleased that the Hamas-Israel talks... have resulted in a ceasefire in Gaza, I especially thank US President, Mr. Trump, who demonstrated the necessary political will to encourage the Israeli government toward the ceasefire,' Erdogan said on his official X account. Turkey would 'closely monitor the strict implementation of the agreement', he added. The agreement will be signed in Egypt on Thursday. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the news as a 'moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world'. Under Trump's deal, Hamas plans to release all remaining hostages, both living and dead, in exchange for roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza. A top official within Hamas told AFP Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners: 250 among those serving life sentences and 1,700 others detained since the start of the war. Palestinian emergency personnel celebrate, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, in Gaza City Your browser does not support iframes. Palestinians, including children, gathered at the Nuseirat refugee camp celebrate with Palestinian flags in Deir al-Balah, Gaza What happens next? The timeline is emerging but still seems fluid. A ceasefire is expected to come into force once Israel's cabinet approves the deal at a meeting expected on Thursday. Israel will withdraw to predetermined lines within 24 hours after that. Once the shooting stops, Hamas is set to release hostages within 72 hours, which could possibly be on Monday. Humanitarian aid to Palestinians should then start to flow. Trump's plan also calls for an international stabilisation force, which could start taking shape when European ministers and top officials from Arab states meet in Paris on Thursday. They will also discuss issues such as future governance of Gaza, aid, reconstruction and demilitarisation. Trump is expected to travel to the region in coming days. The White House said he was considering heading there on Friday. Advertisement A senior Hamas official said the group has handed over a list of Palestinian prisoners who will be released as part of the ceasefire deal. Zaher Jabarin, who oversees Palestinian prisoners' affairs, said in a statement the list was prepared in accordance with 'the criteria agreed upon in the agreement.' He said the group still 'awaiting final agreement on the names,' and that they will be announced 'once the relevant procedures and understandings are completed. The names of prisoners rumoured to be released include Ahmad Saadat, Ibrahim Hamed and Abbas al-Sayyid. Saadat is secretary-General of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and planned the assassination of Minister Rehavam Zeevi. Hamed is a senior member of Hamas' military wing in the West Bank and served as the main planner of suicide bombings during the Second Intifada. He is convicted of murdering 46 Israelis and injuring more than 400 and has been sentenced to 54 life terms. Al-Sayyid is another senior member of Hamas military wing in the West Bank and was one of the planners of the Park Hotel bombing in 2002, in which 30 Israelis were killed and 160 were injured. The exchange should take place within 72 hours of the implementation of the deal, which was also 'agreed with Palestinian factions', another source within Hamas said. A daily minimum of 400 trucks of aid will enter the Gaza Strip for the first five days of the ceasefire, to be increased in following days, according to the same source. It also provides for the 'return of displaced persons from the south of the Gaza Strip to Gaza (City) and the north immediately,' they added. The deal stipulates 'scheduled withdrawals' of Israeli troops, the Hamas top official said, and includes 'guarantees from President Trump and the mediators'. Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip celebrate after the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan People react at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal Hamas called in an official statement on Trump to compel Israel to fully implement the agreement and 'not allow it to evade or procrastinate in implementing what has been agreed'. Last night, the U.S. president spoke to the families of those held captive by the terror organisation during a phone call with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. With Trump on speakerphone, Lutnick asked the families: 'You have the best crowd in the world, what do you have to say to President Trump?' The entire group of about a dozen people responded: 'Thank you!' 'Thank you very much everybody,' responded Trump, as one of the family members exclaimed: 'You did it!' Another family member told Trump: 'Mr President, we believe in you. We know you've done so much for us since you became the president and even before that and we trust you'll fulfill the mission until every hostage, every 48 of them, are home.' He thanked Trump again before repeating the president's own line from the deal announcement back to him: 'Blessed be the peacemakers'. People celebrate at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv on October 9, 2025, following the announcement of the new Gaza ceasefire deal A child, with an Israeli flag draped around its shoulder, reacts as people gather to celebrate Palestinians, including children, gathered in the city of Khan Yunis celebrate after the announcement of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza on October 09, 2025 Weary Palestinians cautiously welcomed the deal Thursday as a potential breakthrough in ending the two-year war, following days of negotiations in Egypt Weary Palestinians cautiously welcomed the deal Thursday as a potential breakthrough in ending the two-year war, following days of negotiations in Egypt. In Tel Aviv, families of the remaining hostages popped Champagne and cried tears of joy when the deal was announced. Among the photos is a rare picture of Einav Zangauker, mother of 25-year-old hostage Matan, smiling. She has spent the past two years fiercely protesting for the release of her son, kidnapped from kibbutz Nir Oz, and against Netanyahu's government for the ongoing military activity in Gaza. Trump's Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to arrive in Israel today. The news of the deal comes just two days after the second anniversary of October 7 the attacks by terror group Hamas on Israel which sparked the current conflict. Nearly 1,200 people were killed during the incursion, and around 250 people were taken as hostages into Gaza. Israel's cabinet will meet on Thursday at 1500 GMT to discuss a plan to secure the release of all hostages held in Gaza, a government statement said after Trump's announced a ceasefire and hostage release agreement. 'Government meeting at 18:00 (1500 GMT). Agenda Plan for the release of all Israeli hostages,' an announcement posted on the government website said. On Wednesday night, Trump said the world 'coming together' had helped forge his landmark deal between Israel and Hamas. Crowds gather at Hostages square to celebrate the ceasefire agreement to end the war on Gaza, in Tel Aviv, Israel on October 09, 2025 Palestinians, including children, gathered in the city of Khan Yunis celebrate after the announcement of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza on October 09, 2025 Crowd gathers at Hostages square, waving Israeli and U.S. flags and celebrating the ceasefire agreement reached and expected to take effect in Gaza on October 09, 2025, in Tel Aviv, Israel 'This is more than Gaza,' Trump told American TV presenter Sean Hannity during a telephone interview Wednesday night. 'This is peace in the Middle East.' Trump declared it was a 'great day for the world' as he imagined a prosperous future for the war torn area. 'The whole world has come together on this one, Israel, every country has come together. This has been a fantastic day,' he said. 'This is a great day for the world. This is a wonderful day, a wonderful day for everybody.' Trump also said Gaza will be a 'peaceful, much safer place' and the US would remain involved to ensure its safety and prosperity. 'Other countries in the area will help it reconstruct because they have tremendous wealth,' Trump said, adding: 'We'll be involved in helping them make it successful and helping it stay peaceful.' Trump confirmed that he spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier Wednesday night. The prime minister told him, 'I can't believe it,' according to the president's retelling. The president then told Netanyahu: 'Israel cannot fight the world, Bibi, they can't fight the world.' He added that the Israeli leader, 'understands that very well.' European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for all parties to uphold the agreement's terms, while the EU's policy chief, Kaja Kallas, wrote on X that 'the EU will do what it can to support its implementation'. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the deal as 'extraordinary news' and urged its swift implementation, while Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel expressed hope for wider peace in the region. In France, President Emmanuel Macron said the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas brings hope for hostages, Palestinians in Gaza, and the entire region. He added the agreement will be discussed in Paris later Thursday during a meeting on Gaza's future. 'This agreement must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution,' he said. Saudi Arabia welcomes possible start of a ceasefire. The kingdom said in a foreign ministry statement that it hoped the peace deal will lead to urgent action to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and a complete Israeli withdrawal. Saudi Arabia also expressed hope that the peace plan would lead to the 'initiation of practical steps to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders'. Wednesday's agreement reached in Sharm el-Sheikh, a favoured location for Middle East peace conferences over the decades with a patchy record of success, is only an initial phase covering handing over hostages held in Gaza, exchanging them with Palestinian prisoners inside Israel and a partial withdrawal of Israel from the enclave. Plenty of pitfalls remain after negotiators left for later discussions about some of the thornier issues on which previous initiatives have foundered, such as the full extent of an Israeli withdrawal, the disarmament of Hamas and who and how to guarantee that war will not resume after this phase. A person wears a Donald Trump mask and costume as Israelis react to the news of the Gaza peace deal at Hostages Square on October 9, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel For a start, guns have not yet fallen silent. Trump demanded Israel halt its bombing when Hamas first indicated partial acceptance for his 20-point plan on Friday. That has not happened. Scores of Palestinians have been killed since then in airstrikes and shelling, particularly in and around Gaza City, the focus of a recent Israeli offensive. However, the bombardment has been more sporadic since Trump declared a deal had been secured on Wednesday, prompting celebrations in Israel, where families of hostages were jubilant in Tel Aviv's so-called hostages square, and in Gaza, where people gathered among the ruins even as blasts could be heard. While this is a partial deal, a notable difference from previous ceasefire arrangements is that there is no deadline for reaching a full deal. It does not set a deadline of a few weeks, after which hostilities could resume if talks falter. The jury is still out on whether that makes this deal more durable. There are those among Netanyahu's religious nationalist coalition who are already talking of more war. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a staunch opponent of any concession to Palestinians, has called for Hamas to be destroyed after the hostages are returned. But on this occasion, Trump has been far more vocal in his determination to hold feet to the fire on both sides, leaving less room for Israel to relaunch its offensive or Hamas to delay, even if past experience counsels caution over too much optimism. Trump announced his plan standing next to Netanyahu in Washington last week with what seemed a 'take-it-or-leave-it' offer for Hamas. Yet when Hamas gave only a partial acceptance, Trump immediately demanded Israel stop bombing. And as the days ticked by in Sharm el-Sheikh talks, he warned Hamas 'all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out' if it did not sign up. Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed more than 67,000 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. Keir Starmer declined to give a ringing endorsement to predecessor Tony Blair having a role in running post-war Gaza today, amid high hopes of a Trump-pushed deal ending the fighting. The Prime Minister brushed aside a question about Sir Tony today saying he was focused mainly on getting a peace agreement signed and acted on. The three-term-winning former PM was named by Donald Trump as one of a group of international leaders who would sit on a 'Board of Peace' alongside the US president to oversee an interim governing authority for Gaza. He has recently been part of high-level planning talks with the US and other parties about the future of Gaza. The idea sparked fury among his left-wing opponents and Hamas has previously rejected the idea. Speaking at a press conference during trade trip to India, Sir Keir said today's deal was 'a real breakthrough' that needed to be implemented. 'I'm less interested, to be perfectly frank, in discussions about personnel than I am in getting it implemented,' he said when asked about Sir Tony. 'The UK has played an important part behind the scenes in relation to these negotiations, working with the US mediators, and we stand ready to play our part in implementing this.' The Prime Minister brushed aside a question about Sir Tony today saying he was focused mainly on getting the deal signed and acted on. The three-term-winning former PM was named by Donald Trump as one of a group of international leaders who would sit on a 'Board of Peace' The US president said late on Wednesday that the warring parties have agreed to the 'first phase' of his peace plan to pause fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners. The news comes just two days after the second anniversary of October 7, the attacks by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel which sparked the current conflict. Nearly 1,200 people were killed during the incursion, and around 250 people were taken as hostages into Gaza. Israels military campaign, launched in retaliation, has led to the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, has devastated Gaza and revealed fault lines in global politics. Hamas is planning to release the 20 living hostages it still has in captivity, and in exchange Israel will free Palestinian prisoners it has in captivity. Sir Keir Starmer added that he had personally thanked Trump for his role in the plan to end fighting in Gaza. Speaking in Mumbai, he said: 'This is a very significant step forward and it would not have happened without President Trump's leadership on this. 'And I want to be really clear about that and I say that from the informed position of the UK having played a part behind the scenes in this with the US and with the mediators. 'What matters now is to press on and implement this.' Donald Trump's odds of winning the Nobel Peace Prize doubled overnight after he announced a landmark peace deal between Israel and Hamas. But the president is still a rank outsider, with traders on the regulated exchange and prediction market site Kalshi betting that he's got a 6 percent chance of scooping the award to be announced at 5am (EST) in Oslo, Norway. Storming ahead is Sudan's Emergency Response Rooms, a community-led network that has provided health aid across the country since a bloody civil war erupted in April 2023. Trailing behind but leading the rest of the laggards is Alexei Navalny's widow Yulia, with traders pricing her chances at 9 percent as she continues her brave campaign against the despotic Russian regime that murdered her husband. Medecins Sans Frontieres, a veteran of the field, follows Yulia along with the International Court of Justice and the Mediterranean Sea Rescue organizations. Trump trots up behind, and will have his work cut out as the runners and riders make the turn into the home stretch. The notoriously woke Nobel judges have snubbed the president on previous outings despite his years of work toward Middle East peace. The prize has previously been awarded to three sitting American presidents, Theodore Roosevelt (1906), Woodrow Wilson (1919), and Barack Obama (2009) despite the latter's relentless bombing campaigns throughout the world. The fourth US president to claim the award is Jimmy Carter, who received the honor in 2002 following his decades of charity work after he left office. Storming ahead is Sudan's Emergency Response Rooms, a community-led network that has provided health aid across the country since a bloody civil war erupted in April 2023 Trump, Melania, Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (left) during the inauguration ceremony of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on May 21, 2017 Trump stands on the brink of a masterstroke in achieving peace between Israel and Hamas just eight months into his presidency, while Joe Biden failed to achieve any truce in the two years since the October 7 attack. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed a Gaza ceasefire deal to free the remaining living hostages, in a major step toward ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of people and unleashed a humanitarian catastrophe. The agreement follows a 20-point peace plan for Gaza announced last month by Trump, under which Israel should withdraw from Gaza and release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages. The Israeli army said it was preparing to pull back troops in Gaza, in line with the agreement, while the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement would only take effect with cabinet approval. Trump's plan also calls for the disarmament of Hamas and for Gaza to be ruled by a transitional authority headed by the US president himself, though these points have yet to be addressed in any discussions. A source within Hamas told AFP the group will exchange 20 living hostages all at the same time for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners as part of the deal's first phase, with the swap to happen within 72 hours of its implementation. 'The 72-hour countdown will begin only after the agreement is approved in the cabinet meeting, which is expected in the evening hours,' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said. The announcement sparked waves of joy in Gaza, much of which has been flattened by bombardment and most of whose residents have been displaced at least once over the past two years. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivers an urgent message to Trump on the Gaza peace deal during a meeting in the State Dining Room of the White House on Wednesday 'Honestly, when I heard the news, I couldn't hold back. Tears of joy flowed. Two years of bombing, terror, destruction, loss, humiliation, and the constant feeling that we could die at any moment,' displaced Palestinian Samer Joudeh told AFP. In Israel, thousands of people gathered in a Tel Aviv square, many wearing stickers reading: 'They're coming back.' Others held photos of hostages still in Gaza and waved Israeli and US flags. 'We have been waiting for this day for 734 days. We cannot imagine being anywhere else this morning,' said Laurence Ytzhak, 54, a Tel Aviv resident. The deal is being thrashed out in indirect negotiations behind closed doors in a conference centre in Sharm El-Sheikh, an Egyptian resort town on the Red Sea. Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are representing America at the talks. While Arab leaders including Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said they hoped the ceasefire would lead to a permanent solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, there was no indication the talks were addressing any of the deeper issues at stake. Still, it was feted by governments around the world, with mediator Qatar saying the deal was the 'first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid'. The hostages are to be freed in exchange for 250 Palestinians sentenced to life imprisonment and 1,700 others arrested by Israel since the war began, according to the Hamas source. Netanyahu said he would bring the hostages home 'with God's help', while Trump said earlier he may travel to the Middle East this week. Children as young as 13 could be forced to have digital ID cards under sinister plans to expand the role of the state in peoples lives. A petition against digital ID signed by almost three million people has been dismissed by ministers who vowed to press ahead with imposing them before the election. In a formal response, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said the government would introduce ID cards for everyone aged 16 and over by the time of the next election. And, in a significant extension of the scheme, the department said ministers will now consult on bringing in so-called 'Brit Cards' for children as young as 13. The response also suggests that the scheme will expand far beyond the original proposal to tackle illegal working with ID cards potentially needed to access a wide range of public services. It states that digital ID will eventually become peoples boarding pass to government. Silkie Carlo, director of civil liberties group Big Brother Watch, said digital ID was fast becoming a digital permit required to live our everyday lives. She added: Starmer has sold his Orwellian digital ID scheme to the public on the lie that it will only be used to stop illegal working but now the truth, buried in the small print, is becoming clear. We now know that digital IDs could be the backbone of a surveillance state and used for everything from tax and pensions to banking and education. Labour plans to issue so-called 'Brit Cards' have triggered a public backlash The prospects of enrolling even children into this sprawling biometric system is sinister, unjustified and prompts the chilling question of just what he thinks the ID will be used for in the future. 'No one voted for this and millions of people who have signed the petition against it are simply being ignored. Conservative MP Greg Smith warned that the scale of the governments plans had sinister implications for the future. Digital ID opens up a Pandoras Box for big state, intrusive government, he said. This raises big questions about what they might be used for in the future. Why on earth are they suggesting children need them? Could they be told to produce them to go to school? We risk ending up with a situation where the law-abiding majority face more state interference in their lives while the illegal migrants who this is supposedly aimed at carry on ignoring the rules as they do at the moment. Sir Keir Starmer defended the plan, saying the government could not shirk from tackling illegal immigration. Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, the Prime Minister said: On digital ID, let me be really clear we have made a commitment to do whatever we can to stop people arriving illegally in the UK. One of the issues is the ability people have to work in our economy illegally. We have to do something about that we cant shirk that. We had a strong manifesto commitment to deal with it. The vast majority of people in the UK wants it gripped and we need to therefore take the measures necessary to grip it. Critics have warned digital ID cards are a stepping stone to an Orwellian society Sir Keir said digital ID would also trigger great benefits for the public in speeding up access to public services. A public petition stating Do not introduce digital ID cards has now been signed by more than 2.8 million people and will be debated by MPs in the coming weeks. The governments response states that the system will be introduced before the next election, with people required to produce their digital ID when they take a new job to prove they have the right to work in this country. It suggests that the document is likely to be needed for accessing a wide range of government services in future, including claiming benefits and paying tax. People in the UK already know and trust digital credentials held in their phone wallets to use in their everyday lives, from paying for things to storing boarding passes, the response states. The new system will be built on similar technology and be your boarding pass to government. However, the response insists that failure to have a digital ID card will not be a criminal offence and that the police will not be able to demand people produce one. Hamas has demanded the release of six Palestinian 'archterrorists' held by Israel as part of historic Gaza ceasefire talks. Israel views these prisoners as terrorist masterminds who murdered Israeli civilians and has refused to release them in past exchanges. But it faces mounting pressure to end the war and bring back the remaining 48 hostages taken in Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack, around 20 of them believed to be alive. Many Palestinians view the thousands of prisoners held by Israel as political prisoners or freedom fighters resisting decades of military occupation. Israel fears history will repeat itself after it released senior Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in a 2011 exchange. The long-serving prisoner was one of the main architects of the October 7 attack and went on to lead the militant group before he was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza last year. The list of prisoners Hamas is demanding to be freed reportedly includes six archterrorists who are accused by Israel of being behind suicide bombing campaigns, political assassinations and widespread terror networks. Heres a look at some of the prisoners believed to be at the top of a list Hamas says it submitted to mediators this week. Marwan Barghouti Founder of the Palestinian Fatah party and imprisoned since 2002, Barghouti is one of the most prominent Palestinian prisoners whose release is being sought by Hamas. Marwan Barghouti, the West Bank chief of Yasser Arafat's Fatah movement speaks to the journalists before the opening session of the first day of his court case at Tel Aviv's District Court Wednesday Aug. 14, 2002 The imprisoned political leader led street protests and diplomatic initiatives until 2002, when he was imprisoned by Israel on charges of involvement in deadly attacks that resulted in the deaths of five people. He has maintained that he has no connection to the incidents for which he was convicted. He remains one of the most popular Palestinian politicians, according to multiple surveys, and he has been mentioned frequently in negotiations as a top Hamas demand. Barghouti is said to be far more popular than Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and seen as someone who could succeed him and potentially mend the longstanding rift between Abbas Fatah movement and Hamas. Some have even compared him to Nelson Mandela, who was jailed for 27 years before becoming South Africas first Black president. He supports the creation of a Palestinian state in east Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, territories Israel seized in the 1967 Mideast war, something Israels current government and most of its political class oppose. An Israeli government spokesperson said that the prisoners released in the exchange will not include Barghouti. Ahmad Sa'adat Ahmed Saadat, leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine was sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2008. He is seen in this image at the Ofer military court near the West Bank city of Ramallah, Dec. 25, 2008 The leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a small leftist faction with an armed wing, was accused of organizing the 2001 assassination of Israeli Tourism Minister Rehavam Zeevi, an ultranationalist who called for the mass expulsion of Palestinians. Saadat and four PFLP activists directly involved in the killing were eventually arrested by Palestinian police. In April 2002, a makeshift court hastily convened in then-Palestinian leader Yasser Arafats West Bank compound sentenced the four to prison terms ranging from one to 18 years. Saadat was not charged, with Palestinian officials saying at the time they did not believe he was involved in the killing. In an internationally-brokered agreement that year, he was transferred to a Palestinian jail in the West Bank city of Jericho. In 2006, fearing he might be released, Israel raided the prison and took him and other Palestinians into custody. He was sentenced to 30 years in 2008. He is now in his early 70s. Hassan Salameh Hassan Salameh, a senior Hamas militant, was given 46 life sentences in 1997 stemming from the bombing of two commuter buses in Jerusalem and another attack that together killed and wounded dozens of people. He led a series of revenge attacks after the assassination of Hamas chief bombmaker, Yahya Ayyash, in 1996. Salameh, now in his early 50s, was arrested later that year. Palestinian students hold a poster depicting Hassan Salameh during a West Bank demonstration in 2015 Hamas carried out several major attacks on Israeli civilians in the 1990s, when Israel and Arafats Palestine Liberation Organization were engaged in U.S.-brokered peace talks. Those negotiations repeatedly broke down, often in the aftermath of attacks and over Israels expansion of settlements. No substantive negotiations have been held since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to office in 2009. Abdullah Barghouti The Kuwait-born Barghouti, with no direct relation to Marwan Barghouti, was a senior Hamas bomb-maker and commander during the 2000 intifada who was implicated in several notorious attacks on Israeli civilians, mainly in Jerusalem. An Israeli court handed him 67 life sentences in 2004 the longest sentence handed down in the countrys history after he was convicted of attacks that killed 66 people, including five Americans, and wounded more than 500. Pictured: Palestinian Abdullah Barghouti, a leading commander for the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas in the West Bank, is escorted by Israeli police into the Magistrate's Court for a hearing in Jerusalem on June 20, 2012. Barghouti is currently serving 67 life-term sentences in Israeli prison Now in his early 50s, he was convicted of making the bombs used in an attack at the Hebrew University in which five Americans and four Israelis were killed, a suicide bombing at a branch of the Sbarro pizzeria that killed 15 people, a suicide bombing at a cafe that left 11 dead and a triple bombing on Jerusalems Ben Yehuda pedestrian mall that killed 10. In the sentencing, the judges wrote that they regretted that the death penalty was not an option. The only death penalty Israel has carried out was that of Holocaust planner Adolf Eichmann in 1962. Ibrahim Hamed Ibrahim Hamed - the top West Bank commander of the Hamas military wing - was accused of planning suicide attacks that killed dozens of Israelis. He was on Israel's most wanted list for eight years before he was captured in 2006. Palestinian Ibrahim Hamed, a one-time head of the armed wing of the Hamas movement, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades in the West Bank, looks over as he arrives in the docks where an Israeli military court will hand down a sentence at the Ofer military court, near the West Bank city of Ramallah, on July 1, 2012 Abbas al-Sayed Abbas al-Sayed is a Hamas leader from Tulkarem sentenced to 35 consecutive life terms for masterminding the 2002 Park Hotel bombing in Netanya that killed 39 Israelis and injured 140 others. A Florida judge accused of abusing her power and mistreating victims in her courtroom has resigned from the bench. Putnam County Judge Anne Marie Gennusa submitted her resignation on October 3, effective October 31, in a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis, who appointed her to the position in 2023. The Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) found probable cause that Gennusa violated multiple judicial canons, including those requiring judges to uphold the law, maintain impartiality, and treat people with dignity and courtesy. According to the JQC's notice of formal charges, Gennusa exhibited a 'pattern of abusing [her] contempt authority' by overstepping her power and improperly detaining people during court proceedings. In one case, she ordered a female victim handcuffed, and in another, she jailed a mother of already-traumatized children. 'Your unwillingness or inability to govern yourself with the dignity, courtesy and patience required by the Code, as well as your casual and illegal use of your contempt power... raise serious questions about your fitness to serve as a judicial officer,' the JQC wrote in a document signed by Assistant General Counsel Hugh R. Brown. Gennusa - who posed in her formal headshot wearing $800 pearl Chanel earrings - presided over misdemeanor criminal and criminal traffic cases at the Putnam County Courthouse in Palatka, part of Florida's Seventh Judicial Circuit, which also covers Volusia, Flagler, and St. Johns counties. In her resignation letter, Gennusa thanked DeSantis for his trust but said she was leaving to return to private practice - where she spent nearly three decades before joining the bench. Judge Anne Marie Gennusa, who previously drew attention for wearing $800 Chanel earrings in court, has resigned amid allegations she abused her authority Gennusa presided over misdemeanor criminal and criminal traffic cases at the Putnam County Courthouse in Palatka, part of Florida's Seventh Judicial Circuit, which also covers Volusia, Flagler, and St. Johns counties 'Serving as a judge in Putnam County is an honor. I appreciate your trust in appointing me to this seat,' she wrote. 'The last two and a half years have revealed to me that my true professional love is practicing law. I miss helping people navigate a complicated legal system, being there for them during difficult times and providing pro-bono representation to those who need it.' She added: 'This decision was not an easy one. It is however, the right one for myself and my family.' Gennusa said she plans to open a new law firm - the Family, Estate & Mediation Law Group - with offices in Palatka and St. Augustine. In her response to the commission, Gennusa acknowledged mistakes and blamed some of her conduct on inexperience. She said she ordered a woman - described as the victim in one case - 'taken into custody to calm her', noting the detention lasted less than three hours and that the individuals involved were 'not in handcuffs the entire time.' She admitted she 'would have done some things differently' but insisted she has since 'learned a great deal at Judicial College and made improvements.' Governor DeSantis will appoint her replacement through the state's judicial nominating process. A no-nonsense prosecutor is being praised for sending crime rates in Baltimore plummeting after launching a hardline crackdown on repeat offenders. Baltimore City States Attorney Ivan Bates was elected in 2023 on a pledge to finally end the city's crime wave, which earned it a reputation as one of the nation's murder capitals. The city has seen a staggering drop in violent crimes through 2025, including a 22 percent reduction in homicides and 19 percent decrease in non-fatal shootings. Bates credited a tough stance on gun crimes and repeat offenders for reducing the level of crimes in Baltimore. 'We realized its about the victims,' the top prosecutor said on an appearance on Fox and Friends on Wednesday. Host Brian Kilmeade praised Bates' approach and said more Democrat-led cities should adopt a similar strategy, arguing that many have followed soft-on-crime policies to be lenient to criminals from marginalized communities. Bates agreed and noted that, 'a number of the victims within the community were also minorities and African Americans, and they have a right to be safe and free in their house.' The conversation came on the heels of Donald Trump attempting to deploy National Guard troops to a number of Democrat-led cities across the nation, which Bates said he did not necessarily oppose in Baltimore to maintain its drop in crime rates. Baltimore City States Attorney Ivan Bates is being praised for sending crime rates in the city plummeting after launching a hardline crackdown on repeat offenders Bates, pictured holding a press conference in front of evidence collected after charges were brought against four violent criminal organizations operating across southwest Baltimore earlier this year, said his main goal is to 'lock up violent repeat offenders' 'We wanted to make sure that everybody, didn't matter your race, didn't matter where you're from, everybody has a right to be safe,' Bates continued in his remarks to Fox News.. 'It wasn't a Democrat issue, it wasn't a Republican issue, it was a people issue. 'At the end of the day, there were too many murders, too much violence, and we needed to make a change.' In 2024, Baltimore ranked second in the nation for murders, at a staggering 34.8 murders for every 100,000 residents. It also led the nation in robberies at over 573 robberies per 100,000 residents, according to crime statistics tracker SafeHome. In mid-2025 crime statistics released by the Baltimore Police Department, the city saw 68 homicides compared to 88 in the year before, a 22 percent drop. This year, 64 percent of homicide cases and 44 percent of non-fatal shooting cases have been closed, and non-fatal shootings have decreased by 19 percent. Crime rates began to fall after Bates took office in 2023, with homicides decreasing 23 percent by the end of 2024 and non-fatal shootings dropped 34 percent. 'We realized its about the victims,' the top prosecutor said on an appearance on Fox and Friends on Wednesday Baltimore previously ranked second in the nation in murders and led the nation in robberies at over 573 robberies per 100,000 residents Bates credited the drop in crime to a tougher approach to repeat offenders and aggressive policing on violent criminals. 'Hold violent repeat offenders accountable, especially with illegal handguns, Bates said. 'We had too many murders, 300-plus murders for eight years straight. That's a terrible number to have.' 'If you lock up violent repeat offenders, you hold them accountable. 'We invoke the mandatory minimum that allows it under the law: five years without the possibility of parole. There's no discretion. 'The judge must give a violent repeat offender five years. When you send those individuals to jail, the community is safer at that moment in time, and they can get themselves together, but they will be held accountable.' Baltimore has seen a staggering drop in violent crimes through 2025, including a 22 percent drop in homicides and 19 percent decrease in non-fatal shootings Bates said he would not oppose President Trump if he sent the National Guard in to help police Baltimore further Asked about Trump's threats to send the National Guard to Democrat-led cities including Baltimore to clamp down on crime, Bates said he was already, 'working very closely with all federal agencies.' He noted that Maryland's Democrat Governor Wes Moore has also deployed members of the state police to Baltimore to help his crime reduction efforts. 'We're working together,' he said. 'We can always use the financial support, the financial help, but we're moving in the right direction. 'We're moving together as a team, and my thing is, when we're moving the ball down the field, let us score because we're going to win,' he said. Fears have been raised that Rachel Reeves could mount a new push for a 'mansion tax' after the Tories vowed to abolish stamp duty. Kemi Badenoch put property taxes firmly on the agenda with the bold pledge in her conference speech yesterday. A poll today suggested that almost two-thirds of Brits back the a levy being removed, with support among backers of the four main parties. And the move has sparked fresh speculation that the Chancellor - who is scrambling to fill an estimated 30billion hole in the public finances at the Budget - will unveil a huge shake-up. The IMF has urged an overhaul of property tax, and the Treasury has not denied reports that an annual charge based on value is being considered. That would go some way to appease Labour MPs who have been baying for so-called 'wealth taxes' to fund more spending. However, it would potentially mean households paying thousands of pounds a year, depending on the exact shape of proposals. Critics have warned that people in areas where prices are high, such as the South East, and pensioners on fixed incomes would be particularly hard-hit. Last year the Tony Blair Institute proposed a levy worth 0.5 per cent of the value of each property, to replace council tax. Fears have been raised that Rachel Reeves could mount a new push for a 'mansion tax' after the Tories vowed to abolish stamp duty Your browser does not support iframes. Kemi Badenoch put property taxes firmly on the agenda with the bold pledge in her conference speech yesterday The think-tank suggested a minimum payment of 1,350 for properties worth less than 270,000, and a maximum of 6,250 over 1.25million. The report estimated that 4.1million people in larger homes would end up paying significantly more, although 12million would have lower bills. The change was praised as potentially boosting growth by giving an 'incentive for older homeowners in high-value properties to downsize'. A separate blueprint from the Onward think-tank - said at one point to have gained traction in the Treasury - would see proportional annual payments up to a property value of 500,000. The report estimated that would need to be 0.44 per cent to replace council tax revenues, with a minimum annual payment of 800. There would be a 0.54 per cent annual charge on the portion of the property value between 500,000 and 1million, and 0.81 per cent above that. Onward said that those thresholds would be cost neutral for the government, although exempting those who had already paid stamp duty on their homes would create an initial shortfall. A Treasury source said it is possible there will be a substantial move on property taxes in the Budget, although final decisions have not been taken. It is being considered, said the source. However, allies of Ms Reeves have dismissed the prospect of the Onward blueprint being followed. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. ITV's Robert Peston said the axing of stamp duty was being considered in No11 as part of a 'wider reform of taxation on housing' including the imposition of a new annual tax on the value of more expensive properties. However, he questioned whether the plan would be ready in time for the Budget on November 26. Ms Reeves told the Treasury Committee after the Budget last year that officials had proposed replacing council tax with a 'broad-based property tax'. But at the time it was 'not something that we wanted to take forward'. Another option often mooted to raise revenue is adding an extra council tax band for the most expensive properties, as has already happened in Labour-controlled Wales. Tory MP Harriett Baldwin told the Daily Mail: 'Rachel Reeves is clearly looking everywhere for new things and new ways to tax - your business, your farm, your pension, your home. 'Nothing is safe from her desperate, growth-destroying Tax-zilla budgets.' While on CNN, Representative Dan Goldman was forced to begrudgingly give Donald Trump credit for the emerging peace deal between Israel and Hamas. The New York Democrat has long been a sharp critic of the President, even serving as the lead counsel in Trump's first impeachment trial in 2019. So when he said Wednesday that the upcoming end to the war in Gaza came about because surrounding countries - Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia - have rallied to support detente, host Abby Phillip pointed out that he was leaving out Trump's role in the negotiations. 'But why do you think that this was not doable when President Biden was in office?' Phillip asked the congressman. 'I think the biggest problem President Biden had is there was no pressure from Qatar, from Turkey, from Egypt. They were actually facilitating in many ways what was going on and that is really ultimately how it all came together,' he responded. Phillip pressed further: 'But I think by saying that, it's sort of an acknowledgement that Trump has changed that dynamic.' Goldman, hesitant to even bring up Trump's name before this, conceded the argument at this point. 'Yeah, I think that - I don't know how he, you know, I think that there's a lot that remains to learn about what prompted that change, but I do agree, yes. Somehow, someway, that changed,' he said. Representative Dan Goldman, a Democrat from New York, appeared on a CNN panel today and struggled to give Donald Trump credit getting Israel and Hamas to move toward peace Host Abby Phillip argued Goldman was discounting Trump's role in the negotiation process Since 2023, Goldman has represented New York's 10th Congressional district, which comprises all of lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn. On top of Goldman being from a Jewish family, his district has one of the largest Jewish populations in the nation, so he frequently makes his support for Israel known. On the CNN panel, Goldman also claimed that Israel only began blocking humanitarian aid in Trump's second term, which put additional pressure on the current White House that president Joe Biden did not have to deal with. While Israel halted all aid into Gaza in March 2025, international groups and the United Nations have repeatedly confirmed reports of Israel severely restricting food, water and other types of aid into the Gaza strip when Biden was in office. On February 29 last year, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) opened fire on Palestinians who they said rushed toward aid trucks in an attack dubbed the 'Flour Massacre' that killed at least 112 people and injured 760 others, according to the UN. At the time, an Israeli spokesman said the deaths of the civilians were caused by 'Gaza truck drivers' who ran them over to hijack the aid delivery. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November that year for prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant for allegedly committing the war crime of 'starvation as a method of warfare'. In the first few months of his presidency, Trump initially took a hard line against Hamas and routinely reiterated America's strong commitment to Israel's war effort. A destroyed area of the Gaza Strip is pictured on Thursday as smoke rises from an Israeli bombardment, despite the ongoing peace efforts Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting on Thursday announcing that the first phase of the peace deal was successful and that he expects Israeli hostages to be released on Monday During a February press conference with Netanyahu, Trump said that the United States would 'take over and own' the Gaza strip. Multiple times, Trump threatened Hamas that there would be 'hell to pay' if they did not release the Israeli hostages. He also proposed relocating the some two million Palestinians living there to other countries such as Egypt and Jordan. The peace plan the Trump administration unveiled last week barely resembled his earlier musings about the two-year-long conflict that kicked off on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters stormed into southern Israel and killed nearly 1,200 civilians. The 20-point accord, which hasn't been fully agreed, states that Israel won't 'occupy or annex Gaza' and that no one who lives in Gaza 'will be forced to leave'. On Thursday, both sides signed onto the first phase of the plan, which involves Hamas releasing the 20 or so hostages that are still alive in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinians who have been in Israeli jails. The deal also stipulates that Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza and fighting will end. There have been strikes from Israel as recently as Thursday. Once Israel's government formally approves the agreement, which Netanyahu promised would happen on Thursday, 400 aid trucks will be allowed into Gaza every day for the next five days, the BBC reported. Trump said he believes the Israeli hostages will be released sometime on Monday. A Los Angeles adult performer sought out rich older men on dating apps then showed up to see them in a Porsche before burglarizing their homes, it is alleged. Adva Lavie, 27, a 'Penthouse Pet' for the pornographic magazine, is accused of targeting older male owners of a slew of luxury homes in the City of Angels. She then acted as their girlfriend or companion before committing the burglaries across Los Angeles County. The well-to-do former Israeli soldier alternated between a black Porsche Macan SUV and white Mercedes coupe when she showed up to meet her dates, investigators say. Lavie claimed she'd fallen victim to a shadowy conspiracy when contacted by the Daily Mail on Thursday: 'I think when you probably hang out with someone really powerful and someone really connected, if you piss them off, it's problematic because they can really f*** you over.' She claimed that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department allegations were 'all new' to her and that she was 'just literally waking up to this right now.' After being read the allegations, Lavie said: 'Wow, that's horrible. 'This is really bad, oh my God.' A Los Angeles woman identified as Adva Lavie posed as older mens girlfriend before wreaking havoc, law enforcement said Lavie allegedly targeted older men on dating apps Lavie told the Daily Mail: 'I think when you probably hang out with someone really powerful and someone really connected, if you piss them off, it's problematic because they can really f*** you over' Asked for further details about the 'powerful individuals' who she claims are out to get her, Lavie put down the phone on our reporter. Law enforcement said Lavie also used the names Mia Ventura Shoshana and Shana. In 2022, a former Israel Defense Forces soldier identified as Mia Ventura was announced as a new member of the subscription-based platform HoneyDrip.com. The woman had served in the IDF for two years, according to the press release. She then worked as a flight attendant at an Israeli airline after completing her service before getting laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was then that the woman 'gained a large social media following stemming from her travels around the world.' In 2022, a former IDF soldier identified as Mia Ventura was revealed as a new member of HoneyDrip.com She had more than 500,000 followers on Instagram and had appeared on 'many magazines' After her newfound success, she 'shifted her focus to modeling despite disappointment from friends and family due to religious beliefs.' The release boasted that the the woman named as Ventura had more than 500,000 followers on Instagram and had appeared in 'many magazines.' She was quoted as saying: 'I'm excited to start connecting with all my fans and sharing my exclusive content. Never be scared or ashamed, feel empowered and free.' Lavie was known to drive a black Porsche SUV and white Mercedes-Benz sedan, law enforcement added. The suspected serial burglar is 5-foot-7, 104 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. A photo dated July 23, 2024, showed Lavie smiling while wearing jewelry. Detectives are asking for the publics assistance in locating other victims of the woman's alleged crimes. Lavie was known to drive a black Porsche SUV and white Mercedes-Benz sedan Lavie allegedly acted as their girlfriend or companion before committing the residential burglaries across Los Angeles County On average, a home in LA County is worth more than $850,000 The average value of a home in Los Angeles County is $867,969, according to Zillow. The Daily Mail reached out to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for further comment. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department or the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station in in neighboring Agoura. Dating apps have been used for crime in prior instances. In May, two Oregon women allegedly used a dating app to lure a man into a robbery that ended in a violent shooting. Authorities said Alexa Montano Corral and Julia Dell Yepez, both 20, met the victim through Chispa, a dating app geared towards Latinos. Corral was also known as 'Lupita' or 'Lupe,' while Yepez had the alias of 'Isabella.' Deputies believed the women wanted to rob the man, but the situation escalated into a potentially fatal event. Reports said the women fled the scene on foot after shooting the man while inside a vehicle. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital with a gunshot wound and non-life-threatening injuries. Czech Republic, China seek deeper ties at business summit Xinhua) 09:26, October 09, 2025 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. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Vladimir Putin has admitted that Russia shot down the Azerbaijani Airlines jetliner which crashed on Christmas day killing 38 people. The flight from Azerbaijan's capital Baku to the Russian city of Grozny crashed with 67 passengers and five crew members on board near Aktau, western Kazakhstan last year. Russia on Thursday admitted for the first time that their air defenses were to blame for downing the jet which attempted to make an emergency landing before erupting in a fireball. Putin's first admission of responsibility for the crash comes in an effort to ease tensions between the neighbours. He said the missiles fired by Russian air defenses to target a Ukrainian drone exploded near the Azerbaijan Airlines plane as it was preparing to land in Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya. Ukrainian drones have regularly struck deep inside Russia. Speaking at a meeting with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev in Tajikistan's capital of Dushanbe, where both were attending a summit of the former Soviet nations, Putin pledged to punish those responsible and provide compensation. Azerbaijani authorities had said the Embraer 190 jet was hit accidentally by Russian fire, then tried to land in western Kazakhstan, where it crashed and killing more than half on board. Vladimir Putin has admitted that Russia shot down the Azerbaijani Airlines jetliner which crashed on Christmas day, killing 38 people Russia on Thursday admitted for the first time that their air defenses were to blame for downing the jet Vladimir Putin pledged to punish those responsible and provide compensation at a meeting with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev in Tajikistan's capital of Dushanbe Days after the crash, Putin apologized to Aliyev for what he called a 'tragic incident' but stopped short of acknowledging responsibility. Aliyev, meanwhile, criticized Moscow for trying to 'hush up' the incident. The controversy over the crash has roiled the previously warm ties between Moscow and Baku. Their relations were further destabilized by deaths of ethnic Azerbaijanis rounded up by police in a Russian city in June and a series of arrests of Russians in Azerbaijan. Speaking to Aliyev on Thursday, Putin said that Russian air defenses that targeted a Ukrainian drone fired on the Azerbaijani airliner because of a 'technical malfunction,' adding that two missiles exploded just 10 meters away from the passenger jet. 'The Russian side will obviously do everything to provide compensation and give legal assessment to all responsible officials' action,' he said. 'Of course, these words related to this tragedy, aimed at supporting - morally supporting - the families do not solve the main problem: We can't bring back to life those who died as a result of the tragedy,' Putin added. He voiced hope for overcoming the strain between the countries and fully rebuilding the ties. 'I would like to thank you for keeping the situation under your personal control,' he said. The Azerbaijani leader said they had a chance to discuss a 'broad and positive' bilateral agenda, voicing hope that 'the messages we are sending today to our societies will meet a positive response.' 'I hope that our cooperation not only will be restored, but continue in the spirit of our relations, the spirit of our alliance,' he said. Aliyev thanked Putin for investigating the cause of the plane's downing. This is the terrifying moment two women narrowly escape death when a balcony suddenly collapses above them. The near miss took place in Lavrio, a port town in south-eastern Greece, shortly after 3pm on Tuesday, 7th October. One woman suffered minor scratches but did not require hospital treatment. Police and emergency crews later cordoned off the area while engineers examined the damaged structure. Click to watch the video in full above. The Islamist terror suspect accused of plotting a Jewish massacre in Manchester 'hero-worshipped' the mastermind of the Paris attacks in 2015, a court has heard. Walid Saadaoui, 38, from Abram, near Wigan, wanted to kill as many Jewish people as possible in north west and cause 'untold harm', Preston Crown Court heard. Prosecutor Harpreet Sandhu KC told jurors Saadaoui wanted to copycat jihadist Abdelhamid Abaaoud, who organised the Paris attacks in 2015 that killed 130 people and left hundreds wounded. Saadaoui had access to 'fierce weapons' including assault rifles which were capable of firing several hundred rounds of ammunition per minute - the same type of firearms used in Paris. Saadaoui is accused with Amar Hussein, 52, of preparing a terrorist attack by making plans for an attack, conducting reconnaissance and arranging the purchase and delivery of firearms. Saadaoui was arrested by undercover police in a car park in Bolton as he took delivery of the weapons which he believed had been smuggled into the country. The court heard that Saadaoui used a series of ten Facebook accounts to promote Islamic State, encourage attacks and stalk his targets. Harpreet Sandhu KC, prosecuting, told the jury: 'Those Facebook accounts were Walid Saadaoui's vehicles to spread his extremist views. 'What Walid Saadaoui posted leaves no room for doubt that he embraced Islamic extremism wholeheartedly and that he condoned and encouraged the use of violence in the name of Islam. 'Those posts also show that Walid Saadaoui aligned himself with the views of the so-called Islamic State.' Walid Saadaoui, 38, from Abram, near Wigan, (left in above court sketch alongside Bilel Saadaouui and Amar Hussein) wanted to kill as many Jewish people as possible in north west and cause 'untold harm', Preston Crown Court heard On January 18 2023, Facebook removed a post about the Paris attacks because it breached 'community standards on dangerous individuals and organisations' but he just posted it again under another name. In the posting he stated: 'Abd al-Hamid Abaaoud at only the age of 26 he humiliated the most notorious heretic states, Belgium and France and broke their strength. He made the streets run with their impure blood.' The court was told that Abaaoud was a Belgian-born Islamic State terrorist who spent time in Syria and was behind multiple terrorist attacks in Belgium and France and the mastermind the 2015 Paris attacks. Mr Sandhu said: 'The sort of firearms Walid Saadaoui had arranged to have smuggled into the UK were the sort of weapons which had been used to kill 130 people and injure hundreds more in Paris. 'Abdelhamid Abaaoud's actions in France which led to those deaths and those injuries were a source of inspiration for Walid Saadaoui. 'He wanted to replicate what Abaaoud had done. Walid Saadaoui hero-worshipped that terrorist. When he spoke of Abaaoud, he did so with pride and with reverence.' Walid Saadaoui and Amer Hussein were said to be 'united in their hate for the Jewish people' and material posted on Walid Saadaoui's Facebook page demonstrated his deep hatred. On January 27 and 28 2023, he posted images of nine dead bodies following an attack in Jerusalem adding: 'Nine Jewish corpses. O Allah, increase and bless... You see something beautiful today.' He also supported Islamic State, posting on June 9 2023 in Arabic and English: 'The best thing that happened on the face of the earth under this coercive rule is the birth of the Islamic State.' The men were said to hold meetings in a private house, and on July 7 2023 Walid Saadaoui posted about how he found mosques to be the 'most repugnant places to me' because those who visited them did not adhere to his brand of religion. On December 13 2022, Walid Saadaoui was contacted by an undercover officer called Farouk, who was using the name Abu Bilal, on a Facebook page in which Saadaoui used the profile picture of the Paris attacks mastermind. The undercover officer asked him, 'Peace and blessing of god, how did you get to know the martyr brother Abdul Hamid? I am from Belgium, that's how I got to know him.' When Walid Saadaoui asked, 'Personally?', the officer replied: 'No, he used to live five minutes away from me, and I am from a Moroccan background, I didn't know him personally.' Walid Saadaoui responded: 'May God preserve you. You need to do what he had done, make him a role model and carry out operations against the Jews and the Crusaders there, and hitting them there affects them badly.' Mr Sandhu told the jury: 'There can be no doubt that engaging in terrorism against the Jewish people was at the forefront of Walid Saadaoui's mind. Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, face trial alongside Saadaoui's younger brother, Bilel, 36, (pictured) from Hindley near Wigan who is charged with failure to disclose information about an act of terrorism. 'Walid Saadaoui did not need any encouragement to make these pronouncements of the terrorist attacks he would be engaging in. Indeed, he was the one who encouraged Farouk.' He went on to ask Farouk: 'How much an automatic gun costs in Belgium?' before deleting the message. Saadaoui went on to advise Farouk to 'try not to raise suspicions around yourself... dress and cut your hair like the disbelievers.' 'You will have to sort out your worldly business too, your children, your wife, your money and your interest so that you will not be occupied with all these ties and be free.' Saadaoui said it was time to start coordinating between 'brothers' and raising funds for their planned attackand asked Farouk if there was a large gathering of Jews in Belgium. Mr Sandhu said: 'That is important. It was Walid Saadaoui's aim to identify a mass-gathering of Jewish people and attack them and he told Farouk to find people to purchase firearms from.' Saadaoui added: 'I can use a knife in the operation, but this will not be enough to take revenge, only the automatic gun. I want to kill as many as possible.' Mr Sandhu told the jury: 'It is not a coincidence that the weapons he was about to receive on May 8 2024 when he was caught by the police were guns which were capable of killing hundreds of people.' In a voice note, Saadaoui added: 'As I told you sheikh, these matters of running someone over with a car or using a knife is ineffective, what is needed is an automatic gun, an automatic gun. 'We want to do the same as what Abaaoud done, god willing. We must run rivers of their impure blood.' In another voice note, he added: 'Apart from the issues of automatic guns, there is car crashes in crowded locations. Very crowded with a lot of people. 'The crash should use a big truck not the small car. I mean the transit van. Do you understand, that?' Mr Sandhu said: 'There cannot be a clearer example of how mass casualties inspired by Abaaoud remained constant themes for Walid Saadaoui and to cause the greatest degree of catastrophe that they could.' Walid Saadaoui had a terrorist attack against Jewish people 'firmly in his mind' and joined Facebook groups in the hope of getting information about gatherings of the Jewish community which he could attend in order to carry out atrocities, the prosecutor said. He used one of his Facebook accounts in the name of Will Alba to join a group page on the social media site called 'Manchester Jewish Community' on 22 December 22 2023 after sending a message to the administrator claiming he had been a member of a synagogue in Croydon and had recently moved to Manchester. He also joined the Facebook group of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester which contained details of a 'March Against Antisemitism' which had been held in Manchester on January 21 2024. There were suggestions on that page that some 6,500 had taken part in that march and Walid Saadaoui was interested in finding similar events at which he could launch an attack, Mr Sandhu said. The two men face trial alongside Saadaoui's younger brother, Bilel, 36, from Hindley near Wigan who is charged with failure to disclose information about an act of terrorism. Before the trial started, Mr Justice Wall told the jury: 'It is no part of the prosecution case that any of these defendants had anything do with what happened at the synagogue in Manchester last week. The trial continues. A British Transport Police (BTP) officer who grabbed a teenage fare dodger by the throat and put her in a headlock has been found guilty of assault by beating. CCTV footage shows Adrian Young, 48, violently restraining the 15-year-old girl by holding her in a headlock for 30 seconds. The video from Camden Road Underground station then shows PC Young pushing the girl back through the ticket barrier and grabbing her throat before shoving her against a machine in September last year. Afterwards he handcuffed and arrested the girl before de-arresting her at the scene. A member of the public who witnessed the attack made a complaint and the incident was referred to the IOPC. The IOPC sent a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service and PC Young was convicted at Westminster Magistrates' Court today. He will be sentenced on November 13. At the end of the IOPC investigation it found he should also face a gross misconduct hearing for allegedly breaching the police standards of professional behaviour. CCTV footage shows Adrian Young, 48, violently restraining the 15-year-old girl by holding her in a headlock for 30 seconds The video from Camden Road Underground station shows PC Young pushing the young girl back through the ticket barrier and grabbing her throat They will work with BTP to progress disciplinary proceedings. Assistant Chief Constable Sean O'Callaghan said: 'I'd like to be absolutely clear that the actions of PC Young during this incident were appalling, demonstrating a completely unnecessary and unacceptable use of force against a child which has seen him be convicted of assault today. 'Police officers are rightly expected to maintain control of any situation and by not doing so, PC Young has undermined public confidence in BTP and the high standards we hold our officers to every day. 'We thank the IOPC for their investigation and will be looking to progress with internal disciplinary proceedings as soon as possible.' IOPC Director Emily Barry said: 'All police officers are trained to use force that is necessary, proportionate and reasonable in the circumstances. On this occasion, there was no lawful reason for the force used by PC Young, which could have resulted in serious injuries, particularly as he was dealing with a child who was considerably smaller than him. 'The incident was witnessed by several members of the public who expressed concerns at the scene about the officer's actions, with one of the witnesses making a complaint to BTP that ultimately led to us carrying out an independent investigation. 'This shows that the public can have confidence in the police complaints system and that the IOPC will hold officers to account for their actions, with PC Young now convicted of a criminal offence.' John Swinney has come under fire for failing to act on warnings about the coronavirus exams fiasco and a lack of planning for school closures during a bruising appearance at a public inquiry. The First Minister, who was Education Secretary at the outbreak of the pandemic, faced heavy criticism at the UK Covid-19 inquiry for acting as a bystander and failing to intervene when concerns were raised about the way pupils were going to awarded grades when they were unable to sit exams. He was also grilled about the lack of planning for the impact of school closures, and was accused of considering the impact on childrens lives on only a superficial level at best. The revelations about his failure to intervene despite warnings from MSPs and parents led to major questions about Mr Swinneys judgement and competence, with opponents saying he was disgracefully negligent. In what was billed at the time as the greatest scandal in Scottish education in decades, the results of more than 124,000 pupils were downgraded in 2020 due to an algorithm used by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) which altered results recommended by teachers based on past performance of the pupils school when exams were cancelled. Following a major public backlash, Mr Swinney was forced into a U-turn with the results of all the pupils who were downgraded reverted to grades originally recommended by teachers. During yesterdays evidence, Clare Dobbin KC, counsel to the UK Covid-19 inquiry, highlighted that concerns had been raised with Mr Swinney by MSPs in July 2020 and asked if he had raised these with the SQA. First Minister John Swinney was grilled about his time as Scotland's Education Secretary at the UK Covid Inquiry Mr Swinney was accused of being a 'bystander' who was powerless to tackle problems during the pandemic He said that he didnt recall doing that because he had commissioned the SQA to design an alternative assessment model. Ms Dobbin said: So youre a bystander? People can tell you theres a problem and you can do nothing about it? She said that as well as these concerns in July 2020, concerns about the absence of an equalities impact assessment were drawn to his attention. When asked why he didnt intervene, he said the issues didnt crystalise until a very late stage in the process. In his statement to the inquiry, Mr Swinney said he felt there was an opportunity in 2020 to move away from single moment in time examination. Ms Dobbin said: What it seems to amount to is your view that it was an opportunity to move away from an overreliance on exams to determine the future of young people. Absolutely no reflection there, is there, on the consequences that this disaster over exams had for young people? Mr Swinney said he made clear that he recognised that it was necessary for me to offer a direct apology to the pupils whose teacher estimates had been higher than their final award, and added: I offered that direct apology to pupils and I rectified the situation. The inquiry was also told about a Scottish Government paper prior to school closures which contained five bullet points about the negative impacts, including on learning and disruption to exams, staff completing qualifications, the economy and key services to cover childcare, a higher risk of spread of the virus due to children being looked after informally in groups or by grandparents, and additional support needs or meals of some children not being covered. Ms Dobbin said: This is headline stuff isnt it, dealing with the realities of childrens lives at best at a superficial level, do you agree? Mr Swinney replied: No I dont agree with that. I think it is covering the issues we have got to undertake detailed planning to address the implications of these issues, which then consumed all of our time and thinking wrestling with those challenges. The First Minister was also pressed on advice from March 17, 2020, before schools were closed, about the preparedness of local councils. Ms Dobbin said: Did you come to that decision effectively blind to what the state of planning was across Scotland for that eventuality? Mr Swinney said: I wouldnt say blind, but I also thought I had no alternative but to announce the closure of schools. Scottish Conservative education spokesman Miles Briggs said: Despite his deletion of his WhatsApp messages, its obvious that John Swinney was disgracefully negligent as education secretary during the pandemic. This inquiry makes it clear that he was woefully complacent about school closures and acted as a bystander when concerns were first raised about the SQA exam grading scandal. He should have left his post the moment it became clear that he had allowed the exam authorities to downgrade the results of around a quarter of pupils. That shameful decision adversely affected the most disadvantaged students and had to be reversed, but John Swinney faced no consequences for his appalling misjudgement. John Swinney has been accused of being a tired Nationalist with a dismal record whose latest push for independence would mean extreme tax rises and spending cuts. The First Minister was also accused of having a laugh after claiming his plan offered a fresh start for Scotland. The bruising attack came the day after Mr Swinney launched a taxpayer-funded paper on separation which was branded a fact-free fantasy by his opponents. He claimed exiting the Union was vital as Scotland had reached the limits of devolution to improve living standards - and denied it was his own government that had run out of steam. The 90-page paper failed to mention income tax, gave no figures on the public finances after separation, and lacked any timetable for setting up a Scottish pound or rejoining the EU. It claimed Scots households could be 10,200 better off, while Mr Swinney said the Bank of England would bail out Scotland if it suffered a financial crisis while still using Sterling. At First Ministers Questions, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said it simply wasnt plausible for Mr Swinney to boast about a fresh start. He said: John Swinney cant offer a fresh start hes a tired nationalist with a dismal record. John Swinney recently launched a new paper on Scottish independence, branded 'fantasy' by opponents Tory leader Russell Findlay branded the First Minister 'a tired nationalist with a dismal record' The same John Swinney has dreamed about breaking up the United Kingdom for almost 50 years. He was at the forefront of the Free by 93 campaign. He first became leader of the SNP at the turn of the millennium. Last year, he became SNP leader again. Is John Swinney having a laugh? Mr Swinney said he was deadly serious about the argument for independence. The rightward drift of the United Kingdom and the stagnation of living standards in our country demonstrate a need to re-examine the argument, and that is why independence is the fresh start that Scotland needs. Mr Findlay said the paper was not just harmless fantasy but dangerous dishonesty and that serious and credible experts had demolished it as an exercise in wishful thinking. He went on: It is outrage that it was produced by Scottish civil servants. Will John Swinney stop wasting taxpayers money on such nonsense? But the First Minister insisted: The arguments against Scottish independence have collapsed since 2014, and Scotland is on a pathway to independence. Mr Findlay scoffed: If he ever got his way, it would mean extreme tax rises and severe spending cuts for Scotland. Mortgages would go up, pensions would be put at risk and there would be a hard border with England. Hes not focused on building a stronger economy. Hes wasting time and taxpayers money on the same old arguments of the past. Mr Swinney said living standards in Scotland had ground to a halt within the UK in the wake of Brexit and amid rising prices. Costumed government mascots that have cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars would be sent packing under one GOP senator's plan to slash spending amid the government shutdown. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst is taking aim at characters including Franklin the Fair Market Fox, from the Department of Housing, and Puddles the Blue Goose, from the Fish and Wildlife Service, as she appeals to Trump's budget chief to cut costs. Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, said in a memo issued before the shutdown that 'Reduction in Force (RIF) notices for all employees' working in programs that are 'not consistent with the President's priorities' should be sent by individual agencies. Ernst, who chairman of the Senate DOGE caucus, plans to ask during a floor speech on Friday that riff-raff like government mascots and other 'do-nothing bureaucrats' be fired immediately. A single outfit for a mascot at the US Embassy in Singapore cost taxpayers a whopping $22,000 in February, and the government spent a jaw-dropping $250,000 at a costume company in Ohio in 2019, according to Ernst's office. Ernst told the Daily Mail last week that keeping 750,00 non-essential workers on the government payroll costs $400 million every working day. The total cost of keeping these workers has crossed $2.8 billion since the government shutdown began, she said. Ernst's other potential cost-cutting measures include eliminating the positions of federal employees and contractors who were not even working before the shutdown, and others who have said that they get paid to take naps and watch Netflix. Franklin the Fair Market Fox from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Puddles the Blue Goose from the Fish and Wildlife Service, and Owlie Skywarn from the National Weather Service are a few of the characters eyed for cuts Some government employees have recorded in their own journals that they get paid to take naps and watch Netflix, according to Iowa Senator Joni Ernst Ernst, chairman of the Senate DOGE caucus, plans to suggest during a floor speech Friday that riff-raff like government mascots and other 'do-nothing bureaucrats' be fired immediately Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House today 'Did nothing all day today over ten hours in here,' read one journal entry shared by Ernst's office with the Daily Mail. 'I do hope to play another good game of chess,' read another. Before the shutdown, the senator introduced the Double Dippers Act to cross-check payrolls to identify and stop bureaucrats from billing taxpayers twice for work they're not even doing. One full-time employee at the Department of Housing and Urban Development was found to have been simultaneously holding two additional full-time government contractor positions, sometimes billing for 26 working hours in a single 24-hour day, Ernst said. That cost the American taxpayers more than $225,000 over three years. The senator's push comes as air traffic controller shortages are causing flight delays, the Federal Drug Administration is not able to process applications for new drugs, and members of the military may miss out on their next paycheck, all due to the inability of Congress to pass a budget resolution. House Republicans passed a budget bill and sent it to the Senate, where the funding legislation needs to overcome a 60-vote threshold. Republicans hold 53 seats in the chamber, and Democrats John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Catherine Cortez-Masto of Nevada, and Independent Angus King of Maine supported the GOP budget package. Republican Rand Paul of Kentucky has opposed it. Shamed rugby star Stuart Hogg has been allowed back in the family fold albeit only via a phone app after his now ex-wife wished courts to relax his non-harassment order. The 33-year-old was last year banned from contacting Gillian Smith, with whom he has four children, after he admitted breaching a bail order. He confessed at Jedburgh Sheriff Court that he had repeatedly contacted the 38-year-old, despite a previous order prohibiting him from doing so. But his legal representative lodged an application yesterday for the non- harassment order (NHO) to be relaxed so the pair can keep in touch through a co-parenting app, without third-party aid. Such apps have proved a popular way for separated couples to work together by removing the emotion and act as a controlled family organiser. Hoggs lawyer Mat Patrick explained his ex-wife raised the issue. Sheriff Peter Paterson said: I will grant the application. Alongside the NHO, the former Scotland captain was fined 600 for the breach with a 40 Victim Surcharge. Stuart Hogg with new partner Leonna Mayor at Musselburgh races Former Scotland rugby international Stuart Hogg arrives at Selkirk Sheriff Court for sentencing at a previous hearing Hogg in action during the Six Nations Rugby match between Scotland and Ireland at Murrayfield Stadium on March 12, 2023 In February, Hogg pleaded guilty to a domestic abuse charge involving his then-wife. He admitted shouting, swearing, tracking her movements and sending messages which were alarming and distressing in nature. The couple were married in Hawick, Roxburghshire, in August 2016 but a decree of divorce was granted in Jedburgh in May. Earlier this year Hoggs girlfriend, TV presenter and ex-jockey Leonna Mayor, 35, gave birth to his fifth child. Jack Daniel's has left Tennessee farmers high and dry after announcing an end to its cheap cow feed program that will now be given to a green energy company instead. The whiskey company said it will terminate their Cow Feeder Program starting March 31 after taking on a new partnership with Three Rivers Energy, a Michigan-based company. The program, which has been in place for 45 years, provides cattle farmers with 'slop,' or corn byproduct, to feed to their cows at little to no cost. But now, the leftover feed, which is created from used distillers' grain and water at the company's Lynchburg facility, will be turned into fertilizer and renewable fuel by the energy firm. Panic has quickly set in across Moore county and surrounding areas as farmers have frantically been lining up at the crack of dawn to sell their cattle for money since they can't afford to feed them anymore. Over the past month, cattle auctions have been at an all time high with some of them lasting eight to nine hours because of the influx. 'Farmers for the past three or four weeks have been selling a lot of cattle that normally they may keep a little while,' Josh Woodward, an auction official, told WTVF. 'To lose that in a community like this, it's detrimental to the future of our country. We have to supply our own food. It's important to keep these folks around.' Jack Daniel's announced it will end its 'Cow Feeder Program' starting March 31 as the whiskey company has partnered with Michigan-based firm Three Rivers Energy. (Pictured: Stock image) Josh Woodward, an auction official, said the cattle auctions have been at an all time high because of the major announcement Local auction participant and farmer Kevin Demastus explained just how much the cut off of the feed program has affected the community. 'They have more slaughter cows every week than anywhere I go, just because there's so many farmers feeding slop to these cows,' he said. And although auction houses are seeing high numbers right now, industry experts predict the surge will die down and people will give up farming altogether. 'It's really gonna affect this part of the world where the slop is,' Demastus explained. 'There will be a lot of them who quit.' For some residents, the program is more than just a way to keep their cattle fed. Danny Anderson, 56, said they have been using the byproduct from Jack Daniel's for years - so much so that it has become a tradition in his family. 'I can remember when I was probably 8 or 9 years old, going with my grandfather to get it. Back then, we hauled it in old milk cans,' Anderson told Tennessee Lookout. Anderson said when he initially took over the operation on the 207-acre farm, he used a 1,000-gallon tank to transport the feed. He later went on to upgrade to a truck with a four-gallon tank, where he paid less than $9 for each load, the farmer told the outlet. Farmers have since resorted to standing on long auction lines to sell their cattle for money since they can't afford to feed them without the program. (Pictured: File photo) The feed is made with used distillers' grain and water at the company's Lynchburg facility (pictured) But now, Anderson won't be able to financially keep up with the cost of slop. He typically hauls about 185,000 gallons of cattle food each month, but starting this month, Jack Daniel's said it will reduce his allotment to 144,000 gallons. By January it will be reduced to 43,200 gallons before he is cut off completely at the end of March. The whiskey company's new partnership with Three Rivers Energy requires the distiller to deliver 350,000 to 50,000 gallons of its spent grain each day, which is Jack Daniel's entire volume. 'This decision follows years of careful consideration and was communicated with advance notice, starting with our initial announcement back in March 2022,' a Jack Daniel's spokesperson told the Daily Mail. 'Through the company's new partnership, it 'allows us to achieve key environmental standards and secure the future of our brand, ensuring our continued ability to market and sell Jack Daniels globally,' they added. 'We understand this change is significant, and we remain dedicated to our neighbors as we all adapt to this new era.' Local auction participant and farmer Kevin Demastus said many farmers will ditch the practice as a whole because of the change According to Anderson, the final decision was made by Brown-Forman, the corporate owner of Jack Daniel's. He showed a bit of compassion for the people who had to break the horrible news to farmers like him who depend on the program. 'I think Jack Daniels here in little old Lynchburg is getting a bad rep for it, because the people that run Jack Daniels here had to come out and tell the farmers, "Hey, look, this is over",' Anderson said. In the meantime, the community has been looking elsewhere to see if there is a possible, low cost solution to keep the cattle fed in the area. Representatives with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) held a meeting last week to discuss possible solutions for farmers. Andrew Griffith, a livestock marking specialist at the school, said that although not all cattle consumes slop in the Moore County area, 'the big percentage of them are.' Farmers can also feed their cattle hay or create their own blend of crops, including soybean meal and corn. Barack Obama refused to name Donald Trump in an astonishing snub to the president as he celebrated the Gaza peace deal. The Democratic ex-president posted a statement on social media, saying he was 'relieved that an end to the conflict is within sight.' But he could not bring himself to name his nemesis Trump, who defied all odds in securing a peace agreement on Wednesday to end the bloody two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas. 'I'll finish it for you. "Thank you, Donald Trump,"' the president's son, Don Jr. wrote, mocking Obama's statement. Trump had earlier attacked his predecessor in the Oval Office for receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for 'doing nothing' when asked if he now expected to receive the award. 'I've stopped eight wars, so that's never happened before but they'll have to do what they do. Whatever they do is fine. I know this: I didn't do it for [the Nobel Peace Prize], I did it because I saved a lot of lives,' Trump said. Obama received the prestigious award in 2009, eight months into his first term in a decision that shocked the world. Even the liberal New York Times said it was 'very premature' and argued the Nobel 'should have a higher bar.' The award will be announced at 5am (EST) in Oslo, Norway. Trump is not expected to win, with prediction market Kalshi pricing in just a 5 percent chance. Former President Barack Obama celebrated the Israel/Hamas peace deal that Trump announced on Wednesday, but the Democrat snubbed the Republican in his statement Former Biden aide Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., lauded Trump for the Israel/Hamas deal Secretary of State Marco Rubio whispers to President Donald Trump that the Israel/Hamas deal was nearly finalized. Soon after Trump posted on Truth Social that the deal had been struck But while Obama snubbed Trump, other liberals heaped praise on the president's peace deal. 'I think this is a moment for optimism and to celebrate the possibility that 20 families may well soon welcome home living hostages,' Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., a close ally and former congressional staffer of former President Joe Biden, said Tuesday. Hillary Clinton's 2016 running mate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said he is 'very pleased' with the Republican's Israel/Hamas deal. 'I applaud President Trump and the team and all for getting to this step. The release of the hostages [is] such good news, and obviously, we have to see how it progresses.' The second most powerful Democratic Senator, Dick Durbin of Illinois, also expressed his excitement over the deal, even if he didn't mention the president by name. 'I'm very heartened by it. I hope it ends the conflict in Gaza as quickly as possible,' he said. Maverick Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., the most ardent supporter of Israel of all Senate Democrats, even said he would nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize should the president continue to end conflicts abroad. 'I think the whole point of having a Nobel Peace Prize is for ending wars and promoting peace,' Fetterman told Fox News. 'And if he brings the Ukrainian war to its end, I will be the Democrat leading the committee for his Nobel Prize..for ending both of these terrible wars.' Trump announced Wednesday evening that Israel and Hamas both had signed off on the 'first phase' of his proposed peace deal - a substantial step in ending the war in Gaza. People gather and wave flags in what's known as Hostages Square as they react to the news of the Gaza peace deal on October 09, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel On Thursday, the president declared the deal was 'all finalized and done.' He also announced he would travel to Israel next week to welcome home the living hostages currently held by Hamas. There are believed to be around 20 surviving hostages. They are expected to be released to Israeli officials on Monday or Tuesday. Hamas plans to release all 20 living hostages this weekend in exchange for roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza, people familiar with the matter told the Associated Press. Israel's security cabinet plans to vote soon on the proposed deal. Goldman, who served as the counsel during Democrats' first attempt to impeach Trump during his first term, said on CNN Wednesday night that he was 'ecstatic' about the peace deal. When pressed on why ex-President Joe Biden couldn't get the deal done, he blamed Arab nations for not applying pressure on Hamas' leadership. 'The biggest problem that President Biden had was there was no pressure from Qatar, from Turkey, from Egypt. They were actually facilitating in many ways what was going on.' Goldman also acknowledged that Trump changed the dynamic between the nations, something Biden was unable to do while in office. After the announcement, Hamas thanked Trump, as well as mediators in Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for the peace deal, which they say provides 'the withdrawal of the occupation, allows the entry of aid and implements a prisoner exchange.' When asked about whether he supports a two-state solution on Thursday, the president deferred to local leaders. 'I don't have a view,' Trump told reporters. 'I'm going to go with what they agree to.' Labour has removed 26 small boat migrants since the launch of its one in, one out deal with France while more than 10,000 have reached Britain. The Home Office confirmed 19 people who arrived by small boat have been sent back in the last week. It brings the total removed to France to 26 since the launch of the programme. As part of the inward route agreed with president Emmanuel Macrons government in the summer, a further 18 migrants have come from France to the UK. Meanwhile, 10,040 small boat migrants have reached Dover by small boat since the scheme launched on August 6. It included 1,075 on Wednesday this week alone. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer scrapped the Conservatives Rwanda asylum deal which was designed to deter crossings and save lives as one of his first acts in office. Migrants arrive aboard a Border Force vessel at Dover on Wednesday, when a total of 1,075 arrived across the Channel by small boat Migrants wearing lifejackets disembark from the Border Force catamaran, Typhoon, on Wednesday after being picked up from dinghies in the middle of the Channel Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'Labour is swindling the British public. 'This is just a massive con. 'Since the deal became operational over 10,000 illegal immigrants have crossed the Channel and Labour have removed a mere 26. 'This will obviously not deter anyone. 'We need to leave the European Convention on Human Rights which will enable us to deport people in days - this would be a real deterrent.' But Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood trumpeted the numbers removed from Britain under the new deal with France. The contrast couldn't be clearer. The last governments Rwanda scheme took years and cost hundreds of millions of pounds, and failed to forcefully remove a single person, she said. In a matter of weeks, we've returned 26 through our historic agreement with France. We must put an end to these dangerous crossings which put lives at risk and money in the pockets of criminal gangs. With flights to France now underway and ramping up, we are sending out a clear message: if you come here illegally, you face being detained and removed, so think twice before making that journey. The Home Office released images of migrants being sent back to France - the first time they have used a charter flight for removals under the scheme. An unidentified migrant boards a Home Office charter flight to France under the new 'one in-one out' scheme The migrants were seen being taken to an undisclosed airport last week for the charter flight to France, in images released by the Home Office today Under the new scheme a total of 26 small boat migrants have been sent back to France including 19 aboard two charter flights over the last week Earlier the Home Office confirmed there were 1,075 arrivals on Wednesday aboard 15 dinghies, the third highest number so far this year. It brings the total since the start of the year to 35,476, up 33 per cent on the same period last year. The total number of small boat migrants to have reached Britain since Labour came to power now stands at 58,718. Wednesdays huge number of Channel arrivals was the fourth day so far this year to top 1,000. People traffickers have begun using deadly mega dinghies to send migrants on their perilous journey across the Channel. At the end of last month one of the massively overloaded inflatables - at around 40ft - was photographed on the Channel for the first time. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Labour claims the one in, one out scheme will undermine people traffickers' tactics and 'smash the gangs' by persuading would-be migrants that crossing the Channel may be fruitless. However, the programme has been slow to take off after being mired in legal difficulties and even when fully up and running is expected to remove only around 50 migrants a week. The all-time record for daily arrivals is 1,305, set on September 3, 2022. Two builders have made the grisly find of human bones in a plastic bag - just yards from a graveyard. Construction workers were removing overgrowth with a digger to build a wooden fence when they found the bag of bones. The builders, who do not wish to be named, told their firm of the discovery who in turn informed the police. South Yorkshire Police were called to reports of human remains near St Wilfred's Church by Church Lane in Doncaster at around 9.50am on October 6. After the force arrived at the scene and made extensive enquiries, it emerged there remains were bones dating back a 'number of decades'. Police have confirmed the find is not being treated as suspicious, but are continuing to probe how the bones materialised in the plastic bag near the graveyard. Human bones have were found in a plastic bag near a graveyard by two builders, a police force has confirmed South Yorkshire Police were called to reports of human remains near St Wilfred's Church near Church Lane in Doncaster at around 9.50am on October 6 Detective Chief Inspector Simon Cartwright said: 'We are looking into the circumstances which resulted in these bones being found by contractors carrying out works in the area. 'We are acutely aware these remains are somebody's loved one and we assure the local community that we are carrying out our enquiries with all of the sensitivity you would expect'. 'Early forensic analysis has been completed, and we believe no suspicious circumstances surround them. 'Once our enquiries are complete we will work closely with the church with a view to ensuring the remains are respectfully returned to a final resting place.' Rules barring illegal migrants from winning British citizenship are facing a potentially explosive legal challenge on human rights grounds. The application for a judicial review could leave the Government unable to block applications from migrants, the Daily Mail can reveal. It comes as the Home Office confirmed only 26 migrants have been removed under Labours one in, one out deal with France, while more than 10,000 have reached Britain since the schemes launch. It includes 1,075 on Wednesday alone the third highest daily number so far this year. Labour introduced new measures in February which say anyone making an application for UK nationality will normally be refused if they previously entered the country illegally, such as by small boat. The Government was forced to act because it is repealing primary legislation introduced by the Conservatives under 2023s Illegal Migration Act - which brought in a similar bar on migrants securing UK nationality. Now a law firm is seeking permission for a judicial review of Labours measures, claiming they breach the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Refugee Convention. Migrants arrive at Dover on Wednesday after being picked up from dinghies mid-Channel by the UK Border Force The challenge will place renewed pressure on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his Attorney General Lord Hermer, who have repeatedly vowed they will never allow Britain to leave the ECHR. It comes just days after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch confirmed taking Britain out of the human rights treaty is now official Tory policy. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said Labour had made a catastrophic mistake repealing the Tory measures, leaving the citizenship restrictions wide open to legal challenge. Illegal immigrants should under no circumstances ever get citizenship, he said. Labour made a catastrophic mistake by deciding to repeal the Illegal Migration Act which would prevent this. Migrants were sent back to France aboard the charter flight, pictured, last Thursday - which carried 10 people - and another on Thursday this week, which carried nine The weak rules they have put in place can be legally challenged which, predictably, is what is now happening. He added: It is now clearer than ever that the UK must leave the ECHR in order to protect our borders. The Conservatives have now committed to do that but Labour is too weak to do the same. Foreign nationals who have lived in Britain for five years can apply to naturalise as a UK citizen, but they have to show they are of good character. Under previous rules, anyone who arrived illegally such as by small boat could apply for citizenship after six years here. After being granted leave to remain for a minimum of five years by the Home Office they could seek indefinite leave to remain, and then apply for citizenship a year later. The Tories 2023 Act barred anyone from claiming British citizenship if they entered the country unlawfully. But Labours Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, will repeal those measures. Instead, Labour changed guidance to Home Office caseworkers which widened the definition of who would no longer be considered of good character. They state anyone who previously entered the UK illegally will normally be refused, and specifically mention anyone who came to Britain by small boat or in the back of a lorry. Law firm Wilson Solicitors said it was launching the bid to bring a judicial review of the new policy on behalf of an unnamed Syrian refugee. The firm argues it is unlawful because it fails to direct decision makers to take account of the impact of refusal on Article 8 ECHR rights, which sets out the right to private and family life, and is discriminatory under Article 14. It also says the Home Offices policy misdirects decision-makers as to the law, specifically Articles 31 and 34 of the Refugee Convention. Only 26 migrants have been returned to France under the 'one in, one out' deal so far - including some sent back aboard a Home Office charter flight last week, pictured Those two articles set out how government should as far as possible facilitate the assimilation and naturalisation of refugees and should not impose penalties on account of their illegal entry or presence. A statement on Wilson Solicitors website says: If permission is granted, we would expect there to be a full hearing and a decision on the judicial review by the High Court some time in 2026. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Nigel Farages Reform UK has vowed to ditch the ECHR and last week Opposition leader Ms Badenoch confirmed the Tories will take Britain out of the treaty if the party wins the next election. A detailed legal review led by shadow attorney general Lord Wolfson concluded the ECHR placed significant constraints on the government, and Ms Badenoch said the move was necessary to protect our borders. The Home Office confirmed 19 people who arrived by small boat have been sent back in the last week under the one in, one out scheme. It brought the total removed to France to 26 since the launch of the programme on August 6. Over the same period 10,040 small-boat migrants have reached Dover by small boat. It included 1,075 on Wednesday this week, aboard 15 dinghies. The latest arrivals brought the total since the start of the year to 35,476, up 33 per cent on the same period last year. The total number since Labour came to power now stands at 58,718. In addition, as part of the inward route agreed with France, a further 18 migrants have come to the UK. A Home Office spokesman said: Anyone who enters the UK illegally faces having their British citizenship application refused. We are reviewing the application of Article 8 in immigration cases to ensure our rules are effective, secure our borders, and reflect the publics expectations. Our good character policy is compliant with the UKs international obligations. Manchester synagogue killer Jihad Al-Shamie boasted about finally passing his driving test and getting a car just six months before using it in his deadly attack, it can be revealed. The 35-year-old terrorist - who reportedly rang 999 and said 'I have killed two Jews in the name of Islamic State' during last week's atrocity - told one of his three wives about getting his licence on March 30 this year. 'Passed my driving (test) and have a car now,' he wrote, adding 'Alhamdulillah' which means 'praise be to God'. Last Thursday morning the university drop-out drove his battered Kia hatchback into worshippers outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester while armed with a knife, killing Melvin Cravitz, 66. Armed police were scrambled to the scene and shot Al-Shamie dead in front of the synagogue - tragically also killing Adrian Daulby, 53, who along with hero Rabbi David Walker was bravely barricading the doors from inside. The deadly attack took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Al-Shamie revealed he had learnt to drive in a message exchange with a Muslim convert whom he secretly married in 2022. The woman - who the Daily Mail is not identifying - only found out later that he was still married to Ikra Sulehman, with whom he went onto have three children. Manchester synagogue attacker Jihad Al-Shamie told his secret second wife he had passed his driving test and 'have a car now' on March 30 this year The profile picture which synagogue attacker Jihad Al-Shamie used as his profile on dating app Muzmatch Al-Shamie's damaged Kia Picanto pictured after last week's deadly attack He later took a third wife in an Islamic ceremony, NHS worker and mother-of-five Elizabeth Davis. The second wife told yesterday how 'controlling' Al-Shamie initially seemed 'lovely' and 'genuine', only to 'flip' and become 'intimidating' and aggressive. She finally stopped responding to his messages last year after becoming sick of the long-distance relationship. But on March 30 this year he contacted her out of the blue, writing simply: 'Long time.' She replied: 'What's up?' After asking if she was married, Al-Shamie posted: 'Passed my driving and have a car now. Alhamdulillah.' She answered: 'Congrats on passing. Well done.' 'Thanks,' he responded. Pictured as he attempts to force his way inside the synagogue in Manchester, Al-Shamie travelled to Britain with his family as a young child and was granted UK citizenship in 2006, aged around 16 Melvin Cravitz, 66, from Crumpsall, died in the deadly attack Adrian Daulby, 53, also died in the attack after being accidentally shot by police Apart from one further message in April when he asked what she was 'up to', it was the last time she heard from him. It was the first time he had mentioned an interest in learning to drive, she told the Daily Mail. 'He would always come and see me by buses and trains or get taxis,' she said. 'Sometimes his brother would drop him off, but he never drove to my house himself.' At around 9.15am on October 2, Al-Shamie - at this stage on foot - was confronted by security staff outside the synagogue in Crumpsall. CCTV footage obtained by the Daily Mail shows a man believed to be Al-Shamie walking away from the place of worship - dressed in a brown coat and wearing a backpack. Moments later he can be seen returning in his black Kia Picanto - distinctive due to its missing wheel trim - before launching his terrifying attack. Counter-terror police believe the Syrian-born UK citizen, was influenced by extremist Islamist ideology. They arrested six people in connection with the attack, however all were later released without charge. Yesterday the police watchdog said it had found no misconduct by the three armed officers who opened fire during the attack. Instead the Independent Office for Police Conduct is treating the officers as witnesses in its ongoing investigation. Ivanka Trump has hailed her father and husband Jared Kushner after Hamas and Israel struck a peace deal to end the war in Gaza. 'I want to thank my father for his unbending leadership in bringing real hope for lasting peace to a region that has known so much pain and heartbreak,' she posted on X. 'Deeply proud of my husband, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, whose vision and perseverance remind us that even in the darkest moments, progress is possible.' Kushner and Trump's envoy Witkoff have been in Egypt helping hammer out the details between the two sides after 'phase one' of the deal was announced on Wednesday. Ivanka, who converted to Judaism to marry her husband, said: 'Their tireless work has given new hope to families who dream simply of safety, dignity, and opportunity. 'I won't fully celebrate until every hostage has been returned and peace prevails. But I hold on to hope that one day we will dance again, and maybe even dance together. Praying for healing, unity, and lasting peace.' President Trump said he planned to travel to Egypt for the signing of the ceasefire deal, adding that he expected Hamas to free hostages on Monday or Tuesday. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Trump said the agreement between Israel and Hamas had 'ended the war in Gaza' and would lead to broader Middle East peace. Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump attend the Michael Rubin REFORM Alliance Casino Night Event on September 13 in Atlantic City 'We secured the release of all of the remaining hostages, and they should be released on Monday or Tuesday,' Trump told his assembled cabinet secretaries at the White House. But Trump said that the bodies of some of the dead hostages would be 'hard to find.' Trump announced plans to travel to the Middle East even before he unveiled the first phase of the peace deal on Wednesday, but said arrangements were still being made for a possible stop in Egypt. 'I'm going to try and make a trip over. We're going to try and get over there, and we're working on the timing, the exact timing,' Trump said Thursday. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said earlier that he had invited Trump to take part in a 'celebration to be held in Egypt' for the first phase of the ceasefire deal. Trump said he also expected to visit Israel, adding that he had been invited to address the Israeli parliament. 'They asked me to speak at the Knesset and... I've agreed to, if they would like me to, I will do it,' Trump said in response to a question from a reporter. The Republican gave few details about the second phase of the peace deal and the future of Gaza. Donald Trump discusses the Gaza peace deal at a Cabinet Meeting at the White House on Thursday Trump said 'there will be disarming, there will be pullbacks,' in apparent reference to Israel's demand that Hamas disarm and calls by the jihadists for Israel to withdraw its forces, but did not elaborate. He added that Gaza would be 'slowly redone' and indicated that Arab states with 'tremendous wealth' would help it rebuild, as well as possibly taking part in peacekeeping efforts. Trump did not comment on whether he now expected to achieve his long-held dream of winning the Nobel Peace Prize. But his cabinet officials lined up to praise him, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had on Wednesday handed the US president a note during an event saying a deal was imminent. 'Frankly, I don't know of any American president in the modern era that could have made this possible,' Rubio said. Rubio also hinted at the tough negotiations that led to the agreement, which saw Trump pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and rally Arab and Muslim states to lean on Hamas. 'One day, perhaps the entire story will be told,' Rubio said. 'The president had some extraordinary phone calls and meetings that required a high degree of intensity and commitment and made this happen.' A police officer who took his own life after he became a father was 'overwhelmed' by the pressures of parenthood and a demanding job, an inquest has heard. PC Charlie Mitchell of West Yorkshire Police was found dead at St Aidan's Nature Reserve in Leeds on June 22, the day after he was reported missing. An inquest at Wakefield Coroner's Court heard today the 26-year-old, who had joined the force in 2022, had never previously self-harmed or been the subject of mental health concerns, but that he had been struggling with the responsibilities of being a father and his job on the frontline prior to his death. Mr Mitchell had lived in Huddersfield until April this year, when he moved to Leeds with his partner, Brooklyn Smith, who also serves as an officer with West Yorkshire Police. The couple welcomed a baby that same month. Mr Mitchell's mother, Shirley Mitchell, told the inquest in a statement that her son's mental health began to decline from April as he struggled with the pressures of a new baby, a new home, financial commitments and the demands of his job. She told the inquest her son had undertaken specialist training to carry a taser, which he passed on the second attempt, which she felt brought added responsibility and pressure in work. The inquest also heard that Mr Mitchell had been impacted by the recent deaths of his grandparents and had been facing 'domestic pressures' after moving in with his partner. PC Charlie Mitchel, 26, was found dead at St Aidan's Nature Reserve in Leeds on June 22 Mr Mitchell joined the West Yorkshire Police force in 2022 and worked alongside his partner (stock) 'By June, he had become worse and had become paranoid about things, he was jumpy and apologised for things frequently,' Mrs Mitchell told the inquest. In June, Mr Mitchell was prescribed antidepressants by his GP. Later that month, on June 21, he went missing, leaving behind notes for his family, before he was found the following day. Mr Mitchell's GP, Dr Taimur Mansoor, told the inquest his only recorded consultations had related to routine health matters, until the appointment in June. She told the inquest she and Mr Mitchell had discussed counselling sessions, and medication for anxiety and depression. She added the appointment was 'the first and last time' that she saw him. Detective Sergeant Dean Hopley, of West Yorkshire Police, told the inquest in a statement the events that followed when Mr Mitchell was reported missing. He told the inquest that Ms Smith had seen him leave the house in a vehicle at 4pm on June 21. 'Brooklyn expressed that this behaviour was out of character and that he was suffering from anxiety as he was overwhelmed,' he said. 'She noticed a knife was missing from the kitchen. 'She said I know my boyfriend and he has gone to harm himself.' Mr Mitchell's father, Mark Mitchell, located his son's white Vauxhall in a car park near the nature reserve, and specialist search officers and mountain rescue teams were mobilised. His body was found the following evening on a riverbank along the River Aire. Area Coroner Oliver Longstaff recorded a verdict of suicide. 'Charlie has died as a result of an act he performed on himself,' he said. 'It is evident that this is a young man who is going to be missed enormously and I hope very much that over time it will be the good memories that have precedence in your minds.' - For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details It was Margaret Thatcher who said: The facts of life are Conservative. This week, Kemi Badenoch brought those facts, and the party, roaring back to life; putting a spring in the step of supporters. The raw steak on offer to the public from Kemi and the Conservatives was far and away superior to the tepid soup being served up by Labour, the Lib Dems and the SNP. It was laser-like focused on the growth that will be vital for economic recovery, to pay for essential services and put money back in the pockets of hard-working households. Halting the small boats crisis and illegal immigration that Keir Starmer has failed to tackle. But I think the most impactful policy in her speech was the pledge to abolish stamp duty on peoples homes immediately followed by Russell Findlays call for the Scottish equivalent, Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), to be scrapped. Abolishing the tax on property transactions is the kind of transformational policy that will provide a huge boost to the economy. Andrew Bowies says scrapping the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax will boost the economy It will also make a colossal difference to the finances, opportunities and quality of life for millions especially those just looking to get on the housing ladder. We want to see Scotland moving again. Abolishing LBTT would do this immediately. The public are sick of Keir Starmers woeful government. Incompetent, incoherent, economically disastrous and heartless decisions on axing winter fuel payments, tax hikes on farms and family businesses. People are scunnered by SNP mismanagement that has led to Scots paying the highest taxes in the UK while our NHS, schools, policing, transport and other frontline services are left to rot. Both the Nats and Labour have demonstrated an insane hostility to the oil and gas sector, on which tens of thousands of jobs, our energy security and hopes of growth depend. Scotland has two Left-wing, high-tax, low-growth governments stuck in a doom loop, bereft of ideas other than raising taxes. We need to provide credible, costed and attractive policies that will convince and inspire voters. And under Kemi at Westminster, and Russell at Holyrood, thats exactly what the Tories offer. Previous estimates have suggested three-quarters of the money raised by stamp duty or LBTT may be taken out of the economy by the drag they place on growth. The policies Kemi announced are exactly those that will galvanise supporters and appeal to voters we have to win back. And they are the right prescription for the country. An autistic five-year-old girl sparked panic at her Texas school after she 'eloped' from campus as her teachers were distracted. Parents Lizbeth and Christian Moreno's daughter was found wandering into traffic in the middle of the day on October 1. The couple were stunned when their daughter's principal at Blanton Elementary in Dallas called them to tell them their daughter had disappeared. She recalled how the principal, Dr Tricia Badillo, informed her about the situation by saying: 'just to let you know she eloped, but I have her in the car and were on the way to school now.' She said she initially told the principal 'okay, okay', before realizing the gravity of what had happened. 'But then I was like, Wait, wait, wait, waitwhat do you mean, eloped? What do you mean by that? What do you mean when youre telling me she eloped and shes in your car?' she said. The Carrollton Police Department said they obtained surveillance camera footage that showed the young girl - who is non-verbal - walking around the building and out of the school grounds around midday. The girl then made her way around to a parking lot and headed across a road, and a police report from NBCDFW said teachers panicked as they realized she was out of sight. Texas parents Lizbeth and Christian Moreno said they were stunned when their daughter's principal at Blanton Elementary in Dallas (pictured) called them in the middle of the day to tell them their autistic daughter had 'eloped' 'It was at this time that staff noticed [the girl] was gone and could be seen on camera looking for her,' the report said. Police said the young girl was found in the middle of the road by a witness, who then drove her to the local fire department. The Good Samaritan, who did not want to be named, told NBC that she was astonished to see the youngster in traffic. She said she rolled down her window to speak to the girl, telling her to 'go back on the sidewalk', but had difficulty getting through to the non-verbal autistic child. The witness said she initially drove away, but looked back and saw the girl repeatedly walk back into the street, causing cars to swerve around her. As she U-turned and picked up the five-year-old, the witness recalled: 'She told me that she was red, she was hot, and when she got in her car, she was like, the only thing she could say was, "Hot. Hot. Food. Food".' 'And she told me, she was like, right away, I knew that she was special needs and I took her straight to the fire station.' The girl's mother recalled being told by the principal, Dr. Tricia Badillo (pictured), that she 'just want to let you know she eloped, but I have her in the car and were on the way to school now' The Carrollton Police Department said they obtained surveillance camera footage that showed the young girl - who is non-verbal - walking out of the school grounds around midday and strolling into traffic Lizbeth said she spoke with the witness who saved her daughter, and said she told her she would be 'forever grateful' for 'saving my daughter's life.' She said she has been unable to get the 'what-ifs' out of her mind since the near-miss. 'What if she wouldve went the other way? What if she wouldve went toward (the highway)? What if... she kept walking into houses and maybe, like, a pet or a doganything could have attacked her,' she said. Lizbeth said her shock was compounded after the police report indicated that it was not the first time her daughter had to be stopped from trying to leave school. 'We never got a call or message saying, "Oh, she tried to leave campus." Not one. Nothing,' Lizbeth said. The girl's father added that he was furious with the school for not having stricter safety measures in place. He said: 'Build a fence, cover the playground area... Of course, I want the teachers to be more cautious, pay attention to the kids.' In a statement, Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District said: 'The district does not comment on ongoing investigations. Due to student and personnel privacy laws, this is the only information we can share.' A friend of Charlie Kirk released more text messages from a leaked group chat where the Turning Point leader raged about 'bullying' Jewish donors. Prior to his death, Kirk fumed in a group chat that he was considering leaving the 'pro-Israel cause' because Jewish donors were pulling funding over his links to Tucker Carlson. The text messages were leaked by Candace Owens early this week, with Turning Point spokesman Andrew Kolvet later confirming the authenticity of the screenshots. Josh Hammer, a columnist and senior-editor-at-large for Newsweek, released new screenshots that he claims show Kirk 'remained a true friend of the Jewish people and the Jewish state to the very end.' Hammer, who was a member of the group chat where Kirk made his controversial comments about Israel, claims Kirk was 'blowing off steam in a private group chat setting.' Hours after Kirk sent those messages he joined a Zoom call seeking advice on how to promote Israel on college campuses with Gen Z students. 'Thank you for your help today guys!' Kirk sent to the group members, some of whom are pro-Israel. Hammer claims the text messages were sent one day before Kirk's assassination at Utah Valley University. 'The final-ever messages Charlie sent in this WhatsApp chat, which were delivered hours after the deeply out-of-context screenshots that the aforementioned lunatic and others have been discussing this week, make clear that Charlie was deeply grateful for our help,' Hammer wrote in a post on X. Recently, leaked text messages from a private group chat have called into question Kirk's support for Israel during the final days of his life Josh Hammer released new text messages showing that Kirk remained a supporter of Israel a day before he was killed Kirk, 31, was murdered while speaking to students at Utah Valley University in September 'After our call, he felt more confident and reassured that he could make the case for the Jewish people and for Israel on college campuses.' Hammer has previously claimed that Kirk's support for Israel had not wavered before his death. After Owens released the text exchange showing Kirk threatening to leave the pro-Israel cause, Hammer received criticism from right-wing users online. 'These are literally Charlie's final messages in that WhatsApp chat,' Hammer noted. 'Emotions can run high at times, but Charlie Kirk remained a true friend of the Jewish people and the Jewish state to the very end.' In the initial leaked 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.' Days after Kirk was murdered, Carlson told his audience that the deceased Turning Point leader disliked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin 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 added 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.' Other text messages from the same group chat show Kirk raging about Jewish donors for pulling funding over his links to Tucker Carlson Josh Hammer is a longtime friend of Charlie Kirk who helped advise him on how to communicate a pro-Israel message to college students Despite the bombshell text message, Kirk throughout his life remained one of the most pro-Israel voices in Evangelical conservative movement in the Untied States. In a statement to the Daily Mail, Owens went after Hammer claiming that he 'lied about Charlie's sate of mind and feelings toward Israel.' 'Josh Hammer is deeply embarrassed because he publicly lied about Charlie's sate of mind and feelings toward Israel in his final weeks - which the now-verified text message prove.' Kirk often traveled to Israel for religious and political events years prior to his death. Moreover, he first met his wife Erika in Israel before their romance began. In a statement o the A North Carolina man accused of fatally hitting a 10-year-old girl with his girlfriend's boat was surrounded by at least 100 alcoholic drinks at the time of the crash, according to a new lawsuit. Brooklyn Mae Carroll died on August 2 during what was supposed to be a fun summer day with her friend at Shearon Harris Lake. But tragedy quickly struck when Quinten Kight, 40, who was said to be driving his 56-year-old girlfriend Anna Flanigan's boat, rammed the vessel into Carroll while she swam with her friend and her pal's parents. Her friend's mother, Jennifer Stehle, 41, was also hit by the boat, leading to her leg being amputated. At the time of the horrific crash, a packed cooler containing 80 to 100 alcoholic beverages was found onboard, per the wrongful death lawsuit obtained by the Daily Mail. The legal filing further noted that 39 empty cans of alcohol were found on the boat, including six that had been 'shotgunned' - when someone punches a hole in the side of the can to consume a drink faster. More than 50 cans were later found in the lake. A total of at least 89 empty cans were found in total, according to the lawsuit filed by Carroll's mother and father, Kim Cannon and Matt Carroll. Kight's blood alcohol level was 0.17 - more than twice the legal limit - five hours after the crash, the lawsuit detailed. He was also actively consuming liquor while he drove, it added. Brooklyn Mae Carroll, 10, was killed on August 2 after she was hit by a boat while swimming with her friend in Shearon Harris Lake Quinten Kight, 40, is accused of driving the boat that hit her that day. According to the lawsuit, Kight was driving his 56-year-old girlfriend Anna Flanigan's boat that day He was arrested on the day of the crash and charged with second-degree murder, two counts of death or serious injury by impaired boating, driving a motor boat while impaired, and operating a boat in a reckless manner. Flanigan was also arrested three days later. She's been charged with second-degree murder and two counts of death or serious injury by impaired boating. Kight's girlfriend has also been hit with aiding and betting a motor boat DWI. The lawsuit names the couple and five other people who were on the boat as defendants alleging they all caused Carroll's death. The filing specified that although not all boat passengers were drinking alcohol that day, they did not try to stop Kight from operating the vessel or drinking himself. No one on board was looking in the direction they were headed, including the captain, the lawsuit added. He went on to drive the vessel for more than 150 yards after the crash before telling his buddies to get rid of the cans in the water, the lawsuit alleged. In a statement following the lawsuit, Carroll's heartbroken parents expressed the immense grief they've been suffering since the day they lost their daughter. 'When we sent Brooklyn to Shearon Harris Reservoir on August 2 with a friend, we never imagined wed be filing her wrongful death lawsuit just over two months later because of what happened that day,' Kim and Matt said. Brooklyn was entering the fifth grade at West Lake Elementary School Jennifer Stehle (pictured) lost her left leg and sustained severe injuries from the crash 'We miss Brooklyn more than words could ever convey. But we continue to find ways to discover joy through our family and our friends. That is what Brooklyn would have wanted and how we will continue to honor her memory.' Both Kight and Flannigan remain behind bars at the Chatham County Detention Center. They are each being held on a $1 million secured bond. This was not Kight's first run-in with the law, as he was convicted of driving under the influence in New Mexico in 2010, the lawsuit said. He was also cited for impaired driving in Chatham County in 2023 and has a pending hit-and-run charge against him in Moore County from that same year. On the same day Carroll's parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit, Stehle and her husband also took legal action against the seven people onboard. Similar to Kim and Matt's legal filing, the Stehle's alleged Kight is liable for negligence and gross negligence. His girlfriend, Flannigan, is liable for vicarious liability and negligent entrustment, it stated. She and the five other passengers were also said to be liable for social host liability in the crash. They are also seeking punitive damages against all named defendants. Kight is seen in an image with his daughter in an undated photo. Both he and Flannigan remain behind bars at the Chatham County Detention Center Carroll is seen with her parents at a sporting event in an undated image Since the unthinkable incident, Emily Ferraro, a member of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, has been supporting Carroll's family. 'They are coping as well as I think any family could considering what they have been through,' Ferraro told the outlet. 'The lake is really a dangerous place to be impaired at any level let alone over the 0.08 limit.' Brooklyn was entering the fifth grade at West Lake Elementary School, where Stehle works as a social worker. 'BB was a light in every room she entered, with an infectious smile, a loving heart, and a spirit that touched everyone who knew her,' Brooklyn's family wrote on GoFundMe. 'Her laughter, kindness, and energy brought so much joy to her family and friends.' Another GoFundMe was started to support Stehle and her family as she embarks on the grueling road to recovery that lies ahead. A British Airways flight made an emergency landing in Romania amid reports four people suffered possible smoke inhalation. The BA603 flight travelling from Istanbul to London requested to make a landing at Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport at 5.50pm local time on Thursday. The aircraft carrying 142 passengers eventually landed at 6.14pm with emergency response and medical crews boarding the plane, according to the airport. Romania's Ministry of Health said in a statement that the 'presence of smoke was confirmed' immediately after the plane landed. 'Four people are in poor health, possibly being smoke-intoxicated, and are receiving medical assistance on site,' the ministry said. British Airways has denied claims there was smoke on the aircraft, maintaining it was forced to land 'as a precaution due to a suspected technical issue'. The airline also maintained there were 'no hospitalisations' and that customers left the plane 'normally' following the plane's arrival to Romania. A British Airways flight was forced to make an emergency landing amid reports four passengers suffered possible smoke inhalation, Romania's Ministry of Health has said The flight's status on the airline's website showed the aircraft had been diverted, arriving in Bucharest at 6.21pm local time. A message also read: 'We're very sorry, this flight scheduled from Istanbul to London, has been diverted to Bucharest.' A BA spokesperson said: 'The safety of our customers and colleagues is always our top priority and our crew made the decision to divert as a precaution due to a suspected technical issue. 'The aircraft landed safely, customers disembarked normally, and we received no reports of smoke on board or hospitalisations. 'Were sorry to our customers for the disruption to their journeys and our teams are working to get them on their way again as quickly as possible.' A Missouri teenager was shot and killed while attending a balloon release vigil for a recent murder victim. On Wednesday evening, a peaceful balloon release mourning a recent homicide victim in St. Louiss Hamilton Heights neighborhood erupted into gunfire, leaving four men wounded and one dead, according to authorities. Angelo Davis, just 18 years old, was struck by multiple bullets and later died while receiving treatment at the hospital. The remaining victims - four men aged 20, 21, 30 and 31 - all sustained gunshot wounds, with one struck in the hand and two others in the legs. Miraculously, all survived the heinous attack. No arrests have been made yet, but detectives are probing whether the quintuple shooting was a chilling act of revenge. 'It was like a mafia movie, you would say. You know, a shootout,' an anonymous witness told Fox 2 News. Early Wednesday evening, around 7pm, mourners gathered on the 5900 block of Wells Avenue - just a block from Martin Luther King Drive - to release balloons in memory of a recent shooting victim. But gunfire exploded without warning as the crowd came together in solemn remembrance. Angelo Davis, 18, of Missouri, was shot and killed while attending a balloon release vigil (pictured) for a recent murder victim On Wednesday, a peaceful balloon release mourning a recent homicide victim in St. Louiss Hamilton Heights neighborhood erupted into gunfire, leaving four men wounded and one dead (pictured: scene) The remaining victims - four men aged 20, 21, 30 and 31 - all sustained gunshot wounds, with one struck in the hand and two others in the legs. Miraculously, all survived the heinous attack (pictured: scene) The unidentified witness told the outlet that there was a barrage of gunfire from multiple shooters, though forensic analysts have yet to confirm exactly how many. Officers with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) rushed to the scene, where they discovered four men lying injured along the street, each suffering from bullet wounds. The fifth gunshot victim arrived at the hospital on his own before medics even arrived, according to the police department. Davis, the youngest of the shooting victims, was rushed to the hospital but tragically died from his injuries later that night. 'It's horrible to think, and just downright sickening, that this type of violence would occur while remembering a person who lost their life to gun violence,' police spokesperson Mitch McCoy said during a briefing, according to Fox 2. The 21-year-old victim arrived for treatment in critical, unstable condition, while the remaining survivors are reportedly in stable condition, according to authorities. Detectives quickly launched an investigation, though St. Louis police Major Janice Bockstruck acknowledged it will likely be a lengthy process due to the large crowd gathered to grieve. 'We are unclear - because there were so many people here - who would be suspects, who would be victims and what we're looking for,' Bockstruck told reporters during the conference. Authorities launched an investigation, though St. Louis police Major Janice Bockstruck (pictured) acknowledged it will likely be a lengthy process due to the large crowd gathered to grieve No arrests have been made yet, but detectives are probing whether the quintuple shooting was a chilling act of revenge (pictured: scene) A preliminary investigation revealed that a group approached the balloon release memorial (pictured) mere seconds before the shooting broke out 'We have a lot of leg work to do,' she added. One gun has been recovered at the scene, but no suspects have been identified so far. 'The one firearm that was recovered was found near the victim that passed away,' McCoy said. 'However, it is unclear at this point if that firearm had been discharged and that will be a part of our forensic review of that gun,' he added. A preliminary investigation revealed that a group approached the balloon release memorial mere seconds before the shooting broke out. While the motive remains unclear, investigators are looking into whether the shooting was a retaliatory attack, and whether the victims were mourners - or participants - in the violence. 'A space that was meant for healing and mourning was shattered by violence,' McCoy said. 'A vigil should be a sacred place to remember a loved one.' Neighbors admitted that their own fears are mounting amid the citys surge in gun violence - and many remain worried that the worst is yet to come. An unidentified witness told the outlet that there was a barrage of gunfire from multiple shooters, though forensic analysts have yet to confirm exactly how many (pictured: scene) Investigators are looking into whether the shooting was a retaliatory attack, and whether the victims were mourners - or participants in the violence (pictured: scene) Daviss tragic death marks the 108th homicide in St. Louis so far this year (pictured: scene) 'I dont know who it was or whatever, but these young kids dont have no respect for nothing no more,' one unnamed resident told Fox 2 News. Daviss tragic death marks the 108th homicide in St. Louis so far this year. The SLMPD is now urging anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477). All tips can be submitted anonymously. Donald Trump has ripped into Barack Obama for being awarded a Nobel Peace Prize as the president touted his achievement in securing peace in Gaza. 'He got a prize for doing nothing,' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office as he was joined by the Finland PM on Thursday following the historic US-brokered peace deal between Israel and Hamas. Obama received the prestigious award in 2009, eight months into his first term in a decision that shocked the world. Even the liberal New York Times said it was 'very premature' and argued the Nobel 'should have a higher bar.' 'They gave it to Obama for absolutely nothing but destroying our country,' Trump said as he announced that he intends to travel to Egypt for the signing of the deal in the coming days. 'I've stopped eight wars, so that's never happened before but they'll have to do what they do. Whatever they do is fine. I know this: I didn't do it for that, I did it because I saved a lot of lives.' The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced at 5am (EST) on Thursday in Oslo, Norway. Trump is a big outsider for the notoriously woke award, with only a 5 percent chance of taking the honor, according to prediction market Kalshi. The frontrunner is Sudan's Emergency Response Rooms, a community-led network that has provided health aid across the country since war erupted in April 2023. Trump announced on Wednesday that he had secured an historic peace deal between Israel and Hamas, defying all expectations despite his proud deal-making track record. President Donald Trump and Finland's President Alexander Stubb meet in the Oval Office at the White House, Thursday President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Barack Obama poses with his medal and diploma at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony at City Hall in Oslo, Thursday, December 10, 2009 It brings to an end two years of fighting that has seen 70,000 Palestinians killed since the October 7 attack, which left 1,200 people dead and another 250 taken hostage by Hamas. The president confirmed the remaining hostages, believed to number around 20 survivors, will be released to Israel on Monday or Tuesday. 'I'll be there,' Trump confirmed. Chief Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya said earlier: 'We have received assurances from the brotherly mediators and the US administration, who have confirmed that the war is completely over.' He promised that 250 Palestinians serving life sentences in Israel would be freed, alongside 1,700 Palestinians from Gaza who were arrested since the war began. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet is poised to vote on the deal, which would see all remaining hostages freed within 72 hours of the ceasefire. 'It will be a day of joy,' Trump stated, noting that the Israeli hostages held by Hamas 'should be released Monday or Tuesday.' Trump said there were still discussions coordinating the release of the hostages. Senator Marco Rubio praises the President's role in the Gaza peace deal, noting that a month ago, no one thought it was possible Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli military strike in the northern Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Wednesday, October 8, 2025 Hamas wants a permanent, comprehensive ceasefire, a complete pullout of Israeli forces He said: 'Getting them is a complicated process. I would rather not tell you what they have to do to get them. There are places you don't want to be.' Trump revealed he would travel to the Middle East 'very soon' but that the timing and details were still being worked out. 'It's really peace in the Middle East,' he said, noting that he had proved the skeptics wrong after they believed he would never reach a deal. The president confirmed he had agreed to speak at Israel's house of representatives. Israeli press tonight reported that he will arrive in Israel on Sunday. 'They've asked me to speak at the Knesset and I've agreed to it. If they would like me to, I would do it,' he said. He reminded the public of the atrocities of the October 7, but he also noted that tens of thousands of lives had been lost in Gaza. 'That's big retribution... at some point the whole thing has to stop,' he said. 'We are getting the hostages back on Tuesday, Monday or Tuesday,' Trump told his cabinet, saying the agreement will be signed in Egypt. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet convened Thursday evening to approve the deal. An Israel government official said a full ceasefire would begin 24 hours after approval, with Hamas then having 72 hours to return all hostages. Trump also revealed details of the future of the deal, noting that it would not include a proposals forcing Palestinians to leave Gaza while it is rebuilt. 'Nobody's going to be forced to leave, no it's just the opposite. This is a great peace plan. This is a plan that was supported by everybody,' he said. 'They're dancing in the streets in many many countries right now.' Israeli forces will withdraw to lines controlling about 53 percent of Gaza, an Israeli government spokesman added. The military said it's preparing for the hostages' return and redeployment. Trump thanked the leaders from Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, for coming together to pressure Gaza to make a deal. 'Everything came together,' he said. Palestinians and Israelis celebrated the news in their respective streets, waving flags and cheering. 'Thank God the war is ended and we are alive,' one Palestinian in Gaza told Fox News. 'Honestly we hope the war does not come back and that this is really the end with no death and destruction afterwards.' Trump's announcement was the latest development in the fast-moving peace process that began after Rubio dramatically interrupted the President's public remarks about left-wing violence in the United States. 'I was just given a note by the Secretary of State saying that we're very close to a deal in the Middle East, and they're going to need me pretty quickly,' Trump told reporters gathered at the roundtable on Wednesday. READ MORE: Photo of Sydney Uni students turning their backs on their peers A staff member at one of Australia's most prestigious universities has been suspended after allegedly attacking a group of students celebrating a Jewish holiday. Shocking footage has emerged showing a woman verbally abusing the students on the grounds of the University of Sydney. In the video, obtained by Sky News, the woman approaches several students and asks if they are 'Zionists,' before harassing them as they repeatedly ask her to move on. The students, who were celebrating the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, explained that they were not making any political statements or staging a protest, and simply wanted to be left alone. However, the woman continued her tirade, getting right up in the face of one young woman and telling her: 'A Zionist is the lowest form of rubbish.' 'Zionists are the most disgusting thing that has ever walked this earth,' she yelled. She described herself as an 'Indigenous Palestinian' before calling the group 'baby killers' and telling one member she was a 'f***ing filthy Zionist.' A security guard attempted to intervene, but the woman ignored him and continued her rant against the students, who did not appear to be bothering anyone. The staffer (left) abuses the Jewish student at Sydney University. Credit: Sky News The heated clash between the staff memeber and students was captured on camera at Sydney University. Credit: Sky News 'Look at this rubbish, look at these parasites,' the woman told them. In the video, the staffer claimed the students 'came to her' and she did not start the argument. The group repeatedly asked the woman to leave and walk away before she walked off and yelled: 'Go f**k yourself you disgusting Zionist. A Zionist is the lowest form of humanity.' The Jewish academic, who was singled out by the pro-Palestinian activist, told Sky News they were on campus to celebrate the holiday of Sukkot. 'It was an Australian Union of Jewish Students activity, the Rabbi was present. We didn't have any Israeli flags or even the hostage ribbon; it was purely a Jewish event,' the academic said. 'We were there for religious reasons as Jews on campus. She directed so much anger and rage towards us.' Sydney University released a statement confirming the staff member had been suspended 'pending further assessment'. 'Such conduct is utterly unacceptable, and we are taking immediate action under our codes of conduct,' a University of Sydney spokesperson said. 'Where our codes are breached, we will not hesitate to take disciplinary action and other steps to ensure a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all,' the spokesperson continued. 'Hate speech, antisemitism and verbal harassment have no place on campus, online or in our wider community. 'We deeply apologise to any staff, students or visitors who are distressed or impacted by this incident in any way.' The staffer argued with security guards before moving on. Credit: Sky News The University of Sydney has suspended the staffer after the shocking video The incident comes as a pro-Palestine protest at the Sydney Opera House was banned from going ahead. Police challenged the Palestine Action Group's right to protest at a full-day NSW Court of Appeal hearing on Wednesday. Organisers had hoped that Sunday's march would see at least 40,000 people flock to the CBD and march to the Opera House. NSW Assistant Police Commissioner Peter McKenna had earlier warned that the proposed event would threaten public safety, as the Opera House forecourt has a maximum safe capacity of 6,000. While most are plagued with bog-standard names, one man has earned the title of having the world's longest. But it wasn't an easy feat, he had to endure a lengthy legal battle to earn his crown. In March, 1990, Laurence Watkins changed his name to include more than 2,000 middle names. As a result, he won the Guinness World Record title for the longest personal name with 2,253 unique words in total. His legal application was accepted by the District Court but it got rejected by the Registrar General. Determined Laurence eventually took his case to the High Court in New Zealand, who sided with the record breaker. Even though they rewarded Laurence they did change two laws to prevent others from doing the same. Speaking to Guinness World Records he said: 'I was always fascinated by the quirky unusual records that some people went for and I really wanted to be part of that scene. In March, 1990, Laurence Watkins from New Zealand changed his name to include more than 2,000 middle names Pictured: The first page of a document showing all of Laurence's 2,253 names 'I read the book from cover to cover to see if there was a record I could beat and the only one I had a chance at beating was adding more names than the current holder.' Laurence worked at the city library when he decided to elongate his name and so he picked them out of books and took recommendations from co-workers. His favourite is AZ2000 because it references his record. They cover a huge range of cultures from European to Maori and even Samoan. But one things for sure there are a lot of them, it even took his wedding celebrant over 20 minutes to recite them at his ceremony. The biggest challenge he has faced is with government departments because his full name doesn't fit on any forms of identification. But Laurence is proud of his achievement - because no one else on earth has accomplished it. Explosive details about California Democratic congresswoman Katie Porter's abusive marriage have resurfaced amid her bid to become the next governor of California. The 51-year-old single mom found herself in the headlines this week for furiously threatening to walk out of a local TV interview after a reporter pressed her over how she planned to appeal to Trump voters in the Golden State. Then on Thursday, video surfaced of Porter cursing at one of her staffers during an online conversation with then-Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in July 2021. 'Get out of the f***ing shot,' Porter is seen yelling at an unidentified man in the background. A third clip showing Porter becoming enraged at her staff in 2021 is also circulating online. In the video, she becomes angry as her team struggles to adjust her lighting during a Zoom meeting. 'I need the lights off... the bright lights,' she continues, becoming more exasperated by the second. 'Not that dark,' she says before cutting her camera and sound. The incidents have focused new attention on Porter's judgement and temperament. Now, the Daily Mail has reviewed the Iowa-born progressive's divorce papers from March 2013, which paint a picture of allegedly belligerent behavior potentially dating back more than a decade. The legal documents trace her split from Matthew Hoffman and detail how she allegedly frequently screamed at him and their children, and on one occasion even allegedly dumped a bowl of steaming hot boiled potatoes over his head. Porter and Hoffman eventually filed restraining orders against each other. According to the documents, in the spring of 2006, Hoffman said Porter walked into their kitchen as he was making mashed potatoes for dinner and flew into a rage about the way he had cooked them. Explosive details about Democrat Katie Porter's abusive marriage have resurfaced amid her bid to become the next California Governor. (Pictured: Porter in March 2025) Pictured: Joe Biden with then-congressional candidates Katie Porter and TJ Cox in 2018 As their oldest child Luke sat in the highchair, Porter allegedly looked at the potatoes in a ceramic bowl and yelled 'Can't you read the f***ing instructions!' 'She then took the ceramic bowl of steaming hot potatoes and dumped it on my head, burning my scalp,' Hoffman claimed. The couple married in 2003. Porter was the sole breadwinner as a law school professor from 2009, while Hoffman stayed in their Irvine, California, home to bring up their kids. Hoffman claimed that his ex-wife was prone to 'extreme anger' and had a 'history of snapping and screaming at [him] and the children.' He said she would even 'claw and scratch her arms' to make it look like he had attacked her. Hoffman's filing states that Porter frequently said things like 'you f***ing idiot!' and 'you're f***ing incompetent.' 'She would not let me have a cell phone because she said, "You're too f***ing dumb to operate it,"' he claimed. Hoffman added that in 2012 Porter came home from work one day enraged that the house was not clean. He claimed that she slammed a glass coffee pot on the counter, causing glass shards to spray everywhere and cut him. 'This house is a mess! You f***ing slob! You're incompetent! What the f*** do you do all day!' Porter allegedly said while the three kids were nearby in the living room. Hoffman said Porter began picking up dishes and saying, 'Look how f***ing dirty this is.' Porter also lashed out at an interviewer challenging the Democrat on her candidacy for governor When Porter first ran for a seat in Congress, she said that the divorce and restraining order had become a 'whisper campaign' among her opponents. At the time, Porter described herself as a victim of domestic violence. 'To be made to feel like I've done anything wrong I'm just outraged,' Porter told HuffPost in May 2018. 'I have a wonderful track record. I've worked really hard to fight for consumers. That's what I should be campaigning on. 'But I'm not going to let anyone say that because a woman's been a victim of domestic violence because she stood up for her children's safety, she's disqualified. 'Who will run then?' Porter alleged in her divorce documents that her marriage had been 'troubled' for four years leading to an eventual separation - and that Hoffman was violent with her on one occasion while she was flossing her teeth in the bathroom of their Irvine home in April 2013. Hoffman allegedly grabbed her hands, ripped the floss out of them and threw it away, then punched the wall so hard the faceplate of a light switch shattered and the room went dark. Hoffman reportedly told a judge that Hoffman was angry because Porter had been brushing her teeth too slowly. Porter cried as she told HuffPost about more alleged abuse instances, including one time when Hoffman allegedly pushed her into a wall and called her a 'dumb b****.' She also alleged he shoved their one-year-old daughter across the kitchen in her high chair and threatened to kill himself. The former congresswoman has faced accusations for years that she was a difficult boss or was abusive to employees during her time in Congress Porter made her way into Congress as a US Representative for California from 2019 until 2025, and tried to make a bid for the Senate in 2024. After leaving Congress in 2024, Porter was granted a restraining order against a former boyfriend, Julian Willis. She alleged that Willis had been hospitalized twice on involuntary psychiatric holds and had a history of abusing drugs and prescription painkillers. Porter campaigned for the seat formerly held by Dianne Feinstein before she died, but lost the primary election. Porter announced that she would be running for Governor of California in the 2026 election, after Gavin Newsom finishes his two four-year terms. Defiant New York Attorney General Letitia James slammed President Donald Trump's 'desperate weaponization' of the Department of Justice following a bombshell indictment accusing her of mortgage fraud. The attorney general - who has been a major critic of Trump and launched a successful civil lawsuit against him in February 2023 for business fraud - stood tall in a video response to the indictment Thursday evening. 'This is nothing more than a continuation of the president's desperate weaponization of our justice system,' she wrote on X. 'I am not fearful - I am fearless,' she declared, vowing: 'We will fight these baseless charges aggressively and my office will continue to fiercely protect New Yorkers and their rights.' In her video, James also accused the president of 'forcing federal law enforcement agencies to do his bidding, all because I did my job as the New York State Attorney General. 'These charges are baseless and the president's own public statements make clear that his only goal is political retribution at any cost,' she continued. The attorney general went on to tell 'leaders on both sides of the aisle to speak out against this blatant perversion of our system of justice.' James has already gained the support of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who wrote that: 'New Yorkers know @NewYorkStateAG James for her integrity, her independence and her relentless fight for justice.' 'What we're seeing today is nothing less than the weaponization of the Justice Department to punish those who hold the powerful accountable.' New York Attorney General Letitia James slammed President Donald Trump's weaponization of the Justice Department following her indictment on Thursday James is a major rival to President Trump who successfully launched a civil lawsuit against him in February 2024 for business fraud James, who took office in 2019 after running on promises to investigate Trump, was indicted Thursday in federal court in Virginia on one count each of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. She has been under investigation for mortgage fraud since May over documents she filed to take out a mortgage to help her niece buy a home in Virginia. Investigators have said that James falsified information on loan documents for a property she owns in Virginia to secure favorable loans. The indictment, obtained by the Daily Mail, claims she signed a 'Second Home Rider, which required James, as the sole borrower, to occupy and use the property as her secondary residence, and prohibits its use as a timesharing or other shared ownership agreement or agreement that requires her to rent the property or give any other person control over the occupancy or use of the property. 'Despite these representations, the Peronne Property was not occupied by James as a secondary residence and was instead used as a rental investment property, renting the property to a family of [three],' it continues. In making the 'misrepresentation,' the prosecutors allege James received a avoided a 0.815 percent higher mortgage rate, resulting in approximately $17,837 in savings over the course of the loan and was able to obtain a seller credit of approximately $3,288. James now faces penalties including up to 30 years in prison per count, up to a $1 million fine on each count and forfeiture of her properties. Prosecutors allege James falsified information on loan documents for properties she owns in Virginia and New York to secure favorable loans James was accused of falsifying records to obtain loans for this Norfolk, Virginia property in 2023 'No one is above the law,' U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Lindsey Halligan said in a statement. 'The charges as alleged in this case represent intentional, criminal acts and tremendous breaches of public trust,' she claimed. 'The facts and the law in this case are clear and we will continue following them to ensure that justice is served.' But James' attorneys claim the allegations were related to a single document on her mortgage application that 'mistakenly' said it would be her primary residence. The lawyers have released documents they say prove she mistakenly ticked a box to say the Virginia mortgage was for her primary residence. This includes an email to her loan originator that made clear, 'this property WILL NOT be my primary residence', according to CNN. Former US Attorney Erik Sieber even reportedly resigned from his position after resisting pressure from the White House to bring charges against James and former FBI James Comey. Sieber was then replaced by Halligan, who has also begun a bombshell prosecution against the former FBI chief. Sources now tell MSNBC they are bracing for Elizabeth Yusi, a prosecutor from the Eastern Division of Virginia, to also be fired after she said she, too, found no probable cause in the investigation. The indictment against James has been brought by Lindsey Halligan, the new U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia James' indictment now comes after she sued the Trump administration to block actions taken by the White House concerning federal funding to New York. The attorney general has also frequently been attacked by the president for her civil lawsuit accusing him of business fraud, in which she went after Trump, his adult sons and his real estate empire. A New York judge found them liable for fraudulently inflating the value of Trump properties in September 2023, and the president was hit with a $355 million fine. He has since appealed the ruling. Meanwhile in April of this year, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Trump ally Bill Pulte, sent a letter to the DOJ, accusing James of falsifying records related to her properties in Virginia and Brooklyn. The timing of her indictment has now stirred criticism of the Trump administration. U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, a Democrat who led the House of Representatives' inquiry that led to Trump's impeachment in 2019 and is now facing his own mortgage fraud investigation, said James' indictment is just part of a 'campaign of vindictive prosecution' by the president against his political enemies, comparing Trump to former President Richard Nixon. 'We had nothing like the kind of brutal, antidemocratic, corrupt abuse of the department that we see under Donald Trump,' he claimed. 'It is truly unprecedented.' Sen. Chuck Schumer also declared that James' indictment 'is what tyranny looks like. 'This isn't justice. It's revenge and it should horrify every American who believes no one is above the law,' he said. Still, Trump has maintained that the New York attorney general 'is very guilty of something,' saying so in a mid-September Q&A session in the Oval Office with reporters. In that same back-and-forth, he expressed his displeasure with Sieber, saying: 'I want him out,' before the prosecutor resigned and was replaced by Halligan, a former White House aide who previously served as the president's defense attorney. She had no prior prosecutorial experience. The Justice Department has also opened mortgage fraud probes into Lisa Cook, a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden. Neither Schiff nor Cook has been charged with a crime, and they both deny wrongdoing. Two lucky Australians became overnight millionaires after this week's $50million Powerball but at least one has not registered their details, meaning they have yet to receive it. The winning numbers for Powerball draw 1534 on Thursday were 11, 21, 15, 28, 10, 20 and 24. The all-important Powerball number was 20. The Lott revealed that there were two winners of the $50million jackpot, from Western Australia and Northern Territory. It means the pair will split the life-changing money, taking home $25million each. While the WA winner remains anonymous, The Lott is hunting for the NT winner and urged everyone to check their ticket and come forward. The prize is believed to be the biggest individual lottery win to land in the Northern Territory. The winning NT entry was sold at The Lucky Charm Alice Springs, Shop 3-5 Coles Complex, 45 Railway Terrace, Alice Springs. If the Alice Springs winner had been part of The Lott Members Club and registered their ticket to a player card or online account, they would have already been alerted to their good fortune. The Lott is hunting for someone in Northern Territory who was one of two winners of the $50million Powerball jackpot on Thursday evening The winning numbers for Powerball draw 1534 on Thursday were 11, 21, 15, 28, 10, 20 and 24. The all-important Powerball number was 20 (stock image) The winning NT entry was sold at The Lucky Charm Alice Springs, Shop 3-5 Coles Complex, 45 Railway Terrace, Alice Springs (pictured) The Lott spokesperson Matt Hart said he couldn't wait for Australia's newest multi-millionaires to discover the life-changing news. 'Just imagine how $25million might change your life and the lives of your nearest and dearest,' he said. 'There are 25 million reasons why players who had an entry in this week's Powerball draw should check their tickets. 'While our friends at Lotterywest will be keen to speak to the Western Australian winner, we are equally eager to unite the Alice Springs winner with their prize. 'If you discover you're holding the division one winning Northern Territory entry, hold on tight to that ticket and phone 131 868 as soon as possible so that we can start the prize claim process.' In addition to the two $25 million winners, there were 1,531,608 winners across divisions two to nine of the Powerball draw. This includes seven division two winners who each took home $121,536.10. A woman has been found dead in a home in Melbourne's north. The unidentified woman was found unresponsive at a townhouse on Gottloh Street in Epping about 5.50pm on Thursday. She died at the scene. Victoria Police are yet to determine the woman's cause of death, but are treating the incident as 'suspicious'. Homicide detectives remained at the home until the early hours of Friday. Officers were also seen inspecting what appeared to be an abandoned car parked across the street from the townhouse. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Kemi Badenoch piled pressure on Rachel Reeves to act on stamp duty yesterday, after a poll found almost two-thirds of voters back her plan to scrap it. The Conservative leader electrified her party conference this week by unveiling a dramatic 9billion plan to abolish the hated tax. Labour MPs attacked the plan, with one saying it would 'simply fuel rising house prices'. But a survey yesterday suggested widespread public support for the idea including among Labour voters. The YouGov poll of more than 4,000 voters found that 63 per cent of the public back the plan to scrap stamp duty, compared with just 13 per cent who oppose it. Among Conservative voters, the idea is supported by a margin of 80 to nine. It is also backed by Labour voters by 59 to 20. Lib Dem Treasury spokesman Daisy Cooper dismissed Mrs Badenoch's speech as 'Liz Truss on steroids'. But her party's voters back the abolition by 71 to 11. Treasury sources confirmed the Chancellor could seek to respond with her own shake-up of property taxes at next month's Budget. One said a major change to property taxes 'is being considered'. Ms Reeves is reported to be eyeing options for a so-called 'mansion tax', which could involve replacing stamp duty with an annual charge on homes, particularly those of higher value. Kemi Badenoch (pictured) piled pressure on Rachel Reeves to act on stamp duty yesterday The move could help appease Labour calls for a 'wealth tax' but, with the Chancellor facing an estimated 30billion black hole in public finances, she is not expected to match the Tory proposal directly. Work and Pensions secretary Pat McFadden yesterday questioned whether the Conservative plans could be afforded. He told Times Radio: 'It's desperate from a party that couldn't fund our last round of tax cut promises. And in order to try and have a short sugar rush, they've announced another round. 'And I'm afraid the stamp duty policy wasn't the only unfunded spending commitment announced at their conference.' Several Labour MPs criticised the idea of scrapping stamp duty. Crewe and Nantwich MP Connor Naismith described it as a 'Tory obsession', adding: 'The abolition of stamp duty will simply fuel rising house prices: replacing one barrier to home ownership with another at the expense of the taxpayer, to the benefit of developers. They have learned nothing.' Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride said the axing would be funded by 47billion of proposed spending savings unveiled this week, including a crackdown on welfare which could save 23billion. He said scrapping the tax would also boost the economy by making it easier for people to move home. The abolition of stamp duty would save homebuyers thousands of pounds at one of the most financially stretching times in their lives. The tax hits around 600,000 property transactions a year. TV property expert Kirstie Allsopp said ditching the 'rotten' tax was a 'very, very good idea' and urged Ms Reeves to follow suit. The national security adviser accused of torpedoing the China spy case backed the charges when they were first brought. Matthew Collins initially provided an assessment for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in support of the espionage case against parliamentary aide Chris Cash and teacher pal Chris Berry. When the accused appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on April 26 last year, prosecutors produced a summary of the case revealing Mr Collins assessed 'the alleged activities of Chris Berry and Chris Cash were prejudicial to the safety or interests of the UK'. But when the CPS requested further evidence weeks later, Mr Collins refused to say that China represented an 'active threat' to Britain. This was much to the fury of the Director of Public Prosecutions, who was forced to drop the case after a year of attempts to seek clarity on the issue. Both Mr Berry and Mr Cash have denied any wrong-doing. Pressure was building on Mr Collins the UK's Deputy National Security Adviser for Intelligence, Defence and Security to explain the apparent change of heart. Mark Sedwill, the UK's former national security adviser, questioned his decision, saying: 'The truth is, of course, China is a national security threat.' Now Jonathan Hall KC, the UK's Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation and State Threat Legislation, has launched an investigation. As the war of words over the collapse of the case continued, a growing chorus of voices, including Sir Keir Starmer's former top civil servant Lord Case, challenged the official explanation China could not be declared an 'enemy' to satisfy the bringing of charges under the Official Secrets Act. Christopher Cash, 30, (pictured) and his China-based English teacher friend Chris Berry, 33, were arrested in March 2023 after being accused of handing data to Beijing Mr Cash and Mr Berry (pictured) were charged with breaching the Official Secrets Act on April 22 last year Mr Hall last night told LBC that Beijing 'is a threat to national security. I don't think the public explanation that has been given so far is at all adequate. I personally find it confusing. It deserves a much fuller explanation.' Mr Cash, 30, and his China-based English teacher friend Mr Berry, 33, were arrested in March 2023 after being accused of handing data to Beijing. The pair were charged with breaching the Official Secrets Act on April 22 last year. Four days later, prosecutors told a judge secrets had been passed to a Chinese intelligence agent who gave them over to a figure described as a 'senior member of the Chinese Communist Party and a Politburo member', understood to be Cai Qi, de facto chief of staff to President Xi Jinping. A CPS document cited Mr Collins backing the case, saying he had found evidence in ten of the 34 reports that a Chinese intelligence agent allegedly commissioned from Mr Berry. It said: 'A Deputy National Security Advisor has assessed the key information communicated by Chris Berry in his reports and has provided a statement in which they comment specifically on ten of them, concluding the information and material passed between Chris Berry and Chris Cash and then on to the Chinese intelligence agent would be directly or indirectly useful to the Chinese State and communicating the information was prejudicial to the safety or interests of the State. 'In their assessment, the alleged activities of Berry and Cash were prejudicial to the safety or interests of the UK.' Mr Collins has not commented but he is understood to maintain he never changed his position and was 'blindsided' when the case collapsed last month. Sir Keir has sought to blame the Tory government's stance on China at the time of the alleged offences. Yesterday the PM said: 'The evidence was the evidence as it then was, that's the only relevant evidence, and that evidence was the situation as it was under the last government.' Critics point to his attempts to build relations with the world's second-biggest economy as a possible reason for the reluctance to label China an enemy. Donald Trump last night proclaimed 'everlasting peace' as he clinched a historic deal to bring home Israeli hostages and end the bombardment of Gaza. The US President's 'momentous breakthrough' was hailed by Israeli families, Palestinians and world leaders alike, after he turned the screw on Benjamin Netanyahu to force an agreement. Mr Trump announced the breakthrough on his Truth Social platform by quoting from the Gospel of Matthew: 'Blessed are the peacemakers.' Even before a deal had been signed, he was looking forward, saying that 'Iran wants peace', and ending the war in Ukraine was 'going to happen' next. Twenty Israeli hostages and the bodies of 28 others will be reunited with their loved ones on Monday or Tuesday in a 'day of joy', Mr Trump said, ending two years of captivity since Hamas terrorists seized them in the October 7 attacks. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) are set to withdraw to an agreed line within 24 hours, with the peace deal expected to be formally ratified by the Israeli cabinet overnight. Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya who Israel tried to kill in the Qatari capital Doha last month announced an end to war. He said the militant group had received assurances from international mediators that the fighting would 'end permanently'. However, he also vowed to keep working toward a Palestinian state 'with Jerusalem as its capital'. Celebrations erupted throughout the region, with families in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square weeping tears of joy, popping champagne corks and lifting signs saying: 'Trump for Nobel Peace Prize'. US President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet Meeting at the White House on October 9, 2025 People react as they celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan on Ocotber 9, 2025 There was widespread relief among parents of Israeli soldiers, who will also head home. Palestinians in Gaza whose homeland has been decimated reacted with a mix of joy and disbelief. Mr Trump has confounded his critics by achieving what no one else, including predecessor Joe Biden, managed. The President, who is likely to address the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, which was lit up in the colours of the American flag last night, told his cabinet: 'The whole world has come together for this. People who didn't like each other, neighbouring countries. This is a moment in time. 'We reached a momentous breakthrough in the Middle East, something people said was never going to be done. We ended the war in Gaza. An everlasting peace.' He added: 'It's really peace in the Middle East. You remember October 7 was terrible, but from the Hamas standpoint, they've probably lost 70,000 people. That's big retribution. At some point, that whole thing has to stop.' Mr Trump expected to be feted as a hero when he visits the region on Sunday used the force of his personality to broker the deal. As well as pressuring Hamas, he reportedly berated Israeli prime minister Mr Netanyahu, saying: 'You're always so f****** negative'. The President's 20-point peace plan hammered out in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh along with negotiators from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey was achieved despite America refusing to follow the lead of Sir Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron in controversially recognising a Palestine state. Sir Keir said the deal was a 'relief to the world' as he joined world leaders queueing up to lavish praise on Mr Trump. Mr Macron hailed the ceasefire deal as a 'great hope' for the region. Your browser does not support iframes. Even Corbynite MP Emily Thornberry, chairman of the foreign affairs committee, said: 'Frankly, if we get peace in the Middle East and it's down to Donald Trump, I'll wear a MAGA hat,' she told Times Radio. Securing the return of the hostages comes at a price, though, with Israel agreeing to release 2,000 Hamas prisoners. The country's finance minister Bezalel Smotrich branded the deal 'short-sighted', adding: 'There is immense fear of the consequences of emptying the prisons and releasing the next generation of terrorist leaders who will do everything to continue to pour rivers of Jewish blood here.' Israel's ambassador to the UN said the Israeli government had 'two bad options either to leave the hostages behind, or to release those murderers'. Danny Danon described the release of Palestinian prisoners as 'painful'. And the deal is only 'phase one', with further negotiations needed to nail down details on disarming Hamas and who will actually run Gaza with Sir Tony Blair mooted for a key role on a governing 'board of peace'. Mr Trump pledged Hamas disarmament as part of the second phase, with hardline Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatening to topple Mr Netanyahu's government unless the promise is followed through. Under Mr Trump's plan, 400 trucks a day of humanitarian aid will start entering Gaza. A UN aid spokesman said: 'Let's get the hostages out and surge aid in fast.' The moment he knew deal was on This is the 'made for TV' moment Donald Trump found out his Middle East peace deal was clinched. A hastily scrawled note and a few golden words whispered in the presidential ear immortalised the occasion for history. A solemn-looking Mr Trump was in the middle of a televised summit when he was interrupted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio with the news. 'I was just given a note by the Secretary of State saying that we're very close to a deal in the Middle East, and they're going to need me pretty quickly,' the President told reporters in the room. Mr Rubio's handwritten note on the table, captured by a photographer, read: 'Very close. 'We need you to approve a post on Truth Social soon, so you can announce the deal first.' US Secretary of State Marc Rubio speaks with Donald Trump during a round table in the State Dining Room at the White House The US President reacts to a note given to him by Marc Rubio during Middle East talks on October 8 ...but is it too late for Nobel Prize? Donald Trump's Nobel Peace Prize hopes hang in the balance with his Gaza deal landing three days too late for the Norwegian committee's last meeting before 'finalising' its choice. However, last night bookies upgraded the US President to joint favourite amid suggestions that the committee could 'reconsider'. The prestigious prize is due to be announced today at 10am. Mr Trump was made 5/2 joint-favourite alongside Sudan's Emergency Response Rooms in Ladbrokes' betting. A Nobel Institute spokesman left a glimmer of hope for Mr Trump by saying: 'The final touches were made on Monday, but we never disclose when the Nobel committee makes its decision.' President Donald Trump will assign 200 troops stationed in the Middle East to support Israel and help monitor the Gaza peace deal, US officials said on Thursday. The announcement came as Benjamin Netanyahu's government formally approved the agreement to return the remaining hostages from Gaza. A ceasefire will go into effect within 24 hours of the cabinet meeting when Israeli troops will also begin to withdraw from Gaza along an agreed-upon line. Hamas will release the remaining living and dead Israeli hostages within 72 hours after that. Once they are returned, Israel will free 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans who have been held since October 7. Trump said earlier he expected to travel to the Middle East on Sunday to celebrate the first phase of the peace deal and be there for the release of hostages by Hamas. In the first details of how the truce will be enforced, sources revealed that US soldiers will form part of a team that includes allies, NGOs and private sector groups. US Central Command will establish a 'civil-military coordination center' in Israel that will facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid as well as logistical and security assistance into the war-torn territory, officials told the Associated Press. The troops will not be sent into Gaza, but will monitor implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the transition to a civilian government in the territory, a source said. President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets Steve Witkoff (second left) and Jared Kushner (right) in Jerusalem on Thursday Your browser does not support iframes. The coordination center will be staffed by US troops who have expertise in transportation, planning, security, logistics and engineering, said the official. American soldiers have already started to arrive and further forces will travel to the region over the weekend to begin planning and efforts to establish the center. Speaking at the White House, Trump said the agreement between Israel and the Palestinian armed group had 'ended the war in Gaza.' The US leader added that 'nobody's going to be forced to leave' the Palestinian territory under his 20-point peace plan, which formed the basis for indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Egypt. Netanyahu convened Israel's security cabinet on Thursday to vote on the deal after Hamas said it would accept and welcomed the end of the two-year war. Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner took part in the Israeli government's meeting. Netanyahu's office said in a statement: 'The government has just now approved the framework for the release of all of the hostages the living and the deceased.' It came despite fierce opposition from Israel's national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right party Jewish Power, had earlier declared he would be voting against the deal and threatened to topple Netanyahu's coalition if Hamas's 'rule was not dismantled.' 'In conversations held between me and the prime minister in recent days, I made it clear that under no circumstances will I be part of a government that allows the continued existence of Hamas's rule in Gaza,' Ben-Gvir said. 'This is a glaring red line. The prime minister committed to me that this will be the case.' Trump said he hoped to travel to Israel, where he may address parliament, and maybe to Egypt. 'The hostages will be coming back Monday or Tuesday. I'll probably be there, I hope to be there,' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, referring to hostages taken by Hamas during its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. But Trump said that the bodies of some of the dead hostages would be 'hard to find.' Hamas took 251 people hostage into Gaza, where 47 remain, including 25 the Israeli military says are dead. Hamas wants a permanent, comprehensive ceasefire, a complete pullout of Israeli forces Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza has devastated the territory and killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said earlier that he had invited his US counterpart to take part in a 'celebration to be held in Egypt' for the agreement for the first phase of a ceasefire. The Republican gave few details about the second phase of the peace deal and the future of Gaza. During an earlier meeting of his cabinet, Trump said 'there will be disarming, there will be pullbacks,' in apparent reference to Israel's demand that Hamas disarm and calls by the Palestinian group for Israel to withdraw its forces, but did not elaborate. He added that Gaza would be 'slowly redone' and indicated that Arab states with 'tremendous wealth' would help it rebuild, as well as possibly taking part in peacekeeping efforts. Trump, who in February proposed that the US take over Gaza, also rejected speculation that Palestinians could be forced out of the devastated enclave. 'Nobody's going to be forced to leave. No, it's just the opposite. This is a great plan,' Trump said. Trump, however, played down the question of whether he would achieve his long-held dream of winning the Nobel Peace Prize, whose laureate is announced on Friday. 'I don't know what they're going to do, really. But I know this, that nobody in history has solved eight wars in a period of nine months,' he said. His cabinet officials lined up to praise him, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had on Wednesday handed the US president a note during an event saying a deal was imminent. 'Frankly, I don't know of any American president in the modern era that could have made this possible,' Rubio said during the cabinet meeting. Rubio also hinted at the tough negotiations that led to the agreement, which saw Trump pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and rally Arab and Muslim states to lean on Hamas. 'One day, perhaps the entire story will be told,' Rubio said. 'The president had some extraordinary phone calls and meetings that required a high degree of intensity and commitment and made this happen.' Thousands of Israelis packed into Hostages Square yesterday to sing, dance and pray together as news broke of a peace deal. The last two years have taken their toll on families who have been gathering in this spot to give one another strength and to demand their government make a deal with Hamas. Now, finally, they can dare to dream that the war is over and all 48 remaining hostages are coming home, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. 'I didn't think it was going to happen,' said Bristol-born Ian Brisley. His sister Lianne Sharabi died on October 7, alongside her teenage daughters Noiya and Yahel, when Hamas gunmen stormed their kibbutz. Lianne's husband Eli survived captivity and was released in February, but Eli's brother Yossi was killed while being held hostage. His remains are now expected to be returned. 'It's a fantastic day and I am relieved for the families,' Mr Brisley said. 'Only when they see and hold their loved ones will they believe that they are actually home and safe.' Over the border in Gaza, the celebrations were also mingled with grief at the loss of life and fears for the future. Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo, in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, said: 'Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing. Thousands of Israelis packed into Hostages Square yesterday to sing, dance and pray together as news broke of a peace deal Israelis react to the news of the Gaza peace deal at Hostages Square, Tel Aviv, on October 9 Palestinians in central Gaza celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting 'I am not the only one happy, all of the Gaza Strip is happy, all the Arab people, all of the world is happy with the ceasefire and the end of bloodshed.' But Mohammad Al-Farra, also from Khan Younis, said: 'I am happy and unhappy. 'We have lost a lot of people and lost loved ones, friends and family. We lost our homes. 'Despite our happiness, we cannot help but think of what is to come. The areas we are going back to, or intending to return to, are uninhabitable.' Following the announcement of the deal, Israelis flocked to Hostages Square, so named because it became a focal point for families of those kidnapped in the October 7 Hamas-led attack in 2023. Makeshift encampments, posters and mock tunnels have been erected at the square, at the front of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, in efforts to keep the pressure up on the government. It has also been a point of solace where loved ones can meet others going through the same unimaginable torment. They have hosted everything from yoga sessions to jam nights here as most feel unable to visit restaurants or gather in public while they wait. Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, cried with relief at hearing the news There was a mix of jubilation and apprehension at what awaits over the next 72 hours The celebrations in Hostages Square continued well into the night following the agreement Your browser does not support iframes. But yesterday there was an intoxicating mix of jubilation and apprehension at what awaits over the next 72 hours. Last night, Donald Trump spoke about hostages being released on 'Monday or Tuesday'. Mr Brisley said: 'We know only too well the torment of the wait, but the relief of the reality. Then the time to help the healing, to keep them safe in the families that can do that. 'Lianne, Noiya and Yahel will not return but we have a place to mourn. Very soon, Yossi will be laid to rest and his family will have their place to mourn.' More than 200 hostages, including children, have been released in previous ceasefire deals. But those deals quickly broke down, prolonging the anguish of families of those who did not make it out. Other hostages, such as Noa Argamani and Luis Har, were rescued by daring IDF operations. Agonisingly, some of the dead captives' bodies may not be found or returned. Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip A girl holds a Palestinian flag, after US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire It means some families could be left in torment, never knowing what became of their loved ones. A special task force will be set up with countries including Israel, the US, Qatar and Egypt to locate the bodies. One man in a state of euphoria in the square was Rotem Cooper, who asked the crowd: 'Is it really happening?' Mr Cooper's father Amiram Cooper, 85, was taken from his kibbutz Nir Oz and killed in captivity. Mr Cooper said: 'When I woke up and saw a message from someone who said 'it's all due to Trump', I switched on the news and thought 'wow'. 'This is everything we have been fighting for, standing here and going to parliament, shouting our throats out, going to Europe and going to [Washington] DC.' Mr Cooper added: 'There is the second layer of feelings. My father was alive there for four months and we failed to bring him back. 'If we are lucky, we get his remains and bury him. The best outcome for me is to have a burial.' His mother, Nurit, was also taken captive but was released weeks later in a humanitarian gesture. One man in a state of euphoria in the square was Rotem Cooper, who asked the crowd: 'Is it really happening?' His father Amiram, 85, was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz and killed in captivity 'I didn't think it was going to happen,' said Bristol-born Ian Brisley. His sister Lianne Sharabi died on October 7, alongside her teenage daughters Noiya and Yahel, when Hamas gunmen stormed their kibbutz Danny Miran, father of Omri, 48, who is on the list of returnees, told the Daily Mail: 'I am in the clouds.' His long white beard became a symbol of the struggle he said he would shave it off only when his son returned. Former Israeli deputy PM Benny Gantz, who was at the square yesterday morning to show support to families, said: 'This is an encouraging and important day. 'I want to see all the hostages back and an end to this war, where we can look into the future and live in security and they can run their own lives.' There is concern in Israel about the state of the hostages who will return a shadow of their former selves after two years of starvation, torture and abuse. In August, Hamas published a video of emaciated hostage Eyvatar David, 24, digging his own grave, which shocked the world. Some of the hostages who were found dead after execution had curved spines from not being able to stand up for months in the tunnels where they were held, while other described sexual abuse. 'We can write a book by now,' said Professor Noa Eliakim Raz, head of the returning hostages unit at Rabin Medical Centre, one of three hospitals on standby to receive hostages. There is concern in Israel about the state of the hostages who will return a shadow of their former selves after two years of starvation, torture and abuse Professor Raz said: 'We learned from the returning hostages in January that they lost much of their weight, and we expect that to be the situation here also. 'When nutrition is reintroduced quickly after starvation or malnutrition, it can cause dangerous shifts in fluid and electrolytes.' It is known that Hamas tried to overfeed some of the previously freed hostages before their release so that they wouldn't look so sick. Some haven't seen daylight for two years. Professor Raz added: 'We know captivity underground has severe effects on every system of the body and their immune system is weakened so we are very careful with that.' But as the country braces itself for the weekend, one thing is very clear: after two years of torture, everyone at the square wants to see this dark chapter behind them so that there can finally be some closure and healing. That's more than evident from the spirit of the people here. 'We have to move on from this hell, they're finally coming home,' one tearful woman sobbed. Meghan Markle wore two bespoke pieces from Spanish fashion house Balenciaga for a masterclass in quiet luxury at Paris Fashion Week. It was minimalist in palette and reminiscent of her final appearance as a working royal. For her first look, she wore an all-white flowing suited look, complete with billowing, wide-leg trousers and a simple button-down topped off with an elegant, draped detail across her shoulders. Later in the evening, as the Paris lights dimmed and the after-party began, Meghan changed into a black dress which had a flowing, column silhouette, featuring a sweeping cape for added drama. Both looks were reminiscent of her bold green Emilia Wickstead draped dress from her last ever official royal engagement at Westminster Abbey in March 2020. Meghans relationship with draped silhouettes has been long and deliberate, embracing her signature formula, refined simplicity with architectural precision. Championing the trend throughout 2020, the former actress dazzled in a red Safiyaa gown complete with elegant draping for an appearance at London's Royal Albert Hall, while she also wore an emerald Emilia Wickstead number for Commonwealth Day. While pregnant in 2019, Meghan married timeless grace with modern drama when she embraced Dior draping for maternity dressing in Morocco. Making a surprise appearance at Paris Fashion Week, Meghan chose an all-white Balenciaga ensemble with fluid draping across the shoulders to sit front row at the Spring Summer show Meghan wore a striking emerald green Emilia Wickstead cape dress to her last official royal engagement, the 2020 Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey. The monochrome outfit was a powerful fashion statement for her final appearance as a full-time working royal In the evening Meghan attended the Balenciaga after-party and switched into a second custom look from the brand, this time black with a draped shoulder and low asymmetric back The Duchess of Sussex dazzled in a sweeping kaftan-inspired Dior gown for a reception at the British ambassador's residence in Morocco in 2019 Since stepping back from royal life, Meghans approach to fashion has evolved, but her affinity for draping remains steadfast. At the 2023 Variety Power of Women event, she demonstrated how the technique translates effortlessly into her California-cool aesthetic. Her Proenza Schouler gown, in a soft neutral tone, featured an asymmetrical neckline and artful folds that framed her shoulder. Across each of these moments, whether diplomatic dinners, royal engagements, or red-carpet appearances, one thing remains consistent: Meghan Markle understands the visual power of draping. Combining relaxed tailoring with precise, architectural folds of fabric, she bridges minimalism and movement in a way that has defined much of her recent wardrobe. Elon Musk's Texas real estate empire is far more extensive than previously believed. The Tesla and SpaceX boss confirmed his move from California to Texas in 2020. However, it was not clear until now the staggering extent to which the richest man in the world has expanded in the Lone Star State. Musk's companies own more than 500 properties covering 6,000 acres in Texas. His expansive network of factories, tunnels, and launch pads spreads from the top to the bottom. 'He's going all in on Texas,' Goran Calic, a strategy professor at McMaster University in Canada who spent years studying Musk's management style, told the Houston Chronicle. 'And the reason he's doing it is because of control. Elon Musk has more control in Texas than he does anywhere else.' The star of his Lone Star State takeover is Tesla's 2,500-acre factory complex, located in Austin. Since Musk opened Austin's Giga Texas in 2022, the complex has ballooned to over ten million square feet of production space and could double if plans for a wave of buildings move forward. Elon Musk's Texas real estate empire is far more extensive than previously believed The star of his Lone Star State takeover is Giga Texas (pictured), Tesla's 2,500-acre factory complex, located in Austin The factory cranks out Teslas including Model Ys and the Cybertruck which are shuttled through a tunnel beneath Texas. Musk's Boring Company an infrastructure and tunnel construction services company found in 2016 is headquartered in Bastrop, about 20 miles east of Austin. The startup has carved out more than 350 acres for testing giant machines, and houses staff in a makeshift village called Snailbrook. In 2023, residents living nearby the development said the building work was affecting livestock and accused crews of dumping untreated wastewater into the Colorado River. Boring generally denied the allegations but was fined more than $9,000 and was required to make changes at the site, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Across the road is a 700,000-square-foot SpaceX facility a Starlink factory that turns out 70,000 satellite kits a week, with plans to double in size. Texas Governor Greg Abbott moved the deal along earlier this year with a $17.3 million grant for a $280 million SpaceX expansion. Musk has also commandeered more land further south near Brownsville. The chief executive converted scrubland in the area to make way for Starbase, a de facto company town of 500 residents and thousands of workers. Giga Texas cranks out Teslas including popular car the Model Y and the Cybertruck Musk's Boring Company, an infrastructure and tunnel construction services company found in 2016, is headquartered in Bastrop Musk is pushing to further expand the Starship launchpad and add housing, retail and a grocery store to Starbase Starbase is an industrial complex and rocket launch facility that serves as the main testing and production location for Musk's Starship launch vehicles Starbase is home to Starship the tallest rocket ever built and over one million square feet of land dedicated to manufacturing. Musk is pushing to further expand the Starship launchpad and add housing, retail and a grocery store. Even further south, near Corpus Christi in Nueces County, Musk has taken over even more of the state's land. Tesla is bringing a lithium refinery to Robstown, which is meant to supply battery-grade material for a million electric vehicles a year. On top of all of these properties, Musk has leased facilities across the state. Southwest of Waco in McGregor, SpaceX leased land to test rockets. There are also plans in place for Tesla to lease a 1.03 million-square-foot building in Brookshire, west of Houston, for a battery manufacturing plant. Veggie burgers and tofu steaks might be off the menu for good as the EU pushes to ban 'misleading' food labels. The bloc's parliament has voted to restrict the use of terms like 'sausage', 'steak', and 'burger' exclusively to foods containing meat. Proposed by French lawmaker Celine Imart, the new naming restrictions were slipped in with a broad package of technical rule adjustments to farming contracts. Thanks to overwhelming support from the French livestock and meat industry, the bill was approved with a healthy majority of 355 votes in favour and 247 against. However, the text will need to be negotiated by the 27 member states in the Council of the EU before it can become law. French lawmakers and farming bodies have hailed the change as a major win for consumer clarity, arguing that shoppers could be confused by labels like 'vegetarian sausage'. Ms Imart said: 'A steak, an escalope or a sausage are products from our livestock, not laboratory art nor plant products. 'There is a need for transparency and clarity for the consumer and recognition for the work of our farmers.' Veggie burgers and tofu steaks could be off the menu for good as the EU Parliament votes for rules that would restrict terms like sausage and steak for meaty products (stock image) The EU already has restrictions on using terms like 'milk', 'cheese', and 'butter' for anything other than products containing 'normal mammary secretion'. This means European supermarkets are already required to stock 'oat drink' rather than oat milk. Ms Imart argues that the new limitations on meat alternatives are 'in line with European rules' and that it was 'only fair' to offer meat the same protection. EU politicians attempted to introduce a similar labelling ban in 2020, but the proposal was voted down. Since then, rightwing parties with close ties to European farmers have made huge gains within the European Parliament. The rules enjoyed particularly strong support from French politicians in the European People's Party (EPPF) with close ties to the agriculture industry, who have been lobbying for this change for years. In 2024, France introduced its own law restricting the use of labels like 'sausage' and 'steak' only for the rule to be overturned by the EU's top court the following January. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose party plays a key role in the EPP, has fully backed the ban, saying recently that 'a sausage is a sausage. Sausage is not vegan.' Under the new rules, brands like Beyond Meat would be banned from using terms like 'burger' to describe their product to avoid leaving shoppers confused Likewise, a spokesperson for the British Meat Producers Association (BMPA) told Daily Mail: 'The EU ban on certain words to describe plant-based products wont be a barrier to consumers purchasing those products. If anything, it may clarify their plant-based credentials if thats what people are searching for.' The spokesperson added that calling plant-based products by meaty names runs the risk of people being 'unwittingly nudged away' from meat products. Asked if they would like to see similar rules introduced in the UK, they responded that the BMPA would 'simply advocate for clear labelling that gives consumers the information they need to make informed choices about the food they eat.' However, the new reception to the labelling ban has been largely negative outside of France. Even key figures within Ms Imart's own EPP party have ridiculed the ban, with group leader Manfred Webber telling reporters that the ban was 'not at all a priority' and that 'consumers are not stupid when they go to the supermarket'. Likewise, despite claims from the ban's advocates, there is no evidence to suggest that consumers are confused by terms like 'cauliflower steak'. A recent survey from the European Consumer Organisation (the BEUC) found that the overwhelming majority of shoppers understand what they are buying. Irina Popescu, food policy officer at the BEUC, said in a statement: 'Our data shows that almost 70 per cent of European consumers understand these names as long as products are clearly labelled vegan or vegetarian.' The ruling has been criticised by green politicians and industry bodies, including a large group of German supermarkets, who say that the changes will make it harder for customers to make 'informed decisions' (stock image) Germany, which is the largest market for plantbased foods, has been particularly concerned that the new rules might drive consumers away from nonmeat options by forcing brands to adopt unfamiliar or confusing names. A group of German retailers, including Aldi, Lidl, Burger King, and the sausage producer Rugenwalder Muhle, has written an open letter opposing the ruling. The letter complains that the ruling 'makes it more difficult for consumers to make informed decisions'. Environmental groups and green politicians have also opposed the ruling because it may push consumers away from plantbased options that generally have a smaller climate impact. Consumption of plantbased alternatives in the EU has grown fivefold since 2011, according to BEUC data. However, some are concerned that these rules could help to reverse this trend. Dr Douglas Parr, chief scientist at Greenpeace, told Daily Mail: 'This nonsensical legislation has not been demanded by confused consumers, but by the overly powerful meat lobby. 'Its time for MEPs to stand up for consumers who are not so stupid as to think tofu might be meat, but do need to be properly informed about the ingredients in their food, and the real dangers some of them pose.' Apple's CEO Tim Cook has held a firm grip on the reins at the $4 trillion tech giant for 14 long years. However, with his 65th birthday less than a month away, rumours have begun to swirl that the longtime leader might be preparing to step down. Apple's top leadership has been remarkably stable since Steve Jobs left back in 2011, but Mr Cook's resignation could trigger a huge shakeup. While there is no formal succession plan, a few key figures in the company already stand out as potential successors. The person once considered to be next in line for the Apple throne was COO Jeff Williams. After a decade as Mr Cook's number two and having overseen the extremely successful launch of the Apple Watch, Mr Williams, 62, had been seen as the natural successor. But that all changed in July when Mr Williams announced he would be giving up the top role and preparing to leave the company next year. So, with the most obvious candidate suddenly out of the picture, here's who else has been tipped to fill Mr Cook's shoes. Apple CEO Tim Cook (pictured) has held the reins of the $4 trillion company for 14 years. But, with his 65th birthday approaching, the possibility of Mr Cook stepping down has sparked rumours of a major shakeup COO Jeff Williams (pictured) had been considered the natural heir to Mr Cook. However, the question of succession was muddied in July when Mr Williams announced he would be stepping down According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, whose reporting on the company is usually extremely accurate, the top contender for the CEO position is the current senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus. Since joining Apple's product engineering team in 2001, Mr Ternus has worked on the hardware for almost every major product in Apple's current lineup, from the latest generation of iPhones to the hugely successful AirPods. He was promoted to the vice president position in 2013, where he has been key in developing Apple's own inhouse chips. At 50 years old, Mr Ternus is the same age that Mr Cook was when he took on the top job, clearing the way for coherent leadership for at least the next decade. That's a big advantage compared to other top leaders like head of AI John Giannandrea, who are largely in their late 50s or early 60s. Picking someone with a highly technical background would also be a smart move for Apple, as the company has struggled to keep pace in cuttingedge tech. Following a serious blunder with the poorly received foray into AI with Apple Intelligence, analysts expect Apple to focus on hardware rather than taking big bets on software. If that does happen, Mr Ternus's handson experience of pretty much every major Apple tech breakthrough in the last decade could make him the most obvious choice. Industry analysts have suggested that the current senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus (pictured), is the most likely successor Apple has increasingly pushed Mr Ternus into the spotlight, having him present the iPhone Air at the last Apple Event and even greet customers at the iPhone 17 launch in the London flagship store on Regent Street (pictured) Another natural choice would be Craig Federighi (pictured), Apple's senior vice president of software engineering, who has been a very visible figure in the company and often leads product presentations The top contenders for Apple CEO John Ternus, senior vice president of Hardware Engineering The most likely successor so far, Apple has been pushing Mr Ternus into the spotlight with recent launches. Craig Federighi, senior vice president of Software Engineering A longtime Apple software leader and a very prominent face who often leads product launches. Greg Joswiak, senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing An Apple employee since 1987, Mr Joswiak has a broad overview of the company that could make him a safe choice. Advertisement With that in mind, Apple's sudden move to push Mr Ternus into the spotlight might look like the company's PR team grooming him for succession. During the latest product launch, Mr Ternus was tasked with presenting the iPhone Air the company's biggest and most highly anticipated innovation in years. And when Apple launched the iPhone 17 lineup in September, Mr Ternus was put in charge of welcoming customers to the London flagship store on Regent Street, while Mr Cook carried out the same role in New York. Mr Gurman suggests this evidence puts Mr Ternus as the best bet for Apple's next CEO. However, there are a few other contenders waiting in the wings who all could have a shot at taking the top job. One natural choice would be Craig Federighi, 56, Apple's senior vice president of software engineering. Mr Federighi has been at Apple since 2009 and is an extremely prominent face within the company, frequently speaking at events and stepping up to promote products. Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, Greg Joswiak, 62, has also been put forward as a possible successor. Head of AI John Giannandrea (pictured) would have once been a strong contender, but after the disastrous launch of Apple Intelligence, Mr Giannandrea's future in the company is in doubt An outside choice could be Mike Rockwell (pictured), once considered Mr Giannandrea's likely successor, who has recently taken over development of Siri and the Apple Vision Pro Mr Joswiak reports directly to Mr Cook and has been with Apple since 1987, orchestrating the launches of the original iPad and iPhone. Although he lacks the handson tech experience of Mr Ternus and Mr Federighi, his broader overview of the company could be seen as a safer choice. Mr Giannandrea, 60, the architect of Apple Intelligence, once looked like a strong possibility for the role as Apple pivoted hard into AI features. But, after the resounding disappointment of Apple Intelligence, it isn't clear whether Mr Giannandrea will even be able to hold onto his current role for much longer. Mike Rockwell, who had once been considered a successor to Mr Giannandrea, could be a more promising outside choice. The software engineer heads up development of the Apple Vision Pro and VisionOS, one of Mr Cook's pet projects, and is now taking over development of Siri. However, Mr Rockwell may simply be too junior to step up to the CEO position against such fierce competition. Apple has been contacted for comment. A super typhoon that skirted Japan this week is expected to send ripples across the Pacific, potentially fueling a week of turbulent weather in the western US. While Typhoon Halong spared Tokyo from what would have been the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane, meteorologists have warned that its remnants could help drive heavy rain and snow in California by early next week. As it moves into the North Pacific, the fast-moving jet stream is expected to absorb the typhoon's energy, intensifying storms along the storm track. This phenomenon, caused by 'recurving typhoons,' can send far-reaching effects across the ocean. Forecasts indicated that remnants of the typhoon could generate hurricane-force winds in Alaska's Bering Sea this weekend, which the National Weather Service (NWS) said is reminiscent of the 2022 typhoon Merbok that caused millions of dollars in damage across the western region of the state. But the potential impact on the continental US is what has forecasters watching closely. The energy from Halong is expected to move a high-pressure system into Canada, pushing subarctic air southward into Washington, Oregon and California by Monday. If a storm moving down the coast coincides with this cold air, Northern California could see significant rainfall in the Bay Area and several feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada between Monday and Wednesday. Typhoon Halong is swirling in the Pacific Ocean, just missing Japan. Meteorologists warn its remnants could help drive heavy rain and snow in California by early next week Meteorologists emphasized that recurving typhoons degrade the precision of weather models, meaning forecasts will likely fluctuate over the next several days. If the storm tracks closer to the coast, the Bay Area could see the heaviest rainfall since last winter, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Northern California is already experiencing early effects of a shifting weather pattern. Bay Area residents could wake on Thursday to drizzle and cooler temperatures under a deep marine layer. A stalled low-pressure system off the Oregon coast may bring limited showers to the North Bay Friday and Saturday, though areas south of the Golden Gate are expected to remain mostly dry. Showers will be more widespread in the northern reaches, including Ukiah, Eureka, and around Mount Shasta. Sunday is expected to be drier, with clearing skies providing a calm backdrop for Fleet Week festivities in San Francisco. The primary difference between a typhoon and a hurricane is the geographic location where the storm forms. Both are the same type of weather phenomenon, a powerful tropical cyclone with winds of 74 mph or greater. The energy from Halong is expected to move a high-pressure system into Canada , pushing subarctic air southward into Washington, Oregon and California by Monday NASA's International Space Station captured an eerie image of the typhoon from space this week However, typhoons form in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, while hurricanes develop in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Northeast Pacific Ocean or the Central Pacific Ocean. Warnings about the typhoon come as Hurricane Priscilla is moving north in the Pacific, putting southern California and Arizona in its 'cone of uncertainty.' The National Hurricane Center (NHC) uses a 'cone of uncertainty' to show the likely path of a hurricane like Priscilla on maps, with the cone widening to cover areas where the storm might go over the next three to five days. The latest cone revealed that the Category 2 storm's path is expected to shift north, turning Priscilla towards land on Thursday. Spaghetti models revealed that Priscilla will likely barrel over Mexico and reach as far inland as Southern California and Arizona before it begins to break up. Several other states in the Southwest, including New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada, have been warned to expect thunderstorms and flash floods due to the moisture being pulled inland from Priscilla starting tomorrow and lasting through Sunday. Parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah could see up to four inches of rain between Thursday afternoon and Saturday night. AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva noted that Priscilla's impact on Arizona could be particularly severe on Thursday night, with heavy rain and flooding forecasted throughout the state. The intense downpours could end up doubling the 1.5 inches of rainfall that places like Flagstaff, Arizona, typically get during an average October. It's everyone's worst travel nightmare - your late-night flight has been cancelled and you're suddenly left to fend for yourself. Finding somewhere to sleep and eat - as well as basic necessities - late at night can be a stressful hassle. And it could set you back a small fortune too, as airports can easily see costs stack up. Now, the most expensive airport in the world to get stuck in has been revealed - and it's in the USA. New York JFK Airport has topped the list, where an unwanted overnight stay will cost on average 250. New analysis has identified the world's most expensive airports to be stranded at. Passenger rights specialists AirAdvisor identified the world's 50 busiest airports and the cost of necessities for an overnight stay nearby - including a fast-food meal, toothbrush and one-night stay in a three-star hotel. Second on the list is Los Angeles (LAX) Airport, with an average cost of 193. The most expensive airport in the world to get stuck in is New York JFK Airport Closely behind is Zurich (ZRH), Switzerland - which will set you back 145. Sydney Airport and Madrid Airport take the fourth and fifth spots. Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor, explains: 'We chose two airports per country from the Airports Council International's Top 50, based on passenger traffic. 'After that, we checked OAG's Megahubs connectivity data to keep the mix truly global. 'The results we found were truly surprising, not just because of the total cost, but because of the huge difference in cost among the most and least expensive airports. 'In some hubs, getting stuck overnight was little more than an inconvenience to the average traveller, but in others, the price tag compared to a mini holiday.' Anton continues: 'If you're unlucky enough to get stuck in New York JFK, you'll likely fork out around 250 just to cover the basics. 'At LAX, the cost still tops 190, which compares to what some people spend for lodging on a holiday weekend.' An unwanted overnight stay at New York JFK will cost on average 250 The worlds most expensive airports to be stranded in overnight Airport Average cost New York (JFK), USA 250 Los Angeles (LAX), USA 193 Zurich (ZRH), Switzerland 145 Sydney (SYD), Australia 144 Madrid (MAD), Spain 143 Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), France 141 Oslo (OSL), Norway 117 London Heathrow (LHR), UK 116 Dubai (DXB), UAE 99 Hong Kong (HKG), China 98 The AirAdvisor expert adds: 'At these airports, even the necessities balloon in cost, for example 20 for fast food in Istanbul and up to 4.50 for bottled water in New York. 'Add hotel prices that average 120+ per night across the U.S. and Europe, and your "unexpected sleepover" quickly becomes a financial kick in the teeth.' So, what drives up costs at the most expensive airports? Anton explains: 'At the priciest hubs, hotel accommodation contributes the most to higher expenses. At New York JFK, the nightly room rate alone makes up almost 90 per cent of the entire spend, leaving food and drink as minor extras by comparison. 'Even at airports like Zurich and Madrid, where meals and transport costs aren't especially high, hotel accommodation still increases the total cost. 'So, while the price of a burger or coffee might sting, it's really the price of a bed for the night that turns an overnight delay into financial grief.' An investigation has been launched after a Ryanair flight came within six minutes of 'running out of fuel' mid-air. The flight was heading to Glasgow's Prestwick Airport from Pisa in Italy on October 3 when it issued a 'fuel Mayday' and made an emergency landing in Manchester. It came as Storm Amy brought winds of up to 100mph, sparking transport chaos across the country. The cockpit crew issued a 7700 squawk code, a general emergency alert. The flight, operated by Malta Air on behalf of Ryanair, made several unsuccessful attempts to land at Prestwick before attempting a landing at Edinburgh Airport. This was also unsuccessful. The plane then diverted to Manchester, where it landed safely, almost two hours after the first go-around at Prestwick. The flight reportedly landed with just 220kg of fuel left in the tank, which is only enough for around five or six minutes of flying time. The final reserve fuel is the absolute minimum amount of fuel an aircraft can have before it is deemed unsafe to remain in the air. Your browser does not support iframes. An investigation has been launched after a Ryanair flight came within six minutes of 'running out of fuel' mid-air The flight was heading to Glasgow 's Prestwick Airport from Pisa in Italy on October 3 when it issued a 'fuel Mayday' and made an emergency landing in Manchester (file image) Strong winds blew the roof off a block of flats in Cumbernauld, in North Lanarkshire, Scotland A trampoline, battered and mangled by the storm, was blown away from the nearest houses almost 100 metres away to a main road in Inverness, Scotland One passenger, Alexander Marchi, who arrived at his destination 10 hours later than planned, spoke to the Ayr Advertiser about his flight experience. He said: 'After leaving late from Pisa because of a general strike and protesters invading the tarmac at the airport we were worried that we wouldn't get to Prestwick before the storm hit. 'Everything was fine until we started our descent. The plane was circling a few times before trying the first time but pulling up almost immediately. 'We were told we would try one more time or we'd have to go to Manchester. The second time it was a very bumpy ride and we almost reached the tarmac, but at the last minute we pulled up very sharply. 'We realised how bad things had been after seeing the images after finally landing at Manchester with almost no fuel. #FR3418 from Pisa to Prestwick diverting to Manchester after landing attempts at Prestwick and Edinburgh. Squawking 7700 likely due to declaring a fuel emergency. https://t.co/xRdo1RYTpy pic.twitter.com/fklfaR585L Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) October 3, 2025 Satellite images from space show the formation of Storm Amy moving over the UK on Saturday 'There was a lot of relief. People were wanting to get off and definitely were not up for flying any time soon.' For the type of aircraft used for the Ryanair flight, a Boeing 737-800, the amount of fuel require cannot dip below 30 minutes of flying time. A Ryanair spokesman told the Daily Mail: 'Ryanair reported this to the relevant authorities on Friday (3 Oct). 'As this is now subject of an ongoing investigation, which we are cooperating fully with, we are unable to comment.' Married At First Sight UK's Sarah was branded 'disrespectful and muggy' by her husband Dean's close pal in a foul-mouthed clash on Wednesday night. The duo have been struggling to find romance since getting hitched on the E4 series, with their relationship taking a turn for the worse when Sarah admitted she wasn't attracted to her husband, likening him to a 'care bear'. But in an attempt to grow closer, the newlyweds were seen cooking dinner together in their new apartment in preparation to host Dean's friend James and Sarah's friend Caitlin for the evening. Dean and Sarah were seen excitedly welcoming their guests to their new home - who were ready to dish out their opinion on the marriage so far. Entering the apartment, Caitlin admitted: 'It seemed at the wedding that Sarah was a little reserved about Dean, so I'm hoping that they're getting on really well even without the initial attraction.' While Dean's close friend James added: 'I've known Dean for 25+ years so if he needs to be told the hard truths, I can do that.' Married At First Sight UK 's Sarah was branded 'disrespectful and muggy' by her husband Dean's close pal in a foul-mouthed clash on Wednesday night Sarah was told off by Dean's pal for her 'disrespectful' behaviour towards him on their Maldives honeymoon which aired in previous episodes But Sarah was quick to admit things had been up and down for the duo, looking emotional and saying: 'It's been a tough couple of weeks.' Dean chimed in that he was glad Sarah now had a 'familiar face' to talk to, as things grew increasingly awkward between the foursome. Sarah told the cameras away from the table: 'James might give me a grilling when he hears about what's been going on in the past couple of weeks. 'I hope it's not going to be awkward, but we will see.' It was then James started to get uncomfortable as Sarah failed to share any 'interesting facts' she'd learned about Dean while getting to know him on their honeymoon in the Maldives. James told the cameras: 'He's one of the most charismatic people I know, anything that she had learned about him would have been an interesting fact.' Things went even further downhill as James quizzed them on what went down on their honeymoon, with Dean revealing he 'shouted' at her 'disrespectful' behaviour. Looking furious, Dean asked Sarah: 'Were you disrespectful?' to which Sarah responded: 'I said I'd got the ick, because of the jokes and the singing. James started to get uncomfortable as Sarah failed to share any 'interesting facts' she'd learned about Dean while getting to know him on their honeymoon in the Maldives The newlyweds were seen cooking dinner together in their new apartment in preparation to host Dean's friend James and Sarah's friend Caitlin 'I had said to Dean previously I wasn't a massive fan of them and I think on the honeymoon it became more intense.' After Sarah admitted there had been a second argument that she was at fault for, James hit out: 'There's a theme here.' Speaking to the camera again, James fumed: 'Ick is a horrible word, and it came as a shock, he could be being a bit of a fool of and being disrespected. 'That makes me feel worried - it's f***ing muggy.' Later in the evening, Dean was sat down with James away from his wife, expressing to his pal: 'I don't ever want to be disrespected.' His loyal friend replied: 'She shouldn't be allowed to get away with it.' Shockingly, Dean was the one who then told the cameras, despite previously fighting for the relationship: 'Do I stay and fight, or do I let go?' It comes after Dean and Sarah desperately tried to ignite their sexual spark after their body-shaming row - but it seriously backfired after she was slammed for flirting with the camera crew. Sarah sparked outrage after making a number of 'horrifying' comments about Dean's weight earlier in the series Dean recently opened up that it was 'tricky' rewatching Sarah's comments about him Sarah sparked outrage after making a number of 'horrifying' comments about his weight, with expert Paul C Brunson for tearing into 'rude and disrespectful' Sarah over her 'cruel' comments about her husband at the first commitment ceremony. Along with suggesting that Dean needs to 'get tattoos and lose some weight' to ignite a sexual spark, Sarah openly complained at the dinner party that she 'didn't fancy' him, and saw his singing and impromptu rapping as 'over the top.' The experts then reprimanded Sarah for being 'disrespectful,' by talking about Dean behind his back, leading her to apologise to during the Commitment Ceremony. After the scenes aired, Dean shared a video on TikTok admitting that it was 'tricky' rewatching Sarah's comments about him. He said: 'Hello you lovely lot. I wanted to send a message to say thank you for all your kind words and support. 'A lot of you are saying don't change, be who you are and stay true to yourself. 'I can't lie, yesterday was a tricky one, it was tricky to watch, but your love and support has been very well received, and it has helped to put a smile on my face. 'I'm usually sunshine and rainbows all the time as much as I can be. Sometimes you can't be, but you try to be when you can. 'I know you guys are definitely helping to put the smile back on my face so thank you so much. 'I'd much rather be a care bear than a bad boy any day of the week, so don't worry I won't go changing who I am, and thank you once again for all the kindness and the love.' Dean finished his video by saying: 'There's too much meanness and not niceness in this world, so just keep being positive and happy, and keep smiling. 'Life at life before life laughs at you. That's what my granddad always used to say.' Married At First Sight UK airs Sunday to Thursday at 9pm on E4 and is available to stream on channel4.com. Naga Munchetty was replaced on BBC Breakfast as her usual co-host Charlie Stayt was joined by another familiar face in another cast shake-up. The morning programme returned to our screens for another instalment as the hosts shared the latest headlines and stories with viewers. BBC Breakfast is usually presented by Jon Kay, 55, and Sally Nugent, 54, Monday to Wednesday, followed by Naga, 50, and Charlie, 63, Thursday to Saturday. Sunday's episode is presented by a number of stand-in hosts such as Roger Johnson, Tina Daheley, Ben Boulous, Ben Thompson and Rachel Burden. But Naga was missing from the line-up on the show on Thursday morning, with Charlie instead joined by one of the other BBC Breakfast stars. Viewers were surprised to see Charlie joined by Sarah Campbell, a BBC News presenter and royal correspondent for the broadcaster. Naga Munchetty was replaced on BBC Breakfast as her usual co-host Charlie Stayt was joined by another familiar face in another cast shake-up Naga was missing from the line-up on the show on Thursday morning, with Charlie instead joined by Sarah Campbell (pictured) Charlie didn't appear to acknowledge or mention why Naga had been replaced. Naga is expected to be back for her regular slot on Friday. It's not the first time in recent weeks that Naga has been missing from the line-up, with Naga going missing from screens last month on leave. Charlie and Naga have hit a number of headlines over the last few months. Back in June it was revealed that journalist Naga, 50, who joined the morning programme in 2014, was facing 'bullying claims'. Last month it was revealed that Naga had allegedly scolded a petrified intern for the way they spread Marmite on her toast. In August it was also reported Charlie Stayt's alleged behaviour is also 'under review' after a string of complaints. Charlie has been part of the team since 2006. It's not the first time in recent weeks that Naga has been missing from the line-up, with Naga going missing from screens last month on leave BBC Breakfast is usually presented by Jon Kay, 55, and Sally Nugent, 54, Monday to Wednesday, followed by Naga , 50, and Charlie, 63, Thursday to Saturday Earlier this year, it was reported that Naga had been allegedly planning to quit BBC Breakfast, despite receiving a hefty 10,000 pay rise, after she was accused of bullying and hauled into a meeting over an alleged sex jibe. The BBC Breakfast presenter and 5 Live host, 50, had been spoken to by executives after she reportedly made a sex jibe during an ad break while hosting the radio show. She is believed to have used a crude slang term for a sex act and asked a colleague 'if they had ever done it'. Naga's own conduct was thrown into doubt when BBC Breakfast's editor Richard Frediani reportedly took an extended period of leave, after an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations was opened into the show. Amid the fallout, Naga's agents have reportedly 'held talks with rival station LBC' to explore opportunities for the highly-respected journalist. A source told The Sun: 'The fallout of Richard Fredianis investigation created a stark him or her narrative on Breakfast with Naga flung to the front line. 'The fact is she loves the BBC and her job but theres only so much external noise anyone is prepared to take. LBC would suit her well as the focus remains on news-led broadcasting, they take a hard line and theres far less of the fluffy nonsense involved in working at the BBC. 'Her team last week renewed historic talks with the Global radio station to see if there could be any work for her there.' A BBC Spokesperson said: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously.' New figures released by the BBC in the summer revealed the presenter was awarded a 10,000 increase in her annual salary. It now takes her pay packet to an eye-watering 355,000 - almost double that of her co-host Charlie Stayt. Charlie, 63, has remained in the 190,000 bracket as tensions between the pair are said to be 'rife'. Naga hosts BBC Breakfast on Thursdays to Saturdays with Charlie, while Jon Kay and Sally Nugent anchor the programme from the start of the week. It was previously claimed that the show's staff are feeling increasingly 'uneasy' around Frediani, with the former Head of ITV News accused of 'shaking' a female editor while working on the show. The Mail told how Naga has also been holding discussions with Sky News in an apparent bid to leave the corporation, industry sources have revealed. Breakfast airs daily on BBC One from 6am and is available to stream on iPlayer. The BBC has released first-look images of its upcoming adaptation of Lord Of The Flies. The show will be the acting debut for several young stars as they portray a group of starving boys trapped on an unnamed Pacific island in the 1950s. Pitched as being true to William Golding's novel - a staple of English classes in the UK for decades - the pictures show the lost boys creating weapons as they attempt to survive on their own in the wild. The show is written by award-winning writer Jack Thorne, who was notably the man behind one of this year's biggest TV successes - Netflix's Adolescence. Shot in Malaysia, the Lord of the Flies adaptation is set to air on BBC One and iPlayer once complete. In the images, actor David McKenna can be seen portraying Piggy - known for his fire-starting glasses - as he stands in front of the group's crashed plane. The BBC has released first-look images of its upcoming adaptation of Lord of the Flies, which is currently being shot in Malaysia In the images, actor David McKenna can be seen portraying Piggy - known for his fire-starting glasses - as he stands in front of the group's crashed plane A boy covered in mud can be seen in another image, crouching down in a Tarzan-like pose. The clear division of the group into 'biguns' and 'littluns' is also seen in the first-look images, with the former dressing in comparatively smart outfits. Winston Sawyers will step into castaway Ralph's shoes, while Lox Pratt will portray Jack and Ike Talbut will play Simon. The plot of the story centres around the boys' attempts to fend for themselves after a deadly plane crash, with Ralph initially taking on the role of the group's leader, helped by Piggy, the brains of the group. But it's not long before firestarter Jack, who is more interested in hunting that a potential rescue, sows the seeds of rebellion amongst the group, causing them to split into a second, savage tribe. The story, which will be the first TV adaptation of Lord of the Flies, will be told over four episodes - each named after one of the story's protagonists, Raph, Piggy, Jack and Simon. According to the BBC, this will allow viewers to see events from the point of view of each boy. Directed by Marc Munden, known for his work on National Treasure, the series is being produced by Eleven and will also be distributed in Australia. The show will be the acting debut for several young stars as they portray a group of starving boys trapped on an unnamed Pacific island in the 1950s The clear division of the group into 'biguns' and 'littluns' is also seen in the first-look images, with the former dressing in comparatively smart outfits The plot of the story centres around the boys' attempts to fend for themselves after a deadly plane crash, with Ralph initially taking on the role of the group's leader, helped by Piggy, the brains of the group But it's not long before firestarter Jack sows the seeds of rebellion amongst the group, causing them to split into a second, savage tribe Lord of the Flies was first published as a book in 1954, inspired by William Golding's experience as a teacher during World War Two. Speaking about his experience of the war and witnessing what happened in Nazi Germany on The South Bank Show in 1980, Golding said: 'It simply changed because, bit by bit, we discovered what the Nazis had been doing. 'Here was this highly civilised race of people who were doing, one gradually found out, impossible things. I remember, in those days, saying to myself, "Yes, well, I have a Nazi inside me; given the right circumstances, I could have been a Nazi." 'Bit by bit, as I discovered more and more what had gone on, that really changed my view of what people were capable of, and therefore what human nature was. 'So that political nostrums, if you like, seemed to me just to fall flat on their face in front of this capacity man had for a sort of absolute evil.' The BBC has not yet given an expected release date for Lord of the Flies. The Celebrity Traitors fans were left fuming at Thursday's episode as it ended on a cliffhanger during the nail-biting roundtable. Rather than reveal who the first star banished from the show was, the episode ended in the middle of the voting. Only about half the celebrities' votes had been revealed, with Kate Garraway and Niko Omilana both receiving three votes for banishment. Tameka Empson had received two votes and Tom Daley got one. In reality Alan Carr, Jonathan Ross and Cat Burns are the Traitors. But just before Stephen Fry revealed who he had voted for, the show ended with fans left wondering who will be banished. The Celebrity Traitors fans were left fuming at Thursday's episode as it ended on a cliffhanger during the nail-biting roundtable Rather than reveal who the first star banished from the show was, the episode ended in the middle of the voting They expressed their frustration on X, writing: If it's one thing us Brits can't cope with, it's s**t tea and a cliffhanger on the BBC.' 'Why do they keep ending on cliffhangers?'... 'Oh come on! They should have shown the results of that tonight.' 'OMG You can't end Celebrity Traitors in the middle of the round table'... 'Why do they leave it like that? And not on till next Wednesday?!' During the episode, Kate came under quick suspicion from her fellow celebrities for her behaviour. After all the celebrities turnedup at breakfast without a murder having taken place, Kate immediately stood up and suggested The Traitors could have recruited someone. Some of the other contestants also felt she was acting differently to her usual self. Clare Balding mentioned at breakfast she thought Kate had too much of a forceful reaction when Claudia addressed the Faithfuls at the roundtable the night before. In a conversation with Jonathan, who is a Traitor, he told Kate her name had been mentioned as a potential Traitor. Only about half the celebrities' votes had been revealed, with Kate Garraway and Niko Omilana both receiving three votes for banishment But just before Stephen Fry revealed who he had voted for, the show ended with fans left wondering who will be banished Fans expressed their frustration on X, writing: If it's one thing us Brits can't cope with, it's s**t tea and a cliffhanger on the BBC' Taking to X, viewers wrote: 'Kate is acting more like a Traitor than the actual Traitors!' 'I know Kate's not a Traitor but I also think she is a Traitor jeez louise'... 'Kate Garraway is a Faithful but more Linda than Linda. You OK hun?' 'Obsessed with Clare Balding watching Kate Garraway like a hawk'....'Even I'm suspecting Kate Garraway and I KNOW she's not a Traitor.' Meawhile, fans were left in uproar as Alan murdered his best friend Paloma Faith during Thursday night's episode. Alan had to murder a faithful by using the pollen of a poison lily and touching someones face. After finding the perfect moment in the kitchen, he asked Paloma 'You've got a hair on your face' before subtly touching her face to adjust her hair. Fans fumed on X as they reacted to the murder: 'I did NOT expect Paloma Faith to be the first person murdered on The Traitors! Also, Jonathan Ross is right: Alan Carr needs to toughen up. Alan Carr... Toughen up!', 'Paloma no Faith in Alan Carr anymore #CelebrityTraitors', 'You mean to tell me, the producers managed to cast thee Paloma Faith only for her irl friend Alan Carr to murder her on in the first couple of days?', 'Noooooo! Alan carr what were you thinking man! Poor paloma,I wouldn't have chosen her,she was no threat. #TheCelebrityTraitors', The Celebrity Traitors viewers criticised Kate for 'acting like a Traitor' despite being a faithful on Thursday's episode The Good Morning Britain presenter, 58, came under quick suspicion from her fellow celebrities for her behaviour Clare Balding mentioned at breakfast she thought Kate had too much of a forceful reaction when Claudia addressed the Faithfuls at the roundtable the night before The Celebrity Traitors fans were left in uproar as Alan Carr murdered his best friend Paloma Faith during Thursday night's episode Alan had to murder a faithful by using the pollen of a poison lily and touching someones face 'I love Alan Carr but he wish he hadnt killed Paloma Faith. Shes a great character and wouldve been brilliant to watch', 'My reaction when Alan Carr murdered Paloma Faith', 'I CANT BELIEVE ALAN CARR MURDERED PALOMA FAITH #TheTraitorsUK #CelebrityTraitors' Asked by Claudia how he feels about Paloma 'dying', Alan said: 'Well I think we're all going to miss her really', 'We will avenge her death!', Jonathan added. Alan added: 'We really did have a bond. I think Paloma's murder has thrown everyone off my sense. I'm getting 'are you alright, I know Paloma was close to you'. The Taste Test Restaurant (Channel 5) Rating: Spitting Image, back in scabrous form on YouTube, lampoons Meghan, Duchess of Sussex in its latest episode, as her latex puppet shows us how to cook a microwave ready meal. 'I learned this in France,' she announces, and taking a fork, she stabs it savagely three times through the plastic cover, snarling, 'Eat! Pray! Love!' Chef Mike Reid prepared the supermarket TV dinners with more restraint on The Taste Test Restaurant, piercing the film precisely before loading the cartons into a preheated oven on a tray as if they were freshly basted grouse. As the timer pinged, he whisked them out with a flourish, declared, 'These are done!' and then rallied the waiting staff: 'Service please, let's go, service!' The hilarious conceit of this foodie show, which first aired last December, is to treat factory-made meals as if they were the height of fine dining. Maitre d' Tom Read Wilson, as squeakily camp as Charles Hawtrey with a lungful of helium, welcomes dinner guests to a pop-up restaurant and plies them with a succession of heat-up-and-serve dishes, three at a time. As they eat, he slips anxiously between the tables, begging to hear compliments for what, he assures them, is 'posh nosh'. 'Today,' he announced with a tear of happiness glistening, 'my wondrous team are transforming the restaurant into a trattoria so that we can say ciao bella to Italian foods.' 'The hilarious conceit of this foodie show, which first aired last December, is to treat factory-made meals as if they were the height of fine dining', writes Christopher Stevens (Pictured: Maitre d' Tom Read Wilson, left, and chef Mike Reid, right) This transformation involved putting some gingham cloths on the tables. If I have one criticism, and no doubt I'm nit-picking, it is that the authentically Neapolitan atmosphere might have been enhanced still further by the addition of a fishing net slung across the ceiling with a few glass buoys in it. The first course was a triple platter of arancini, or reheated risotto rolled into balls and fried in breadcrumbs the best that Waitrose, M&S and Asda could supply. Decked out in a Nehru tunic with a pearl necklace, like a 1960s housewife on her first visit to Rome, Tom was wrangling the Italian language into submission. He pictured the diners, 'in sun-drenched Sicily, about to take a passeggiata, or an evening promenade'. This was a Sicilian offer that some of them felt able to refuse. Two Italian brothers were horrified by the fare, especially the cheese ravioli (in tomato sauce with emmental cheese) from Tesco, priced at an enticing 80p a tin. 'This one smells like cat food,' opined one of the brothers. And the garlic bread was little better received. 'I wouldn't complain but I wouldn't leave a tip,' said one woman. Down in the kitchen, or la cucina, chef Mike was examining the fare with a professional eye, showing us how traditional Mediterranean recipes were reworked for the ready meal market. I have to admit I enjoyed every minute of this silly, self-mocking farrago. But I won't feel like eating again for days. Wired up to various machines, an exhausted and weeping Bella Hadid clung desperately to her mother. The image was a far cry from the flawless posts of the glamorous life she shares on Instagram, dominating catwalks in designer clothes and posing seductively with her A-list harem. The distressing images of the supermodel were posted publicly by her mother, Dutch reality TV star Yolanda Hadid, from a specialist hospital in Germany last month as she updated fans on her daughter's ongoing battle with what she describes as chronic neurological Lyme disease. Now, an insider exclusively tells the Daily Mail about Bella's grueling therapy overseas and why cost is no obstacle for her mother - even amid suspicion about the model's condition. Bella, 28, underwent one month of invasive treatments at Germany's St George Hospital, with Yolanda, 61, telling fans her 'bada** warrior' daughter has been living in an 'unknown hell' since she was first diagnosed, aged 16, in 2012 - the year her mother and younger brother, Anwar, also received a diagnosis. The hospital, on the outskirts of Munich, has a Lyme Specialized Center which is focused on using whole body hyperthermia treatment to kill the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi responsible for the tick-borne disease. The clinic claims to have 'successfully treated more than 800 patients with chronic Lyme disease'. Bella Hadid's mother Yolanda Hadid shared photos of her daughter in hospital where she was receiving treatment for what she believes is chronic neurological Lyme disease Bella, 28, underwent one month of invasive treatments at Germany's St George Hospital, with Yolanda telling fans her daughter has been living in an 'unknown hell' The treatment slowly raises a patient's body temperature to 107F and then maintains it for two to three hours while they're sedated. Bella is said to have had two rounds, one week apart, according to an insider, as well as two weeks of antibiotics, Chelation therapy (the process of removing heavy metals from the body) and multiple peptide infusions. Pictures shared by Yolanda and Bella also show her with what appears to be an apheresis catheter in her neck which is used for the removal of specific blood components. Her stay at the clinic which also offers laser therapy, detox footbaths, colon cleansing and controversial ozone therapy (the process of administering ozone gas 'intravenous and/or rectally') as a treatment for Lyme disease was reportedly suggested by her mother, and would have cost upwards of $100,000. 'Yolanda is a strict parent but it's in her best interests,' an insider told the Daily Mail. 'Bella going to Germany was most likely Yolanda's idea and her pushing her to go there for treatment and take time off from work to get better. 'Yolanda's very holistic. She and the Hadids have a lot of money so they're open to experimenting and doing treatments in other countries that are not FDA approved. They go to these insanely expensive doctors, want the best treatment and are willing to pay whatever they need to get it, especially for Bella Yolanda doesn't want to see her suffer like she did.' Yolanda, who raised her family on a ranch in Santa Barbara, California, before moving to Beverly Hills, shared nine pictures of her daughter undergoing multiple treatments, one of which showed Bella wrapped in what appear to be wet towels, while another showed the mother-daughter duo holding hands with matching cannulas. 'You have fought through another month of treatment and I know god is good, miracles do happen everyday,' she wrote. 'I pray for your speedy recovery my love. This disease has brought us to our knees, but we always get back up. We will continue to fight for better days, together.' But Yolanda has faced push back over claims she and two of her children (not her daughter Gigi Hadid) have chronic Lyme disease as it is not widely accepted as a recognized medical term. In most cases, doctors argue, Lyme cannot stay active in the body for decades, despite what chronic Lyme patients claim. The hospital has a Lyme Specialized Center which is focused on using whole body hyperthermia treatment to kill the bacteria responsible for the tick-borne disease Photos show Bella hooked up to IV drips, wearing oxygen masks and wearing an apheresis catheter in her neck which is used for the removal of specific blood components In fact, research shows that patients who say they have chronic Lyme disease rarely ever test positive for the infection on blood tests. And experts say extensive treatments offered to patients can put them at risk of deadly complications. Take the whole body hyperthermia treatment which costs $90,000- $115,000 a week. The hospital website states concerning side effects can include a 'range of cardiovascular problems, hypotension, tachycardia, arrhythmias' as well as seizures in rare cases. St George Hospital claims these have 'only occurred in less than one percent of cases' and they have reportedly carried out more than 18,000 procedures in the 20 years since Dr Friedrich R Douwes started researching the benefits as part of an integrative cancer treatment concept at the hospital in the late 1990s. Ozone therapy, which Yolanda claims has helped her son Anwar, 26, has also proved controversial, with the FDA warning against it in 2019 over a lack of evidence to prove that it's effective or safe. When it comes to Chelation therapy it is only FDA approved for treating heavy metal poisoning. 'Chronic Lyme disease is not recognized or widely accepted by the medical establishment it's still very controversial,' Professor Hany Elsheikha, chairman of interdisciplinary parasitology at the University of Nottingham told the Daily Mail. 'It's a condition that sits in a grey area. But because people are really desperate, misinformation spreads like wildfire.' Generally for people claiming symptoms, it has been suggested that they could instead be due to an undiagnosed condition, such as a severe vitamin deficiency or mental illness. The whole body hyperthermia treatment which costs $90,000 to $115,000 a week, has a risk of potential concerning side effects, including a range of cardiovascular problems as well as seizures 'Bella going to Germany was most likely Yolanda's idea and her pushing her to go there for treatment and take time off from work to get better,' an insider said It is a suspicion shared by our insider. 'With Bella, there's pressure to look a certain way in modeling, but at the same time her career can be hurting her,' they said. 'You're more susceptible to getting sick because you're tired from traveling all the time, not eating regular meals...' The family's ongoing battle also raised eyebrows among Yolanda's former costars on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills where it was suggested the reality star had Munchausen syndrome, a mental disorder in which someone falsely believes they are physically ill. Yolanda's health was a major storyline back in 2016, with Kyle Richards struggling to accept that multiple people in the same family could have Lyme disease, calling it 'crazy' a year after Yolanda received a Lyme disease awareness award. Speaking to Yolanda, who had her silicone breast implants removed over fears they could be aggravating her condition, Kyle said: 'So what, you were all bit by a tick? It's so confusing. Three of you in one family?' But when Lisa Rinna was accused of spreading the rumor that she might have Munchausen, an explosive row broke out. Yolanda denied the claim with others leaping to her defense. The fallout was eye-opening for Yolanda, who now refrains from sharing information about her children's health. 'She does not talk about her daughters to her close housewife friends - she keeps their personal life private,' said our insider. 'Her daughters are her everything She's a very private person because she's a very protective mother, just doing what's best for them. She just wants her and her family to be healthy.' While most patients with Lyme will recover after a course of antibiotics, lingering symptoms do occur for some and are known as post treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). Experts say these symptoms tend to last for weeks or months. Yolanda, Bella and her brother Anwar were all diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2012. Gigi Hadid (far left) is not affected Some of Yolanda's former RHOBH costars previously questioned her diagnosis, suggesting she may have Munchausen, which she rejected (pictured L-R: Erika Girardi, Kyle Richards, Lisa Vanderpump, Yolanda, Lisa Rinna, Eileen Davidson, Kathryn Edwards) Yolanda, who was diagnosed by a doctor in Belgium, has sought holistic treatments after claiming antibiotics failed her. She recalled using herbal enemas that allegedly expel parasites and undergoing stem cell therapy in a hotel basement in Tijuana in her 2017 book 'Believe Me,' which documented her search for a cure. She has essentially been the guinea pig for her children: 'Whatever treatments I've tried that I thought benefited me just a little bit I've bought them on and tried the same with them.' In August 2023, Bella revealed she had completed more than 100 days of treatment for chronic Lyme disease and co-infections, sharing a collection of images of herself with cannulas and hooked up to machines. 'Thankful to my mommy for keeping all of my medical records, sticking by me, never leaving my side, protecting, supporting, but most of all, believing me through all of this,' she wrote. Our insider said Yolanda and Bella are 'doing the right thing by sharing photos,' adding: 'Bella, especially, is in the spotlight all the time. She wouldn't want the public to think she had disappeared for any other reason like drugs or rehab or plastic surgery.' According to Lyme Action Network one of many political groups in the US formed to increase awareness and raise funds for the condition chronic Lyme can include symptoms as varied as rib soreness, change in bowel function, bladder dysfunction, menstrual irregularity, eye floaters, worse hangovers from alcohol and even getting lost. Testing for the condition is another point of contention. Chronic Lyme disease activists say that traditional tests are unreliable because they look for antibodies for the bacteria, rather than the bacteria itself. Named after the small town in Connecticut where it was first identified in 1975, Lyme disease is spread by deer ticks infected with a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi As a result, the Lyme Action Network website states patients 'MAY have the disease even if your Western Blot or ELISA blood tests return negative results'. Michael R Scoma, an infectious disease physician based in NYC, said Bella needs a 'solid diagnosis' by 'carefully ruling out other chronic conditions with similar symptoms, such as neurological tickborne diseases, long COVID, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or autoimmune disorders.' Bella has previously disclosed her symptoms, which include difficulty walking, joint pain, nausea, headaches, sensitivity to light and noise and inflammation among others. She also suffered memory loss, claiming she would forget how to drive to Santa Monica from Malibu and had to be homeschooled during high school owing to the exhaustion. Her struggle with the disease cut short her burgeoning equestrian career and a shot at the Olympics. 'Everyday I feel at least 10 of these attributes without fail... since I was probably 14, but more aggressively when I turned 18,' she wrote on Instagram in 2020 alongside a diagram of the ways Lyme disease can affect people. But it seems her stay at St George hospital has offered Bella a sense of hope, unlike some patients who claim to have seen zero results, or have been left feeling worse. So happy was she with the treatment, she wanted to hire one of the nurses. 'Bella was very lovely with the staff and actually wanted to bring one of the nurses home with her to the US and hire her as a personal nurse,' a second insider added. Days later she apologized to fans on Instagram for being 'MIA' as she returned to the runway at Paris Fashion Week, walking for Yves Saint Laurent. Asked if she will ever disclose how she is treating her condition, she told one fan: 'I will soon - just gaining the energy.' Tana Ramsay proved that age is just a number as she joined her daughter Tilly for the star-studded premiere of Victoria Beckham's Netflix documentary in London on Wednesday. The 51-year-old wife of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay showcased her youthful looks while posing for a series of sweet snaps on the red carpet with daughter Tilly, 23. For the outing, Tana cut a chic figure in a black structured blazer, a scoop-neck top, and leather wide-leg trousers. She toted her essentials in a red clutch bag as she beamed for the cameras alongside Tilly. Meanwhile, Tilly mirrored her mother's style in a similar ensemble, pairing a tailored black blazer with a silky black top and wide-leg trousers. She elevated her look with red open-toe heels and toted her essentials in a sleek black cross-body bag. Tana Ramsay proved that age is just a number as she joined her daughter Tilly for the star-studded premiere of Victoria Beckham's Netflix documentary in London on Wednesday The 51-year-old wife of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay showcased her youthful looks while posing for a series of sweet snaps on the red carpet with daughter Tilly, 23 The mother-daughter duo's outing comes after Tilly landed her own cooking show. And last month, Gordon took to social media to share how proud he was of his daughter as her Prime Video series Dish It Out dropped on the streaming platform. It sees social media star Tilly cook alongside celebrity guests, though her food feedback is less harsh than her father's. There are over 50 famous faces taking part in the show, including Gordon and his wife, Tana. Sharing snaps from the set of her show, Gordon told his followers: 'She's all grown up and has her own show. 'So proud of you @tillyramsay and your new @amazonprime show #DishItOut (that's streaming today!). 'And thx for squeezing the old man as a guest kidhe still can show you a few tricks ! Can't wait to watch all the rest and so proud Dad xx' An official synopsis for the show released by Amazon reads: 'Tilly Ramsay will take Dish It Out viewers on a journey celebrating online trends and family favourite recipes. For the outing, Tana cut a chic figure in a black structured blazer, a scoop-neck top, and leather wide-leg trousers The pair looked in high spirits as they enjoyed some quality time together, beaming for the cameras on the red carpet ahead of the screening 'In each episode, she'll unbox surprise ingredients and tools, revealing recipes sent by celebrity chefs, social media influencers, and loved ones. 'From secret family recipes to the latest viral food trends, Tilly tackles each dish with her signature flair, creating mouth-watering masterpieces.' Tilly has previously starred on several cooking shows and even published her own cookbook when she was just 15. In 2015, she bagged her own cooking show on CBBC, called Matilda And The Ramsay Bunch, following her as she whipped up dishes for her family on holiday, running until 2019. She also appeared alongside Gordon on This Morning in a series of cooking segments called Big Chef Little Chef, and was a judge on the ninth season of MasterChef Junior with her dad. Tilly's new show comes months after father-of-six Gordon vowed that his children would not become 'nepo babies'. In a previous interview, he was adamant that none of his children are 'dependent on their parents' and are forging their own successful careers without his input. It came after Tilly decided to follow in his footsteps by training at Ireland's Ballymaloe Cookery School. The mother-daughter duo's outing comes after Tilly landed her own cooking show And last month, Gordon took to social media to share how proud he was of his daughter as her Prime Video series Dish It Out dropped on the streaming platform Gordon told Closer magazine: 'She paid for herself - worked, saved the money, and has gone off to culinary school. 'I said goodbye and put her on the ferry, and I thought, "F***, why didn't she ask me to teach her? Is that my first big major f*** up?" 'I can't wait to ask that question - but it just goes to show how unspoilt my kids are. They're individually following their own path and aren't dependent on their parents. I think that's a good call.' Gordon also shares children Megan, 26, twins Jack and Holly, 25, Oscar, 6, and a one-year-old baby Jesse with his wife Tana. His son Jack previously decided to avoid the trappings of fame by joining the Royal Marine Commandos, where starting salaries are only 17,549. Aubrey Plaza is sharing her strategies for moving on from tragedy nine months after her husband Jeff Baena's tragic death. During an appearance Wednesday on the Today Show, Plaza revealed some advice her grandmother had given her about how to 'move forward' in the wake of challenging circumstances. The 41-year-old Parks And Recreation star faced one of her greatest challenges to date when her estranged husband, an acclaimed filmmaker, died by suicide on January 3 of this year. But viewers watching her chat with host Savannah Guthrie may not have realized that she suffered the tragedy thanks to her bubbly demeanor. She was on the show to promote her new children's book her third titled Luna And The Witch Throw A Halloween Party. She wore a playful purple-and-orange witch hat with an embroidered owl on the front to celebrate the book's Halloween theme. Aubrey Plaza is sharing her strategies for moving on from tragedy nine months after her husband Jeff Baena's tragic death; pictured Wednesday on the Today Show The 41-year-old Parks And Recreation star faced one of her greatest challenges to date when her estranged husband Baena, an acclaimed filmmaker, died by suicide on January 3; pictured together in 2017 in Culver City, Calif. Guthrie noted that Plaza's new book is 'an homage' to her grandmother, who had given her invaluable life advice. 'Shoutout to my grandma, Margie,' Plaza said. 'She taught me from a very young age that life is a party and no matter what happens, we have to have fun and move forward, and so I think this book was inspired by that.' 'I think on both sides of my family, I have a lot of witchy women that raised me, so this is an homage to all the women in my life,' the Megalopolis actress added. Plaza didn't mention her late husband by name during the interview. An LA County Medical Examiner's autopsy report obtained by DailyMail.com revealed that the filmmaker and actress had separated back in September of last year, and she had been living in New York at the time his body was discovered on January 3. The report detailed how the Life After Beth director had been 'experiencing marital difficulties' in his final months, and how he had been in therapy. An investigator noted in the documents that Plaza, whose name was redacted in the final report, said she had spoken with Baena the night before his death. The report also tragically revealed that Plaza had been concerned for her estranged husband's wellbeing. Plaza was on the Today Show to promote her new children's book her third titled Luna And The Witch Throw A Halloween Party. She wore a playful witch's hat to celebrate the Halloween theme 'Shoutout to my grandma, Margie,' Plaza said. 'She taught me from a very young age that life is a party and no matter what happens, we have to have fun and move forward, and so I think this book was inspired by that' Plaza, who said the children's book was an homage to all the 'witchy women' who helped raise her, didn't mention her late husband by name during the interview; seen together in 2014 in LA 'In October 2024, Baena made concerning remarks to [Plaza] which prompted her to call a friend to perform a welfare check on her husband. Baena had been attending therapy since that event,' the documents stated. The medical examiner's report also determined that Baena did not have drugs or alcohol in his system at the time of his death. It stated that Plaza 'knew her husband to be alive' as of January 3 because he had sent her a text message that morning. The report indicated that a dog walker discovered Baena's body after hearing loud music emanating from his house, which she said was 'unusual.' After she called the writer and director and didn't get an answer, she entered the home and discovered his body. In a statement obtained by DailyMail.com, a representative for the Plaza said: 'This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.' Baena, who graduated with a film degree from New York University, got a strong start and on-the-ground education with major filmmakers when he worked as a production assistant for Robert Zemeckis and as an assistant editor for David O. Russell. His big break came when he co-wrote Russell's cult classic existential comedy I Heart Huckabees (2004). The couple began dating in 2011, and secretly married in 2020. Baena was found dead in their marital home on January 3, while Plaza had been living in NYC since separating last year; seen in 2016 in LA The actress made her first public appearance since Baena's death in February at the SNL 50 special. She paid tribute to Baena by wearing a tie-dye shirt, as they wore matching tie-dye pajamas at their low-key wedding after he got into tie dying during the pandemic A decade later, he graduated to directing with his debut, the 2014 romantic horrorcomedy Life After Beth, which Plaza starred in. They reunited for 2016's Joshy and 2017's The Little Hours, which Plaza also produced. Baena also regularly collaborated with the actress Alison Brie, who appeared in The Little Hours and starred in and co-wrote his final two films, the psychological drama Horse Girl (2020) and the dark comedy thriller Spin Me Round (2022). Plaza and Baena began dating in 2011, and in 20187 she told Page Six that the fact that they were mutually 'obsessed' with movies helped the two bond and led to their subsequent creative and romantic partnerships. She confirmed in 2021 that they had quietly tied the knot a year earlier while promoting Spin Me Round, which she had a supporting role in, when she referred to Baena on Instagram as her 'darling husband.' Plaza has been making tentative steps to get back into the world after Baena's devastating death. The actress made her first public appearance since Baena's death in February when she introduced musical guests Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard on Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary special. She made a subtle but moving tribute to her late husband by wearing a tie-dye shirt, a reference to one of his passions and their nuptials. Big Brother contestant George Gilbert has broken his silence after being booted from the house over 'repeated use of unacceptable language and behaviour.' The 23-year-old, who quickly became one of the most controversial housemates of the series, regularly clashed with fellow contestants over his outspoken political views. Now, speaking out for the first time since his removal, George has branded himself a 'flag bearer of freedom of speech' - but admitted he may have taken things too far. He told The Sun: 'As a flag bearer of freedom of speech, I never hesitate to discuss and question any topic regardless of how contentious it may be. 'Sadly, the boundaries of what is deemed offensive are subjective, and I evidently went too far this time by crossing their line one too many times. 'It is a shame that specific debate could not be had and that it has had to end like this. Infamy, infamy, theyve all got it in for me.' Big Brother contestant George Gilbert has broken his silence after being booted from the house over 'repeated use of unacceptable language and behaviour' The 23-year-old, who quickly became one of the most controversial housemates of the series, regularly clashed with fellow contestants over his outspoken political views George has been caught up in controversy since he entered the Big Brother house on September 30. Just last week, he was pulled into the Diary Room and given a formal warning for his language towards fellow housemate Sam. Once sat in the chair, Big Brother told him: 'George, before you entered the Big Brother House, the rules regarding unacceptable language and behaviour were explained to you. Big Brother needs to talk to you about a conversation at the dining table last night. 'During a game of Truth or Dare, when asked about your least favourite qualities of other Housemates, you said the following, "Sam, um too", you then went on to mimic Sam using both noises that mocked the way Sam talks and body language that included limp wrists. 'Do you understand how both your language and behaviour could be offensive to Sam, your Housemates and the viewing public?' George responded: 'We did have a conversation about this. Sam pulled me to one side. I have apologised. 'I don't want to make anyone feel like that, so I will be walking on eggshells around Sam from here on in.' Big Brother then reiterated: 'George, Big Brother thinks your language was unacceptable and could cause offence and is therefore issuing you with a warning.' Now, speaking out for the first time since his removal, George has branded himself a 'flag bearer of freedom of speech' - but admitted he may have taken things too far He told The Sun: 'As a flag bearer of freedom of speech, I never hesitate to discuss and question any topic regardless of how contentious it may be. Sadly, the boundaries of what is deemed offensive are subjective, and I evidently went too far this time' In addition, the housemates on Big Brother were united in Monday's episode as they turned on George for his comments about homeless people - hours after he received the formal warning for 'offensive language'. In another political chat for the housemates, the conversation turned to perceptions around people struggling with homelessness or addiction issues. But George prompted a shocked response from his fellow housemates when he claimed homeless people should 'stop deflecting responsibility' by 'turning to drugs'. The comments prompted Jenny to clarify that there can be many deeply personal reasons someone ends up homeless, from abuse to family problems. George received yet more flack when he pointed at Jenny and said 'Ah ah ah' while expressing his irritation that she was talking at the same time as him. 'Don't "ah ah ah" me ever again,' Jenny warned, before George replied, 'Well, you're interrupting love' - which caused Zelah to leap to his Derry-born housemate's defence, branding George's use of 'love' as 'disrespectful'. Kicking off the conversation, Caroline said: 'I always look at people in the street and they're taking drugs and people go "Oh my god, look at this, they're filthy" and this and I go "They're not there for a reason".' 'They didn't get born and go and think "Oh I'm going to go and sit on the street and take loads of sh** drugs".' George getting the boot from the house comes after he was pulled into the Diary Room and given a formal warning for his language towards fellow housemate Sam (seen together) The comments left Sam in tears, and George apologised afterwards as they discussed the incident Feyisola added: 'People say you never know, you're four paychecks away from being there.' At this point, George joined the conversation and said: 'You're not going to like me for saying this, but you are in charge of your own actions. They know drugs are bad, so have- (points to his head) Stop deflecting responsibility.' The response sparked several concerned gasps as the housemates snapped at George following his comments. Caroline said: 'No, if they were like 12/13 and they got kicked out of their house and they're around people and they've got no hope, nothing...' 'Well, contact that Frank organisation and they can give you guidance and...' George began, as Caroline added: 'It's not as easy as that. You're privileged, right? 'No... well we all are to a degree by living in this country,' he replied, as she said: 'I am, I've got my mum and dad, I haven't been abused, I haven't had to run away from home, I haven't been so scared about living on the streets.' Marcus then got involved in that chat, asking George: 'What do you think about ex-army veterans who've got crippling PTSD and that?' George said: 'I accept it's very hard and I've not experienced anything as difficult as that - but we can't just blame circumstances all the time. 'I want to encourage people out there who may be watching this to not just turn to drugs. Like... "Oh yeah, they had to take drugs".' In another addition, Jenny said: 'Aye, I know, but people do have reasons. You're missing the point. The point here is that people turn to things like that for a bit of... like to free their mind when all they can think about is them being raped or them having a bad childhood, being locked in cupboards or blah blah blah bad childhood. In addition the housemates on Big Brother were united in Monday's episode as they turned on George for his comments about homeless people - hours after he received the formal warning for 'offensive language' George and Caroline (seen) came to blows over the topic of homelessness 'That's all they can think, they can't stop thinking about it, so they take these drugs to make them feel happy. It's a happy buzz.' George replied: 'Well, I read.. you know Tyson Fury had terrible mental health? He's one of the most famous examples, I read his book. He said there's four pillars to check in order to have a healthy... '1000 per cent and that is a beautiful story, but don't say it's...,' Jenny tried to say as George spoke. 'Ah ah ah. In order to have a healthy mind,' George said, appearing irritated and cutting in, as Jenny replied: 'Don't "ah ah ah" me ever again.' 'Well, you're interrupting love,' George said, before Zelah jumped to Jenny's defence and said: 'Ooh no love, no love. That's not, no love. 'That's a respectful term, can I just finish my sentence, guys?' George said, as Zelah added: 'No, no, no, because respectfully, because if you were having this debate with Tate, you wouldn't have called him love.' 'I'd say son,' George said, as Zelah continued: 'Yeah, just don't love, sweetheart and stuff in arguments. Keep it respectful.' The camera then cut to Jenny and Sam, as Sam told her: 'You're doing well, babes.' Jenny replied: 'I do get what he's saying, but it's not for everybody, it's not that easy. It's not that black and white for everybody. F***ing pr***.' The conversation came just hours after George was pulled into the Diary Room and given a formal warning for his language towards fellow housemate Sam. However, after repeatedly using unacceptable language and displaying inappropriate behaviour, he was removed from the house. A Big Brother spokesperson said on Wednesday: 'Following repeated use of unacceptable language and behaviour, George has been removed from the Big Brother House with immediate effect and will no longer participate in the programme.' Ron Dean, famous for his roles in Risky Business and The Breakfast Club, has passed away at the age of 87. The actor died on Sunday at a hospital in Chicago, his partner of 40 years, Maggie Neff, told TMZ. His cause of death is unclear at this time, but Neff shared he's been battling a long illness. 'He passed at exactly 4 PM, after his beloved sisters had said their goodbyes. He hung on like a warrior to say goodbye to his little sisters,' she told the publication. 'Then we were alone, and in my arms, I held his hand, and he trusted me when I told him that it was alright to let go. What an honor!' Dean was known for often playing detectives and law-enforcement characters in his career. Ron Dean, famous for his roles in Risky Business and The Breakfast Club, has passed away at the age of 87; Dean seen in a still from Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight (2008) The actor died on Sunday at a hospital in Chicago, his partner of 40 years, Maggie Neff, told TMZ. His cause of death is unclear at this time, but Neff shared he's been battling a long illness; Dean seen in a still from The Breakfast Club (1985) with Emilio Estevez One of his earliest roles was as a detective in Risky Business (1983), alongside Tom Cruise. Dean born in Chicago, Illinois also starred alongside Cruise in The Color of Money (1986), and Cocktail (1988), where he played Cruises uncle. The Hollywood vet also played Emilio Estevez's father in The Breakfast Club (1985). His credits include playing Detective Kelly in the 1993 thriller The Fugitive, which also starred Harrison Ford, a role alongside William Shatner in T.J. Hooker, and an appearance in The Package (1989), which starred Gene Hackman and Tommy Lee Jones. He also appeared as Detective Michael Wuertz in Christopher Nolan's billion-dollar-grossing Batman film, The Dark Knight (2008). Following his death, fans took to social media to remember the star. 'He was a Chicago cop in every single movie that included Chicago cops for about 40 years,' one fondly wrote. 'RIP Ron Dean. You will be remembered for that role which only you could have done in The Breakfast Club.' 'Very good in The Fugitive and The Dark Knight,' another added. Dean was a frequent collaborator with director Andrew Davis, appearing in several of his films, including Code of Silence, Above the Law, The Guardian, Steal Big Steal Little, and Chain Reaction. Davis told Deadline in a statement: 'Ron Dean was my dear friend and a tremendous actor. He was the essence of what Chicago talent represented.' 'Having a very troubled youth Ron turned his life around to have a wonderful career as a loving, decent human being and respected talent.' His partner Maggie also told Deadline, 'It's hard to capture what an extraordinary human being Ron was.' 'He passed at exactly 4 PM, after his beloved sisters had said their goodbyes. He hung on like a warrior to say goodbye to his little sisters,' she told the publication; Dean seen in a still Dean was known for often playing detectives and law-enforcement characters in his career; The actor pictured in a still from The Fugitive (1993) One of his earliest roles was as a detective in Risky Business (1983), alongside Tom Cruise; Seen in a still from Risky Business He also starred alongside Cruise in The Color of Money (1986), and Cocktail (1988), where he played Cruises uncle; Cruise seen in a still from Cocktail Following his death, fans took to social media to remember the star 'One glamorous woman friend of Ron's once told me that she'd rather grab a hot dog with Ron Dean than have a fancy dinner with some rich bloke. I have always felt the same way.' Dean's TV career was prolific, with credits including NYPD Blue, Frasier, ER, The West Wing, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. He last appeared on screen in 2016, portraying Ray Sharansky on NBC's Chicago P.D. In 1996 he was nominated for the Joseph Jefferson Award for Actor in a Supporting Role for Supple in Combat with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. In 2013, he shared a Best Ensemble Cast award from the Chicago Comedy Film Festival for the movie One Small Hitch. Amid a court battle over child support, Stephen Stagliano, the ex-husband of The Bachelorettes DeAnna Pappas, says that he is currently earning $22 hourly working as an Uber driver. Pappas, 43, has accused Stagliano, 41, of being more than $20,000 behind in child support payments for their children - daughter Addison, 11, and son Austin, nine. The couple parted nearly three years ago. Stagliano told the court in a September 30 filing that he is currently working in the range of 10-15 hours weekly, making an average of $22 per hour, Us Weekly reported after reviewing legal documents. Stagliano told the court that he has multiple educational credentials - including a master's degree in education, and a bachelor's degree in history education. Stagliano said that this past August he made $436.43; and typically earns $650 monthly (with $462 of that sum derived from unemployment insurance benefits). Daily Mail has reached out to Pappas' rep and Stagliano via Instagram for further comment on the story. Amid a court battle over child support, Stephen Stagliano, the ex-husband of The Bachelorette's DeAnna Pappas, says that he is currently earning $22 hourly working as an Uber driver. Pictured November 14, 2015 in LA Pappas, 43, has accused Stagliano, 41, of being more than $20,000 behind in child support payments for their children - daughter Addison, 11, and son Austin, nine Stagliano told the court, 'My only sources of income are from unemployment and driving Uber,' adding that the video company he had been working ceased operations earlier this year. Stagliano said that his 'last paycheck was $3,750 from Story Games on March 1, 2025.' Stagliano told the court he had amassed a savings of $10,089 in his bank account, with monthly expenses around $7,400. Stagliano broke that total down as such: $4,300 in rent expenses; $500 for food; $100 on dining out; $150 on apparel; $300 on transportation expenses; $1000 to paying down credit debt; and $314 payments on a Ford Escape. Stagliano said that he has applied to more than 150 jobs 'in various industries with no success.' The father-of-two said he remains 'actively looking for a job' while supplementing his monthly income with earnings from his work for the rideshare service. 'I drive Uber to generate income when I can,' Stagliano told the court. 'I have paid $1,500 in alimony to [Pappas] every single month.' Pappas submit docs in the case to the court on October 3, saying she had lost a job as a flight attendant this past June, according to US Weekly. Pappas and Stagliano were pictured at LA's Petersen Automotive Museum in August of 2016 The pair were pictured at an event in LA in September of 2019 Pappas said she continues 'to actively look for work' to replace the $16,000 monthly income she had been earning in her former job. Pappas said that she hopes to earn money from her new podcast, but it hasn't yet been lucrative financially. Pappas said she has savings of around $95,000, with another $20,000 in value from property she owns. She said her monthly expenses total around $10,030; and she owes Visa $17,000 and Mastercard $3,456, the outlet reported, citing court docs. Pappas headlined the fourth season of The Bachelorette in 2008, which begat a brief engagement to Jesse Csincsak. Prior to that, the Marietta, Georgia-born reality star was a finalist on The Bachelor's 11th season in 2007 featuring Brad Womack. Bachelor Nation did eventually pave the path to her romance with Stagliano, as they met via his twin brother Michael, a one-time contestant on The Bachelorette. Pappas and Stagliano got married on October 22, 2011 and welcomed daughter Addison in February of 2014; two years later, in March of 2016, they welcomed son Austin. Bachelor Nation paved the path to Pappas' romance with Stagliano, as they met via his twin brother Michael (L), a one-time contestant on The Bachelorette. Pictured in LA in 2010 In January 2023, Pappas took to social media to reveal that the pair had split up. 'It is with immense sadness, Stephen & I have decided to end our relationship as a couple,' Pappas said. 'We have been working hard for a long time - both as a married couple & as individuals - & have come to the conclusion to remain separate. 'We remain loving parents to our beautiful children, Addison & Austin, & will continue to raise them together with love & faith.' Pappas wrapped up in saying, 'We want to thank our dear friends & family for your endless support & many, many prayers during what has become the most difficult time of our lives.' Kylie Jenner's best friend Anastasia 'Stassie' Karanikolaou revealed that she underwent butt reduction surgery months after admitting she 'regretted' getting a BBL. The 28-year-old media personality - who has had a close relationship with the beauty mogul for years - shared a TikTok video on Tuesday as she filmed herself resting at a recovery center. Back in May, the star said she had gotten a BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) but explained at the time it was 'something that I regret.' 'I'm at a surgery recovery center recovering from this a** reduction,' Stassie explained while nibbling on chicken fingers and fries. 'I just got my pain medicine, it just kicked in,' she added but told her followers that she felt 'comfortable.' The influencer continued, 'From what I've seen, this a** looks nice, lifted, smaller. I'm so excited to be healed and to feel more comfortable in my skin.' Kylie Jenner's best friend Anastasia 'Stassie' Karanikolaou revealed that she underwent butt reduction surgery months after admitting she 'regretted' getting a BBL; seen in 2023 in NYC 'I just got my pain medicine, it just kicked in,' she added but told her followers that she felt 'comfortable' She ended the clip by sending love to her fans and requested for kindness in the comment section 'because I'm in pain. I'm just a girl.' Stassie followed up with another video on Wednesday to respond to a clip that claimed she had BBL removal to simply follow trends. 'I would just like to state that the reason why I'm sharing my experience currently is because I wish I had someone that showed me the not glamorized side of plastic surgery when I was younger and I was 18 and I made this decision.' The media personality added that she had been 'trying for years' to reverse the BBL which had made her 'more insecure.' 'With that being said, I think anyone should do whatever they want to do to their bodies - whatever they choose.' She further expressed, 'I just feel like this was a mistake I made super young and I shared my experience now because I'm hoping that I can help anyone at the end of the day. 'That's all I care about. Hope I can help someone from making the same mistake that they'll regret. And that you definitely shouldn't change your body to follow a trend...' Stassie then offered advice to her 4.3 million TikTok followers and said, 'Do what makes you comfortable, not what you think you should do.' The influencer continued, 'From what I've seen, this a** looks nice, lifted, smaller. I'm so excited to be healed and to feel more comfortable in my skin' Stassie followed up with another video on Wednesday to respond to a clip that claimed she had BBL removal to simply follow trends The media personality added that she had been 'trying for years' to reverse the BBL which had made her 'more insecure' The star also panned the camera to briefly show her backside while propped up on her side on a couch. 'It's still there. I can't get it gone fully. I just want it to be more proportioned to this body,' Stassie quickly added before blowing a kiss to the camera. Back in May, Stassie appeared on an episode of Bravo Bri's podcast and admitted to getting a BBL. 'I don't have a** implants and I don't think it's anything I can hide at this point, yes I have a BBL. I moved fat around,' she said. The media influencer explained that she had also recently undergone a breast augmentation. The topic was switched back to Stassie's BBL when she expressed, 'Obviously I got this done super young. 'It's something that I regret and I think that's why it's been so hard to talk about for so long.' Stassie told the podcast host, 'I literally have another surgery in a week to try and reduce the size of it a little more.' 'It's still there. I can't get it gone fully. I just want it to be more proportioned to this body,' Stassie quickly added before blowing a kiss to the camera The topic was switched back to Stassie's BBL when she expressed, 'Obviously I got this done super young. It's something that I regret and I think that's why it's been so hard to talk about for so long' Stassie also commented on the pressures women face to follow changing beauty standards. 'Do not surgically change your body for a trend and just know that its only going to be relevant for a little bit. Anyone else that knows me knows this is something I've been trying to do for a long time.' Three years earlier in 2022, the star made an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast where she got candid about cosmetic procedures she has had. 'I have not had butt implants. The only implants that I have are in my t**ties,' she said at the time. 'And I'm not saying that I haven't done other things and I haven't, you know, moved some things around or whatever the case may be.' Stassie added, 'But I just feel like I was at a point in my life when I was younger and I felt like my lips needed to be big, my boobs needed to be big. Everything...my butt needed to be big.' She also discussed the 'stigma' when it comes to openly discussing cosmetic surgery; seen in 2024 in Beverly Hills She also discussed the 'stigma' when it comes to openly discussing cosmetic surgery. 'There's such a stigma in plastic surgery and I feel like whether you say that you've done it or whether you don't say you've done it, people are going to find a way to say something about it and like make it a negative thing.' The influencer also shared, 'No one needs to tell anyone anything if they don't want to.' Other celebrities have also recently undergone butt reduction surgery such as Cardi B - who was stuck on bed rest for three months following the procedure. Ed Westwick looked smitten with his wife Amy Jackson as the pair attended a star-studded party in London on Wednesday. The married couple, who tied the knot on August, 23, 2024, looked happier than ever at The Chancery Rosewood dinner and party. Ed and Amy looked loved-up as the actor leaned against the bar while his wife couldn't keep her hands off him. Amy looked sensational in a black high-neck zip-up gown featuring a sheer striped design and leg split. Meanwhile Ed opted for a black matte and satin double-breasted suit, paired with a white button-up shirt and black leather shoes. Ed Westwick looked smitten with his wife Amy Jackson as the pair attended a star-studded party in London on Wednesday Amy looked sensational in a black high-neck zip-up gown featuring a sheer striped design and leg split The event was hosted by Johnnie Walker Vault & Olivier Rousteing, (pictured) The event, hosted by Johnnie Walker Vault & Olivier Rousteing was held to celebrate their collaboration - to launch The Couture Blend and [wearable 10ml decanter] The Couture Flask, now available at the new Johnnie Walker Vault Boutique at Harrods, which is in residence until October 25. The pair welcomed their son Oscar Alexander in May, and Amy also has a son, Andreas Panayiotou, five, from a previous relationship. The happy couple shared insights into their lavish Italian wedding last summer. Ed took to his Instagram to announce they had tied the knot at the Castello di Rocca Cilento. For her big day, Amy wore a sweeping white satin gown with a flattering strapless neckline and full princess-style skirt, teamed with a long veil with intricate lace detailing. While Ed cut a dashing figure in a cream blazer and black trousers, teamed with a white button-up shirt and a bow tie. The romantic photos showed the couple gazing adoringly at each other while surrounded by white roses. Captioning the gorgeous snaps, Ed gushed: 'The journey has just begun' followed by a ring emoji. Ed first met Amy at Silverstone racetrack in 2021, with a source telling The Sun on Sunday at the time: 'Ed and Amy are a really good match. They hit it off straight away. Ed and Amy looked loved-up as the actor leaned against the bar while his wife couldn't keep her hands off him The happy couple shared insights into their lavish Italian wedding last summer. Ed took to his Instagram to announce they had tied the knot at the Castello di Rocca Cilento Ed and Kelly Rutherford enjoyed a Gossip Girl reunion in New York last month - 13 years after the hit show end 'Both like to have fun and are career-driven. They're enjoying getting to know each other for now.' The couple went Instagram official just before Valentine's Day in 2022, with Amy penning a sweet note on her social media just in time for the occasion. She wrote: 'Happy Valentine's Baby - forever grateful for the endless belly laughs and ultimate love!' It comes after Ed and Kelly Rutherford enjoyed a Gossip Girl reunion in New York last month - 13 years after the hit show end. The actors, who starred in the fan-favourite drama, were all smiles as they posed together at Biosil's 30th Anniversary Celebration at Fouquet's. Both stars have partnered with the beauty supplement company, becoming the faces of the brand for its latest campaign. Lady Kitty Spencer wore velvet Balmain at the Johnnie Walker Vault x Olivier Rousteing launch Jourdan Dunn accessorised with a Couture Flask created by Rousteing with Master Blender Dr Emma Walker Honey Dijon, a close friend of Rousteings DJ'd in Balmain in the Eagle Bar at The Chancery Rosewood hotel Marisa Abela was seen arriving for dinner with Olivier to celebrate his latest collaboration Ed starred in Gossip Girl as bad boy Chuck Bass, with Kelly playing his on-screen step mother Lily van der Woodsen before becoming his adoptive mother. The pair have maintained a close friendship since the series came to an end, with Kelly attending his wedding last year. He married Bollywood actress Amy Jackson in an intimate ceremony, with the couple tying the knot at the Connaught Hotel in Mayfair before jetting off to Italy for their honeymoon. After Gossip Girl ended, Kelly went on to star in other hit shows such as Pretty Little Liars, Being Mary Jane and Dynasty. Ed has focused his attention more on the big screen, appearing in films such as Deep Fear, Enemy Lines, Romeo and Juliet, and Flight From Hell. Demi Lovato's former fiance Max Ehrich has been arrested in Florida over an alleged domestic violence incident. Ehrich, 34, was arrested Tuesday night on a charge of battery on a person 65 or older, law enforcement sources told TMZ. The charge was reportedly related to a domestic violence incident involving one of the actor's family members. The incident comes after the Daily Mail obtained video of a disturbing TikTok livestream in which Erich appeared to shove his own mother. It was part of a series of disturbing social media posts from before his arrest on Tuesday that left fans expressing concern. The Daily Mail has reached out to a representative for Ehrich for comment but hasn't yet received a response. Demi Lovato's former fiance Max Ehrich, 34, was arrested Tuesday night in Florida over an alleged domestic violence incident involving a family member, law enforcement sources told TMZ on Wednesday; seen in 2023 in Hollywood Earlier on Tuesday, fans shared their concerns over what was described as a disturbing series of posts and livestreams from Ehrich; pictured with Lovato in 2020 Among the posts from before his arrest on Tuesday was a TikTok livestream obtained by Daily Mail that appeared to show Erich shoving his own mother Although Ehrich could now be dealing with major legal issues, he's no longer in jail after managing to post a $1,000 bond and being released earlier on Wednesday. After seeing the Emmy-nominated actor's erratic social media posts, one user said it appeared that Ehrich was 'experiencing a mental health crisis' in the clip, in which he was with his mother Rhonda. The user cited similar behavior exhibited by other celebrities in describing what it appeared the Marlboro Township, New Jerseyborn actor was going through. 'Max Ehrich is pulling an Aaron Carter/Kanye West right now and its very concerning,' the user said. 'I really hope someone in his circle is able to intervene.' One user said that Ehrich was 'constantly going live on Instagram' with 'his poor mother crying in the corner.' Video from a livestream on Tuesday obtained by the Daily Mail shows Erich shirtless and wearing thick black glasses as he walks around a house and appears to confront his mother, including giving her what looks like a shove. Erich had the camera pointed toward his smiling face as he stalked the home, before turning it toward his mother, who had what looked like a fearful grimace on her face and held her hands in front of herself as if to defend herself. After the shove, Erich's mother put her face in her hands, before turning back toward the camera and shouting at him, though the clip was broadcast without any audio and doesn't reveal what either party said. Ehrich was seen in a mugshot after his shock arrest Video from a livestream on Tuesday obtained by the Daily Mail shows Erich shirtless and wearing thick black glasses as he walks around a house and appears to confront his mother The camera shakes at one point as Ehrich appears to shove his mother, who looks frightened and agitated After the shove, Erich's mother put her face in her hands, before turning back toward the camera and shouting at him, though the clip was broadcast without any audio and doesn't reveal what either party said At one point, Ehrich breathed out smoke from a vape pen that engulfed his mother, though it's unclear what substance he was consuming During the confrontation, he appeared to exhale a puff of smoke from some kind of vape pen that engulfed his mother, though it's unclear what substance he was consuming. Toward the end of the excerpt of the livestream, Erich begins walking away form his mother, whom he had backed into a corner, but he kept the camera trained on her before apparently placing his phone camera-side down next to a laptop on a counter. Despite his mother's presence in the concerning posts, it's unclear if she was involved in the alleged domestic violence incident that he was arrested for. Another said, 'An actor I cant even remember where Ive seen him from, Max Ehrich, is live on IG attacking his mom' Other fans who commented on the video shared the shock and concern. 'I am logging off. This is sickening to watch and everyone watching is making it worse!' wrote one disturbed viewer. Another clearly concerned fan wrote, 'It's OK max. You're going to be OK but right now you need to get off live and let those who care for you, let them help you.' One viewer begged anyone who knew Erich in real life to get him help. Livestream viewers registered their shock in the comments and begged Erich to 'Leave her alone' One user said it appeared that Emmy-nominated actor, 34, was 'experiencing a mental health crisis,' in the clips, in which he was with his mother Rhonda After he appeared to show his mother, the comments were filled with shocked viewers. 'Oh my god,' wrote one, while another person wrote, 'oh nooo.' 'His poor mother, omg,' a fan wrote, as another told Erich to 'Leave her alone.' One viewer admitted, 'I'm freaking out now,' and another declared, 'I'm out.' 'I'm worried about you Max,' a fan wrote just before the screen went blank. Ehrich also posted to Instagram multiple times, including one of text that read 'My heart is broken.' Ehrich captioned the post 'Link in bio give zelle to my mom,' accompanied by his mother's phone number. Fans of Ehrich populated the comment section with concerned comments calling for some form of an intervention. Ehrich also posted to Instagram multiple times, including one of text that read 'My heart is broken' The actor was seen on the red carpet in Hollywood, California in 2022 Said one user, 'Where is his family? Mom, dad, grandparents, siblings, anyone?' while another asked, 'Does this man not have any family or PR team? Manager? Anybody?' One follower asked, 'Is he in active psychosis or something? What is happening?' One user advised the actor, 'Max you NEED to take a break from the internet for a bit please. Ehrich played Fenmore Baldwin on 120 episodes of The Young and the Restless. He has also been seen in movies including High School Musical 3: Senior Year, A Cowboy Christmas Romance and Southern Gospel. One fan said that Ehrich's mercurial tone in consecutive posts made the situation tiresome: 'Omg I am exhausted with this lol.' Another said, 'Every other hour or so it changes and why on your stories are your grabbing yourself while your mom is sitting on the floor right in front of you. 'That just felt so wrong.' Ehrich and Lovato dated in 2020, a year marked by chaos including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant lockdowns; massive social upheaval in the wake of the death of George Floyd; and a contested presidential election. Fans of Ehrich populated the comment section with concerned comments calling for some form of an intervention Ehrich and Lovato began dating in March 2020 and got engaged in July of that year, but they split just two months later Ehrich and Lovato revealed they were engaged after four months, as they bonded in isolation during the strange time. He proposed to her on July 23 of that year, and she took the Instagram to celebrate the news. Lovato said at the time, '@maxehrich I knew I loved you the moment I met you. It was something I cant describe to anyone who hasnt experienced it firsthand but luckily you did too. She continued, 'Ive never felt so unconditionally loved by someone in my life (other than my parents) flaws and all. 'You never pressure me to be anything other than myself. And you make me want to be the best version of myself.' Lovato concluded in saying, 'Im honored to accept your hand in marriage. I love you more than a caption could express but Im ecstatic to start a family and life with you. 'I love you forever my baby. My partner. Heres to our future!!!!' However, the pair ended up calling off the engagement that September. Sarah Jessica Parker had all eyes on her as she made her grand arrival at the New York City Ballet's star-studded 2025 Fall Fashion Gala on Wednesday night. The actress, 60, was joined by her longtime husband Matthew Broderick, 63, at the annual soiree, which was held at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. Parker who recently bid farewell to Sex And The City's 'woke' reboot wowed onlookers in a wild winged outfit as she posed for photos on the red carpet. Along with a giant set of black tulle angel wings, she modeled a billowing black ruffled gown with an edgy netted bodice. Parker's graying blonde hair was styled in a sleek bun and she rocked a grungy black eyeshadow look. Broderick let his wife of 28 years soak up the spotlight as he stood off to the side wearing a black tuxedo. Sarah Jessica Parker had all eyes on her as she made her grand arrival at the New York City Ballet's star-studded 2025 Fall Fashion Gala on Wednesday night The actress, 60, was joined by her longtime husband Matthew Broderick, 63 The couple also posed for several photos together, many of which showed them holding hands. Parker and Broderick wed back in 1997 and are parents to three children: son James, 22, and twin 16-year-old daughters, Marion and Tabitha. Also in attendance was Parker's And Just Like That co-star Nicole Ari Parker. The actress, 55, looked ravishing in a red gown with a ruffled tulle bodice and a flowing silky skirt. Nicole twirled for the red carpet cameras to show off her show-stopping dress in all its glory ahead of the ballet. Julia Fox put on a sizzling display in a striking avant-garde gown that showed off her killer curves. The actress, 35, styled the daring frock with lime green heels. For an added pop of color, Julia dyed the ends of her brunette hair a vibrant purple shade. Parker wowed onlookers in a wild winged outfit as she posed for photos on the red carpet Along with a giant set of black tulle angel wings, she modeled a billowing black ruffled gown with an edgy netted bodice Parker's graying blonde hair was styled in a sleek bun and she rocked a grungy black eyeshadow look She exuded confidence in front of the red carpet cameras Broderick let his wife of 28 years soak up the spotlight as he stood off to the side wearing a black tuxedo The couple also posed for several photos together, many of which showed them holding hands The couple have been married since 1997 and share three children Parker was also pictured outside Lincoln Center, where the annual soiree was held As for her makeup, the Uncut Gems star paired her plump pink lips with a sultry smokey eyeshadow look. Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger was also on hand for the star-studded festivities in NYC. The rocker, 82, smiled for shutterbugs with his much-younger fiancee, Melanie Hamrick, who is a 38-year-old former pro ballerina, by his side. Jagger rocked a black blazer over a wild black and white patterned shirt and skinny slacks. Hamrick, who shares a eight-year-old son with Jagger, looked glamorous in a fitted red dress with a sexy thigh-high slit. The couple first got together in 2014 before welcoming their only child two years later in December 2016. Jagger and Hamrick got engaged earlier this year after over a decade together. Julia Fox put on a sizzling display in a striking avant-garde gown that showed off her killer curves The actress, 35, styled the daring frock with lime green heels For an added pop of color, Julia dyed the ends of her brunette hair a vibrant purple shade As for her makeup, the Uncut Gems star paired her plump pink lips with a sultry smokey eyeshadow look Also in attendance was Parker's And Just Like That co-star Nicole Ari Parker The actress, 55, looked ravishing in a red gown with a ruffled tulle bodice and a flowing silky skirt Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger was also on hand for the star-studded festivities in NYC The rocker, 82, smiled for shutterbugs with his much-younger fiancee, Melanie Hamrick, who is a 38-year-old former pro ballerina, by his side The couple first got together in 2014 before welcoming their only child two years later in December 2016 Jagger and Hamrick got engaged earlier this year after over a decade together Legendary supermodel Helena Christensen looked ethereal in a flowing see-through frock The sheer number showcased her ample cleavage and hourglass silhouette The catwalk queen, 56, strutted her stuff in a pair of black sandals and rocked a glossy lip for the invite-only occasion Olivia Palermo suited up for the occasion in NYC with her hunky husband Johannes Huebl Legendary supermodel Helena Christensen looked ethereal in a flowing see-through frock. The sheer number showcased her ample cleavage and hourglass silhouette. The catwalk queen, 56, strutted her stuff in a pair of black sandals and rocked a glossy lip for the invite-only occasion. The New York City Ballet's annual Fall Fashion Gala is described as 'an evening of dance and contemporary couture.' For the 2025 iteration, attendees were treated to former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Resident Choreographer Jamar Roberts' 'world premiere' performance with 'music by Venezuelan musician and record producer Arca and costumes by Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen,' according to the official website. The evening also featured performances set to 'contemporary hits' that showcased styles by late fashion designers Virgil Abloh and Gianni Versace. Kris Jenner has made a dramatic change to her appearance just days after her daughter Kim Kardashian stole her trademark hairstyle. On Wednesday, the Kardashian-Jenner matriarch, 69, shocked fans by ditching the iconic raven-toned pixie cut she's had for decades. With the help of celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, Kris transformed her hair into a bleach blonde bob. Appleton shared a video of the epic makeover to Instagram, which was set to the tune of Sabrina Carpenter's hit When Did You Get Hot? Kris first appeared makeup-free with a towel wrapped around her head as she mouthed the lyrics to Carpenter's song. She then placed her hand over the camera lens as the video transitioned to her in full glam with her new blonde 'do. Kris Jenner has made a dramatic change to her appearance just days after her daughter Kim Kardashian stole her trademark hairstyle On Wednesday, the Kardashian-Jenner matriarch, 69, shocked fans by ditching the iconic raven-toned pixie cut she's had for decades Appleton who also works with Kris' daughters Kim and Khloe captioned the post: 'Blondie @krisjenner' Hours later, Kris gave her 51.6million followers a better look at her new hairstyle by posting a sizzling selfie. The photo was taken during her first public appearance as a blonde at a Shark Beauty event, which she attended with Appleton on Wednesday. 'We had a fun little blonde moment tonight!' Kris began in her post. 'Thank you to everyone who came out to help us celebrate the launch of the new @sharkbeauty Shark Glam at CUT Lounge at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel!!' She then proceeded to tag Appleton, who replied in the comment section: 'Love that you re invent (sic) yourself and are having fun doing it' While Kris' daughters have yet to comment on her transformation, Kris' new bestie Hilaria Baldwin was among the first to comment. The mother-of-seven wrote: 'OMG love' under Appleton's video and commented four fire emojis under Kris' Instagram selfie. With the help of celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, Kris transformed her hair into a bleach blonde bob Kris made her first public appearance as a blonde at a Shark Beauty event, which she attended with Appleton on Wednesday Just days before Kris went blonde, Kim seemingly stole the momager's signature look while attending Paris Fashion Week festivities. The 44-year-old beauty debuted a dark brown pixie cut, which was made famous by her mom, at the Maison Alaia runway show on October 4. Kim also posted photos of herself rocking her new chopped hair to Instagram. Many of the SKIMS founder's 354 million followers pointed out Kim's resemblance to Kris in the comments. One person wrote, 'Kris Jenner what are you doing here?' while another exclaimed, 'Kris!!!' with heart-eye emojis. Meanwhile, Kris joined the thread to react with a GIF of herself, racking up hundreds of likes. Kris' new blonde hair isn't the only major transformation she's undergone this year. She recently underwent a facelift, which is reported to have set her back $100K. Just days before Kris (right in 2023) went blonde, Kim (left on October 4) seemingly stole the momager's signature pixie while attending Paris Fashion Week festivities Kris reacted to Kim's new look by sharing a GIF of herself in Kim's Instagram comments Months before her blonde makeover, Kris admittedly underwent a facelift; seen in September 2025 The 69-year-old first wowed fans with her noticeably youthful appearance while attending Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's star-studded Italian wedding in June; seen on June 27, 2025 The 69-year-old first wowed fans with her noticeably youthful appearance while attending Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's star-studded Italian wedding in June. It was later revealed that she sought the expertise of Dr. Steven M. Levine - known as the 'facelift maestro' - to help her achieve her fresh-faced look, with the celeb favourite doctor's procedures starting at $45,000 (33,376). Speaking to Vogue Arabia in August, Kris unapologetically admitted that 'for me, this is ageing gracefully. It's my version.' 'I had a facelift about 15 years ago, so it was time for a refresh,' she confided. 'I decided to do this facelift because I want to be the best version of myself, and that makes me happy.' 'Just because you get older, it doesn't mean you should give up on yourself. If you feel comfortable in your skin and you want to age gracefully meaning you don't want to do anything then don't do anything. But for me, this is ageing gracefully. It's my version.' Kris revealed that her youngest daughter Kylie, 28, who has also recently opened up to fans about her cosmetic procedures, accompanied her to the surgery whilst Kim was 'present at all times on FaceTime'. And as well as sharing the surgery with her daughters, Kris has no regrets about being honest with fans about her latest procedure, reasoning that it 'can be very inspirational to people who aren't feeling so great about themselves.' Hilaria Baldwin was mocked for saying she is still trying to process her shock elimination from Dancing With The Stars which caused her to break down in tears on Wednesday. Some trolls took to X to tell the beauty to 'get over it' or 'put on a stiff upper lip, please.' The 41-year-old star - who was voted off during Disney night with partner Gleb Savchenko - said on social media that she was working through the pain with her husband Alec Baldwin and their seven children. 'Spent the day mommying and processing with my children. To my family, friends, Gleb, DWTS, all of you who have encouraged meI'm forever grateful,' Hilaria penned in the caption. 'I'm excited to cheer on my cast mates. I love you all,' she concluded. One clip gave her fans a closer glimpse at her glammed up makeup for Tuesday night's dance - which comprised of glittering details around her eyes as well as a dramatic smoky shadow. Hilaria Baldwin was mocked for saying she is still trying to process her shock elimination from Dancing With The Stars. Some trolls took to X to tell the beauty to 'get over it' or 'put on a stiff upper lip, please.' Seen on September 30 The wife of Alec Baldwin also spent time with her seven children on Wednesday while 'processing' the elimination Her hair was styled into an intricate up do while thin silver ribbon was placed throughout her locks and secured onto her forehead. Another video was taken as she strolled backstage wearing a black robe as well as slip-on shoes. She held a big smile on her face while carrying a black duffle bag and clothes in her hands. Hilaria could also be seen rehearsing a dance number with Gleb before the live audience filled the empty seats. One reel showed the star donning a sparkling bodysuit with feathery details as she practiced a few dance moves with her partner in front of a mirror. She additionally shared moments as she performed with Gleb on the reality competition series - which kicked off season 34 last month in September. Other pictures included in her latest post showed her family sweetly supporting her, such as some of her kids and husband Alec proudly joining her backstage. After being eliminated from DWTS on Tuesday, Hilaria spent the following day at the beach with her children. One clip gave her fans a closer glimpse at her glammed up makeup for Tuesday night's dance - which comprised of glittering details around her eyes as well as a dramatic smoky shadow Another video was taken as she strolled backstage wearing a black robe as well as slip-on shoes One reel showed the star donning a sparkling bodysuit with feathery details as she practiced a few dance moves with her partner in front of a mirror Other pictures included in her latest post showed her family sweetly supporting her, such as some of her kids and husband Alec proudly joining her backstage After being eliminated from DWTS on Tuesday, Hilaria spent the following day at the beach with her children She also uploaded a short reel as they had a blast on the sandy shore while another showed the group dancing towards the camera. Hilaria was voted off the show during week four which showed the couples dancing for Disney Night in celebration of the Disneyland Resort's 70th anniversary. After learning of the elimination, she said, 'This has been an incredible experience. I am so grateful to all of you. I am grateful to my children. I am grateful to my family. Thank you guys for this. 'This is wonderful. I am cheering on everybody in the cast. This has been an amazing time,' she added. Host Julianne Hough asked her dance partner Gleb Savchenko: 'Gleb, I heard you say I am so proud of you. What else do you want to say?' 'I am so proud of you. Superhero in the dance studio and incredible mom to your kids. You put so much love and passion into dance. You are truly inspirational, and I am so happy that I had a chance to dance with you,' he replied. Hilaria was joined by Alec and four of their seven kids in her intro clip, as they enjoyed Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland, before she hit the stage. The star expressed at one point, 'My kids mean so much to me. They love Disney. So I hope that I put on the best performance to thank them for how supportive that they have been for me.' She also uploaded a short reel as they had a blast on the sandy shore while another showed the group dancing towards the camera After dancing the quickstep with Gleb, she teased that if she makes is through to the next round she might do a dance with Alec. For their quickstep, Hilaria and Gleb performed to Cantina Band from Star Wars: A New Hope. Before the three judges reviewed their scores, host Julianne Hough asked Hilaria, 'I know how important that it is for you to get through tonight's elimination for next week. You have somebody special that you will be dancing with.' 'I do. I have somebody special. Can you imagine who that is?' Hilaria teased. 'It might be your other father,' she joked as Julianne added, 'Alec.' She also expressed her hope to remain in the competition. 'Next week we have something really fun planned. We are going to do a dance that I love so much. I think it will be very meaningful to my entire family and my children who have been so supportive for me here. I really hope to make it.' Hilaria and Gleb received a score of 23 out of 30 - but it was later revealed the pair would not be returning next week. After learning of the elimination, she said, 'This has been an incredible experience. I am so grateful to all of you. I am grateful to my children. I am grateful to my family. Thank you guys for this' After dancing the quickstep with Gleb, she teased that if she makes is through to the next round she might do a dance with Alec Her exit from DWTS was met with a mixed reaction among some viewers. 'HILARIA ELIMINATED THANK GOD,' one wrote on X, and another shared, 'HILARIA IS GONE WE DID IT.' A fan typed out, 'me giving 10 votes to even people I hate just so hilaria leaves,' while one said, 'Simultaneously celebrating hilaria being gone while panicking at the thought that eliminations are about to be so much harder.' In regards to her initial feelings towards being eliminated, Hilaria explained to E! News, 'We're okay. I mean, we're not great, but we're okay at the same time. It's mixed.' She continued, 'The first night we got here to LA...I said to my daughter, because I'm so open with my kids, "What happens if I get voted off right away?"' Hilaria emotionally added, 'She said, "Mommy, at least you tried." And I hope they always know that: At least I tried.' The media personality had been supported my some of her children and husband Alec during her performances. The couple tied the knot in 2012 and have welcomed seven kids: Carmen, 11, Rafael, 10, Leonardo, eight, Romeo, seven, Eduardo, four, Maria Lucia, four and Ilaria, two. Harper Beckham proved to be following in her mother's stylish footsteps as she attended the premiere of Victoria Beckham's eponymous Netflix documentary. The only daughter of Victoria and David Beckham, 14, has regularly been seen in her mum's designs over the past few years at public events with her family. And Wednesday bared no exception to the rule, as she stepped out on the red carpet at the hotly-anticipated screening at the Curzon in London's Mayfair. The teen was wearing an elegant black floor-length gown, similar to a design sold on Victoria's website which retails for 1,890. Harper accessorised the outfit with a stunning Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, which is available on the U.S. version of the site for $9,150 (6,848). The night was a family affair as she arrived arm-in-arm with her brother Romeo, 23, while their brother Cruz, 20, and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, also joined proceedings. Their eldest brother Brooklyn was absent from the event. Harper Beckham proved to be following in her mother's stylish footsteps as she attended the premiere of Victoria Beckham's eponymous Netflix documentary The only daughter of Victoria and David Beckham, 14, has regularly been seen in her mum's designs over the past few years at public events with her family And Wednesday paid no exception to the rule, as she stepped out on the red carpet at the screening at the Curzon in London's Mayfair Earlier this year, Harper again proved the apple doesn't fall far from the tree as she joined her mother for the launch of an extravagant new capsule collection in Dubai. She mirrored Victoria by wearing a near identical silver gown during an intimate dinner in the Emirates, held to celebrate her mother's collaboration with Middle Eastern e-commerce brand Ounass. Victoria looked typically stylish in a draped metallic dress and perspex heels while rubbing shoulders with fellow guests at the exclusive gathering. Joining her mother, Harper opted for an elegant floor-length halter-neck in matching silver as they dined out in the Emirates. On the big night this week, Victoria was joined by her husband David for the unveiling of the three-part series last night which follows her journey from Spice Girl to WAG and now fashion designer. And after the premiere to end all premieres it was only right that a lavish after-party might follow at exclusive Mayfair members' club, 5 Hertford Street. But it was yet another poignant moment and perhaps a painful reminder that things have changed for the Beckham gang. For it was just over two years ago that Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz were in attendance for the premiere of David's show, Beckham, which was held at the same venue. Earlier this year, Harper again proved the apple doesn't fall far from the tree as she joined her mother for the launch of an extravagant new capsule collection in Dubai Harper accessorised the outfit with a stunning Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, which is available on the U.S. version of the site for $9,150 (6,848). The night was a family affair as she arrived arm-in-arm with her brother Romeo, 23, while their brother Cruz, 20, and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, also joined proceedings. Their eldest brother Brooklyn was absent from the event While Victoria and her husband have reconciled that they won't see their eldest son for the foreseeable future, he and Nicola are 'always missed' at family gatherings following the fallout which came to a head when the pair shunned all of David's 50th birthday celebrations. Speaking at the premiere, Victoria thanked Brooklyn, along with her other children, for their support. Paying tribute she said thanks 'to my husband for convincing me and forcing me giving me no choice, David. 'My children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, Harper and David. Oh no, he's not a child. It has taken this process to realise I am enough.' She added: 'This process really forced me to reflect on my journey and it has been emotional. 'It's been a year of intense therapy and it really made me realise a lot. I want to thank my mum and dad, my brother and my sister. I'd like to thank the Spice Girls, I love you.' Despite Brooklyn's absence, it was a night of delight for Victoria, who was dressed in a gown from her own collection because there was a mini Spice Girls reunion which was only incomplete because Melanie Brown is currently away on business in the US. She did, however, send Victoria flowers to wish her luck for her big night yesterday. There, though, were Geri Halliwell-Horner, Emma Bunton and Melanie Chisholm. Cruz looked dapper in his suit as he joined glamorous girlfriend Jackie at the party Geri Halliwell-Horner looked incredible in her trademark white as she arrived at the after-party to continue the celebrations After Emma Bunton stunned on the red carpet with her handsome son Beau, 18, the mother-son duo enjoyed a night out at the party Victoria's best friend Eva Longoria - who is godmother to her daughter Harper - put on a glamorous display in a dazzling white gown as she linked arms with her husband Jose Baston Geri was joined by her husband Christian who made their first public appearance since it emerged that the former Formula 1 team principal received an 80million pay off from his former employer, Red Bull. Geri was dressed in her trademark white as she posed for the cameras. A source close to Victoria said: 'Victoria is so happy that the Spice Girls could be there. She just loves being with them so much. 'They are a huge part of her journey and they are featured a lot in the documentary. It was a shame that Mel B wasn't there but she was away, and on this occasion nobody was not there because of any in-fighting.' Also there for the knees-up, which began with a champagne reception in the iconic cinema, were Victoria's parents Jackie and Tony Adams, as well as her sister Louise and her children. The documentary will certainly be much talked about. During the three episodes, the former Posh Spice tells how she suffered from an eating disorder after she didn't like what she saw in the mirror and also for the first time sees her share her fears of how her fashion label would go bust after spending so many years in the red. Before the first two shows were screened, Victoria got up on stage to thank David and her children for their support, as well as her team at her fashion label. Kate Hudson dazzled in a low-cut dress as she stepped out for a lavish awards bash in California with her parents on Wednesday. The actress, 46, beamed as she attended the Will Rogers Pioneer Dinner held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. Kate looked sensational in a daring floor-length evening gown for the night out, which featured a plunging neckline. The shoulderless pale ice blue piece, which boasted a floral pattern and was figure-hugging, showed off Kate's incredible figure. Also in attendance was Bride Wars actress' mother Goldie Hawn, 79, and her step-father Kurt Russell, 74. The trio posed for snaps together as Goldie wore a stylish all black outfit, with her jacket featuring sheer shoulder sleeves with embellishments. Kate Hudson dazzled in a low-cut dress as she stepped out for a lavish awards bash in California with her parents on Wednesday Also in attendance was Kate's mother Goldie Hawn, 79, and her step-father Kurt Russell, 74, who were there to support her The actress, 46, beamed as she attended the Will Rogers Pioneer Dinner held at Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills Kurt looked dapper in an all-black suit, while wearing a blue satin tie to add a pop of colour. During the ceremony, which is now in its 75th year, members of the motion picture industry were awarded prestigious honours. Kate was named as this year's Pioneer Of The Year and delivered an acceptance speech to the packed room. She also displayed her cheeky side as she clutched her large trophy and showed it off on stage. Earlier in the day, Kate compared herself to Kylie Jenner as she got ready for the awards while showing off her ripped abs in a tiny bra. She posted a makeup-free photo of herself getting ready with her glam squad in a hotel room as she juggled work on a laptop. Kate had on only sweatpants and a tiny bra in the snap, which put her enviably ripped abs on full display. Included in her IG slideshow was a recent glamour shot of Kylie Jenner, 28, posing in only a busty black bra and underwear while drinking wine in a lavish hotel room. Kate looked sensational in a daring floor-length evening gown for the night out, which featured a plunging neckline Kate was named as this year's Pioneer Of The Year and delivered an acceptance speech to the packed room The shoulderless pale ice blue piece, which featured a floral pattern and was figure-hugging, showed off Kate's incredible figure Cameron Crowe and Kate pose a picture together while catching up at the ceremony on Wednesday night as she clutches his arm Pictured left to right: Ike Barinholtz, Lisa Bunnell, Kate Hudson, Cameron Crowe, and Kyle Davies She jokingly captioned the post: 'Basically the same @kyliejenner' Kylie has yet to publicly acknowledge her post, though her sister Kendall did 'like' it. Last year, she, her A-list actress mom Goldie Hawn and their family posed for a holiday campaign for Kim Kardashian's SKIMS line. In addition to Hudson's three kids Ryder Robinson, 21, Bingham Bellamy, 14, and Rani Hudson Fujikawa, 7, and her fiance Danny Fujikawa, Hawn's eldest child, son, Oliver Hudson, 49, his wife, Erinn Bartlett, and their three children Wilder, 18, Bodhi, 15, and daughter Rio, 12, were all featured in the festive ad, which was released in November 2024. In the images, the happy family wore various sets of matching pajamas and could be seen posing up a storm, indulging in different desserts and getting into a little mischief inside a mansion. Both Hudson and Kardashian eagerly shared the campaign with their millions of Instagram followers at the time, with the latter writing: 'Goldie Hawn, Kate Hudson & Family for SKIMS' Harry Judd's wife Izzy has claimed that one of their children suffers from what some experts describe as 'pathological demand avoidance' a controversial behaviour pattern said to make even simple requests, such as tidying their room or saying please and thank you, trigger anxiety. The violinist, 41, who married McFly drummer Harry, 39, in 2012, said she has had to rethink her entire approach to parenting to avoid 'overwhelming' her children with 'rigid routines'. 'Pathological demand avoidance is linked with autism,' Izzy explained on the latest episode of Dr Alex George's Stompcast podcast. 'It's basically about demands that are put on a child who underneath the demand has a lot of anxiety.' She said everyday instructions such as getting dressed or brushing teeth can trigger upset, so she had 'given up' making direct commands or even asking too many questions. Izzy acknowledged: 'To the outsider looking in, they might see that as a sort of lazy parenting or a lack of discipline or whatever it is they want to say.' Social media users praised her honesty about the challenges faced by parents of neurodivergent children, though some admitted they were unfamiliar with the condition and questioned whether it was simply an invented term. So what exactly is pathological demand avoidance and why do some experts question whether it's a real condition? Harry Judd's wife Izzy has revealed one of their children has been diagnosed with pathological demand avoidance as she detailed the parental challenges on The Stompcast The couple has daughter Lola, eight and sons Kit, seven, and Lockie, three (pictured in 2022) Sometimes referred to as a 'pervasive drive for autonomy,' it isn't a separate medical diagnosis but a set of behaviours sometimes seen in people with autism. It is, according to medical literature, marked by 'extreme resistance to everyday demands' and 'a strong need for control', often because of underlying anxiety. Experts say it's best managed with 'a low-pressure, flexible approach' that gives the child more autonomy using indirect language, humour and collaboration rather than strict rules or commands. The term was first coined by British psychologist Dr Elisabeth Newson in the 1980s to describe children who didn't fit the typical picture of autism but showed a persistent avoidance of everyday demands. However, the National Autistic Society notes that it is not clinically recognised in the main diagnostic manuals and there is currently no standardised way to assess it. Because of this, there is no reliable data on how common it may be. Despite this, in recent years, the concept has gained wider attention beyond the autism community. On their website, the charity writes: 'It is important that people experiencing persistent and marked demand avoidance are recognised and supported using strategies and approaches personalised to their specific strengths and needs. 'Research suggests that the understanding and acceptance of demand avoidant behaviour is fundamental to accessing the right support.' Speaking with host Dr Alex George, she said she has had to adapt her entire approach to parenting to ensure she doesn't overwhelm her children with rigid routines and expectations Izzy added that external expectations often clash with the needs of neurodivergent children meaning they are often misunderstood (pictured in December 2023) Some people say the label helps them make sense of things, but others believe it may simply describe behaviour linked to anxiety, ADHD or past stress or trauma, rather than a separate condition. Research shows that some adults both autistic and non-autistic now self-identify with pathological demand avoidance traits, often describing lifelong difficulties with everyday demands, authority or control. Research in adults without an autism diagnosis suggests that people who see themselves as having pathological demand avoidance often share common traits such as high anxiety and difficulty coping with uncertainty. On TikTok, there are also hundreds of video clips discussing pathological demand avoidance, some of which have thousands or even millions of views. In many, people who identify with the label admit they first heard about it on the video sharing app, and said it helped the 'make sense' of 'things that were always there but didn't understand'. Others direct viewers to online tests that can, they say, can 'help you figure out if you have pathological demand avoidance'. Dr Marios Adamou, a consultant psychiatrist, said that while the label may help schools make adjustments for children, 'it's not a medically diagnosed condition.' He explained that once a behaviour is given a name, people can begin to adapt their actions to fit it a phenomenon known as labelling theory. This is when someone starts acting in line with the label they've been given. While Dr Adamou said that 'labelling can offer an explanation,' which may help some people, he warned that it doesn't identify the true cause. He added: 'If I'm chewing food loudly it is considered rude. I could say I have got an extreme chewing syndrome. Then I could form a group for people with extreme chewing syndrome. That's why we chew the food loudly. That's what it is.' Izzy also touched on how school environments can be particularly tough for children with PDA, calling for greater understanding in education (pictured in 2022) When asked whether parents should seek a diagnosis of PDA for their child, Dr Adamou was clear: 'I cannot recommend getting a label that is not a medical diagnosis.' He also warned that relying on the term could prevent people from receiving appropriate support for the real underlying issue. 'There are other diagnoses that could display very similar behaviours that are not being considered,' he said. Izzy and McFly drummer Harry have daughter Lola, eight, and sons Kit, seven, and Lockie, three, with McFly drummer Harry. In April, she revealed that one of their children is neurodivergent. The former Britain's Got Talent finalist said she and Harry have spent several years 'learning how to parent a neurodivergent child,' describing the process as 'overwhelming' and 'all-consuming.' 'I kind of let go of being late a long time ago,' she admitted. 'The more pressure you feel "you've got to go!" the more it's going to slow everything down. Now I just shove them in the car, and if they're cold, they'll put on their coat. Once they feel the autonomy that they're in control, amazing things happen.' She said societal expectations often clash with the needs of neurodivergent children. 'There are quite rigid societal expectations of how children are supposed to behave,' she said. 'For a neurodivergent child, they're physically unable to sit. It's not because they don't want to they can't.' She added that the journey has forced her to 'let go of comparisons' and others' opinions on her parenting. 'Birthday parties are hugely challenging because there's this expectation,' she explained. 'If your child isn't behaving 'normally', you spend the entire time conflicted about how to handle it. So a long time ago, I thought: why am I going to these parties? No one's enjoying it. 'So we don't do birthday parties. Also, if we wrap a birthday present, we will say what's in it. Not knowing what's inside a present is a big thing - a big demand to open it and then be grateful and then say thank you.' Izzy also revealed how everyday traditions like Christmas can be fraught with anxiety for neurodivergent families. 'Christmas starts in November,' she said. 'The songs, the changes in routine, the expectations... and then they want beige food, so you put a pizza in the oven, and people say, "That's rude". 'Although you know what's right for your child, there's always friction.' Harry and Izzy met when she was part of the string quartet performing on McFly's 2005 tour and married seven years later in a ceremony covered exclusively by Hello! magazine. They've since become one of the pop scene's most enduring couples, regularly sharing family moments and raising awareness around mental health and fertility. Harry, who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2011, has also been open about his own experiences with anxiety, admitting in the past that therapy and meditation have helped him manage his mental health. Izzy added: 'Most of the time when I'm unkind to myself is when I've tried to please someone else rather than my child. If a child is in pain, and it's visual, it's easier to have empathy. 'But when behaviour is really challenging, it's hard to find that empathy. You've got to try and look underneath and ask, "What have I missed?"' The Block's Scott Cam has finally opened up about rumours surrounding 'Mr. Lambo' Adrian Portelli being banned from the show. Portelli, 36, made TV history in 2024 when he purchased all five Phillip Island properties on the renovation show for more than $15 million. And earlier this year, the controversial Block bidder said he would not return, fuelling speculation that the network had shown him the door. 'We didn't ban him; that's something he [Portelli] said,' Scott announced during Thursday's episode of Fox 101.9's Fifi, Fev and Nick brekkie show. Scott continued: 'It's a public auction, anyone can turn up, we just kindly said, "What do you reckon you had a good run on the auctions, why don't we leave it to some families to try and buy the houses".' Elsewhere in the chat, Scott made a veiled reference to Portelli's sponsorship of Seven's upcoming reality series My Reno Rules, which was announced in July, but has suffered a series of setbacks since. The Block's Scott Cam (pictured) has finally opened up about 'ban' rumours surrounding 'Mr. Lambo' Adrian Portelli. 'We didn't ban him; that's something he [Portelli] said,' Scott announced during Thursday's episode of Fox 101.9's Fifi, Fev and Nick brekkie show Portelli, 36, made TV history in 2024 when he purchased all five Phillip Island properties on the renovation show for more than $15 million. (Pictured, front right) '[I] think Adrian has gone over to another network to do something anyway, so he wouldn't be coming to our auction if he's doing something over there,' Scott said and added: 'If he wants to turn up, he can.' Scott also dismissed a suggestion from host Brendan 'Fev' Fevola that Portelli had 'scared' off notorious Block bidder Danny Wallis, who has spent more than $30 million buying property on the show. 'He hasn't been scared, Danny,' Scott insisted. 'He's a good bloke and he makes a lot of those houses available for My Room. He's a good bloke and if he wants to buy another house like that, that'd be terrific for us.' During the chat, Scott confirmed the location for The Block 2026 would be Mount Eliza after Daily Mail broke the news in August. 'We're looking forward to that,' Scott said. 'I'm going to go down there next week; I'm going to pop into Mt Eliza and have a look for a house to rent for three months. 'So, if you have a house that I could rent in Mt Eliza for three months, give me a call!' Earlier this year, the controversial Block bidder said he would not return, fuelling speculation that the network had shown him the door During the chat, Scott confirmed the location for The Block 2026 would be Mount Eliza after Daily Mail broke the news in August. Pictured: Nine snapped up a development site on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula for just under $11 11million after weeks of negotiations Known to guard details of his family life jealously, Scott said his wife Annie would be 'visiting' him on location in the coming weeks. 'My kids come down as well. I love engrossing myself in a town or community like Daylesford, Phillip Island, and now Mt Eliza. I really enjoy that aspect,' he said. According to sources close to the production, Nine snapped up a development site on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula for just under $11 million after weeks of negotiations. Perched on the clifftop enclave 65km south-east of Melbourne's CBD, Mount Eliza is one of the state's most coveted coastal escapes, known for its million-dollar views, designer homes and buzzing holiday atmosphere. It comes after Portelli, the controversial LMCT+ billionaire, lashed out at Channel Nine back in July accusing them of undervaluing his contribution to the franchise. Sources close to the production claim tensions were 'brewing the moment the cameras stopped rolling' on the 2024 Phillip Island season. Despite his big money moves, insiders say Adrian felt 'dismissed' by producers and host Scott Cam and he did not keep his fury a secret. He was her final love before being driven back into the arms of Mr Big. And Sex And The City protagonist Carrie Bradshaw was spotted with her 'Russian' lover Aleksandr Petrovsky on Wednesday night - albeit out of character and in the real life form of Sarah Jessica Parker and Mikhail Baryshnikov. The former co-stars, aged 60 and 77 respectively, greeted each other fondly as they attended the New York City Ballet's 2025 Fall Fashion Gala at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in the Big Apple. Despite boasting the nickname 'The Russian' in the series, which ran for six series from 1998 to 2004, Mikhail hales from Latvia and is a dancer and choreographer, as well as an actor, earning him his place at the ballet gala. Dressed in a Carrie-worthy dramatic ensemble, Sarah looked incredible in a winged look as she joined her real life husband Matthew Broderick, 63, yet stole a moment to fondly greet her co-star, who was joined by his daughter Anna Baryshnikov. SATC's protagonist Carrie Bradshaw was spotted with her 'Russian' lover Aleksandr Petrovsky (right) on Wednesday - albeit out of character and in the real life form of Sarah Jessica Parker and Mikhail Baryshnikov (left) at the New York City Ballet's 2025 Fall Fashion Gala Mikhail's actress daughter Anna Baryshnikov, 33, joined her dad on the red carpet and appeared in awe of Sarah's ensemble Mikhail's Aleksandr was a divisive character, as many deemed him wrong for Carrie, who left her beloved New York to live in Paris with the esteemed artist Mikhail's Aleksandr was a divisive character, as many deemed him wrong for Carrie, who left her beloved New York to live in Paris with the esteemed artist. Upon arriving in Paris however, she was ignored and dismissed by her boyfriend, who eventually accidentally slapped her during an argument. It was then that she fell back into the arms of her long-time love Mr Big, who she later married in the 2008 Sex And The City movie. Mikhail's time on set was discussed by the late Willie Garson, who played Carrie's best friend Stanford Blatch in the show. The eccentric star, who passed away in 2021, spoke about struggling to communicate with Mikhail, saying: 'I'm not Russian, so it was very hard to make conversation with Mikhail. Not because he's bad or mean, he's just very Russian... 'Youd say, like, "Misha, whatd you do last night?" and he would literally say, "Dinner", but just kind of, like, ending the conversation. But its just a different way of living... 'And I would [jokingly] tell him, "Well, I went to Studio 54 and did cocaine off of Grace Jones last night. So I had a better night". No, I never [did that].' Aside from his acting, Mikhail is considered one of the greatest ballet dancers of all time, after beginning his career at the Mariinsky Ballet in Leningrad before heading to Canada in 1974, and later joining the New York City Ballet. Sarah looked utterly delighted to see her former co-star Upon arriving in Paris however, she was ignored and dismissed by her boyfriend, who eventually accidentally slapped her during an argument He then became artistic director of the American Ballet Theatre. In the acting world, he won an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor alongside a Golden Globe nomination for his role in the film The Turning Point, however is best known now for his role as Aleksandr Petrovsky Sex And The City ran from 1998 to 2004 with 94 episodes across six series, its 2008 and 2010 movies, and spin-off And Just Like That's three seasons, running from 2021 to this year, where it was revealed the show was concluding. When AJLT first hit screens in 2021, fans of the original show waited with baited breath to revisit Carrie's story, in the wake of the less than palatable 2008 and 2010 movies, however the woke storylines drove the show to an end. Carrie and Aleksandr's romance began with the writer being overwhelmed by his romantic ways It was then that she fell back into the arms of her long-time love Mr Big (pictured) Ashley Roberts put on a leggy display as she attended the Designers at Debenhams x ASHISH Launch in London on Wednesday. The presenter, 43, dazzled in a hot pink sequinned minidress which featured spaghetti straps and a plunging neckline. Showing off her toned figure in the microscopic number, she added a pair of black barely-there heels. To complete her outfit, Ashley pulled her hair back into a half-up half-down style and opted for a glamorous makeup look. She was joined at the event by a host of celebrity guests including Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale and Noel Gallagher's daughter Anais. Ashley recently opened up to the Daily Mail's The Life of Bryony Podcast about the devastating toll her time in the music industry had on her. Ashley Roberts put on a leggy display as she attended the Designers at Debenhams x ASHISH Launch in London on Wednesday The presenter, 43, dazzled in a hot pink sequinned minidress which featured spaghetti straps and a plunging neckline She told columnist Bryony Gordon how being forced to give up dancing - and discovering breathwork - pulled her back from the brink of a mental breakdown. The performer was only 22 years old when she joined The Pussycat Dolls in 2003, eventually moving to London from Los Angeles after they split in 2010. Ashley's new book transforms the hard-won lessons from her difficult past into practical techniques for improving mental and physical health. 'My body was literally shutting down', Ashley told the podcast. 'The Dolls were in London doing a show. I was sat in my hotel room and all of a sudden, I had this extreme headache. 'The pain was unreal. I also felt really sick. We were supposed to do a show in Germany the next day, so I called my manager - who told me to go to the hospital. 'The doctors thought I'd had a brain aneurysm. When I went to have an MRI, my knee locked up, and that was viral arthritis entering my body. 'My mentality at the time was all about making it to the next show but that was the moment I remember thinking, "What's going on here? I need to take a second because this isn't cool".' Showing off her toned figure in the microscopic number, she added a pair of black barely-there heels Ashley revealed how the cutthroat music industry had instilled a toxic work ethic that was destroying her health. 'The early 2000s was a whole different era honey', the performer told Bryony. No one ever spoke about mental health or the importance of checking in. 'I am grateful there has been a shift people cancelling shows now when they need to look after themselves. 'I felt I was weak. It was instilled in us from a young age that we were interchangeable. 'There was a pressure of like, if you don't show up, who knows what might happen? 'I grew up in the dance world, and there is still an attitude of if you break your toe, you need to keep going. Your mind is programmed to think: the show must go on. 'In the end, I had to take some time off. It was a viral infection with extreme side effects what was probably a manifestation of being so rundown.' Ashley recently opened up to the Daily Mail's The Life of Bryony Podcast (pictured) about other aspects of the devastating toll her time in the music industry had on her Following The Pussycat Dolls' split in 2010, Ashley began building her career in the UK, finishing as runner-up on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2012. After making the move to London permanent, the Heart Radio presenter told Bryony how feeling 'spiritually lost' in her new home led her to discover breath work - her second great love after music. 'After the Dolls, I stopped dancing completely', Ashley said. 'Being in a pop group for so long, I just shut all that down and wanted to go in a different direction.' It was then she found breath work: 'It created this sense of calm that I can't explain. 'I always felt this chaos internally, and suddenly, for a few moments, it felt like I wasn't battling it anymore. 'I didn't quite realise how then how great a tool it would be in helping me process life. 'When my dad died, that ability to reflect gave me the motivation to stay strong and I want to share that.' David and Romeo Beckham shared sweet moments with Harper on the red carpet as the family came together to support Victoria at the premiere of her new Netflix documentary on Wednesday. The fashion designer, 51, was flanked by her family - minus Brooklyn - at the event where Harper looked fashionable in a 1,890 dress from her mother's brand. Video footage from the red carpet captured a nice moment between Harper and her dad David, 50, as they chatted and hugged between photograph opportunities. David puts his arms around her and holds her hand hand before twirling her around on the red carpet. The pair have a very close father-daughter relationship, with David last week sharing a snap of Harper sitting on his knee backstage at Victoria's Paris Fashion Week show. In another touching moment as the family stands as a group posing for snaps, Romeo looks over to check on Harper before they share a quick reassuring smile. David and Romeo Beckham shared sweet moments with Harper on the red carpet as the family came together to support Victoria at the premiere of her new Netflix doc on Wednesday In one touching moment as the family stands as a group posing for snaps, Romeo looks over to check on Harper before they share a quick reassuring smile Harper proved to be following in her mother's stylish footsteps as she attended the premiere. The only daughter of Victoria and David has regularly been seen in her mum's designs over the past few years at public events with her family. And Wednesday bared no exception to the rule, as she stepped out on the red carpet at the hotly-anticipated screening at the Curzon in London's Mayfair. The teen was wearing an elegant black floor-length gown, similar to a design sold on Victoria's website, which retails for 1,890 dress. Harper accessorised the outfit with a stunning Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, which is available on the U.S. version of the site for $9,150 (6,848). The night was a family affair as she arrived arm-in-arm with her brother Romeo, 23, while their brother Cruz, 20, and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, also joined proceedings. Their eldest brother Brooklyn was absent from the event. Earlier this year, Harper again proved the apple doesn't fall far from the tree as she joined her mother for the launch of an extravagant new capsule collection in Dubai. She mirrored Victoria by wearing a near identical silver gown during an intimate dinner in the Emirates, held to celebrate her mother's collaboration with Middle Eastern e-commerce brand Ounass. Video footage from the red carpet captured a nice moment between Harper and her dad David, 50, as they chatted and hugged between photograph opportunities David puts his arms around her and holds her hand hand before twirling her around on the red carpet The pair have a very close father-daughter relationship, with David last week sharing of Harper sitting on his knee backstage at Victoria's Paris Fashion Week show The fashion designer, 51, was flanked by her family - minus Brooklyn - at the event where Harper looked fashionable in a 1,890 dress from her mother's brand Victoria looked typically stylish in a draped metallic dress and perspex heels while rubbing shoulders with fellow guests at the exclusive gathering. Joining her mother, Harper opted for an elegant floor-length halter-neck in matching silver as they dined out in the Emirates. On the big night this week, Victoria was joined by her husband David for the unveiling of the three-part series last night which follows her journey from Spice Girl to WAG and now fashion designer. And after the premiere to end all premieres it was only right that a lavish after-party might follow at exclusive Mayfair members' club, 5 Hertford Street. But it was yet another poignant moment and perhaps a painful reminder that things have changed for the Beckham gang. For it was just over two years ago that Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz were in attendance for the premiere of David's show, Beckham, which was held at the same venue. While Victoria and her husband have reconciled that they won't see their eldest son for the foreseeable future, he and Nicola are 'always missed' at family gatherings following the fall-out which came to a head when the pair shunned all of David's 50th birthday celebrations. Speaking at the premiere, Victoria thanked Brooklyn, along with her other children, for their support. Paying tribute she said thanks 'to my husband for convincing me and forcing me giving me no choice, David. 'My children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, Harper and David. Oh no, he's not a child. It has taken this process to realise I am enough.' She added: 'This process really forced me to reflect on my journey and it has been emotional. 'It's been a year of intense therapy and it really made me realise a lot. I want to thank my mum and dad, my brother and my sister. I'd like to thank the Spice Girls, I love you.' Despite Brooklyn's absence, it was a night of delight for Victoria, who was dressed in a gown from her own collection because there was a mini Spice Girls reunion which was only incomplete because Melanie Brown is currently away on business in the US. She did, however, send Victoria flowers to wish her luck for her big night yesterday. There, though, were Geri Halliwell-Horner, Emma Bunton and Melanie Chisholm. The teen was wearing an elegant black floor-length gown, similar to a design sold on Victoria's website, which retails for 1,890 dress Victoria Beckham says her infamous 2007 Marc Jacobs campaign that saw emerging from a large carrier bag and wearing a giant bag on her head left her 'horrified.' Acclaimed photographer Juergen Teller insisted he had staged the photographs because Victoria had a reputation for looking 'grumpy and serious with no sense of humour'. But Victoria has now admitted she felt like a 'laughing stock' after being picked to model for the high fashion brand, only for them to 'poke fun at her' with the images. Speaking in her new Netlix documentary series, she said: 'When I first saw those pictures I was horrified. It was very much poking fun at me. 'And that's when I realised I was a laughing stock. No one took me seriously in this industry.' Victoria Beckham reflected on her 'horrifying' Marc Jacobs campaign as she detailed the rocky transition from pop star to revered fashion designer (pictured together in 2007) She continued: 'I knew I wanted to be designer, that I had a point of view but I also knew that I needed someone to believe in me.' Thankfully Victoria managed to find a mentor in Roland Mouret and he advised her that she needed to 'kill off' the WAG image. 'To start this new chapter of my life I had to change and strip the other personas away,' Victoria mused. 'I became a simpler, more elegant version of myself and I went to work.' It proved successful and she went on to recreate her Marc Jacobs campaign in 2018 for her own label. Yet the transition from 'laughing stock' to revered designer was far from smooth, with Victoria being pulled back into the pop world just as she was trying to make it in the fashion industry. She explained: 'When I was working with Roland the other Spice Girls told me they wanted to go on tour... 'David was like, "it's really good for the kids to see you do this", he mum-guilted me!' Victoria agreed to the 2008 reunion tour and confessed: 'I hadn't been Posh Spice for such a long time. It was good to be back with them.' Speaking in her new Netflix series, the 51-year-old former Spice Girl revealed she felt like a 'laughing stock' after being picked to model for the high fashion brand The Spice Girls reformed again in 2019, however this time Victoria refused to join them. Since then, Mel B has been vocal about her desire to get back on tour and has publicly lambasted Victoria for not taking part. Victoria confessed she was 'hurt' by one of Scary Spice's comments, explaining: 'It upset me not too long ago actually - Melanie B said to me "don't forget where you've come from."' She insisted: 'I have never forgotten where I've come from. I have never forgotten that Posh Spice is the reason that I'm sitting here now. 'She might have been grumpy but she was actually great. 'It was good to celebrate the Spice Girls but it was during that [2008] tour that I realised I didn't belong on stage. It had been fun but it wasn't what I loved anymore.' Tammy Hembrow has dropped a subtle hint that her romance with AFL star Bailey Smith may still be on. The influencer arrived at Sydney Airport on Thursday wearing a pair of oversized footy shorts, featuring the colours of Smith's team, the Geelong Cats - white and navy blue. Additionally, Tammy's shorts appeared to be a very similar pair to those worn by Bailey in a recent Cotton On campaign. The 31-year-old added a fitted white tank top that showed off her surgically-enhanced bust. Tammy completed her outfit with a pair of black ballet flats and carried a brown designer purse. She had on minimal makeup with a soft pink lipstick and wore her blonde hair down in waves. Tammy Hembrow (pictured) has dropped a subtle hint that her romance with AFL star Bailey Smith may still be on The influencer arrived at Sydney Airport on Thursday wearing a pair of oversized footy shorts, featuring the colours of Smith's team, the Geelong Cats - white and navy blue Additionally, Tammy's shorts appeared to be a very similar pair to those worn by Bailey in a recent Cotton On campaign It comes just a few weeks after Smith seemingly friend-zoned Tammy while on KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O Show. While on air, he confirmed the pair are 'just friends' and revealed that Tammy wouldn't be accompanying him to the Brownlow Medal. 'What's going on [with you and Tammy]? Are you taking Tammy tonight or not?' host Kyle Sandilands asked. Bailey responded, 'No, I'm not. No. I didn't want to bore her with footy all night. She's not a big footy fan. And we're just mates.' 'So, you guys aren't exclusive or boyfriend and girlfriend?' co-host Jackie Henderson questioned. Bailey confirmed: 'No, we're just mates.' The footy star enjoyed a handful of dates with Tammy, but friends say he ultimately pulled the pin after hearing stories about her past relationship with ex-husband Matt Zukowski. 'A few of Matt's mates got in Bailey's ear and told him what had really gone down,' one insider told Daily Mail. Bailley is pictured in the Cotton On campaign with a pair of similar shorts on The 31-year-old added a fitted white tank top that showed off her surgically-enhanced bust Tammy completed her outfit with a pair of black ballet flats and carried a brown designer purse She had on minimal makeup with a soft pink lipstick and wore her blonde hair down in waves It comes just a few weeks after Smith seemingly friend-zoned Tammy while on KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O Show The revelations didn't paint Tammy in the best light; Bailey appreciated the heads-up and it definitely made him pause for thought. Matt and Tammy were married for just seven months before their split. Weeks after announcing the breakup, Tammy was spotted getting cosy with Bailey on the Gold Coast. Although sparks initially flew, sources say Bailey quickly cooled on the relationship. 'He was open to seeing where things could go, but in the end he called time,' another insider said. Former reality star Anna Heinrich has opened up about a painful childhood experience. The 38-year-old mother of two, who found love on The Bachelor in 2013 with Tim Robards, said she was dubbed 'Barbie' by her classmates during her school years. And rather than it being affectionate, the blonde beauty said the cruel remark was meant to mark her out as a 'bimbo'. 'I still can't get out of my head that I'm not good enough,' Anna confessed, reflecting on the experience during Tuesday's episode of her In Your Skin podcast. 'I know, back when I was younger and I was at school, they called me "Barbie" but not in a positive way - it was about calling me a bimbo.' 'Bimbo', which is usually aimed at women, is a derogatory term implying that someone is both intellectually lightweight and superficial. Former reality star Anna Heinrich (pictured) has opened up about a painful childhood experience. 'I still can't get out of my head that I'm not good enough,' Anna confessed, reflecting on the experience during Tuesday's episode of her In Your Skin podcast Anna made her comments during a chat with guest Peter Scone, a mental wellness guru, known as the Mind Architect. 'Other people's words can only hurt you to the degree that you already believe them,' Scone said during the chat, responding to Anna's painful memory. He continued: 'They said something, but what was actually awoken in you was this idea that you thought there was something wrong with you, that you were less than. 'That's what actually hurt you, is your own view of yourself. Not what somebody said.' Anna shared a video of the chat on her Instagram and added a revealing anecdote about her childhood in the post. 'I wasn't chasing success, I was chasing validation. Trying to prove I was more than my hair colour,' she said. 'And even when I proved it, I couldn't shake the feeling that I still wasn't good enough,' she said. It comes after Anna and Tim recently jetted off to Italy to return to the scene of their lavish 2018 nuptials. The 38-year-old mother of two, who found love on The Bachelor in 2013 with Tim Robards, said she was dubbed 'Barbie' by her classmates during her school years It comes after Anna and her husband Tim (right) recently jetted off to Italy to return to the scene of their lavish 2018 nuptials Taking to Instagram back in July, the couple shared a series of sweet photos documenting their child-free getaway, proving that, after seven years of marriage, their love still burns bright. Anna and Tim tied the knot at the Masseria Potenti hotel, among the olive groves and vineyards of the Puglian countryside, five years after falling in love on The Bachelor. Tim proposed to Anna with a '$173,000' ring in May 2017 while on holiday in the Kimberley, Western Australia. The lovebirds first met in 2013 during the first season of The Bachelor Australia. After saying 'I do', the couple welcomed their first child, daughter Elle, in November 2020, and their second child, daughter Ruby, in March, 2024. Anna revealed in 2024 that she has no plans to have a third child after her life-threatening birth complications with baby daughter Ruby. Anna told Daily Mail Australia she 'appreciates life more' since the harrowing experience, and has no plans to have a third child in the future. Actress Francia Raisa, who donated a kidney to Selena Gomez, has detailed her ADHD and chronic PTSD diagnosis. Posting on TikTok last week Francia told fans how 'three months ago, I learned I have ADHD and chronic PTSD. Since then, I've been in intense therapy - learning, unlearning, and finally just healing'. Under the heading 'vulnerable post incoming,' she explained how dancing has become part of her healing journey and 'the thing that hurt me most is slowly giving me back pieces of myself.' The actress detailed how a 2008 'breakup in the dance world turned something I loved into a trigger,' and said that by 2022 'my body started physically reacting to the trauma I hadn't dealt with. I went to so many doctors, learned about different conditions, and changed my lifestyle... but something was still wrong. I wasn't myself.' 'Three months ago, I learned I have ADHD and chronic PTSD. Since then, I've been in intense therapy - learning, unlearning, and finally just healing.' The post came days before Francia shut down reports that she has fallen out with Selena and referenced the star's wedding to Benny Blanco, which she reportedly did not attend. Actress Francia Raisa, who donated a kidney to Selena Gomez , has detailed her ADHD and chronic PTSD diagnosis Francia donated a kidney to Selena in 2017 after her lupus diagnosis. In her new post Francia told fans how she recently 'learned I have ADHD and chronic PTSD' The 37-year-old was featured in a new interview in which she claimed that reports of her falling out with Selena were just 'rumours'. In the interview, which was apparently filmed at an event in a bookstore, she wished Selena the best ahead of her wedding while speaking in Spanish. 'I know she's getting married, and I'm very happy for her. And look... she has a life and she is already a billionaire and I am grateful that I could do that for her,' she said, according to translated subtitles. After she was asked what she would say to anyone considering organ donation, Francia emphasized that the process is about saving someone's life, rather than creating a special bond with them. 'Look, from the beginning the doctors told me, it's a donation,' she explained. 'If you are going to donate a dollar to St. Jude or somewhere else, you're not going to call to say, "Hey, what are you doing with my dollar?" 'It's a donation and it's something nice that I was able to do,' she said of the kidney she gave to Selena. 'I am grateful that I am alive and I can say that I have saved a life.' Raisa also suggested that organ donation could be 'more difficult' for women compared to men, though she didn't expand on what might cause that gender divide. The actress detailed how a 2008 'breakup in the dance world turned something I loved into a trigger,' and said that by 2022 'my body started physically reacting to the trauma' Under the heading 'vulnerable post incoming,' she explained how dancing has become part of her healing journey and 'the thing that hurt me most is slowly giving me back pieces of myself' The How I Met Your Father actress had a forceful response when she was asked about reports that she had gotten 'angry' with Selena over how she was treating her body after receiving her kidney. 'Well, right now what you are asking me is nonsense that has been in the media, and there are too many rumors,' she responded. 'I've never said anything.' 'When that rumor came out that I had gotten angry or something like that because [Gomez] was smoking, I wasn't aware of those rumors,' she added. 'No one knows what's going on, and neither she nor I are talking about it,' she continued, adding, 'One day, maybe we will address it.' Francia donated a kidney to Selena in 2017 after the Spring Breakers star was diagnosed with lupus. Sufferers of the disease have hyperactive immune systems that can attack their healthy tissues and organs, . The 37-year-old was featured in a new interview in which she claimed that reports of her falling out with Selena were just 'rumors' In a 2018 interview, Francia admitted that both she and Selena fell into a bout of depression following the kidney donation procedure, which nearly killed Gomez after one of her arteries burst in the middle of surgery. Francia recalled the warning that a social worker gave her before the surgery. 'Its going to be hard, the recipient is going to glow and shes going to recover a lot faster than the donor because shes getting something she needs and you are losing something you dont need to lose. Its going to be hard,' she recalled being told in an interview with SELF. 'And it was hard,' Francia continued, adding, 'Selena and I both went through a depression.' Francia also raised her shirt and lowered her pants to reveal a mark resembling a 'C-section' scar, as well as smaller scars higher on her stomach. Francia and Selena previously revealed their scars from the donation procedure. Selena also has one on the inside of her thigh from emergency surgery to save her life after one of her arteries burst during the procedure She also noted that Selena had a large scar on the inside of her thigh that was from the emergency surgery to repair her rupture artery. In the same interview, Francia mentioned that it was Gomez who informed her that she was a match for the kidney donation, rather than doctors, which led some fans to worry that she may have felt pressured to agree to the donation. In 2022, the pair were rumored to be feuding after Selena said in a Rolling Stone interview that 'My only friend in the industry really is Taylor [Swift], so I remember feeling like I didnt belong.' 'Interesting,' Francia wrote in a since-deleted comment on a post about the quotation. In response to Francia's comment, Selena replied, 'Sorry I didn't mention every person I know.' But the following year, the two tried to tamp down any talk of a feud. 'I will never, ever, ever be more in debt to a person that Francia,' Gomez said in her Apple TV+ docuseries Dear... 'The idea of someone not even second-guessing to be a donor was unbelievably overwhelming.' The same year, Francia emphasized that she was not 'forced' into donating her kidney. Both actress tamped down speculation about a feud in 2023, but Francia admitted that she and Selena hadn't spoken much in recent years, though they had recently gotten close again 'It came out of the genuine kindness of my heart, and Ive been super blessed ever since,' she said in an interview on the Good Guys podcast. In December 2023, Francia admitted that she and Gomez had been distant in recent years, but she confirmed that they were still friends. 'We hadnt spoken much in six years. Especially [in] the last year, we didnt speak at all,' she told USA Today, though she said that they had made up around her 35th birthday. 'Weve never really had beef with each other. Nothing happened, and if you ask either of us, we dont know what happened, but we needed that time apart. Then when you come back together, youre better people.' In 2024, she told E! News that she and Selena could go long periods of time without talking despite still being friends. Francia was reportedly not at Selena's wedding, which featured A-listers including Taylor Swift, Gomez's Only Murders In The Building costars Steve Martin and Martin Short, Zoe Saldana, Paris and Nicky Hilton and Ed Sheeran, among others 'One of the best, the best friendships that I know, you go a year without talking, and then when you see each other again, its like you never went a day without talking. So, thats where its at,' she said of her relationship with Selena. Francia also noted that, although she and Gomez were close, she wasn't close with Gomez's other friends. Francia went unmentioned among the notable guests at Selena's wedding to Blanco. Fans noticed that she shared a video on Instagram of herself dancing with a choreographer around the time of the wedding, suggesting that she was elsewhere. As soon as the Duke of Sussex lost a legal challenge over his taxpayer-funded security in Britain back in May, he rushed to give a BBC interview in which he admitted to being devastated and declared, emotionally: I cant see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point. Surely, then, I wasnt the only one surprised to learn that his wife, Meghan, was in Paris last weekend? The French capital was, of course, the place where Prince Harrys mother, Princess Diana, was killed in a car crash after she voluntarily gave up her official Metropolitan Police protection officers. So you might have thought Paris would be the last place the Duke would want his wife to be, particularly as he was not with her. Instead, she was accompanied to Paris Fashion Week by loyal friend Markus Anderson. Hes the chief relationship officer at the Soho House global chain of private members clubs, whose relationship with the Duchess of Sussex is so close that hes been described as her second husband. Given Harrys security concerns for his family - which were sufficiently deep that he was prepared to sue his fathers Government at great personal expense - questions have been asked about the real reason for the Duchess of Sussexs first visit to Europe since she attended the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf more than two years ago. Now, I can provide some answers. Meghans French sojourn was part of the Establishment plot - backed by some senior politicians and courtiers - that I have written about here in previous weeks. And Ive even discovered its name. Meghan Markle at the Balenciaga Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week last week Markus Anderson, Chief Relationship Officer at Soho House. Anderson is so close to the Duchess of Sussex that he has been described as her 'second husband' Its known as Project Thaw because the aim is to 'warm up' the Dukes and Duchesss frosty relationships with the rest of the Royal Family and with the British people. And what could be better than pictures of her being greeted with kisses by the European fashion pack as well as Vogue supremo Dame Anna Wintour? This trip is all part of the thaw process, a friend of the California-based couple tells me. Things had once been very different of course. Just as Harry fell head over heels for Meghan, who played a seductive paralegal in cable television drama Suits, the British public embraced the American actress after she moved to London in 2017 and the couple announced their engagement. On that sunny spring day when they were married the following year, thousands of well-wishers flocked to Windsor to celebrate the royal wedding, with tens of thousands more glued to their TVs. The Sussexes relations with the rest of Harrys family soon started to cool, however - and the British public was not far behind. After the couple quit royal duties and moved to North America in 2020, attitudes hardened further. Prince Harry told the BBC after he lost a legal challenge over his taxpayer-funded security in Britain in May that he 'cant see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point' And when Harry and Meghan voiced their public criticism of the Royal Family to Oprah Winfrey, to viewers of their Netflix series and in Harrys tawdry memoir, Spare, their relationship with Britain iced over completely. Project Thaw aims to melt that hostility, building on the perceived success of the dukes visit to Britain last month when he carried out charity engagements and, crucially, was invited to Clarence House for tea with King Charles. It was the first face-to-face meeting between father and son in 19 months. That was followed by a visit to Kyiv, where Harry just happened to arrive on the same train to the war-torn Ukrainian capital as the newly appointed Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper. I understand that Ms Cooper is among the Establishment figures who admire the duke and want him to play a bigger part in public life. While in Kyiv, Harry told anti-monarchy newspaper The Guardian that he hoped to return to Britain with Meghan and their children, Prince Archie, aged six, and Princess Lilibet, four. This week has definitely brought that closer, he claimed. I can disclose that the next planned move in the plot or process as their pals prefer to put it, suggesting a natural progression is the couples first joint visit to Britain since they attended a charity engagement in September 2022, then stayed on for Queen Elizabeths funeral. Meghan will return to Britain before the year is out, the friend tells me, adding jokingly that she will be bearing humble pie. It remains to be seen whether bearing humble pie - and eating it, presumably - is sufficient to placate the Royal Family or the British people. I, for one, wont be tasting a slice until she apologises to senior royals including the Prince and Princess of Wales for the profound hurt that she and her husband have caused. Sign up for the weekly Palace Confidential newsletter. Nicole Kidman debuted her new hairdo this week, including a choppy fringe, soft waves and a strawberry blonde tone. And according to one celebrity stylist, the Australian actress has showcased the ultimate 'revenge hair' after announcing her split from husband Keith Urban. Jaye Edwards, owner and founder of Edwards & Co, told Elle Magazine the new do has the 'relaxed old money energy' that 'everyone's chasing right now.' 'Nicole's hair is the perfect example of soft luxury, effortlessly undone and super healthy,' he said. 'What makes this look work so well is the softness; the colour melts seamlessly. The shape of the cut feels undone but intentional,' he added. Jaye also praised the strawberry blonde as 'a beautiful choice for her skin and eye colour' and added that it was a 'lived-in, expensive-looking tone.' Nicole Kidman (pictured) debuted her new hairdo this week, including a choppy fringe, soft waves and a strawberry blonde tone According to one celebrity stylist, the Australian actress has showcased the ultimate 'revenge hair' after announcing her split from husband Keith Urban The result? Effortless glamour, oozing wealth and confidence - the perfect 'revenge hair'. It comes after Nicole's fans came out swinging in her defence amid her split with Keith Urban. Nicole returned to social media on Tuesday with a post announcing her new role as a Chanel ambassador. She was inundated with support from her admirers, with many praising the 58-year-old's glowing new look and fresh hairdo. 'How could Keith Urban leave this gorgeous, amazing, talented woman,' wrote one person in the comments of Nicole's latest Instagram post. 'We're all here for you Nicole, you can count on all your fans. You can start to wear heels again, find yourself a tall good looking man,' they added. 'The glow up is real,' said another while one more chimed in, 'Keith who? Keep slaying queen!' Someone else said, 'First she served the divorce papers and then she served face.' 'Fantastic! I'm excited for your next chapter,' another fan said, with one more commenting, 'Keith who? You are amazing!' Jaye Edwards, owner and founder of Edwards & Co, told Elle Magazine the new do has the 'relaxed old money energy' that 'everyone's chasing right now' Jaye also praised the strawberry blonde as 'a beautiful choice for her skin and eye colour' and added that it was a 'lived-in, expensive-looking tone' The result? Effortless glamour, oozing wealth and confidence - the perfect 'revenge hair' 'Imagine fumbling Nicole Kidman. Embarrassing,' someone else wrote, with another saying, 'This era is beautiful on you'. 'You just won,' a fan said simply, with another writing, 'Look so much better single baby!' Even TV star Catriona Rowntree chimed in, writing, 'We are right behind you! Perfect choice.' This week, Kidman shared major career news after announcing her separation from her husband of 19 years. The Australian superstar revealed in a statement on Tuesday that she is returning to Chanel as an ambassador following the debut of Matthieu Blazy as the House's new creative director. Nicole was supported by her children on Monday evening as she made her second notable public appearance since confirming the end of her marriage, while attending Chanel's showpiece catwalk presentation during Paris Fashion Week. Kidman was joined by children Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret while mingling with a star-studded guest list in the French capital. 'I am thrilled to be joining Chanel as it begins its new chapter with Matthieu at the helm,' she said. The Hollywood star announced her split from Urbanlast week amid claims the country star has already moved on and is romantically involved with a younger woman in the music industry. Pictured together in 2017 The Hollywood star announced her split from Urban last week. It comes amid claims the country star has already moved on and is romantically involved with a younger woman in the music industry. The well-placed Nashville music business PR source said: 'The rumour is that he's with a younger woman in the business. 'It's all everyone is talking about. Everyone wants to know who, but so far, that's a mystery.' Daily Mail has contacted representatives for comment. Meanwhile, Kidman discussed 'taking risks' and the mistakes she has made in a new interview with Vogue published Wednesday. 'Taking a risk is what I've always done,' she shared in the cover piece. 'You get back up and you try again and you learn.' 'Literally walk away from it because it will fell you. It will destroy you,' Kidman candidly shared. Nicole was supported by her children on Monday evening as she made her second notable public appearance since confirming the end of her marriage, while attending Chanel 's showpiece catwalk presentation during Paris Fashion Week. Pictured with her daughters Kidman did not address the divorce directly during her interview but was instead 'wry, rueful, unsure of herself' when asked about how she felt now in her 50s. 'How many times do you have to be taught that you think you know where your life is going and then it isn't going in that direction?' she quizzed, before stressing the importance of 'ride-or-die friendships.' She later reflected: 'So much to say and so little time to say it. About death and life and joy and grief and loss and sex and why we're here and what is truth and is truth even necessary.' Her new interview marked the 41st cover she's been on in the international magazine - including their Australian and UK editions. Brooklyn Beckham was enjoying a motorbike ride with his wife Nicola Peltz while across the Atlantic his family were toasting his estranged mother Victoria's success at the premiere for her self-titled Netflix documentary. The fashion designer, 51, was surrounded by her nearest and dearest at the screening before partying the night away in celebration - but there was one notable absence. While Victoria and her inner circle gathered together for the occasion in London, Brooklyn was thousands of miles away in Beverly Hills amid their ongoing feud. Suggesting it is very much them against the world, Nicola, 30, clung onto her man as they zoomed through the streets on a pricey red Ducati motorbike. With her hand across his chest, the actress flashed her huge diamond wedding ring as the loved-up couple looked more smitten than ever. Nicola showed off her svelte frame in a tight-fitting black top and yoga pants, sporting matching helmets with her husband. Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz were seen out together on his motorbike as his mother's Netflix documentary premiered in the UK on Wednesday night While Victoria and her inner circle gathered together for the occasion in London, Brooklyn was thousands of miles away in Beverly Hills amid their ongoing feud Suggesting it is very much them against the world, Nicola, 30, clung onto her man as they zoomed through the streets on a pricey red Ducati motorbike Meanwhile, the rest of his family were dolled up as they gathered to watch the first two episodes of Victoria's new show Brooklyn flashed his tattooed legs in a pair of blue shorts and a zip-up hoodie with a pair of Converse, opting for a very casual look. Meanwhile, the rest of his family were dolled up as they gathered to watch the first two episodes of Victoria's new show. But the evening was another poignant moment and perhaps a painful reminder that things have changed for the Beckham gang. For it was just over two years ago that Brooklyn and Nicola were in attendance for the premiere of David's show, Beckham, which was held at the same venue. While Victoria and her husband have reconciled that they won't see their eldest son for the foreseeable future, he and Nicola are 'always missed' at family gatherings following the fallout which came to a head when the pair shunned all of David's 50th birthday celebrations. Speaking at the premiere, Victoria thanked Brooklyn, along with her other children, for their support. Paying tribute she said thanks 'to my husband for convincing me and forcing me giving me no choice, David. 'My children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, Harper and David. Oh no, he's not a child. It has taken this process to realise I am enough.' She added: 'This process really forced me to reflect on my journey and it has been emotional. With her hand across his chest, the actress flashed her huge diamond wedding ring as the couple looked more smitten than ever Nicola showed off her svelte frame in a tight-fitting black top and yoga pants as the couple sported matching helmets Brooklyn flashed his tattooed legs in a pair of blue shorts and a zip-up hoodie with a pair of Converse, opting for a very casual look Nicola perched on the back of the bike as the couple drove through the quiet streets at night They paused at the side of the road during the quiet evening, worlds apart from the Beckham family's big night out in London Nicola, who was wearing towering heels, wrapped her arms around Brooklyn's neck 'It's been a year of intense therapy and it really made me realise a lot. I want to thank my mum and dad, my brother and my sister. I'd like to thank the Spice Girls, I love you.' Despite Brooklyn's absence, it was a night of delight for Victoria, who was dressed in a gown from her own collection because there was a mini Spice Girls reunion which was only incomplete because Melanie Brown is currently away on business in the US. She did, however, send Victoria flowers to wish her luck for her big night yesterday. There, though, were Geri Halliwell-Horner, Emma Bunton and Melanie Chisholm. Geri was joined by her husband Christian who made their first public appearance since it emerged that the former Formula 1 team principal received an 80million pay off from his former employer, Red Bull. Geri was dressed in her trademark white as she posed for the cameras. A source close to Victoria said: 'Victoria is so happy that the Spice Girls could be there. She just loves being with them so much. 'They are a huge part of her journey and they are featured a lot in the documentary. It was a shame that Mel B wasn't there but she was away, and on this occasion nobody was not there because of any in-fighting.' Brooklyn and Nicola make an unexpected appearance in the docuseries despite their estrangement from Victoria Despite Brooklyn's absence, it was a night of delight for Victoria, who was dressed in a gown from her own collection Brooklyn and Nicola make an unexpected appearance in the docuseries despite their estrangement from Victoria. In scenes filmed at Victoria's September 2024 Paris Fashion Week show, the designer launches into an emotional monologue about her desire to make her family and colleagues proud. The montage cuts between images of Victoria's collaborators, with Brooklyn and Nicola seen mingling with guests in the background. The rest of Victoria's family - husband David and kids Romeo, 23, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 14, all get more screen time and are shown proudly sitting on the front row ready for the show. Brooklyn and his wife Nicola are at the heart of an acrimonious divide that has seen them notably absent from all significant family celebrations over recent months. The Beckhams are said to no longer be on speaking terms with Brooklyn and Nicola. At the close of the documentary Victoria breaks down in tears as she reflects on her need to build on her success and make her family proud Brooklyn and Nicola were very much part of the family celebrations for David's Netflix premiere two years ago The drama continued as Brooklyn appeared to ignore his brother Romeo's 23rd birthday, in yet another milestone snub - choosing instead to post about his LA life with Nicola. He also failed to attend any of his father David's 50th birthday celebrations in May. His family - including brothers Romeo, Cruz, and sister Harper - were not present to watch him renew his wedding vows with Nicola in New York's Westchester County on August 2. The lack of Beckham presence at Brooklyn's vow renewal was a clear sign Brooklyn and Nicola have washed their hands with his family - with many indications seemingly marking Brooklyn's intentions to quit Brand Beckham for good. The Beckhams were said to be upset by the Peltzs during Brooklyn and Nicola's first wedding in 2022, as they felt they were taking over the wedding. The two families have not reunited since and Nicola has rarely been pictured with the Beckhams. The nastiest divorce in Hollywood just got personal actor Ioan Gruffudd is going to represent himself in court in his divorce from actress Alice Evans. On October 2, Ioan filed a 'substitution of attorney' notice at the Superior Court of LA which makes it clear he will be representing himself. This means he may get to quiz his wife Bianca Gruffudd, ex-wife Evans and other witnesses on the stand. Bianca, 33, and Ioan, 52, claim that 57-year-old Evans continues to harass them, which Evans denies. In August, Ioan's well-respected lawyer Matt Russakow filed a motion to be 'relieved as counsel.' He gave as the reason an 'irreconcilable breakdown of the attorney-client relationship.' Russakow had been representing Ioan over his bid to extend a DVRO (Domestic Violence Restraining Order). Ioan had a three-year order made against Evans in August 2022 after he told a court that she sent him hundreds of text messages and tweets, including one which ran: 'Some vixen has your nuts between her veneers.' That order said Evans had to stay away from Ioan and Bianca and banned her from speaking about them, including in interviews or on social media. He now wants to extend it indefinitely, and says in a court filing that she has continued to harass him with thousands of social media messages which she denies. Actor Ioan Gruffudd (pictured right exiting court in Los Angeles in July 2025 with wife Bianca, left) is going to represent himself in court in his divorce from actress Alice Evans Ioan had a three-year order made against Evans in August 2022 after he told a court that she sent him hundreds of text messages and tweets That order said Evans (pictured right with Ioan, left, in 2011) had to stay away from Ioan and Bianca and banned her from speaking about them, including in interviews or on social media Russakow quit after Ioan made public in a court filing a series of text messages from his own daughters Ella and Elsie accusing Ioan of not helping them when they were being evicted from their home due to unpaid rent. Ioan contends in the court paper that the messages were written by his ex-wife. She denies this. In one his daughter Ella, 15, apparently wrote: 'You left us and now you can't provide for us. 'You need to get a job daddy. Looking after your girlfriend is not a job. You are a father who has abandoned his children and doesn't see them or talk to them. You don't even send Christmas presents. It's pathetic and everyone sees you. 'PS if there is enough money for us never to become homeless then why aren't you helping us out? You hate mummy more than you love us.' There will be a mediation settlement conference in December and possibly a full week in court next year if the pair cannot reach an agreement on child and spousal support and whether the restraining order gets scrapped or extended. Ioan's attorney in the financial side of the divorce is still in place. The 'Fantastic Four' and 'Hornblower' actor attended court last month with new wife Bianca, who is pregnant. He and Bianca, an aspiring actress, appear to have met in 2020 when she was an extra on his TV drama 'Harrow.' He left Evans in January 2021 and he and Bianca went public with their romance in October that year. Bianca strongly denies that they were together romantically when he was still married. Ioan and Evans met on the set of '102 Dalmatians,' which was released in 2000, and have been legally divorced for two years. Both sides are pleading poverty, with Evans saying it is simply not possible to make ends meet on the existing payments from Ioan, which comprise $3,000 (2,250) per month in child support and $1,500 (1,125) a month in spousal support. In a written statement to court, backed by documentation, she says she owes money to utility companies, and defaulted on the $6,500 (4,800) a month rent at their previous apartment in Beverly Hills, which led to her eviction. She also claims in the paper that she owes her lawyer $35,000 (26,000). Ioan and Bianca, an aspiring actress, appear to have met in 2020 when she was an extra on his TV drama 'Harrow.' (Pictured: Ioan and Bianca in July 2025) Ioan and Evans (pictured in 2015) met on the set of '102 Dalmatians,' which was released in 2000, and have been legally divorced for two years This summer she and her daughters moved out to a modest property in suburban Encino in the San Fernando Valley. Ioan is meanwhile seeking to reduce the payments and says that it isn't possible to find more or better paid work. In a legal filing last year, Evans wrote of her regrets at the behavior that led to the restraining order in the summer of 2022, and said she had not contacted him in years. She wrote: 'I understand why the Court issued the DVRO (restraining order), and I wish I had never sent the messages or published the social media posts. 'I was acting out of emotional anguish caused by the unexpected end of our marriage and Ioan's rather quick public announcement of a new romantic relationship on social media, which our eldest daughter discovered via an Instagram post.' But when asked in a legal form how many times he believed the order has been breached by his ex since it was filed, Ioan indicated: 'Approximately 5,000 times.' That would amount to an average of 138 times a month - or four times a day. Evans denies that this is the case. Ioan believes his ex-wife has been harassing him mostly through anonymous Twitter accounts, but also claims in a legal filing she has physically stalked him. She hit back in a court paper: 'There is absolutely no evidence of stalking... I have no idea where he and his wife live, nor do I have any interest in stalking them. This is plainly ridiculous.' She also denies Ioan's contention that she has made herself homeless in order to make him look bad, which she says is simply absurd. There was an ugly incident in 2023 during a custody visit when Ella, now 15, first met her father's new girlfriend. She said that she hadn't wanted to meet Bianca, and Ioan said in court documents that Ella had reacted furiously to Bianca's presence and vandalized the apartment. The teen applied for a restraining order against her father, which was not granted. Cruz Beckham has continued to tease his new song by sharing snaps of merch revealing the release date. The youngest Beckham son, 20, has reportedly signed with the top music management company C3, who worked with the US indie group The Strokes. Now, in a further nod to his upcoming music, Cruz has shared a snap teasing the date '24.10.25' - which he first mentioned last month. Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Cruz reshared a picture of an array of white t-shirts, with one featuring the October date. Possibly hinting at song lyrics, one t-shirt read 'You wanna know how it looks' while another had the writing 'I know how it feels'. Finally, one of the t-shirts also said 'Cruz Beckham, Coming Soon.' Cruz Beckham has continued to tease his new song by sharing snaps of merch revealing the release date on Instagram on Thursday Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Cruz reshared a picture of an array of white t-shirts, with one featuring the October date Cruz made sure all eyes were on him on on Friday as he strode around Paris in a pair of quirky green frog clogs. However while Cruz's bold fashion choice may have appeared out of the blue, it seemed instead he could be hinting at his upcoming music venture. And 'frog clues' have been popping up on Cruz's social media account for months, with fans becoming increasingly suspicious. The frog furore began back in April when Cruz included the drawing of a cartoon frog at the end of an Instagram dump. In the following months he has shared numerous snaps and videos of him rehearsing with his band, captioning his June post with a tongue and frog emoji. Later in July, Cruz shared sneak peak of new music as he strummed his guitar in the back of the car and sang the lyrics 'Green day in Paris', perhaps a hint to the title of an upcoming album. Then last week he created his own 'green day in Paris' as he sported a pair of 370 quirky green frog clogs from JW Anderson while walking hand in hand with his girlfriend Jackie Apostel. Jackie was also kitted out in green heels and bright green leather gloves which tied in with the song and frog hints. In the following months he has shared numerous snaps and videos of him rehearsing with his band, captioning his June post with a tongue and frog emoji In recent weeks it seems hints towards new music have really accelerated, with Cruz's girlfriend Jackie Apostel also getting in on the froggy games And in recent weeks it seems hints towards new music have really accelerated, with Cruz's girlfriend also getting in on the froggy games. Posting a snap from rehearsals in mid September, Jackie, who is also a songwriter, commented: 'It's about time I think?' as Cruz replied: 'I agree'. Meanwhile, as Cruz sported his bizarre shoes ahead of Victoria's Paris Fashion Show on Friday, his girlfriend took to her own Instagram to share a snap of the pairs feet as well as a zoomed in picture of her hat, which again read the date '24.10.25'. Cruz was also seen walking about with the upcoming October date printed on a white T-shirt. And while it was thought that date marked the publication of Victoria's upcoming cover issue with Elle USA Magazine, fans are starting to think it could be something more and may mark the release of new music. On Sunday Cruz gave his biggest hint yet as he posed in a toad headpiece and sunglasses, captioning the post 'What sound does a horny toad make'. He then answered his own caption with 'Rubbit' while his girlfriend commented: 'Toadally'. Fans have gone wild for the clues as they asked: 'Whats happening on the 24th? Music?'; 'New single???'; 'Hey what's 24.10.25 means? A date for what?'; Later in July, Cruz shared sneak peak of new music as he strummed his guitar in the back of the car and sang the lyrics 'Green day in Paris' Posting a snap from rehearsals in mid September, Jackie, who is also a songwriter, commented: 'it's about time i think?' as Cruz replied: 'I agree' 'If its a release date Im toadally down for it'; 'Go cruzie cannot wait whats on the 24th'. While others speculated whether it might be an album announcement, another suggested his new band is called 'toads'. They penned: 'album is coming, i feel it'; 'Cruz just tell us ?? Band song release and band is called toads ? My humble guess'. The Daily Mail contacted Cruz's representatives for comment at the time. As well as teasing October 24, fans have also marked October 14 in their diary after he shared a snap to Instagram showing a stack of invitations barring that date. Above the date, the invitations read: 'Cruz D Beckham officially invites you, one night only.' The picture showing the invitations on his Instagram story was followed by a snap of a guitar with a winking-face emoji - leading fans to believe his event was music related. Cruz originally attempted to begin his music career when he was just 11-years-old after he released his festive single If Everyday Was Christmas back in 2016. He also announced on Monday that he will be attending a burger event in Seaport to collaborate with Hamburger America and his hot sauce. Brazilian influencer Valioso has died at the age of 20. The social media personality, who was born Alex Luan dos Santos Pereira, was driving a car at top speed when it crashed into a tree. While Valioso died in impact, it is not known how his four passengers are doing after they were rushed to a hospital. The accident happened on October 4 on Padre Alfredo Street in front of Jardim da Saudade Cemetery in Jacobina, Brazil. According to Brazilian news site g1, which cited local authorities, Valioso was driving in a speeding car with four others when the vehicle crashed into a tree. The other passengers were taken to Vicentina Goulart Regional Hospital. Valioso had over 1 million followers on TikTok and 400,000 on Instagram. Brazilian influencer Valioso has died at the age of 20. The social media personality, who was born Alex Luan dos Santos Pereira, was driving a car at top speed when it crashed into a tree While Valioso died in impact, it is not known how his four passengers are doing after they were rushed to a hospital. The accident happened on October 4 on Padre Alfredo Street in front of Jardim da Saudade Cemetery in Jacobina, Brazil According to Brazilian news site g1, which cited local authorities, Valioso was driving in a speeding car with four others when the vehicle crashed into a tree. The other passengers were taken to Vicentina Goulart Regional Hospital His last Instagram post was made on September 29. Valioso's earliest post on TikTok dates back to November 2023. Valiosos death comes days after news broke that influencer Adair Mendes Dutra Junior reportedly died at age 31 after experiencing complications from a cosmetic procedure. The fashion influencer - known as Junior Dutra on Instagram - passed on October 3, a month after claiming to have suffered complications from a 'fox eyes' surgery that prompted him to seek medical treatment at a hospital. Junior's friend Gean Souza confirmed his passing with the Brazilian magazine Quem, alleging his complications developed into an infection, according to People. In an interview conducted in Portuguese, Souza alleged his friend 'became ill, felt very short of breath, and was taken to the nearest emergency room at a public hospital' on October 3 before dying. 'He had been having infectious reactions and feeling discomfort since the procedure,' Souza said. 'Last Friday, the problem worsened.' Dutra claimed in a September interview with Feed TV that he had gotten an infection after undergoing the procedure by Dr. Fernando Garbi back in March. He claimed he developed an infection after the procedure that led him to seek help at a hospital, according to People. In a statement via his lawyer, Garbi denied the allegations, calling them 'false'. Junior's interview contained content of what appeared to be bruises and swelling on his face, People notes. They also report Junior said he was being looked after by a dermatologist at the time. The Daily Mail has contacted Garbi and his lawyer Marcelo Cheli for comment but have not yet heard back. The fox eye surgery, which lifts the outer corners of the eyes to create a sharper, feline shape, has gained traction globally among celebrities and influencers. Prior to his passing, Junior filed a request for investigation against the doctor with 15th Police District of Sao Paulo, according to LeoDias portral, which has seen the legal documents. Brazilian fashion influencer Adair Mendes Dutra Junior has sadly died at age 31 People reports that the late stylist was suing the doctor on six allegations, including illegal practice of medicine, serious bodily injury, and fraudulent misrepresentation. Garbi's lawyer denied the allegations made against the doctor in a statement, calling them 'false'. Per People, the statement says that Garbi has no 'connection' with Dutra's death. The denial, uploaded to Garbi's Instagram, said that the allegations leveled against the doctor were being made 'by people eager for brief moments of notoriety.' 'All legal measures, in the civil and criminal spheres, will be taken against the authors of the insults and slander, so that they respond, to the exact extent of their responsibilities, for the injuries perpetrated against Doctor Fernando,' the statement concludes, according to People. People reports that Garbi - whose website states he's a maxillofacial surgeon, a facial and cosmetic surgeon, and facial and esthetic harmonization specialist - also denied any links between the 'fox eyes' procedure and alleged infection in an interview with Portal Leo Dias. 'We still don't have the medical records with the cause of death,' Junior's friend Souza told Quem. And TikTok star Jacinda Jenkins died on September 29 at the age of 28 leaving behind two daughters, her mother Emily Kocik confirmed in a video. 'This is absolutely the worst thing I've ever had to do,' Kocik said via TikTok on Wednesday adding the passing was unexpected. 'I just want everybody to remember her for the person that she was her big heart, her kindness, willing to help anybody out even when she was struggling.' Jenkins, who was born in Lewis Town, Pennsylvania, had more than 200,000 followers on TikTok. Her content centered on fashion, lifestyle and motherhood. She was also the owner of Harper's Haven Boutique. She operated the boutique shop from Kentucky, selling her custom-made T-shirts and scrunchies on online platforms such as Etsy and Shopify. TikTok star Jacinda Jenkins has died at the age of 28 leaving behind two daughters, her mother Emily Kocik confirmed this week 'This is absolutely the worst thing I've ever had to do,' Kocik said via TikTok on Wednesday adding the passing was unexpected She was the mother two two daughters: Harper and Dax. An obituary shared by Cooper Funeral Home stated that Jenkins' death was 'sudden.' Her mother added, 'She was unequivocally herself all the time, and that's one of the things that made her absolutely wonderful. 'If we can just remember her for who she was, not things that happened in the past, just recently, just all the good things about her. 'There's no blame to be made. There's no questions that need to be answered right now,' she added. 'The only thing that we need to do is just remember her.' Her final TikTok was from August 15. 'Guys, we haven't been on here in a little bit,' she said as she said one of her daughters had fractured her arm. Jodie Foster looked chic in a three-piece pinstripe suit as she attended the BFI London Film Festival premiere of French psychological thriller, A Private Life. The American actress, 62, made an appearance at the Curzon Mayfair cinema on Thursday as part of the 69th BFI London Film Festival. She opted for an all-black ensemble for the premiere of A Private Life, taking to the red carpet in a black pinstripe three-piece suit featuring a blazer, wide-leg trousers and a waistcoat. Jodie accessorised with mini hoop earrings and open-toed black platform heels as she joined director Rebecca Zlotowski. The new psychological thriller sees Jodie's character, Lilian Steiner, launch a private investigation into the death of one of her patients after she becomes convinced she has been murdered. The movie, which premiered at Cannes Film Festival in May, received an impressive eight-minute standing ovation, according to Variety. Jodie Foster looked chic in a three-piece pinstripe suit as she attended the British Film Festival premiere of French psychological thriller, A Private Life, in London on Thursday Jodie accessorised with mini hoop earrings and open-toed black platform heels as she joined director Rebecca Zlotowski Directed and co-written by Rebecca, Jodie stars in the movie alongside the likes of Daniel, Virginie Efira, Mathieu Amalric and Vincent Lacoste. Jodie was joined by Daniel Auteuil and Rebecca Zlotowski at the photocall for A Private Life, in Cannes, France, back in May. She cut a stylish figure in a cream floral fringe maxi dress as she posed alongside her co-star and movie director at Palais des Festivals during the Cannes Film Festival. Later in the day, Jodie attended a press conference for the new movie, where she revealed that she had previously been offered leading roles in French films before making Vie Privee, but was 'too scared' to take them on. The Oscar winner is fluent in the language, having attended a French school while growing up in Los Angeles. She told Variety: 'I had secondary parts (in French films) before, but I was actually afraid. 'A number of directors offered me projects, but I was too scared to act in French. I thought someone who was more familiar with French should do so. 'But I don't really remember how things worked out this time around.' She opted for an all-black ensemble for the premiere of A Private Life, taking to the red carpet in a black pinstripe three-piece suit featuring a blazer, wide-leg trousers and a waistcoat Earlier in the press conference, Jodie said leading a French movie was something she had 'wanted to do for a long time', but learning all of the dialogue was a huge challenge for her. She added: 'The great thing is that when I act in French, I'm a totally different person. 'I have a much higher voice, I'm much less confident, and I get very frustrated because I cant express myself as well.' In May Foster said she was too 'busy' to take a cameo in the Disney sequel 'Freakier Friday'. The actress starred as the teenage lead in the original 1976 version of the body-swap comedy, but was working on a new film when she was offered the chance to appear in the new reboot of the film. Referring to Vie Privee, her new French-language film which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, Jodie told Variety: 'I was busy doing this movie. 'But Jamie Lee Curtis is a really good friend of mine. I followed the shoot and all that stuff.' The new sequel sees Jamie Lee Curtis, 66, and Lindsay Lohan, 38, reprising their roles as Tess and Anna Coleman from the 2003 hit 'Freaky Friday', which was a remake of the 1976 version. Jodie starred as the teenage lead in that version opposite Barbara Harris. Channing Tatum discussed his relationship with daughter Everly on Thursday's episode of The Drew Barrymore Show. While promoting his new film Roofman, the 45-year-old actor took a moment to share an anecdote about the 12-year-old child he shares with ex-wife Jenna Dewan. He said he's noticed a change in Everly as she prepares to enter her teenage years. Referencing host Drew's daughters Olive, 13, and Frankie, 11, he said, 'I don't know when yours started changing or if [they started changing], but it's just happening for me.' He said about the pre-teen, 'She was always like, you know, pretty opinionated, very strong-willed, but now it's just on a whole different level.' 'I got yelled at in an escape room yesterday. Like, she's never yelled at me before,' the father-of-one shared. Channing Tatum discussed his relationship with daughter Everly on Thursday's episode of The Drew Barrymore Show The 45-year-old actor took a moment to share an anecdote about the 12-year-old; pictured in September He continued, 'All I did I was like, [say] "I wonder what..." [and] she's like, "Dad, don't touch that!"' The A-lister added, 'And I'm like, whoa, what was that? We're both trying to solve this problem and now I feel like we have to go to therapy because of that moment.' He said about Everly: 'Like, that was not you. Her eyes changed. Like, they just went shark black or something. It was crazy.' It comes after Channing stopped by The Kelly Clarkson Show this week and made comments about his daughter. He explained that juggling his career with fatherhood is an ongoing 'negotiation.' 'It's a balance and it's a constant negotiation,' the leading man told host Kelly. 'I actually just had a conversation with my daughter on the way to school like two days ago because I'm trying to make some decisions on a movie to go do next year that's going to be in Australia and I won't get to see her for like almost two months,' he shared. And the actor, who is dating 26-year-old model Inka Williams, pointed out, 'I've never really done that other than on Roofman. It was a conversation then as well because it was in North Carolina.' Channing was on the talk show with co-star Kirsten Dunst to promote their new film Roofman Channing shares Everly with ex-wife Jenna Dewan, 44 Everly accompanied her father on the red carpet at the English Dub premiere of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Infinity Castle in September. Following the glitzy event, he took to Instagram to share photos with his 17.3 million followers. The proud dad gushed, 'Walking the #DemonSlayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Infinity Castle carpet with Evie by my side was honestly a dream come true. 'Shes been my anime inspiration from the start, and sharing this moment with her made my first time voicing Keizo extra special.' He finished the caption, 'Having a project we both love in theaters now just feels unreal. [My] heart is full and fanboy levels are off the charts!' Penny Lancaster showcased her sophisticated sense of style as she joined Trinny Woodall at The King's Trust Ultimate Designer Sale Gala evening at The Vinyl Factory in London on Thursday. The TV personality, 54, looked effortlessly chic in a black satin dress paired with a tailored satin blazer, as she posed up a storm for cameras at the event. The stylish number featured a semi-sheer V-neckline trimmed with lace, a draped silhouette, a daring thigh-high slit, and a lace hem. She opted for adding height to her frame with a pair of patent black leather cowboy boots. To complete her ensemble, the wife of Rod Stewart, 80, toted her essentials in a 2,350 Yves Saint Laurent handbag. Meanwhile, Trinny, 61, turned heads in a striking floor-length gown embellished with blue sequins. Penny Lancaster showcased her sophisticated sense of style as she attended The King's Trust Ultimate Designer Sale Gala evening at The Vinyl Factory in London on Thursday The TV personality, 54, was also joined by Trinny Woodall, 61, who turned heads in a striking floor-length gown embellished with blue sequins The stylish number featured petal-effect layered sleeves, a cinched waist, and a flowing hem. Letting the dress take centre stage, Trinny kept accessories minimal, finishing her look with chunky silver bangles. The TV host appeared in high spirits as she posed with pal Gaby Roslin, 61, ahead of the event. Gaby cut a vibrant figure in a hot pink button-up blouse and wide-leg drawstring trousers. Meanwhile, former Made In Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo, 30, looked chic in a dark red mini dress. Her statement piece featured a high collar, a cut-out bust, ruched three-quarter puff sleeves, and a pleated skirt. She styled the look with sheer black tights, black leather knee-high boots, and a mini black leather shoulder bag. Fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper, 38, exuded sophistication in a black power suit, comprised of a double-breasted blazer and wide-leg trousers. Penny looked effortlessly chic in a black satin dress paired with a tailored satin blazer, as she posed up a storm for cameras at the event The stylish number featured a semi-sheer V-neckline trimmed with lace, a draped silhouette, a daring thigh-high slit, and a lace hem Meanwhile, Trinny's stylish number featured petal-effect layered sleeves, a cinched waist, and a flowing hem (L-R Gaby Roslin and Trinny) Letting the dress take centre stage, Trinny kept accessories minimal, finishing her look with chunky silver bangles The TV host appeared in high spirits as she posed with pal Gaby Roslin, 61, ahead of the event To complete her look, she added inches to her frame with pointed black heels and toted her essentials in a mini black clutch. Former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, 27, put on a leggy display in brown leather hot pants paired with a cropped brown suede jacket. Showcasing her toned pins in semi-sheer brown tights, she added height with pointed burgundy stilettos. Former model Heather Mills, 57, rocked a burnt orange off-the-shoulder playsuit, posing up a storm for the cameras. The chic ensemble featured a ruffled neckline, puffed sleeves, and an elasticated waist that accentuated her figure. She finished the look with black tights and lace-up boots. Meanwhile, former Made In Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo, 30, looked chic in a dark red mini dress Fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper, 38, exuded sophistication in a black power suit, comprised of a double-breasted blazer and wide-leg trousers Former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, 27, put on a leggy display in brown leather hot pants paired with a cropped brown suede jacket Kai Schreiber, the daughter of Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber, looked happier than ever as she walked hand-in-hand through New York City with a mystery man. As the rising fashion model, 16, continues to take the fashion industry by storm since publicly coming out as transgender earlier this year, it appears she may have found love. On Wednesday, the teenager couldn't hold back her smile while stepping out with an unidentified companion, who looked equally as smitten. For their casual outing, the high schooler wore a black-and-white striped mini dress paired with classic Converse sneakers. Despite the seemingly affectionate display, it is unknown if the pair's relationship is romantic or platonic. The Daily Mail has reached out to Watts and Liev's representatives, but have not heard back, at this time. Kai Schreiber, the daughter of Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber, looked happier than ever as she walked hand-in-hand through New York City with a mystery man In June, Kai opened up about her struggles with gender identity from a young age and her coming out journey. While speaking to Interview Magazine, the rising star explained she 'always wanted to grow up and be a beautiful, glamorous, influential woman, like Marilyn Monroe'. Additionally, she praised stars, like Alex Consani, Hunter Schafer, Hari Nef, Dara, Richie Shazam and Colin Jones, for being inspirational to her 'as a young trans girl' navigating life through turbulent times for the community. 'I'm always going to look up to the older generation of transgender people, especially in fashion,' Kai told the magazine. 'It's so great that there's a strong community of us in the fashion world; it's really a doll takeover.' The second-generation star said that she had a breakthrough earlier this year when working for the fashion house Valentino. 'That job made me realize, "OK, this is what I want to do. I want to be a supermodel." Period.' Kai also opened up to the publication about what shes been doing in terms of honing her craft as a regular presence on the catwalk. 'I've been practicing my walks in the kitchen for years; my mom can show you all the videos I forced her to film,' Kai said. As the rising fashion model, 16, continues to take the fashion industry by storm since publicly coming out as transgender earlier this year, it appears she may have found love In June, Kai spoke openly about her struggles with gender identity from a young age and her coming out journey; seen last month Kai also shared her fashion preferences in the wide-ranging chat with the outlet - joking she's 'basic, but in a chic way'. 'I love my low-rise jeans and black cardigan. That's my go-to outfit. I love when people have their own personal style,' she said. 'If you're presenting yourself in a unique, cool way, people are immediately drawn in and want to know more. If every person was walking around in the same outfit, fashion wouldn't be a thing.' In May, her father praised his daughter for coming out as transgender. 'Kai was always who Kai is. But I suppose the most profound moment was her asking us to change her pronouns,' Liev told Variety. 'To be honest with you, it didn't feel like that big of a deal to me only because Kai had been so feminine for so long.' In May, her father praised her for strength and bravery as he called her 'such a fighter' (seen in 2025) Kai's mom is actress Naomi Watts; seen in July 2025 Schreiber also applauded the teen's strength and bravery while expressing, 'Kai is such a fighter. It's important that she goes, "Hey, I am trans," and, "Look at me," and, "F*** you. F*** off."' In regards to advice he has for parents who also have kids who have come out as trans, Liev simply stated, 'I don't know the answer for your kid.' He further explained that he felt it was 'an overstep' for him to do so due to every circumstance being unique and different. The actor, however, did briefly talk about raising teenagers in general and said, 'I guess if I would say anything to someone who's having trouble with their trans teen or their adolescent trans kid it's "Teenagers are a f***ing headache. They're hard." 'It doesn't matter whether they're trans or not because you'll come out of this. But a trans teen is going to be a teen.' The Perfect Couple star continued, 'They're such a pain in the a** so much of the time, and Kai is as feisty and outspoken as they come.' In addition to Kai, Liev and Watts, who split in 2016, share a 17-year-old son, named Sasha. Hugh Jackman's ex wife Deborra-Lee Furness was spotted enjoying a rare public outing on Wednesday, as she stepped out in New York City. The Australian actress, 69, opted for a casual look while taking a stroll, sporting a long-sleeve black top and sweatpants. The star who recently cuddled up to a male companion wore a slouchy red beanie atop her short blonde hair, and stayed comfortable in a pair of sneakers. Her outfit was finalized with a red hoodie tied around her waist, and a black fanny pack. Meanwhile her ex, 56, sparked concern among fans after he appeared with a band-aid near his left eye at the John Candy: I Like Me event on Wednesday, where he was joined by Ryan Reynolds at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn. DailyMail.com has reached out to Jackman's representatives for comment. Hugh Jackman's ex wife Deborra-Lee Furness, 69, was spotted enjoying a rare public outing on Wednesday, as she stepped out in New York City Meanwhile her ex, 56, sparked concern among fans after he appeared with a band-aid near his left eye at the John Candy: I Like Me event on Wednesday, where he was joined by Ryan Reynolds at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn Reynolds produced the documentary film, John Candy: I Like Me, which explores the life and career of the legendary Canadian comedian and actor. Jackman appeared at Wednesday's screening, wearing a white t-shirt, a blue jacket and dark pants. But it was the band-aid on his face that caught fan attention, as the reason for him wearing it remains unclear. After he walked out on stage, he joked about Reynolds giving him the injury, telling the audience: 'He's so nice, but smacked me in the head as a welcome.' Blake Lively's husband responded, 'You start tap dancing and you get near my trumpet, you're going to get (makes noise) clocked in the head.' Hugh previously took to Instagram in 2023 with a bandage on his nose as he informed his followers he was having a biopsy conducted to test for basal cell carcinoma, a mild form of skin cancer. 'I've just had two biopsy tests done. The doctor saw two little things that may be basal cell,' Hugh told his followers. Fortunately, after getting the lesions removed Hugh was given a clean bill of health, as he committed to practice strict sun safety from then on. Meanwhile Deborra-Lee's latest sighting comes amid reports that she is back in the dating game after finalizing her divorce with Hugh in June. The star is reportedly courting offers from potential suitors - but is holding back until she can find a partner who meets her high standards. 'Deb is finally starting to heal and talk about what she wants in her life going forward,' an insider told Woman's Day magazine. 'She's got an incredible support system that's been there every step of the way, helping her to pick up the pieces of her life. They are encouraging her to start dating again.' They added that Furness had received offers from some 'incredible guys' but was holding back for the perfect match. The Australian actress opted for a casual look while taking a stroll, sporting a long-sleeve black top and sweatpants She wore a slouchy red beanie atop her short blonde hair, and stayed comfortable in a pair of sneakers Jackman appeared at Wednesday's screening, wearing a white t-shirt, a blue jacket and dark pants But it was the band-aid on his face that caught fan attention, as the reason for him wearing it remains unclear After he walked out on stage, he joked about Reynolds giving him the injury, telling the audience: 'He's so nice, but smacked me in the head as a welcome' 'She knows what she brings to the table,' the insider added. Furness and Jackman finalized their divorce a month after filing. A judgment of divorce was filed on June 12, making it official. The document, however, wasn't made public until June 23. Furness, who has two adopted children with the Wolverine actor, has received a 'spousal support payment,' according to an insider, who previously spoke to Daily Mail. 'A settlement was reached that Furness is pleased with, which includes a handsome spousal support payment,' they revealed. 'There was some back and forth regarding this financial agreement but, in the end, she got what she believed she deserved. Both are coming out of this financially secure.' 'There is not going to be any drama with this - it gives closure that she needed.' In May, Daily Mail exclusively broke the news of Jackman and Furness filing for divorce to officially terminate their 27-year marriage. Shortly after news broke of the exes' divorce filing, Furness shocked fans by releasing a statement using the word 'betrayal' when speaking about her 'traumatic journey'. Jackman has been dating his former The Music Man co-star Sutton Foster, 50, for months, although the timeline of when they began dating has never been confirmed. The pair are said to be ignoring any negative talk about their romance - which some fans believed started as an affair while he was still married - and are 'looking to move forward' with their relationship. A source previously claimed to Daily Mail that while Jackman 'didn't physically cheat' on his ex-wife, she believes they were having 'an emotional affair' and 'feels he betrayed her.' In June, Deborra-Lee and Hugh who share two adopted children finalized their divorce a month after filing, Daily Mail exclusively revealed; They are seen in 2023 Hugh is now dating his former The Music Man co-star Sutton Foster, 50. The two went public with their relationship in January; They are seen in 2022 Meanwhile Hugh and Sutton made a rare public appearance at a university last week amid their busy theater and acting schedules. The Younger star posted on her Instagram on Tuesday, 'Hugh and I had a great time working with the talented students at Ball State University last week! #chirpchirp.' Sutton is an instructor in the musical theatre department for the fall semester at Ball State, located in Muncie, Indiana. According to social media posts shared by fans, Hugh appeared to make multiple appearances at the university over the last few weeks. The Australian actor is reportedly hoping to have his girlfriend by his side at the premiere of his new movie, Song Sung Blue, at the AFI Fest in Hollywood on October 26. 'It's a big moment for him, and he wants to share it with the woman he loves,' a source claimed. Meanwhile, it is unknown at this time if Jackman will be showing up to support Foster at her upcoming holiday show in New York City. She returns to Cafe Carlyle, starting at the end of November, to perform 'Christmas at The Carlyle.' A fire at a US aluminum plant will cost Ford $1billion. On September 16, a three-alarm blaze ripped through the roof at Novelis' hot mill in Oswego, New York. Novelis, the world's largest recycler of aluminum that produces 40 percent of American car making aluminum, said the plant will be out of commission until early 2026. Ford is the factory's biggest customer. The automaker buys thousands of tons of aluminum from the plant to build body panels for America's best-selling vehicle, the F-150 pickup. On Wednesday, analysts at Evercore predicted the fire will cost Ford $1billion in sales because of potential slowdowns in US factory production. Ford's stock fell about six percent yesterday after news of the fire. That slide wiped erased $3.6billion from Ford's $60billion value. The fire comes as American carmakers are already struggling to contain price spikes. Yesterday, the average price of a new vehicle leaving an American dealership was $49,952. Car prices, which have risen more than 30 percent since 2019 because of parts shortages, were forcing new vehicle owners into an average monthly cost of $700 a month. A three-alarm fire ripped through Novelis' hot mill in mid-September, forcing the factory to shut down production until early 2026 Ford was the factory's biggest buyer - analysts now expect the factory's down time will cut $1billion from Ford's profits That has added $1.6trillion of debt to the US economy, good for America's second-largest debt load, only after home mortgages. Prices started rising during the pandemic while automakers couldn't get their hands on enough processing chips to build electrical components like screens, key fobs, power seats, automatic windows. A large-scale aluminum shortage could be even worse for car prices. Novelis normally 350,000 metric tons of sheet aluminum out of six facilities in the US. Aluminum production are becoming a flashpoint in the car pricing problem. In March, President Donald Trump added 25 percent tariffs to all foreign-made aluminum. He doubled the tariff to 50 percent in May, making it even more expensive for companies in need of new suppliers to find aluminum sources. To make up for lost production, Novelis said it would turn to factories in the UK, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Vietnam, Malaysia, and China. 'We are urgently taking steps to minimize the impact of the recent fire at our Oswego facility on our customers,' the aluminum maker told the Daily Mail. Novelis told the Daily Mail it will continue to provide automakers with metal from factories in other countreis - Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, recently worried about compounding tariffs on imported parts, like aluminum The Ford F-150 has been America's best-selling truck for 40 years - Ford builds the body panels out of aluminum 'We have activated Novelis' global network of plants and are also partnering with industry peers to source material in order to help mitigate the gap in supply.' Ford declined to comment on Evercore's analysis. 'Novelis is one of several aluminum suppliers to Ford,' the company told the Daily Mail on Tuesday. 'Since the fire nearly three weeks ago, Ford has been working closely with Novelis, and a full team is dedicated to addressing the situation and exploring all possible alternatives to minimize any potential disruptions.' The fire also comes a month after Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, started sounding the alarm on the company's $2billion expected tariff bill. The legendary automaker builds 80 percent of its vehicles in America, but Farley said it ends up paying more in tariffs than Japanese rivals who make cars there and import them to the US. To assemble cars in the US, Ford has to pay a 25 percent tariff on carpets and fasteners from most countries. Some wiring from Asian manufacturing hubs gets a separate 15 percent tariff. Aluminum gets another 50 percent tariff. Meanwhile, Tokyo-based competitors like Toyota and Honda only pay one 15 percent tariff because of President Donald Trump's trade agreement with Japan. 'That's not a fair fight,' he said in an interview on The Verge's Decoder podcast. North Korea will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the ruling party on Friday and different foreign dignitaries and leaders will be part of the commemoration. The Workers Party celebrations will serve to show once again how North Korea is trying to shore up its relations with some key global players and allies, such as China and Russia, who are sending high-level representatives. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has had in China his most important ally, and in recent years he has also built ties with Russia, a country North Korea has helped by sending troops to participate in its war against Ukraine. In September, Kim Jong Un stood next to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of a visit to Beijing to attend a massive military parade marking the end of the World War II. Chinese FM urges stronger China-Italy cooperation at Rome meeting Xinhua) 09:30, October 09, 2025 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, shakes hands with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani before attending the 12th Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee in Rome, Italy, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) ROME, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the 12th Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee in Rome on Wednesday, during which he called for enhanced cooperation between the two countries. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that since last year, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Senate President Ignazio La Russa and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have paid visits to China, respectively, and the two sides issued an action plan to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership. China and Italy have actively implemented the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. Taking the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy this year as an opportunity, they have steadily expanded practical cooperation in various fields, with numerous highlights, Wang said in the joint meeting. Wang recognized the important role of the China-Italy Government Committee, the first inter-governmental cooperation mechanism established between China and a European country, in promoting bilateral relations. The mechanism, which has now entered its 21st year, has won broad trust and support from various sectors of both countries. At a time when the current international situation is undergoing rapid and profound changes, China-Italy cooperation is facing new situations, new opportunities and new challenges. China is willing to work with Italy to uphold the original aspiration of establishing the China-Italy Government Committee, adhere to principles while innovating, and promote the upgrading of the cooperation mechanism to version 2.0 which is more systematic, targeted and effective, so as to better align with the development strategy of China-Italy relations, Wang said. Wang proposed to reinforce the strategic dimension of the mechanism and make it more dynamic. Efforts should stay aligned with the important consensus reached and strategic guidance provided by the leaders of both countries, innovate working approaches, and accelerate the implementation of the three-year action plan issued. The platform building should be strengthened to make the mechanism more vibrant, Wang said, noting that the two sides should strengthen the design of agendas and topics, promote exchanges and mutual visits, facilitate connections between enterprises and institutions, deeply tap potential, and endow bilateral cooperation with new impetus. Wang also called for promoting sub-national cooperation to make the mechanism more practical. Localities should continue to play a key role in trade cooperation and cultural exchanges, and further energize the engagement of local enterprises and people-to-people exchanges. China and Italy are two major economies that support free trade, two major forces that safeguard multilateralism, and two ancient civilizations that advocate exchanges and mutual learning. Against the backdrop of a complex and turbulent international situation, China and Italy should demonstrate their sense of responsibility and commitment, follow the trend of the times, maintain mutual trust and joint achievements, Wang said. Guided by an open spirit, the two sides should expand and enhance pragmatic cooperation, making greater contributions to their respective economic development and the well-being of the peoples of both countries through fruitful cooperation outcomes, he added. Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, who also attended the meeting, positively evaluated the sound development of Italy-China relations and the fruitful outcomes achieved, stating that the friendship between the two countries has deep historical roots. Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, Italy and China have established a comprehensive strategic partnership that has yielded tangible benefits for the two peoples, with the Italy-China Government Committee playing an important role in this process, Tajani said, adding that the outcomes of the meeting reflect the positive intentions of both parties. Tajani also noted that China is among Italy's priority partners, and the Italian side attaches great importance to the vast opportunities offered by the Chinese market. Italy looks forward to further deepening exchanges and cooperation with China in economy and trade, investment, science and technology, culture and sports, and enhancing mutual understanding between the two peoples. Italy is willing to join hands with China to uphold free trade, maintain the smoothness of the global supply chain, and make joint efforts to peacefully resolve international disputes through dialogue. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the 12th Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani in Rome, Italy, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) El Defensor Chieftain sent candidate questionnaires to Socorro County candidates for the upcoming election. Responses from candidates will run over the next several newspaper editions. Candidate answers to basic info was limited to 20 words and questions were limited to 50 words. Answers past the word limit are cut off, responses that are blank were not answered. There is only one official candidate for Magdalena Mayor. Michael Thompson Age: 67 Current occupation (If retired, from what field): I am a retired Metallurgical Engineer and Quality Assurance Director. My career was spent in the oilfield manufacturing business. Highest level of education: BS Metallurgical Engineering (NM Tech, 1983); MBA (Our Lady of the Lake University, 1997) Previously held elected office: Currently, Village of Magdalena Trustee Years of residency in Magdalena: 5 Have you ever been convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No 1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position? My experience in engineering and quality management would benefit Magdalena in construction endeavors and improve the quality of services provided by the village to our residents. Also, since retiring to Magdalena in 2020 I have been involved in several volunteer activities, including as a Trustee. 2. What will be your priorities if elected? Improvements in the essential services provided to residents by the village, and assurance that the infrastructure will be built and maintained to provide these services in the future. 3. What are the most important challenges facing the Village of Magdalena, and how do you propose to address them? Looking to the future, the challenge will be to improve the quality of life in Magdalena while retaining the unique character and culture that we love. Every proposed project should be evaluated not just for financial cost versus benefits but also to anticipate the negative unintended consequences to our neighbors. Ad 4. What qualities and actions do you believe define an effective mayor? The ability to prioritize, plan and manage projects. To anticipate the needs of the community and to meet those needs with the resources available. THREAT MADE TO STUDENT On Aug. 1, an officer at the Socorro Police Station took a report from a female who advised the officer that her son had received a threat from another student. The officer was made aware that the incident was reported to the school, but the parent wanted it documented by the police as well. WOMEN FIGHT OVER PARKING SPOT On Aug. 1, in the area of El Camino Real, an officer was called to the scene of a fight. The officers began separating female subjects. The officer detained the parties involved and was advised that one female had come to visit and parked in another persons parking spot. An argument started, and then the fight started. The parties were later cited in court for battery. SUSPECT DRIVES TOWARDS FAMILY Victims in the area of 105 Bullock St advised officers that they were exiting the restaurant on Aug. 2 when a female suspect in a vehicle drove towards the suspect and her infant child. The victim handed the infant to the male victim and engaged in an argument with the driver that turned physical. When officers talked to the suspect, the suspect said that she was leaving the drive-through when the victims walked in front of the car. The officer was provided with video from the restaurant, but it does not show the incident. The case was sent to the DAs office, but no charges were approved. CHILD REMOVED FROM HOME Officers were dispatched to a home for a 911 call with a young female possibly in distress. On South California St., officers arrived and checked the home, finding a 10 year old child. The child said she was fine, but officers noted the home was a mess and not suitable for living in. An adult male and female were also present in the house and found to both have warrants. The childs mother arrived and was informed that the home was not suitable for the child and that the child would be taken from the home. The child was removed and turned over to the father, and the two suspects with warrants were booked at the SCDC. MALE FOUND UNRESPONSIVE Officers were called to a home for a male being unresponsive on Aug. 2. The victim was determined to be deceased. The family said the male was at the home and went to lie down, and drug paraphernalia was found next to the victim. There were no signs of injury seen, and the victim was taken to the funeral home pending autopsy. Ad WOMAN TRESPASSES AT HOSPITAL Officers were called out to the hospital on Aug. 2 for a female suspect refusing to leave the premises after being discharged. The suspect was escorted outside and still refused to leave. Angel Anaya, 28 of Socorro, was arrested and booked on one count of criminal trespass. MAN ARRESTED AT PROBATION AND PAROLE OFFICE On Aug. 3 a male was arrested at the Probation and Parole office and incarcerated at SCDC. GO CART STOLEN FROM TRACTOR SUPPLY An officer was called to Tractor Supply on Aug. 3 for a theft. The caller advised that an unknown suspect cut a hole in the fence and took a Coleman go cart from the property. No cameras showed the theft of the cart. There are no suspects at this time. METHAMPHETAMINE FOUND DURING WARRANT ARREST Officers in the area of 5th Street located a suspect with arrest warrants on Aug. 3. The suspect fled from the officers, and officers were able to locate and arrest the suspect. The officers located a backpack that the suspect had discarded, and inside, they found methamphetamine. The suspect, Joe Paul Blanford, 35 of Socorro, was processed and booked at SCDC for eight outstanding warrants, two charges of possession of a controlled substance, and two charges of resisting, evading, or obstructing an officer. MAN WITH DEMENTIA PICKED UP Officers were called to a scene of a man being picked up and brought back to Socorro on Aug 4. The male appeared confused and did not know where he was. The officer was able to contact the family and was informed that the male had dementia. The male was taken to Socorro General Hospital, and his vehicle was turned over to his family. WARRANT SUSPECT TURNS SELF IN A suspect on Aug. 4 contacted the compliance office, suspecting they had a valid arrest warrant. The suspects warrant was confirmed, and the suspect was arrested and booked at SCDC. MALE IN POSSESSION OF PILLS, METHAMPHETAMINE On Aug. 4, an officer was called to the area of Giles for a scene where a male suspect was trying to hit females with his vehicle. The officer met with a female who advised that she had seen the male suspect in her mothers truck with a female she did not like. The female and her friends confronted the suspect and followed his truck. The female and her friends stood behind the truck so the male could not leave. The officers located the suspect in a camper trailer, and the suspect was detained. While the officer was completing a pat-down for weapons, the officer saw a baggie with blue pills. They also recovered a second baggie with a substance believed to be methamphetamine. The suspect confirmed the incidents stated by the female, and drug charges were approved by the DA. Michael R. Patterson, 38, of Socorro, was charged with four counts of possession of a controlled substance. ARSON On Aug. 4 an officer was called to a home on School of Mines for a vehicle fire in a garage. The officer met with a victim who advised he came out to see his truck on fire and an Arbys food bag in their garage area. The officer reviewed video footage of the suspect walking into the garage and leaving a few moments later. The truck bed was damaged and the officer obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect. The suspect, Alejandro Paz, 65 of Socorro was found later at the site of a second fire on Buena Vista and admitted to the fires and was charged with two counts of arson. DOG BITE An officer was called to Socorro General Hospital on Aug. 4 for a male who was bitten by a dog. The victim and parent advised officers the victim was bitten while on Cuba Road. The victim did not know who the dog belonged to. The victim was treated and the officer attempted to locate the dog but could not find the dog described. ARSONIST IN POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE Officers on Aug. 4 contacted the suspect, Alejandro Paz, 65 of Socorro, for having a valid arrest warrant for arson. The suspect was arrested and searched and the search resulted in the officer finding a substance believed to be methamphetamine. Paz was questioned about the two arson cases and admitted to them. Paz was charged with possession of a controlled substance and booked at the SCDC. SUSPECT WITH SUSPENDED LICENSE FOUND DRAG RACING An officer patrolling the area of California Street on Aug. 4 observed a vehicle exit the El Camino Restaurant at a high rate of speed. The officer performed a traffic stop at Simpson and Neel and when the officer asked the suspect for his paperwork the suspect told the officer he did not have his wallet with him but gave identifying information. When the officer ran the drivers name through dispatch he was found to have a revoked, invalid drivers license. The officer placed the suspect under arrest and released the vehicle to the passenger. Mayyar Mohamme Al-Abdili, 21 of Socorro was taken to the Socorro Police Department and charged with two charges of driving while license suspended or revoked and two charges of drag racing, they were transported to SCDC without incident. FEMALE ARRESTED FOR WARRANT On Aug. 5 in the area of Alta Vista an officer conducting a warrant round up on behalf of the Compliance officer came in contact with a female subject and confirmed she had two active warrants for her arrest. The female was booked at SCDC for her warrants. REFRIGERATOR DAMAGE On Aug. 5 officers responded to California Street and were advised that a suspect entered the victims property and damaged a refrigerator. The officer was shown a video of the suspect crawling up to the refrigerator and bending the bottom up to try to gain access. The suspect was identified as Tedmund Apachito, 33 of Magdalena. No items were taken but the refrigerator was damaged. The assisting officer was able to locate Apachito and Apachito was charged with four counts of criminal damage to property. COCAINE FOUND DURING TRAFFIC STOP On Aug. 5 during a traffic stop on California Street an officer witnessed the suspect putting a plastic baggie with white powder in his boot. The officer detained the suspect and removed the baggie which contained cocaine. The suspect was arrested and the suspect claimed his friend had used the vehicle and left the baggie. The suspect also advised he had a gun in the vehicle, the gun was located and taken as safe keeping. The suspect, Fernando Ramos-Orozco, 37 of Albuquerque was arrested on two charges of possession of a controlled substance and two charges of turning movements and required signals. The vehicle was towed and Ramos-Orozco was booked at the SCDC. WARRANT ARREST Officers located a suspect at their residence on Spring Street on Aug. 5 and when run through NCIC found they had an active warrant. The suspect was arrested and booked at SCDC. OFFICERS CALLED FOR ARGUMENT Officers were called to 501 N. California Street to the scene of a verbal argument on Aug. 6. The officers were advised of a female suspect and the parents arrived at the victims work and then an argument occured. The parties were separated and no further altercation took place, the suspect and their family were told to leave the property. WARRANT ARREST An officer on Aug. 6 was contacted about a suspect at the court house who was known to have a valid arrest warrant. The warrant was confirmed and the suspect was arrested and booked to SCDC. TRESPASSING A victim at an apartment complex on El Camino Real on Aug 6. advised officers that a suspect was at the apartment complex after being trespassed multiple times. The suspect, Katrina Melendrez, 33 of Socorro confirmed she had trespassed. Melendrez was arrested and later released with a citation for trespassing. STOVE STOLEN FROM HOME A caller on Terry Street on Aug. 6 advised officers that as he was checking on his home he discovered the home had been entered and the stove from the kitchen was taken. The owner estimated the stove to be valued at $1,200. At this time there are no suspects. PHONE LEFT AT CITY HALL Officers were called to City Hall for a phone left at the front desk. The officer obtained the phone that was left and logged it at the police department. SUSPECT USING DRUGS Officers were called to an apartment complex on El Camino Real on Aug. 6 for a suspect using drugs. The officers made contact with the suspect, the suspect consented to a search of his person and located a white crystal substance and a blue pill. Both were identified as illegal narcotics. The suspect Nikee Secatero, 38 of Magdalena was arrested for two warrants and two four charges of possession of a controlled substance. Secatero was booked at SCDC. FEMALE ARRESTED AT PROBATION AND PAROLE OFFICE An officer arrested a female from the probation and parole office on Aug. 7 and the female was incarcerated at SCDC. VEHICLE WINDOW BROKEN A victim on Smith Road advised officers on Aug. 7 that an unknown suspect broke the window out of their vehicle parked at Auto Body Shop. There were no witnesses to the incident. ERRATIC DRIVER An officer received a call for an erratic driver on I25 on Aug. 7 and located the suspect and witnessed a traffic infraction. After completing a traffic stop the officer noted an odor of an alcoholic beverage. The officer turned the investigation over to the Socorro County Sheriffs Department. Sands, the pregnancy and baby loss charity has been joined by Finance Minister John ODowd and Health Minister Mike Nesbit in marking Baby Loss Awareness Week 2025 (October 9 to 15). Baby Loss Awareness Week is an opportunity for everyone in the baby loss community and beyond to come together to remember and commemorate their much-loved and missed babies. Minister John ODowd said: Baby Loss Awareness Week is a time for reflection, remembrance, offering an opportunity for those affected by the loss of a baby to come together, share their experiences, and help raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss. I remain committed to introducing the Baby Loss Certificate Scheme, which seeks to offer recognition and support to those who have experienced such profound loss. The public consultation closed in September, with over 1,100 individuals and organisations sharing their views. I am deeply grateful for all those who responded. Each response offers valuable insight and will help shape a scheme that truly meets the needs of those affected. My officials are now working to analyse the responses and once complete I will publish the consultation report and bring forward the necessary legislation to the Assembly. It is my intention that the Scheme will be introduced as soon as possible, offering parents and families who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of a baby a meaningful way for their grief to be formally acknowledged and recognised. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: I recognise the profound emotional impact that pregnancy and baby loss can have on individuals and families. I and my Department remain committed to listening to those with lived experience and to ensuring that support services are responsive to those in need. I fully endorse the work being undertaken by the Department of Finance in relation to the establishment of a Baby Loss Certificate scheme here as soon as possible. Pregnancy and baby loss charity Sands plays a pivotal role in the organisation and promotion of the Week and since 2014 has taken a lead role to promote the week as part of its work raising awareness of the issues surrounding pregnancy and baby loss in the UK. Sands has welcomed the plans to make the Baby Loss Certificate Scheme available to bereaved parents in Northern Ireland. Sands Chief Executive Clea Harmer said: Id like to thank the Ministers for their support for both Baby Loss Awareness Week and the Baby Loss Certificate Scheme. Baby Loss Awareness Week helps to unite the pregnancy and baby loss community; we come together and speak out across the week to increase understanding of the impact of loss and remember all our much-missed babies. Baby loss certificates have already enabled so many bereaved parents in England and Scotland to get official recognition that their babies existed and matter. We hope that bereaved parents in Northern Ireland will soon be able to apply for a similar recognition of their loss, acknowledging their pain and ensuring they feel heard. Derrys Holywell Trust has held the first in its series of Forward Thinking workshops, with inaugural guest speaker, Dr David McCann - Ulster University Politics lecturer, and media election commentator. The event took place on Wednesday evening in Holywell Trusts Bishop Street premises. A spokesperson described Forward Thinking as a series of challenging conversations around our constitutional future drawing on the experiences of other jurisdictions including Scotland, Germany and the Basque Region. Over the coming months, Holywell will be inviting a number of contributors to share their views and engage in discussions on various issues, she added. Speaking to The Derry News, Dr McCann explained he had carried out research for Holywell Trust in 2021/2022 looking at the literature around what has been done around the constitutional debate in Northern Ireland. He then carried out a piece of research on the media for the Constitution Society - an independent educational foundation which works to promote public understanding of the UK constitution - in 2023. There has been quite a bit of research done on this topic [our constitutional future]. There is quite a lot out there. However, it is a bit disjointed. It isnt focused, naturally because loads of people are going off doing loads of different things, said Dr McCann. There is still a role for the governments here in co-ordination and planning for the potential of a vote. It doesnt mean that it will go one way or another, so it is not pre-determining the outcome but where things need to go, he added. That extends beyond everything - how a Referendum is regulated to how it is covered for example because this will cross two different media jurisdictions, North and South - just considering the raft of issues and there are quite a few of them that need to be researched and understood before we get to a Referendum. One of the issues I would be looking at in the lead up to a referendum, if we get to that point, would be understanding the Subvention. Some pieces of research say the Subvention is around 10 billion, there are others that say it is around 3 billion. For a voter that is incredibly confusing. For a voter it is going to be incredibly hard to know about healthcare, for example. Many people talk about the reform of healthcare but again there are loads of different things out there about what that could look like. That is just going to be incredibly confusing for a voter. Then, leading on to other research I have done, take a look at the role of the media, for example. If social media was a big factor in 2014 in the Scottish [Independence] Referendum, and was a bigger factor in 2016 in the EU [Brexit] Referendum, that is going to be times 10 in a potential Border Poll. So, the state of the media is relevant. How do we support the media in covering this Referendum, in helping people to understand the issues that are out there? said Dr McCann, Those types of things are really important. Dr McCann reflected there is still a long way to go in terms of the planning that needs to be done before a Referendum. He added: There is also a long way to go in terms of getting a proposition in place for people to have a proper understanding of, that people can actually read up about and understand. The potential for misinformation in this is quite big and that is why, again, we need to make sure the institutions around, for example, the media and how it covers a Referendum. There are also roles for loads of different people there, from the British and Irish Governments, to more research being done on different areas. Within Northern Ireland, it will be difficult for people not to want to take a position on a Referendum, and there is no problem with that. As long as people are transparent about their points of view it is fine. I think something that will come from this is that as long as things are properly mapped out and there is a process in place, I think that is a key thing that needs to be in place. There needs to be a clear process in place, with a clear proposition that people know what they are voting on and that people know if a vote goes whatever way, that there is a process to go forward, said Dr McCann. Dr McCann added he had always believed there would need to be a form of trigger within Northern Ireland for a Referendum, Whether that is a vote in the Assembly, asking for a Border Poll, getting passed by a majority of MLAs, or whether that is from election results, I have always thought the Secretary of State would need to point to something to understand why that is the case, he added. That doesnt mean you are a supporter of reunification, it just could mean you are maybe a supporter of, maybe, having the conversation now and having the vote now, as David Cameron did in 2013 in Scotland. A prosecutor has said it would be 'difficult to give a timescale' for police efforts to identify potential victims in the case of a a Catholic priest charged with sex offences. Edward Gallagher (58) of Orchard Park in Lifford County Donegal had been charged with one count of attempted sexual communication with a child on dates between April 2 and April 17 2025 and 7 further offences including inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and causing a child to watch sexual activity on April 17 this year. At today's hearing the court was told that the triage of devices had been completed and a large number of potential victims identified and attempts were ongoing to communicate with these people and 'find out who these people are'. The court heard that 'obviously ' it was difficult to give any timescale for this exercise and added that the PSNI were working with other police forces on the case. Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said that while he appreciated the update such an exercise could 'potentially take a very long time'. READ NEXT: Warrant issued for Donegal child sex offender at Derry Crown Court He said the defence would need to be given a more 'detailed update as to what needs to be done and what is being done.' Deputy District Judge Trevor Browne said the defence would need to be given 'some sort of structured outline'. The case was adjourned until November 6 and Gallagher remains in custody. A man has appeared at Derry Magistrates' Court charged with possession of a blade in a public place and possession of Class C drugs. Gerard Mullen (40) of Duncreggan Road in Derry was initially found by police on August 7 after a member of the public alerted them to a man unconscious on the ground. Mullen was found to have ten tablets, a bag of white powder and a number of other drugs on his person and was taken to hospital due to his condition. The following day, police were called to an incident on the Strand Road where Mullen was found to be highly intoxicated. When searched, a bag of white powder was found and he was arrested for suspected possession of class A drugs. While in the police car, he attempted to kick and headbutt the barrier in the back seat, leading to charges of attempted criminal damage. When interviewed by police, he claimed to have no recollection of the events, telling police that he was a drug addict. On September 10, police were told about a man with a knife in a Chinese takeaway with an injury to his nose. Police found Mullen to be in possession of a kitchen knife and a tablet. He admitted that the drug was prescribed but that he had not been taking it as directed. Defence Barrister Stephen Chapman said that Mullen suffered from 'long standing drug and alcohol addiction' that had got the better of him since his case was deferred in August. He added that Mullen had not been brandishing the knife or showing it to anyone. He was sentenced to four months in custody. Alliance Party leader Naomi Long has condemned a mob who turned up at her home to protest. Stormonts Justice minister said a line was crossed on Wednesday evening when a crowd gathered outside her house. It isnt engagement and it isnt legitimate protest to turn up at my home, disrupt my neighbours, my family and place pressure on police, she posted on X. The East Belfast MLA lives with her husband, Michael Long, an Alliance party councillor, who posted online saying around 40 people demonstrated outside their home and a police car had to sit outside the house overnight in case of attack. Over the last 25 years I've been in front-line politics, I've engaged with people from all backgrounds and perspectives. I've been open to debating and discussing issues, whether we agreed or not, including on here. Turning up as a mob, some in masks, at my home just isn't on. > Naomi Long MLA (@naomi_long) October 9, 2025 Mrs Long said during her 25 years in frontline politics she has engaged with people from all backgrounds and perspectives, and has been open to debating and discussing issues, whether we agreed or not. She described what happened outside her house as bullying and intimidation. She added: Its threatening and wholly unacceptable. It needs to stop. Alliance deputy leader Eoin Tennyson said while the motivation of the crowd was not yet clear he said he had no doubt that some of those who gathered would portray themselves as defenders of women and girls. He said it was ironic they had targeted a politician who has a stronger record than any of us in Northern Ireland at tackling violence against women and girls. Im conscious that this reprehensible incident hasnt developed in a vacuum, he added. It has followed months of toxic misinformation and personal abuse and harassment of Naomi online fuelled by far-right activists and malign influences. The Speaker of the Assembly Edwin Poots condemned the incident. Whatever political differences there are in the Assembly, I know members across the House will be united in standing against such unacceptable behaviour and in solidarity with Naomi as a respected colleague and our Justice Minister, he said. As Speaker, and one of the remaining Members elected to the Assembly in 1998, I am conscious that the Assembly was established on the principle that the democratic process is the way in which we raise, discuss and deal with our differences as a community, not on the streets through violence, intimidation threats and harassment. Politicians will all uphold the right to peaceful protest and expect people to disagree with them and to hold them to account. However, every politician, whether elected to the Assembly or another forum, is entitled to a personal and family life and events such as last night well cross the line. The incident comes days after a viable explosive device was left outside a Sinn Fein constituency office in Newry. We are in a dangerous situation where politicians almost take abuse and intimidation as part of the job, but it should never be, added Mr Poots. Naomi has been through much in her political career, and I know this will not dent her determination, but no politician should be subjected to what occurred last night and it is important that we all call that out. Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill described the incident as absolutely disgusting. The Sinn Fein vice-president added: Turning up at someones home is intimidation, not protest. It is never acceptable. DUP leader Gavin Robinson said the private homes of elected politicians should be firmly off limits. There has been condemnation from across the political spectrum, with UUP leader Mike Nesbitt saying he was shocked and horrified by what had happened. The Leader of the Opposition, the SDLPs Matthew OToole, branded the incident as anti-democratic intimidation which must be called out and opposed vociferously. Mr Tennyson said the incident had been live-streamed by those involved. He blamed a toxic atmosphere which he said has been whipped up online and in Northern Irelands Assembly chamber. Mr Tennyson said Mrs Long had been subject to misinformation, disinformation and a misrepresentation and had been singled out for targeted and personalised attacks. We also have a responsibility in this building the words that we utter in the chamber are not without consequence, he told reporters at Stormont. It is simply not good enough for any politician to light the touch paper and then try to walk away and absolve themselves of responsibility when the flames are burning. This is an important turning point and inflection in our politics. We have a choice to make about the kind of society, the kind of politics and the kind of future that we want. Is it a politics that is driven by hate, misinformation and disinformation and divisive culture wars, pandering to those on the extremes, or is it a politics thats about bringing people together, offering positivity and offering hope? The Alliance Party has been here before. We are no strangers to intimidation and harassment, and we will not be deterred, because we know what side of that divide we rest on. We are focused on building a progressive, united and inclusive community for everyone who calls this place home. I know that Naomi and Michael are strong and formidable politicians, but theyre also human. They will not be deterred from that work, and this party will not be deterred from that work. In 2012, following a vote over flying of the Union flag at Belfast City Hall, Mrs Long received a death threat and petrol bombs were thrown at her office in east Belfast. But Mr Long said: In 25 years, no one has protested at our house. In a statement on Thursday, the PSNI said they attended a protest outside a property in east Belfast on Wednesday evening. They said they have begun an investigation and an evidence-gathering operation is now in place. They will review footage and consider if any potential offences were committed. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has affirmed the UKs commitment to stability in the Western Balkans at a high-level summit in Northern Ireland. She welcomed foreign ministers from across the region, including North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo, as well as European allies such as France, Austria, Greece and Italy, to Hillsborough Castle on Thursday morning. At the outset of the talks, Ms Cooper and German foreign minister Johann Wadephul both welcomed the overnight news regarding the first phase of a peace plan in Gaza. Gathered together inside the castle, Ms Cooper hailed the venue as a symbol of peace and progress and reconciliation following Northern Irelands historic peace process in the late 1990s. She told those gathered that the UK has a long and enduring commitment to stability, security and prosperity in the Western Balkans. We know that security in the Western Balkans affects the security of the whole of Europe and the security for us here in the UK, she said. And its a real honour to be leading the Berlin process foreign ministers meeting this year and to be able to host this here in Northern Ireland in such a historic location as well. Ms Cooper referred to rich discussions the night before about Northern Irelands experiences, almost three decades on from the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in 1998. She noted it was also 30 years on from the Dayton Agreement in 1995 which ended the war in Bosnia, and being gathered at Hillsborough Castle, a symbol of peace and progress and reconciliation. Ahead of the summit, the UK promised funding for strengthened border security and law enforcement training in Kosovo as well as support to bolster cyber defences against the threat of interference from Russia in the region. Ms Cooper also announced a 10 million investment for schemes aimed at tackling people-smuggling in the Western Balkans and other key regions. The Western Balkans is a key transit route through which migrants travel to the European Union and UK, accounting for almost 22,000 irregular border crossings in the continent recorded last year, according to the Foreign Office. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Semicon West relocation doubles attendance as US chip investment surges The annual SEMICON West relocated for the first time to Phoenix in 2025, the new hub of US chip manufacturing. Compared to previous years, the event saw a 45% increase in exhibitors, and attendance on the first day doubled compared to that in 2024. Overseas participation also grew significantly, highlighting Phoenix's rising appeal as America's emerging semiconductor production base. Strong turnout reflects renewed industry interest Joe Stockunas, president of SEMI Americas, called 2025 the largest SEMICON West in 18 years. While SEMI remains rooted in Silicon Valley, he noted that occasional change is needed to invigorate the eventone reason for moving it to Phoenix. Industry observers at SEMICON West 2025 remarked on the distinct atmosphere created by hosting the show in Phoenix, despite overall crowds being smaller than those at SEMICON Taiwan. Taiwanese semiconductor supply chain participants who have attended multiple SEMICON West events agreed that the new location generated noticeably higher enthusiasm. In past years, San Francisco struggled to attract visitors largely because the Bay Area no longer plays a major role in semiconductor manufacturing. This led to waning interest from overseas companies, and even major US equipment suppliers were reluctant to exhibit. The shift to Phoenix reversed this trend, boosting exhibitor engagement. TSMC leads Arizona's expanding chip ecosystem The growing buzz around US chip manufacturing has focused attention on the local investment scale. TSMC's US$165 billion investment plan stands out as the key driver behind Arizona's expanding chip ecosystem. At the show, SEMI released its latest forecast for 12-inch wafer fab equipment spending, projecting global expenditures of US$374 billion between 2026 and 2028. This massive capital expenditure reflects wafer fab regionalization and soaring AI chip demand from data centers and edge devices. It also underscores commitments worldwide to semiconductor self-sufficiency through localized ecosystems and supply chain restructuring. China leads global investment, US shows fastest growth By region, China leads with an estimated US$94 billion investment in 300mm wafer equipment during this period, followed by South Korea at US$86 billion, benefiting from strong memory demand driven by AI. Taiwan ranks third with US$75 billion, targeting 2nm and more advanced process nodes. Notably, the US places fourth with US$60 billion, surpassing Japan and Europe. SEMI further highlighted that based on existing US fab investment plans, construction and equipment spending will ramp up sharply starting in 2027, potentially doubling 2026-2027 levels to about US$43 billion in 2028. Although the US's total investment still trails Asian countries, SEMI expects its growth rate from 2027 onward to outpace all other markets globally. Investments span both logic and memory chips, signaling positive momentum toward increasing domestic AI chip production capacity. Bubble concerns tempered by cloud provider demand However, risks remain, particularly concerns over a potential AI chip market bubble that could reduce demand and slow US fab progress. SEMI believes that even if such a bubble occurs, large cloud service providers' demand would likely remain stable, mitigating severe downturns. Continued supportive US chip policies should sustain industry momentum. 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Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe TD Barry Heneghan has returned to Ireland after being detained by Israeli forces whilst attempting to provide aid to the people of Gaza, Tanaiste Simon Harris said. On Wednesday, it was announced that three flotilla vessels carrying medicine and nutritional supplies were intercepted just off the coast of Gaza. Mr Heneghan, a TD for the Dublin Bay North constituency, was one of five pro-Palestinian activists from Ireland who was aboard the vessel. Mr Harris said: Ive just received confirmation that Deputy Heneghan is back in Ireland, and had a brief message from him to that effect. Mr Harris expressed his condemnation at the interception of the aid flotilla during leaders questions at The Dail, on Thursday, when questioned by Social Democrats deputy leader TD Cian OCallaghan. Mr OCallaghan said that the kidnapping of five Irish citizens on Wednesday night by Israeli forces in international waters was utterly unacceptable. Mr Harris said: I share your condemnation of what happens to our five Irish citizens. We believe it was illegal in terms of how they were detained, and I do intend to consider how to pursue that with other counterparts today, though I join with you in welcoming the very real life prospect of a ceasefire. The United Nations has talked about there being enough food in the region to feed the people of Gaza for three months. If we can just get that in, and get that in urgently, and our aid people will be endeavouring to assist on that. Mr Harris said that he is calling for the swift release of the other four Irish citizens detained by Israeli forces. The pro-Palestinian activists still detained in Israel include Naoise Dolan, Fionn Macarthure, Veronica OKeane and Mutaz Jadaan. Mr Harris has said that he welcomes the very real prospect of a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan for Gaza, paving the way for a pause in the fighting and the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. On Tuesday and Wednesday, 15 Irish activists on board the Global Sumud Flotilla, who were held in an Israeli prison after their vessels carrying aid to Gaza were intercepted also returned to Ireland. Dozens of people including family members, friends and supporters gathered at arrivals in Dublin Airport to welcome home the pro-Palestinian activists. Author Anne Carroll is set to launch her book Gold Dust in these Hills about Cooley where she has lived all her life. Anne, who was born, reared and has spent all her life living in Cooley, has just completed the writing of a book based on her much-loved peninsula. With the turning of each page, the power of Annes pen has preserved many old stories of her homeland. Filled with an urgency to record her past, the ink flowed with speed from her pen, Anne said. In vibrant colour, Annes windows of memories open as she paints pictures of her idyllic childhood in a whitewashed cottage, nestled in the heart of the Cooley peninsula. READ NEXT: Jam-packed lineup of live music in Dundalk's Toales this week Her tiny toes found their footing upon the soil of a rugged and wondrous land. Daily, much of the beauty of nature was brushed by a young girls fingertips. The book speaks of the solidarity of a rural community, when threats of disease ravished their farms. It celebrates a communitys strength, as they gradually emerged triumphant over great adversity. Annes father was one of 90 workers employed on the farm of JP Kearney in Willville. They were the last generation to toil the land upon their knees along the long drills of the fields of Cooley. The memory of this brave and resilient generation of people is now honoured, by a child of theirs within the pages of this book Gold Dust in these Hills. As last winters fierce winds howled over Ardaghy, on the higher reaches of Omeath, stories from aged lips were quietly released. Out on the far eastern coast of Cooley, along the shores of Ballagan and Whitestown, more memories were shared. Logs crackled in the grate, flames flickered, shooting up towards the chimney breast as one by one, the voices of wisdom , experience and reason calmly spoke. The pages of this book now preserve for safe-keeping, words spoken from 15 of the oldest residents of the Cooley peninsula. Through the lens of time, each one of these people have viewed 90 years and more of summer sunsets. This book holds their memories intact, ensuring that a trace will remain as the mists of time fall softly upon them. The launching of the book will be the coming together of a rural community to celebrate their unique past. It will be a night when they will fondly remember and honour the calibre of the people who walked the fields of Cooley before them. It is hoped that many of the treasured people whose stories feature in the book, will be in attendance on the night. The pages of the book, with its words and colour photographs, speaks volumes of the beauty of the rural peninsula; its people and their way of life. Anne said she is delighted to be able to support a wonderful local organisation, The Carlingford Omeath Red Cross, through the sales of her book. A token of appreciation for the fantastic service and support which this voluntary organisation has given over a long number of years to many people in Cooley. Michael Commins, well-known Journalist, Radio and TV presenter will officially launch the book. Admission is free, and refreshments will be served on the night. A warm Cooley welcome awaits everyone in the Liberties Suite, Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford. Tuesday 21st October 7.30 pm sharp. Labours Finance Spokesperson Ged Nash TD has sharply criticised the Governments 2026 Budget, describing it as a budget for burger barons and big builders. Speaking in response to the Budget announcements, the Louth TD claimed the measures unveiled leave working people behind. Deputy Nash said: 536million on tax relief for apartment builders - with no strings attached - and cash boosts for the bottom line of burger barons, are being paid for by PAYE workers. Plain and simple. "As a consequence of FF and FG's decision not to index tax bands and rates, middle income workers who will get small pay hikes next year will see the benefit going to the Exchequer, and not their take home pay. "As it already stands there is too much month at the end of the month and the failure to index tax bands and credits will start to bite from next January. FF and FG TDs have some explaining to do to the people who get up early in the morning, who they have left behind. Read Next: 4,357 mattresses and couches handed over in Louth amnesty "They have broken their promise on indexation and have failed to deliver the kind of increases to core weekly welfare payments that would help pensioners meet the rising costs of energy and groceries. "FG and FF spent billions of our own money buying last year's election with the biggest and most brazen binge of pre-election bribes in Irish political history. "The election may be over, but the crisis for working families isn't. Budgets are about choices and we now know with certainty which side this government is on." 1.Frank Kendziora, Ludmila Nagy and Daniel Bromand, at Cork Comic Con in Ballintemple. Picture: David Keane. 2.Aoife, Alyson and Sean O'Brien, enjoying the fun at the Cork Comic Con held at the Marina Market. Picture: David Keane. 3.Vlatka Semerad and Mya Basel as characters from Bayonetta at Cork Comic Con. Picture: Denis Boyle. 4.Aadan O'Flatharta and Emma King as Volt and Zelda at Cork Comic Con. Picture: Denis Boyle. 5.Adam O'Callaghan as Thor at Cork Comic Con. Picture: Denis Boyle. Vandalism at Marina Park Labour Party councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Peter Horgan, has called on members of the public, who may have witnessed acts of vandalism at Marina Park, to contact gardai. In a post shared on social media, Mr Horgan circulated images of the Marina Park slides, where attachments on the climbing wall section are visibly missing. Speaking to The Echo, Mr Horgan said that it is absolutely disgraceful that such vandalism was carried out. It robs joy from children and families who use the Marina slides and costs more public funding to try and repair them, said Mr Horgan. Those who would carry out such wanton destruction of a piece of public play infrastructure are thugs, plain and simple. Anyone who might have seen something should report it to gardai. Ive spoken to engineers and they will come up with a solution. Labour Party councillor Peter Horgan is calling for witnesses to the vandalism at Marina Park to come forward to gardai. Wendys at Mahon Point Irelands first iteration of the American fast food chain Wendys has opened to customers at Mahon Point Shopping Centre. Corrib Oil was announced last year as Wendys franchise partner in Ireland, with the new site creating more than 50 jobs in Cork. Justin Young, of Mahon Point Shopping Centre, said bringing the first Wendys to Ireland is great news for Mahon. We are expecting a really busy time ahead with the new restaurant opening, and we are looking forward to supporting the teams at Corrib and Wendys as they bring the much-anticipated, high-quality food Wendys is famous for to the people of Cork, said Mr Young. Wendys joins the suite of other food offerings at the centres food court, which opens from 9.30am to 7pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays; from 9.30am to 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays; and from 10am to 6pm on Sundays. Join Mahon Tidy Towns Representatives of Mahon Tidy Towns are calling on members of the public to join their group. In a post shared on social media, a spokesperson for Mahon Tidy Towns called for interested people to join them on their mission to enhance the Mahon area by keeping it clean and tidy. Mahon Tidy Towns are looking for new members to join us, the spokesperson said. We meet every Saturday morning at 11am at the Mahon Community Centre. We are a very welcoming group, with a social chat and light refreshments afterwards. Rainbow Club ball Representatives from The Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism have announced a range of sponsored prizes for their upcoming masquerade ball. The annual event, taking place this Saturday at the Carrigaline Court Hotel, aims to raise funds for the organisation, which caters to more than 1,000 families. On the night, attendees will have the chance to win spot prizes from a range of businesses including Keanes Jewellers, Blarney Woollen Mills, The Sauna Snugg, Airtastic, Sobe Brown, Leahys Open Farm, and more. Tickets for the event, priced from 75, are still available for purchase. For more information, visit: tinyurl.com/m7uvet5d. Have news to share? Contact rachel.lysaght@theecho.ie Cork City Council has published plans for a significant redevelopment at Evergreen Road at Turners Cross, which would see a former convent become a domestic violence refuge, and the construction of 32 new apartments on the site. The project, being advanced under Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations, is described by the council as an important step in expanding both social housing provision and specialist accommodation for those affected by domestic violence in Cork city. The development site area is approximately 0.69 hectares, with access to the development will be via Evergreen Road. Under the proposal, the existing convent building will be renovated and extended to include refuge accommodation and support services. The refurbished structure will contain a mix of one-bedroom and studio apartments, along with a new four-storey east block and rooftop terrace. Several older structures, including a chapel and ancillary outbuildings, are to be demolished as part of the redevelopment. Two additional four-storey apartment blocks are planned for the site, comprising a total of 32 residential units. The scheme will provide a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, along with associated roads, landscaping, signage, bicycle spaces, and limited car parking. Environmental assessments carried out as part of the planning process have concluded that the development is unlikely to have significant effects on the environment or on nearby designated habitats. An appropriate assessment screening determined that no adverse impacts are expected on the Cork Harbour Special Protection Area or the Great Island Channel Special Area of Conservation. Similarly, an Environmental Impact Assessment screening found that a full EIA is not required. Members of the public may, however, apply to An Coimisiun Pleanala within four weeks from Friday, October 3, for a determination on whether the proposed development would be likely to have significant environmental effects. Plans and particulars of the project will be available for inspection until November 3, both online at consult.corkcity.ie and by appointment at Cork City Hall, Anglesea Street. Submissions and observations may be made up to 4pm on Monday, November 17, either online or by post to the housing delivery and regeneration directorate at City Hall. All observations will be considered in the preparation of a chief executives report to be presented to elected members of Cork City Council. Should approval be granted, the Evergreen Road project would bring a vacant and historically significant site back into use, delivering a combination of social care and housing that reflects the citys wider efforts to respond to both the housing crisis and the urgent need for refuge spaces. Public consultation is also open on a proposal to deal with a notorious road intersection between Tower Street and Friars Walk/Friars Street. The proposed scheme will see the junction of L5106 Tower Street with L5026 Friars Walk, Greenmount redesigned. The proposed scheme may include the reconstruction of junctions as raised table junctions, the improvement of sightlines by removal of on street parking, the-construction of footpaths at the junction environs, and the provision of uncontrolled crossings. Construction will be for a short duration and will not significantly impede traffic flow in the areas concerned. During operation it is intended that the proposed schemes will lead to improved road safety in their respective areas. Preventative measures will be implemented during and post construction to reduce the risk of pollution to surface waters. Consultation is also open for works on the junctions of R608 Magazine Rd R849, Glasheen Rd and the L98492 Coolgarten Park. The proposed scheme may include reconstruction of junctions at either end of L98492 Coolgarten as raised table junctions, the improvement of junction sightlines by removal of on street parking, re-construction of footpaths at junction environs, and the provision of uncontrolled crossings. Words are also planned at Ardrostig Crossroads at R849 Bandon Road junction with L5037 Waterfall Road. The proposed scheme may include reconstruction of the junction to remove the triangle layout and create safer geometry, the construction of new footpath links at the junction environs and the inclusion of safe pedestrian crossing facilities, plans and particulars of the proposed works will be available for public inspection until October 31, either electronically via Cork City Councils online consultation portal or at the public reception desk of Cork City Councils offices at City Hall. Artist Ann Lambe, Biodiversity Climate Action Unit, and Jim Dwane, Ballyphehane, examining a food bin at the launch of the Community Climate Action Fund in Cork city; almost 1m is to be made available to community groups across the city. Picture: Darragh Kane Tributes paid to Don OLeary Tributes have been paid to past member of Cork City Council, former director of the Cork Life Centre, and Ballyphehane native, Don OLeary. Through his work with the Cork Life Centre, Mr OLeary, who had been living for more than four years with terminal cancer, made life immeasurably better for hundreds of young Cork people failed by Irelands mainstream education system. Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy said: It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Don OLeary, a man who gave so much of his life in service to his beloved Cork, and especially to its young people. Dons tireless dedication, compassion, and leadership left an indelible mark on our city. Through his work, he championed education, opportunity, inclusion, and hope for generations of Corks youth, ensuring that their voices were heard and their potential supported. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and the stronger, kinder Cork he helped to shape, said Mr Dennehy. Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy, pays tribute to Don OLeary. As Lord Mayor of Cork, I have opened a book of condolences in Dons memory. The book will open to the public from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, in the atrium of Cork City Hall. A representative for Cork City Council said: The late Don OLeary was an extraordinary educator, advocate and friend to countless young people. A former city councillor and recipient of the Lord Mayors civic award in 2022, Don, through his work at the Cork Life Centre, dedicated his life to creating a space where every young person, regardless of background or circumstance, could find belonging, dignity and the opportunity to learn. A spokesperson for Cork Life Centre said: We are deeply saddened to share that the Cork Life Centres former director, Don OLeary, has passed away. His impact on the centre and our young people was immense and his loss will be sincerely felt by all. The best way to honour Dons work and contribution to the Cork Life Centre will be to keep doing what weve always done and being who we have always been serving our young people with integrity and respect and doing everything we can to ensure the sustainability of this wonderful organisation into the future. Everton AFC draw appeal Everton AFC is seeking help as part of the clubs annual Christmas Super Draw. A representative for the club has said: We are currently in the throes of planning our annual Christmas Super Draw. This is the clubs main fundraiser for the year and is what helps keep the lights on. How can you help us? We need prizes and ads. The club is looking for a donation of prizes for the annual draw. Prizes must be valued at a minimum of 100. All those that donate will be thanked across the clubs active social media channels. Everton AFC are also looking for individuals or companies to take an ad on the back of their draw ticket. Ads cost 100 and your logo will be printed on 5,000 tickets, so its the cheapest advertising you can buy. Again, all those that take an ad will be thanked across the clubs extremely active social media channels. If interested, please contact Stephen on 086 3518985. Have news to share? Contact elaine.whelan@theecho.ie Cork comedian and playwright Tadhg Hickey has spoken of the mistreatment he and other detainees from the Global Sumud Flotilla suffered at Ktziot Prison in Israel. Mr Hickey was one of 16 Irish citizens, among the more than 450 people, detained by Israel from the 42-boat flotilla attempting to bring aid to the besieged Palestinian territory of Gaza. Describing the treatment by Israeli forces of the flotilla detainees as inhumane, Mr Hickey said he had not thought that white people, people of privilege, people with my type of passport, would be subjected to that treatment. Prison camp 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, he said. 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, Mr Hickey said. Its not even a patch on what Palestinians are going through, but that was on my mind the whole time: If theyre treating me like this, with the passport I have and the privilege I have, imagine what theyre doing to Palestinians in prisons, many of whom are children. Other detainees from the flotilla included activist Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandelas grandson Mandla Mandela, as well as several European politicians. A further five Irish activists, including Sinn Fein senator Chris Andrews, were expected to arrive in Dublin in the early hours of this morning on a flight from Athens. University College Cork and the Cork Education and Training Board (ETB) spent a combined total of 3.5m outside of required procurement rules in 2023, documents have shown. As public sector organisations, universities and ETBs must comply with national and EU public procurement laws. Expenditure is considered non-compliant if no competitive tender was run when required, if contracts were awarded without proper justification, or if documentation is missing. In a letter to the Public Accounts Committee, UCC president John OHalloran said the university was implementing a plan to reduce non-compliant expenditure. The university is fully committed to fulfilling its procurement obligations and, in that regard, has put an action plan in place to actively reduce non-compliant expenditure in a meaningful manner, he said. This includes recently making an investment in a new contract management system to assist with managing the renewal and expiration of its contracts. In addition, we are in the process of recruiting an additional procurement resource. A procurement and purchasing subcommittee is also providing oversight. Mr OHalloran submitted documentation outlining a breakdown of the 1,642,346.46 total non-compliant spend in 2023. This includes 94,164.25 on ICT equipment supplies, 74,932.66 on electrical works, 163,552.97 on carpentry services, and 154,536 on taxation advisory services. Printing services Six different companies were paid out a total of 533,487.40 for sequencing services, while 352,542.01 was paid for printing services to two companies. In most of the cases, the reason for non-compliance was listed as cumulative low-value spend, except in the case of 213,108.33 spent on waste management services, which was attributed to a delay with renewal of tender; and 36,022.84 for archival services, which was down to residual transitional costs. Cork ETB chief executive Denis Leamy said: Much of the non-compliant expenditure relates to instances where goods and services are procured locally across more than 100 Cork ETB locations. In each case, the required number of quotations were sought for each purchase and a purchase order was issued. The difficulty arises where the aggregate expenditure across all Cork ETB sites exceeds the national/EU tendering threshold and, at the time of purchase, Cork ETB had not tendered on an organisation-wide basis for these required goods and services. Aggregation, where the cumulative value of expenditure exceeds the threshold, is compounded by the number of schools and centres in a larger ETB. Cork ETB operates a decentralised purchasing system, where schools and centres raise their own purchase orders and submit invoices for payment to head office. Plan Mr Leamy added that a Cork ETB annual corporate procurement plan sets out a schedule to conduct tendering processes for organisation-wide expenditure. He added that it is reviewed annually. He also provided details on the 1,824,418.05 total non-compliant expenditure, which he noted had decreased 1,392,956.05 from the previous year. The report detailed the amount paid out to suppliers, broken down by category, as well as details on how many orders and centres these related to, such as that one supplier who was paid out 61,859 for art and craft materials, but 167 orders were placed across 39 centres; or that 125,682 was paid to one supplier for site security and alarm call out responses/key holding, with 232 orders created across 43 centres. In total, 33 suppliers received these uncompliant payments. Suppliers This includes 357,211 to five suppliers for school/office furniture and photocopier and franking machine charges; 282,021 on cleaning services, split across 13 different suppliers; 112,006 for the purchase of hairdressing, nails and beauty products for courses from two different suppliers; and 132,422 to three travel agent suppliers for school tours and Erasmus programme travel. Additionally, three suppliers were paid a cumulative 251,327 for engineering and welding consumables; 62,394 to one supplier for canteen food; 196,048 for electrical consumables/equipment for apprenticeship courses paid to two suppliers, and 243,448 for ICT/telecommunications paid to two suppliers. Gardai patrolled Cork train services on Tuesday as part of a national day of community engagement aimed at improving rail safety. An Garda Siochana, in partnership with Iarnrod Eireann, Luas operator Transdev Ireland, and the National Transport Authority (NTA), conducted a national day of engagement as part of Operation Twin Tracks, which aims to prevent and detect antisocial behaviour on public transport services. The objectives of the day of engagement were to ensure public safety by addressing antisocial behaviour, protect life and property, engage with the public, provide crime prevention advice, and to support Irish Rail and Transdev personnel in tackling these issues. Vindicating the human rights of each individual, preventing crime, bringing criminals to justice, through the detection, investigating of crime, and improving rail safety were also among the priorities. Engage Chief superintendent Jane Humphries, Garda National Community Engagement, said: An Garda Siochana, as part of Operation Twin Tracks, encourages and supports this ongoing opportunity to engage positively with the users of public transport, Iarnrod Eireann, Transdev Ireland (Luas), and the NTA. This engagement day affords An Garda Siochana the opportunity to maintain a visible presence on board these services, encouraging security and safety on board while preventing and detecting antisocial behaviour. Luas and Dart services in Dublin were patrolled, as were Intercity routes including Cork city, as well as Glounthane, Cobh, Midleton, Charleville, Mallow, Banteer, Millstreet, and Rathmore train stations. Local community policing members, supported by crime prevention officers, also operated community engagement stands at Connolly and Heuston stations and at various hubs across the regions. Complaints Earlier this year, on foot of a Freedom of Information request, The Echo highlighted complaints made to Iarnrod Eireann about physical violence, open drug use, theft, sexual assault, verbal abuse, and people drinking and shouting on Cork trains. At the time, National Bus and Rail Union general secretary Dermot OLeary told The Echo: Our people and people who travel on trains are exposed to, quite frankly, thugs and scumbags. Our members are at the end of their tether, saying they are afraid to go to work in the morning and theres certain trains they dont want to travel on. Cork City Council staff took more self-certified sick leave than staff in most other local authorities in Ireland, a new report has shown. The National Oversight and Audit Committee (NOAC) 2024 report on the performance of local authorities showed that the national average percentage rate of paid workdays lost through medically certified paid sick leave for local authority staff was 3.71% last year, down from 3.77% in 2023. Cork County Council lost 19,162.3 days, or 3.27% days, to sick leave, while Cork City Council lost 15,585.31 days, or 3.52%. The city council had the third highest percentage of paid working days lost to sickness absence through self-certification in Ireland, at 0.44% days, while in Cork County Council, 0.27% of days were lost through self-certification, a slight increase from 0.26% the year before. Highest The previous year, Cork City Council had the highest percentage of paid working days lost to sickness absence through self-certification in Ireland, at 0.42%, which was an improvement on its figure of 0.47% in 2022. NOAC also evaluated rent and commercial rate collection and found that Cork City Council collected 85% of rent and annuities for its properties, down from 88% in 2023, 2021, and 2020, and 89% in 2022. Cork County Council had the second highest rent and annuity collection rate in Ireland, at 98%, in 2024. This marked an increase from 97% in 2023 and 96% in 2022, but a decrease from 100% in 2021 and 2020. In terms of commercial rates collection, Cork City Council collected 86%, the same as the previous year and a considerable increase from 65% in 2020. Commercial rates Cork County Council collected 93% of commercial rates, in line with the two previous years, and up from 2020, at 87%. The NOAC performance indicator report also looked at library performance and found that while Cork City Council had higher-than-average library visits, it had a lower-than-average number of books borrowed. Cork City Council saw 4.26 library visits per head of population, the second highest in Ireland, with 849,415 items issued to borrowers and 35,817 registered members. In 2024, the number of items borrowed from libraries nationwide increased to 17,453,626, a year-on-year increase of 7.61%, but Cork City Council was one of just four local authorities to record a decrease in the number of items borrowed in 2024, with a reduction of 3.69%. Budget 2026 has promised more funding, more healthcare staff, more hospital beds, and more nursing home places but it is not yet clear how many will be in Cork. Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill announced details of the 27.4bn in funding for health in 2026 at a press conference yesterday, where she said the record allocation of current expenditure represents a 1.5bn, or 6.2% increase, on 2025 funding. No breakdown for funding by region has been provided for the six health regions, though an additional 3,370 whole-time equivalent staff in the Health Service Executive (HSE) overall was promised. There were 82 people on trolleys in Cork yesterday 51 in Cork University Hospital, 23 in Mercy University Hospital, and eight in Bantry General Hospital. Healthcare unions have expressed concern that not enough staffing will be provided to address persistently high figures across the country. Concern The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has expressed concern about this figure. The fact that the Government only intends to hire an additional 3,300 staff into our public health service next year demonstrates a lack of awareness into the severe staffing crisis in our hospitals and in the community, a spokesperson said. In cutting the Vat rate for the hospitality sector, the Government has failed to heed last weeks advice from the Fiscal Advisory Council, who said that the Government could hire 11,400 additional nurses rather than cut Vat for the hospitality sector. From December 2024 to the end of August 2025, just under 300 healthcare staff have joined the HSE across Cork and Kerry, according to HSE workforce reports. INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said: Our members are about to work another extremely busy autumn and winter period, where their workplaces are not staffed correctly. The HSE has confirmed that they have left 6,000 funded posts vacant in 2025. Ms Ni Sheaghdha referred to the huge variations in both acute and community care across health regions, which she said was not acceptable. In the area of community care, she gave the example of occupational therapy and speech and language therapy in HSE South-West, which is made up of Cork and Kerry, as examples of poor performance when compared to elsewhere in the county. We have to ensure that our underperforming regions are learning from the best, she said. No breakdown An additional 220 acute hospital beds have been promised, along with 280 community beds, 500 more nursing home places, and an extra 1.7m home support hours. No breakdown as to where these will be located has been provided. However, the figure includes those in the new National Childrens Hospital, set to open next year, suggesting there will only be a small increase, if any, in hospital beds for Cork. Between 2025 and 2028, 294 additional hospital beds are planned for the South-West, according to the acute in-patient hospital bed expansion plan released in May 2024. One measure which could see new staff in Cork was announced by the minister of state with responsibility for mental health, Mary Butler. She explained that the HSE is to establish specialist nursing teams in the emergency departments of all model four hospitals, including Cork University Hospital, out-of-hours, in addition to the establishment of a new crisis response pathway for children and young people staffed by specialist children and adolescent mental health service (Camhs) doctors. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD speaking about Budget 2026 in Government Buildings . Photo: Sam Boal/Collins photos Ms Carroll MacNeill also mentioned completing surgical hubs as part of her budget speech. Pushed back The Echo revealed in February that CUHs planned surgical hubs opening date had been pushed back to mid-2026, with the project originally having been planned for 2024. Another promise in Budget 2026 was 1,100 extra student places across all health professions. Again, there was no breakdown of which regions or universities would benefit. Ms Carroll MacNeill added: Investment alone is not the answer. Our health budget has essentially doubled since 2014, so we have to ensure were getting value for money. A priority is to reduce the health services reliance on agency staff, which is too high at the moment. Our dependency and spend is not sustainable. Cost Agency staff healthcare professionals who work for staffing agencies and are assigned to healthcare facilities on a temporary basis cost a total of 31.2m last year across six Cork hospitals, The Echo recently revealed. A HSE South-West spokesperson explained that full details and breakdown of the HSE South-West Budget 2026 will be advised in the HSEs National Service Plan 2026 due for publication in the coming months. The Department of Health has made an indicative budget allocation of 2.002bn to HSE South-West, a 10% increase from the 2025 allocation of 1.812bn to support both service delivery and strategic development across acute hospitals and community care, they added. Family-run enterprise ASA Group has celebrated 40 years in business with an event in West Cork. Founded by Aodh and Judith Bourke in Cork, the brand, which support clients in sustainable merchandise, direct marketing, and database management through its companies ASA Brands and ForWare, has grown from a small family-run enterprise into an international company, with operations in Cork, Dublin, and Belfast and partners around the world. Today, the ASA Group is led by sisters Michelle Johnson, who is chief executive, and Caroline Bourke, chief operating officer. They took the helm in 2015 from their parents. Ms Johnson said: As we celebrate 40 years, we are proud of how far weve come, from our parents vision in 1984 to the international company we are today. "The future is about scaling our impact further. Cork will always be home, but what excites us is that from Cork, Dublin, and Belfast, we can now deliver global campaigns, harness digital innovation, and continue building a business that will thrive for the next generation. Ms Bourke said: Sustainability is no longer a nice to have, its a responsibility. At ASA Brands, we see it as our duty to help clients engage their audiences in ways that are impactful and environmentally conscious. From sourcing responsibly to developing digital-first solutions, we are committed to ensuring the work we do today leaves a positive legacy for tomorrow. The ASA Group is focused on expanding its digital-first brand engagement solutions, strengthening its sustainability credentials, and continuing to build long-term global partnerships. Reflecting on the milestone, founders Aodh and Judith Bourke said: ASA was always built on family values. To see our daughters lead with vision and determination, while bringing fresh ideas and a global outlook, is incredibly rewarding. Theyve honoured the legacy while shaping a strong future for the business. A Jack Russell-type dog bit a woman on the leg as she tried to defend her own dog from attack at the Marina Market, and now the owner has been warned that he will have to pay more compensation to her. Radim Hradsky, of Lower Glanmire Rd, Cork, pleaded guilty at Cork District Court to failing to have his Jack Russell-type dog under effective control, and to not having a dog licence. He was to bring 600 to court to pay for the injured womans medical bills and other expenses. However, solicitor Killian McCarthy said the accused was now homeless and had only raised 300. Judge Mary Dorgan said this was not good enough. If you own a dog, you have to have a licence; if you own a dog, you have to have a lead, said Judge Dorgan. This lady is not going to be out of pocket. The dog is obviously quite vicious, that this type of injury was inflicted with huge repercussions for the injured party. I want this compensation paid. The judge adjourned sentencing until November 18 for the remaining 300 to be brought to court by Hradsky. Judge Dorgan asked: Is the dog still in the land of the living? Mr McCarthy said the defendant had arranged through an animal charity to have the dog rehoused. Sergeant Gearoid Davis outlined the background to the incident. On May 29, 2023, Garda Sean Finnegan responded to a report from a female having been bit by a loose dog at the Marina Market, Centre Park Rd, Cork, said Sgt Davis. On arrival at the scene, Garda Finnegan spoke with the young woman who said she was bitten by a Jack Russell-type terrier dog. She had visible bite injuries to her right calf. These injuries required her to have stitches at the Mercy Hospital. The unleashed dog growled at her dog and the injured party stepped forward to prevent her dog being attacked. Garda Finnegan patrolled the area and located the alleged offender and the offending dog in Kennedy Park, a short distance from the Marina Market. Radim Hradsky provided Garda Finnegan with his personal details, including his address. He declined the opportunity to make a statement, stating that his English was not good enough. CCTV was of poor quality, but it captured an interaction between two dogs. In a victim impact statement, the woman, who is in her mid-20s, described herself as an animal lover who did not want to see any harm coming to the dog and did not blame the dog. I blame the irresponsible owner and his lack of care, she said Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly has confirmed she used a taxpayer-funded allowance to fund a trip to Syria in 2018. The Irish Times reported on Thursday that she submitted a claim under the Parliamentary Activities Allowance for 3,691 related to Syria in her statements to the Standards in Public Office (Sipo) Commission for 2018. She travelled to Syria as part of an Irish delegation that also included then fellow Independent TDs Clare Daly, Mick Wallace and Maureen OSullivan. In a statement on Thursday, Connolly's campaign team said: "Catherine Connolly used a portion of her Parliamentary Activities Allowance under the 'Research heading to support a fact-finding visit to Syria. "The total declared amount was 3,691, as set out in her annual return to the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO). "This expenditure was made for research purposes: to gather first-hand information relevant to Catherines parliamentary work on foreign policy, humanitarian issues, sanctions, Irish neutrality and Irelands role in international institutions. "Costs covered standard travel and subsistence. No personal benefit accrued. Catherine welcomes scrutiny of public spending and will continue to act with transparency and accountability in all aspects of her work. In 2018, Bashar al-Assad was still in power in Syria and engaged in a brutal civil war. The country was under Western sanctions. Ms Connolly has previously said the delegation visited a refugee camp outside Damascus and saw first-hand the destruction of a whole city. Ottoline Spearman Budget 2026 was not focused on child poverty, a Childrens Committee has heard. The Government has billed the spending and tax measures as focusing on the most vulnerable in society. Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, said it was the largest Child Support Payment increase in the history of the State, with a weekly increase of 16 to 78 for children aged 12 and over (a 26 per cent increase), and a weekly increase of 8 to 58 for children under 12 (a 16% increase) It also included a 10 rise in core social welfare payments. However, Suzanne Rogers from Social Justice Ireland said the Budget did little to tackle core issues. Speaking on Newstalk, she said: "None of the decisions we see anywhere across government or policy, I think, are looking at what Ireland should look like in 2040 or 2050 or 2060. "The budget... we were led to believe it was going to be a child poverty budget. "Apart from the qualified child payment, there was really nothing in it for low-income families." Cork artist Marie Bryan is exhibiting at MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory (BCO), combining her scientific background with her passion for creativity. Her colourful paintings and short film which are on show during Space Week at BCO and beyond are entitled Up There. As Marie explains, this body of work is an artistic snatch at dark matter which was produced this year at MTU Crawford College of Art and Design during her first year there studying fine art. She got plenty of encouragement from her lecturers who told her to have fun with her unique creations. Marie has a curious, probing mind but, also a light side, evidenced by her love of fashion and design, right down to her magenta-coloured hair. Aesthetics are important to her. So too is scientific inquiry. It was to the rigour of science that she was drawn at UCC, from where she graduated with a BSc. Having only really discovered her artistic side when she started painting following her husbands death in 2019, 55-year-old Marie says that it would have suited her to study literature in her youth. I like to invent things, I like fiction and I like playing with words. In my art projects, I like to bring people with me. When her husband, Dave Bryan died, Marie says it made her stand on my own two feet. The dual nature of her talents meant that while she would have been happy working in scientific research, Marie would have all the time been looking for a bit of colour. She worked as a clerical officer at the Central Statistics Office in Mahon for two decades and got married at the age of 43. Marie enjoyed working as a dairy farmer with her husband in Carrignavar. But when he died, she had to reluctantly give up farming as she doesnt have the physical strength to do certain essential jobs on the land. Marie Bryan's World Donut The first covid lockdown was the catalyst for Maries focus on art. I did an online course in life drawing with Eileen Healy run by the Crawford. I really enjoyed it. I put a portfolio together and submitted it to Douglas Street Campus. I felt that my drawings and paintings were good for a beginner. I was accepted into the college. Marie went on to volunteer at the Crawford Art Gallery, working from the curators office. The Crawford had an exhibition at the time called Meat and Potatoes. My internship project was to make the exhibition accessible and relatable for a person that might walk into the gallery off the street, feeling that they cant judge art or relate to it. So I spoke about my personal relationship with art. I brought a lot of my farming history to it. Kinsale College was Maries next port of call where she learned a lot about portraiture. This led to an exhibition in 2023 of grainy portraits of service users at Cork Simon, at Cork Airport and in libraries, garnering a lot of publicity. I had done a couple of self-portraits. It came to me very quickly. When Im doing a portrait, Im interested in peoples life stories which might be expressed in their face. This academic year, Marie is studying sculpture and film at the Crawford. She is excited about her BCO exhibition, adding: Its an upbeat reach for the unknown. Work began with Maries creation of what she has termed a world donut (a donut-shaped globe). Its a visual representation of an idea to alter the earths magnetic system where I pondered how to sustain the earths location in space, she explains. With suspension in mind, Marie has illustrated herself climbing her star sign Sagittarius and then venturing onwards and upwards to climb the universe by means of a family tree climbing frame. She has used colour spontaneously, with scientific research and brainstorming. In her short film, Donutless Beach, Marie bravely and optimistically ventures outside of the universe or perhaps just outside of known dimensions in search of the donut. She is accompanied by bleeping aliens and by a wasp butterfly. It is quite a trip. We clearly ought to go further. Marie is fascinated by the fact that 95% of the universe has not been found. Theres dark matter and dark energy out there but it has never been recorded. Its been a case of me putting my artistic and hopeful slant on it, maybe religious and looking for an afterlife. Id hope to enter a new dimension or several new dimensions when I die. With my energy, Id like to be flying around the sky. I was showing Alan Giltinan (manager of BCO) my vision and my understanding of the universe. He suggested an exhibition. With the demand for water predicted to outstrip supply in the world as soon as 2030, Marie says that issue requires serious attention. Does she ever feel depressed about the future of planet earth? Not at all. I think its up to myself and each individual to do what we can to decrease pollution in various forms. Marie says she had ideas of sustaining the earth in space with the world donut changing magnetics and how that would impact. I looked into it scientifically. Its an artistic idea and such ideas can inspire the direction of science. But its not a runner. She has taken liberties with her highly colourful paintings in Up There. Going boldly where many artists might fear to tread.... Veteran character actor Ron Dean, celebrated for his memorable supporting roles in iconic films including "The Breakfast Club" and "The Fugitive," passed away on October 5 at a Chicago hospital at 87 years old. The cause of death has not been disclosed, though his longtime partner Maggie Neff revealed that Dean had been battling a prolonged illness. Born Ronald Charles Dean on August 15, 1938, in Chicago, Dean built a distinguished career portraying tough-talking law enforcement officers and authority figures. His Chicago roots and authentic demeanor made him a natural choice for roles requiring a gritty urban sensibility. Dean began his screen career in the mid-1970s and was working regularly by 1983, establishing himself as a dependable character actor with nearly 100 film and television credits. Dean gained early recognition for his role as a detective in Tom Cruise's breakout film "Risky Business" in 1983. He went on to work with Cruise in two additional films, "The Color of Money" (1986) and "Cocktail" (1988), where he played Cruise's uncle. In John Hughes' beloved 1985 classic "The Breakfast Club," Dean portrayed the strict father of athlete Andrew Clark, played by Emilio Estevez. Director Andrew Davis became one of Dean's most frequent collaborators, casting him in seven films throughout their professional relationship. Their partnership produced some of Dean's most notable works, including "Above the Law" (1988), "The Package" (1989), and the Academy Award-nominated thriller "The Fugitive" (1993), where Dean played Detective Kelly alongside Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones. Dean's later career included a memorable role as the corrupt Detective Wuertz in Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" (2008). His extensive television work featured guest appearances on acclaimed series including "Frasier," "ER," "The West Wing," "NYPD Blue," "Murder, She Wrote," and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." He had recurring roles on "Early Edition" as Detective Marion Zeke Crumb and appeared in multiple episodes of "Chicago Fire" as Fire Marshal James Whoritsky. Throughout his career, Dean remained closely connected to Chicago's theater community. He received a Jefferson Award nomination in 1996 for his supporting role in "Supple in Combat" at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. His final screen appearance was in a 2016 episode of "Chicago P.D." as Ray Sharansky. Dean's death marks the end of a remarkable journey from a troubled youth to a respected performer who embodied the spirit of Chicago talent for over three decades. His authentic portrayals of working-class characters and law enforcement officials left an indelible mark on both film and television, earning him recognition as one of Hollywood's most reliable character actors. Max Ehrich, an actor and ex-fiance of Demi Lovato, was taken into custody in Florida following an alleged domestic violence incident against a family member. Ehrich was arrested on Tuesday evening after a battery charge involving a 65-year-old person. After posting a $1,000 bond, he was set free on Wednesday. According to law enforcement sources who spoke to TMZ, the arrest happened at the residence of a family member, where Ehrich had been active on social media hours prior to the arrest. He had been live-streaming with his mother in the room. Officials have not announced the alleged victim's identity. Demi Lovatos ex-fiance, Max Ehrich, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a family member aged 65 or older. He posted a $1k bond and was released today. (TMZ) pic.twitter.com/CNdH2I1XY6 Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) October 9, 2025 Troubling Online Behavior Before news of his arrest broke, Ehrich's online behavior raised concern among fans. Several users reported that he went live repeatedly on Instagram, causing his mother to appear distressed. One viewer wrote, according to the Daily Mail, "Max Ehrich is pulling an Aaron Carter/Kanye West right now and it's very concerning." Another said he was "constantly going live on Instagram" with "his poor mother crying in the corner." Ehrich also shared his mother's phone number with a caption asking followers to "give zelle to my mom." Comment sections quickly filled with messages urging intervention. One user wrote, "Where is his family? Mom, dad, grandparents, siblings, anyone?" Another asked, "Is he in active psychosis or something? What is happening?" Past with Demi Lovato Ehrich began dating Lovato in early 2020. They announced their engagement in July of that year after four months together. At the time, Lovato wrote, "I love you forever my baby. My partner. Here's to our future!!!" Ehrich posted his own message calling her "every love song, every film, every lyric, every poem." Their relationship ended in September 2020. Following the split, Ehrich posted cryptic messages online, including "#FreeDemi" and "#FreeDemetria," which fans interpreted as directed at her inner circle. Lovato has since moved on and married musician Jutes in May during a private ceremony in California. Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs will not be assured a spot at FCI Fort Dix, following a request by his lawyers for the New Jersey institution. A federal judge decided Wednesday that the court may only recommend a broad area and treatment modalitiesnot an actual prisonwhen making recommendations to the Bureau of Prisons. As per of AllHipHop report, Diddy was handed a four-year and two-month federal prison sentence after being found guilty in July on two counts of transporting people across state lines for prostitution under the Mann Act. He was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges. In a written ruling, Judge Arun Subramanian explained the boundaries of the court's jurisdiction. The Court will suggest a facility in the geographic region of the defense's preference, but not the actual facility, which is the choice of the Bureau of Prisons," the court held. The ruling came after a formal letter from Diddy's lawyer, Teny Geragos, who had asked the court to advise Fort Dix based on its rehabilitation facilities and its location close to Diddy's relatives. Geragos had argued that the low-security facility would facilitate her client's recovery and enable regular visits from family members. As described in the judicial order quoted by the news outlet, Judge Subramanian indicated that the court would still advise that Diddy be housed close to the New York metropolitan area and qualify for substance abuse treatment programs, including the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). But he refused to specify Fort Dix by name. Diddy has already spent almost 12 months at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center, and that will count against his overall sentence. According to CNN, FCI Fort Dix in Burlington County, New Jersey, has about 4,000 prisoners and is famous for being a lower security level as well as for education, vocational training, and drug treatment. Diddy's conviction is a significant setback for one of Hip-Hop's most powerful figures. Founder of Bad Boy Records, he began the careers of artists The Notorious B.I.G. and Mase, going on to expand into businesses in fashion, spirits, and media. Apart from his criminal trial, Diddy is also dealing with many civil lawsuits accusing him of misconduct which supposedly goes back decades. Originally published on Music Times The ESRF congratulates the winners of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, awarded for pioneering work on metalorganic frameworks (MOFs). Among the laureates is Professor Omar M. Yaghi, recognised for foundational contributions to the field. The ESRF collaborated with Professor Yaghi's team on a study featured as an ESRF Highlight in 2023 on high-porosity MOF glasses. The work leveraged the BM23 beamline's X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) capabilities. While Professor Yaghi was the main proposer on the beamtime proposal, the measurements and data analysis were performed locally by Kirill Lomachenko and postdoc Cesare Atzori, with remote participation from US collaborators. The resulting XAS data and analysis complemented the broader narrative of the publication and underlined BM23's strengths for MOF investigations. This single paper did not determine the Nobel decision, which recognises decades of transformative work, but it represents a valuable partnership and showcases ESRF's role in enabling world-class chemistry and materials science. Publishing with a laureate is rare and noteworthy, and it highlights how ESRF instrumentation and expertise contribute to advances at the forefront of MOF research. Kirill Lomachenko, co-author in the publication, explains: "Im grateful to have had the chance to collaborate and co-author a publication with Professor Omar Yaghi, Nobel Prize Laureate in Chemistry 2025. It started when I gave a talk at his Lab in Berkeley about the ESRF capabilities. That led him and his team to apply for beamtime, which eventually grew into a fruitful collaboration. For me, its a highlight of how valuable networking with fellow researchers is for advancing science". ESRF warmly congratulates Professor Yaghi and all the laureates on this well-deserved recognition, and looks forward to supporting future MOF studies through BM23 capabilities (XRD/XAS/MS, XAS/MS/DRIFTS) and across the facility on beamlines such as ID22, SNBL (both BM31 and BM01), ID26, ID24 and ID15A. Reference: https://www.esrf.fr/Apache_files/Highlights/2023/121-ESRF-Highlights-2023.html#/page/120 In southern India, a new enterprise called Peer Publicon Consultancy offers a full suite of services to scientific researchers. It will not only write a scholarly paper for a fee but also guarantee publishing the fraudulent work in a respected journal. It is one of many paper mills that have emerged across Asia and Eastern Europe over the last two decades. Paper mills are having remarkable success peddling tens of thousands of bogus academic journal papers and authorships to university and medical researchers seeking to pad their resumes in highly competitive fields. These sophisticated outfits also engage in trickery to get papers published, infiltrating journals with their own editors and reviewers and even resorting to bribery, according to investigators and a white paper from Wiley, a New Jersey-based publisher. The scale of the fraud is eye-popping: One Wiley subsidiary, Hindawi, retracted more than 8,000 articles two years ago for suspected paper mill involvement. U.S. universities and regulators have been able to brush off the threat of paper mills because they have mostly sold their services in China, where research integrity standards are rarely enforced, according to experts. But these rogue operators are building on their success in Asia and expanding to the U.S. and Western Europe, where the prize is the prestige of naming an author on an article from a famous university. Paper mills have become a huge business, said Jennifer Byrne, professor of molecular oncology at the University of Sydney, who studies the enterprises. If some journals are pushing back on papers from China, and they probably are, it makes sense that paper mills will try to diversify their clientele and start working with people in different countries. As paper mills expand from the fringe to the center of research, placing professional-looking articles in high-impact journals owned by major publishers like Springer Nature, experts worry about the potential harm to scientific discovery. Researchers willing to break the rules in a Darwinian world of publish or perish may mislead other scientists who incorporate their false findings into their own work. We know little about the actual impact of paper mills on research, Byrne says. But if scientists are building on bad information, they are wasting resources and not making progress in their fields. Paper Mills Spread to the West Paper mills appear to be expanding at a rapid clip, aided by AI that enables them to overwhelm journals with dozens of papers in a short period of time, adding to the challenge of detecting fakes. A study by the Committee on Publishing Ethics (COPE) revealed that, on average, journals suspected about 2% of submitted papers came from mills about five years ago. After journals published fake papers, however, the paper mills saw the opening and pounced, accounting for nearly half of new submissions. In a corrupt echo of Moores Law, a 2024 study concluded that the number of suspected paper mill articles has been doubling every 18 months, far outpacing that of legitimate science. Researchers in the West appear to be a small but important part of the expansion. Journals have retracted more than 140 papers that name a U.S. co-author because of evidence of organized fraud, and almost 200 retracted papers name a co-author from Western Europe, according to data collected by watchdog group Retraction Watch and analyzed by Cristina Candal Pedreira, an assistant professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Scholars at many leading U.S. universities, including the University of California, Emory University, Georgia Tech, and the University of Texas, have co-authored papers linked to paper mills in recent years. The retraction notice for a 2022 paper co-authored by computer scientist Yanhui Guo, a rising star in the field of AI at the University of Illinois Springfield, is typical. Wiley said its investigation of Guos paper uncovered evidence of systematic manipulation of the publication and peer-review process. We cannot, therefore, vouch for the reliability or integrity of this article. It's difficult to know what role, if any, the U.S. researchers had in collaborating with a paper mill. Assuming the paper is a fake, a U.S. co-author could have purchased it or secured an authorship position on it, or they may have been unaware that a paper mill was involved. Guos retracted article illustrates the different possibilities. It has six authors from five countries a wide geographical spread thats common on articles from paper mills, which sell authorship slots worldwide, says Elisabeth Bik, a California microbiologist who investigates scientific misconduct. Indeed, Guo could be unaware that another co-coauthor was collaborating with a paper mill, if that occurred. It should be up to universities to answer ethical questions about their faculty. But misconduct investigations are cloaked in secrecy. Asked if the university is investigating why two of Guos papers were retracted, a spokesperson said, UIS is following standard protocols and cannot comment further. Guo didnt respond to several requests for comment from RealClearInvestigations. Many U.S. researchers who co-authored suspect papers were born in another country and came to the U.S. as young scholars to make their names. Mohammed Ali Al-Garadi obtained his Ph.D. in computer science in Malaysia before joining Emory University in Atlanta as a postdoctoral researcher in 2019, according to his IEEE profile. While at Emory, he was one of nine authors from seven countries on a 2021 paper that three years later was retracted by a Wiley journal because of indicators of systematic manipulation of the publication process. In 2022, Al-Garadi landed a plum job at highly ranked Vanderbilt University, where hes a research assistant professor in biomedical informatics. Al-Garadi and Vanderbilt didnt respond to questions about the retracted paper, one of two of his articles yanked from a journal. When more prominent U.S. researchers are named on alleged paper mill articles, experts say name theft might be involved. A scholar such as Jonathan Koomey, who has taught at Stanford University and has written more than 200 articles and reports and 10 books, would have no apparent motive to conspire with a paper mill. The mill, however, would have a motive to put his name on a paper without his knowledge to give it more credibility with a publisher. Koomey says he had no idea that his name and prestigious affiliation Stanford appeared on a retracted paper by a Sage journal until RCI recently asked him about it. Koomeys name was listed with four scholars from China on a paper about an English oral evaluation algorithm. Koomeys specialty is another field altogether: energy and climate change. This is a paper to which I never contributed and have no idea who these authors are, said Koomey. They just stuck my name on the paper without my knowledge. When U.C. Berkeley retired senior researcher Xiao-Yun Lu recently discovered that he was also a victim of name theft on two retracted papers linked to paper mills, he was alarmed. I must stop this from happening immediately, he told RCI. Lu believed the lead author of the papers, Yi He, a former post-doctoral student at Berkeley, was responsible. So Lu emailed He, who now works at Wuhan University of Technology in China, and told him to follow proper scientific methods in his work and to stop putting his name on papers. The research approaches, data and results all need to be scientific and objective, Lu wrote to He in a September email shared with RCI. He responded, defending the retracted papers as original achievements and assured Lu that he wont use his name on papers in the future. I apologize for the trouble caused to you, He wrote. How Paper Mills Operate Wiley, a major academic publisher with 1,600 journals, has warned that its industry faces a deepening crisis from paper mills. They first appeared about 15 years ago, and many have evolved into sophisticated businesses, producing complex papers with all the trappings of science. Mills appear to hire scientists, perhaps drawing from the surplus of Ph.Ds., and include lab facilities in their sales pitch. The basic business model is selling authorship slots, if not the entire paper, to scholars on a wide variety of topics, from cancer research to economics to education, according to the COPE report. Paper mills write the articles, create charts based on online or fabricated data, respond to queries from editors, and guarantee publication in journals indexed to essential platforms like the Web of Science. Its a wall-to-wall scam so convincing that journal editors, who are typically unpaid and have limited time for vetting papers, are easily deceived. Researchers pay more for papers published in high-impact journals and for being the first listed author. While getting named on a low-profile conference paper might cost only $100, the price might jump to $1,200 for the first position in an influential journal, said a source in the academic publishing industry who asked to remain anonymous. The highest fee I have heard of is $8,500. Paper mills operate with a remarkable degree of transparency, advertising their illicit services online to attract customers, with little concern that they will be shut down. They also offer legitimate services that can serve as camouflage for illegitimate ones. The website of Indias Peer Publicon Consultancy, for instance, leads off with an offer to correct the grammar and spelling on medical-related papers. Thats fine. Then comes the offer of help in every facet of writing and publishing a literature review article for about $300. Dig deeper to find this suspect offer: You can join as a co-author for the review articles we prepare for publication in indexed journals. RCI reached out to Professor P. Mutha Prasanna, a managing director of a group that oversees Peer Publicon. He is also a co-author of a highly cited paper that is full of plagiarized text, according to Elisabeth Bik, the integrity consultant. Prasanna told RCI that the paper was drafted mainly by another author and that Peer Publicon was recently launched and it has nothing to do with that paper. He didnt answer questions about Peer Publicons activities. In Russia, a paper mill called International Publisher says it operates in a glassy tower in central Moscow and claims to have published more than 4,000 papers, some in high-impact journals. We can help teach authors how to write articles that will be accepted into international journals, according to its website. We can also handle any aspects of the work ourselves. That includes enhancing the scientific value of the article (improving the research, updating the relevance and analysis, logically organizing the content, strengthening the conclusion). The pricing is laid out in a chart: Writing or revising a paper costs $2,400, and getting it published in a top-ranked journal is an additional $4,200. Anna Abalkina, a research fellow at the Institute for East European Studies of the Free University of Berlin, brought unwanted scrutiny to the paper mill with her 2023 study. International Publisher had listed on its website the titles of papers with co-authorship slots for sale. Abalkina matched the titles with those that were later published, identifying at least 451 papers co-authored by more than 800 scholars over a three-year period. International Publisher didnt respond to a request for comment. The Russian paper mill has extended its reach into the United States. A student at an East Coast university put her name on two published papers with titles that first appeared, almost word for word, on articles for sale on International Publishers website. The Russian company also publicizes a long list of U.S. universities that it claims provide reviewers for its articles. After Abalkinas study was published, she says the paper mill tried to cover its tracks. It published thousands of abstracts of legitimate papers on its website, claiming it had helped to get them published. Some of the legit authors complained to a prosecutor, she said. But the paper mill continues to operate. Secretly Infiltrating Journals Producing fraudulent articles is only part of the paper mill contagion. They have also infiltrated journals to get them published. Journal editors commonly ask authors to recommend scientists who can peer review their work, which theoretically should provide a shield against publishing fake research. But when a mill produces the article, it sometimes recommends its own reviewers who then provide positive feedback to editors about a bogus article, according to the COPE report. In 2021, a SAGE journal pulled 122 published papers because of clear indications that the submission and/or peer review process was manipulated. When publishers seek outside editors for special issues, a popular practice, paper mills have also taken advantage of the opportunity to fill the temporary role. These guest editors then fill the special issues with rubbish articles and fabricated authors. A Chinese paper mill boasted about bribing a guest editor with a thousand dollars per paper for a special issue by publisher Hindawi, according to a report in For Better Science. The widespread infiltration of Hindawis special issues led to the mass retractions and the closing of the Hindawi brand by Wiley. Journals that focus on human gene research appear to be a favorite target of paper mills, partly because experimental results are simple to fabricate, according to Sydneys Byrne. Her research shows that paper mills, which in the past appeared to focus on marginal journals because they may be easier to penetrate, have moved up the food chain, presenting a greater threat to cancer research. Byrne and other researchers found that two top-rated high-impact cancer journals from Springer Nature, Molecular Cancer, and Oncogene, have published a significant number of papers with wrongly identified nucleotide sequences that suggest foul play in many cases. Over a span of years ending in 2020, 18% of the Molecular Cancer papers examined in the study contained errors, as did 40% of the 2020 Oncogene papers. Although we cant be sure that all of these papers with nucleotide sequence errors came from paper mills, at least some of these papers seem likely to have been produced with paper mill support, Byrne said. As paper mills penetrate more influential journals, they may also be collaborating with a significant number of Western researchers who seek such top-shelf exposure. While most of the co-authors of the problematic papers in Molecular Cancer are in China, 8% are in the U.S., and 11% are in Western Europe. Battle Against Paper Mills Despite the work of scientists like Bik, Abalkina, and Byrne to expose paper mills, theres not much getting in the way of their expansion. In the U.S., much of the responsibility rests with universities and their research integrity officers. But they face institutional hurdles, from researchers afraid to blow the whistle on colleagues to pressure from university leaders to slow-walk investigations that could taint an academic institutions reputation. University officials may not even know that a faculty member has been subjected to a retraction. A North Carolina State University computer science professor still posts his paper on the schools website without noting that it was retracted by a Sage journal in 2023 due to concerns that could include unauthorized third party involvement and unverifiable authors and reviewers. The researcher didnt respond to a request for comment. In response to the onslaught of fraudulent scholarship, journals are bolstering their efforts against paper mills. A Wiley spokesperson told RCI it has developed AI-powered detection systems to intercept suspect papers before they reach peer review while also scaling up its internal integrity teams. Some publishers, such as Taylor & Francis, are combating authorship sales by making it harder for mills to add and remove names from papers. Considering the rapid growth in the number of indexed published papers, topping 2.8 million in 2022, publishers dont vet every paper for every type of wrongdoing. They tend to find and reject the submissions that are clearly fraudulent. Its the people who are lazy or not very good at faking it who probably get caught, the publishing source said. But if a paper mill doesnt put anything in a paper that's obviously fake and they are not too greedy in terms of numbers of authors, they can definitely get it published. Byrne agrees that publishers are still routinely fooled by sophisticated fakes. She was recently asked to peer review a cancer paper submitted to a journal at one of the big five publishers. As a leading expert in the field, Byrne found serious flaws in the complicated paper, which wrongly described the behavior of cancer cells. It was a typical paper mill product a fancy piece of rubbish. Byrnes peer review report to the editor was blunt: This paper must not be published. Its absolutely not true, she said. But they didnt listen to me. Instead, the editor asked the authors to make revisions on the paper thats now headed for publication. Honestly, this drives me nuts, Byrne said. And this is happening at scale all around the world. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Wildlife bounties are government payments for proof that a particular critter has been killed. The conversation comes up when people become frustrated at the apparent lack of game animals. Bounty systems have been around since men discovered that predators were hurting their chance of harvesting animals to put food on their table, or when livestock or crops were threatened. History When Ohio was being settled, few laws protected wildlife from the landowners wrath. By 1803, the last of Ohios American bison was killed near the present site of Vesuvius Furnace in Lawrence County. Deer were shot whenever convenient, and bears, mountain lions, and wolves were killed on sight. Even the common gray squirrel caused concern. Squirrels were found to be so destructive that legislation was once passed requiring taxpayers to kill gray squirrels and turn their scalps into the county clerk. In a 1948 research paper by Charles Dumbach of Ohio State Universitys Department of Zoology and Entomology, it was noted that squirrel scalps were required to be submitted by each taxpayer and should be no less than 10 nor more than 100. Athens County once offered a bounty on wolves and mountain lions and would pay $4 (nearly $110 in 2025 currency) for each dead animal verified by authorities. By 1818, the county suspended bounty payments because the animals had become nearly non-existent. The Great Hinckley Hunt of 1818 in Medina County was meant to rid the area of any creature that might threaten farm or friend. The area had a huge and unbroken forest of big trees, which was believed to be a haven for wolves, bears and smaller animals. Landowners, who had cleared and farmed the ground around the woods, claimed that their produce was often raided and that entire flocks of sheep were being decimated in a single night. A plan was made for a war of extermination upon wolves and bears. At dawn on Dec. 24, the forest was surrounded by approximately 600 men. At days end, the tally included 17 wolves, 21 bears and 300 deer. Uncounted animals included turkeys and additional deer that were carried home by participants, as well as innumerable foxes and raccoons. Changing landscape While its accurate to say that large predators were more quickly extirpated due to bounties, that would have eventually occurred without cash incentives. These species were not going to do well in Ohios changing landscape. Logging, land clearing, mining, degradation of streams, improving farming technologies and a steadily growing population and industrial complex made the land and people less hospitable for these larger carnivores. In the span of a few generations, those abrupt changes of habitat and unchecked harvest took a heavy toll on most of Ohios native wildlife. Since that last bison was killed, mountain lions, beaver, elk, gray wolves, black bears and bobcats were all considered extirpated from Ohio by 1850. Driven hunts and targeting problem species still existed. In Ohio, during the 1920s and 30s, bounties on certain wildlife species usually fox and avian predators were considered a solution to help burgeoning pheasant populations thrive. Even Aldo Leopold, the father of modern wildlife management, was a bounty advocate and was paid to kill wolves himself. As he continued studying wildlife and its impact on the ecosystem, he found that hed been wrong. I thought that because fewer wolves meant more deer, that no wolves would mean hunters paradise, Leopold said in his book, A Sand County Almanac (1949). He witnessed that once the wolves were gone, the deer ultimately suffered as populations became so far out of balance with the countrysides carrying capacity that the deer numbers declined. So much damage had been done by the overpopulated herd that deer numbers remained depressed for decades due to the long-lasting destruction caused by over-browsing. Leopolds careful studies of natural predation led to a reversal of his previous opinions. Pheasants Lets get back to Ohios pheasant population and the idea of bounties on predators. With todays low wild pheasant numbers and the drastically declining grouse population, why not reinstitute bounties on certain animals to relieve pressure on the remaining birds? Its important to understand the predator-prey dynamics prior to making a possibly over-reaching and expensive decision. During the heydays of Ohios pheasants, roughly 1930 to 1955, farms were smaller, some partially abandoned due to economics; equipment was less efficient and more labor intensive, and there was more livestock, lots of pastures and hay fields (preferred nesting habitat) and fencerows (travel lanes and winter cover). Additionally, drainage of odd areas was less intense, allowing more fallow and unused ground. These circumstances created a boon for upland cover and were perfect for a booming pheasant population. At the same time, grouse were recovering in areas where mining land was being reclaimed thanks to the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) or reforested naturally, while decades-old logging areas sprouted vast stands of young and mid-growth trees, all of which were perfect habitat for grouse to bounce back from losses felt earlier in the century. Circumstances of the times allowed pheasant and grouse to flourish. To understand predation, we need to understand predators. Whether coyote, fox or hawk (or Bengal tiger), they are opportunist. They dont wake up in the morning and decide today feels like a pheasant day. They hunt for the easiest meal, which provides the least physical exertion and amount of risk. If one prey species is more abundant than another, thats what is most likely to be targeted. Predator numbers tend to be higher in good habitat, a reflection of the amount of food they can find. In 1972, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act protected all raptor species a law that followed in line with the Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940. This stopped bounties on raptors and soon, most states, including Ohio, terminated bounty programs on all species. I was once at a public meeting when one very irritated man began arguing (yelling) for a new fox bounty to protect pheasants. The district manager, an old school warden, held his hand up for silence. So, the fox ate all the pheasants. Are you still seeing any pheasants? I only got one all season, and it was the only bird we jumped, came the reply. Do you see any fox? All the time, the man said. Then I guess all those poor son-of-guns (not exactly what he said) are starving now, the old warden answered. In his own way, that warden was pointing out that fox had never relied exclusively on pheasants as their primary food, but were most likely chowing down on meadow vole meals a common rodent found all over farm fields and one that fox see as a juicy, fuzzy sausages. When pheasant populations were high, the birds simply became Brer Foxs bonus meal. The man was lost to the irony that the only pheasant he saw all season was killed by another predator the two-legged kind. Though bounties are now a rarity in the U.S., a few persist. Utah pays hunters up to $50 per coyote to help protect mule deer. During 2018, $500,000 was paid for more than 11,000 coyotes, but fraud-plagued payouts with coyote scalps being brought in from other states. Since its inception, the program has not given wildlife managers any measurable results, since coyote populations can be both nomadic and their numbers uncertain. Biologists believe that habitat loss, particularly on winter range, is the most serious threat to mule deer and are investing heavily in establishing better habitat. South Carolina, Texas and Virginia offer coyote harvest incentives, and there are some duck-producing states experimenting with furbearer removal inducements due to decreased trapping pressure. Nebraska, which once championed coyote bounties, has suspended them. It was apparent the bounty system was having no real effect on coyote and fox numbers, so the program was discontinued, said furbearer biologist Stephanie Tucker during an interview with the Bismarck Tribune. In Nebraska, coyote numbers continued to rise although a bounty system had been in place for 68 years. Not worth it What do I think? Bounties tend to be a reflection of looking for a simple solution to complex problems. While predation occurs, it tends to be the result of too little habitat or an abundance of good habitat. Both should be expected. In one, wildlife has few places to hide and predators are forced into hunting those areas to find food something thats also easier for the layman to spot. On the good habitat side, animals tend to flourish, making them more available to predation. While it may have its role in some isolated instances, a broad bounty program tends to lead to ethics being stretched and to fraud. It seems better to rely on adjusting seasons and spending that money on wildlife and their habitat needs. Loss of habitat takes a far larger toll than predation ever could accomplish. In any natural ecosystem, predation will happen and should be expected. Most wildlife professionals believe that bounties are no longer valuable for fish and game management, acknowledging that those antiquated practices are simply not worth the cost. I agree. Like the resource it seeks to protect, wildlife conservation must be dynamic, changing as conditions change, seeking always to become more effective. Rachel Carson Few creatures in Ohio today capture the spotlight quite like the white-tailed deer. For hunters, either these animals are something to be relished and sought after, whether it be for the accomplishment of harvesting a fully mature buck to be mounted on the wall for generations to appreciate or for the delicious lean venison of a young doe that simply cannot be beat. For farmers, trying to raise a successful crop in already difficult conditions, such as harsh winters, spring floods and summer droughts, hungry deer looking to make a quick dinner of their hard work may pose a threat to their livelihood. While sportsman would love for there to be an overabundance of deer, many farmers would agree that we would be better off with far fewer than we already have. This issue has sparked many debates over the course of Ohios statehood, leading to a near cataclysmic period for the white-tailed deer and many counter measures that still resound in the work being done for wildlife today. While it would be impossible to determine the exact population of white-tailed deer in Ohio, we can estimate the number of deer to be somewhere around 800,000 based on the Ohio Division of Wildlifes harvest report and observation data. This population has ebbed and flowed throughout the history of the state with some years having higher birth rates and milder conditions, while other years see harsher drought conditions and disease outbreaks, such as last years extreme drought, and this years outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease in the southeastern portion of the state. Despite some of these setbacks, the white-tailed deer has endured much tougher challenges for millions of years. History Fossil records suggest that the earliest white-tailed deer appeared around 2 to 5 million years ago. Too put that into perspective, it is believed that modern humans date back only around 300,000 years. Because much of the world was encased in ice during that time, Ohio included, deer as we know them did not migrate this far north until the end of the last Ice Age, around 11,700 years ago. During the years following, whitetails were a food source to a variety of predators such as wolves, large cats and early indigenous people. Much of the culture of Appalachian tribes such as the Miami and Shawnee were heavily influenced by the role the white-tailed deer played in their survival. For thousands of years, the white-tailed deer lived in abundance in the Ohio Valley alongside species such as elk, bison, black bear and mountain lions. The decline of all of these species, white-tails included, came around the time that the European settlers began building their homesteads in the forests that made up their habitat. George Washington and his surveying crew first mapped out the state in 1770. The land was divided up amongst veterans of the French and Indian war, as well as active soldiers who later fought in the Revolutionary War to win our independence from Britain. On April 19, 1775, the first shots of what would become the Revolutionary War were fired in Massachusetts. This led to a larger demand for resources from the land, such as food, furs and timber. After the war was won and freedom from British rule won, many soldiers looked to the vast Ohio wilderness to settler down and build their homesteads. New Ohioans needed land and timbers if they were going to prosper in their newly acquired country and made quick work of clearing ancient forests that had stood since the recession of the glaciers to build their homes and feed their families. Settlers also frequently took to the woods with their muskets to hunt local deer and turkey as livestock was in short supply at the time. The combination of overhunting and loss of habitat due to deforestation drove the once flush population of white-tailed deer to statewide extirpation by 1909. White-tailed deer along with wild turkey were nowhere to be found in Ohio until 1943. Deer hunting was outlawed in all of the 88 counties in Ohio. The 1930s was an extremely trying time for the country with the Dust Bowl and subsequent Great Depression. There was however a glimmer of hope for Ohios wildlife. Government assistance The Pittman-Robertson Act was signed into law Sept. 2, 1937, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, placing a federal exercise tax on all sportsman equipment, such as firearms, ammunition and fishing tackle. The money generated from this tax was used to fund state fish and wildlife conservation agencies in their mission to protect and preserve Ohios fish and wildlife populations and their habitats. This work included establishing areas of the state that were set aside for the sole purpose of allowing the depleted land to become a haven for wildlife. The first of Ohios wildlife areas was established in Scioto County under President Theodore Roosevelt in 1922 and was aptly named the Theodore Roosevelt Game Preserve. Because of the Pittman-Robertson Act, funding was now available for state agencies to make major moves in the way of reestablishing habitat on this area as well as the 189 wildlife areas we have in the state today for Ohios wildlife. While the road to recovery was simply too steep for Ohios elk, bison, wolf and mountain lion populations too recover, the white-tailed deer were one of the species fortunate enough to make a comeback. Because of the reestablishment of forest lands and regulations put in place by the Division of Wildlife, Ohios deer herd had grown over the course of about one hundred years from statewide extirpation too the record number of deer we have today. Although white-tailed deer still face their share of challenges from disease, resources, and no lack of human conflicts, they have remained one of the most resilient and hardy wildlife species in Ohio. Therefore, whether you are a sportsman eager to fill your freezer with some fresh, naturally sourced meat, or a farmer fighting the constant battle to keep them out of your crops, the reality is that the white-tailed deer has pulled off the ultimate comeback and will remain a staple of Ohios forests for many generations to come. SALEM, Ohio An advocate and pillar of his community, Drew Manko Ross spent most of his life spreading joy through agriculture. Thats kind of what Drew was when it came to things in this town. In this county, he stepped up all the time, said Clay Kilgore, executive director of Washington County Historical Society. Ross, 30, died on Sept 17, from a sudden illness on his farm, Ross Farms, in Eighty-Four, Pennsylvania. Ross was the sixth-generation owner of Ross Farms, a century farm that raises heritage breed sheep and other livestock. He was also an avid volunteer, helping put on a number of Washington County events, including the annual Running of the Wools event, where sponsored sheep race down Main Street in downtown Washington, Pennsylvania. Although Ross is gone, family members and friends continue to remember him for his advocacy. Drews whole philosophy was creating something that would build for the next generation, and thats really what he advocated for, said Riley Carter, Rosss longtime girlfriend. An advocate of agriculture From a young age, Ross was drawn to agriculture, so much so that the farm was sometimes a higher priority than school. He missed over 100 days of school because he would go and work on the farm, so that when he graduated, he could then take it over and start to transition it from his grandparents to himself, Carter said. After he graduated from Washington High School in 2013, Ross started helping out on the farm, taking care of the livestock, including sheep, goats, donkeys, chickens and miniature ponies. The farms primary business at the time was selling wool products like yarn, socks, hats and mittens. Ross fully took over the farm in 2018, but he didnt want to stop there; he wanted to bring the farm to the community. So, in 2019, he started Ross Farm Fresh, which sells lamb and goat meat, including to local restaurants and other businesses. Carter first met Ross in fall 2022 when he was working at Farmers and Friends Marketplace, a store he opened in 2022 that sold local farm products. Carter had just graduated from high school earlier that year, and Ross was looking for someone to man the store during the Washington County Historical Societys Ghost tours. What drew me to Drew the most was it was like we were old friends. It just felt like we had known each other for so long, Carter said. There was never a time where the conversation was dull or there was nothing left to talk about. When they first met, Carter told Ross about her sisters plans to establish a business called Hug a Highland. Days later, Ross gave Carters sister one of the Highland cows he was planning on getting rid of and asked Carter out. Together, the two sold Ross Farms products at farmers markets in western Pennsylvania, including at Squirell Hill, Lawrenceville and Bethel Park. Ross was also involved in local agriculture organizations, including the Washington County Farm Bureau, where he served on the Board of Directors and was the chair of the Young Farmers and Ranchers, in addition to supporting the 4-H Market Sale at the Washington County Fair. In 2023, he won the Northrop Occupational Excellence Award from the Washington County Community Foundation for his work supporting young farmers, eating local and promoting farm-fresh food. He was also the district scout executive for Washington and Greene counties in the Laurel Highlands District of Scouting America, following his career as a lifelong Boy Scout that spanned from beginning as a Tiger Cub all the way through earning his Eagle Scout ranking. Helping the community Alongside advocating for agriculture, Ross supported his community by volunteering for numerous community events hosted by the Washington County Historical Society. Anytime there was something in this community, he would step up and try to help with it, Kilgore said. He was an incredible person for his age; that type of community involvement and the impact that he made, its just amazing. Kilgore first met Ross when he was a kid, but got closer to him as they volunteered together at historical society events, like the Whiskey Rebellion Festival, Light Up Night and the Washington County Christmas Parade. Ross was always willing to lend a hand. At the Christmas parade, its zero degrees outside, and everybody takes off, and Drew is out there at 11 oclock at night, helping me clean stuff up, Kilgore said. He didnt have to. It wasnt something that was part of what he was doing. But he was out there helping me do it. Volunteering is what led to Rosss collaboration with the historical society to put on its annual Running of the Wools event. In 2021, Sarah Collier, executive director of the National Road Heritage Corridor, told Kilgore that she wanted to see sheep run down Main Street. Shortly after that, Kilgore came up with the name Running of the Wools, inspired by Running of the Bulls, and Ross was the first person they thought of. According to Kilgore, Ross immediately agreed to supply the sheep for the races. Through these community events, Ross often found a way to promote Washington Countys agricultural community. Kilgore remembers Rosss passion for agriculture coming through at one of the Running of the Wools sheep-sponsor events held at Ross Farms. He was talking to this group of maybe 30 people, and he was talking about the farm, and there wasnt one person that wasnt just enthralled by what he was saying, Kilgore said. He just had a knack for that, of being able to draw people in(to) whatever he was talking about, whether he was helping with our ghost tours and telling stories. But especially when he was talking about farming and about his farm, Ross Farms. There was such a passion and a love for it that he could make you love it, and you didnt even know it. Kligore says that day is how he chooses to remember Ross: smiling, while talking about his love for farming and his community. Ross was in the process of rebranding the Washington County Historical Societys Frontier Museum and planning new events before his passing; Ross loved history, according to Carter. Kilgore and the Washington County Historical Society hope to carry on those efforts in his honor. Funeral services were held on Sept. 23, which included a tractor procession to honor one of his favorite activities: the Lone Pine Fire Companys Tractor Poker Run. Some people are born with an idea that they want to leave a place better than when they came into it. And that was true, Kilgore said. It wasnt just for him; he wasnt (volunteering and helping out) so he could be praised. In fact, he often was behind the scenes and didnt promote himself. He wanted to make the community better, and he wanted it to be better for the next generation and the generation after that. (Liz Partsch can be reached at epartsch@farmanddairy.com or 330-337-3419. HOWARD, Ohio East Knox FFA competed in the State FFA Forestry Career Development Event held at Hocking College Sept. 27, placing seventh out of a field of teams from across Ohio. Twelve members of the East Knox FFA competed in this event with the top four scores counting as the team score. The top four scorers were McKenzie Schwartz, Gweneth Opheim, Curtis Divan and Hayden Garman. Other members of the team were Joey Lively, Ariel Atkinson, John Chadwick, Landen Davis, Bryar Wilson, Marcus Dunn, Peyton Harris and Kylie Griffith. The team will receive a plaque for its top-10 state finish and the top 10 individuals will each receive a plaque at the annual Ohio FFA Convention next May in Columbus. This years seventh place finish marks the 34th year in a row that East Knox FFA has placed in the top 10 teams in the state contest with 22 of those being top five in Ohio. They won the State in 2024, 2020, 2013, and 1999 and have finished fourth more than any other placing at nine times. SULLIVAN, Ohio Black River FFA officers Rylee Howard, Caleb Howard, Addison Flynn recently attended the Medina County Farm Bureau annual meeting. The chapter was recognized for its participation in several of the bureaus yearly events and activities, highlighting the continued involvement and commitment of club members. During the meeting, Black River FFA graduate and alumni member Chloee Howard was awarded an academic scholarship for her outstanding achievements. MOUNT VERNON, Ohio The Mount Vernon FFA chapter competed in the Ohio FFA Forestry Career Development Event Sept. 27 at Hocking College, placing 22nd in the state, showcasing their knowledge and skills in various forestry-related areas. Representing Mount Vernon FFA were Zeva Sheets, Connor Thomas, Ellie Boggs, Evelyn Martinez and Lilly Burchard. The Forestry Career Development Event provides FFA members with the opportunity to explore forestry and natural resources while practicing hands-on skills important to the industry. RUSHVILLE, Ohio Mount Vernon FFA members competed in the District Soils Career Development Event held Sept. 30 in Rushville, Ohio. The contest brought together top teams from across the region to test their knowledge and skills in evaluating soil properties and making informed land-use decisions. Mount Vernon FFA continued its success from the county level, with both teams earning district recognition and qualifying for the state contest. The Urban Soils Team finished in third place, and the Rural/Agricultural Soils Team finished in fifth place. Individually, several Mount Vernon members placed among the top competitors in the district: Izzy Barron was third, Madison Seng was sixth and Phoebe Mussard was 10th. Both Mount Vernon teams advanced to the State Soils Contest set for Oct. 11. WEST SALEM, Ohio Each year for the Wayne County Fair, Northwestern FFA is provided with an exhibit area to decorate and display various classroom projects. The theme for this year was Country Music Concert. Students created electrical boards, passion projects and wood projects. The main part of the booth was decorated with the concert theme and included displays of the officer teams passion projects. Members who helped set up the fair booth included Emma Connelly, Addy Connelly, Chet McNeil, Brooke Hershey, Makenna Connelly, Jake Howman, Lillian Boreman, Alivia Welch and Landen Rouse. Northwestern FFA had many members participate in the Wayne County Fair shop projects, which consisted of electrical boards. The class Ag Shop 1 is for first-year shop students. These students completed many projects this year, including different types and designs of electrical boards. The students who had projects on display were Grady Ellerbrock, Triston Flinn, Aveon Gray, Madison Miller, Ariana Pettry, Daniel Shakan and Tim Spencer. Along with the electrical boards, Ag Shop 2 and Ag Shop 3 also had a wood project this year, with each student creating a wooden cutting board. The students who participated in this wood project were Nate Fulton, Jamison Gilbert, Chase Graham, Riley Graham, Jake Howman and Lucas Jenkins. The eighth-grade Exploring Electricity class assembled single-pole switches using diagrams to be displayed. The students who had electrical projects on display were Brey Boldman and Landen Rouse. This year, our AFNR students were able to get hands-on in the shop by doing small wood projects as beginners. They gained simple woodshop skills such as selecting wood, measuring, cutting, drilling and nailing. With the help of Mr. Wiley, 35 AFNR students created boot pulls. The students who had theirs displayed were Cara Graham, Case Keener, Madeline Morris, Austin Pierson, Jaysen Royse and Shaydan Starlin. The Plant and Animal Science class also completed a wood project by teaming up to build a picnic table. The students who built the table were Madilyn Smith, Lilly Boreman, Brooke Hershey, Jaycee Reed, Keaton Harris, Syrus Nyomo, Haley McLaughlin and Arian Means. Passion Projects were also completed by our officer team. A Passion Project is anything a student feels strongly about and can share in service to others. This years Passion Projects were created by Vikki Aicone, Kaylee Cherry, Addy Connelly, Emma Connelly, Makenna Connelly, Mallory Gilbert, Brooke Hershey, Kate Johnson, Chet McNeil and Alivia Welch. The requirements for this project included presenting a theme, promoting service to others, displaying individual projects, and showing organization and creativity in the display RACINE, Ohio The Racine Southern FFA chapter officers recently traveled to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for its annual FFA officer retreat. The trip was a mix of leadership development, team-building and planning. The officers used the retreat to set goals, strengthen their bonds and prepare to lead the chapter to success. By the end of the retreat, the officers had a clear vision for the year. A major focus of the retreat was planning the chapters calendar of events. They discussed new ideas to increase member engagement and planned how to best support the FFA members in their various projects, from livestock showing, plant sales, shop safety demonstrations, hosting catfish tournaments, to public speaking. This proactive planning ensures that the chapter will have a well-organized year. RACINE, Ohio The Racine Southern FFA participated in the Meigs County Fair Aug. 11. The chapters teamwork was on full display in the fairs exhibit hall. Members collaborated to design and build an impressive fair booth that was both vibrant and educational, capturing the attention of visitors and judges alike. The booth wasnt just a decoration; it was a testament to the chapters collective creativity and shared passion for agriculture. There were wiring projects, shop projects, livestock projects and greenhouse projects. FAYETTEVILLE, Ohio On Sept. 16, 14 Fayetteville FFA members participated in the annual roadside clean-up in the village of Fayetteville. Members collected trash and separated the recyclables. In total, eight bags of trash and one bag of recyclables were collected. The next day, Sept. 17, 27 Fayetteville FFA members visited the Farm Science Review held in London, Ohio. Members had the opportunity to visit various organizations and companies, speak to industry representatives about the products or services their company or organization offers and see field demonstrations and Gwynne Conservation area. British Wool has reported its strongest sale in a decade, with prices rising at a pace not seen since the early 2010s as international demand for quality cross-bred wool outstrips supply. At its latest auction on 7 October, the co-operative recorded an average sale price of 1.18 per kg, compared with last seasons average of 1.00. Prices were 14.2% higher than the mid-September sale, and over the past month values have climbed 22.5%. Intense competition came from UK, European and Chinese-focused buyers, all eager to secure supplies. Carpet-grade wool traded nearly 20% higher by the end of the catalogue, underlining the strength of demand. The recovery also reflects growing interest from global textile and carpet manufacturers seeking natural, sustainable fibres to meet consumer expectations. The surge mirrors similar rises in New Zealand, where sales have also been buoyed by strong international interest. Andrew Hogley, chief executive of British Wool, said: Following some very positive conversations with the trade, our sales team is confident the strong demand will continue throughout the selling season. "Sales in New Zealand over the last few weeks have also been very competitive with global market demand for quality cross-bred wools outstripping supply. This years clip has also benefited from a dry spring and summer, producing whiter fleeces and a higher proportion of wool graded as No. 1 quality. Test results for new season wool continue to be significantly better than last year for colour, and British Wool continues to produce a greater proportion of No. 1 grades in the core types, Mr Hogley said. Although the organisation has seen a strong flow of wool from new and returning members, volumes are still running 23% below last year. Improved prices in 2024 have, however, encouraged farmers who had previously held back their clip, or used it on-farm, to present it for sale. As a co-operative owned by around 30,000 UK sheep farmers, British Wool urged members to take advantage of the stronger market. With prices having shown a further improvement over recent weeks, we encourage any members who still have wool on farm to send it in before the winter, said Mr Hogley. By collectively marketing the clip we can continue to promote British wool and drive demand to deliver improved prices for British wool. England has endured its second worst harvest on record, with new Defra figures revealing yields far below expectations after one of the warmest springs and driest starts to summer in over a century. The data confirms that 2024s poor harvest has now been pushed into third place, meaning three of the five worst harvests have occurred in just the last decade. Analysts warn this is further evidence of how climate change is reshaping British farming. Defras release provides the first estimate of the 2025 English cereal and oilseed harvest. Figures for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be published in December as part of the UK-wide report. According to the provisional data, the wheat harvest is estimated at 10.6 million tonnes a 4.9% increase on 2024 largely due to an 8.8% rise in the area planted. Barley, however, saw a sharp decline, with production falling 14% to 4.2 million tonnes, driven by a 23% drop in spring barley and a smaller 2.2% fall in winter barley. Oat production also slipped, down 2.3% on the previous year, despite a 9.4% increase in the area planted, as yields declined by 11%. Oilseed rape bucked the trend, with yields up 29% compared with 2024 and 17% higher than the five-year average. This lifted production to 722,000 tonnes, a 5.5% year-on-year increase. Straw production varied between crops. Wheat straw output remained steady at 2.6 million tonnes, while barley straw fell sharply by 27% to 1.2 million tonnes. Overall, most major cereal crops recorded lower yields than last year and below the five-year average, with winter barley standing out as the exception. Defra also noted significant regional variation across England. Tom Lancaster, land, food and farming analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said the results were more severe than anticipated. This harvest is even worse than expected, and marks a second successive poor harvest, following on from one of the worst harvests on record last year after incredibly heavy rainfall, made worse by climate change. He argued the data shows how extreme weather is hitting farmers and food supplies. We have now seen three of the five worst harvests on record this decade after extreme weather, telling a story of escalating climate impacts that farmers are unable to cope with. Lancaster warned that poor harvests mean not only financial pain for farmers but also risks to national food security. This is what farming with climate change looks like, as extreme weather wrecks harvests, hits farm incomes and reduces our food security. Labour and Plaid Cymru have voted down a Conservative call to scrap Waless Sustainable Farming Scheme, despite claims from opponents that it will cut livestock numbers, cost jobs and wipe millions off farm incomes. The Welsh governments own economic impact assessment, published on 30 September, projects that the scheme could lead to the loss of 56,000 livestock, more than 1,100 on-farm jobs, and 76.3 million in farm business income. Critics argue this adds to the mounting pressures already faced by farmers, including soaring costs, what has been dubbed a family farm tax, and tighter regulation. The Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) is the Welsh governments flagship post-Brexit agricultural policy, designed to replace the EUs Basic Payment Scheme. Instead of direct subsidies, it offers payments to farmers for delivering environmental actions such as planting trees, improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity and cutting carbon emissions. Ministers say the scheme will help Wales meet climate targets and protect nature while still supporting food production. Farming unions and opposition politicians, however, warn that the system could reduce farm output and pile further financial strain onto family farms. The Welsh government insists the SFS is vital to ensure long-term sustainability, arguing that it will secure future farm payments while tackling both the climate and nature emergencies. On Wednesday (8 October), the Conservatives tabled a debate in the Senedd calling for the SFS to be replaced with a new programme centred on food security and production. The motion was opposed by Labour and Plaid members, ensuring its defeat. Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Samuel Kurtz, accused the Welsh government of ignoring the needs of food producers. Once again, it is only the Welsh Conservatives who are standing up for our farmers, supporting our food producers, and recognising the growing need to prioritise food security, he said. Kurtz said farmers were already struggling under multiple challenges, including the governments family farm tax, ongoing bovine TB issues, and nitrate vulnerable zone (NVZ) regulations. He argued that the new scheme risks compounding these pressures. The last thing they need is a scheme that makes it even harder to farm, produce food, and earn a living, he added. I was deeply disappointed that Labour and Plaid Cymru voted against our motion, offering no relief to struggling farmers who are already under considerable strain. Unification will prevail, and Taiwan independence will perish, says mainland spokesperson on Lai Ching-tes fallacy made in US broadcast interview Global Times) 09:31, October 09, 2025 Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te is once again distorting the truth, making outrageous claims, and hyped the "mainland threat," said Chen Binhua, spokesperson for Taiwan Affairs Office of State Council on Wednesday, adding that the secessionist regional leader is peddling the separatist fallacy of "Taiwan independence," advocating for "independence through military means" and "relying on external forces for independence," while deceiving the public on the island and international opinion. The remarks were made in response to Lai's provocative and reckless rhetoric made during an interview with a US broadcast program, during which he once again hyped the "new two-state theory" of "mutual non-subordination," falsely claimed that military exercises conducted by mainland undermine peace and stability in the "Indo-Pacific" region, and advocated an increase in Taiwan region's military spending and collaboration with the so-called "democratic camp" to exert "deterrence." Lai's rhetoric was made during an interviewed by a conservative US radio show and podcast The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show on Tuesday, according to Reuters. Since Lai took office more than a year ago, he has gone against the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan region, stubbornly adhering to a "Taiwan independence" stance, vigorously promulgating separatist rhetoric, and continuously inciting "anti-China" sentiments, said the spokesperson, noting that this has escalated cross-Straits tensions and heightened confrontations, pushing Taiwan island into a precarious situation. At the same time, he has shown an unprincipled inclination to pander to foreign powers and has recklessly squandered public resources. By submitting to external forces and compromising Taiwan region's interests, he has severely harmed the livelihoods of local businesses and people, jeopardizing island's economic lifeline and future development prospects, the spokesperson said. "Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secessionist authorities in Taiwan island may feel uneasy fearing that they might be treated by Washington as a bargaining chip and traded away," Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times. In July, Lai Ching-te has delayed his planned trip to Latin America to visit so-called "diplomatic allies" after the US rejected his planned "transit" through New York. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that the one-China principle is a fundamental norm in international relations and a prevailing consensus of the international community. In September, US President declined to approve more than $400 million in military aid to Taiwan island this summer, according to Washington Post. Lai's words reflect his malicious intention of seeking to be a pawn of the US and stubborn adherence to the separatist stance of "Taiwan independence" and his willingness to allow external forces to interfere in China's internal affairs. This approach will only undermine the well-being of the people in Taiwan, Li said. While Lai verbally sought support from the US, the head of Taiwan region's so-called defense authority hyped plans to gradually increase defense spending to five percent of GDP, following a US official's remarks urging the region to hike military spending, Taiwan regional media udn.com reported. A nominee for the Pentagon's senior official for the Indo-Pacific region said recently that he strongly supported US President in saying that Taiwan should spend up to 10 percent of its GDP on defense, Reuters reported. By submitting to external forces and compromising Taiwan region's interests, Lai has severely harmed the livelihoods of local businesses and people, jeopardizing island's economic lifeline and future development prospects, the spokesperson said. "We have a firm will, strong determination, and powerful capabilities to crush all 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities and external interference, safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and protect the safety and well-being of the people of Taiwan," said the spokesperson on Wednesday. "Unification will surely prevail, 'Taiwan independence' will surely perish," the spokesperson emphasized. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Zhong Wenxing) A decision by the Scottish government to postpone the rollout of muirburn licensing until autumn 2026 has been hailed as pragmatic and evidence-led by land managers. The move comes in the wake of Scotlands largest ever wildfire at Carrbridge and Dava, which burned for four days earlier this year and is estimated to have released 590,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Ministers acknowledged the importance of controlled muirburn in reducing fuel loads, helping land managers and firefighters contain such blazes. Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie MSP said the delay would provide us with the time and opportunity to carefully consider the upcoming changes to muirburn and how these changes can be brought forward in a way which does not adversely affect our ability to prevent and respond to wildfires. The Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act introduced new licensing rules for burning heather and grass on moorland. Originally scheduled for September 2025, implementation was first pushed back to January 2026 due to challenges around measuring deep peat. Now, following this years record wildfires, the scheme has been delayed again until the start of the 2026 season. The announcement comes ahead of next weeks wildfire summit in Grantown-on-Spey, to be led by Jim Fairlie and Siobhan Brown, Minister for Community Safety. Ross Ewing, director of moorland at Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), said estates and gamekeepers view muirburn as a vital tool in fire prevention. Muirburn, as carried out by estates, gamekeepers and land managers across Scotland, remains an essential tool in mitigating the growing threat of wildfires. "Its importance to effective upland and moorland management cannot be overstated, and we welcome Jim Fairlies decision to listen to stakeholders and pause the introduction of licensing, he said. He warned that restricting muirburn could have had dangerous consequences. Without this delay, the ability to undertake controlled muirburn would have been significantly constrained, increasing the build-up of vegetation and, in turn, the risk of wildfire. Ewing highlighted SLEs report to the government on the Carrbridge and Dava fires, which revealed that at least 36 businesses, including 30 estates, deployed resources worth nearly 4 million to support firefighting efforts. More than 110 employees and contractors took part, with private helicopters operating for 96 hours at a cost of around 240,000. If we make it harder for skilled land managers to carry out preventative muirburn, not only will we see fuel loads increase, but we also risk losing the very infrastructure and expertise that helped contain these recent fires. That would be catastrophic for rural Scotland. SLE argues that current rules are too restrictive. The Wildlife Management and Muirburn Act sets a stringent necessity test for muirburn licences to be granted on peatland, with a presumption in favour of alternative vegetation control methods. "Repealing these provisions would provide a more practical framework, ensuring muirburn can be used where it is the most effective management tool, while retaining full regulatory oversight through the licensing system, Ewing said. SLE has also called for broader investment in wildfire resilience, including a Scotland-wide Integrated Fire Management Strategy, specialist aerial firefighting capability, and bespoke all-terrain vehicles for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. A surge in southern hemisphere lamb imports has triggered alarm at the National Sheep Association, which fears British farmers are being undercut. The NSA says shoppers will notice the shift most clearly in supermarkets, where country of origin must be stated on packaging, while provenance is far less obvious in foodservice. Citing official import data and AHDB analysis, NSA policy manager Michael Priestley highlighted Australias rapid growth since the removal of a 12% tariff: imports rose 37% last year to 76,500 tonnes, equivalent to 28.7% of the UKs total sheepmeat output (266,500 tonnes). At the same time, he noted that the UK is both an importer and exporter of lamb. In 2024, the UK exported 32% of its production and imported 28.7%, with access to EU markets dependent on maintaining aligned standards. Mr Priestley said NSA members are particularly worried about a growing gap in standards, arguing that lamb from New Zealand and Australia does not always match the animal welfare and environmental rules applied to UK farms. He stressed that British producers already operate under some of the strictest regulations in the world, which adds to their costs and time pressures. UK farmers strive to produce to the highest standards in the world, which costs farmers time and money, he said. For that reason, the NSA is urging supermarkets to think carefully about sourcing decisions especially at a time when government support is so uncertain and the old Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) subsidy for UK farms is dwindling away. He also warned that the apparent price advantage of imports may not tell the full story, saying: Importing lamb from New Zealand and Australia may be short-changing the UK consumer, even though it is cheaper to buy. The NSA also warns of knock-on effects from global trade shifts. The EUNew Zealand free trade agreement will loosen limits on New Zealand product entering the bloc the UKs biggest customer although early expectations are that high-value cuts such as legs are unlikely to displace UK shipments of whole carcases. Beyond Europe, Mr Priestley highlighted volatile demand and supply drivers: Trumps tariffs mean the US is buying less New Zealand and Australia lamb, while China is trying to produce more lamb of its own, and if anything happens to Chinas buying behaviour, there is a risk of more southern hemisphere lamb being diverted to the UK. On the supply side, he warned: There are factors that could limit lamb being produced in New Zealand and Australia, such as climate change leading to wildfires and drought and government policies reducing grazing area through afforestation. "These external factors will have a growing impact as tariff free quota amounts become liberalised over the remainder of the 15-year liberalisation period. Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay has taken his partys fight to the Supreme Court, challenging the Madras High Courts decision to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the Karur stampede. The petition was filed by Aadhav Arjuna, TVKs General Secretary, who requested an independent inquiry under the supervision of a retired Supreme Court judge. TVK Questions Fairness of SIT Inquiry The High Court had earlier appointed a special team headed by IPS officer Asra Garg to lead the probe. However, TVK has argued that the team, made up entirely of state police officers, cannot conduct an unbiased investigation. The petition says the High Courts earlier remarks including comments that Vijays team had not expressed remorse and that the actor left the scene soon after the incident have already influenced the inquirys neutrality. The partys statement adds that the possibility of a deliberate attempt by miscreants to disrupt the crowd cannot be ruled out. TVK believes an external probe is essential to maintain public trust and transparency in the investigation. Supreme Court to Hear Case on October 10 The Madras High Court had previously dismissed TVKs request to hand over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and instead directed a state-run SIT probe. Dissatisfied with that decision, TVK has now escalated the matter to the Supreme Court. The case will be heard on Friday, October 10, when the court will also consider a related plea that seeks a CBI-led inquiry. TVKs petition claims that allowing state officers to investigate a case involving the states own administration compromises fairness. A neutral fact-finding body must look into the issue, the petition notes, stressing that justice cannot appear to be one-sided. Meanwhile, the SIT has already begun collecting witness statements and reviewing event security arrangements. The probe team has inspected the venue where the tragic incident occurred and started evaluating evidence. The Karur stampede, which took place during a welfare event organized by TVK, led to the deaths of more than 40 people and left several others injured. The crowd had reportedly gathered to receive free gifts and aid, but mismanagement and overcrowding triggered chaos. Public attention has remained intense, as the event marked one of TVKs first large-scale gatherings since its launch. Political opponents and civic groups have demanded clear accountability, while the party maintains that it followed all required safety guidelines. The coming Supreme Court hearing will determine whether the case stays with the state-appointed SIT or moves to an independent or central agency. For now, TVK insists that only an impartial investigation can restore confidence among victims families and the public. Also Read: Vijay Breaks Silence After Karur Tragedy: My Heart Aches, Truth Will Come Out Evansville, Indiana--(Newsfile Corp. - October 8, 2025) - Integrity Motors recently announced the arrival of new inventory, marking a significant update to its available inventory. This expansion underscores the dealership's focus on meeting consumer demand for both modern automotive advancements and reliable used cars for sale, while also strengthening its position as a trusted used car dealership in the region. The introduction of the new models reflects broader trends in the automotive sector, where drivers are seeking not only transportation but long-term value and efficiency in their vehicle choices. By introducing newly launched models equipped with advancements in fuel economy, safety, and technology, Integrity Motors ensures that its customers have timely access to the latest options available on the market. This development represents an internal milestone for the dealership. The addition of the new models is the result of coordinated planning across departments, reflecting Integrity Motors' adaptability and steady growth within a competitive industry. It also highlights the company's ability to align inventory decisions with market shifts while maintaining a consistent commitment to offering a wide selection of vehicles for different budgets and needs. For customers, the updated inventory creates a broader range of options, from newer models featuring driver-assist technology and modern styling to inspected and reconditioned pre-owned vehicles. Integrity Motors continues to stock sedans, trucks, SUVs, and vans that meet rigorous standards of quality and safety, ensuring that the dealership remains a dependable source of vehicles for first-time buyers, families, and local drivers seeking dependable transportation. Looking ahead, Integrity Motors intends to maintain this balance of forward-looking updates and long-standing reliability. The used car dealership near me plans to continue aligning its growth strategy with long-term goals that prioritize stability, relevance, and responsiveness to industry changes. The addition of the new models is a tangible step in that direction, reinforcing the company's focus on progress and its role within the local automotive landscape. With this announcement, Integrity Motors is demonstrating its ongoing commitment to adapt to consumer expectations while maintaining a strong foundation in the Evansville community. The dealership views the introduction of these new vehicles not only as an expansion of inventory but as an investment in the future of its operations and its ability to serve drivers across Indiana. About Integrity Motors Integrity Motors is a car dealership based in Evansville, Indiana. The company offers a range of vehicles, including newly released models and carefully inspected pre-owned options. By focusing on fair pricing, customer service, and long-term growth, Integrity Motors continues to serve drivers seeking both new and used vehicles that meet evolving automotive standards. Media Contact To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/269739_figure1.png To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269739 SOURCE: GetFeatured Marlton, New Jersey--(Newsfile Corp. - October 8, 2025) - HMGS Dermatology is proud to announce that four of its distinguished physicians-Donald Baker, MD, Steven Manders, MD, Warren R. Heymann, MD, and Justin J. Green, MD-have been named to Philadelphia Magazine's prestigious Top Doctors 2025 list in dermatology. This recognition celebrates their clinical excellence, leadership, and longstanding commitment to advancing skin health for patients across the region. Each year, Philadelphia Magazine compiles its Top Doctors list through peer nominations and extensive review, highlighting physicians who represent the highest standards of medical care in their respective specialties. For HMGS Dermatology, having four partners earn this honor is a reflection of the practice's decades-long dedication to innovation, education, and exceptional patient outcomes. Dr. Donald Baker is board-certified in dermatology and pediatric dermatology, brings decades of clinical expertise in medical and surgical dermatology, with a special interest in complex cases and a reputation for compassionate, patient-centered care. is board-certified in dermatology and pediatric dermatology, brings decades of clinical expertise in medical and surgical dermatology, with a special interest in complex cases and a reputation for compassionate, patient-centered care. Dr. Steven Manders is double board-certified in dermatology and pediatric dermatology, widely respected for his leadership in both clinical practice, academic dermatology, and education roles at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. is double board-certified in dermatology and pediatric dermatology, widely respected for his leadership in both clinical practice, academic dermatology, and education roles at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. Dr. Warren R. Heymann is a nationally recognized thought leader triple board certified in dermatology, pediatric dermatology and dermatopathology, recently named President of the American Board of Dermatology's Board of Directors and recipient of the AAD's Master Dermatologist Award. He also serves as editor of DermWorld Insights and Inquiries , the American Academy of Dermatology's leading commentary publication. is a nationally recognized thought leader triple board certified in dermatology, pediatric dermatology and dermatopathology, recently named President of the American Board of Dermatology's Board of Directors and recipient of the AAD's Master Dermatologist Award. He also serves as editor of , the American Academy of Dermatology's leading commentary publication. Dr. Justin J. Green is known for his expertise in medical and cosmetic dermatology, bringing advanced techniques, an artistic eye, and a deep commitment to helping patients look and feel their best. Together, these physicians exemplify the high caliber of care that has made HMGS Dermatology a trusted destination for patients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. "Being named to Philadelphia Magazine's Top Doctors list is a real honor," said Dr. Justin J. Green, Partner at HMGS Dermatology. "I'm proud to share this award with my wonderful colleagues, and grateful to our patients who put their trust in us every day. At HMGS Dermatology, our focus has always been simple: providing the best possible care for every patient. We are appreciative of the recognition, but do not rest, knowing that we are only as good as the last patient we successfully treated." About HMGS Dermatology With offices in Marlton, Camden, and Hammonton, HMGS Dermatology has been a cornerstone of dermatologic excellence for more than 40 years in the South Jersey and Philadelphia region. Founded on a shared vision of providing compassionate, innovative, and academically grounded care, the practice brings together some of the nation's most respected dermatologists. HMGS Dermatology physicians are board-certified and trained at leading institutions, offering expertise across general dermatology, pediatric dermatology, dermatopathology, cosmetic dermatology, hospital dermatology, and complex medical dermatology. The partners of HMGS Dermatology are not only clinicians but also educators, researchers, and leaders within national dermatology organizations. This commitment to advancing the field ensures that patients benefit from the latest breakthroughs in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. To learn more, visit www.hmgsderm.com. Media Contact To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/269735_figure1.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269735 SOURCE: GetFeatured Nearly every UK CFO surveyed (99%) has faced a payments-related cyber incident in the past two years 1 , with cybersecurity now their number one operational risk. Appetite for automation is universal with Accounts Payable the top priority, but integration challenges with existing systems keep finance leaders exposed and inefficient. Real-time oversight is seen as essential, yet only 64% of those surveyed are confident that their systems can deliver it2 highlighting the need for modernised, unified solutions. New research commissioned by global S&P500 corporate payments company, Corpay, finds that 99% of UK finance leaders surveyed have experienced payments-related cyber incidents in the past two years, exposing the fragility of legacy systems and an urgent need for change. With finance functions now a frontline target, the research saw 'cybersecurity threats' attract the largest percentage of responses (42%) from surveyed CFOs when asked what operational risk they were most concerned about over the next 12-24 months. In addition, nearly all of those surveyed (94%) plan to increase cyber investment over the next year3, with more than half (51%) preparing a significant uplift. The findings from a survey of 150 UK CFOs reflect the pressures facing finance leaders today as they work to manage risk, control costs, and modernise operations in an increasingly complex and interconnected payments landscape4 In response, finance leaders are turning to automation to bolster resilience and cut inefficiency. More than half (54%) of CFOs surveyed identified Accounts Payable as the area of their finance operations they would most like to improve through automation, followed by expense management (53%), cross-border payments (47%), and fraud detection and prevention (42%). Every CFO surveyed expressed an appetite for automation, underscoring a universal demand for digital transformation. However, barriers to progress remain. Almost half of CFOs surveyed (47%) cite integration with existing systems as the most significant barrier to automation, followed by resistance to change within the organisation (41%), cybersecurity and data privacy concerns (37%), and budget limitations or a lack of in-house expertise (32%). The findings suggest that legacy systems are not only inefficient but also widen the threat surface, keeping organisations and finance teams exposed, even as investment in cyber defences is predicted to ramp up. Real-time visibility also emerged as a key challenge. 94% of CFOs surveyed say real-time oversight of finance and payments is important5, with half describing it as very important, yet only 64% feel confident their processes are optimised for cost control and efficiency. Piero Macari, Vice President of Products at Corpay, said: "Given that cyber threats are now universal, increasing automation within the financial processes of an organisation can support CFOs in minimising cyber attacks. With 99% of surveyed CFOs reporting some form of payments-related incident, and 94% indicating the importance of real-time visibility, it's clear the status quo is unsustainable. Legacy systems are no longer just an inconvenience they're a liability. "This research reinforces why we developed Corpay Complete in the first place: to meet the real challenges CFOs are facing right now. Between the acceleration of digitisation, the rise of embedded finance, and reported skills shortages within finance teams, CFOs are under pressure to do more with less. Corpay Complete is purpose-built to give CFOs and finance teams real-time visibility and greater control. It's a unified, mobile first platform for accounts payable, domestic and international transactions, and expenses that helps finance teams work smarter, move faster, and manage risk with confidence." The research highlights that finance leaders are ready to act but are constrained by outdated systems, fragmented processes, and a lack of visibility. Corpay Complete, launched earlier this year in the UK, provides an opportunity to make the change needed. By unifying and digitising Accounts Payable processes, including domestic and international payments, as well as corporate card expenses, it enables CFOs to automate manual processes, minimise threats, and gain total visibility across every transaction. About Corpay Corpay (NYSE: CPAY) is a global S&P500 corporate payments company that helps businesses and consumers pay expenses in a simple, controlled manner. Corpay's suite of modern payment solutions help its customers better manage vehicle-related expenses (like fuelling and parking), travel expenses (like hotel bookings) and payables (like paying vendors). This results in our customers saving time and ultimately spending less. Corpay Payments made easy. 'Corpay' and 'Corpay Complete' are trading names of Allstar Business Solutions Limited. Payment services provided by Allstar Business Solutions, Canberra House, Lydiard Fields, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 8UB, Registration Number 2631112 GB. Allstar Business Solutions is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money. Regulations 2011 (register reference 900470) for the issuing of electronic money and the provision of payment services. 'Cambridge Global Payment' and 'AFEX' are trading names that may be used for the international payment solutions and risk management solutions provided by certain affiliated entities using the brand 'Corpay'. International payment solutions are provided in the United Kingdom through Cambridge Mercantile Corp. (UK) Ltd. To learn more visit www.corpay.com ____________________________ 1 'Yes, significant breach' and 'Yes, minor incident' answers combined. 2 'Very confident' and 'Somewhat confident' answers combined. 3 'Increase significantly' and 'Increase slightly' answers combined. 4 Methodology: the research, conducted by Censuswide between 08.09.2025 15.09.2025, surveyed 150 CFOs in the UK, aged 18+ excluding sole traders, in the following industries: Retail, Wholesale, Manufacturing. 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. 5 'Very important' and 'Somewhat important' answers combined. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251008745273/en/ Contacts: Scott Girling-Heathcote. SkyParlour for Corpay scott@skyparlour.com +44 (0)330 043 1315 North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 8, 2025) - Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) ("Lion One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that in response to further investor demand, the Company intends to complete a non-brokered private placement (the "Sidecar Private Placement") of up to 21,875,000 units (the "Offered Units") at a price of $0.32 per Offered Unit for further gross proceeds of up to $7,000,000. The Sidecar Private Placement is being completed in addition to the Company's previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $25,000,000 pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption available under National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions (the "LIFE Offering"). The Offered Units will be issued on the same financial terms as those units issued pursuant to the LIFE Offering. Each Offered Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.42 for a period of three years from the date of issuance. The Company initially announced the LIFE Offering on September 9, 2025 and closed the first tranche of the LIFE Offering on September 24, 2025 for gross proceeds of $18,715,153. The Company expects to close the second tranche of the LIFE Offering on or about October 15, 2025 and to close the Sidecar Private Placement on or about October 21, 2025. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Sidecar Private Placement to fund the development of the Company's 100% owned and fully permitted high grade Tuvatu Gold Project, repayment of principal and interest for the Company's loan facility with Nebari, and for working capital purposes. Closing of the Sidecar Private Placement is subject to certain customary conditions including receipt of all necessary approvals, including satisfaction of listing conditions of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V"). The Sidecar Private Placement may be closed in one or more tranches. The securities offered under the Sidecar Private Placement will be issued pursuant to applicable exemptions under National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions and will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day following issuance of the Offered Units. Securities issued under the LIFE Offering will not be subject to Canadian resale restrictions in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company may pay finders' fees in connection with the Sidecar Private Placement, as permitted by applicable securities laws and the rules of the TSX-V. The finders' fees will consist of cash commissions equal to up to 8% of the gross proceeds raised from purchasers introduced to the Company by eligible finders and finder warrants equal to up to 8% of the aggregate number of Offered Units sold to purchasers introduced to the Company by eligible finders. Each finders warrants will entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share at a purchase price of $0.32 per finders warrant exercisable for a period of 24 months after the issuance of such finder warrants. With respect to the LIFE Offering, there is an amended offering document relating to the LIFE Offering (the "Second Amended Offering Document") that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and at https://liononemetals.com. Prospective investors in the LIFE Offering should read the Second Amended Offering Document before making an investment decision. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any Common Shares in the United States. The securities to be sold in the LIFE Offering have not been and will not be registered under 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 Lion One Metals Limited Lion One Metals is an emerging Canadian gold producer headquartered in North Vancouver BC, with new operations established in late 2023 at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The Tuvatu project comprises the high-grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Deposit, the Underground Gold Mine, the Pilot Plant, and the Assay Lab. The Company also has an extensive exploration license covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, which is host to multiple mineralized zones and highly prospective exploration targets. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Lion One Metals Limited "Walter Berukoff" Chairman of the Board Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend" and similar words referring to future events and results. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company. Forward-looking statements made in this news release include statements regarding anticipated completion of the Sidecar Private Placement and the LIFE Offering and the proposed use of proceeds of the Sidecar Private Placement and LIFE Offering. Although management of 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 since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks, including, with respect to the LIFE Offering and Sidecar Private Placement; debt settlement; the conditions of the financial markets; availability of financing; timeliness of completion of the Sidecar Private Placement and LIFE Offering; the timing of TSX-V approval; with respect to the use of proceeds, the sufficiency of the proceeds; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; fluctuating commodity prices; and competition, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given 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. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269755 SOURCE: Lion One Metals Limited HONG KONG, Oct 9, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - - ULI relocates to a premium new office space at The Executive Centre, embracing a flexible and hybrid work model.- The move-in marked a significant milestone for ULI's mission to prioritise sustainability and represent the future of work.- This partnership with The Executive Centre strengthens both organisations' commitment to improving urban environments and inspiring cross functional partnerships in the real estate sector.The Urban Land Institute (ULI), the oldest and largest network of cross-disciplinary real estate and land use experts in the world, has officially moved its Asia-Pacific headquarters to The Executive Centre's location at 28 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong. The relocation was celebrated with a vibrant move-in party on September 26, 2025, marking a significant milestone in ULI's commitment to fostering innovation and cross functional collaboration within the real estate sector.With over 45,000 members worldwide, ULI is dedicated to shaping the future of the built environment, working alongside industry leaders to transform communities into livible, breathable and more human-centric environments. This strategic move reflects ULI's forward-thinking approach, embracing a flexible and hybrid workspace model that aligns with contemporary work trends."This move represents a pivotal moment for ULI as we seek to enhance our impact in the region and extend our partnerships within the corporate real estate sector," stated Alan Beebe, CEO Asia Pacific of ULI. "By situating ourselves in a dynamic environment like The Executive Centre, we can better serve our members and advance our mission to improve urban spaces."The Executive Centre is equally enthusiastic about this collaboration. "Welcoming ULI to our centre at 28 Stanley Street is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional premium flexible workspaces that facilitate business growth and collaboration," said Jennifer So, City Head of Hong Kong at The Executive Centre. "This partnership aligns seamlessly with our vision of supporting organisations dedicated to elevating the built environment and enhancing the future of work."The new office model features a blend of private office and coworking access, along with the utilisation of TEC's collaborative shared lounges and event spaces, reflecting a trend among global organisations seeking to optimise their workspace for collaboration and flexibility. This strategic partnership between ULI and TEC is poised to cultivate broader collaboration between ULI Members and TEC's alike, with both organisations dedicated to improving urban environments and defining the evolution of workspaces.As ULI embarks on this new chapter, TEC looks forward to engaging with the community and collaborating on initiatives that enhance the quality of life in urban settings.About The Executive CentreThe Executive Centre (TEC) is a premium flexible workspace provider, opened its doors in Hong Kong in 1994 and has over 240+ Centres in 37 cities and 15 markets.The Executive Centre caters to professionals and industry leaders. TEC has a global network spanning Greater China, Southeast Asia, North Asia, India, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, and Australia. Each Executive Centre offers a prestigious address with the advanced infrastructure to meet the needs of its Members.Privately owned and headquartered in Hong Kong, TEC provides Private and Shared Workspaces, Business Services, and Meeting & Events facilities to suit its clients' business' needs.www.executivecentre.comAbout Urban Land InstituteThe Urban Land Institute is a global, member-driven organization comprising more than 45,000 real estate and urban development professionals dedicated to advancing the Institute's mission of shaping the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide.Since 1936, ULI has been a source for best practices and impartial information, and a forum in which real estate industry leaders can share ideas, experiences, and best practices.ULI members represent the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines working in private enterprise and public service. They benefit from and contribute to a body of knowledge and a global network that shapes every aspect of the built environment.Press EnquiriesThe Executive CentrePebble LeePebble_lee@executivecentre.com / +852 3951 9888Source: The Executive CentreCopyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - October 8, 2025) - Wilton Resources Inc. (TSXV: WIL) (the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that it intends to issue, by way of non-brokered private placement, units of the Corporation ("Units") at a purchase price of $0.35 per Unit (the "Offering Price") for gross proceeds of a maximum of $850,000 (the "Offering"). The principal use of the proceeds of the Offering will be for general corporate purposes and as a reserve to pursue the acquisition of an international oil and gas property. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Corporation ("Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance at an exercise price of $0.45 (the "Exercise Price"). In connection with the Offering, the Corporation may pay to certain arm's length parties a commission, finder's fee or similar payment (whether in the form of cash, securities or an interest in assets). Further information regarding such fee, if paid, shall be disclosed in a further news release of the Corporation. Completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSXV. The TSXV has not approved the Offering Price or the Exercise Price and these remain subject to the change. The Common Shares, Warrants and the Common Shares underlying the Warrants will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus one day from the Closing Date, in accordance with applicable securities legislation. It is expected that certain Insiders of the Corporation (as such term is defined under the policies of the TSXV) may participate in the Offering. The participation of Insiders in the Offering will constitute a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Corporation intends to rely upon exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements of MI 61-101 based on a determination that the fair market value of the Offering, insofar as it involves the related parties, does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Corporation. The Offering was approved by the Corporation's board of directors by means of a unanimous resolution. For more information concerning the Corporation, please refer to the Corporation's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "intend", "may", "will", "expect", and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Corporation's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information with respect to the receipt of regulatory approvals (including TSXV approvals, the timing thereof, statutory hold periods, the payment of a finder's fee, Insider participation in the Offering, the availability of exemptions under MI 61-101 and the principal uses of the proceeds of the Offering). Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Corporation. The material facts and assumptions include obtaining approval of the TSXV of the proposed Offering; the availability of certain prospectus exemptions in respect of the Offering; and the intended use of proceeds remaining in the best interests of the Corporation. The Corporation cautions the reader that the above list of risk factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Corporation is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward- looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this release. Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities Laws. THE SECURITIES OFFERED HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES ABSENT REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS. THIS PRESS RELEASE SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269771 SOURCE: Wilton Resources Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 8, 2025) - Intellabridge Technology Corporation (CSE: KASH) (OTCQB: KASHF) (FSE: KASH) ("Intellabridge" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") to acquire Spark Plug Chargers Inc. ("Spark Plug"), a U.S.-based private company focused on the development of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure solutions. The proposed acquisition supports Intellabridge's strategic expansion into sustainable infrastructure technologies, aligned with the Company's long-term vision of applying its expertise in technology and impact innovation to high-growth sectors such as energy, mobility, and digital infrastructure. Intellabridge and Spark Plug have been in ongoing discussions since the initial LOI announced in May 2025, and following additional due diligence and strategic review, the parties have executed a revised Letter of Intent reflecting updated transaction terms. Under the LOI, Intellabridge proposes to acquire seventy percent (70%) of Spark Plug through a newly formed U.S. subsidiary, with the final structure to be determined in definitive agreements. Consideration is expected to be in the form of Intellabridge common shares. Key Spark Plug personnel, including its current CEO, are expected to continue with the business following closing. The LOI provides for a 30-day due diligence period, exclusivity on negotiations, and an anticipated signing of definitive agreements within 60 days, subject to board, regulatory, and other customary approvals, and the successful closing of Spark Plug's initial seed financing round. "This proposed acquisition represents a strategic expansion of our capabilities in the broader ImpactTech space, allowing Intellabridge to integrate its platform with emerging sectors critical to a sustainable future," said John Eagleton, CEO of Intellabridge. "We are excited to explore synergies with Spark Plug's EV infrastructure business and bring value to our shareholders through targeted innovation." This strategic acquisition represents the convergence of technology and mission," said Ethan Cords, CEO of Spark Plug. "By integrating Intellabridge's proprietary Karma impact technology into the Spark Plug platform, we are positioned to create one of the industry's first climate-forward EV charging networks, a differentiator that aligns with the sustainability values of EV drivers and strengthens our competitive position in a rapidly growing market. Together, we aim to deliver a high-performing, user-centric solution that advances returns in the CleanTech sector. The LOI does not constitute a binding agreement to complete the acquisition. Final terms, including structure, consideration, and timing, will be set out in a definitive agreement, subject to applicable regulatory and corporate approvals. The Company confirms that the transaction is not expected to result in a change of business under CSE policies at this time. Further updates will be provided as developments occur. About Intellabridge Technology Corporation Intellabridge Technology Corporation (CSE: KASH) (OTCQB: KASHF) (FSE: KASH) is an Impact Technology company that develops and deploys innovative solutions engineered to produce measurable, positive outcomes for clients and communities. The Company's mission is to leverage technological power to drive systemic, positive change and advance sustainable operations. Its flagship platform, KarmaConnect, embeds measurable impact directly into everyday utility. Intellabridge is actively developing its presence in the Impact Tech sector, bridging its technological infrastructure and expertise with critical cleantech initiatives, with the goal of delivering both purpose and shareholder value. For more information on Intellabridge, visit www.intellabridge.com. For more information on the Karma product, visit www.karmaconnect.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD of DIRECTORS INTELLABRIDGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION "John Eagleton" John Eagleton, CEO The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). The use of any of the words "will", "plan", "on track", "possible", "anticipated" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269770 SOURCE: Intellabridge Technology Corporation SINGAPORE, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading global education group Education in Motion (EiM) and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) are celebrating a decade of partnership that draws on more than 400 years of Dulwich College heritage with EiM's pioneering, holistic education across its schools, including the Dulwich College International network. Since launching in 2016 with the Dulwich international schools, and later extending to all Dulwich and Dehong schools in the EiM network, the partnership has brought the transformative power of theatre to thousands of students. Signature initiatives - including the network-wide Worldwise Shakespeare Festival, touring practitioner residencies, teacher professional development, RSC teacher certification programmes, and exclusive access to RSC performances worldwide - nurture confidence, creativity, empathy, resilience, and a lifelong love of language and the arts. Founded in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, for decades the RSC has connected global audiences to the works of Shakespeare and his contemporaries through world-class productions featuring acclaimed actors such as Ian McKellen, Ben Kingsley, Helen Mirren, and Ralph Fiennes. Dulwich College in London was founded by William Shakespeare's theatrical contemporary, Edward Alleyn and both were leading lights of Elizabethan theatre. Alleyn left documents to the College that are recognised globally as being the most significant archive related to Shakespeare's world. The collection even includes a rare First Folio and legal documents that describe how London theatres in Shakespeare's time ran. Dulwich College is regularly visited by academics, directors and actors keen to research the world of the Jacobean theatre. "Our pioneering spirit and commitment to whole-child education, coupled with the RSC's expertise in performance and storytelling, creates extraordinary opportunities for our students to develop character and skills for life," said Lesley Meyer, Chief Education Officer at EiM. "This partnership is a testament to our belief that the performing arts are essential to a world-class education." "Through this partnership, young people gain confidence, develop their creativity and a deeper appreciation of language while building essential skills like teamwork, problem-solving and public speaking," said Jacqui O'Hanlon, the Royal Shakespeare Company's Deputy Executive Director. "But alongside those essential skills for life and work, Shakespeare's plays and arts experiences matter because they are about how we become more human; they are about how we learn to make sense of ourselves, each other and the world. It's incredibly exciting to celebrate 10 years of making those kinds of learning outcomes possible together." Edgar Zillmann, Head of Events and Educational Partnerships at EiM, who has overseen the partnership since its inception, said, "Since 2016, we have brought together tens of thousands of students, teachers, and parents across our family of schools, helping our students build connections, confidence, leadership, self-expression - all essential skills for the 21st century." The partnership's 10th anniversary will be marked at the 2025 Worldwise Shakespeare Festival, co-hosted by Dulwich College Suzhou and Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou this October. Located in Suzhou, also known as the "Venice of China", the celebration will include a large-scale public performance in one of the region's most state-of-the-art theatres, with RSC practitioners set to perform for EiM students for the first time. About Education in Motion (EiM) Education in Motion (EiM) is a global leader in pioneering educational excellence, inspiring generations of learners to Live Worldwise. Since the founding of its first school over two decades ago, EiM has grown its diverse portfolio of schools and brands, offering a blend of innovation and tradition through a range of premium educational offerings across the globe. These include Dulwich College International, which offers both K-12 schools and a High School Programme; Dehong, offering bilingual education; Green School International, promoting sustainability across Bali and the world; Sherfield School in the United Kingdom; Hochalpines Institut Ftan AG (HIF) in Switzerland; Ignite, a unique outdoors-based overseas residential programme; and Chinese-language learning and teaching platform Wo Hui Mandarin. Today, EiM empowers over 11,500 students across 15 schools worldwide to thrive holistically on tailored pathways for each unique individual, resulting in outstanding academic results and top university matriculation. For more information about EiM and its brands, visit www.eimglobal.com. About the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) The Royal Shakespeare Company's?mission is to bring people together to experience stories that deepen our understanding of ourselves, each other and the world around us, and that bring joy. Shakespeare's restless exploration of all of human nature is our inspiration and touchstone.?? The Company's roots lie in the bold vision of a local brewer, Edward Fordham Flower, who in 1879 established a theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon with his son Charles. The RSC as we know it today was formed by Sir Peter Hall, whose ambition was to produce new plays alongside those of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. We continue this today across our three permanent theatres in Stratford - the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the Swan Theatre and The Other Place - and indeed online and around the globe. We believe everybody's life can be enriched by culture and creativity. Our transformative Creative Learning and Engagement programmes reach over half a million young people and adults each year. We have collaborated with generations of the very best theatre makers and we continue to nurture the talent of the future. Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2785377/EN_RSC_10th_anniversary_hero_reel.mp4 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2782801/VEX_3402.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2782803/DCSG_in_WSF_2024_25.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2784130/EiM___RSC_logo_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/a-decade-of-partnership-in-the-arts-eim-and-the-royal-shakespeare-company-celebrate-10-years-302570817.html LONDON, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Supported by public-private organisations such as NATO and the UKQuantum for years, The City Quantum & AI Summit concluded successfully on October 8, 2025, at the Lord Mayor's Mansion House in the City of London. This class of the summit marked its fifth anniversary, and "AhP-Tech Inc." as the only invited company from Taiwan's quantum computing industry, its presence for the topic of resilience in the panel discussion was particularly significant. During this class of the summit, Acharya "Shi Zhan-Ah", the founder and chairman of AhP-Tech, accepted the invitation from the summit founder, Karina Robinson to be the co-contributor on the chapter of International Collaboration for the summit's white paper, and highlighted the technical capabilities on resilience that a quantum computing cloud platform provider should get ready on. In an exclusive interview for this summit on social media, the founder and chairman also elaborated the quantum security architecture that AhP-Tech has prepared for global enterprises who concern sustainability. It addresses emerging threats driven by AI and Quantum Computing through introducing shared PQC standards plus proprietary patented quantum-resistance technology as a hybrid solution. The leader of the company's delegation, its General Manager, also participated in a panel-discussion for the summit's agenda. Based on the topic of resilience for this panel, he not only reflected transnational friendly communications in deep technology, but also introduced the solution supported by AhP-Tech's Quantum Computing Cloud Platform (AQCCP) that considers the practical requirements on technical transformation for supply chains. AhP-Tech also announced its ongoing innovative R&D progress during the period of this event. In addition to enhancement solution for legacy RSA and ECDH use cases through its Ah-Crypto library wherein the library has obtained the validation of FIPS-203/204 issued by NIST based on configuration of full-parameter sets, it also announced that AQCCP is introducing NIST SP800-227 which is an official guideline to secure the key encapsulation mechanism. Regarding development on physical modules, it successfully developed a true-randomness physical entropy source based on its proprietary technology. This is the first company in Taiwan's quantum computing industry to make use of the photonic properties to derive ultra-high entropy (more than 0.9 per sample bit) in high performance without add-on conditioning functions. The entropy source has been officially submitted to a NIST-accredited laboratory for ESV (entropy source validation). In the domain of quantum chemistry, the company also visualizes achieving a large breakthrough in its generic Hamiltonian Analyzer Suite by end of 2026. This time, AhP-Tech actively attended such an international cooperation summit, which focuses on the role of the public-private supply chain in deep technology. In this way, it not only advocates the importance of transnational collaboration in supply chains, but also opens a broader vision for Taiwan's quantum computing industry. Contact-Info Visit-AhP-Tech Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2784231/az_AhP_20250714_ok_v2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2791614/Summit_OK.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tech-communication-in-london-uk--defending-against-emerging-threat-with-quantum-computing-302578651.html VIENNA, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Premium Vienna-based coffee roaster Julius Meinl, in partnership with FAIRTRADE Austria and the Fairtrade Network of Asia Pacific Producers, is launching the "Empowering Youth in Coffee Production" project in the coffee growing regions of Kerala and Karnataka, India. Running from October 2025 to 2028, the initiative is an extension of Julius Meinl's Generations Programme - first launched in Colombia in 2018 and expanded to Uganda in 2023. "At Julius Meinl, we believe in intergenerational dialogue, ensuring the wisdom of experienced farmers is carried forward, while opening new opportunities for young coffee producers to shape the next era of coffee farming with innovation and fresh ideas." - Marcel Loffler, CEO Julius Meinl Coffee Group Supporting the next generation of coffee producers "In collaboration with the Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI), the research wing of the Coffee Board of India, the project will provide smallholder coffee-farming families with advanced technical training and workshops. These will cover critical areas including climate change adaptation, biodiversity, and agro-climatic practices across coffee-growing zones." Bindu Sukumarapillai, CEO-Fairtrade NAPP (Fairtrade Network of Asia Pacific Producers) Over the course of the project, around 200 smallholder farmers, with a focus on youth leaders and women, will take part in the trainings. The curriculum also includes building marketing capabilities and helping farmers integrate digital tools into their farming and business practices. Farmers will also receive professional guidance on income diversification, such as developing baked goods from coffee cherry husks. Together, these initiatives aim to drive innovation, open new sales channels, and strengthen long-term economic resilience. Building Leadership and Climate Resilience Young cooperative members will benefit from targeted leadership training, equipping them to take on key roles and build stronger networks. To safeguard the future of coffee farming and mitigate climate change impacts, FAIRTRADE-cooperatives will receive seedlings for new coffee bushes to replace ageing or diseased plants. These improved varieties are more resilient and better adapted to withstand climate change. Strengthening Sustainability through Community Impact The Generations Programme is part of Julius Meinl's wider sustainability journey, complementing their Responsibly Selected Coffee Initiative (RSCI), which ensures sustainability criteria are embedded in the company's green coffee purchases. While the RSCI covers entire supply chains, the Generations Programme focuses directly on farming communities, supporting long-term resilience, innovation, and opportunities for the next generation of coffee farmers. "Throughout our long-standing partnership with Julius Meinl, their commitment to strengthening coffee farming communities has always stood out. This new project in India is a natural continuation of that collaboration, supporting farmers with resilient coffee plants while investing in the next generation through training and leadership development. Empowering young people in coffee farming is essential for sustainable and profitable coffee production." - Hartwig Kirner, CEO FAIRTRADE Austria Note to Editors About Julius Meinl: Founded in 1862, Julius Meinl is one of the oldest coffee roasters in the world and an iconic Vienna coffee house brand. Dedication to quality has been a family trademark for five generations. With more than 160 years of experience in sourcing, blending and roasting, Julius Meinl coffees and teas are sold in over 50,000 hotels, coffee houses and restaurants in 70 countries, as well as a growing number of retail outlets. Julius Meinl | Generations Programme Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2791558/Julius_Meinl.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2388574/Julius_Meinl_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/julius-meinl-launches-generations-programme-in-india-in-collaboration-with-fairtrade-empowering-youth-in-coffee-production-302578440.html A tender is open in Vanuatu to deliver eight solar water pump systems and 24 standalone solar PV systems. The deadline to submit expressions of interest is October 27.The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is running a tender for the design, supply and installation of solar systems in Vanuatu. The tender plans to deliver eight solar water pump systems to eight selected communities, as well as 24 stand-alone solar PV systems to 20 schools and four health centres. Firms interested in the opportunity can apply for either or both components of the tender. According to available tender details, the ... 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 (dpa-AFX) - Germany's exports declined unexpectedly and imports dropped more than forecast in August, data from Destatis revealed on Thursday. Exports dropped 0.5 percent in August from July, confounding expectations for an increase of 0.3 percent. This followed a decline of 0.2 percent in July. At the same time, the decline in imports worsened to 1.3 percent from 0.7 percent. The pace of fall was also sharper than the forecast of 0.5 percent. As the imports fell more sharply, the trade surplus increased to EUR 17.2 billion from EUR 16.3 billion in July. The surplus was expected to fall to EUR 15.1 billion. On a yearly basis, exports logged a decrease of 3.9 percent after rising 1.4 percent and imports rose at a slower pace of 1.0 percent following July's 4.4 percent increase. 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. NEW YORK CITY (dpa-AFX) - British American Tobacco PLC (BTI, BATS.L, BMT.DE, BTI.JO), a British maker of tobacco and new nicotine products, said on Thursday that it has signed a deal with Goldman Sachs International to repurchase BTI shares during the period from October 16 to December 23. The tobacco company will repurchase a maximum of 220.451 million shares. The maximum price that may be paid for a share represents 105% of the average market value of a share. This move serves as part of the share repurchase announced on March 18, 2024, with an aim to reduce the share capital of British American Tobacco. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / BioNxt Solutions Inc. ("BioNxt" or the "Company") (CSE:BNXT)(OTCQB:BNXTF)(FSE:BXT), a bioscience innovator specializing in next-generation drug delivery technologies, today announced that it has completed a Track One priority patent filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for its proprietary sublingual thin-film cladribine formulation (BNT23001), designed for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The Track One patent filing also covers sublingual drug products for the treatment of many other neurological autoimmune diseases, including myasthenia gravis and lupus nephritis. Further to the Company's press release dated August 20, 2025, the Company has completed a "fast-track" priority patent filing application for its flag-ship sublingual thin-film cladribine formulation for multiple sclerosis (MS), under the United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) Track One Program. A formal office action from the USPTO is expected within 60-90 days and final patent disposition within 9-12 months. This fast-track status represents a strategic opportunity to secure near-term U.S. patent protection and strengthen the Company's IP position ahead of pivotal bioequivalence studies and commercial partnering discussions. The patent nationalization process is underway in key global markets, including the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, Eurasia, New Zealand, and Japan. Both the European Patent Office and the Eurasian Patent Office have issued favorable communications, including notice of intentions to grant. Novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability were fully accepted and only formal non-material adaptations are required for national filings. This is strong validation of the unique scientific and commercial value of BioNxt's proprietary technology. BNT23001 is an orally dissolvable thin-film formulation of cladribine, a well-established immunomodulatory compound used for the treatment of MS. Delivered sublingually, the formulation is designed for improved bioavailability, faster onset of action, and enhanced patient compliance, particularly in populations affected by dysphagia or seeking non-invasive alternatives to traditional tablets or injections. About BioNxt Solutions Inc. BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience innovator focused on next-generation drug delivery platforms, diagnostic screening systems, and active pharmaceutical ingredient development. Its proprietary platforms include sublingual thin films, transdermal patches, oral tablets, and a new targeted chemotherapy platform designed to deliver cancer drugs directly to tumors while reducing side effects. With research and development operations in North America and Europe, BioNxt is advancing regulatory approvals and commercialization efforts, primarily focused on European markets. BioNxt is committed to improving healthcare by delivering precise, patient-centric solutions that enhance treatment outcomes worldwide. BioNxt is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange: BNXT, OTC Markets: BNXTF and trades in Germany under WKN: A3D1K3. To learn more about BioNxt, please visit www.bionxt.com. Investor Relations & Media Contact Hugh Rogers, Co-Founder, CEO and Director Email: investor.relations@bionxt.com Phone: +1 604.250.6162 Web: www.bionxt.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bionxt-solutions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bionxt Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Such information may include, but is not limited to, statements regarding: the anticipated grant, scope, and timing of European, Eurasian, and other international patent rights; the Company's plans for additional national filings; the development, clinical evaluation, regulatory approval, and commercialization of the Company's Cladribine sublingual thin-film (BNT23001) for multiple sclerosis; the strategic importance of intellectual property protection; the timing, cost, and outcome of preclinical and clinical studies; and the potential application of BioNxt's sublingual thin-film drug delivery platform across additional therapeutic areas. Forward-looking information is based on management's current expectations, assumptions, estimates, and projections as of the date of this press release. Such statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: outcomes of patent examination and prosecution processes; changes in regulatory requirements or legal frameworks; the results, timing, and costs of preclinical and clinical studies; scalability and reproducibility of manufacturing processes; the availability of strategic partnerships and funding; and broader economic, financial, or geopolitical factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions underlying such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Except as required under applicable securities laws, BioNxt undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. SOURCE: BioNxt Solutions Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/bionxt-completes-%22fast-track%22-us-track-one-patent-filing-for-sublingu-1084504 LONDON (dpa-AFX) - HSBC Holdings plc (HSBC) on Thursday said HSBC Asia Pacific has requested the Board of HSBC's Hang Seng Bank to propose to shareholders to privatise the bank. In the scheme of arrangement, if the proposal is approved, Hang Seng Bank shareholders will receive HK$155 per share, and their shares will be cancelled. HSBC said, Hang Seng Bank will continue to retain its separate authorization as a licensed bank. HSBC expects the proposal to be accretive to earnings per share, due to the removal of the minority interest earnings deduction related to Hang Seng Bank. HSBC continues to target a 50% dividend payout ratio for 2025 based on earnings per share, excluding any significant one-off items. The proposal is subject to certain conditions, including approval by Hang Seng Bank shareholders and sanction by the High Court. HSBC Asia Pacific plans to finance the transaction entirely through HSBC Group's internal resources. The Hang Seng Bank Board has set up an Independent Board Committee of five independent directors to assess the proposal and guide shareholders on whether to vote in favor. 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. HERPEN, Netherlands, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Orexa B.V., a Dutch life sciences company focused on improving recovery and nutritional status in patients, today announced positive interim results from its ongoing Phase 2 trial evaluating ORE-001 in the prevention of post-operative ileus (POI) in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Study Overview The clinical trial (EudraCT number 2022-503113-31-00-IN-002) is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to assess the efficacy and safety of Orexa's lead compound ORE-001. The Study is enrolling 100 to 120 female patients undergoing gynecologic surgery requiring longitudinal laparotomy. It is being conducted at multiple centers in Germany with lead investigator Prof. Alexander Mustea from Universitatsklinikum Bonn (UKB). Interim Analysis Results The interim analysis was conducted after 40 patients were randomized. The data demonstrated a favorable safety profile and compelling efficacy for ORE-001, with clinically significant improvements in key post-operative recovery metrics: Increased post-operative food intake: Patients receiving ORE-001 consumed 63% more lunch compared to placebo. Patients receiving ORE-001 consumed 63% more lunch compared to placebo. Faster return of gastrointestinal function : First post-operative stool occurred approximately 1 day earlier with ORE-001. : First post-operative stool occurred approximately 1 day earlier with ORE-001. Reduced gastrointestinal dysfunction: Incidence dropped from 21% in the placebo group to 6% with ORE-001. Incidence dropped from 21% in the placebo group to 6% with ORE-001. Shorter hospital stays due to adverse events: The proportion of patients requiring extended hospitalization declined from 31% to 7%. Next Steps Based on the promising interim results, Orexa will conclude the current Phase 2A study ahead of schedule and initiate preparations for Phase 2B / 3 studies to further evaluate ORE-001 in the same indication. "This is a remarkable outcome for a vulnerable patient population," says CEO Prof. Ard Peeters. "ORE-001 not only enhances patients well-being, but also has the potential to substantially reduce healthcare costs through faster recovery and shorter hospital stays." "The early data from this study are clinically very meaningful and important," said Prof. Alexander Mustea, Principal Investigator at Universitatsklinikum Bonn. "ORE-001 has the potential to redefine how we manage post-operative recovery, particularly in high-risk surgical populations." About Post-Operative Ileus: Post-Operative Ileus (POI) is a prolonged absence of bowel function after surgical procedures, usually abdominal surgery. It is estimated that the economic impact of post-operative ileus is approximately 750 million dollars annually in the United States alone. About Orexa: Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Herpen, The Netherlands, Orexa B.V. is developing ORE-001, a novel therapeutic designed to increase food intake in patients with critical nutritional needs. The company's primary focus areas include post-surgical recovery, anorexia, and malnutrition-related conditions such as sarcopenia and cachexia. For more information, see www.orexa.eu. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/orexa-announces-positive-interim-data-for-its-phase-2-trial-in-the-prevention-of-post-operative-ileus-302578762.html - Dr Paul Brennan to present on the association of early biomarker modulation with long term clinical outcomes from the MATCH Ph II study of non-engineered macrophages in cirrhosis - Dr Lara Campana to present on anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of regenerative macrophage therapy in models of liver fibrosis EDINBURGH, Scotland and LONDON, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Resolution Therapeutics Limited ("Resolution" or "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering Regenerative Macrophage Therapy in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, today announces two abstracts have been selected for presentation at the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) The Liver Meeting 2025. The conference will take place in Washington D.C., between 7-11 November 2025. Dr Paul Brennan MD, PhD, Clinical Lecturer in Hepatology, University of Dundee, UK, will present data from the University of Edinburgh's MATCH 2 clinical trial demonstrating that regenerative macrophage therapy (RMT) is associated with early changes in biomarkers associated with liver function (INR; dMELD), which in turn correlate with much longer survival in patients with advanced cirrhosis. Details below: Title: Early modulation of INR and MELD after regenerative macrophage therapy is associated with favourable clinical outcomes at three-year follow-up Publication Number: 2435 Author: Dr. Paul Brennan, PhD Date/Time: 8 November 2025, 8:00am - 5:00pm EST Track: Portal Hypertension and Other Complications of Cirrhosis ("2280-2479") Dr. Lara Campana, Ph.D., co-founder and Senior Vice President of Research and Translational Science at Resolution will present a poster detailing the preclinical data supporting the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of regenerative macrophage therapies in models of liver fibrosis. Details below: Title: Assessment of regenerative macrophage therapy pharmacology supports anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in preclinical models of liver fibrosis Publication Number: 3391 Author: Dr Lara Campana, PhD Date/Time: 9 November 2025, 5:00pm - 6:30pm EST Track: Liver Fibrogenesis and Non-Parenchymal Cell Biology ("3335-3420") Members of the Resolution senior leadership team will be attending the conference. Please reach out to set up a meeting to learn more about the Company. 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 AASLD AASLD is the leading organization of scientists and health care professionals committed to preventing and curing liver disease. It fosters research that leads to improved treatment options for millions of liver disease patients. It advances the science and practice of hepatology through educational conferences, training programs, professional publications, and partnerships with government agencies and sister societies. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/resolution-therapeutics-announces-upcoming-presentations-at-the-american-association-for-the-study-of-liver-disease-aasld-the-liver-meeting-2025-302578717.html MMJ BioPharma CEO Duane Boise summed it up bluntly: "Milgram's DEA was a monument to incompetence and indifference - and patients paid the price. Every day of delay meant another day people with Huntington's and Multiple Sclerosis went without hope. Terry Cole now has the chance to fix what she broke." WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / Former DEA Administrator Anne Milgram left behind a cloud of controversy, unanswered questions, and a legacy of paralysis on medical marijuana policy. As new details emerge about the potential Justice Department Inspector General's investigation into her administration's no-bid contracts to friends and former colleagues, one thing is unmistakably clear: under Milgram's leadership, the DEA squandered historic opportunities to modernize its outdated approach to medical cannabis. EX DEA ADMINISTRATOR ANNE MILGRAM A Culture of Cronyism, Not Reform According to federal records and congressional testimony, the OIG probe examined millions in DEA contracts Milgram awarded without competition - including $4.7 million for "strategic planning" to personal associates, $1.4 million to WilmerHale for a politically connected "review," and nearly $400,000 to a New Jersey ally hired within weeks of her confirmation. These revelations came as the agency was failing its most critical mandate: responding to the nation's demand for medical cannabis research and reform. "While DEA insiders cashed in on sweetheart contracts, patients were left suffering," said Duane Boise, President & CEO of MMJ BioPharma Cultivation, a pharmaceutical company still waiting - after seven years - for DEA approval to grow cannabis for FDA clinical trials. "Milgram's DEA spent more time rewarding friends than fulfilling its legal duty to advance medical science. It was a monument to incompetence and indifference." A Legacy of Delay and Denial Under Milgram, the DEA refused to act on multiple applications to manufacture cannabis for research - including MMJ BioPharma's 2018 petition to produce pharmaceutical-grade marijuana for FDA approved trials in Huntington's disease and Multiple Sclerosis. Despite MMJ's FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) clearances and Orphan Drug Designations, Milgram's office imposed retroactive requirements, delayed reviews for years, and ignored congressional oversight requests. Meanwhile, DEA lawyers defended unconstitutional tribunal proceedings against companies like MMJ - proceedings that the Supreme Court later struck down in Axon v. FTC and Jarkesy v. SEC as violations of separation-of-powers protections. "Milgram's inaction wasn't just bureaucratic - it was immoral," Boise continued. "Every day of delay meant another day patients with Huntington's and MS went without treatment. She should have been fighting cartels, not crushing clinical research." Scandal Overshadowed Mission As the DEA stumbled through its "swampy" internal turmoil, the agency's public mission eroded. Milgram's contracting scandal drew bipartisan condemnation - with Representative Mike Garcia (R-CA) calling her performance "flagrant and offensive" - and Senator Chuck Grassley demanding explanations for "credible allegations" of favoritism and waste. Milgram deflected, saying she would not "step in front of the inspector general." Two years later, the OIG has still released no final report, leaving questions of accountability unanswered. A Hopeful Future Under Administrator Terry Cole Milgram departed quietly in January 2025, leaving behind an agency paralyzed by mismanagement and distrust. The arrival of Administrator Terrance "Terry" Cole offers what many see as a rare chance for real reform. Cole, a former law enforcement executive with a reputation for integrity, now faces a defining choice: Will he perpetuate the DEA's culture of secrecy and obstruction - or restore public trust by embracing transparency, science, and legitimate medical research? "Terry Cole has a chance to do what Anne Milgram never did - lead," said Boise. "He can reopen the door to science, follow the law, and finally let the DEA work for patients instead of against them." The Road Ahead For MMJ BioPharma Cultivation and the millions of patients awaiting cannabinoid-based medicines, hope now rests on whether the DEA's new leadership will dismantle the bureaucratic barriers Milgram left behind. Milgram's tenure will be remembered for no-bid contracts, no marijuana reform, and no accountability - but perhaps, under Administrator Cole, that story can finally change. MMJ is represented by attorney Megan Sheehan CONTACT: Madison Hisey MHisey@mmjih.com 203-231-8583 SOURCE: MMJ International Holdings View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/ex-dea-administrator-anne-milgrams-%22swampy%22-legacy-no-bid-contracts-n-1084684 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Goldstorm Metals Corp. (TSXV: GSTM) (FSE: B2U) ("Goldstorm" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the 2025 exploration activities at its 100% owned Crown and Electrum Properties, covering over 16,000 hectares directly south of Seabridge Gold's KSM Project and Newmont's Brucejack Mine. Click link to view: Crown and Electrum locations. At the Crown Property, the Company successfully completed Induced Polarization (IP) and Magnetotelluric (MT) surveys across the Copernicus Zone, as well as surveying areas of geochemical anomalies along the Orion Spine. Concurrently, our geological crews undertook an extensive rock geochemical program throughout the Crown Property, which included 657 random and select grabs, chip, and channel samples. Some preliminary results from the geochemical program are highlighted in this release. The Company is also pleased to report that drilling at the Electrum Property is proceeding on schedule and on budget. To date, four drill holes have been completed, with two additional holes remaining before the close of this year's exploration season, which is expected within the next two weeks. Ken Konkin, P. Geo., President and CEO, comments, "We are very pleased to report the completion of the geophysical phase of exploration on the Crown Project, which has delivered some very promising results from the IP program. The survey outlined a large, coincident conductivity-resistivity anomaly underlying the Orion Spine, including the Copernicus Zone, that is located between 300 and 500 meters in depth. This anomaly extends over 1.2 kms in a north-south direction, and over a kilometer east to west. Within this IP anomaly, our crews have identified numerous gold, copper and silver showings along the Orion Spine and discovered several new zones of surficial fracture-controlled mineralization along the eastern flank of Orion Spine that may have originated from a larger, intrusive-related source at depth. Given these results, and the strength of the IP anomaly, we believe there is great geological potential for the trend of Treaty-KSM porphyry deposits to continue southwards through the center of our Crown Claims, beneath the Orion Spine. We are also pleased to report that the drilling of the Electrum Property is proceeding as planned. Additional updates on the drill program will be provided in the coming weeks after the exploration season concludes." Results from the MT Survey will be announced once the results are compiled together with the 2016 MT Survey data. Below are views of the Orion Spine rock geochemical gold, silver and copper anomalies overlain on colour contours of the IP geophysical results at the Copernicus Zone. 2025 IP Chargeability 3D View - Copernicus Zone at Orion Spine, Crown Property To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9214/269783_9a677e20c4ed0b26_002full.jpg 2025 IP Chargeability Map (Gold Samples) - Copernicus Zone at Orion Spine, Crown Property To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9214/269783_9a677e20c4ed0b26_003full.jpg 2025 IP Chargeability Map (Silver Samples) - Copernicus Zone at Orion Spine, Crown Property To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9214/269783_9a677e20c4ed0b26_004full.jpg 2025 IP Chargeability Map (Copper Samples) - Copernicus Zone at Orion Spine, Crown Property To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9214/269783_9a677e20c4ed0b26_005full.jpg Qualified Person The Qualified Person for this news release for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 is the Company's President and CEO, Ken Konkin, P.Geo. He has read and approved the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for the disclosure contained in this news release. QA/QC All samples were prepared at MSA Labs' Preparation Laboratory in Terrace, BC and assayed at MSA Labs' Geochemical Laboratory in Langley, BC. Gold was assayed using a fire assay with atomic absorption (AA) spectrometry finish. Samples over 10 ppm gold were fire assayed with gravimetric finish. All samples were analyzed by four acid digestion with multi-element ICP-MS, with silver and base metal over-limits being reanalyzed by emission spectrometry. MSA Laboratories quality system complies with the requirements for the International Standards ISO 17025 and ISO 9001. MSA Labs is independent of the Company. About Goldstorm Metals Goldstorm Metals Corp. is a precious and base metals exploration company with a large strategic land position in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia, an area that hosts some of the largest and highest-grade gold deposits in the world. Goldstorm's flagship projects, Crown and Electrum, cover an area that totals 16,469 hectares over 6 concessions, of which 5 are contiguous. The Crown Project is situated directly south of Seabridge Gold's KSM gold-copper deposits and Newmont Corporation's Brucejack/Valley of the Kings gold mine. Electrum, also located in the Golden Triangle of BC, is situated directly between Newmont Corporation's Brucejack Mine, approximately 20 kilometers to the north, and the past producing Silbak Premier mine, 20 kilometers to the south. 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 Statement 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. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding future estimates, plans, objectives, timing, assumptions or expectations of future performance, including without limitation, the statement regarding the expectation that geologists are expected to complete a compilation study this winter once all assay results are received. Such a statement is a forward-looking statement and contains forward-looking information. 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". Forward-looking statements are based on certain material assumptions and analysis made by Goldstorm and the opinions and estimates of management as of the date of this press release, including that geologists will complete a compilation study this winter once all assay results are received. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Goldstorm to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Important factors that may cause actual results to vary, include, without limitation that geologists will not complete a compilation study this winter or at all. Although management of Goldstorm 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. Goldstorm does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269783 SOURCE: Goldstorm Metals Corp. UGX-202 is a novel, one-time intravitreally-delivered gene therapy that employs optogenetics with the aim to restore vision in people with retinal degeneration U GX-202 is currently being studied in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in an investigator-initiated study M ore than 1.5 million people living with RP worldwide represent a significant unmet need for new treatments UGX-202 has the potential to treat RP as well as multiple other inherited retinal diseases and macular degeneration AviadoBio Ltd. ("AviadoBio"), and UgeneX Therapeutics, today announced an exclusive option and license agreement for the development and commercialization of UGX-202, an investigational, AAV-based gene therapy in clinical development for patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), with a second undisclosed indication entering the clinic by year-end. UGX-202 is an AAV gene therapy that employs visual optogenetics to deliver a light-sensitive protein to cells in the retina. In many retinal diseases, patients experience a loss of photoreceptors cells responsible for detecting light and converting it into visual signals for the brain. Optogenetics reprograms preserved cells in the retina to take on the function of the lost photoreceptors, thus re-establishing vision irrespective of the underlying genetic cause. The UGX-202 capsid, regulatory sequences, and opsin transgene have all been optimized for potential best-in-class performance. Under the terms of the agreement, AviadoBio will have the option to receive a worldwide exclusive license outside of Greater China for the development and commercialization rights to UGX-202 in RP and other indications. If the option is exercised, UgeneX will be eligible to receive upfront payments, research and development milestones, and sales milestone payments of up to USD $413 million, as well as royalties on net sales. "We are thrilled to expand our portfolio of clinic-stage assets that span neurodegenerative conditions from the eye to the brain, united by our core expertise in targeted delivery, potent genetic payloads, and rapid translation to now include RP and other retinal diseases. Optogenetics is an exciting field with clinical precedent and clear opportunity for next-generation approaches, like UGX-202, to improve vision for people with retinal disease," said Lisa Deschamps, CEO, AviadoBio. "Our team has deep experience in ocular gene therapy development, and we look forward to partnering with the UgeneX team and building a pipeline within UGX-202 together." "We are delighted to partner with AviadoBio to jointly promote the clinical application and global collaboration of ophthalmic gene therapy," said Dr. Wu Kai, President of UgeneX. "This partnership is a significant milestone for our company toward entering the global market and also demonstrates the R&D capabilities and global potential of our pipeline." About Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of progressive inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) characterized by the primary degeneration of rod photoreceptors, followed by the loss of cone photoreceptors. It is a leading cause of visual disability and blindness, affecting over 1.5 million people worldwide.1 RP is typically diagnosed in children and young adults. However, the average age of diagnosis for patients with RP is approximately 35.1 years.2 Progressive symptoms include night blindness, reduction in peripheral and central vision, commonly called "tunnel vision," and reduced ability to see details and colors.3 The progression of RP can vary widely between individuals, though many with RP are legally blind by 40-50 years of age.4 About AviadoBio At AviadoBio, we are relentlessly chasing cures by translating groundbreaking science and precision delivery into life-changing medicines for people living with neurological conditions. With our deep understanding of the brain and suite of proprietary gene therapy platforms and delivery technologies, AviadoBio is working to overcome the challenges of delivering the right drug to the right place. Its innovative, neuroanatomy-led approach is designed to maximize the therapeutic potential of gene therapy to halt or potentially reverse neurodegenerative diseases. AviadoBio was founded on pioneering research from King's College London and the UK Dementia Research Institute and has a leadership team with extensive gene therapy development, delivery, and commercialization experience, which uniquely positions the company for success in bringing transformative medicines to patients. AviadoBio's investors include New Enterprise Associates (NEA), Monograph Capital, F-Prime Capital, Johnson Johnson, through its corporate venture capital organization, Johnson Johnson Innovation JJDC, Inc., SV Health Investor's Dementia Discovery Fund (DDF), Advent Life Sciences, EQT Life Sciences (Dementia Fund), LifeArc Ventures, and Astellas Pharma. For more information, please visit www.aviadobio.com and follow us on X @AviadoBio and LinkedIn at AviadoBio. About UgeneX Therapeutics UgeneX Therapeutics Co., Ltd. is a company founded in July 2021, focused on developing novel gene therapy products for ophthalmic diseases. Backed by a team of over 15 years of experience in ophthalmology and neurobiology, the company has established an innovative ophthalmic gene therapy technology platform and an internationally leading pipeline. To date, it has secured investments exceeding 100 million RMB. References Verbakel S et al. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research 2018;66:157-186; Tsujikawa M et al. Arch Ophthalmol 2008;126:337-340; Zhang Q Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology 2016;5:265-271; Parmeggiani F, et al. Curr Genomics. 2011;12(4):250-259. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009502471/en/ Contacts: Contact For Media Enquiries: Farah Speer SVP, Head of Communications and External Relations fspeer@aviadobio.com +1-312-543-2881 Nomios, a pan-European specialist in cybersecurity services, announces the acquisition of Intragen, an award-winning specialist in the field of Identity and Access Management. The acquisition, supported by Keensight Capital, marks a major milestone in Nomios' growth strategy and further strengthens its position as the global trusted partner for cybersecurity across Europe. A partnership of complementary expertise With a strong presence across Europe, Nomios supports organisations in securing their critical digital infrastructures, whether on premise or cloud based. Nomios' approach is structured around three core service pillars. Through its Consulting Services, the group provides strategic advisory and tailored support to help organizations anticipate and manage cyber risks. Its Professional Services encompass the integration, deployment, and optimization of security and networking solutions, ensuring robust and efficient infrastructures. Finally, Nomios' Managed Services deliver continuous supervision, management, and improvement of security through its Security Operations Centre (SOC), Network Operating Centre (NOC), and Vulnerability Operation Centre (VOC), ensuring high standards of protection, availability, and operational continuity for its clients. The integration of Intragen further enhances Nomios' offering with leading expertise in digital identity and privileged access management (PAM). Intragen partners with CyberArk, SailPoint, One Identity and Okta. Intragen secured multiple awards with One Identity including Global partner of the year in 2023 and was European Partner of the year for Okta in 2025. Today, Intragen's 250 experts secure millions of identities across Europe. This combination enables the group to deliver an unmatched range of services, addressing all cybersecurity challenges from networking to identity, and supporting clients in meeting the growing demands of digitalisation and compliance. A new milestone in Nomios' strategic journey With the acquisition of Intragen, Nomios is reaching a new and significant milestone in its evolution to become the trusted advisor in cybersecurity across Europe. Today, three-quarters of the Nomios group's revenue comes directly from its expertise in cybersecurity, with a quarter being generated through its networking activities. Nomios' service portfolio now covers nearly the entire spectrum of cybersecurity activities, with the inclusion of Identity and Access Management (IAM) enabling Nomios to address the most complex and emerging security challenges faced by organisations. Nomios international footprint has also expanded considerably: 60% of the Nomios group's EBITDA is now generated outside France, driven in particular by its strong performance in the Netherlands, Italy and the United Kingdom. This international dynamic is a testament to the trust placed in Nomios by its clients across Europe. Furthermore, more than 55% of Nomios group's net revenue now comes from its own services portfolio (which includes professional services, support services, managed services, GRC, NOC, SOC and VOC services). This recurring model strengthens the resilience and predictability of the Nomios group's business. Looking ahead, the consolidated outlook with Intragen allows the Nomios group to target an EBITDA of 75 million and a revenue of 650 million in 2026, reflecting Nomios' long-standing track record and ambition. Sebastien Kher, CEO and founder of Nomios, said: "What I have particularly valued throughout this process is how much importance Alex and the Intragen team place on their people and their clients-a value that resonates deeply with our own DNA at Nomios. We share the same concern for the wellbeing of our employees, customers and partners, as well as the same commitment to establishing lasting relationships based on trust and expertise. By joining forces, we are creating new synergies to support our clients as they face increasingly complex identity and security challenges. Together, we are opening a new chapter, rich in opportunities for our clients, partners, and teams Alex Fagioli, CEO of Intragen added: "Joining Nomios represents a tremendous opportunity for Intragen, our employees, and our clients. We share the same commitment to expertise and the same drive to support European organizations in their secure digital transformation. This partnership will allow us to accelerate our development, broaden our offering, and continue to innovate for our clients." Jean-Christophe Cini, Partner at Keensight Capital, concluded: "We are proud to be supporting Nomios with its continued development. The acquisition of Intragen will propel the business forward, adding new capabilities, geographies and clients, further reinforcing its European leadership Positive impact for clients, partners, and employees This acquisition brings a positive impact for clients, partners, and employees. It provides access to an expanded portfolio of solutions and services across EMEA and strengthens the Nomios' capabilities in Managed and recurring Services, and PAM to meet the most demanding market needs. The teams and expertise will be retained, with Intragen by Nomios continuing to operate initially as a separate entity, and subsequently as a distinct segment under the leadership of its current team. Additionally, this new structure opens up fresh professional development opportunities for employees of both groups. The acquisition is expected to complete before the end of the month. About Intragen Intragen is a leading European expert in digital identity and access management. The company has offices and teams in several key European countries, including the United Kingdom (London), Finland (Helsinki), Germany (Neuss), Greece (Athens), the Netherlands (Utrecht), and Sweden (Stockholm). Intragen supports organisations throughout the EMEA region, relying on local experts to deliver tailored solutions. As a leading partner of Okta, CyberArk, One Identity, and SailPoint, Intragen has been supporting organizations for over 15 years in securing identities and managing privileged access (PAM). With recognized expertise, a comprehensive managed services offering, and tailored support, Intragen helps clients address compliance, digital transformation, and cybersecurity challenges. The company relies on a team of experts and an internal academy to ensure operational excellence and continuous innovation. www.intragen.com About Nomios Nomios is one of Europe's leading providers of cybersecurity services. With a deep-rooted commitment to understanding and addressing clients' unique needs, Nomios ensures personalized and effective strategies that drive tangible results. Leveraging a wealth of experience and expertise across various industries, Nomios delivers innovative solutions across a broad customer base in a wide range of sectors. Founded in 2004 by its current Group CEO, Nomios now has more than 20 offices in seven European countries. It has continually expanded its range of services, including integration, consulting, support, managed services and SOC and VOC. Nomios is renowned for its experienced, loyal and highly certified engineers, making it a leading partner for vendors such as Palo Alto Networks, Juniper Networks, Cisco, Fortinet, F5, and others. Since November 2023, Keensight Capital is the majority shareholder of Nomios. www.nomios.com About Keensight Capital Keensight Capital ("Keensight"), one of the leading European Growth Buyout firms, is committed to supporting entrepreneurs as they implement their growth strategies. With over 25 years of experience and 6bn of assets under management, Keensight Capital's team of seasoned professionals leverages their differentiated private equity experience to invest in profitably growing companies. Drawing on its expertise in the Technology and Healthcare sectors, Keensight identifies the best investment opportunities in Europe and works closely with the management teams providing capital, strategic guidance and operational support. Keensight operates in more than 90 countries across the globe with a presence in Paris, London, Boston, and Singapore. www.keensight.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009903600/en/ Contacts: Press contacts: Nomios Tim Fleur tim.fleur@nomios.nl +31 (0) 643464012 Intragen Paul Cameron Paul.cameron@intragen.com +44 (0) 7376221986 Keensight Capital Cindy Giraud cgiraud@keensight.com +33 (0) 6 37 96 55 37 Headland Consultancy Ellen Johnson ejohnson@headlandconsultancy.com +44 (0) 79 0185 3673 Rowann Innes rinnes@headlandconsultancy.com +44 (0) 73 1137 0023 International verifier hosts Inaugural Regenerative Capital Market Day at London Stock Exchange Global finance is waking up to the fact that regeneration is not philanthropy it is the next major engine of economic value. According to the World Economic Forum, nature-positive transactions across key global systems could unlock up to $10.1 trillion in new business opportunities by 2030[1], underscoring the growing alignment between financial performance and ecological resilience. Against this backdrop, Regenified hosted the inaugural Regenerative Capital Market Day at the London Stock Exchange on October 8, convening senior leaders from pension funds, banks, insurers, sovereign wealth funds, and asset managers to examine the fast-growing role of regenerative agriculture and forestry in long-term investment strategy. The event brought together global experts from the investment community including Dr. Marc Palahi, Chief Nature Officer at Lombard Odier Investment Managers; Justin Adams OBE, founder of Ostara; Salar Shemirani, co-founder and CEO of Regenified; and Paul Young, co-founder and CEO of Conservation Resources. With the focus on case studies, evolving regulatory frameworks, and pipe-line ready projects across the UK and beyond, the presence of financial institutions, including Barclays, alongside landowners and major buyers of agricultural produce, reflected the growing consensus that regeneration is not only an environmental necessity, but also a driver of resilience and long-term value creation. Barclays recently launched its Farm Transition Finance Program in the UK, offering reduced rates for farmers in qualifying regenerative schemes, including verification provided by Regenified. "Capital markets are waking up to the fact that regeneration is about more than stewardship it's about building resilient lands that will deliver measurable returns for investors and enduring benefits for communities and ecosystems," says Young. "Bringing this conversation to the London Stock Exchange is a signal that regenerative land use has become an investment opportunity," he adds. Conservation Resources' regenerative forestry and agricultural investments are verified by Regenified. Regenified is a leading independent verifier of regenerative agricultural practices, grounded in decades of research and farming experience around the world. As the regenerative agriculture movement accelerates, recent developments in finance, media and farming signal a growing demand for standards that deliver real ecological improvement, not just marketing claims. At the center of this shift is a new understanding that regeneration is not an ideology, it is a structural redesign of value creation, grounded in measurable results, transparent governance, and investment-grade integrity. The Regenified 6-3-4 Verification Standard is uniquely positioned to meet that demand, combining robust third-party verification with the flexibility needed to drive adoption at scale. "This is a moment of reckoning for how we value land, labor and life itself," says Regenified's Shemirani. "We've spent decades building an extractive model that erodes its own foundation. The next era of value creation will be regenerative by design built on transparency, measurable outcomes, and the trust that comes from independent verification. Regenified exists to provide that infrastructure to give investors confidence, farmers agency, and markets the proof they need to scale regeneration with integrity," he notes. "This is not a theoretical movement it is a market transition that is already underway," says Shemirani. "What we are witnessing is the Great Re-Capitalization: capital flowing back into the source, to the soil, and to the people who regenerate it." At a time when farming faces mounting financial, climate, biodiversity and resource pressures, Regenified offers a credible, scalable pathway for farmers, buyers and institutions to align with a regenerative future. Sources [1] How to unlock $10.1 trillion from the nature-positive transition. World Economic Forum. (Jul 15, 2024). https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/07/theres-10-1-trillion-in-nature-positive-transition-heres-how-we-unlock-it/ About Regenified Regenified is a leading independent verifier of regenerative agriculture practices, grounded in decades of research and farming experience around the world. Its proprietary 6-3-4 Verification Standard is designed to assess measurable outcomes that improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and build climate resilience across farms, ranches, and forests. Regenified provides science-based verification that helps producers, retailers, and consumers support a regenerative food system one that restores ecosystems and strengthens supply chains from the ground up. For more information, visit www.regenified.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009864527/en/ Contacts: Sarah Eykyn The Fresh Ideas Group sarah@freshideasgroup.com Tel: 205.239.6445 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada is pleased to announce the signing of a franchise agreement and secured real estate for Cochrane, Alberta -a key market within the Company's national expansion strategy. Heal Wellness ("Heal") is a quick-service restaurant ("QSR") specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies. Happy Belly 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/269774_9d9d674534f79957_002full.jpg "With opening slated for Q1 2026, Cochrane represents a prime market for Heal Wellness, with its fast-growing population, active lifestyle culture, and strong community of families and professionals who value nutritious and convenient food options," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. "The signing of this new franchise agreement underscores the continued confidence franchise partners have in our scalable business model and the growing nationwide demand for our wellness-driven brand." Happy Belly 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/269774_9d9d674534f79957_003full.jpg Cochrane's unique demographic blend-anchored by young families, professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts-perfectly aligns with the Heal Wellness brand. As one of Alberta's fastest-growing towns, Cochrane offers an ideal balance of small-town charm and urban connectivity, attracting residents who lead active, health-focused lives. Its proximity to Calgary and the Rocky Mountains creates a dynamic market that values fresh, energizing, and wholesome dining options. This new Heal Wellness location will serve as a destination for both local residents and visitors seeking better-for-you food choices in a vibrant, fast-developing community. Heal Wellness continues to accelerate its coast-to-coast expansion, further solidifying its growing position as Canada's leading smoothie bowl and wellness QSR brand. This latest signing highlights Happy Belly's ability to attract strong operators and execute disciplined, asset-light growth through its proven franchise system. Heal Wellness was founded with a mission to deliver quick, fresh wellness foods that support busy, active lifestyles. The menu features a diverse range of smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls, each crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods such as acai, pitaya, goji berries, and chia seeds. With 27 locations currently open and over 168 in development, Heal Wellness continues to gain momentum nationwide through consistent franchise growth and strategic real estate execution. Happy Belly Food Group now has 626 contractually committed retail franchise locations across its portfolio of emerging brands-including Heal Wellness, Rosie's Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, Via Cibo Italian Street Food, and others-in various stages of development, construction, and operation nationwide. "We are just getting started," added Sean Black. "Our predictable and disciplined growth strategy continues to deliver measurable results as we expand our brands across Canada and create long-term value for our shareholders." About Heal Wellness Heal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more. Franchising For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at hello@happybellyfg.com. About Happy Belly Food Group Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada. Happy Belly Food Group To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/269774_9d9d674534f79957_004full.jpg Sean Black Chief Executive Officer Shawn Moniz Chief Operating Officer 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 press release, which has been prepared by management. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269774 SOURCE: Happy Belly Food Group Inc. Ingelheim, Germany/Ridgefield, Connecticut, U.S. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease, causing a continuous decline in lung function. 1 Approval is based on results from two clinical trials, which showed reduction in Forced Vital Capacity decline with JASCAYD versus placebo in adults with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). 2,3 Nerandomilast is a new treatment option for adult patients with IPF with a well-tolerated safety profile.2,3 Boehringer Ingelheim's JASCAYD (nerandomilast) tablets has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an oral treatment option for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in adult patients.2 JASCAYD is the first and only preferential inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) to be approved in this indication. This represents a novel mechanism of action that exerts both antifibrotic and immunomodulatory effects, thereby slowing the decline in lung function in IPF patients.2,3 "This milestone represents a new era in the treatment of IPF, a rare and debilitating chronic condition that worsens lung function. Nerandomilast has proven to slow lung function decline in IPF," said Toby Maher, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Clinical Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, USC Los Angeles. "Nerandomilast is a welcome new treatment option with a well-tolerated safety profile for physicians to consider for appropriate patients." The FDA approval is based on data from two clinical trials: FIBRONEER-IPF) and Trial 2). The primary endpoint in FIBRONEER-IPF was the absolute change from baseline in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), a measure of lung function,4 in mL at week 52.2,3 Nerandomilast demonstrated a significantly smaller FVC decline compared to placebo.2,3 Specifically, the adjusted mean decline in patients receiving 18 mg or 9 mg nerandomilast was -106 mL and -122 mL, respectively, versus -170 mL in the placebo group.2 Additionally, a treatment effect was shown as early as week two with nerandomilast 18 mg compared to placebo, with changes from baseline in FVC continuing to diverge over time to week 52.2,3 "The FDA approval of nerandomilast is a pivotal moment for people living with IPF as this marks the first time in over 10 years that the treatment landscape is evolving," said Shashank Deshpande, Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors and Head of Human Pharma at Boehringer Ingelheim. "This new step forward, driven by the compelling results of the FIBRONEER-IPF trial, underscores our unwavering commitment to change the way we treat IPF by delivering innovative therapies like nerandomilast." The most common (=5%) adverse reactions reported in patients treated with nerandomilast and more frequently than the placebo group were as follows for nerandomilast 18 mg, 9 mg and placebo, respectively: diarrhea (42%, 31%, 17%), COVID-19 (13%, 16%, 12%), upper respiratory tract infection (13%, 11%, 10%), depression (12%, 11%, 10%), weight decreased (11%, 10%, 8%), decreased appetite (9%, 9%, 5%), nausea (8%, 9%, 7%), fatigue (7%, 8%, 6%), headache (7%, 6%, 5%), vomiting (6%, 5%, 5%), back pain (6%, 5%, 4%) and dizziness (5%, 6%, 5%).2 Discontinuation due to adverse reactions occurred more frequently in patients treated with nerandomilast (with or without background antifibrotic treatment) 18 mg (15%) and 9 mg (12%) compared to placebo (11%).2 The most frequent adverse reaction leading to discontinuation of nerandomilast 18 mg and 9 mg was diarrhea (6% and 2%, respectively).2 There is no 'Warnings and Precautions' section in the FDA approved product label.2 "The FDA approval of nerandomilast is exciting news for people living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and their caregivers," said Scott Staszak, President and CEO of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. "There has been a long-standing need for new treatment options for IPF within our community and nerandomilast provides an important addition to the care landscape." About IPF IPF is one of the more common progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases.1 It is deadlier than many forms of cancer, with a lower five-year survival rate compared to prostate cancer, female breast cancer and colon cancer.5,6 IPF substantially impacts quality of life and half of patients succumb to the disease within five years of diagnosis.7,8 In IPF, the root cause of pulmonary fibrosis is not known.1 Symptoms and signs of IPF include a dry and persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and finger clubbing (widening and rounding of the topics of the fingers).9 IPF may affect up to 3.6 million people worldwide, and an estimated 200,000 people in the U.S.10-13 The disease primarily affects people over the age of 50 and affects more men than women.14 About nerandomilast Nerandomilast is an oral, preferential inhibitor of PDE4B approved in the U.S. for the treatment of IPF in adult patients.2 Nerandomilast was approved by the FDA after securing Priority Review and Breakthrough Therapy Designation. Regulatory submissions for nerandomilast in IPF are also under review in China, Japan, and the EU, with filings in other geographies to follow. About Boehringer Ingelheim Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry's top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com. MPR-CRP-100533 / MPR-US-103605 References WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of his 20-point Gaza peace plan, following days of intensive indirect negotiations in Egypt. President Trump announced on social media late on Wednesday that Hamas had agreed to release all the hostages being held inside Gaza 'very soon', while Israel has agreed to a phased withdrawal of its ground forces to 'an agreed upon line.' Trump made the announcement that the world has been awaiting anxiously in a statement posted on Truth Social. It marks 'the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace', according to him. Trump added, 'This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!' Trump later said the hostages will be coming back home on Monday. Talking to the media in Washington, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, '[I feel optimistic that we're going to get to a deal, hopefully,] that hostages will be released - all the hostages. There's good progress being made. There's still some work to be done. And obviously, part of that will be the end of hostilities, and then we'll move on to the intense work on how do you demobilize radical groups inside of Gaza and create a path for a better future for the people in Gaza. But it all begins with all the hostages coming home and I think we have to be optimistic, but there's still some work to be done.' Rubio said that the hostages will be released within 72 hours. 'We're getting very positive reports, as of an hour ago. I guess it's nightfall over there already, but we feel we've made a lot of progress today, but there's still work to be done,' he told reporters. Hamas has reportedly confirmed the deal calling on the international community to ensure Israel abides by its terms. The deal will 'end the war on Gaza, ensure the complete withdrawal of the occupation forces, allow the entry of humanitarian aid, and implement a prisoner exchange', CBS quoted Hamas as saying. However, the Palestinian militant outfit insisted that it will never abandon its people's national rights 'until freedom, independence, and self-determination are achieved.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is against the idea of a two-state solution to the decades-old Middle East crisis, and his stand is seen as a sticking point to progress towards a comprehensive agreement and ceasefire. Reports say that Hamas has not yet yielded to the clauses regarding its disarmament and exclusion from future governance of Gaza, the two key points in Trump's peace plan. Netanyahu said it was a 'great day for Israel', adding that the Government would meet on Thursday to approve the first phase - including an immediate ceasefire, according to news reports. The implementation of the first phase of the agreement is subject to ratification by the cabinet. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, 'I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey in brokering this desperately needed breakthrough.' He urged 'all concerned to abide fully by the terms of the agreement,' including the release of hostages who have been held for over two years now in Gaza 'in a dignified manner.' 'Great news. Let's get the hostages out and surge aid in - fast,' The UN's humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher wrote on X. He said his teams are 'fully mobilized to get the trucks moving at scale and save lives.' Indirect talks between representatives of Israel and Hamas began in Egyptian city of Sharm el-Sheikh Monday, aimed at negotiating terms of Trump's Gaza peace plan. Hamas' deadly cross border attacks on 2023 October 7 had triggered Israeli military action in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the death of 67,194 people. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 2025 AFX News BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Germany's exports declined for the second straight month in August as higher trade tariffs weighed on shipments to the United States, official data revealed Thursday. Exports dropped 0.5 percent in August from July, following a decline of 0.2 percent in July, Destatis said. The drop came in contrast to the expectations for an increase of 0.3 percent. At the same time, the decline in imports worsened to 1.3 percent from 0.7 percent. The pace of fall was also sharper than the forecast of 0.5 percent. As the imports fell more sharply, the trade surplus increased to EUR 17.2 billion from EUR 16.3 billion in July, exceeding the expected EUR 15.1 billion. In the same period last year, the surplus was EUR 21.9 billion. Exports to the United States decreased 2.5 percent from July to EUR 10.9 billion, marking the fifth consecutive drop and the value reached the lowest since November 2021. By contrast, exports to China grew 5.4 percent. Most imports in August came from China but these decreased 4.5 percent, while imports from the US gained 3.4 percent. Exports to EU countries were down 2.5 percent and import from these countries decreased 1.9 percent. On a yearly basis, German exports logged a decrease of 3.9 percent after rising 1.4 percent and imports rose at a slower pace of 1.0 percent following July's 4.4 percent increase. Consequently, the unadjusted foreign trade surplus decreased to EUR 12.8 billion in August from EUR 18.4 billion last year. The downward trend in exports to the US is likely to continue for some time, Commerzbank Senior Economist Ralph Solveen said. Together with the stronger euro, data suggests that foreign demand is unlikely to provide any significant boost to the German economy, he noted. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 2025 AFX News CHICAGO, IL / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / The American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) today announced its endorsement of Illinois State Senator Mike Simmons for the U.S. Congress representing Illinois's 9th Congressional District. AEPAC praised Senator Simmons as a trailblazing leader whose record of integrity, inclusion, and results makes him uniquely qualified to represent the people of Illinois in Washington. AEPAC LOGO Eagle bearing Ethiopia tricolor Senator Simmons currently serves in the Illinois State Senate representing the 7th Senatorial District, where he has authored and passed fifty bills into law over four years. His work includes establishing a state child-tax credit, helping erase medical debt for hundreds of thousands of residents, expanding affordable housing, banning hair discrimination in schools through the Jett Hawkins Act, and eliminating "forever chemicals" from drinking water. He also chairs the Senate Public Health Committee, serves as Vice-Chair of Behavioral and Mental Health, and sits on key committees covering Transportation, Labor, and Appropriations (Health and Human Services). Simmons has directed millions of dollars in funding to small businesses, community health centers, and public-safety initiatives across his district while championing legislation to protect LGBTQ+ rights and immigrant communities. "AEPAC is delighted to endorse Mike Simmons for U.S. Congress in Illinois's 9th District," said Mesfin Tegenu, Chair of AEPAC. "His life story, his service to working families, and his unwavering commitment to justice make him the kind of leader our nation needs. As the first Ethiopian-American elected to the Illinois General Assembly, Senator Simmons has shown how authentic representation can open doors and inspire communities across America. We are proud to stand with him." "As the first American of Ethiopian descent to serve in the Illinois General Assembly, I know the power that comes with authentic representation. The people of this district deserve leadership that reflects the true diversity and strength of this country - especially at a time when immigrants of all kinds are under attack. I am committed to becoming the first Ethiopian-American in Congress and working to ensure I am not the last." - Mike Simmons A lifelong Chicagoan and community advocate, Simmons has spent his career advancing policies that strengthen families, expand economic opportunity, and ensure every person - regardless of race, background, or zip code - has a fair shot. His campaign emphasizes affordable health care, climate action, gun-violence prevention, small-business growth, and comprehensive immigration reform. AEPAC's endorsement highlights the growing engagement of Ethiopian Americans in U.S. public life and underscores the organization's commitment to elevating leaders who embody shared values of inclusion, democracy, and opportunity. About the American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) The American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) is a non-partisan advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening U.S.-Ethiopia relations, promoting democracy and human rights, and empowering the Ethiopian and Ethiopian American community to engage in the U.S. political process. For more information, visit www.aepact.org. Media Contacts: AEPAC Communications Office | Info@aepact.org Mike Simmons for Congress | milan@mikesimmons.org | www.mikesimmons.org Contact Information Christopher Drumm Consultant cpchristopher@drummanddaughters.com 2153707874 SOURCE: Drumm and Daughters, LLC View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/american-ethiopian-public-affairs-committee-endorses-mike-simmon-1066275 PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / In July of this year Senator Dave McCormick convened the Inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh. By any measure, the event was a huge success. Attendees included President Donald J. Trump, Governor Josh Shapiro, and other government leaders along with top executives from both energy and artificial intelligence and their organized labor counterparts. The extensive media coverage generated by the event served to draw the attention of the nation to Pennsylvania's unique position at the confluence of innovation and natural resources. Most importantly, the summit yielded over $90 billion of investments in Pennsylvania's energy and innovation economy. Pennsylvania's energy past is strong; its energy future is stronger. Today our state is the nation's second-largest producer of natural gas, behind only Texas. So abundant are Pennsylvania's natural gas reserves, many industry observers have adopted the phrase "the Saudi Arabia of natural gas" to capture this strength linguistically. Artificial intelligence or AI has the capacity to serve as a multiplier of the impact of this natural resource. Fortunately, Pennsylvania's unparalleled higher education community positions us as an AI leader. Our state is both an energy and innovation powerhouse. You would be hard pressed to find a drilling well in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The energy boom has largely skipped our region. However, the five counties are at the center of an equally vital Pennsylvania resource: health care. The renowned excellence of the sector presents a set of circumstances similar to those that made the inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit a success. Health care is to most of the Commonwealth what energy is to the Marcellus Shale Region. It is an unparalleled resource and the envy of much of the world. AI also holds the promise of serving as an economic multiplier here as well. Fortunately, AI lives in Southeastern Pennsylvania and always has - from the days of Penn's ENIAC to the work being done at West Philadelphia's University City Science Center today. The Energy and Innovation Summit held in Pittsburgh was a great success, health care and innovation hold the same promise. Senator McCormick, it is time to convene the Inaugural Pennsylvania Health Care and Innovation Summit. Let's replicate July's Pittsburgh success in Philadelphia in 2026. Christopher Drumm is an AI enthusiast and a health care lobbyist based in Harrisburg, PA Contact Information Christopher Drumm Consultant cpchristopher@drummanddaughters.com 2153707874 SOURCE: Drumm and Daughters, LLC View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/senator-mccormick-please-convene-health-care-and-innovation-summ-1084701 MILAN, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, hosted the Global Summit & User Congress 2025 in Milan on October 6-7 under the theme "Expanding Intelligence, Creating Possibilities". Over 500+ global ICT leaders, operators, partners, analysts, industry organizations and innovators gathered to explore the AI-driven digital transformation, foster an open digital-intelligent ecosystem, and drive industry and social innovation. Xu Ziyang, CEO of ZTE, opened the global summit with a keynote speech. He pointed that in the era moving from bits to tokens, ZTE is committed to building intelligent network foundations, powering the future of computing, and partnering globally to co-create a new age of intelligence. During the event, ZTE showcased its latest achievements in connectivity and computing, industry empowerment, and creating a better intelligent life for families and consumers. Connection upgrade: Network x AI bidirectional integration In wireless networks, ZTE continues to lead in UBR and M-MIMO innovations, building ultra-simple, ultra-efficient, and green sites. AI reshapes network capabilities, enhancing energy efficiency and O&M efficiency, with precise user experience guarantees, driving 5G toward a shift from volume to value; AgentGuard demo on AIR RAN secures AI interactions; AIR Net's three engines advance to "Agentic Operation". For 5G-A, ISAC supports low-altitude economy and water management; EasyOn private networks enable free-roam VR, media production, and embodied intelligent collaboration. In the realm of core networks, ZTE unveiled its AI Core, upgrading core network architecture with "Know How" for visualized experience and "Do So" for differentiated monetization, shifting operators from "traffic-driven" to "experience-driven" models. The AI Core also introduced Agentic Ops, a multi-agent framework (fault handling, complaint resolution, network change, and digital twin simulation) to advance from L3 to L4+ autonomy. Computing power: full-stack advancement ZTE showcased its full-stack intelligent computing solution, featuring a comprehensive range of general and AI servers, including the industry-focused AiCube all-in-one appliance, to build a high-performance computing foundation. On the software side, it offers a navigational low-code AI platform and Co-Sight Agent Factory, lowering the barrier for AI model training and inference, enabling pipeline-based, minute-level AI app development. The upgraded Co-Sight Super Agent 2.0 topped the GAIA benchmark with 84.05 points. For home scenarios: AI x Home In the AI Home segment, revenue growth and ecosystem transformation are being achieved through technological upgrades and business model innovation in AI Wi-Fi 7 and AI media terminals. Powered by core capabilities such as AI smart antenna, AI seamless roaming, and AI acceleration engine, AI Wi-Fi 7 enables a 50% increase in ARPU (Average Revenue per User) through layered operations, scenario-based packages, and ecosystem terminal combinations - ushering in a new era of smart home monetization. AI media terminals have evolved from standalone TV boxes to full-scenario converged terminals. In the AI-optical Infrastructure segment, AI-optical access, AI HI-OTN, and AI HI-IPNet are strategically focused on cost reduction, efficient O&M, performance, and security, thereby strengthening the core competitiveness of the wireline network. For consumers: AI for All ZTE is accelerating its consumer-centric transformation, strategically focusing on the youth market with gaming as a key breakthrough point. At this event, ZTE showcased the gaming smartphone nubia Neo series, a variety of stylish devices such as nubia Air, Flip, Focus and more, catering to lifestyles of the youth. This strategy has led to significant results, with international smartphone revenue growing by over 30% year-on-year in the first half of 2025. Built around a diverse portfolio of AI devices, including smartphones, PCs, tablets, FWA&MBB, and wearables, ZTE is expanding AI's reach while enhancing its intelligence. ZTE Devices booth features three main areas: gaming smartphone zone, lifestyle smartphone zone and world No.1 FWA & MBB zone empowered by the latest 5G-A and Wi-Fi 7 technologies, along with the debut of AI Pet Mochi in the overseas market, which will be a smarter, more proactive, and personalized emotional companion for everyone. ZTE will keep advancing its "Connectivity + Computing" strategy with full-stack innovation and global partners to drive breakthroughs across connectivity, intelligent computing, ecosystems, and devices, powering tech and industry evolution. For more information, please visit: https://www.zte.com.cn/global/about/exhibition/zte_summit_2025.html Media Inquiry: ZTE Corporation Communications Email: ZTE.press.release@zte.com.cn Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2792341/1.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2601626/ZTE_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/zte-hosts-global-summit--user-congress-2025-in-milan-under-the-theme-expanding-intelligence-creating-possibilities-302579633.html LONDON (dpa-AFX) - 64 Indian companies will invest 1.3 billion pounds in the UK, creating 6,900 jobs, No.10 Downing Street has announced. The major new deals were signed during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's two-day trade mission to India, where he has promised to open doors for British business and drive growth at home. Indian investments will flow into sectors including engineering, technology and the creative industries. From next-generation electric motorbikes, semi-conductor development and agricultural innovation - the investments will benefit some of the UK's most exciting industries and cement the UK-India economic partnership, the Prime Minister's Office said in a press release. On the first day of his visit, Starmer met with Indian business leaders and sealed the deals in Mumbai. Starmer said, 'These investments are a powerful endorsement of the UK's global standing and economic potential. Nearly 7,000 new jobs spread across every region of our country will mean more opportunities, more innovation, and make working people better off.' Among the major deals signed Wednesday, automobile manufacturing company TVS Motor will invest 250 million pounds in Solihull to expand its Norton Motorcycles operations and develop next-generation electric vehicles. Engineering company Cyient is investing 100 million pounds to boost innovation in semiconductors, geospatial tech, mobility, clean energy, and digital domains. In Somerset, tech firm Atul-Date Palm Developments is investing 11 million pounds in sustainable and innovative Agri-tech. Mastek, a global digital engineering firm, is investing 2 million pounds to open a new AI and Experience Centre in London and Leeds office. NeoCeltic Global Ltd. is investing 5 million pounds to deliver advanced orthopaedic and rehabilitation solutions, creating 85 jobs across London and Cardiff. Alcor Logistics is expanding into Liverpool and London with a 4 million pound investment to establish UK operations as a non-vessel operator. A UK-India trade deal, signed in July, will reduce tariffs on imports from the UK to India and vice versa, and it has created a burst of momentum for bilateral trade. India is already the UK's second largest investor and more than 1,000 Indian companies operate in that country, supporting millions of jobs. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Scottie Resources Corp. (TSXV: SCOT) (OTCQB: SCTSF) (FSE:SR80) ("Scottie" or the "Company") is pleased to report new assays from its 2025 drilling of the Blueberry Contact Zone within the Scottie Gold Mine Project. The road-accessible Scottie Gold Mine Project, which includes the 100%-owned past-producing Scottie Gold Mine and the adjacent Blueberry Contact Zone, is located 35 kilometres north of Stewart, BC. "Positive results continue to be returned from the initial Blueberry infill holes this season," commented Brad Rourke, CEO of the Company. "Overall, the frequency of high-grade intercepts with meaningful widths has exceeded our expectations and supports a strong resource conversion rate from inferred to indicated. Drilling is ongoing with 5 drills currently active, we expect to complete more than 25,000 m this season, our largest program to date. Additionally, mining, crushing and trucking of the Bulk Sample has been completed, and we are now awaiting assays to inform the marketing of the material." Highlights: Blueberry Contact drillhole SR25-374 intersected 8.37 grams per tonne (g/t) gold over 8.45 metres (m), including 53.1 g/t gold over 1.0 m at the Blueberry vein zone. The hole also intercepted an additional Blueberry zone vein grading 6.78 g/t gold over 4.7 m (Table 1, Figures 1,2,3). Blueberry Contact drillhole SR25-377 intersected 1 22.0 g/t gold over 1.2 m at the Blueberry vein zone (Table 1, Figures 1,2,4). Blueberry Contact drillhole SR25-373 intersected 5.64 g/t gold over 5.00 m at the Blueberry vein zone and 8.16 g/t Au over 4.10 m the Fifi vein zone (Table 1, Figures 1,2). Bulk sample progressing on schedule. The crushing and transportation of the sample has been completed; it is now awaiting final gold assays and technical testing for marketing. Figure 1: Segmented vertical long section of the Blueberry Contact Zone illustrating the distribution and status of drilled targets from the 2025 season and the reported results thus far, relative to intercepts from previous drilling campaigns. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11118/269691_e789228bc46d2972_002full.jpg Table 1: Highlight results from new drill assays (uncut) from the Blueberry Contact Zone. Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Width* (m) Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) Sub Zone SR25-372 133.70 134.80 1.10 3.04 0.00 Lemoffe SR25-372 149.50 151.50 2.00 14.4 27.0 Lemoffe SR25-372 154.50 155.50 1.00 1.10 13.0 Lemoffe SR25-372 166.45 167.80 1.35 3.46 15.0 Lemoffe SR25-373 182.20 187.20 5.00 5.64 1.00 BB Vein SR25-373 including 182.20 183.20 1.00 15.7 2.00 BB Vein SR25-373 200.20 201.20 1.00 1.09 7.00 BB Vein SR25-373 300.05 301.45 1.40 1.33 3.00 Fifi SR25-373 311.45 315.55 4.10 8.16 3.49 Fifi SR25-373 including 314.45 315.55 1.10 27.5 13.0 Fifi SR25-374 63.00 66.40 3.40 1.32 6.94 Road SR25-374 91.00 93.00 2.00 3.18 1.50 Road SR25-374 210.20 212.10 1.90 3.75 3.00 BB Vein SR25-374 220.55 229.00 8.45 8.37 1.04 BB Vein SR25-374 including 225.20 226.20 1.00 53.1 3.00 BB Vein SR25-374 260.00 263.00 3.00 1.70 0.00 BB Vein SR25-374 295.30 300.00 4.70 6.78 0.43 BB Vein SR25-374 348.90 349.90 1.00 36.8 55.0 Fifi SR25-374 402.10 403.10 1.00 7.14 3.00 Lemoffe SR25-375 7.55 8.55 1.00 2.71 14.0 BB Vein SR25-375 98.00 99.30 1.30 1.76 0.00 Fifi SR25-375 122.30 124.00 1.70 4.77 3.00 Fifi SR25-375 139.30 140.45 1.15 1.08 3.00 Fifi SR25-376 200.05 201.05 1.00 1.53 0.00 BB Vein SR25-376 213.60 214.60 1.00 2.44 2.00 BB Vein SR25-376 218.00 220.00 2.00 1.26 0.00 BB Vein SR25-376 239.30 240.40 1.10 1.03 3.00 BB Vein SR25-376 352.00 354.00 2.00 2.93 9.00 Fifi SR25-377 173.90 175.10 1.20 122.0 29.0 BB Vein SR25-377 232.00 235.00 3.00 3.82 0.00 BB Vein *True widths unknown Figure 2: Overview plan view map of the Blueberry Contact Zone, illustrating the locations of the reported drill results, cross-sections (Figures 3,4), and the distribution of the modelled sulphide-rich cross-structures. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11118/269691_e789228bc46d2972_003full.jpg Figure 3: Cross-section displaying Blueberry Contact Zone intercepts from drill hole SR25-374. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11118/269691_e789228bc46d2972_004full.jpg Figure 4: Cross-section displaying Blueberry Contact Zone intercepts from drill hole SR25-377. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11118/269691_e789228bc46d2972_005full.jpg Bulk Sample Update Mining and crushing of the sample is completed and has been transported to the Stewart Bulk Shipping Terminal. The final product is being assayed and undergoing required technical work on its physical properties for transport regulations. About the Scottie Gold Mine Project Exploration of the Scottie Gold Mine Project over the past six years has produced exceptional drill results through the discovery of high-grade gold in four new zones (Blueberry Contact Zone, Domino, D-Zone, P-Zone) and the expansion of previously drill confirmed targets (Scottie Gold Mine, C-Zone, Bend Vein, Stockwork). There is a clear spatial relation between the outcropping and drill-confirmed high-grade gold targets and the contact with the Jurassic aged, Texas Creek Plutonic suite intrusion. Geological work in the area has established strong connections between the various deposits. The chemical, mineralogical, structural, and age relationships of the deposits and host rocks support a genetic model whereby all deposits are linked to the same mineralizing event. The Blueberry Contact Zone is located just 2 kilometres northeast of the 100% owned, past-producing Scottie Gold Mine (SGM) located in British Columbia, Canada's Golden Triangle region. Historic trenching and channel sampling of the Blueberry Vein include results of 103.94 g/t gold over 1.43 metres, and 203.75 g/t gold over 1.90 metres. Despite high-grade surficial samples and easy road access, the Blueberry Vein had only limited reported drilling prior to the Company's exploration work. The target was significantly advanced during Scottie's 2019 drill program when an interval grading 7.44 g/t gold over 34.78 metres was intersected in a new N-S oriented zone adjacent to the main Blueberry Vein. The drill results received from 2020 - 2024, coupled with surficial mapping and sampling suggest that the N-S mineralized trend is a first order structure that hosts an array of SW-trending, sub-parallel, sulphide-rich veins that obliquely crosscut it which host high-grade gold. As of the end of 2024, the extent of the N-S zone, defined by the contact between andesite and siltstone units of the Hazelton Formation and the presence of the cross-cutting sulfide-rich structures, has a drilled strike length of >1,550 metres and has been tested to >525 metres depth. The Blueberry Contact Zone is located on the Granduc Road, 20 kilometres north of the Ascot Resources' Premier Mine. Newmont's Brucejack Mine is located 25 kilometres to the north. The Company is targeting the completion of the PEA in Q4 2025. The PEA will investigate a high-margin DSO operation to deliver a gold concentrate to Asian copper/precious metals smelters. By design, the operation will eliminate the need for a gold processing plant and tailings facility, thereby significantly reducing the capital required and resulting in a minimal environmental footprint. The PEA will be based on the recently reported Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") of 703,000 ounces of gold at an average grade of 6.1 g/t gold (see NR dated May 7, 2025). The project envisages a shallow open pit on the Blueberry Zone to start, followed by underground production from both Blueberry and the past-producing Scottie Gold Mine. Quality Assurance and Control Results from samples taken during the 2025 field season were analyzed at SGS Minerals in Burnaby, BC. The sampling program was undertaken under the direction of Dr. Thomas Mumford. A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Gold was assayed using a fire assay with atomic absorption spectrometry and gravimetric finish when required (+9 g/t gold). Analysis by four acid digestion with multi-element ICP-AES analysis was conducted on all samples with silver and base metal over-limits being re-analyzed by emission spectrometry. Dr. Thomas Mumford, P.Geo. and President of the Company, is a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release on behalf of the Company. ABOUT SCOTTIE RESOURCES CORP. Scottie Resources holds 100% interest in the Scottie Gold Mine Property, which includes the high-grade, past-producing Scottie Gold Mine and the adjacent Blueberry Contact Zone. The Company also owns a 100% interest in the Georgia Project, host to the past-producing Georgia River Mine, as well as the Cambria, Sulu, and Tide North properties. In total, Scottie controls approximately 58,500 hectares of highly prospective mineral claims within the Stewart Mining Camp in British Columbia's Golden Triangle-one of the world's most prolific mineralized districts. Scottie's current resource estimate on the Scottie Gold Mine Project includes a total of 703,000 gold ounces at an average grade of 6.1 g/t (Inferred category), highlighting the potential for a significant near-surface, high-grade deposit. The Company's strategy is to continue expanding this resource and to define additional mineralization around past-producing mines through systematic drilling and surface exploration. In parallel, Scottie is evaluating a potential Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) scenario at the Scottie Gold Mine. With permits in hand, a 10,000-tonne bulk sample is underway. This initiative provides an opportunity to collect key geotechnical and metallurgical data while assessing a low-capex path to potential near-term revenue through toll milling or third-party processing. This DSO concept does not imply a production decision but reflects the optionality embedded in Scottie's portfolio. Additional Information Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain 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 such statements were made. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269691 SOURCE: Scottie Resources Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Myriad Uranium Corp. (CSE: M) (OTCQB: MYRUF) (FSE: C3Q) ("Myriad" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Bureau of Land Management has approved a Plan of Operations for the Company's Copper Mountain Project Area. The Plan of Operations was submitted as a technical amendment to the existing Drilling Notification in place for the 2024 Drilling Season and allows for an expanded footprint of activities up to 222 boreholes across the Project, including high-priority targets such as Lucky Cliff which has exciting historical intercepts. Currently, under the existing Drilling Notification with the State of Wyoming, Myriad is bonded for 70 of those holes. The Drilling Notification can be updated to bond the remaining holes in subsequent phases. This is a major step forward for the Project and will enable Myriad to demonstrate the broader potential of the Copper Mountain District beyond the Canning Deposit. Myriad CEO Thomas Lamb commented: "Having verified much of the original drilling conducted by Union Pacific at Canning, we now have the permit we need to continue drilling not only at Canning, but also at other target areas to confirm the entire Project's vast potential." Plan of Operations The approved Plan of Operations (the "Plan") allows for the drilling of up to 222 holes at numerous targets across the Copper Mountain Project Area. Currently, under the existing Drilling Notification with the State of Wyoming, Myriad is bonded for 70 of those holes, 50 of which were carried over from Canning during the previous drilling season in 2024. The Plan will be amended and additional drilling bonded on an ongoing basis as the Company's exploration strategy for Copper Mountain progresses. The areas currently covered by the Plan include Mint, Arrowhead, Lucky Cliff and Gem, as well as additional drilling at Canning. The Company's strategy is to continue to confirm the presence of historically identified mineralization while also demonstrating the broader potential of Copper Mountain to host many more large deposits, as was discussed in the Company's October 1, 2025 news release which can be viewed here. Union Pacific had plans to advance development at the seven historical resource estimate areas and continue exploration at 15 other target areas with known mineralization during the 1980s, but these plans were cut short by the Three Mile Island incident in 1979, which had a major negative impact on the uranium sector and the commodity price, particularly in the USA. In addition to the targets currently allowed for in the Plan, several others such as Hesitation, Fuller, Knob and Cedar Ridge may be considered in the near-term for drilling, pending amendments to the approved Plan. The additional target areas included on the Plan of Operations have confirmed uranium mineralisation, as described in historic reports by Union Pacific and summarised in a Technical Report by Howe (1997): Arrowhead: The Arrowhead Mine area included the historic Arrowhead-Little Moe Mine which, according to public records, produced in excess of 500,000 lbs of uranium at a recorded grade of 1,500 ppm U3O8 from shallow underground workings in Tertiary sediments during the 1950s and 1960s. Union Pacific estimated that significant uranium remains in the Tertiary sediments at Arrowhead and possibly in the underlying granites. Lucky Cliff: Union Pacific drilled 22 holes at Lucky Cliff and intersected relatively shallow mineralization hosted in faulted granite in several very thick, shallow mineralization of up to 108 metres (355 feet) thick starting at 59 feet. Gem: The Gem deposit was estimated by Union Pacific to contain Indicated and Inferred resources of 3.07 Mt containing 1.44 Mlbs eU3O8 at an average grade of 234 ppm eU3O8 (Union Pacific/RMEC, 1977). Mineralisation at the Gem deposit occurs within granitic rocks in the top 60 metres (200 feet) from the surface. Several thousand tons of uraniferous granite was reportedly mined from the Gem deposit in the 1950's by a prospector and stockpiled in the vicinity of the mine. None of this material was shipped for milling. Mint (Fuller West): At least 50 holes were drilled by Union Pacific at the Mint deposit. The deposit was reported (Fluor, 1980) to contain Indicated and Inferred resources of 3.68 Mt containing 1.41 Mlbs of eU3O8 at an average grade of 141 ppm eU3O8. Mineralization is hosted in granitic basement and overlying sediment. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves; and Myriad Uranium is not treating the historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. See notes for disclosure below. Union Pacific reported that all areas have significant expansion potential beyond known mineralization, including at depth. Background The Canning deposit area (Figure 1), which was the focus of confirmation drilling last season, is one of seven deposits identified by Union Pacific during the late 1970s via its subsidiary Rocky Mountain Energy Corporation ("RMEC"). Canning was to form part of a large-scale, conventional mining operation focused on supplying uranium to California Edison (Figure 2). Figure 1. The Copper Mountain Uranium Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6301/269749_2d770d29e46ef8b9_002full.jpg After drilling approx. 900,000 ft across 2,000 boreholes and spending US$85 million (2025 dollars), a decision was made by Union Pacific to upgrade the Copper Mountain Project from exploration to development status. An analog front-end (AFE) feasibility study determined the potential for conventional open pit mining feeding a centralised mill facility (heap leach) for processing. A smaller, higher-grade deposit within Canning was also to be further assessed, but this work was cut short by the subsequent suspension of work at Copper Mountain following the decline in the global uranium market associated with Three Mile Island in 1979. At the time of this incident, at least fifteen other potential target areas across the broader Copper Mountain Project Area had been evaluated to some extent but not in sufficient detail to estimate maiden resources or exploration targets. However, most of these locations had some drilling undertaken or additional exploration work which underpinned the estimates of significant mineral endowment in the District by Union Pacific and Bendix Engineering for the U.S. Department of Energy. The Bendix estimates of Copper Mountain's uranium endowment are detailed in a recent news release which can be viewed here. Figure 2. General Arrangement of Large Scale Mine Concept by Union Pacific (RMEC) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6301/269749_2d770d29e46ef8b9_003full.jpg Issuance of Stock Options and RSUs The Company also announces that it has granted an aggregate of 1,300,000 incentive stock options (the "Options") and an aggregate of 925,000 restricted share units ("RSUs") to certain of its directors, officers and consultants. Each Option vests immediately and is exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company at $0.43 for a period of five years from the date of grant. Each RSU is exchangeable for one common share of the Company and expire on December 31, 2028. The RSUs vest on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant, subject to accelerated vesting in the event of: a change of control of the Company; the sale by the Company of a material asset of the Company (as determined by the Company's board of directors); or the closing price of the common shares of the Company on the Canadian Securities Exchange is $1.00 or greater at any time. Certain directors and officers of the Company received Options and RSIS, and each such issuance is considered to be a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101"). This is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of such issuances does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. Notes to Disclosure of Historical Estimates - Copper Mountain, Wyoming The following information is relevant to the disclosure of historical estimates referred to in this document (as per section 2.4 of the NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects): The estimates completed by Fluor Mining and Metals Inc. (Fluor), May 20, 1980 are cited in several reports post-dating the estimate, including Howe (1997) and the most recent reference in a NI 43-101 Technical Report by Carter, G.S. (August 20, 2008) titled "Technical Report on the Uranium Resources at The Copper Mountain Project, Fremont County, Wyoming, U.S.A., on behalf of Neutron Energy Inc." issued by Broad Oak Associates. The estimates for the Gem deposit and past-producing Arrowhead uranium mine deposits were completed by Rocky Mountain Energy Corp. in 1977 and cited in report titled "Copper Mountain Exploration Project Report by Southard, G.G., Morton, D.K., Gordon. J.H. and Schledewitz, D.C., RMEC (December 1979). The historical estimates are based on data and reports prepared by previous operators. This included data from over 900,000 feet of hammer tool and core drilling. The descriptions of core drilling and core handling procedures, sample preparation and analysis, and procedures for statistical correlation of various assay methods are all presented in the reports and are considered appropriate. Based on the amount and quality of historic work completed, the information is considered relevant and reliable. This view is supported by earlier reviewers of the data and methodology, including David S. Robertson & Associates Inc. (1978) and Golder Associates (1979), who concluded that the core and sample handling techniques from the field through the sample preparation facility were in "accordance with good engineering practice". However, the resultant gamma logs and core assays that supported the estimations and associated technical work were not available to the Qualified Person, therefore a complete and thorough review of the data has not been possible. Earlier estimates by Rocky Mountain Energy Corp. (1977) used the polygonal estimation method based on ten-foot composite thicknesses and 0.010% U308 cut-off using gamma probe grades with a tonnage factor 12 cubic ft/ton. During an estimate update (most recent), Fluor (1980) investigated various resource estimation techniques. including polygonal methods, cross-sectional methods, ordinary kriging, and a method using conditional lognormal probability distributions, which was the chosen method. The key difference between the earlier RMEC estimates and those of Fluor was the use of core-equivalent Delayed Fission Neutron (DFN) grades using a correction formula derived from comparison between probe grades and DFN grades, that were accepted by RMEC as the most accurate determination of grade at the time. At the time of reporting, RMEC and Fluor used the U.S. Bureau of Mines resource categories, which were classified as follows: Measured Resources - projected one-half the distance toward the nearest control (i.e. another drill hole) or a maximum of 15 metres (50 feet), whichever occurred first. If correlateable mineral was not in the adjacent control or no adjacent control existed, a maximum of 7.5 metres (25 feet) of projection was allowed (a variance of 1.5 to 3.0 metres (5 to 10 feet) between controls above the maximum was excepted in a few cases). Indicated Resources - any mineral intercept at or above the cut-offs stated was considered to be at least of Indicated categorization. Isolated holes (i.e. those positioned greater than 30 metres (100 feet) from adjacent holes) were allowed a maximum projection of 7.5 metres (25 feet) to the center of the side of a square (a maximum area of influence = 25 ft. x 25 ft. or 625 square feet.). Between drill control, where correlations were feasible, but limits exceeded those for Measured categorization, Indicated Resources were extended and projected one-half of the remaining distance or 7.5 metres (25 feet) beyond Measured if correlation to adjacent control was not feasible. Inferred Resources - mineralization projected beyond the Measured and Indicated resource limits in areas bounded by surrounding drill control were categorized as Inferred. Grades and thicknesses of these areas were determined by averaging the intercepts from surrounding control. Inferred resources were projected to distances ranging from 7.5 to 365 metres (25 to 1200 feet). These categories, or the application thereof, are not necessarily compatible with current definitions. The "most likely mineable reserves" estimated by RMEC at the time would be categorized as Indicated and Inferred resources, in accordance with definitions of the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves (2014). The portions of the "reserves" (approximately 20 to 60%) that were drilled on 15 to 30 metre (50 to 100 foot) centres, and normally would be classified as Measured resources, are equated to Indicated resources, because of the nature of the mineralization, uncertainty regarding the grades and the lack of established economic viability of the deposits at the time. The remaining portions of the "reserves" drilled on 30 to 60 metre (100 to 200 foot) centers, are classified as Inferred resources. An attempt to separate the indicated from the inferred resources was not possible from the available information. There are no more recent estimates reported. In order to verify the historical resources and potentially re-state them as current resources, a program of digitization of data is required (to the extent possible), followed by re-logging and/or re-drilling to generate new data that is comparable with the original data that can be used to establish the correlation and continuity of geology and grades between boreholes with sufficient confidence to estimate mineral resources. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves; and Myriad Uranium is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Qualified Person The scientific or technical information in this news release respecting the Company's Copper Mountain Project has been reviewed and approved by George van der Walt, Pr.Sci.Nat., FGSSA, Myriad's consulting geologist and a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. While the content of the reports is considered to be relevant and reliable, the underlying data, such as original drill logs, sampling, analytical and test data certificates, quality assurance and quality control, is not available for verification. Further work, such as drilling and sampling, will be required to verify or create supplementary information to support the underlying assumptions and conclusions. About Myriad Uranium Corp. Myriad Uranium Corp. is a uranium exploration company with an earnable 75% interest in the Copper Mountain Uranium Project in Wyoming, USA. Copper Mountain hosts several known uranium deposits and historic uranium mines, including the Arrowhead Mine which produced 500,000 lbs of U3O8. Copper Mountain saw extensive drilling and development by Union Pacific during the late 1970s including the development of a mine plan to fuel a planned fleet of California Edison reactors. Operations ceased in 1980 before mining could commence due to falling uranium prices. Approximately 2,000 boreholes have been drilled at Copper Mountain and the project area has significant exploration upside. Union Pacific is estimated to have spent C$117 million (2024 dollars) exploring and developing Copper Mountain, generating significant historical resource estimates which are detailed here. The Company also recently acquired, subject to completing a geophysical survey this year, a 100% interest in the Red Basin Uranium Project in New Mexico, which has extensive near-surface uranium mineralisation and significant upside potential. Our Crux Investor overview page including recent interviews can be viewed here. The Company's presentation can be viewed here. News releases regarding historical drilling can be viewed here and here. The final news release regarding chemical assays of 2024 Copper Mountain drilling can be viewed here. A press release discussing the 1982 U.S. Department of Energy assessment of Copper Mountain's uranium endowment can be viewed here. For further information, please refer to Myriad's disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), contact Myriad by telephone at +1.604.418.2877, or refer to Myriad's website at www.myriaduranium.com. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" that is based on the Company's current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections. This forward-looking information includes, among other things, the Company's business, plans, outlook and business strategy. The words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "likely", "expect," "anticipate," "intend", "estimate", "plan", "forecast", "project" and "believe" or other similar words and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking information. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect, including with respect to the Company's business plans respecting the exploration and development of the Company's mineral properties, the proposed work program on the Company's mineral properties and the potential and economic viability of the Company's mineral properties. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: changes in economic conditions or financial markets; increases in costs; litigation; legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; and technological or operational difficulties. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect our forward-looking information. These and other factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or 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. The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269749 SOURCE: Myriad Uranium Corp. Highlights Adnarod Zone features historic drill intercepts of 14.54 g/t gold, 0.18% copper & 0.87% zinc over 3.81 metres & 1.64 g/t gold, 189.0 g/t silver, 1.99% copper & 7.67% zinc over 2.53 metres in the only holes completed to date Adnarod Zone traced intermittently over 300-metre strike length; totally open along strike and at depth Lin Zone features a 1,500-metre-long structural corridor containing significant gold, silver and base metal assays that has never been drill tested Grab sampling of up to 4.51 g/t Au, 140 g/t Ag, 6.02% Cu and 2.98 g/t Au, 146 g/t Ag and 2.26% Cu from along the Lin Zone Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Copper Lake Resources Ltd. (TSXV: CPL) (FSE: W0I) ("Copper Lake" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has completed a preliminary review and assessment of the gold potential on its Marshall Lake copper-zinc-silver volcanogenic massive sulphide property (the "Property"), located in northwestern Ontario. The study was undertaken to capitalize on the current high gold price, supplemented by the substantial number of mineral occurrences present at Marshall Lake (over 200), in which gold analyses were not undertaken or are minimal in number. The objective of the study is to identify prospective priority areas for upcoming precious-metal oriented exploration work, with the goal of defining high-quality diamond drilling targets. An examination of the Property's sampling and drill assay database in combination with a concurrent review of Marshall Lakes' historical data including geological, geochemical and geophysical reports and maps, were collectively utilized in this assessment. Preliminary Results: The preliminary work identified three (3) east-west trending gold-bearing structures characterized by minimal sampling, limited to no drilling and in some cases, no historical gold assays. These include the Adnarod Zone, the Lin Zone and the Billiton-2 Zone (See Figure 1). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4580/269775_copper%20lake%20figure%201.jpg Adnarod Zone The Adnarod Zone is located approximately 400 metres north of the Billiton deposit (historic resource of 2.2 MT at 4.2% zinc, 1.34% copper & 2.50 oz/t silver1). The Adnarod Zone has only been tested with two historical drill holes. Legacy mapping at Adnarod outlined a number of outcrops located over a strike length of ~300m showing strong folding, shearing and high strain zones with sericite-silica-chlorite alteration. Structures are oriented roughly East-West and folds plunge ~35 to the east. Disseminated to massive sulphide occur with quartz veining, with many of the sulphide zones being folded and strongly deformed. Historical drill testing of the zone returned2, 3: To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4580/269775_copper%20lake%20table%201.jpg The historic drilling was completed at very shallow depth and within an area of limited extent; additional diamond drilling is clearly warranted at the Adnarod Zone to help determine the nature, tenor and extent of gold mineralization. The Adnarod Zone is completely open-ended along strike and at depth. Lin Zone The Lin Zone occurs as an NNW-trending structural corridor located between the Teck Hill Zone and the Billiton deposit, which have been historically explored (see Figure 1). The Lin Zone has been traced for over 1,500m and has not been drill tested. Historical sampling of outcrops along the structural corridor has returned significant Au-Ag-Cu results. The zone is dominantly hosted in quartz-plagioclase crystal tuff with varying degrees of sericite +/- andalusite +/- garnet alteration. Semi massive sulphide mineralization was observed within all the trenches exposed with quartz veining occurring in deformed / folded portions of the volcanic stratigraphy. Historical grab sampling (20062) of structures from outcrops from the Lin Zone returned assays of: 16.5% Cu, 0.32% Zn, 381 g/t Ag and 4.12 g/t Au (Sample MK-06-096) 8.72% Cu, 0.25% Zn, 229 g/t Ag and 15.35 g/t Au (Sample MK-06-098) 18.0% Cu, 0.46% Zn, 408 g/t Ag and 5.19 g/t Au (Sample MK-06-099) 4.18% Cu, 0.13% Zn, 173 g/t Ag and 3.21 g/t Au (Sample MK-06-101) Chip sampling was completed by Copper Lake in 2016 across a portion of the zone, consisting of 7 samples. Assays of up to 2.03 g/t Au, 35 g/t Ag, 0.26% Cu and 5.10% Zn over 0.35m were obtained and grab sampling of outcrops within trenches along the strike length of the zone returned values of up to 4.51 g/t Au, 6.02% Cu, 146 g/t Ag and 1.49% Zn. Grab sample and chip sample assays obtained in Copper Lake sampling are documented in the 2 tables below2. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4580/269775_copper%20lake%20table%202.jpg To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4580/269775_copper%20lake%20table%203.jpg Billiton-2 Zone The Billiton-2 Zone occurs approximately 200 metres to the north of the Billiton Deposit and has only been tested by limited historical drilling. The zone comprises an east-west trending structural zone that has been traced for over 300 metres. Mapping has identified strong folding of the altered volcanic rocks. In addition, there exists clear evidence that the sulphides and quartz veins have been strongly folded as well. Channel samples were designed to assess for gold mineralization associated with the sulphides, and the potential for gold mineralization within the fold hinges. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4580/269775_copper%20lake%20table%204.jpg The preliminary assessment of the precious-metal potential at Marshall Lake has clearly identified a minimum of 3 prospective target areas, favorable for gold and silver as well as for lead and zinc mineralization. Additional work is clearly warranted on all 3 targets, including significant diamond drilling programs. Also, a planned upcoming ground large-loop electromagnetic survey (LLEM), will provide coverage over the 3 prospective gold target areas documented above. This will further assist in refining drill targets. Quality Assurance and Quality Control Program: All Copper Lake sampling was collected under the supervision of an independent contract project geologist, Craig Fitchett P.Geo. of Orix Geoscience. Channel and chip samples were collected to sample distinct geological and alteration units. Channels were cut using a mechanical "core saw." Samples were delivered to ALS-Chemex in Thunder Bay with inserted certified standards and blanks, dried and crushed to 70% passing 2mm. A split of 3kg is pulverized to 85% passing -75m (200#). Gold is assayed by Fire Assay with a 50g charge and an AAS finish (AA-AA26). Other elements including Ag, Cu, Pb and Zn in a 33-element suite are analyzed after undergoing a four- acid digestion and analysis by ICP-AES (ME-ICP61a). Assay results undergo precision and accuracy checks prior to being entered into the database. The content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Donald Hoy, M. Sc., P. Geo, the Company's Vice President of Exploration. who serves as the Qualified Person under the National Instrument 43-101 guidelines. 1The resource numbers referred to in the Billiton Deposit are considered as historic resources not compliant with NI 43-101 guidelines and therefore should not be relied upon. 2Report on Prospecting, Mapping, Channel Sampling & Core Resampling Program, Completed By Copper Lake Resources Ltd., Marshall Lake Property, Summit Lake Area, Sollas Lake Area, Willet Lake Area& Gzowski Township, Ontario. Craig Fitchett, M. Sc., P. Geo., Orix Geoscience, 2017, 34 pp. 3Historical drilling results have not been verified by a Qualified Person and therefore cannot be relied upon. ABOUT COPPER LAKE RESOURCES Copper Lake Resources Ltd. is a publicly traded Canadian mineral exploration and development company with interests in two projects both located in Ontario. www.copperlakeresources.com The Marshall Lake high-grade VMS copper, zinc, silver and gold project, comprises an area of approximately 220 square km located 120 km north of Geraldton, Ontario and is just 22 km north of the main CNR rail line. Copper Lake has an 82.97% interest in the joint ventured property, which consists of 233 claims and 52 mining leases. The project also includes 148 claim cells staked in 2018 and 2020 that are 100% owned and not subject to any royalties. These newer claims add approximately 30 square km to the property. In addition to the original Marshall Lake property above, Marshall Lake also includes the Sollas Lake and Summit Lake properties, which are 100% owned by the Company and are not subject to any royalties. The Sollas Lake property consists of 20 claim cells comprising an area of 4 square km on the east side of the Marshall Lake property where historical EM airborne geophysical surveys have outlined strong conductors on the property hosted within the same favorable felsic volcanic units. The Summit Lake property currently consists of 100 claim cells comprising an area of 20.5 square km, is accessible year-round, and is located immediately west of the original Marshall Lake property. The Marshall Lake project is located in the traditional territories of Aroland and Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan Anishinaabek ("AZA") First Nations. Copper Lake has a 69.79% joint venture interest in the Norton Lake nickel, copper, cobalt, and palladium PGM property, located in the southern Ring of Fire area, is approximately 100 km north of the Marshall Lake Property. The Company filed an updated NI 43-101 in October 2023 with a mineral resource of open pit and underground Measured + Indicated Resources of 1,795,000 tonnes at an average grade of 0.72% NI, 0.69% Cu, 339 ppm Co, 0.52 g/t Pd, 0.17 g/t Pt and containing 28.3Mlbs of nickel and 27.3Mlbs of copper. The Norton Lake property is located in the traditional territories of Eabametoong ("Fort Hope") and Neskantaga First Nations. On behalf of the Board of Directors, 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/269775 SOURCE: Copper Lake Resources Ltd. Zefiro investigating serious misconduct alleged against Talal Debs Mr. Debs sued by the largest investor of XMST and XMC for fraudulent activity, mismanagement and breaches of fiduciary duty Fort Lauderdale, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - ZEFIRO METHANE CORP. (Cboe Canada: ZEFI) (FSE: Y6B) (OTCQB: ZEFIF) (the "Company" or "Zefiro") today announces that it has commenced an internal investigation to assess whether any potential misconduct may have occurred involving director Talal Debs. This internal investigation follows the filing of a civil lawsuit in which Mr. Debs is named as a defendant. The complaint includes allegations concerning his conduct both before and during his tenure as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Debs served as CEO from December 1, 2023, until his removal on June 6, 2025, and remains a member of the Company's Board of Directors. The board of directors of the Company (the "Board") recently became aware of a complaint filed in New York (the "Complaint") against Mr. Debs concerning his alleged misconduct at X Machina Sustainable Technologies Inc. ("XMST") and its related entities, including X Machina Capital Strategies (XMC). While XMST and XMC continue to be significant shareholders of the Company, Mr. Debs's role and control of XMST is subject to that dispute. A copy of the Complaint can be found here (Document #13 in the list of court documents): https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/DocumentList?docketId=bu8I8Ovhn0GPlD29q0VVhA==&display=all&courtType=New%20York%20County%20Supreme%20Court&resultsPageNum=1. During a Board meeting on October 7, 2025, the Board determined that an investigation was necessary because of alleged improprieties in the Complaint on the part of Mr. Debs in handling funds and other alleged misconduct in his capacity as a fiduciary. The Board, with Mr. Debs abstaining, resolved to constitute a special committee of directors (the "Special Committee"). Following the conclusion of the Board meeting, Mr. Talal Debs issued a press release stating his intention to nominate an alternative slate of directors for election at the upcoming annual general meeting. The Company was neither informed of this action in advance nor consulted regarding its contents. To avoid any misunderstanding, the Company clarifies that Mr. Debs' announcement was made solely in his personal capacity and was not authorized, endorsed, or approved by the Company. The Company further notes that questions have arisen regarding the propriety of Mr. Debs' announcement, as the recently filed Complaint alleges that Mr. Debs does not currently control the XMST shares on which his purported nomination rights may depend. The Board will monitor Mr. Debs' conduct and ensure that he does not interfere with the Special Committee's investigation. While it continues, the Company reminds shareholders that no conclusions have been reached. Updates may be provided by the Company from time to time as the investigation proceeds as determined appropriate by the Special Committee in due course and in compliance with applicable law. About Zefiro Methane Corp. Zefiro is an environmental services company, specializing in methane abatement. Zefiro strives to be a key commercial force towards Active Sustainability. Leveraging decades of operational expertise, Zefiro is building a new toolkit to clean up air, land, and water sources directly impacted by methane leaks. The Company has built a fully integrated ground operation driven by an innovative monetization solution for the emerging methane abatement marketplace. As an originator of high-quality U.S.-based methane offsets, Zefiro aims to generate long-term economic, environmental, and social returns. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seeks", "believes", "plans", "expects", "intends", "estimates", "anticipates" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information within statements regarding the investigation noted herein that has been commenced by the Special Committee, including the conduct and completion thereof. The forward-looking information reflects management's current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, whereby such investigation is not completed in a timely manner or at all. Although the Company 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 no assurance can be given that such events will occur in a timely manner or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (i) adverse general market and economic conditions; (ii) changes to and price and volume volatility in the carbon market; (iii) changes to the regulatory landscape and global policies applicable to the Company's business; and (iv) other changes and events which impact the Company's ongoing operations, liquidity or financial condition. The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment where technologies are in the early stage of adoption. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Company's management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on the Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including, but not limited to, the assumption that the Company's liquidity, financial condition, ongoing operations and general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The forward-looking information included in this news release is made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or 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. Statement Regarding Third-Party Investor Relations Firms Disclosures relating to investor relations firms retained by Zefiro Methane Corp. can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269782 SOURCE: Zefiro Methane Corp. Melbourne, Australia and Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Mithril Silver and Gold Limited (TSXV: MSG) (ASX: MTH) (OTCQB: MTIRF) ("Mithril" or the "Company") is pleased to provide exploration results and update for multiple targets at Mithril's district scale Copalquin property, Durango State, Mexico. Highlights First nine holes completed at Target 5 ( assays pending) Sampling and mapping at Target 5 expand the silver-rich Target to over 2 km x 2 km , with highlights up to 3,300 g/t silver and 2.00 g/t gold over 1.40 m from the historic Tasolera mine. Resource expansion drilling at Target 1 successfully extends the east-west mineralised structure a further 300 m west increasing the total strike length to over 1,200 m (assays pending) Target 3 drill plan advancing with pads and access roads under development District wide aerial magnetic survey to commence later this month A petrographic fluid inclusion study is currently underway on samples collected from multiple locations and depths across the property support the district scale geologic model development The mineralised horizon is currently extended to over 1,300 metres vertical across 9 km (Santa Cruz to El Jarillal) in the southern half of the Copalquin district "Drilling at the silver rich Target 5 is off to a strong start, with the first nine holes now complete at the historic Apomal mine area (assays pending)," commented John Skeet, Managing Director & CEO. "Results from previous sampling across the broader area continue to return standout silver grades, confirming a much larger mineralised target now covering over two kilometres across. At Target 1 we have successfully extended the main structure a further 300 metres to the west (assays pending), adding strike to an already substantial high-grade resource area. Preparations for maiden drilling at Target 3 are advancing quickly, opening another significant growth opportunity in the coming months. In parallel, we are accelerating development of the district-scale geologic model to test for the underlying conduit system responsible for the widespread gold-silver mineralisation, supported by the launch of the first district-wide aerial magnetic survey." District Outlook Mithril is fully funded to complete 45,000 m of drilling over the next 12-14 months, with preparations to add a third drill rig in early 2026 at Target 3. Exploration, including drilling and detailed mapping, continues to advance across multiple targets, underpinning the district-scale potential of Copalquin. A closely spaced aerial magnetic survey is to be flown later this month and a petrographic fluid inclusion study on samples across the district will support the ongoing development of the district scale model for this large epithermal gold-silver system Target 5 - Silver Rich in Southwest of Copalquin District Drilling continues around the Apomal historic mine in the Target 5 area, with the first nine holes completed (assays pending) in an initial 5,000 metre program. Apomal is being tested down dip, below the old mine workings and along strike in the north western part of this large target area. This program marks the first drilling at Target 5 and is designed to test the mapped veins while stepping out into untested areas along strike and at depth. Previously completed mapping and sampling at Target 5 has recently returned excellent results from surface and underground samples with the discovery of the historic La Lianas, Los Martires, Jarillal, and Tasolera Mines within the Target 5 area, which covers 2 km x 2 km Underground sample highlights at Target 5: 3.1 m @ 2.02 g/t gold, 1,938 g/t silver (Tasolera Mine Level 2), including 1.40 m @ 2.00 g/t gold, 3,300 g/t silver g/t silver (Tasolera Mine Level 2), including 1.40 m @ 2.00 g/t gold, g/t silver 0.6 m @ 10.25 g/t gold, 895 g/t silver (Los Martires) g/t gold, g/t silver (Los Martires) 0.9 m @ 3.31 g/t gold, 219 g/t silver (Los Martires) Surface samples at Target 5: 0.5 m @ 3.89 g/t gold, 157 g/t silver (La Candelaria) g/t gold, g/t silver (La Candelaria) 0.5 m @ 0.145 g/t gold, 284 g/t silver (La Tasolera) g/t silver (La Tasolera) 0.5 m @ 3.76 g/t gold, 54.5 g/t silver (Candelaria) g/t gold, 54.5 g/t silver (Candelaria) 0.65 m @ 3.75 g/t gold, 555 g/t silver (Apomal) g/t gold, g/t silver (Apomal) 0.6 m @ 24.5 g/t gold, 670 g/t silver (Apomal) g/t gold, g/t silver (Apomal) 0.50 m @ 4.69 g/t gold, 520 g/t silver (Los Martires) Target 3 - Preparing for 2025 Drilling Ongoing systematic mapping and sampling at Target 3 are further defining priority targets in this large prospective area, with maiden drilling set to commence in the coming months. COPALQUIN GOLD-SILVER DISTRICT, DURANGO STATE, MEXICO With 100 historic underground gold-silver mines and workings plus 198 surface workings/pits throughout 70km2 of mining concession area, Copalquin is an entire mining district with high-grade exploration results and a maiden JORC resource. To date there are several target areas in the district with one already hosting a high-grade gold-silver JORC mineral resource estimate (MRE) at the Target 1 area (El Refugio-La Soledad)1 and a NI 43-101 Technical Report filed on SEDAR+, supported by a conceptional underground mining study completed on the maiden resource in early 2022 and metallurgical test work (see ASX Announcement 25 February 2022). There is considerable strike and depth potential to increase the resource at El Refugio and at other target areas across the district, plus the underlying geologic system that is responsible for the widespread gold-silver mineralisation. With the district-wide gold and silver occurrences and rapid exploration success, it is clear the Copalquin District is developing into another significant gold-silver district like the many other districts in this prolific Sierra Madre Gold-Silver Trend of Mexico. Figure 1 Copalquin District location map, locations of mining and exploration activity and local infrastructure. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11657/269787_376ac90bf45b1a08_001full.jpg Figure 2 LiDAR identified historic workings across the 70km2 district. Current drilling locations at Target 1 west and Target 5 (El Apomal), and recent drilling at Zaragoza mine in Target 1 south, high priority drill target area of La Constancia-El Jabali (Target 3). Several new areas highlighted across the district for follow-up work including recently sampled Target 6 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11657/269787_376ac90bf45b1a08_002full.jpg Copalquin District Exploration Progress Update Figure 3 Property-wide channel sampling results for the middle and south district sections within ~50% of the 70 km2 mining concession area covering the Copalquin District To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11657/269787_376ac90bf45b1a08_003full.jpg Underground samples at Target 5 over 100 g/t silver Eq: 3.1 m @ 2.02 g/t gold, 1,938 g/t silver (Tasolera Mine Level 2), g/t gold, g/t silver (Tasolera Mine Level 2), including 1.40 m @ 2.00 g/t gold, 3,300 g/t silver g/t gold, g/t silver 1.0 m @ 0.863 g/t gold, 210 g/t silver (Tasolera Mine Level 2) g/t silver (Tasolera Mine Level 2) 1.0 m @ 0.542 g/t gold, 96.6 g/t silver (Tasolera Mine Level 3) 1.0 m @ 0.322 g/t gold, 79.9 g/t silver (Tasolera Mine Level 3) 0.5 m @ 0.603 g/t gold, 154 g/t silver (Las Lianas) g/t silver (Las Lianas) 0.6 m @ 10.25 g/t gold, 895 g/t silver (Los Martires) g/t gold, g/t silver (Los Martires) 0.8 m @ 1.72 g/t gold, 191 g/t silver (Los Martires) g/t silver (Los Martires) 0.9 m @ 3.31 g/t gold, 219 g/t silver (Los Martires) Figure 4 Target 5 new channel sample assay results. First 9 drill holes have been completed in the northern part of this large target area (assays pending) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11657/269787_376ac90bf45b1a08_004full.jpg Surface samples at Target 5 over 100 g/t silver Eq: 0.5 m @ 3.89 g/t gold, 157 g/t silver (La Candelaria) g/t gold, g/t silver (La Candelaria) 1.0 m @ 0.893 g/t gold, 204 g/t silver (La Candelaria) g/t silver (La Candelaria) 0.6 m @ 0.39 g/t gold, 92.9 g/t silver (La Candelaria) 0.7 m @ 0.914 g/t gold, 50.9 g/t silver (Las Lianas) 0.3 m @ 1.275 g/t gold, 61.9 g/t silver (La Tasolera) 0.5 m @ 0.476 g/t gold, 68.7 g/t silver (La Tasolera) 0.5 m @ 0.145 g/t gold, 284 g/t silver (La Tasolera) g/t silver (La Tasolera) 0.9 m @ 0.056 g/t gold, 227 g/t silver (La Tasolera) g/t silver (La Tasolera) 1.0 m @ 0.076 g/t , 108 g/t silver (Cementerio el Limon) g/t silver (Cementerio el Limon) 0.5 m @ 0.323 g/t gold, 101 g/t silver (Candelaria) g/t silver (Candelaria) 0.5 m @ 3.76 g/t gold, 54.5 g/t silver (Candelaria) g/t gold, 54.5 g/t silver (Candelaria) 0.4 m @ 1.04 g/t gold, 160 g/t silver (Apomal) g/t silver (Apomal) 0.65 m @ 3.75 g/t gold, 555 g/t silver (Apomal) g/t gold, g/t silver (Apomal) 0.6 m @ 24.5 g/t gold, 670 g/t silver (Apomal) g/t gold, g/t silver (Apomal) 1.0 m @ 0.423 g/t gold, 140 g/t silver (Tasolera Level 2) g/t silver (Tasolera Level 2) 1.00 m @ 0.162 g/t gold, 129 g/t silver (Tasolera Level 2) g/t silver (Tasolera Level 2) 1.00 m @ 0.459 g/t gold, 249 g/t silver (Tasolera Level 2) g/t silver (Tasolera Level 2) 1.00 m @ 1.29 g/t gold, 264 g/t silver (El Jarillal) g/t silver (El Jarillal) 1.10 m @ 0.492 g/t gold, 67.3 g/t silver (El Jarillal) 0.50 m @ 4.69 g/t gold, 520 g/t silver (Los Martires) Figure 5 Target 1 channel sample results with anomalous values extending the to west To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11657/269787_376ac90bf45b1a08_005full.jpg Underground and surface samples at Targets 1 and 3 over 1 g/t Au Eq: 0.5 m @ 1.635 g/t gold, 110 g/t silver ( Cementerio El Limon; Target 1; Surface) g/t silver Cementerio El Limon; Target 1; Surface) 0.7 m @ 8.81 g/t gold, 329 g/t silver (Jabali Level 3; Target 3; Underground) g/t gold, g/t silver (Jabali Level 3; Target 3; Underground) 1.0 m @ 3.42 g/t gold, 194 g/t silver (Jabali Level 3; Target 3; Underground) g/t gold, g/t silver (Jabali Level 3; Target 3; Underground) 0.7 m @ 5.16 g/t gold, 176 g/t silver (Jabali Level 3; Target 3; Underground) g/t gold, g/t silver (Jabali Level 3; Target 3; Underground) 0.6 m @ 1.225 g/t gold, 5.7 g/t silver (South Jabali; Target 3; Surface) 0.5 m @ 2.18 g/t gold, 100 g/t silver (North Jabali; Target 3; Surface) Figure 6 Targets 3 and 6 areas with new channel sample assay results for Target 3 area which is being prepared for maiden drill program via addition of a third drill rig To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11657/269787_376ac90bf45b1a08_006full.jpg Drilling at Target 5 has commenced, focusing on numerous northwest-trending vein systems, including those at the historic Apomal Mine. To date, nine drill holes have been successfully completed with assays pending. Early indications from the program are encouraging which, coupled with the widespread high-grade surface and historic mine samples, support the potential for a significant area of mineralisation in this highly prospective zone at a lower elevation in the district. ABOUT THE COPALQUIN GOLD SILVER PROJECT The Copalquin mining district is located in Durango State, Mexico and covers an entire mining district of 70km2 containing several dozen historic gold and silver mines and workings, ten of which had notable production. The district is within the Sierra Madre Gold Silver Trend which extends north-south along the western side of Mexico and hosts many gold and silver districts. Multiple mineralisation events, young intrusives thought to be system-driving heat sources, widespread alteration together with extensive surface vein exposures and dozens of historic mine workings, identify the Copalquin mining district as a major epithermal centre for Gold and Silver. Within 15 months of drilling in the Copalquin District, Mithril delivered a maiden JORC mineral resource estimate demonstrating the high-grade gold and silver resource potential for the district. This maiden resource is detailed below (see ASX release 17 November 2021)^ and a NI 43-101 Technical Report filed on SEDAR+ Indicated 691 kt @ 5.43 g/t gold, 114 g/t silver for 121,000 oz gold plus 2,538,000 oz silver for plus Inferred 1,725 kt @ 4.55 g/t gold, 152 g/t silver for 252,000 oz gold plus 8,414,000 oz silver (using a cut-off grade of 2.0 g/t AuEq*) 28.6% of the resource tonnage is classified as indicated Table 1 Mineral resource estimate El Refugio - La Soledad using a cut-off grade of 2.0 g/t AuEq* Tonnes (kt) Tonnes (kt) Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) Gold Eq.* (g/t) Gold (koz) Silver (koz) Gold Eq.* (koz) El Refugio Indicated 691 5.43 114.2 7.06 121 2,538 157 Inferred 1,447 4.63 137.1 6.59 215 6,377 307 La Soledad Indicated - - - - - - - Inferred 278 4.12 228.2 7.38 37 2,037 66 Total Indicated 691 5.43 114.2 7.06 121 2,538 157 Inferred 1,725 4.55 151.7 6.72 252 8,414 372 * In determining the gold equivalent (AuEq.) grade for reporting, a gold:silver price ratio of 70:1 was determined, using the formula: AuEq grade = Au grade + ((silver grade/70) x (silver recovery/Au recovery)). The metal prices used to determine the 70:1 ratio are the cumulative average prices for 2021: gold USD1,798.34 and silver: USD25.32 (actual is 71:1) from kitco.com. At this early stage, the metallurgical recoveries were assumed to be equal (93%). Subsequent preliminary metallurgical test work produced recoveries of 91% for silver and 96% for gold (ASX Announcement 25 February 2022) and these will be used when the resource is updated in the future. In the Company's opinion there is reasonable potential for both gold and silver to be extracted and sold. ^ The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves is based on information provided in the following ASX announcement: 17 Nov 2021 - MAIDEN JORC RESOURCE 529,000 OUNCES @ 6.81G/T (AuEq*), which includes the full JORC MRE report, also available on the Mithril Resources Limited Website. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcement and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the relevant market announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. The company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcement. Mining study (conceptual) and metallurgical test work supports the development of the El Refugio-La Soledad resource with conventional underground mining methods indicated as being appropriate and with high gold-silver recovery to produce metal on-site with conventional processing. Mithril is currently exploring in the Copalquin District to expand the resource footprint, demonstrating its multi-million-ounce gold and silver potential. Mithril has an exclusive option to purchase 100% interest in the Copalquin mining concessions by paying US$10M on or any time before 7 August 2028. -ENDS- Released with the authority of the Board. For further information contact: The Australian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. 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. Competent Persons Statement - JORC The information in this announcement that relates to metallurgical test results, mineral processing and project development and study work has been compiled by Mr John Skeet who is Mithril's CEO and Managing Director. Mr Skeet is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. This is a Recognised Professional Organisation (RPO) under the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Code. Mr Skeet has sufficient experience of relevance to the styles of mineralisation and the types of deposits under consideration, and to the activities undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Mr Skeet consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on information in the form and context in which it appears. The Australian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. The information in this announcement that relates to sampling techniques and data, exploration results and geological interpretation for Mithril's Mexican project, has been compiled by Mr Patrick Loury who is Mithril's Project Consultant. Mr Loury is a member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists and a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG). This is a Recognised Professional Organisation (RPO) under the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Code. Mr Loury has sufficient experience of relevance to the styles of mineralisation and the types of deposits under consideration, and to the activities undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Mr Loury consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on information in the form and context in which it appears. The information in this announcement that relates to Mineral Resources is reported by Mr Rodney Webster, Principal Geologist at AMC Consultants Pty Ltd (AMC), who is a Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. The report was peer reviewed by Andrew Proudman, Principal Consultant at AMC. Mr Webster is acting as the Competent Person, as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, for the reporting of the Mineral Resource estimate. A site visit was carried out by Jose Olmedo a geological consultant with AMC, in September 2021 to observe the drilling, logging, sampling and assay database. Mr Webster consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on information in the form and context in which it appears Qualified Persons - NI 43-101 Scientific and technical information in this Report has been reviewed and approved by Mr John Skeet (FAUSIMM, CP) Mithril's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Mr John Skeet is a qualified person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Samples are sent to ALS Global with sample preparation performed in Chihuahua City, Mexico and assaying of sample pulps performed in North Vancouver, BC, Canada. Table 2 Full list of channel sample details and assays Sample Easting (m) Northing (m) Elev (m) Surface/UG Target Location Width (m) Sample Direction (deg) Sample Incl. (deg) Au (g/t) silver (g/t) Cu (g/t) Pb (g/t) Zn (g/t) 814262 288698.90 2822407.80 775 UNDERGROUND 5 Mina Las Lianas 0.50 245 7 0.013 1.8 73 58 237 814263 288698.51 2822407.48 775 UNDERGROUND 5 Mina Las Lianas 0.50 245 3 0.038 3 14 268 641 814264 288696.33 2822410.87 775 UNDERGROUND 5 Mina Las Lianas 0.50 240 6 0.412 64.8 33 147 193 814265 288695.94 2822410.55 775 UNDERGROUND 5 Mina Las Lianas 0.50 240 60 0.168 28.9 14 116 305 814266 288695.56 2822410.22 775 UNDERGROUND 5 Mina Las Lianas 0.50 240 70 0.603 154 23 265 533 814268 288693.76 2822413.93 775 UNDERGROUND 5 Mina Las Lianas 0.60 220 2 0.01 1 16 19 111 814269 288693.22 2822413.48 775 UNDERGROUND 5 Mina Las Lianas 0.50 220 2 0.357 40.6 16 126 154 814270 288692.68 2822413.03 775 UNDERGROUND 5 Mina Las Lianas 0.50 220 2 0.216 19.2 46 100 144 814271 288690.20 2822416.50 775 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.50 50 15 0.161 22.8 32 60 143 814272 288686.71 2822422.47 817 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.80 40 45 0.164 24 16 24 63 814273 288687.36 2822423.23 817 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 1.00 40 35 0.009 2.1 8 18 88 814274 288688.00 2822424.00 818 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 1.00 40 35 0.005 0.5 7 13 72 814276 288688.64 2822424.77 818 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 1.00 40 30 0.018 3.1 18 12 104 814277 288689.29 2822425.53 818 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.50 40 25 0.343 67.1 16 44 116 814278 288689.61 2822425.92 818 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 1.00 40 25 0.108 17.8 9 50 123 814279 288690.25 2822426.68 819 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.50 40 15 0.005 0.5 33 16 74 814280 288690.57 2822427.06 819 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.50 40 15 0.017 2.5 22 73 159 814281 288690.89 2822427.45 819 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 1.00 40 20 0.005 0.5 14 13 74 814283 288691.54 2822428.21 820 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 1.00 40 10 0.005 0.5 10 11 106 814284 288692.24 2822429.06 820 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 1.00 40 15 0.005 1 25 74 111 814285 288692.82 2822429.75 820 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 1.00 40 10 0.008 1.4 19 153 89 814286 288693.46 2822430.51 821 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.50 40 15 0.194 31.4 13 108 111 814287 288678.11 2822441.15 821 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.70 60 5 0.052 7.5 23 22 78 814288 288682.61 2822438.35 824 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.75 45 5 0.111 14.8 25 61 58 814289 288693.49 2822435.49 826 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.70 50 5 0.228 11.7 29 193 94 814290 288731.25 2822339.57 867 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.50 150 70 0.214 14.1 7 39 9 814291 288779.26 2822284.48 880 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.90 235 3 0.383 3 17 164 86 814292 288778.85 2822284.20 880 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.50 235 3 3.89 157 40 962 102 814293 288778.12 2822283.68 880 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.90 235 5 0.6 9.3 41 626 155 814294 288805.36 2822262.23 885 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 1.00 220 20 0.893 204 17 114 167 814295 288823.75 2822219.57 876 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.50 210 65 0.042 2.3 15 50 123 814296 288898.54 2822099.61 940 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.60 230 7 0.39 92.9 37 1125 366 814297 288898.00 2822099.16 940 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.70 230 7 0.029 9.2 26 62 916 814298 288897.24 2822098.52 940 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 1.00 250 11 0.075 15.3 23 147 577 814299 288896.63 2822098.01 940 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.80 250 11 0.317 49.7 30 572 300 814301 288900.48 2822092.53 952 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.70 228 25 0.122 7.1 37 566 391 814302 289014.51 2822153.51 926 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.70 225 3 0.208 1.6 21 48 71 814303 288894.66 2822297.76 870 SURFACE 5 LA CANDELARIA 0.80 110 7 0.109 41.5 73 18450 3560 814304 289276.00 2822714.00 835 Surface 5 0.50 205 28 0.006 0.5 79 244 154 814305 289276.00 2822713.50 835 Surface 5 0.50 205 28 0.01 0.7 52 72 86 814308 289310.00 2822626.00 823 Surface 5 0.70 90 0.023 3.8 33 96 100 814309 289289.00 2822495.00 863 Surface 5 0.60 240 0 0.017 3.6 51 106 115 814310 289293.00 2822478.00 861 Surface 5 0.50 30 0 0.018 1.9 40 91 168 814311 289291.00 2822473.00 862 Surface 5 0.70 180 0 0.017 3.9 50 172 233 814313 289286.00 2822465.00 861 Surface 5 0.50 190 0 0.039 4.4 33 181 123 814314 289283.00 2822446.00 859 Surface 5 1.00 205 0 0.037 1.1 26 72 166 814315 289135.00 2822445.00 887 Surface 5 1.00 60 0 0.009 0.8 25 39 551 814316 289146.00 2822442.00 882 Surface 5 0.50 260 0 0.011 0.7 9 124 157 814317 289114.00 2822430.00 885 Surface 5 0.50 205 0 0.02 2.3 75 2350 146 814318 289114.00 2822429.50 885 Surface 5 1.00 205 0 0.056 7.1 87 3060 266 814319 289114.00 2822426.00 885 Surface 5 0.50 205 0 0.036 1.2 19 60 111 814320 288987.00 2822413.00 884 Surface 5 0.70 270 0 0.914 50.9 13 92 99 814321 288998.00 2822395.00 895 Surface 5 0.80 235 0 0.011 2.2 26 46 179 814322 288997.50 2822394.50 895 Surface 5 1.00 235 0 0.116 21.9 49 1865 179 814323 288997.00 2822394.00 895 Surface 5 0.50 295 0 0.016 2.5 34 77 239 814324 289193.00 2822651.00 785 Surface 5 0.60 0 0 0.026 3.8 180 546 173 814326 289194.00 2822652.00 785 Surface 5 0.50 350 0 0.015 2.9 195 597 310 814327 289194.00 2822655.00 785 Surface 5 0.80 5 0 0.007 1.5 69 421 308 814328 289194.00 2822655.80 785 Surface 5 0.20 340 0 0.015 2.6 56 400 195 814329 289194.00 2822656.00 785 Surface 5 0.90 30 0 0.012 2.5 120 236 514 814330 289194.00 2822657.00 785 Surface 5 0.50 15 0 0.012 1.7 85 198 291 814331 289194.00 2822659.00 785 Surface 5 0.50 355 0 0.009 1.8 223 132 1760 814332 289194.00 2822659.50 785 Surface 5 0.90 35 0 0.006 6.5 237 222 733 814333 289321.00 2822500.00 869 Surface 5 0.80 180 0 0.392 68.3 37 157 150 814334 289158.00 2822441.00 Surface 5 0.70 315 0 0.036 3.4 28 82 129 814335 289383.00 2824511.00 1277 Surface 5 45 0 0.005 0.5 8 17 18 814336 289016.00 2822509.00 821 Surface 5 0.75 245 0 0.1 13.2 355 523 203 814337 288895.00 2822642.00 870 Surface 5 0.60 205 0 0.018 9 135 211 629 814338 288653.00 2822434.00 793 Surface 5 0.50 75 0 0.009 0.7 56 122 195 814621 292879.25 2824263.44 1506.94 Surface 3 Constancia 1.00 0 44 0.044 1.1 12 65 17 814622 292881.18 2824263.96 1504.87 Surface 3 Constancia 0.70 350 50 0.122 10 12 424 11 814623 292888.30 2824263.49 1504.9 Surface 3 Constancia 0.60 345 22 0.022 1.3 8 15 9 814624 292890.09 2824263.29 1497.64 Surface 3 Constancia 0.80 340 22 0.047 2.1 9 62 11 814626 292889.48 2824266.06 1498.15 Surface 3 Constancia 0.60 220 70 0.012 0.9 6 17 5 814627 292428.30 2824612.28 1352.6 Surface 3 Constancia 0.60 65 60 0.039 7.8 13 67 28 814628 292427.71 2824611.13 1352.6 Surface 3 Constancia 1.00 65 0 0.038 5 9 42 37 814629 292419.08 2824614.64 1346.36 Surface 3 Constancia 0.50 75 50 0.01 1.4 6 10 32 814630 294481.57 2824185.68 1733.86 Surface 6 Sur Santa Cruz 1.00 60 0 0.354 24.8 8 16 30 814632 294482.70 2824185.67 1733.86 Surface 6 Sur Santa Cruz 0.75 100 45 0.382 18.3 19 15 10 814633 294499.13 2824176.27 1747.58 Surface 6 Sur Santa Cruz 1.00 0 26 0.04 4.3 10 19 17 814634 294499.11 2824177.39 1748.08 Surface 6 Sur Santa Cruz 1.00 0 26 0.085 6 4 19 19 814635 294499.10 2824178.46 1748.58 Surface 6 Sur Santa Cruz 1.00 0 26 0.05 4.3 8 16 66 814636 294499.08 2824179.56 1749.08 Surface 6 Sur Santa Cruz 1.00 0 26 0.138 5 12 18 52 814637 294499.24 2824180.61 1749.58 Surface 6 Sur Santa Cruz 1.00 0 26 0.117 2.2 8 7 14 814638 294499.30 2824181.65 1750.08 Surface 6 Sur Santa Cruz 1.00 0 26 0.079 1.9 12 11 21 814639 294499.35 2824182.66 1750.58 Surface 6 Sur Santa Cruz 1.00 0 26 0.207 4.2 19 13 53 814640 294499.43 2824183.71 1751.08 Surface 6 Sur Santa Cruz 1.00 0 26 0.058 5 30 11 21 814642 292449.89 2824840.74 1505.83 Underground 3 Jabali 3 workings 0.70 310 0 8.81 329 66 97 67 814643 292450.66 2824840.18 1505.23 Underground 3 Jabali 3 workings 1.00 310 65 3.42 194 22 31 71 814644 292448.54 2824839.14 1505.83 Underground 3 Jabali 3 workings 0.70 310 0 5.16 176 52 54 92 814645 292422.99 2824807.94 1488.95 Surface 3 South Jabali 3 0.60 280 0 1.225 5.7 4 15 60 814646 292348.85 2824653.93 1375.97 Underground 3 El Chinacate 3 1.00 60 0 0.599 23.6 4 2 5 814592 293064 2823830 1246 Surface 3 Los Riscos S 0.50 340 0 0.007 0.5 36 13 91 814593 293155 2823713 1379 Surface 3 Los Riscos S 1.00 170 -80 0.006 0.6 11 3 11 814594 293155 2823713 1379 Surface 3 Los Riscos S 1.00 170 -80 0.013 1 19 4 23 814595 293155 2823713 1379 Surface 3 Los Riscos S 1.00 170 -80 0.012 0.5 20 3 24 814596 293175 2823740 1378 Surface 3 Los Riscos S 0.80 40 -70 0.006 0.6 19 4 38 814597 293175 2823740 1378 Surface 3 Los Riscos S 0.50 40 -70 0.019 0.5 21 6 50 814598 293232 2823734 1386 Surface 3 Los Riscos S 0.50 55 0 0.035 3.3 39 37 97 814599 293223 2823724 1385 Surface 3 Los Riscos S 0.80 65 -85 0.017 2.5 33 17 98 814701 293216 2823726 1386 Surface 3 Los Riscos S 0.50 50 -85 0.005 0.7 37 8 87 814702 293225 2823716 1393 Surface 3 Los Riscos S 0.80 60 -75 0.093 6.2 67 45 72 814703 293691 2822554 1534 Surface 2 El Peru E 1.00 50 0 0.005 0.5 8 20 36 814704 293692 2822555 1534 Surface 2 El Peru E 1.00 350 -25 0.005 0.5 11 15 31 814705 293550 2822551 1568 Surface 2 El Peru E 1.00 75 -15 0.83 7.2 4 11 11 814706 293641 2823593 1503 Surface 2 El Peru Camp 0.50 175 -45 0.01 0.5 49 14 89 814707 293935 2823722 1647 Surface 2 El Peru N 0.50 240 -10 0.005 0.5 66 14 92 814708 293917 2823624 1582 Surface 2 El Peru N 0.50 145 0 0.005 0.5 17 16 54 814709 293589 2823596 1540 Surface 2 El Peru N 0.50 260 -15 0.005 0.5 25 3 49 814339 288704.00 2824070.00 1217 Surface 1 Refugio West 0.75 35 90 0.007 0.5 31 11 86 814340 288703.57 2824069.39 1217 Surface 1 Refugio West 0.75 35 90 0.005 0.5 45 14 89 814341 288680.00 2824010.00 1207 Surface 1 Refugio West 0.90 100 90 0.005 0.5 35 10 100 814343 288782.00 2823951.00 1121 Surface 1 Refugio West 1.00 280 0 0.006 0.5 65 10 93 814344 288793.00 2823964.00 1156 Surface 1 Refugio West 0.90 340 90 0.005 0.5 36 10 263 814345 288792.72 2823963.05 1156 Surface 1 Refugio West 0.90 340 90 0.005 0.5 42 10 187 814346 288820.00 2824005.00 1168 Surface 1 Refugio West 1.00 330 90 0.005 0.5 45 13 94 814348 288834.00 2824056.00 1144 Surface 1 Refugio West 1.00 20 90 0.006 0.5 32 348 836 814349 289011.00 2824291.00 1199 Surface 1 Refugio West 1.00 50 90 0.005 0.5 64 7 99 814351 288782.00 2823583.00 1117 Surface 1 Refugio West 0.50 45 90 0.007 0.5 3 28 182 814352 288307.00 2822373.00 875 Surface 5 La tunita 0.50 60 90 0.014 0.5 23 14 56 814353 288275.00 2822312.00 814 Surface 5 La tunita 0.50 210 90 0.024 1.2 15 71 177 814354 288274.82 2822309.91 814 Surface 5 La tunita 0.50 210 90 0.072 0.5 5 21 51 814355 288271.00 2822304.00 784 Surface 5 La tunita 0.50 50 90 0.097 14.3 10 25 78 814356 288185.00 2822110.00 683 Surface 5 La tunita 0.50 30 90 0.067 7.8 55 120 302 814357 288171.00 2822037.00 712 Surface 5 La tunita 0.65 40 0 0.043 2.1 6 556 512 814358 288171.42 2822037.50 712 Surface 5 La tunita 0.65 40 0 0.032 1.8 6 1505 829 814359 288181.00 2822034.00 725 Surface 5 La tunita 0.40 220 90 0.053 2.9 16 707 398 814360 288186.00 2822041.00 726 Surface 5 La tunita 0.40 240 90 0.012 1.2 26 119 650 814361 288189.00 2821997.00 705 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.70 45 90 0.024 0.8 11 173 344 814362 288178.00 2821981.00 650 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.85 235 90 0.022 7.1 21 241 227 814363 288177.30 2821980.51 650 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.85 235 90 0.013 1.7 13 77 150 814364 288163.00 2821940.00 658 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.35 0.3 21.7 25 102 131 814365 288142.00 2821884.00 688 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.30 1.275 61.9 11 325 210 814366 288130.00 2821855.00 710 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.70 200 90 0.019 0.6 25 141 511 814367 288129.76 2821854.34 710 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.70 200 90 0.018 0.6 15 133 293 814368 288128.91 2821851.99 710 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.80 200 90 0.056 2.5 43 92 110 814369 288128.63 2821851.24 710 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.80 200 90 0.027 0.9 18 86 241 814370 288127.57 2821848.33 710 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.80 200 90 0.024 1.5 23 129 144 814371 288123.00 2821845.00 723 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.50 210 90 0.019 0.8 18 169 184 814373 288120.35 2821840.41 722 Surface 5 La Tasolera 1.10 200 90 0.015 0.6 13 22 64 814374 288119.97 2821839.38 722 Surface 5 La Tasolera 1.10 200 90 0.011 0.8 23 24 89 814376 288119.60 2821838.34 722 Surface 5 La Tasolera 1.10 200 90 0.023 1.5 65 113 177 814377 288107.00 2821798.00 659 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.80 200 90 0.017 10.6 135 251 234 814378 288122.00 2821745.00 615 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.50 90 90 0.009 0.5 9 106 145 814379 288108.00 2821719.00 660 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.80 210 90 0.007 9.5 395 487 1030 814380 288107.60 2821718.31 659 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.80 210 90 0.005 1.2 80 238 481 814381 288107.20 2821717.61 659 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.80 210 90 0.006 2.2 86 519 654 814382 288105.23 2821712.60 658 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.40 0.005 2.5 36 168 191 814383 288087.00 2821717.00 645 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.80 230 90 0.005 1.1 7 21 64 814384 288086.39 2821716.49 645 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.90 230 90 0.014 1.9 10 75 125 814385 288085.70 2821715.91 645 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.50 230 90 0.005 0.5 11 46 103 814386 288086.37 2821715.82 644 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.50 340 90 0.023 8.5 236 291 406 814388 288080.00 2821696.00 681 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.50 50 90 0.027 1.4 23 154 417 814389 288062.00 2821676.00 670 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.50 50 90 0.007 0.5 15 38 90 814390 288061.47 2821669.92 668 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.50 200 90 0.153 15 106 204 250 814391 289809.00 2823152.00 1031 Surface 1 Cementerio Copalquin 0.50 90 90 0.126 2.8 46 70 52 814392 289839.00 2823104.00 997 Surface 1 Cementerio Copalquin 0.50 90 90 1.635 110 89 454 60 814393 288055.00 2821615.00 659 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.50 70 90 0.007 0.8 43 24 247 814394 288049.20 2821616.55 660 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.50 140 90 0.005 1.3 38 45 178 814395 288037.00 2821605.00 613 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.50 210 90 0.025 16.3 116 544 508 814396 288036.54 2821604.61 613 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.50 210 90 0.476 68.7 100 379 630 814397 288025.00 2821591.00 632 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.50 130 0 0.145 284 437 6180 522 814398 288026.00 2821538.00 618 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.80 350 90 0.058 47.6 856 4200 1205 814399 288027.20 2821538.00 619 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.90 350 90 0.056 227 1070 3760 1010 814401 287957.00 2821564.00 634 Surface 5 La Tasolera 0.50 360 90 0.019 10 35 201 547 814403 287821.00 2821350.00 658 Surface 5 Cementerio el Limon 0.50 165 90 0.011 2.4 15 56 99 814404 287791.00 2821331.00 657 Surface 5 Cementerio el Limon 0.50 40 90 0.02 1.8 19 197 257 814405 287772.00 2821309.00 650 Surface 5 Cementerio el Limon 1.00 180 0 0.017 1.2 21 124 219 814406 287770.47 2821290.57 650 Surface 5 Cementerio el Limon 0.50 185 0 0.028 9.1 15 1805 2010 814407 287770.43 2821290.07 650 Surface 5 Cementerio el Limon 1.00 185 0 0.076 108 202 6130 3080 814408 287770.34 2821289.07 649 Surface 5 Cementerio el Limon 1.00 185 0 0.011 0.9 11 57 780 814409 287770.26 2821288.08 649 Surface 5 Cementerio el Limon 0.50 185 0 0.029 3.3 17 92 356 814410 287769.47 2821279.11 649 Surface 5 Cementerio el Limon 0.50 185 0 0.013 1.1 24 80 225 814411 287769.47 2821271.41 650 Surface 5 Cementerio el Limon 0.50 180 0 0.022 2.4 6 418 686 814412 287764.00 2821259.00 666 Surface 5 Cementerio el Limon 1.00 215 0 0.091 14.2 30 2490 6420 814413 287763.43 2821258.18 666 Surface 5 Cementerio el Limon 1.00 215 0 0.031 2.8 9 577 6420 814414 287762.85 2821257.36 666 Surface 5 Cementerio el Limon 1.00 240 0 0.029 13.8 9 1800 2970 814415 287759.43 2821256.41 664 Surface 5 Cementerio el Limon 0.60 215 90 0.036 1.7 6 171 456 814416 287759.05 2821256.27 664 Surface 5 Cementerio el Limon 0.50 215 90 0.015 1.2 6 50 235 814417 287741.00 2821248.00 683 Surface 5 Cementerio el Limon 0.50 230 90 0.019 1.3 12 281 344 814418 287740.62 2821247.68 682 Surface 5 Cementerio el Limon 0.60 230 90 0.035 2.5 20 189 493 814419 287679.00 2821209.00 676 Surface 5 Las Lajitas 0.50 240 0 0.036 3.4 18 94 348 814420 287662.00 2821197.00 678 Surface 5 Las Lajitas 0.50 195 90 0.024 1.1 4 108 310 814421 287640.00 2821193.00 660 Surface 5 Las Lajitas 0.50 230 0 0.174 9.9 46 896 1390 814422 287535.00 2821204.00 648 Surface 5 Las Lajitas 1.00 15 90 0.129 6.8 4 29 59 814423 287535.39 2821205.45 649 Surface 5 Las Lajitas 1.00 15 90 0.053 0.7 4 16 43 814424 287535.65 2821206.42 650 Surface 5 Las Lajitas 1.00 15 90 0.033 0.8 5 18 46 814426 287539.29 2821206.15 651 Surface 5 Las Lajitas 1.00 15 90 0.057 2.1 12 27 72 814428 287539.52 2821207.02 652 Surface 5 Las Lajitas 1.00 15 90 0.032 1.2 9 16 45 814429 287525.73 2821209.35 648 Surface 5 Las Lajitas 1.00 35 90 0.18 7.4 12 32 37 814430 287526.31 2821210.17 649 Surface 5 Las Lajitas 0.60 35 90 0.031 2.5 5 13 25 814431 287496.00 2821227.00 575 Surface 5 Las Lajitas 0.50 80 90 0.009 0.5 4 10 49 814433 287509.00 2821203.00 578 Surface 5 Las Lajitas 1.00 340 90 0.751 41.5 5 22 43 814434 287509.84 2821204.00 580 Surface 5 Las Lajitas 0.50 340 90 0.069 3.7 11 33 56 814435 287477.00 2821168.00 595 Surface 5 Las Lajitas 0.80 250 0 0.033 5.4 21 182 702 814436 287476.25 2821167.73 595 Surface 5 Las Lajitas 0.80 250 0 0.09 17.8 53 332 442 814437 287475.50 2821167.45 595 Surface 5 Las Lajitas 0.80 250 0 0.03 7.1 18 501 487 814438 287462.00 2821174.00 581 Surface 5 Las Lajitas 0.90 280 90 0.072 10 11 9 40 814689 294500.00 2824701.00 1722 Underground 6 SURFACE SANTA CRUZ 0.60 240 -10 0.016 2 19 63 29 814691 294580.00 2824687.00 1790 Underground 6 SURFACE SANTA CRUZ 0.60 70 40 0.189 19.6 29 26 51 814692 294605.00 2824620.00 1787 Underground 6 SURFACE SANTA CRUZ 0.50 230 -55 0.007 0.5 3 61 120 814693 294630.00 2824469.00 1730 Underground 6 SURFACE SANTA CRUZ 0.60 170 -30 0.038 1.6 51 10 194 814694 294630.50 2824468.50 1730 Underground 6 SURFACE SANTA CRUZ 0.50 170 -30 0.123 3.8 13 44 83 814695 294631.00 2824468.00 1729 Underground 6 SURFACE SANTA CRUZ 0.90 170 -30 0.112 1.7 43 56 409 814696 294622.00 2824461.00 1725 Underground 6 SURFACE SANTA CRUZ 1.00 290 -20 0.007 0.5 4 22 71 814697 294675.00 2824434.00 1734 Underground 6 SURFACE SANTA CRUZ 0.50 40 -5 0.011 0.7 12 9 21 814698 294513.00 2824427.00 1705 Underground 6 SURFACE SANTA CRUZ 0.60 0 90 0.52 4 15 42 720 814439 289009.32 2822333.38 936 SURFACE 5 CANDELARIA FALDAS CERRO LA CASETA LADERA NORTE 0.50 40 2 0.3 12.1 39 387 234 814440 289039.39 2822310.46 946 SURFACE 5 CANDELARIA FALDAS CERRO LA CASETA LADERA NORTE 0.60 43 11 0.091 6 21 798 112 814441 289165.61 2822157.35 1008 SURFACE 5 CANDELARIA FALDAS CERRO LA CASETA LADERA NORTE 0.50 60 3 0.024 1.3 13 65 171 814442 289192.46 2822178.39 1019 SURFACE 5 CANDELARIA FALDAS CERRO LA CASETA LADERA NORTE 0.60 50 7 0.04 0.5 5 40 128 814443 289266.50 2822178.00 1029 SURFACE 5 CANDELARIA FALDAS CERRO LA CASETA LADERA NORTE 0.50 280 4 0.008 0.5 8 53 114 814444 289429.58 2822278.33 992 SURFACE 5 CANDELARIA FALDAS CERRO LA CASETA LADERA NORTE 0.90 222 2 0.029 0.5 16 33 156 814445 289443.73 2822265.58 1021 SURFACE 5 CANDELARIA FALDAS CERRO LA CASETA LADERA NORTE 0.90 213 12 0.022 1.6 42 102 172 814446 289393.63 2822292.30 995 SURFACE 5 CANDELARIA FALDAS CERRO LA CASETA LADERA NORTE 0.70 65 16 0.022 0.6 25 62 93 814447 289241.64 2822231.48 1002 SURFACE 5 CANDELARIA FALDAS CERRO LA CASETA LADERA NORTE 0.80 53 6 0.016 0.5 21 35 46 814448 289241.43 2822279.25 972 SURFACE 5 CANDELARIA FALDAS CERRO LA CASETA LADERA NORTE 0.50 60 21 0.323 101 87 262 407 814449 289216.34 2822306.33 973 SURFACE 5 CANDELARIA FALDAS CERRO LA CASETA LADERA NORTE 0.75 150 11 0.029 1.3 74 45 96 814451 289136.12 2822028.96 931 SURFACE 5 CANDELARIA FALDAS CERRO LA CASETA LADERA SUR 1.00 45 70 0.25 1.1 37 119 583 814452 289134.00 2822130.00 964 SURFACE 5 CANDELARIA FALDAS CERRO LA CASETA LADERA SUR 0.70 58 14 0.008 2.2 165 22 35 814453 289277.56 2821990.58 950 SURFACE 5 CANDELARIA FALDAS CERRO LA CASETA LADERA SUR 0.50 10 25 0.054 1 15 31 69 814454 289374.00 2822068.00 1005 SURFACE 5 CANDELARIA FALDAS CERRO LA CASETA LADERA SUR 0.50 140 16 3.76 54.5 64 248 209 814455 289373.00 2822070.00 1015 SURFACE 5 CANDELARIA FALDAS CERRO LA CASETA LADERA SUR 0.50 116 7 0.322 56 62 333 352 814456 289349.00 2822100.00 1022 SURFACE 5 CANDELARIA FALDAS CERRO LA CASETA LADERA SUR 0.50 165 12 0.016 2.6 53 325 174 814457 289291.00 2822401.00 891 SURFACE 5 Arroyo NE de la hoja 2F 6 - Bajada del Cerro la caseta 0.50 4 3 0.013 1.2 70 48 157 814458 289302.11 2822391.57 855 SURFACE 5 Arroyo NE de Candelaria bajada del Cerro la caseta 0.50 42 80 0.103 1.8 27 1255 414 814459 288274.00 2822571.00 762 Surface 5 Camino al Apomal 1.10 25 0 0.034 2.3 11 11 41 814460 288274.30 2822572.00 762 Surface 5 Camino al Apomal 1.40 25 0 0.016 0.5 9 11 38 814461 288274.80 2822572.60 762 Surface 5 Camino al Apomal 1.10 25 0 0.009 0.5 38 10 156 814463 288275.00 2822573.00 762 Surface 5 Camino Al Apomal 0.90 25 0 0.034 0.5 40 24 204 814464 288259.00 2822589.00 756 Surface 5 Camino Al Apomal 0.50 40 0 0.03 0.5 41 14 45 814465 288260.00 2822592.50 756 Surface 5 Camino Al Apomal 0.50 40 0 0.108 9.1 22 15 37 814466 287966.00 2822337.00 710 Surface 5 Camino Al Apomal 0.70 250 0 0.352 71.9 23 54 144 814468 287966.00 2822336.00 710 Surface 5 Camino Al Apomal 1.00 250 0 0.117 14.7 66 91 394 814469 287939.00 2822340.00 713 Surface 5 Camino Al Apomal 0.80 290 0 0.008 0.6 162 67 159 814470 287857.00 2822569.00 757 Surface 5 Camino Al Apomal 1.00 344 0 0.021 2.4 8 43 71 814471 287857.00 2822699.00 790 Surface 5 0.40 240 0 1.04 160 26 69 54 814472 287842.00 2822718.00 780 Surface 5 0.65 255 0 3.75 555 54 214 400 814473 287841.50 2822718.00 780 Surface 5 0.60 255 0 0.255 51.8 36 30 125 814474 287841.00 2822718.00 780 Surface 5 0.60 255 0 24.5 670 155 232 176 814476 288325.16 2822127.00 748 Surface 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 0.80 20 0 0.021 2.6 40 188 2320 814477 288325.84 2822128.00 748 Surface 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.00 85 0 0.018 4.4 84 263 3400 814478 288327.00 2822128.35 748 Surface 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.00 112 0 0.109 29.6 26 7390 2390 814479 288328.00 2822128.00 748 Surface 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.00 125 0 0.516 61.1 41 7040 1900 814480 288328.68 2822127.47 748 Surface 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.00 137 0 0.423 140 105 12900 2750 814481 288329.57 2822126.80 748 Surface 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.00 125 0 0.162 129 61 11250 3470 814482 288330.33 2822126.12 748 Surface 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.00 144 0 0.459 249 78 12200 975 814483 288331.14 2822125.40 748 Surface 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.00 130 0 0.051 20.2 23 6170 587 814484 288331.95 2822124.78 748 Surface 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 0.70 130 0 0.118 13.4 12 3090 538 814485 288322.70 2822139.76 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 0.50 225 0 0.053 15.2 37 1360 1520 814486 288322.20 2822139.00 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.00 225 0 2.77 876 129 1995 2010 814487 288321.50 2822138.95 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.40 285 0 1.995 3300 1690 6750 6000 814488 288320.78 2822138.95 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 0.70 270 0 0.991 731 401 4270 4820 814489 288318.27 2822146.21 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.00 255 0 0.149 13.7 76 874 1225 814490 288317.37 2822145.69 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.00 255 0 0.043 6.7 25 557 1860 814491 288318.12 2822151.05 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 0.80 252 0 0.191 21.5 44 1200 3850 814493 288317.48 2822150.60 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.00 252 0 0.099 13 60 1805 2980 814494 288316.51 2822156.06 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 0.70 240 0 0.032 5.1 37 277 1530 814495 288315.87 2822155.64 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 0.80 240 0 0.007 2.1 9 38 271 814496 288316.30 2822161.17 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 0.70 252 0 0.054 3.7 15 241 294 814497 288315.64 2822160.83 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 0.80 252 0 0.018 1.3 19 26 121 814498 288314.95 2822166.10 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.00 240 0 0.009 0.5 22 19 123 814499 288314.27 2822165.73 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.00 240 0 0.011 1.2 7 22 148 815701 288314.00 2822171.06 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 0.90 250 0 0.009 0.8 25 44 120 815702 288313.24 2822170.77 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 0.90 250 0 0.007 0.5 67 23 82 815703 288312.79 2822175.96 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.10 235 0 0.031 3 38 174 160 815704 288310.00 2822180.84 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 0.60 220 0 0.642 18.8 41 135 287 815705 288309.63 2822180.08 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 0.60 220 0 0.016 2.8 29 47 294 815706 288307.49 2822184.77 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 0.70 90 0.019 1.2 31 100 353 815708 288306.88 2822184.22 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.00 250 0 0.017 1.2 22 222 738 815709 288304.43 2822191.02 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 0.50 250 0 0.106 5 23 65 215 815710 288303.80 2822190.49 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 0.50 250 0 1.18 2.6 22 56 224 815711 288308.91 2822187.38 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.00 62 0 0.135 19.2 23 1305 205 815712 288309.84 2822187.78 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.00 62 0 0.863 210 38 1115 370 815713 288310.97 2822188.15 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.00 62 0 0.317 45.9 38 907 2020 815714 288319.43 2822191.92 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.00 55 0 0.087 6.4 16 231 376 815715 288323.81 2822188.17 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.00 60 0 0.011 0.7 14 14 50 815716 288307.73 2822187.07 748 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 2 1.30 62 0 0.04 1.9 14 164 344 815717 288415.41 2822112.08 760 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 3 0.80 90 0 0.013 0.6 9 40 981 815718 288412.93 2822114.48 760 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 3 0.60 315 0 0.033 1 10 426 1280 815719 288412.51 2822115.11 760 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 3 0.50 315 0 0.276 10.1 41 1800 2560 815720 288411.46 2822118.38 760 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 3 1.00 304 0 0.267 13.9 61 695 664 815721 288410.74 2822119.00 760 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 3 1.00 304 0 0.057 2.2 25 141 979 815723 288409.08 2822120.00 760 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 3 1.00 265 0 0.542 96.6 84 1455 482 815724 288408.08 2822119.86 760 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 3 1.00 260 0 0.086 40.5 145 1205 1260 815726 288405.50 2822127.29 760 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 3 1.00 75 0 0.322 79.9 151 27600 6220 815727 288406.55 2822127.77 760 Underground 5 Tasolera Nivel 3 1.10 75 0 0.2 59.3 487 8830 4340 815728 287520.03 2821884.03 717 Underground 5 Los Martires 1.00 305 0 0.079 52 192 38400 2340 815729 287519.40 2821884.71 717 Underground 5 Los Martires 1.10 305 0 0.006 3.5 18 1110 716 815730 287520.88 2821884.13 717 Underground 5 Los Martires 1.00 55 0 0.082 8 19 775 785 815731 287525.70 2821892.94 717 Underground 5 Los Martires 0.70 0 0 0.043 7.5 71 1875 4490 815732 287525.68 2821894.02 717 Underground 5 Los Martires 1.00 0 0 0.161 17.2 27 3870 3330 815733 287525.46 2821895.05 717 Underground 5 Los Martires 0.90 0 0 0.254 61.1 100 3810 6180 815734 287527.44 2821910.16 717 Underground 5 Los Martires 0.50 340 0 0.009 1.5 17 58 161 815735 287524.88 2821917.04 717 Underground 5 Los Martires 0.50 254 0 0.051 7.3 12 52 114 815736 287526.57 2821920.60 717 Underground 5 Los Martires 0.50 4 0 0.006 27.6 28 1375 1685 815737 287533.59 2821913.56 719 Underground 5 Los Martires 0.60 195 0 10.25 895 578 1230 1280 815738 287533.45 2821912.90 719 Underground 5 Los Martires 0.60 195 0 0.048 5.5 23 83 210 815739 287541.97 2821909.34 719 Underground 5 Los Martires 0.50 20 0 0.005 0.7 9 28 79 815740 287542.26 2821910.29 719 Underground 5 Los Martires 0.80 0 90 1.72 191 62 121 274 815741 287547.90 2821907.65 719 Underground 5 Los Martires 0.90 60 0 3.31 219 193 238 581 815742 287533.00 2821842.00 719 Surface 5 0.50 235 0 0.015 1.1 18 31 193 815743 287443.00 2821758.00 733 Surface 5 0.60 280 0 0.273 3.6 14 26 35 815744 287442.40 2821758.00 733 Surface 5 1.15 280 0 0.021 0.7 2 23 42 815745 287441.65 2821758.00 733 Surface 5 0.75 280 0 0.012 0.5 5 31 53 815746 287440.90 2821758.00 733 Surface 5 1.00 280 0 0.02 0.5 3 21 37 815748 287440.00 2821758.00 733 Surface 5 0.80 280 0 0.028 3.8 10 15 29 815749 287201.00 2821908.73 772 Surface 5 El Jarillal 1.00 80 0 1.29 264 202 891 899 815751 287202.15 2821908.94 772 Surface 5 El Jarillal 1.10 80 0 0.492 67.3 80 315 439 815753 287198.75 2821912.29 770 Underground 5 El Jarillal 1.00 24 0 0.222 19 68 41 206 815754 287199.25 2821913.11 770 Underground 5 El Jarillal 0.70 24 0 0.047 4.7 30 58 194 815755 287199.72 2821913.87 770 Underground 5 El Jarillal 1.00 24 0 0.406 48.3 41 127 231 815756 287200.51 2821914.90 770 Underground 5 El Jarillal 1.00 24 0 0.304 48.7 29 55 189 815757 287176.00 2821900.00 782 Surface 5 1.00 30 0 0.293 25 32 24 76 815758 287169.00 2821903.00 778 Surface 5 0.50 110 0 0.07 4.7 12 10 44 815759 287708.00 2822289.00 810 Surface 5 0.50 220 0 0.34 31.9 36 57 118 815760 287646.00 2822077.00 820 Surface 5 0.50 265 0 4.69 520 61 909 644 815761 287723.00 2821979.00 790 Surface 5 1.725 64 14 90 100 815762 287620.00 2821981.00 772 Surface 5 0.70 220 0 0.005 0.6 7 60 46 815763 287616.00 2821971.00 769 Surface 5 0.80 242 0 0.033 2.7 28 36 103 815764 287615.20 2821970.60 769 Surface 5 0.80 242 0 0.021 1.8 71 28 59 815765 287614.80 2821970.20 769 Surface 5 0.60 242 0 0.031 2.2 37 75 154 815766 287679.00 2821864.00 720 Surface 5 1.00 255 0 0.116 9.3 35 74 262 815767 287678.00 2821864.00 720 Surface 5 0.70 255 0 0.008 0.6 10 56 429 815768 287734.00 2821846.00 713 Surface 5 0.50 112 0 0.015 2.1 23 385 602 815769 287785.00 2821822.00 717 Surface 5 0.30 254 0 0.021 4.6 38 1290 1665 815770 287800.00 2821832.00 713 Surface 5 0.50 245 0 0.03 15.9 55 1865 450 815771 287820.00 2822194.00 703 Surface 5 0.80 260 0 0.041 7.1 21 112 196 814711 292491.00 2824868.00 1460 Surface 3 El Jabali N 0.269 21.3 11 30 10 814712 292513.00 2824883.00 1482 Surface 3 El Jabali N 0.50 0 0 0.01 0.5 18 22 15 814713 292513.00 2824883.00 1482 Surface 3 El Jabali N 0.80 0 0 0.006 0.5 5 23 16 814714 292513.00 2824883.00 1482 Surface 3 El Jabali N 0.60 0 0 0.006 0.5 10 30 18 814715 292512.00 2824880.00 1466 Surface 3 El Jabali N 0.50 0 -90 2.18 100 26 9 31 814716 292524.00 2824894.00 1473 Surface 3 El Jabali N 0.50 155 -15 0.007 0.5 3 13 24 814717 292564.00 2824917.00 1490 Surface 3 El Jabali N 0.50 285 -20 0.075 0.7 33 35 30 814718 292564.00 2824917.00 1490 Surface 3 El Jabali N 0.50 285 -20 0.109 1 17 19 28 814719 293179.00 2825110.00 1836 Surface 3 El Jabali NE 0.50 220 -35 0.005 0.5 4 13 28 814721 293274.00 2825182.00 1880 Surface 3 El Jabali NE 0.70 240 -45 0.01 0.5 5 18 37 814722 293273.00 2825182.00 1880 Surface 3 El Jabali NE 0.70 255 0 0.005 0.5 3 16 32 814723 293294.00 2825206.00 1877 Surface 3 El Jabali NE 1.00 180 -15 0.005 0.5 2 9 21 814724 293304.00 2825222.00 1886 Surface 3 El Jabali NE 0.50 105 -50 0.005 0.5 2 11 24 814699 291663.00 2824557.00 1320 Surface 3 2K 1.20 340 20 0.008 0.5 27 16 58 814751 291691.00 2824574.00 1318 Surface 3 2K 0.50 290 0 0.016 3 28 93 34 814752 291770.00 2824611.00 1370 Surface 3 2K 1.00 100 7 0.018 1.1 3 10 18 814753 291773.00 2824611.00 1369 Surface 3 2K 0.70 100 0 0.034 5.1 14 27 14 JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1 Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary Sampling techniques Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representativity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report. In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (eg 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay'). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (eg submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information. Drill core samples are cut lengthwise with a diamond saw. Intervals are nominally 1 m but may vary between 0.5 m to 1.5 m based on geologic criteria. The same side of the core is always sent to sample (left side of saw). Reported intercepts are calculated as either potentially underground mineable (>100m down hole) or as potentially open-pit mineable (near surface). Potentially underground mineable intercepts are calculated as length weighted averages of material greater than or equal to 1 g/t AuEQ_70 allowing up to 2m of internal dilution. Potentially open-pit mineable intercepts are calculated as length weighted averages of material greater than or equal to 0.25 g/t AuEQ_70 allowing for up to 2m of internal dilution. Rock Sawn Channel samples underground and surface are collected with the assistance of a handheld portable saw. The channels are 2.5 to 3cm deep and 6-8 cm wide along continuous lines oriented perpendicular to the mineralized structure. The samples are as representative as possible Rock Sawn Channel surface samples were surveyed with a Handheld GPS then permanently mark with an aluminium tag and red colour spray across the strike of the outcrop over 1 metre. Samples are as representative as possible Rock Sawn Channel underground samples were located after a compass and tape with the mine working having a surveyed control point at the portal, then permanently marked with an aluminium tag and red colour spray oriented perpendicular to the mineralized structure. Samples are as representative as possible Soil sampling has been carried out by locating pre-planned points by handheld GPS and digging to below the first colour-change in the soil (or a maximum of 50 cm). In the arid environment there is a 1 - 10 cm organic horizon and a 10 - 30 cm B horizon above the regolith. Samples are sieved to -80 mesh in the field. Samples are collected on a 20 m x 50 m grid or every 20 m on N-S lines 50 m apart. These samples are considered representative of the medium being sampled and lines are appropriately oriented to the nearly E-W structural trend. Drilling techniques Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (eg core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc). Drilling is done with MP500 man-portable core rigs capable of drilling HQ size core to depths of 350-400m (depending on ground conditions), reducing to NQ size core for greater depths. Core is recovered in a standard tube. Drill sample recovery Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed. Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples. Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. Drill recovery is measured based on measured length of core divided by length of drill run. Recovery in holes CDH-001 through CDH-025 and holes CDH-032 through CDH-077 was always above 90% in the mineralized zones. Detailed core recovery data are maintained in the project database. Holes CDH-026 through CDH-031 had problems with core recovery in highly fractured, clay rich breccia zones. There is no adverse relationship between recovery and grade identified to date. Logging Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography. The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. Geotechnical and geological logging of the drill core takes place on racks in the company core shed. Core samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. Core logging is both qualitative or quantitative in nature. Photos are taken of each box of core before samples are cut. Photos of cut core intervals are taken after sampling. Core is wetted to improve visibility of features in the photos. All core has been logged and photographed. Rock sawn channel samples are marked, measured and photographed at location Soil samples are recorded at location, logged and described Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken. If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry. For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representativity of samples. Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling. Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. Core is sawn and half core is taken for sample. Samples are prepared using ALS Minerals Prep-31 crushing, splitting and pulverizing. This is appropriate for the type of deposit being explored. Visual review to assure that the cut core is of the core is performed to assure representativity of samples. Crushed core duplicates are split/collected by the laboratory and submitted for assay (1 in 30 samples) Sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. Rock sawn channel samples and soil samples are prepared using ALS Minerals Prep-31 crushing, splitting and pulverizing. This is appropriate for the type of deposit being explored. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have been established. Samples are assayed for gold using ALS Minerals Au-AA25 method a 30 g fire assay with an AA finish. This is considered a total assay technique. Samples are assayed for silver using ALS Minerals ME-ICP61 method. Over limits are assayed by silverOG63 and silverGRAV21. These are considered a total assay technique. Standards and blanks are inserted at a rate of one per every 25 samples and one per every 40 samples, respectively. Pulp duplicate sampling is undertaken for 3% of all samples (see above). External laboratory checks will be conducted as sufficient samples are collected. Levels of accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have not yet been established. Certified Reference Materials - Rock Labs and CDN CRMs have been used throughout the project including, low (~2 g/t Au), medium (~9 g/t Au) and high (~18g/t Au and ~40 g/t Au). Results are automatically checked on data import into the BEDROCK database to fall within 2 standard deviations of the expected value. Samples with significant amounts of observed visible gold are also assayed by AuSCR21, a screen assay that analyses gold in both the milled pulp and in the residual oversize from pulverization. This has been done for holes CDH-075 and CDH-077. Verification of sampling and assaying The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. The use of twinned holes. Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. Discuss any adjustment to assay data. The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel has not been conducted. A re-assay program of pulp duplicates is currently in progress. MTH has drilled one twin hole. Hole CDH-072, reported in the 15/6/2021 announcement, is a twin of holes EC-002 and UC-03. Results are comparable. Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols are maintained in the company's core facility. Assay data have not been adjusted other than applying length weighted averages to reported intercepts. Location of data points Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. Specification of the grid system used. Quality and adequacy of topographic control. Drill collar coordinates are currently located by handheld GPS. Precise survey of hole locations is planned. Downhole surveys of hole deviation are recorded using a Reflex Multishot tool for all holes. A survey measurement is first collected at 15 meters downhole, and then every 50 meters until the end of the hole. Locations for holes CDH-001 through CDH-048 and CDH-051 through CDH-148 have been surveyed with differential GPS to a sub 10 cm precision. Hole CDH-005 was not surveyed UTM/UPS WGS 84 zone 13 N High quality topographic control from LiDAR imagery and orthophotos covers the entire project area. Data spacing and distribution Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. Whether sample compositing has been applied. Data spacing is appropriate for the reporting of Exploration Results. The Resource estimation re-printed in this announcement was originally released on 17 Nov 2021 No sample compositing has been applied. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. Cut lines are marked on the core by the geologists to assure that the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures. This is reasonably well observed in the core and is appropriate to the deposit type. The relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is not considered to have introduced a sampling bias. Rock sawn channel samples are cut perpendicular to the observed vein orientation wherever possible Sample security The measures taken to ensure sample security. Samples are stored in a secure core storage facility until they are shipped off site by small aircraft and delivered directly to ALS Global sample preparation facility in Chihuahua, Mexico. ALS airfreights the sample pulps to their assaying facility in North Vancouver, BC, Canada Audits or reviews The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. A review with spot checks was conducted by AMC in conjunction with the resource estimate published 17 Nov 2021. Results were satisfactory to AMC. Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. Concessions at Copalquin No. Concession Concession Title number Area (Ha) Location 1 LA SOLEDAD 52033 6 Tamazula, Durango, Mexico 2 EL COMETA 164869 36 Tamazula, Durango, Mexico 3 SAN MANUEL 165451 36 Tamazula, Durango, Mexico 4 COPALQUIN 178014 20 Tamazula, Durango, Mexico 5 EL SOL 236130 6,000 Tamazula, Durango and Badiraguato, Sinaloa, Mexico 6 EL CORRAL 236131 907.3243 Tamazula, Durango and Badiraguato, Sinaloa, Mexico Exploration done by other parties Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. Previous exploration by Bell Coast Capital Corp. and UC Resources was done in the late 1990's and in 2005 - 2007. Work done by these companies is historic and non-JORC compliant. Mithril uses these historic data only as a general guide and will not incorporate work done by these companies in resource modelling. Work done by the Mexican government and by IMMSA and will be used for modelling of historic mine workings which are now inaccessible (void model) Geology Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. Copalquin is a low sulfidation epithermal gold-silver deposit hosted in andesite. This deposit type is common in the Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico and is characterized by quartz veins and stockworks surrounded by haloes of argillic (illite/smectite) alteration. Veins have formed as both low-angle semi-continuous lenses parallel to the contact between granodiorite and andesite and as tabular veins in high-angle normal faults. Vein and breccia thickness has been observed up to 30 meters wide with average widths on the order of 3 to 5 meters. The overall strike length of the semi-continuous mineralized zone from El Gallo to Refugio, Cometa, Los Pinos, Los Reyes, La Montura to Constancia and Santa Cruz is almost 7 kilometres. The southern area from south west of Apomal to San Manuel and to Las Brujas-El Peru provides additional exploration potential up to 6km. Drill hole Information A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes: easting and northing of the drill hole collar elevation or RL (Reduced Level - elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar dip and azimuth of the hole down hole length and interception depth hole length. If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case. No drill holes reported in this announcement. For channel sample results, see Table 2 for full details and figures in the announcement. Data aggregation methods In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail. The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. Potentially underground mineable intercepts are calculated as length weighted averages of material greater than or equal to 1 g/t AuEQ_70 allowing up to 2m of internal dilution. Potentially open-pit mineable intercepts are calculated as length weighted averages of material greater than or equal to 0.25 g/t AuEQ_70 allowing for up to 2m of internal dilution. No upper cut-off is applied to reporting intercepts. Length weighted averaging is used to report intercepts. The example of CDH-002 is shown. The line of zero assays is a standard which was removed from reporting. Au Raw silver raw Length (m) Au *length silver *length 7.51 678 0.5 3.755 339 11.85 425 0.55 6.5175 233.75 0 0 0 0 0 0.306 16 1 0.306 16 0.364 31.7 1 0.364 31.7 3.15 241 0.5 1.575 120.5 10.7 709 0.5 5.35 354.5 15.6 773 0.5 7.8 386.5 From To Length Au gpt silver gpt 4.55 25.667 1481.9 91.95 96.5 4.55 5.64 325.7 In determining the gold equivalent (AuEq.) grade for reporting, a gold:silver price ratio of 70:1 was determined, using the formula: AuEq grade = Au grade + ((silver grade/70) x (silver recovery/Au recovery)). The metal prices used to determine the 70:1 ratio are the cumulative average prices for 2021: gold USD1,798.34 and silver: USD25.32 (actual is 71:1) from kitco.com. At this early stage, the metallurgical recoveries are assumed to be equal. Subsequent preliminary metallurgical test work produced recoveries of 91% for silver and 96% for gold (ASX Announcement 25 February 2022). For Rock Saw Channel Sampling and soil sampling in the Copalquin District, silverEq is determined using the formula: silverEq grade = silver grade + ((Au grade x 70) x (Au recovery/silver recovery)). The metal prices used to determine the 70:1 ratio are the cumulative average prices for 2021: gold USD1,798.34 and silver: USD25.32 (actual is 71:1) from kitco.com. At this early stage, the metallurgical recoveries for Au and silver are assumed to be equal in the absence of metallurgical test work for Targets 2, 3, 4 and 5 material. In the Company's opinion there is reasonable potential for both gold and silver to be extracted and sold. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results. If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported. If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (eg 'down hole length, true width not known'). True widths at Refugio between sections 120 and 1,000 vary according to the hole's dip. Holes drilled at -50 degrees may be considered to have intercept lengths equal to true-widths, Holes drilled at -70 degrees had true widths approximately 92% of the reported intercept lengths and holes drilled at -90 degrees had true widths of 77% of the reported intercept lengths. True widths at La Soledad are not fully understood and downhole intercepts to date, are reported. At Las Brujas in Target 2, true widths are not yet known since we are still in the early stages of target definition. Rock sawn channel samples are cut perpendicular to the observed vein orientation wherever possible Diagrams Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported. These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views. See figures in announcement Balanced reporting Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results. All exploration results are reported for intercepts greater than or equal to 0.1 g/t gold equivalent (gold plus silver at 70:1 price ratio for gold:silver). Other substantive exploration data Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. No additional exploration data are substantive at this time. Metallurgical test work on drill core composite made of crushed drill core from the El Refugio drill hole samples has been conducted. The samples used for the test work are representative of the material that makes up the majority of the Maiden Resource Estimate for El Refugio release on 17 th November 2021. The test work was conducted by SGS laboratory Mexico using standard reagents and test equipment. Further work The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. The Company drilled 148 diamond core holes from July 2020 to July 2022 for 32,712 m. The Company has stated its target to drill 40,000m from June 2024 until the end of 2025. Diagrams are included in the announcements and presentations showing the drill target areas within the Copalquin District 1 See 'About Copalquin Gold Silver Project' section for JORC MRE details and AuEq. calculation. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269787 SOURCE: Mithril Silver and Gold Limited HONG KONG, Oct 9, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - - The 20th edition of Eco Expo Asia, themed Green Innovations for Carbon Neutrality, will gather over 300 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions- The Expo will spotlight three key areas ' Circular Economy and Waste Management, Green & Smart Mobility, and ESG-related Services ' presenting diverse solutions for environmental protection. Professionals from all industries are welcome to collaborate on green business opportunities- Highlight event Eco Asia Conference will feature government representatives from the Chinese Mainland and Belt and Road countries, alongside global industry leaders, to share the latest policies, projects and insights on critical environmental issues- Public Day (31 October) will offer complimentary admission to the public to promote sustainable lifestyles, featuring green talks and workshopsEco Expo Asia 2025, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and co-organised by the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), will be held from 28 to 31 October at AsiaWorld-Expo. Exhibitors and buyers can connect via the Click2Match virtual business matching platform from 21 October to 7 November. The last day of the fair, Public Day on 31 October, will be open to the public with complimentary admission.HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Jenny Koo said: 'President Xi Jinping said in a video address at the United Nations Climate Summit during the annual UN General Assembly meeting that China will, by 2035, reduce economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions by 7-10% from peak levels and will 'strive to do even better'. This will significantly boost demand for environmental products. Furthermore, the Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address has highlighted new directions in green policy, including fostering green and low-carbon living environments, expediting the application of green technologies and promoting the development of the green I&T sector and green and sustainable finance.'Ms Koo added: 'Marking its 20th edition, this year's Eco Expo Asia is themed Green Innovations for Carbon Neutrality. As a business platform for ESG and sustainable solutions, the Expo will showcase the latest products and technologies in new energy, green living and environmental protection. This year, Eco Expo Asia will attract over 300 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions, with strong participation from government suppliers from the Chinese Mainland, as well as from ASEAN and Belt and Road countries, helping industries worldwide seize the vast opportunities created by the green economy.'Speaking at the press conference, the Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Department of the HKSAR Government, Dr. Vanessa Au, expressed: 'We hope that this year's Eco Expo Asia will continue its role as a platform for sharing and implementing the latest green technologies and applications. By engaging with visitors from Chinese Mainland and Belt & Road countries, including ASEAN countries, Central Asian countries, South Asian countries and Middle Eastern countries, we seek to collectively address climate change and drive progress towards carbon neutrality. It also aims to foster exchange and co-operation among the government, industry and the community, to work together on exploring ways to promote a green economy and low-carbon living, contributing to Hong Kong's efforts towards a more sustainable future.'Global exhibitors and worldwide pavilionsThis year's Expo brings together leading international exhibitors. Korea and Italy will stage group participations for the first time, with the Korea pavilion featuring solutions in air purification, deodorisation, water quality management and waste treatment. Norway, the Netherlands and Canada will return following success in previous years. From the Chinese Mainland, participations from Guangzhou, Shenzhen and other Greater Bay Area cities will return, joined by Guangxi, Hunan, Shanghai and Inner Mongolia. The ANSO Environmental Technology Industry Alliance, led by the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions (ANSO), together with 11 mainland enterprises, will make its debut, showcasing technologies related to water resources and the atmospheric environment.In Hong Kong, a joint government pavilion featuring 11 bureaux and departments, including the Environment and Ecology Bureau, will highlight the latest policies and initiatives. The Environmental Campaign Committee will debut with 22 local start-ups presenting a variety of green innovations. The Hong Kong Pavilion, supported by the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department and coordinated by the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, will feature 20 companies, while Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation will lead 10 start-ups to make a joint appearance.The Expo is also actively building a platform to support Hong Kong and mainland enterprises to "go global" and explore new opportunities in green trade. Leveraging the HKTDC's network of 51 offices worldwide, the Expo is actively inviting buyers from the Chinese Mainland and overseas to visit and source at the event. Buyers from across Asia ' including Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam ' as well as from Europe, including Hungary and Poland, will attend.In collaboration with the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Expo will extend invitations to government service providers from the Chinese Mainland, as well as from ASEAN and Belt and Road countries, to visit and source green technologies and products. Local government departments and related organisations will also continue to be invited to attend and procure at the event.Three key areas to showcase the latest environmental solutionsThe Expo will showcase a diverse range of green technologies, focusing on three major areas: Circular Economy and Waste Management, Green & Smart Mobility, and ESG-related Services.In Circular Economy and Waste Management, Hong Kong exhibitor Green AI Technology Limited will display a smart sorting bin powered by machine vision and AI algorithms. China Everbright Environment Group Limited will return with waste-to-energy solutions that transform waste into resources, supporting sustainable urban development.In Green & Smart Mobility, CUHK-incubated start-up Luquos Energy Limited will showcase the world's first commercialised sulphur-based flow battery energy storage system, at nearly half the cost of lithium batteries. The zone will also feature various electric vehicles and charging facilities. First-time exhibitor Infore Enviro Technology Group Co., Ltd will display its electric compactor truck.The green industry is promoting ESG disclosure and low-carbon transformation and is actively seeking various ESG-related services, as it seeks to foster closer collaboration between industries and financial institutions to accelerate Hong Kong's development as a green and sustainable finance centre. CECEP (Hong Kong) Investment Co. Ltd. will showcase its innovative tool, EnvAI, which provides businesses with one-stop ESG services, including ESG data collection and analysis, and automated report generation. Llewellyn and Partners Company Limited will showcase AutoTwin, a patented AI-powered integrated management platform for the construction industry. This platform optimises energy efficiency, reduces carbon footprints and promotes green urban development.In Research Institutions and Start-ups, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation will spotlight its start-up afterNATURE Ltd, which is showcasing its Deep Hexagonal Basin product. This innovation creates habitats for marine life on its surface, helping to preserve coastal biodiversity. Another start-up, Formwork IO, will present AtmosBrick and globally debut AtmosTile at the Expo. These 'carbon-negative' green building materials are designed to help reduce carbon emissions.Eco Asia Conference brings together industry leadersEco Expo's highlight event, Eco Asia Conference, will bring together global officials and experts to exchange insights on pressing environmental issues. On 28 October, the first day of the Expo, the conference will focus on the latest circular economy developments. This includes the launch of the Hong Kong Circular Built Environment Guidebook, jointly compiled by the Business Environment Council, Hong Kong Green Building Council and Construction Industry Council, which provides the latest green guidelines as well as practical case studies for the construction industry.In addition, on 30 October, the third day of the Expo, the conference will have two main themes ' 'Building a Sustainable Future: Gearing Towards a Net-Zero Built Environment' and 'Green & Smart Mobility ' Envisioning the Future of Transportation' ' showcasing how the construction and transportation industries can collaborate effectively to achieve carbon neutrality.Other exciting activities include the FHKI Q-Mark Low Carbon Restaurant Award 2025 on 28 October, the first day of the Expo. Organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Industries and the Hong Kong Q-Mark Council, the award recognises outstanding commitment to sustainability and low-carbon practices within the restaurant industry, while inspiring positive change and helping shape a sustainable future for dining.The 6th Hydrogen Economy Forum will be held on the second day of the Expo, on 29 October. Representatives from Towngas and experts from the Chinese Mainland and overseas ' including the China Hydrogen Development and Innovation Alliance for Urban Gas, Veolia and Aerospace Hydrogen Energy Technology Co., Ltd. ' will share insights into frontier hydrogen energy technologies and successful case studies, while exploring how cooperation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area can further advance hydrogen applications.Moreover, on the second day of the Expo on 29 October, the Experience Sharing Forum on Promoting Environmental Business in Overseas Markets will invite representatives from Belt and Road countries to introduce the latest updates on environmental industry investment policies across different regions. Green technology companies from the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong will also present their latest solutions and share their 'go global' experiences to promote regional exchanges and seize new opportunities in green trade.To further foster the growth of start-ups in the environmental industry, the Expo has specifically arranged a series of activities to showcase the achievements of Hong Kong's green start-ups. Among these, the Startup Edge Forum will invite representatives from various environmental fields to share industry developments and future directions.Public Day promotes green livingTo encourage the public to participate in environmental initiatives and experience green lifestyles, the last day of the Expo on 31 October will be a Public Day, with complimentary admission for the general public. Visitors can participate in a series of seminars and green workshops. Ocean Park will introduce its 'Mission R' on saving species and habitats, while environmental KOL Yeung Ting (aka imsheeppoo) will share tips for joyful green living. Visitors can also participate in green workshops, such as a Beeswax Wrap Workshop and a Board Game Workshop. Additionally, there will be a Green Mart on-site, where the public can shop for green products.Meanwhile, the HKTDC is also staging four major technology fairs this month. The Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and electronicAsia will run concurrently from next Monday to Thursday (13 to 16 October) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). These will be followed by the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition), taking place from 27 to 30 October at the HKCEC, and the Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo, which will be held from 28 to 31 October at AsiaWorld-Expo. These fairs will be held concurrently with Eco Expo Asia, creating synergies between the events. Complimentary shuttle bus services will be arranged between the venues and major hotels and transport interchanges. For details, please refer to the following website: https://www.hktdc.com/event/ecoexpoasia/tc/travel-to-fairground-awePhoto downloadhttps://bit.ly/42AeP2yJenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, introducing the highlights of Eco Expo Asia at the press conference, shares that this year's Policy Address presents new directions in green policy and highlights the importance of the new energy industry and the development of a green, low-carbon living environment. Eco Expo Asia aligns perfectly with these themes by showcasing the latest eco-friendly products and technologiesJenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director (centre); Dr. Au Sze Man, Vanessa, Deputy Director of Environmental Protection, Environmental Protection Department, HKSAR (left); and Jack Wong, Deputy General Manager, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd (right) attend today's press conferenceCUHK incubated start-up Luquos Energy Limited showcases the world's first commercialised sulphur-based flow battery energy storage systemSany Turbo Fly Machine Limited displays a model of a four-in-one electrolyser for hydrogen energy, providing enterprises and local governments with various new solutions to produce and store hydrogenHong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation is leading 10 start-ups to participate in the Expo, including Formwork IO, which will showcase its AtmosBrick and globally debut AtmosTile ' a 'carbon-negative' green building material ' at the eventLlewellyn and Partners Company Limited introduces AutoTwin, which has been designed for the construction industry, providing carbon management and environmental assessment tools for enterprisesWebsiteEco Expo Asia: www.ecoexpoasia.comMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department:SStanley So Tel: (852) 2584 4049 Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.orgClayton Lauw Tel: (852) 2584 4472 Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.orgThe HKTDC's Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels.About Messe FrankfurtThe Messe Frankfurt Group is one of the world's leading trade fair, congress and event organisers with their own exhibition grounds. With a workforce of some 2,160 people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 28 subsidiaries, it organises events around the world. Group sales in financial year 2022 were around '454 million. We serve our customers' business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of Messe Frankfurt's key strengths is its powerful and closely knit global sales network, which covers around 180 countries in all regions of the world. Our comprehensive range of services ' both onsite and online ' ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are using our digital expertise to develop new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Sustainability is a central pillar of our corporate strategy. Here, we strike a healthy balance between ecological and economic interests, social responsibility and diversity.For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability. With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent). For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.comSource: HKTDCCopyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Backed by Victory Square, Pawsible combines capital, incubation, and distribution to accelerate diagnostics, AI, insurance, and wellness innovation in the $250B+ global pet economy. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / Behind every healthy pet is a founder bold enough to build what doesn't yet exist. Today, Pawsible Ventures announces the launch of a $10 million venture fund and studio dedicated to reimagining how we care for animals, by backing and building the next generation of companies transforming the $250B+ global pet health and wellness market. As pet spending now surpasses baby spending in many households, the world's bond with animals has never been stronger. Yet the infrastructure that supports that bond, from diagnostics and insurance to clinical access, is still broken. Veterinary care is under pressure, diagnostics are reactive instead of preventative, and early-stage founders in animal health face systemic barriers to funding and scale. Pawsible exists to change that. A New Breed of Venture Studio Pawsible is not another venture fund. It's a platform that builds. By combining capital, incubation, and distribution under one roof, Pawsible accelerates the journey from idea to impact for founders in pet health. Portfolio companies will have access to: Capital at the earliest stages - $10M earmarked for pre-seed and incubation-stage startups. In-house venture studio - quarterly cohorts where entrepreneurs and veterinarians co-create and validate new products. Instant distribution - through Victory Square's ecosystem , Pawsible companies plug directly into proven healthcare infrastructure including: 3,000+ nurses and doctors across North America National pharmacy network and compounding capabilities Clinics and direct-to-consumer telehealth channels Integrated lab systems for diagnostics and preventative care The result: founders can scale from day one instead of spending years building from scratch. "Pet health is one of the fastest-growing industries on the planet, but early-stage founders are starved for capital and support," said Alex Chieng, Co-Founder & CEO of Pawsible Ventures. "With Pawsible, we're not just investing, we're building. From diagnostics and AI-powered tools to emotional wellness and compounding, our companies will have the capital, IP, and distribution to move fast and make an impact." The Model: Fund + Studio + Scale The $10M fund will deploy both internally through the studio and externally into strategic opportunities, with initial checks ranging from $100K-$500K and room for follow-ons. Over the next three years, Pawsible aims to back 15-20 startups, with a global mandate. The fund's cornerstone investors include technology operators, health innovators, and Victory Square Technologies, a publicly traded venture builder with a decade-long track record scaling category-defining companies in digital health, AI, and wellness. "We've built the pipes that connect innovators to patients in human health - now we're opening those pipes to animal health," said Shafin Diamond Tejani, Co-Founder of Pawsible Ventures and CEO of Victory Square Technologies. "The next billion-dollar pet health company won't be born in isolation. It'll be born inside a studio like Pawsible - with capital, infrastructure, and distribution from day one." Why Now The timing couldn't be better - or more urgent: The global pet care market is projected to reach $427.7 billion by 2032 , growing at 6.6% CAGR (Fortune Business Insights, 2024). Animal healthcare alone surpassed $186 billion USD in 2023 (GMI Insights, 2024). Yet less than 3% of pet owners worldwide carry insurance , and most clinics still rely on outdated tech and manual systems. Pet humanization and the rise of AI, telehealth, and personalization are reshaping how families care for animals. Pawsible Ventures aims to be the connective tissue between those macro forces, turning innovation into accessible care for millions of pets and families. Building the Backbone for Pet Health From telehealth and diagnostics to compounding pharmacies and emotional wellness, Pawsible's model creates the foundation for what the team calls "the next decade of pet health infrastructure." The platform's first cohort will focus on solutions across: Veterinary care & practice management Diagnostics, biohealth, and insurance AI and automation tools for veterinarians Behavioral and emotional wellness Personalized pharmaceuticals and wellness products Call to Action Founders: Applications are now open for Pawsible's first incubator cohort launching later this year. Investors: Accredited investors can request participation details at investor@pawsible.vc . Media: Interviews with founders and portfolio companies available upon request. Founding Team Alex Chieng - Co-Founder & CEO, Pawsible Ventures Alex Chieng is a serial entrepreneur, venture builder, and pet-health innovator with deep experience across AI, telemedicine, and digital wellness. He previously co-founded Vetsie, one of North America's first veterinary telemedicine and AI platforms, and has since advised early-stage companies across healthtech, software, and wellness on commercialization, product strategy, and distribution. A graduate of the Founder Institute and co-winner of the world's largest AI hackathon, Alex has built a career at the intersection of technology and animal health. He is also an alumni of Leap Ventures, a global accelerator backed by Mars Petcare, where he collaborated with leaders shaping the future of veterinary medicine, telehealth, and wellness. As Co-Founder and CEO of Pawsible Ventures, Alex now leads a $10M Fund I and venture studio dedicated to backing and co-building the next generation of animal-wellness companies. Drawing from his expertise in early-stage scaling, corporate strategy, and venture operations, he focuses on bridging the gap between innovation and distribution - bringing proven human-health infrastructure models into animal health. Shafin Diamond Tejani - Co-Founder, Pawsible Ventures & CEO, Victory Square Shafin Diamond Tejani is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and venture builder with nearly three decades of experience launching and scaling technology companies across healthtech, AI, gaming, climate tech, and Web3. As Founder and CEO of Victory Square, he has built a global portfolio of 40+ startups across 20+ countries, creating over $1 billion in shareholder value. His venture-build model - combining capital, operational expertise, and distribution - has delivered breakout growth stories including Hydreight Technologies, one of North America's fastest-growing digital health platforms, recognized by Deloitte's Tech Fast 500 (#56), the Financial Times' Fastest Growing Companies in the Americas (#13), and the TSX Venture Top 50. Shafin's track record and venture-build model now underpin Pawsible Ventures, a $10M fund and venture studio focused on transforming the $250B+ global pet health market. He has been recognized as EY Entrepreneur of the Year, Canadian Angel Investor of the Year, and a recipient of the Prime Minister's Volunteer Award. Beyond business, he is passionate about venture philanthropy-having contributed over 10,000 volunteer hours and helped raise more than $88 million for community causes. About Pawsible Ventures Pawsible Ventures is where capital meets creation: a venture studio and early-stage fund shaping the future of pet health. Based in Vancouver, Pawsible backs and builds category-defining startups reimagining veterinary care, diagnostics, insurance, and wellness for the modern pet era. By fusing capital, operational firepower, and distribution, Pawsible doesn't just invest in ideas - it engineers scale from day one. Its mission is to bridge the breakthroughs of human health into animal health, accelerating technologies that make pet care more connected, personalized, and accessible than ever before. Targeting the $250B+ global pet care economy, Pawsible Ventures is igniting the next wave of innovation at the intersection of AI, biotech, and compassion, powering the founders who will define the future of life with pets. Learn more at www.pawsible.vc. SOURCE: Pawsible Ventures View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/pawsible-ventures-launches-10m-fund-and-venture-studio-to-build-the-n-1080140 Fulling brings with him over 25 years of executive experience in the Life Sciences industry David Herron to serve as a senior advisor and maintain seat on the Board of Perceptive Imaging, continuing to support the firm's growth and development Perceptive Imaging ("Perceptive" or "the Company"), a global leader in clinical trial imaging for the worldwide clinical research community, is pleased to announce the appointment of Doug Fulling as CEO, succeeding David Herron, who led the company since 2022. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009485095/en/ Doug Fulling, CEO of Perceptive Imaging Fulling took up his new position on October 1st and will lead an ambitious growth strategy aimed at significantly enhancing client services, developing innovative new technologies and increasing capacity to help Perceptive's clients achieve their clinical development objectives. Following the transition, Herron will remain with the business, maintaining a seat on Perceptive Imaging's Board of Directors. Doug Fulling brings with him over 25 years of executive management and business development experience in the Life Sciences industry. This includes serving as President of Precision AQ (part of Precision Medicine Group) and prior to that President of Symphony Health (an ICON Plc Company). He previously held a range of other senior positions with leading industry players such as PRA Health Sciences and MDS Pharma Services. Perceptive Imaging's customer centric operating model has in recent years seen the company achieve significant new business growth and secure a robust pipeline of upcoming studies. Its standing among Top 20 pharma companies and leading industry players has also seen Perceptive continue to successfully secure a number of renewed mandates from some of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. As of 30 June 2025, Perceptive Imaging had supported almost 400 regulatory approvals. Commenting on his appointment, Doug Fulling said: "Perceptive Imaging has undergone significant transformation in recent years and is strongly positioned to embark on the next chapter of the company's development. I have followed the company's evolution for more than a decade and am very honored to join the Perceptive team at such an exciting time. I look forward to working with my new colleagues and our clients to deliver the imaging solutions and services needed to bring new medical treatments to patients sooner. As David Herron transitions to a Board role, we thank him for all the work he has done during his tenure as CEO to evolve Perceptive Imaging into a highly sophisticated healthcare platform with very exciting future prospects." David Herron said: "We are very pleased to appoint an executive of Doug Fulling's caliber to lead Perceptive Imaging into the future. His wealth of experience and proven track record of scaling organizations with integrity and vision, along with all our people's incredible expertise, knowledge and dedication, will leave Perceptive well positioned to realize our ambitious plans. I am incredibly proud of what the team and I have built together in recent years and excited for what lies ahead. I know Perceptive will continue to thrive under Doug's leadership and look forward to supporting him and the team as a member of the Board to drive innovation and cultivate new strategic partnerships that position Perceptive and its clients for long-term success." About Perceptive Imaging Perceptive Imaging is a leading global provider of high-quality clinical trial imaging services for the worldwide clinical research community. Built on market-leading scientific expertise, scalable operations, and a firm commitment to client success, Perceptive Imaging helps global pharmaceutical, biotech, and clinical research organizations accelerate the delivery of life-saving treatments to millions of patients around the world. With operations in Europe, North America, China, and India, Perceptive has supported 25% of all imaging studies since 1997. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009485095/en/ Contacts: Christine Tobin Sr. Mgr., Corporate and Marketing Communications Christine.tobin@perceptive.com Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Demand for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) chipsets is rising globally, driven by growth in key verticals such as automotive and transportation, consumer electronics, and asset tracking applications. According to global technology intelligence firm ABI Research, global GNSS chipset shipments are projected to grow to 2.4 billion by 2029. China is expected to lead this growth with the highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.2% between 2024 and 2029, followed closely by Western Europe at 6.7% and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region (excluding China) at 5.6%. In contrast, the Middle East and Africa is anticipated to see slower growth, with a CAGR of 2.7%. "We are seeing a growing demand for consumer electronics, especially in countries like India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand," explains Rachel Kong, Research Analyst at ABI Research. "This is fueled by the rapidly growing middle-class populations and smartphone penetration rates, which are boosting the adoption of GNSS-enabled smartphones, wearables, and tablets. In particular, the Sport & Wearables category - which includes devices such as smartwatches, smart glasses, fitness & wellness trackers, and wearable cameras - is forecast to see the highest CAGR of 13.2% between 2024 and 2029." Another key technology experiencing rapid growth is GNSS chipsets supporting the E6 band, an emerging GNSS frequency designed for high-precision applications. These chipsets are expected to achieve a strong CAGR of 36.7% between 2024 and 2029, largely driven by high-precision applications such as autonomous driving, aerospace, critical infrastructure monitoring, land surveying, and new location-based services. With increasing global interoperability and integration of multiple GNSS solutions, worldwide demand for seamless, high-precision navigation continues to rise. "Manufacturers are more willing to adopt multi-constellation chipsets to support a broader range of applications and geographies," said Kong. In addition, vendors such as Quectel, Unicore, Trimble, and ComNav Technology are increasingly launching and developing products that support the E6 band. Recent updates, including Trimble's firmware enabling Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) on its devices, and Unicore introducing the UM981 high-precision positioning model, demonstrate the growing traction of this frequency band. Multi-frequency bands are also gaining significance by offering enhanced positioning accuracy, improved signal reliability, and better resistance to interference. "These bands are already widely used in sectors such as aviation, maritime, and automotive, and their adoption will continue to grow as new use applications emerge and evolve over time," said Kong. These findings are from ABI Research's Outdoor/Wide Area Location Technologies market data report, part of the company's Space Technologies and Innovation research service, which includes research, data, and ABI Insights. About ABI Research ABI Research is a global technology intelligence firm uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology solution providers and end-market companies. We serve as the bridge that seamlessly connects these two segments by providing exclusive research and expert guidance to drive successful technology implementations and deliver strategies proven to attract and retain customers. ABI Research?????????????,?????????,???????????????????????,??????????????,??????????????????????????,?????????? For more information about ABI Research's services, contact us at +1.516.624.2500 in the Americas, +44.203.326.0140 in Europe, +65.6592.0290 in Asia-Pacific, or visit www.abiresearch.com. Contact Info: Global Jason Scheer Tel: +1.516.624.2558 pr@abiresearch.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2309035/ABI_Research_2024.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gnss-chipset-shipments-to-hit-2-4-billion-by-2029--fueled-by-wearables-and-high-precision-applications-302579122.html Image Attribution, from left to right: Cross-section of a Cosmic Orange aster flower with pollen grains maturing inside anthers. Captured by Igor Siwanowicz of the United States 2024. Nervous system of a juvenile sea star (Patiria miniata) about 1 cm wide. Captured by Laurent Formery of the United States 2022. Arabidopsis thaliana flower with pollen tubes growing through the pistil. Captured by Jan Martinek of Czech Republic 2021. WALTHAM, Mass., Oct. 09, 2025. Winners will be selected by a jury and announced in spring 2026. Contest Details The global prize and three regional prizes will be awarded to the scientific images that receive the highest scores. The grand prize for the global winner is an Evident SZX7 stereo microscope with a DP23 digital camera or Evident UPLXAPO Objectives. Prizes also include an Evident CX23 upright microscope or SZ61 stereo microscope for the regional winners in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. An additional prize of an SZ61 stereo microscope will be awarded to the winner of a dedicated category for materials science and engineering images. The international jury consists of experts in science and imaging. Returning from last year are Geoff Williams, manager of the Leduc Bioimaging Facility at Brown University ; Harini Sreenivasappa, microscopy facility manager of the Cell Imaging Center at Drexel University ; and Wen-Tai Chiu, professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at National Cheng Kung University . New to the jury are Eliska Macickova, light microscopy application specialist at the University of Zurich ; Ben Dubin-Thaler, founder and executive director of BioBus; and Jung Weon Lee, professor in the Department of Pharmacy at Seoul National University . All entries will be evaluated based on artistic and visual aspects, scientific impact and microscope proficiency. Full contest terms and conditions can be found at Evidentscientific.com/en/landing/ioty-six-annual . About the Image of the Year Award Evident's Image of the Year Award began in 2017 as the Image of the Year European Life Science Light Microscopy Award with the aim to celebrate both the artistic and scientific value of microscopy images. Today, the competition stays true to this mission by encouraging people around the world to look at scientific images in a new way, appreciate their beauty, and share images with others. To learn more about our past award-winning images and the microscope techniques used to capture them, visit Evidentscientific.com/en/ioty-gallery . About EVIDENT For over 100 years as Olympus, we set the industry standard for optical precision in microscopy, helping the world see what was once out of view. Today, as Evident, we continue to help scientists, physicians, and engineers illuminate the unseen with advanced imaging solutions that combine renowned optics with cutting-edge digital innovation. Our life science portfolio supports research, clinical diagnostics, and education, offering a comprehensive range of imaging methods from essential brightfield and darkfield microscopy to advanced fluorescence, 4D analysis, and digital pathology. In industrial microscopy, we deliver precision and flexibility through laser scanning, digital, and semiconductor microscopes designed for tasks ranging from routine inspection to intricate quality control and manufacturing analysis. Whether advancing new therapies, ensuring product integrity, or exploring the unknown, Evident is defining a new era of discovery with easy-to-use tools that help unlock hidden answers and empower exciting new breakthroughs. Evident is headquartered in Tokyo and supported by R&D and manufacturing centers in Japan, the United States, Germany, and China, with operations and dedicated sales and service centers around the world. For more information, visit EvidentScientific.com . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f643a70c-ae8c-4166-aae5-3772ab6cb0ce Media Contact: Michelle Gaynor michelle.gaynor.ext@evidentscientific.com +1 609 828 3634 DALLAS, TX / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com On Saturday, October 4th, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation painted the town of Addison pink for the 21st Annual MK5K event. The pink movement spread from coast to coast through Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants who held their own fundraising events in communities and cities representing nearly every state and territory across the U.S. Participants could run, walk, bike, or get creative to compete in the annual event that has raised over $250,000 for the Mary Kay Ash Foundation with fundraising efforts running through October 31st. The Foundation raises and distributes funds to invest in breakthrough cancer research and clinical trials to find a cure for women-related cancers and also provides annual grants to nonprofits dedicated to ending domestic violence. Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has contributed more than $98 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, it supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. "Each year, we race to help improve the health and safety of all women, and I'm ecstatic to see the growth in participation and the financial impact we make year after year. The annual MK5K was created to raise funds that support all women - not just those who work tirelessly to carry on my great-grandmother's dream of empowering women around the world," said Jessica Bair, great-granddaughter of founder Mary Kay Ash. "It's amazing to see the support from our sponsors and donors, corporate volunteers and runners, and all the virtual runners who participate in this event across the U.S." In recent years, the rise of virtual "runners" who participate in the event has made a huge impact to the amount of funds raised each year. "There is something profoundly moving about witnessing thousands of women and their families unite, both in person and virtually, for the MK5K," said Anne Crews, Vice President of Public Affairs at Mary Kay Inc. and Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board Member. "This event is more than a race; it's a powerful symbol of solidarity and hope. Every step taken reflects the Mary Kay Ash Foundation's unwavering commitment to transforming lives through groundbreaking research in women's cancers and vital support for survivors of domestic violence." The Foundation is tickled pink with the success of this year's event, and the race is on for the next MK5K, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026. Here are the impressive results from this year's event: $258,700 raised 2,656 participants 378 fundraising teams 7,942 miles logged 147 miles (1-mile fun run) 7,795 miles (5K) 2,149 generous donors 16 corporate sponsors Did You Know? The Mary Kay Ash Foundation announced partnership with The National Domestic Violence Hotline ("The Hotline") - the nation's leading resource for survivors and those seeking to support them - to create a nationwide initiative focused on trauma-informed education, community engagement, and life-saving tools to help individuals recognize and respond to abuse. The partnership provides training webinars, downloadable resources, and a series of short videos. The Mary Kay Ash Foundation awarded a $100,000 grant to the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation Amy Selkirk Breast Cancer Research Fund to further support the second year of a first of its kind clinical trial conducted by Joyce O'Shaughnessy, MD, Celebrating Women Chair in Breast Cancer Research. This trial explores weight loss inhibitors to prevent breast cancer recurrence in overweight patients. The Mary Kay Ash Foundation awarded a $400,000 multi-year grant in support of the newly established Texas Cancer Interception Institute, a first of its kind program utilizing cutting edge biomarker technology, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) blood-based assays offered on a huge scale to improve cancer care with an emphasis on early detection. The Mary Kay Ash Foundation awarded nearly $3 million in cancer research and domestic violence shelter grants around the country in 2025. The Mary Kay Ash Foundationhas awarded more than $98 million to women's shelters and domestic violence service providers, as well as cancer research programs and related causes throughout the U.S. For more information, visit marykayashfoundation.org *** About Mary Kay Ash Foundation Guided by Mary Kay Ash's dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation raises and distributes funds to end domestic violence and invest in breakthrough cancer research to find cures for women-related cancers. Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has contributed more than $98 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. Together, we can make the world better for women. To learn more about how to educate, advocate, volunteer, donate, and join life-saving work to support and empower women, visit marykayashfoundation.org, or find us on Facebook and Instagram. ### Over 2,600 registered participants set out to complete their MK5K and to "Run For Her" - the women in their lives impacted by domestic violence and women-related cancers. (Photo Courtesy: Paul Vela) View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Mary Kay on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Mary Kay Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mary-kay Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Mary Kay View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/thousands-lace-up-across-u.s.-to-%22run-for-her%22-at-the-2025-mary-1084976 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Northstar Gold Corp. (CSE: NSG) ("Northstar" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce the signing of a Surgical Mining Services Agreement (the "Agreement") with Novamera Inc. ("Novamera") to deploy their patented Turnkey Surgical Mining technology from surface to mine high-grade copper from Zone 2 at Northstar's historic Cam Copper Mine1,2,3 (the "Cam Copper Project", or "Project") situated 18 kilometres southeast of Kirkland Lake, Ontario at the Company's 100%-owned Miller Copper-Gold Property. The Agreement and previously signed Letter of Intent ("LOI") (Please see Northstar News Release dated July 23, 2025) is predicated on Novamera's recent positive "Zone 2 Proposed Development and Surgical Mining Evaluation Study" (Please see Northstar News Release dated June 26, 2025) and Northstar's recently announced near surface Zone 2 Exploration Target 3D models and high-grade copper and tonnage ranges of 75,000 to 140,000 tonnes grading between 9% and 18% copper, with a conceptual average grade of 12% copper4 (Please see Northstar News Release dated June 12, 2025). Agreement Highlights Purpose: The Agreement provides for the deployment of Novamera's Surgical process on the near-surface, high-grade Zone 2 volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) horizon at Cam Copper. The objective is to determine whether the mineralization is technically and environmentally suitable for this precision, low-impact extraction method. Novamera's Surgical Mining represents a transformative, data-driven approach to unlocking high-grade, steeply dipping tabular deposits, such as Northstar's Zone 2. Currently being deployed at Great Atlantic's Golden Promise project in Newfoundland, this method significantly reduces capital expenditures (CAPEX), accelerates the time to first production, and minimizes environmental and social impacts. Scope: The Agreement scope of work envisages Novamera deploying its proprietary turnkey Surgical Mining solution (the "Turnkey Solution") to extract a conceptual 116,000 tonnes of Zone 2 material using 93 extraction holes over an estimated period of 31 months.5 Novamera's Turnkey Solution integrates simulation, real-time downhole imaging, data analytics positioning and steering technologies with conventional large-diameter drilling to selectively extract mineralized material and subsequent void backfilling. The Agreement includes simulation, planning, permitting support, and site preparation phases leading to a potential pilot program, subject to receipt of required permits and financing. Funding and Cost Structure: Under the Agreement, Northstar will provide an advance payment of US $1.535 million, in staged installments, to support planning, logistics, and equipment readiness once permitting and financing conditions are met. Novamera has been assisting Northstar by introducing prospective financial and strategic partners to fund the Project. Northstar's Cam Copper Project financing strategy is underpinned by leveraging CAPEX and operational expense against future revenue by way of non-dilutive advanced royalty financing(s), government grants, offtake agreement, service provider partnership agreements and equity private placement offering(s) to position current and select new strategic investors as required. Financing efforts are ongoing, and further details will be provided in the near term. Compensation Framework: Should the Project proceed, Novamera would be compensated through a variable tonnage rate and monthly service fee, and, if successful, could earn a 5 percent Net Smelter Return (NSR) revenue share on future production from material extracted using its Turnkey Solution. Right of First Refusal: Novamera holds a five-year right of first refusal to apply its technology and the Turnkey Solution on other Miller and Boston Creek area deposits that are determined, through further evaluation, to be technically suited to Surgical Mining. Management Commentary Brian P. Fowler, P.Geo., President, CEO and Director of Northstar, stated: "Executing this Agreement with Novamera marks a key milestone in our effort to apply Surgical Mining to provide a low-impact, cost-effective path to evaluate and potentially extract high-grade copper at Cam Copper. This collaboration allows Northstar to advance the Project responsibly while minimizing capital risk and environmental disturbance. The results from upcoming technical work and our pending NI 43-101 Technical Report will guide the next steps toward establishing an economic framework for the Project." Jim Hollis, CEO of Novamera, added, "We are excited to work with the Northstar team to help them unlock cash flow using our precision mining technology at Cam Copper. Our approach integrates data, sensors, automation, and robotics to quickly and sustainably unlock narrow-vein deposits with minimal footprint-offering the potential for a new standard in small-scale, responsible mineral extraction." Next Steps Northstar is advancing toward issuance of a Notice-to-Proceed under the Agreement by obtaining the necessary permits and project financing. The Company also intends to commission an NI 43-101-compliant Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate on the Cam Copper Project to formally evaluate the deposit's Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction before making any production or development decision. Footnotes 1 Ontario Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Mines Assessment File KL-0843, Prospectus of Fidelity Mining Investments Ltd. 1962. 2 Ontario Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines Mineral Deposit Inventory Record MDI31M13NW000154: Tretheway-Ossian- 1981, Ch.H. Cameron-1981. 3 Ontario Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Mines Assessment File KL-0259, Tretheway-Ossian (Cam Copper Mine). 1961 4 The above Exploration Target range in tonnes and grade highlights the exploration potential of Cam Copper No. 2 Zone. The quantity and quality are purely conceptual in nature. Insufficient exploration has been carried out to define a mineral resource on the property and a Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify the Cam Copper Exploration Target projection as a current mineral resource. These values cannot and should not be relied upon are only included herein as an indication of potential mineralization on the Property. Additional exploration including a 43-101 Technical Report, CIM and NI-43-101 reporting compliant mineral resource estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment are required to establish the economic potential of Cam Copper No. 2 Zone. It remains unclear whether a mineral resource will be delineated on the Property. 5 The above scope of work is a preliminary conceptual estimate based on early-stage evaluation and does not constitute a production decision. A NI43-101 reporting compliant Mineral Resource Estimate and supporting Technical Report are required to determine whether the Project has Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction. Cam Copper Surgical Mining Project The Cam Copper Mine. Zone 2 is interpreted to contain copper-rich, Besshi-style volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) mineralization-primarily chalcopyrite and bornite-extending from surface to a depth of approximately 200 metres, over a strike length of ~125 metres and an average width of 1 metre. The high-grade mineralization remains open at depth, plunging southeast at -71 degrees along a well-defined VMS feeder structure. Zone 2 is the largest of 3 narrow, steeply dipping tabular copper horizons with an historic estimate by a previous operator to average 10% copper over a 0.85 metre true width, 42-metre strike length and a minimum 140 metre depth extent from surface1. Northstar's 2023 and 2024 Zone 2 drilling (7 holes), including an intercept of 14.8% copper over 2.45 metres in drill hole CC-03-23 (Please See Northstar News Release dated Nov. 23, 2023), and Zone 2 Exploration Target4 results corroborate these historic estimates. Novamera's innovative Surgical Mining solution is well-suited to exploit Zone 2 copper mineralization with minimum mining dilution and environmental impact. This is facilitated by rotary drilling large-diameter holes from the surface, targeting Zone 2 copper mineralization. The resulting broken rock is recovered and shipped directly to a nearby mill for processing. The process comprises data-driven hardware and software solutions that guide the drilling process and minimize dilution. Once drilled, the holes can be immediately reclaimed to provide structural support to the mine with a minimal environmental footprint on surface. Northstar and Novamera have entered into a strategic agreement for the Cam Copper Project, with due diligence and implementation planning underway over the next several months. Novamera will earn a 5% revenue share from the Project. With a low upfront capital requirement of approximately US $1.5 million and the remainder of project capital costs structured off balance sheet, Novamera's approach offers an attractive risk-adjusted return profile. The Company is also actively pursuing non-dilutive funding to accelerate project initiation. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information related to the Exploration Target contained in this news release has been reviewed by Christopher Keech, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and Principal Geologist of CGK Consulting Services Inc., who is independent of the Company. Mr. Keech has verified that the information herein is consistent with Northstar's previously disclosed data and prior technical studies. Cautionary Note to Investors No mineral resource or reserve has yet been defined on the Cam Copper Project. All references to "mining," "production," "ore," or similar terms are used for descriptive purposes only and do not imply that an economic deposit has been demonstrated or that a production decision has been made. Additional exploration, engineering, and economic studies including a NI 43-101 Technical Report will be required to determine the Project's economic viability. About Northstar Northstar's primary exploration focus is to advance and expand the near-surface, Allied Gold Zone bulk- tonnage gold-telluride deposit and more recently discovered VMS copper mineral deposits on the Company's flagship, 100%-owned Miller Copper-Gold Property. The Company's strategy is to develop a material (+1M ounce gold / high-grade copper) mineral resource base to supplement a nearby mining operation or support stand-alone mining operations at the Property. Other Properties Northstar has 3 additional 100%-owned exploration projects in northern Ontario, including the 1,150 ha Rosegrove Property, situated 0.5 km from the Miller Property, the 4,650 ha Bryce Gold Property (includes the recently optioned Britcanna Lease), an intrusive-gold / PME VMS project located along the projected east extension of the Ridout Break, and the Temagami-Milestone Cu-Ni-Co Critical Minerals Property located in Strathcona Township. Northstar is seeking exploration partners to advance all 3 properties. About Novamera Founded in 2019, Novamera has developed a proprietary technology ecosystem that enables Surgical Mining, a precision, low-impact method for extracting high-value narrow-vein deposits. By integrating downhole sensors, robotics, software, and AI with standard drilling equipment, Novamera offers a capital-light, scalable solution that dramatically reduces time to production. The turnkey system unlocks stranded resources and delivers faster payback, lower costs, and improved ESG outcomes, addressing critical needs in the global supply of precious and critical minerals. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, disclosure regarding the completion of the Offering and potential gross proceeds to be raised pursuant thereto, the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals, the prospective nature of the Company's property interests, exploration plans and expected results, conditions or financial performance that is based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action; planned use of proceeds, expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. Generally, these forward-looking statements 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 the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results, "may", "could", "would", "will", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. All forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions, including, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of management, the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals. availability of financing, the assumed long-term price of gold, that the current exploration and other objectives concerning its mineral projects can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions and operations; the prospective nature of the Company's properties, availability of financing, and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of NSG to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks and uncertainties related to the completion of the Offering as presently proposed or at all, the failure to obtain all applicable regulatory approvals; actual results of current exploration activities; environmental risks; future prices of gold; operating risks; accidents, labour issues and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining government approvals or financing; and other risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties are not, and should not be construed as being, exhaustive. Although NSG has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, 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. In addition, forward-looking statements are provided solely for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of our operating environment. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date hereof and NSG assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269736 SOURCE: Northstar Gold Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - BrandPilot AI Inc. (CSE: BPAI) (OTCQB: BPAIF) ("BrandPilot" or the "Company"), a leading innovator in AI-powered marketing and advertising technology, will be participating in an industry panel entitled "Media & Advertising in Motion" at the Digital Marketing World Forum in New York on Oct 13, 2025. In addition to joining a main-stage industry panel, BrandPilot AI will also exhibit it's advertising technology solutions throughout the conference, giving marketers an opportunity to experience its technologies firsthand. The Digital Marketing World Forum (DMWF North America) is one of the industry's premier gatherings of senior leaders shaping the future of marketing technology and digital transformation. The two-day event convenes CMOs, marketing VPs, and digital innovators to explore the latest advances in AI, data-driven strategy, and MarTech integration. Media & Advertising in Motion: Strategies for a Dynamic Industry BrandPilot AI's Chief Revenue Officer, John Beresford, will take the stage at 10:30 a.m. on Day 1 for the panel "Media & Advertising in Motion: Strategies for a Dynamic Industry." Joining a distinguished lineup of executives from Moet Hennessy, the American Marketing Association, iProspect (Dentsu), and Bragg Live Food Products, Beresford will contribute to a discussion moderated by Mark Yessin, an authority in media strategy and performance marketing. The panel will explore the evolving dynamics of cross-channel campaigns, the transformative role of AI in media strategy, optimizing agency partnerships, and the growing impact of programmatic advertising in precision targeting. "It's an honor to be part of this group of marketing thought leaders helping define what's next for digital advertising," said John Beresford, CRO at BrandPilot AI. "The DMWF is a rare opportunity for leading brands and agencies to share real innovation. I'm looking forward to discussing the rising cost of uncontested Google Search Ads-and how AdAi technology now extends that visibility and savings to Google Shopping Ads." Exposing the Hidden Cost of Cannibalistic Shopping Ads To raise awareness of a major, costly blind spot for brands, BrandPilot AI will host a free webinar on October 23, 2025, at 1:00 PM EST. The session will walk through common cannibalization scenarios in Google Shopping, quantify their significant budget impact, and demonstrate how AdAi audits provide the clarity and technology to take immediate action. Register and join the webinar here. About BrandPilot AI BrandPilot AI (CSE: BPAI) is a performance marketing technology company headquartered in Toronto, specializing in innovative solutions that deliver exceptional ROI for global enterprise brands. Its core platform, AdAi, identifies hidden inefficiencies in digital advertising campaigns and helps brands recover wasted ad spend in real time. Additional products, including Spectrum IQ and Social Runway, support AI-powered influencer marketing and paid social performance. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the business of BrandPilot AI Inc. ("BPAI"). Any such forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "projects," "plans," and similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements about, among other things, BPAI's strategic initiatives, event participation, and expectations for future market positioning, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur, are all considered forward-looking information. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. BPAI assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by applicable law. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the impact of BPAI's participation in industry events such as DMWF on brand visibility and business development outcomes; the adoption and effectiveness of BPAI's AI-driven solutions, including AdAi, Spectrum IQ, and Social Runway; the Company's ability to maintain strategic partnerships and expand into new markets; the pace of innovation and competition within the AI-powered marketing technology sector; and general economic, regulatory, and market conditions affecting the advertising industry. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange, nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269796 SOURCE: BrandPilot AI Inc. Detroit, Michigan--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (OTCID: AITX) (the "Company"), a global leader in AI-driven security and productivity solutions, along with its wholly owned subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), today provided a snapshot of improving sales activity recorded so far in the Company's third fiscal quarter. Since September 1, 2025, RAD has booked multiple new orders across diverse industries including healthcare, retail property management, construction, and financial services. The quarter's order activity, combined with previously announced deployments, underscores the growing market adoption of RAD's AI-driven security solutions and expanding recurring revenue potential. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5243/269766_aitx-rad-q3-2026--sales-rollup-251009-1920x1080.jpg New and unannounced orders this quarter span a wide range of industries and use cases. These include two ROSA units for a security services firm protecting commercial properties in Michigan, two ROSA units with SARA, the Company's multiple award-winning agentic AI platform for remote monitoring, for a luxury student housing complex near a major university, and a RIO 180 unit for a residential property management company in California. RAD has also further penetrated the banking and ATM construction market, where ROSA will help safeguard new kiosk installations. Additional wins include orders from a global logistics provider for RIO 180 and TOM units, and a major diagnostics company enhancing parking and tenant security at a California facility. These new deployments add to several previously announced wins this quarter, including multiple ROAMEO units for a major healthcare network, a pilot program for a national retail property operator, the launch of RADGuard with its first licensing order, a ROSA expansion following successful RIO deployments, a 10-unit RIO Mini order for a government construction project, and a multi-site rollout of RIO solutions at a national auction operator. Together, these orders demonstrate consistent growth across RAD's stationary, mobile, and software platforms. RAD Q3 FY2026 Order Summary (September 1 through October 8, 2025) Device / Platform Total Units Status ROAMEO Gen 4 2 Announced ROSA 9 Mixed RIO 360 3 Announced RIO 180 4 Mixed RIO Mini 11 Announced TOM 1 Unannounced RADGuard Licenses 10 Announced SARA Licenses (integrated) 14 Integrated Total Devices / Licenses 54 "We're thrilled to see the quarter moving nicely relative to the first half of the fiscal year. We're still looking for so many other orders to get signed and sent to us as we expect to finish the year strong," said Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD. "Our team is incredibly focused, confident and excited about the momentum created so far this quarter. We continue to drive growth for our clients, channel partners and shareholders." RAD's growing sales momentum continues to position the Company as a leader in AI-driven security and monitoring solutions. With expanding adoption across key verticals, management remains focused on executing its strategy, scaling production, and converting strong demand into recurring revenue growth. Investors and industry observers are encouraged to follow the Company's progress at www.radsecurity.com. RAD's President Mark Folmer with ROSA-P, one of the Company's rapidly expanding AI-powered security solutions now driving Q3 growth. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5243/269766_rad-mark-folmer-standing-with-rosa-p-1080x1080.jpg About Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (AITX) and RAD AITX, through its primary subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), is redefining the nearly $50 billion (US) security and guarding services industry1 through its broad lineup of innovative, AI-driven Solutions-as-a-Service business model. RAD solutions are specifically designed to provide cost savings to businesses of between 35%-80% when compared to the industry's existing and costly manned security guarding and monitoring model. RAD delivers these cost savings via a suite of stationary and mobile robotic solutions that complement, and at times, directly replace the need for human personnel in environments better suited for machines. All RAD technologies, AI-based analytics and software platforms are developed in-house. The Company's operations and internal controls have been validated through successful completion of its SOC 2 Type 2 audit, which is a formal, independent audit that evaluates a service organization's internal controls for handling customer data and determines if the controls are not only designed properly but also operating effectively to protect customer data. This audit reinforces the Company's credibility with enterprise and government clients who require strict data protection and security compliance. RAD is led by Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD, who brings decades of experience in the security services industry. Reinharz serves as chair of the Security Industry Association's (SIA) Autonomous Solutions Working Group and as a member of the SIA Board of Directors. The RAD team also draws on extensive expertise across the sector, including Mark Folmer, CPP, PSP, President of RAD and Chair of the ASIS International North American Regional Board of Directors, Troy McCanna, former FBI Special Agent and RAD's Chief Security Officer, and Stacy Stephens, co-founder of security robotics company Knightscope ($KSCP). Their combined backgrounds in security industry leadership, law enforcement, and robotics innovation reinforce RAD's ability to deliver proven, practical, and disruptive solutions to its clients. RAD has a prospective sales pipeline of over 35 Fortune 500 companies and numerous other client opportunities. RAD expects to continue to attract new business as it converts its existing sales opportunities into deployed clients generating a recurring revenue stream. Each Fortune 500 client has the potential of making numerous reorders over time. AITX is an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex challenges and fuel new business ideas. Through its next-generation robotic product offerings, AITX's RAD, RAD-R, RAD-M and RAD-G companies help organizations streamline operations, increase ROI, and strengthen business. AITX technology improves the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services and allows experienced personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. Customers augment the capabilities of existing staff and gain higher levels of situational awareness, all at drastically reduced cost. AITX solutions are well suited for use in multiple industries such as enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare. To learn more, visit www.aitx.ai, www.radsecurity.com , www.radcam.ai, www.stevereinharz.com, www.radgroup.ai, www.raddog.ai , and www.radlightmyway.com, or follow Steve Reinharz on X @SteveReinharz. CAUTIONARY DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS The information contained in this publication does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit an offer to buy securities of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (the "Company"). The information provided herein is believed to be accurate and reliable, however the Company makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. The Company has no obligation to provide the recipient with additional updated information. No information in this publication should be interpreted as any indication whatsoever of the Company's future revenues, results of operations, or stock price. ### 1 https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/security-services-industry/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269766 SOURCE: Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Lithuania's producer price decline softened in September, data from the Official Portal showed on Thursday. The producer price index dropped 0.8 percent year-on-year in September, following a 1.8 percent decrease in August. Prices have been falling since January. Prices in the domestic market alone fell by 1.6 percent, and those in the foreign market decreased by 0.2 percent. Among sectors, prices in the utility sector declined by 7.4 percent annually, while manufacturing prices dropped only by 0.1 percent. On the other side, the mining and quarrying prices showed an increase of 3.9 percent. On a monthly basis, producer prices edged down 0.1 percent versus a 0.5 percent fall in August. 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. Regional September data split emerges: U.S./APAC shorts focus on IBM, Palo Alto Networks, Applied Materials, ON Semiconductor, Lasertec, DISCO; EMEA crowding pivots to Kering, LVMH, EssilorLuxottica Against a backdrop of strong global equity performance-the MSCI ACWI Index rose 3.66% in September-short sellers concentrated in technology in the Americas and APAC and in consumer names in EMEA, according to Hazeltree, a leading provider of integrated treasury and liquidity management solutions for alternative asset managers. Based on an analysis of Hazeltree's community of 500+ asset management firms, technology accounted for 26% of sector representation among the most-crowded shorts in the Americas (including International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), Palo Alto Networks, Inc., ON Semiconductor Corporation, and Applied Materials, Inc.) and 30% in APAC (e.g., Lasertec Corporation and DISCO Corporation). In EMEA, consumer and luxury names made up 50% of the list (including Kering S.A., LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, and EssilorLuxottica SA), per the Hazeltree September 2025 Shortside Crowdedness Report. The Hazeltree Shortside Crowdedness Report ranks the top 10 most crowded short positions across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC, segmented by large-, mid-, and small-cap categories. Data is compiled from Hazeltree's proprietary securities-finance platform, which tracks approximately 15,000 global equities and aggregates anonymized information from the firm's community. Each security receives a Hazeltree Crowdedness Score (1-99, with 99 indicating the highest concentration of shorting activity) reflecting key supply-and-demand dynamics in the securities-lending market. "September showed broadly positive developments-easing-rate hopes and resilient earnings," said Tim Smith, Managing Director, Data Insights, at Hazeltree. "In the Americas, investor optimism returned amid expectations for 2026 rate cuts and ongoing AI enthusiasm. Notably, Super Micro Computer, Inc. dropped out of our large-cap top-10 after nine consecutive months, while consumer names dominated EMEA small and mid caps, and Japanese securities comprised the majority of APAC names drawing short-seller interest." Highlights from the September 2025 report include: AMERICAS In the large-cap category, International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is the most crowded security with a score of 99. Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is the second most crowded security at 96. Super Micro Computer, Inc. dropped out of the top 10 most crowded large caps for the first time this year and was displaced by Hims Hers Health, Inc. with the highest institutional supply utilization figure (54.29%) following a run of nine consecutive months. In the mid-cap category, Oscar Health, Inc. is the most crowded security with a Crowdedness Score of 99. Whirlpool Corporation held the highest institutional supply utilization figure for the first time in 2025 (51.74%). In the small-cap category, Tripadvisor, Inc. is the most crowded security with a score of 99. NextNav Inc. had the highest institutional supply utilization (66.62%). EMEA In the large-cap category, Antofagasta PLC and Universal Music Group N.V. were tied for the most crowded securities with a score of 99. BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. had the highest institutional supply utilization (20.89%) for the second consecutive month and third time this year. In the mid-cap category, Davide Campari-Milano N.V. was the most crowded security (99) for the second time this year and had the highest institutional supply utilization (70.70%) for the fourth time this year. In the small-cap category, HelloFresh SE is the most crowded security for the second consecutive month and third time this year, with a score of 99. Basic-Fit N.V. had the highest institutional supply utilization (73.81%) for the second month and fifth time this year. APAC In the large-cap category, Oriental Land Co., Ltd. topped with a score of 99 for the fourth straight month and fifth time this year. Seibu Holdings Inc. had the highest institutional supply utilization (23.96%). In the mid-cap category, J. Front Retailing Co., Ltd., Kokusai Electric Corporation and Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. displaced Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd. with a score of 99. Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. also held the highest institutional supply utilization for the second month (92.36%). In the small-cap category, Meiko Electronics Co., Ltd. is the most crowded security for the second month (99). Tri Chemical Laboratories Inc. had the highest institutional supply utilization (51.71%). To view Hazeltree's September 2025 Shortside Crowdedness Report and past reports, click here. Note to editors: If you are a member of the media/press and would like to be included on the distribution list for this report, please contact btanner@hazeltree.com. Hazeltree Shortside Crowdedness Report Methodology The Shortside Crowdedness Report tracks shorting activity in three different metrics: Hazeltree Crowdedness Score: This score represents securities that are being shorted by the highest percentage of funds in Hazeltree's community in a pre-defined category. The securities are graded on a scale of 1-99, with 99 representing the security that the highest percentage of funds are shorting. Institutional Supply Utilization: This figure represents the percentage of the institutional investors' supply of a particular security that is being lent out. The institutional supply utilization rate is an indicator of how "hot" a security is in terms of the supply-demand dynamic. It is possible to see 100% utilization of a security's availability, making it difficult to establish new short positions. Hazeltree Community Borrow Fee: This figure is the average weighted fee for what funds in the Hazeltree community are paying to borrow a security. The fee is represented as the annualized cost calculated as a percentage of the price of the security. About Hazeltree Hazeltree is the leading provider of treasury and liquidity management and optimization solutions purpose-built for the alternative investment industry. Trusted by more than 500 investment firms managing over $4 trillion in assets, Hazeltree empowers hedge funds, private markets firms, and asset managers to enhance operational efficiency, reduce risk, and unlock alpha. Hazeltree's cloud-based platform facilitates nearly $8 billion in daily transactions across more than 10,000 funds. By delivering seamless connectivity across counterparties and service providers, Hazeltree enables clients to optimize cash, credit facilities, margin, and fees-driving stronger returns and greater transparency across the investment lifecycle. Hazeltree is headquartered in New York with offices in London, Bournemouth, and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.hazeltree.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009617028/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: Ben Tanner Hazeltree btanner@hazeltree.com Gunze Limited (Headquarters: Osaka, Japan; President: Toshiyasu Saguchi) [TOKYO:3002] is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Gunze Medical Limited (Headquarters: Osaka, Japan; President: Shojiro Matsuda) and HistoSonics, Inc. (Headquarters: Minneapolis, MN USA; CEO: Mike Blue) have entered into an agreement to exclusively distribute a noninvasive platform and proprietary sonic beam therapy utilizing the histotripsy technology. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009080778/en/ Histotripsy Platform developed by HistoSonics (Image courtesy of HistoSonics) Under this agreement, Gunze Medical will assume exclusive distribution responsibility in Japan for non-invasive ultrasound therapy devices equipped with Histotripsy technology developed by HistoSonics. Moving forward, the company will work to obtain manufacturing and marketing approval and insurance coverage in Japan, while also establishing a support and training system in collaboration with medical institutions. This will contribute to reducing the physical burden on patients through more accurate treatment and improving efficiency and quality in medical settings. About noninvasive histotripsy platform This medical device uses histotripsy technology, the world's first noninvasive treatment method that utilizes microbubbles generated by ultrasound. Histotripsy is a novel technology that uses ultrasound energy to physically disrupt cancerous tissue without the need for surgical intervention. Focusing ultrasound at a single point creates a cluster of microbubbles called a "bubble cloud" within water-rich tissue. The rapid expansion and collapse of this bubble cloud precisely and selectively destroys and liquefies cancerous tissue. The destroyed cells are then excreted from the body as waste. A major advantage is the minimal damage to surrounding blood vessels and healthy tissue. Conventional treatments for liver cancer, such as surgery and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), have been the mainstream approaches. However, many patients have difficulty undergoing treatment due to factors such as impaired liver function, tumor location, complications, or advanced age. Histotripsy is gaining attention in Europe and the United States as a groundbreaking technology that offers a new treatment option for these patients. In the U.S, histotripsy is currently approved to treat liver tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic liver cancer. However, it is expected to be used in the future to treat a wide range of diseases, including kidney and pancreatic cancers and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The Histotripsy platform received Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 and obtained formal market clearance in 2023. It has already been introduced at renowned university hospitals in the US and has accumulated over 2,000 treatment cases. In Europe, efforts are underway to obtain CE marking. In Asia, approval has been acquired in Hong Kong and is planned for Japan, Singapore and Taiwan. About Gunze Medical Limited Gunze Medical was founded in 1986 in Osaka, Japan. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Gunze. Its product lines are sales of medical devices (plastic and reconstructive surgery, neurosurgery, oral surgery, cardiovascular surgery, cosmetic surgery, pediatric surgery, dermatology, etc.) and consulting for opening medical facilities. Gunze Medical delivers a better future for patients by providing innovative "Biomaterials x Devices". HP: https://www.gunzemedical.co.jp/about-us About HistoSonics, Inc. HistoSonics is a privately held medical device company developing a noninvasive platform and proprietary sonic beam therapy utilizing the science of histotripsy, a novel mechanism of action that uses focused ultrasound to mechanically destroy and liquify unwanted tissue and tumors. The company is currently focused on commercializing their Edison System in the US and select global markets for liver treatment while expanding histotripsy applications into other organs like kidney, pancreas, and others. HP: https://histosonics.com/ This news release is intended to provide information about Gunze's corporate activities and an overview of its initiatives to a wide range of stakeholders, including members of the press, shareholders, investors, and other interested parties, in a fair and timely manner. The information contained in this document regarding our products and services is not intended to solicit customers or provide medical advice. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009080778/en/ Contacts: Media Relations Gunze Limited, Corporate Communication Department Shinji Nonaka TEL: +81-6-6348-1314 HP: https://www.gunze.co.jp/english/support/ 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/d55t6h 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/20251009550756/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 Prestigious annual awards program recognizes outstanding information security products and companies around the world Keepit, the only vendor-independent cloud dedicated to SaaS data protection, today announced that it has been selected as winner of the "Business Continuity Cyber Solution of the Year" award in the 9th annual CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards program. Conducted by CyberSecurity Breakthrough, an independent market intelligence organization, the annual program recognizes the most innovative companies, products, and technologies driving progress in the global information security industry. The Keepit platform protects twelve key SaaS applications, including Microsoft 365, Microsoft Entra ID, Okta, Salesforce, Google Workspace, Docusign and more. Built for the cloud, the breakthrough platform is designed for usability, security and scalability. Intuitive and user-friendly, Keepit offers fast setup, simple navigation, and seamless integration across all key applications, while ensuring critical data remains secure, compliant, easy to locate and recoverable. Additionally, Keepit's Data Protection and Anomaly Detection Dashboards help maintain backup integrity and health, and allow for early identification, investigation, and remediation of risks to data. "Data resilience is at the center of business continuity. With intelligent recovery and enterprise-level adaptability, we ensure your data protection strategy stays aligned with your evolving SaaS environment," said Michele Hayes, Chief Marketing Officer at Keepit. "It's an honor to accept this award from CyberSecurity Breakthrough. We continue to help businesses recover from data loss, as well as offer the capabilities and foresight to stay ahead of risks in the first place. In other words, we offer 'intelligent resilience', meaning we enable customers to make smart choices before disaster strikes to keep business running, no matter what." The mission of the CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards is to celebrate excellence and spotlight breakthrough innovation driving the global cybersecurity industry forward. The 2025 awards program received thousands of nominations from more than 20 countries around the world, representing everything from disruptive startups to established global enterprises. This year's winners embody the cutting edge of cybersecurity technology, delivering next-generation protection and resilience in today's increasingly complex threat landscape. "Built for the cloud, with simplicity and data security at the core, Keepit helps protect business continuity. Increasing amounts of business-critical data lives in SaaS applications. The average cost of data breaches is in the millions, with the breaches mostly involving data stored in the cloud public, private, or multiple environments," said Steve Johansson, managing director, CyberSecurity Breakthrough. "Keepit's vendor independence, broad coverage of services, fast recovery times, and dedication to security make them the number one choice for SaaS data backup and our pick for 'Business Continuity Cyber Solution of the Year.'" About Keepit Keepit provides a next-level SaaS data protection platform purpose-built for the cloud. Securing data in a vendor-independent cloud safeguards essential business applications, boosts cyber resilience, and future-proofs data protection. Unique, separate, and immutable data storage with no sub-processors ensures compliance with local regulations and mitigates the impact of ransomware while guaranteeing continuous data access, business continuity, and fast and effective disaster recovery. Headquartered in Copenhagen with offices and data centers worldwide, more than 18,000 companies trust Keepit for its ease of use and effortless backup and recovery of cloud data. For more information visit www.keepit.com or follow Keepit on Linkedin. About CyberSecurity Breakthrough Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in information security and cybersecurity technology companies, products and people. The CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards provide a platform for public recognition around the achievements of breakthrough information security companies and products in categories including Cloud Security, Threat Detection, Risk Management, Fraud Prevention, Mobile Security, Web and Email Security, UTM, Firewall and more. For more information visit CyberSecurityBreakthrough.com. Tech Breakthrough LLC does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our recognition programs, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with award designations. Tech Breakthrough LLC recognition consists of the opinions of the Tech Breakthrough LLC organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Tech Breakthrough LLC disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this recognition program, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009576633/en/ Contacts: RedIron PR for Keepit Kari Ritacco kari@redironpr.com The mining automation market is propelled by increasing demand for enhanced safety, improved productivity, and cost efficiency in mining operations. Rising concerns over worker safety in hazardous environments are encouraging the adoption of autonomous equipment and remote operation technologies. Additionally, the need to boost output and reduce operational downtime is driving investments in automated systems such as autonomous trucks, drilling, and robotic equipment. Technological advancements, including AI, IoT, and real-time data analytics, further support this shift. Moreover, growing pressure to optimize resource extraction and comply with environmental regulations fuels the need for precise, automated mining processes. WILMINGTON, Del., Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Mining Automation Market by Offerings (Sensors and LiDAR Systems, GPS and GNSS Modules, Industrial Cameras and Vision Systems, Connectivity and Communication Systems, Others), by Technique (Underground Mining, Surface Mining), by Component (Metal Mining, Mineral Mining, Coal Mining): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2034". According to the report, the "mining automation market" was valued at $4.2 billion in 2024, and is estimated to reach $8.3 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2025 to 2034. Download Sample Pages of Research Overview:https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/4591 Prime determinants of growth The mining automation market is expected to witness notable growth owing to the increasing demand for operational efficiency, worker safety, and reduced human intervention in hazardous environments which is driving the demand for mining automation market. Moreover, the growth of underground mining is expected to provide lucrative opportunity for the growth of the market during the forecast period. On the contrary, limitations of mining automation costs restrict the growth of the mining automation market. Report Coverage & Details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2025-2034 Base Year 2024 Market Size in 2024 $4.2 billion Market Size in 2034 $8.3 billion CAGR 7.1 % No. of Pages in Report 300 Segments Covered Offerings, Technique, Component, and Region Drivers Rise in Demand for Fleet Management System Growing Concern for Mine and Labor Safety Opportunity Increase in Deployment of Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) Restraint High Initial Capital Investment Sensor and LiDar segment dominated the market in 2024 By offering, the sensor and LiDar segment held the highest market share in 2024 accounting for more than one-fifths of the mining automation market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period, owing to their critical role in enabling real-time data collection, terrain mapping, and obstacle detection. These technologies enhance operational accuracy, safety, and efficiency by providing precise environmental awareness, which is essential for autonomous machinery. Additionally, advancements in sensor and LiDAR technologies-such as improved resolution, durability, and cost-effectiveness-are driving their widespread adoption in both surface and underground mining applications. Moreover, the sensor and LiDar segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 8.2% from 2025 to 2034. Buy This Research Report (300 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/596ab9b943ffa84b7c5cb5f79419042f Surface Mining segment dominated the market in 2024 By Technique, the surface mining segment dominated the market share in 2024 accounting for more than two-thirds of the global mining automation market revenue, due to its large-scale operations, ease of equipment deployment, and lower complexity compared to underground mining. Surface mining allows for the more efficient use of autonomous vehicles, drilling systems, and real-time monitoring technologies, which significantly boost productivity and reduce operational costs. The availability of expansive, open terrains further supports the implementation of automated solutions, making surface mining more conducive to technological integration and large-scale automation initiatives. Moreover, the surface mining segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 7.4% from 2025 to 2034. Mineral Mining segment dominated the market in 2024 By component, the mineral mining segment held the highest market share in 2024, contributing to nearly half of the global mining automation market revenue, due to the increasing demand for a wide range of minerals used in construction, electronics, renewable energy, and industrial processes. The growing consumption of minerals such as copper, iron ore, and lithium-driven by urbanization, infrastructure development, and the clean energy transition-has pushed mining companies to adopt automation for greater efficiency, precision, and scalability. However, the metal mining segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 8.16% from 2025 to 2034. Asia-Pacific region is expected to continue its dominance throughout forecast period Based on the region, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2024, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global mining automation market revenue, owing to the presence of large-scale mining operations in countries like China, Australia, and India, as well as increasing investments in automation technologies to boost productivity and safety. The region's rich mineral reserves, growing demand for metals and minerals to support industrialization and infrastructure development, and supportive government initiatives for digital transformation in mining have further accelerated the adoption of automated solutions. Moreover, the Asia-Pacific segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 8.0% from 2025 to 2034. Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/4591 Key Players: Epiroc AB Hexagon AB ABB Ltd. FLSmidth Siemens Sandvik AB Caterpillar Inc. Metso Outotec Corporation Rockwell Automation Inc. Komatsu The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global mining automation market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario Explore AMR's Extensive ongoing Semiconductor and Electronics Domain: Artificial Intelligence Gpu Chip Market : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Mobile Artificial Intelligence (AI) Market : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030 Machine Vision System Market : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024 - 2032 Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor Market : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2032 IGCT Market : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2032 UV LED Market : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2032 Multilayer Printed Circuit Board Market : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Public Address And Voice Alarm Systems Market : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2033 Power Over Ethernet Controller Market : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2033 Pico Projector Market : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017-2023 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides end-to-end solutions along with information, education, advocacy, and networking resources to SMEs and early-stage start-ups to bring excellence to their processes. In addition, we offer a nurturing environment required to develop and grow businesses, including business planning; virtual support; market intelligence; acquiring resources; and getting direct access to finance, suppliers, and other experts to boost the growth of businesses and entrepreneurs. Our bundled and hassle-free business support systems are customized to meet the needs of SME consultants and industry leaders. Moreover, our large network of skilled consultants and experts help start-ups get the business on a roll. To find out more, visit www.alliedmarketresearch.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: www.alliedmarketresearch.com Allied Market Research Blog: https://blog.alliedmarketresearch.com Follow Us on | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mining-automation-market-to-reach-4-2-billion-by-2024-in-short-term-and-8-3-billion-by-2034-globally-at-7-1-cagr-allied-market-research-302579706.html Partnership with Permian Labs, the developer of the USD.AI protocol unlocks blockchain-based credit markets for scalable GPU deployments ATLANTA, GEORGIA / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / QumulusAI, a provider of GPU-powered cloud infrastructure for artificial intelligence, today announced a $500 million non-recourse financing facility arranged by Permian Labs and distributed through the USD.AI Protocol. The facility allows QumulusAI to finance up to 70% of approved GPU deployments with stablecoin liquidity from USD.AI's blockchain-based credit market. This structure offers faster access to capital compared to traditional financing alternatives like bank or private credit capital, with flexible terms enabling a non-dilutive path to scale AI infrastructure. QumulusAI's facility reflects a broader shift in how compute infrastructure is financed. Global demand for AI infrastructure is projected to surpass $6.7 trillion by 2030, yet capital remains concentrated among hyperscalers like OpenAI, Google, and Meta. USD.AI's financing model opens new pathways for emerging operators like QumulusAI, linking real-world hardware directly to blockchain-based credit markets for accelerated, more transparent scaling. Permian Labs developed the financing framework behind USD.AI, which treats GPUs as a financeable commodity. Permian Labs issues GPU Warehouse Receipt Tokens (GWRTs), and USD.AI serves as the on-chain DeFi protocol that enables those tokens to be used as collateral for borrowing stablecoin-based credit, unlocking capital for the next generation of AI builders. This structure creates yield-bearing opportunities for onchain depositors, while giving operators fast, transparent access to non-dilutive financing. For QumulusAI, the $500 million facility signals institutional confidence in its infrastructure growth strategy and provides a repeatable model for scaling deployments with blockchain-native financing rails. For Permian Labs and USD.AI, it represents the continued expansion of real-world assets into on-chain credit markets, bridging institutional capital with income-generating compute infrastructure. "This partnership represents a paradigm shift in AI infrastructure financing," said Mike Maniscalco, CEO of QumulusAI. "By leveraging Permian Labs' tokenization framework, we can scale faster and more flexibly - meeting the surge in AI compute demand without the constraints of legacy financing." "QumulusAI is exactly the type of innovative AI operator we built USD.AI to serve," said Conor Moore, Permian Labs Co-Founder and COO. "Their integrated approach to AI supercompute-combining HPC cloud, purpose-built data centers, and controlled power generation-fits seamlessly with our tokenized financing model, proving how blockchain can unlock institutional capital for real-world infrastructure." About QumulusAI QumulusAI is a vertically integrated AI infrastructure company focused on delivering a distributed AI cloud by innovating around power, data center and GPU-based cloud services - the company delivers immediate access to high-performance computing with enhanced cost control, reliability, and flexibility. Machine learning teams, AI startups, research institutions, and growing enterprises can now scale their AI training and inference workloads quickly and cost effectively. For more information, visit https://www.qumulusai.com About Permian Labs Permian Labs is the developer of USD.AI, building the infrastructure that connects institutional capital with real-world AI compute. Permian Labs designs the legal, financial, and technical systems that transform GPUs into collateral and make them accessible through blockchain-based credit markets. By bridging traditional asset finance with DeFi innovation, Permian Labs enables AI operators to scale efficiently while creating new opportunities for investors to access yield from real-world infrastructure. About USD.AI USD.AI is the world's first blockchain-native credit market for GPU-backed infrastructure. The protocol turns AI hardware into tokenized collateral, unlocking financing markets with deep liquidity, attractive cost of capital and instant settlement for emerging AI operators who require capital to scale. Through its dual-token model, USDai (a stablecoin with deep liquidity) and sUSDai (its yield-bearing counterpart), USD.AI creates new liquidity pathways for operators while offering investors scalable, real-world yields. Developed by Permian Labs, USD.AI combines DeFi principles with institutional-grade securitization standards to accelerate the financing of AI infrastructure worldwide. For more information on QumulusAI: Press: media@qumulusai.com Investors: investors@qumulusai.com Follow QumulusAI on social media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/qumulusai For more information on Permian Labs: Email: hello@permianlabs.xzy This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" that are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, and on information available to QumulusAI as of the date hereof. QumulusAI's actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied herein, due to risks and uncertainties associated with its business and/or the strategic partnership, which include, without limitation, integration challenges between the companies, market volatility and/or regulatory conditions. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding QumulusAI's expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future, and can be identified by forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should," "will" and "would" or words of similar import. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding future operating and financial results, QumulusAI's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, and other statements that are not historical facts. QumulusAI expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained in this press release to reflect any change in QumulusAI's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based in respect of its business, the strategic partnership or otherwise. SOURCE: QumulusAI View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/qumulusai-secures-500m-non-recourse-financing-facility-through-us-1084993 Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Emperor Metals Inc. (CSE: AUOZ) (OTCQB: EMAUF) (FSE: 9NH) ("Emperor Metals" or the "Company"), a mineral exploration and development company focused on Quebec's Southern Abitibi Greenstone Belt, is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced "best efforts" private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $9,943,000 (the "Offering"). Pursuant to the Offering, the Company issued (i) 14,714,999 units of the Company (the "Common Units") at a price of $0.20 per Common Unit, and (ii) 25,000,000 units of the Company issued on a "flow-through" basis (the "FT Units" and together with the Common Units, the "Offered Securities") at a price of $0.28 per FT Unit. The Offering was led by SCP Resource Finance LP ("SCP") acting as lead agent and sole bookrunner on behalf of a syndicate of agents including Canaccord Genuity Corp. (together with SCP, the "Agents"). The Offering was conducted pursuant to an agency agreement dated October 9, 2025, between the Company and the Agents. The Offered Securities were issued pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). The Offered Securities issued under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption are not subject to a hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company will use an amount equal to the gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Units, pursuant to the provisions in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act"), to incur (or be deemed to incur) eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" (as both terms are defined in the Tax Act) (the "Qualifying Expenditures") related to the Company's Duquesne West Project and Lac Pelletier Project in Quebec, on or before December 31, 2026, and to renounce all the Qualifying Expenditures in favour of the subscribers of the FT Shares effective December 31, 2025. The net proceeds raised from the sale of the Common Units will be used by the Company for general and administrative expenses and working capital purposes as further described in the Company's offering document under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption dated September 12, 2025. As consideration for the services rendered by the Agents under the Offering, the Agents received, among other things, 2,382,899 non-transferable broker warrants, each exercisable for a period of 24 months from the closing of the Offering to acquire one Common Share (each, a "Broker Warrant Share") at an exercise price per Broker Warrant Share of $0.20. Direct Settlers As part of the Offering, certain additional subscribers will be settling their subscriptions directly with the Company (the "Direct Settlers"). A portion of the Direct Settlers are expected to close in the coming weeks. About Emperor Metals Inc. Emperor Metals Inc. is a high-grade gold exploration and development company focused on Quebec's Southern Abitibi Greenstone Belt, leveraging AI-driven exploration techniques. Emperor Metals is dedicated to unlocking the substantial resource potential of the Duquesne West Gold Project and the Lac Pelletier Project, both situated in this prolific mining district. Emperor Metals is led by a dynamic group of resource sector professionals who have a strong record of success in evaluating and advancing mining projects from exploration through to production, attracting capital and overcoming adversity to deliver exceptional shareholder value. For more information, please refer to SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), under Emperor Metals' profile. Under an option agreement, Emperor Metals agreed to acquire a 100% interest in a mineral claim package comprising 38 claims covering approximately 1,389 ha, located in the Duparquet Township of Quebec (the "Duquesne West Property") from Duparquet Assets Ltd., a 50% owned subsidiary of Globex Mining Enterprises Inc. (TSX: GMX). The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state of the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made and information contained in this news release, including statements regarding the use of proceeds raised under the Offering, is "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. 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, including but not limited to the intended use of the net proceeds raised from the Offering, the expected timing of closing for a portion of the Direct Settlersare 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, changes to exploration plans and activities and the costs and timing associated therewith, results from exploration activities, changes in commodities markets, conditions of financial markets, economic conditions including any governmental regulations with respect thereto including tariffs, protective governmental regulations, relations with first nations, governments and other stakeholders, changes to environmental and other laws and regulations affecting mining activities, weather, management's discretion with respect to the use of proceeds and the use of the available funds following completion of the Offering, including the timing and cost of planned activities and the use of funds in connection therewith, and the other risk factors described in our securities filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements or forward-looking information relate to future events and future performance and include statements regarding the expectations and beliefs of management based on information currently available to the Company. 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 and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this news release and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, changing circumstances, or otherwise. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269802 SOURCE: Emperor Metals Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Silver Elephant Mining Corp. (TSX: ELEF) (OTCQB: SILEF) (FSE: 1P2) ("Silver Elephant" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that toll milling of silver-bearing material from the Company's Apuradita Paca Project ("Apuradita") in Bolivia has commenced. To date, over 1,200 tonnes of silver-bearing material have been delivered to the toll-milling facility. Refer to the Company's news releases dated September 4, 2025, and July 24, 2025 for further details. The Company has also executed a concentrate off-take agreement with a major international buyer for the purchase of Apuradita metals concentrates, with the first shipment expected in October 2025. Mining operations at Apuradita continue at a steady rate, and Silver Elephant forecasts a near-term monthly production target of 1,000 to 1,500 tonnes of silver-bearing mineralized material. The Company internally estimates an approximate total of 10,000 tonnes of mineralized feed in the initial 6-months campaign, which may be extended as additional mineralized zones are delineated and developed. As outlined in the news release dated July 8, 2024, sulphide mineralized materials at Apurdita is being extracted via tthe shrinkage stoping method. The two stopes are designed with approximate dimensions of 30 meters in length x 20 meters in height x 4 meters in width, with a targeted average extraction rate of 50 to 100 tonnes per day. The calculated average grade of extracted and sorted sulphide materials is 412 g/t Ag, 1.09% Pb, and 0.38% Zn, based on data from diamond drilling at Apuradita and an internally developed geological and mining model. The Company is thankful for continued support from local communities. Qualified Person The technical contents of this news release have been prepared under the supervision of Carlos Zamora a member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) and a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) since 2024, who is an employee of the Company and is not considered independent. Mr. Zamora is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. QA/QC Silver Elephant Mining Corp sends samples to ALS Global Laboratories in Oruro, Bolivia for sample preparation, after which, the prepared pulps are shipped to ALS Global laboratories for analysis in Lima, Peru. Samples are analyzed using Intermediate Level Four acid digestion. Silver over limits ("ore grade") are determined by fire assay with a gravimetric finish for precise quantification. ALS Laboratories sample management system meets all requirements of International Standards ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ISO 9001:2015. All ALS geochemical hub laboratories are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for specific analytical procedures. All samples are collected from HQ and NQ-diameter diamond drill core which is longitudinally halved using diamond-blade masonry saw. One-half of the core is submitted for laboratory analysis, while the other half is preserved on the Company's secured core facility for future reference. All core undergoes geotechnically analysis, photographed and then detail geological logging by the Company's qualified geologists prior to sampling. About Silver Elephant Mining Corp. Silver Elephant is a mineral exploration company with gold and silver projects in Bolivia. Further information on Silver Elephant can be found at www.silverelef.com. FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Such forward-looking information, which reflects management's expectations regarding Silver Elephant's future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, is based on certain factors and assumptions and involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes the timing to begin shipments of mineralized materials to the Toll Milling Facility, entering into a sales agreement with an international off taker, the anticipated quantity and grade of the concentrate from the Toll Milling Facility , the near-term delivery targets of 1,000 to 1,500 tonnes per month, the total number of tonnes of materials to be delivered to the Toll Mill Facility, the ability to deliver further material upon the expiry of the toll milling agreement referenced herein, the ability of the Toll Milling Facility to process all mineralized material delivered from Apuradita, production at the Apuradita tunnel achieving a rate of 50 to 100 tonnes per day, the anticipated quantity and grade of any mineralized material delivered to the Toll Milling Facility. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, and should not be read as guarantees of future performance, events or results, and may not be indicative of whether such events or results will actually be achieved. A number of risks and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: market conditions; changes in business plans; ability to secure sufficient financing to advance the Company's mining projects; and general economic conditions. Additional risk factors about the Company are set out in its latest annual and interim management's discussion and analysis and annual information form available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions by management as of the date of this news release, and there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with any forward-looking information included herein. Readers are cautioned that all forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information in this news release to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date of this news release, except as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269803 SOURCE: Silver Elephant Mining Corp. AUSTIN, Texas and TOKYO, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Medical Aesthetics Market Size is projected to grow from US$ 18.48 billion in 2024 to US$ 55.99 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 13.2% by 2025-2033. Fueled by rising disposable incomes, growing social media influence, and advances in minimally invasive technology, the global Medical Aesthetics Market is on a steep growth trajectory. Medical aesthetics has become one of the fastest-growing healthcare segments, blending clinical precision with consumer beauty demands. This market includes a wide range of products and procedures-from dermal fillers and botulinum toxins to body contouring and aesthetic lasers. The industry benefits from increasing consumer awareness, lifestyle-driven demand, and a global shift toward preventive and anti-aging solutions. Recent advancements, particularly in minimally invasive devices and AI-assisted treatment planning, are expanding the customer base beyond traditional dermatology practices to medical spas, beauty centers, and outpatient clinics. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.datamintelligence.com/download-sample/medical-aesthetics-market Browse in-depth TOC on "Medical Aesthetics Market" 73 - Tables 67 - Figures 210 - Pages 2025 Trends & Highlights Hybrid Technologies Surge - Devices combining RF + laser + ultrasound modalities are emerging to offer multi-dimensional improvement in one session. Long-lasting Injectables - Fillers with extended durability (18-24 months) reduce treatment frequency and increase patient loyalty. AI Imaging & Treatment Planning - Pre-procedure diagnostic imaging and AI-driven planning optimize outcomes and patient experience. At-Home Aesthetic Devices - Regulatory approvals for medical-grade home devices (e.g. low-level light therapy, microneedling) are expanding the consumer base. Sustainability & Green Aesthetics - Brands are introducing eco-friendly formulations, recyclable cartridges, and devices with energy-saving modes. Market Segmentation Insights By Product Facial aesthetic devices (e.g. microneedling, RF, ultrasound) form a flagship segment, commanding a large share thanks to demand for skin revitalization and wrinkle reduction. (e.g. microneedling, RF, ultrasound) form a flagship segment, commanding a large share thanks to demand for skin revitalization and wrinkle reduction. Dermal fillers , comprising hyaluronic acid and biostimulatory injectables, continue to drive high-margin revenue due to repeat treatments and customization. , comprising hyaluronic acid and biostimulatory injectables, continue to drive high-margin revenue due to repeat treatments and customization. Botulinum toxin injections (Botox, Xeomin, etc.) remain a consistent revenue pillar, especially in upper facial aesthetics. (Botox, Xeomin, etc.) remain a consistent revenue pillar, especially in upper facial aesthetics. Chemical peels, thread lifts, aesthetic lasers, body contouring, skin tightening, and implants are all growth niches, each catering to different treatment goals-from resurfacing and pigmentation to fat reduction and structural enhancement. By Application Skin resurfacing and scar treatment remain the largest application areas, powered by growing usage of fractional lasers and microneedling devices. Hair removal procedures, particularly laser-based solutions, are expanding rapidly in Asia-Pacific markets. Tattoo removal and carbon peel applications are increasing in demand among younger demographics. By End-User Dermatology clinics and hospitals dominate the market, contributing more than 60% of global revenues in 2024. However, medical spas and beauty centers are witnessing the fastest growth, especially in North America and Japan, where patients seek affordable, non-invasive options delivered outside traditional hospital settings. Regional Spotlight: United States The U.S. remains the world's largest medical aesthetics market, valued at over US$ 8 billion in 2024. Key drivers include: High consumer spending on cosmetic treatments. Strong presence of leading players such as Allergan Aesthetics and Revance. FDA approvals for next-generation fillers, toxins, and energy-based devices. Rise of subscription-based aesthetic services offered by med spas. Recent trend (2025): Allergan launched a new line of long-acting dermal fillers with improved safety profiles, gaining rapid adoption among dermatologists. Japan Japan, valued at US$ 2 billion in 2024, is one of Asia's most dynamic medical aesthetics markets. Growth is being driven by: Increasing demand for anti-aging solutions among aging populations. Expansion of minimally invasive procedures in urban clinics and spas. in urban clinics and spas. Cultural acceptance of natural-looking enhancements rather than surgical interventions. Surge in laser-based hair removal and skin brightening procedures. Recent development (2025): Merz Aesthetics partnered with Japanese dermatology chains to expand distribution of botulinum toxin and skin tightening devices. Request for Customized Sample Report as per Your Business Requirement: https://www.datamintelligence.com/customize/medical-aesthetics-market Competitive Landscape Allergan Aesthetics (AbbVie Inc.): Market leader with an extensive portfolio including Botox and Juvederm. Focused on innovation in long-acting injectables and global expansion. Market leader with an extensive portfolio including Botox and Juvederm. Focused on innovation in long-acting injectables and global expansion. Revance Therapeutics, Inc.: Competing with next-generation botulinum toxins and dermal fillers, Revance is expanding into Asian markets in 2025. Competing with next-generation botulinum toxins and dermal fillers, Revance is expanding into Asian markets in 2025. Evolus, Inc.: Gaining traction in the millennial demographic with affordable botulinum toxin treatments. Gaining traction in the millennial demographic with affordable botulinum toxin treatments. Merz Aesthetics & Cynosure: Strong in energy-based devices and skin tightening solutions. Strong in energy-based devices and skin tightening solutions. Candela, Alma Lasers, and Venus Concept: Competing in the global market for non-invasive body contouring and skin resurfacing devices. Company Strength / Strategic Focus Allergan Aesthetics (AbbVie) Flagship Botox and Juvederm products, strong clinical trials pipeline Revance Therapeutics, Inc. Long-acting neuromodulators and next-gen injectable platforms Evolus, Inc. Direct-to-consumer marketing for aesthetic injectables Candela Medical Laser systems and energy-based device innovations Merz Aesthetics Filler and neuromodulator portfolio plus device acquisitions Cynosure, LLC Body contouring and laser technologies Alma Lasers Platform versatility (laser + RF + hybrid) Sciton Premium aesthetic laser systems targeting high-end clinics Venus Concept Inc Skin tightening, radiofrequency, and modular device systems Industry Trends and 2025 Developments AI-Driven Aesthetics: Clinics are adopting AI-based imaging tools to personalize treatment outcomes. Clinics are adopting AI-based imaging tools to personalize treatment outcomes. Combination Therapies: Surge in multi-modal treatments combining toxins, fillers, and lasers for comprehensive results. Surge in multi-modal treatments combining toxins, fillers, and lasers for comprehensive results. Subscription Models: Med spas offering "aesthetic memberships" to drive recurring revenues. Med spas offering "aesthetic memberships" to drive recurring revenues. Sustainability: Eco-friendly device design and reduced clinical waste gaining importance. Eco-friendly device design and reduced clinical waste gaining importance. Strategic Partnerships: 2025 saw Evolus partner with leading med spa chains in the U.S. to expand injectable services. Strategic Outlook The Medical Aesthetics Market is set to grow at double-digit rates over the next decade, driven by technological innovation, consumer lifestyle shifts, and expansion across Asia-Pacific. With the U.S. leading in high-value injectable adoption and Japan driving demand for minimally invasive anti-aging treatments, the global industry is on a transformative path. Buy This Exclusive Report at Just USD 4350 Only: https://www.datamintelligence.com/buy-now-page?report=medical-aesthetics-market Conclusion The Medical Aesthetics Market, forecast to grow from US$ 18.48 billion in 2024 to US$ 55.99 billion by 2033, is entering a high-growth era fueled by technological innovation, demographic trends, and shifting consumer behavior. With the U.S. leading adoption and Japan refining clinical aesthetics for Asian consumers, this market offers compelling opportunities for device manufacturers, pharmaceutical firms, clinic operators, and investors alike. Related Report: Facial Aesthetics Market Size to Rise from USD 14.2B in 2024 to USD 34.25B by 2032, Driven by Dermal Fillers & Minimally Invasive Tech. Dermal Fillers Market Sizeto Grow from US$ 3.67B in 2023 to US$ 6.08B by 2031 at 6.6% CAGR. Body Contouring Devices Market Sizeto Grow from US$ 1,671.35 M (2022) to US$ 4,039.26 M by 2031 at 15.8% CAGR. 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: Sai Kiran DataM Intelligence 4market Research LLP Ground floor, DSL Abacus IT Park, Industrial Development Area Uppal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500039 USA: +1 877-441-4866 Email: Sai.k@datamintelligence.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1858619/3573087/DataM_Intelligence_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/medical-aesthetics-market-to-surge-from-us-18-48-billion-in-2024-to-us-55-99-billion-by-2033-as-demand-for-non-invasive-cosmetic-procedures-explodes--datam-intelligence-302579867.html BRUSSELS, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A leaked EU Commission document outlining the proposed Union positions for the COP11 conference to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) reveals alarming intentions. The draft, shared with the Working Party on Public Health on 7 October ahead of the COP11 meeting in Geneva from 17 to 22 November 2025, explicitly opens the possibility of complete bans on vapes and nicotine pouches. Under agenda item 4.5, the EU Commission states it "reiterates its support for strong regulation of ENDS/ENNDS and nicotine pouches, which could include a ban to protect in particular children and adolescents." This position utterly disregards the millions of adult smokers who depend on these products to quit smoking and reduce harm. Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers' Alliance, said: "The draft shows a wilful denial of facts and a harmful agenda that will cost lives. It is ideologically driven, ignores science and tramples on the rights of smokers seeking less harmful alternatives. Proposing outright bans on vaping products and nicotine pouches shows a reckless disregard for millions who rely on harm reduction. Member States must push back hard and reject this shameful position before it devastates harm reduction progress in Europe." The EU Commission's stance blatantly contradicts the harm reduction principles enshrined in the FCTC framework. Article 1(d) of the treaty explicitly includes harm reduction as a core component: tobacco control must cover "demand reduction strategies, supply reduction strategies and harm reduction strategies." The Commission's draft ignores this vital third pillar, undermining the treaty's intent and public health progress. The World Vapers' Alliance urges all EU member states to oppose the EU Commission's destructive proposals firmly. Accepting these positions would mean condemning millions of smokers to unnecessary harm and death by denying access to proven life-saving alternatives. The harm reduction path is the only responsible public health approach. Europe must not turn its back on evidence and progress. Contact: Michael Landl Director, World Vapers' Alliance info@worldvapersalliance.com www.worldvapersalliance.com About the World Vapers' Alliance The World Vapers' Alliance amplifies the voices of vapers worldwide and advocates for sensible harm reduction policies that help smokers quit and save lives. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d4e09092-360e-4bd2-bb78-a2aacfc3489d Aims to Disrupt $11B Wellness and Respiratory Health Market INDIANAPOLIS, IN / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / Boomerang Ventures today announced that portfolio company Respiratory Health Technologies has successfully closed its seed financing round, marking a significant milestone for both the Boomerang Studio and Boomerang Fund. The investment round was led by Wellington Group Ventures, with participation from Boomerang VC Fund I, LP, underscoring the strength of Boomerang's integrated studio-fund model in advancing connected health innovations. Respiratory Health Technologies, an Indianapolis-based respiratory wellness company, is pioneering a new approach to sinus health with SinuSauna, the first doctor-invented at-home respiratory wellness device that uses heated dry-air therapy-rather than steam or saline to relieve congestion naturally. Since its national debut in 2024, SinuSauna has gained traction among consumers seeking safe, effective, and drug-free solutions for their sinus care needs. A Milestone for Boomerang's Studio-Fund Model The completion of Respiratory Health Technologies' seed financing reflects the success of Boomerang's unique approach, which combines a venture studio with a venture fund to accelerate healthcare innovation. "Respiratory Health Technologies' seed raise is a powerful validation of the Boomerang model," said Eric Beier, MD, Partner and Chief Medical Officer of Boomerang Ventures. "Through the structured derisking and business building in our venture studio matched with pre-seed and seed funding from our venture fund, we've helped Respiratory Health Technologies bring an innovative product to market and secure the capital needed to scale. This achievement demonstrates how an integrated approach can accelerate solutions that make a real impact in healthcare." Fueling Growth and Expanding Access The seed funding will enable Respiratory Health Technologies to expand market presence, drive product development, and build national brand awareness in the $11B respiratory wellness market. Nearly 50% of Americans suffer from nasal congestion, underscoring the vast and ongoing need for effective solutions. "Closing this round allows us to build on our momentum and provides a real opportunity to disrupt the respiratory wellness space by delivering drug-free sinus relief to more people than ever before," said Nancy Wright, CEO and Co-Founder of Respiratory Health Technologies. "Boomerang's partnership has been instrumental in helping us move from idea to commercialization. Investor Support "Wellington Group Ventures seeks out companies with defensible innovation and the ability to execute at scale," said Tony Bonanno, Managing member at Wellington Group Ventures. "Respiratory Health Technologies is exactly that - a team with vision, a patent-protected solution, and momentum in a large and expanding market. We are excited to support their long-term growth journey." About Boomerang Ventures Founded in 2019, Boomerang Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on early growth-stage connected health technology companies. Leveraging a combination studio and venture fund, Boomerang provides the collaborative direction, deep industry expertise, and continuum of support founders need to take their innovations from ideation to market. Boomerang believes that better patient care begins with identifying and solving the biggest challenges in healthcare. Boomerang Ventures is proudly and strategically based in Indianapolis, where the healthcare and entrepreneurial business climate is a thriving community ripe with opportunities. With a secure niche at the intersection of health technology, studio-fund synchronization, and the Midwest, Boomerang differentiates itself from the competition. Boomerang Ventures is Healthcare Innovation, Reimagined. For more information, visit Boomerang.vc. About Respiratory Health Technologies Respiratory Health Technologies is an Indianapolis-based wellness CPG company dedicated to developing innovative, drug-free solutions for respiratory care. Its flagship product, SinuSauna, combines medical insight with user-focused design to help people breathe better, naturally. Learn more at sinusauna.com. About Wellington Group Ventures Wellington Group Ventures is the venture capital arm of The Wellington Group. Founded in 1996, The Wellington Group is a boutique wealth management firm dedicated to aligning financial strategies with each client's unique purpose. Serving individuals, families, business owners, and high-net-worth clients, the firm specializes in retirement planning, tax efficiency, legacy building, and business succession. Proudly based in Indianapolis, The Wellington Group combines deep expertise with a personalized approach, helping clients navigate complexity and live with financial confidence. For more information, visit thewellingtongroupllc.com. # # # Media Contact: Audra Wait | Wait & Co. on behalf of Boomerang Ventures audra@waitandco.com | 615.504.8812 SOURCE: Boomerang Ventures View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/boomerang-ventures-portfolio-company-respiratory-health-technologies-1084438 St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Anteros Metals Inc. (CSE: ANT) ("Anteros" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its press release of October 7, 2025, the Company and Rift Minerals Inc. ("Rift") have entered into an option and joint venture agreement (the "Agreement") dated October 8, 2025, pursuant to which the Company has been granted an option (the "Option") to acquire up to a 49% undivided right, title and interest in and to the 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. 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 (" First Phase "); 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 (the "Second Phase"). Upon completing the Second Phase, the Company and Rift will incorporate a joint venture (the "Joint Venture") which will be governed by a joint venture agreement (the "JV Agreement"). If the Company does not enter into the Joint Venture or commence the Second Phase, the Option will not vest. Upon completion of the First Phase, the Company will own 20% of the Joint Venture and Rift will own 80%. In the event that the Company funds and completes the Second Phase, the Company will acquire an additional 29% of the Joint Venture, and the Joint Venture will be 49% the Company and 51% Rift. 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/269808 SOURCE: Anteros Metals Inc. IHS Holding Limited, (NYSE: IHS) ("IHS Towers"), one of the largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count, has today announced the completion of the sale of 100% of IHS Rwanda Limited ("IHS Rwanda") including its approximately 1,467 sites1 to Paradigm Tower Ventures through the Paradigm Infrastructure Holdings (PIH) vehicle, as part of a consortium with Convergence Partners Digital Infrastructure Fund L.P ("CPDIF"), British International Investment PLC ("BII"), and Societe de Promotion et de Participation pour la Cooperation Economique S.A. ("PROPARCO"). The sale of the company's Rwanda operations is part of IHS Towers' strategic initiatives targeted at shareholder value-creation options. JPMorgan acted as financial advisor to IHS Towers on this transaction. About IHS Towers: IHS Towers is one of the largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count and is solely focused on the emerging markets. The company has over 37,000 towers across its seven markets, including Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia. For more information, please email: communications@ihstowers.com or visit: www.ihstowers.com About Paradigm Tower Ventures: Stephen Harris, Hal Hess and Steven Marshall, well respected and experienced former executives of global and African tower businesses, founded Paradigm Infrastructure in 2019. They have substantial experience in the acquisition and operations of tower businesses in multiple markets. This transaction marks the first investment by Paradigm Tower Ventures, a new tower platform which is focused on the growth of new build shared wireless infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa. Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by relevant safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements (or their equivalent) of any applicable jurisdiction, including those contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this document may be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "targets," "commits," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "forecast," "predicts," "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements. You should read this press release and the documents that we reference in this press release with the understanding that our actual future results, performance and achievements may be materially different from what we expect. Further information on such assumptions, risks and uncertainties is available in our filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by applicable law, we do not assume, and expressly disclaim, any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, references to any website or other documents contained in this press release are provided for convenience only, and their content is not incorporated by reference into this press release. 1 As of June 30, 2025. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009150703/en/ Contacts: Enquiry: Investor Contact Info: IHS Africa (UK) Limited 1 Cathedral Piazza 123 Victoria Street London, SW1E 5BP United Kingdom investorrelations@ihstowers.com Enquiry: Journalist Contact Info: IHS Africa (UK) Limited 1 Cathedral Piazza 123 Victoria Street London, SW1E 5BP United Kingdom ihstowers@teneo.com Enquiry: Other Contact Info: IHS Africa (UK) Limited 1 Cathedral Piazza 123 Victoria Street London, SW1E 5BP United Kingdom +442081061600 communications@ihstowers.com IRVINE, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / iTrustCapital, a leading fintech software platform for alternative assets, announced that it has surpassed $15 billion in total crypto transaction volume. This milestone represents a 50% increase in volume since 2024, highlighting the company's rapid growth and continued leadership in the crypto space. iTrustCapital Surpasses $15 Billion in Crypto Transactions "This milestone is a reflection of our team's dedication to providing excellent client service and always sticking to our core values of upholding the highest standards of security, transparency, and trust," said Kevin Maloney, Chief Executive Officer of iTrustCapital. iTrustCapital was recognized as the #1 Crypto IRA Platform in America at the 2021 IMA Impact Awards. The following year, the company earned the title of Best Crypto IRA Investment Platform USA from Wealth & Finance International at the 2022 Fintech Awards. In 2024, iTrustCapital was named one of the Fastest-Growing Companies in North America, ranking #162 on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500, and received the Crypto Award at the US Fintech Awards, along with honors for Best Cryptocurrency Website from the WebAwards and Achievement in Customer Experience at the Stevie Awards. Most recently, in 2025, iTrustCapital was again recognized as the Best Cryptocurrency Website by the WebAwards and received the Stevie Award for Achievement in Customer Experience. The company was also named one of the 10 Most Innovative Companies of the Year by Business Honor and recognized as the Top Crypto IRA Retirement Platform by Financial Services Review. This week, iTrustCapital was again honored with the Impact Award for Digital Currency Company of the Year. With a commitment to delivering exceptional client service, supported by advanced technology and some of the lowest fees in the industry, iTrustCapital proudly maintains an "Excellent" rating, averaging 4.9 stars across more than 11,000 reviews on Google and Trustpilot. About iTrustCapital iTrustCapital is a leading fintech software platform for alternative assets. The company provides 24/7 access to digital assets, cryptocurrencies, and precious metals through self-directed, tax-advantaged IRA* and Non-IRA account options. Leveraging a highly secure closed-loop ecosystem and third-party U.S. banks and custodians, iTrustCapital provides greater asset protection and flexibility for a broad range of retail and institutional clients. The company has earned more than 10,000 excellent reviews from Google and Trustpilot, and has successfully executed more than $15B in crypto transactions to date. For more information, visit itrustcapital.com . *Some taxes may apply. iTrustCapital is not an exchange, funding portal, custodian, trust company, licensed broker, dealer, broker-dealer, investment advisor, investment manager, or adviser in the United States or elsewhere. iTrustCapital has no direct relationship, and is not associated with Ethereum (ETH). iTrustCapital is not affiliated with and does not endorse any particular digital asset, precious metal or investment strategy. Digital assets are a speculative investment with risk of loss. iTrustCapital does not provide legal, investment or tax advice. We recommend seeking the advice of a qualified legal, investment or tax professional. SOURCE: iTrustCapital View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/itrustcapital-surpasses-15-billion-in-crypto-transactions-1084268 Endoscopy procedures are minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that allow physicians to view the inside of the body using an endoscope, a flexible tube equipped with a light and camera. These procedures are commonly used to examine the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., esophagus, stomach, colon), respiratory tract (e.g., bronchoscopy), urinary tract (e.g., cystoscopy), and other internal organs. PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Endoscopy Procedures Market by Application (Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Laparoscopy, Bronchoscopy, and Others), and Service Provider (Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Clinics, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2034". According to the report, the endoscopy procedures market was valued at $361 billion in 2024, and is estimated to reach $617.8 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2025 to 2034. Endoscopy can help diagnose conditions such as ulcers, tumors, infections, and inflammation, and it is also used for performing biopsies, removing polyps, or treating bleeding. It offers benefits such as reduced recovery time, less pain, and lower risk compared to traditional surgery, as endoscopy typically involves small incisions or natural body openings. Endoscopic procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis and are guided by real-time imaging to ensure precision and safety. Request Sample of the Report on Endoscopy Procedures Market Forecast 2034 - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A324001 Market Introduction Endoscopy procedures involve the use of a specialized, flexible tube called an endoscope, equipped with light and camera, to visualize the interior of organs and cavities within the body. These minimally invasive techniques are used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, allowing physicians to examine areas such as the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, urinary system, and joints without making large incisions. Common types include colonoscopy, gastroscopy, bronchoscopy, and cystoscopy, among others. According to a 2024 article by the National Library of Medicine, approximately 15 million colonoscopies are performed annually in the U.S. alone, reflecting the high demand for diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures in managing chronic gastrointestinal conditions. Endoscopy offers several advantages including reduced recovery times, lower risk of infection, and more accurate diagnosis compared to traditional open surgeries The growth of the endoscopy procedures market is driven by the rising prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, cancers, and other chronic conditions that require early and accurate diagnosis. Increasing preference for minimally invasive surgeries due to their shorter recovery times, reduced pain, and lower risk of complications is further accelerating adoption. In North America, growth is largely driven by the high incidence of gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and widespread adoption of minimally invasive technologies. The presence of major market players, strong reimbursement policies, and increased awareness of early disease detection further support market expansion in the region. Europe also shows significant growth, bolstered by a growing aging population, a well-established healthcare system, and the early adoption of advanced endoscopic technologies, especially in countries like Germany, the UK, and France. In Asia-Pacific, the market is expanding rapidly due to improving healthcare infrastructure, rising healthcare expenditure, and increasing awareness of endoscopic procedures. A large patient population, particularly in countries like China, India, and Japan, is driving demand for early diagnosis and less invasive treatments. Additionally, government initiatives to modernize healthcare systems and expand access to diagnostic services are boosting adoption rates. Report Overview: The endoscopic procedures market is segmented on the basis of procedure, service provider and region. On the basis of procedure, the market is divided into gastrointestinal endoscopy, laparoscopy, bronchoscopy, and others. On the basis of service provider, the market is divided into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), clinics, and others. On the basis of region, the market is analyzed across North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, and rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (Japan, China, Australia, India, South Korea, and rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Brazil, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of LAMEA). By procedure, the gastrointestinal endoscopy segment was the highest contributor to the market in 2024. By service provider, the hospitals segment was the highest contributor to the market in 2024. By region, North America garnered the largest revenue share in 2024. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. Report Coverage & Details Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2025-2034 Base Year 2024 Market Size in 2024 $361 billion Market Size in 2034 $617.8 billion CAGR 5.5 % No. of Pages in Report 263 Segments covered Application, Service Provider, and Region Target Region / Countries North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, and rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (Japan, China, Australia, India, South Korea, and rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Brazil, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of LAMEA). Drivers Surge in Prevalence of Chronic Diseases Growth in Adoption of Health Insurance Growth in Adoption of Minimally Invasive Procedures Opportunities Technological Advancement Restraints High Cost of Endoscopy Procedure Want to Explore More, Connect to our Analyst - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/connect-to-analyst/A324001 Market Growth & Opportunities Factors: The endoscopy procedures market is experiencing robust growth, driven by a combination of clinical, technological, and demographic factors. One of the primary drivers is the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and respiratory conditions, all of which require timely and accurate diagnostic interventions. Endoscopy provides a minimally invasive and highly effective means of detecting and treating these conditions at an early stage, improving patient outcomes and reducing the need for more invasive surgeries. As early diagnosis becomes a greater priority in global healthcare systems, demand for endoscopic procedures continues to rise Another major factor fueling market growth is the increasing preference for minimally invasive surgical techniques among both physicians and patients. According to a 2025 article by the National Library of Medicine, Surgical care has advanced with the introduction of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques, which have resulted in a reduced length of hospital stay and improved patient outcomes with regard to morbidity, mortality, and aesthetics. Endoscopic procedures are associated with several advantages, including reduced hospital stays, lower risk of infection, minimal postoperative discomfort, and quicker recovery times compared to open surgeries. These benefits have led to widespread adoption in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers worldwide. Technological advancement in endoscopic technology is expected to present a major opportunity for growth in the market. Innovations such as high-definition and 4K imaging, narrow band imaging (NBI), 3D endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, and robotic-assisted endoscopy have enhanced visualization, precision, and access to hard-to-reach anatomical areas. According to a 2025 article by the National Library of Medicine, innovations in capsule endoscopy are anticipated to greatly enhance patient care in clinical environments. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time image analysis and diagnostic support is improving detection rates and procedural efficiency. Emerging markets also offer significant growth potential. The growth of the endoscopy procedures market in Asia and the LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa) region is primarily driven by the rising prevalence of gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cancer-related disorders, which has increased the demand for minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In Asia-Pacific, factors such as a rapidly aging population, expanding healthcare infrastructure, increasing healthcare spending, and rising awareness of early disease detection are fueling market expansion. In addition, the growing adoption of technologically advanced endoscopic devices in countries like China, India, and Japan is accelerating procedural volumes. In the LAMEA region, improvements in healthcare access, a surge in medical tourism, particularly in countries like Brazil, the UAE, and South Africa, and government initiatives to modernize healthcare facilities are significant contributors. Major Challenges in Industry & Solutions: The endoscopy procedures industry faces several major challenges that impact its growth and efficiency. High costs associated with advanced endoscopic equipment and procedures remain a significant barrier, especially in low- and middle-income countries, limiting access to these technologies. Additionally, a shortage of skilled professionals trained in performing complex endoscopic techniques hampers procedural capacity and quality of care. Reprocessing and infection control risks due to improper sterilization of reusable endoscopes also pose safety concerns, leading to potential regulatory scrutiny. To address these challenges, manufacturers are increasingly developing cost-effective and disposable endoscopy solutions to reduce infection risks and improve accessibility. Investments in training programs and simulation-based education are helping to bridge the skills gap, while innovations in automated reprocessing technologies and single-use devices are enhancing safety and compliance. Collaborative efforts between governments, healthcare providers, and device makers are essential to overcoming these challenges and ensuring the broader adoption of endoscopy across diverse healthcare settings. Regional Insights North America holds the largest share of the endoscopy procedures market, driven by high prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, strong healthcare infrastructure, rising geriatric population, and widespread adoption of minimally invasive surgeries. The presence of leading manufacturers and favorable reimbursement policies also contributes significantly. In addition, the presence of leading medical device companies and academic institutions encourages continuous research and innovation in endoscopic tools and techniques, further propelling the market. Europe represents the second-largest market, supported by government-funded healthcare systems, increased awareness regarding early disease detection, and a growing demand for routine endoscopic screenings. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK benefit from well-established public healthcare systems that support widespread access to screening and diagnostic services. The region's aging population also contributes to rising procedure volumes, as older adults are more likely to undergo endoscopic evaluations for chronic conditions. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, driven by growing middle-class populations, urbanization, and developing healthcare infrastructure in countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea. Rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles have led to a rise in gastrointestinal, hepatic, and metabolic disorders, increasing the need for diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures. Countries like China, India, and Japan are major contributors to this growth. In Japan, an aging population and strong insurance coverage have long supported endoscopy adoption. Meanwhile, in China and India, increasing government investment in healthcare infrastructure, rising awareness of preventive diagnostics, and the expanding footprint of private healthcare providers are creating favorable conditions for growth. The rise of medical tourism, particularly in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Malaysia, further drives demand for advanced endoscopic services. In conclusion, the global growth of the endoscopy procedures market is being shaped by region-specific drivers such as disease burden, healthcare infrastructure development, technological advancements, and supportive government policies, with each region contributing uniquely to the market's overall expansion. For Purchase Related Queries/Inquiry- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/A324001 Key Players: Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd Kaizen Gastro Care Clinic Barcelona Cedars-Sinai Stanford Health Care Sing Health Group Northwestern Memorial HealthCare Fortis Healthcare Brigham and Women's Hospital Ramsay Health Care Key Strategies Adopted by Competitors In April 2024, Stanford Health Care announced an innovation in its novel interventional pulmonology approach for the detection and treatment of lung cancer. Stanford Health Care is pioneering the use of robotic bronchoscopy combined with cone beam CT (CBCT) guidance to improve the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Traditional methods for lung nodule biopsies, such as flexible bronchoscopy and percutaneous needle biopsy, have limitations either lacking accuracy or carrying higher risks like lung collapse. Explore AMR's Extensive Ongoing Coverage on Life Science Industry: Digital Pathology Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 At-Home Testing Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Gene Therapy Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Medical Tourism Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Albumin Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 AVENUE- A Subscription-Based Library (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) Offered by Allied Market Research: AMR introduces its online premium subscription-based library Avenue, designed specifically to offer cost-effective, one-stop solution for enterprises, investors, and universities. With Avenue, subscribers can avail an entire repository of reports on more than 2,000 niche industries and more than 12,000 company profiles. 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Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-855-550-5975 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/endoscopy-procedures-market-to-reach-617-8-billion-globally-by-2034-at-5-5-cagr-allied-market-research-302579643.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Chris McHaney, EVP Head of Investment Management and Strategy, Global X Canada ("Global X" or the "Company") his team, and Laura Somerville, Head of US Index Sales, ICE Indices, joined Graham MacKenzie, Managing Director, Exchange Traded Products, Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"), to open the market and celebrate the launch of the Company's four new ETFs: Global X China Hang Seng TECH Index ETF (TSX: CHQQ) Global X 1-3 Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF (TSX: TSTX, TSTX.F, TSTX.U) Global X 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF (TSX: TLTX, TLTX.F, TLTX.U) Global X Silver Covered Call ETF (TSX: AGCC) Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmvDazkDKj0 Global X Investments Canada Inc. is an innovative financial services company and offers one of the largest suites of exchange traded funds in Canada. The Global X Fund family includes a broadly diversified range of solutions for investors of all experience levels to meet their investment objectives in a variety of market conditions. Global X has more than $44 billion of assets under management and 150 ETFs listed on major Canadian stock exchanges. Global X is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mirae Asset Financial Group, which manages more than $800 billion of assets across 19 countries and global markets around the world. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269805 SOURCE: Toronto Stock Exchange Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX) ("Benton" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the newly announced Clean Air Metals PEA Delivers C$219.4 M pre-tax NPV, 39% IRR for the Thunder Bay North Project. See Clean Air Metals (TSXV: AIR) News Release date October 9, 2025. Benton current holds 24.6M shares or 9.8% of Clean Air Metals equity and retains a 0.5% Net Smelter Royalty (NSR) on the lower portion on the Thunder Bay North Deposit and all of the Escape Lake Deposit (see attached maps). All figures are in Canadian Dollars, unless specified otherwise. Highlights from the Clean Air announcement. The project has a $219.4M 1 pre-tax NPV8 against a project capital cost of $89.5M. After-tax NPV of $157.5M pre-tax NPV8 against a project capital cost of $89.5M. After-tax NPV of $157.5M The pre-tax internal rate of return (IRR) is 39%, and the after-tax IRR is 32% At spot pricing 1 , pre-tax NPV8 totals $316M with pre-tax IRR of 52% , pre-tax NPV8 totals $316M with pre-tax IRR of 52% The asset is designed from the ground up as a low-cost, high-margin producer with access to the first seven months from collaring the ramp portal. The project maximizes the use of temporary infrastructure and utilizes toll milling at a nearby facility The capital payback is 2.5 years from the start of production through healthy operating margins of 45% Baseline environmental studies are primarily completed to support future permitting of the project The Project is near the City of Thunder Bay, Canada, where key highway and electrical infrastructure and support are located The Company has positive relationships and is working closely with nearby Indigenous communities to allow full and meaningful participation in the project The resource has been updated with additional drilling and new pricing, highlighting a 14.9M tonne indicated resource grading 2.66 g/t 2PGE 2 , 0.40% Cu and 0.24% Ni , 0.40% Cu and 0.24% Ni Additionally, there are 2.49M tonnes of inferred resource grading 1.62 g/t 2PGE2, 0.31% Cu and 0.19% Ni. There are no reserves SOURCE: Clean Air Metals, Inc. Maps: Benton's Interest for Thunder Nay North and Escape Lake Deposits. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3657/269811_80bddeefd4003815_002full.jpg To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3657/269811_80bddeefd4003815_003full.jpg Benton Resources is a well-financed mineral exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol BEX. Benton has a diversified, highly prospective property portfolio and holds large equity positions in other mining companies that are advancing high-quality assets. Whenever possible, BEX retains net smelter return (NSR) royalties with potential long-term cash flow. Benton is focused on advancing its high-grade Copper-Gold Great Burnt Project in central Newfoundland, which has a Mineral Resource estimate of 667,000 tonnes @ 3.21% Cu Indicated and 482,000 @ 2.35% Cu Inferred. The Project has an excellent geological setting covering 25km of strike and boasts six known Cu-Au-Ag zones over 15km that are all open for expansion. Further potential for discovery is excellent given the extensive number of untested geophysical targets and Cu-Au soil anomalies. Phase 1 and 2 drill programs returned impressive results including 25.42 m of 5.51% Cu, including 9.78 m of 8.31% Cu, and 1.00 m of 12.70% Cu. Drilling at the South Pond Gold Zone, approximately 7.5 km north of the Great Burnt Copper-Gold Zone, has confirmed a robust gold-mineralized system over 2.5 km with results of 74.20 m of 1.43g/t Au and 43.75 m of 1.62g/t Au and is open for expansion in all directions. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Benton Resources Inc., "Stephen Stares" Stephen Stares, President Parties interested in seeking more information about properties available for option can contact Mr. Stares at the number below. THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. 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 gold price and other 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. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to 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. 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/269811 SOURCE: Benton Resources Inc. EQS-News: Biotest AG / Key word(s): Product Launch Biotest's Yimmugo launches in the United States 09.10.2025 / 17:30 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. PRESS RELEASE Biotest's Yimmugo launches in the United States Dreieich, Germany, October 9, 2025. Biotest AG, a specialist in innovative haematology, clinical immunology and intensive care medicine and part of Grifols, a global healthcare company and leading producer of plasma-derived medicines, proudly announces the official launch of Yimmugo, its innovative intravenous polyvalent human normal immunoglobulin (IVIg) to treat primary immunodeficiencies, in the United States. This is a significant milestone in the company's global growth strategy and represents the first U.S.-approved medicine in Biotest's portfolio. This important achievement is made possible through the close collaboration with Kedrion Inc., a recognized leader in plasma-derived therapies, which will become Biotest's U.S. distribution partner for this treatment. A Breakthrough for Patients - A Milestone for Biotest Yimmugo is designed to meet critical patient needs in the treatment of primary immune deficiencies, which are believed to affect one in every 1,200 people in the United States. With its entry into the U.S. market-the world's largest plasma protein market-Biotest reinforces its mission to improve and save the lives of patients worldwide. Yimmugo is produced in Biotest's "Next Level" production facility in Dreieich, Germany, using a state-of-the-art manufacturing process. The treatment was successfully introduced in Europe at the end of 2022 and will now reach U.S. patients, following FDA approval in 2024. "This launch is a major step forward in expanding access to treatment for U.S. patients living with primary immunodeficiencies. It also reinforces our commitment to broadening the reach of our therapies," said Dr. Jorg Schuttrumpf, CEO of Biotest AG. "Our collaboration with Kedrion ensures that Yimmugo reaches those who need it most, backed by Kedrion's deep expertise and trusted commercial network in the United States." The U.S. launch of Yimmugo represents a cornerstone in Biotest's long-term strategy and highlights the company's continuous growth trajectory. It demonstrates Biotest's commitment to innovation, patient focus, and international expansion. "With Yimmugo now available in the U.S., Biotest takes a bold step into the future," added Enrico D'Aiuto, Head of Commercial Operations at Biotest. "We are proud of this achievement, grateful to our teams and partners, and optimistic about the impact Yimmugo will have on patients' lives." About Biotest Biotest is a supplier of biological medicines derived from human plasma. With a value chain ranging from preclinical and clinical development to global marketing, Biotest specialises primarily in the fields of clinical immunology, haematology and intensive care and emergency medicine. Biotest develops and markets immunoglobulins, coagulation factors and albumin, which are produced from human blood plasma and used to treat diseases of the immune system or the blood-forming systems. Biotest employs more than 2,500 people worldwide. Since May 2022, Biotest has been part of the Grifols Group, Barcelona, Spain (www.grifols.com). IR contact: Dr. Monika Baumann (Buttkereit) Telephone: +49-6103-801-4406 Email: ir@biotest.com PR contact: Miriam Oehme Telephone: +49 -152 07016 992 Email: pr@biotest.com Biotest AG, Landsteinerstr. 5, 63303 Dreieich, www.biotest.com Ordinary shares: WKN: 522720; ISIN: DE0005227201 Preference shares: WKN: 522723; ISIN: DE0005227235 Listed: Open market: Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg/Hanover, Munich, Stuttgart, Tradegate Disclaimer This document contains forward-looking statements on the overall economic development and the business, earnings, financial and asset situation of Biotest AG and its subsidiaries. These statements are based on the company's current plans, estimates, forecasts and expectations and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected development. The forward-looking statements are only valid at the time of publication. Biotest does not intend to update the forward-looking statements and assumes no obligation to do so. 09.10.2025 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com TOKYO, Japan, Oct 9, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - Honda today marked the 30th anniversary of the Honda CR-V, a global SUV model of Honda that debuted with the market launch of the first-generation model in 1995. CR-V sales started in Japan, but quickly expanded around the world, now sold in approximately 150 countries, with cumulative global sales exceeding 15 million units*1.CR-V 30th Anniversary special website: https://global.honda/en/CR-V30th/The CR-V, which originally stood for "Comfortable Runabout Vehicle," was developed as an innovative SUV model under the concept of the "Creative Mover*2" series, which aimed to support people in creating more fun and enjoyable lifestyles, pioneering a new genre of "urban SUV" that offered excellent comfort and runabout capability. In the 30 years since the initial launch in Japan, in 1995, CR-V has gained and maintained popularity all around the world.While expanding sales into more markets, CR-V continued to advance in line with the needs of the customer in each era. In July 2024, the CR-V e:FCEV was launched*3 as the first fuel cell vehicle with plug-in charging capability by a Japanese automaker*4. In August 2025, cumulative global unit sales of CR-V reached 15 million units. Based on total unit sales over the past ten years (2015-2024), the CR-V is the best-selling Honda automobile model, establishing itself as an important model representing the Honda SUV lineup.In 2022, Honda launched the sixth-generation CR-V model lineup. The CR-V e:HEV, a hybrid variant featuring a comfortable cabin space and dynamic driving with the Honda two-motor hybrid system, has been well received by many customers around the world, mainly in North America and China, and is scheduled to be launched in Japan as well, in the near future. Prior to the Japan launch, the CR-V e:HEV Prototype will be exhibited in the Honda booth at the Japan Mobility Show (Press days: Oct. 29 - 30, Public days: Oct. 31 - Nov. 9, 2025).Including CR-V models, Honda will continue to offer a lineup with a wide variety of mobility products and services that will contribute to making life more enjoyable for more customers around the world.History of Honda CR-V* First generation (1995):The first-generation Honda CR-V was introduced first in Japan in 1995 as the second model of the "Honda Creative Mover" series, featuring both passenger car-like drivability and a spacious cabin. Equipped with distinctive features such as a built-in folding table which doubled as the rigid cargo floor underneath the carpeted mat, the first-generation CR-V established a new vehicle genre of "urban SUV." Sales started in the U.S. in 1997 and expanded to Europe and Asia. The first-generation CR-V became the starting point of Honda global SUV models.* Second generation (2001):The second-generation Honda CR-V featured new packaging that further increased the size and usability of the cabin space. In addition to Japan, North America and Europe, CR-V sales started in China, expanding its position as a Honda global SUV model.* Third generation (2006):The third-generation Honda CR-V featured a new styling design, completely revamped from the previous boxy style to a more advanced and sophisticated urban SUV styling. The 2.4L i-VTEC engine and newly developed suspensions further enhanced driving performance, quietness and occupant comfort.* Fourth generation (2011):The fourth-generation Honda CR-V achieved a significant improvement in usability by featuring a sleek, highly efficient aerodynamic body, excellent fuel economy and occupant comfort, as well as a larger cabin and cargo space. In 2011, cumulative global CR-V sales reached the 5 million-unit milestone*1.* Fifth generation (2016):The fifth-generation Honda CR-V lineup included a hybrid variant for the first time. Equipped with the Honda two-motor hybrid system, SPORT HYBRID i-MMD, the CR-V Hybrid marked a new chapter as an environmentally-responsible SUV model. Moreover, in Japan, Honda SENSING became standard equipment on all grades of CR-V for the first time, enhancing its safety features to ensure customers' peace of mind. In 2018, the cumulative global sales reached the 10 million-unit milestone*1.* Sixth generation (2022):The sixth-generation Honda CR-V models have been well received by a broad range of customers around the world, mostly in North America and China, based on their dynamic yet sophisticated design and further enlarged cabin space, as well as the powerful driving performance of the Honda e:HEV two-motor hybrid system for hybrid variants.* Honda CR-V e:FCEV (2024):Honda became the first*3 Japanese automaker to introduce*4 a fuel cell vehicle with plug-in charging capability. Developed based on the sixth-generation CR-V that is sold and very popular in North America, as well as China and other countries, the CR-V e:FCEV accommodates the diverse needs of customers with its SUV-specific utility and packaging.*1 Based on Honda internal research.*2 Creative Mover: A series of automobile models Honda developed with a new approach aimed at supporting people in creating/enhancing more fun and enjoyable lifestyles. The first model of the series was the first-generation Odyssey that went on sale in 1994.*3 Through lease sales.*4 As of July 2024, based on Honda internal research.Source: Honda Motor Co, LtdCopyright 2025 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Regulatory News: Havas N.V. ("Havas" or the "Company") (AEX:HAVAS) announces that it is expected to implement a reverse share split of (i) the ordinary shares in the capital of the Company (Ordinary Shares) (ISIN code NL0015002AH0), (ii) the special voting shares A in the capital of the Company (Special Voting Shares A), and (iii) the special voting shares B in the capital of the Company (Special Voting Shares B, and together with the Ordinary Shares and the Special Voting Shares A: Shares), each in the ratio 10:1 (Reverse Share Split). The Company has not issued any Special Voting Shares A or Special Voting Shares B, and it is not expected that such shares shall be issued prior to the completion of the Reverse Share Split. Pursuant to the Reverse Share Split, and as a result of the envisaged amendment to the articles of association of the Company by means of the amendment deed as approved by the Company's annual general meeting held on 28 May 2025 ("Amendment Deed") becoming effective: (i) each ten (10) Ordinary Shares shall be consolidated into one (1) Ordinary Share with the nominal value per Ordinary Share being multiplied by ten (10); (ii) the nominal value of each Special Voting Share A shall be multiplied by ten (10); and (iii) the nominal value of each Special Voting Share B shall be multiplied by ten (10). The Reverse Share Split is aimed at reducing the number of issued Ordinary Shares and simplifying the administrative management of the same, while at the same time improving the Ordinary Shares' perception in the market. The Reverse Share Split is not expected to influence the value of the investment held in the Company, because (i) the amount of the issued share capital of the Company immediately before and after implementation of the reverse share split would remain unchanged and (ii) the reduction in the number of existing Ordinary Shares is expected to be offset by the simultaneous and corresponding increase in the value of each Ordinary Share, without impacting the overall value of the investment held, all other conditions being unchanged. To implement the Reverse Share Split, the Company will reduce the number of issued Ordinary Shares by a factor of ten (10), which will not result in a decrease in the amount of the Company's issued share capital at the time of the implementation of the Reverse Share Split. In light of the above, as a result of such Reverse Share Split and the execution of the Amendment Deed, the authorized share capital of the Company shall become EUR 800,000,006, divided into (i) 200,000,000 Ordinary Shares with a nominal value of EUR 2 each, (ii) 200,000,000 Special Voting Shares A with a nominal value of EUR 2 each, and (iii) one (1) Special Voting Share B with a nominal value of EUR 6. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) relating to the Reverse Share Split are available on the Company's website in the "Investors/Shareholders" section, regulated information. Main terms and conditions on the implementation of the Reverse Share Split Following the Company's annual general meeting held on 28 May 2025, the board of directors of the Company (Board) has resolved to, among others, implement the Reverse Share Split and have the Amendment Deed executed in due course. The following terms and conditions of the Reverse Share Split are included in more detail below: Start of the Reverse Share Split operations: 14 October 2025. Effective date of the Reverse Share Split (trading of the Ordinary Shares under the new ISIN code NL0015002K83): 18 November 2025 (Effective Date Effect Reverse Share Split: each ten (10) Ordinary Shares, with current ISIN code NL0015002AH0, shall be consolidated into one (1) Ordinary Share with the nominal value per Ordinary Share being multiplied by ten (10), being EUR 2 and with new ISIN code NL0015002K83, the nominal value of each Special Voting Share A shall be multiplied by ten (10), being EUR 2 and the nominal value of each Special Voting Share B shall be multiplied by ten (10), being EUR 6. Cancellation of four (4) Ordinary Shares: Following the public announcement and expiry of the mandatory two-month waiting period (i.e. from 1 August 2025 to 1 October 2025), a cancellation of four (4) Ordinary Shares has been effectuated in accordance with Dutch law, which cancellation became effective on 2 October 2025. The cancellation of these four (4) Ordinary Shares was resolved upon and implemented in the context of the Reverse Share Split and will be reflected on Euronext Amsterdam as of 13 October 2025, with the relevant notice to be published on 9 October 2025. As a result, the issued capital of the Company has been reduced from EUR 198,362,298.80, divided into 991,811,494 Ordinary Shares with a nominal value of EUR 0.20 each to EUR 198,362,298, divided into 991,811,490 Ordinary Shares with a nominal value of EUR 0.20 each. Number of issued Ordinary Shares subject to the Reverse Share Split: 991,811,490 Ordinary Shares, with a nominal value of EUR 0.20. Number of issued Ordinary Shares after implementation of the Reverse Share Split: 99,181,149, with a nominal value of EUR 2. Consolidation Ordinary Shares: On the Effective Date, every ten (10) issued Ordinary Shares will be automatically consolidated into one (1) Ordinary Share. Centralization: The change from the current ISIN code NL0015002AH0 of the Ordinary Shares to the new ISIN code NL0015002K83 of the Ordinary Shares will be carried out according to the automatic procedure and as described in the Euronext notice released on 14 October 2025. Fractional shares: The shareholders who do not hold a number of Ordinary Shares that is a multiple of ten (10) prior to the implementation of the Reverse Share Split, shall be able to buy or sell Ordinary Shares until 17 November 2025 to round their portfolio up to the nearest multiple of ten (10). After 17 November 2025, shareholders who do not hold a number of Ordinary Shares that is a multiple of ten (10) shall be indemnified in cash for the fractional shares they hold by their financial intermediary within 30 days from 20 November 2025 (in accordance with market practice). Reverse Share Split indicative timetable 14 October 2025 Release of the Euronext notice announcing the Reverse Share Split 16 October 2025 17 November 2025 Shareholders can buy and sell Ordinary Shares to round their portfolio up to the nearest multiple of ten (10) and manage fractional shares 17 November 2025 Last trading day under old ISIN code 18 November 2025 Effective date of the Reverse Share Split and first day of trading under new ISIN code NL0015002K83 19 November 2025 Record Date 20 November 2025 Settlement of the Reverse Share Split 20 November 2025 22 December 2025 Shareholders to be indemnified in cash due to fractional rights through their financial intermediaries About Havas Founded in 1835 in Paris, Havas is one of the world's largest global communications groups, with nearly 23,000 people operating in over 100 markets and sharing one mission: to make a meaningful difference to brands, businesses, and people. To meet the needs of its clients, Havas has developed a seamlessly integrated strategy and operating system, Converged.AI, fusing all its global expertise, tools and capabilities, to create, produce, and distribute real-time, optimized, and personalized marketing solutions at scale. With inspired human ideas at the heart of this unique model, supercharged by the latest data, technology and AI, the teams work together with agility and in perfect synergy within Havas Villages to provide clients with tailor-made solutions that support them in their positive transformation. Havas is committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace, that prioritizes the well-being and professional development of its talents. Further information about Havas is available at www.havas.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009039634/en/ Contacts: For more information, please contact: Charlotte Rambaud Global Chief Communications Officer charlotte.rambaud@havas.com +33 6 64 67 66 27 Delphine Maillet Head of Investor Relations delphine.maillet@havas.com +33 6 80 36 18 12 Kristin Calmes Global Senior Communications Officer kristin.calmes@havas.com +33 6 08 40 76 27 Regulatory News: SpineGuard (FR0011464452 ALSGD), an innovative company that deploys its DSG (Dynamic Surgical Guidance) local conductivity sensing technology to secure and streamline the placement of bone implants, today announces its third quarter 2025 revenue. Pierre Jerome, Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of SpineGuard, stated: "The steep improvement of our operational result thanks to the significant reduction of our structural costs logically continues to impact our revenue in particular in the US where our strategic partner, Omnia Medical, is now leading our commercial network and the development of PediGuard sales. The logistics transfer is the next step of our common roadmap in order to bolster the competitiveness and new markets access for our two companies' products. We have good momentum in Europe, our second most important market after the US, and are making progress towards getting Chinese regulatory approval for the curved and miniaturized versions of PediGuard which are well suited for pediatric surgeries. We are also advancing discussions with several new potential industry partners interested in powered, robotic, and dental applications of DSG Q3 2025 revenue thousands IFRS (Unaudited) 2025 2024 Variance at current exchange rate First Quarter 1,206 1,351 -10.7% Second Quarter 915 1,095 -16.4% Third Quarter 770 1,174 -34.4% Year-To-Date 9 months 2,891 3,620 -20.1% SpineGuard's consolidated revenue for the first nine months of fiscal year 2025 amounted to 2,891K, down 20.1% at current exchange rates (-19% at constant exchange rates) compared to the same period in 2024. In the United States, revenue at the end of the third quarter of 2025 was down 25.8% in dollar terms to $2,023K, compared to $2,728K at the end of the third quarter of 2024. This decrease is due to the gradual transformation of SpineGuard's business model from direct sales in the United States to a distribution model as part of its strategic partnership with Omnia Medical. This change is reflected in an apparent decline in short-term revenue, but should result in an improvement in the operating margin for the full 2025 financial year. In SpineGuard's other main markets, revenue at the end of the third quarter of 2025 was up 1% in Europe and 30% in Asia, but down 11% in Latin America and 35% in the Middle East, where a large order related to a recently won tender in Saudi Arabia is expected in the coming months. 4,212 DSG units were sold at the end of the third quarter of 2025, compared to 4,813 units at the end of the third quarter of 2024, representing an overall decline of 12.5%. 1,523 units were sold in the United States at the end of the third quarter, representing 36% of total units sold. Outlook SpineGuard is continuing its efforts to achieve operational break-even by the end of 2026. The gradual transformation of its business model in the United States will contribute significantly to this goal. The ongoing sale of SpineGuard Inc. to Omnia Medical remains subject to customary conditions precedent, primarily the repayment of bonds issued to Norgine Venture and Harbert European Growth, with the final monthly payment due in January 2026. At the same time, the Company is working to establish strategic partnerships, strengthen its financial resources, and obtain approval for the curved and XS PediGuard devices in China. The Company's cash position as of September 30, 2025 amounts to 618K. Given the bond financing of up to 1 million agreed on September 10, 2025, its commercial and financial forecasts, the reduction in its expenses, and the progress made in discussions with potential partners with a view to concluding new strategic industrial agreements, the Board of Directors has adopted the ongoing concern assumption. SpineGuard believes it will be able to cover its financing needs until the second quarter of 2026. SpineGuard is currently exploring various options and measures to strengthen its financing horizon and is working to forge new strategic partnerships to expand the scope of applications for its DSG technology. About SpineGuard Founded in 2009 in France and the USA by Pierre Jerome and Stephane Bette, SpineGuard is an innovative company deploying its proprietary radiation-free real time sensing technology DSG (Dynamic Surgical Guidance) to secure and streamline the placement of implants in the skeleton. SpineGuard designs, develops and markets medical devices embedding its technology. Over 100,000 surgical procedures have been secured worldwide thanks to DSG and 39 studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals have demonstrated the multiple benefits DSG offers to patients, surgeons, surgical staff and hospitals. Building on these strong fundamentals and several strategic partnerships, SpineGuard is expanding the scope of its DSG technology to the treatment of scoliosis via anterior approach, sacroiliac joint fusion, dental implantology and innovations such as the smart pedicle screw and power drill or surgical robotics. DSG was co-invented by Maurice Bourlion, Ph.D., Ciaran Bolger, M.D., Ph.D., and Alain Vanquaethem, Biomedical Engineer. SpineGuard has engaged in multiple ESG initiatives. For further information, visit www.spineguard.com Disclaimer The SpineGuard securities may not be offered or sold in the United States as they have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any United States state securities laws, and SpineGuard does not intend to make a public offer of its securities in the United States. This is an announcement and not a prospectus, and the information contained herein does and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the securities referred to herein in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or exemption from registration. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009412555/en/ Contacts: SpineGuard Pierre Jerome CEO Chairman Tel: +33 1 45 18 45 19 p.jerome@spineguard.com SpineGuard Anne-Charlotte Millard CFO Tel: +33 1 45 18 45 19 ac.millard@spineguard.com NewCap Investor Relations Financial Communication Mathilde Bohin Aurelie Manavarere Tel: +33 1 44 71 94 94 spineguard@newcap.eu Futurex adds Dubai and Abu Dhabi data centers, expanding to 15 global sites, enabling low latency, PQC-ready cloud HSMs with local data residency and dedicated regional support SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Futurex, the global leader in enterprise-grade data encryption solutions, today announced the opening of its Middle East office and the launch of two new data centers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, expanding to 15 global sites. With an in-country team and localized infrastructure, Futurex now provides best-in-class cryptographic services for enterprises across the Middle East. This expansion responds to accelerating demand driven by regional digital transformation initiatives, including Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, Qatar's National Vision 2030, and the UAE's National Cybersecurity Strategy. To support these regional initiatives, Futurex is thrilled to announce the hiring of John Doley as VP of Sales for the Middle East. Opening a local office and establishing data centers provides expertise with regulatory requirements, speeds procurement, onboarding, and support, while in-region cryptographic operations ensure data residency requirements, reduce latency, and simplify audit and compliance. Futurex's CryptoHub platform, which powers these services, unifies hardware security modules (HSM), enterprise key management, PKI and CA, and data protection into a single platform. Available as an on-premises appliance, virtual instance, or cloud service, CryptoHub extends far beyond traditional HSMs to deliver unmatched scalability, speed, and control across environments. Futurex's expanded Middle East presence will deliver critical capabilities and value: In-region cloud HSMs and key management - Lower latency, streamlined compliance, and enterprise-class redundancy with two new data centers inside the UAE with direct connectivity into all the major hyperscalers - Lower latency, streamlined compliance, and enterprise-class redundancy with two new data centers inside the UAE with direct connectivity into all the major hyperscalers PQC-ready cryptography - Prepare for the transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) with certified algorithms, hybrid certificate authorities, and CryptoHub as the foundation for your enterprise PQC Center of Excellence - Prepare for the transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) with certified algorithms, hybrid certificate authorities, and CryptoHub as the foundation for your enterprise PQC Center of Excellence Cryptographic orchestration and automation - Manage fleets of on-premises, virtual, and cloud HSMs at scale across diverse use cases, with unprecedented control and orchestration over provisioning, scalability, policy enforcement, and lifecycle operations - Manage fleets of on-premises, virtual, and cloud HSMs at scale across diverse use cases, with unprecedented control and orchestration over provisioning, scalability, policy enforcement, and lifecycle operations Unified crypto operations - Reduce operational complexity with CryptoHub's single control pane that manages virtually any cryptographic use case "The Middle East represents one of the world's most dynamic markets for digital transformation and cybersecurity," said John Doley, VP of Sales - Middle East, Futurex. "With our regional office established, local data centers coming online, and a strong channel ecosystem across the region, Futurex is delivering regionally compliant and scalable encryption solutions built for the Middle East with a future-proof roadmap for next-generation cryptography." About Futurex For over 40 years, Futurex has been an award-winning leader and innovator in the encryption market, delivering uncompromising enterprise-grade data security solutions. Over 15,000 organizations trust Futurex to provide groundbreaking hardware security modules, key management servers, and cloud HSM solutions. Futurex is headquartered outside San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices worldwide. Get started with Futurex HSMs today: https://www.futurex.com/demo-sign-up View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/futurex-opens-middle-east-office-and-local-data-centers-to-deliver-best-in-class-cryptographic-services-302579995.html Press release New crucial milestones reached in biocontrol for the upcoming commercialisation of AXPERA , with final approval of the active substance by the European Commission and the signing of a strategic distribution agreement with Koppert; Acceleration in the cosmetics segment with a partnership signed with Metron Technology to facilitate the approval and the distribution of its ingredient on the Chinese market; Strengthened financial structure and an extended cash horizon, following a successful 14 million capital increase in July 2025 (including 5 million through debt offset). Chassieu (France), 9 October 2025 - 6:00 p.m - Amoeba (FR0011051598 - ALMIB), an industrial greentech specialized in the development of natural microbiological solutions based on the patented use of amoebae, announces its results for the first half of 2025[1] and provides an update on the progress of its strategic roadmap. A semester marked by decisive progress ahead of the commercial launch of AXPERA After a major strategic pivot in 2024 toward becoming an industrial and commercial company, Amoeba achieved numerous key milestones in the first half of 2025, both in biocontrol and cosmetics. The active biocontrol substance has reached two crucial milestones, paving the way for its commercialisation in 2026: From a commercial perspective , in June 2025[2], Amoeba signed a major distribution agreement with Koppert, the world leader in biological crop protection and pollination. This agreement grants Koppert exclusive distribution rights for five years for this biocontrol product in 18 European countries and the United States, covering vineyards and vegetable crops in greenhouses and open fields; , in June 2025[2], Amoeba signed a major distribution agreement with Koppert, the world leader in biological crop protection and pollination. This agreement grants Koppert exclusive distribution rights for five years for this biocontrol product in 18 European countries and the United States, covering vineyards and vegetable crops in greenhouses and open fields; From a regulatory perspective, the biocontrol active substance received final approval from the European Commission in June 2025[3], after the final assessment report issued by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) confirmed its fungicidal efficacy and low risk profile for human health and the environment. Marketing authorisations for AXPERA in the nine targeted European countries are expected by early 2026. Additionally, in April 2025[4], the AXPERA solution received a 120-day emergency marketing authorisation in France to control grapevine downy mildew. Feedback from winegrowers during the trial period (mid-April to mid-August) was very positive, confirming the product's efficacy and its contribution to reducing copper use in the combat against mildew[5]. Amoeba also reached a new milestone in the development of its cosmetics business, with the signing in July 2025[6] of an agreement with Metron Technology, a subsidiary of the Chinese group Oriental Beauty Valley (OBV). This agreement includes support from the OBV group until Amoeba's cosmetic ingredient is approved in China, as well as priority distribution rights granted to Metron Technology to market Amoeba's cosmetic ingredient in China once approval has been obtained. As a reminder, the cosmetic ingredient is already registered on the INCI list (International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient), allowing worldwide marketing without any further approval, (except in China) and has received the COSMOS label, certifying it is natural and environmentally friendly. Finally, Amoeba will benefit from the expertise of its new Board member Charlotte Franceries (former member of L'Oreal's senior management team) to support the development of its cosmetic ingredient under the most favorable conditions. Half-year results AMOEBA H1 2024 H1 2025 Variation Consolidated income statement K K K Revenues - - - Grants 248 329 +81 Industrial deployment costs (525) (674) -149 Research and development costs (778) (666) +112 Administrative costs and overheads (1,491) (1,718) -228 Sales and marketing (136) (352) -217 Current operating income (2,683) (3,083) -400 Other income and expenses - - - Operating income (2,683) (3,083) -400 Financial income (expense) (441) (814) -373 Net income (3,125) (3,897) -772 The operating income stood at -3,083k in the first half of 2025, down 400k compared to the first half of 2024. This change is explained by: Industrial deployment costs increased over the half-year (+149k), in line with the increase in production capacity at the Chassieu site to support the commercial launch of AXPERA; costs increased over the half-year (+149k), in line with the increase in production capacity at the Chassieu site to support the commercial launch of AXPERA; Research and development costs decreased by 112k (-14%) over the half-year, due to the reclassification of amortisation expenses to general expenses. Given the maturity of the various solutions, whether already developed or still under development, the current level of expenditure remains consistent with the ongoing research and innovation work carried out by Amoeba's development platform. General and administrative expenses increased by 228k (+15%), due to both the reclassification of R&D depreciation to general expenses and social security contributions on the free share programme expiring in May 2024. expenses increased by 228k (+15%), due to both the reclassification of R&D depreciation to general expenses and social security contributions on the free share programme expiring in May 2024. Marketing and sales expenses increased by 217k, in line with the preparation for the commercial launch of the biocontrol solution in 2026, including one-off expenses related to the implementation of commercial agreements and associated legal costs. Operating income came to -3,083k, compared with -2,683k in the first half of 2024 (-400k), in line with the roadmap established by the Company. After a year of transition, the Company's expenses are still lower than their level at 30 June 2023 (-3,882k) despite a sustained level of activity (regulatory approvals, preparation for the commercial launch of the biocontrol solution, etc.), demonstrating Amoeba's effective budgetary control. After taking into account the financial result (which amounted to -814k, up following the increase in drawdowns on the bond loan), mainly consisting of non-cash interest expenses related to bond loans and lease-related liabilities, the half-year net result came to -3,897k (vs. -3,125k in H1 2024). An extended cash horizon The Company's cash position at 30 June 2025 amounted to 742k, compared with 459k as at 31 December 2024. Cash requirements related to operations (-2,652k) and investments (-900k) were more than offset by financing issued during the half-year (+3,887k), mainly consisting of proceeds from new tranches of the non-convertible bond. As at 30 June 2025, the Company's equity stood at -14,269k, compared with -10,410k as at 31 December 2024. The Company's financial debt amounted to 16,765k (12,065k as at 31 December 2024). It consists of debts related to lease obligations (405k), the repayable advance from BPI received under the USIBIAM contract in Cavaillon (594k) and the bond issue for 15,766k. This financial structure was significantly strengthened in July 2025, thanks to the successful 14 million capital increase (including 9m in cash, before transaction costs, and 5m through debt offset). As at 30 September 2025, cash and cash equivalents stood at 6.9 million. The financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2025 were approved by the Board of Directors on the principle of continuity of operations, based on activity and cash flow forecasts for the next 12 months, i.e. until 30 June 2026, taking into account: the net cash position as at 30 June 2025 and the capital increase carried out in July 2025, the estimated expenses projections to pursue the Group's strategy, Nice & Green's commitment not to seek repayment of outstanding simple bonds for twelve months following the capital increase, And more broadly, the company benefits from a commitment of financial support for operating expenses from the shareholder Nice & Green until 30 June 2026. Outlook The end of 2025 still looks very busy for Amoeba. The Company will focus its efforts on the following priorities: Active preparation for the commercial launch of the AXPERA biocontrol solution with Koppert in Europe and the United States, for vineyards and vegetable crops, scheduled for 2026; Leveraging the potential of its biocontrol solution , by continuing discussions with Koppert and other parties regarding crops (cereals, potatoes, orchard, bananas etc.) and/or geographical areas not covered by the agreement signed in June 2025, as well as the co-development of new biocontrol solutions; , by continuing discussions with Koppert and other parties regarding crops (cereals, potatoes, orchard, bananas etc.) and/or geographical areas not covered by the agreement signed in June 2025, as well as the co-development of new biocontrol solutions; Obtaining marketing authorisations for AXPERA , expected by early 2026 at the latest in the nine European countries targeted. The US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) decision on the application for federal marketing authorisation in the United States for its AXPERA product, which has been delayed for reasons beyond Amoeba's control, is expected in the first quarter of 2026; , expected by early 2026 at the latest in the nine European countries targeted. The US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) decision on the application for federal marketing authorisation in the United States for its AXPERA product, which has been delayed for reasons beyond Amoeba's control, is expected in the first quarter of 2026; For cosmetic application: definition of the marketing strategy for its ingredient following excellent in vitro and in vivo test results, structuring of the offer and implementation of the approval procedure in China, in partnership with Metron Technology. At the same time, Amoeba is developing an innovative biofertiliser solution to tap into a new market segment. This new solution would both generate additional revenue and improve the company's overall profitability as it leverages a production process largely similar to that of the biocontrol solution. Benoit VILLERS, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Amoeba, states: "We have had a very productive and decisive half-year for the future of Amoeba, confirming the relevance of the strategic pivot implemented over the past two years. The various milestones achieved by our biocontrol solution now enable us to launch its commercialisation in 2026, and we are delighted with the interest generated by our cosmetic ingredient, both in France and internationally. Finally, the success of the capital increase carried out in July allows us to approach the coming months with confidence, and I would like to once again thank all of our partners and shareholders." Jean-Francois DOUCET, CEO of Amoeba, states: "In the last few months, Amoeba has taken decisive steps that allow us to look to the future with confidence. Thanks to the exceptional commitment of our teams, whom I would like to congratulate once again, we are now closer than ever to transforming Amoeba into a fully commercial company. We are now focusing our efforts on preparing for the launch of AXPERA with our partner Koppert, while continuing to make advances in cosmetics and the development of new projects, notably our biofertiliser. We are eager to bring our innovative and environmentally friendly solutions to the market." About Amoeba: Founded in 2010, Amoeba is a greentech company based in Chassieu (Lyon, France) whose ambition is to become a major player in the treatment of microbiological risk based on the patented use of amoebae in the plant protection and cosmetics sectors. With know-how that is unique in the world and protected by numerous patents, Amoeba is currently the only company capable of exploiting the full potential of the Willaertia amoeba on an industrial scale and cultivating it in sufficient volumes to offer biological solutions that constitute a viable alternative to the chemical products widely used today. Amoeba is currently focusing on the global biocontrol market for plant protection and on the cosmetics market. As the marketing of plant protection products is subject to obtaining local regulatory authorisations, the Company has carried out the necessary regulatory procedures and filed registration dossiers in Europe and the United States. With regard to the active substance, it has already obtained approval in 2022 in the USA and a positive and definitive report from EFSA in Europe. Product approvals are expected in the coming months. The cosmetic application does not require prior approval from a competent authority in Europe or the United States. The cosmetic ingredient is already registered on the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) list, paving the way for it to be marketed worldwide except in China, where local approval is required. Amoeba is listed on Euronext Growth (ALMIB). The company is a member of the Bpifrance Excellence network and is eligible for the PEA-PME scheme. For more information, visit www.amoeba-nature.com. Contacts: Amoeba ACTUS finance & communication Droit Devant Agency Chief Executive Officer Jean-Francois DOUCET +33 (0)4 26 69 16 00 jf.doucet@amoeba-nature.com Investor relations Pierre JACQUEMIN-GUILLAUME +33 (0)1 53 67 36 79 amoeba@actus.fr Financial press relations Serena BONI +33 (0)4 72 18 04 92 sboni@actus.fr Business and general public press relations Laetitia PINTO +33 (0)7 64 83 39 85 pinto@droitdevant.fr Disclaimer This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Amoeba which are based on its own assumptions and estimates and on information that is currently available to us. However, Amoeba gives no assurance that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be verified, with these estimates subject to numerous risks, including the risks set forth in Amoeba's universal registration document filed with the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorite des Marches Financiers) on April 17, 2025 under number D.25-0281 and available on the Amoeba website (www.amoeba-nature.com). The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Amoeba or not currently considered material by Amoeba . The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause Amoeba's actual results, financial conditions, performance, or achievements to be materially different from such forward-looking statements. [1] The Board of Directors, in its meeting on 9 October 2025, approved the financial statements for the period ended 30 June 2025. The Statutory Auditor has completed its limited review of the consolidated half-year financial statements for the period ended 30 June 2025. The half-year report is currently being issued and will be available on the company's website within the legal deadlines. [2] See the press release dated 3 June 2025. [3] See the press release dated 17 June 2025. [4] See the press release dated 22 April 2025. [5] See the press release dated 2 October 2025. [6] See the press release dated 22 July 2025. ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: lp1rlZeXYW7Gm25ulshpmWJobm+Sw5PHm2nLmWVslprKnHFhl29jbZ2VZnJlmW5u - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-94498-amoeba_cp_rs-2025_vdef-eng.pdf Students have until May 1, 2026, to apply for the chance to receive $2,500 for tuition. BOSTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / It's not always easy for today's students to transition out of high school and into college. A student's first year takes a lot of preparation, and some students make a concentrated effort to tackle that change head-on. Jason Stone Injury Lawyers wants to recognize those students' efforts with its brand new scholarship. The Jason Stone Injury Lawyers Scholarship Program will award two scholarships of $2,500 each to two graduating students. In order to be considered, the applicant must write an essay discussing how their summer activities prepared them for their first year of college. The firm is offering two awards: one to a child of a Federal employee and another to any graduating student. If you're applying as the child of a Federal employee, please note as much on your application. Applicants must write a scholarship essay between 750 and 1,000 words, going into detail about: What activities they participated in over the summer Why they chose to participate in those activities What lessons they learned from those activities How those lessons prepared them to undertake the challenges of their first year in college. Students have until May 1, 2026, to submit an essay for the scholarship selection committee's consideration. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Use of AI to generate a scholarship essay for the Jason Stone Injury Lawyers Scholarship will result in disqualification. Please allow Jason Stone Injury Lawyers' Scholarship Committee three months to announce the scholarship recipients. Once a recipient has been confirmed, Jason Stone Injury Lawyers will deliver the $2,500 award to the institution of that student's choice. The firm will then announce the winner via a press release. Students can refer to the scholarship page for more information about the scholarship's qualifying criteria and the steps they need to take before submitting an application for consideration. The personal injury lawyers with Jason Stone Injury Lawyers wish each applicant the best of luck with their essays. About Jason Stone Injury Lawyers Since 2004, Jason Stone Injury Lawyers has cultivated a reputation among its clients for excellent customer service and has shown a commitment to helping them recover emotionally, physically, legally, and financially. The firm has obtained over $270,000,000 for its injured clients, becoming a trusted resource for personal injury representation. Among its adversaries, Jason Stone Injury Lawyers has earned a reputation for aggressively holding individuals and businesses accountable for their wrongdoing. The peace of mind provided by the Jason Stone team allows injury victims to focus their efforts on getting back to their pre-incident level of health. Everyone at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers focuses on getting injured people compensated for the challenges they have experienced through no fault of their own. To schedule a free consultation or for more information, visit www.stoneinjurylawyers.com. SOURCE: Jason Stone Injury Lawyers View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/jason-stone-injury-lawyers-announces-2026-scholarship-program-1084334 by Monica Molesag NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / In New York, business leaders from every corner of the world are uniting to address evolving global challenges and accelerate solutions. Across multiple events and stages, SAP is sharing how its artificial intelligence (AI) edge is helping leading companies shape the future of business by turning environmental, regulatory, and market pressures into opportunities for action. AI, with already proven applications, can unlock insights to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 5%-10% by 2030. According to KPMG, over half of sustainability executives say one of their top actions in the next three years is expanding their use of AI to enhance ESG capabilities. Most businesses have not yet realized AI's full potential for sustainability. In fact, only 14% of companies are using AI today to reduce carbon emissions. But those ready to do so will gain a decisive advantage that goes beyond emissions reduction. SAP's ERP-centric approach enables organizations to deliver sustainability outcomes with applications, data, and AI embedded into SAP Business Suite. With sustainability reporting, data processing, automation, and strategic insights, AI can navigate your business through today's climate challenges and ensure tomorrow's competitiveness. Put sustainability at the core of your business with AI-driven solutions Learn more Power on, ethically and responsibly Scaling AI solutions comes with considerable energy and water usage. To ensure net benefit, this needs to be part of return on investment conversations. With robust governance and renewables - backing however, AI is able to reduce more emissions than it generates. All SAP data centers are powered by 100% renewable energy and any emissions from use of third-party AI systems are calculated and included in the company's Scope 3 emissions. Used ethically and responsibly, AI can be the catalyst of your sustainable business transformation. Here are eight ways that businesses use SAP's AI-powered systems to build their sustainable advantage. Improve efficiency with automation 1. Compliance information processing The SAP S/4HANA for product compliance, AI-assisted compliance information processing capability can automatically extract compliance information from updated documents and map the information to compliance requirements. This can reduce costs in product compliance disclosures, reduce penalties and fines in environmental management, and automate processes to reduce the risk of manual errors. This helps turn a 50-minute task into a five-minute job and reduce processing and evaluation costs by 90%. 2. Declaration image analysis With the SAP Green Token, AI-assisted declaration image analysis capability, you can automatically extract data and information from sustainability declarations regardless of format. This helps cut review time, eliminate manual error risk, and ensure your reports are ready for required external audits. Without AI, it takes roughly five minutes to review, extract, and post information from declarations. With AI, it's just 20 seconds. 3. Permit management SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, EHS environment management, AI-assisted permit management can read hundreds of pages in seconds, extract the compliance requirements, and propose clear tasks to meet permit requirements. This AI-assisted capability can save days of permit review and interpretation, remove the need to hire external consultants, and lead up to an 80% reduction in environmental penalties and fines. Your personal AI carbon consultant 4. Emission factor mapping With SAP Sustainability Footprint Management, SAP's AI-enhanced solution, users can calculate product and corporate carbon footprints. Where actual supplier emissions data is given, it can retrieve that information from SAP Sustainability Data Exchange and other systems. When estimates are required, the solution can automatically find the most accurate emissions factors from databases and map those to products. Audit-ready emission factor mapping can turn a 10-minute manual task into a two-minute verification. 5. Report generation In the SAP Sustainability Control Tower solution, you can generate comprehensive ESG reports in just a few clicks: Automatically generate reports that align with internal sustainability strategies and meet external requirements such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Take data collection from a half hour to a half minute and report creation and drafting from 30 hours down to just five hours, all the while eliminating confusion and the risk of manual errors. 6. Carbon emissions analysis From reporting on today to planning for tomorrow, Joule, SAP's copilot, can take current carbon emissions data and return actionable insights that help reduce emissions and guide corporate sustainability strategies. By combining financial and carbon data, Joule can create carbon intensity KPIs and can be your ultimate corporate sustainability consultant. The AI safety officer for your EHS team 7. Safety observation reporting Complex safety reporting procedures dissuade employees from reporting potential hazards. With the SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, EHS workplace safety, AI-assisted safety observation reporting capability, basic users can input safety observations in natural language, and the AI model can process that into a formal incident report, prompting the user for any missing details. This can increase the likelihood that employees report safety hazards and helps prevent severe incidents by identifying potential safety issues in advance. 8. Safety instruction generation Your AI safety officer can generate clear safety instructions for specific equipment based on the latest risk assessments and job hazard analyses. With SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, EHS workplace safety, AI-assisted safety instruction generation, the time and effort of manually prescribing and updating safety instructions can be dramatically reduced. Solve today's sustainability challenges while preparing for tomorrow The right AI integration can ensure you future-proof your operations while shining a light on the path that drives competitiveness. What sets SAP apart is our suite-first, AI-first approach that helps ensure sustainability isn't an add-on, but a strategic enabler that can deliver measurable outcomes at scale. SAP's one sustainability data model can drive consistent reporting, deeper insight, and confident decisions across every sustainability process, product, and partner network. With a responsible AI partner, businesses can realize measurable financial returns on AI investments and unlock sustainability benefits; automate manual-heavy paperwork; identify emissions hot spots and steer their business toward a decarbonized economy; and make environmental impact tracking visible to all lines of business based on a reliable single source of truth. With an integrated set of capabilities, SAP Sustainability solutions help businesses address their sustainability needs holistically and across topics. The result is speed, trust, and traceability, which turn sustainability into strategy, not just compliance. Get in touch to find out how SAP can help your business power on with sustainability solutions. Monica Molesag is global head of Sustainability Communications at SAP. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from SAP on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: SAP Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/sap Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: SAP View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/eight-ways-to-power-your-sustainable-advantage-with-ai-1085104 DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit , the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, today announced that it has officially secured the Virtual Asset Platform Operator License from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Bybit becomes the first crypto exchange to obtain this full license from the SCA, marking a historic milestone in the nation's vision to establish itself as a global digital asset hub. This licensing brings along with the full product capability of Bybit's existing global products and services into compliance. This symbolic milestone demonstrates Bybit's assurance to users that it is committed to high standards of quality, product and service arising from rigorous compliance frameworks found not just in UAE but also globally. It also demonstrates Bybit's long term global strategy of being locally enshrined and its commitment to bringing crypto to local markets. Bybit initially received its In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the SCA in February 2025 with the help of the Blockchain Centre , Abu Dhabi, in navigating SCA's robust framework. The full license demonstrates the regulator's trust in Bybit's robust security infrastructure, operational transparency, and rigorous compliance standards. This achievement follows a series of regulatory milestones for Bybit in 2025 - including securing its MiCAR license in May and resuming full trading operations in India in September - as the exchange continues to expand its presence under a compliance-first roadmap across key global jurisdictions. Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit, said: "Receiving the full Virtual Asset Platform Operator License from the SCA is a testament to Bybit's unwavering commitment to building trust through compliance and transparency. The UAE has emerged as a global leader in digital asset regulation, and this recognition underscores the strength of our security and governance standards. At Bybit, we see regulation as the foundation for sustainable growth. This milestone marks another step forward in our global regulatory roadmap - from MiCAR in Europe to India and now the UAE - as we continue to set new benchmarks for a secure and responsible digital asset ecosystem." Helen Liu, Co-CEO of Bybit, added: "We sincerely thank the Securities and Commodities Authority for their trust and support throughout the licensing process. The SCA's clear, robust, and well-structured regulatory framework provides a strong foundation for global exchanges like Bybit to operate with confidence and clarity. This achievement would not have been possible without the SCA's forward-thinking approach to fostering innovation and compliance in the digital asset space. We look forward to deepening our collaboration as we bring more resources, products, and expertise to the UAE market." Bybit's Upcoming Plan in UAE Under the SCA's Virtual Asset Platform Operator License, Bybit will offer regulated virtual asset trading, brokerage, custody, and fiat conversion services to both retail and institutional clients across the UAE. The exchange plans to expand its local footprint by establishing a larger regional operations center in Abu Dhabi with over 500 employees across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, accelerating local hiring across compliance, operations, and customer service, and introducing new education and Web3 innovation programs in collaboration with local partners. Bybit's continued investment in talent, technology, and infrastructure reaffirms its long-term commitment to supporting the UAE's ambition to become a global hub for digital assets and financial innovation. Bybit / TheCryptoArk 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: media@bybit.com For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2267288/Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bybit-secures-uaes-first-virtual-asset-platform-operator-license-from-securities-and-commodities-authority-302580028.html Cambridge, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Mobius Industries today announced a $3.8 million pre-seed funding round led by Outlander VC, with participation from Mana Ventures, GoAhead, Entropy Industrial, EWOR, E14, Plug and Play, Thursday Ventures and a group of strategic angels. The capital will support deployment of Mobius' automated "de- manufacturing" and AI-driven sorting systems that break down complex end-of-life products to recover high-value metals and plastics in a patented system the company calls "urban mining." Building a more circular supply chain Mobius aims to break U.S. dependence on imported materials from traditional overseas mining, building the infrastructure to sustainably transform local waste into high-value industrial inputs like steel, aluminum, copper, cobalt, lithium and other critical components for manufacturing, construction and other industries. Its proprietary process uses drastically less energy and produces fewer carbon emissions than conventional mining and is powered by a first-of-its-kind, full-stack waste conversion system that combines robotics, AI, and advanced materials science for seamless, end-to- end automation. Through this system, waste is dismantled, sorted and refined into new, industrial-grade raw materials ready to re-enter U.S. supply chains - creating a faster, cleaner, and more resilient circular economy. "The future of mining isn't in the ground, but in our cities," said Matthew Pierre-Louis, founder and CEO of Mobius. "Mobius is building the infrastructure to convert waste into high-purity inputs for American industry, proving that technology, not geography, determines resource power. With this funding, we'll scale our technology to deploy at pilot facilities, expand our world-class engineering team, and demonstrate that urban mining can eliminate dependence on foreign materials while advancing circularity right here in our own cities and towns." How it works Mobius' proprietary technology breaks down complex products like refrigerators, cars, electronics and more, uses a sensing stack to identify dozens of unique metal types, then separates and refines them into distinct streams reaching up to 95% purity. This process results in high-quality, reusable materials, without the immense environmental and geopolitical costs of traditional extraction mining. The company's mission is to make urban mining the cornerstone of a resilient, circular materials economy that keeps value and jobs at home while dramatically reducing waste and environmental impact. "Mobius has engineered a blueprint for the next generation of industrial innovation that we haven't seen at this level of sophistication or scale," said Jordan Kretchmer, Senior Partner at Outlander VC. "The global demand for critical materials represents a near-trillion-dollar opportunity, and Mobius' urban mining model directly addresses that need with a scalable, domestic solution. By unlocking value from waste, they're redefining the economics of resource recovery and supply chain resilience in the U.S." Fulfilling an urgent need Traditional mining is extraordinarily resource-intensive, often requiring multi-billion-dollar investments and decades of development before reaching commercialization - on average 29 years in the U.S. and 16 years globally. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions and global supply chain disruptions continue to threaten access to critical materials. Mobius' technology recovers resources that are already circulating domestically and creates a faster, cleaner, more secure alternative through automated collection, processing, sorting, refinement and distribution. By turning yesterday's waste into tomorrow's batteries, automobiles, building materials and more, Mobius helps industries achieve true circularity at home, reducing emissions, shipping costs and resource scarcity. Founder and CEO Matthew Pierre-Louis To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11936/269815_e815bb2334f27b3b_001full.jpg Mobius team To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11936/269815_e815bb2334f27b3b_002full.jpg About Mobius Industries Mobius Industries is building automated, full-stack facilities that recover and refine raw materials from urban waste streams using robotics, AI and materials science. From electronics and appliances to industrial scrap, Mobius turns complex waste into high- purity copper, aluminum, steel, critical minerals and plastics for reuse in manufacturing to enable a domestic, circular materials economy. Learn more at mobiusindustry.com. ### To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269815 SOURCE: Mobius Industries AM Best has upgraded the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) to "aa" (Superior) from "aa-" (Superior) and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) of AXA S.A. (AXA) (France) and its rated subsidiaries. AXA is the main operating holding company of the AXA group and operates as the group's internal reinsurer. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. (See below for a detailed list of the companies.) The ratings reflect AXA's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, very favorable business profile and very strong enterprise risk management. The upgrades for the Long-Term ICRs reflect the continued improvement of the group's balance sheet fundamentals over recent years, underpinned by prudent capital management and improved risk diversification. AXA's balance sheet strength is underpinned by its consolidated risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). The assessment considers the group's strong earnings generation and prudent capital management. Financial flexibility is considered to be excellent, demonstrated by the group's good access to capital markets. A partially offsetting factor in the assessment is AXA's reliance on softer capital components to support its capital position, including hybrid debt and contractual service margin for the life business. AXA has a track record of strong operating performance, supported by its diversified earnings profile. In 2024, AXA reported a solid net income (including minority interest) of EUR 8.1 billion, up from EUR 7.4 billion in 2023, mainly benefiting from favorable technical results across its main business lines and solid investment results. AXA is one of the world's largest insurance groups, with significant diversification by line of business and geography, and leading positions in many developed and emerging markets. The group offers a complete range of life, health and non-life insurance products. AXA's competitive position is supported by its scale and strong brand. The Long-Term ICRs have been upgraded to "aa" (Superior) from "aa-" (Superior), whilst the FSR of A+ (Superior) has been affirmed, with the outlooks for the Long-Term ICRs and the FSR at stable for AXA S.A. and its following subsidiaries: AXA XL Reinsurance Ltd AXA XL Insurance Company UK Limited AXA XL Insurance Company Americas Catlin Re Switzerland Ltd Greenwich Insurance Company Indian Harbor Insurance Company T.H.E. Insurance Company XL Bermuda Ltd XL Insurance America, Inc. XL Insurance Company SE XL Insurance Company of New York, Inc. XL Insurance Switzerland Ltd XL Specialty Insurance Company XL Re Europe SE XL Reinsurance America Inc. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings Assessments AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com Copyright 2025 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009501538/en/ Contacts: Eli Sanchez Director, Analytics +31 20 808 1712 eli.sanchez@ambest.com Dr. Mathilde Jakobsen Senior Director, Analytics +31 20 808 3118 mathilde.jakobsen@ambest.com Patrick J. Cyphers, ARM Financial Analyst +1 908 270 1454 patrick.cyphers@ambest.com Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 christopher.sharkey@ambest.com Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318 al.slavin@ambest.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Hannan Metals Limited (TSXV: HAN) (OTC Pink: HANNF) ("Hannan" or the "Company") announces the filing of its notice of annual general meeting (the "Meeting") of shareholders and management information circular (the "Meeting Materials"). Shareholders may download the Meeting Materials from the Company's website at AGM Meeting Materials or under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca The Company will hold the Meeting on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 10:00 am (Pacific Time) at Suite 1305 - 1090 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7. The mailing of the Meeting Materials has been impacted by the strike of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (the "2025 Postal Strike"). Therefore, the Meeting Materials may not be delivered to shareholders prior to the Meeting in accordance with regulatory requirements. The Canadian Securities Administrators ("CSA") has not yet provided guidance for relief in the context of the 2025 Postal Strike. However, the Company expects to rely on CSA guidance similar to CSA Coordinated Blanket Order 51-931, which previously provided an exemption from the requirement to send the Meeting Materials to shareholders by mail in 2024. The Meeting is being held for the following purposes: to receive the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, together with the report of the auditor therein; to fix the number of directors at five (5); to elect directors; to appoint Davidson & Company LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as the auditor of the Company at a remuneration to be fixed by the directors; and to consider and, if thought fit, to pass an ordinary resolution to ratify, confirm and approve the Company's Stock Option Plan, as more particularly described in the Management Information Circular dated October 1, 2025. Registered shareholders should contact Computershare Investor Services Inc. at 1-800-564-6253 to obtain their proxy form control number and cast their votes for the Meeting. Beneficial shareholders should contact their brokers or intermediaries for instructions on obtaining their control number and voting. Shareholders are encouraged to read the Meeting Materials and vote their shares by the voting deadline of 10:00 am (Pacific Time) on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The Company will provide copies of the Meeting Materials by email to Company shareholders who request copies. The strike has also impacted the Company's ability to mail copies of financial statements and management's discussion and analysis (the "Financial Reports") to shareholders who have requested to have the Financial Reports delivered by mail. The Financial Reports are available on the Company's website at Financial Statements and under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca Shareholders wishing to obtain the Meeting Materials or Financial Reports by email should send their request to info@hannanmetals.com About Hannan Metals Limited (TSXV: HAN) (OTC Pink: HANNF) Hannan Metals Limited is an exploration company focused on the identification and delineation of large gold and copper mineralizing systems in new frontiers in Peru. Over the last decade, the team behind Hannan has forged a long and successful record of discovering, financing, and advancing mineral projects in Australia, Europe and South America. Mr. Michael Hudson FAusIMM, Hannan's Chairman and CEO, a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has prepared, reviewed, verified and approved the technical contents of this news release. Forward-Looking Statements. Certain disclosure contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. These statements may relate to this news release and other matters identified in the Company's public filings. In making the forward-looking statements the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the political environment in which the Company operates continuing to support the development and operation of mining projects; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; planned work programs; permitting; and community relations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269852 SOURCE: Hannan Metals Ltd. Signaling strong industry collaboration and global investor confidence in Bahrain's fintech future MANAMA, Bahrain, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fintech Forward 2025 (FF25), hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) wrapped up on a high note earlier today at Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) bringing together policymakers, investors, founders, and thought leaders from around the world to shape the future of financial services. Marking its third iteration, this year's edition drew the highest number of sponsors, participants, and partnerships to date, with 38 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and strategic agreements signed spanning fintech, digital infrastructure, and financial services-a testament to the growing depth of industry collaboration, and investor confidence in Bahrain's fintech ecosystem. The island nation, strategically located in the heart of the Gulf, continues to strengthen its global financial services and fintech ambitions. Building on its position as a regional leader in financial innovation, Bahrain brought together industry pioneers at FF25, which attracted around 2,000 attendees and the support of key players across the Kingdom's financial and technology sectors. The region's premier fintech event drew strong international participation from countries across the region and beyond, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom (UK), the United States, and India. Among the milestone agreements announced was the successful pilot of the new Google Cloud infrastructure for payments, a landmark collaboration facilitated by Bahrain Fintech Bay, the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB), Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), and BENEFIT, enabling instant payments using digital commercial bank money between their clients on Google Cloud Universal Ledger. This state-of-the-art project highlights Bahrain's role as a testbed for next-generation financial technologies and its ability to facilitate meaningful cross-border collaboration. As part of the event, the Bahrain EDB hosted a delegation from the United Kingdom's Department for Business and Trade (DBT), comprising 70 delegates from 36 fintech companies-the largest delegation the Department has ever led to any country - highlighting the shared commitment to advancing cross-border innovation, financial collaboration, and sustainable economic growth. Among the delegation, three UK companies announced their launch in Bahrain, including Umazi, Ajyad & Valexa, and Aman by Themis, further reinforcing the Kingdom's growing appeal as a gateway for international fintech expansion. This year's theme centered on "The Era of Integration: The Maturing Age of Fintech" and featured over 40 speakers, including leading global regulators, financial strategists, fintech pioneers, and internationally renowned innovators such as Changpeng Zhao (CZ), former CEO of Binance, and Dhiraj Mukherjee, Co-Founder of Shazam-reinforcing the event's role as a premier global stage for innovation, convening leaders who have transformed industries and redefined how millions worldwide engage with technology and financial services. The event's agenda covered a broad spectrum of topics shaping the future of finance, including the rise of embedded infrastructure, AI adoption, open banking, Islamic fintech, digital payments, and the future of regulation. Over the past decade, Bahrain has transformed its financial services landscape through progressive regulation, advanced digital infrastructure, and a strong commitment to innovation. As the largest contributor to GDP, accounting for 17.2% of the economy in 2024, the sector drives economic growth while benefiting from a forward-looking regulatory framework led by the Central Bank of Bahrain, the Kingdom's single, agile regulator. Guided by the Financial Services Sector Development Strategy (2022-2026), Bahrain continues to advance innovation, talent development, and sustainable growth, leveraging its strategic location, business-friendly environment, highly-skilled workforce and sophisticated digital infrastructure to serve as a launchpad for scalable, cross-border fintech solutions and a gateway to the USD 2.15 trillion GCC market, solidifying its position as the region's premier destination for fintech investment and collaboration. Fintech Forward remain central to driving investment, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of finance in the region. With momentum stronger than ever, Fintech Forward will return in 2026, continuing its mission as the region's leading stage for dialogue, collaboration, and transformation in digital finance. For next year's edition, FF26, visit the following link. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2792765/Fintech_Forward_2025.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fintech-forward-2025-delivers-with-38-industry-shaping-partnerships-and-strategic-agreements-signed-302580068.html DENVER, CO / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / NexCore Group, a national healthcare real estate investment and development company, today announced the closing and groundbreaking of two flagship senior living communities in partnership with Nuveen Real Estate: The Reserve Cherry Creek in Denver, Colorado, and The Reserve Strathmore Square in North Bethesda, Maryland. These landmark projects represent continued investment by NexCore and Nuveen in creating thoughtfully designed, mold-breaking environments for older adults. The Reserve Strathmore Square An exterior rendering of The Reserve Strathmore Square, a luxury senior living community in North Bethesda, Maryland. Experience Senior Living (ESL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NexCore, will operate both senior living communities under ESL's premier brand, The Reserve, known for delivering refined residential experiences, exceptional wellness and culinary programming, and a deep commitment to fostering meaningful community connections. "The Cherry Creek and Strathmore Square projects mark a pivotal moment in NexCore's growth and the evolution of our senior living platform," said Hunter MacLeod, Executive Vice President of Real Estate Development at NexCore Group. "These are two of the most desirable and competitive markets in the country, and our entry into them underscores both the strength of our development capabilities and the demand for high-quality, lifestyle-oriented senior living. Each community has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the character of its location while meeting the needs and aspirations of today's residents." The Reserve Cherry Creek: Elevated Urban Living in the Heart of Denver Located in one of Denver's most desirable neighborhoods, The Reserve Cherry Creek will offer residents a vibrant, walkable lifestyle with easy access to dining, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation. The community's design will blend contemporary architecture with warm, inviting interiors and boutique-style amenities, including chef-driven dining, wellness-focused spaces, and curated programming tailored to support purposeful living. The Reserve Strathmore Square: A New Standard for Senior Living in the Washington, D.C. Metro Situated within the recently opened Strathmore Square master planned community, developed by Fivesquares Development, The Reserve Strathmore Square will redefine senior living in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Uniquely located next to transit, adjacent to the world-class Strathmore Music Center and overlooking a new, beautifully designed park and vibrant mixed-use environment, the community will offer an unparalleled lifestyle experience. Residents will enjoy thoughtfully designed residences, elevated hospitality services, and a holistic wellness approach that supports aging in place. "There is a clear gap in the market for senior living communities that combine elevated hospitality, wellness, and design in walkable, highly desirable neighborhoods," said Michael Ray, Chief Investment Officer at NexCore Group. "These developments directly address that unmet demand. By creating spaces that reflect how today's older adults want to live - connected, active, and engaged - we're not only enhancing quality of life for residents but also creating lasting value for our partners and investors." "Nuveen Real Estate is excited to expand its relationship with NexCore and ESL through the groundbreaking of these two marquis senior living communities in Cherry Creek and North Bethesda," said Andrew Pyke, Head of Healthcare Real Estate at Nuveen Real Estate. "These communities showcase the first-class, experience-oriented approach NexCore and ESL bring to senior living and Nuveen's conviction in developing next-generation communities to serve the fast-growing cohort of seniors in these markets." Together, The Reserve Cherry Creek and The Reserve Strathmore Square exemplify NexCore's mission to redefine senior living by combining thoughtful development, inspired design, and operational excellence - transforming how and where older adults experience community. About NexCore Group NexCore Group is a national, diversified real-estate investment and development firm headquartered in Denver, Colorado. We deliver purpose-built, sustainable spaces within healthcare: medical, senior living, and science & technology. Whether designing advanced medical facilities, high-quality senior communities, or innovative labs and research environments, NexCore applies a strategy-led, data-driven approach to help our partners thrive. Since our founding in 2004, we've developed and acquired approximately 18 million square feet and completed over $7 billion in healthcare real estate transactions - building trust and delivering results in 30 states. We offer deep in-house expertise and integrated capabilities, empowering healthcare systems, academic and life science institutions, and senior living operators to achieve long-term growth, operational excellence, and design innovation. About Experience Senior Living Experience Senior Living (ESL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NexCore Group, is a Denver-based, full-service operator of Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care communities across the United States. Their mission is to reimagine aging by delivering hospitality-driven, wellness-focused environments that honor residents' individual stories and aspirations. From concept through construction, ESL collaborates with leading architects and design professionals to create vibrant places where anyone would love to live. Media Contact Aimee Meester, Chief Marketing Officer NexCore Group | aimee.meester@nexcoregroup.com | (303)293-0694 SOURCE: NexCore Group View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/nexcore-group-breaking-ground-on-two-flagship-senior-living-communities-1085194 Tokyo and Kawasaki, Japan, Oct 9, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - Genequest Inc. and Fujitsu Limited today announced the discovery of new insights into the causal relationships between genetics and lifestyle. The research utilized causal AI, a core technology of Fujitsu's AI service Fujitsu Kozuchi.Causal AI consists of three main functions: high-speed causal discovery, which estimates the causal relationships between data approximately 1,000x faster than conventional technologies (1) reliability enhancement, which enhances data with the inclusion of established causal knowledge (e.g., expert knowledge and past experimental results) and measure proposal which not only visualizes causal relationships through conventional analysis but also proposes optimal measures.By utilizing causal AI, the parties derived a multi-faceted causal structure regarding not only individual correlations but also the relationship between preference for sweet foods, coffee and alcohol consumption frequency, and their associated genetic traits, as well as the impact of genetic factors on body mass index (BMI). Additionally, by repurposing the Hirosaki Health Checkup Causal Network Model (2), developed by Kyoto University and Hirosaki University in collaboration with the latter's Iwaki Health Promotion Project COI-NEXT, and applying it to the reliability enhancement function, the research was able to suggest more precise causal relationships between lifestyle habits, health, and background factors. The utilization of the Hirosaki Health Checkup Causal Network Model was made possible through the collaborative research course Large Scale Medical AI (Fujitsu Research Lab.) (3) by Kyoto University and Fujitsu.Based on these estimated causal relationships, it is hoped that the measure proposal function will be able to suggest individually optimized health measures tailored to personal food preferences, lifestyle habits, physique, and genetic characteristics.Moving forward, Genequest will continue to advance multi-faceted research by combining questionnaires, health checkups, and medical information and aims to contribute to the exploration of personalized health promotion and disease prevention approaches.Fujitsu's causal AI is a powerful tool for extracting new insights from complex data and supporting decision-making across a wide range of fields, not limited to medical and genetic domains. Fujitsu will accelerate its efforts to solve challenges and create new value in various industries.Yasushi Okuno, Professor, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University comments:"The onset of diseases is deeply intertwined with genetic function and living environment. However, the relationship between these two factors and disease onset is complex, and many aspects remain unknown. This initiative is an important step towards elucidating objective causes of disease based on data and deepening our understanding of disease onset. We have high expectations that this will contribute to the realization of personalized preventive measures and effective approaches."Koichi Murashita, Vice-President, Professor Vice-Director, Institute of Global Well-being Science Director-General, Research Institute of Health Innovation Hirosaki University comments:"At Hirosaki University COI-NEXT, we are working to further strengthen the research and social value of our comprehensive real-world data platform, centered on the multi-dimensional health big data (3,000 items) accumulated through the Iwaki Health Promotion Project health checkups, and to create true social innovation. We are very pleased that the research results utilizing our big data have merged with cutting-edge technology to create new knowledge. We have high expectations that these results will contribute to the development of preventive medicine and the improvement of global well-being."Research OverviewWith advancements in genome science, many correlations between genes and physical constitution/behavior have been reported. However, delving deeper into causal relationships-what causes what, and through what mechanisms effects occur-has been challenging as it requires considering the influence of multiple factors. Particularly in areas involving complex elements such as food preferences, lifestyle habits, and physique, precise data analysis is required.In this research, Genequest's extensive genetic and questionnaire data were combined with Fujitsu's causal AI, utilizing Fujitsu's high-speed causal discovery function to analyze these complex causal mechanisms more deeply. This demonstrated the ability to precisely analyze hidden factors within complex relationships and the interactions between various factors, contributing to the creation of new value.ResultsIn this research, causal analysis was conducted primarily in the following two areas, using genetic data and questionnaire data from approximately 4,000 consenting individuals, and leveraging the reliability enhancement function and measure proposal functions provided by Fujitsu's causal AI.1. Relationship between genetic traits related to alcohol metabolism and eating habitsWhile genetic factors were previously suggested to influence a preference for sweet foods and coffee intake, analysis using causal AI revealed that the association is likely mediated primarily by drinking frequency, rather than solely by genetic alcohol tolerance. Furthermore, for coffee consumption frequency, no direct link to drinking frequency was observed, suggesting that genetic alcohol tolerance may be an influencing factor. This highlights the potential impact of specific genetic traits on an individual's beverage choices.2. Relationship between genetic traits related to physique, eating habits, and BMIUsing polygenic scores, an index integrating numerous genetic factors related to BMI, the causal relationship between genetic predisposition to obesity, eating habits, and BMI was analyzed. The results suggested a direct association between genetic predisposition to obesity and BMI, with its statistical impact being comparable to that of sex and age. Slight associations were also observed with food preferences such as for fatty and sweet foods.Particularly, in the analysis utilizing the reliability enhancement function by repurposing the Hirosaki Health Checkup Causal Network Model, more precise results were obtained. The influence of meal quantity, previously suggested as a major factor in BMI change after polygenic scores in earlier analyses, decreased relatively, while preferences for fatty and umami tastes were suggested as more influential factors. Furthermore, factors previously outside the scope of analysis, such as family medical history (cancer, hypertension, heart disease, etc.), the subject's height, and employment status, were suggested as potential hidden common causes between variables.In addition, the research results imply that the causal AI measure proposal function could be utilized to present concrete actions for achieving individual goals (e.g., BMI reduction, improvement of specific eating habits) based on causal relationships, considering individual characteristics.(1) Fujitsu's proprietary high-speed causal discovery method:H. Suzuki, LayeredLiNGAM: A Practical and Fast Method for Learning a Linear Non-gaussian Structural Equation Model (ECML PKDD 2024)(2) Hirosaki Health Checkup Causal Network Model:A highly reliable causal network constructed by Kyoto University's research group applying its unique Bayesian network technology to the multi-dimensional health big data obtained from the Iwaki Health Promotion Project health checkups by Hirosaki University COI-NEXT.(3) Collaborative research course Large Scale Medical AI (Fujitsu Research Lab.):Conducts research and development of new AI technologies to solve challenges in the health and medical fields. This is one of Fujitsu's Fujitsu Small Research Lab initiatives, where Fujitsu researchers are stationed at universities in Japan and overseas to engage in industry-academia collaboration activities.About GenequestFounded in 2014, Genequest was the first company in Japan to offer large-scale genetic testing services directly to consumers. The service provided over 350 genetic items related to disease risks and physical traits, enabling users to check genes associated with various conditions and characteristics. With a vision to advance genetic research, promote the responsible use of genetic information, and enrich people's lives, Genequest actively conducts research utilizing its accumulated genomic data.Official website: https://genequest.jp/forbiz/enAbout FujitsuFujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data and Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuPress ContactsGenequest Inc.https://genequest.jp/contact/Fujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiriesSource: Fujitsu LtdCopyright 2025 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of "a-" (Excellent) of Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company B.S.C. (GIG Bahrain) and its subsidiary, Takaful International Company BSC (GIG Bahrain Takaful), both of which are domiciled in Bahrain. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect GIG Bahrain's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The ratings also factor in lift from GIG Bahrain's parent company, Gulf Insurance Group K.S.C.P., due to the strategic importance of GIG Bahrain to the group. GIG Bahrain Takaful's ratings consider its strategic importance to GIG Bahrain. GIG Bahrain Takaful provides a platform to underwrite takaful business domestically and increases the overall operation's market share and product offerings in Bahrain. GIG Bahrain's balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation that was at the strongest level at year-end 2024, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). GIG Bahrain benefits from a relatively conservative asset allocation and a reinsurance programme placed mostly with reinsurers of excellent credit quality, which mitigates the elevated credit risk associated with the company's high cessions on commercial risks. AM Best expects GIG Bahrain's risk-adjusted capitalisation to be maintained at the strongest level. GIG Bahrain has a track record of strong operating performance, and in 2024, generated a return on equity of 11.6% and a net-net combined ratio of 96.5% (both as calculated by AM Best). GIG Bahrain's underwriting profitability has supported its overall earnings historically, with the company generating technical profits in each of the past five years; over the same period, investment returns also have contributed toward profitability. Underwriting results deteriorated in 2024 due to an increased loss ratio, which was impacted partially by increased medical claims costs. AM Best expects the company to produce healthy profits driven by underwriting performance over the medium term. GIG Bahrain commands a leading position in Bahrain's insurance market and a strong competitive position in Kuwait. GIG Bahrain reported insurance service revenue of BHD 114.2 million at year-end 2024 (2023: BHD 110.0 million), with growth driven by improved market conditions and rates, particularly on motor and medical lines. The company writes a well-diversified portfolio on a gross basis, although it is concentrated somewhat to motor and medical business lines after reinsurance. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings Assessments. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright 2025 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009484932/en/ Contacts: Emily Thompson Senior Financial Analyst +44 20 7397 0291 emily.thompson@ambest.com Tim Prince Director, Analytics +44 20 7397 0320 timothy.prince@ambest.com Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 christopher.sharkey@ambest.com Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318 al.slavin@ambest.com PUNE, India, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global foundry market was valued at USD 125.56 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 171.70 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 3.99% during 2024-2032. Growth is driven by rising demand for metal cast components across automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery sectors. Increasing adoption of lightweight alloys and precision casting techniques further supports market expansion. Rapid industrialization in emerging economies, along with infrastructure development, strengthens foundry production activities. Automation and digital foundry solutions, including AI-based quality control and 3D sand printing, are improving process efficiency and reducing waste. However, high energy consumption and environmental regulations remain key challenges for global foundry operators. Browse the report and understand how it can benefit your business strategy - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/foundry-market Key Growth Determinants The growth of the foundry market is driven by rising demand from key industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial manufacturing. The increasing adoption of IoT devices, electric vehicles, and 5G infrastructure continues to boost demand for advanced semiconductor components. Fabless semiconductor companies are expanding rapidly, outsourcing chip production to specialized foundries to optimize costs and speed to market. Technological advancements are another key determinant. Continuous migration toward smaller process nodes such as 5 nm and 3 nm enhances chip performance, power efficiency, and integration density. Developments in EUV lithography, 3D packaging, and automation further strengthen production efficiency and yield rates. Integration of AI-driven process control and data analytics within manufacturing is also improving operational reliability. Government incentives and large-scale investments in semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure significantly influence market expansion. Programs such as the U.S. CHIPS Act and similar initiatives in Asia and Europe are fueling regional capacity building. However, the market faces challenges from high capital costs, talent shortages, and supply chain vulnerabilities. Geopolitical tensions, export controls, and sustainability pressures also shape the strategic direction of global foundry operations. Key Growth Barriers The foundry market faces several growth barriers that limit expansion and profitability. One of the most significant is the extremely high capital and operational cost involved in building and maintaining fabrication facilities. Setting up an advanced semiconductor foundry requires billions of dollars in investment for equipment, clean rooms, and power infrastructure. High operating costs related to energy consumption, process maintenance, and material sourcing further strain financial performance, especially for new or mid-sized entrants. Technological complexity also acts as a major restraint. Rapid transitions to advanced process nodes such as 3 nm and below demand continuous research and development spending. Achieving high yield rates in such nodes is challenging, with only a few companies possessing the expertise and scale to sustain this progress. Limited access to advanced tools, including extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, increases dependence on a small group of equipment suppliers, creating supply risk and potential production delays. Another barrier is the shortage of skilled professionals. Semiconductor manufacturing requires specialized engineers in process design, lithography, and materials science, but talent supply has not kept pace with growing industry demand. Geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions also add uncertainty. Export controls, trade restrictions, and concentration of key suppliers in a few regions expose foundries to logistical and sourcing risks. Furthermore, the market's concentration among a few dominant players creates intense competition, narrow margins, and limited room for new entrants to grow. Preview the report with a detailed sample and understand how it can benefit your business strategy. Request a free sample today -https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/foundry-market Key Market Trends The foundry market is witnessing strong growth trends driven by rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and advanced communication technologies. Demand for AI accelerators, GPUs, and 5G chipsets is pushing foundries to expand production capacity and transition toward smaller process nodes such as 3 nm and 2 nm. This technological shift is supported by growing investment in heterogeneous integration and chiplet-based architectures that enhance computing efficiency and flexibility for AI-driven applications. Advanced packaging technologies have also emerged as a major trend. Foundries are increasingly adopting 3D stacking and wafer-level integration methods such as CoWoS and InFO to achieve higher density and power efficiency. At the same time, the market is undergoing geographic diversification, with countries such as the United States, China, and members of the European Union offering large-scale subsidies to localize semiconductor manufacturing and reduce dependency on overseas fabs. Another key trend is the increasing concentration of market power among leading players. TSMC continues to dominate global foundry capacity, followed by Samsung and GlobalFoundries, while smaller foundries focus on mature nodes and automotive-grade semiconductors to remain competitive. Sustainability has become a strategic priority as energy and resource costs rise. Companies are integrating AI and automation to optimize yield, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance overall production efficiency, making environmental compliance an integral part of long-term foundry strategy. Key Opportunities As global demand for AI, edge computing, and data centers explodes, foundries can capture massive new demand for high-performance chips. Many chip designers (fabless firms) continue outsourcing fabrication, creating opportunities for foundries to expand market share. Advances in heterogeneous integration, chiplets, and 3D stacking open new value niches beyond pure logic scaling. Governments around the world are creating incentives to rebuild or localize semiconductor capacity (e.g. subsidies, tax credits). This supports new investments in under-served regions. Foundries that locate where policy support and infrastructure converge (e.g. U.S., Europe, India) may gain competitive advantages. Other opportunities lie in specialization: targeting mature nodes for automotive, IoT, power electronics, and industrial markets where cost, reliability, and long product lifecycles matter. Also, services around chip design support, packaging, testing, and post-manufacturing solutions can add value and customer stickiness. Segmentation By Casting Processes: Sand Casting Investment Casting Die Casting Permanent Mold Casting By End-user: Automotive Aerospace Construction & Infrastructure Energy By Foundry Size and Scale: Large Foundries Small & Medium Sized Foundries Based on Region: 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 Regional Analysis Asia-Pacific dominates the global foundry market, accounting for over 70% of total revenue in 2024. Taiwan, South Korea, and China are the primary contributors due to strong manufacturing bases, extensive supply chains, and government-backed investments. Taiwan's TSMC leads global production with advanced process nodes, while Samsung Foundry in South Korea continues expanding logic and memory integration capabilities. China is accelerating domestic semiconductor manufacturing through state funding and technology partnerships to achieve self-sufficiency and reduce import dependence. North America represents the second-largest regional market, driven by significant investments under the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act. The region is attracting new fabs from companies like Intel, TSMC, and GlobalFoundries, aimed at strengthening domestic chip supply and supporting defense, automotive, and AI industries. Canada's market remains smaller but is gradually expanding in custom IC design and packaging segments. Europe, the Middle East, and Africa are focusing on localization to reduce reliance on Asia. The European Chips Act supports large-scale projects in Germany, France, and Italy, with an emphasis on automotive-grade semiconductors and industrial IoT applications. Meanwhile, the Middle East is exploring semiconductor fabrication partnerships to support digital transformation and smart city projects. Latin America remains in its early growth phase, with emerging opportunities in backend processes such as assembly, testing, and packaging to serve regional electronics markets. Credence Research's Competitive Landscape Analysis Credence Research identifies the foundry market as moderately consolidated, with a few major players commanding significant market shares. Companies such as JSW Steel Ltd., Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Ltd., Larsen & Toubro Ltd., and Electrosteel Castings Ltd. lead the industry due to their production capacity, technological strength, and diverse product portfolios. These firms invest heavily in automation, advanced alloy development, and digital foundry systems to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen environmental compliance. Competitive differentiation is mainly driven by process capability, cost structure, quality control, and customer responsiveness. Large-scale foundries dominate high-volume production, while smaller and mid-sized foundries compete through niche specialization, faster delivery cycles, and regional proximity to clients. The market remains cost-sensitive, which encourages continuous improvement in energy efficiency and process optimization. Innovation remains central to competitive positioning. Credence Research highlights the growing adoption of digital foundry technologies such as real-time monitoring, 3D sand printing, and predictive maintenance. These technologies help enhance product accuracy, reduce downtime, and optimize material usage. Foundries that successfully integrate digitalization and sustainability practices are expected to gain a long-term competitive edge in the evolving industrial landscape. Tailor the report to align with your specific business needs and gain targeted insights. Request Here - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/foundry-market Key Player Analysis Aditya Birla Management Corp. Pvt. Ltd. Ashok Iron Works P Ltd. Brakes India Pvt. Ltd. CALMET Cooper Corp. Pvt. Ltd. DCM Ltd. Electrosteel Castings Ltd. Fortune Foundries Pvt. Ltd. Gujarat Metal Cast Industries Pvt. Ltd. Hackforth Holding GmbH and Co. KG Jayaswal Neco Industries Ltd. JSW STEEL Ltd. Kalyani Group Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Ltd. Larsen and Toubro Ltd. Menon and Menon Ltd. Nelcast Ltd. Recent Industry Developments In March 2025, a new creative agency named Foundry was launched by industry veterans Gabi Revell and Jarryd Haefele. With over 22 years of combined experience in the creative and media industries, the duo aims to redefine branding and design through an innovative and modern approach. In February 2025, SkyWater Technology signed an agreement with Infineon Technologies AG to acquire Infineon's 200 mm fabrication facility in Austin, Texas (Fab 25). Under the deal, SkyWater will operate the site as a foundry, expanding U.S. production capacity for foundational chips ranging from 130 nm to 65 nm-vital for industrial, automotive, and defense sectors. In October 2024, SK keyfoundry, a leading 8-inch pure-play foundry in South Korea, announced the expansion of its high-voltage integrated circuit (HVIC) process portfolio. The new process integrates 5V logic, 25V high-voltage devices, 650V+ nLDMOS, and Bootstrap diode into a single chip, reducing external components and improving current performance for customer applications. In November 2024, HCL Technologies Ltd. introduced its Enterprise AI Foundry on Microsoft Azure. The platform enables businesses to combine data and AI assets using Microsoft's Azure Data and AI services to accelerate generative AI adoption. It is designed to optimize operations, support strategic decisions, and deliver faster business outcomes. 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. Browse the report and understand how it can benefit your business strategy - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/foundry-market Discover additional reports tailored to your industry needs Semiconductor Foundry Market - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/semiconductor-foundry-market Semiconductor Polishing Pads Market - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/semiconductor-polishing-pads-market High-k and CVD ALD Metal Precursors Market - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/high-k-and-cvd-ald-metal-precursors-market FRP Manhole Covers Market - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/frp-manhole-covers-market Handwheels Market - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/handwheels-market Chrome Ore Concentrate Market - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/chrome-ore-concentrate-market Cryogenic ASIC Market - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/cryogenic-asic-market Banana Flakes Market - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/banana-flakes-market Coding Bootcamps Market - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/coding-bootcamps-market Follow Us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/credenceresearch/ https://x.com/CredenceResearc https://www.facebook.com/CredenceResearch About Us: Credence Research is a viable intelligence and market research platform that provides quantitative B2B research to more than 2000 clients worldwide and is built on the Give principle. The company is a market research and consulting firm serving governments, non-legislative associations, non-profit organizations, and various organizations worldwide. We help our clients improve their execution in a lasting way and understand their most imperative objectives. Contact Us Credence Research Europe LTD 128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, UNITED KINGDOM Europe - +44 7809 866 263 North America - +1 304 308 1216 Australia - +61 4192 46279 Asia Pacific - +81 5050 50 9250 +64 22 017 0275 India - +91 6232 49 3207 sales@credenceresearch.com www.credenceresearch.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2562161/Credence_Research_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/foundry-market-to-reach-usd-171-70-billion-by-2032--growing-at-an-3-99-cagr--credence-research-302580160.html Delivering over two million hours of care while creating meaningful jobs for family caregivers. PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / CareChoice, a leading provider of home care services dedicated to empowering family caregivers and their loved ones, announced today that it has received the Outstanding Growth Award from HHAeXchange, the premier provider of homecare management software for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS). The recognition was presented at the 2025 PA Customer Summit. Arsen Ustayev, CEO of CareChoice Homecare, accepts Outstanding Growth Award CareChoice wins Outstanding Growth Award at 2025 HHAeXchange Pennsylvania Customer Summit The Outstanding Growth Award spotlights agencies demonstrating exceptional expansion while maintaining a commitment to quality, compliance, and community-focused care. CareChoice stood out for its rapid expansion, providing over two million hours of care so far, while maintaining superior caregiver support and quality outcomes. "We are honored to receive the Outstanding Growth Award from HHAeXchange, a partner that shares our mission of improving care delivery and supporting the backbone of homecare-family caregivers and home health aides," said Arsen Ustayev, CEO of CareChoice. "This award is not just about our growth as an organization, but about our ability to empower more families, provide higher-paying opportunities for caregivers, and ensure loved ones receive the best support possible. As we look toward national expansion, we are energized by the trust our communities have placed in us and grateful for the technology HHAeXchange provides to sustain our mission." HHAeXchange is the only software solution that connects the full homecare ecosystem-including personal care providers, self-direction program administrators, managed care organizations (MCOs), and state Medicaid agencies-on one platform. This recognition underscores the role that operational excellence and innovation play in helping agencies like CareChoice scale services that directly impact family caregivers and clients nationwide. The award arrives at a pivotal moment for CareChoice, as the agency prepares to expand its proven model of family-centered care nationally. Through its commitment to higher pay, better benefits, and seamless support, CareChoice aims to transform the home care experience for families across the country. About CareChoice CareChoice is a home care agency dedicated to empowering family caregivers and supporting their loved ones through Medicaid-funded services. By offering higher pay, superior benefits, reliable support, and seamless enrollment assistance, CareChoice removes barriers for caregivers and ensures families receive the high-quality care they deserve. Media Contact: CareChoice Communications 215-277-0000 press@carechoice.com https://carechoice.com/ SOURCE: CareChoice Homecare View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/carechoice-recognized-with-%22outstanding-growth-award%22-by-hhaexchange-1085044 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Omai Gold Mines Corp. (TSXV: OMG) (OTCQB: OMGGF) ("Omai Gold" or the "Company") announces that a National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report dated October 9, 2025 (the "Report") has been filed on the SEDAR+ website www.sedarplus.ca in support of the updated Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") announced August 25, 2025 on its 100%-owned Omai Gold Property in Guyana. The MRE includes an expansion to the Wenot Deposit and incorporates the previously disclosed Gilt Creek Deposit. Most significantly, for the Wenot Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE"), the Inferred MRE increased 130% to 3,717,000 oz grading 1.82 g/t Au, contained in 63.4 million tonnes ("Mt"), and the Indicated MRE increased 16% to 970,000 oz grading 1.46 g/t Au, contained in 20.7 Mt. The Report was prepared under the supervision of Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET of P&E Mining Consultants Inc., who is independent of the Company and a Qualified Person in accordance with NI 43-101. The Omai Property hosts two orogenic gold deposits: the shear-hosted Wenot Deposit and the adjacent intrusive-hosted Gilt Creek Deposit. On August 25, 2025, the Company issued a news release announcing the update combined MRE (over the February 2024 MRE) with the following highlights: 2,121,000 ounces of gold (Indicated MRE), a 7% increase, averaging 2.07 g/t Au in 31.9Mt and 4,382,000 ounces of gold (Inferred MRE), a 92% increase, averaging 1.95 g/t Au in 69.6Mt Wenot Deposit (a constrained pit and underground approach is applied) 970,000 oz of gold in 20.7Mt (Indicated), a 16% increase in ounces over the Feb 2024 MRE 3,717,000 oz of gold in 63.4Mt (Inferred), a 130% increase in ounces 1.46 g/t Au grade of Indicated MRE, a 1.4% decrease* 1.82 g/t Au grade of Inferred MRE, an 8.5% decrease* *Increased gold price assumption to $2,500/oz from $1,850/oz allowed cutoff lower to 0.30 g/t Au from 0.35 g/t Au, resulting in lower average grades however increased ounces *Increased gold price assumption to $2,500/oz from $1,850/oz allowed cutoff lower to 0.30 g/t Au from 0.35 g/t Au, resulting in lower average grades however increased ounces ~60% above 350m depth from surface ~30% of Wenot MRE is west of the historical open pit, an area considered to be well suited to initial mining Expansion potential is evident along a minimum 2.5 km length of the host Wenot shear corridor, including within, adjacent to, below, and along strike Gilt Creek Deposit (an underground mining approach is applied) 1,151,000 ounces of gold (Indicated) averaging 3.22 g/t Au, in 11.1Mt (Feb 2024 MRE) 665,000 ounces of gold (Inferred) averaging 3.35 g/t Au, in 6.2Mt (Feb 2024 MRE) Hosted within a 500m by 300m quartz diorite intrusive "Omai stock" that produced 2.4 million ounces of gold (1993 to 2005) from the upper 250m Located 500m north of the Wenot Deposit and below the past-producing Fennel open pit Characterized by very wide sub-horizontal zones of gold mineralization Open to depth and holds demonstrated potential for lateral expansion Full details are presented in the Report filed on SEDAR+ and the Company's website https://omaigoldmines.com/site/assets/files/5486/2025_omg_wenot_umre_tech_report_final_20251009.pdf. Qualified Persons Elaine Ellingham, M.Sc., P.Geo. and Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET, President of P&E Mining Consultants Inc., both Qualified Persons (QPs) under National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects", have approved the technical information contained in this news release. Ms. Ellingham is not considered to be independent for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101. The Mineral Resource Estimate, including verification of the data, was under the supervision of Mr. Puritch, who is independent for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101. About Omai Gold Mines Corp. Omai Gold Mines Corp. is a Canadian gold exploration and development company focused on rapidly expanding the two orogenic gold deposits at its 100%-owned Omai Gold Project in mining-friendly Guyana, South America. The Company has established the Omai Gold Project as one of the fastest growing and well-endowed gold camps in the prolific Guiana Shield greenstone belt. In February 2024, the Company announced a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA"), reported in an NI 43-101 Report filed in April 2024, available on www.sedarplus.ca. The 2024 PEA contemplated an open pit-only development scenario and included only 45% of the Omai Gold Project MRE. More recently, the Company announced an updated, significantly increased Mineral Resource Estimate on August 25, 2025, and is commencing the preparation of an updated PEA that is expected in early 2026. Four drills are currently active on the property: at Wenot the focus is to optimize the upcoming PEA, to further test the limits of the deposit, including both east and west, and to upgrade some of the large Inferred Resource to Indicated. Additional drilling will explore certain known gold occurrences for possible near surface higher-grade satellite deposits. The Omai Gold Mine produced over 3.7 million ounces of gold from 1993 to 20052, ceasing operations when gold was below US$400 per ounce. The Omai site significantly benefits from existing infrastructure and will soon be connected to the two largest cities in Guyana, Georgetown and Linden, via paved road. 1NI 43-101 Technical Report dated October 9, 2025 titled "Updated Mineral Resource Estimate and Technical Report on the Omai Gold Property, Potaro Mining District No.2, Guyana" by P&E Mining Consultants Inc. is available on SEDAR+ and on the Company's website. 2Past production at the Omai Mine (1993-2005) is summarized in several Cambior Inc. documents available on SEDARplus.ca, including March 31, 2006 AIF and news release August 3, 2006. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the timing of completion of the drill program, and the potential for the Omai Gold Project to allow Omai to build significant gold Mineral Resources at attractive grades, and forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; the price of gold and copper; and the results of current exploration. Further, the Mineral Resource data set out in this news release are estimates, and no assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved or that the indicated level of process recovery will be realized. 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. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Cautionary Note Regarding Mineral Resource Estimates Until mineral deposits are actually mined and processed, Mineral Resources must be considered as estimates only. Mineral Resource Estimates that are not Mineral Reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain, involves subjective judgement about many relevant factors and may be materially affected by, among other things, environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors described in the Company's public disclosure available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration. The accuracy of any Mineral Resource Estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource Estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling, and development; (iii) results of future test mining and other testing; (iv) metallurgical testing and other studies; (v) results of geological and structural modeling including block model design; (vi) proposed mining operations, including dilution; (vii) the evaluation of future mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (viii) the possible failure to receive required permits, licenses and other approvals. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of a "Inferred" or "Indicated" Mineral Resource Estimate will ever be upgraded to a higher category. The Mineral Resource Estimates disclosed in this news release were reported using Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (the "CIM Standards") in accordance with National Instrument 43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators ("NI 43-101"). Cautionary Statements to U.S. Readers This news release uses the terms "Mineral Resource", "Indicated Mineral Resource" and "Inferred Mineral Resource" as defined in the CIM Standards in accordance with NI 43-101. While these terms are recognized and required by the Canadian Securities Administrators in accordance with Canadian securities laws, they may not be recognized by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The "Mineral Resource" Estimates and related information in this news release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269897 SOURCE: Omai Gold Mines Corp. ST. PAUL, MN / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / Antea Group USA, a leading environmental and sustainability consulting firm, today announced its pro bono involvement in addressing PFAS contamination in the water supply of the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School, located on the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation in Minnesota. The Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School, serving approximately 250 students and 50 teachers, support staff, custodians, bus drivers, and others, has been grappling with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in its water supply. Routine sampling discovered that four to eight PFAS compounds were present in the water from the school's four on-site supply wells. This contamination may have been ongoing at the school's current site in 1984, with the most likely source being the use of floor waxes and coatings containing PFAS compounds for over 30 years. Repeated cleaning, reapplication, and water disposal to the onsite treatment system likely led PFAS compounds to enter the groundwater supply. These "forever chemicals" are linked to various health risks, and the long-term exposure for the school community has necessitated urgent action. Antea Group President and hydrogeology expert, Bob Karls, is donating his time and specialized knowledge to the ongoing remediation efforts by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, who are actively collaborating with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and several State agencies. Support of this project is part of Antea Group USA's broader corporate social responsibility program, which dedicates 1% of annual profits to pro bono work for non-profit organizations. "We are honored to contribute our expertise to the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in their pursuit of clean and safe drinking water," said Bob Karls, President of Antea Group USA. "This pro bono project underscores our deep commitment to environmental stewardship and supporting communities in need, especially when facing complex challenges like PFAS contamination. Our goal is to provide the technical hydrogeological insights necessary to secure a new, clean water source for the school and protect the health of its students and staff." Bob serves on the board of Northern Waters Land Trust, a local nonprofit dedicated to conserving northern Minnesota's watersheds, lakes, and wildlife. Through Northern Waters Land Trust, he learned about the school's water issues and, with Antea Group's support, committed to addressing the supply challenges affecting students and staff. Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig Superintendent Dan McKeon shared, "Discovering that water at the school was unsafe for consumption was devastating. There are families who for generations have sent their children to the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School, so the thought of the water being unsafe created a lot of frustration and fear. Having people like Bob on our team has helped us turn the corner from fear and frustration to hope and a sense of safety down the road. His expertise has been invaluable, as has his gentle and considerate approach to this sensitive project." Multiple water treatment options and new water sources were evaluated based on cost, environmental impact, and user concerns. The preferred solution involves drilling into a protected aquifer approximately 300 feet deep. Test wells have confirmed suitability, and engineering work is now underway to install new supply wells and connect them to the school's water systems. The existing wells will be properly decommissioned, and continued monitoring of both shallow and nearby wells will ensure the contaminated groundwater is no longer used. "In collaboration with our multi-agency team working to alleviate our PFAS concerns, Bob's knowledge and expertise has assisted Leech Lake and the school to understand this emerging science, guiding us through our options, avoiding costly treatments and encouraging all parties to find clean water," shared Brandy Toft, Environmental Director for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. "Bob's engagement has greatly assisted us to do things right the first time-proactively-so we can secure clean and safe water for our children." Antea Group USA is proud to partner with the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in this vital effort to protect the health of students and staff and ensure a healthier future for the community. About Antea Group USA: Antea Group USA is an international environmental and sustainability consulting firm that partners with clients to create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable world. By combining industry expertise with a global perspective, Antea Group USA offers a wide range of services, including environmental, health, safety, and sustainability consulting. Learn more about Antea Group's expertise in PFAS management. About Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School: The Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School is a K-12 Tribal school located on the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation in Minnesota. It provides education and a supportive learning environment for approximately 300 students and faculty. Learn more: www.bugonaygeshig.com About the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe: The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is a federally recognized, sovereign Native American Tribe located in north central Minnesota. The LLBO is committed to the responsible operation of government, preservation of our heritage, promotion of our sovereignty, and the protection of natural resources for our elders and future generations, while enhancing the health, economic well-being, education, and our inherent right to live as Ojibwe People. Media Contacts: Alison Bryant Antea Group alison.bryant@anteagroup.us Michael Chosa, Communications Director Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe mike.chosa@llojibwe.net View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Antea Group on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Antea Group Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/antea-group Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Antea Group View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/antea-group-usa-provides-pro-bono-hydrogeology-expertise-to-bug-1085285 Scottsdale, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Mojo Global recently announced the recognition of co-founder, Cory Michael Sanchez, in the Phoenix Business Journal's "40 Under 40" Class of 2025. The annual program honors 40 professionals across the Valley who are driving business growth while actively contributing to the community. Sanchez was selected from a pool of more than 350 nominees. The acknowledgment highlights Mojo Global's long-standing role in advancing client acquisition and outreach solutions for businesses worldwide. Based in Scottsdale for over 16 years, the company has helped clients generate more than one million appointments with qualified prospects. Mojo Global's work has been recognized with the Phoenix Business Journal's "Marketer of the Year" award and featured in Forbes for contributions to digital marketing and business growth strategies. Mojo Global Co-Founder, Cory Michael Sanchez, Named to Phoenix Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/269907_figure1.jpg The "40 Under 40" recognition reflects not only leadership at the individual level but also the broader impact of the company. Mojo Global continues to shape how organizations connect with potential customers by delivering scalable outreach solutions designed to improve efficiency and measurable results. Mojo Global's influence extends beyond marketing and into community support. In 2023, the company launched Storly.ai, led by Co-Founder Cory Michael Sanchez, to help nonprofits streamline storytelling and fundraising. By reducing a multi-week process to a matter of minutes, the platform has enabled organizations such as Goodwill and Fight Cancer Global to strengthen donor communication and improve outcomes. To date, more than 100 nonprofit organizations have accessed the technology at no cost. This initiative reflects Mojo Global's view that technology should not only serve business needs but also address broader community challenges. By making tools available to organizations focused on issues such as homelessness, education, and healthcare, the company continues to demonstrate a commitment to corporate social responsibility alongside business growth. The acknowledgment highlights Mojo Global's long-standing role in advancing client acquisition and outreach solutions for businesses worldwide To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/269907_figure2.jpg The recognition from the Phoenix Business Journal reinforces this dual mission: advancing digital marketing strategies that help businesses scale while also supporting initiatives that strengthen nonprofit organizations and local communities. About Mojo Global Mojo Global, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, provides client acquisition and outreach solutions that help businesses expand their reach and improve marketing efficiency. With more than 16 years of experience, the company has supported organizations across industries in generating qualified appointments and scaling their growth. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xazBfudyy30R3T_v57zaeGw6aM4BuHR3/view?usp=sharing Media Contact To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/269907_figure3.png To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269907 SOURCE: GetFeatured Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - IAMGOLD Corporation (NYSE: IAG) (TSX: IMG) ("IAMGOLD" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it plans to release its third quarter 2025 operating and financial results after market hours on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Senior management will host a conference call to discuss the operating performance and financial results on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time). Listeners may access the conference call via webcast from the events section of the Company's website at www.iamgold.com (webcast link below), or through the following options: Pre-register via: Chorus Call IAMGOLD Q3 2025 Registration (recommended) - Upon registering, you will receive a calendar booking by email with dial-in details and unique PIN. This process will bypass the operator and avoid the queue. Toll free (North America): 1 (833) 752-3518 International: 1 (647) 846-8209 Webcast: https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=EqcFQg71 An online archive of the webcast will be available by accessing the Company's website at www.iamgold.com. A telephone replay will be available for one month following the call by dialing toll free 1 (855) 669-9658 within North America or 1 (412) 317-0088 from international locations and entering the passcode: 6671806. About IAMGOLD IAMGOLD is an intermediate gold producer and developer based in Canada with operating mines in North America and West Africa, including Cote Gold (Canada), Westwood (Canada) and Essakane (Burkina Faso). The Cote Gold Mine achieved full nameplate in June 2025 and has the potential to be among the largest gold mines in Canada. IAMGOLD operates Cote in partnership with Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd. In addition, the Company has an established portfolio of early stage and advanced exploration projects within high potential mining districts. IAMGOLD employs approximately 3,700 people and is committed to maintaining its culture of accountable mining through high standards of Environmental, Social and Governance practices. IAMGOLD is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: IAG) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: IMG). To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269813 SOURCE: IAMGOLD Corporation Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Eminent Gold Corp. (TSXV: EMNT) (OTCQB: EMGDF) (FSE: 7AB) (the "Company" or "Eminent") announces that it has approved the grant of 2,925,000 incentive stock options to directors, officers, and consultants of the Company, subject to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The options vest one-third each six months following the grant date and are exercisable at a price of $0.35 for a period of five years. The grant supports the Company's active exploration initiatives, including its current drill program at the Hot Springs Range Project ("HSRP") in Nevada. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Paul Sun CEO & Director For further information, please contact: About Eminent Gold Eminent Gold is a gold exploration company focused on creating shareholder value through the exploration and discovery of world-class gold deposits in Nevada. Its multidisciplinary team has had multiple successes in gold discoveries and brings expertise and new ideas to the Great Basin. The Company's exploration assets in the Great Basin include: Hot Springs Range, Gilbert South and Celts. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269891 SOURCE: Eminent Gold Corp. Victoria, British Columbia and Trappes, France--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - ALUULA Composites Inc. (TSXV: AUUA) ("ALUULA" or the "Company") and Michelin Inflatable Solutions (MIS) announced today the successful completion of the research and development phase of their collaboration, with the first commercial product set for potential release by MIS in late 2025. Just over a year after launching a groundbreaking R&D collaboration (which was announced March 18th, 2024) ALUULA and Michelin have successfully concluded their joint research project focused on leveraging ALUULA's ultra-light, high performance, and fully recyclable composite materials in a new generation of inflatable devices designed and manufactured by MIS. With this milestone, the two companies now move into commercialization, bringing this sustainable innovation one step closer to market readiness. Breakthrough design: stronger, fully recyclable At the heart of this partnership lies a shared ambition: to revolutionize the construction of strong, and sustainable shelters. The project has resulted in an innovative design by Michelin Research & Technology (MRT), constructed using ALUULA's high-performance ultra-lightweight material composites. Dedicated to high-demanding applications such as Aeronautics & Space or Defense, this innovation results in structures that can reach unmatched performance compared with other inflatable technologies. Market launch: first product by the end of 2025 MIS plans to release the first commercial product from the project by the end of 2025, and scale-up and full commercialization are anticipated in 2026. "This is an exciting moment for us," said Anne-Frederique SALIT, CEO of Michelin Inflatable Solutions. "By combining our advanced material assembly expertise with ALUULA's truly innovative material technology, we've created something that redefines the standard for high-performance structures. It's smart, it's sustainable, and it's exactly what the future demands." Stronger together: innovation through collaboration "This collaboration marks an exciting step forward," said Christophe Penot, Director of Michelin Recherche et Technique, Fribourg. "Working with innovative start-ups like ALUULA opens new avenues for breakthrough thinking. The agile and inventive nature of our R&D center has been instrumental in helping bring ALUULA's advanced materials to market quickly. By combining our engineering expertise with their pioneering composite technology, we're delivering high-performance, sustainable materials that meet the demands of the future-today." "We're proud to see our ultra-light and durable composite materials heading toward commercialization in such a meaningful application," said Sage Berryman, CEO and President at ALUULA. "Michelin's visionary approach proves that high performance and sustainability can-and must-go hand in hand. This collaboration shows how powerful innovation can be when values align." Performance meets planet: a new class of materials ALUULA's composite materials are eight times stronger than steel for an equivalent weight. They are recycle-ready, made with a patented, adhesive-free manufacturing process that offers exceptional strength-to-weight ratios while being waterproof, UV-resistant, and designed for recyclability. These composite materials leverage durability and sustainability, marking a significant step forward for eco-conscious structural design. Shaping the future of high-tech materials such as ALUULA's can be leveraged with Michelin Research & Technology's distinctive strengths in cross-functional collaboration, accelerated prototyping, and deep expertise in next-generation composite materials. Michelin Inflatable Solutions focuses on bringing the right balance of performance to match customer needs by developing specific processes to assemble unexpected functional flexible materials. MIS is able to move efficiently from development to deployment by drawing on the industrial strength of Michelin. This collaboration helps accelerate innovation and brings advanced inflatable materials. Continued focus: scaling sustainability through partnerships Both companies reaffirm their commitment to scaling the impact of next-generation materials. ALUULA will continue to expand the reach of its high-performance materials through strategic partnerships with industry leaders, such as Michelin, accelerating the path to circular product design. About ALUULA Composites ALUULA is an ultra-light, high performance and recycle-ready composite materials brand that enhances the performance of outdoor gear. Proudly manufactured on the Canadian west coast, ALUULA's innovation is driven by a deep understanding that equipment does not need to sacrifice performance for sustainability. ALUULA's materials are known for their unique construction capabilities and their ability to make products lighter, stronger, and more sustainable. About Michelin Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare. The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 175 countries and employs 129,800 people (www.michelin.com). Contact Information ALUULA Composites Forward-Looking Statements 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, but not limited to: the next step of commercializing a new generation of inflatable devices designed and manufactured by MIS; MIS plans to release the first commercial product from the project by the end of 2025, and scale-up and full commercialization, which MIS anticipates will be in in 2026; and the objective of revolutionizing the construction of strong, and sustainable shelters. These statements are based on assumptions subject to significant risks and uncertainties including the inherent risks of developing and commercializing new products for existing industries, the timing for commercializing these new products, the acceptance of the market for new products by potential purchasers, competition from existing and new entrants to this industry and the potential resistance of the current industry to change. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, many of them are out of the Company's control and it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statement will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and 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/269892 SOURCE: ALUULA Composites Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Green Rise Foods Inc. (TSXV: GRF) ("Green Rise" or the "Company") today announced that due to the ongoing Canada Post strike, the mailing and delivery of the Meeting Materials (defined below) for the Company's upcoming Annual General and Special Meeting to be held on November 4, 2025 (the "Meeting") has been disrupted. The Company has delivered the completed Notice of Meeting, Information Circular and related proxy materials (the "Meeting Materials") to the appropriate parties for mailing to registered and unregistered beneficial shareholders to whom the Company may directly send such materials, but due to the postal strike, the Meeting Materials may not be post-marked and delivered to shareholders as usually would occur. The Company is actively monitoring the situation with a view to allowing shareholders sufficient time to respond, and further details will be provided as developments occur. The Notice of Meeting and Information Circular have been filed on SEDAR+ and are available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and are also available on our website at www.greenrisefoods.ca . The Company will provide copies of the Notice of Meeting and Information Circular by email to each entitled shareholder who requests them while the strike is ongoing, at no charge. Shareholders can request copies of such documents by sending an email to info@greenrisefoods.ca . If you do not receive your voting materials by mail, please take steps to obtain your control number and vote online. Instructions are provided below: Who? Registered Shareholders Beneficial Shareholders Shares held in your name Shares held with a broker, bank, or other intermediary How to Obtain a Control Number Call TSX Trust at 1-866-600-5869 Email: tsxtis@tmx.com Submit online request: https://www.tsxtrust.com/a/controlnumber Contact your intermediary who votes or has Broadridge vote on your behalf How to Vote Online www.voteproxyonline.com (requires 12-digit control number) www.proxyvote.com (requires control number) 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269909 SOURCE: Green Rise Foods Inc. WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / The Menhaden Fisheries Coalition (MFC) is calling out an error-laden article published by The SandPaper, a newsmagazine based in Long Beach Island, New Jersey, titled " Menhaden Scarcity Leads to Bleak Outlook for Ospreys ." The article is factually inaccurate, journalistically unbalanced, and overtly reliant on unsupported claims from a single advocacy group. MFC has repeatedly contacted The SandPaper's managing editor Jay Mann asking for corrections, but unfortunately, Mr. Mann has ignored our requests. It is difficult to determine whether the article, written by Juliet Kaszas-Hoch, represents an effort at objective journalism or a promotional fundraising appeal on behalf of the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey. Either way, it is riddled with factual errors, misleading insinuations, and one-sided narratives. A bald eagle forces an osprey to relinquish its prey (Photo: Robert Blanton) Key Omissions and Misrepresentations The article failed to seek or include perspectives from the menhaden fishing industry. Numerous public statements, scientific reports, and contact listings are readily available online, yet no effort was made to reach out for balance or fact-checking. Instead, the piece relies almost exclusively on speculative commentary from nonprofit advocates. Among the key factual clarifications: No "dramatic decrease" in menhaden numbers: The article opens by stating that there has been a "dramatic decrease in numbers of menhadenin the Atlantic Ocean." There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), the interstate body that manages menhaden, has repeatedly found the species is not overfished and overfishing is not occurring. The fishery is certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council, the international gold standard for seafood sustainability. U.S. Vessels and Workers: While the article notes Omega Protein's relationship with Ocean Harvesters, it fails to clarify that Ocean Harvesters is a U.S.-based company employing American citizens, not Canadians. The claim that "two-thirds of the total amount of catch for the entire Atlantic coast is being removed by a Canadian company" is false. The menhaden fishing fleet is American-crewed, American-flagged, unionized (represented by UFCW Local 400), and primarily owned by U.S. stakeholders. Osprey Populations and Scientific Findings: The article's central claim-that a lack of menhaden is causing osprey populations to collapse-is not supported by scientific consensus. It selectively quotes individuals while ignoring a May 2025 letter to Congress from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which explained that osprey reproductive challenges are due to a range of ecological stressors, including weather, interspecies competition, and prey access. The USGS has found no direct link between the menhaden harvest and osprey nesting failures. In a recent Associated Press video, Dr. Dr. Bryan Watts, the same scientist cited in the article, stated that additional research is needed to determine whether climate change may be contributing to the trend. No Evidence of Localized Depletion: The article recycles the unsubstantiated theory of "localized depletion" of menhaden in nearshore areas. Yet peer-reviewed stock assessments by ASMFC have found no evidence of localized depletion. Menhaden harvests occur primarily offshore and are tightly regulated under Ecological Reference Points (ERPs) designed to maintain balance between prey species and predator needs. Slogan - Science: The article repeats the oft-used phrase that menhaden are "the most important fish in the sea," a line from a book by Rutgers historian H. Bruce Franklin. While catchy, this is a rhetorical device, not a scientific conclusion. In reality, predator species depend on a diverse range of forage fish-including bay anchovy, herring, and sand lance-depending on geography, season, and biology. A Call for Responsible Journalism The Menhaden Fisheries Coalition urges The SandPaper to correct the factual errors and offer balanced coverage that includes the voices of those in sustainable commercial fishing-many of them unionized, based in New Jersey and Virginia, and actively engaged in conserving the resource. To uncritically elevate activist slogans while ignoring science and failing to contact the fishing community is a disservice to readers and an abdication of journalistic responsibility. About the Menhaden Fisheries Coalition The Menhaden Fisheries Coalition (MFC) is a collective of menhaden fishermen, related businesses, and supporting industries. Comprised of businesses along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, the Menhaden Fisheries Coalition conducts media and public outreach on behalf of the menhaden industry to ensure that members of the public, media, and government are informed of important issues, events, and facts about the fishery. Press Contact Menhaden Fisheries Coalition (202) 595-1212 www.menhaden.org SOURCE: Menhaden Fisheries Coalition View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/food-and-beverage-products/menhaden-fisheries-coalition-responds-to-inaccuracies-in-osprey-story-fr-1085289 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 9, 2025) - Toogood Gold Corp. (TSXV: TGC) (FSE: D3P) ("Toogood" or the "Company") today announced a non-brokered private placement to raise gross proceeds of up to C$2,000,000 through the issuance of 6,666,666 Units (the "Units") at a price of C$0.30 per Unit (the "Offering"). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share (a "Share") and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable at a price of C$0.45 into one common share for a period of two years from the date of issuance. Toogood intends to use the proceeds of the Offering for working capital and ongoing and future exploration programs at the Company's flagship Toogood Gold Project, located on New World Island, Newfoundland. The Offering is expected to close on or about October 22, 2025, and is subject to certain closing conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the conditional approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company may, in its sole discretion, exercise an over-allotment option pursuant to which it may increase the size of the Offering to up to 10,000,000 Units for aggregate proceeds of up to C$3,000,000. The Company may pay finders' fees under the Offering in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a hold period under applicable securities laws in Canada expiring four months and one day from the closing date of the Offering. 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 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 Toogood Gold Corp. Toogood Gold (TSXV: TGC) (FSE: D3P) holds a 100% interest in the district-scale Toogood Gold Project on New World Island, Newfoundland - recognized as a tier-one mining jurisdiction. The 164 km property is strategically located just 50 km north of New Found Gold's Queensway Project and 200 km northeast of Equinox Gold's Valentine Lake Mine, within the same prolific structural corridor (Exploits Subzone). The Project's inaugural drill program in 2022 delivered a high-grade, at-surface gold discovery, with visible gold encountered in 15 of 19 holes and mineralization remaining open in all directions. Follow-up drilling in 2025 continued to expand this discovery, intersecting visible gold in 10 of 30 holes and again exhibiting open-ended mineralization. The Toogood Gold Project benefits from exceptional accessibility and infrastructure, including paved highway access, power lines, fresh water, and proximity to tidewater - positioning the Project for efficient ongoing exploration and future development. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Colin Smith Director & CEO Toogood Gold Corp. Additional information about Toogood Gold Corp. can be found at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-Looking Information This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company's plans with respect to the Company's projects and the timing related thereto, the merits of the Company's projects, the Company's objectives, plans and strategies, the Offering and other project opportunities. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective,", "strategy", "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include the risk of accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, or the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other agency or governmental clearances, necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, risks of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes in the jurisdictions where the Company carries on its business that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's reports, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) at www.sedarplus.ca for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects. 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. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269913 SOURCE: Toogood Gold Corp. LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / The healthcare industry is approaching a breaking point. Across the globe, 2.7 billion people - one in every three - live with multiple chronic conditions, and the burden is climbing rapidly. Half of all treatment failures are attributed to non-adherence in the home, where most care occurs, and 40% of the world's population still lacks access to regular healthcare services. Meanwhile, a historic shortage of providers is widening: the world is already 6.4 million doctors short and 18 million nurses short, and by 2030, an estimated one-third of all remaining providers are expected to leave practice, many due to retirement but also because of burnout, injury, illness, and caregiving responsibilities of their own. "This is a structural crisis," said Anthony Dohrmann, Founder and CEO of Electronic Caregiver, and inventor of Addison Care, the world's first 3D Virtual Interactive Caregiver. "We're losing caregivers faster than we can replace them, and the systems that exist today were never designed for continuous engagement outside of the clinic. Without a scalable virtual solution that meets patients where they live, global healthcare becomes unsustainable." The Hidden Crisis: 50% of Treatment Failures Begin at Home For decades, non-adherence - patients failing to take medications or follow prescribed care plans - has remained one of the most pervasive and costly challenges in medicine. According to Dohrmann, despite advancements in electronic health records, telehealth, and hospital systems, very little innovation has been directed toward solving what he calls "the last mile of care" - the daily life of patients outside medical facilities. "Healthcare technology has largely focused on billing, scheduling, and chart management - essentially, the business of care," said Dohrmann. "What has been missing is technology focused on the purpose of care - the patient's daily health, behavior, and engagement." Addison Care directly addresses this missing link. Combining continuous monitoring, AI-driven interaction, and human-backed telecare, Addison is designed to fill the gap between clinical visits and the everyday lives of patients managing chronic illness. A Breakthrough in 3D Virtual Care Addison Care introduces a new paradigm: an always-present, 3D virtual caregiver that communicates naturally, provides reminders, monitors vital trends, and helps patients remain adherent to prescribed regimens. The system uses advanced AI to track health trends in real time and identify early warning signs of side effects, developing symptoms, or adverse reactions. When patterns of concern arise, Addison alerts patients and notifies live TeleCare professionals, who can intervene proactively to engage the patient, correct non-adherence, and support timely medical response. "Addison combines automation with empathy," Dohrmann said. "She brings intelligence, awareness, and humanity into the home. She observes, guides, motivates, and connects - without judgment or fatigue." Addison Care operates within a HIPAA-compliant architecture, integrated with 24/7 professional TeleCare oversight and available through Medicare-reimbursed Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Chronic Care Management (CCM) programs. These integrations allow healthcare providers and clinics to implement Addison without overburdening staff, while creating new recurring reimbursement streams under existing CMS codes. Early Intervention, Better Outcomes, Safer Care Dohrmann emphasizes that non-adherence is not simply a behavioral issue - it's a multifactorial problem requiring continuous observation, engagement, and guided correction. "There are many reasons people don't follow their care plans," he explained. "Forgetfulness, depression, side effects, confusion, stress, or social isolation. You can't solve that with a text alert or a single nurse call. You need a system that recognizes changes, engages personally, and helps people get back on track before harm occurs." Addison's AI platform identifies deviation from routines, changes in activity, and biometric trends using integrated sensors, connected devices, and patient interactions. The result is an intelligent feedback loop that helps providers spot decline before hospitalization, supports families and caregivers, and enables clinicians to deliver more efficient and personalized interventions. Preventing Dangerous Medication Errors Beyond adherence, Addison addresses another silent threat - medical contradictions and medication mistakes. "A patient is discharged from a hospital, moves through a skilled nursing facility, and returns home," Dohrmann said. "Now they have two bottles of the same medication - one brand-name, one generic - both labeled 'take one every four hours.' Without oversight, that can lead to double dosing and serious harm." Addison acts as a 24/7 layer of technical oversight, cross-checking medication records, timing, and patient responses. With continuous monitoring and live TeleCare professionals reviewing inconsistencies, potential contradictions or errors can be caught before they escalate. "Addison's combination of digital awareness and human backup gives families and providers peace of mind that someone - or something - is always watching out for the patient's safety," said Dohrmann. Impact on Quality of Life and System Sustainability Addison Care's benefits extend beyond clinical outcomes. By keeping patients engaged, supported, and emotionally connected, Addison helps maintain independence, reduce stress, and strengthen the relationship between patients and providers. For overburdened health systems, the solution creates a scalable infrastructure that supports thousands of patients simultaneously, helping to preserve limited human resources while improving care delivery. "Every health organization is talking about workforce shortages," Dohrmann said. "But few are investing in technologies that multiply human capacity. Addison doesn't replace caregivers- she extends them. She ensures that their compassion, insight, and expertise reach more people, more often, with better outcomes." Live Demonstration at the athenahealth 2025 Thrive Conference Electronic Caregiver will debut Addison Care live at the athenahealth 2025 Thrive Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Providers and health professionals will have the opportunity to interact directly with Addison's 3D interface, experience its lifelike responsiveness, and explore integration pathways with athenaOne, athenahealth's nationwide EHR network serving more than 160,000 providers. "The difference speaks for itself," said Dohrmann. "Addison demonstrates what's possible when we bring intelligence, personality, and compassion together to serve the patient - the true center of healthcare." About Electronic Caregiver Electronic Caregiver, Inc. is a leading innovator in virtual care technologies, headquartered in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The company has invested more than $140 million in R&D to create Addison Care, a fully integrated, AI-driven health platform combining interactive 3D interfaces, remote monitoring, chronic care management, and real-time TeleCare services. The company's ecosystem supports healthcare organizations, providers, and families across 32 U.S. states and continues to expand internationally. Electronic Caregiver's technology stack has been certified twice under the AWS Well-Architected Review, and the company holds over 50 patents pending and 28 issued covering innovations in AI caregiving, motion analytics, and virtual patient engagement. Learn more at: www.electroniccaregiver.com Media Contact: Travis Luevano Director, Digital Marketing media@ecg-hq.com (575) 649-7808 SOURCE: Electronic Caregiver, inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/addison-care-debuts-at-athenahealth-2025-thrive-conference-3d-virtual-1085270 Yangtze River streams to connect global civilizations 09:35, October 09, 2025 By Li Fang and Lin Zihan ( Global Times Editor's Note: Rivers are the cradle of human civilization. From the cuneiform writing of Euphrates and Tigris to the pyramids along the Nile, and from the urban grids of the Indus to the rice cultivation heights of the Yangtze River, every leap forward in human civilization is intertwined with the evolution of river ecosystems. The Yangtze River, coursing across China, has shaped millennia of cultural traditions stretching from Bashu to the water towns of Jiangnan. It bears witness to eons of ecological change and inscribes a complete trajectory of Chinese civilization. Among the world's great river civilizations, the Yangtze River's continuity stands out. As its waters surge eastward and its cultural genes are passed down through generations, the Chinese nation will continue to grow through its symbiosis with the river - and contribute more Chinese strength to the preservation and inheritance of global river civilizations. The second installment in the Yangtze River series captures how its civilization is like a dynamic current that has been refined through exchange with other civilizations. The Yangtze River flows through Wushan County, Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (Photo: Courtesy of Zhu Yunping) On the banks of the Yangtze River, while the people of Hemudu culture sowed rice fields and the ancestors of late Neolithic Lingjiatan civilization carved jade into ritual objects, other ancient civilizations across the world were also sprouting and flourishing. Around 4,000 BC, the Euphrates and Tigris rivers nourished the Mesopotamian plains. Here, the wisdom of Sumerians gives birth to cuneiform scripts. Meanwhile, along the banks of the Nile, ancient Egyptians engineered marvels with their bare hands, constructing monumental pyramids that rose from the deserts. These ancient civilizations shared a common cradle that is called "river." Today, as we trace the cultural veins of the Yangtze River, we must place Yangtze civilization within the lineage of the world's great river civilizations to understand its global coordinates. Streaming wisdom To mitigate floods and droughts and harness water resources for daily life, people in ancient China and Egypt began observing hydrology early. During the Warring States period (475BC-221BC), hydraulic engineer Li Bing went a step further by installing stone figures at the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, creating what is considered China's earliest documented water level gauge. While ancient Chinese pioneers often recorded their underwater observations through stone inscription, none shine more brilliantly than the Baiheliang Inscriptions in Fuling district, in Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. The site of Baiheliang Inscriptions refers to a natural stone ridge that lies submerged in the Yangtze River. Stretching 1,600 meters long with an average width of 15 meters, it is known as "Baiheliang," or the White Crane Ridge. For over 1,200 years, people have used this ridge to gauge the river's seasonal fluctuations, carving more than 100 hydrological records directly onto its stone surface. Among these carvings are two iconic stone fish. Since ancient times, local people discovered a fascinating correlation: A bountiful harvest year often followed one in which these stone fish were exposed above the water line. In ancient times, the site attracted countless ancient scholars and literati such as the Northern Song (960-1127) master Huang Tingjian to inscribe their thoughts and poems onto stone ridge's surface. In modern times, the Baiheliang Inscriptions transcend the boundaries of time and geography, serving as a shared language for dialogue among the world's great river civilizations. At the recent 2025 Yangtze River Civilization Forum, Egyptian Professor El-Sawy El-Sawy Ahmed Abdel Rahim from Benha University introduced the Nilometer in Egypt. As a relic of ancient hydrology, Nilometer shares remarkable similarities with Baiheliang in China. Historically, it was not only used to foresee agricultural harvests but also directly informed tax adjustments: higher water levels signaled abundant years and increased taxes, while lower levels indicated lean years and tax reductions. A scene of underwater inscriptions at the Baiheliang Underwater Museum in Chongqing. (Photo: Li Yuche/ GT) Symphony in harmony The Yangtze River has always possessed an interconnected water system. This innate connectivity has been amplified in modern times. With the development of China's major projects like the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, the Yangtze has solidified its role as China's most important water system. To date, the first phase of the project's eastern and middle routes alone has transferred over 80 billion cubic meters of water, directly benefiting a population of 185 million people. The Yangtze River's interconnected waterways also linked together numerous trade routes with other great river civilizations. Via passages like the ancient overland and maritime Silk Roads, goods from the Yangtze River Basin such as silk, tea, and porcelain were reached to foreign markets. In return, commodities, like sugarcane from South Asia and glassmaking techniques from the Middle East, followed these commercial arteries back, seamlessly integrating into the economic and social fabric of the Yangtze region. Beyond economic ties, the flow of ideas and art helped shape the character of Yangtze River civilization. For example, during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Chinese monk Jianzhen embarked on his sixth eastward voyage to Japan from near the river's mouth, carrying the flourishing culture of Tang Dynasty with him. The Yangtze civilization has never stopped its exchange with other civilizations. Taking the "Baiheliang and Nilometer" duo as an example, China and Egypt are now making joint preparations to propose the two sites for UNESCO World Heritage status. Today, issues such as cultural heritage preservation, ecological conservation, and sustainable development have become common challenges for all major river civilizations. The the stability of the Yangtze River's ecology is the very foundation for the development of its basin civilization. In response, China has prioritized the restoration of the Yangtze's ecosystem above all else. Projects such as building the shelterbelt of Yangtze River has been implemented. They showcase China's nature management philosophy of "proactive adaptation and systematic governance." This approach is not only rooted in the historical wisdom of the Yangtze civilization but also presents a "China solution" for the contemporary preservation of major river civilizations in the world. Such a Chinese wisdom of nature governance has yielded vibrant results. The graceful glide of the Yangtze sturgeon and the playful chase of the finless porpoise through the waves stand as vivid testaments to the success of ecological conservation in the Yangtze River. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Zhong Wenxing) realme has announced a strategic partnership with RICOH IMAGING COMPANY LTD. The collaboration is set to be officially launched on October 14 in Beijing. According to the announcement, the partnership has been in development for four years and will debut with the upcoming realme GT 8 Pro smartphone. To introduce the collaboration, the two companies released a promotional video titled 4 Years in One Snap. The video features realme Vice President and CMO, Chase Xu, and Kazunobu Saiki, General Manager of the Camera Business Division at RICOH IMAGING COMPANY LTD., discussing the foundation of their partnership. The collaboration stems from a shared understanding of user demands in mobile photography, particularly addressing what realme identifies as two main issues: increasingly similar hardware across devices and over-processed algorithms that reduce the authenticity of photos. The partnership aims to integrate the characteristics of the RICOH GR series, known for its use in street photography, into mobile devices. The realme GT 8 Pro will be the first product to feature technology from this joint effort. The device is expected to include co-engineered innovations in optical capabilities, color algorithms, and imaging tones. It will also feature a custom user interface designed to mimic the feel of a RICOH GR camera. The collaboration will incorporate RICOH GRs 30-year heritage, including its film-like aesthetic and five classic image tones, into the smartphones camera system. Update: realme has shared GT8 Pro Ricoh GR IV sample photos with the same tone. Regarding this, the company said: From the vivid colors of the positive film, the storytelling atmosphere of the negative film, to the impactful burst of high-contrast black and white, every frame is captured with the authentic Ricoh GR. Break free from the constraints of perfection and capture photos that are truly yours. The official launch on October 14 is expected to provide further details on the partnership and the imaging capabilities of the realme GT 8 Pro ahead of the China launch of the phone in late October. Regarding this, realme Vice President and CMO Chase Xu in a discussion with Kazunobu Saiki, General Manager of Camera Business Division at RICOH IMAGING COMPANY LTD., said: The elements that brought two brands together, which grounded on a shared understanding of user demands. realme saw that young people struggled with two main pain points in mobile photography: increasingly similar hardware and over-processed algorithms that stripped photos of authenticity. People are getting tired of the same perfect style photos. More and more, everyone wants to show their own style, instead of copying the same look. The RICOH GR series has been known as a street photography hero because of its sharp quality, portability, and quick response. Thats exactly what we value. Kazunobu Saiki said: RICOH Imaging and realme share a base of young, creative users. Our collaboration is not only about innovation in products, but also about culture to inspire a new generation to enjoy street photography and discover the beauty of everyday life. At India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, Qualcomm India unveiled a range of technologies supporting the nations digital transformation. Showcasing Edge AI, 6G, smart retail, connected homes, and compute innovation, the company emphasized its commitment to scalable, secure, and India-first solutions through Personal AI, Physical AI, and Industrial AI, targeting consumer, enterprise, and infrastructure applications. Supporting Indias Technology Evolution Qualcomm India has actively contributed to the countrys technology journey, from 3G to 5G, and is preparing for 6G through early-stage research and collaborations. Its Make in India initiatives include local R&D investments, strategic partnerships, and skills development programs, supporting Indias goal of becoming a global innovation hub. Edge AI and Developer Enablement At the event, Qualcomm highlighted how Edge AI and 5G together form the foundation for Indias digital future. Key demonstrations included: Real-time, low-latency AI for smartphones, industrial handhelds, surveillance, and VSaaS analytics. Agentic AI and intelligent wearablesincluding watches, earbuds, smart glasses, and connected vehiclesenabling multimodal, context-aware experiences across devices. Partner Announcements and Ecosystem Expansion Qualcomm India announced new collaborations reflecting its developer-first and Make in India focus: Coredge: Integration of Qualcomm Cloud AI 100 Ultra Cards with the AI Inference Suite enables enterprises and governments to securely perform advanced AI inference at the edge or in sovereign clouds. Applications include BFSI, manufacturing, retail, and public services, supporting faster, data-secure decision-making. Lloyd (Havells Group): Connected air conditioners powered by the Qualcomm QCC743 platform featuring Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and Thread/Zigbee. The solution demonstrates interoperable and energy-efficient smart appliances aligned with Indias smart home ecosystem. Ideaforge: Drones powered by Qualcomm QRB5165 SoC featuring autonomous navigation, GPS-denied flight, multi-camera SLAM, object tracking, and 5G connectivity for defense, agriculture, industrial, and smart city use cases. Qualcomm AI Upskilling Program: Technical Foundation To strengthen Indias AI talent pipeline, Qualcomm India launched the AI Upskilling Program, aimed at students, developers, and professionals. The program includes: AI & ML Fundamentals covering deep learning, neural networks, big data, and model training. Edge AI Fundamentals & Features exploring cloud, edge, and on-device AI. Introduction to Generative AI for text, image, speech, and video applications. Qualcomm AI Fundamentals showing how Qualcomm products integrate AI for efficiency. Getting Started with Qualcomm AI Hub enabling developers to build on-device AI applications via a free, accessible platform. The initiative aims to expand adoption of on-device AI solutions and familiarize developers with the Qualcomm AI ecosystem. Driving Indias Digital Ambitions Through IMC 2025, Qualcomm India reinforced its long-term support for the Semiconductor Mission, Make in India innovation, and 6G readiness. By enabling developers, students, and industry partners, Qualcomm continues to contribute to an inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive digital future for India. Speaking at IMC, Savi Soin, Senior Vice President and President, Qualcomm India, commented, Paytm has launched the Paytm AI Soundbox, a device designed for small and medium businesses (SMBs) in India that incorporates artificial intelligence to assist with daily operations. The new device was introduced at the Global Fintech Festival (GFF). The AI Soundbox features an integrated AI assistant capable of interacting with merchants in 11 different local languages. It is designed to provide real-time business insights and answer queries related to payment history and overall business performance. According to the company, merchants can interact with the device to access information that supports their operational decisions. Built on an Android-based system, the device is equipped with dual displays: a front-facing touchscreen for user interaction and a top display for quick updates. It includes a dedicated Paytm Button to access assistance and key payment information, allowing merchants to track collections and manage their business through both voice commands and on-screen menus. The device supports multiple payment methods, including dynamic QR codes, tap-to-pay, and chip card insertion. For connectivity, it offers both Wi-Fi for stable indoor performance and 4G support for use in outdoor or high-traffic environments. Paytm stated that the launch aims to provide intelligent devices to a wide range of merchants, from neighborhood stores to retail chains, with the goal of enhancing efficiency and enabling businesses to scale more sustainably. Commenting on the launch, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder & CEO Paytm, said: From bringing QR code based mobile payments to innovating the mass scale trust device, Soundbox, we are now entering the intelligence age with multiple AI first products. With Paytm AI Soundbox, we are making the power of AI accessible to small and micro businesses across the country. We believe AI can help small businesses scale faster and enable large enterprises to operate with greater efficiency and intelligence. We remain committed to making AI inclusive, reliable, and safe for everyone to use. Samsung is showcasing its AI for All vision at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, aligning with the events theme, Innovate to Transform. The companys presentation focuses on the future of AI-powered technology and sustainable connectivity. The Samsung booth was visited by several dignitaries, including Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of State for Communications Pemmasani Chandrashekhar, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Also in attendance were Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, and Sunil Kumar Sharma, Cabinet Minister for Electronics and Information Technology for Uttar Pradesh. JB Park, President & CEO of Samsung Southwest Asia, demonstrated the companys latest AI-based innovations to the visitors. At the core of Samsungs showcase is its AI Home concept, which aims to integrate artificial intelligence across a range of devices, including smartphones, TVs, wearables, and appliances. The SmartThings app serves as the central hub for this ecosystem, connecting Samsung products with devices from partner companies. Samsung has organized its exhibit into five distinct demo zones to illustrate its AI for All vision: Galaxy AI Zone: Demonstrates AI tools designed to enhance productivity, such as Live Translate, Note Assist, and Circle to Search, featured on devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold7, and Galaxy Z Flip7. The Galaxy Watch7 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro are also displayed, highlighting personalized wellness and audio features. Demonstrates AI tools designed to enhance productivity, such as Live Translate, Note Assist, and Circle to Search, featured on devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold7, and Galaxy Z Flip7. The Galaxy Watch7 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro are also displayed, highlighting personalized wellness and audio features. Command Centre Zone: Shows AI-driven systems for smart urban environments, secured by the Samsung Knox platform. Shows AI-driven systems for smart urban environments, secured by the Samsung Knox platform. SmartThings Zone: Focuses on connected living solutions related to energy conservation, health, and sustainability. Focuses on connected living solutions related to energy conservation, health, and sustainability. AI for Education Zone: Presents an AI-enabled learning ecosystem for students and teachers in India. Presents an AI-enabled learning ecosystem for students and teachers in India. Samsung Network Zone: Features advanced 5G and AI-powered network solutions intended to support Indias digital infrastructure. In addition to consumer electronics, Samsung is highlighting its AI for Education initiative, which uses Galaxy devices and learning platforms to support digital skills development in India. The companys participation at IMC 2025 underscores its focus on developing connected and AI-integrated technologies for the Indian market. Commenting on this, JB Park, President & CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia, said: India Mobile Congress is a celebration of innovation and the power of technology to transform lives. At Samsung, we share this spirit deeply. Our vision of AI for All reflects our belief that artificial intelligence should empower every individual, business, and community across India. As we showcase our AI-led innovations at IMC 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to co-creating the future with India one where technology drives inclusion, unlocks new opportunities, and helps people lead better, smarter lives. An expert witness in a competency hearing Wednesday questioned the way competency is determined through courts, citing the changing nature of mental health symptoms. Its like a useless exercise, psychologist Susan Coykendall said. At issue is the competency of Shenting Guo, 33, who is charged with second-degree murder after being arrested and accused of stabbing her boyfriend, 38-year-old Dustin Nalls, to death in May 2024 and cutting off his penis. Coykendall evaluated Guos competency in late July at the Mesa County Detention Facility and said Guo was not competent to proceed. She said Guos mental state could very well have changed in the nine weeks since the evaluation. Coykendall said she could not give a proper answer as to Guos current mental state, but at the time of the evaluation at the jail, Guo did not have the ability to participate in her own defense with her attorneys. The biggest thing for me is shes just passive, shes not contributing, Coykendall said. Coykendalls evaluation looked at different aspects of Guos mental ability to stand trial, and her report particularly raised an issue with Guos ability to understand her defense, particularly given the charges levied against her. In the big picture, she doesnt understand some of the complexity, Coykendall said. Coykendall said in her personal opinion the standard for competency should differ based on the complexity of a case and potential consequences, although thats not what Colorados competency statute says. Competency to proceed in Colorado is defined by state law as meaning that the defendant does not have a mental disability or developmental disability that prevents the defendant from having sufficient present ability to consult with the defendants lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding to assist in the defense or prevents the defendant from having a rational and factual understanding of the criminal proceedings. Coykendall said she would probably be less worried about Guos understanding that her attorneys are talking about if the stakes were lower than a murder charge. The rest of her life is on the line, Coykendall said. Guos attorneys said Coykendalls report on the evaluation reflects the definition used in state statute, and that Coykendall was just answering questions about her personal opinion. At least some aspects of the test youre proposing are just wrong, Judge Jeremy Chaffin told Coykendall. The test doesnt change regardless of the seriousness of the offense. Coykendall conducted the evaluation at the behest of Guos attorneys after a previous evaluation in May found Guo competent to proceed. Coykendall said she believed Guo had been competent at that time. My opinion is that the circumstances and her mental state changed, Coykendall said. Coykendall said Guos ability to answer questions usefully appeared to deteriorate over the course of their three interviews. This is a person to me that has a chronic mental health issue that is difficult to manage, Coykendall said. Coykendall noted Guo had been undergoing treatment via the Mesa County Detention Facilitys Competency Enhancement Program, which is aimed to help restore inmates to competency within the jail. The jail ended its competency enhancement program this summer due to cuts in state funding. The cut in state funding occurred June 30, between the first evaluation and the second evaluation. A review hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 7, with argument and rebuttals due from attorneys by the end of the month. Sun Sunday 52 /30 Times of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 50s and lows in the low 30s. Russo-Ukraine War - 08 October 2025 - Day 1323 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 General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, 162 combat encounters have taken place since the beginning of this day. Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively interrupt the Russian attempts to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression. Russian zagarbniki made 59 aviation strikes, dropping 113 controlled bombs. In addition, 1768 Russian kamikaze drones were recruited to impress and carried out 3238 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. Nine combat clashes took place in the North Slobozhansky and Kursky directions. The Russian enemy launched nine air strikes, dropped 27 controlled air bombs in total and carried out 148 artillery shells, including five from reactive arsenal systems. Today, the Russian enemy attacked 21 times in the south-Slobozhansky direction in the areas of Vovchansky, Western, Dovgenky, in the direction of Kolodyazny, Kutkivka, Odradny, Dvorichansky, Liptsiv. The fights are still ongoing in five locations. In the Kupians komu direction, the Russian opponent made six attacks in the area of Kupians ka, Stepova Novoselivka and towards Kurilivka. The three fighting clashes are still ongoing. In the Lymanian direction, the Defense Forces have repelled six and are holding back four more assault actions in the areas of settlements Novomikhailivka, Shandrigolove, Derylove, Karpivka, Torske and in the direction of Olgivka and the New Peace. In the Slovak direction, the Russian enemy attacked seven times in the areas of yampol, dronivka and grigorivka. Since the beginning of the day in the kramators komu direction, the Russian enemy did not carry out offensive actions. 15 combat clashes took place in the Konstantinivsky direction today. Russian forces tried to storm the positions of Ukrainian units near Rusynoy Yar, Scherbinivka, Pleshiyivka, Poltavka and in the direction of Konstantinivka. In the Pokrovsky direction from the beginning of this day, the Russian enemy 37 times attacked in the areas of settlements Comfort, Nikanorivka, Chervony Liman, Lisivka, Razine, Novoekonomicne, Mirolubivka, Dachne, Muravka and in the direction of settlements Mirnograd, Balagan, Pokrovsk, Philia. Ukrainian defenders hold the pressure of the Russian opponent, three combat clashes are still ongoing. Today in this direction, according to preliminary data, 122 Russian invaders, of which 87 - irrevocably. In addition, Ukrainian soldiers destroyed one cannon, two cars, two motorcycles, 20 unmanned aircraft, four special equipment units and one Russian drone control point. In the Oleksandrivsky direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 24 Russian attacks in the areas of settlements Andriyivka-Klevtsove, Piddubne, Sosnivka, Filiya, Sichneve, Komyshuvakha, Vorone, Oleksiyivka, Novomikolaivka, Novogrigorivka, Poltavka, Malinivka. Eight more combat clashes are underway. In the direction of Gulyaipil, the Russian enemy launched an aviation strike on the settlement of Bilogir. In the Orihivsky direction since the beginning of the day, seven clashes took place - the Russian occupiers tried to advance in the Stepovoye area and in the direction of Novoandriivka. Populated points Stepnogirsk and Lukyanivsk suffered aviation strikes by unmanaged missiles. In the Pridniprovsky direction, the Defense Forces stopped the Russian enemy from trying to advance in the direction of the Antonivsky Bridge. In addition, the Russian occupiers made an aviation strike on the pridniprovsk. In other directions, there have been no significant changes in the environment. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. Units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of one armour brigade, two mechanised brigades, one assault regiment of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, and one border detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine close to Alekseyevka, Varachino, Kondratovka, Korchakovka, Pershe Travnya, Rogoznoye, and Yastrebinoye (Sumy region). In Kharkov direction, units of one mechanised brigade, one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU, and one border detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine were hit near Volchansk, Kolodeznoye, and Obukhovka (Kharkov region). The AFU have lost up to 220 servicemen. Two armoured fighting vehicles, 16 motor vehicles, four artillery guns, and eight ammunition and materiel depots were neutralised. Units of the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops inflicted losses on two mechanised brigades of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, and one national guard brigade near Krasny Liman (Donetsk People's Republic), Kupyansk, Kurilovka, Novoosinovo, and Palamarevka (Kharkov region). The enemy losses amounted to up to 225 troops, seven armoured fighting vehicles, 25 motor vehicles, and one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer. Two radar stations of aerial targets detection, three electronic warfare stations, and seven ammunition depots were neutralised. Units of the Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and completed the neutralisation of Ukrainian armed formations blocked in the area south of Kleban-Byk Reservoir in Donetsk People's Republic. Russian troops inflicted losses on formations of five mechanised brigades, one assault brigade, one air-mobile brigade, one mountain assault brigade of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade close to Druzhkovka, Zakotnoye, Konstantinovka, Kramatorsk, Pazeno, Privolye, Reznikovka, Svyato-Pokrovskoye, and Seversk (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 155 troops, one tank, and five armoured fighting vehicles, including U.S.-made HMMWV and MaxxPro armoured vehicles. The AFU has lost 18 motor vehicles, four artillery guns, including two German-made 155-mm Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled artillery systems, one Grad MLRS vehicle, one electronic warfare station, two counter-fire stations, and five ammunition and materiel depots. Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. The Tsentr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one heavy mechanised brigade, five mechanised brigades, one airborne brigade, three air assault brigades, one artillery brigade, two jaeger brigades, three assault regiments of the AFU, two marine brigades, one territorial defence brigade, and three national guard brigades near Vladimirovka, Grishino, Dimitrov, Ivanovka, Krasnoarmeysk, Novonikolayevka, Rodinskoye, Rusin Yar, Sergeyevka, Suvorovo and Torskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to more than 445 troops, five motor vehicles, four artillery guns, including French-made 155-mm Caesar self-propelled artillery systems, Polish-made Krab and Bogdana artillery systems, as well as one electronic warfare station. As a result of resolute actions, units of the Vostok Group of Forces liberated Novogrigorovka (Zaporozhye region). One mechanised brigade of the AFU, one marine brigade, one territorial defence brigade, and one national guard brigade have been hit close to Verbovoye, Novonikolayevka, Sosnovka (Dnepropetrovsk region), and Malinovka (Zaporozhye region). The enemy lost more than 385 troops, one tank, 17 motor vehicles, four artillery guns, one electronic warfare station, and one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-fire radar station. Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one heavy mechanised brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Lukyanovskoye, Malaya Tokmachka, Stepnogorsk (Zaporozhye region), Lvovo and Tyaginka (Kherson region). More than 70 troops, six motor vehicles, four field artillery guns, an electronic warfare station, as well as U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-fire radar and Israeli-made RADA tactical air surveillance radar stations have been neutralised. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack drones, missile troops and artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have inflicted damage on the traction substation and a rolling stock involved in the AFU units transportation, the infrastructure of the military airfield, assembly workshops and storage areas of unmanned aerial vehicles, a fuel depot, as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 141 areas. Air defence systems shot down two guided aerial bombs, four U.S.-made HIMARS projectiles, and 218 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 667 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 89,163 unmanned aerial vehicles, 631 anti-aircraft missile systems, 25,410 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,598 MLRS fighting vehicles, 30,280 field artillery guns and mortars, and 43,469 special military vehicles have been neutralised. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address TORONTO, Oct. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Voyageur Mineral Explorers Corp. (CSE: VOY) (Voyageur or the Company) is providing an update to shareholders of the Company (Shareholders) regarding the potential impact of the strike by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (the Strike) on the Companys ability to comply with its obligations to deliver its meeting materials to Shareholders in connection with its upcoming special meeting of Shareholders scheduled to be held on October 30, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. (Toronto Time) (the Meeting). The Company has delivered the notice of meeting, information circular, letter of transmittal and related proxy materials (the Meeting Materials) to the appropriate parties for mailing to registered and unregistered Shareholders prior to the Meeting and has arranged for the Meeting Materials to be delivered by courier wherever possible. However, due to the Strike, it is possible that the Meeting Materials will not be delivered to certain Shareholders prior to the Meeting, in particular if your mailing address includes a post office box. The Meeting Materials have been filed on SEDAR+ and are available on the Companys SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The Meeting Materials are also available on our website at www.voyageurexplorers.com/investors/2025-sm-materials. Shareholders will still be able to vote their shares either directly by proxy (for registered Shareholders) or indirectly through their intermediary (for unregistered Shareholders who hold their shares through brokerage firms or other intermediaries). The following are the items of special business to be considered at the Meeting: a special resolution authorizing and approving a consolidation of Voyageurs issued and outstanding common shares of Voyageur on the basis of one new share for each four existing and outstanding shares; a special resolution authorizing an amendment to the articles of Voyageur to change its name to Evolve Royalties Ltd. and its French version Redevances Evolve Ltee, or such other name as the board of directors of Voyageur in its discretion may resolve and as may be acceptable to the applicable regulatory authorities; and a special resolution approving the continuance of the Company out of the jurisdiction of Manitoba under The Corporations Act (Manitoba) and into the jurisdiction of Canada under the Canada Business Corporations Act, and the repeal and replacement of the Corporations articles and bylaws in connection therewith with articles of continuance and new bylaws, respectively. The Company will provide copies of the Meeting Materials by email to each entitled Shareholder who requests them while the Strike is ongoing, at no charge. Shareholders can direct requests for copies of the Meeting Materials to the Company at investor@voyageurexplorers.com or call (416) 628-5910 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Toronto Time. If you are a registered Shareholder and do not receive the Meeting Materials, please contact the Company to obtain your proxy form so you can cast your vote for the Meeting. Registered Shareholders may vote online at www.voteproxyonline.com or vote by telephone by following the instruction on the form of proxy. Registered Shareholders who require their voting control numbers or assistance with voting should contact the Companys transfer agent TSX Trust Company by email at tsxtis@tmx.com or by phone at +1 (866) 600-5869. If you hold shares through an intermediary such as a brokerage firm, please contact your intermediary directly for a copy of the proxy form and instructions for voting. The deadline for voting by proxy for the Meeting is 11:00 a.m. (Toronto Time) on October 28, 2025. About Voyageur Mineral Explorers Corp. Voyageur is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company with a specific focus on mineral properties in Northwest Manitoba and Northeast Saskatchewan, Canada. The Company owns a valuable package of royalties in the prolific Flin Flon greenstone belt, including: a net tonnage royalty on a portion of Foran Mining Corporations McIlvenna Bay Project, including the McIlvenna Bay Deposit, and the Tesla Zone; an NSR on Foran Mining Corporations Bigstone Deposit; and an NSR on a portion of Callinex Mines Inc.s Pine Bay Project, including the Rainbow Deposit. For further information please contact: Fraser Laschinger President and CEO Voyageur Mineral Explorers Corp. Tel: (416) 628-5910 Cautionary Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as may, should, anticipate, will, estimates, believes, intends expects and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements concerning the status and potential impact of the Strike and the timing of the resumption of regular postal service and related mailing of the Meeting Materials, the delivery of the Meeting Materials by courier, and the timing of the Meeting. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and the actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of Voyageur, including expectations and assumptions concerning the status and duration of the Strike and related disruptions to shareholder communications and voting; the availability, performance and acceptance of electronic voting channels and third-party service providers. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Voyageur. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, as such information, although considered reasonable by the respective management of Voyageur at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statement. Except as expressly required by securities law. Voyageur does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. LIMA, Peru, Oct. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Volcan Compania Minera S.A.A. (Volcan), a publicly held corporation (sociedad anonima abierta) organized under the laws of the Republic of Peru with its principal executive office at Av. Manuel Olguin 373, Santiago de Surco, Lima, Republic of Peru, hereby announces the commencement of its offer to purchase for cash any and all of the outstanding notes set forth in the table below (the Notes), upon the terms and subject to the conditions described in the offer to purchase and consent solicitation statement dated October 8, 2025 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the Statement). Volcan refers to the offer to purchase the Notes as the Tender Offer. The purpose of the Tender Offer is to acquire the Notes and to obtain Consents to authorize the Proposed Amendments (as defined below). Notes purchased in the Tender Offer will be retired and cancelled. Concurrently with the Tender Offer, Volcan is soliciting (the Solicitation) from Holders (as defined below) a consent (the Consent or in the plural Consents) to certain proposed amendments (the Proposed Amendments) to the indenture governing the Notes (the Indenture) and to the security documents governing the collateral (the Security Documents) described in the Statement. The Proposed Amendments would, with respect to the Indenture, eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants, events of default and related provisions contained in the Indenture with respect to the Notes and, with respect to the Security Documents, effect conforming changes to the Indenture and improve certain operational efficiencies. See Proposed Amendments to the Indenture and Certain Security Documents in the Statement. The Proposed Amendments will not become effective until after Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes have delivered Consents to the Proposed Amendments, such Consents have been accepted and Volcan has paid the corresponding consideration to such consenting Holders. The following table summarizes the payments Holders are eligible to receive for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes tendered and Consents delivered: Notes CUSIP/ISIN Numbers Principal Amount Outstanding Tender Offer Consideration(1) Early Tender Premium(1) Total Consideration(1)(2) 8.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 92863U AC0 / US92863UAC09 P98047 AD8 / USP98047AD80 $299,872,000 $1,020.00 $30.00 $1,050.00 __________________ (1) Per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, validly tendered and accepted. (2) Inclusive of the Early Tender Premium. The Tender Offer and Solicitation will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 6, 2025, or any other date and time to which Volcan extends the Tender Offer and Solicitation (such date and time, as it may be extended, the Expiration Date), unless earlier terminated. Holders must validly tender their Notes and deliver Consents at or prior to 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on October 23, 2025 (such date and time, as it may be extended, the Early Tender and Consent Time) to be eligible to receive the Total Consideration (which includes the Tender Offer Consideration and the Early Tender Premium), plus Accrued Interest (as defined below). Holders who validly tender their Notes and deliver Consents after the Early Tender and Consent Time but at or prior to the Expiration Date will be eligible to receive the Tender Offer Consideration for such Notes plus Accrued Interest. Notes may not be tendered pursuant to the Tender Offer without the delivery of Consents pursuant to the Solicitation, and Consents may not be delivered without the tender of Notes pursuant to the Tender Offer. The Total Consideration, the Tender Offer Consideration, the Early Tender Premium and the Accrued Interest will be payable in cash. Tendered Notes may be validly withdrawn from the Tender Offer and Consents may be revoked at or prior to, but not after, 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on October 23, 2025 (such date and time, as it may be extended, the Withdrawal Deadline). A valid withdrawal of tendered Notes by any Holder will constitute the concurrent valid revocation of such Holders related Consent, and a valid revocation of a Consent will constitute the concurrent valid withdrawal of such Holders related tendered Notes. The Tender Offer and Solicitation are being made in connection with an anticipated offering of senior secured notes (the New Notes) by Volcan (the Bond Offering). The Bond Offering will be exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Tender Offer and Solicitation are not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the New Notes. The Tender Offer and Solicitation are conditioned upon the satisfaction or waiver by Volcan of certain conditions, including the pricing and closing of the Bond Offering on terms satisfactory to Volcan and resulting in net proceeds to Volcan of not less than the aggregate amount to be paid for the purchase price of the Notes tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer and Solicitation (the Financing Condition). The Tender Offer is not conditioned upon the tender of any minimum principal amount of Notes. The Tender Offer and Solicitation are open to all registered holders (individually, a Holder, and collectively, the Holders) of the Notes. The Tender Offer and Solicitation are subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including but not limited to, receiving the Requisite Consents (as defined in the Statement) to effect the Proposed Amendments and the Financing Condition, as described in the section of the Statement entitled The Tender Offer and SolicitationConditions to the Tender Offer and Solicitation. In addition to the Tender Offer Consideration or the Total Consideration, as applicable, all Holders of Notes accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer will, on the Early Settlement Date or the Settlement Date (as defined below), also receive accrued and unpaid interest on those Notes from the last interest payment date with respect to those Notes to, but not including, the Early Settlement Date or the Settlement Date, as applicable (Accrued Interest). The Tender Offer and Solicitation commence on the date of the Statement and will expire on the Expiration Date, unless extended or earlier terminated by Volcan. No tenders will be valid if submitted after the Expiration Date. If a Nominee (as defined in the Statement) holds Notes on behalf of a beneficial owner, such Nominee may have an earlier deadline for accepting the offer. Any beneficial owner should promptly contact such Nominee that holds its Notes to determine its deadline. The Tender Offer and Solicitation is open to all registered Holders of the Notes. There is no letter of transmittal for this Tender Offer. Volcan expects to purchase any Notes that have been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn (i) at or prior to the Early Tender and Consent Time and that Volcan chooses to accept for purchase, subject to all conditions to the Tender Offer having been either satisfied or waived by Volcan, as permitted by applicable law, promptly following the Early Tender and Consent Time (the Early Settlement Date), (ii) after the Early Tender and Consent Time and at or prior to the Expiration Date and that Volcan chooses to accept for purchase, subject to all conditions to the Tender Offer having been either satisfied or waived by Volcan, as permitted by applicable law, promptly following the Expiration Date (the Settlement Date). The Early Settlement Date is expected to occur promptly following the Early Tender and Consent Time and the Settlement Date is expected to occur promptly following the Expiration Date. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Tender Offer and Solicitation, Volcans obligation to accept for purchase, and to pay for, any Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Tender Offer, and its obligation to accept the delivery of, and to pay for, the Consents validly delivered and not validly revoked pursuant to the Solicitation, are subject to, and conditioned upon, the satisfaction of, or Volcans waiver of, the conditions described in the section of the Statement entitled The Tender Offer and SolicitationConditions to the Tender Offer and Solicitation. The conditions to the Tender Offer and Solicitation are for the sole benefit of Volcan and may be asserted by Volcan, regardless of the circumstances giving rise to any such condition (including any action or inaction by Volcan). Volcan reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to waive any and all conditions of the Tender Offer and Solicitation, at or prior to the Early Tender and Consent Time or Expiration Date, as applicable. The Tender Offer is not subject to a minimum principal amount of Notes being tendered. See Terms of the Offer and SolicitationConditions to the Offer and Solicitation in the Statement. Withdrawal rights with respect to the Notes and revocation rights with respect to any Consents will terminate on the Withdrawal Deadline, unless extended pursuant to applicable law. Accordingly, following the Withdrawal Deadline, any Notes validly tendered (whether before, on or after the Withdrawal Deadline) may no longer be validly withdrawn and any Consents validly delivered (whether before, on or after the Withdrawal Deadline) may no longer be revoked. For the withdrawal of a tendered Note to be valid, such withdrawal must comply with the procedures set forth in the Statement. Subject to applicable law and the terms set forth in the Statement, Volcan reserves the right: (i) to extend or otherwise amend the Early Tender and Consent Time, the Withdrawal Deadline or the Expiration Date, (ii) to waive or modify in whole or in part any and all conditions to the Tender Offer and Solicitation; (iii) to modify or terminate the Tender Offer and Solicitation; and (iv) to otherwise amend the Tender Offer and Solicitation in any respect. In the event of the termination of the Tender Offer, the Notes tendered pursuant to the Tender Offer and not previously accepted and purchased will be promptly returned to the tendering Holders. If a Holder does not tender its Notes or if a Holder tenders Notes that are not accepted for purchase, they will remain outstanding. If Volcan consummates the Tender Offer, the trading market for a Holders outstanding Notes may be significantly more limited. For a discussion of this and other risks, see Certain Significant ConsiderationsLimited Trading Market; Reduced Liquidity as a Result of the Offer and the Solicitation in the Statement. THE TENDER OFFER DOCUMENTS CONTAIN CERTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE READ BEFORE ANY DECISION IS MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE TENDER OFFER, IN PARTICULAR, SEE CERTAIN SIGNIFICANT CONSIDERATIONS IN THE STATEMENT FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS HOLDERS SHOULD CONSIDER IN CONNECTION WITH THE TENDER OFFER. VOLCAN HAS NOT FILED THE STATEMENT WITH, AND IT HAS NOT BEEN 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 STATEMENT AND IT IS UNLAWFUL AND MAY BE A CRIMINAL OFFENSE TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY. THE TENDER OFFER AND SOLICITATION HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED, AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED, WITH THE PERUVIAN SECURITIES MARKET SUPERINTENDENCY (SUPERINTENDENCIA DEL MERCADO DE VALORES - SMV) OR THE LIMA STOCK EXCHANGE (BOLSA DE VALORES DE LIMA). THE TENDER OFFER AND SOLICITATION MAY NOT BE MADE IN PERU, EXCEPT IN CIRCUMSTANCES THAT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A PUBLIC OFFERING OR UNAUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTION UNDER PERUVIAN LAWS AND REGULATIONS. PERUVIAN SECURITIES LAWS AND REGULATIONS ON PUBLIC OFFERINGS WILL NOT BE APPLICABLE TO THE TENDER OFFER AND SOLICITATION, THE DISCLOSURE OBLIGATIONS SET FORTH THEREIN WILL NOT BE APPLICABLE TO VOLCAN BEFORE OR AFTER THE TENDER OFFER AND SOLICITATION. THE TENDER OFFER AND SOLICITATION IS NOT BEING MADE IN PERU PURSUANT TO A PUBLIC OFFERING AND DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE TENDER OFFER AND SOLICITATION, AS WELL AS INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN, MAY NOT BE SUPPLIED TO THE PUBLIC IN PERU, NOR BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH ANY OFFER TO THE PUBLIC IN PERU. NONE OF VOLCAN, ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THE DEALER MANAGERS (AS DEFINED BELOW), THE TENDER AND INFORMATION AGENT OR THE TRUSTEE, THE REGISTRAR, THE PAYING AGENT OR THE TRANSFER AGENT (EACH AS DEFINED IN THE STATEMENT) OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES IS MAKING ANY RECOMMENDATION AS TO WHETHER HOLDERS SHOULD TENDER ANY NOTES NOR ANY RECOMMENDATION THAT HOLDERS DELIVER OR REFRAIN FROM DELIVERING ANY CONSENTS IN RESPONSE TO THE TENDER OFFER AND SOLICITATION. HOLDERS MUST MAKE THEIR OWN DECISION AS TO WHETHER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TENDER OFFER AND SOLICITATION, AND, IF SO, THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOTES TO TENDER AND THE CONSENTS TO DELIVER. The Statement and related documents do not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell notes in any jurisdiction or in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. In those jurisdictions where the securities, blue sky or other laws require the Tender Offer and Solicitation to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Tender Offer and Solicitation will be deemed to be made on behalf of Volcan by the Dealer Managers or one or more registered brokers or dealers licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction. Volcan is not aware of any jurisdiction where the making of the Tender Offer and Solicitation is not in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction. If Volcan becomes aware of any jurisdiction in which the making of the Tender Offer and Solicitation would not be in compliance with such laws, Volcan will make a good faith effort to comply with any such laws or may seek to have such laws declared inapplicable to the Tender Offer and Solicitation. If, after such good faith effort, Volcan cannot comply with any such applicable laws, the Tender Offer and Solicitation will not be made to the Holders of Notes residing in each such jurisdiction. Neither the delivery of this announcement, the Statement and any related documents nor any purchase of Notes by Volcan will, under any circumstances, create any implication that the information contained in this announcement, the Statement or in any related document is current as of any time subsequent to the date hereof or thereof. The Statement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, including the New Notes (other than the Notes). Any offering of securities will only be made by an offering document and any such offering may not be registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on managements current expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainty and changes in circumstances, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance or achievements. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature are forward-looking and the words anticipate, believe, expect, estimate, plan and similar expressions are generally intend to identify forward-looking statements. Volcan is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. More detailed information about these and other factors is set forth in the Statement. D.F. King & Co., Inc. is acting as the tender agent and as the information agent (the Tender and Information Agent) for the Tender Offer and Solicitation. BofA Securities, Inc., Banco BTG Pactual S.A. Cayman Branch, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Natixis Securities Americas LLC are acting as dealer managers and solicitation agents (the Dealer Managers) for the Tender Offer and Solicitation. The Tender and Information Agent for the Tender Offer and Solicitation is: D.F. King & Co. Inc. 28 Liberty Street, 53rd Floor New York, New York 10005 Banks and Brokers call: (212) 914-0093 Attn: Michael Horthman Toll Free: (800) 431-9646 Email: volcan@dfking.com The Depositary Agent for the Tender Offer and Solicitation is: D.F. King & Co. Inc. By facsimile: (For Eligible Institutions only): (212) 709-3328 Confirmation: (212) 269-5552 Attn: Michael Horthman By Mail: By Overnight Courier: By Hand: 28 Liberty Street, 53rd Floor 28 Liberty Street, 53rd Floor 28 Liberty Street, 53rd Floor New York, NY 10005 New York, NY 10005 New York, NY 10005 Any questions or requests for assistance or for additional copies of the Statement may be directed to the Tender and Information Agent at one of its telephone numbers above. A Holder (or a beneficial owner that is not a Holder) may also contact any of the Dealer Managers at their telephone numbers set forth below or its broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Statement. The Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer and Solicitation are: BofA Securities BTG Pactual Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC Natixis Securities Americas LLC One Bryant Park New York, New York 10036 U.S. Toll Free: +1 (888) 292 0070 Collect: +1 (646) 855 8988 Attention: Liability Management Group 601 Lexington Avenue, 57th floor New York, New York 10022 Collect: +1 (212) 293-4600 Email: OL-DCM@btgpactual.com Attention: Debt Capital Markets 200 West Street New York, New York 10282 Toll Free: +1 (800) 828-3182 Collect: +1 (212) 357-1452 Attention: Liability Management Group 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 4th Floor New York, New York 10020 U.S. Toll Free: +1 (866) 425-1819 Europe: +33 (0)1 58 55 05 56 Attention: Debt Capital Markets/Liability Management SOURCE: Volcan Compania Minera S.A.A. Jorge Murillo Nunez, Chief Financial Officer, JMurillo@volcan.com.pe, +51 995 029 664 NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until November 18, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against KBR, Inc. (NYSE: KBR), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Companys securities between May 6, 2025 and June 19, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Get Help KBR investors should visit us at https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-kbr-1 or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options. About the Lawsuit KBR and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On June 19, 2025, HomeSafe Alliance (HomeSafe), a KBR joint venture in which KBR has a 72% economic interest, disclosed that it received a notice from the U.S. Department of Defense's Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) terminating the Global Household Goods Contract, which HomeSafe won in 2021 to transform the military move system for the benefit of service members and their families. On this news, the price of KBRs shares 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. The case is Norrman v. KBR, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-04464. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. LOS ANGELES, Oct. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Denica Riadini-Flesch, an economist-turned-entrepreneur proving fashion can restore the Earth and boost incomes for marginalized rural communities, has won the UCLA 2025 Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award. The 35-year-old Indonesian responded to the win with an urgent call to include farmers and craftspeople in climate solutions worldwide. The $100,000 prize recognizes a next-generation leader whose bold, actionable solutions to global challenges have the power to revolutionize the future. Artisans and farmers are the missing link to solving the climate crisis and we ignore them at our peril, said Riadini-Flesch. My work shows that when rural artisans leadwhen indigenous wisdom, regenerative farming, and economic dignity are placed at the heart of our solutionswe dont just reduce harm, we lay the blueprint for a regenerative future. The win was announced at an award ceremony in Los Angeles on October 8 by Tony Pritzker, whose foundation first awarded the annual prize in 2017. The founder of the fashion brand SukkhaCitta, Riadini-Flesch aims to regenerate 2.5 million acres and create livelihoods for 10,000 rural women across Indonesia. The most challenging aspect of this award process is choosing just one to be the winnereach of the many nominees is truly exceptional, said Pritzker. Denica Riadini-Flesch is a stand-out example of a social entrepreneur who is leveraging her commitment to environmental sustainability to both help preserve Indonesian traditions and create a viable business modelforging a path which many will no doubt follow. Sported by the likes of Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Martin of Coldplay, and the ocean heroine Sylvia Earle, SukkhaCitta shows how fair-trade fashion can restore ecosystems and address inequality on a global scale. Denica has created a regenerative masterpiece, weaving together what is good for the soil, for farmers and craftspeople, and for consumers, said judge Audrey Choi, chair of the Generation Foundation. She has reimagined a new kind of supply chain from the ground up, where the creation of beautiful goods helps restore nature and strengthen communities. About the Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award: Now in its ninth year, the Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award is the worlds first major environmental prize for innovators under the age of 40. The annual prize, funded by the Anthony Pritzker Family Foundation, recognizes outstanding, emerging individuals who have demonstrated exceptional impact, creativity, and leadership in addressing global environmental challenges. The way Denica turned economic theory into practice with SukkhaCitta isnt just revolutionaryits a model the business sector can adopt starting now, said Alex Hall, director of UCLAs Institute of the Environment and Sustainability (IoES), which presents the award. Shes paving the way, and its up to us to follow her lead. Past winners of the Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award include environmental economist Dan Hammer, conservationist Farwiza Farhan, and entrepreneur Miranda Wangchoices that reflect the diversity of solutions and global origins of our environmental future. About UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability (IoES): The UCLA IoES is an interdisciplinary research center that supports sustainability and addresses global environmental challenges. Their goal is to translate science into real-world action at the front lines of environmental progress. HONG KONG, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GYS , the pioneering bamboo fiber sleepwear brand, today announced its strategic expansion into the North American and European markets, marking a significant milestone in its mission to redefine sustainable luxury in the global sleepwear industry. Following strong demand in Asia, GYS will make its premium bamboo fiber pajamas available through leading e-commerce platforms and selected retail partners in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany. The expansion reflects the brands commitment to serving a growing international audience seeking eco-conscious lifestyle products without compromising on comfort or design. Our global expansion is driven by consumer demand for sustainable and high-quality alternatives, said Sam, CEO of GYS. North America and Europe are key markets where eco-conscious values align perfectly with our brand ethos, and we are excited to bring our bamboo fiber sleepwear to customers who prioritize both comfort and environmental responsibility. Industry reports highlight growing consumer preference for sustainable apparel, with the eco-fashion market projected to expand rapidly over the next decade. By entering these markets, GYS aims to establish itself as a leading name in sustainable luxury sleepwear. The brands debut collections are available through its official website and select international retail channels starting this season. About GYS GYS is a leading bamboo fiber sleepwear and loungewear brand dedicated to merging sustainability with luxury comfort. Its eco-conscious mission focuses on creating breathable, soft, and responsibly sourced pajamas that redefine modern sleepwear. With operations across Asia, GYS is now expanding into North America and Europe to serve global consumers seeking sustainable living solutions. Media Contact Sam PR Manager, GYS Email: support@gyspajamas.com Website: www.gyspajamas.com Disclaimer: This content is provided by GYS Pajamas. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. 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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/134496fd-6561-4a9f-82c4-1724889a8312 24-month Phase I follow-up data show positive outcomes are maintained High levels of investigator and patient satisfaction, excellent safety profile Ongoing registrational trial will yield top-line results before the end of 2025 Product could be approved in U.S. and Europe by early 2027 Milan, Italy 9 October, 2025 Tensive S.r.l, a clinical-stage advanced biomaterials medical device company developing REGENERA (EU) / SOFTAG (U.S.) bioresorbable scaffolds for breast reconstruction and tissue marking, today announces the publication of a positive interim analysis in a long-term study with its REGENERA / SOFTAG implants in the leading peer-reviewed journal Breast Cancer. The data show that positive outcomes were maintained after 24 months of follow-up following placement of the device in breast-conserving lumpectomy surgery. The data also continue to show high levels of investigator and patient satisfaction, an excellent safety profile, and no interference with imaging. The study also showed that resorption of the implant is taking place in all patients. The publication of these encouraging data in Breast Cancer strengthens our confidence in the transformative potential of Tensives implants. The gradual maturation of soft tissue, replacing the scaffold with newly grown tissue, highlights a truly lasting regenerative process. Were expecting to submit the product for regulatory approvals as early as spring 2026, a crucial step to fulfill our mission of improving clinical outcomes and quality of life for breast cancer patients, said Alberto Cantaluppi, Chief Medical Officer at Tensive. The ongoing long-term observational study was into 14 women who received the REGENERA / SOFTAG implant after lumpectomy for benign lesions in Tensives first-in-human trial. Patients were evaluated for safety (incidence of adverse events), performance of the device (changes in breast appearance and interference with imaging), and investigator and patient satisfaction. Further interim results will be published at 36 and 48 months, and final results after 60 months of follow-up. Separately, Tensives ongoing multi-center pivotal trial completed enrollment of 94 patients with malignant lesions receiving adjuvant cancer therapy following lumpectomy in March. Final data on the primary endpoints are expected in late 2025, and patients will be followed over a period of five years. Recent interim data from the ongoing pivotal trial confirmed the strong safety and positive performance of the REGENERA / SOFTAG device. Of the 2.1 million lumpectomies performed worldwide each year, 1.6 million are not reconstructed, constituting a sizeable unmet clinical need [1]. Despite the psychological impact of breast disfigurement, common cosmetic surgery options are rarely used, as they entail invasive and complex procedures that often fail to achieve the desired outcome. REGENERA/SOFTAG advanced biomaterial is a bioresorbable implant designed to be inserted in place of the surgically removed tumor during a lumpectomy procedure. The biomaterial used in REGENERA/SOFTAG resembles a sponge with a fine scaffold matrix; its placement is a one-step, minimally invasive, rapid and easy-to-adopt procedure. The device does not require surgical removal as it is gradually absorbed by the body and enables the patients own healthy tissue to regrow in its place. The result is restoration composed of natural tissue that preserves the original shape and feel of the patients breast. In addition, the implant is clearly differentiated from surrounding tissue on diagnostic imaging, demarcating the boundaries of the lumpectomy and thereby supporting more targeted delivery of radiotherapy and more accurate monitoring for potential recurrence than would be feasible without the implant. [1] Analysis based on estimates from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the World Health Organization (WHO) and Global Market Insights. Tensive S.r.l. (www.tensive.com) is a clinical-stage advanced biomaterials medical device company developing bioresorbable polymeric scaffolds for breast reconstruction and tissue marking. Its patented REGENERA biomimetic scaffold is designed to allow regeneration of a patients own breast tissue to create natural, safe, and lasting reconstruction for patients recovering from lumpectomy or undergoing cosmetic procedures, while its SOFTAG precision tissue marking device enables more targeted delivery of radiotherapy and increases the accuracy of surveillance and follow-up. Tensives mission is to improve clinical outcomes and the quality of life for breast cancer patients worldwide through accessible, innovative, and sustainable solutions. For more information please contact: Tensive Srl Cohesion Bureau media@tensivemed.com Italian and international media & investors Giovanni Ca Zorzi tensive@cohesionbureau.com +33 7 8467 0727 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 companys 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 LONDON, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KraneShares, a global asset manager known for its innovative exchange-traded funds (ETFs), today announced the launch of the KraneShares Global Humanoid & Embodied Intelligence Index UCITS ETF (LSE: KOID) on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). KOID aims to provide investors with global exposure to the rapidly expanding humanoid robotics and embodied intelligence sector an industry at the convergence of robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. KOID captures a diversified basket of companies developing humanoid robots, enabling technologies such as sensors, actuators, and semiconductors, and the AI software that allows these machines to sense, learn, and interact with the world. KOID employs an equal-weight methodology, ensuring balanced exposure to established leaders like Tesla and Nvidia and emerging innovators like Robosense, a company specializing in LiDAR sensor technology; UBTECH, a significant humanoid robot maker; and Horizon Robotics, advancing AI chips that bring robots to life. Together with other holdings across Asia, the U.S., and Europe, KOID offers a broad-based way to invest in the rapidly emerging humanoid robot sector. The launch comes at a time when humanoid robots are beginning to transition from research projects to commercial deployment. They are increasingly appearing in factories, logistics centres, healthcare facilities, and even homes, helping to address structural challenges such as labour shortages, ageing populations, and workplace safety. Analysts, including those at Morgan Stanley, project there could be 1 billion humanoids and $5 trillion in annual revenue by 2050, driven by rising adoption across multiple industries.1 Dr. Xiaolin Chen, Head of International at KraneShares, said: Humanoid robotics and embodied intelligence represent one of the most exciting technological frontiers of our time. KOID enables investors to participate in this global transformation by providing balanced exposure to both todays market leaders and the innovators shaping the future. For more information on the KraneShares Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index UCITS ETF (Ticker: KOID), please visit https://kraneshares.eu/koidln or consult your financial advisor. About KraneShares KraneShares is a specialist investment manager focused on delivering global investors innovative, high-conviction strategies. The firm is known for its China and climate-focused ETFs, as well as its solutions across emerging markets, carbon allowances, options income, and disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence and electric vehicles. KraneShares helps investors access transformative growth opportunities through research-driven products and educational resources. Citations: Humanoids: 1bn Robots and $5tn Revenues by 2050, China is in Pole Position Morgan Stanley Research, 28/April/2025. Carefully consider the Funds investment objectives, risk factors, charges and expenses before investing. This and additional information can be found in the Funds' full and summary prospectus, which may be obtained by visiting https://www.kraneshares.eu/koidln. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. Risk Disclosures: Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. There can be no assurance that a Fund will achieve its stated objectives. The Funds are subject to political, social or economic instability within China which may cause decline in value. Fluctuations in currency of foreign countries may have an adverse effect to domestic currency values. Emerging markets involve heightened risk related to the same factors as well as increase volatility and lower trading volume. Narrowly focused investments typically exhibit higher volatility. Internet companies are subject to rapid changes in technology, worldwide competition, rapid obsolescence of products and services, loss of patent protections, evolving industry standards and frequent new product productions. Such changes may have an adverse impact on performance. This material is for information only and does not constitute an offer or recommendation to buy or sell any investment, or subscribe to any investment management or advisory service. It is not, under any circumstances, intended for distribution to the general public. You are accessing information which constitutes a financial promotion under section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ("FSMA"). In relation to the United Kingdom, this information is only directed at, and may only be distributed to, persons who are Investment Professionals (being persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments) within the meaning of article 19(5) of the FSMA (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the Financial Promotion Order ), persons to whom any of paragraphs (2)(a) to (d) of article 49 (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.) of the financial promotion order apply, or persons to whom distribution may otherwise lawfully be made. Any investment, and investment activity or controlled activity, to which this information relates is available only to such persons and will be engaged in only with such persons. Persons that do not have professional experience should not rely or act upon this information unless they are persons to whom any of paragraphs (2)(a) to (d) of article 49 apply to whom distribution of this information may otherwise lawfully be made. The views and opinions expressed in this material are those of the authors Krane Fund Advisors. These opinions have been given in good faith but are subject to change without notice. It is the responsibility of the investor to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any opinions, advice, services, or other information provided. This material may not be suitable for all investors. Any performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Past performance is not indicative or a guarantee of future performance. Carefully consider the Funds' investment objectives, risk factors, charges and expenses before investing. This and additional information, including historical and the most recent month-end performance, can be found in the Fund Literature (Prospectus, Supplement, KIID, PRIIP), which may be obtained at our website www.kraneshares.eu or at the website of our management company www.waystone.com. KIID and PRIIP documents are available in the language of any Member State where such fund is distributed, and the prospectus is available only in English. Krane Funds Advisors, LLC is appointed to act as investment manager in accordance with the requirements of the Central Bank. Krane Funds Advisors, LLC is appointed as the distributor of the ICAV. Waystone Management Company (IE) Limited is appointed to provide management services to the ICAV in accordance with the requirements of the Central Bank. The Management Company may decide to terminate the arrangements made for the marketing of the Fund in accordance with Article 93a of Directive 2009/65/EC. Contact: KraneShares Investor Relations info@kraneshares.com LONDON, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cloudera , the only company bringing AI to data anywhere, today announced it is a launch partner for the new Amazon Web Services ( AWS) European Sovereign Cloud. Through this initiative, Cloudera has developed a robust, sovereign data and AI platform specifically for the AWS European Sovereign Cloud. This creates the industrys most comprehensive solution designed for the highest levels of data control, governance, and regulatory compliance. According to IDCs Worldwide Sovereign Cloud Market Forecast (2022 -2027), spending on a sovereign cloud is expected to grow an average of 27% year-on-year, totaling $258 billion by 2027. This surge in interest underscores organizations increasing reliance on data and heightened awareness of the need for its control, security, and compliance across all environmentspublic, private, sovereign clouds, and data centers. Providing organizations the ability to securely manage their enterprise data within defined geographical and operational boundaries means customers in highly regulated industries can make fully informed, strategic decisions about how to apply their AI workloads. To address these challenges, Cloudera is collaborating with AWS to provide joint customers with a sovereign-by-design data and AI platform to store and analyze all their data within EU borders. The Cloudera Platform addresses organizations core technical, operational, and strategic requirements, meaning organizations can confidently navigate the complexities of data sovereignty and unlock the full value of their data assets within a trusted framework. Our customers face growing demands for security, compliance and innovation. The AWS EU Sovereign Cloud empowers them to keep data within the EU, meet rigorous regulatory standards, and drive AI and analytics innovation-securely and with full operational autonomy, said Paco Mateo-Sidron, SVP, Head of EMEA, Cloudera. The Cloudera Platform on the AWS European Sovereign Cloud will enable customers to: Maintain data residency - Keep customer data and all customer-created metadata within the EU, supporting emerging regulatory requirements - Keep customer data and all customer-created metadata within the EU, supporting emerging regulatory requirements Accelerate secure innovation - Leverage a full suite of data and analytics services to derive insights and deploy AI applications and AI Agents, while adhering to strict sovereignty requirements - Leverage a full suite of data and analytics services to derive insights and deploy AI applications and AI Agents, while adhering to strict sovereignty requirements Ensure Operational Autonomy - Benefit from a cloud infrastructure that is physically separate and independently operated by EU-resident AWS employees The combination of AWS's leading cloud infrastructure with Cloudera's secure hybrid data and AI platform creates a complete sovereign-ready data solution, offering significant business value. This sovereign-by-design solution will align strictly with regional sovereignty and compliance mandates, making it especially well-suited for highly regulated industries and public sector organizations. Cloudera is committed to supporting organizations and partners in their Sovereign Cloud endeavors, providing the technology and expertise to build a secure, innovative, sovereign data future, said Sergio Gago, Chief Technology Officer at Cloudera. Bringing the Cloudera Platform to the AWS European Sovereign Cloud enables organizations to securely industrialize data and AI use cases, all while adhering to the most stringent EU regulations and powering the creation of true Private AI. Learn more about the AWS European Sovereign Cloud . About Cloudera Cloudera is the only data and AI platform company that large organizations trust to bring AI to their data anywhere it lives. Unlike other providers, Cloudera delivers a consistent cloud experience that converges public clouds, on-prem data centers, and the edge, leveraging a proven open-source foundation. As the pioneer in big data, Cloudera empowers businesses to apply AI and assert control over 100% of their data, in all forms, improving security, governance, and real-time and predictive insights. The worlds largest brands across all industries rely on Cloudera to transform decision-making and ultimately boost bottom lines, safeguard against threats, and save lives. To learn more, visit Cloudera.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X . Cloudera and associated marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cloudera, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Contact Jess Hohn-Cabana cloudera@v2comms.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (West Red Lake Gold or WRLG or the Company) (TSXV: WRLG) (OTCQB: WRLGF) is pleased to report drill results from its 100% owned Madsen Mine located in the Red Lake Gold District of Northwestern Ontario, Canada. Shane Williams, President & CEO, stated, We are only just beginning to get the underground drills into the lower portions of the main Austin Zone and we are already being rewarded with very high-grade, broad intercepts of gold mineralization very similar to the high-grade lenses we have been defining in South Austin. Our team is the first to get underground drills and mine crews back into these deeper parts of the orebody since this area was historically mined in the 1950s and early 60s. As expected, there is significant ounce and tonnage potential remaining at depth in the Madsen orebody. We anticipate continued success in lower Austin as the drills continue to discover and define more lenses of high-grade mineralization adjacent to our active mine development. The drill results featured in this news release are focused on the high-grade Austin Zone, which currently contains an Indicated mineral resource of 914,200 ounces (oz) grading 6.9 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au), with an additional Inferred resource of 104,900 oz grading 6.5 g/t Au. These results were drilled from the 12 Level in the Madsen Mine at approximately 600 meters (m) depth and demonstrate the potential for discovery of additional high-grade lenses of gold mineralization in the main Austin Zone very similar to those that have already been delineated in the South Austin zone during 2025 (see press releases dated August 12, 2025 , May 27, 2025 and February 26, 2025 ). The lower Austin zone will continue to be a key focus of drilling for the remainder of 2025. Figure 2 below includes a long section which summarizes the top three intercepts in the Austin 12-4860 station from this current press release, as well as the top three highlights announced in 2025 from infill drilling stations in the new high-grade panel within the South Austin Zone. Its important to note that the new intercepts in Austin fall along a similar plunge line as those in South Austin suggesting up to 600 meters of continuity within this high-grade panel. AUSTIN ZONE HIGHLIGHTS: Hole MM25D-12-4860-004 Intersected 7.75m @ 139.45 g/t Au, from 37.00m to 44.75m, Including 0.6m @ 17.49 g/t Au, from 37.55m to 38.15m, Also including 2m @ 532.25 g/t Au, from 39.15m to 41.15m. This high-grade intercept was complimented by visible gold spatially associated with quartz-pyrrhotite-arsenopyrite veining and strong silicification (Figure 1). Figure 1. Visible gold showing in hole MM25D-12-4860-004 at 40.8m downhole depth. Hole MM25D-12-4860-005 Intersected 8.7m @ 74.70 g/t Au, from 37.1m to 45.8m, Including 3m @ 134.58 g/t Au, from 37.1m to 40.1m, Also including 4.9m @ 49.73 g/t Au, from 40.9m to 45.8m. Hole MM25D-12-4860-002 Intersected 7.45m @ 18.31 g/t Au, from 39.65m to 47.10m, Including 0.5m @ 254.49 g/t Au, from 39.65m to 40.15m. Hole MM25D-12-4860-006 Intersected 2.95m @ 21.18 g/t Au, from 45.05m to 48.00m, Including 1m @ 57.67 g/t Au, from 46m to 47m. Hole MM25D-12-4860-009 Intersected 3.9m @ 13.00 g/t Au, from 48.45m to 52.35m, Including 1m @ 44.62 g/t Au, from 50m to 51m. Visible gold was also observed in holes MM25D-12-4860-001 and -007 within significant intercepts as outlined below in Table 1. TABLE 1. Significant intercepts (>3 g/t Au) from drilling at Austin Zone. Hole ID Target From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Au (g/t) MM25D-12-4860-001 Austin 47.00 48.00 1.00 4.75 AND Austin 52.20 57.00 4.80 5.19 Incl. 54.00 55.00 1.00 13.92 AND Austin 77.50 78.50 1.00 3.72 AND Austin 87.00 88.30 1.30 4.99 MM25D-12-4860-002 Austin 39.65 47.10 7.45 18.31 Incl. 39.65 40.15 0.50 254.49 AND Austin 50.10 52.70 2.60 7.50 Incl. 50.10 51.20 1.10 15.49 MM25D-12-4860-003 Austin 40.00 46.85 6.85 3.44 MM25D-12-4860-004 Austin 37.00 44.75 7.75 139.45 Incl. 37.55 38.15 0.60 17.49 Also Incl. 39.15 41.15 2.00 532.25 MM25D-12-4860-005 Austin 37.10 45.80 8.70 74.70 Incl. 37.10 40.10 3.00 134.58 Also Incl. 40.90 45.80 4.90 49.73 AND Austin 46.80 47.30 0.50 4.30 MM25D-12-4860-006 Austin 36.20 39.00 2.80 4.92 Incl. 37.70 38.25 0.55 10.24 AND Austin 45.05 48.00 2.95 21.18 Incl. 46.00 47.00 1.00 57.67 AND Austin 50.00 51.00 1.00 3.77 MM25D-12-4860-007 Austin 57.00 58.00 1.00 7.16 MM25D-12-4860-008 Austin 49.00 49.80 0.80 3.19 AND Austin 53.00 53.50 0.50 3.44 MM25D-12-4860-009 Austin 42.70 43.20 0.50 4.87 AND Austin 45.50 46.00 0.50 5.54 AND Austin 48.45 52.35 3.90 13.00 Incl. 50.00 51.00 1.00 44.62 MM25D-12-4860-010 Austin 40.00 41.75 1.75 7.92 Incl. 40.00 40.85 0.85 11.43 AND Austin 44.00 44.95 0.95 3.95 AND Austin 54.35 55.30 0.95 3.36 MM25D-12-4860-011 Austin 38.95 40.00 1.05 5.45 AND Austin 43.00 44.00 1.00 4.14 AND Austin 52.80 53.55 0.75 3.46 MM25D-12-4860-012 Austin 41.75 42.35 0.60 5.03 AND Austin 58.85 60.20 1.35 5.16 MM25D-12-4860-013 Austin 49.35 53.45 4.10 6.72 Incl. 50.65 51.15 0.50 10.03 MM25D-11-4420-014 Austin 55.10 56.35 1.25 3.56 AND Austin 62.95 63.85 0.90 3.64 MM25D-11-4420-015 Austin 62.00 64.70 2.70 9.39 Incl. 62.90 63.75 0.85 18.30 AND Austin 66.20 68.00 1.80 3.79 *The From-To intervals in Table 1 are denoting overall downhole length of the intercept. True thickness has not been calculated for these intercepts but is expected to be 70% of downhole thickness based on intercept angles observed in the drill core. Internal dilution for composite intervals does not exceed 1m for samples grading <0.1 g/t Au. TABLE 2: Drill collar summary for holes reported in this News Release. Hole ID Target Easting Northing Elev (m) Length (m) Azimuth Dip MM25D-12-4860-001 Austin 435865 5646717 -150 93.00 90 4 MM25D-12-4860-002 Austin 435865 5646716 -150 90.00 97 3 MM25D-12-4860-003 Austin 435865 5646716 -150 90.00 104 3 MM25D-12-4860-004 Austin 435864 5646716 -150 90.00 110 3 MM25D-12-4860-005 Austin 435865 5646716 -150 90.00 115 2 MM25D-12-4860-006 Austin 435865 5646716 -150 67.50 120 3 MM25D-12-4860-007 Austin 435865 5646716 -151 91.80 95 -2 MM25D-12-4860-008 Austin 435865 5646716 -151 90.00 99 -4 MM25D-12-4860-009 Austin 435865 5646716 -151 90.00 105 -4 MM25D-12-4860-010 Austin 435865 5646716 -151 90.40 111 -4 MM25D-12-4860-011 Austin 435864 5646716 -151 75.00 118 -3 MM25D-12-4860-012 Austin 435864 5646716 -151 78.00 123 -3 MM25D-12-4860-013 Austin 435865 5646717 -151 93.00 96 -9 MM25D-12-4860-014 Austin 435865 5646717 -151 120.00 97 -16 MM25D-12-4860-015 Austin 435865 5646716 -151 117.00 98 -18 DISCUSSION Like the other mineralized domains that comprise the Madsen Mine, the Austin structures are hosted within broad, kilometer-scale planar alteration and deformation corridors that have been repeatedly reactivated during gold mineralization and subsequent deformation and metamorphism. At the deposit scale the Austin, South Austin, North Austin, and McVeigh Zones are locally folded and structurally dismembered by transposition and rotation into the penetrative S2 Foliation. In addition to this intense deformation overprint, the mineralized veins and alteration have been subjected to the relatively high temperatures of amphibolite facies metamorphism, which led to extensive recrystallization and growth of the skarn-like replacement mineral assemblage of diopside-amphibole-quartz-biotite. All significant gold mineralization on the mine property is demonstrably early relative to the most significant, penetrative deformation (D2) and metamorphic events. The North Austin Zone displays mine-style alteration and mineralization and consists of multiple mineralized domains defined over a strike length of 0.5km. Mineralization remains open at depth and along strike to the northeast. In drill core, or at underground face exposures, gold-bearing zones at the Madsen Mine are best identified visually by fine (sub-millimetre) grains of free gold within strong alteration and veining. All high-grade intervals generally contain visible gold on drill core exteriors, although numerous examples exist of high-grade assays where visible gold was only identified within the interior (cut surface) of the core samples. Apart from the presence of free gold, pervasive silicification (locally accompanied by discrete quartz veining) and quartz-carbonate or diopside veining are the best indicators that a given interval is within a high-grade zone along/within the mineralized structure. The current underground drilling program at the Madsen Mine is focused on further definition of near-term mining inventory, as well as growth of the current mineral resource. Drilling has been focused on the more continuous and higher-grade portions of the Austin, South Austin, North Austin and McVeigh Zones. This will continue to be the strategy through 2025. High resolution versions of all the figures contained in this press release can be found at the following web link: https://westredlakegold.com/october-9th-nr-figures/ . FIGURE 2. Long section highlighting top three intercepts from current press release in 12-4860 Austin. Figure also highlights previously announced 2025 results from South Austin. New South Austin high-grade panel has been outlined in red[1]. [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.38 g/t Au and a gold price of US1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled NI 43-101 Technical Report and Prefeasibility Study for the Madsen Mine, Ontario, Canada, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and dated January 7, 2025. A full copy of the SRK report is available on the Companys website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . FIGURE 3. Austin plan view drill section showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-12-4860-001 through -015. FIGURE 4. Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-12-4860-001, -007 and -013. FIGURE 5. Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-12-4860-002, -008, -014 and -015. FIGURE 6. Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-12-4860-003 and -009. FIGURE 7. Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-12-4860-004 and -010. FIGURE 8. Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-12-4860-005 and -011. FIGURE 9. Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-12-4860-006 and -012. QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL Drilling completed underground at the Madsen Mine consists of BQ-sized diamond drill core for definition drill programs and oriented NQ-sized diamond drill core for exploration focused drilling. All drill holes are systematically logged, photographed, and sampled by a trained geologist at the Madsen Mine core processing facility. Minimum allowable sample length is 0.5m. Maximum allowable sample length is 1.5m. Control samples (certified standards and uncertified blanks), along duplicates, are inserted at a target 5% insertion rate. Results are assessed for accuracy, precision, and contamination on an ongoing basis. The BQ-sized drill core is whole core sampled. The NQ-sized drill core is then cut lengthwise utilizing a diamond blade core saw along a line pre-selected by the geologist. To reduce sampling bias, the same side of drill core is sampled consistently utilizing the orientation line as reference. For those samples containing visible gold (VG), a trained geologist supervises the cutting/bagging of those samples, and ensures the core saw blade is cleaned with a dressing stone following the VG sample interval. Bagged samples are then sealed with zip ties and transported by Madsen Mine personnel directly to SGS Natural Resources Facility in Red Lake, Ontario for assay. Samples are then prepped by SGS, which consists of drying at 105C and crushing to 75% passing 2mm. A riffle splitter is then utilized to produce a 500g course reject for archive. The remainder of the sample is then pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns from which 50g is analyzed by fire assay and an atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish (SGS Code GO-FAA50V10). Samples returning gold values > 100 g/t Au are reanalyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish on a 50g sample (SGS Code GO_FAG50V). Samples with visible gold are also analyzed via metallic screen analysis (SGS code: GO_FAS50M). For multi-element analysis, samples are sent to SGSs facility in Burnaby, British Columbia and analyzed via four-acid digest with an atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) finish for 33-element analysis on 0.25g sample pulps (SGS code: GE_ICP40Q12). SGS Natural Resources analytical laboratories operates under a Quality Management System that complies with ISO/IEC 17025. The Madsen Mine deposit presently hosts a National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) Indicated resource of 1.65 million ounces (Moz) of gold grading 7.4 g/t Au within 6.9 Mt, and an Inferred resource of 0.37 Moz of gold grading 6.3 g/t Au within 1.8 Mt. Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.38 g/t Au and a gold price of US$1,800/oz. Mineral resources as stated are inclusive of mineral reserves. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Madsen Mine also contains Probable reserves of 478 thousand ounces (koz) of gold grading 8.16 g/t Au within 1.87 Mt. Mineral reserve estimates are based on a gold price of US$1,680/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled NI 43-101 Technical Report and Prefeasibility Study for the Madsen Mine, Ontario, Canada, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and dated January 7, 2025 (the Madsen Report). The Madsen Resource Estimate has an effective date of December 31, 2021, and excludes depletion of mining activity during the period from January 1, 2022, to the mine closure on October 24, 2022, as it has been deemed immaterial and not relevant for the purpose of the Madsen Report. A full copy of the Madsen Report is available on the Companys website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . The technical information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Will Robinson, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for West Red Lake Gold and the Qualified Person for exploration at the West Red Lake Project, as defined by NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. ABOUT WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. is a mineral exploration company that is publicly traded and focused on advancing and developing its flagship Madsen Gold Mine and the associated 47 km2 highly prospective land package in the Red Lake district of Ontario. The highly productive Red Lake Gold District of Northwest Ontario, Canada has yielded over 30 million ounces of gold from high-grade zones and hosts some of the world's richest gold deposits. WRLG also holds the wholly owned Rowan Property in Red Lake, with an expansive property position covering 31 km2 including three past producing gold mines - Rowan, Mount Jamie, and Red Summit. ON BEHALF OF WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES LTD. Shane Williams Shane Williams President & Chief Executive Officer FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Gwen Preston Vice President Communications Tel: (604) 609-6132 Email: investors@wrlgold.com or visit the Companys website at https://www.westredlakegold.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by words such as anticipate, expect, estimate, forecast, planned, and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations of management; however, it is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release and include without limitation, statements relating to the potential production of mining operations at the Madsen Mine; any untapped growth potential in the Madsen deposit or Rowan deposit; and the Companys future objectives and plans. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information involves numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility; the state of the financial markets for the Companys securities; fluctuations in commodity prices; and changes in the Companys business plans. Forward-looking information is based on a number of key expectations and assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and its ability to raise additional capital to proceed. 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 information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the Companys managements discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the Companys annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects managements current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Companys continuous disclosure filings that are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/66b934e1-dde8-43fd-8632-c266f913bce9 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1613810a-4232-474c-86b3-f9bdcbaee13b https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8b38807b-9d25-47cb-9c3d-13176f1c080c https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/907c8de5-c468-4f7a-9a31-8f0f4ea6ddb1 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/34fc7a3e-9ce8-4ff9-8134-3f1d1ae86860 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d6b8d427-f9f1-40df-90f4-cf4f9d301788 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0b4a4ffd-fa15-49a5-9c2b-c434a7b5c75b https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/815fcfc7-1d3f-4cea-8e16-f52817271875 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2f1ba193-7492-4979-9243-348b594c3187 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f8d1007a-22b2-441b-973d-ff608bcde579 Dublin, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Bleeding Disorder Diagnostics Market - Global Forecast 2025-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Valued at USD 710.26 million in 2024, the bleeding disorder diagnostics market is projected to reach USD 765.34 million in 2025, and USD 1.30 billion by 2032, reflecting a CAGR of 7.88%. The bleeding disorder diagnostics market is undergoing significant change as clinical, regulatory, and operational requirements shift worldwide. Senior decision-makers require relevant intelligence to navigate evolving diagnostic technologies, compliance expectations, and resource management. Widespread adoption of advanced diagnostics-including molecular technologies, chromogenic assays, and viscoelastic testing-across hospitals, clinical laboratories, and research sectors is supporting this growth. Companies are expanding their product portfolios and rapidly integrating new solutions to enhance both operational efficiency and clinical quality. The demand for sophisticated diagnostic tools is increasingly central to individualized patient care and broader public health objectives. Steady investment and focus on improved clinical outcomes further accelerate innovation and market expansion. Tariff Impact on Supply Chains in 2025 New trade tariffs in the United States in 2025 are influencing pricing models and procurement strategies for bleeding disorder diagnostics. Manufacturers are responding to cost increases for instruments and reagents by exploring domestic sourcing, renegotiating supply agreements, and adjusting inventory controls. Service packages, including training and maintenance, are also reflecting newly revised cost structures. Procurement leaders are urged to evaluate tariff codes, broaden their supplier base, and leverage bonded warehousing to sustain reliable reagent access and cost controls amid changing trade regulations. Conclusion This report provides strategic context and practical guidance for senior management to capitalize on emerging trends, manage exposures, and drive improvement in bleeding disorder diagnostic services. Scope & Segmentation Product Types: Instruments, such as coagulometers and thromboelastography analyzers, are foundational for both quantitative and qualitative testing strategies. Reagents-including calibrators, controls, and diagnostic kits-ensure reliable and repeatable results. Service offerings, from preventive maintenance to comprehensive training, support longevity and help organizations meet evolving compliance standards. Instruments, such as coagulometers and thromboelastography analyzers, are foundational for both quantitative and qualitative testing strategies. Reagents-including calibrators, controls, and diagnostic kits-ensure reliable and repeatable results. Service offerings, from preventive maintenance to comprehensive training, support longevity and help organizations meet evolving compliance standards. Technologies: Chromogenic assays are valued for accurate measurement of clotting factors. Immunoassays enable efficient high-volume screening processes. Molecular diagnostics reveal genetic underpinnings of bleeding disorders, while viscoelastic tests provide real-time hemostatic insight for urgent clinical decision-making. Chromogenic assays are valued for accurate measurement of clotting factors. Immunoassays enable efficient high-volume screening processes. Molecular diagnostics reveal genetic underpinnings of bleeding disorders, while viscoelastic tests provide real-time hemostatic insight for urgent clinical decision-making. End Users: Diagnostic laboratories need scalable platforms for high-volume operations. Hospitals seek solutions that integrate smoothly with clinical workflows. Research institutes prioritize platforms that accelerate new assay development and enable the discovery of innovative biomarkers relevant to emerging therapeutic strategies. Diagnostic laboratories need scalable platforms for high-volume operations. Hospitals seek solutions that integrate smoothly with clinical workflows. Research institutes prioritize platforms that accelerate new assay development and enable the discovery of innovative biomarkers relevant to emerging therapeutic strategies. Applications: Diagnostic platforms support early detection, ongoing monitoring, and wide-scale screening efforts. These applications empower comprehensive patient management and underpin systematic care across the treatment continuum. Diagnostic platforms support early detection, ongoing monitoring, and wide-scale screening efforts. These applications empower comprehensive patient management and underpin systematic care across the treatment continuum. Disease Categories: Solutions are tailored for conditions including Hemophilia A, Hemophilia B, and Von Willebrand Disease, supporting precise clinical assessment and customized therapy planning. Solutions are tailored for conditions including Hemophilia A, Hemophilia B, and Von Willebrand Disease, supporting precise clinical assessment and customized therapy planning. Regions: The market covers the Americas, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia-Pacific. In-depth analysis is included for focal countries such as the United States, Canada, China, India, Germany, and Brazil. These regions and countries reflect unique regulatory requirements, healthcare dynamics, and factors influencing technology adoption. Key Takeaways for Senior Decision-Makers Growing clinical emphasis on precision diagnostics shapes both purchasing practices and patient management approaches across providers. Multimodal analyzers combining chromogenic and viscoelastic tests increase laboratory agility and foster the adoption of adaptable pathways suited to patient complexity. Strong service differentiation-in the form of proactive maintenance and hands-on training initiatives-plays an essential role in maximizing equipment performance and ensuring high compliance standards. Collaboration with digital health partners is expanding the reach of remote diagnostic tools and introducing artificial intelligence-driven data analysis to routine workflows. Shifting regulatory frameworks ease market access for innovative digital and companion diagnostic solutions, increasing the need for organizational flexibility and strategic repositioning. Regional nuances dictate strategy, with mature economies prioritizing digital workflow optimization, and developing markets benefiting from scalable, resilient diagnostic platforms. Why This Report Matters Offers actionable direction for optimizing technology portfolios, addressing market risk, and identifying new growth pathways in bleeding disorder diagnostics. Presents robust, evidence-based analysis of technological trends and shifts in regulation, grounding leadership strategies in current developments. Supports adaptive supply chain and planning strategies, ensuring resilience and alignment with global healthcare and trade dynamics. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 193 Forecast Period 2025 - 2032 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $765.34 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2032 $1300 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.8% Regions Covered Global Market Insights Integration of next-generation sequencing for comprehensive haemophilia variant detection and patient stratification Adoption of point-of-care viscoelastic testing devices for rapid assessment of coagulopathy in emergency settings Expansion of gene therapy trials targeting rare von Willebrand disease subtypes with tailored viral vectors Development of digital health platforms for remote monitoring and telemedicine in haemorrhagic disorder management Emergence of artificial intelligence algorithms for predictive analytics in bleeding risk and treatment optimization Growth of personalized coagulation factor replacement therapies guided by pharmacokinetic modeling and biomarkers Implementation of microfluidic lab-on-a-chip technologies for high-throughput platelet function screening in clinics Companies Featured Siemens Healthineers AG F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG Danaher Corporation Abbott Laboratories Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Sysmex Corporation Werfen Life S.L.U. Diagnostica Stago SAS Ortho Clinical Diagnostics Inc. Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/avf0lg 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 KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rankpage Sdn Bhd, a leading SEO agency headquartered in Q Sentral, KL Sentral, today announced the launch of its next-generation AI-powered SEO solutions designed to help Malaysian businesses adapt to the rapidly evolving search landscape. Backed by over eight years of proven expertise, the new service suite integrates Gemini AI forecasting and advanced algorithm optimization to strengthen online visibility, performance, and sustainable growth for brands competing in both local and international markets. Driving SEO Excellence in Malaysia Over the years, Rankpage has built a reputation for delivering performance-driven strategies that align with Googles evolving algorithms. Its approach combines technical SEO excellence with a strong commitment to talent developmentturning online visibility into measurable conversions and sustainable brand trust. Core Values That Power Performance Rankpages methodology is guided by three core principles: Talent Development: Continuous upskilling for every team member, from content writers to senior consultants. Continuous upskilling for every team member, from content writers to senior consultants. Algorithm Mastery: Strategies grounded in Googles EEAT principles, Core Web Vitals, structured data, and AI snippet optimization. Strategies grounded in Googles EEAT principles, Core Web Vitals, structured data, and AI snippet optimization. Innovation with Purpose: Leveraging Gemini AI for SERP forecasting, cluster keyword mapping, and AI-assisted content scoring. Guided by the philosophy AI Powered, Human Refined, Rankpage delivers custom-tailored SEO solutions that respect the uniqueness of every business. The agency rejects one-size-fits-all templates, opting instead for personalised strategies built on data, intent, and real human insight. Adapting to an AI-First Search Landscape As search technologies transition toward AI-driven experiences, including Googles Search Generative Experience (SGE), Rankpage is pioneering research and ranking services tailored to specific industries. To date, the company has successfully completed over 100 projects across e-commerce, enterprise solutions, and local business sectors. Rankpage was built on the belief that real SEO success comes from intent, innovation, and long-term trust, said Mr. Chen, Founder of Rankpage. With Gemini AI and deep expertise in Google algorithms, our team is committed to creating strategies that help clients achieve visibility and sustainable growth in a changing digital landscape. Comprehensive Service Portfolio Rankpage offers a complete range of digital services designed to support businesses at every stage of growth, including: SEO Services: Comprehensive strategies to improve organic search visibility. Comprehensive strategies to improve organic search visibility. Enterprise SEO: Scalable solutions for large organizations with complex digital footprints. Scalable solutions for large organizations with complex digital footprints. International SEO: Optimization for multilingual content and cross-border markets. Optimization for multilingual content and cross-border markets. E-Commerce SEO: Targeted strategies to increase traffic, conversions, and visibility for online stores. Targeted strategies to increase traffic, conversions, and visibility for online stores. AI Search (AEO) Services: Voice search and generative AI readiness. Voice search and generative AI readiness. Link Building: Ethical, high-quality link acquisition to strengthen domain authority. Ethical, high-quality link acquisition to strengthen domain authority. Content Writing: SEO-aligned, data-driven content for better engagement and rankings. SEO-aligned, data-driven content for better engagement and rankings. Local SEO: Hyperlocal strategies to help SMEs reach nearby customers. Hyperlocal strategies to help SMEs reach nearby customers. Website Design: SEO-friendly, user-focused design and development. Looking Ahead: Expanding Beyond 2025 Rankpage plans to deepen its role as an SEO and AI-driven search partner in Malaysia and the wider Asia region. The company is investing in predictive analytics and more advanced Gemini AI integrations to prepare businesses for the next era of searchone shaped by AI-first indexing, voice search, and evolving content evaluation standards. By continually developing talent and refining its methodology, Rankpage aims to help businesses of all sizes compete more effectively in the global digital economy. About Rankpage Sdn Bhd Rankpage Sdn Bhd is a Malaysia-based digital agency specializing in search engine optimization and AI-powered search strategies. Established more than eight years ago, the company has become a trusted partner for businesses seeking sustainable growth and competitive visibility in evolving markets. Media Contact: Rankpage Sdn Bhd Email: sales@rankpage.com.my Phone: +60 10-233 3976 Website: https://www.rankpage.com.my/ Disclaimer: This content is provided by Rankpage. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or business advice. All investments carry inherent risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any inaccuracies, misrepresentations, or financial losses resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this press release. Speculate only with funds you can afford to lose. In the event of any legal claims or concerns regarding this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. GlobeNewswire does not endorse any content on this page. Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained herein. Any complaints, copyright issues, or inquiries regarding this article should be directed to the content provider listed above. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b13e682d-7e4a-4dda-ab3f-d7e226a4c66c https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2bcf7541-f8ac-4a54-a327-d5df99e35cf5 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ee0183d2-fe3e-4c83-8c6c-c139e8ccc224 HOUSTON, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Carnelian Energy Capital Management, L.P. (Carnelian) today announced the oversubscribed, single closing of Carnelian Acquisition and Development, L.P. (CAD), at the funds hard cap of $600 million in limited partner capital commitments. We are immensely grateful for the strong support and trust of our investors as we close this unique vehicle focused on scaled and opportunistic energy investments in Canada, said Tomas Ackerman, Carnelian Partner. We have been long-time investors in the Canadian market and are looking forward to continuing our successful track-record of sponsorship and value creation. We are honored to partner with Dustin Hoffman and Dan van Kessel and the entire Refraction Energy team as our anchor partners in CAD. Founded in 2015, Houston-based Carnelian manages a family of private equity funds focused on the North American energy sector. Carnelian has raised approximately $4.6 billion of cumulative capital commitments since inception and has formed partnerships with 39 portfolio companies to date. The Canadian upstream space provides highly compelling investment opportunities. Capital scarcity combined with plentiful and economic development inventory underpin a favorable risk-reward balance for CAD, said Dillon MacDonald, a Carnelian Managing Director. We are excited about the opportunity set ahead of us and look forward to utilizing our proven strategies to continue creating value for our investors. About Carnelian Energy Capital Management, L.P. Carnelian Energy Capital is an energy investment firm based in Houston, Texas. With approximately $4.6 billion of cumulative capital commitments, Carnelian is dedicated to bringing its strategic expertise and nimble approach to partnerships with leading businesses and best-in-class management teams in the North American energy sector. For more information, please contact Carnelian at info@carnelianec.com or visit www.carnelianenergy.com. WASHINGTON, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Center for Excellence in Education (CEE), a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) excellence and leadership, presented the 2025 Joseph I. Lieberman Award for Outstanding Achievement in STEM to Diane Tang, a Google Fellow. The presentation was made to Tang, an alum of CEEs Research Science Institute (RSI) program, at a reception hosted at Kasowitz LLP on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. The Lieberman Award acknowledges significant STEM accomplishments and recognizes the late Senator Liebermans longtime support as a CEE Honorary Trustee. It comes with a $10,000 gift. Each summer, RSI assembles 100 of the world's most accomplished high school students gather at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for a cost-free science and engineering program that combines on-campus course work in scientific theory with off-campus work in science and technology research. Tang attended RSI in 1990. Diane is an exemplary model of students supported by the Centers programs. We are honored that this outstanding RSI program alum is the recipient of the Senator Joseph Lieberman Award, said Joann P. DiGennaro, President and Co-Founder of CEE. Over the years, CEE has become a go-to source for talent for companies like Google and other leaders in STEM fields. Today, Diane Tang is focused on empowering decision makers across Google with robust data, tools, and insights around our users and product ecosystem as well as underlying large-scale data analysis, infrastructure, instrumentation, and experimentation. She is also co-lead of the Data Science ladder and community at Google. She previously led the Search Ads Quality team at Google, growing revenue to over $20 billion annually, with key focus areas including auction dynamics, experiments, metrics, and analytics. She also led data engineering, infrastructure, and analytics for biological and medical applications for Google Life Sciences and Google Research. Diane Tang earned an A.B. degree in Computer Science from Harvard as well as an MS and PhD degrees in Computer Science from Stanford. She holds many patents and is the author of numerous publications in mobile networking, information visualization, experiment methodology, data infrastructure, and data mining/large data. She is the co-author of Trustworthy Online Controlled Experiments: A Practical Guide to A/B Testing, which is used as a textbook in numerous collegiate data science programs. About the Center for Excellence in Education The Center for Excellence in Education (CEE), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was founded in 1983 by the late Admiral H.G. Rickover, who spearheaded the development of the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, and Joann P. DiGennaro, who serves as President of the organization today. CEEs mission is to nurture high school and university scholars to careers of excellence and leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and to encourage collaboration between and among scientific and technological leaders in the global community. Each year, CEE hosts the following STEM education programs: Research Science Institute, USA Biolympiad, Teacher Enrichment Program, and STEM Lyceums. For more information, visit www.cee.org . * Editors Note : A high-res photograph of Diane Tang accepting the Lieberman Award is available upon request. Media Contact : John Mooney, Over The Moon PR, (908) 720-6057 john@overthemoonpr.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fae4701b-b0e3-4c48-973b-50168f7701ab Ingelheim, Germany/Ridgefield, Connecticut, U.S. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease, causing a continuous decline in lung function. 1 Approval is based on results from two clinical trials, which showed reduction in Forced Vital Capacity decline with JASCAYD versus placebo in adults with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). 2,3 Nerandomilast is a new treatment option for adult patients with IPF with a well-tolerated safety profile.2,3 Boehringer Ingelheims JASCAYD (nerandomilast) tablets has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an oral treatment option for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in adult patients.2 JASCAYD is the first and only preferential inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) to be approved in this indication. This represents a novel mechanism of action that exerts both antifibrotic and immunomodulatory effects, thereby slowing the decline in lung function in IPF patients.2,3 This milestone represents a new era in the treatment of IPF, a rare and debilitating chronic condition that worsens lung function. Nerandomilast has proven to slow lung function decline in IPF, said Toby Maher, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Clinical Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, USC Los Angeles. Nerandomilast is a welcome new treatment option with a well-tolerated safety profile for physicians to consider for appropriate patients. The FDA approval is based on data from two clinical trials: FIBRONEER-IPF (NCT05321069) and Trial 2 (NCT04419506). The primary endpoint in FIBRONEER-IPF was the absolute change from baseline in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), a measure of lung function,4 in mL at week 52.2,3 Nerandomilast demonstrated a significantly smaller FVC decline compared to placebo.2,3 Specifically, the adjusted mean decline in patients receiving 18 mg or 9 mg nerandomilast was -106 mL and -122 mL, respectively, versus -170 mL in the placebo group.2 Additionally, a treatment effect was shown as early as week two with nerandomilast 18 mg compared to placebo, with changes from baseline in FVC continuing to diverge over time to week 52.2,3 The FDA approval of nerandomilast is a pivotal moment for people living with IPF as this marks the first time in over 10 years that the treatment landscape is evolving, said Shashank Deshpande, Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors and Head of Human Pharma at Boehringer Ingelheim. This new step forward, driven by the compelling results of the FIBRONEER-IPF trial, underscores our unwavering commitment to change the way we treat IPF by delivering innovative therapies like nerandomilast. The most common (5%) adverse reactions reported in patients treated with nerandomilast and more frequently than the placebo group were as follows for nerandomilast 18 mg, 9 mg and placebo, respectively: diarrhea (42%, 31%, 17%), COVID-19 (13%, 16%, 12%), upper respiratory tract infection (13%, 11%, 10%), depression (12%, 11%, 10%), weight decreased (11%, 10%, 8%), decreased appetite (9%, 9%, 5%), nausea (8%, 9%, 7%), fatigue (7%, 8%, 6%), headache (7%, 6%, 5%), vomiting (6%, 5%, 5%), back pain (6%, 5%, 4%) and dizziness (5%, 6%, 5%).2 Discontinuation due to adverse reactions occurred more frequently in patients treated with nerandomilast (with or without background antifibrotic treatment) 18 mg (15%) and 9 mg (12%) compared to placebo (11%).2 The most frequent adverse reaction leading to discontinuation of nerandomilast 18 mg and 9 mg was diarrhea (6% and 2%, respectively).2 There is no Warnings and Precautions section in the FDA approved product label.2 The FDA approval of nerandomilast is exciting news for people living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and their caregivers, said Scott Staszak, President and CEO of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. There has been a long-standing need for new treatment options for IPF within our community and nerandomilast provides an important addition to the care landscape. About IPF IPF is one of the more common progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases.1 It is deadlier than many forms of cancer, with a lower five-year survival rate compared to prostate cancer, female breast cancer and colon cancer.5,6 IPF substantially impacts quality of life and half of patients succumb to the disease within five years of diagnosis.7,8 In IPF, the root cause of pulmonary fibrosis is not known.1 Symptoms and signs of IPF include a dry and persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and finger clubbing (widening and rounding of the topics of the fingers).9 IPF may affect up to 3.6 million people worldwide, and an estimated 200,000 people in the U.S.10-13 The disease primarily affects people over the age of 50 and affects more men than women.14 About nerandomilast Nerandomilast is an oral, preferential inhibitor of PDE4B approved in the U.S. for the treatment of IPF in adult patients.2 Nerandomilast was approved by the FDA after securing Priority Review and Breakthrough Therapy Designation. Regulatory submissions for nerandomilast in IPF are also under review in China, Japan, and the EU, with filings in other geographies to follow. About Boehringer Ingelheim Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industrys top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com. MPR-CRP-100533 / MPR-US-103605 References WINDSOR, Ontario, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United Steelworkers (USW) union members are joining with Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves and Zekelman Industries CEO Barry Zekelman in a rally in support of Canadian steel in Windsor on Friday, Oct. 10. Steelworkers will be attending from USW Local 1005 in Hamilton and 8782 in Nanticoke, Ont. In Canada, only 35% of steel used is sourced from domestic producers. Canada has one of the highest levels of steel imports in the world, a level that the USW calls unsustainable. The union is calling on the government for support to repatriate the domestic market, which would help stabilize Canadian steel production and employment. Rally for Steel Friday, Oct.10 at 1:00 p.m. ET Corner of Banwell Road and E.C. Rowe Expressway in Windsor, Ont. In response to tariffs and an import-dominated Canadian steel market, the USW has been calling for the following policy changes: Make Nation Building Investments in domestic steel capacity: Invest strategically in industrial capacity, to make Canada more self-reliant, and in workforce development, with Strategic Response Fund dollars tied to sustaining and adding good steel sector jobs in Canada. Implement Buy Canadian and Buy Clean procurement policies across public infrastructure and defence procurement to prioritize Canadian-made steel. Introduce a Made-in-Canada tax credit to incentivize private-sector procurement of Canadian-made steel and manufactured products, strengthening domestic production and supporting good union jobs. Tight and Permanent Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) System: Make the TRQ program permanent and progressively tighten quotas to encourage import substitution and incentivize domestic supply. Maintain the stakeholder Steel Task Force Committee to regularly monitor import and TRQ data and provide feedback to the federal government. Bolster trade enforcement: Equip Canada Border Services Agency to track shifting trade flows, identify unfairly imported steel and investigate violations. Apply a robust melt-and-pour rule with strict certification and a 25% surtax to ensure that enforcement targets the true country of origin not just where the steel is finished. Remove the U.S. remission exemption while raising Canadas retaliatory surtax on U.S. steel to 50%. Implement a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) so imported steel reflects its carbon footprint, creating a level playing field for cleaner Canadian producers. About the United Steelworkers union The USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every economic sector across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean. Each year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because of the unions strong track record in creating healthier, safer and more respectful workplaces and negotiating better working conditions and fairer compensation including good wages, benefits and pensions. Find more information on how the USW is fighting back against tariffs here. For more information, please contact: Shannon Devine, USW Communications Department 416-938-4402 sdevine@usw.ca Boston, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the latest study from BCC Research, 3D Printing for Construction: Global Markets is expected to grow from $228.6 million in 2025 to $6.5 billion by the end of 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 95.5% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2030. The report analyzes the global 3D printing market in construction. It segments the market by product types (such as hardware, software, and materials), construction forms (on-site and off-site), processes (extrusion and powder bonding), and end users (residential, commercial, and others). Additionally, it analyzes the market in five regions - North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa -- with a look at trends and opportunities in the market for specific countries. This report is especially relevant now due to two pressing global challenges in the construction industry. First, the growing shortage of affordable housing and skilled labor is creating a crisis, as construction demand surges but the workforce struggles to keep pace. 3D printing offers a transformative solution by enabling faster, more efficient building processes with reduced reliance on manual labor. Second, the push for sustainable construction is gaining momentum, with a focus on minimizing waste, reducing build times, and improving energy efficiency. The development of eco-friendly printing materials further supports this shift, making 3D printing a key driver of innovation and sustainability in modern construction. The factors driving the markets growth include: Housing and Labor Shortage: There is a growing global need for affordable housing, but traditional construction is slow and costly. At the same time, fewer skilled workers are entering the industry. 3D printing helps by building homes faster and with less labor. Need for Automation: Automation is transforming construction by improving speed, accuracy, and safety. 3D printing automates building processes, reduces human error, and lowers costs. Sustainable Building: Sustainability is a major focus in construction today. 3D printing supports eco-friendly practices by using fewer materials, generating less waste, and enabling energy-efficient designs. It is a cleaner, greener way to build. Request a sample copy of the global market for 3D printing for construction report. Report Synopsis Report Metric Details Base year considered 2024 Forecast period considered 2025-2030 Base year market size $119.1 million Market size forecast $6.5 billion Growth rate CAGR of 95.5% for the forecast period of 2025-2030 Segments covered Product, Construction Form, Process, End User, and Region Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa Countries covered U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, Netherlands, China, Japan, and GCC Countries Market Drivers Increasing shortage of affordable housing and skilled labor. Rising importance of automation in construction. Growing popularity of sustainable construction practices. Interesting fact: Ongoing research emphasizes expanding the range of materials utilized in 3D printing for construction. Major innovations in material formulations comprising recycled composites, bio-based elements, and high-performance concrete will play a key role in shaping the overall market by augmenting the versatility and sustainability of 3D printing. NASA, the ESA, and other space agencies are exploring opportunities in 3D printing for constructing habitats on Mars and the moon. Using lunar or Martian regolith, 3D printing could enable sustainable habitat construction for future space missions, reducing the need to transport building materials from Earth. Emerging startups Tvasta Construction: Based in India, the company offers 3D printing solutions for the construction industry. It focuses on developing both the hardware (3D printers) and the specialized materials needed for this innovative building method. MX3D: MX3D develops 3D printing systems for a broad set of industries, including energy, manufacturing, construction, art and design, maritime, and automotive, each with diverse use cases, applications, and requirements. The report addresses the following questions: What are the projected market size and growth rate? The market for 3D printing for construction is projected to reach $6.5 billion by the end of 2030, with a CAGR of 95.5% over the forecast period. What factors are driving the growth of the market? Increasing shortage of affordable housing and skilled labor. Increasing role of automation in construction. Growing popularity of sustainable construction practices. What are the challenges and opportunities of the market? Challenges include: High initial costs Reinforcement issues Need for 3DCP standards and regulations Opportunities include: Potential in large-scale construction Growth opportunities in off-planet construction What market segments are covered in the report? The market is segmented by product, construction form, process, end-user, and region. Which product segment will be dominant through 2030? The software and services segment will continue to dominate the market through the end of 2030. Which region has the highest market share? Asia-Pacific is the leading region in the global market for 3D printing in construction. Factors contributing to the Asia-Pacific markets growth include its increasing urban population looking for affordable housing, an increasing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the construction sector, and rising automation. Market leaders include: APIS COR INC. COBOD INTERNATIONAL A/S CYBE CONSTRUCTION HEIDELBERG MATERIALS AG HOLCIM ICON TECHNOLOGY INC. LATICRETE INTERNATIONAL INC. MATERIALISE MX3D PERI SE SCG INTERNATIONAL CORP. SHIMIZU CORP. SIKA AG XTREEE YINGCHUANG BUILDING TECHNIQUE (SHANGHAI) CO. LTD. (WINSUN) 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. Dublin, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Japan Smart Speaker Market Trends and Forecast 2025-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Japan Smart Speaker Market is expected to reach US$ 2.34 billion by 2033 from US$ 442.56 million in 2024, with a CAGR of 20.33% from 2025 to 2033. Urban areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya have the largest smart speaker markets in Japan, thanks to sophisticated infrastructure and tech-savvy consumers. Adoption is slower in rural areas because of poorer digital awareness and less connectivity. A growing number of tech-savvy consumers who are willing to embrace new, connected devices that improve convenience and home automation, the growing adoption of smart home technologies, and developments in artificial intelligence and natural language processing are some of the major factors propelling the market. The market for smart speakers in Japan is expanding significantly due to developments in natural language processing (NLP) and artificial intelligence (AI), which have improved the devices' usability and functionality. As key hubs for managing home automation systems, such as lighting, heating, and security systems, smart speakers are becoming more and more common in Japanese homes. This integration supports Japan's focus on building "Society 5.0," a super-smart society that uses cutting-edge technologies to solve societal issues and boost economic productivity in a variety of spheres of daily life. Major players like Amazon, Google, and LINE are present in the market and provide devices specifically designed for the Japanese market. For example, in Japan, LINE's Clova Wave smart speaker, which debuted in 2017, was marketed as part of a bundle with Line Music. These businesses have addressed linguistic quirks and cultural preferences by localizing their products to appeal to Japanese consumers. Japan's strong digital infrastructure and government programs to foster smart technologies further encourage the use of smart speakers. There are also issues, such as worries about data security and privacy dangers related to connected devices, despite the encouraging growth trajectory. Seamless integration is further hampered by the requirement for standardization across many platforms and devices. For the Japanese smart speaker market to continue growing, these problems must be resolved. However, the growing number of tech-savvy consumers and the growing acceptance of smart home technologies point to a bright future for the sector. Key Factors Driving the Japan Smart Speaker Market Growth Developments in Voice Recognition and AI The capabilities of smart speakers in Japan have been greatly expanded by the quick advancements in natural language processing (NLP) and artificial intelligence (AI). The distinctive subtleties, dialects, and honorifics of the Japanese language, which have historically presented difficulties for speech recognition technology, can now be better understood and interpreted by devices thanks to these developments. Increased contextual awareness and speech recognition accuracy make smart speakers easier to use and more intuitive, which promotes broader adoption. Furthermore, the user experience is enhanced by AI-powered features including multilingual support, adaptive learning, and tailored suggestions. As more individuals incorporate these gadgets into their daily lives, the market for smart speakers in Japan is expected to rise as a result of this technological advancement, which is essential to winning over customers' trust and happiness. Connectivity to Smart Home Environments In Japan, smart speakers are quickly taking center stage in the management of smart home ecosystems. With voice commands, they provide smooth control over a variety of linked devices, including lights, thermostats, security cameras, and household appliances. This integration streamlines home automation, increasing users' convenience and productivity with everyday tasks. Hands-free operation and centralized control are particularly appealing to busy metropolitan households and tech-savvy consumers. Additionally, smart speakers frequently facilitate compatibility with a large variety of smart devices, increasing their usefulness and affordability. Smart speakers' role as essential parts of home automation systems is a major factor propelling market expansion as Japanese consumers look for smarter, more connected living spaces. High Number of Local and International Participants The existence of both powerful local players like LINE and international behemoths like Amazon and Google benefits the smart speaker market in Japan. With features that cater to linguistic nuances, cultural preferences, and local content providers, these companies provide products that are especially designed for Japanese consumers. For instance, LINE's Clova smart speaker creates a distinctive value proposition by combining well-known Japanese music and messaging services. Adoption rates and user engagement are raised by this localization technique. A dynamic market landscape is also produced by these players' varied product portfolios, competitive pricing, and focused marketing initiatives. The cooperation of domestic and foreign businesses guarantees ongoing innovation and improved conformity to customer demands, which supports the smart speaker market's steady expansion in Japan. Challenges in the Japan Smart Speaker Market Complexity of Language and Dialect Even though artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing have advanced significantly, smart speakers in Japan still struggle to recognize and react appropriately to the nation's many regional dialects and intricate system of honorifics used in daily speech. These linguistic nuances might lead to misinterpretations or inaccurate answers, which detracts from the user experience as a whole. This restriction lowers device usability and happiness for many users, especially those who frequently use formal speech or come from areas with distinct accents. For smart speakers to successfully handle the entire range of Japanese linguistic diversity and cultural nuances, these issues must be resolved by continuous advancements in speech recognition algorithms and intensive language data training. Market saturation and intense competition The market for smart speakers in Japan is very competitive, with several domestic and foreign companies selling a variety of devices with comparable features. Businesses find it challenging to differentiate their gadgets and cultivate enduring client loyalty as a result of this saturation. Brands frequently use aggressive pricing tactics and frequent product debuts or changes to gain market share, which can confuse and exhaust consumers. The competitive market also pushes producers to constantly innovate and raises marketing expenses. Because consumers have many options and may quickly switch brands if another gadget offers slightly better features or a lower price, this fierce competition can hinder profitability and make long-term growth more difficult. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $442.56 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $2340 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 20.3% Regions Covered Japan Company Analysis (Overview, Key Persons, Recent Developments, SWOT Analysis, Revenue Analysis) Alibaba Group Holding Limited Amazon.com Inc. Apple Inc. Baidu Inc. Bose Corporation Lenovo Group Limited LG Electronics Inc. Panasonic Corporation Sonos Inc. Market Segmentation Component Hardware Software Intelligent Virtual Assistant Amazon Alexa Google Assistant Siri Cortana Others Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth Price Range Low-Range (Less than $100) Mid-range ($101 to $200) Premium (Above $200) Distribution Channel Online Offline End User Personal Commercial Cities Tokyo Kansai Aichi Kanagawa Saitama Hyogo Chiba Hokkaido Fukuoka Shizuoka For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ujq2m9 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 Investment led by Funicular Funds, LP with insider participation from Sixth Borough Capital $10,000,000 to be invested in the form of convertible debt with a 5-year term at an 11% coupon and a conversion price of $0.75 $10,000,000 (inclusive of $4,250,000 converted from recent debt financing) to be invested in the form of units sold at $0.60 per unit that include one share of common stock and one warrant with a strike price of $0.75 TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AtlasClear Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: ATCH) (AtlasClear Holdings or the Company) announced today that it has entered into definitive agreements for a $20,000,000 financing. We are excited to report that Funicular Funds, LP has led a reinvestment into our Company as part of a $20,000,000 financing, which includes the rollover of $4,250,000 of the recent debt financing and participation from Sixth Borough Capital, said John Schaible, Executive Chairman of AtlasClear Holdings. We believe that this financing will allow the Company to fully accelerate its business model, onboard new correspondents, and expand into other lines of revenue. After giving effect to the rollover, the financing will result in gross proceeds to the Company of $15,750,000, before placement agent fees and other transaction expenses. This capital will allow the Company to increase its staff, its bandwidth, and its capabilities, said Craig Ridenhour, President of AtlasClear Holdings. Moreover, it will help facilitate the deployment of a variety of technologies that we believe will create competitive advantages for us. Dawson James acted as exclusive Placement Agent for the transaction. About AtlasClear Holdings, Inc. AtlasClear Holdings, Inc. is building a cutting-edge, technology-enabled financial services platform to modernize trading, clearing, settlement, and banking for innovative financial products, with a focus on serving small- and middle-market financial institutions. Through its subsidiary, the Company combines industry expertise with longstanding infrastructure: Wilson-Davis & Co., Inc., a full-service correspondent securities broker-dealer registered with the SEC and FINRA and a member of DTCC and NSCC, which has been serving the investment community since 1968; and through its planned acquisition of Commercial Bancorp of Wyoming, the parent of Farmers State Bank, a Federal Reserve member bank that has provided private and corporate banking services to its community since 1915. Together, these businesses will position AtlasClear to deliver a vertically integrated suite of brokerage, clearing, risk management, regulatory reporting, and commercial banking solutions. The AtlasClear leadership team includes respected industry veterans who have founded and led companies such as ICE Clear, Legent Clearing, COR Clearing, Axos Clearing, NexTrade, StoneX, and Anderen Bank. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, that reflect AtlasClear Holdings current views with respect to, among other things, the future operations and financial performance of AtlasClear Holdings. Forward-looking statements in this communication may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "foreseeable," "future," "intend," "may," "outlook," "plan," "potential," "proposed," "predict," "project," "seek," "should," "target," "trends," "will," "would" and similar terms and phrases. Forward-looking statements contained in this communication include, but are not limited to, statements as to (i) the Companys expectations regarding planned future growth and financial results, (ii) AtlasClear Holdings expectations regarding future financings, (iii) AtlasClear Holdings expectations as to future operational results, (iv) AtlasClear Holdings anticipated growth strategy, including its planned acquisition of Commercial Bancorp of Wyoming and its planned release of a digital asset loan platform, and (v) the financial technology of AtlasClear Holdings. The forward-looking statements contained in this communication are based on the current expectations of AtlasClear Holdings and its management and are subject to risks and uncertainties. No assurance can be given that future developments affecting AtlasClear Holdings will be those that are anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from current expectations due to changes in global, regional or local economic, business, competitive, market, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of AtlasClear Holdings. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all of them. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the Companys need to raise additional capital; failure of the Company to realize the anticipated benefits of any additional investments of capital, such as achieving profitability, delivering the capital needed for its proposed bank acquisition upon approval, solidifying its capital foundation, reducing potential dilution, and positioning the Company to maximize long-term stockholder value; failure by AtlasClear Holdings to satisfy the closing conditions to any investments of capital, including receipt of stockholder approval; AtlasClears inability to successfully integrate, and/or realize the anticipated benefits of, the acquisition of Wilson-Davis and the technology acquired from Pacsquare Technologies LLC (the "Transaction"); failure to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Transaction, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of AtlasClear Holdings to maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and strategic alliance third parties, and to retain its management and key employees; AtlasClear Holdings inability to integrate, and to realize the benefits of, the Transaction and other potential acquisitions; changes in general economic or political conditions; changes in the markets that AtlasClear Holdings targets; slowdowns in securities or digital asset trading or shifting demand for trading, clearing and settling financial products; any change in laws applicable to AtlasClear Holdings or any regulatory or judicial interpretation thereof; factors that may cause a delay in timely filing the transition report described herein; the risk that additional or different information may become known prior to the expected filing of the transition report, and other factors, risks and uncertainties, including those that were included under the heading "Risk Factors" in AtlasClear Holdings Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 29 and in its subsequent filings with the SEC. AtlasClear Holdings cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Any forward-looking statement made in this communication speaks only as of the date hereof. Plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in forward-looking statements may not be achieved and no one should place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. AtlasClear Holdings does not undertake any obligation to update, revise or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws. Contacts Company Contact AtlasClearIR@atlasclear.com Investor Relations Contact Jeff Ramson, CEO PCG Advisory, Inc. jramson@pcgadvisory.com LOS ANGELES, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CyberSecurity Breakthrough , an independent market intelligence organization, today announced that GE Appliances , a Haier company, has been selected as winner of the Consumer CyberSecurity Solution of the Year award in the 9th annual CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards program, the industrys leading annual program that recognizes the most innovative companies, products, and technologies driving progress in the global information security industry today. GE Appliances uses industry-leading security methods to protect customer appliances and data from development and manufacturing, through to maintenance and at home use. Regular testing and evaluation ensure these practices are met, allowing the companys Smart Home appliance ecosystem to deliver a connected home experience while also maintaining data security. Each connected appliance can be updated via over-the-air updates to secure the latest technology, features and security measures. Third-party penetration tests confirm defenses remain robust and up to date. GE Appliances layered approach to IoT cybersecurity doesnt just protect, it enables. Smart features are incredibly appealing, but they come with potential security trade-offs. Everyday appliances can create vulnerable points in your home network if security measures aren't strong, making good security Internet hygiene critical, said Steve Johansson, managing director, CyberSecurity Breakthrough. GE Appliances makes enterprise-grade security accessible in every home. By aligning security, transparency, and usability, GE Appliances is creating meaningful innovation and setting a new benchmark for trust in the connected home, one secure connection, and one intelligent experience at a time. The SmartHQ connected home platform powers over 900 appliance models and embeds cybersecurity into every layer of the user experience, establishing a secure, trusted foundation. No user setup is required, and devices automatically connect using WPA3 or WPA2 encryption, regardless of router configuration. Appliance, app, and cloud are secured with this layered encryption, as well as redundant controls to secure data in transit and at rest. The company has annually earned the UL Gold IoT Security Rating since 2020. The growing suite of connected innovations includes AI-powered assistants that offer personalized support within a secure environment. The SmartHQ Coffee Assistant adjusts brewing profiles in real time, while the Laundry Assistant recommends optimal wash settings. The Smart Probe provides real-time cooking feedback, and Smart Smoker allows users to monitor, control, and replicate cooking cycles from their phones. In addition, Flavorly AI suggests recipes based on fridge contents, helps build shopping lists, and integrates with delivery platforms. Additionally, SmartHQ powers the EcoBalance system, GE Appliances whole-home energy management platform designed to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. Were proud to be acknowledged by CyberSecurity Breakthrough with Consumer CyberSecurity Solution of the Year. At GE Appliances, we are vigilant about securing your connected appliances, which is why security is woven into our development lifecycle from concept to deployment, said Shawn Stover, Vice President of Smart Home Solutions at GE Appliances. With protections enabled by default, consumers enjoy a seamless, secure experience without friction. Well continue delivering connected products that are both secure and intelligently designed, equipped with advanced, data-driven features that also safeguard user privacy and system integrity. The mission of the CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards is to celebrate excellence and spotlight breakthrough innovation driving the global cybersecurity industry forward. Covering a wide range of categories including Cloud Security, Threat Intelligence, Risk Management, Fraud Prevention, Mobile Security, Application Security, Identity Management, and more the annual program highlights the solutions and organizations redefining how we safeguard the digital world. The 2025 awards program received thousands of nominations from more than 20 countries around the world, representing everything from disruptive startups to established global enterprises. This years winners embody the cutting edge of cybersecurity technology, delivering next-generation protection and resilience in todays increasingly complex threat landscape. About CyberSecurity Breakthrough Part of Tech Breakthrough , a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in information security and cybersecurity technology companies, products and people. The CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards provide a platform for public recognition around the achievements of breakthrough information security companies and products in categories including Cloud Security, Threat Detection, Risk Management, Fraud Prevention, Mobile Security, Web and Email Security, UTM, Firewall and more. For more information visit CyberSecurityBreakthrough.com . Tech Breakthrough LLC does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our recognition programs, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with award designations. Tech Breakthrough LLC recognition consists of the opinions of the Tech Breakthrough LLC organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Tech Breakthrough LLC disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this recognition program, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. About GE Appliances, a Haier company At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make good things, for life. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, we are a leading U.S. manufacturer of home appliances with 15,500 team members nationwide. GE Appliances, found in half of all U.S. homes, is proud to be rated Americas #1 Appliance Company1, trusted by millions of families nationwide. We manufacture and sell products under the Monogram, Cafe, GE Profile, GE, Haier, and Hotpoint brands. Our operations support nearly 98,000 additional American jobs and represent an investment of more than $3.5 billion since 2016. We are deeply committed to the communities where we live and work, passionate about getting closer to our product users to understand their needs and driven by the belief that theres always a better way. To learn more about our company, brands, career opportunities, and impact, visit geappliancesco.com or connect with us on LinkedIn . Dublin, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Precision Medicine Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2032 - By Product, Technology, Grade, Application, End-user, Region: (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global precision medicine market is set to witness significant transformation, with projections estimating its value to rise from US$35.9 Bn in 2025 to US$76.0 Bn by 2032. This impressive expansion corresponds to a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.29% during the forecast period. Precision medicine, also known as personalized medicine, is redefining the healthcare Analysis by offering customized treatments based on an individual's genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Precision medicine represents a paradigm shift from the traditional "one-size-fits-all" approach in medical treatment. At its core, the field leverages advanced diagnostics, genomic sequencing, targeted therapeutics, and AI-driven analytics to tailor treatments for individual patients. The market has seen considerable uptake in oncology, but its application is rapidly expanding into cardiology, neurology, rare diseases, and infectious diseases. Growing awareness about the benefits of personalized healthcare, along with increased accessibility to genetic testing, is driving this trend further. Stakeholders across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, diagnostics, and healthcare IT are increasingly collaborating to drive innovation and deliver more effective solutions to patients. Drivers One of the primary drivers of the precision medicine market is the rapid advancement in genomic technologies. The evolution of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has significantly reduced the time and cost associated with decoding the human genome. This development enables healthcare professionals to identify disease-causing mutations and biomarkers with higher accuracy, leading to more effective and targeted treatments. Furthermore, a shift in healthcare focus toward the management of rare diseases is accelerating market momentum. The growing prevalence of rare genetic disorders, coupled with the development of orphan drugs and regulatory support, is encouraging innovation in molecular diagnostics and gene therapy. Additionally, increasing R&D investments, patient advocacy, and public-private partnerships are contributing to the rapid commercialization of personalized therapeutic solutions across major markets. Business Opportunity Emerging opportunities for market players include the integration of multi-omics data and the deployment of AI-based tools in predictive analytics and diagnostics. By combining genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data, providers can gain a comprehensive understanding of disease mechanisms, leading to more accurate treatment planning. Expanding the use of precision medicine in pediatric care and chronic disease management also presents a lucrative avenue. Children with rare genetic conditions and pediatric cancers can benefit from personalized treatments, with significant potential to improve long-term health outcomes. Moreover, the growing focus on patient-centered care is pushing companies to develop digital health platforms that enhance transparency, empower patients, and support clinical decision-making. Region Analysis North America remains the frontrunner in the global precision medicine market due to its robust healthcare infrastructure, advanced research capabilities, and early adoption of new technologies. The presence of key pharmaceutical and biotech firms in the region fosters continuous innovation in diagnostics, therapeutics, and AI-enabled healthcare tools. Europe follows closely, benefiting from strong government funding for genomics research and high patient awareness. The Asia Pacific region is emerging as a key growth hub, driven by rising healthcare expenditure, improving medical infrastructure, and increasing focus on personalized healthcare in countries like China, India, and Japan. Competitive Landscape Several global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are actively contributing to the growth of the precision medicine market. These companies are investing in advanced diagnostics, gene editing technologies, and strategic collaborations to expand their precision medicine portfolios and improve patient outcomes. Key Players Pfizer Inc. Bristol Myers Squibb Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Novartis AG AstraZeneca Merck KGaA Eli Lilly and Company GlaxoSmithKline plc Sanofi Johnson & Johnson Amgen, Inc. Gilead Sciences, Inc. AbbVie Inc. Market Overview Market Definitions and Segmentations Market Dynamics Value Chain Analysis Porter's Five Forces Analysis COVID-19 Impact Analysis Supply Demand Impact of Ukraine-Russia Conflict Economic Overview World Economic Projections PESTLE Analysis Segmentation By Type Inhibitor Drugs Monoclonal Antibodies Cell & Gene Therapy Antiviral & Anti-retroviral Drugs Other Therapeutic Products By Indication Oncology Rare Diseases Infectious Diseases Hematological Disorders Other Indications By End User Hospitals and Clinics Home Care Settings By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East Africa For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/uxipya 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. Coral Gables, FL, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nothing would have made him happier than to be remembered in a place like this, to do good like this. With those words, Janet Goldman captured both the love she shared with her late husband, visionary developer Tony Goldman, and the meaning behind her familys gift to the University of Miami. On Sept. 18, the University celebrated the establishment of the Tony Goldman Endowed Director of Real Estate Development and Urbanism at the School of Architecture, a lasting tribute to the man whose work reshaped neighborhoods from Miami to New York City and was the catalyst for a new approach to placemaking. The ceremony at Lakeside Village Expo Center brought together University leaders, faculty, students, and the Goldman family to honor Goldmans enduring legacy. Joel H. Samuels, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, reflected on the importance of endowed chairs, noting that endowments like this ensure that the University can attract and support leaders who will drive innovation, scholarship, and community impact for generations. Samuels, who joined the University this fall, also shared a personal connection to Tonys vision: As a newcomer to Miami, Wynwood was a place where we felt at home. That is Tonys legacy lived out through my personal experience. School of Architecture Dean Rodolphe el-Khoury emphasized the lasting impact of the gift, calling Tony Goldman more than a developer. He was a visionary, a catalyst, and an urban storyteller. He highlighted neighborhoods such as SoHo, South Beach, and Wynwood as examples of how Goldmans creativity and commitment to community transformed cities. With the creation of this endowed chair, Tonys vision carries forward in perpetuity, el-Khoury said, noting that the position will secure and strengthen leadership in the Master of Real Estate Development and Urbanism (MRED+U) program and continue to attract outstanding talent. Janet Goldman described her late husbands passion, optimism, and risk-taking spirit. He mastered the art of placemaking and became one of its leading practitioners, transforming neighborhoods and infusing them with his energy and hope, she said. Daughter Jessica Goldman Srebnick, co-chair of Goldman Properties, highlighted the gifts educational impact: This endowment anchors our dads legacy. Its a gift not only to honor him, but to support a generation of students who will learn from his unconventional, purposeful, soulful, and creative approach to real estate. The inaugural directorship was awarded to professor Charles C. Bohl, who founded and has led the MRED+U program since 2008. Bohl emphasized how the program prepares students to address pressing urban challenges, from housing affordability to sustainability, while fostering community and creativity. The Tony Goldman Directorship will help us continue attracting the very best students and the most talented faculty to carry us and his legacy forward far into the future, Bohl said. Throughout the event, Tony Goldman was celebrated as a preservationist, creative pioneer, and romantic developer, whose belief in adaptive reuse and community-centered development left a lasting imprint on Miami and beyond. The ceremony closed with applause for the Goldman familys generosity and a call for students to carry forward Tonys vision, courage, and dedication to shaping vibrant, resilient communities. Attachment St. Petersburg, Fla., Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Raymond James (NYSE: RJF) recently welcomed five financial advisors with The Manning Companies (TMC) in San Diego to Raymond James Financial Services (RJFS) the firms independent advisor channel according to Casey McGee, Western assistant division director for RJFS. The advisors are Michael A. Manning, AIF, MBA; William B. Corder, AIF, CPFA; Roger D. Groves, CLU; Heather R. Nicholas, AIF, CLTC; and Richard Carlquist, CFP, AIF. Together, they provide wealth management to high-net-worth clients and retirement solutions for employers, employees and executives. They join from Commonwealth Financial Network, where they managed approximately $1.1 billion in client assets. After a five-month deep dive on who we thought would be the best partner for our clients and the firm, Raymond James stood above the rest. We feel we ended up at one of the most prestigious, independent broker/dealer with an advisor-centric model and a robust platform of products and services to offer our clients. We couldnt be more excited, said Manning, CEO of TMC. Supporting the advisors are TMCs Director of Operations Tina Emmet, Operations and Client Service Manager Camellia Perez-Hunter, and Office Manager and Marketing Coordinator Elizabeth Steffanic, who lead the groups 10-member operations team. Its a privilege to welcome the advisors and associates of TMC to Raymond James, said McGee. They bring not only deep experience in retirement plan consulting and wealth management, but also a client-first approach that is deeply compatible with our own. With the backing of the firms robust private wealth resources and advanced technology, Im confident theyll continue to deliver a high level of service for the clients and organizations they serve. About Raymond James Financial Services Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. (RJFS), member FINRA/SIPC, is a financial services firm supporting independent financial advisors nationwide. Since 1974, RJFS provides a wide range of investment and wealth planning-related services through its affiliate, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. Both firms are wholly owned subsidiaries of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE-RJF), one of the nations premier diversified financial services companies with financial advisors throughout the United States, Canada and overseas. Total client assets are approximately $1.69 trillion as of Aug. 31, 2025. Additional information is available at raymondjames.com. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. The Manning Companies is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, and CFP (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks. CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to preserving the sight of individuals impacted by retinal diseases, today announced that results from its clinical study of investigational oral gildeuretinol for the treatment of moderate Stargardt disease (TEASE-2) will be presented at the 129th annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) being held in Orlando, October 18-21, 2025. Oral presentation Safety and Efficacy of Oral Gildeuretinol in Participants with Intermediate-Stage Stargardt Disease Date/Time: Retina Subspecialty Day 2025, October 18, 8:23 a.m. 8:30 a.m. EDT Retina Subspecialty Day 2025, October 18, 8:23 a.m. 8:30 a.m. EDT Session: Section XI: Late Breaking Developments, Part II Section XI: Late Breaking Developments, Part II Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando Orange County Convention Center, Orlando Presenter: Philip J. Ferrone, M.D., Vitreoretinal Consultants of New York About Alkeus Pharmaceuticals Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a private biopharmaceutical company dedicated to preserving the sight of individuals impacted by retinal diseases. Based in Cambridge, Mass., Alkeus is backed by institutional investors led by Bain Capital Life Sciences. Alkeus is developing therapies for serious diseases of the eye with high unmet need, with the purpose to preserve the sight of individuals impacted by retinal diseases. Alkeus breakthrough-designated lead candidate, gildeuretinol acetate (ALK-001), currently is being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of Stargardt disease. About Gildeuretinol Acetate (ALK-001) Oral gildeuretinol acetate (ALK-001) is a new molecular entity designed to reduce the dimerization of vitamin A without modulating the visual cycle. Gildeuretinol is being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of Stargardt disease and has been studied for geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Gildeuretinol has received Breakthrough Therapy, Rare Pediatric Disease, Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations for Stargardt disease from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has designated gildeuretinol as an orphan medicinal product for the treatment of non-syndromic inherited retinal dystrophies due to defects in the ABCA4 gene, which includes Stargardt disease. About the TEASE Program The Tolerability and Effects of ALK-001 on Stargardt diseasE (TEASE) studies consist of four independent clinical studies of oral gildeuretinol (ALK-001) in Stargardt disease, denoted as TEASE-1, TEASE-2, TEASE-3 and TEASE-4. The TEASE-1 study was a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial in patients with advanced Stargardt disease. The TEASE-2 trial was a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial in patients with moderate Stargardt disease. TEASE-1 and TEASE-2 have been completed. TEASE-3 (NCT02402660), an ongoing clinical trial in early-stage Stargardt disease, is an open-label study of gildeuretinol in genetically confirmed patients with early signs of disease visible on retinal imaging, but who have not begun experiencing symptoms of vision loss. TEASE-4 (NCT04239625) is an open-label extension study. For further information, please contact: TORONTO, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Worlds 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier, has been unveiled at a glittering awards ceremony in Hong Kong this evening, marking the first time the prestigious global ranking has been hosted in the city. The 17th edition of the awards took place on October 8, 2025, at the iconic Kai Tak Cruise Terminal overlooking Victoria Harbour, gathering more than 2,000 of the worlds leading bartenders, hospitality professionals and drinks industry figures for a citywide celebration of cocktail excellence. With 50 Best events returning to Hong Kong for the third consecutive year, October proves to be the perfect time to celebrate the citys vibrant culinary and cocktail excellence. Claiming the title of The Worlds Best Bar 2025, sponsored by Perrier, was Bar Leone from Hong Kong. The win headlined a programme that saw the international bar community gather in Hong Kong for a week of public and industry-exclusive events, including a series of collaborative 50 Best Signature Sessions at bars throughout the city. Hong Kongs own bars were once again well represented on the global list, which is tabulated from the votes of a gender-balanced panel of industry experts across different regions around the world. Bar Leone led the local charge with a ranking of No.1, while COA was also recognized on the list at No. 38, demonstrating the vibrant bar scene and creativity of Hong Kongs cocktail culture. Lorenzo Antinori, owner of Bar Leone, said: To be named the number one bar in the world is not only an incredible honour for us at Bar Leone, but also a truly proud moment for Hong Kong. This recognition not only highlights our hard work but also affirms that our city belongs at the very heart of the global bar industry, celebrated for its creativity and warm hospitality. Welcoming the worlds best bartenders to Hong Kong this week has filled the city with incredible energy and excitement. Its truly thrilling to see Hong Kong shine on the international stage, and we feel privileged to be part of this journey. Jay Khan, co-owner of COA said: Being recognized among the worlds best is an incredible achievement for our team, and a testament to their hard work and passion. Hosting the awards ceremony in Hong Kong is a proud moment for the city, and we are truly honoured to be part of this remarkable story and to contribute to the celebration of our citys dynamic hospitality scene. In total, two Hong Kong bars featured in this years list of bars ranked 1-50, while the extended 51100 list, revealed in advance of the awards ceremony, recognized a further three local establishments. Here are the Hong Kong bars that earned a place on The World's 50 Best Bars 2025 list: Bar Leone (No. #1) COA (No. #38) ARGO (No. #56) GOKAN* (No. #70) The Savory Project (No. #86) *New entry The Worlds 50 Best Bars 2025 marks a significant milestone for the global awards as they return to Asia for only the second time in their history, highlighting Hong Kong's growing influence as one of the worlds leading culinary and cultural capitals. This edition is also celebrated under a three-year partnership between the Hong Kong Tourism Board and 50 Best, further solidifying Hong Kongs reputation as a premier global destination for gastronomy, cocktails, and hospitality. The success of The Worlds 50 Best Bars 2025 in Hong Kong highlights the citys ability to host world-class events and foster international collaboration, all while spotlighting its dynamic nightlife. From intimate neighbourhood spots to award-winning institutions, the city continues to raise the bar. With winter on the horizon and an exciting calendar of year-round events, now is the perfect time to experience Hong Kongs world-class bar and nightlife scenes. To start planning your trip, visit https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/explore/dining/50-best-hong-kong.html. Images and press materials for the bars can be accessed via the links below: The Worlds 50 Best Bars Press Room: https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com/#/hierarchies/Media%20Centre/The%20World's%2050%20Best%20Bars Bars stock photos and press kits: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1b6h2umgQpipxtF3a46VuKtYCArap4T4o?usp=sharing Media Snippet: A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. For media inquiries, please contact: Dublin, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Sleep Service Providers Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2032 - By Product, Technology, Grade, Application, End-user, Region: (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global sleep service providers market is projected to grow significantly over the coming years, with market value anticipated to rise from USD 8.3 billion in 2025 to USD 18.4 billion by 2032, expanding at a robust CAGR of 12.04% during the forecast period (2025-2032). This growth is attributed to increasing awareness about sleep-related disorders, advancements in diagnostic technologies, and the growing preference for home-based testing solutions. The global burden of sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and circadian rhythm disruptions, has been rising steadily. Factors such as sedentary lifestyles, stress, and an aging population contribute to the growing demand for sleep diagnostic and therapeutic services. Increasing adoption of sleep monitoring devices and wearable technologies is further propelling the market. Sleep centers and home care settings are witnessing heightened demand for integrated, accurate, and patient-friendly diagnostic approaches. Key Drivers One of the major growth drivers of the sleep service providers market is the rising prevalence of sleep disorders worldwide. Countries such as the U.S., Japan, and Germany report high incidences of sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome. Additionally, increasing public awareness, coupled with supportive reimbursement policies, is driving demand for both in-lab and home sleep testing services. Technological advancements in diagnostic tools, including portable polysomnography and AI-based analysis platforms, are enhancing accuracy and convenience, making sleep diagnostics more accessible to a broader population base. Furthermore, changes in insurance coverage policies are encouraging the shift from traditional in-lab testing to home-based sleep testing (HST), making diagnostics more cost-effective and less invasive. Business Opportunity Home sleep testing represents a major business opportunity, especially in developed regions like North America and Europe. While in-lab sleep testing remains the gold standard for accurate diagnosis, home testing is gaining traction due to its affordability and convenience. Companies are increasingly focusing on expanding their home testing offerings and developing next-generation wearable and sensor-based devices that offer real-time data monitoring and better patient compliance. Moreover, emerging economies in Asia Pacific - particularly China and India - offer vast untapped potential for sleep service providers. The increasing geriatric population in these countries, combined with a growing awareness of the health impacts of poor sleep, creates a favorable environment for market expansion. Regional Analysis North America continues to dominate the sleep service providers market, led by the U.S. due to its high prevalence of sleep disorders, robust healthcare infrastructure, and favorable reimbursement frameworks. The region is also witnessing strong growth in home sleep testing adoption as insurance providers shift focus toward cost-effective diagnostic options. Europe is emerging as another key region, with Germany and the U.K. leading in terms of market adoption. Growing public awareness, the presence of professional sleep societies, and expanding geriatric populations are supporting market growth. Asia Pacific is expected to experience the fastest growth during the forecast period. Japan's rapidly aging population and increasing rates of chronic illnesses contribute to the country's growing demand for sleep diagnostics. Additionally, improving healthcare infrastructure in countries such as India, China, and South Korea is fostering the development of sleep testing services. Competitive Landscape Strategic collaborations and technology licensing are helping these players strengthen their market position. For instance, collaborations like the one between EarlySense and SleepMed Inc. aim to enhance diagnostic capabilities for sleep apnea and related conditions. Key Players Midwest Sleep Services Inc. SleepMed Inc. SOVA Sleep Services Inc. Medical Service Company Sleep Services Australia Genesis SleepCare St. Luke's Center of Sleep Medicine Total Sleep Holdings Plc. Carolinas Sleep Services VirtuOx, Inc. Market Overview Market Definitions and Segmentations Market Dynamics Value Chain Analysis Porter's Five Forces Analysis COVID-19 Impact Analysis Supply Demand Impact of Ukraine-Russia Conflict Economic Overview World Economic Projections PESTLE Analysis Segmentation By Service Home Sleep Testing In-Lab Testing Electroencephalogram Full Polysomnography CPAP/BiPAP Titration Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) By Indication Obstructive Sleep Apnea Insomnia Restless Legs Syndrome Circadian Rhythm Sleeping Disorders Narcolepsy REM Sleep Disorder By End User Hospitals Sleep Centers Home Care Settings By Region North America Latin America Europe South Asia East Asia Oceania Middle East & Africa For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/iqy237 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CERTIFIED , a family-owned, vertically integrated Ohio cannabis company, has officially opened the doors to its first Columbus dispensary at 2375 Silver Drive. Located in the former Frischs Big Boy building near Historic Crew Stadium, the fully renovated space blends local history with modern cannabis retail including a convenient drive-thru pickup lane and curated product offerings for both medical and adult-use customers. More than a business expansion, the new dispensary represents a full-circle moment for CERTIFIED President Zach Weprin, a longtime Columbus resident and entrepreneur. Ive lived in Columbus for 20 years, and this city has played a huge role in shaping who I am, said Weprin. Cannabis has been a major part of how I manage challenges related to Crohns disease. This isnt just business its personal. Before founding CERTIFIED , Weprin co-founded FUSIAN, the popular Ohio-based sushi chain thats served Columbus communities for over 13 years. That experience laid the foundation for a company culture rooted in accessibility, transparency, and connection values now at the core of CERTIFIEDs mission in cannabis. The new Columbus location is CERTIFIEDs second dispensary in the state, following its successful debut in South Euclid near Cleveland . Shoppers will find CERTIFIEDs full line of premium flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, drinks, and RSO, along with top products from other leading cannabis brands in Ohio. Online ordering and drive-thru service make the shopping experience fast, private, and user-friendly. Everyone has their own relationship with cannabis, added Weprin. As the culture evolves, were excited to have open conversations, share what we grow, and welcome anyone who wants to learn more. Come visit us on Silver Drive. CERTIFIED Columbus is now open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., offering daily, weekly, and monthly specials to make high-quality cannabis more accessible for patients and adult-use consumers alike. To view the menu or place an online order, visit certifieddispensary.com or www.certifieddispensary.com. See the full list of CERTIFIED Dispensary locations below. South Euclid (Cleveland) Dispensary Columbus Dispensary Coming Soon: Springfield Dispensary Coming Soon: Dayton Dispensary About CERTIFIED CERTIFIED is a state-licensed, family-owned cannabis company with fully integrated operations across cultivation, processing, and retail in Ohio. With a commitment to education, quality, and customer experience, CERTIFIED serves communities through its own dispensary locations and retail partners across the state. As one of Ohios most trusted cannabis brands, CERTIFIED is passionate about providing consistent, transparent, and community-rooted cannabis experiences. Learn more at www.certifieddispensary.com and certifieddispensary.com. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/72964c94-a130-4f13-a17a-74429a54a546 Announcement no. 09/2025 Inside information Coloplast interim CEO Lars Rasmussen will step down from the Board at the upcoming Annual General Meeting Coloplast interim CEO Lars Rasmussen has today informed the Coloplast Board of Directors that he will not stand for re-election as board member at the upcoming annual general meeting on December 4, 2025. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Lars for his unwavering dedication to Coloplast. Through his commitment to the company for close to four decades, including 10 years as CEO and 7 years as Chair of the Board, Lars has been instrumental in transforming Coloplast into a global, leading MedTech company, helping more than two million people with intimate healthcare conditions worldwide. I have enjoyed working with Lars as Chair and I look forward to continuing to work with him as interim CEO until the new CEO is in place, says interim Chair of the Board of Directors, Jette Nygaard-Andersen. Coloplast is a very special company that is close to my heart. It has been an honor and privilege to serve this company for most of my life, and I have decided to step back from my board responsibilities at a time when the company is well positioned for the future, says interim CEO Lars Rasmussen. Lars Rasmussen will, as announced earlier this year, continue in the role as interim CEO until a new CEO of Coloplast is in place. Coloplast is now entering an exciting phase as we begin to unfold the potential of our new Impact4 strategy, and I will continue to lead this work as interim CEO alongside the Executive Leadership Team until the new Coloplast CEO takes office, says Lars Rasmussen. Deputy Chair, Niels Peter Louis-Hansen says: Lars has been a driving force behind establishing Coloplast as one of the most well-respected and profitable MedTech companies globally. I am very grateful for his commitment and contributions to our company and mission of making life easier for people with intimate healthcare needs. Jette Nygaard-Andersen will continue in the role of interim Chair and, together with the Board of Directors, lead Coloplast in the coming period, as the company enters into its next strategic period of long-term, sustainable growth and value creation. Jette Nygaard-Andersen has been a member of the Board since December 2015 and interim Chair since May 5, 2025. At the annual general meeting on December 4, 2025, the Board of Directors will propose the election of Niels B. Christiansen as a new member of the Board of Directors. It is expected that Niels B. Christiansen will be appointed Chair of the Board following the annual general meeting in December 2026 at the latest. The Board has focused on strong succession and continuity, and this is reflected in our proposal to nominate Niels B. Christiansen. Niels brings relevant experience from the hearing aids industry, strong knowledge of operating in global markets, as well as vast experience in leading global customer focused companies both as CEO and Chair. He is a great fit to help bring our Impact4 strategy to life - putting customers at the center of everything we do and supporting our ambition to help 4 million people over the long term. I look forward to welcoming Niels to the Board, says Jette Nygaard-Andersen. The Board of Directors are unanimously supportive of the announced changes. The search for Coloplasts new CEO is progressing according to plan, and an announcement will follow once a decision has been made. Contacts: Investors: Media: Kristine Husted Munk Senior Director, Investor Relations Tel. +45 4911 1800 / +45 4911 3266 Email: dkkhu@coloplast.com Simone Dyrby Helvind Senior Manager, Investor Relations Tel. +45 4911 1800 / +45 4911 2981 Email: dksdk@coloplast.com Peter Mnster Head of Media Relations & Corporate Content Tel. +45 4911 2623 Email: dkpete@coloplast.com Address Coloplast A/S Holtedam 1 DK-3050 Humlebaek Denmark Company reg. (CVR) no. 69749917 Website www.coloplast.com This announcement is available in a Danish and an English-language version. In the event of discrepancies, the English version shall prevail. Coloplast was founded on passion, ambition, and commitment. We were born from a nurses wish to help her sister and the skills of an engineer. Guided by empathy, our mission is to make life easier for people with intimate healthcare needs. Over decades, we have helped millions of people to live a more independent life and we continue to do so through innovative products and services. Globally, our business areas include Ostomy Care, Continence Care, Voice and Respiratory Care, Wound and Tissue Repair and Interventional Urology. The Coloplast logo is a registered trademark of Coloplast A/S. 2025-10 All rights reserved Coloplast A/S, 3050 Humlebaek, Denmark Attachment Miami, FL, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Love to Italy Academy, Miamis leading institution for authentic Italian culinary education, will host its signature Italian Wine Masterclass on January 30, 2026, at Miami Dade College. The one-day event will feature acclaimed Italian Chef Salvatore Nistico, offering an immersive journey through Italys celebrated wine regions and their traditional food pairings. The Italian Wine Masterclass will bring together chefs, sommeliers, hospitality professionals, and food enthusiasts for a hands-on exploration of Italian culture, flavor, and craftsmanship. Through expertly guided tastings, Chef Nistico will highlight the artistry behind Italys most iconic varietals and the culinary techniques that complement them. Attendees will experience regional pairings and gain insights into the history, terroir, and traditions that define Italian wine excellence. Chef Salvatore Nistico is recognized for his mastery of Southern Italian cuisine and extensive experience in Michelin-starred kitchens. Known for his inventive approach rooted in tradition, Nistico has earned international acclaim for developing signature menus and mentoring the next generation of culinary talent. As Love to Italy Academys instructor and brand ambassador, he leads specialized programs across the United States, sharing authentic Italian techniques and culture with professionals and enthusiasts alike. Love to Italy Academy was founded to protect and promote the artistry of Italian cuisine in the United States, said Alessandro Sofroni, Founder and CEO. Events like the Italian Wine Masterclass allow us to celebrate Italys heritage while creating meaningful exchanges between chefs, producers, and wine lovers. Based in Miami Beach, Love to Italy Academy partners with Italys prestigious ALMA culinary school to offer professional training in authentic Italian cuisine. The Academys programs emphasize hands-on learning, ingredient integrity, and cultural appreciationbridging the gap between Italian artisan producers and the American culinary community. The Italian Wine Masterclass marks another milestone in Love to Italy Academys mission to cultivate culinary excellence, inspire cultural understanding, and strengthen the global connection between Italy and the United States. About Love to Italy Academy Love to Italy Academy is a premier culinary institution dedicated to preserving and advancing Italian food and wine traditions in the United States. Partnered with ALMA, the International School of Italian CuisineLove to Italy provides professional training, workshops, and events that connect chefs, artisans, and enthusiasts to Italys authentic culinary heritage. London, United Kingdom, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Montellis Group, a newly established global trading broker, today announced an official launch, marking the beginning of a new era for traders seeking innovation, transparency, and institutional-grade reliability. Designed to meet the needs of both individual and professional investors, the broker delivers seamless access to a broad spectrum of financial instruments, including cryptocurrencies, indices, forex, commodities, shares, and precious metals. Speaking on the launch, Thomas M., Montellis Group representative, said: We built the platform with one clear ambition: to provide traders of every level with a secure, intuitive, and innovative environment where they can pursue opportunities across global markets with confidence. Empowering Traders with Innovation and Trust Montellis Groups platform has been made to ensure accessibility and sophistication. Users can onboard within moments, navigate the interface with ease, and execute trades at remarkable speed. Behind this streamlined experience is a suite of advanced analytics that gives investors sharper insights, the ability to make more precise entries, and greater control over risk management. Besides technology, the company has placed strong emphasis on client care. A team of seasoned financial professionals is available around the clock, offering tailored guidance and bespoke support whenever needed. This curated assistance is designed to meet the diverse needs of traders, whether they are exploring cryptocurrencies, building positions in forex, or diversifying portfolios across indices, commodities, shares, and precious metals. Security is another key point of the Montellis Group approach. The company protects client funds and personal information with the same strict standards used by the worlds top financial institutions. All money deposited by clients is held in separate, secure accounts, making sure it is never mixed with company funds. Advanced encryption technology shields personal and financial data from unauthorized access, while regular security checks and monitoring help prevent risks before they become problems. These layers of protection allow traders to concentrate fully on identifying opportunities in the market. Montellis Group also understands that long-term success in trading requires more than access to markets. It requires trust. That is why every element of the platform , from technology to support model, has been built to reinforce confidence and reliability. As Thomas M. emphasized: Our goal is not only to deliver access to global markets, but to foster enduring confidence by combining advanced technology, personalized support, and the highest levels of financial integrity. About Montellis Group Montellis Group was established with a mission to redefine the modern trading experience through a combination of innovation, security, and integrity. Since its founding, the broker has created a platform where advanced technology and strict compliance standards work seamlessly together to support traders worldwide. Client funds are safeguarded in segregated accounts, ensuring transparency and protection at every stage of the investment journey. With unrestricted access to global markets, a client-first philosophy, and tools built for precision and efficiency, the brand has positioned itself as a trusted partner for both new and seasoned investors. The firm remains committed to delivering an environment where opportunity, trust, and long-term success converge. Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of capital. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. HOUSTON and ST. LOUIS, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Soul Street Ventures , which prioritizes founders over spreadsheets, today announced its first portfolio exit with the acquisition of Sirvatus by Carta , the leading equity management platform for startups, investors, and employees. The deal marks a significant milestone for Soul Street Ventures, reaffirming its dedication to helping early-stage founders grow impactful businesses. Financial terms were not disclosed. Founded in 2020, Sirvatus is a modern loan operations platform designed specifically for private credit. Focused on managing complex deal structures, Sirvatus offers a comprehensive end-to-end solution for controlling private credit operations. The company has earned a strong reputation as a reliable partner for businesses seeking modern, scalable solutions to long-standing private credit issues. This is a milestone moment for Soul Street Ventures as our very first exit. Sirvatus exemplifies the type of founder-led, purpose-driven company we aim to partner with; innovators solving real-world problems with scalable, technology-based solutions. We are proud to have supported their journey and look forward to seeing their platform grow even more under Cartas leadership, said Scott Adams, Co-Founder of Soul Street Ventures. Soul Street Ventures has been the definition of a founder-friendly investor. From day one, they backed our vision, trusted our instincts, and gave us the space to build Sirvatus our way while jumping into the business building grind whenever we needed. Their partnership was instrumental in helping us move fast, stay focused, and ultimately reach this milestone with Carta, said Trevor Cook, CFA, Co-Founder & CEO of Sirvatus. The acquisition represents a significant step forward for Sirvatus, as it integrates with Cartas extensive ecosystem, enabling the combined organization to provide even wider solutions for growing companies worldwide. About Soul Street Ventures Founded in 2023, Soul Street Ventures is the venture capital arm of Soul Street Asset Management, focusing on early-stage investments in B2B technology, SaaS, and FinTech. The firm partners with founders building impactful, purpose-driven solutions. Guided by the motto Scale with Soul, Soul Street Ventures offers more than just capital; it provides strategic support and hands-on guidance from a team of experienced entrepreneurs. Soul Street Ventures is dedicated to supporting startups in their growth, innovation, and creation of lasting impact. Soul Street Asset Management is led by co-founders Prasanth Chilukuri and Scott Adams. For more information, visit www.soulstreet.com . INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBank Indianapolis or Bank) recently announced the recipients of its 2025 Elevate Small Business Grants, which includes 53 Michigan small businesses. Elevate Small Business Grants support the growth and development of small businesses across the Banks district of Indiana and Michigan. Elevate grants have helped fund facility expansions, technological enhancements, upgraded or new equipment, workforce development opportunities and more. Now in its eighth year, the Elevate grant program has supported more than 250 small businesses across Indiana and Michigan with grants of up to $20,000 each to fund growth projects. With Elevate, were working to support community and economic development across the spectrum, says MaryBeth Wott, SVP Community Investment and Strategic Planning Officer. Elevate grants fund local businesses in some of the same communities supported through our affordable housing programs. Record number of grants awarded This year, due to increased funding and improved program design, the Bank is proud to provide grants of up to $20,000 each to 100 total small businesses across its district, including 53 Michigan small businesses, the most since the programs launch in 2018 and more than double the number of businesses funded in the 2024 round. We retooled the program this year to really maximize our impact, and the numbers show that worked, says Rori Chaney, Associate Director of Community Investment. In 2025, weve awarded grants to more than double the number of businesses awarded last year. Within the past four years, FHLBank Indianapolis has supported Michigans small business economy with 109 small business grants totaling $1.8 million in funds. A full list of award recipients is available online at fhlbi.com. Elevate Small Business Grants FHLBank Indianapolis first launched the Elevate Small Business grant program in 2018; since its inception, the program has provided support and funding to more than 250 small businesses across Indiana and Michigan. Eligible recipients are small business owners whose business is headquartered in either Indiana or Michigan with an annual gross revenue of less than $1 million. Previously a competitive grant program, during the 2025 funding round member financial institutions of FHLBank Indianapolis were able to submit applications for the $20,000 grants on behalf of one small business (or two small business for grants of $10,000 each) to be automatically awarded, pending eligibility review. For more information on the Elevate Small Business Grant program, including the list of 2025 awardees, see the Elevate Small Business Grant webpage on fhlbi.com. For information on other community and economic development programs offered by FHLBank Indianapolis, see the Community Programs page on fhlbi.com. Media contact information: For more information, contact John Bingham, SVP, MPP and Corporate Communications, at jbingham@fhlbi.com. Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis: Building Partnerships. Serving Communities FHLBank Indianapolis is a regional bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. FHLBanks are government-sponsored enterprises created by Congress to provide access to low-cost funding for their member financial institutions, with particular attention paid to providing solutions that support the housing and small business needs of members' customers. FHLBanks are privately capitalized and funded, and they receive no Congressional appropriations. One of 11 independent regional cooperative banks across the U.S., FHLBank Indianapolis is owned by its Indiana and Michigan financial institution members, including commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, savings institutions and community development financial institutions. For more information about FHLBank Indianapolis, visit www.fhlbi.com and follow the Bank on LinkedIn, and Instagram and X at @FHLBankIndy. (Please note that content the Bank shares on its website and social media is not incorporated by reference into any of its filings with the SEC unless, and only to the extent that, a filing by the Bank with the SEC expressly provides to the contrary.) INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBank Indianapolis or Bank) recently announced the recipients of its 2025 Elevate Small Business Grants, including 47 Indiana small businesses. Elevate Small Business Grants support the growth and development of small businesses across the Banks district of Indiana and Michigan. Elevate grants have helped fund facility expansions, technological enhancements, upgraded or new equipment, workforce development opportunities and more. Now in its eighth year, the Elevate grant program has supported more than 250 small businesses across Indiana and Michigan with grants of up to $20,000 each to fund growth projects. With Elevate, were working to support community and economic development across the spectrum, says MaryBeth Wott, SVP Community Investment and Strategic Planning Officer. Elevate grants fund local businesses in some of the same communities supported through our affordable housing programs. Record number of grants awarded This year, due to increased funding and improved program design, the Bank is proud to provide grants of up to $20,000 each to 100 total small businesses across its district, including 47 Indiana small businesses, the most since the programs launch in 2018. The 2025 round saw a 56% increase in total number of Indiana businesses awarded. We retooled the program this year to really maximize our impact, and the numbers show that worked, says Rori Chaney, Associate Director of Community Investment. In 2025, weve awarded grants to more than double the number of businesses awarded last year. Within the past four years, FHLBank Indianapolis has supported Indianas small business economy with 109 small business grants totaling $1.8 million in funds. A full list of award recipients is available online at fhlbi.com. Elevate Small Business Grants FHLBank Indianapolis first launched the Elevate Small Business grant program in 2018; since its inception, the program has provided support and funding to more than 250 small businesses across Indiana and Michigan. Eligible recipients are small business owners whose business is headquartered in either Indiana or Michigan with an annual gross revenue of less than $1 million. Previously a competitive grant program, during the 2025 funding round member financial institutions of FHLBank Indianapolis were able to submit applications for the $20,000 grants on behalf of one small business (or two small business for grants of $10,000 each) to be automatically awarded, pending eligibility review. For more information on the Elevate Small Business Grant program, including the list of 2025 awardees, see the Elevate Small Business Grant webpage on fhlbi.com. For information on other community and economic development programs offered by FHLBank Indianapolis, see the Community Programs page on fhlbi.com. Media contact information: For more information, contact John Bingham, SVP, MPP and Corporate Communications, at jbingham@fhlbi.com. Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis: Building Partnerships. Serving Communities FHLBank Indianapolis is a regional bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. FHLBanks are government-sponsored enterprises created by Congress to provide access to low-cost funding for their member financial institutions, with particular attention paid to providing solutions that support the housing and small business needs of members' customers. FHLBanks are privately capitalized and funded, and they receive no Congressional appropriations. One of 11 independent regional cooperative banks across the U.S., FHLBank Indianapolis is owned by its Indiana and Michigan financial institution members, including commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, savings institutions and community development financial institutions. For more information about FHLBank Indianapolis, visit www.fhlbi.com and follow the Bank on LinkedIn, and Instagram and X at @FHLBankIndy. (Please note that content the Bank shares on its website and social media is not incorporated by reference into any of its filings with the SEC unless, and only to the extent that, a filing by the Bank with the SEC expressly provides to the contrary.) Maple Grove, MN, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rural Minnesota Energy Board joins Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance More organizations and Minnesotans are seeing the need for reliable nuclear power and joining the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance (MNEA), which seeks to remove Minnesotas nuclear moratorium. The latest group to join the alliance is the Rural Minnesota Energy Board (RMEB), an eighteen-county joint powers board. The RMEB was formed to provide policy guidance and a venue for collaboration on issues surrounding energy development in rural Minnesota. The MNEA asserts that nuclear energy is critical to achieving the states ambitious 100% carbon-free electricity goals by 2040. Nuclear power provides reliable baseload electricity, critical for boosting reliability while creating high-quality jobs. We are happy to join with this broad, bipartisan coalition of Minnesotans working together to ensure a reliable, carbon-free energy future, Gene Metz, chair of RMEBs Legislative Committee and Nobles County Commissioner. Nuclear energy should be a resource that can be considered, due in part to its potential to enhance local economies with minimal land compared to other energy resources. Nuclear energy provides the only option to supply 24/7 carbon-free power, said Darrick Moe, CEO of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association. This is an urgent conversation, and lifting the moratorium is the first step in securing the affordable, clean and reliable energy Minnesotans need. Interest in nuclear power continues to grow in communities across Minnesota. This summer, Sherburne County joined the Alliance to support this critical mission. Sherburne County has a proud history of hosting resources to serve Minnesotas energy needs. The Sherburne County Board of Commissioners supports the work of the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance and actively supports the repeal of Minnesotas moratorium on nuclear energy production, said Bruce Messelt, Sherburne County administrator, on behalf of county commissioners. The Case for Nuclear Energy Nuclear energy is uniquely positioned to address Minnesotas energy challenges: It already generates roughly half of Minnesotas current carbon-free electricity. For over 70 years, U.S. nuclear operators have safely stored all spent fuel with significant federal and state oversight. Potential to provide thousands of good-paying jobs in a safety-first work environment. A new generation of advanced nuclear technology, offers enhanced safety features, flexibility in siting, and a smaller footprint, making them ideal for Minnesotas future energy needs. While state and regional electrical demand has been historically stable or declining, recent trends in electrification and technology demands have resulted in projected increase in 24x7 electrical power needs. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has identified the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) region, which includes Minnesota, as being at high risk of capacity shortfalls within the next decade. NERC's 2024 Long-Term Reliability Assessment highlights the urgent need for firm, reliable power sources like nuclear energy to maintain grid stability and meet increasing demand. Ending Minnesotas Outlier Status Minnesota is the only state with an outright ban on all new nuclear reactor construction. Lifting the moratorium would allow stakeholders to have productive conversations about how advanced nuclear technology could contribute to the states clean energy future. Any plant proposed would still go through the permitting process. About the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance The Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance (MNEA) is a partnership of over 30 organizations representing labor, business, utilities, trade associations and environmental groups. Members are committed to securing Minnesotas clean energy future through the development of safe, reliable and carbon-free nuclear power. The Alliance respects the Prairie Island Indian Communitys concerns about lifting Minnesota's nuclear moratorium and is committed to working with them to address their concerns. The Alliance believes an open dialogue is essential to ensuring both safe storage and a sustainable energy future and welcomes the opportunity for constructive discussions that move Minnesotas energy path forward. For more information, visit mnnuclearenergyalliance.org. -end- The Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) is a not-for-profit trade association serving Minnesotas electric cooperatives. MREA provides legislative and regulatory representation, director and employee education programs, technical training for electric cooperative line workers, and serves as the focal point for cooperation among cooperatives. Minnesotas 44 distribution cooperatives serve approximately 1.7 million Minnesotans in all 87 counties and operate the largest distribution network in the state with more than 135,000 miles of electric lines. MN Nuclear Energy Alliance Members ALLETE/ MN Power Basin Electric Power Cooperative Boilermakers Local 647 Citizens Climate Lobby Minnesota Connexus Energy Dairyland Power Cooperative Duluth Chamber of Commerce East River Electric Generation Atomic/Coalition to Lift Nuclear Moratorium Great River Energy Heat & Frost Insulators Local 34 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 Iron Workers #512 Itasca County L&O Power Cooperative LIUNA MN Building & Construction Trades Council MN Conservative Energy Forum MN Contractors of NECA MN Chamber of Commerce MN Farm Bureau MN Grocers Association MN Land & Liberty Coalition MN Municipal Utilities Association MN Mechanical Contractors Association MN Pipe Trades Association MN Private Business Council MN Retailers Association MN Rural Electric Association MN Utility Investors Missouri River Energy Services National Electrical Contractors Association North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters Nuclear Innovation Alliance Otter Tail Power Co. Rural Minnesota Energy Board Southern MN Municipal Power Agency Sherburne County Chicago, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NCSBNs first of its kind National Nursing Education Database provides an in-depth look at how different characteristics impact the performance of U.S. nursing education programs. Drawn from data from 34 states and more than half of the countrys nursing programs representing 284,000 nursing students, the database shows how key quality indicators impact programs and how programs compare with each other. The database allows filtering by degree, geography, ownership and enrollment. I think one of the most valuable components of the database is the ability to examine how different types of programs compare to each other by whether the program is private, public or for-profit, and how the credentials and stability of the programs deans and faculty can potentially impact factors like NCLEX pass rates, comments NCSBN Nursing Education Policy Director Nancy Spector, PhD, RN, FAAN. NCSBN identified nine measures that impact the quality of nursing programs, including whether the program is accredited, if the program is approved, direct care to clinical experience, director turnover, percentage of full-time facility, faculty and director credentials, graduation rate, number of major organizational changes and how long the program has existed. Interesting statistics emerge when you have the chance to utilize the interactive features of the database. For example, the graduation rate for the different types of programs varies widely, notes Spector. This is the type of information that is valuable for anyone deciding on what type of nursing program to apply to. While the database does not include specific information on a particular school, it does point individuals to the type of questions they should be asking before selecting a program. About NCSBN Empowering and supporting nursing regulators across the world in their mandate to protect the public, NCSBN is an independent, not-for-profit organization. As a global leader in regulatory excellence, NCSBN champions regulatory solutions to borderless health care delivery, agile regulatory systems and nurses practicing to the full scope of their education, experience and expertise. A world leader in test development and administration, NCSBNs NCLEX Exams are internationally recognized as the preeminent nursing examinations. NCSBNs membership is comprised of the nursing regulatory bodies (NRBs) in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories. There are nine exam user members and 21 associate members that are either NRBs or empowered regulatory authorities from other countries or territories. The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not individual members. PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Investor protection law firm Kaskela Law LLC announces that it is investigating MediaAlpha, Inc. (NYSE: MAX) on behalf of the companys long-term investors. Click here for additional information: https://kaskelalaw.com/case/mediaalpha-max/ Since February 2024, shares of MediaAlphas stock have declined in value from a trading price of over $21.00 per share to a current trading price of less than $12.00 per share, a cumulative decline of over $9.00 per share, or over 42% in value. The investigation seeks to determine whether MediaAlpha and/or the companys officers and directors violated the securities laws or breached their fiduciary duties to the companys investors in connection with recent corporate actions. MediaAlpha shareholders are encouraged to contact Kaskela Law LLC (D. Seamus Kaskela, Esq. or Adrienne Bell, Esq.) to receive additional information about this investigation and their legal rights and options at (484) 229 0750, or by clicking on the following link (or by copying and pasting the link into your browser): https://kaskelalaw.com/case/mediaalpha-max/ Kaskela Law LLC exclusively represents investors in securities fraud, corporate governance, and merger & acquisition litigation on a contingent basis. For additional information about Kaskela Law LLC please visit www.kaskelalaw.com. CONTACT: Kaskela Law LLC D. Seamus Kaskela, Esq. (skaskela@kaskelalaw.com) Adrienne Bell, Esq. (abell@kaskelalaw.com) 18 Campus Blvd., Suite 100 Newtown Square, PA 19073 (888) 715 1740 (484) 229 0750 www.kaskelalaw.com This notice may constitute attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. Litigation Partner Brandon Walker Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In Freeport (FCX) To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options If you purchased or acquired stock in Freeport and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Bragar Eagel & Squire partner Brandon Walker or Marion Passmore directly at (212) 355-4648. Click here to participate in the action. NEW YORK, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Whats Happening: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized stockholder rights law firm, is investigating potential claims against Freeport-McMoran Inc. (Freeport or the Company) (NYSE:FCX) on behalf of Freeport stockholders. Our investigation concerns whether Freeport has violated the federal securities laws and/or engaged in other unlawful business practices. Investigation Details: On September 9, 2025, Freeport issued a press release announcing the suspension of mining activities at its Grasberg Block Cave operation in Indonesia, after "a large flow of wet material from a production drawpoint . . . blocked access to certain areas within the mine," trapping seven workers. On this news, Freeport's stock price fell $2.80 per share, or 5.99%, to close at $43.87 per share on September 9, 2025. Next Steps: If you purchased or otherwise acquired Freeport shares and suffered a loss, are a long-term stockholder, have information, would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Brandon Walker or Marion Passmore by email at investigations@bespc.com, by telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out this contact form. There is no cost or obligation to you. About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York, South Carolina, and California. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in commercial, securities, derivative, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country. For more information about the firm, please visit www.bespc.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook, and keep up with other news by following Brandon Walker, Esq. on LinkedIn and X. Contact Information: LOS ANGELES, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Quanex Building Products Corporation, (Quanex or the "Company") (NYSE: NX) investors of a class action on behalf of investors that bought securities between December 12, 2024 and September 5, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period). Quanex investors have until November 18, 2025 to file a lead plaintiff motion. Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 844-767-8529 or email: lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or join the case via https://portnoylaw.com/quanex-building-products-corporation. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses. On September 4, 2025, Quanex issued a press release announcing the Companys financial results for the third quarter of 2025. Among other items, Quanex issued non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.69, missing consensus estimates by $0.15. The press release quoted Quanexs Chief Executive Officer as stating that [a] significant amount of work had to be done to re-segment the business, as well as describing macroeconomic uncertainty and low consumer confidence, as well as operational issues related to the legacy Tyman window and door hardware business in Mexico as challenges for us in our third quarter[.] On this news, Quanexs stock price fell $2.73 per share, or 13.06%, to close at $18.18 per share on September 5, 2025. The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq. Admitted CA, NY and TX Bar lesley@portnoylaw.com 310-692-8883 www.portnoylaw.com Attorney Advertising LOS ANGELES, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc., (Spirit or the "Company") (OTCMKTS: FLYYQ) investors off a class action on behalf of investors that bought securities between May 28, 2025 and August 29, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period). Spirit investors have until December 1, 2025 to file a lead plaintiff motion. Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 844-767-8529 or email: lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or join the case via https://portnoylaw.com/spirit-aviation-holdings-inc/ . The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses. On August 11, 2025, Spirit disclosed in a regulatory filing that there is substantial doubt as to the Companys ability to continue as a going concern within 12 months[.] The Company cited, among other things, adverse market conditions and minimum liquidity covenants in the Companys debt obligations and credit card processing agreement [that] require financial results to improve at a rate faster than what the Company is currently anticipating. On this news, Spirits stock price fell $1.44 per share, or 40.68%, to close at $2.10 per share on August 12, 2025. The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq. Admitted CA, NY and TX Bar lesley@portnoylaw.com 310-692-8883 www.portnoylaw.com Attorney Advertising MONROE, N.J., Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC), the leading peer-reviewed journal dedicated to issues in managed care, is pleased to recognize Jane M. Zhu, M.D., MPP, MSHP, as the recipient of the 2025 AJMC Seema S. Sonnad Emerging Leader in Managed Care Research Award. The award, established in memory of Seema S. Sonnad, Ph.D., former associate editor of AJMC who passed away in 2015, honors emerging leaders whose innovative work mirrors Dr. Sonnads passion for transformative research and her dedication to reshaping the future of health care. On Sept. 25, during AJMCs 14th Annual Patient-Centered Oncology Care conference, Dr. Zhu, associate professor of medicine and primary care physician at Oregon Health & Science University, was honored with the award. I'm humbled to receive this recognition honoring Dr. Sonnad, who left such a profound impact on the field, and on her colleagues and those she mentored, said Dr. Zhu. I am grateful to my own mentors for their support, including Dr. John McConnell, who nominated me. This award deepens my commitment to advancing health services research and to preparing the next generation of investigators to take on the challenge of shaping a better health system for all." Dr. Zhus research focuses on improving mental and behavioral health care access and quality, as well as examining how incentives and organizational structure affect care delivery. Her work has been published in prestigious medical journals such as JAMA, the New England Journal of Medicine, and Health Affairs, and has been featured in top media outlets including The New York Times, Reuters, The Washington Post, and CBS News. In addition to her academic contributions, Dr. Zhu is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and serves on regional and national committees for the Society of General Internal Medicine, the American College of Physicians, and the National Academy of Medicine. In managed care research, Dr. Zhus groundbreaking work makes her truly deserving of this recognition, said Mike Hennessy Jr., president and CEO of MJH Life Sciences, the parent company of AJMC. Her dedication to transforming patient-centered care, coupled with her ability to drive impactful change, perfectly embodies the spirit of the Seema S. Sonnad Emerging Leader in Managed Care Research Award. AJMC and the award committee praised Dr. Zhu for her significant contributions to health policy, her skill in translating research into practice, and her unwavering commitment to advancing patient-centered care. About The American Journal of Managed Care The American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC) is a multimedia, peer-reviewed, MEDLINE-indexed journal that keeps industry leaders on the forefront of health policy by sharing digital research relevant to decision-makers. Other brands in the AJMC family include The American Journal of Accountable Care and Evidence-Based Oncology. These comprehensive multimedia brands bring together views from payers, providers, policymakers and other industry leaders in managed care. AJMC is a brand of MJH Life Sciences, the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels. Media Contact: Becca Fishman MJH Life Sciences rfishman@mjhlifesciences.com NEWTON, Kan., Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Park Aerospace Corp. (NYSE-PKE) reported results for the 2026 fiscal year second quarter ended August 31, 2025. The Company will conduct a conference call to discuss its financial results and other matters at 5:00 p.m. EDT today. A live audio webcast of the event, along with presentation materials, will be available at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/qarc64p9 at 5:00 p.m. EDT today. The presentation materials will also be available at approximately 4:15 p.m. EDT today at https://parkaerospace.com/shareholders/investor-conference-calls/ and on the Companys website at www.parkaerospace.com under Investor Conference Calls on the Shareholders page. Park reported net sales of $16,381,000 for the 2026 fiscal year second quarter ended August 31, 2025 compared to $16,709,000 for the 2025 fiscal year second quarter ended September 1, 2024 and $15,400,000 for the 2026 fiscal year first quarter ended June 1, 2025. Parks net sales for the six months ended August 31, 2025 were $31,781,000 compared to $30,679,000 for the six months ended September 1, 2024. Net earnings for the 2026 fiscal year second quarter were $2,404,000 compared to $2,066,000 for the 2025 fiscal year second quarter and $2,080,000 for the 2026 fiscal year first quarter. Net earnings were $4,484,000 for the current years first six months compared to $3,059,000 for last years first six months. Net earnings before special items for the 2026 fiscal year second quarter were $2,404,000 compared to $2,092,000 for the 2025 fiscal year second quarter and $2,080,000 for the 2026 fiscal year first quarter. Net earnings before special items for the six months ended August 31, 2025 were $4,484,000 compared to $3,873,000 for last fiscal years first six months. Adjusted EBITDA for the 2026 fiscal year second quarter was $3,401,000 compared to $3,206,000 for the 2025 fiscal year second quarter and $2,963,000 for the 2026 fiscal year first quarter. Adjusted EBITDA for the current fiscal years first six months was $6,364,000 compared to $5,816,000 for last fiscal years first six months. During the 2026 fiscal year second quarter and first six months, the Company did not report any special items. During the 2025 fiscal year second quarter and first six months, respectively, the Company recorded $46,000 and $1,098,000 of pre-tax charges related to storm damage to the Companys facilities in Newton, Kansas. Park reported basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.12 for the 2026 fiscal year second quarter compared to $0.10 for the 2025 fiscal year second quarter and $0.10 for the 2026 fiscal year first quarter. Basic and diluted earnings per share before special items were $0.12 for the 2026 fiscal year second quarter compared to $0.10 for the 2025 fiscal year second quarter and $0.10 for the 2026 fiscal year first quarter. Park reported basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.23 and $0.22, respectively, for the 2026 fiscal years first six months compared to $0.15 and $0.15, respectively, for the 2025 fiscal years first six months. Basic and diluted earnings per share before special items were $0.23 and $0.22, respectively, for the 2026 fiscal years first six months compared to $0.19 and $0.19, respectively, for the 2025 fiscal years first six months. The Company will conduct a conference call to discuss its financial results at 5:00 p.m. EDT today. Forward-looking and other material information may be discussed in this conference call. The conference call dial-in number is (877) 407-3982 in the United States and Canada, and (201) 493-6780 in other countries. The required passcode for attendance by phone is 13756197. For those unable to listen to the call live, a conference call replay will be available from approximately 8:00 p.m. EDT today through 11:59 p.m. EDT on Thursday, October 16, 2025. The conference call replay will be available at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/qarc64p9 and on the Companys website at www.parkaerospace.com under Investor Conference Calls on the Shareholders page. It can also be accessed by dialing (844) 512-2921 in the United States and Canada, and (412) 317-6671 in other countries. The required passcode for accessing the replay by phone is 13756197. Any additional material financial or statistical data disclosed in the conference call, including the investor presentation, will also be available at the time of the conference call on the Company's website at https://parkaerospace.com/shareholders/investor-conference-calls/. Park believes that an evaluation of its ongoing operations would be difficult if the disclosure of its operating results were limited to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) financial measures, which include a special item, a charge related to storm damage. Accordingly, in addition to disclosing its operating results determined in accordance with GAAP, Park discloses non-GAAP measures, including Adjusted EBITDA, and operating results that exclude special items in order to assist its shareholders and other readers in assessing the Companys operating performance, since the Companys on-going, normal business operations do not include such special items. The detailed operating information presented below includes a reconciliation of the non-GAAP operating results before special items to earnings determined in accordance with GAAP and a reconciliation of GAAP pre-tax earnings to Adjusted EBITDA. Such non-GAAP financial measures are provided to supplement the results provided in accordance with GAAP. Park Aerospace Corp. develops and manufactures solution and hot-melt advanced composite materials used to produce composite structures for the global aerospace markets. Parks advanced composite materials include film adhesives (Aeroadhere) and lightning strike protection materials (Electroglide). Park offers an array of composite materials specifically designed for hand lay-up or automated fiber placement (AFP) manufacturing applications. Parks advanced composite materials are used to produce primary and secondary structures for jet engines, large and regional transport aircraft, military aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs commonly referred to as drones), business jets, general aviation aircraft and rotary wing aircraft. Park also offers specialty ablative materials for rocket motors and nozzles and specially designed materials for radome applications. As a complement to Parks advanced composite materials offering, Park designs and fabricates composite parts, structures and assemblies and low volume tooling for the aerospace industry. Target markets for Parks composite parts and structures (which include Parks proprietary composite SigmaStrut and AlphaStrut product lines) are, among others, prototype and development aircraft, special mission aircraft, spares for legacy military and civilian aircraft and exotic spacecraft. Parks objective is to do what others are either unwilling or unable to do. When nobody else wants to do it because it is too difficult, too small or too annoying, sign us up. Additional corporate information is available on the Companys website at www.parkaerospace.com Performance table, including non-GAAP information (in thousands, except per share amounts unaudited): 13 Weeks Ended 13 Weeks Ended 13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended August 31, 2025 September 1, 2024 June 1, 2025 August 31, 2025 September 1, 2024 Sales $ 16,381 $ 16,709 $ 15,400 $ 31,781 $ 30,679 Net Earnings before Special Items1 $ 2,404 $ 2,092 $ 2,080 $ 4,484 $ 3,873 Special Item, Net of Tax: Storm Damage Charge - (46 ) - - (1,098 ) Income Tax Effect on Pretax Special Items - 20 - - 284 Net Earnings $ 2,404 $ 2,066 $ 2,080 $ 4,484 $ 3,059 Basic Earnings per Share: Basic Earnings before Special Items1 $ 0.12 $ 0.10 $ 0.10 $ 0.23 $ 0.19 Special Item: Storm Damage Charge - - - - (0.05 ) Income Tax Effect on Pretax Special Items - - - - 0.01 Basic Earnings per Share $ 0.12 $ 0.10 $ 0.10 $ 0.23 $ 0.15 Diluted Earnings before Special Items1 $ 0.12 $ 0.10 $ 0.10 $ 0.22 $ 0.19 Special Item: Storm Damage Charge - - - - (0.05 ) Income Tax Effect on Pretax Special Items - - - - 0.01 Diluted Earnings per Share $ 0.12 $ 0.10 $ 0.10 $ 0.22 $ 0.15 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: Basic 19,875 20,216 19,919 19,897 20,234 Diluted 19,986 20,291 19,968 19,977 20,331 1 Refer to "Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" below for information regarding Special Items. Condensed comparative balance sheets (in thousands): August 31, 2025 March 2, 2025 Assets (unaudited) Current Assets Cash and Marketable Securities $ 61,553 $ 68,834 Accounts Receivable, Net 12,640 12,903 Inventories 8,101 7,213 Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets 1,012 1,344 Total Current Assets 83,306 90,294 Fixed Assets, Net 21,403 21,650 Operating Right-of-use Assets 282 308 Other Assets 11,457 9,856 Total Assets $ 116,448 $ 122,108 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current Liabilities Accounts Payable $ 3,324 $ 2,513 Accrued Liabilities 1,250 1,318 Operating Lease Liability 42 40 Income Taxes Payable 125 5,390 Total Current Liabilities 4,741 9,261 Long-term Operating Lease Liability 296 318 Deferred Income Taxes 5,541 5,304 Other Liabilities 75 71 Total Liabilities 10,653 14,954 Shareholders Equity 105,795 107,154 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 116,448 $ 122,108 Additional information Equity per Share $ 5.31 $ 5.36 Condensed comparative statements of operations (in thousands unaudited): 13 Weeks Ended 13 Weeks Ended 13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended August 31, 2025 September 1, 2024 June 1, 2025 August 31, 2025 September 1, 2024 Net Sales $ 16,381 $ 16,709 $ 15,400 $ 31,781 $ 30,679 Cost of Sales 11,265 11,952 10,682 21,947 21,823 Gross Profit 5,116 4,757 4,718 9,834 8,856 % of net sales 31.2 % 28.5 % 30.6 % 30.9 % 28.9 % Selling, General & Administrative Expenses 2,271 2,140 2,299 4,570 4,157 % of net sales 13.9 % 12.8 % 14.9 % 14.4 % 13.5 % Earnings from Operations 2,845 2,617 2,419 5,264 4,699 Storm Damage Charge - (46 ) - - (1,098 ) Interest and Other Income: 390 245 355 745 584 Earnings from Operations before Income Taxes 3,235 2,816 2,774 6,009 4,185 Income Tax Provision 831 750 694 1,525 1,126 Net Earnings $ 2,404 $ 2,066 $ 2,080 $ 4,484 $ 3,059 % of net sales 14.7 % 12.4 % 13.5 % 14.1 % 10.0 % Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures (in thousands unaudited): Reconciliation of GAAP Net Earnings to Adjusted EBITDA 13 Weeks Ended 13 Weeks Ended 13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended August 31, 2025 September 1, 2024 June 1, 2025 August 31, 2025 September 1, 2024 GAAP Net Earnings $ 2,404 $ 2,066 $ 2,080 $ 4,484 $ 3,059 Adjustments: Income Tax Provision 831 750 694 1,525 1,126 Interest and Other Income (390 ) (245 ) (355 ) (745 ) (584 ) Depreciation 455 488 456 911 927 Stock Option Expense 101 101 88 189 190 Special Item: Storm Damage Charge - 46 - - 1,098 Adjusted EBITDA $ 3,401 $ 3,206 $ 2,963 $ 6,364 $ 5,816 Contact: Donna DAmico-Annitto 486 North Oliver Road, Bldg. Z Newton, Kansas 67114 (316) 283-6500 Levin Papantonio attorney Sara Papantonio speaks to an audience of mass torts attorneys at the MTMP Spring 2025 conference. She will be updating attorneys on the NEC Preterm Infant Formula MDL at MTMP Fall 2025 at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, October 21-23. LAS VEGAS, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- From October 21-23, 2025, plaintiff attorneys from across the country will gather in Las Vegas for the Fall Mass Torts Made Perfect (MTMP) Seminar, hosted by Levin Papantonio (LP). The live event will bring together more than 2,000 attendees at the Bellagio Resort & Casino to explore litigation strategies, strengthen professional networks, and develop referral partnerships in some of the most impactful cases currently shaping todays legal landscape. A Hub for Referral-Ready Litigations Levin Papantonio will spotlight several active, high-stakes projects at the conference, each of which presents substantial opportunities for referral and co-counseling partnerships. Most of these cases are already advancing in multidistrict litigation (MDL) and state court venues, with Levin Papantonio attorneys in leadership roles shaping strategy and outcomes. Depo-Provera/Meningioma Litigation Depo-Provera, a widely used injectable contraceptive, has been linked to an increased risk of meningioma brain tumors. More than 1,200 cases are pending in MDL 3140 IN RE: Depo-Provera (Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) Products Liability Litigation in the Northern District of Florida. Issues range from preemption challenges to expert causation testimony. Levin Papantonio attorney Virginia Buchanan was appointed Co-Chair of the Plaintiffs Executive Committee and serves on the Trial Subcommittee, and LP attorney Chris Paulos was appointed Plaintiffs Liaison Counsel. Their engagement in the litigation ensures driven advocacy for plaintiffs nationwide. The most powerful results come when firms pool together experience, expertise, and resources. Mike Papantonio, senior partner, Levin Papantonio, and co-founder of MTMP Roblox Child Grooming Litigation In September, a petition was filed to centralize claims against Roblox Corporation in an MDL. To date, dozens of cases have been filed against Roblox, alleging that the platforms lax safety measures enable predators to groom, manipulate, and exploit children. Features like anonymous accounts, in-game friend systems, and virtual currency (Robux) have been linked to online predation and offline harm. Plaintiffs assert claims arising out of negligence, product liability, and the enabling predatory conduct. With mounting cases in both federal and state courts, this litigation calls for firms ready to tackle tech-driven discovery, digital forensics, and consumer protection claims. Levin Papantonio attorney Emmie Paulos will moderate the MTMP session on Roblox litigation. Talc/Ovarian Cancer Litigation Women nationwide allege that long-term use of talcum powder products in the genital area contributed to ovarian cancer and that manufacturers failed to warn consumers despite decades of evidence. Internal company documents, epidemiological studies, and meta-analyses back the plaintiffs claims. Currently, more than 67,000 actions are pending in IN RE: Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation (MDL -2738). Prior jury verdicts and settlement momentum underscore the viability of these cases. Levin Papantonio attorney Chris Tisi was appointed to the Plaintiffs Steering Committee in the national talc MDL, giving the firm a central role in steering discovery, science, and trial strategy. Preterm Infant Formula Litigation Premature infants fed cows-milkbased formulas like Enfamil and Similac face a heightened risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating gastrointestinal disease. Plaintiffs allege that manufacturers failed to study or warn about this risk before promoting the products to NICUs and parents. As of October 1, 2025, the JPML reports 761 actions pending in MDL -3026 IN RE: Abbott Laboratories, et al., Preterm Infant Nutrition Products Liability Litigation. Key strategic questions involve causation science, census protocols, and state court coordination. Levin Papantonio attorney Sara Papantonio and Andy Childers, Of Counsel, Levin Papantonio, will present an important update on these issues at MTMP. Childers was appointed Co-Lead Counsel in the MDL and is helping guide it toward resolution while developing trial themes and strategy. Hernia Mesh Litigation Hernia mesh litigation previously has focused on manufacturers such as Bard/Davol, Covidien, Ethicon, and Atrium for defective mesh products that have caused chronic pain, infections, bowel obstruction, organ perforation, and multiple revision surgeries. Bard/Davol, Ethicon, and Atrium have settled, and so the firm now focuses on Covidien, which chiefly utilized the one mesh type thats more dangerous than polypropylene: polyester. The Covidien hernia mesh MDL (3029, IN RE: Covidien Hernia Mesh Products Liability Litigation (No. II)) has more than 2,100 actions pending, with the first bellwether trial slated for February 2026. This litigation is bolstered by expert biomechanical evidence and extensive product-specific data, creating fertile ground for firms ready to dig into science and trial prep. Levin Papantonio attorney Tim OBrien serves as Co-Lead Counsel in the Covidien Hernia Mesh MDL, positioning the firm at the forefront of this litigation. Featured MTMP Sessions Led by Levin Papantonio Attorneys Session Time & Location LP Speakers / Role Opening Session: Litigate Smarter: AI Tools & Tactics Every Lawyer Should Know Oct. 21 Mike Papantonio of Levin Papantonio will deliver practical strategies to enhance efficiency and strengthen outcomes with AI. Depo-Provera & UPF Case Update Oct. 21, 1:45 PM Grand Ballroom 1 Chris Paulos and Chelsie Green of Levin Papantonio will discuss litigation posture and scientific developments in Depo-Provera and ultra-processed food cases. Depo-Provera Litigation Update Oct. 22, 11:30 AM Virginia Buchanan, of Levin Papantonio, will address preemption, procedural posture, and compliance with MDL protocols. Holding Roblox Accountable for Enabling Child Sexual Predation Oct. 22, 2:20 PM Moderated by Emmie Paulos of Levin Papantonio, this session will feature attorneys litigating more than 25 cases nationwide against Roblox. Talc Litigation Update Oct. 22, 3:15 PM Chris Tisi and Cameron Stephenson of Levin Papantonio will review talc litigation status across MDL and state courts. NEC Infant Formula Case Update Oct. 22, 5:00 PM Sara Papantonio and Andy Childers of Levin Papantonio will explore a Diggs trial debrief, bellwether strategy, census protocol, and state court updates. Strength in Collaboration Without question, MTMP draws attorneys from across the country who want to learn what's happening in these important mass tort litigations," said attorney Mike Papantonio, a senior partner at Levin Papantonio who co-founded MTMP 25 years ago. But the conference is so much more than that. The real value in attending comes from building relationships across the plaintiff bar. Our firm believes the most powerful results come when firms pool together experience, expertise, and resources," Papantonio continued. "The litigations that will be discussed at MTMPwhether talc, NEC infant formula, Depo-Provera, Roblox, or any of a dozen other projectsare already moving. Now is the time for firms to partner, not sit on the sidelines. Papantonio will be opening the mass torts track at MTMP with a highly anticipated session on artificial intelligence (AI) strategies for firms that operate in the mass torts space. How and Where Firms Can Connect With Levin Papantonio at MTMP Levin Papantonio encourages law firms interested in referral or co-counsel opportunities in Depo-Provera, Roblox, NEC Infant Formula, Talc, Hernia Mesh, and other major litigations to: Attend LP-led sessions during MTMP Meet with LP attorneys at Booths 41 and 42 Contact Lizzy Mabry at lmabry@levinlaw.com to schedule a one-on-one meeting about partnering with Levin Papantonio during the conference For a complete agenda and details on the wide range of mass tort projects that will be discussed at MTMP, visit mtmp.com. Event & Registration Details Dates : Tuesday-Thursday, October 21-23, 2025 : Tuesday-Thursday, Location : Bellagio Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada : Bellagio Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada Participants : 2,000+ plaintiff attorneys, paralegals, and other legal industry professionals from all 50 states : 2,000+ plaintiff attorneys, paralegals, and other legal industry professionals from all 50 states Registration includes CLE credits, daily breakfast & lunch, cocktail receptions, Opening Night Gala dinner, and full conference materials About Levin Papantonio Levin Papantonio is one of the nations most recognized plaintiff law firms, with landmark verdicts and settlements in opioids, environmental contamination, defective medical devices, dangerous pharmaceuticals, and more. As the founder and host of MTMP, LP continues to expand opportunities for collaboration, empowering firms nationwide through education, networking, and referral partnerships. About MTMP Mass Torts Made Perfect (MTMP) is the leading event for plaintiff attorneys and legal professionals, offering a platform to connect, network, and learn about the most impactful mass tort and class action lawsuits. Held bi-annually in Las Vegas, MTMP attracts over 2,100 participants from more than 700 law firms, making it the largest gathering of plaintiff attorneys in the world. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1ad44dcf-1c20-4eb9-b198-5a908b9cb58d Affirms the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) for StarStone Specialty Insurance Company, StarStone National Insurance Company, Lancer Insurance Company, Lancer Insurance Company of New Jersey and American Surety Company Affirms A- (Excellent) Rating for Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company CINCINNATI, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Core Specialty Insurance Holdings, Inc. (Core Specialty or the Company) announced today that AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Ratings of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of a (Excellent) of StarStone Specialty Insurance Company, StarStone National Insurance Company, Lancer Insurance Company, Lancer Insurance Company of New Jersey, and American Surety Company. Core Specialty has also announced that AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Ratings of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of a- (Excellent) of Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company. Additionally, AM Best affirmed its outlook on the credit ratings for all of Core Specialtys subsidiaries as Stable. Jeff Consolino, President and Chief Executive Officer of Core Specialty commented, Core Specialty is proud of the progress that has been made over the past year since AM Best designated upgraded ratings of our insurance operating subsidiaries. AM Bests affirmation of a Stable outlook, continued A (Excellent) rating, and commentary on our balance sheet strength, operating performance, and enterprise risk management is proof that we are building a best-in-class specialty insurance company. At Core Specialty, and in each of our specialist niche business units, we operate with strong entrepreneurial spirit and drive, speed, agility, and empowered decision-making. The full text of the AM Best release appears below. AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Core Specialty Insurance Holdings, Inc.s Members OLDWICK, N.J., October 9, 2025 AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of a (Excellent) of the members of Core Specialty Insurance Holdings, Inc. (Core Specialty). In addition, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of a- (Excellent) of Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company (SLAICO) (League City, TX), an affiliate of Core Specialty. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. (See below for a detailed listing of the companies and ratings.) The ratings of Core Specialty reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). The rating affirmations reflect Core Specialtys stable operating performance trends in recent years, driven by the groups improved diversification and scale since its recapitalization. The group has demonstrated opportunistic flexibility and willingness to acquire various blocks of external business in recent years, which has resulted in further deployment of capital. While balance sheet strength metrics remain supportive of the current assessment, AM Best will continue to monitor the groups capitalization relative to growth and profitability trends. The ratings of SLAICO reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate ERM. SLAICO is anticipated to maintain very low levels of total risk overall. This will support Core Specialtys medical stop loss division although most of the business will be heavily reinsured. AM Best will continue to monitor SLAICO going forward, as it supports the greater Core Specialty strategy. The FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICRs of a (Excellent) have been affirmed with stable outlooks for the members of Core Specialty Insurance Holdings, Inc.: American Surety Company Lancer Insurance Company Lancer Insurance Company of New Jersey StarStone National Insurance Company StarStone Specialty Insurance Company This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings (BCR), Bests Performance Assessments (PA), Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments (PCA) and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. About Core Specialty VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. (CSE: RFLX) (OTCGB: RFLXF) (FRANKFURT: HF2) (the "Company" or "Reflex") is pleased to announce, further to its October 1, 2025 news release, that the effective date for the Companys consolidation of its common shares ("Common Shares") on the basis of one (1) post-consolidation Common Share for every ten (10) pre-consolidation Common Shares (the "Consolidation") is anticipated to be made effective for trading purposes on October 15, 2025. The Company also announces the resignation of Mr. Alex Pleson as a director of the Company and the appointment of Mr. Eli Dusenbury as a director of the Company. 10:1 Consolidation The Common Shares will continue trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange on a post-Consolidation basis under the name "Reflex Advanced Materials Corp." and the trading symbol "RFLX", the OTCQB under the symbol " RFLXF" and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "HF2". The new CUSIP and ISIN of the Common Shares will be 75865D206 and CA75865D2068, respectively. No fractional Common Shares will be issued as a result of the Consolidation. Any fractional Common Shares equal to or more than one-half resulting from the Consolidation will be rounded up to the nearest whole Common Share, and any fractional shares less than one-half resulting from the Consolidation will be rounded down to the nearest whole Common Share. Proportionate adjustments will be made to the Company's outstanding stock options and share purchase warrants. Shareholder approval of the Consolidation is not required under the policies of the CSE nor under the articles of the Company. Resignation and Appointment of Directors Mr. Alex Pleson has resigned as a director of the Company. The Company thanks Mr. Pleson for his contributions and wishes him well in his future endeavours. The board of directors of the Company has appointed Mr. Eli Dusenbury as a director of the Company to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Plesons resignation. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DJ Bowen Interim CEO & Director Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. Suite 915 - 700 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC V6C 1G8 Canada Tel: (778) 837-7191 Email: info@reflexmaterials.com About Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. is a mineral exploration company based in British Columbia. Its objective is to locate and, if warranted, develop economic mineral properties in the strategic metals and advanced materials space. It is focused on improving domestic specialty mineral infrastructure efficiencies to meet surging national demand by North American manufacturers. For more information, please review the Company's filings available at www.sedarplus.ca and visit the Company's website at www.reflexmaterials.com. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "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, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. All statements that address activities, events, or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will, or may, occur in the future, are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding: the Consolidation, including the anticipated timing of the Consolidation and the expected effect of the Consolidation on the outstanding share capital of the Company; and the Company's business prospects, future trends, plans and strategies. In some cases, forward looking statements are preceded by, followed by, or include words such as "may", "will," "would", "could", "should", "believes", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "continues", or the negative of those words or other similar or comparable words. In preparing the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, availability of capital, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions, and timely receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals. These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as 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 materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors. Vancouver, October 8, 2025 - Magma Silver Corp. (TSXV: MGMA) (OTCQB: MAGMF) (FSE: BC21) (WKN: A411DV) (the "Company" or "Magma") is pleased to announce that, due to strong investor demand, it has upsized its previously announced non-brokered private placement from $4,000,000 to $5,000,000 in aggregate gross proceeds (the "Offering"). The Offering will consist of up to 33,333,334 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.15 per Unit (the "Offering Price"). Each Unit will be 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"). Each Warrant shall be exercisable to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.25 per Common Share for a period of 36 months following the closing of the Offering. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for exploration at the Ninobamba silver gold project in Peru, working capital and general corporate purposes. The Offering is anticipated to close on or about October 22, 2025 ("Closing"), or such later date as the Company may determine. The Closing is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). In connection with the Offering, the Company has appointed Research Capital Corporation ("RCC") as the exclusive finder and the Company will pay RCC a finder's fee in cash and issue RCC finder's warrants on any funds raised by investors introduced to the Company by RCC. This press release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to qualification or registration under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements and applicable U.S. state securities laws. About Magma Silver Corp. Magma Silver Corp. is a natural resources exploration company with a focus on acquiring, exploring, developing, and operating precious metal mining projects. Listed on the TSX Venture Exchange ("MGMA"), OTCQB ("MAGMF"), and Frankfurt Exchange ("BC21"), the Company's primary focus is on exploring and developing the advanced Ninobamba silver-gold project in the mining-friendly country of Peru. Ninobamba spans an 8 km mineralized corridor in a prolific geological belt of a high-sulphidation epithermal system. Extensive exploration by Newmont Corporation, AngloGold Ashanti Limited, Bear Creek Mining Corp. and others, has demonstrated significant resource potential with over C$14.5 million invested to date. Magma Silver is advancing its Ninobamba project using modern geological modelling and a strategic development plan. The property has excellent infrastructure, strong relationships with local communities and a regional technical team with over 50 years of mining experience in Peru. For more information, please visit our website at www.magmasilver.com. Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information under applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements relating to the expected size of the Offering, the anticipated timing of closing the Offering, the ability of Magma to satisfy all conditions to closing the Offering, and the expected use of proceeds from the Offering. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Magma's control, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include general economic and capital markets conditions, stock market volatility, the ability of Magma to obtain necessary consents for the Offering, including the approval of the Exchange, and the ability of Magma to complete the Offering on the terms expected or at all. Although Magma believes that the forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions, based on currently available information, concerning future events, which may prove to be inaccurate. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as no assurance can be provided as to future plans, operations, results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable law, Magma does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269744 October 8 - Cameo Resources Inc. (CSE: MEO, FSE: Z88) ("Cameo" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has engaged HETAMIS Mineral Services Limited ("HETAMIS") to conduct an initial Induced Polarization("IP") geophysical survey over its 100% owned, 19.58 square kilometer, Katoro Gold Property ("Katoro" or the "Property"), located in the Geita region of the Lake Victoria Goldfields of Tanzania. Highlights of the Katoro Property: Recent magnetic survey demonstrates over 65% of the Katoro property has potential to discover mineralized zones throughout possible gold-trappingstructures (Figure 1). The most prominent NE-SW trending magnetic lineament in the southern part of the project area has been interpreted as the same mineralized shear zone, consistent with the Buckreef main shear zone,which hosts high-grade gold mineralization. The E-W trending magnetic lineaments in the northern part of the project area are highly prospective for gold mineralization, typical of gold mineralization at the Tembo gold deposit of the Buckreef Gold Mine and theNyamalimbe gold deposit. Several mining and milling operations exist less than 1 kilometer from the Property boundary to the north, south, and west. 19.58 km roadaccessible Property, approximately 170 km southwest of Mwanza city, 63 km southwest of Geita Region. HETAMIS has been engaged to collaborate with Dr. Didas M. Mabula and complete an initial dipole-dipole IP survey on the Property consisting of 58 line-kilometers in 5 grids covering a total area of 3.1855 km2 (Figure 2). The work is anticipated to commence immediately with the goal of fast-tracking the targeting of proposed drill locations. The Company has reviewed the previously announced magnetic survey data collected by HETAMIS in collaboration with SKYPM Solutions Limited and geophysical expert Dr. Mabula and has determined that the Katoro property warrants continued exploration work to delineate drill targets. In collaboration with Dr. Mabula, the Company has determined that approximately 65% of the Katoro property shows structural features that indicate the prospectivity to host gold mineralization. It was determined that with such a large prospective area, that the Company proceed by targeting mainly the northern and central portions of the Property. Brian Thurston, PGeo, states: "The findings from the magnetic geophysical work of HETAMIS and Dr. Mabula demonstrate the high prospectivity for gold mineralization to be discovered on the Katoro property. We now have geophysical confirmation that we are on the Buckreef shear trend which supports our own interpretation. We see the entire property has high-priority zones for follow up with Zone 1 only 550 meters from a known small-scale gold operation involving several mills, and Zone 4 only 600 meters away form a medium-scale gold operation involving both milling and leaching operations." Click Image To View Full Size Figure 1: Prospective mineralized zones of the Katoro Gold Property generated from the integrated interpretation of the results from the magnetic dataset and known mineralized shear zones in adjacent areas at Buckreef Gold Mine, Nyamalimbe and Iparamasa small-scale deposits. Click Image To View Full Size Figure 2: Dipole-Dipole Induced Polarization Grids Simultaneous with the IP program, Cameo intends to continue its aggressive exploration of the identified magnetic structures with further investigations of targeted geochemical sampling, pitting, trenching, and geological mapping. Upon completion of this second phase of exploration Cameo is planning a fast-tracked drill program to evaluate the mineralization potential of the property. Qualified Person Brian Thurston, P.Geo., the Company's technical advisor and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. Director Change The Company has made updates to its board of directors. Casey Lewis has stepped down from the board. The Company wishes to thank Mr. Lewis for his contributions for the past 2 years. About Cameo Resources Inc. Cameo Resources Inc. is a dynamic mineral exploration company dedicated to discovering and developing valuable mineral deposits. Cameo's Katoro property covers 19.58 Km2 situated within the prospective Sukumaland greenstone belt within the Lake Victoria goldfield (LVGF). One of the most important mining sites in Africa, Tanzania's LVGF holds several multimillion-ounce gold deposits and has continuing operations by some of the largest gold companies in the world. The concessions have not been explored by modern methods until now. For more information on Cameo Resources, please visit the website at www.cameoresourcesinc.com. On behalf of the Board of Cameo Resources Inc. Souhail Abi-Farrage Chief Executive Officer and Director Phone Number: 1-800-325-1308 For further information contact: Investor Relations; Email: IR@cameoresourcesInc.com Phone Number: 1-800-325-1308 Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. 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. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, are forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those 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 Cameo, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, risks that lease holder will not approve the sale of the Property, risks associated with possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, risks associated with the interpretation of exploration results, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Cameo 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 Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Capella Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: CMIL) (OTCQB: CMILF) (FRA: N7D2) ("Capella" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, subject to TSX Venture Exchange ("Exchange") approval, the Company's previously announced (October 8, 2025) financing of 24,000,000 units at a price of $0.05 per "Unit" (for CAD 1,200,000 gross) has been increased to CAD 1,500,000 (30,000,000 Units) due to heightened interest. Each "Unit" consists of one common share and one share purchase warrant exercisable for a period of 3 years allowing the holder to acquire an additional common share at a price of $0.075. The Company may pay a finders fee to eligible finders and all shares issued pursuant to the placement will be subject to statutory hold period trade restriction of 4 months and a day. On Behalf of the Board of Capella Minerals Ltd. "Eric Roth" ___________________________ Eric Roth, Ph.D., FAusIMM President & CEO About Capella Minerals Ltd Capella is a Canadian exploration and development company with a focus on generating gold-copper projects globally. Capella announced on September 2, 2025, the signing of a Definitive Agreement with Turkish mining company, Tumad Madencilik Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S. ("Tumad"), for a staged earn-in on the Company's portfolio of precious and base metal projects in Scandinavia. Capella also retains a carried 10% interest through to production on the Lkken copper-cobalt-zinc VMS project of central Norway through a partnership with Teako Minerals Corp. ("Teako") Capella also holds equity positions in Teako and Grit Metals Corp. ("Grit"; formerly European Energy Metals Corp.), together with Net Smelter Royalties on the Savant Gold Project in Ontario, Canada (BeMetals Corp.) and the Central Finland Lithium Projects (Grit), as a result of the recent divestiture of non-core assets. For additional information you are cordially invited to visit the Capella Minerals Ltd website at www.capellaminerals.com, or to contact Karen Davies, VP Shareholder Relations and Corporate Development, at Tel: +1.604.314.2662 Cautionary Notes and Forward-looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future results of operations, performance and achievements of Capella, including the timing, completion of and results from the exploration and drill programs described in this release. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct. All such forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Capella in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. This information, however, is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from this forward-looking information include those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in Capella's most recently filed MD&A. Capella does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/ SOURCE Capella Minerals Limited Contact Capella Contacts: Eric Roth Email: info@capellaminerals.com Karen Davies +1.604.314.2662 Wisdom of ancient civilizations guides China-Italy cooperation, says Chinese FM Xinhua) 09:39, October 09, 2025 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani in Rome, Italy, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) ROME, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- China and Italy, drawing on the wisdom of their rich ancient civilizations, can both strengthen bilateral ties and offer practical pathways for the international community to respond to today's global challenges, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Wednesday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said this while meeting the press together with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani. Mutual respect, openness, cooperation, and mutual learning are the shared principles of China and Italy, embodying the wisdom of two ancient civilizations, said Wang. They not only provide a solid guarantee for the development of bilateral relations but also offer practical pathways for the international community to address the changes of our times. Wang noted that the 12th Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee was a complete success, with both sides reaching an important consensus on building a more stable and fruitful China-Italy relationship. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy. Over the past 55 years, the steady development of China-Italy relations has been based both on historical exchanges and on the need for mutually beneficial cooperation, Wang said. Wang emphasized that mutual respect is the right way for countries to get along with each other. Those who share similar ideals and values are friends, and those who seek common ground while reserving differences can also be friends. Cultural and institutional differences should not become obstacles to dialogue and cooperation. The key is to understand and support each other's core interests and legitimate concerns. China has always maintained that all countries, regardless of their size or strength, are equal members of the international community. Unilateral bullying should not be the dominant color of this era, and the international community can not repeat the mistakes of the law of the jungle. Treating each other as equals and engaging in dialogue and consultation are the only ways to resolve conflicts and differences, Wang said. Wang noted that open and mutually beneficial cooperation is the successful model of bilateral relations. Both China and Italy support free trade and an open world economy. Bilateral trade volume has exceeded 70 billion U.S. dollars for consecutive years. Italy is a "kingdom of small and medium-sized enterprises", while China provides the most suitable and broad platform for Italian enterprises to leverage their intelligence and talents. For 13 consecutive years, the two sides have jointly held the Science, Technology and Innovation Week, providing sustained momentum for strengthening trade, investment, and technological cooperation. China will soon hold the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, launching the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for National Economic and Social Development. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China will accelerate industrial transformation and upgrading toward high-end, intelligent and green development, and promote high-level opening-up of its super-large market, which is expected to provide new opportunities for cooperation with countries, including Italy, Wang said. Wang also stressed that exchanges and mutual learning are important bonds that bring peoples together. The cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and Italy are vibrant and fruitful, Wang said, citing that the two sides pioneered a friendship model between World Heritage sites, and Italy has twice returned Chinese lost cultural relics. The first China-Italy University Presidents' Forum will be held this year. The consecutive hosting of the Winter Olympic Games by Beijing and Milan has fostered closer cooperation between China and Italy in the ice and snow industry. Italy has now become one of the European countries with the largest number of direct flights to China. Since China implemented a visa-free policy for Italy, the number of Italian visitors to China has doubled last year. China will continue to extend the visa-free policy for Italy, enabling more Marco Polos in the new era to embark on a journey to China whenever they wish, Wang added. Wang noted that China and Italy, as representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, have made significant contributions to the development and progress of human society. The current international situation is complex, volatile, fraught with crises, but also opportunities. China and Italy should draw on and carry forward the successful experience of their exchanges to provide useful insights for the development of international relations. Chinese President Xi Jinping recently proposed the Global Governance Initiative and announced a new round of nationally determined contributions to addressing climate change, reflecting China's responsibility as a major country with a global perspective, its commitment to mutual benefits, and firm support for multilateralism and the United Nations, Wang said. Wang expressed China's willingness to work with Italy to continue to be a constructive force for maintaining peace, stability, development and prosperity, to promote international unity in addressing global challenges, build a more just and equitable global governance system, and jointly advance toward a community with a shared future for mankind. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani in Rome, Italy, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets the press together with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani in Rome, Italy, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Mercedes deny flexi wing advantage after Singapore Mercedes have dismissed suggestions that their surprise Singapore victory was aided by a flexing front wing design - despite renewed scrutiny this year over the legality of such systems. George Russell, Singapore GP 2025 Mercedes The FIA tightened front-wing flex tests earlier this year, but onboard footage from George Russell's pole and race-winning car caught the attention of observers, including Sky Italia analyst Matteo Bobbi. They've changed the point where the downforce is generated, and seeing how much it flexes shows the speed advantage and the migration of downforce, Bobbi said. Mercedes, however, insist there is nothing controversial about their setup. A team engineer told Auto Motor und Sport that the front-wing issue is overrated . The rules are clear, and the FIA hasn't raised any objections since. Russell, who dominated from pole, admitted even he hadn't expected such a strong result at Marina Bay. If I were to make a list of all the races I thought we could win this year, this would probably be right at the bottom, he said. Team boss Toto Wolff said the team's recent form may actually be linked to its decision to stop upgrading the 2025 car. It seems to be helping us somehow - not having to constantly change the car, he smiled. (GMM) Motorola officially reveals when the ultra-thin Edge 70 is getting unveiled just as its price leaks Motorola is ready to get into the ultra-thin smartphone game too, following the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, the Tecno Spark Slim and Pova Slim, and, of course, the Apple iPhone Air. Motorola's entrant into the category will be called X70 Air in China and Edge 70 internationally, and while we already know the former is launching this month, the latter's unveiling date (or even timeframe) has so far been a mystery. That changes today, as Motorola's website in Poland has started teasing the Edge 70 and promising it will reveal more and more details about it every Wednesday until the launch day, which is November 5. The first bit of information that was already confirmed is impressive. The Edge 70 will have a 4,800 mAh battery, which is smaller than what the Tecnos have on offer, but much bigger than what the S25 Edge and iPhone Air can provide. The Edge 70 will support 68W wired charging too. The phone has already been listed by a couple of retailers in Italy, with pricing varying rather wildly between 709 and 801.91 for the same version with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. All of the listings are for the same colorway which is Bronze Green but will most likely be officially called Pantone Bronze Green thanks to Motorola's collaboration with Pantone. According to recent leaks, the Edge 70 will be under 6mm thin, and will feature a 50 MP main camera with OIS, an ultrawide with 120-degree field of view, and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support. Thanks for the tip! Source 1 (in Polish) | Source 2 (in Italian) | Source 3 (in Italian) The Close-Up Foundation will be hosting the Guam Youth Summit from Oct. 14 to 17, providing high school students an opportunity to understand the role of the legislative branch in addressing community concerns and to inspire young citizens to engage in and shape public policy. This years summit, to be held at Hilton Guam Resort and Spa, is expected to bring together some 80 high school students from the Guam Department of Education. GDOE, in a release, said the summit seeks to make recommendations to the 38th Guam Legislature on current or future public policies. Senators and local area experts have been invited to participate in panel discussions during the four-day event. Off-island Close-Up education specialists will be facilitating the summit. The event is funded by the Close-Up Foundation under a grant from the U.S. Office of Insular Affairs. For more information, contact Joshua Blas at jcblas@gdoe.net. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Haiti - Cap-Haitien : Integration of women into professions traditionally reserved for men Minister for the Status of Women, Pedrica Saint Jean, visited the students benefiting from the project "Socio-economic Integration of Women and Single Mothers in Technical Professions, Traditionally Reserved for Men" at the SE POu Nou Ecole Professionnelle (SENOPEP) vocational school located in Vaudreuil, Cap-Haitien. During this visit, Minister Saint Jean offered words of encouragement to the students, outlining the program's objectives and the expected positive results. The graduating class also took the opportunity to appoint the Minister as their sponsor to ensure the successful completion of their professional careers. Through this project, which embodies the Government's strong commitment to supporting women and child mothers with dignity, the Ministry is now paving the way for women in technical professions traditionally reserved for men, such as tilers, plumbers, solar panel installers, window technicians, building electricians, and others. To this end, the Minister is continuing her commitment to the economic independence of women and child mothers and equal opportunities through this ambitious technical training program deployed in seven departments across the country. It should be noted that this project, aimed at equipping women and child mothers with professions that can help them provide for themselves and their families in a difficult context, is exclusively funded by the Haitian government. HL/ HaitiLibre The Schleswig-Holstein state administration has taken an important step towards digital sovereignty: After a six-month conversion process, the Ministry of Digital Affairs successfully completed the migration of the state administration's entire email system from Microsoft Exchange and Outlook to the open source solutions Open-Xchange and Thunderbird at the beginning of October. Continue after ad The digital department speaks of a milestone after a tour de force that involved the migration of over 40,000 mailboxes with a total of well over 100 million emails and calendar entries. From the State Chancellery and ministries to the judiciary and state police to other state authorities Around 30,000 employees have now arrived in the world of free software. Digitization Minister Dirk Schrodter (CDU) is relieved after he recently had to admit errors in the ongoing migration to open source software in a letter to all state employees. There had previously been complaints from the workforce about downtime and delays in email traffic. "We want to become independent of large tech companies," emphasizes Schrodter . Now, the public sector can also say: "Mission accomplished" when it comes to email communication. Windows to be replaced by Linux The changeover is a central component of the state's open source strategy, which has been prepared over several years. The northern federal state is therefore consistently working towards the goal of a digitally sovereign IT workplace. The introduction of LibreOffice as the standard office software began last year. Following the migration of the mail system, MS Office is to be gradually removed from all state computers. Schrodter acknowledges the challenge and achievement of the employees: "We are real pioneers. We can't fall back on the experience of others , there is hardly a comparable project of this magnitude anywhere in the world." The head of department emphasises the added value for other administrations: "In future, we will be able to use our experience from data analysis to monitoring in the data centre to help others and support them when they embark on the path that we are currently the first to take." In September, the Austrian Armed Forces announced the successful switch from Microsoft's Office programmes to the open-source LibreOffice package. The decision was made in 2021, although even then the army was not using Microsoft's email or collaboration solutions, but self-hosted Linux servers with Samba. Continue after ad The initiative in Schleswig-Holstein covers other central areas of the state's IT: the Nextcloud software is set to replace Microsoft SharePoint gradually as the central platform for inter-agency collaboration. The state is building on OpenTalk for video conferencing. The telephone systems are also to be converted to an open source solution. In the long term, the plan is also to replace the Windows operating system on all computers with open source alternatives such as Linux. (ds) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. President Alexander Stubb confirmed the signing during his visit to Washington , where he met President Donald Trump alongside Prime Minister Petteri Orpo . Both Finnish leaders shared the development on social media platform X , stating that the memorandum prepares the ground for direct commercial agreements between shipyards and the US administration. The United States and Finland have signed a memorandum of understanding to begin industrial cooperation on icebreaker production. The agreement sets the foundation for a $6.1 billion procurement by the US Coast Guard. Reuters first reported the deal, citing a senior White House official who stated that 11 icebreakers will be ordered. Four will be built at Finnish shipyards, with the remaining seven to be constructed in the United States. The deal follows years of talks between the two countries. Stubb stated the agreement would not have materialised without Trump, adding that direct negotiations between the US administration and shipbuilders had been underway for months. The total value of the order is estimated at $6.1 billion, or approximately 5.2 billion. The first vessel is expected to be delivered by 2028. Three of the US-built vessels will be constructed at Davies shipyard in Texas, with four built at Bollinger Shipyards in Louisiana. In Finland, construction capacity exists at two shipyards, Helsinki and Rauma. Both facilities have experience with Arctic-class vessels and are part of larger industrial networks involving hundreds of suppliers and subcontractors. Finlands newest icebreaker, Polaris, was completed in 2016 at a cost of about 130 million. The current order is significantly larger in both scale and value. The agreement is projected to generate thousands of jobs across Finland, according to Meriteollisuus, the maritime industry association. The order is Finlands largest shipbuilding export deal in years. It strengthens the reputation of Finnish icebreaker technology, already considered among the most advanced globally. The agreement also carries strategic weight. Trump has publicly backed a US Arctic fleet expansion, once mentioning a goal of 40 new icebreakers. At present, the United States operates only three. While Finlands government is not directly involved in the contracts, it has played a key role in facilitating the discussions. The deal also comes amid broader bilateral talks covering trade, security and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Stubb confirmed that the icebreaker collaboration was part of the wider agenda. He reiterated that US authorities have negotiated directly with shipbuilders and suppliers. The full details of the commercial agreements will be announced once private contracts are finalised. HT Posting on his social media platform Truth Social , Trump wrote: I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan. ALL of the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed upon line. US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have approved the first phase of his proposed Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange plan. The development marks the first formal agreement between the two sides since Israels war on Gaza began two years ago. The agreement, brokered by mediators from Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and the United States, will initiate an immediate ceasefire once approved by the Israeli cabinet. It also includes provisions for humanitarian aid and the release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Qatars Foreign Ministry confirmed the deal on Wednesday night. An agreement was reached on all provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war, said ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari. Details will be announced later. According to a senior Palestinian official quoted by the BBC, Israel will allow 400 aid trucks to enter Gaza daily in the initial five days of the ceasefire, with numbers increasing in later phases. The official said Israels forces would withdraw to a yellow line marking the new security boundary, adjusted after negotiations between the parties. The first phase includes the release of 48 Israeli captives held in Gaza, of whom about 20 are believed to be alive. In exchange, Israel will free an undisclosed number of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has already submitted a list of detainees to be released under the deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the agreement a great day for Israel. His office confirmed he will convene the government on Thursday to approve the deal. With Gods help, we will bring all our hostages home, he said, thanking Trump for his determined leadership. Hamas confirmed the agreement in a statement, describing it as an end to the war on Gaza that would ensure the complete withdrawal of the occupation forces, allow humanitarian aid, and implement a prisoner exchange. The group urged the United States and Arab mediators to compel the Israeli occupation government to fully implement the agreement. Trump, speaking later to Fox News host Sean Hannity, said the breakthrough represented more than a temporary ceasefire. This is peace in the Middle East, he said. So great for Israel, so great for Muslims and Arab countries. The world has come together around this deal. The US president credited his special envoy Steve Witkoff, son-in-law Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance for their roles in the negotiations. Trump also said he might travel to the region at the end of the week to help move things forward. The ceasefire agreement comes after days of intensive talks in Egypts Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where delegations from Israel, Hamas, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, and the United States met. According to participants, the discussions were at times tense, with disagreements over the extent and timing of Israels withdrawal and Gazas post-war governance. The Hamas delegation included senior officials Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin, both of whom survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Doha last month. Egypts intelligence chief, Turkeys foreign minister, and Qatars prime minister all took part in the latest round of mediation. Trumps son-in-law Kushner and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer represented the Israeli side in the US-led talks. Palestinian Islamic Jihad is also expected to join the ongoing indirect negotiations. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said a lot of headway had been made and that a ceasefire will be declared if we reach a positive outcome. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties to abide by the deal, saying, The suffering must end. This moment must lead to a credible path towards ending the occupation and achieving a two-state solution. Celebrations were reported in parts of Gaza after news of the agreement spread. Videos on social media showed residents dancing and chanting outside Al-Aqsa hospital in Deir al-Balah. The agreement comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic. The World Health Organization said only 14 of the territorys 36 hospitals are partially functioning, and food, water, and electricity shortages persist. Gazas health authorities report that more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, including over 20,000 children. Despite the ceasefire announcement, Israeli air strikes continued through Wednesday. The Palestinian Health Ministry said eight people were killed and 61 injured over the past 24 hours. Gazas Government Media Office reported 271 strikes in five days, killing 126 civilians. HT Trump says some furloughed workers might not get back pay Xinhua) 10:02, October 09, 2025 U.S. President Donald Trump waits to welcome Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Oct. 7, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that some furloughed federal employees may not receive back pay once the government reopens, following earlier threats to lay off federal workers during shutdown. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that some furloughed federal employees may not receive back pay once the government reopens, following earlier threats to lay off federal workers during shutdown. "I would say it depends on who we're talking about. 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 said at the White House Oval Office. "But 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 will take care of them in a different way," he said. The U.S. president did not provide further details on which furloughed federal employees might not receive back pay. Earlier in the day, Axios reported that furloughed federal workers are not guaranteed compensation for their forced time off during the government shutdown, citing a draft White House memo. As Trump continued to blame Democrats for the shutdown stalemate, Democratic leaders blamed Republicans. "The Republicans shut down the government instead of fixing health care for Americans across this country," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on X. After the previous government shutdown, which lasted 35 days and ended in January 2019, Trump signed a law guaranteeing back pay for federal employees affected by future shutdowns. Before the law was passed, the U.S. Congress routinely approved back pay for federal workers once a funding bill was approved to reopen the government. Roughly 750,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed during this shutdown, according to an analysis by the Congressional Budget Office last week. Federal workers deemed essential -- such as air traffic controllers and law enforcement officers -- will continue working without pay until the government reopens. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Monday that the government shutdown is adding pressure on already overworked air traffic controllers. U.S. President Donald Trump waits to welcome Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Oct. 7, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that some furloughed federal employees may not receive back pay once the government reopens, following earlier threats to lay off federal workers during shutdown. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) World's tallest bridge brings local tourism to new heights Xinhua) 10:10, October 09, 2025 This photo taken with a mobile phone on Sept. 28, 2025 shows tourists viewing the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) GUIYANG, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- As the sunset glow blankets a remote village in southwest China's Guizhou Province, over a dozen photographers gather on a rented rooftop. The sounds of their cameras and drones fill the air, all striving to capture the perfect shot of the world's tallest bridge against the painted sky. During China's eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday ending on Wednesday, the newly opened Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, soaring 625 meters above the Beipan River, has become a major attraction. As of Tuesday, estimates suggested the bridge and its surrounding area had welcomed over 100,000 visitors. "From my spot, every shot is a masterpiece," said Xie Chaoqing, a content creator who rented the rooftop for its unobstructed view at a nearby village -- Huajiang Village in Zhenfeng County. Spanning the Huajiang Grand Canyon, the 2,890-meter-long bridge opened to traffic on Sept. 28, slashing travel time across the canyon from two hours to just two minutes after three years of construction. Living just across the canyon, Xie has documented the bridge's progress, amassing 4.5 million likes and 276,000 followers online with his daily updates. "What moved me most was seeing the workers keep working high up there, whether under the scorching sun or in the biting cold," he recalled. Now, he is investing in a homestay to accommodate the influx of visitors and sustain the newfound interest. Tourism functionality was integrated into the bridge's design from the very beginning of its construction. An area of over 50 square kilometers around the bridge site has been incorporated into the plan for a tourism zone that combines the bridge with tourism, featuring extreme sports, science education, sightseeing and vacations. Beyond viewing platforms, thrilling experiences such as paragliding, bungee jumping, a high-altitude speed runway and a water-screen light show are also available. At a local homestay, owner Lin Guoquan was exceptionally busy during the holiday. He received thousands of online inquiries daily and had to turn down many bookings. Despite expanding his number of rooms, it was not enough. "I even set up six tents in my yard," Lin said. A former chef who returned home for the bridge, Lin plans to hire more staff and upgrade his facilities to enhance services. In his spare time, Lin enjoys flying drones with his eight-year-old daughter. "I want her to know this bridge is our generation's dream, and it is her starting point." Liang Shaoyu, a retired local official, said thanks to the bridge, not only are young people returning, but entrepreneurs from outside are coming to invest. "It's reuniting our community in a way we never thought possible for a place once defined by its isolation," he said. The 72-year-old recalled that in the past, only horse caravans passed through here. "I never dreamed the world's tallest bridge would be built right over us. If I were younger, I'd open a shop myself." The village offers more than just the bridge. It also boasts tourism resources such as the ancient Tea Horse Road, a historic chain bridge, rock carvings, and other rich cultural heritage. Guizhou, a mountainous province, has long relied on tunnels and bridges to overcome its jagged karst landscape. It now has over 32,000 bridges either already built or under construction, a tenfold increase compared to the 1980s. With a main span of 1,420 meters, the Huajiang project has become the world's longest-span steel truss girder suspension bridge located in mountainous terrain, according to Guizhou provincial authorities. For Han Hongju, the chief engineer of Guizhou Communications Investment Group Co., Ltd., the company that funded and constructed the bridge, the pursuit was never about records. "We don't build for 'the world's No. 1' title. We build it so that people in the mountains can travel farther and live better lives," Han said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority and global hospitality leader Hilton (NYSE: HLT) broke ground on the 444-room Signia by Hilton Savannah, expected to debut in mid-2028. Owned by SGCCA and developed in partnership with the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), which also manages the Savannah Convention Center, the hotel will serve as the Savannah Convention Center's headquarters hotel and will be managed by Hilton. Following the highly successful 2024 opening of Signia by Hilton Atlanta, Signia by Hilton Savannah builds on the brand's Georgia expansion and will bring a premier hotel directly to the convention center's growing riverfront campus. The property marks the debut of Hilton's approachable luxury meetings-and-events-focused brand in Savannah and is poised to redefine the guest experience for both leisure and business travelers. Songy Highroads and Matthews Southwest Hospitality are co-developers of Signia by Hilton Savannah. The property will offer more than 34,000 square feet of world-class meeting space which includes a 13,000 square foot ballroom, five food and beverage outlets, an outdoor pool and Club Signia, a premium offering for guests that elevates the entire stay. The hotel reflects the Signia brand's signature blend of modern elegance, elevated amenities, and seamless service. It will be directly connected to the convention center, offering guests immediate access to one of the Southeast's most dynamic venues for meetings, conferences, and exhibitions. The future Signia by Hilton Savannah will feature: An impressive arrival experience : Guests will be welcomed with a grand lobby featuring locally inspired architecture, lush landscaping, and a warm, inviting hotel team. : Guests will be welcomed with a grand lobby featuring locally inspired architecture, lush landscaping, and a warm, inviting hotel team. Sophisticated design & guest rooms : The property will feature stunning architecture with dynamic, modern, open-concept designs. Elegant accommodations will feature high-end finishes and Smart Room technology. : The property will feature stunning architecture with dynamic, modern, open-concept designs. Elegant accommodations will feature high-end finishes and Smart Room technology. A destination bar & culinary options : Stylish and social, the hotel will feature several culinary experiences, including a chef-driven restaurant, a lively rooftop bar with panoramic views and an upscale grab-and-go market. : Stylish and social, the hotel will feature several culinary experiences, including a chef-driven restaurant, a lively rooftop bar with panoramic views and an upscale grab-and-go market. Premium wellness & leisure offerings : A cutting-edge fitness center and group wellness experiences, along with a curated mix of premium wellness and luxurious leisure amenities will help visitors and hotel guests alike be at their best during their stay. : A cutting-edge fitness center and group wellness experiences, along with a curated mix of premium wellness and luxurious leisure amenities will help visitors and hotel guests alike be at their best during their stay. The world's best meetings and events : Designed to meet the needs of modern meetings, Signia by Hilton Savannah will include state-of-the-art conference facilities with advanced technology, flexible layouts, and high-end service. : Designed to meet the needs of modern meetings, Signia by Hilton Savannah will include state-of-the-art conference facilities with advanced technology, flexible layouts, and high-end service. Elevated service: Whether staying for leisure, business or a combination of both, guests will want for nothing, thanks to anticipatory and personalized service. Hotel website IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's leading hotel companies, has opened Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park, offering domestic and international travellers a welcoming base to explore one of Japan's most dynamic cities. Located within walking distance of both Susukino station and Odori Park, the modern 195-room hotel brings Holiday Inn's signature warm hospitality and family-friendly amenities to Hokkaido's capital, renowned as a world-class snow resort destination. As part of the Holiday Inn family of brands, Holiday Inn & Suites properties are distinguished by their generous suite offerings and flexible accommodation options designed for extended stays, family gatherings, and group travel. The new Sapporo property opens following an extensive transformation to unveil the brand's contemporary design with bright, light-filled spaces, including Holiday Inn's signature open-plan lobby, designed as a flexible, collaborative space where guests can work, relax, or socialise according to their needs. Guests can choose from 29 spacious suites, including 14 distinctive two-level maisonette-style suites with separate living areas, kitchens, and bedrooms - ideal for multi-generational family trips. A brand-new cafe and bar invites guests for coffee, refreshments and evening drinks inside the bright lobby space - including Hokkaido specialities and Otaru craft beers - while the second-floor restaurant serves a breakfast buffet featuring international and local favourites. True to the Holiday Inn brand's commitment to family travel, kids aged 12 and under also stay and eat for free - making Sapporo adventures more accessible for families. Additional wellness amenities include a traditional Japanese communal bath, sauna, and a light-filled fitness centre on the top floor with panoramic city views. Holiday Inn in Japan: A Growing Presence Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park is the latest addition to the brand's strong growth in Japan, reflecting strong demand for trusted, value-driven hospitality in the country's key destinations. The opening follows the recent debut of ANA Holiday Inn Resort Karuizawa, bringing the brand's signature blend of comfort and convenience to one of Japan's premier highland resort areas. With properties spanning from urban centres to resort destinations, Holiday Inn continues to expand its footprint across Japan, offering domestic and international guests consistent quality and the warm welcome the brand has been known for worldwide for over 70 years. For reservations and information, visit: www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/jp/ja/sapporo/ctsop/hoteldetail Hotel website Inntelo AI, a pioneering hospitality AI startup, has announced that renowned industry leader Tariq Valani has joined its founding team as Co-Founder & Chief Product Innovation Officer. With more than 25 years of experience in hospitality technology, Tariq brings deep expertise in developing products that enhance guest experience and operational efficiency. His leadership will support Inntelo AI's mission to help hospitality and real estate brands make better use of artificial intelligence. Headquartered in London, Inntelo AI is building the first AI-native platform designed to unify guest experience, streamline operations, and deliver real-time personalisation at scale. It has combined four core systems into one powerful AI solution: AI Guest Experience - conversational and agentic AI to streamline communication between guests and hotel teams via WhatsApp, phone, voice and chat. - conversational and agentic AI to streamline communication between guests and hotel teams via WhatsApp, phone, voice and chat. AI Operations and Planning - automates housekeeping, maintenance and service tasks with predictive workflows. - automates housekeeping, maintenance and service tasks with predictive workflows. AI Personalisation & Upselling - generates new revenue with tailored offers and in-stay personalisation. - generates new revenue with tailored offers and in-stay personalisation. AI Customer Data Platform - centralises guest profiles, first-party data, and loyalty insights. The appointment of Tariq Valani, who joined Inntelo AI's advisory board earlier this year, is a major development for a company only founded in 2024. He will be supporting the company's release of its full platform as it comes out of stealth mode. Valani most recently held a senior leadership role at Accor, where he consolidated their global technical support services and oversaw technology operations for more than 5,500 hotels across 43 brands and 117 countries. He has also held senior technology positions at Fairmont, Movenpick, and Jumeirah, in addition to serving as a board member of HFTP, the organisers of HITEC, and being recognised as a leading voice in industry innovation. Inntelo AI completed a pre-seed funding round earlier this year, backed by leading venture capital investors including Antler, Haatch, Look AI Ventures, and the British Business Bank. Its tech is now live across Europe and the Middle East, powering operations for hotels from boutique independents to multinational groups. The Citizen Hotel, Autograph Collection, located in downtown Sacramento, has appointed Erik Dandee as the property's new Executive Chef, overseeing all culinary operations for the hotel, including its acclaimed farm-to-fork restaurant, Grange Restaurant & Bar. With more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality and fine dining, Dandee brings a passion for local sourcing, culinary innovation, and guest-focused hospitality to one of the city's most iconic hotels and historic landmarks. Dandee joins The Citizen Hotel from Palm Springs, where he most recently served as Area Executive Chef for Proper Hospitality. There, he oversaw all culinary operations for the company's two desert locations, Avalon Hotel & Bungalows and the historic Ingleside Estate, including the properties' chef-driven signature restaurants, banquets and catering operations, and room service offerings. Prior to his role with Proper Hospitality, Chef Erik served as Culinary Director of Craft House Restaurant Group where he directed operations across five distinct concepts, led store openings, spearheaded menu development, and managed culinary teams. His resume also includes executive chef roles at Solvang's Sear Steakhouse, F10 Creative, and Wolfgang Puck Bar + Kitchen, as well as a host of leading restaurants along the West Coast and Southwest. He began his career with formal culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu in Scottsdale, AZ. In his new role, Chef Erik will continue to build upon the farm-to-fork philosophy for which The Citizen Hotel and Grange Restaurant & Bar has garnered national attention and countless accolades including recognition in the prestigious MICHELIN Guide. Known for his ability to blend classical training with modern sensibility, Dandee's culinary philosophy is rooted in showcasing seasonal ingredients at their peak, celebrating local farmers and artisans, and creating authentic, memorable dining experiences. The Citizen Hotel, Autograph Collection is located at 926 J St, Sacramento. The property is managed by Evolution Lifestyle, an operating division of Aimbridge Hospitality, a leading, global hospitality management company and the world's largest third-party operator known for delivering outstanding service and creating memorable guest experiences every day with every interaction. For more information, visit www.thecitizenhotel.com or call (916) 447-2700. Or follow the property on Facebook or Instagram. TPG Hotels & Resorts, one of the nation's premier hospitality management firms, announced today the appointment of Patrick Short to President & Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, Short will provide cross-discipline leadership and operational direction for the company's growing portfolio of properties nationwide. He returns to TPG Hotels & Resorts, where he previously served as Vice President of Operations earlier in his career. Short brings more than 30 years of hospitality leadership experience spanning over 25 different brands and all hospitality sectors, including full service, select service, extended stay, independent, lifestyle, resort, dual-branded, and restaurant operations. His extensive operational background covers properties of all sizes, from boutique hotels to large convention properties and resorts, with experience from coast to coast. Throughout his career, Short held senior leadership roles at several hospitality companies, including CSM Corporation, Peachtree Hospitality Management, Wischermann Partners, Kinseth Hospitality Companies, and TPG. As President of Peachtree Hospitality Management, Short led the company into the ranks of the top 15 largest hotel management firms, expanding its portfolio from 27 to 100 hotels and more than 10,000 rooms. Under his leadership, Peachtree achieved growth across all key performance metrics, including RevPAR Index, profitability, guest service scores, and team member satisfaction. Short holds a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and an MBA in Finance from Argosy University - Twin Cities. He is a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) through the American Hotel & Lodging Association and holds a Food Safety Certification. Currently based in Minnesota, Short will be based at the firm's national operations headquarters in McKinney, TX. Ultima Collection is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Vossen as Chief Executive Officer. With over three decades of global hospitality experience across all segments, Vossen will lead the brand into a new era of expansion and innovation. Mr. Vossen Is bringing his expertise in brand management, customer retention, and financial strategy to ensure sustainable growth across Ultima Collection. A Swiss national, Vossen has accumulated 34 years of expertise in the industry, holding senior leadership positions across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Most recently, he served as CEO of a Swiss hospitality company, wheretogether with a global hotel brand and leading design partnershe developed an innovative luxury boutique hotel concept with projects in New York, Mykonos, Berlin, Mauritius, and Botswana. Previously, Vossen was CEO of Crown & Champa Resorts, the largest resort group in the Maldives with iconic properties like Kudadoo Private Island and Hurawalhi Resort. He has also held leadership roles with Conrad Rangali Island; as CEO with Planhotel SA across Europe, Africa and the Indian Ocean; COMO Hotels & Resorts in Bhutan and Giardino Hotel Group in Zurich. Ultima Collection's ultra-luxury portfolio spans across Switzerland, France, and Greece with hotels, private chalets, villas, and residences in Gstaad, Crans-Montana, Geneva, Courchevel, Megeve, Cannes, Mykonos, Corfu and Athens. The brand is set to expand further with the upcoming opening of Ultima Promenade Gstaad. View Martin Vossen's LinkedIn Profile Martin Vossen is a graduate of SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern in Lucerne - Switzerland The Hospitality Sector Council, in partnership with corporate innovation leader L Marks and the Department for Business and Trade, has announced the launch of the first sector-wide Hospitality Innovation Lab. The initiative is designed to accelerate innovations that support workforce excellence and strengthen the sectors future. The Hospitality Innovation Lab will connect major operators, including Burger King UK, Punch Pubs, Bills Restaurant, Prezzo Italian, Azzurri Group, Beckford Group and Lincoln Green, with emerging sector solutions, global startups, scaleups, and innovators at the forefront of technology. Through the Lab, they will gain a structured environment to test, trial and embed breakthrough technologies that deliver measurable impact, reshaping the future of hospitality. Building on the work already made in workforce, data and HR innovation, the lab aims to add further value by integrating, scaling, and strengthening these advancements across the sector. The hospitality sector employs over two million people and plays a vital role at the heart of our high streets, supporting our economy and communities. Thats why, as part of our Plan for Change, we are partnering with industry to drive innovation, strengthen resilience, create good jobs and help Britains pubs, restaurants and cafes thrive. Kate Dearden, Minister for Employment Rights and Consumer Protection The challenges of labour productivity facing hospitality wont be solved by the old ways of thinking. The Hospitality Innovation Lab is about uncovering fresh, practical solutions that can overcome the many legacy barriers to innovation. By bringing together businesses and innovators to work collaboratively, we aim to improve productivity for the broader sector and build a stronger, more connected future for hospitality. Jane ORiordan, Chair of the Hospitality Sector Councils Innovation Working Group Together, the partners will pilot new, exciting solutions within these categories: Sales Forecasting & Labour Deployment - We are looking for the next generation of sales forecasting for labour deployment. Tools that take in the full picture, from sales data and item counts to external events and compliance needs, and can automatically turn these into accurate, costed rotas. The best systems dont just plan, they adapt. They update as conditions change, connect effortlessly with EPOS and payroll, and remain simple enough for busy managers to use every day. Extracting Data Insights - Were looking for solutions that transform fragmented information into a single, trusted source of truth, enabling operators to understand correlations, model scenarios, price with confidence, and staff more accurately. Moreover, we seek tools that connect operational, behavioural, and customer data to reveal what creates great guest experiences and boosts labour productivity. Driving Team Effectiveness - We are on the hunt for solutions that act like a digital co-pilot for managers, cutting through the noise with timely alerts and clear prompts, so decisions are made quickly and confidently. We are also seeking stock and ordering platforms with real-time visibility, seamless supplier connections, and accuracy. Furthermore, wed love to see compliance systems that maintain high standards, automatically triggering the right tasks at the right moment, capturing proof of completion, and removing admin headaches. Talent Development - That means smarter tools to identify talent more effectively and streamline large-scale hiring. We are also looking for innovative ways to train talent in hospitality through engaging formats that fit seamlessly into day-to-day operations, alongside solutions that track engagement, map clear career pathways, support succession planning, and identify future leaders. Wildcard - Not every great idea fits into a box; thats where the Wildcard comes in. This category is designed for bold, unexpected solutions that bring something new to hospitality. Whether its a breakthrough technology, a fresh way of working, or an idea that challenges convention, we want to see it. Were excited to be launching the first sector-wide Hospitality Innovation Lab to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the UK hospitality sector. In partnership with the Hospitality Sector Council and the Department for Business and Trade, we will work with leading industry operators to identify and validate practical solutions that drive workforce excellence, build resilience, and create lasting positive change across the industry. Daniel Saunders, Chief Executive Officer of L Marks For more information and to apply, please visit here. Applications will close on 28th November 2025. The selected innovators will join the collaboration program, together with the industry partners, in April 2026. About the Hospitality Sector Council (HSC) The Hospitality Sector Council is a dynamic collaboration between the UK government and the hospitality industry, dedicated to driving sector resilience and growth. Co-chaired by the Minister for Hospitality, Gareth Thomas, and hospitality leader Dame Karen Jones DBE, the Council champions key themes such as innovation, sustainability, skills development, and revitalising high streets. Its Innovation Working Group connects hospitality businesses with the UK's world-leading innovation ecosystem to nurture the next generation of startups and scale-ups. To learn more, visit hospitalitysectorcouncil.org 38% of long-haul travellers plan to visit Europe this autumn, with a notable increase from the US and South Korea offsetting a drop from China. Europe is rated the safest region worldwide, unmatched compared to other world regions. The Nordics see rising interest among overseas travellers, alongside multi-country itineraries. The latest edition of the Long-Haul Travel Barometer (3/2025), published by the European Travel Commission (ETC) and Eurail BV, shows that overall long-haul travel demand for September to December 2025 has declined compared to last year, with 55% of respondents planning an overseas trip, down 4%. The share of travellers unwilling to travel longer distances has risen particularly in China, Brazil and Canada, signalling a growing sense of caution. Within this picture, intentions to visit Europe remain steady, underlining the regions resilience in a challenging global environment. Europes standing is reinforced by its reputation as the worlds safest destination, a factor that continues to shape traveller choices. At the same time, long-haul travel to Europe shows diverging patterns across markets, with growing demand in the US and South Korea, mild shifts in Brazil and Australia, a slowdown in China and Canada, and modest gains in Japan. Mixed sentiment across markets Overall, 38% of respondents across top overseas travel markets intend to travel to Europe in the next months, unchanged compared to 2024. Behind this headline figure, differences emerge: China remains the strongest market, with 69% planning a European trip, though down from 83% last year. Europe is still a priority, but short-haul travel is gaining ground as economic caution shapes spending choices. remains the strongest market, with 69% planning a European trip, though down from 83% last year. Europe is still a priority, but short-haul travel is gaining ground as economic caution shapes spending choices. Brazil continues to rank high at 46%, down 2% year-on-year. High costs weigh heavily, but travel remains a strong priority for many Brazilians, who are still willing to allocate budgets to experiences abroad. continues to rank high at 46%, down 2% year-on-year. High costs weigh heavily, but travel remains a strong priority for many Brazilians, who are still willing to allocate budgets to experiences abroad. Australia edges up to 37%, from 33% last year, reflecting steady demand despite cost concerns. edges up to 37%, from 33% last year, reflecting steady demand despite cost concerns. Canada slips to 35%, from 39% in 2024, with more travellers cautious about long-haul trips amid the current political and economic climate. slips to 35%, from 39% in 2024, with more travellers cautious about long-haul trips amid the current political and economic climate. The US (29%) and South Korea (33%) both report notable increases from last year (23% and 27% respectively). In both markets, interest is strengthening despite wider geopolitical uncertainty, with Europes image of stability supporting demand. (29%) and (33%) both report notable increases from last year (23% and 27% respectively). In both markets, interest is strengthening despite wider geopolitical uncertainty, with Europes image of stability supporting demand. Japan remains lowest at 20%, up from 17% in 2024. Concerns about Europes political climate and personal safety continue to weigh on sentiment, but the modest improvement points to a slow recovery. remains lowest at 20%, up from 17% in 2024. Concerns about Europes political climate and personal safety continue to weigh on sentiment, but the modest improvement points to a slow recovery. Safety as a competitive advantage The research confirms that Europe is seen as the safest region worldwide, ahead of other global regions across measures of political stability, personal security, natural hazards, relations with locals and risks of conflict or terrorism. Safety remains the most important factor for travellers when choosing a destination, followed by must-see attractions and tourism infrastructure. Cost pressures continue Affordability continues to be the top obstacle for overseas travel to Europe, cited by 42% of respondents. Younger travellers in particular highlight costs as a barrier (61%), reinforcing the need for competitive and flexible offers. Spending expectations also reflect tighter budgets, with most visitors planning to spend between 100 and 200 per person per day, and fewer prepared to exceed 200 compared to 2024. This shift is particularly marked among Chinese and Brazilian travellers, where the share expecting to spend more than 200 fell sharply: from 38% to 25% in China and from 45% to 38% in Brazil. Nordic growth and multi-country trips Overseas travellers remain most eager to explore Europes enduring favourites France (38%), Italy (31%), the UK (26%), Germany (25%) and Spain (24%). Yet interest is expanding northward, with the Nordics gaining remarkable momentum. Norway has seen interest rise from 9% in 2024 to 12% in 2025, followed by Finland (7% to 10%) and Iceland (5% to 8%). These gains reflect the growing interest in the region, particularly during the Northern Lights season. The barometer also confirms the popularity of multi-country itineraries, with 73% of travellers planning to visit more than one country during their European trip. Chinese respondents stand out, intending to visit an average of 5.5 destinations compared with 3.8 in 2024. Among travellers staying within a single country, more are turning to trains (38%) and cars (32%) this autumn, both of which have grown in popularity since last year. In contrast, the use of full-service flights has fallen sharply (-18%). The trend is most evident among Chinese visitors, reflecting a shift towards greater flexibility and more sustainable ways of travelling within a destination. Safety and stability remain Europes strongest advantages in an uncertain world. At the same time, this research reminds us that affordability must be addressed if we are to keep Europe accessible to younger generations. The growing appeal of destinations such as the Nordics shows how we can diversify demand and spread tourism more evenly. By acting together, European destinations can ensure that Europe continues to be a secure, attractive and sustainable destination for travellers from around the globe. Miguel Sanz, President of the European Travel Commission This project is co-funded by the European Union. The report can be downloaded here. About European Travel Commission Established in 1948, the European Travel Commission is a unique association in the travel sector, representing the National Tourism Organisations of the countries of Europe. Its mission is to strengthen the sustainable development of Europe as a tourist destination. In the last several decades, ETC has positioned itself at the forefront of the European tourism scene, establishing its expertise and building up partnerships in areas of tourism, based on promotion, market intelligence and best practice sharing. View source Las Vegas experienced the most significant declines among the Top 25 Markets, with occupancy plummeting 23% to 66.1%. - Image Credit Unsplash U.S. hotel performance metrics show significant declines, influenced by the Rosh Hashanah holiday. Las Vegas and New Orleans experience the steepest drops in occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR. The U.S. hotel industry faced a downturn for the week ending September 27, 2025, as reported by CoStar, a prominent global provider of real estate market analytics. The Rosh Hashanah holiday contributed to a year-over-year decline in key performance indicators. During the week of September 21-27, 2025, the industry experienced a 4.2% decline in occupancy rates, which dropped to 65.6%. The average daily rate (ADR) decreased by 2.5% to $166.48, while revenue per available room (RevPAR) fell by 6.6% to $109.15. Las Vegas experienced the most significant declines among the Top 25 Markets, with occupancy plummeting 23% to 66.1%, ADR dropping 20.1% to $195.31, and RevPAR falling 38.5% to $129.04. New Orleans followed closely with a 21.1% decrease in occupancy to 48.4%, a 14.9% reduction in ADR to $131.54, and a 32.8% drop in RevPAR to $63.65. Overall, 21 out of the Top 25 Markets reported a decrease in occupancy, highlighting the widespread impact across the U.S. hotel industry during this period. China's National Day holiday draws global tourists Xinhua) 10:34, October 09, 2025 An actor of Sichuan Opera face-changing interacts with tourists during a street banquet at an ancient town of Chongqing, southwest China, Oct. 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao) BEIJING, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- On Oct. 1, the first day of China's eight-day National Day holiday, 70-year-old Nikolayev crossed the border into Manzhouli, a border city in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. "This is my birthday gift to myself," said the Russian traveler, beaming as he waved his passport freshly stamped with an entry seal. Fascinated by China since childhood, Nikolayev had long dreamed of visiting the neighboring country. When he learned about China's latest visa-free travel policy for Russian citizens last month, he decided to celebrate his 70th birthday in China, arriving just in time for China's National Day. "I wanted to see my neighbor with my own eyes," he said. "The visa-free policy made it the perfect moment." According to China's National Immigration Administration (NIA), tourists of 76 countries now enjoy unilateral or mutual visa-free entry, with transit exemptions expanded to 55 countries. Citizens of 55 countries, including the United States and Canada, can visit China visa-free for up to 10 days in transit, before traveling to a third destination. Earlier this year, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality captured global attention when U.S. influencer IShowSpeed livestreamed from the city to over 10 million viewers, exclaiming, "This city is actually a cyber city!" According to official data, from January to August this year, Chongqing saw an 82.48 percent year-on-year increase in inbound tourist arrivals. During this holiday, the city continued to draw foreign visitors, among them was Antonio from Spain, who visited Chongqing during this National Day holiday, drawn especially to the striking sight of a monorail slicing through apartment blocks, a feature he eagerly photographed. "I'm fascinated by how the city seems to rise in layers," he said, glancing at the skyline where towers cling to steep hillsides. "When the lights come on at night, it feels almost futuristic." While Chongqing amazed people with its modern skyscrapers, north China's Shanxi Province presented a journey through centuries-old wooden pagodas and temples. Renowned for its ancient structures with over 28,000 preserved historical buildings, the province's popularity has surged thanks to the phenomenal video game Black Myth: Wukong, inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. In Taiyuan City, Spanish visitor Sergio, a fan of ancient architecture, was greeted with an unexpected touch of Mid-Autumn warmth: a mooncake and a cultural brochure from immigration officers. "What a sweet surprise!" he said, flipping through the brochure to check out one of his planned stops: the Xiaoxitian Temple -- or the Little Western Paradise Temple in Xi County, featuring stunning 400-year-old suspended sculptures. According to official data, Xi County welcomed over 93,000 visitors from Oct. 1 to 7, matching the county's entire population. China is expected to record an average of 2 million daily border crossings during the eight-day National Day holiday, which overlaps with the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, according to the NIA. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Hyatt Plans New Hyatt Place Hotel in Kolhapur Sangli, India Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced a management agreement for Hyatt Place Kolhapur Sangli, marking its expansion in India. Hyatt Hotels Corporation has entered into a management agreement with Shah Lagoo Properties LLP to open Hyatt Place Kolhapur Sangli. The new hotel will be part of SL Highstreet, a mixed-use development in the region. This project is part of Hyatt's strategy to expand its presence in India, particularly in secondary cities and high-growth areas. The upcoming Hyatt Place Kolhapur Sangli will feature 115 guestrooms. The hotel will provide various amenities, including a dining venue open 24/7, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. Additionally, the property will offer banquet and conference facilities for events and gatherings. The hotel aims to cater to both business and leisure travelers. Hyatt Place Kolhapur Sangli will be located within SL Highstreet, which includes office spaces and retail outlets. The hotel is positioned to serve the needs of travelers in Maharashtra's growth corridor. The development aligns with Hyatt's focus on expanding in underserved markets with growth potential. The agreement with Shah Lagoo Properties LLP represents Hyatt's continued investment in the Indian market. The company has been working to increase its footprint in the country by targeting emerging cities and regions with growing demand for hospitality services. The timeline for the hotel's opening has not been specified. However, the project is part of Hyatt's broader strategy to enhance its presence in key markets across India. Club Med Punta Cana - Image Credit Club Med Club Med is set to expand its global presence with new resort projects in South Africa and Malaysia, alongside renovations at its Punta Cana property. Club Med has announced plans to expand its global portfolio with new resort developments in South Africa and Malaysia, as well as significant renovations at its Punta Cana resort. The company aims to strengthen its presence across North America, Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. In South Africa, Club Med will establish its first resort on the Indian Ocean coast in KwaZulu-Natal. The Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari Resort will be located along the Dolphin Coast, approximately 30 minutes from King Shaka International Airport and 45 minutes from Durban. The resort will feature 411 rooms, including 310 Superior Rooms, 35 Deluxe Rooms, and 66 private suites in the Exclusive Collection section. The development will include four pools, a surf school, and various dining options. The resort is designed with sustainability in mind, targeting Green Globe certification and implementing the "Bye-Bye Plastics" initiative. In Malaysia, Club Med plans to launch a new resort, although specific details about this project have not been disclosed. The expansion into Malaysia is part of Club Med's strategy to increase its footprint in the Asia-Pacific region. Simultaneously, Club Med is undertaking major renovations at its Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic. The renovations include updates to social spaces, culinary experiences, and accommodations. The Costa Del Coco Deluxe Rooms will feature private balconies and spa-like bathrooms. The Buena Vista Lounge will offer panoramic views, while the El Mundo Food Club will provide a variety of global cuisines. The renovations also emphasize sustainable practices, including eco-construction and energy-efficient designs. Rising Interest in Nordic Destinations as Europe Holds Firm in Global Travel Market - Image Credit European Travel Commission Europe remains the preferred destination for long-haul travelers due to its reputation for safety and stability, despite a general decline in global travel demand. The European Travel Commission's latest report highlights increased interest from the US and South Korea, while China shows a notable decrease. The Nordics are gaining popularity, with multi-country itineraries becoming more common. The European Travel Commission (ETC) and Eurail BV's Long-Haul Travel Barometer (3/2025) reveals that Europe continues to be viewed as the safest travel destination globally. Despite a slight decline in overall long-haul travel demand from September to December 2025, Europes appeal remains strong, particularly among travelers from the US and South Korea. However, the report also notes a decrease in interest from China, Brazil, and Canada, reflecting broader economic and political uncertainties. Travel Trends and Market Sentiment The barometer indicates that 38% of long-haul travelers plan to visit Europe in the coming months, a figure consistent with 2024. While China remains a significant market, the percentage of Chinese travelers planning European trips has dropped from 83% to 69%. Economic caution is prompting a shift towards short-haul travel among Chinese tourists. Meanwhile, Brazil's interest in Europe has slightly decreased, with high travel costs impacting decisions. Conversely, Australia has seen a modest increase in interest, rising from 33% to 37%. In North America, Canada's interest has declined from 39% to 35%, while the US has shown a notable increase from 23% to 29%. South Korea also reports a rise in interest, from 27% to 33%. Although Japan still has the lowest rate at 20%, it has improved from 17% in 2024, indicating a slow recovery in sentiment towards Europe. Safety as a Key Factor Europe's reputation as the safest region globally is a significant factor influencing travel decisions. The region scores highly on political stability, personal security, and minimal risks from natural hazards or terrorism. Safety remains the primary consideration for travelers, followed by attractions and tourism infrastructure. This perception of safety is crucial in maintaining Europes appeal amid global uncertainties. Economic Considerations and Spending Patterns Affordability is a major barrier to travel, with 42% of respondents citing costs as a concern. Younger travelers are particularly sensitive to travel expenses, with 61% highlighting this issue. Most visitors plan to spend between 100 and 200 per day, with fewer willing to exceed 200 compared to last year. This trend is evident among Chinese and Brazilian travelers, as the number of those expecting to spend more than 200 has decreased significantly. Nordic Destinations and Multi-Country Itineraries Interest in Nordic countries is rising, with Norway, Finland, and Iceland seeing increased attention. Norway's interest has grown from 9% to 12%, Finland's from 7% to 10%, and Iceland's from 5% to 8%. These destinations are particularly appealing during the Northern Lights season. Additionally, multi-country itineraries are popular, with 73% of travelers planning to visit more than one country. Chinese travelers, in particular, plan to visit an average of 5.5 destinations, up from 3.8 in 2024. Travel Modes and Sustainability There is a noticeable shift in travel modes, with increased use of trains and cars, while full-service flights have declined by 18%. This trend is most pronounced among Chinese visitors, reflecting a preference for flexibility and sustainable travel options within Europe. Conclusion Miguel Sanz, President of the European Travel Commission, emphasizes the importance of maintaining Europe's safety and stability as key attractions. He also highlights the need to address affordability to keep Europe accessible to younger generations. The growing interest in Nordic destinations suggests an opportunity to diversify demand and distribute tourism more evenly across the continent. The full report is available for download on the ETC's website. Womens Audio Mission Announces WAMCon 2025 (Discount Code!) Womens Audio Mission is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing women and gender-expansive individuals in music production and the recording arts. Womens Audio Mission announces WAMCon Conference 2025 Womens Audio Mission (WAM) has announced the return of its acclaimed conference, WAMCon, to Los Angeles on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the iconic Village Studios. The one-day immersive event will gather some of the most influential producers, engineers, and artists in contemporary music to empower women and gender-expansive creatives in audio and music production. See the bottom of this post for an exclusive ticket code for 20% off! Now in its 14th year, WAMCon has earned a reputation for bringing together industry leaders and emerging talent for a day of hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and mentoring. The 2025 edition will expand its programming to include both studio production and live concert sound, offering attendees rare insight into the technical and creative processes that power modern music. Topics will range from Dolby Atmos mixing and vocal production to modular synthesis, songwriting, and live sound engineering. This years featured guests include a powerhouse lineup of Grammy-winning and -nominated professionals: K.Flay, artist and producer; Leslie Ann Jones, producer and engineer at Skywalker Sound; Suzy Shinn, producer and songwriter (Dua Lipa, Alicia Keys, Weezer); Eva Reistad, engineer and producer (Dune: Part Two, Alien: Romulus); and Amanda Davis, live sound engineer for Janelle Monae and Tegan & Sara. Other mentors include Joanna Fang, Emmy-winning Foley artist; Maureen Droney, VP of the Recording Academys Producers & Engineers Wing; and Rayna Zemel, playback engineer for Dua Lipa and Lana Del Rey. The goal of WAMCon has always been to open doors for creators who are underrepresented in the technical side of music, said Terri Winston, Founder and Executive Director of Womens Audio Mission. This years return to The Village Studios an environment steeped in music history creates the perfect backdrop for inspiration and connection. Originally a 1920s Masonic Temple, The Village Studios has played host to legends like Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones, as well as modern icons including Lady Gaga and Coldplay. WAMCon 2025 is supported by Dolby, Sweetwater, Focusrite, Meyer Sound, Solid State Logic, Biamp, and WAVE at Encore Global. Register for tickets WAMCon 2025 via the ticket link here, and get 20% off with code: HYPEBOT20. About Womens Audio Mission Womens Audio Mission (WAM) is a San Francisco-based nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of women and gender-expansive people in music production and the recording arts, fields in which they are critically underrepresented. WAM uses music and media arts training, mentorship, and conferences to serve over 2,500 women, girls, and gender-expansive people annually in order to inspire them to amplify their voices and become the music producers, recording engineers and innovators of tomorrow. In a field where women are critically underrepresented (less than 5%), WAM seeks to change the face of sound by providing hands-on training, experience, career counseling and job placement in media technology for music, radio, film, television and the internet. WAM believes that women/gender-diverse individuals mastery of music technology and inclusion in the production process will expand the vision and voice of media and popular culture. For more information, visit www.womensaudiomission.org. Share on: The new Board of Health includes James Parkinson, left, Chair Devan Bartels, Sandra Goodbody and Marzio Gusmaroli. Bartels was elected chair at Wednesday's meeting. Williamstown Board of Health Recognizes Stuebner, Discusses Needs Assessment Dr. Erwin Stuebner chairs a meeting of the Board of Health last year. His board colleagues remember the longtime public health leader at Wednesday's meeting. WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The incoming chair of the Board of Health opened Wednesday morning's meeting by talking about the "great loss being felt on our board." Devan Bartels was unanimously elected by her colleagues to lead the committee after August's passing of longtime chair Dr. Erwin Stuebner Stuebner , a beloved local physician for over 30 years, served the community in various roles, including the board of the former Village Ambulance Service and the Board of Health. He led the former through its merger with Northern Berkshire EMS in 2018 and the latter through two recent sea changes: the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the retirement of Health Inspector Jeffrey Kennedy after 28 years with the town in 2023. Stuebner was a recipient of the Massachusetts Physician of the Year Award from the Massachusetts Medical Society in 2010 and town's Faith Scarborough Award for Community Service in 2014. Bartels called Stuebner a "pillar of the community." "Not only did he leave very big shoes to fill, but he displayed an ethos of understanding that really careful balance in public health between overreach and lack of attention and care," Bartels said. "We want to move forward with his spirit in mind and approach everything with an even hand, as he did." Before the 5-0 vote to name Bartels chair, she shared that Stuebner, shortly before his death, talked about stepping down this fall and asked Bartels if she would be willing to take the gavel. After the vote, Bartels formally welcomed the two members recently appointed by the town manager to fill the chairs formerly occupied by Stuebner and Ronald Stant. Marzio Gusmaroli and Wendy McWeeny each participated in their first meeting, where the board both "moved forward" as Bartels indicated and looked back at a couple of past enforcement actions. Health Inspector Ruth Russell gave the board updates on the boil water order in effect against the 1896 House Restaurant at 910 Cold Spring Road and the license suspension at the Stay Berkshires Motel at 1146 Cold Spring Road (Route 7). The '6 House Pub has been on the board's radar since 2024 , shortly after a December 2023 boil-water order was issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Russell told the board Wednesday that the owners of the restaurants and associated motel continue to work on drilling a new well across Cold Spring Road from the restaurant on the west side of the U.S. highway. In answer to a question from board member James Parkinson, Russell acknowledged that location is one thing that could be delaying the process of approving the well, since a water line would need to run under Route 7 to make it work. She told the board that Mass DEP ordered a September progress report from the owner and that, on Oct. 3, the state agency told her that it had received the report. "The board will be copied on the response," Russell said. "We just haven't received it yet. We're hoping that progress report will be fruitful with knowledge for us.' In the meantime, Russell has another inspection scheduled to make sure the restaurant continues to comply with the boil-water order and conditions set by the BOH in June 2024. As for Stay Berkshires, the board voted in May to suspend its license to operate while the owner addressed building code and electrical issues. That order was violated three months later, Russell reported. "In August, we had some reports of some folks staying, essentially, in the motel," she said. "I did send a letter out to the owner reminding him this property is not to be occupied and advised him that if we became aware again of guests staying fines would be issued. "There haven't been any reports since, which is good." Russell also told the board the owners of Stay Berkshires have pulled permits for the necessary repairs with the town's building department, but the work has not been completed. Another issue carrying over from last spring involves a town meeting vote to ban smoking inside large multifamily housing units (apartment buildings). The ban was proposed to the May meeting via citizens petition, and the Board of Health, which would be responsible for developing an enforcement regime, strongly recommended its passage. Currently, the bylaw OK'd by town meeting is under review by the Attorney General's Office in Boston, which reviews all such town meeting actions. The AGO informed the town it is exercising a 90-day extension of the standard review period; a decision on the validity of the bylaw believed to be the first of its kind in the commonwealth is now due on Nov. 8. The attorney general is taking a similar 90-day extension to review a geothermal drilling bylaw advanced by the Planning Board and approved by town meeting in May. New BOH members McWeeny, participating in the meeting via Zoom, and Gusmaroli introduced themselves to the public at Wednesday's meeting, which was telecast and recorded by the town's community access television station, WilliNet. McWeeny also proposed to her colleagues that the board embark on a health needs assessment for the town of 7,500. She suggested that the board should study, "where there may be public health needs both in terms of education and delivering access to services." McWeeny, a 20-year town resident who has built a career in public health, pointed to a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services and indicated a needs assessment would be helpful in making Williamstown's case if it chose to go after future federal or state grants. She said she has set a meeting with Williams College's chair of public health to talk about how the town could engage students in accumulating some of the data that would go into such a study. Other members of the board were quick to support the idea. Bartels likened it to recent efforts by Town Hall to assess the community's recreation needs and suggested similar town-based surveys could help inform the study. "In my tenure, we have been mostly reactive," Parkinson said. "I like the idea of being proactive rather than just responding to complaints and responding to problems." DA Warns Public After Gym Thefts and Check Fraud PITTSFIELD, Mass. The Berkshire District Attorney's Office is warning of an active crime ring targeting gyms and yoga studios across the Northeast. Members of the crime ring are breaking into parked, often unlocked, cars at these locations and stealing wallets and other personal items. District Attorney Shugrue urges the public to always lock their vehicles, even at home or in familiar locations. "We live in a small, trusting community. In such a small county, many of us are familiar with the businesses we frequent and the places we routinely visit," District Attorney Shugrue said. "Unfortunately, there are those who seek to exploit trusting communities like ours. I urge everyone to always lock their cars regardless of the location where they are parked." According to a press release: On Wednesday, Oct. 1 at approximately 9:27am, a Sheffield Police Department officer responded to 1399C North Main Street, Shefield for reports of thefts from motor vehicles. Three women had their purses stolen from their cars while attending a fitness class at this location. Law enforcement interviewed the victims and reviewed video surveillance from the parking lot. In the surveillance, a white SUV was seen exiting the property 7:38am. Witnesses stated that they were not familiar with that vehicle. Upon further investigation, law enforcement identified the white SUV as either a Jeep Cherokee or Compass. The license plate on the Jeep was stolen. The license plate was previously reported stolen from a car in Dalton. Also on Oct. 1, in Pittsfield, two women reported having their checkbooks and personal items stolen from their cars while parked in the Williams Street Shopping Plaza in Pittsfield. The plaza includes a yoga studio. On Thursday Oct. 2, Shefield Police received a report from one of the victims in the 1399C North Main Street theft stating that a Berkshire Bank branch in Worcester alerted her that an individual was attempting to cash a check using her identity. One of the checks being fraudulently cashed. Video surveillance from the area surrounding the Berkshire Bank branch shows the white Jeep SUV. Also on Thursday, October 2nd, at approximately 2:18pm, Pittsfield Police were dispatched to Greylock Federal Credit Union on 150 West Street for a report of woman impersonating another and attempting to cash a fraudulent check. Police arrested the perpetrator, identified as Brandi Graff, 44 years old of Pennsyvania. According to bank staff, at approximately 2:15pm Graff, who was using the id of one victim in the William's Plaza theft, allegedly attempted to cash a check made out for $4,875.00. While law enforcement was interviewing an employee at Greylock Federal Credit Union, they learned that the Defendant previously attempted to cash fraudulent checks at bank branches located on 2 Park Street, Adams and 5 Cheshire Road, Pittsfield. The Credit Union issued a "Be on the lookout" to all bank employees. The Defendant was held on $500 cash bail which was posted on Oct. 2. Graff has since defaulted and there is now a warrant for her arrest. The Berkshire District Attorney's Office participate in the New England State Police Information Network and the Regional Information Sharing System to report and be updated on regional crime trends. iciHaiti - Social : France supports projects in remote rural areas In Puisee, in the 1st communal section of Jean Rabel (Northwest Department), the French Ambassador to Haiti, Antoine Michon, met with the teams of "All Togther in Dignity" (ATD Fourth World), who have been working for seven years alongside the most isolated farming families to guarantee them access to fundamental rights: education, identity, health, and social protection. Thanks to the support of the French Development Agency (AFD), this project is giving life to concrete and hopeful initiatives : A community school that welcomes 120 children who now have birth certificates; A field library where, every Saturday, 80 children gather under a mango tree to read, learn, and dream; A summer camp that encourages encounters, learning, and the transmission of knowledge between generations. In this remote rural area, where roads are few and far between and public services are still lacking, ATD Fourth World's work illustrates the strength of the partnership between France and Haitian civil society : working closely with communities so that no one is left behind. The Ambassador commends the commitment of ATD Fourth World teams and the residents of Puisee, who uphold solidarity and human dignity every day. IH/ iciHaiti On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice China unveiled sweeping new restrictions on overseas exports of rare earths to include goods produced abroad, strengthening its dominance in the critical minerals supply chain amid an already fraught trade dispute with Washington. The new regulation by Chinas Ministry of Commerce on Thursday clarifies and expands sweeping curbs first announced in April, causing massive shortages around the world before a series of deals with Europe and US resumed shipments. China is, for the first time, creating its own version of the US foreign direct product rule, which Washington has used to curb semiconductor exports to China from third countries. Under the new rules, overseas exporters of items that contain even a trace amounts of rare earths sourced from China or manufactured using its rare earth extraction or refining technology, will need to get an export license from the countrys Ministry of Commerce. The new requirements are "to safeguard national security" and interests as well as to prevent misuse of rare-earth materials in military and other sensitive sectors. The commerce ministry said it had identified overseas companies that had seriously threatened Chinas security by passing Chinese-origin rare earth materials and technology to others for military purposes. File An aerial view shows a dragline excavator operating in an open-pit titanium mine in the Zhytomyr region, on February 28, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine ( AFP/Getty ) Rare earths are vital materials in products from electric vehicles to aircraft engines and military radars. They have emerged as a major sticking point in crucial trade negotiations between China and the US to ease tensions after Donald Trump imposed record tariffs on Beijing. China accounts for about 60 per cent of global mine production and 90 per cent of processed and permanent magnet output. Beijing has used its control of the sector as leverage in negotiations with the US administration. It comes ahead of Mr Trump and China's president Xi Jinpings expected meeting later this month. Certain overseas organisations and individuals have been directly or indirectly transferring or supplying China-origin rare earth controlled items, either in their raw form or after processing, the ministry said, underscoring that such items have been used in sensitive areas like defence. Such actions have had a negative impact on international peace and stability, it said. It said that restrictions on exporting the technology to make rare earth magnets will be expanded to more types of magnets. Equipment used to recycle rare earths will now also require an export licence, joining the growing list of restricted rare earth processing technologies. The announcement clarified, for the first time, some of the targets of Chinas controls. Overseas defence users will be denied licences, while applications related to advanced semiconductors will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Chinese companies operating abroad are also prohibited from collaborating on rare earths with foreign firms without ministry approval. It would mark Chinas first expansion of Beijings jurisdiction over its materials used abroad. Keir Starmer faces a test of nerve over Britains handling of alleged Chinese espionage. The prime ministers instinct for caution his preference for tidy processes and calm diplomacy may serve him well in domestic politics, but when it comes to Chinas global gamesmanship, it looks dangerously like weakness. Beijings leaders, by contrast, have no qualms about playing hardball never more so when it comes to accusing people of spying. Chinas Communist Party doesnt flinch at diplomatic fallout or trade reprisals. Indeed, espionage cases comprise one of the sharpest tools in its foreign policy kit. Over the past decade, dozens of foreigners businesspeople, pastors, journalists have been caught up in opaque prosecutions under the countrys national security laws. This isnt a bug in Chinas system. Its a feature. Accusations are vague, trials are secret, evidence is flimsy or non-existent. Conditions in detention are harsh, and the notion of presumption of innocence is alien. China doesnt live under the rule of law: it rules by law, wielding legislation as a hammer of state control. Beijing has turned hostage diplomacy into an art form. In December 2018, Chinese authorities detained two Canadians, former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor, within days of Canadas arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou at the request of US authorities. The message was unambiguous: two innocents would pay the price until Beijing got what it wanted. For more than 1,000 days, the two Michaels, as they became known, endured grim conditions much of the time in solitary confinement while Meng awaited extradition in comfort, shopping in Vancouver boutiques. When Canada finally brokered a deal with China and the US freed Meng, the Canadians were released. Few episodes so clearly expose Chinas readiness to use human lives as bargaining chips. The regime regularly targets figures both obscure and prominent. The arrests broadcast a clear warning: cross us, and we will destroy you. Take the case of Cheng Lei, a respected Australian anchor for the Chinese state-run broadcaster CGTN, who was accused of sharing an embargoed news release minutes early. That trivial slip was twisted into a state secrets offence. She spent three years behind bars. Beijing never disclosed what secret she was alleged to have betrayed. Bloomberg journalist Haze Fan endured a similar ordeal: she was detained for more than a year before being released and quietly forced out of the country. No case better captures the moral rot at the heart of Chinas justice system than that of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy activist. Lai has spent most of the past five years in solitary confinement on national security charges. His real offence was publishing Apple Daily, the citys most outspoken pro-freedom newspaper, and meeting with US officials to plead for sanctions to be imposed on human-rights abusers. Lai became a British citizen in 1992, moved by the ideals of a country that, as a colonial power, had nurtured Hong Kongs freedoms. Yet during the more than 1,700 days he has spent in prison, no British diplomat has yet been permitted to visit him. Beijing insists, absurdly and illegally, that he is Chinese, because he was born on the mainland. Londons polite requests for consular access have been met with silence and theres been little more than tepid protest from the Foreign Office. Starmers government says securing Lais release is a priority. But words are not enough. Compare Britains reticence with the ferocity of Beijings defence of Meng. China leaned on its entire diplomatic machine to free her. Britain, by contrast, appears to have mislaid its moral compass and its courage. open image in gallery The case against Christopher Berry, left, and Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, was stopped on September 15 ( PA ) China has also weaponised its courts to intervene in business disputes. Irish executive Richard OHalloran travelled to Shanghai in 2019 to settle a commercial matter and was hit with an exit ban that kept him in China for nearly three years. He blames Dublins timid quiet diplomacy for prolonging his ordeal. British consultant Peter Humphrey and his American wife Yingzeng Yu were sentenced to two and a half years and two years respectively on spurious national security charges after investigating a well-connected Chinese businesswoman. Humphrey later told the US Congress that other prisoners were instructed not to speak to him after he was branded a British spy. The couples only real mistake, he said, was offending someone powerful. The list of victims goes on, and increasingly, Chinas reach extends onto British soil. Hong Kong authorities have issued arrest warrants and 100,000 bounties for exiled activists living in the UK, including my 20-year-old colleague Chloe Cheung. The territorys chief executive, John Lee, has threatened to hunt them like street rats. These are threats against people exercising free speech in Britain yet the UK governments response has been mild. open image in gallery Media tycoon Jimmy Lai pictured before his arrest by Chinese authorities in 2020 ( AFP/Getty ) No one wants Britain to imitate Chinas ruthless lawlessness. But it must stop mistaking civility for strategy. China respects strength, and scorns accommodation. Each concession is read not as goodwill, but as proof of weakness. Xi Jinping and his wolf-warrior diplomats routinely recite a grievance narrative: the Opium Wars, the century of humiliation, Britains colonial sins. When London presses Beijing to honour the Sino-British Joint Declaration the international treaty guaranteeing Hong Kongs freedoms China snaps back that Britain is clinging to a colonial mindset. This is not a government that negotiates in good faith. It is a regime that sees international law as a tool to be used or ignored at will. Britains own responses have been painfully cautious. When a senior Chinese diplomat, Zheng Xiyuan, dragged Hong Kong democracy protester Bob Chan into the Chinese consulate in Manchester in 2022, the footage was unequivocal. Zheng later boasted that he had simply been doing his duty. Yet instead of expelling him, the Foreign Office allowed him to leave quietly two months later. It is precisely this instinct to de-escalate to tidy away confrontation rather than confront it that signals to Beijing that it can act with impunity. Xi has made no secret of his worldview. The world, he says, is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. The East is rising, the West declining. His project is to prove himself right. In his dog-eat-dog vision, power is what counts; moral scruples are for the weak. Britain should respond not with imitation, but with confidence in its own strengths. China has secret prisons and sham trials. Britain has an independent judiciary, transparent courts, and a centuries-old commitment to liberty. Those are not quaint relics they are the foundations of national resilience. open image in gallery Cause celebre: Mark L Cliffords book about political prisoner Jimmy Lai ( Simon & Schuster ) That means taking espionage seriously at home, pursuing prosecutions when warranted, and resisting the instinct to back down at the first diplomatic growl from Beijing. It means standing up for British citizens abroad, and for the activists in exile who embody the freedoms Hong Kong has lost. If Starmer wants Britain to lead on the world stage, he must accept that engagement with China is not a dinner-party debate. It is a contest of will. Beijing has made that clear. Britain does not need to mimic Chinas ruthlessness but it must rediscover its own resolve. Freedom, transparency, and justice are the weapons that no dictatorship can match. Whats missing is the courage to use them. Less fear, more spine, please, Mr Starmer. Mark L Clifford is president of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation and author of The Troublemaker: How Jimmy Lai Became a Billionaire, Hong Kongs Greatest Dissident, and Chinas Most Feared Critic For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Jaguar Land Rover has begun restarting Range Rover production lines in Solihull, aiming for all its manufacturing sites to be fully operational by the end of next week, following a major cyber attack that halted operations. Employees returned to the Solihull plant in the West Midlands on Thursday, after a phased production restart began on Wednesday. Operations had been suspended for more than a month following the significant hack. The remaining Solihull lines, which produce the Range Rover Velar SUV and Jaguar F Pace models, are set to resume next Monday. Vehicle manufacturing at Halewood, Merseyside, will also restart then. Overseas factories in Pune, India, and Brazil are scheduled to follow later next week, marking the final sites to recommence operations, the group confirmed. JLR global manufacturing director Luis Vara said on Wednesday there was a "strong sense of unity and momentum" among production workers. Staff had been working from home since the firms systems were compromised on August 31. The cyber attack occurred at a particularly crucial time for car firms, as September traditionally boosts demand for new vehicles with the release of the latest registration plates. open image in gallery JLRs Halewood vehicle production site, which will restart on Monday ( JLR/PA ) The incident also caused significant disruption to the firms global operations, with suppliers being left in limbo as production froze. On Monday, JLR revealed a sharp drop in sales over recent months following the cyber incident, adding it had been a challenging quarter as it also grappled with the impact of higher US tariffs. Sales fell by 17.1 per cent to 85,495 units between July and September, compared with the same period a year ago, with UK sales dropping by nearly a third. The volume of wholesales tumbled by 24.2 per cent year on year to 66,165 units. JLR said this partly reflected the production freeze since the start of September. The groups production restart began with its engine plant in Wolverhampton and its battery assembly centre in Coleshill, Birmingham, on Wednesday. It also restarted stamping operations in Castle Bromwich, Halewood in Merseyside, and Solihull, on Wednesday, together with key areas of its Solihull vehicle production plant, such as its body shop, paint shop and its logistics operations centre. open image in gallery The carmaker said employees went back to work at the Solihull site in the West Midlands on Thursday, following the phased restart of production on Wednesday ( REUTERS ) This was followed by operations at its vehicle manufacturing facility in Nitra, Slovakia. Mr Vara said on Wednesday: There is a strong sense of unity and momentum as we get back to doing what we do best, building quality luxury vehicles for our customers. The firm has the largest supply chain in the UK automotive sector, which employs around 120,000 people and is largely made up of small and medium-sized businesses. The Government recently announced it would underwrite a 1.5 billion loan guarantee to JLR to give suppliers some certainty over payments, helping bolster JLRs cash reserves, but calls mounted for more to be done. JLR said on Tuesday that its extended support package would see suppliers paid much faster than under the usual payment terms, by as much as 120 days early. It will start with qualifying JLR suppliers seen as critical to the restart of production, then will be expanded to cover some non-production suppliers who have also been affected. JLR also vowed to pay back financing costs for those JLR suppliers who use the scheme during the restart phase. A raft of other businesses have been hit by major cyber attacks in recent months, including beer giant Asahi, high street retailer Marks & Spencer and nursery group Kido Schools. The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The University of Oxford has secured the top position in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 for an unprecedented tenth consecutive year, leading a strong performance by UK institutions. The prestigious list also saw the University of Cambridge rise to joint third place from fifth in 2025, while Imperial College London climbed one spot to eighth. In total, 11 UK universities featured within the global top 10. Compiled annually since 2004, the rankings analyse nearly 19 million research papers, 1.5 million survey votes, and data from over 30,000 universities. Factors include teaching and research reputation, strength, and various income streams. Of the 2,191 institutions ranked globally, 109 were from the UK. Thirteen improved their positions, 64 maintained their 2025 standing, and 28 saw a drop. open image in gallery Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 saw the University of Cambridge rise to joint third place from fifth in 2025 ( Getty Images ) This is the first year since 2016 that the UK has had fewer than 50 universities that made the top 500, though it is only slightly under this with 49. THE said the UK is joint fourth for most represented country in the rankings behind the United States, India and Japan. The UK did well on its teaching reputation and improvement in research excellence, THE said, but saw a fall in scores for research strength, and the student-staff ratio grew from 16.8 to 20.5 students per teacher. Those ratio figures predate the latest developments in the UK higher education funding crisis, but the ratio is only likely to worsen as jobs cuts continue and institutions resources swindle, THE said. The University of Leeds saw its best year ever as it climbed from 123rd to 118th, while the University of Liverpool jumped from joint 160th to 143rd. City St Georges, University of London, which merged last year, is in the top three new mergers to join the rankings, and made the 351-400 range. open image in gallery This is the first year since 2016 that the UK has had fewer than 50 universities that made the top 500, though it is only slightly under this with 49 ( Getty/iStock ) On the other side of things, both the London School of Economics (LSE) and Political Science and the University of Warwick saw their worst performances in these rankings. The former dropped out of the top 50 to come 52nd, and the latter fell from 106th to joint 122nd. The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 ranked London School of Economics and Political Science first in the country for the second year in a row in September. A spokesperson for LSE said universities like it which specialise in social sciences are disadvantaged by the methodology of some rankings if they favour broader institutions with science, engineering and medicine faculties. Phil Baty, THEs chief global affairs officer, said: This years rankings highlight a dramatic and accelerating trend the shift in the balance of power in research and higher education excellence from the long-established, dominant institutions of the West to rising stars of the East. The US and much of western Europe have suffered significant lost ground in the world rankings, while East Asian nations, led by China, continue to thrive and surge up the table. This clear trend is set to persist as research funding and international talent attraction continue to be stymied in the West. open image in gallery Massachusetts Institute of Technology placed second on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 ( Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Other than the three UK institutions, the rest of THEs global top 10 is made up entirely of US universities, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology taking second and Princeton University coming joint third with Cambridge. The US also dominates much of the top 30. Elsewhere in the world, Irelands top-ranked university Trinity College Dublin has seen its ranking fall from 139th to 173rd, its worst performance. A spokesperson for Trinity College Dublin said the university remains the top-ranked Irish university in this ranking and others and fluctuations are to be expected given the list of universities covered by the ranking is growing every year. Its important to note that methodologies differ and in the recent 2026 QS World University Ranking, Trinity improved its position to rank 75th in the world, they added. Universities in China took 12th and 13th, the National University of Singapore came in 17th, and the University of Tokyo rose up two places to 26th. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Trump administration on Thursday imposed sanctions on a group of 50 people, companies and ships largely out of the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong and China, alleging they were facilitating the shipment of Iranian oil and sales of liquefied petroleum gas. Included in the penalties are two dozen shadow fleet ships flagged across multiple nations, concealing the origin of Iranian oil and circumvents earlier sanctions; a China-based crude oil terminal; and a non-state-owned Chinese refinery. The Treasury Department said they are key to Irans ability to export petroleum and petroleum products. The department said the entities and individuals cited enabled the export of billions of dollars worth of oil and gas products, aiding Iran's government. The administration is citing a collection of executive orders signed by Republican President Donald Trump, including one in February that calls for the United States to drive Irans export of oil to zero. Among other things, the sanctions deny the people and companies access to any property or financial assets held in the U.S. and prevent U.S. businesses and citizens from doing business with them. Trump's maximum pressure on Iran is meant to deny Tehran access to nuclear weapons, and during the summer, the U.S. and Israel engaged in several bombardments of Tehran's nuclear and military sites. The United Nations reimposed sanctions on Iran in September over its nuclear program, further squeezing the country as Iranians increasingly find themselves priced out of the food and worried about their futures. Irans rial currency is at a record low, increasing pressure on food prices and making daily life that much more challenging. Since January, the administration has imposed sanctions on 166 ships tied to the Iranian oil trade. The new sanctions target a second Chinese oil terminal and a fourth independently owned refinery in China. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement that the administration is disrupting the Iranian governments "ability to fund terrorist groups that threaten the United States. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The West Coast is years overdue for the next big earthquake. When the colossal tremor eventually strikes, seismologists expect high-rises and other buildings to collapse, massive fires that can burn hundreds of homes, Los Angeles highways to buckle and potentially a tsunami that could block any rescuers from reaching the tens of thousands of people who are threatened. But, as it turns out, thats not the worst case scenario, Chris Goldfinger, a marine geologist at Oregon State University, said in a statement. Goldfinger and a group of international researchers have found a connection between two major West Coast faults and they say it could trigger double the devastation. The Hollywood-featured San Andreas fault and the Pacific Northwest Cascadia subduction zone may be in sync, they explained, with potentially disastrous consequences for residents of California, Oregon, Washington state and Western Canada. open image in gallery Two scary faults off the West Coast are linked, researchers said this week. That could mean double the devastating effects when the next major tremor strikes ( Getty ) We could expect that an earthquake on one of the faults alone would draw down the resources of the whole country to respond to it, Goldfinger said. And if they both went off together, then youve got potentially San Francisco. Portland, Seattle and Vancouver all in an emergency situation in a compressed timeframe. Altogether, the four cities are home to nearly 3 million people, although there are many more who live on areas of the coast outside of the major metros. When this all could go down remains the lingering question - until it doesnt. Often, there may only be 200 years between earthquakes on these faults. open image in gallery A map shows the San Andreas fault and Cascadia Subduction Zone off the West Coast ( NPS ) The last major quake on the Cascadia Subduction Zone was in 1700, when a magnitude 9.0 quake triggered 30-foot-high Pacific waves that hit Japan. The probability of a similar quake in coming decades is about one in eight, according to the Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. This event was followed by a magnitude 7.9 earthquake on the northern San Andreas fault, the researchers said. What that suggests is that the San Andreas earthquake happened very closely in time after the Cascadia earthquake, Jason Patton, an engineering geologist with the California Geological Survey who also worked on the research, told The Los Angeles Times. open image in gallery Chris Goldfinger, a marine geologist at Oregon State University, is seen with one of his sediment cores. The cores revealed the connection between the faults ( Sean Nealon/Oregon State University ) The ruptures could have been just minutes or hours apart, according to Goldfinger. And they found all of this out largely through happenstance. When drilling sediment cores deep in the oceans floor in 1999 in the Cascadia subduction zone, a navigational error sent Goldfinger and the research team off course and into the San Andreas zone. So, they decided to drill a core there, as well. Comparing the composition of the cores from both fault systems revealed similarities in timing and structure over 3,100 years that resulted in them linking the seismic impacts. Goldfinger and the researchers hope their findings will help West Coast leaders better prepare, whatever the future may bring. Our preparedness level is poor, Goldfinger told The Guardian. We have a long way to go, and all these areas were built on top of ticking time bombs. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A former GP who has been jailed for attempting to murder his mothers partner with a fake Covid jab has admitted another plot to kill him using poisoned bottles of wine. Thomas Kwan, who is already serving a 31 year sentence for the attempted murder of 73-year-old Patrick O'Hara, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to admit a previous plan to kill him after setting up a fake wine club. Kwan further admitted to administering a noxious substance to Torquil Gundlach, who also consumed some of the wine which was laced with thallium - a highly toxic metal. The 54-year-old contacted Mr OHara via the fictitious Northern Wine and Drinks Tasting Gentlemens Club and sent him between 18 and 21 bottles, some of which were poisoned. Mr OHara drank some of the bottles and gifted one to Mr Gundlach. Prosecutor Peter Makepeace KC told the court two bottles contained poison and there was evidence that a third, which was laced with thallium, caused Mr OHara to fall ill. The admission comes after last year the Sunderland-based GP was convicted of trying to kill Mr OHara in a separate plot that left the 73-year-old with a rare flesh-eating disease. open image in gallery Thomas Kwan has admitted a second plot, in which he attempted to kill his mothers partner using poisoned wine ( PA Media ) A judge described the January 2024 attack which saw him enter his mothers home wearing a disguise as an audacious plan to murder a man in plain sight which was motivated by financial gain. The judge said Kwan tricked his victim and his estranged mother using good forgeries of NHS letters, adding: By your masquerading, you struck at the heart of public confidence in the health care profession. She said there was no doubt he plotted to kill Mr OHara for financial gain over the inheritance he felt entitled to. You knew that your mother had left the house at St Thomas Street to her children, but you also knew that she had changed her will to give Mr OHara a life interest in the house, the judge said. By killing him you would have removed the obstacle which lay between you and your immediate recovery of your share in the property following your mothers death in the event of her pre-deceasing him. open image in gallery Patrick OHara (centre) speaking to the media after the sentencing for Thomas Kwan in November 2024 ( PA Archive ) Kwan, who was obsessed with money and developed a deep knowledge of poisons, planned his murder bid for months by writing fake letters, supposedly from the NHS, offering Mr OHara a home visit. Disguised as a community nurse called Raj Patel, he used fake number plates and wore a long coat, a medical mask and tinted glasses as he told Mr OHara he needed a Covid booster. The fake vaccination he administered caused intense pain, making it seem as though his arm was on fire. Mr OHara needed weeks of hospital treatment after developing a flesh-eating disease which required plastic surgery. He said the attack left him a shell of an individual. Police scoured CCTV and were able to track Kwan, still disguised as a nurse, back to a city centre hotel and then to his home in Ingleby Barwick, Teesside. open image in gallery Photo ID Thomas Kwan used while posing as a nurse to try to kill his mothers partner ( PA Media ) In his garage, officers discovered an array of dangerous chemicals which the GP had amassed. On his computer, they found instructions on how to make the chemical weapon ricin. The wine plot spanned September 2022 to January 2024, Newcastle Crown Court heard. Mr Makepeace KC said the wine club Kwan created does not exist. He sent Mr OHara a mixture of poisoned and uncontaminated bottles. Genuine bottles were sent to lure the victim into a sense of security, he explained. Kwan, who appeared via videolink from maximum security HMP Frankland, will be sentenced on 30 January. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Madeleine McCanns sister has told a court she always knew that a woman who claimed to be the missing girl was not her sibling. Amelie McCann received a string of messages from Julia Wandelt in which she insisted she was her missing sister, who vanished without a trace from a holiday resort in Portugal in 2007. Ms Wandelt, 24, from Lubin in south-west Poland, is accused of stalking Kate and Gerry McCann, causing serious alarm or distress between June 2022 and February this year. Giving evidence remotely at Leicester Crown Court, Amelie said it was creepy and distressing when Ms Wandelt sent her messages detailing apparent flashbacks she had from their childhood. These included requests for a DNA test and alleged recollections from their childhood such as playing Ring-A-Ring-A-Roses with other children. Ms Wandelt also sent images of herself which were clearly altered or edited to make it look more like her, the court heard. open image in gallery Court artist sketch of Amelie McCann giving evidence via video link to Leicester Crown Court ( PA ) It is quite disturbing that shes coming up with these supposed memories even though shes not Madeleine, Amelie said. However, she said she did not want Ms Wandelt - who denies stalking - to get a DNA test. Asked why, Madeleines sister continued: Because I always knew that she wasnt Madeleine, so I didnt need to do one and the, not guidance, but the people around me didnt think it was appropriate either for her to get a DNA test. There was a sound of desperation in the messages, Amelie said, noting she blocked her on a number of online platforms. Asked how the messages made her feel, she added: It makes me feel quite uncomfortable because it is quite creepy she is giving those details and trying to play with my emotions. open image in gallery Three-year-old Madeleine McCann vanished from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007 ( PA ) The daughter told jurors the alleged stalking took a toll on her mother, who was targeted the most. She said Kate McCann was stressed and on edge after Ms Wandelt visited her family home, calling it an invasion of their privacy. It definitely took a toll on her and her wellbeing because all the time her phone would be going off and it would be Julia, she added. Its upsetting when someones begging you to believe them and playing with your emotions to the point you are questioning yourself and doubting yourself. My mum really struggled with that her saying Im your daughter. Amelies twin brother Sean said he found Ms Wandelts claims hurtful and deeply disturbing. I find it disrespectful that shes making this claim and getting a lot of attention and support for it, he said in a statement read to the court. The fact Julia has no regard for how we feel about her claims is hurtful. He added: I do not believe she is my sister. The fact Julia is doing this has caused me a great deal of stress and I find it deeply disturbing. open image in gallery Kate and Gerry McCann gave evidence at Leicester Crown Court on Wednesday ( PA ) Prosecutors allege Ms Wandelt repeatedly contacted Madeleines parents in a string of messages and phone calls and turned up at their address, on one occasion begging please dont give up on your daughter. She is accused of bombarding the mother with 60 calls and messages in one day, the trial heard. Kate and Gerry each gave emotional evidence from behind a curtain on Wednesday as they spoke of impact of the incessant contact from Ms Wandelt. The 24-year-old called Kate mum when she turned up at their home in Rothley, Leicestershire, in December last year with Karen Spragg, 61, from Cardiff, the court heard. Wandelt sobbed and shouted why are you doing this to me? from the dock as the mother told jurors about the distressing confrontation. open image in gallery Karen Spragg denies stalking Kate and Gerry McCann ( PA ) Gerry claimed the alleged stalking had damaged efforts to find his daughter, adding: It has many effects we dont know what happened to Madeleine, theres no evidence to say shes dead. We really hope, and we know its only a glimmer, that Madeleine is alive. When so many people claim to be our missing daughter, it inevitably pulls your heartstrings, but theres wider effect that is more damaging. Opening the crowns case on Monday, prosecutor Michael Duck KC told jurors that there was unequivocal scientific evidence that Ms Wandelt has no familial link to the McCanns. Ms Wandelt and Ms Spragg, of Caerau Court Road in Caerau, Cardiff, both deny stalking the parents. The trial continues. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A person has been arrested and residents have been evacuated from four roads in Margate after police received a report of a property containing suspicious items. The explosive device military unit has been deployed after Kent Police received a call at around 4pm on Wednesday, raising concerns about items contained in a flat on Rosedale Road. Kent Police said that one person has been arrested and taken into custody in connection with the incidents. Homes have also been evacuated on Glencoe Road, Wharfedale Road and Malham Drive, and Thanet District Council is currently managing residents welfare at Hartsdown Leisure Centre. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from the ministry of defence and a cordon have been put in place at the scene, and Kent Fire and Rescue is also in attendance. Footage on social media showed the roads taped off, with several police officers at the scene. Many residents appear to be grouped together and waiting behind the tape. Police issued a statement at around 9.30pm on Wednesday. Thanet councillor Jack Packman has told affected residents to seek help. "If you have family or friends you can stay with for the short term, you are advised to do so. "However, if this is not possible, Thanet District Council has set up an evacuation point at Hartsdown Leisure Centre, where support and assistance are available." Mr Packman said police were still investigating the incident and there was no cause for concern at this stage. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A man has been arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping of a woman in east London. A 42-year-old man was detained on 1 October on suspicion of kidnapping after officers were called to reports of a woman, aged between 28 and 32, being forced into a white van in Canary Wharf just before midnight on 30 September. The woman, who has not been identified, was reportedly forced into the Ford Transit on Millharbour Road, at the junction of Lighterman's Road, in Canary Wharf by two males. It is unclear if the male arrested this month was one of the two men responsible for the alleged kidnapping. The individual has since been bailed while enquiries continue. The Metropolitan Police is urging anyone with information as to the incident or the womans whereabouts to come forward. Detective Inspector Grant Stevens, who is leading the investigation, said: We are keen to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident and are concerned for the welfare of the young woman involved, who we believe is aged between 28 and 32 and been unable to identify. Were you in or near Millharbour Road, E17 around the time of the incident and saw anything suspicious, or do you have any CCTV or mobile phone footage that will assist us with our enquiries? If so, please come forward by calling 101 and referencing 01/8032774/25. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A man has been re-arrested in connection with the terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester that left two people dead. The 30-year-old was arrested on 2 October on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism following the attack in Crumpsall that day, but he was released without charge. However, Greater Manchester Police said he was rearrested at Manchester Airport on Thursday on suspicion of failing to disclose information about an act of terrorism. He has since been released on bail with conditions. open image in gallery Members of the community gather at Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, on Thursday ( PA Wire ) The investigation into the attack by counter terrorism police remains live, but the force said it does not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public. Also on Thursday, Jewish people stood in silence outside their synagogue to mark the moment a week ago when two of their community were murdered by an Islamist terrorist. Dozens of local Jews, some with arms linked or hugging, paid tribute to father-of-three Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, the quiet hero who blocked the doors of the Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue as it came under attack. open image in gallery The scene near Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, where two people died in the terror attack ( PA Wire ) Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, rang 999 during his deadly rampage, pledging allegiance to the so-called Islamic State terror group. He drove his car at Jews gathering for the holy day of Yom Kippur then attacked others with a knife and tried to storm the synagogue, wearing a fake suicide belt, before being shot dead by armed police. Amid a heavy police presence, families of both the men he murdered were present for a short vigil on the steps outside the synagogue led by Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was present at the time of the attack. The rabbi told mourners that evil tried to defile these steps but that evil will not prevail. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A remote island off the coast of Wales that has no wifi or electricity and more sheep than humans is looking for new tenants to live and work there. Ynys Enlli, which is situated off Gwynedds Llyn peninsula, has a current population of three people who manage the island, which measures just a mile-and-a-half at its longest and half a mile at its widest. For the first time in almost 20 years, the opportunity for a nature-loving family or a couple to reside there has emerged, under the mentorship of current tenant farmer Gareth Roberts. Also known as Bardsey Island in English, the new residents will be responsible for managing 200 sheep and 25 Welsh Black cattle that graze there. open image in gallery According to Welsh legend, the island of Bardsey was home to 20,000 saints, over several centuries ( Getty/iStockphoto ) Those interested in living there will have to survive with only the most basic of amenities, which include water running from a well, no shops and no schools. There are also 10 holiday cottages, with visitors allowed on the island between March and October. Throughout the centuries, Ynys Enlli has been dubbed the Island of 20,000 Saints and is recognised as one of the holiest places in Britain. Since the second century BC, pilgrims have travelled to the island, while it has been a refuge for pirates and fishermen over the years. Gareth and his family have been there since 2007, and he knows the island intimately and the challenges and benefits of living on Enlli, the trusts chief officer, Sian Stacey, told the BBC. open image in gallery The remote island is one of Britains most holiest sites ( Alamy ) Were seeking a family or a couple with farming experience, said a spokesperson for the Bardsey Island Trust. Ideally, they will be Welsh speakers as thats the islands everyday language, and a significant part of its culture. For the new tenants, the biggest thing is being part of the community being part of life on the island. The trust has a five-year conservation plan in place and there will be plenty of support for the tenants." Ynys Enlli became the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in Europe in 2023, recognising it for having one of the best night skies in the world. It joined just 16 other sites, which have been described as the most remote and dark places on earth. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Princess of Wales has warned that current generations are suffering from an epidemic of disconnection from an overload of smartphones and computer screens. In an essay penned in collaboration with Professor Robert Waldinger from Harvard Medical School, Kate wrote that the promises of smartphones to improve connectivity have fallen short, as the explosion of handheld devices has disrupted family life. Smartphones and gadgets have become a constant distraction, fragmenting our focus, she wrote, adding: While digital devices promise to keep us connected, they frequently do the opposite. Were physically present but mentally absent, unable to fully engage with the people right in front of us, she wrote, in an essay that's part of her early years education campaign. When we check our phones during conversations, scroll through social media during family dinners, or respond to emails while playing with our children, were not just being distracted, we are withdrawing the basic form of love that human connection requires. The essay, entitled The Power of Human Connection in a Distracted World and published on the website of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, argued that the research evidence shows the importance of creating healthy and warm relationships within families, with lifelong benefits. open image in gallery The Princess of Wales with the Prince of Wales, Prince George (right), Princess Charlotte (second right) and Prince Louis (left) ( PA ) But the presence of smartphones and heavy social media use has meant that people are feeling more lonely and isolated, while families are not giving each other adequate attention. The answer begins with recognising that attention is something we can choose to give each other in every moment at home, at work, in our communities, she wrote. It requires conscious effort to be fully present with the people we care about. It means protecting sacred spaces for genuine connection: family dinners, conversations, moments of genuine eye contact and engaged listening. She added that, for parents, it is paramount to model the behaviour of avoiding spending too much time using smartphones. It means modeling these behaviours for our babies and children and teaching them skills they will need to navigate a world filled with technological distractions, she wrote. It means helping them understand that true connection requires presence, that relationships need tending, and that the quality of their connections will shape not just their happiness but their health for decades to come. The essay has been published ahead of a visit by Kate to an early years centre in Oxford on Thursday. Her husband, Prince William, has also recently said during a conversation published on an Apple TV+ show that none of their three children are allowed to have smartphones. The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood was launched in 2021, aiming to raise awareness and gather research evidence about the importance of childrens first years. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nineteen migrants have been deported to France as part of the Governments returns deal with France. The migrants were sent to France on two flights, including one which took place on Thursday. It follows seven deportations last month. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said flights across the Channel were under way and ramping up, sending migrants trying to cross into the UK by small boat a message that if you come here illegally, you face being detained and removed, so think twice before making that journey. Ms Mahmood said: We must put an end to these dangerous crossings which put lives at risk and money in the pockets of criminal gangs. The contrast couldnt be clearer. The last governments Rwanda scheme took years and cost hundreds of millions of pounds, and failed to forcefully remove a single person. In a matter of weeks, weve returned 26 through our historic agreement with France. With flights to France now under way and ramping up, we are sending out a clear message: if you come here illegally, you face being detained and removed, so think twice before making that journey. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Police have issued an urgent appeal to trace a missing woman who vanished while walking her Chihuahua. Melissa, 51, disappeared after she was last seen on Tuesday at around 8pm in Cowley, Oxfordshire. Police said she is missing with her small brown Chihuahua, which is wearing a harness. She is described as being 4 feet 11 inches with black hair, and officers said she could be wearing glasses. Thames Valley Police said she usually wears a black waterproof jacket and trousers. Officers are now urging anyone with any information on her whereabouts or wellbeing to get in touch urgently. Commenting on the forces social media post, dozens of worried neighbours and friends shared their concerns. The post has been shared nearly 600 times. Thames Valley Police said: Melissa was last seen on 7 October at approximately 8pm in Cowley. Melissa is 411 and has black hair, she may or may not have glasses on. Melissa usually wears a black waterproof jacket and trousers and is missing with her dog, a small brown Chihuahua which will have a harness on. If you have any information, please contact TVP quoting reference 43250512899. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Astronomers have discovered a significant growth spurt in a rogue planet outside of our solar system. The free-floating planet is currently consuming gas and dust from its surroundings at a rate of six billion tonnes a second the strongest growth rate ever recorded for any planet, according to physicists. The new observations, recently published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, were made at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) located in Chiles Atacama Desert. Victor Almendros-Abad, lead author of the recent study, said: People may think of planets as quiet and stable worlds, but with this discovery, we see that planetary-mass objects freely floating in space can be exciting places. The orb, officially named Cha 1107-7626, has a mass five to 10 times that of Jupiters, and is located about 630 light-years away in the constellation Chamaeleon. The team of researchers found the rate of accretion the process by which the planet is fed by the surrounding materials is unstable. By August 2025, the planet was growing approximately eight times faster than in previous months. open image in gallery An illustration of the rogue planet Cha 1107-7626 ( ESO/L CalAada/M Kornmesser ) This is the strongest accretion episode ever recorded for a planetary-mass object, Mr Almendros-Abad said. The team also used existing data from the US-operated James Webb Space Telescope, European and Canadian space agencies and the SINFONI spectrograph. The revelations still leave many scientific questions unanswered about the great mysteries of the universe. Co-author of the study Aleks Scholz, an astronomer at the University of St Andrews, asked: The origin of rogue planets remains an open question: are they the lowest-mass objects formed like stars, or giant planets ejected from their birth systems? By comparing the light emitted before and during the burst of growth, scientists were able to uncover insights about the formation process. They found that magnetic activity appears to have played a role in eating up the surrounding mass, which has only ever been discovered in stars previously. open image in gallery The orb is located 630 light-years away in the Chamaeleon constellation ( ESO/Digitized Sky Survey 2 ) This suggests that even low-mass objects can process magnetic fields strong enough to power accretion. The findings suggest that at least some rogue planets may share a similar formation path to stars. Another phenomenon which is similar to stars is that the chemistry of the disc around the planet transformed during the accretion episode, with water vapour being detected during it, but not before. Belinda Damian, another co-author and astronomer at the University of St Andrews, explained: This discovery blurs the line between stars and planets and gives us a sneak peek into the earliest formation periods of rogue planets. Co-author and ESO astronomer Amelia Bayo added: The idea that a planetary object can behave like a star is awe-inspiring and invites us to wonder what worlds beyond our own could be like during their nascent stages. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Schools and libraries have been told to pull popular childrens books from shelves after a web address printed inside was hijacked by a pornography website. The link, found inside Andrew Copes Spy Dog, Spy Cat and Spy Pups series, previously directed children to more information on the books, but has now been found to redirect them to adult content. Publisher Puffin, which is part of Penguin Random House, said it had immediately paused sales of the books and had contacted libraries to have them removed. The books, which are aimed at seven-to 12-year-olds, feature animals using gadgets to catch robbers and solve crimes and puzzles. A number of schools have also contacted parents to inform them of the explicit content, advising them to remove them immediately from their children. The Guardian reported that one school in West Sussex wrote to parents: We have been made aware of a safeguarding alert linked to the childrens book series Spy Dog/Pups and Spy Cat written by author Andrew Cope. These books contain a link to a website to find out more about the character (identified on the back or inside page). This link has now been compromised and takes users to a pornographic website with no age verification. A statement issued on behalf of Cope and Puffin said: In some editions of the Spy Dog, Spy Cat and Spy Pups series, there is a reference to the author Andrew Copes former website for the series, which was owned and managed by him. We understand an unconnected third party has very recently taken control of the domain name and is using it to display a different website with inappropriate adult content. This website is not associated with Puffin or Andrew Cope. We are asking people not to visit the website and ensure that children do not visit it either. We are taking this extremely seriously and are acting on this issue as a matter of urgency through the appropriate channels to get this website removed. This is an in-depth and complex legal process and will take time. We have immediately paused the sale and distribution of the books whilst we deal with this matter. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A teacher has been banned from teaching for life after hitting a pupil with a ruler. Farooq Ahmed, 58, was handed a police caution and banned from teaching indefinitely after striking an unidentified pupil on 24 November 2023, at Oasis Academy Lister Park in Bradford. He was also found guilty of pushing and kicking a chair on which a second pupil had been sitting. The incident was recorded on CCTV from inside the classroom and reviewed after two female students approached the schools assistant principal about the assault. It had been less than three months since Mr Ahmed began teaching on 1 September that year at Oasis Academy. He was suspended from his role on 27 November. West Yorkshire Police subsequently handed the veteran teacher a conditional caution for assault by beating, contrary to section 39 Criminal Justice Act 1988. That same day, on 15 January 2024, he resigned from his role as a teacher at the school. An investigation by the Teaching Regulation Agency, concluded last month, has since found that Mr Ahmed fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession. The panel was satisfied that the conduct of Mr Ahmed involved breaches of the responsibilities and duties set out in statutory guidance Keeping children safe in education, the report concluded. The panel finds that the conduct of Mr Ahmed fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession. Mr Ahmed denied during the investigation that he hit the pupil, saying that a ruler he was holding at the time may have brushed the students hand. But the panel found that the CCTV contradicted Mr Ahmeds claims, showing clearly that the teacher had made a deliberate flicking movement of the ruler towards the pupil. The panels findings stated: The panel carefully observed the CCTV footage and towards the end of the footage noted that Mr Ahmed flicked a ruler, which appeared to make contact with Pupil Bs arm. Shortly before, the ruler had been taken by Mr Ahmed from a pupil sat nearby. Prior to this occurring, the panel noted that Mr Ahmed appeared to be in an agitated state in the confrontational manner in which he moved around the classroom, standing unnecessarily close to the pupils whilst demanding the Schools equipment from them. Despite being later apologetic, the panel found that Mr Ahmed proved a considerable risk to the teaching profession and barred him from teaching indefinitely. He is entitled to request a review of the prohibition order after two years. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An engineering storeman sacked after saying top of the morning to ya in a mock Irish accent to a colleague has been awarded a five-figure sum after an employment tribunal deemed it to be an unfair dismissal. Karl Davies, then 57, was working at a manufacturing site in Wales on August 13, 2024, when he greeted a manager, Scott Millward, in the accent while listening to Irish music. Mr Millward, a manager at Wrexhams Oscar Mayer ready meal manufacturing site, had been escorting a red-headed external auditor when the remark was made and he reported his colleague to the employer, who launched a probe into whether the comments amounted to racial harassment, the tribunal in Mold was told. The claimant repeated the phrase multiple times, with tribunal Judge Vincent Ryan accepting that he was effectively channelling the musical vibe. The judge said that Mr Davies adopted an accent in a reprehensible and mocking way and goaded Mr Millward by repeating the phrase in a manner that Mr Millward was bound to find irritating and embarrassing. He said that the claimant was trying to get on Mr Millwards nerves to get a reaction from him and to cause him embarrassment. He added: I find that the purpose was not to racially harass Mr Millward, and there is no evidence before me that it had the effect, either, on anyone. It was nevertheless blameworthy as (Mr Davies) was subordinate to Mr Millward. open image in gallery Mr Davies, a employee at an Oscar Mayer ready meal manufacturing site, won more than 16,000 for unfair dismissal ( Getty Images ) It gave rise to the disciplinary proceedings and therefore contributed to the eventual sanction. The claimant did not know and had not seen the auditor, who is not known or believed to be Irish, the tribunal heard. A manager, against whom Mr Davies had an unresolved grievance, conducted the investigation into Mr Daviess comments, the tribunal was told. The judge wrote that Oscar Mayers disciplinary case was based on its perception that Mr Davies may have perceived that the auditor looked typically Irish. Mr Daviess phrase was found by his employer to amount to harassment, but neither his clean disciplinary record or 27 years of employment for the firm were taken into account, the judge found. The tribunal ruled that the chosen investigator was not appropriate, witness statements were inconsistent and the probe was largely based on assumptions. Mr Davies won more than 16,000 for unfair dismissal. The judge said: The claimant was accused of using an employment ending, reputation damaging, loss-inducing, racially motivated slur, a slur which could have created an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive working environment; these are serious matters. On the facts peculiar to this case, I found that the dismissal was unfair, which does not mean that I approve the use of the greeting in question or the use of mock accents. He added that the case was not an indication of wokeness or anti-wokeness. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Britains former national security adviser has become the latest senior civil servant to raise questions about Sir Keir Starmers explanation for the collapse of a case against two alleged Chinese spies. Lord Sedwill, who held the post between 2017 and 2020 and has also served as cabinet secretary, said he found the prime ministers position very hard to understand. He said of course China is a national security threat to the UK, directly, digitally, through espionage and through the countrys aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea. Im genuinely puzzled, to put it politely, about the basis on which this trial has fallen apart. We introduced the National Security Act because the Official Secrets Act was not fit for purpose, he told The Crisis Room podcast. open image in gallery Mark Sedwill raised questions about Keir Starmers explanation of the collapsed case ( PA Archive ) Another former cabinet secretary, Simon Case, who was Britains top civil servant when Sir Keir became prime minister, has also questioned the governments stance. Lord Case told The Telegraph: Going back over years, we have had heads of our intelligence agencies describing in public the threat that China poses to our national and economic security interests. Their comments come after the director of public prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson, said this week that a trial involving two men a former parliamentary researcher and an academic accused of spying on behalf of China collapsed after the government refused to brand Beijing a threat to national security. And Sir Keir has said the governments hands were tied by the previous Conservative governments refusal to officially designate China a threat. Mr Parkinson said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had tried over many months to get the evidence it needed to carry out the prosecution, but this had not been forthcoming from the Labour government. open image in gallery Keir Starmer said no ministers were involved in the process ( PA Wire ) Asked about the case on Thursday, Sir Keir said: The evidence in this case was drawn up at the time and reflected the position as it was at the time, and that has remained the situation from start to finish. That is inevitably the case, because in the UK, you can only try people on the basis of the situation as it was at the time. He said no ministers were involved in any decisions around what evidence to hand to the CPS, but refused to say whether his current national security adviser Jonathan Powell was. The collapse of the case has raised questions about Britains willingness to confront China as Sir Keirs government looks to build closer ties with the country. open image in gallery Christopher Berry (left) and Christopher Cash (right) had both denied the charges and the case was subsequently dropped ( Jeff Moore/PA ) Luke de Pulford, the head of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, told The Independent the governments failure to provide evidence deeming China a threat to the CPS looks very much as if it was motivated by a desire not to upset China. In the latest intervention piling pressure on the PM over the collapsed case, Lord Sedwill said: The idea that you could leak or sell or betray the secrets of this country to anyone who isnt described as an enemy, and somehow or other, that means you couldnt be prosecuted, I certainly didnt understand that to be the case under the Official Secrets Act. Could you really have taken the whole nuclear deterrent and put it in a newspaper and that wouldnt be a breach of the Official Secrets Act? So I simply find that interpretation very hard to understand. But its clear thats partly why we had to introduce the new legislation so there was no ambiguity about that. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Britain should embrace voluntary ID cards, Sir Keir Starmer has said, just weeks after announcing that digital identification will become compulsory to work in the UK. The prime minister said that while mandatory digital IDs are very important for employment, Britain could gain a significant advantage by adopting the cards for wider use. His comments came on a plane to India for a two-day trade visit to Mumbai, where he will hold meetings on how the South Asian nation uses digital ID. Opinion polls suggest support for the cards plummeted after the PM announced they would become mandatory to work in the UK by 2029, his flagship statement on the eve of the Labour conference last month. But the prime minister batted away suggestions he had killed off public support for the scheme, saying the IDs were important to meet his partys manifesto pledge to tackle illegal migration. We need to address the fact that too many people can come to this country and work illegally, he said. And that's why ID mandatory for working is really important. I think there is a case to be made about the benefits for voluntary ID into other areas, and obviously we need to make that case. I think it's a really important discussion for us to have. So on the one hand, it's mandatory for work, but I actually think it would be a good passport. Starmer poses with business leaders before jetting to India ( Reuters ) I don't know how many times the rest of you have had to look in the bottom drawer for three bills when you want to get your kids into school or apply for this or apply for that, [it] drives me to frustration. I do think that we could gain a significant advantage. He added: We're going to a country, India, where they've already done ID and made a massive success of it. On the day the prime minister officially announced ID cards, one of his closest political allies suggested they could be extended to become the bedrock of the modern state. Darren Jones, the new chief secretary to the prime minister, said in the future they could be used for really quite exciting public service reform. In response, David Frost, a Tory peer and former cabinet minister, said Mr Joness remarks were why so many of us are worried by digital ID, and a petition against digital ID hit more than 1 million signatures. Culture secretary Lisa Nandy insisted on Friday that the plan to introduce digital ID did not mean everyone would have to carry it with them and that it would be entirely their choice whether people use it. The ID card plan, which would require an act of parliament to implement, follows mounting pressure on ministers to take more drastic action to tackle migration as small boat crossings reached record highs this summer and as the asylum applications backlog remains above 75,000 pressure exacerbated by the success of Reform UK in the polls. At the same time, Sir Keir faces intense pressure over public services and rising welfare costs, after his own MPs blocked his plan earlier this year to slash 5bn from the social security budget. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has dismissed the ID plans as a gimmick that will do nothing to stop the boats. The Liberal Democrats have said they would fight tooth and nail against the nonsensical plan, while Amnesty International said the move was a dangerous overreaction by the government that puts the rights of all people in the UK at risk. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nigel Farage is set to meet the billionaire owner of Manchester United before Christmas as Reform UK doubles down on its drive to woo business chiefs. The Reform leader will try to win over Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the founder of chemicals giant Ineos, who has amassed an estimated fortune of around 20bn. Sir Jim, who has been a fierce critic of Britains net zero drive, which Mr Farage and Reform also oppose, disclosed details of the meeting on a podcast. open image in gallery The Reform leader requested the meeting ( PA ) Speaking to The Timess The Business, he said Mr Farage requested the meeting and that he has also met Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. Sir Jim lashed out at energy secretary Ed Milibands plans to remove fossil fuels from the electricity supply this decade and the governments 2050 net zero target, describing the goals as absurd. And he said the plans would put more than a million jobs at risk over the next 10 years. open image in gallery Jim Ratcliffe said he would not donate to Reform ( PA ) You could probably multiply that by 10 if you look at all the indirect jobs that are related in terms of services. Its probably 10 million jobs in Europe and three-quarters of a trillion euros in value, he told the podcast. But, despite alignment with some of Mr Farages views on the governments net zero agenda, Sir Jim ruled out donating any money to Reform. He said: Ive always been neutral on political parties. Ive never had a preference one way or another. I just want one that runs the country well. I cant see myself paying for policies. Sir Jim described Sir Keir Starmer as a reasonable bloke and a nice man. He added: Im not sure its easy to manage his party. But you have to make some tough decisions and I dont know whether he is maybe a bit too nice. And he said Britain is a high tax, high immigration, high crime country, and that if you look at why Trump won, on tax, immigration and the economy, and the current government, for whatever reason, isnt delivering on those areas. When asked whether he would support Mr Farage, Sir Jim said: I think most people would support him if he could sort those things [the economy, crime and taxation]. Reform UK was asked to comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Thousands of flights across the country have been delayed which could force Congress to break its deadlock during the ongoing government shutdown. The shutdown is in its second week after Congress failed to pass a funding bill to keep federal agencies open before midnight last Wednesday. One immediate consequence that average Americans have been feeling is the staffing shortages at air traffic control towers, which have led to massive flight delays from New York to Los Angeles. There were about 10,000 delayed flights within, into or out of the U.S. Monday and Tuesday, and more than 4,000 delays Wednesday alone, according to flight tracking site FlightAware. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Fox News Wednesday, Historically, theres about a five percent of delays that is attributed to staffing issues in our towers. In the last couple of days, its been 53 percent, telling air traffic controllers to show up for work! You have a job to do. open image in gallery Thousands of flights across the country have been delayed, which could force Congress to break its deadlock during the ongoing government shutdown ( Mario Tama/Getty Images ) Air traffic controllers, like other essential federal employees, have to work without pay during the shutdown, but Duffy has noted a slight increase in sick calls. So, were tracking sick calls, sick leave, and have we had a slight tick up in sick calls? Yes, and then youll see delays that come from that, he told reporters Monday. Democrats and Republicans continue to be at odds over the shutdown, with some politicians using the flight delays to cast blame on their colleagues across the aisle. California Governor Gavin Newsom faulted Trump for what he called the presidents government shutdown that has caused flight delays in Los Angeles, announcing that there were no air traffic controllers at Hollywood Burbank Airport for about six hours on Monday. open image in gallery There were about 10,000 delayed flights within, into or out of the U.S. Monday and Tuesday, and more than 4,000 delays Wednesday alone, according to flight tracking data ( Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images ) Duffy retorted that the government is shut down because his Democratic Party cant get its priorities straight. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, said, Republicans' government shutdown is making flying even more miserable. Republican Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina mentioned the financial strain of the Schumer Shutdown on air traffic controllers, referring to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. But flight delays actually may be the secret to bringing lawmakers to the negotiating table. open image in gallery Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told air traffic controllers to show up for work amid the government shutdown ( Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images ) The last government shutdown which lasted 35 days during the latter half of Trumps first term saw an influx of air traffic controllers calling out sick, causing sweeping flight delays that helped pressure politicians to open the government. Former Representative Peter DeFazio, an Oregon Democrat who chaired the House Transportation Committee during the 2018-2019 shutdown, told Politico flight delays could cause Congress to change its tune. It did last time, but it took a long time, he said, adding that the government only opened back up last time after massive delays. open image in gallery The shutdown is in its second week after Congress failed to pass a funding bill to keep federal agencies open ( Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images ) But Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat, told Politico she doesnt think flight delays will force Congress to break its deadlock this time, saying its about health care. Democrats are demanding a reversal in Medicaid cuts laid out in Trumps massive spending bill, which he signed in July, and an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies for their support of a funding bill. Republicans have baselessly claimed Democrats want to give free healthcare to undocumented immigrants, despite the group not being eligible for federal healthcare programs aside from in emergencies. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Florida man stole $7,000 worth of scratch-off lottery tickets from a gas station convenience store, then returned to the very same location less than two hours later and attempted unsuccessfully to cash in his winners, according to a probable cause affidavit reviewed by The Independent. After equally unsuccessful second and third tries, suspect Justin Farley, 43, instead used a replica handgun to rob a nearby 7-Eleven, making off with $120 and a pack of Newport cigarettes, the affidavit states. Under questioning by police, Farley allegedly confessed, telling officers that he simply needed money. Farley is now facing one count of interference with commerce by threat or violence, a federal charge under the Hobbs Act, which prohibits robbery or extortion affecting interstate trade. He was indicted by a Tampa grand jury while already in custody on state charges over the same robbery spree, and was charged federally on Tuesday, court records show. The 7-Eleven robbery made headlines at the time, but further details have not emerged until now. Farley, who remains jailed, does not yet have an attorney listed on the federal docket, and was unable to be reached for comment. open image in gallery Justin Farley is facing federal charges over a botched string of robberies he is alleged to have attempted last spring. ( US District Court for the Middle District of Florida ) On May 5, at 8:11 p.m., Farley pulled into a gas station in St. Petersburg and walked inside the onsite Circle K, according to the affidavit, which was sworn out by an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He engage[d] with a store employee, before heading to an office in the rear of the store. There, Farley opened multiple cabinets and took scratch-off lottery tickets, then left the Circle K at 8:28 p.m. and drove away in a grey Hyundai Elantra, the affidavit goes on, citing witness interviews and surveillance footage. Some 40 minutes later, Farley showed up at an area 7-Eleven and tried to redeem the winning scratch-offs, to no avail, according to the affidavit. It says he was inside for less than a minute, then got back behind the wheel of the grey Hyundai and left. At 10:11 p.m., the grey Hyundai returned to the Circle K, according to the affidavit. Farley got out and headed inside, it says, after which he unsuccessfully attempted to cash the lottery tickets he previously stole. Defeated, Farley walked out about 10 minutes later and drove away, the affidavit continues. Roughly 10 minutes after that, the grey Hyundai appeared again outside the Circle K, and Farley exited the car and reentered the Circle K, the affidavit states. Once inside, Farley tried again to redeem his winning tickets, but again walked out penniless, the affidavit states. open image in gallery Farley, allegedly seen here stealing lottery scratch-off tickets from a Circle K store in Florida, later tried to cash in those same tickets at the same store, according to the feds ( US District Court for the Middle District of Florida ) At this point, an empty-handed Farley drove back to the 7-Eleven, where, at 11:48 p.m., he entered the store wearing a black mask, yellow shirt and black Nikes, jumped over the counter, and pointed a black semi-automatic handgun at the clerk, the affidavit alleges. The clerk said that Farley, who was still unidentified at this point, told her to open the cash register, to which she complied, according to the affidavit. The suspect removed approximately $120 from the cash register and escorted the clerk to the back room, the affidavit states. Then, the suspect stole a pack of Newport cigarettes from behind the counter, climbed over the counter, and exited the store. Cops used license plate readers along the grey Hyundais getaway route to identify Farley as the vehicles registered owner, and the Circle K clerk positively IDed Farley as the one who stole the scratch-offs, according to the affidavit. It says that on May 6, the day after the scratcher theft and 7-Eleven robbery, police began tailing Farley. Over the next two weeks, detectives continued surveilling Farley, sitting outside his apartment building and watching him leave home wearing the same shoes, jeans and hat that he wore during the commission of the Circle K lottery ticket burglary, the affidavit states. open image in gallery Farley, seen here at a Circle K in Florida, trying to cash in the tickets he allegedly stole from the same store earlier that evening ( US District Court for the Middle District of Florida ) On May 22, officers with the St. Petersburg Police Department pulled Farley over while he was driving the grey Hyundai, according to the affidavit. They arrested Farley on state charges of commercial burglary and grand theft, and called in the ATF. Together, the local police and ATF searched Farleys car and apartment, finding the clothing, shoes and mask he wore during the 7-Eleven robbery, a replica Glock pistol, and an array of lottery scratcher ticketbooks stolen from the Circle K, the affidavit says. During a recorded interview with law enforcement, Farley admitted to stealing the scratch-offs from Circle K and to holding up the 7-Eleven, according to the affidavit. Farley explained he needed money, entered the store and stole the items from the office near the bathroom area, the affidavit states. ... Farley also admitted to committing the armed robbery at the 7-Eleven store on 4th Street in St. Petersburg, FL. Farley has a significant criminal history, according to the affidavit, which lists past felony convictions for sale of cocaine (2003), possession of a controlled substance (2007), felon in possession of a firearm (2007), felon in possession of a firearm (2010), and possession of oxycodone (2010). The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Floridas largest grocery chain has announced plans to allow customers to carry firearms in all of its stores in the Sunshine State. The change in Publixs in-store policy comes after the First District Court of Appeals ruled last month that the states ban on open carrying was unconstitutional. As of Sept. 25, 2025, Florida law allows the open carry of firearms. Publix follows all federal, state and local laws, Hannah Herring, the brands media relations manager, told Spectrum News. Treating customers with dignity and respect is a founding belief at Publix. In any instance where a customer creates a threatening, erratic or dangerous shopping experience whether they are openly carrying a firearm or not we will engage local law enforcement to protect our customers and associates. The decision to allow people to open carry in Publix's stores has split public opinion. open image in gallery Publix has announced plans to allow customers to open carry guns ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Women make 85% of family spending decisions, author Shannon Watts wrote on X. As a mom and a Floridian, Ill find a grocery store that doesnt make me wonder whether someone is open carrying or about to open fire. Other shoppers have cheered Publix's allowing customers to display their guns in its stores, of which it has just under 900 in Florida. I love Publix. Class act, one shopper posted on X. However, the overturning of the 1987 ban on open carrying does not mean that guns can be displayed anywhere. Law enforcement buildings, government buildings, schools, private property and businesses have the right to refuse your entry, Osceola County interim Sheriff Chris Blackmon said. So, if a business asks you to leave because you open carry, they have that right. When the ban was overturned, James Uthmeier, the states attorney general, claimed our God-given right to self-defense is indispensable. Floridas 1st District Court of Appeals just ruled that Floridas open carry ban is no longer constitutionally enforceable statewide, Uthmeier wrote. Our office fully supports the Courts decision. This is a big win for the Second Amendment rights of Floridians. As weve all witnessed over the last few days, our God-given right to self-defense is indispensable. open image in gallery The states attorney general, James Uthmeier, said that the overturning of the ban was a win for the rights of Floridians ( AP ) The news comes after Republican Senator Don Gaetz proposed a bill that would waive some of the licensing and training requirements for individuals using guns to protect religious buildings. Gaetz has claimed that religious leaders have asked him to put the bill forward, since they cannot afford private security. "I hope my bill is never necessary, and I'm really sorry that we had to file it, but the fact is that congregations need to have some way to provide area security for themselves if they can't afford to buy or arrange for an armed security patrol," he told FOX 13. Previous laws restricting people from acting in a security capacity have required Floridians to obtain a concealed carry permit, pass a level 2 background check, and secure approval from their local sheriffs office. The Independent has contacted Publix for further comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The ongoing federal government shutdown is severely impacting the US travel industry, with its detrimental effects intensifying as the political deadlock in Congress persists. Travellers are increasingly cancelling planned trips and opting to avoid airports until US lawmakers can agree on a resolution to reopen the government, a prospect that could still be weeks away. This prolonged impasse means essential personnel, including air traffic controllers and security screeners, continue to work without pay, leading to a rise in sick calls and staffing shortages. Concerns are mounting ahead of the upcoming Columbus/Indigenous People's Day holiday weekend, the first major travel period since the shutdown commenced nine days ago on October 1. This disruption coincides with the peak corporate travel season, at a time when the industry is already struggling to reach its full potential, according to Geoff Freeman, president of the US Travel Association. Mr Freeman warned of the broader implications, stating: "If we introduce concern into the system concern about delays, concern about cancellations, concern about TSA being less efficient we're leading people to stay in the office." He added that this creates "another reason for people to stay home, whether it's Americans staying home or foreign travellers avoiding the United States." open image in gallery Travelers still planning to visit the US have heightened concern about what the shutdown means for their vacation ( AFP via Getty Images ) The United States is the only travel market expected to see a decline in spending by foreign tourists in 2025, as inbound visits are expected to decrease 6.3 per cent year-over-year to 67.9 million, according to data from US Travel and Oxford Economics. Domestic travel is expected to increase 1.9 per cent this year. Travellers still planning to visit the US have heightened concern about what the shutdown means for their vacation. "There is some anxiety from 'What does that mean? Does that mean that we cannot fly? Are people not able to enter the country?' All those kinds of questions are coming up," said Peter van Berkel, president of Travalco, an inbound tour operator. Some travellers abroad are now hesitant to book, van Berkel said. So far, the shutdown is not affecting Delta Air Lines's DAL.N operations, CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC Thursday following its earnings, which showed that sales have accelerated in recent weeks. Nearly 12,000 flight delays from Monday to early Wednesday were in part tied to Federal Aviation Administration slowdowns due to controller absences, while about 200 flights were canceled. open image in gallery Major airports from coast to coast are struggling with flight delays caused by staff shortages during the government shutdown ( Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images ) Air traffic control staffing issues have emerged sooner in this shutdown than the last major halt to government funding in 2019, leading to unexpected shortages in cities around the country. If it continues, travellers will see "erosion of service" as frustrated air traffic controllers and TSA officers get tired and call in sick, said Sheldon Jacobson, a University of Illinois professor who helped design TSA Pre-Check. "The largest shutdown in history was 35 days in the first President Trump term. Are we going to see 35 days again? Right now, there's no evidence of it being reconciled and ended, but these things will change very, very quickly and unpredictably," he said. Arizona-based travel agent Sonia Bhagwan said two clients have asked if they should cancel their Thanksgiving and Christmas vacations to Hawaii. Wayne Milano, 44, of Monmouth County, New Jersey, said he canceled a business trip to India and will not fly until the stalemate is resolved. Citing bad luck with delays and cancellations, Milano told Reuters air travel is out of the question for now. "I'm at that point where I'm like, I'm not even going to chance it for the first week or two, let's just see how things play out." Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trumps 19-year-old son, Barron, could be in the running for a top job at TikTok, according to the presidents former social media manager. Trump has previously claimed that he saved TikTok and that users now owe his government for allowing it to remain available in the US. Jack Advent, the presidents 22-year-old former social media manager, joined in by saying that Trump should give his teen son a position on the social media platform to broaden its appeal for young people. 'Young people are overwhelmingly the user base of TikTok, Advent told the Daily Mail. I'm hopeful President Trump will consider appointing his son Barron and maybe other young Americans to TikTok's board to help ensure it remains an app young people want to keep using. open image in gallery Barron Trump could be in the running for a top job at TikTok according to his father Donald ( Getty ) Barron recently moved back into the White House while he attends classes at New York Universitys DC campus and has not commented on Advents claims. According to his mother, first lady Melania Trump, Barron was a key part of Trumps win in 2024. The Republican leader has also claimed that his son suggested he go on Joe Rogans podcast. The president has had a complicated relationship with TikTok during both of his administrations, suggesting that the app threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans personal and proprietary information during his first term. Trump later rolled back a ban on the social media platform in January 2025, keeping the platform available while a buyer for the US version was found. Advent, nicknamed TikTok Jack by Trump, told the Daily Mail that the president has delivered on his promise to save TikTok, a sentiment echoed by the president himself. "To all of those young people of TikTok, I saved TikTok, so you owe me big," Trump said, in his first post on the platform since signing the executive order. The comments section on Trumps post was divided between people claiming he saved everything and others begging him, Please dont manipulate TikTok. open image in gallery Barron Trump was a key part of his fathers win in 2024, according to his mother ( AFP via Getty Images ) Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, which will allow US investors to access a licensed copy of the apps robust recommendation algorithm. American companies will own approximately 65 percent of the US version. ByteDance, the firm that created TikTok, and other Chinese investors will own less than 20 percent of the company. According to Trump, the new group of investors will be led by Oracle, a software company, helmed by 81-year-old tech billionaire and Republican donor Larry Ellison. Trump said at a press conference that media mogul Rupert Murdoch and Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Computers, will also be among the new shareholders. The president described the group as great investors. open image in gallery Trump has suggested that Larry Ellison will helm the takeover of TikTok ( Getty Images ) Previously, he has also suggested that the social media platform could start prioritising MAGA content. I always like MAGA-related, he said. If I could, Id make it 100% MAGA-related. However, shortly after, he claimed that every group will be treated fairly. The Independent has approached the White House, Jack Ardent, and TikTok for comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trumps Truth Social post urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute his perceived political enemies without delay was intended to be a private message, according to administration officials. A post from the presidents account September 20 addressed to Pam demands justice be served against his former FBI director James Comey, who was indicted five days later. Trump suggesting in his post that the prosecution of his favored targets is retribution for his impeachments and indictments against him believed he had sent Bondi the message directly, and was surprised to learn it was public, The Wall Street Journal reported. Bondi was reportedly upset over his mistake, which Trump quickly sought to correct with a follow-up message roughly one hour later praising Bondi for doing a GREAT job. The error has provided a glimpse into a radically reshaped Department of Justice, stripped of its historic independence with both Bondi and Trump at the helm. open image in gallery Trumps Truth Social message to Pam on September 20 instructing the attorney general to prosecute his political enemies was meant to be sent privately, officials confirm ( AP ) When asked about the message in a Senate oversight hearing this week, Bondi replied: I dont think he said anything that he hasnt said for years. Comey pleaded not guilty to lying to Congress and obstruction in his first court appearance on the charges Wednesday. A trial date is tentatively scheduled to begin January 5, 2026, but Comeys attorneys are expected to try to have the case thrown out altogether, citing Trumps vindictive prosecution. Trumps message to Bondi is likely to be at the heart of that motion, showing the judge overseeing that case that the president directed the nations top law enforcement official to investigate a target he labeled guilty before any charges were brought against him. open image in gallery Five days before he was indicted, Bondi was told by Trump to prosecute James Comey without delay ( REUTERS ) The Trump administration has ousted dozens of officials and government attorneys deemed insufficiently loyal to the presidents agenda, but in his September 20 post, the president singled out Erik Siebert, the now-former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia who Trump himself nominated and then pushed out of the role after he resisted pressure to prosecute Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Trump complained that nothing is being done against Comey, James and Senator Adam Schiff, who are all guilty as hell, in his social media post. He complained that we almost put in a Democrat supported U.S. Attorney, in Virginia, with a really bad Republican past, despite Siebert being one of Trumps own nominees for the job. Trump called him a woke RINO, who was never going to do his job, and said he fired him because he wouldnt take up the case against Comey. His personal attorney Lindsey Halligan is a really good lawyer, and likes you, a lot, Trump wrote in the message to Pam. We cant delay any longer, its killing our reputation and credibility, Trump wrote. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!! President DJT. Three hours later, Trump announced on Truth Social that he was nominating Halligan, who has no prosecutorial experience. open image in gallery Trump nominated Lindsey Halligan to US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia after bragging that he fired Erik Siebert for failing to prosecute Comey ( AP ) Before Halligan entered office, federal prosecutors repeatedly sought to make a case against charging Comey, who is now the first former senior government official facing criminal charges under Trumps retribution campaign. According to an internal memo in which career prosecutors explained why they would not seek an indictment, prosecutors determined that a central witness Comeys longtime friend Daniel Richmond, a law professor at Columbia University would prove problematic and likely prevent them from establishing a case, according to ABC News. Richmonds testimony would result in likely insurmountable problems for the prosecution, the memo stated. In a highly unusual move, Halligan presented the case to a grand jury herself, and the grand jury voted to indict him last month. A majority of the grand jury voted against charging Comey with one of three counts presented by Halligan, according to court documents. Comey was indicted on two other counts making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding after only 14 of 23 jurors voted in favor. open image in gallery Comey has pleaded not guilty to charges of lying to Congress and obstruction, and his legal team intends to fight the case by arguing Trump brought a vindictive prosecution against him ( 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 own federal indictments as a politically motivated conspiracy against him. In that hearing, she did not explicitly rule out prosecuting Trumps targets. 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. Trump, Bondi and law enforcement across the Justice Department now filled with loyalists and attorneys to dominate agencies that the president claims were weaponized against him are also targeting other prominent Democratic officials as well as progressive fundraising groups and an array of ideological opponents the administration alleges are tied to acts of terrorism. Prosecutors in Maryland are expected to bring charges against former national security adviser turned Trump critic John Bolton, according to WSJ, following a raid at his home in August. A case file on a federal court docket remains sealed. Former FBI director Christopher Wray, another Trump appointee who remained in office under Joe Biden, also is under investigation, according to the newspaper, though the subject of the probe is unclear. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Federal agents are temporarily blocked from firing rubber bullets, tear gas and other chemical munitions at protesters and journalists in Chicago following a lawsuit from press associations and faith leaders accusing Donald Trumps administration of a pattern of extreme brutality. A restraining order from District Judge Sara Ellis blocks federal officers from using riot control weapons and other force against clearly identified members of the press as well as protesters and faith leaders who arent posing any immediate threat to law enforcement. Ellis also specifically blocked officers from firing munitions that strike the head, neck, groin, spine, or female breast, or striking any person with a vehicle, as well as pulling or shoving a person to the ground, tackling, or body slamming demonstrators who arent harming others. The order follows testimony from reporters and demonstrators that federal agents indiscriminately fired on protesters, including an incident captured on video where officers defending an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility struck the head of a Presbyterian minister with pepper bullets that knocked him to the ground. Thursdays order arrived as another federal judge in Illinois considers whether to ban the presidents deployment of National Guard troops to the state, as the administration surges federal agents and sends the military into other Democratic-led states and cities after a wave of protests against Trumps anti-immigration agenda. open image in gallery A federal judge has temporarily blocked federal agents deployed to Chicago from using riot control weapons without warning ( Getty Images ) Illinois District Judge April Perry is considering a lawsuit from state and city officials who accused the administration of relying on flimsy pretext to send troops into Chicago, where protests erupted after federal agents repeatedly shot chemical munitions at groups that included media and legal observers while dozens of masked, armed federal agents paraded through downtown Chicago in a show of force and control. Last week, Oregon officials similarly sued the administration, arguing that the presidents threats to send in the troops are wholly pretextual and designed to stir up unrest to justify boots on the ground. On Sunday, a Trump-appointed judge argued that relatively small protests in Portland did not justify the use of federalized forces that imperil Oregons sovereignty But a three-judge federal appeals court panel including two judges appointed by Trump appeared prepared Thursday to strike down the order, teeing up a potential Supreme Court battle over the presidents authority to federalize troops. These are violent people, Department of Justice attorney Eric MacArthur told the panel Thursday. This is unsustainable The president is entitled to say enough is enough and bring in the National Guard. open image in gallery The order follows Trumps deployment of National Guard troops to Illinois as judges are considering mounting legal challenges to block the president from sending the military into Democratic-led states and cities ( REUTERS ) The lawsuit from Chicago reporters, protesters and faith leaders accuses the Trump administration of unconstitutional threats to their First Amendment rights and religious freedoms with so-called less lethal weapons causing serious injuries, while some are being randomly singled out for arrest and detained inside an ICE facility where they are detained incommunicado for hours. No legitimate purpose exists for this brutality or for these arrests, lawyers for the plaintiffs wrote this week. The officers are not physically threatened. No government property is threatened. Defendants are acting to intimidate and silence the press and civilians engaged in protected First Amendment activities. open image in gallery A lawsuit from reporters, protesters and faith leaders accused the Trump administration of deploying federal agents who exercised a pattern of extreme brutality with indiscriminate use of riot control weapons, arrests and use of force cuasing serious injuries to civilians ( REUTERS ) Last month, the Rev. David Black dressed in black and wearing a clerical collar while standing with demonstrators was hit with chemical agents while praying in front of the ICE facility in Broadview, a Chicago suburb that has emerged as a flashpoint for protests against the administration. The order from Judge Ellis prevents federal agents from using any riot control weapon without at least two separate warnings. Her order also blocks officers from seizing or arresting any non-violent protester who is not resisting a lawful crowd dispersal order, unless there is specific probable cause to believe that the individual has committed a crime for which an arrest is warranted. All federal agents must also have visible identification that is affixed to their uniforms or helmets and prominently displayed, including when wearing riot gear, unless they are undercover. Ellis directed Homeland Security officials to widely disseminate her order to federal agents. In a statement to The Independent, Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the agency is taking reasonable and constitutional measures to uphold the rule of law and protect our officers. We remind members of the media to exercise caution as they cover these violent riots and remind journalists that covering unlawful activities in the field does come with risks though our officers take every reasonable precaution to mitigate those dangers to those exercising protected First Amendment rights, she added. Anyone who actively obstructs law enforcement in the performance of their sworn duties will face consequences, which could include arrest, she said. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Hundreds of protesters have poured onto Chicagos streets to condemn President Donald Trump's decision to send Texas National Guard troops into the city. On Wednesday, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Texas National Guard troops were headed to protect the Broadview ICE facility. Later that evening, a military spokesperson told the Associated Press the Texas National Guard troops who had arrived in Chicago were protecting federal property in the city. Though the total number of National Guard troops in Chicago is unclear, a mission summary from the U.S. military said there would be 200 soldiers from the Texas National Guard and another 300 from the Illinois National Guard. Locals responded to the National Guards incursion into the city by marching through downtown Chicago. The citys mayor and the states governor have vehemently opposed the Trump administrations plan to send troops to the Chicago area. open image in gallery People shout slogans while protesting the arrival of the Texas National Guard and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in downtown Chicago, Illinois ( AFP via Getty Images ) The protest was broadly opposed to Trump's immigration crackdowns and his decision to send troops into the city. We can stand up for people that cant stand up for themselves, Jinah Yun-Mitchell, 59, told the Chicago Sun-Times. The rule of law is falling apart, so we all need to do something to make sure that it doesnt keep going in this direction. Another protester, who declined to share his last name to protect himself and his family, told Block Club Chicago that he was marching for people he personally knows who have been detained by ICE. In my community where I teach, theres kids not coming to school for a month at a time because theyre scared of what can happen to them, he told the outlet. Im overwhelmed with blinding anger and depression for the people who are being affected. He said ICE agents "shot my friend in the face" with non-lethal rounds during another demonstration at an ICE facility. open image in gallery A protester, wearing a Statue of Liberty costume, attends a demonstration against the arrival of the Texas National Guard and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in downtown Chicago, Illinois ( AFP via Getty Images ) The gathered protesters made their message to Trump and the masked federal agents clear, chanting: Donald Trump, you stupid clown; ICE aint welcome in this town." Trump has justified sending troops to Chicago and Portland, Oregon, by insisting that federal immigration agents need protection in the wake of a shooting that killed two detainees at an ICE facility in Dallas. Trump is not sending the National Guard to Dallas, where the shooting actually occurred. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has moved to block the National Guard deployment, and a ruling on that request is scheduled for Thursday. Pritzker called the military deployments "Trump's invasion," and Trump called for Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to be jailed. open image in gallery Texas National Guard troops walk through the Joliet Army Reserve Training Center, after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered increased federal law enforcement presence to assist in crime prevention, in Elwood, Illinois ( REUTERS ) Chicago Mayor should be in jail for failing to protect ICE Officers! Governor Pritzker also! the president wrote on Truth Social. Johnson said he was "not going anywhere" and that he would "stay firm as the mayor of this amazing city." Pritzker wrote on X that Trump was sprinting toward "full-blown authoritarianism." Trump is now calling for the arrest of elected representatives checking his power. What else is left on the path to full-blown authoritarianism? he wrote. Masked agents already are grabbing people off the street, separating children from their parents. Creating fear. The president has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act if the courts rule that his use of the National Guard is illegal. open image in gallery Federal law enforcement agents tear gassed community members and activists opposing their immigration raids in the city on October 4, 2025 ( Getty Images ) If I had to enact it, Id do that, Trump told reporters on Monday. If people were being killed, and courts were holding us up, or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure, Id do that. As the decision looms, the National Guard and those opposing Trump in Chicago are taking to the streets. Earlier on Wednesday, Alderman Jesse Fuentes who was handcuffed by a federal agent on Friday spoke to the gathered protesters. As your alderperson, not just of the 26th Ward because every Chicagoan matters, I will make sure that we utilize every legislative tool at our disposal to slow ICE down to protect our neighbors, Fuentes said, according to Block Club Chicago. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Dominion Voting Systems, the voting software firm that found itself at the center of baseless election fraud claims by Donald Trump and his allies following Joe Bidens 2020 victory, has been bought by a company run by a former Republican election official. Scott Leiendecker, who runs the nations leading provider of electronic poll books in KnowInk, is the owner of the new company Liberty Vote, which purchased Dominion for an undisclosed sum on Thursday. Additionally, Dominion will now be renamed Liberty Vote, and the firms website redirects to an announcement by Leiendecker under the new name. Today, I am proud to announce Liberty Vote a 100% Americanowned election technology company dedicated to restoring trust in our elections. Our mission is clear: every vote must be secure, fair, and verifiable, Leiendecker declares in the online statement. The Canadian-based Dominion was one of the biggest election equipment providers in the world and had been used in the majority of American states in the 2024 presidential election. Under Leiendeckers ownership, Liberty Vote promises to maintain 100 percent American ownership with domestic staffing. As of today, Dominion is gone. Liberty Vote assumes full ownership and operational control, he said in a statement, noting that the purchase represented a new chapter for American elections one where trust is rebuilt from the ground up. Dominion Voting Systems has been sold to Liberty Vote, a Missouri-based company run by a former GOP election official. ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Leiendecker, meanwhile, has long been active in Republican politics. Former Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt appointed him to investigate St. Louis elections administration following the 2000 election, which eventually led to his appointment as the citys Republican election director. As Axios noted, Trump loyalist Ed Martin who, as interim U.S. attorney in D.C., targeted prosecutors working on January 6-related cases was the chair of the St. Louis Board of Elections when Leiendecker served in his role for the city. It would appear that Liberty Vote is looking to align itself closely with Trumps election integrity vision going forward, especially as the president has long sown doubt about the accuracy of the nations voting systems while pushing groundless conspiracy theories that the 2020 election was stolen from him due to voting machines rigging millions of votes. With the president demanding in March that states use a voting verifiable paper record going forward, Liberty Votes said it would ensure it is in compliance with Trumps executive order. A the same time, election officials across the nation have said that electronic voting systems are fast and secure, and that paper-only ballots would lead to delayed results without any improvement on security. With Liberty Vote, we are building on that legacy. We are turning the page and beginning the vital work of restoring faith in American elections, Leiendecker said in a statement. While these changes will not happen overnight, Liberty Vote's mission is rooted in American values and committed to transparency, independent audits, and verifiable paper records. The sale of Dominion comes after the voting systems firm spent the past few years defending its reputation in court and seeking damages from conservative news outlets and Trump allies who falsely accused the company of stealing the election for Biden. Most notably, Dominion reached a massive $787.5 million settlement with Fox News in 2023. Dominion alleged that the right-wing cable giant amplified baseless election fraud claims in an effort to boost sagging ratings after disgruntled MAGA fans fled the network over its early Arizona election call. Dominion would go on to settle similar billion-dollar defamation lawsuits against far-right news organizations, including receiving a $67 million payment in August to resolve its libel suit against Newsmax. According to Axios, as part of its deal with Liberty Vote, Dominion was asked to reach agreements on its remaining lawsuits. Therefore, in recent weeks, Dominion has come to terms with former Trump attorney Sidney Powell, the MAGA network One America News, and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who also served as the presidents personal lawyer. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Jimmy Kimmel has said he will ask President Donald Trump to appear on his show, following his return to broadcasting after the furor caused by comments the comedian made about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Describing his remarks about the killing as maliciously mischaracterised, Kimmel explained that various factors, including the intensity of the news cycle and changing relationships between the White House and the media, mean that politics has become a bigger part of how he speaks to audiences. Speaking about Trump, Kimmel said, Hes on TV all day, every day. He gives us [the media] a lot to use. Thats not how it used to be. Youd occasionally get a video of George Bush walking the wrong way on stage and youd make a week out of it, or somebody trips or something like that. But now you see him, you hear him, hes presenting himself so frequently its more digestible and less digestible at the same time. Id love to have Trump on the show, for sure, Kimmel said, adding: Alright, Ill ask him. Such a booking seems unlikely given Trump and Kimmels entrenched opposition to one another, but would undoubtedly provide both with an even larger platform to score points and reach audiences. Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to ABC on Tuesday 23 Septemberfollowing a brief suspension ( Disney ) Trump made no secret of his delight last month when ABC announced it was taking Kimmels show off air indefinitely, saying that the host had been fired for lack of talent. 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. I cant believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back, Trump then fumed on Truth Social. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! In his return to the airwaves, Kimmel addressed the Kirk controversy, telling the audience it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. In the popularity contest stakes, it appears Kimmel may have the edge over the president. This week, a new YouGov poll gave Kimmel a 16-point lead in favorability over Trump. I am more popular than the president of the United States, Kimmel said as The Independents headline about the poll appeared on-screen. Kimmel made the comments about inviting Trump onto the show during a conversation with Bloombergs Lucas Shaw, who also asked Kimmel about the number of people who had reportedly canceled their Disney Plus subscriptions following the pulling of Kimmels show. Whether he knew if it was true, Kimmel responded: I hope so! I dont know. I mean, it gave me a feeling of power that Ive never had before. Shaw also asked if there was a dream guest he hadnt yet had on his show, to which Kimmel suggested UK street artist Banksy, who keeps his identity hidden. I would love to have Banksy on the show. Yeah. Thats my dream guest, Kimmel said. The Independent has contacted the White House for comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A grand jury has indicted New Yorks Democratic Attorney General Letitia James after Donald Trump demanded federal prosecutors criminally charge his longtime foe as part of a retribution campaign against his perceived political enemies. The two-count indictment accuses James of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution in connection with a loan for a property she purchased in 2020. This is nothing more than a continuation of the presidents desperate weaponization of our justice system, James said in a statement Thursday. These charges are baseless, and the presidents own public statements make clear that his only goal is political retribution at any cost, she added. The presidents actions are a grave violation of our Constitutional order and have drawn sharp criticism from members of both parties. Trump nominated his personal attorney Lindsey Halligan to U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia last month after he boasted of firing the districts top prosecutor who resisted pressure from the administration to prosecute James and former FBI director James Comey. Halligan, who has no prosecutorial experience, presented a case against Comey days later, and she personally delivered evidence against James to a grand jury Thursday. James is tentatively scheduled to appear in court to formally face charges on October 24. No one is above the law. The charges as alleged in this case represent intentional, criminal acts and tremendous breaches of the publics trust, Halligan said in a statement. The facts and the law in this case are clear, and we will continue following them to ensure that justice is served. Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice now filled with loyalists and attorneys to dominate agencies that the president claims were weaponized against him are also targeting other prominent Democratic officials as well as progressive fundraising groups and an array of ideological opponents the administration alleges are tied to acts of terrorism. open image in gallery Letitia James speaking at a press briefing in February 2024 ( AP ) Last month, in a post on Truth Social that was intended to be a private message to Bondi, the president complained that nothing is being done against James, Comey, and Senator Adam Schiff, who are all guilty as hell, he said. We cant delay any longer, its killing our reputation and credibility, Trump wrote. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!! James has long been a target of the president, whose sprawling business empire was the subject of a years-long investigation and blockbuster judgment from a New York judge that found Trump and his associates illegally enriched themselves by defrauding banks and investors as part of a decade-long scheme to secure favorable financing terms for some of his brand-building properties. In August, a state appeals court determined that the crushing financial verdict from New York Justice Arthur Engoron which has ballooned to more than $515m, with growing interest was excessive. But the court upheld Engorons findings that the president and his business partners committed brazen fraud falling short of the vindication that the president sought through the courts to save him. Bill Pulte, the chair of the Federal Housing Finance Authority, accused James of falsifying documents and property records relating to homes she owns in New York, New Jersey and Virginia to obtain lower mortgage rates ironically nearly the exact same thing a judge determined Trump and his business associates did with multiple properties. open image in gallery Lindsey Halligan has taken over as a top federal prosecutor, despite having no prosecutorial experience ( AP ) The Justice Department then opened an investigation against James based on the allegations. According to Thursdays indictment, James sought to defraud OVM Financial and First Savings Bank by listing a home she purchased in Virginia as a primary residence in an effort to obtain favorable financing terms. Her legal team reportedly showed evidence that the home was intended for her niece and that there was no intention to improperly receive better terms. The case was effectively frozen after career prosecutors reportedly told officials that they did not possess sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. That blockage appeared to frustrate the president, who then turned to Truth Social last month to call on Pam to bring a case without delay hours before nominating Halligan as the top prosecutor in Alexandria. The bar for securing an indictment from a grand jury is far lower than securing a unanimous conviction at trial, though prosecutors are generally instructed to only bring a case they believe is supported by evidence to obtain a conviction. In her statement, James ripped Trumps decision to nominate blindly loyal Halligan as antithetical to the bedrock principles of our country. This is the time for leaders on both sides of the aisle to speak out against this blatant perversion of our system of justice, she added. I am a proud woman of faith, and I know that faith and fear cannot share the same space, she added. And so today I am not fearful, I am fearless, and as my faith teaches me, no weapon formed against me shall prosper. We will fight these baseless charges aggressively, and my office will continue to fiercely protect New Yorkers and their rights. And I will continue to do my job. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes rift with her own party for failing to come up for a fix for the Affordable Care Acts health care marketplace amid the government shutdown is now a full-on assault after the MAGA firebrand ditched her normal outlets like Fox News, One America News Network and Newsmax to go on CNN live Thursday. The Georgia congresswoman and ardent supporter of President Donald Trump joined Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown in the left-leaning cable news giants DC studio. I dont think its something to wear political party team jerseys on, she told the hosts. I think its something that we have to address and fix. The government shutdown is now on its second week and leaders of Greenes party on Capitol Hill including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune say that Democrats are at fault for voting against a so-called clean continuing resolution to keep the government open. But Democrats want a continuing resolution to include an extension of enhanced tax credits for the Affordable Care Acts health care marketplace. Notices have already gone out to recipients of insurance on the marketplaces notifying them that their premiums could double as the tax credits expire at the end of the year. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) joined with her Democratic colleagues and broke with Republican leadership to say there needs to be a fix to prevent tax credits for the Affordable Care Act marketplace from expiring. ( CNN ) Greene said she is not a fan of the Affordable Care Act and talked about how businesses and patients were affected by the law signed by Barack Obama in 2010. I am a Republican and I support the president, she said. She also added that while she voted for the continuing resolution last month, she also wanted to continue working on the spending bills to fund the government throughout the fiscal year. Im getting phone calls from people that are saying if the ACA tax credits expire, they arent going to be able to have health insurance. theyre going to have to drop it, she said. Brown brought up how, as the government shutdown began, a Washington Post poll showed a plurality of Americans blamed the shutdown on Trump and Republicans on Capitol Hill and only 30 percent blamed Democrats. Im not putting the blame on the president, Im actually putting the blame on the speaker and Leader Thune in the Senate, Greene said. This should not be happening. Greene suggested that Republican leadership in the Senate should get rid of the filibuster. We control the house, we control the Senate, we have the white White House, she said. Ive been vocal saying, you know, you can use the nuclear option in the Senate. This doesnt have to be a shutdown. Republicans in the Senate have so far rebuffed overtures to remove the 60-vote barrier required for most legislation to pass. But Greene also criticized Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who responded to a tweet from Greene suggesting a foreign government try to kill her. Cruz said it suggested that she meant Israel, given Greenes criticism of the Israeli governments war in Gaza. I never said Jewish people, Im not anti-Semitic, she said. I dont hate any people, group for their identity or who they are. So that was unbelievably low for a sitting U.S. senator to say that, but what Im talking about is very real. I have a tremendous amount of death threats. its documented. In recent months, Greene has broken with her party leadership, most significantly, she joined with Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and signed their discharge petition to declassify files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Every Democrat signed on, as did two other Republicans: Reps. Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Nancy Mace of South Carolina. Democrats have criticized Johnson and House Republican leadership for not swearing in Adelita Grijalva, who won a special election and who pledged to be the 218th signature to force the legislation to go to the House floor. There is a new Democrat thats been elected that does deserve to be sworn in, her district elected her, she said. We we have other bills that we need to be passing. And if its to avoid the discharge petition, why drag this out that that is going to have 218 signatures. Despite initially being a firebrand in the House of Representatives when she initially arrived, Greene largely clinged to former House speaker Kevin McCarthy. But she has had a testy relationship with Johnson since shortly after the House GOP unanimously named him as their new speaker two years ago this month. Last year, Greene filed a motion to vacate Johnson from the speakers chair, which failed. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An Antifa expert at Rutgers University says that he was forced to flee the US after receiving death threats from Turning Point USA activists. The assistant teaching professor was branded Dr Antifa on a petition, which also claimed he was a financier for the left-wing movement while calling for him to be removed from the faculty at the New Jersey school. Bray wrote a bestselling book named Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook, which the petition on Change.org described as being heavily regarded in communist and anarchist groups. The petition was launched in the weeks following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. open image in gallery Mark Bray says that he was forced to leave the country after receiving death threats following a Turning Point USA petition ( YouTube/@Dartmouth ) Shortly after the shooting, Brays home address was revealed on social media, with the New York Times reporting that a flurry of death threats aimed at the Antifa expert flooded in thereafter. One threat, seen by the Washington Post, included a vow to kill him in front of his students. The prompt led Bray to take his wife and two children to Spain. He says he will continue to teach his students remotely from Europe. My role in this is as a professor, Bray said in an interview. Ive never been part of an antifa group, and Im not currently. Theres an effort underway to paint me as someone who is doing the things that Ive researched, but that couldnt be further from the truth. The assistant teaching professor has worked at Rutgers since 2019 and says that he feels so bummed about not being able to spend time with his students. open image in gallery There has been a surge in support for Turning Point USA following Charlie Kirks assassination ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Meanwhile, right-wing activists have cheered his flight from America. One described it as a total patriot victory on X. However, many of Brays colleagues have slammed the petition launched by the Rutgers chapter of Turning Point USA as an effort to suppress the speech, teaching and scholarship of faculty who do not conform to their movements politics. In a statement released by the American Association of University Professors, Brays colleagues also described the petitions description of him as an affront to both academic freedom and Turning Points self-proclaimed commitment to a culture of open debate. Antifa is a decentralized movement, with no distinguishable leadership or structure. open image in gallery Turning Points founder Charlie Kirk was a vocal supporter of Donald Trump ( Getty Images ) Included in the petition filed against Bray was a post made by the Antifa expert on the social media app Bluesky. I could say that antifa is neither terrorist nor an organization, but MAGA does not care about factsthis is just about mobilizing a broad label to expand repression and accelerate the march to fascism, the post read. Despite this, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to designate the left-wing movement as a domestic terrorist organization. He claims that radical left rhetoric has led to a spike in political violence. Critics have branded the presidents order a witch hunt against Trumps political adversaries and have pointed to the president's own comments about feeling hate for his enemies. The Independent has contacted Mark Bray, Rutgers University and Turning Point USA for further comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Problem children air traffic controllers who call in sick during the government shutdown could be fired, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Thursday. I think whats happening here, 90 percent of the controllers, they show up, they come to work, but 10 percent of them are lashing out, Duffy told Fox Business on Thursday. Its a small fraction of people who dont come to work that can create this massive disruption and thats what youre seeing rippling through our skies today, he added. Air traffic controllers are considered essential government workers and are expected to continue to work without pay during federal government shutdowns. "There are processes and procedures in place to deal with the inappropriate use of sick leave, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association said in a statement to The Independent. open image in gallery The Transportation Secretary has warned that problem children air traffic controllers who falsely call in sick during the government shutdown could be fired ( Getty Images ) Elsewhere in his interview on Thursday, Duffy said controllers who call in sick wont get back pay for days of work they missed once the government reopens. The union has called on legislators to end the shutdown, warning that the gridlock will cause thousands of aviation professionals like aircraft certification engineers to be furloughed while the shutdown puts additional pressure on the air traffic controllers who remain on the job. open image in gallery Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that air traffic controllers who call in sick wont get back pay for the days theyve taken off ( Andrew Harnik/Getty Images ) A government shutdown adds unnecessary distraction to their work, adding strain on a workforce that is already stretched thin working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, operating the most complex airspace in the world, the union writes on its website. Since the shutdown began just over a week ago, airports across the country have struggled with thousands of flight delays and staffing shortages. On Thursday, a facility routing air traffic through the Fort Worth, Texas, region reported an hour-long staffing shortage, while six Federal Aviation Administration facilities had shortages the day before, including the towers at Denver International and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. There has been a chronic shortage of air traffic controllers for decades, and the Department of Transportation is looking to hire nearly 9,000 more by 2028. open image in gallery The air traffic controllers union has called on the government to reopen, warning that the shutdown will furlough safety personnel like plane certification engineers and distract remaining workers ( Getty ) A string of catastrophic aviation disasters in recent months has brought increased attention to the nations air traffic control system. A January collision between a regional jet and an Army Blackhawk helicopter near Washingtons busy Reagan National Airport killed 67 people. A September lawsuit from the family of one of the victims called the crash a wholly avoidable tragedy, alleging the FAA was part of the series of collective failures that led to the disaster. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice With the leaders of Hamas and Israels prime minister agreeing to phase one of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, Donald Trump may finally be on the verge of ending a bloody conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and which largely defined the 2024 election. The U.S. president could also be on the verge of achieving a major accolade hes openly sought for months, if not longer: the Nobel Peace Prize. Awarded to Barack Obama in 2009, winning the prize is Trumps way of attaining a similar level of the same global respect his longtime political foe achieved with ease almost immediately upon taking office. And as Israels ministers vote on the peace agreement the countrys Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to Washington to support, it remains obvious that the Israeli government and Netanyahu himself could still put serious obstacles in the way of any deal becoming permanent. Even as leaders of Hamas vowed to return all living and dead hostages, Israeli military forces continued to carry out strikes throughout the day Thursday, according to reports from inside Gaza. Trump himself was posed questions about Netanyahus level of commitment to the deals capacity to end the war on a long-term basis, and found himself unable to qualify it. Asked how he could guarantee Hamas would disarm and Israel would not resume bombardments of Gaza at a Cabinet meeting, the U.S. president responded that his current priority was the return of hostages: After that, well see...but theyve agreed to things, I think its gonna move along pretty well. open image in gallery Donald Trump told reporters on Thursday, well see, when asked whether the ceasefire agreement would continue into a full deal to end the war between Israel and Hamas ( AP ) Were going to see how it all goes. Theres a point at which we may do something that would be a little bit different, and maybe very positive for everybody, Trump added of the possibility of Palestinian statehood. Well be looking at that at the time. I think we will get to that. It isnt completely clear the extent to which both sides have agreed to later phases of the peace process. Israel remains publicly opposed to any consideration of statehood for the Palestinian territories, which remains a major sticking point to the deal particularly as it concerns Hamass willingness to disarm and relinquish political control of the Gaza Strip, which the militant group has not said it will do. Beyond the larger points of a long-term peace agreement, theres still the chance that hostilities erupt again before that conversation even takes place. Israeli tanks were recorded firing on coastal road densely packed with Palestinians after news of the ceasefire agreement was announced, which had driven many into the streets in celebration. Reporting throughout Thursday indicates significant roadblocks still in the way. Nearly all stem from Israeli unwillingness to accept Palestinian demands: among those asks included a request for imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti to be among the hundreds of Palestinians released from Israeli custody in an exchange of hostages with Hamas; it was denied. The head of the Palestinian mission to the UK warned: "this is not a time to relax." "We have experience with Netanyahu," Husam Zomlot told Radio 4, noting that the prime minister "looks for loopholes" and "doesn't want to end [the war]". open image in gallery Donald Trump and Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Washington to announce a 20-point peace plan last week ( AP ) The prime minister also remains under serious political pressure at home. With many Israelis fuming over the peace agreements terms and the growing public support for a Palestinian state among Western nations, Netanyahu faced a threat from far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to dissolve the governing coalition if the prime minister doesnt secure an agreement for the total dissolution of Hamas. Hamas, meanwhile, faces the opposite pressure. Much reporting indicates that the involvement of Arab countries and Turkeys President Erdogan forced the militant group to accept a deal with little in the way of tangible guarantees of success. When Trump put forward his plan, as lopsided as it was, the Arab states and others embraced it, not because they loved the terms but because they just wanted to be done with this. That put Hamas in a very difficult position, Khaled Elgindy, visiting scholar with Georgetown Universitys Center for Contemporary Arab Studies told The New Yorkers Isaac Chotiner this week. As a result, supporters of a ceasefire across the political spectrum (with the exception of Israels loyal defenders on social media) widely agree: for this deal to succeed, the brunt of Trumps pressure is going to need to be aimed squarely at Netanyahu. The Israeli bombing of Qatar, aimed at assassinating Hamas political leaders, was seen as a key moment that shifted the presidents view much like the delay in Ukraine-Russia talks and continued Russian strikes on civilian targets in Kyiv and elsewhere seemed to turn Trump against Vladimir Putin. The fact that Trump and his team could step in aggressively to get a deal done this week shows that the war could have ended much earlier had the U.S. pressured the Netanyahu government appropriately earlier. The key reason Trump moved forward with pressure on Israel at this point is because of Israel's overreach by bombing Qatar in September. It made the White House recognize that Israel's recklessness was increasingly becoming an American problem, wrote the progressive Quincy Institute scholar Trita Parsi. His words were approvingly echoed on X by Curt Mills, executive director of the American Conservative magazine and a voice among the war-skeptic MAGA right. Mills, who has also called the Israeli assault on Gaza a genocide, derided Netanyahu and critics of the agreement to release living and dead hostages within the Israeli governing coalition on Thursday. The January ceasefire secured by [Steve] Witkoff even before he was in office, a baller move ushered in the very positive first phase of the Trump Admin. That was disrupted by the Israelis breaking the deal and then by June 13. This is a grand opportunity to get back on track, wrote Mills. Steve Bannon, the MAGAworld populist ex-Breitbart baron, added on his podcast: What really drove this was Netanyahus overreach. The greater Israel project backfired. We warned them. He dragged America into wars the public wont support. Thats why this deal happened. The War Room host was more optimistic than most progressives, and even moreso than his former boss that Palestinian statehood remained not just firmly on the table, but now inevitable. Its a peace plan in Gaza, but its going to be the beginning of a two-state solution, Bannon declared Thursday. Can Trump force Netanyahu to budge on the one position that seems certain to shatter the Israeli leaders political coalition? If he does, the Nobel Peace Prize would certainly be on the table though the prime ministers vow to nominate him for it could be the price. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump appeared confused when asked if he was considering suspending habeas corpus a Constitutional right that allows people to challenge unlawful detention responding, Suspending who? The 79-year-old president was taking questions from conservative influencers in the State Dining Room of the White House Wednesday as part of a roundtable on so-called Antifa terror when he was asked about how he plans to handle the anti-fascist movement. Antifa, short for anti-fascist, is a term used to describe left-wing activists that the Trump administration has villainized. On Wednesday, the president said he is designating Antifa as a major domestic terrorist organization for protesting his Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies. During the roundtable, Trump was asked: Have you given any more thought to possibly suspending habeas corpus to not only deal with these insurrectionists across the nation, but also to continue rapidly deporting illegal aliens? Suspending who? Trump responded, either mishearing the question or thinking habeas corpus was a person. open image in gallery President Donald Trump appeared to either mishear a question or think the constitutional right of habeas corpus was a person during a roundtable at the White House Wednesday. ( Getty Images ) Habeas corpus, the person repeated, causing Trump to defer to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who was sitting alongside him during the panel. I dont know. Id rather leave that to Kristi, he said, turning to ask Noem, What do you think? Noem awkwardly replies, No, sir. I havent been part of any discussions on that. Trump quickly moved on to the next question. When reached by The Independent about the incident, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said: Amidst ongoing violent riots and lawlessness, that local leaders like [Illinois Gov.] Pritzker have refused to step in to quell, President Trump has exercised his lawful authority to protect federal officers and assets. President Trump will not turn a blind eye to the lawlessness plaguing American cities. Habeas corpus is a Latin term that means you have the body. The right of habeas corpus is directly given in Article I of the U.S. Constitution, allowing those detained by the government to challenge their detention by filing a petition with a court that has jurisdiction. All people in the U.S., including immigrants, are awarded habeas corpus. However, it can be suspended in cases of rebellion or invasion if public safety requires it. While Trump stumbled over the question, Noem may not have been the best person to ask about the fundamental right. In May, as the White House threatened to suspend habeas corpus, Noem stunned members of a Senate hearing when she completely blundered its definition. When asked by Senator Maggie Hassan to define it, Noem claimed it is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country. Hassan, a New Hampshire Democrat, interrupted Noem, declaring, Thats incorrect. open image in gallery Trump turned to Noem on the question about habeas corpus, though the Homeland Security Secretary previously humiliated herself when she failed to properly define it during a Senate hearing in May. ( Getty Images ) As Trumps latest gaffe went viral online, California Gov. Gavin Newsom jumped on another opportunity to dunk on him, simply writing, Comforting, along with the clip. Other social media critics mockingly suggested that Trump thought he was suspending a person, instead of the constitutional right protecting people from unlawful detention. President Non Compos Mentis has no idea what the writ of habeas corpus is, wrote conservative lawyer George Conway on X. Another social media user joked, Habeas Corpus, I hear hes doing very well. Very strong, very powerful. open image in gallery Federal agents confront Antifa protesters outside of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building on in Portland, Oregon ( Getty Images ) During Wednesdays roundtable, Trump said he was going to designate Antifa a foreign terror organization. He designated it a domestic terror group last month. Antifa is not a single organization but rather a loosely affiliated, left-wing movement with no central hierarchy, organization or clear membership structure. Its adherents have used a variety of protests strategies, including violence, as part of their activism, and Antifa-style protesters have a presence on the West Coast in cities like Portland and Seattle. Trumps former FBI director, Christopher Wray, told Congress in 2020 that Antifa is not a group or an organization, but rather a movement or an ideology. The Anti Defamation League describes Antifa as a decentralized, leaderless movement composed of loose collections of groups, networks and individuals. Even so, Attorney General Pam Bondi backed Trumps attacks on the movement. Fighting crime is more than just getting the bad guy off the streets, Bondi said. Its breaking down the organization brick by brick, just like we did with the cartels. Were going to take the same approach, President Trump with Antifa, destroy the entire organization, from top to bottom. Were going to take them apart. It was not immediately clear what may change under the new designation. The U.S. government does not provide a precise, comprehensive, and public explanation of groups it may consider to be domestic terrorist organizations, in part because of free speech concerns, according to a 2023 Congressional Research Service report. Trump first said he was going to designate Antifa as a terrorist organization during his first term as president during protests against the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump on Thursday said he will travel to the Middle East in time to be there when Hamas releases the roughly 20 remaining living hostages and the bodies of deceased ones as part of an exchange with Israel laid out in the phase one peace deal. Speaking during a cabinet meeting less than 24 hours after announcing the deal, Trump said all of the remaining hostages should be released on Monday or Tuesday in what he described as a complicated process that will mark a day of joy. I'm going to try and make a trip over. We're going to try and get over there, and we're working on the timing, the exact timing, we're going to go to Egypt, where we'll have a signing, an additional sign, and we've already had a signing representing me, but we're going to have an official signing, he said. The president told reporters he hoped the accord, which was negotiated in part by his roving envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his former adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, would stand as a momentous breakthrough that will lead to an everlasting peace in the region after two years of war following the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas. He added that hed be leaving fairly soon and said people are so happy about the nascent peace deal. ( Getty Images ) I've never experienced anything quite like it. I've never seen such universal praise for for being able to do something ... it's something that nobody thought it was possible, and we're going to end up having peace in the Middle East, he said. Wild celebrations have erupted in both Gaza and Israel in the hours since the deal was announced, hailing what could be an eventual end to a devastating Israeli military campaign in Gaza and the release of hostages who have been in captivity for two years. Israeli cabinet and government meetings taking place Thursday are the final step towards ratifying the deal. If approved, the ceasefire will come into effect 24 hours after the cabinet meeting, a government spokesperson said. Hamas confirmed that the agreement includes troop withdrawal, prisoner exchanges, and the entry of aid. But the Israeli military warned civilians not to return to northern Gaza, calling it a dangerous combat zone. The militant group is thought to have 48 hostages to release 28 of whom are believed to be deceased in exchange for a significant number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Asked what would happen if Hamas is unable to locate all of the dead hostages remains, Trump told reporters that the location of most of the hostages is already known. He said the bodies are a bigger problem because some may be more difficult to locate but promised that all parties would do the best we can to find them. He also added that Gaza is going to be slowly redone with the aid of tremendous wealth from Arab nations as the war-torn strip will soon see a reduced military presence from Israel. Just a small part of that... what they make, will do wonders for for Gaza, and I think you'll see some tremendous countries stepping up and putting up a lot of money and taking care of things, Trump said. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Eric Trump has led the calls for his father, President Donald Trump, to receive the Nobel Peace Prize after overseeing the historic peace deal for Gaza agreed between Israel and Hamas. The president was briefed on the news by his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, in the middle of a press conference at the White House on Wednesday, and subsequently announced on Truth Social: I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. All Parties will be treated fairly! open image in gallery President Donald Trump announcing that a peace deal is close at a White House press conference on Wednesday ( AP ) This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS! The deal was met with jubilation in the region, not least in Tel Avivs Hostages Square, where the families of captives chanted Nobel Prize to Trump in celebration. The presidents son spread the same message online, posting on X: Retweet if you believe Donald Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. The post had attracted more than 19,000 retweets at the time of writing. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick agreed, posting: Undoubtedly, President Trump should receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Former White House adviser Steve Bannon said on his War Room podcast that it would be a joke if Trump does not take home the prize for which he has loudly lobbied for years. MAGA pundit Clay Travis, like Lutnick, reposted the presidents announcement and said: If this holds, Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. Perhaps most gushing of all was Nate Morris, a Kentucky businessman running for the Senate on the Republican ticket, who declared: President Trump doesnt just deserve the Nobel Peace Prize for getting this deal across the finish line, they should rename the damn thing after him. open image in gallery Eric Trump is leading the calls for his father to receive the Nobel Peace Prize ( Newsmax/YouTube ) Not everyone was convinced, however, with one left-wing activist posting an image of a pastor, the Rev. David Black, being pepper-sprayed by ICE agents at a demonstration in Broadview, Illinois, last month and commenting: Anyone who thinks Trump will EVER be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize is out of their mind. Ahead of the prizes announcement on Friday, Trump was asked at the White House immediately after Rubios intervention whether he believed he would win it. I have no idea, he answered. I mean, look, I did settle Marco will tell you we did settle seven wars. Were close to settling an eighth and I think well end up settling the Russia situation, which is horrible. Seven thousand people died last week by the way, in Russia, between Russia and Ukraine. I think well settle that so I dont think anybody in history has settled that many but perhaps theyll find a reason not to give it to me. The president has actually been nominated for the prize 10 times, including by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in July, and it is possible the Norway-based committee could finally hand it to him. open image in gallery Smoke rises above the Gaza skyline on Thursday morning even after Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed on the first phase of a ceasefire deal ( Reuters ) However, as Nina Graeger, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, has pointed out, one of the terms of founder Alfred Nobels will was that his prize should go to the person who has done the most or best to advance fellowship among nations. Just two weeks ago, Trump admonished the United Nations General Assembly in a fiery address that was littered with misleading claims. He has withdrawn the U.S. from the World Health Organization and from the Paris Accord on climate, he has initiated a trade war on old friends and allies, she said. That is not exactly what we think about when we think about a peaceful president or someone who really is interested in promoting peace. Asle Toje, deputy leader of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, has meanwhile suggested that Trumps aggressive lobbying campaign could also count against him. These types of influence campaigns have a rather more negative effect than a positive one, he said. Because we talk about it on the committee. Some candidates push for it really hard and we do not like it. We are used to working in a locked room without being attempted to be influenced. It is hard enough as it is to reach an agreement among ourselves, without having more people trying to influence us. Trump is also just one of 338 nominees this year, with 244 individuals and 94 organizations in contention, so he is not short of competition as he seeks to become the fifth U.S. president to be awarded the honor. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump has designated the movement known as Antifa as a major domestic terrorist organization. The president originally announced the policy on Truth Social last month while on a state visit to the U.K. He said hes also calling for investigations into people believed to be funding the movement. I am pleased to inform our many U.S.A. Patriots that I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, Trump wrote. I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices. Since then, officials have said a key reason behind their campaigns to send federal agents and troops to Portland and Chicago has been to crack down on the group, though local officials have sued and deny theres any sort of law-and-order crisis in the cities justifying this military-style intervention. They beat journalists. They attacked courthouses, Attorney General Pam Bondi said during an October 8 federal roundtable on Antifa. They attacked police stations. They doxx and assault our law enforcement officers. open image in gallery Anarchists and Antifa counter-protesters march near a white nationalist-led rally marking the one year anniversary of the 2017 Charlottesville Unite the Right protests in Washington in 2018 ( REUTERS ) White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, a driving force behind the administrations immigration policy, said earlier this week that ICE officers in these cities have to do hand-to-hand combat every night against Antifa to leave federal facilities, which have attracted regular protests. Heres what you need to know about the radical movement being targeted by the Trump administration. What is Antifa? open image in gallery Antifa-style demonstrations have occurred during larger liberal social movements like the Black Lives Matter protests, as well as in response to the presence of right-wing groups like the Proud Boys ( REUTERS ) Antifa, which is short for anti-fascist, is a not a single organization but rather a loosely affiliated, radical left-wing movement with no central hierarchy, organization, or clear membership structure, according to experts. Its adherents have used a variety of protest methods, including violence, as part of their activism, and Antifa-style protesters have a noted presence on the West Coast in cities like Portland and Seattle. Trumps former FBI director, Christopher Wray, told Congress in 2020 that Antifa is not a group or an organization, but rather a movement or an ideology. The Anti Defamation League similarly describes Antifa as a decentralized, leaderless movement composed of loose collections of groups, networks and individuals. open image in gallery Antifa members have been known to engage in street brawls with right-wing groups ( AFP via Getty Images ) These characteristics distinguish Antifa from others that have been targets of law enforcement attention, including jihadist cells or right-wing militias, which often operate as groups with concrete officers and membership criteria. Where has Antifa been active? Anti-fascist activism dates back to Europe in the 1920s and 30s, during the rise of authoritarian leaders like Mussolini and Hitler. It has taken a variety of forms since making the jump stateside. Antifa-style groups in the U.S. later sought to combat the growing prevalence of neo-Nazis in the 1980s rock scene, while such protesters were spotted at demonstrations against globalization and unchecked free trade in the 1990s and early 2000s. In contemporary politics, they came to many peoples attention during the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where fights broke out between the massed white supremacists and Antifa counter-protesters. Antifa activists are known for sometimes wearing all black clothing. open image in gallery The public profile of Antifa-style activism grew following 2017s violent Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia ( Getty ) Since then, those with Antifa-like ideologies have been found mixed into larger protest crowds during social movements including the Black Lives Matter movement. Antifa-style actions have sometimes occurred in reaction to the presence of right-wing groups, like the Proud Boys, who brawled with anti-fascist activists in 2021 outside the Oregon state capitol. During the second Trump administration, federal officials have accused individuals affiliated with Antifa ideology of doxxing immigration officials and violently breaching a Portland Immigrant and Customs Enforcement building in June. The Department of Homeland Security alleges that individuals arrested for protesting outside an ICE office near Chicago in September on charges of assault are Antifa-aligned, though the Justice Department has refrained from using such language when actually describing their alleged criminal offenses in legal complaints, instead describing the attacks without references to connections to any radical group. What happens now? Its unclear exactly what practical effects this designation could have. The U.S. government does not provide a precise, comprehensive, and public explanation of groups it may consider to be domestic terrorist organizations, in part because of free speech concerns, according to a 2023 Congressional Research Service report. Listing groups in this way may infringe on First Amendment-protected free speechor the act of belonging to an ideological group, which in and of itself is not a crime in the United States, the report says. The Independent has contacted the White House for more information. open image in gallery Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem watching a protest in Portland, Oregon, on October 7. Trump administration officials accuse members of Antifa of leading violent protests against federal buildings in Portland and Chicago ( Getty Images ) Right-wing influencers and media outlets frequently report on alleged Antifa action at protests, including a claim Tuesday from podcaster Benny Johnson that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had faced down an army of Antifa at a Portland ICE building. Photos of the confrontation showed Noem standing on a rooftop looking down at a small smattering of protesters, including a person in a chicken costume. The journalist Andy Ngo frequently reports on alleged Antifa members, and has said hes been attacked by the group, though critics have accused him of deceptive reporting tactics and fueling online hate campaigns against those he denounces. The announcement that Antifa would be considered a terror group comes in the wake of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk being shot and killed while speaking at an event on Utah Valley Universitys campus in September. open image in gallery Charlie Kirk speaks at an event at Utah Valley University on September 10. Trump and his allies have vowed to investigate left-wing groups after Kirk was fatally shot at the event ( AP ) Trump and his allies have since railed against left-wing groups and blamed them for growing hostility against conservatives. Trump and Vice President JD Vance have both vowed to investigate left-leaning organizations in the wake of Kirks killing, Bloomberg reports. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican, has praised Trumps Antifa announcement, according to the Associated Press. Antifa seized upon a movement of legitimate grievances to promote violence and anarchy, working against justice for all, he said. The President is right to recognize the destructive role of Antifa by designating them domestic terrorists. Others have been more critical, including CNNs David Axelrod, who warned that the designation could be a pretext to go after their political enemies. They will go after everyone and everything that they put under that umbrella, even though it isnt an organization, Axelrod said. Trump first vowed to designate Antifa as a terrorist organization during his first term, during nationwide protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd in 2020. However, legal experts at the time raised free speech concerns and warned that the designation lacked legal backing, Reuters reports. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Australian telecommunications company Optus sent crucial emails about a deadly triple-0 outage to an obsolete government email address, where they went unread for more than a day, parliament has heard. Triple-0 is Australias national emergency number. The telecommunications company alerted the Department of Communications on 18 September that a network issue had disrupted emergency calls but the messages were sent to an address that had been phased out a week earlier. That communication was sent to the wrong address, which we have told industry a number of times is not to be used as a source for notification, said Australias deputy secretary for communications, James Chisholm, in parliament on Wednesday. The first email, sent at 2.45pm local time on 18 September, said Optus had detected and fixed a fault affecting 10 triple-0 calls. A second message followed minutes later, copied to a staffer in communications minister Anika Wellss office. The ministers spokesperson said Ms Wells was only informed the next day. The minister was informed as soon as Optus told the office there was catastrophic outages on Friday, the spokesperson said. In reality, more than 600 emergency calls had failed over 13 hours, and three people died as a result. Two consecutive outages of Australias emergency 000 line last month have deepened scrutiny of Optus, the nations second-largest telecom provider. Occurring less than two weeks apart, the disruptions affected thousands of callers, with the first incident linked to three deaths after people were unable to reach emergency services in time. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is investigating whether Optus breached its legal obligations. The notifications are important, but not making triple-0 work properly is the issue here That is the issue that ACMA is particularly focused on and that we are focused on, he said. Mr Chisholm told senators on Wednesday that telecom providers are required to automatically reroute emergency calls to other networks whenever outages occur. Officials said Optus had been informed of the email change weeks earlier and had used the new address for other incidents. All telecom companies, including Optus, were notified of the change in email on 27 August and told that the old address would be temporarily monitored. When asked why the old inbox wasnt monitored, Mr Chisholm replied: The redundancy arrangements here are Optus complying with its obligations. In a tense exchange with senators, Mr Chisholm maintained that his department was not responsible for the outage, adding that it was his opinion that Optus had failed to meet its legal obligations. Optus is owned by Singapores SingTel, which is already under pressure over previous cyber and service failures. Singaporean prime minister Lawrence Wong, visiting Canberra, said on Wednesday: I understand fully the anger, frustration and outrage at what has happened, adding that it was tragic that people had died because of it. From a governments perspective, we expect our companies to act responsibly, and we will certainly expect Singtel and Optus to comply with the laws and do whatever they can to cooperate with the investigation. Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said at a joint press conference after meeting with Mr Wong: I raised the issue and we had a discussion. I thank prime minister Wong for the condolences he offered to the families and his support for strong follow-up action. In a statement, Optus said: The industry supports ongoing collaboration with the government to strengthen the Triple Zero eco-system, improve real-time network information sharing, and enhance emergency response coordination. We are committed to working closely with Government, emergency services, regulators, and industry partners to deliver the highest standards of communication services for Australians. Australians need to be able to trust that calls to Triple Zero will work when it matters most, and we take that responsibility seriously. While no network is infallible and outages can occur due to factors such as severe weather, power loss, or technical faults, our focus is on minimising the risk of disruption and responding swiftly when issues arise. We reaffirm our responsibility to the Australian public and are taking action to protect the integrity of the Triple Zero emergency system. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Prosecutors have lodged an appeal against mushroom killer Erin Pattersons life sentence on the grounds that the judge was too lenient in allowing her the possibility of parole after 33 years. Patterson, 50, was sentenced last month for the murders of her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and their relative Heather Wilkinson, and for the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson. The three died after eating a beef Wellington meal laced with deadly mushrooms at Pattersons home in Leongatha, south-east of Melbourne, in July 2023. Justice Christopher Beale sentenced her to life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 33 years, citing the unusually harsh conditions of her custody including more than a year spent in solitary confinement for her own protection should be taken into account. The decision allowed Patterson to apply for her release on parole after 33 years. But the Victorian director of public prosecutions, Diana Piekusis KC, has challenged that decision as she called the sentence as "manifestly inadequate". She said the finding that Patterson would likely spend years to come in solitary confinement was not supported by evidence and wrongly influenced the judges reasoning. open image in gallery A woman poses by a mural by street artist Jarrod Grech of Erin Patterson - now stamped with a guilty sign - of the Australian woman found guilty of murdering three members of her husband's family with a toxic mushroom-laced beef Wellington lunch ( AFP via Getty Images ) The sentencing judge erred in finding that there was a substantial chance the respondent would be held in solitary confinement for years to come when such a finding was not open on the evidence, and that finding infected his assessment of the respondents likely future conditions in custody and his decision to fix a non-parole period, the court documents said. She said she was "satisfied that an appeal should be brought in the public interest". The DPP argue that the sentence imposed on Patterson is manifestly inadequate, in that: a) it was inappropriate for the sentencing judge to fix a non-parole period; or b) the non-parole period of 33 years is manifestly inadequate. Patterson has indicated she will appeal against her conviction, though that appeal has not yet been filed. open image in gallery The exterior of the Leongatha home where Erin Patterson served up four death cap mushroom-laced beef wellingtons in Leongatha, Australia ( AAP Image ) During a pre-sentencing in August, the Supreme Court was told that Pattersons own safety was at risk from other inmates and that she was being held in solitary confinement within the maximum security prison. The court was told she had little access to fresh air with her food delivered through a trap door. She only has permission to communicate with one other prisoner, who is a convicted terrorist. Justice Beale considered these harsh conditions when he sentenced Patterson. He said the media attention that the case has got, including the books, documentaries and TV series, would mean she could be a long term target of fellow inmates. "You have effectively been held in continuous solitary confinement for the last 15 months and, at the very least, there is a substantial chance that, for your protection, you will continue to be held in solitary confinement for years to come," he said. "The harsh prison conditions that you have experienced already and the likely prospect of solitary confinement for the foreseeable future are important and weighty considerations which should count for something in the sentencing exercise. "In my view, the only scope for making them count is by the fixing of a non-parole period." Patterson turned 51 in the jail last week. She has consistently denied charges and said the poisoning was an accident. A hearing date for the latest appeal has not been set. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The parents of fugitive Tom Philips, who was fatally shot by police last month, have apologised to the community for their sons actions. In a letter to the community, published in the King Country News, Neville and Julia Phillips expressed their sincere apology for the trouble their late son caused. Phillips, who had been on the run from New Zealand authorities for nearly four years, along with his three children, was shot dead by a police officer early last month. Phillips and his children Jayda, Maverick and Ember now aged between 9 and 12, disappeared in 2021. Their disappearance puzzled investigators for years, prompting extensive searches of the dense forest where the family was believed to be hiding. We would like to send our sincere apology to all those in the Waitomo/Otorohanga districts, most especially those in the Marokopa/Te Anga community for all the trouble, inconvenience, loss of privacy and property caused by Tom, the letter reads. We in no way supported him or agreed with any of his actions in the past four years. We are truly sorry for all that you had to endure, the brief letter stated. Although authorities thought they remained off-grid in the forests of the Waikato region on the remote North Island home in Marokopa, confirmed sightings were extremely rare. open image in gallery New camsite show main campsite where Tom Phillips and his children were hiding in the bush near Waitomo ( AP ) He did not have legal custody of the children. Phillips fled with his children in December 2021 after a dispute with their mother. It is believed the children have had no outside contact since. He was shot dead in an armed confrontation with authorities early on 8 September, ending a four-year manhunt. Police responded as he attempted to break into a farm shop in a small rural town. During the incident, a police officer was critically injured after being shot in the head during a confrontation with Phillips, who had just robbed an agricultural supplies store. The injured officer has since been discharged from the hospital. A child with Phillips at the time of the burglary was taken into custody. open image in gallery This photo, released by the New Zealand Police on 10 September 2025, shows the main campsite where Tom Phillips and his children were hiding in the bush near Waitomo, in the district of Waikato, New Zealand ( AP ) After a large-scale search involving helicopters and a team of 50 officers, police located Phillips two other children at a remote campsite in the dense bush of Marokopa, in New Zealands Waikato region. Authorities earlier said that Phillips was using survival skills to shelter and feed the children in remote terrain and warned that any confrontation could put them at risk. open image in gallery This 8 September 2025 photo released by the New Zealand police shows the campsite where Tom Phillips and his children were hiding before his shooting in Waitomo, in the district of Waikato, New Zealand ( NZ Police via AP ) Meanwhile, it was reported that Neville and Julia Phillips have never spoken to the media about the investigation over the years. However, other family members, including Phillipss sister Rozzi, previously shared that their mother had written a letter to her son. Tom, I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this, her letter said. Not considering how much we love you and can support you. It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you and see some of your stuff that is still here. Thinking what could have been if you had not gone away. open image in gallery A police officer investigates a site following a shootout that occurred near the town of Piopio, located in New Zealands Waikato region, on 8 September 2025. A New Zealand father who spent nearly four years on the run with his children was killed in a police shootout on 8 September, authorities said. Tom Phillips, who absconded with his three children in December 2021 after a row with his former partner, died in the rolling hill country of the North Islands Waikato region ( AFP via Getty Images ) Jayda, Maverick, Ember I love you so much and really miss being part of your lives. Everyday I wake up and hope that today will be the day that you will come home, she wrote. Last month, the childrens mother issued a statement to Radio New Zealand in which she said she was deeply relieved that the ordeal for her children had ended. They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care, said the woman, who has been identified in New Zealand news outlets only by her first name, Cat. At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved. Phillips was already facing multiple charges, including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm. He was also accused of an armed bank robbery in May 2023, in which two masked suspects fled on a motorbike with cash. In 2024, police offered a reward of 80,000 New Zealand dollars (37,000) for information that could lead to the familys safe return. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A grand jury has indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James on a fraud charge, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Thursday. It is the latest indication of President Donald Trump and his administrations determination to use the Justice Department to pursue the presidents political foes. James last year won a staggering judgment against Trump and his companies in a lawsuit alleging he lied to banks and others about the value of his assets. James was indicted in the Eastern District of Virginia on one count after a mortgage fraud investigation, said the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter. James has denied wrongdoing. She has said that she made an error while filling out a form related to the home purchase but quickly rectified it and didnt deceive the lender. The Latest: Senate Democrats decry Trumps deployment of National Guard troops to US cities With a series of Senate floor speeches, Democrats are decrying how President Donald Trump has sent National Guard troops to U.S. cities as part of his campaign against crime. The Democratic senators say that the presidents decision to send troops onto city streets presents a constitutional crisis that could threaten Americans civil rights and liberties. The Senate is voting later on an annual defense authorization bill, and Democrats are pressing for a Senate hearing on Trumps domestic use of National Guard troops. The president has no legal basis for deploying federal troops to Illinois against the wishes of the Illinois governor. There is no rebellion or insurrection happening in our state. Americans have the right under the First Amendment to protest this administrations cruel and misguided immigration policy, said Sen. Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, in one of the floor speeches. Troops will miss paychecks next week without action on the government shutdown The nations third shutdown in 12 years is once again raising anxiety levels among service members and their families because those in uniform are working without pay. While they would receive back pay once the impasse ends, many military families live paycheck to paycheck. During previous shutdowns, Congress passed legislation to ensure that troops kept earning their salaries, but time is running out. Heather Campbell said her family of five will have to survive on credit cards if her husband isnt paid on Wednesday. Hes an officer in the Air Force. Youre asking us to put our lives on the line or the people we love to put their lives on the line, said Campbell, 39, who lives outside Montgomery, Alabama, near Maxwell Air Force Base. And youre not even going to give us our paycheck. What? More airports report delays Thursday because of a shortage of air traffic controllers during the shutdown More flight delays were reported Thursday at airports across the country because a number of air traffic controllers who are expected to work without pay during the shutdown have been calling in sick. The major hub of Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey was reporting average delays of almost an hour and a half Thursday afternoon because of staff shortages. Earlier in the day, the Dallas-Fort Worth airport was reporting delays but those resolved by the afternoon. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is urging controllers to show up for work, but he understands that they are frustrated with the shutdown and worried about how they will pay their bills without a paycheck. Problems have been reported at various airports all week. Theres no way to predict where there might be problems. And even a small number of absences can cause problems because the FAA is already critically short on controllers. New York Attorney General Letitia James indicted on fraud charge, AP source says A grand jury has indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James on a fraud charge, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Thursday. James was indicted in the Eastern District of Virginia on one count after a mortgage fraud investigation, said the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter. Read more about Letitia James Trump doesnt offer details on what conditions might lead to a two-state solution The president was asked about an element of his peace proposal that says there may eventually be a path for Palestinian statehood if conditions are in place, and Trump said, Were going to see how it all goes. Theres a point at which we may do something that would be a little bit different and may be very positive for everybody. But well be looking at that at the time, Trump said. The president added that he was hopeful things would progress that far, adding: I think well get to that period, too. Chicagos mayor accuses Trump of sowing chaos and terror Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has accused President Donald Trump of overstepping his authority by sending troops into his city, sowing chaos and terror. Johnson spoke to reporters outside a courthouse in Chicago during a break in proceedings Thursday at which the state of Illinois urged a judge to order the National Guard to stand down in the Chicago area. The mayor said he would use every legal tool available to resist, whether that means turning to the courts or issuing executive orders. He said the city has won every lawsuit it has filed against the Trump administration and defeated every lawsuit brought against the city. I just want the people of this city to know, that were not alone as we continue to band together and show our collective strength. Thats how we defeat tyranny. Thats how we defeat authoritarianism. Trump says Walter Reed is a semi-annual physical The president, who is headed to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday, says hes going there for a semi-annual physical. The White House caused some confusion this week when they announced the visit because it characterized it as a routine yearly checkup. Trump got his annual physical in April. Im meeting with the troops and Im also going to do a, sort of, semi-annual physical, which I do, Trump told reporters from the Oval Office on Thursday. I think Im in great shape, but Ill let you know. Despite long commenting on why he doesnt have a Nobel Peace Prize, Trump says of Fridays announcement: Whatever they do is fine The president, while sitting with Finlands President Alexander Stubb in the White House, said, I dont know about his chances of getting the prize, which will be awarded Friday morning. But he ticked off a list of conflicts where he said he has brokered peace and said, I didnt do it for that. I did it because I saved a lot of lives. Theyll have to do what they do, Trump said of the Nobel Committee. Whatever they do is fine. Trump suggests Spain should be thrown out of NATO The president criticized Spain for not meeting the military alliances defense spending target of 5% of GDP, calling the country laggard. Maybe you should throw them out of NATO, frankly, Trump said. US Finland announce deal on icebreakers Trump and Stubb said the two countries have reached an agreement to build 11 new icebreakers - ships that could help bolster U.S. defenses in the Arctic region. Four will be constructed in Finland and seven in the U.S., under the deal. Trump noted to Stubb that Finland will be teaching the U.S. about the icebreaker business. I think this is a huge strategic decision by the president, Stubb said, noting that the Arctic is a key strategic region for U.S. interests. Trump noted at the NATO summit in June that he was working on a potential icebreaker deal with Finland. Kentucky Gov. Beshear denounces troop deployments over local objections as un-American Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear has denounced President Donald Trumps decision to send troops to states over local opposition as un-American. Beshear said Thursday that every governor, regardless of party affiliation, should stand up against such National Guard deployments. He said one of this countrys founding principles is that we dont militarize our communities. Beshear said the president doesnt get to deploy the National Guard to places where he thinks crime is too high, or to pick a fight with a Democratic governor or mayor. Beshear criticized Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbotts support for sending Texas guardsmen to Illinois. If the situation were reversed, and Illinois guardsmen were sent to Texas over Abbotts opposition, Beshear said Abbott would want Texas to secede from the Union. Trump welcomes Finnish president Shortly after 3 p.m., the president greeted Finnish president Alexander Stubb to the White House. As Trump welcomes Stubb, he did not respond to shouted questions about Ukraine and Gaza. Kennedy cites unproven link between autism and giving babies Tylenol after circumcisions At a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reiterated the unproven link between Tylenol and autism. He said children who are circumcised early have double the rate of autism, which is because theyre given Tylenol afterward. This unfounded claim seems to refer to a study in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine in 2015, which looked at ritual circumcision and the risk of autism spectrum disorder in boys under 10 in Denmark. It found that those who had undergone the procedure, which involves removal of the foreskin from the penis, were more likely to develop autism than other boys in the study. Researchers suggested a potential link might be due to the pain of the procedure. They point out that they had no data on painkillers or anesthetics used so couldnt address the whether Tylenol was linked to autism. Other researchers pointed out that the Denmark study looked at correlation, not causation. They also point to other studies that found no evidence to support a link between circumcision and autism. US directly purchases Argentinian pesos, keeping promise to help Argentine economy The U.S. directly purchased Argentine pesos on Thursday and finalized a $20 billion currency swap framework with Argentinas central bank, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a post on the social media site X, Thursday. U.S. Treasury is prepared, immediately, to take whatever exceptional measures are warranted to provide stability to markets, Bessent said, adding that Treasury conducted four days of meetings with Argentine Minister Luis Caputo in DC to come up with the deal. Bessent has insisted that the Argentina credit swap is not a bailout. But U.S. farmers and Democratic lawmakers have criticized the deal as a bailout of a country that has benefited from sales of soybeans to China, to the detriment of U.S. farmers. Teachers union leader blasts immigration crackdown in Chicago The leader of one of the nations largest teachers unions says a federal immigration crackdown in Chicago is making students less safe. American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten spoke Thursday outside a public city school steps from where federal agents deployed chemical agents last week. The activity prompted Funston Elementary School on Chicagos northwest side to hold indoor recess. Weingarten stood with Chicago Teachers Union leaders and Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former CTU organizer, and blasted the operations by agencies including U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement. We are standing up to protect our communities and our students to create a welcoming and safe environment and that means ICE is not welcome here, Weingarten said. Ag secretary says aid for farmers is coming but delayed by shutdown Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Thursday blamed the government shutdown for a delay in announcing an aid package for U.S. farmers, who have seen one of their biggest markets almost disappear because of President Donald Trumps tariff war with China. Weve got to get the government reopened so that we can move forward on that, Rollins said at a cabinet meeting, where both she and Trump sought to blame the Biden administration for the woes faced by U.S. farmers. Last week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a significant aid package could come as soon as Tuesday. China has urged the U.S. to remove unreasonable tariffs to resume soybean trade. Trump and Chinese President Xi are scheduled to meet in about three weeks in South Korea. Appeals court considers Trumps use of Oregon National Guard A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is considering whether President Donald Trump had the authority to take control of 200 Oregon National Guard troops. The president had planned to deploy them in Portland, where there have been mostly small nightly protests outside an ICE building. During arguments Thursday, Justice Department attorney Eric McArthur told the court the Department of Homeland Security had been unable to protect federal property with regular forces. Arguing for Oregon, attorney Stacy Chaffin said Portlands protests had seen only isolated incidents of crime or violence that were handled by civilian law enforcement. Judge Ryan Nelson told the parties he understands that the Founders were clearly concerned about domestic use of the military. But he questioned whether the courts have a role in second-guessing the presidents determination about whether troops are needed. The judges said they would rule as soon as possible. Obama says we should all be encouraged and relieved that end to Gaza conflict could be in sight The former president didnt mention Trump as he posted a statement on X Thursday supportive of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal. It now falls on Israelis and Palestinians, with the support of the U.S. and the entire world community, to begin the hard task of rebuilding Gaza and to commit to a process that, by recognizing the common humanity and basic rights of both peoples, can achieve a lasting peace, Obama wrote. Senate fails for the seventh time to advance bill to end government shutdown Another day in the Senate, another failed vote. Senators declined for the seventh time to advance to a final vote on a stopgap funding bill. The 54-45 vote tally fell along the same lines it has since the start of the shutdown, with three members of the Democratic Caucus voting in favor and one Republican voting against. Frustration is running high at the Capitol without signs of significant progress towards ending their impasse. Democrats are demanding that Congress take up an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies before they vote to end the shutdown. Thune floats an off ramp from shutdown Senate Majority Leader John Thune suggested on Thursday that the promise of a vote on expiring health care subsidies might be an off ramp as Democrats say they wont vote to reopen government until the tax credits are extended. If there are eight or 10 Democrats that would vote to open up, that might be an off-ramp, Thune told Semafor. It is unclear if Democrats would accept an offer for a vote without more robust negotiations or a predetermined outcome. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said on Wednesday that we need to solve the problem as the expanded Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year. Judge puzzled by claim federal agents beard ripped off near Chicago In a moment of levity at a Thursday hearing for a lawsuit over National Guard deployment in Chicago, Judge April Perry expressed surprise over prosecutors claims that a federal agent had his beard ripped off during protests. Ok so you have some facial hair, she said quizzically, gesturing emphatically at the attorneys beard as audience members laughed. How does that happen? Was, was it a real beard? Justice Department lawyer dodges questions about National Guard presence in Chicago A judges questioning of an attorney representing the federal government at a Thursday hearing offered clues and added to confusion over the potential breadth of the National Guards presence in the Chicago area. Justice Department lawyer Eric Hamilton repeatedly dodged a judges questions about what National Guard members were being trained to do in Illinois and where they would be sent. This is a dynamic situation that could change, Hamilton said. When Judge April Perry pressed prosecutors on if National Guard troops would only be stationed around federal buildings or also in neighborhoods, schools and hospitals, Hamilton responded that they are not limited to just protecting federal buildings and can be used to protect ICE agents on the field during immigration enforcements. He said this is consistent to how the National Guard was used in California. Attorneys spar over protests at Chicago-area ICE facility Attorneys representing the federal government and the state of Illinois sparred over their characterizations of protests outside a Chicago-area ICE facility during a hearing for a lawsuit alleging Trump exceeded his authority in deploying the National Guard. Justice Department lawyer Eric Hamilton described officers being injured after being kicked or punched and referred to protesters as rioters. Christopher Wells, an attorney representing the state of Illinois, said the federal government is wrongfully using largely peaceful protests to justify a National Guard presence. Wells also cited an Oct. 5 email from federal agents at the Broadview ICE facility that he says claimed the situation was under control. Illinois attorney calls National Guard deployment constitutional crisis A lawyer with the Illinois attorney generals office called on a judge Thursday to block National Guard deployment in the Chicago area, calling it a constitutional crisis. Christopher Wells, an attorney representing the state of Illinois, also chastised the federal government for ignoring the legal challenge when it sent troops overnight to a Chicago-area immigration enforcement building, despite the judge urging them to hold off until Thursday. The city and state are suing Trump, arguing he exceeded his authority in deploying the National Guard. The defendants plowed ahead anyway, Wells said at a Thursday hearing. Now, troops are here. Tomorrow, theyre being sent to this courthouse. Trump express confidence in Netanyahus political future The days ahead could be politically tricky for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has been shadowed by an ongoing corruption trial as he navigated the Gaza war. His grip on power has been largely contingent on the support of hardline, far-right coalition partners who had been urging him to continue to prosecute operations on Hamas until the group was eliminated. But Trump suggested Netanyahus political standing has been bolstered by the ceasefire and hostage deal. I think hes very popular right now. Hes much more popular today than he was five days ago, Trump said of Netanyahu. I can tell you right now people shouldnt run against him. Five days ago, might not have been a bad idea. Ahead of meeting with Xi, Trump figuring out how to deal with China limiting access to rare earths Trump said he had just heard that China had put new export controls on rare earths ahead of his scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, adding that he had yet to be briefed on the matter. Trump said that the U.S. might have to stop importing so much from China, adding that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick would address any restrictions on the difficult-to-mine metals that are needed from China for an array of industrial products. Im sure well be able to handle it, Trump said. The president has also said that he expects more and more opening up of American soybeans being sold to China as part of his talks with Xi. Sales of U.S. soybeans to China have dropped as both countries are jockeying for an advantage in trade talks that Trumps import taxes caused. Trump says he will address the Knesset The U.S. president says he has been invited to speak before the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, when he travels to the Middle East in the coming days. If they would like me to, I will do it, Trump said, noting that he had been invited to speak. He said he would be the first U.S. president to address the Knesset, but thats not accurate. Former president George W. Bush spoke before the parliamentary body in May 2008. As Trump is trying to tout negotiation breakthrough in Gaza, Vance seeks to insult Schumer by calling him a Palestinian The vice president was praising Trump for the U.S.-brokered deal and then, in an apparent attempt to pivot to discussing domestic matters and the federal government shutdown, joked that Trump benefitted in the negotiations in Gaza because he also, of course, knew one of the most famous Palestinians in the world, Chuck Schumer. Trump has for more than year used the term Palestinian as a slur against his U.S. political opponents, deploying it during the 2024 election against then-President Joe Biden and more recently against Schumer, the U.S. Senate minority leader who is Jewish. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Trump talks with Muslim leaders at UN proved to be a turning point in sealing Gaza deal Trump last month gathered with the leaders of eight Arab or predominantly Muslim countries on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly to discuss strategy on ending the Israel-Hamas conflict and a plan for post-war Gaza. Days after that meeting, Trump met at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the plan and the two leaders agreed to Trumps 20-point proposal to end the war. Rubio noted that Trumps negotiators then stepped up their efforts through intermediaries in Qatar and Egypt to get Hamas on board. Trump, meanwhile, held extraordinary phone calls and meetings with world leaders that required a high degree of intensity and commitment to get the deal to the finish line. I think whats important to understand is that yesterday what happened was really a human story, Rubio said. He added, Perhaps the entire story will be told about the events of yesterday. But, suffice it to say, its not an exaggeration, none of it would have been possible without the president of the United States being involved. NY Gov. says Trump cuts to security grants amount to defunding the police As New York fights in court to restore $34 million in counterterrorism grants recently cut by the Department of Homeland Security, Gov. Kathy Hochul warned Thursday that our safety has already been compromised. The federal money, Hochul said, had long been used to pay for surveillance cameras on the subways, added police patrols and cyber security measures. They are defunding the police, full stop, added Hochul, a Democrat, describing the move as a punitive gesture to punish blue states like New York. The Trump administration previously announced $187 million in funding cuts for New Yorks law enforcement and counterterrorism but reversed course and restored the funding following bipartisan outcry. A spokesperson for DHS didnt return a request for comment. Illinois governor blasts military deployment as court hearing begins Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker says the Trump administrations deployment of troops in the state is a huge mistake. The two-term Democrat spoke to reporters Thursday as a court hearing challenging the National Guards recent arrival in Illinois was underway. Illinois and Chicago have sued saying the military is unnecessary. President Donald Trump has portrayed Chicago as lawless and crime-ridden, even as crime has steadily dropped in line with national trends. He wants everybody to think that he is bringing down crime, Pritzker said. (Hes) doing nothing of the sort. Leading GOP Jewish group says rename Nobel prize for Trump Its not enough to award President Donald Trump the Nobel Peace Prize for his administrations effort to bring about an end to the war in Gaza, according to the nations leading Jewish Republican advocacy group. President Trump shouldnt just win the Nobel Prize. It should be renamed after him, the Republican Jewish Coalition says in a statement. After 734 days, this comprehensive agreement ushers in a new dawn for the Middle East, reaffirms the unbreakable alliance between the United States and Israel, and advances trailblazing opportunities for expanding the circle of peace throughout the region. Noem says Homeland Security is looking to buy facilities in Chicago and Portland The Homeland Security secretary said her department is looking to purchase buildings in the Chicago to operate out of despite resistance form local officials. Were gonna not back off. In fact, were doubling down, Noem said. The mayor of Chicago has signed an order banning federal immigration agents from using city owned property. Noem said department was also looking at purchasing buildings in Portland. If we have to do it the hard way in Portland and Chicago, we will, she said. Trump says hostages will be released from Gaza on Monday or Tuesday The president opened a meeting with his Cabinet at the White House on Thursday by speaking about the ceasefire deal and his plans to travel to the Middle East. Trump said he will be going to Egypt for a signing ceremony. It was not clear if he would be traveling elsewhere on the trip. He said it is a complicated process for the hostages to be released from Gaza, but it will be happening Monday or Tuesday. He said there will also be the remains of about 28 hostages to be brought back, but he didnt offer details or timing on that. United Nations ambassador is no longer Cabinet-rank One person who was not present at the presidents Cabinet meeting on Thursday was Mike Waltz, the newly-confirmed U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Thats because the White House has decided that the position will not be Cabinet-rank, according to two congressional officials familiar with the matter. Whether the ambassador role is in the Cabinet is something that fluctuates between administrations. For former President Joe Biden, he included the position in his Cabinet. Trump, in his first term, downgraded the position to non-Cabinet level in 2018. When Trump announced his slate of Cabinet picks in January, he had included Elise Stefanik, who eventually withdrew from consideration, on the list. A race in Trumps shadow Republican Winsome Earle-Sears and Democrat Abigail Spanberger will likely blame the others party for the chaos in Washington at their gubernatorial debate Thursday night. Virginia is one of two states choosing governors this November, a bellwether for the party in power across the Potomac River ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Washington politics are especially relevant this year in Virginia, as Trumps cuts to the federal workforce and Congress shutdown impasse have an outsize impact in a state filled with federal employees and military personnel. Read more about what Virginia politics may foretell Louisiana challenges federal abortion pill rules The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is facing a second lawsuit over whether abortion pills should remain available via telehealth. Louisiana filed a challenge Monday to regulations of the mifepristone, one of the drugs usually used together for abortion. The state contends that allowing telehealth prescriptions violates the states right to enforce its abortion ban and that it opens the door to women being coerced into abortion. The suit echoes one from another group of GOP-led states that was recently moved from a judge in Texas to federal court in St. Louis. Anti-abortion groups have expressed anger over the approval of another generic version of mifepristone. The availability of the pills is a reason abortion numbers havent declined despite bans in most GOP-controlled states. Egypts president invites Trump to witness the ceasefire deal signing Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner met with Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi in Cairo Thursday. Witkoff and Kushner arrived from Sharm el Sheikh, where the ceasefire deal was brokered between Israel and Hamas. In a statement after the meeting, the presidents office welcomed the ceasefire agreement and called for to be signed as soon as possible. All countries want to end the war, the statement said, and Egypt will continue to work with the United States to implement the plan. El-Sissi also reiterated his invitation for Trump to visit Egypt to witness the signing of this historic agreement in a ceremony befitting the occasion. American pope criticizes wealthy elites bubble of comfort and luxury while poor suffer Pope Leo XIV has confirmed hes in perfect lockstep with his predecessor Pope Francis on matters of social and economic injustice. His 100-page teaching document released Thursday traces Christianitys constant concern for poor people, from Biblical citations and the teaching of church fathers to the preaching of recent popes about caring for migrants, prisoners and victims of human trafficking. God has a special place in his heart for those who are discriminated against and oppressed, and he asks us, his church, to make a decisive and radical choice in favor of the weakest, Leo writes. Francis criticism of capitalism angered many conservative and wealthy Catholics, especially in the United States. The fact that I am American means, among other things, people cant say, like they did about Francis, he doesnt understand the United States, he just doesnt see whats going on, Leo recently told Crux, a Catholic site. Read more of Leos conclusions about what it means to be Christian Other Democratic-led states join legal challenge of Guard deployment All 24 other states with a Democratic attorney general or governor have signed on to a court filing supporting California and Oregons legal challenge to the Portland deployment. By calling forth troops when there is no invasion to repel, no rebellion to suppress, and when state and local law enforcement are fully able to execute the law, the filing with the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals says, the President flouts the vision of our Founders, undermines the rule of law, and sets a chilling precedent that puts the constitutional rights of all Americans at risk. Johnson says hes angry, too Johnson responded to the military wife by saying hes sorry to hear about her predicament. I am angry because of situations just like yours, he added, and went on to say that the House voted to pay the troops as part of a stop-gap spending bill that passed three weeks ago but has been held up in the Senate. The top House Republican also claimed that Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer would hold up a separate bill in the Senate to pay the troops, so its not a lawmaking exercise to hold a vote on that issue in the House. Military wife pleads with House Speaker to hold vote on troop pay Republican leader Mike Johnson is taking some tough questions from Americans on C-SPAN, none tougher than from a Virginia woman who pleaded for the House to pass legislation enabling military pay during the shutdown. The woman, identified as Samantha, said her husband is serving and that if the military doesnt get paid on Oct. 15th, my children do not get the medication thats needed for them to live their life because we live paycheck to paycheck. My kids could die, she said. You could stop this. She accused Johnson of refusing to call back the House, just for a show. Federal court weighs Trump's Chicago-area Guard deployment Trumps deployment of the National Guard in Illinois faces legal scrutiny at a pivotal court hearing with a small number of troops already protecting federal property in the Chicago area. U.S. District Judge April Perry will hear arguments Thursday over the states request to block the deployment. An element of the 200 Texas Guard troops sent to Illinois started working in the Chicago area on Wednesday, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Northern Command, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity in order to discuss operational details not made public. The troops, along with about 300 from Illinois, arrived this week at a U.S. Army Reserve Center in Elwood, southwest of Chicago. All 500 troops are under the Northern Command and have been activated for 60 days. Read more about the federal court challenge of deployments in Illinois By Sudhin Thanawala and Konstantin Toropin Frustrated lawmakers say lack of trust makes ending the shutdown harder A president looking to seize power beyond the executive branch. A Congress controlled by Republicans unwilling to directly defy him. A minority party looking for any way to fight back. The dynamic has left Washington in a stalemate on Thursday's the ninth day of the government shutdown, and some lawmakers are venting their frustration as they seek traction without the trust that's typically the foundation of any bipartisan deal. Groups of lawmakers huddled over dinners, on phone calls, and in private meetings have tried to brainstorm ways out of the standoff that has shuttered government offices and threatened to leave hundreds of thousands of federal employees without a scheduled payday. But relations between the parties are badly broken. Were in an environment where we need more than a handshake, said Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat Read more about lawmakers frustrations over the shutdown Trump was nominated before. Experts say a Nobel Peace Prize win is unlikely this year Trumps bid to win the Nobel Peace Prize has drawn added attention to the annual guessing game over who its next laureate will be. Longtime Nobel watchers say Trumps prospects remain remote despite a flurry of high-profile nominations and some notable foreign policy interventions for which he has taken personal credit. Experts say the Norwegian Nobel Committee typically focuses on the durability of peace, the promotion of international fraternity and the quiet work of institutions that strengthen those goals. Trumps own record might even work against him, they said, citing his apparent disdain for multilateral institutions and his disregard for global climate change concerns. Still, the U.S. leader has repeatedly sought the Nobel spotlight since his first term, most recently telling United Nations delegates late last month, everyone says that I should get the Nobel Peace Prize. A person cannot nominate themselves. Read more about this years prize Trump has yet to provide Congress hard evidence that targeted boats carried drugs, officials say The Trump administration has yet to provide underlying evidence to lawmakers proving that alleged drug-smuggling boats targeted by the U.S. military in a series of fatal strikes were in fact carrying narcotics, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the matter. As bipartisan frustration with the strikes mounts, the Republican-controlled Senate on Wednesday voted down a war powers resolution that would have required the president to seek authorization from Congress before further military strikes on the cartels. The officials, who were not authorized to comment publicly about the matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the administration has only pointed to unclassified video clips of the strikes posted on social media by Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and has yet to produce hard evidence that the vessels were carrying drugs. The administration has not explained why it has blown up vessels in some cases, while carrying out the typical practice of stopping boats and seizing drugs at other times, one of the officials said. Read more about the lack of evidence supporting deadly strikes on Caribbean boaters Trump says Illinois governor and Chicago mayor opposing his deployments should be jailed Trump on Wednesday said the Illinois governor and Chicago mayor should be jailed as they oppose his deployment of National Guard troops for his immigration and crime crackdown in the nations third-largest city. The officials said they would not be deterred. He made the comment in a social media post, the latest example of his brazen calls for his Democratic opponents to be prosecuted or locked up. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson, when asked what crimes the president believed Pritzker and Johnson had committed, failed to identify any, but she said they have blood on their hands and pointed to Chicago Police Department reports that at least five people were killed and 25 shot over the weekend. National Guard troops from Texas are positioned outside Chicago, despite a lawsuit by the state and city to block the deployment. The troops mission is not clear, but the Trump administration has undertaken an aggressive immigration enforcement operation in Chicago. Read more about Trumps comments On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice French president Emmanuel Macron is set to name his sixth prime minister in less than two years, hoping the new appointment can navigate a budget through a deeply divided legislature. An announcement from Mr Macrons office on Wednesday said a new premier would be named within 48 hours. This follows two days of intensive talks, led by outgoing prime minister Sebastien Lecornu, aimed at resolving Frances most severe political crisis in decades. This political paralysis has made the passage of a belt-tightening budget exceptionally challenging, a situation exacerbated by investors growing concerns over Frances expanding deficit. Government spokesperson Aurore Berge told RTL radio: The question that is posed today is whether there are enough people who are responsible. She warned: I think this is the last chance. Several names were being floated in political circles, including former socialist prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve, head of the public auditor Pierre Moscovici, and veteran centrist Jean-Louis Borloo. Lecornu says a budget deal is possible Mr Lecornu tendered his and his governments resignation on Monday, hours after announcing the cabinet lineup, making it the shortest-lived administration in modern France. He said in a television interview on Wednesday that he had learnt, during talks Mr Macron asked him to hold with party leaders after he resigned, that a majority of lawmakers opposed holding a snap parliamentary election, and that there was a path, though perhaps a tough one, to passing a budget by the end of the year. Macrons office has said a new prime minister will be announced within 48 hours ( Reuters ) Another key issue is Mr Macrons 2023 pension overhaul, which gradually raises the retirement age from 62 to 64. Members of the left have called for the law to be repealed or suspended. Whats next? For now, rival parties have largely stuck to their views on how to proceed, and there has been no indication of who could be the next prime minister. The Socialists said Mr Macron should appoint a prime minister from the left. The Republicans, who are part of the outgoing government, said they would not support a leftist premier. Meanwhile, Manuel Bompard, of the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI), repeated his call for Mr Macron to resign. Jordan Bardella, president of the far-right National Rally (RN), reiterated his partys demand for a new parliamentary election. On the streets of Paris, people said they hoped for more stability. Well, having a prime minister who stays in office would be a good start, I think, said Mathilde Marcel, 40. And then, obviously, things need to move forward and reforms need to be implemented. The crisis has caused jitters on financial markets, but bonds held on to gains from the day before, based on optimism that France can avoid a snap parliamentary election and agree on a budget. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A newly elected German mayor who suffered life-threatening stab wounds was apparently attacked by her teenage daughter, investigators say. Iris Stalzer, 57, was elected as the mayor of the western Germany town of Herdecke on 28 September. She is due to take office in November. On Tuesday, police said emergency services were alerted shortly after midday by her daughter, who reported that Ms Stalzer had been seriously wounded outside her home in an attempted robbery. Police went to Ms Stalzer's house, where they found her sitting in a chair with multiple stab wounds. They said that the attack appeared to have happened indoors. open image in gallery Iris Stalzer was elected as her towns mayor in September ( www.irisstalzer-herdecke.de ) The politician was rushed to hospital by helicopter. Investigators at the house found two knives and clothing believed to have been used in the attack, and detained Ms Stalzer's 17-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son. When questioned on Tuesday evening, Ms Stalzer pointed to her daughter as the suspect, police investigator Jens Rautenberg said. There was no immediate information on any family conflict that preceded the stabbing. Mr Rautenberg declined to comment on a possible motive at a news conference in the nearby city of Hagen, saying that is still a matter for investigation. open image in gallery Forensic investigators on a street in Herdecke after the stabbing ( AP ) Prosecutor Bernd Haldorn said he considers it a case of bodily harm. Police and prosecutors at present intend to release the children and put them in the hands of the youth welfare office, which would decide on further measures while the investigation continues, he said. The attack on Ms Stalzer, which followed violence against other local politicians in Germany in recent years, drew swift condemnation from Chancellor Friedrich Merz and others. But investigators quickly determined on Tuesday that there was no sign of a political motive. Herdecke is a town of about 23,000 people in western Germanys Ruhr region, between Hagen and Dortmund. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A French appeals court has handed a stiffer 10-year prison sentence to the only man who challenged his conviction for raping Gisele Pelicot while she was drugged and unconscious, French media reported on Thursday. Husamettin Dogan, a 44-year-old construction worker, had been sentenced to nine years in prison in the first drugging-and-rape trial last year. This initial proceeding riveted France and saw Ms Pelicot become a global icon against sexual violence. The appeals jury, which delivered the increased sentence, comprised three judges and ordinary citizens, contrasting with the five judges who presided over Dogan's first trial. Significantly, the 50 other men convicted last December did not appeal the landmark verdict. Among them was Dominique Pelicot, Gisele Pelicots ex-husband, who drugged her food and drink to render her unconscious. He then offered her to strangers met online between 2011 and 2020, filming these horrific assaults. Dogan was tried on charges of aggravated rape by administering substances that impair judgment or self-control an offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The prosecutor in the appeal case asked for a 12-year sentence, French media reported from the courthouse in Nimes, southern France. "One cannot, in 2025, think that because she said nothing, that she agreed. Because that kind of thinking belongs to another era! the prosecutor told the court, according to Le Monde newspaper. open image in gallery ( AFP/Getty ) Dogan had denied that he intended to rape Pelicot and argued that he was deceived by Dominique Pelicot. Dominique Pelicot was found guilty on all charges and sentenced to 20 years in prison, which was the maximum possible. He admitted his role and did not appeal. Sentences ranged from three to 15 years imprisonment for the other convicted men. One of them was convicted of drugging and raping his own wife with Dominique Pelicots help. The trial drew international attention after Gisele Pelicot opposed a closed hearing, a demand made by several defendants. The court sided with her. Her courage inspired campaigners against sexual and sexist violence and the shocking case spurred a national reckoning over rape culture in France. The evidence included stomach-churning homemade videos of rapes and assaults that Dominique Pelicot filmed in the couples home in the small Provence town of Mazan and elsewhere. Civil proceedings in the southern French city of Avignon are due in November to settle damages owed to Gisele Pelicot and her family, to be paid jointly by the convicted men. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice India is now believed to be the biggest supplier of fuel additives used to enhance the capabilities of Russian fighter jets, according to a new report. More than half a dozen Indian companies suppliers and manufacturers based in Delhi and Mumbai were found to have supplied nearly half of the total of Russias imported fuel additives in 2024, a Kyiv-based think tank has found. Fuel additives are chemical compounds in liquid form added to aviation fuel for both commercial and military aircraft to boost their performance. Such fuel enhancers are used in Russian Su-34 and Su-35S fighter jets, which Vladimir Putin has used to attack Ukraine with cruise, supersonic and guided missiles, as well as glide bombs, the Economic Security Council of Ukraine (ESCU) told The Independent. Russia has used these jets to strike cities in western Ukraine far from the wars frontline in the kinds of raids that have triggered Nato forces to scramble their own jets. Fuel additives are not inherently used for military purposes, and help protect aircraft both commercial jets and warplanes against engine wear and failure. India exports such products to a host of countries, including the US, and neither India nor the Indian firms have been accused of any wrongdoing. But the ESCU report also finds it is highly likely that Indian additives have been used for military purposes by Russia, which is known to use them to improve the performance of jets like the Su-34 and Su-35S. The investigation, shared with The Independent, showed that Indian firms were responsible for nearly half of the total tonnage of fuel additives Moscow imported, accounting for one-third of the total value. open image in gallery An Su-34 bomber of the Russian air force drops a glide bomb on Ukraines Sumy region ( AP ) Russia imported at least 2,456.36 tonnes of Indian-manufactured products of fuel additives worth $12,956,088.62 [9.3m], which accounted for almost half of the total tonnage (49.58 per cent) imported, the ESCU said. The ESCU was founded in 2021 as an NGO monitoring threats to Ukraines security. The council says it cooperates with the Volodymyr Zelensky administration but is funded and governed independently. The Russian Air Force fleet includes around 70 Su-34s and Su-35Ss that have been used to strike Ukraine throughout the war, the think tank found. It said these two warplanes rely heavily on imported fuel additives. The most prominent exports were by the Indian company Perfect Traders and Moulders Private LTD, a supplier of petrochemical products and aviation spare parts and equipment, which supplied 1,885 tonnes of fuel additives. Another Indian manufacturer of chemical products, Thermax Limited, produced and sold 287 tonnes of its additives to Russian importer Kapron LLC for $1.3m, documents shared with The Independent showed. Thermax supplied a pour point depressant to Kapron LLC between May and August 2023. This product is engineered exclusively for oilfield and refinery applications, with written confirmation of its utility provided by Kapron LLC, a Thermax spokesperson told The Independent. The Independent has reached out to Perfect Traders and Moulders Private LTD for a response. open image in gallery A Russian Su-35 flies next to a North American Aerospace Defence Command aircraft, an F-16, in the Alaska air defence identification zone ( Reuters ) The ESCUs report comes at a time when Ukraine has amped up its attacks on Russian oil infrastructure and refineries, stating that drone attacks on these legitimate military targets weaken Moscows capabilities to bomb Ukraine, leading to major facilities being shut down. Last week, Russia imposed a partial ban on diesel exports and extended an existing ban on gasoline exports until the end of this year in an attempt to stabilise its supplies domestically, owing to fuel shortages across the country after a rise in Ukrainian attacks on its refineries. Some Russian regions have imposed per person restrictions on gasoline sold. On Tuesday, the N-1 gas station network in Russias Tyumen said an individual cannot purchase more than 30 litres of gasoline at a time, reported RBC-Ukraine news agency. open image in gallery Smoke rises from a fire at an oil refinery following a Ukrainian drone attack in Russias Samara ( Social media ) Ukrainian long-range strikes on Russian energy facilities may have reduced gasoline supplies in Russia by up to a fifth, president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday. With diplomatic efforts to end the war largely stalled and little movement along the fiercely contested frontline, Russian forces have focused on crippling Ukraines own gas production ahead of the regions bitter winter season. Olena Yurchenko, director for analysis, investigations and research at the ESCU, said that while this is Indian companies doing business as usual, it reflects Russias growing hunger for fuel additives at a time its oil refineries are under attack. India does not view the exports as inherently problematic because fuel additives can be used for power in civil aviation [as well], she told The Independent. [But] we know Russia is using up most of the fuel to power its military as its internal civil aviation is in dire straits because of sanctions and a lack of international flights, she said. open image in gallery A fire is seen at the Orsknefteorgsintez oil refinery in Russias Orenburg Oblast ( SBU ) Ms Yurchenko, who examined Indias fuel additives trade with Russia in an investigation spanning five months this year, said that Indias role in aiding Moscow with fuel additives is only likely to increase as Russia needs its allies now more than ever. This support is still crucial simply because, given the current Ukrainian attacks on the oil refineries, and some of these oil refineries make the additives themselves, Russias production capacities are undermined. So they will rely on imports even more now, she said. Hence, the Indian role is only likely to increase, Ms Yurchenko said. India has regularly defended its ongoing robust trade relationship with Russia as being in the interests of its own people and the need to grow its economy. Indias prime minister Narendra Modi has not directly criticised Russia for its invasion of Ukraine but has repeatedly called for an end to the war, as he did again in talks with Sir Keir Starmer on Thursday. The Independent has reached out to the Indian foreign ministry for comment. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Russian President Vladimir Putin has admitted that his countrys air defences were responsible for shooting down an Azerbaijan Airlines plane that crashed in Kazakhstan on Christmas Day, killing 38. Putin made the statement at a meeting with Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliev in Tajikistans capital of Dushanbe on Thursday. Both men are attending a summit of the former Soviet nations. Of course, everything that is required in such tragic cases will be done by the Russian side on compensation and a legal assessment of all official things will be given, Putin said. It is our duty, I repeat once again ... to give an objective assessment of everything that happened and to identify the true causes. Video footage taken on Thursday showed Putin and Aliyev shaking hands and smiling before the meeting, where the Russian leader spoke about the crash. Putin said the missiles fired by Russian air defences to target a Ukrainian drone exploded near the Azerbaijan Airlines plane flying from Baku as it was preparing to land in Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya. Ukrainian drones have regularly struck deep inside Russia. The Azerbaijan Airlines plane after crashing in Kazakhstan ( The Administration of Mangystau Region ) Until now, Putin had avoided saying that Russia had shot the plane down, but had apologised for the tragic incident in Russian airspace. Aliyev, meanwhile, criticised Moscow for trying to hush up the incident. Chechen air defences were prepared for incoming Ukrainian drones at the time of the incident. Azerbaijani government officials told Euronews immediately after the crash that there had been drone activity above Grozny. They said Flight J2-8243 was accidentally hit by fire from Russian air defences on December 25, then tried to land before crashing near Aktau airport. The pilots had asked for help from different airports in Russia, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, but were denied access to Grozny, officially due to fog. The plane crashed near Aktau after crossing the Caspian Sea. Azerbaijan said it had been hit by external interference before coming down. The crash remained under close investigation for months after a preliminary report found fragments from foreign metal objects inside the plane. It said that there was damage to the plane, including on its stabilisers, hydraulics and trim systems. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice One 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. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Wednesday evening in the United States brought the news millions across the world have been praying for: a ceasefire deal for Gaza that hopefully heralds in the end of one of the bloodiest conflicts of our time. The details of the deal have yet to be fully disclosed. Reports are emerging that it will initially concern the release of the remaining 20 living hostages, who could be freed as early as this weekend. In tandem, there will be the release of hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli prisons and a staged withdrawal of Israeli forces from the besieged enclave. A source familiar with the negotiations told The Independent that Hamas will start releasing the 20 living hostages as early as Saturday, but the 28 bodies of the remaining deceased hostages are apparently not included in this phase. But it is important to note that this is an initial phase, not the entire plan for the final end to this devastating two-year conflict. It is not an answer to what comes next for Gaza. open image in gallery Its the news millions across the world have been praying for: a ceasefire deal for Gaza that hopefully heralds in the end of one of the bloodiest conflicts of our time ( AFP/Getty ) That said, US president Donald Trump and the Qatari leadership triumphantly announced Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a first phase of a Gaza truce, anchored on a 20-point peace plan Trump first proposed a few weeks ago. In a characteristically enthusiastic social media post, Trump said that would mean ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon and also that Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed upon line. He spoke of the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace and signed off with BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS. In more sober tones, Dr Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry, said that negotiators had agreed on an implementation mechanism for the first part of an agreement he also insisted will lead to ending the war. He said that included not only the release of Israeli hostages, but also Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid. open image in gallery A vigil in Sydney to mark the second anniversary of the 7 October attacks ( AFP/Getty ) There remain many, many questions. Hamas will not have agreed to hand over its only leverage card without some serious guarantees from the US, that has power being the largest weapons supplier to Israel. Netanyahu will also have to sell this to the war-mongering extreme-right members of his cabinet, who have repeatedly threatened to collapse his razor-thin coalition if he signs a deal. It also doesnt answer whether Hamas agreed to disarm, whether Gaza will be demilitarised as Trumps plan insisted, who or what will run Gaza in the short and long term, whether Hamas will be permitted any role in that and whether this is ultimately a pathway to Palestinian statehood. Then there is the occupied West Bank, which has also seen unprecedented levels of violence, where another kind of war has been raging for two years, and which wasnt even mentioned in Trumps initial 20-point plan proposal. open image in gallery Donald Trump announced the deal Wednesday, saying blessed are the peacemakers ( Getty ) But either way, this is a movement towards the end of the slaughter that we have not seen before. It will bring much-needed respite to millions of Palestinians in Gaza who have endured bombing, displacement, destruction, famine and as a recent UN commission of enquiry concluded genocide. It will be an answer to the desperate cries from the families of the remaining 48 hostages and captives, who have been in the streets for two years begging Netanyahu for a truce exchange deal to bring their loved ones home. The international community must rally around it to ensure it delivers a fair and just peace. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Israel and Hamas took a historic first step towards peace on Thursday, signing an agreement for a ceasefire, hostage exchange and partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Donald Trump said he hoped to visit the Middle East in the coming days and that hostages would be released at the start of next week, as the region dared to hope for an end to the violence after two unprecedented and bloody years. The armistice notably only secures agreement for the first phase of a more comprehensive peace deal, and large knots including agreement on a two-state solution remain to be untangled. As part of the deal, which was ratified by Benjamin Netanyahus ministers late on Thursday evening, Israel will halt its operations and partly withdraw troops from Gaza, leaving space for Hamas to begin the process of releasing the remaining hostages, and for Israel, in turn, to release Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Trucks carrying food and aid will also be allowed to surge into Gaza to relieve civilians, hundreds of thousands of whom have been sheltering in tents after Israeli forces razed much of the enclave. Click here for the latest updates on the peace deal A source familiar with the negotiations told The Independent that Hamas would start releasing the 20 hostages believed to still be alive as soon as Sunday and as many as five aid crossings would be opened to deliver badly needed supplies. Discussions on a second stage of the agreement are expected to begin the following day. President Trump said on Thursday that all of the remaining hostages should be released on Monday or Tuesday in what he described as a complicated process that will mark a day of joy. Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the ceasefire, describing it as a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world. He added that he was grateful for the tireless diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United States, supported by regional partners. While fragile, news of the breakthrough was met with jubilation in Gaza and Israel. open image in gallery Israeli soldiers near the Israeli-Gaza border on Thursday, following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan ( AP ) open image in gallery Hostage families and supporters celebrate the announcement of the ceasefire at the Hostages Square plaza in Tel Aviv, Israel ( AP ) These are the moments that are considered historic, long-awaited by Palestinian citizens, said Gaza resident Khaled Shaat. The joy we saw a short time ago in the street is relief from the massacres, killing and genocide. Senior Hamas official Izzat al-Risheq said that the ceasefire was the fruit of the tremendous sacrifices and the legendary patience of our people. In Tel Aviv, people gathered in Hostages Square, now a symbol of the ordeal of those still held in Gaza. Omri Lifhshitz, 51, son of Oded, a peace activist seized on October 7 and killed in captivity, said: We are so happy for the war to end. We dont want any more soldiers to die we dont want any more civilians in Gaza to die. We hope for a better future for all of us. For us, the Palestinians and the Middle East. We feel like right now this is the end of the war. Arriving in Israel after hearing his son was to be released, Tal Kuperstein, the father of hostage Bar Kuperstein, said: Until it happens, it hasnt happened. Well wait and see. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a great day for Israel, thanking troops and President Trump for their mobilisation for this sacred mission of releasing our hostages. Hamas described the plan as responsible and serious. The war began on 7 October 2023 when Hamas led an incursion into Israel, massacring some 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back into Gaza. Israels subsequent campaign has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, including thousands of children, according to local health officials. The UN reported that at least 1.9 million people have been displaced in Gaza, often multiple times, and that famine has unfolded. A UN commission of inquiry concluded Israel has committed genocide. Pressed by The Independent, an Israeli government spokesperson declined to specify how and when aid would be rolled out, and whether the UN and humanitarian agencies would be able to resume their full work to alleviate starvation in the strip. open image in gallery Israel will withdraw to the yellow line for Hamas to arrange the release of the hostages ( TruthSocial/RealDonaldTrump ) open image in gallery Hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack on Israel ( Bring Them Home ) The World Health Organisation told The Independent it is calling for unimpeded access across Gaza and unhindered entry of supplies through all routes. Mr Trump said his deal would ensure that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon creating the first steps towards a Strong, Durable and Everlasting Peace. Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who in the past has called for the complete destruction of Gaza, said his far-right Religious Zionism party would not support the deal. Preparations were underway regardless. The IDF said it had begun operational preparations, including those to transition to adjusted deployment lines soon. A government spokesperson said that after all the hostages are released, the military would hold about 53 per cent of Gaza. Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Al-Araby TV that Israel would pull out from all populated areas in Gaza on Friday, as the release of the hostages would require arrangements on the ground. Mark Wallace, former US ambassador to the UN, told The Independent the deal could be transformational. The return of the hostages and cessation of violence is so important. The challenges ahead lie in the greatest reconstruction effort certainly since Kuwait, if not the Second World War. And, of course, what does the governance look like that is sustainable and peaceful? Overtures to peace were no guarantee that it would materialise. Discussions on the second stage of the agreement were to begin a day after the hostages were released, sources told Al-Araby. But there was still the possibility the first stage could be upended. open image in gallery People celebrate the ceasefire agreement at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, 9 October ( AP ) open image in gallery Palestinians celebrate following the announcement, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip ( AP ) Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said Israel had begun to manipulate the dates, the lists, and some of the procedures and steps agreed upon in the ceasefire agreement. He said they were in touch with mediators to oblige Israel to comply with what was agreed upon. Qassem told Al Jazeera that the living hostages in Gaza could be released at the same time as the deceased if conditions on the ground allow it, though Israeli sources told CNN that Israel assesses Hamas may not be able to find and return all 28 believed to have died. As it stands, some 250 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons and 1,700 Palestinians in Gaza detained by Israeli forces since the war began will be released, a Palestinian source told the BBC. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Celebrations erupted in Gaza and Israel as the news spread that a ceasefire and hostage deal brokered by Donald Trump could end two years of bloodshed. But for many Palestinians, anxieties about the future remain. The president said Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of the deal, which should bring an end to Benjamin Netanyahus assault on the territory along with the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees. Israeli ministers signed off on the deal late on Thursday evening. The ceasefire will come into effect 24 hours after the cabinet meeting, a government spokesperson said. open image in gallery Palestinian children celebrate in Khan Younis following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal ( AFP via Getty ) The Israeli military will withdraw to a smaller area of Gaza, before the start of the 72-hour time window for the release of all 48 Israeli hostages 28 of whom are believed to be dead. But amid the scenes of jubilation in both Israel and Gaza, Palestinians tell The Independent they are tentative about the ceasefire, and say that while there is relief, there is little real joy. For me, there are no celebrations, no joy, and no happiness because there is nothing to be happy about, said Mustafa al-Shafei, a father of two in Gaza. I am truly ashamed to celebrate because we have been through the most difficult circumstances and unforgettable moments. We were displaced dozens of times, starved to the point where our children cried from hunger. I am ashamed to celebrate because I remember when I go to the hospital and see the suffering of the wounded, the amputees, the orphaned children, and the mothers of the victims. All of them will experience great hardship. For me and for them, the war will not end with the signing of a truce. open image in gallery There were jubilant scenes in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan ( AP ) For Umm Ahmed, a 43-year-old woman who lost her husband because of a lack of medicine in the Gaza Strip following Israeli blockades, the announcement of a ceasefire carries behind it two years of tears and hearts exhausted by fear. We grew up listening to the sounds of bombing. Now we try to believe that calm is possible, that night can pass without warning, and that tomorrow can come without panic, she said. We dont need celebrations; we just want to live. We want to return to homes that have been reduced to ashes, to plant what was burned, rebuild what was destroyed, and reunite those who remain. Huda Omar, 27, told The Independent that the joy is incomplete because the first phase only includes a partial Israeli withdrawal. open image in gallery Plumes of smoke were seen rising above Gaza on Thursday morning ( AP ) The war may be over and a truce is about to begin, but the heart isnt happy about that, and the heartbeats no longer beat rapidly for the joy of the wars end ... Everything has been destroyed: land, stones, and people, he said. The land and homes have been demolished by the Israeli army, and we have lost many loved ones and friends. Despite this, there is a small amount of hope and joy for the end of this harsh war and the return to some of what remains of northern Gaza. open image in gallery Palestinians celebrate in Khan Younis ( AFP via Getty ) In Tel Aviv, scenes of pure joy erupted in Hostages Square, where weekly demonstrations have placed significant pressure on the Israeli government to agree a ceasefire deal and bring the hostages home. Finally a good morning, said Gil Dickmann, whose cousin, Carmel Gat, was killed in captivity in August 2024. Dickmann has been a prominent campaigner for a hostage release deal. Were in such a great mood. Its so hopeful today, we had a night of celebrations in Hostages Square. Families and activists were opening bottles of champagne at the mere thought of getting the hostages back, he said. Its hard because we dont want to get our hopes up before it actually happens, and it aint over till its over, but it looks like its actually happening. Thats why we cant help but be optimistic. open image in gallery Donald Trumps efforts to end the war were celebrated after the deal was announced ( AP ) Yonatan Zeigen, whose mother, Vivian Silver, was killed in the 7 October attacks, told The Independent that there is work to do to ensure the peace deal leads to the end of the occupation and of the wider conflict. Most Israelis are ecstatic, and rightfully so in the context of the hostages, he said. However, there is a lot of work ahead if we want this deal to not just end the carnage, but really be a foundation for the end of the occupation, and the conflict in general. In that sense, Im alert. Omri Lifshitz, 51, whose father Oded was seized on 7 October 2023 from Kibbutz Nir Oz and later killed in captivity, has said Israelis will have happy days ahead with the living hostages. But he said Israelis are still nervous right now. He added: Until you see your loved one, until they cross that border, you fear it wont happen. The fear may come later; right now we are focused on the positive and the end of the war. Better days for both sides. Additional reporting by Eilon Eisenberg On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A ceasefire to end military operations in Gaza and allow for the return of hostages came into effect on Friday after Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of US president Donald Trumps plan to end the war in Gaza. Israels military withdrew to an agreed-upon line, making way for thousands of displaced Palestinians to make the long journey north towards abandoned homes in Gaza City, which had been under attack just days ago in one of Israels biggest offensives of the war. The ceasefires implementation, taking effect from midday local time (10am UK time), gives Hamas 72 hours to release all hostages, alive and dead. These crucial agreements are the start of a potential road to peace. But the fragile accord is not yet set in stone. Hamas now has until 12pm local time on Monday to release the hostages. Israel will have to release some 1,700 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. It is still not clear when exactly the release will take place, or where. The ceasefire should also pave the way for unrestricted aid to flow into the Gaza Strip. But it was also unclear whether this was happening as of Friday. The ceasefire itself brought further confusion, as Israeli continued to strike Gaza through the early morning. Broader problems remain. It is not clear who exactly will run Gaza if and when the fighting stops. Israel will not leave holes in its security, and Hamas will have to agree to its own effective dissolution in Gaza. open image in gallery Israel and Hamas have agreed to part of the proposed peace agreement, but strikes continued into Thursday ( AP ) Returning the hostages Israel has now completed the initial stage of its withdrawal to agreed lines within Gaza, giving Hamas the space to prepare to move the hostages for their release. This does not guarantee peace will endure. The IDF said on Friday that troops in the Southern Command were still deployed and would continue to remove any immediate threat. Hamas has 72 hours to release the living hostages. Sources until now had given different estimates on when this would take effect. On Thursday, Trump said all remaining hostages would be released on Monday or Tuesday. Israel says there are 48 hostages still in Gaza, and 20 are believed to still be alive. Sources told CNN that the Israeli government is aware that Hamas may not know the location of, or is unable to retrieve, the remains of some of the 28 deceased hostages still in Gaza. One complication for Hamas is that freeing the hostages leaves them without leverage in negotiations. If Hamas frees its captives and lays down its weapons, it relies on good faith and the commitment of foreign parties to ensure the terms are upheld. Dr Andreas Krieg, associate professor of defence studies at Kings College London, told The Independent: Trust is thin after months of failed efforts and violence during talks. Continued strikes while delegations are in Egypt make it harder to trigger a day and hour for the ceasefire to start. Any lethal incident before Friday could prompt one side to pause, insist on new safeguards or walk back consent. Negotiators are still working through the order of steps on a first phase that ties a ceasefire to an initial Israeli pullback and a hostage-prisoner exchange. If either side questions who moves first, or if names on the exchange lists cannot be verified in time, implementation will slip. open image in gallery The Israeli military will withdraw to an agreed line as part of the ceasefire ( TruthSocial/RealDonaldTrump ) Support for the agreement Israel's government ratified the ceasefire with Hamas in the early hours of Friday, clearing the way to suspend hostilities in Gaza. A majority of Israelis now say that the time has come to end the war. But they disagree on whether the main goal of the war should be to bring home the hostages or to vanquish Hamas, according to a recent poll. Netanyahu faces similar pressure in the Knesset. In theory, Trumps plan should answer both concerns. It draws a roadmap for immediately returning the hostages still in Gaza, and by removing Hamas from power, it should win support from the right. In practice, the politics remain fractured. While lawmakers on both sides of the Knesset voiced support, finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said his far-right Religious Zionist party would not back the plan, warning against releasing Palestinians held in Israeli prisons he described as the next generation of terrorist leaders, who will do everything to continue spilling rivers of Jewish blood. In January, a vote did manage to overcome opposition from the far right to secure an armistice and the exchange of hostages and prisoners. Crucially, negotiations on moving to stage two did not occur until after stage one was planned to expire. Fighting resumed in March. A temporary truce in November 2023 also lasted just a week before collapsing. Ousting Hamas does not guarantee watertight security, and those in Israel will still need tangible assurances that peace will not only be immediate but lasting. Dr Krieg said: The agreement is not yet over the line politically in Israel. It still requires security-cabinet and then full cabinet approval, and at least one senior coalition figure has already signalled opposition. A late revolt by hardliners or a demand to amend the text would push the timetable back. External politics add risk, he added. The United States is pushing for quick progress, but Israeli coalition dynamics, as well as internal debates within Hamas, can still trump mediator timelines. Even with public endorsements from Western leaders, last-minute domestic pressures can slow a deal that looks close on paper. open image in gallery People dance in Tel Aviv as they celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan ( AP ) What comes after Hamas? The original plan describes a transitional government technocratic and apolitical managing the overall running of Gaza, overseen by an international body called the Board of Peace. Ultimately, the interim government could be replaced by the Palestinian Authority, subject to certain reforms. Questions remain around the future of a Palestinian state. More enduring questions around Palestinian sovereignty are also not spelled out. Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, said that he hoped the ceasefire would be a prelude to reaching a permanent political solution, leading to the establishment of an independent state. The form this takes will matter across the border. In 2012, 61 per cent of Israelis supported two states. Now, around one in five do. Hamas has also suggested it would retain a role in negotiations over the long-term future of Gaza. This leaves space for future disagreement though, again, Hamas will have little leverage after releasing the remaining hostages. open image in gallery Israeli tanks parked in a staging area near the Israeli-Gaza border, as seen from southern Israel ( AP ) Details on the groups disarmament are still lacking. In the past, Hamas has said it would only disarm once a Palestinian state had been secured. Over the weekend, Netanyahu said Hamas would be disarmed and Gaza demilitarised either the easy way or the hard way. Netanyahu said on Friday that Israeli forces would remain in Gaza to pressure Hamas until the Palestinian militant group disarms. The deal marks a significant milestone, yet it falls short of ending the conflict, Dr Burcu Ozcelik, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), said. Sustaining a ceasefire will demand constant vigilance, confidence-building and the continued engagement of the US, UK and their allies. The ceasefire may have been won, but the hard work of building the peace is far from done. This will require both sides to make difficult and in Hamass case, existential compromises. Mark Wallace, former US ambassador to the UN, told The Independent that the agreement had the potential to be transformational. But the challenges ahead lie in the greatest reconstruction effort certainly since Kuwait, if not the Second World War. And, of course, what does the governance look like that is sustainable and peaceful? he said. open image in gallery Palestinians walk past the rubble following Israeli forces' withdrawal from the area, after Israel and Hamas agreed on the Gaza ceasefire in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip ( REUTERS ) Fragile optimism The people of Israel and Gaza have a long memory of conflict, and there are few alive today who remember a period of enduring peace. Trumps plan to end the war is not the first. Foreign onlookers have submitted numerous drafts in recent months, hoping to learn from and overcome the failures of past truces. Dr Ozcelik told The Independent: There is much the deal does not address an ambiguity likely designed to preserve Israels operational flexibility. In the first stage, success will depend on the return of all Israeli hostages and the release of agreed Palestinian prisoners. Over the longer term, the process is set to grow more fraught, with milestones such as the demilitarisation of Hamas posing a major test, which Israel regards as pivotal to the pace and sequencing of its phased withdrawal. Any breach, or claims of one, could swiftly unravel the ceasefire, providing grounds for a renewed cycle of violence. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice 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. open image in gallery Female Israeli soldiers Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag were released as part of the first stage ( AFP via Getty Images ) open image in gallery 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. open image in gallery 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. open image in gallery 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. open image in gallery 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. open image in gallery 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. open image in gallery 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. open image in gallery 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) open image in gallery 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) open image in gallery 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) open image in gallery 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 Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Europe's Airbus made aviation history on Tuesday, as its A320 family of planes overtook Boeing's 737 to become the most-delivered jetliner in history. Boeing's decades-old record fell with the delivery of an A320neo to Saudi carrier Flynas, bringing total A320 deliveries to 12,260 since its 1988 introduction, according to benchmark data from UK-based aviation analytics firm Cirium and tracked by leading aircraft supply analyst Rob Morris. Neither Airbus nor Boeing replied to requests for comment on the data. Demand for the industry's workhorse A320 and 737 jets has surged in recent years, driven by economic growth bringing 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. open image in gallery An Air Canada Boeing 737 MAX 8 on the tarmac at Toronto Pearson International Airport ( Getty ) 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. open image in gallery An EasyJet Airbus A320-214 lands at Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, in Malaga ( Reuters ) 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. It was also nearly derailed by doubts over investment from European governments. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher told parliament in 1984: "I do not want another Concorde on my hands", referring to cost overruns on the Anglo-French supersonic jet. Boeing has long criticised such support. Europes first commercial jet success The high-tech but visually unremarkable A320 quickly outgrew the assembly hall deserted by Concorde's short-lived production run and most recently expanded into space vacated by the discontinued A380. In the coming weeks, Airbus plans to expand output in the U.S. and China. "It was the first truly successful non-U.S. commercial jet," said Cirium head of advisory Max Kingsley-Jones. "It forced others to create competitive alternatives." Boeing responded with a successful version called 737NG after Airbus won a surprise order from United Airlines in 1992. But despite strong sales, its third-generation 737 MAX plunged Boeing into turmoil after fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. The storied planemaker has stabilised under new CEO Kelly Ortberg. open image in gallery Kelly Ortberg, President and CEO of Boeing, next to President Donald Trump ( AP ) The A320 was forced to tackle its own safety concerns after two early accidents, prompting debate over the balance between pilot control and cockpit automation. Now, the Western duopoly faces threats from China and elsewhere as Brazil's Embraer debates whether to step up from regional jets and Californian startup JetZero proposes a radical departure from the traditional fuselage design. Industry sources say neither Airbus nor Boeing is in a rush to replace their cash-generating models. Boeing is mired in debt, while Airbus enjoys a price premium and booming sales. Executives from both companies told the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT) conference in Prague on Monday that new developments are unlikely until there are further advances in areas including engine technology. "Boeing can't catch up with the current A320 family based on their respective production plans, but it may strengthen Boeing's resolve to think about a future beyond the 737 when the conditions are right," Morris said. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sri Lanka has been urged to move beyond discount-led tourism to focus on value over price. Minor International Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier said that the country should not be positioning itself as a cheap destination in his keynote speech at CA Sri Lankas 46th National Conference this week, reported Sri Lankan outlet Daily FT. He described Sri Lanka as a living museum, wellness sanctuary, and adventure playground that can win on authenticity if the service chain works. In recent years, terrorism, political instability and a financial crisis have tested the Indian Ocean nation to its limits. Visitor numbers to Sri Lanka starting declining in 2019 following a series of bomb attacks, and from 2022 the country saw its worst economic emergency since gaining independence from Britain in 1948. Sri Lanka is back on the tourist map, but it is still seen as an affordable travel destination, with rooms from around $60 (45). For $60, I cannot travel from London to Birmingham, added the Minor CEO. Rajakarier said the country needs to invest in infrastructure, service and sustainability to rebrand its tourism to travellers. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, in 2024, the country welcomed 2.05 million tourists with a total of 1.2 million tourists in the first six months a growth of 61.6 per cent compared to the same period in 2023. We talk about 2 million tourists. That does not add to GDP unless it is value tourism, said Rajakarier. Alongside high-adrenaline adventures such as white water rafting on the Kelaniya Ganga river and climbing in the Kodigahakanda Sanctuary, Sri Lankas natural landscapes with golden beaches and tea estates, as well as wildlife-spotting and a focus on wellness, result in a rich tourism offering. Visitors are often drawn to the Cultural Triangle in the centre of the island, with a number of Unesco World Heritage sites, including the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, the Sigiriya fortress and the Ancient City of Dambulla. Following a recent delay on arrival in Colombo, due to multi-use business-class lanes, Rajakarier added: This is not seamless tourism. This is painful tourism, he added, The hotel CEO called for a more powerful national brand to encourage visitors. He said: Tourists do not buy hotels. They buy a story. Read more: How Sri Lankas Yala National Park has recovered and thrived I write this from the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, just days after the horrific attack on the synagogue in Crumpsall, in the north of the city, by a British citizen of Syrian descent. By chance, I have only recently returned from Syria, which I visited as CEO of the landmine clearance charity, the Halo Trust. The coincidence of these three events speaks to deeper connections between British politics, a world at war, and safety on Britains streets. At the conference, the shadow chancellor, Mel Stride, announced a proposal to slash international aid even further, to just 0.1 per cent of GDP. Too often, humanitarian aid has been treated as an easy cut to make. Yet in todays tangled and volatile world, it is clear to me that aid is no longer a matter of international interest it is a matter of national interest, and therefore no longer an optional extra. open image in gallery International aid is a lifeline for people in war-torn areas, such as the Gaza Strip ( AFP/Getty ) I have spent over three decades commanding British soldiers in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan, and now lead the worlds largest humanitarian landmine clearance organisation. From first-hand experience, I know that a nations security is built as much on soft power as it is through military strength. Overseas development aid is not charity or misplaced altruism; it is a strategic investment in global stability, economic resilience, and an affordable means of curbing irregular migration. An effectively directed foreign aid budget amplifies UK defence and diplomacy by funding civilian efforts that mitigate conflict and build trust. Squeezing it again, at a time when global conflict has reached its highest level since the Second World War, will only diminish the UKs international influence and weaken our long-term security. It is obvious to me that defence spending and aid are two sides of the same coin. Together, they help make for a safer and more stable world. They need not be mutually exclusive, nor a choice between one or the other. Their combined power far exceeds anything that defence spending alone can achieve. Consider the case of humanitarian demining, which occupies the grey space between the two clearing the lethal debris of war that conflict leaves behind. Removing bombs and landmines from homes, roads and farmland is the critical first step in rebuilding shattered communities. Clearance allows people to remain in their home nations and enables the safe return of refugees. open image in gallery Aid cuts would see more people risking their lives to board small boats in the hope of reaching the UK ( Getty ) Indeed, one of the largest groups risking their lives to reach the UK in small boats is from Afghanistan. Housing refugees cost the UK 5.7m per day between 2024-2025, yet the modest 2.8m per year allocated by the government for Halos work in Afghanistan has enabled us to make towns and farmland safe for millions of Afghans ensuring they can remain at home rather than embark on perilous journeys. Syria is another example of foreign aids real-world value to Britain. It is hard to convey the sheer scale of what has happened there. The devastation is biblical. When I recently stood in southern Damascus, as far as the eye could see, the city had been reduced to rubble. Whole districts were destroyed by a combination of barrel bombs and artillery. Only if bomb-strewn rubble is made safe can any of the millions of displaced Syrians hope to return home. The Manchester attacker left Syria before the civil war, but conflict and devastation across the Middle East helped to feed the kind of extremism we saw last week. Yet change is possible. Halo has bomb disposal teams working to clear destroyed towns and cities across Syria so they can be rebuilt. A 200km mine-belt currently runs across the former frontline in Syria. Until it is cleared, the country has no hope of restoring its economy, which was built on agriculture. Halo has teams using armoured excavators and drones to identify and clear contaminated areas far faster than was previously possible. Syria is also drowning in unregulated weapons and ammunition, fuelling a surge in arms smuggling, fatal explosions at artillery depots, and an escalation in inter-communal violence. We can help to remove these weapons from circulation for good. open image in gallery James Cowan, CEO of The Halo Trust, in Afghanistan ( Halo Trust ) In 2004, I led my battlegroup, the Black Watch, during the signature battle of the Iraq war the siege of Fallujah. Many of my soldiers were killed or wounded. The leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq at that time was Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. His deputy was none other than Ahmed al-Sharaa, now the new leader of Syria. As a former soldier and now as a humanitarian, I believe in the possibility of redemption, and I am glad that he has turned from violence to pursue a peaceful future for his country. For him to succeed, we in the West must help him. At Halo, we believe that true security is built not just with tanks and weapons, but with development and stability. Gutting our aid budget would ignore the lessons of history. If Britain wants to lead on the world stage, we must recognise aid for what it really is not charity or an optional moral duty, but a strategic imperative. Major General James Cowan is CEO of The Halo Trust The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Conservative Partys announcement this week that it would cut 47bn from public spending over the next parliament including a proposal to slash overseas development aid to just 0.1 per cent of Gross National Income (GNI) marks a new low point for Britains global ambitions. Presented as a measure of fiscal responsibility, such a move would instead deepen the UKs retreat from the world. It would further weaken one of the few instruments Britain has left to project influence, build partnerships, and safeguard its long-term interests abroad. Britains aid budget has already been cut to its lowest in decades even as China and Russia pour resources into Africa, Asia, and beyond. Our retreat, alongside that of many other G7 countries, creates a dangerous vacuum. Development aid is not soft-hearted charity. When used well, it can support progress in poorer countries but also be a key strategic lever for Britain to support its quest for influence, build future trade partners, and help stabilise fragile regions before instability arrives on our doorstep. In a changing world, the challenge is not simply how much is spent, but also how it is spent. Aid has always been political. During the Cold War, it was a tool of shallow diplomacy, even propping up regimes failing their populations. During the conflicts in the 2000s, aid underpinned stabilisation efforts to win hearts and minds. In recent times, programmes focusing on poverty reduction, health, and education were especially successful in fostering inclusion in growing, developing countries taking advantage of global trade liberalisation, which was hugely beneficial to Western consumers. A relatively stable global order allowed Britains aid programme to flourish under the apparent gloss of pure altruism, despite its political nature. That order is changing rapidly; the strategic relevance of aid is still there. Retreating into isolationism and the vacuum it creates in poorer countries will backfire. In fragile states from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa, where Britain once had a respected voice, others are stepping in. China offers valuable infrastructure, buying goodwill, likely at a price. Russia sends ruthless mercenaries, cementing fear and disruption. If Britain and other like-minded countries retreat, the vacuum is quickly filled. In this world, aid is an important strategic lever as part of a broader global engagement. So how do we get this right? Not simply by lamenting budget cuts, but by using aid budgets in ways fit for the times. There are three lessons we must apply to make aid a strong strategic investment for Britain: The Conservative Partys plans would leave a vacuum in poorer countries that Britain has previously supported ( PA ) First, aid works best when backed by a broader supportive economic environment for development. Britain cannot buy sustainable development outcomes in countries whose trade opportunities are blocked or whose debt burdens are unsustainable. Aid must be part of a wider diplomatic push for fairer trade rules, realistic debt relief, and investment partnerships that give the poorer developing countries genuine room to grow their economies. It needs pragmatic structures on the movement of technology, data, and even people, that dont lock poorer countries out of emerging global orders. That means Britain working with others not only our traditional allies in the G7 and the rest of Europe, but also emerging powers like India and even China on shaping a global economy that works for all. If we leave that space empty, others will fill it to the detriment of many. Second, aid must be anchored in Britains own interests while aligning with the interests of those who receive it. Voters are right to ask how money spent abroad benefits them at home. The answer lies in honesty and alignment. Aid to support stability in fragile regions that, left to fester, produce security threats and migration pressures. Aid to make countries more self-reliant to strengthen and fund their own health services, thereby underpinning global health systems that help stop the next pandemic before it reaches our shores. And aid to help create trading partners for Britains post-Brexit economy. This only works if our interests and those of recipient countries genuinely align. If aid is transactionally used just to stop migrants or undercut rivals, it will fail. Worse, it will fuel resentment abroad and cynicism at home. The government needs to rebuild an honest coalition around aid and development policy among security officials, business leaders, and diplomats, as part of Britains foreign policy backbone not as an optional extra. Third, be more candid about what aid can and cannot do. Too often it is sold as a magic bullet ending poverty, transforming economies. It can still be charitable and do good in many places. To remain relevant, aid must keep the ambition to support lasting change in countries economic paths and the quality of life of their citizens, especially for the poor and marginalised. But there are contexts where either that may not be possible or where aid interventions with short-term impacts risk creating problematic long-term dependencies. Not all deprivation in the world is a nail for which aid spending is the hammer. To achieve this, aid must adapt in four key ways: First, by being more selective, working especially where there is genuine political will for reform rather than spreading funds thinly. Second, by avoiding allocations solely on the basis of need, since this can entrench dependency and undermine incentives for local political action. Third, by reducing the pressure for quick results that undermine local systems and institutions. And fourth, by empowering local reformers and coalitions, lowering the cost of real change instead of substituting for politics. This is not about returning to the heavy-handed conditionality of the past, but about taking a politically intelligent approach one that aligns donor interests with the genuine ambitions of partner countries and their own growth and development champions. Britains aid debate has for too long been a stale argument about whether we can afford to help the worlds poor. The real question is whether we can afford to relinquish our place in the world and abandon the political terrain that aid occupies. In a world of strategic competition, pandemics, and climate shocks, the answer is surely no. Aid is not charity. It is strategy. And as I set out in detail in a new paper, Rethinking Aid in a Contested World, Britain must treat it that way or we will suffer the consequences of this resource fading to irrelevance. Dr Stefan Dercon served as chief economist in the Department for International Development (DFID) from 2011 to 2017, and as development policy adviser at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) from 2020 to 2022. He is professor of economic policy at Oxfords Blavatnik School of Government This article was produced as part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project 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 With office deals increasing in both the lettings and sales markets, the launch of Block A at Elm Park, Dublin 4, along with the adjoining annex, presents an interesting opportunity for investors and owner occupiers. It also reflects how keen pricing has become for Dublin offices. Agent TWM is guiding in the region of 18.5m for the entire block which is equivalent to 1,744 per square metre whereas to develop the same block at current prices could cost more than double that, at 4,198 per square metre. ACP said the scheme 'would be incongruous with the established streetscape'. Photo: Getty An Coimisiun Pleanala (ACP) has rejected plans by Eamon Waterss Sretaw Hotel Group for a 113-bedroom hotel planned for Baggot Street Lower in Dublin 2. ACP has refused planning permission for the six-storey scheme at 15-16 Baggot Street Lower, after concluding that the scheme would be overbearing on a protected structure and would seriously injure the special architectural character and setting of the area. The ACP ruling upholds a refusal issued earlier this year by Dublin City Council and applicants. Mr Waterss Peachbeach UC appealed the refusal. In its refusal decision, ACP has also concluded that the proposed scheme would be incongruous with the established streetscape of Baggot Street Lower and would be visually detrimental to the adjoining protected conservation area. The planning commission also found that the proposed development would be contrary to the Dublin City Council height strategy insofar as the proposed development would detract from the setting of adjoining protected structures, and would be contrary to city development plan policy. Peter McCann, general manager at the nearby five-star Merrion Hotel, was one of three parties to make observations to the ACP on the appeal. Mr McCann described the scheme as over-scaled and pointed out that the right to service by the Merrion Hotel must not be impacted. He expressed concern over the impact the construction phase of the new hotel would have on the servicing of the Merrion Hotel, and added that a daylight assessment lodged by the applicants accepted there would be a moderate impact on the Merrion Hotel. At the end of her 49-page report, ACP inspector Kathy Tuck recommended a refusal. In the appeal drawn up on behalf of Peachbeach UC by John Gannon, director at Tom Phillips & Co, Mr Gannon stated that we fundamentally disagree with the planning authoritys reason for refusal and are of the opinion that the proposal has been sensitively designed and will not give rise to unacceptable impacts on the surrounding context. He contended that the scheme sought to deliver a high-quality, mixed-use development on a site in the heart of Dublin city centre. He said the site was an ideal location for the proposed hotel given its proximity to the proximate numerous tourist attractions, activities and events located within 1km of the site. Mr Gannon also stated that Peachbeach UC has addressed concerns around overlooking into the neighbouring site and we wholly disagree that the proposal would set an undesirable precedent in the area. Increasing global demand for aircraft maintenance services Pre-tax profits at Lufthansa Technik Airmotive Ireland, which performs aircraft engine maintenance and leasing, jumped almost 14pc last year to $92.3m (82.4m) and demand for services strengthened. The company operates from facilities in Shannon and Leixlip. Newly-filed accounts show that its revenue last year climbed to $170m from $156m, as it benefited from continued growth in global passenger traffic. With the original Hermes Birkin selling for 8.6m in Paris this July, we find out from vintage traders and collectors why designer second-hand fashion is booming and how you, too, could triple your money In July, the sale of Jane Birkins original Hermes Birkin for 8.6m at a Paris auction established it as by far the most expensive handbag of all time. I was actually shocked it went for that amount, says Ella de Guzman, founder of Siopaella consignment store. If this bag was being sold in the second-hand market as just another preloved Birkin bag, it would have only traded hands for maybe 5,000 max given the condition that it was in. It was completely destroyed, yet because of its incredible history, its perceived value was crazy. How the death metal baron Randal Plunkett gave Dunsany Castle back to nature In Wild Thing, Plunkett charts how he faced down poachers and other challenges while turning his ancestral home into Ireland and the UKs biggest private rewilding project Ecosystem of a Down: Randal Plunkett, Baron of Dunsany, in the grounds of his ancestral home, Dunsany Castle in Co Meath. Photo: Fran Veale Aisling Maria Cronin Thu 9 Oct 2025 at 06:30 Randal Plunketts path to becoming a rewilding advocate was far from smooth. In his new memoir, Wild Thing, the 21st Baron of Dunsany acknowledges that he is regarded by many as an unlikely figure to have championed the cause of nature. Often nicknamed the Death Metal baron because of his love of metal music, Plunkett spent much of his youth struggling with his mental health and resenting the expectations associated with his family name. Bankstown property bordered by Boyne and Irish Sea sells to online bidder after dramatic auction Well, he said it would break records and it has. Stephen Barry of Raymond Potterton was proved right when he suggested the sale of 170ac of shoreline land at Banktown, Baltray, Co Louth would create a sizzle but he was blessedly modest in his 3m-plus guide. Clarksons Farm presenter says its so sad to kill cow that was pregnant with twins after catching bovine tuberculosis This was the first calf ever born at Diddly Squat, he wrote on his Instagram. Jeremy Clarkson has been forced to cull the first calf born on his Diddly Squat farm after a tuberculosis outbreak. The former Top Gear host (65) posted a picture of the cow and revealed it had been pregnant with twins when it caught bovine tuberculosis (TB) and had to be killed. This was the first calf ever born at Diddly Squat, he wrote on his Instagram. And this morning, she was destroyed while pregnant with twins because she has TB. So sad. Hundreds of fans of his hit Amazon series Clarksons Farm offered their condolences with one saying: Thats so sad. I remember the joy and excitement from you all when she was born. Another said: So sorry for your loss, but know you did the right thing, while another added: Please give this man and this farm and the animals a break! It is the latest blow to Clarkson and the running of his 1,000-acre farm documented through the series, as he tries to make the business profitable. In July, he announced he may have to cull his beloved cows after TB tests were inconclusive. When announcing the outbreak during the summer, he told a well-wisher who hoped his herd recovered soon: They have to be culled. Its the law. Responding to another who said he hoped Clarksons new prize-winning Aberdeen Angus bull, Endgame, would be spared, the broadcaster said: His test was inconclusive. I couldnt bear it if we lost him. The infectious disease, often affecting cattle and badgers, can result in the culling of every animal that tests positive. Some 40,000 cattle are culled every year as a result of TB infection. More than 21,000 animals were killed due to a TB incident in England between April 2024 and March this year. Culling an entire herd has been described as one of the most distressing things that farmers will go through by the UKs former environment secretary Therese Coffey. Last year, the presenter-turned-farmer was visited by police after activists reported blocked badger setts on his land, which is illegal under UK wildlife law. His defence was that he had shot all the badgers, which spread TB on farms, under licence. Clarkson has previously ranted on the show about the threat of TB for his cattle from the bastard badgers. Clarkson bought the Diddly Squat Farm in 2008, but it was run by a villager until his retirement in 2019, after which the veteran broadcaster decided to see if he could run it himself. Over the years, he has faced numerous challenges, including bad weather damaging crops, piglets being accidentally squashed to death by their mothers and planning battles with his council over the building of a restaurant. The Telegraph 'He turned it into a quasi-hotel' - landlord who evicted Marc Godart's company found 'in breach of obligations' He will not be required to pay damages to the controversial businessman from Luxembourg Businessman Marc Godart Amy Molloy Thu 9 Oct 2025 at 06:30 A landlord who evicted Marc Godarts company has been found to be in breach of his obligations after he failed to offer the tenancy back to the Luxembourgish businessman. 09/10/'25. The cortege makes its way from the funeral home to church pictured this morning at St. Canice's Church, Finglas at a memorial mass for five year old Julia Daczkowska who was found deceased along with her father by her mother at their home in Finglas almost two weeks ago. .....Picture Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin. VoteSmart: Take our test to find out whether Catherine Connolly or Heather Humphreys best aligns with your views latest | Ray DArcy hugely disappointed with RTE as shock departure from Radio 1 is confirmed Broadcaster begins his leaving statement with criticism of former employers handling of his exit Ray DArcy hugely disappointed with RTE as shock departure from Radio 1 is confirmed Niamh Horan Thu 9 Oct 2025 at 16:34 Ray D'Arcy said he is hugely disappointed with RTE management as it was confirmed he is leaving the broadcaster. Tanya Sweeney: Ive been on the on-off, on-off Bennifer carousel and it never ends well Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez seemed very friendly at a recent red carpet event despite their recent divorce, but would Bennifer 3.0 really be a good idea? Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck at the 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' New York screening. Photo: Aurora Rose/Getty Images Tanya Sweeney Thu 9 Oct 2025 at 06:30 The last time we checked in on Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, their divorce was finalised in February amid a mushroom cloud of acrimony. At one point, according to a report by TMZ, the pair were only contacting each other through lawyers and business managers. Swap sweltering Spain for this cooler corner with off-radar beaches and fantastic food In Galicia, our restaurant critic finds bearable temperatures and mouth-watering bites A Coruna in Spain Katy McGuinness Thu 9 Oct 2025 at 06:30 Theres a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed look to our fellow passengers flying to Santiago de Compostela. Most are wearing newly broken-in hiking boots and those clever trousers you can turn into a pair of shorts in a flash. Bel Trew: How one critical difference means an Israel-Hamas peace deal is closer than ever Donald Trumps plan being treated as a guidebook rather than the finished product Smoke rises following an Israeli strike during a military operation in Gaza City. Photo: Reuters Bel Trew UK Independent Thu 9 Oct 2025 at 06:30 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. It is hard to credit how the Government chose to ignore the working taxpayers. As Labour finance spokesperson Ged Nash amusingly said, a budget for burger barons and big builders. Clearly, Budget 2026 is not one for everyone in the audience, but given that there is a presidential election in the offing, you would think someone missed a trick. Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 Government works very hard for the wealthy and its entirely our own fault We can shout insults and call names all we want, but the fact is that we created and tolerate a government that works tirelessly to preserve and multiply the wealth of a few to the detriment of the well-being of the many. Jim OSullivan, Rathedmond, Co Sligo What are they thinking giving work-shy a payout during full employment? It defies belief that the Government during almost full employment can give people who never worked a day in their lives a 10 tax-free pay rise. Pensioners who worked all their lives to keep the country functioning also got 10 free of tax. The difference between the two? The people who never worked can get up early tomorrow morning and get a job, unlike most pensioners. Can Paschal Donohoe or Jack Chambers please explain the logic in this decision? Seamus McLoughlin, Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim Martin and Chambers take presidential election fiasco into the budget I find it of interest/concern that two politicians, Micheal Martin and Jack Chambers, would have a major input in the budget while between them they seem to lack basic common sense in the selection of their partys presidential candidate. As a comedian once said: Well, heres another nice mess youve gotten me into. Michael Moriarty, Rochestown, Co Cork Targeted tax breaks for struggling industries could help trim their costs I see that hairdressers and barbers are getting tax breaks as a result of the budget. Does this constitute a fringe benefit, and is it permanent? Noel Kelly, Doonbeg, Co Clare If youre loyal to Jim Gavin, dont vote for him surely he just wants to move on Unfortunately, one of the side-effects of Jim Gavins name still appearing on the ballot paper is that some of his supporters have expressed a desire to show their loyalty and gratitude by giving him their votes. Jim gave them their happiest years, in a sporting context by winning the five-in-a-row and they feel this is the least they can do for him at a low point in his life. I would ask them not to do this as I feel they would embarrass and hurt Jim with their vote. He wants to move on and forget this horrible experience. Your loyalty to him would be appreciated, but its not the appropriate action for this quiet man. Donough OReilly, Stillorgan, Dublin Ksenia Samotiy is spot on: friendship holds the key to happiness and even health Ksenia Samotiys reflections on the sustaining power of friendship are timely and apt (In those uncertain years of your youth, friendship is more important than ever, Irish Independent, October 7). They brought to mind the research of Professor Rose Anne Kenny of Trinity College Dublin, which demonstrates that friendship is not a luxury but a determinant of health, happiness and longevity. In our increasingly atomised society, in which young people report unprecedented loneliness despite digital hyper-connection, this matters more than ever. Friendship steadies us in uncertain times, countering isolation and building the resilience needed to face lifes inevitable setbacks. Perhaps the truest measure of a society is not its GDP or its infrastructure, but whether it fosters the conditions in which genuine human connection can flourish. By that standard, we still have work to do. Even in politics, the lesson holds: friendships sustained can carry you far, while friendships lost may cost you dearly, as one recent presidential hopeful has discovered. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Co Armagh Its hard to begrudge GAA lads a holiday pot when you look at other sports Further to Martin Brehenys article (Where is the fairness in giving just four counties a pot of 600k to spend on their team holidays?, October 7) about holiday subsidies for the All-Ireland winners, given the millions earned by very often average players in the Premier League, Id find it hard to begrudge our lads their few days in the sun. Tom Gilsenan, Dublin 9 If youre a bluffer or are all ego, the road to the Aras will leave you exposed The avenue to the Aras should be re- named The ashes of ego. The path is scattered with the dust of many who believed they had the qualities to gain entrance, but, like Icarus, who flew too close to the sun, melted like wax when subjected to the blowtorch of public scrutiny. I have been amazed at the sheer neck of those who have felt they could occupy the role of first citizen. Many may have excelled in different fields, but the presidency demands someone with gravitas, deep wisdom and integrity, together with interpersonal skills. These are rare qualities. While the Constitution is aspirational as to any citizen over 35 years of age running, its not a carte blanche for Johnny- come-latelys. The one positive about many of the failed wannabes is that they are never heard of again. We have been very lucky with our choices for Uachtarain na hEireann in the past. I fear that with the increased world of shallowness and image over substance, a pop star some day might take the throne. As for the current election, only one of the three nominated candidates Catherine Connolly can speak Irish, our first language. This is equivalent to the king of England not being able to speak English. When is all this silliness going to end? Joseph Kiely, Letterkenny, Co Donegal Reviving political prospects for implementing two-State solution 10:56, October 09, 2025 By Huan Yuping ( People's Daily During the 80th session of the UN General Assembly High-level Week, the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question and the implementation of the two-State solution became the focus of international attention. France, Monaco, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Andorra have recognized the State of Palestine, joining earlier acknowledgments by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal. This brings total recognition to 157 of the UN's 193 member states. While this diplomatic surge injects momentum into a strained political landscape, recognition marks a beginning - not an endpoint. Converting diplomatic symbolism into political progress requires greater resolve and concrete steps that rebuild a credible pathway to two states. At the heart of the two-State solution is the coexistence of Palestine and Israel as sovereign states. The prevailing international view remains clear: the only viable resolution is an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Despite Palestine's 1988 declaration of statehood and subsequent recognition by most UN members, decades of hesitation, particularly among some Western nations, have marginalized the issue. The latest round of violence is, in part, a consequence of that neglect. Today, the prolonged conflict has led to an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe. In Gaza alone, over 65,000 lives have been lost, nearly half of them women and children, and 2 million people face a profound survival crisis. At the General Assembly, numerous countries described ongoing events as "genocide in Gaza," while consensus around the urgency of implementing the two-State solution has widened. "Recognizing the State of Palestine is support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. It is not a gift but a legitimate right," said Riyad Mansour, the permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the UN. Annalena Baerbock, president of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, noted that the international community is working on a practical and irreversible roadmap to achieve the two-State solution. With war still raging, civilians cannot be protected and political settlement remains elusive. The immediate priority must be a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, pursued with the greatest sense of urgency. Continued military escalation is claiming innocent lives every day. The weaponization of humanitarian supplies and the militarization of their distribution - both egregious violations of international law - are eroding the foundations of a two-state solution and directly imperiling regional stability. The international community, especially states with significant influence over the parties concerned, must fulfill their responsibilities by upholding fairness and justice and actively facilitate negotiations. The UN Security Council and humanitarian agencies must do their part to create conditions conducive to implementing the two-state solution. A political settlement remains the only viable path forward for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Yet the path has been obstructed by the partiality of certain countries. Driven by narrow geopolitical calculations, some countries have taken persistently biased positions that blocked the implementation of the two-State solution, aggravated tensions, and undermined international law and the authority of multilateral institutions. As New York Magazine observed, the postwar legal order established to prevent the atrocities of World War II has failed, and worse, the U.S., which nominally took on the responsibility of preserving that order, is abetting the killing and abandoning any pretense of adhering to the law. Egypt's Al-Ahram likewise argued that U.S. vetoes at the UN and ongoing military support for Israel have been major reasons the two-state process remains stalled. The two-State solution concerns the bottom line of international justice and must not be undermined. Security cannot be zero-sum; no nation can build its safety upon another's insecurity. Statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people - no less than it is for Israelis - and there can be no double standards on this question. Given the historical injustices endured by Palestinians, delay is indefensible and inaction inexcusable. On matters bearing on the future and destiny of the Palestinian people, no country should have a veto. The Palestinian question has always been central to the Middle East issue. Achieving lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis requires justice for the Palestinian people and the full implementation of the two-state solution. Only this can break the cycle of conflict and establish durable peace. Gaza and the West Bank are inseparable parts of Palestinian territory. Any post-war governance or reconstruction arrangement must respect the will of the Palestinian people, uphold their legitimate national rights, and ensure that the principle of "Palestinians governing Palestine" is realized in practice. All parties should support the Gaza reconstruction plan endorsed by the emergency Arab summit and the emergency ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and support the Palestinian Authority in exercising effective governance across all Palestinian territories, including Gaza and the West Bank. The international call for implementing the two-State solution has reached an unprecedented level, reflecting the mainstream will of the international community. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit said the recent wave of recognition "corrects a historical error that has persisted for years." The opportunity must be seized to forge a broader international consensus and a more unified position. On the basis of recognizing the State of Palestine, the international community should support Palestine's bid for full UN membership, develop practical roadmaps to implementation, and reject unilateral measures that erode the two-state foundation. The distance from recognizing the two-State solution to realizing it remains long and difficult. But history will ultimately bend toward justice, and the seeds of peace will break through the soil of hatred. The international community should muster greater resolve, work together to revive the political prospects for implementing the two-State solution, and strive for a comprehensive, just, and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question at an early date. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Du Mingming) For the first time in two years, theres a glimmer of hope for peace in Gaza. After relentless fighting, ceasefire collapses and failed talks, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a historic 'phase 1 of a peace plan. The breakthrough comes just a day after the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, which triggered the devastating assault on Gaza. Under the terms of the agreement, Israeli hostages may be released as early as Saturday, and the IDF will begin the phased withdrawal of troops. While major questions remain - particularly around Hamass future role in Gaza - the deal is being hailed as a landmark moment for the region. So, what has changed to make peace possible now? How long before politics, or violence, tests the newfound peace deal? And like him or loathe him, has Donald Trump pulled of a historic diplomatic victory? On todays Indo Daily, Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East Correspondent with The Economist, and Bel Trew, Chief International Correspondent with The London Independent, break down the Gaza peace deal, how it came together, and whether it can truly endure. Antoinette Burke, mother of Katie Burke from Cobh, confronts Taoiseach Micheal Martin outside the Fianna Fail annual think-in at the Rochestown Park Hotel in Co Cork. Photo: Noel Sweeney/PA A Cork mother who confronted Taoiseach Micheal Martin last month has said the Fianna Fail leader dangled the carrot in front of her daughters eyes as no contact was made after their private meeting two week ago. Antoinette Burke, mother of Katie Byrne, confronted Micheal Martin at Fianna Fails think-in at the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork last month, and during their public discussion the Taoiseach assured her that they would have a private meeting to discuss options for Katie, who is in need of surgery. Katie has cerebral palsy, a dysplastic hip, twisted femur and retroverted pelvis, and these disabilities have made her life very difficult since she was just four years old. Antoinette and her husband Pat, along with Katie, met Micheal Martin in the same hotel on Saturday, September 20, a few days after the confrontation on Monday, September 15. I gave Micheal Martin a copy of everything, and I pointed out the discrepancies from different surgeons. For example, on September 24, 2010, a surgeon told us that Katies hips were at risk, and then the same consultant, two years later said Katies hips are perfect. I showed him different things like that when we were there and in fairness to him, he was looking at me thinking this is unbelievable. He gave us two hours of his time, and he wasnt in any hurry to get rid of us a such, she said. Antoinette was told to expect a phone call from a UK-based consultant to discuss options for Katie a week after their meeting. Read more Cork mother of teen with cerebral palsy secures meeting with Taoiseach following confrontation Two weeks have now passed, and no contact has been made. During the meeting, Micheal Martin told us he was making no promises but said a surgeon would contact us to confirm that no surgeon in Ireland can perform the surgery that Katie needs. He also said a multidisciplinary meeting with surgeons from the UK would be arranged to explore them operating on her. Weeks later, none of this has happened. No call, no update, and once again the carrot was dangled in front of Katie, Antoinette said. The mother said a wave of positivity overcame Katie after the initial meeting as she felt someone is finally going to help me, but Antoinette added the lack of contact has negatively impacted Katies mental health. Katie came out of the meeting saying oh my God, someone is finally going to help me. Now, she is sitting in her room deflated. She hasnt been to the gym in two weeks, and that was her thing. I think she feels, at this stage, that no one is going to do anything for me, so what is the point? Antoinette explained. Antoinette has been fundraising to cover the cost of surgery in the United States as a Florida-based doctor confirmed that he would operate on Katie. Over 35,000 has been raised to date, but the number is far below the target of 300,000. Read more Cork mother of teen with cerebral palsy secures meeting with Taoiseach following confrontation Antoinette started to sell donated goods on Vinted to raise funds in recent months, but the overall fundraiser has been underway for over two years. The money raised will fund the surgery, flights, and physiotherapy before and after the procedure. To donate, visit the Help Katie get hip surgery page on gofundme.ie or click here. Katies Vinted store is at vinted.ie/member/261932454-katiesfight Pat Dennigan, Focus Ireland CEO; Catherine Lonergan, Director of Customer and Commercial at Bord Gais Energy; Brendan Courtney, broadcaster and business person; Maura Toles, Sisk. Photo: Mark Stedman Cork volunteers will sleep outside University College Cork (UCC) on World Homelessness Day to highlight the 5,000 children without a home in Ireland. Organised by Focus Ireland, the Cork Sleep Out will highlight the negative impact homelessness has on children, as they said it steals their childhood, disrupts education and friendships while harming their mental health. As part of Focus Irelands Shine A Light campaign, proudly supported by Bord Gais Energy, will sleepout on October 10, and the organising committee are calling on people from Cork to join them on the night. The Lord Mayor of Cork, Fergal Dennehy will attend the event from 9pm. Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Tadhg Quill-Manley, said: The Shine A Light Sleep Out is about more than raising vital funds for Focus Irelands frontline services it is about building hope, together as a community. Cork people have always looked out for each other, and this event is a chance to show that spirit in action. At Focus Ireland, we believe homelessness is wrong but with the support of communities like ours, it can be ended, he said. The charity said the event will run concurrently with similar events nationwide, and they hope to raise 1.2m to help end homelessness for good. In Cork, 838 adults sought access to emergency accommodation in July alone, and 105 families in Cork are without a home, and 16,353 nationwide, with 5,145 children. Focus Ireland Community Fundraiser, Cian Dalton said: Focus Ireland rely on community fundraising events like the Shine A Light Sleep Out to be able to deliver our vital services to our customers. We are extremely grateful to the Organising Committee for giving up their time to help bring this community event to life in conjunction with UCC Students Union, Mr Dalton said. For more information on how to sign up to the Cork Sleep Out or to find the necessary steps to host your own sleep out, visit shinealight.focusireland.ie. Mention of the location sends shivers down my spine says victim A teenager has been sentenced to 18 months detention with a further 18 months detention suspended after he pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a woman out walking on her own at a popular amenity spot in north Cork last year. The teenager, who was 16 at the time of the offence, pleaded guilty in June 2025 at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to the sexual assault of the woman at the Island Wood in Newmarket on June 6, 2024 and he was sentenced for the offence at the Washington St Courthouse in Cork this week. 'The Kiosk', by artist Andy Watson, one of two new painted traffic boxes in Fingal Painted traffic boxes have been a good deterrent to graffiti in Fingal, local councillors have claimed. This year, Fingal County Council (FCC) worked with the public initiative Dublin Canvas to add colourful designs to two traffic boxes in Clonsilla Road and Blanchardstown. At a local area meeting, FCC said applications for more boxes next year and repainting existing ones will commence in April. Sinn Fein councillor for Ongar, Angela Donnelly, asked for more traffic boxes to be painted, while raising a motion asking the council for a report on art work being planned in the area. Ive only seen two new traffic boxes, it would be brilliant to see more of them next year, she said. People get a lot of joy from these boxes Ive heard from a lot of people that liked and commented on them and said how much they appreciated the art. Id love to see us outsource this to more community groups and have our own art department do them. Another Sinn Fein councillor for the Blanchardstown area, Breda Hanaphy, said the traffic boxes had helped clear graffiti. We have so many more boxes in these areas, it would be great to see them painted. It would help keep graffiti off them as well we could help clear it, she said. 'The Kiosk', by artist Andy Watson, one of two new painted traffic boxes in Fingal John Walsh, Labour councillor for Casteknock, said people in areas like Carpenterstown were growing concerned about graffiti in their locality. Dublin Canvas do fantastic, very attractive work. I would like to see them rolled out more heavily, particularly because they are a good deterrent to graffiti, he said. I havent seen any in of the artwork in Carpenterstown. Ive been approached by residents who were concerned about the level of graffiti on those boxes. Councillors also asked for the local communities to be included in the plans for new traffic boxes. FCC said that Dublin Canvas boxes are painted by local artists for a period of 3 years. Boxes painted in 2023 will be reviewed for a repaint next year. Were hoping to return to the Fingal area next year and paint more traffic signal boxes, said David Murtagh, Project Coordinator for Dublin Canvas. Weve seen phenomenal growth in the Fingal area, more and more traffic junctions have been added and upgraded. It would be great to expand on the wonderful work completed within the last six years. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme The defendant had 45 previous convictions, including witness intimidation A man who smashed the house of his ex-partner was sentenced to five months prison at Tralee District Court last Wednesday. John OBrien (37) of 25 An Caislean Mor, Castleisland, pleaded to damaging property. The court heard his former partner was sitting in her living room on October 27, 2024 when he began shouting outside the house and smashed one of its windows. This account was provided to gardai by the injured party in broken English, said Detective Sergeant Chris Manton. There was a six-year-old in the house at the time, the court heard. He would have been calling there before, said Det Sgt Manton. Mr OBrien had 45 previous convictions, including intimidation of a witness and several for assault. His solicitor Pat Mann told the court that his client had struggled with addiction and was using heroin at the time. He had been in a relationship for some time and the relationship had gone sour, said Mr Mann. Mr OBrien was in custody on separate charges and had not applied for bail for this case. He had told Mr Mann I just needed to give myself a break. Referring to an ongoing case in Cork, Mr Mann told the court, Hes six and a half months in custody now on another matter and he hasnt looked for bail, either here or next door. The solicitor highlighted his clients behaviour in prison, noting he had applied for a job at the prison kitchen and availed of education opportunities. He was attending school in prison, which he never did growing up, said Mr Mann. Judge David Waters convicted and sentenced Mr OBrien to five months from October 1. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) is delighted to announce a very special event, In Conversation with Fiona Shaw, which will take place at Randles Hotel, Killarney, on Thursday, October 23, at 7pm. The evening will include a drinks reception, an intimate conversation with the acclaimed Fiona Shaw, and the official presentation of the 2025 Maureen OHara Award. The Maureen OHara Award was established by KIFF in 2008 to celebrate women who have excelled in the film and television industries. Previous recipients include Brenda Fricker, Jessie Buckley, Fionnula Flanagan, and, most recently, producer Rebecca OFlanagan in 2024. This years recipient, Fiona Shaw, is widely recognised as one of Irelands greatest actors, with an extraordinary career spanning stage, screen, and television. Fiona Shaw has captivated audiences worldwide with roles in My Left Foot, The Butcher Boy, the Harry Potter series, The Tree of Life, Ammonite, and her most recent releases Hot Milk and Park Avenue (2025). On television, her award-winning work includes Bad Sisters, Killing Eve, Fleabag, and Andor. She is a two-time Laurence Olivier Award winner, a BAFTA recipient, and has earned multiple Tony and Primetime Emmy nominations. This intimate evening at Randles Hotel offers audiences a rare opportunity to hear first-hand about her illustrious career and reflections on receiving the Maureen OHara Award. As part of this years festival celebrations, KIFF is honoured to close its programme with the film Park Avenue on Sunday, October 19, at Cinema Killarney. In the film, Shaw delivers a compelling performance as Kit, a dazzling yet difficult mother whose secrets threaten to unravel her relationship with her daughter Charlotte (Katherine Waterston). Kerry International Film Festival chair Ailbhe Keogan said: As Chair of KIFF, I am totally honoured to welcome Fiona to Killarney. I have also had the honour of writing for her. As a writer, when you hear that Fiona is playing one of your characters, your heart leaps. It's a rush of pleasure and reassurance because you know she'll bring your character to life. She'll do it with great integrity and insight. She gifts you back a version of the character beyond your own imagining. She is a generational talent and a national treasure; we're fortunate to have her. Tickets for the above event are priced at 25 (plus booking fee) and are available at www.kerryfilmfestival.com. Spaces are limited for this one-off event, and early booking is strongly advised. The artist Julian Friers was born in Bangor, Northern Ireland and is widely acknowledged as one of Europes finest wildlife painters. Pictured is a Giant Deer from his exhibition "Wild Ireland Past, Present, Future." This year marks the 37th year of the annual Killarney National Park Autumn Talks Series 2025 set to return to Killarney House commencing this Thursday, October 9, and will continue each Thursday night for six weeks. The popular weekly event will take place at Killarney House Auditorium at 8pm. Heritage, history and biodiversity are among the talks talking place each week beginning with a lecture by Artist Julian Friers titled Wild Ireland Past Present Future. The Northern Ireland born Artist is considered one of Irelands finest wildlife painters. On October 16, Alan McCarthy will give a lecture on The Secret Lives of Owls in Ireland while on October 23 James Flynn will give a lecture on Killarney Arbutus Furniture History 1825-1953. The world famous distinctive and highly decorated Arbutus furniture was produced in Killarney and the Gap of Dunloe from the 1800s up until 1952. On October 30 Chris Barron will give a talk on Killarney National Park Education Centre: 40 Years of Conservation, while on November 6 John Casey will give a talk on The History of Irish Forests from Tudor to the early 20th Century. The final lecture on November 13 is from Divisional Manager with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Eamonn Meskell on Killarney National Park Projects and Operational Works update 2025. Long time organiser of the Talks Series, NPWS Conservation Ranger, Padruig OSullivan, said each year the series of lectures prove popular. They can be both attended or live-streamed. We are very proud of the Autumn Talks Series, which appears to be the longest running and most successful nature talks in the country. The speakers and subjects chosen are always engaging. The live-streaming has enhanced the experience with audiences joining from all parts of the globe, which is so encouraging. The speakers stem from every walk of life this year and Ive no doubt will prove very popular. The talks series is free, seating is limited, it will also be live-streamed via the Killarney National Park Facebook page @killarneynationalpark For the latest updates keep in touch with the @killarneynationalpark Facebook page or Instagram page Kerry Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB) this week announced the appointment of Charlie ODoherty as Principal of Colaiste Gleann Li, one of the Boards eight post-primary schools in Tralee. A native of Kilcummin, Mr. ODoherty brings a wealth of educational and leadership experience from his 18-year career in the UK education system. Over the course of his career, he has served in a variety of senior roles including Head of Department, Head of Faculty, Assistant Principal, Deputy Principal, and Principal. Speaking following his appointment, Mr ODoherty said: I am both honoured and excited to introduce myself as the new Principal of Colaiste Gleann Li. It is with great enthusiasm that I begin this new chapter alongside staff, students, and parents, as we work together to build a vibrant, inclusive, and successful school community. He added: Education is more than preparation for the next stage of life, it is the foundation upon which we build our future. With dedication, hard work, and the support of our school family, we can ensure that every student not only meets but exceeds their academic and personal goals, enabling them to become confident, well-rounded citizens and lifelong learners. Mr ODoherty returned home to Kerry with his family in 2023, initially taking up the position of Deputy Principal in Bantry. The school said this week that he is now bringing his experience and vision to Colaiste Gleann Li, where he has already begun leading with a focus on academic excellence, inclusion, and student wellbeing. Colaiste Gleann Li forms part of the Kerry ETB network of schools and centres, which provides a wide range of education and training opportunities across the county through its eight post-primary schools, four community national schools, Youthreach centres, and Kerry College campuses. Retired US lawyer hails magical Irish lifestyle A luxurious country estate in Durrow, Co Laois, valued at 800,000 is set to change hands in an unconventional ticket raffle, where those interested can enter the draw for just 6. A former member of Drogheda rap group A92 has been jailed for money laundering. Olauide Samad Fazaz (26), St Laurences Park, Drogheda, pleaded guilty to the offence which concerned a sum of more than 25,000. A sentence hearing at Dundalk Circuit Court was told that the offending occurred between September 28, 2021, and February 6, 2022, and involved multiple small transactions. Imposing an 18-month sentence, the final nine months suspended, Judge Dara Hayes said that this was not a typical money mule case. The defendant was far from the ultimate profiteer but his involvement was not that of an unwitting dupe to allow his account to be used briefly. It was stated in mitigation that Mr Fazaz understood it was Bitcoin and that he would make 10% of the profits. All he got out of it was 216. Det Gda Paul Martin testified that an alert was received from An Post about suspicious transactions, namely 317 lodgements amounting to 16,775 on an account belonging to Mr Fazaz. However, on review it was discovered that the total was 25,504.34. All the money was gone. All were Quicklodge transactions which transferred to various accounts, including the accuseds AIB account, within seconds in some instances. Det Gda Martin said that a search of his home yielded original An Post transactions and bank cards in other peoples names. Mr Fazaz admitted allowing his account to be used by a person who subsequently blocked him on social media. He said some of the transactions were his, some werent. When others were put to him he offered no comment or said that he was unaware of them. The witness continued that the defendant was a member of the rap group A92. He had no previous convictions at the time but has since been convicted of driving without insurance, failing to produce insurance and no NCT. Counsel for Olauide Samad Fazaz said that he responded to an advert on Telegram. His understanding was that it was Bitcoin, something he was very interested in. He accepted that he was reckless. The accused was a talented musician, who played, sang and DJ-ed for his Church and charities. He was no longer in A92. He has been living in Ireland since he was 4. After the Leaving Certificate he did a PLC course in Multimedia. The defendant was not working. He had a job offer from a security company. He was single, had no children and still lived at home. Mr Fazaz wanted a career in Music. Judge Hayes interjected to say that the items recovered during the search suggested a greater involvement in fraud than being led into it. Counsel replied that her client admitted he was reckless. He should have looked behind it. Prosecuting counsel Miska Hanahoe pointed out that other than a testimonial from his father, others submitted did not reference the court proceedings. Judge Hayes recalled that the accused entered a guilty plea on a trial date before a jury was empanelled. He said this was not a typical money mule case where people were persuaded their accounts be used to benefit significant criminality. Mr Fazaz was far from the ultimate profiteer but his was not that of an unwitting dupe to allow his account to be used briefly. An 18-month prison sentence was handed down, the final 9 months suspended. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme A 27-year-old woman who admitted her part in a fraud has been given a chance to avoid 12 months in prison when remanded on continuing bail for a community service report. Gwyne Zoe Timajo, The Drive, Highlands, Drogheda, was before Dundalk Circuit Court on a signed plea of guilty to a money laundering charge. She allowed her student bank account to be used for an invoice redirection fraud on the back of which the victim made two payments totalling 14,050. The money went into her account. The actual loss was 10,159.61 after the bank put a freeze on the account. The court heard that while Ms Timajo, who has no previous convictions, was sketchy about the idea, the single mother went ahead and gave up her details. It was also revealed that she was more than helpful to Gardai and on learning who the victim was wrote him a letter of apology. Evidence was given that the offence occurred between September 9 and 10, 2019. Investigators obtained CCTV of ATM transactions and were able to identify the accused when she withdrew 400 while in the company of a man. In other footage he could be seen withdrawing sums of money. Following her arrest by arrangement on August 11, 2020, Ms Timajo was forthcoming in an interview. She told Gardai that a friend came to her about a bank job. He asked for her account details. She was sketchy about it but the man told her, It works. He sent her a form to fil in. For a month no money went into her account. "I had no idea what was in my account, she said. It was eventually frozen. The woman received 400 which she spent on clothes for herself. She thought the whole thing was drugs or gang related and felt it was easy money. A native of the Philippines, the defendant had not come to attention since. The investigating Garda agreed with barrister Ronan OCarroll, instructed by solicitor Dermot Monahan, that Ms Timajos bank balance was normally around the 100/200 mark. She didnt know that they money came from somebody who had complained and on discovering this wrote a letter of apology to the man, setting out her assistance to Gardai. Mr OCarroll said that his client, the eldest of four children, all of whom lived in Ireland, behaved foolishly and selfishly. She was an otherwise law-abiding woman, whose primary pursuit was the full-time care of her son. She had shown disregard for the potential consequences but was incredibly honest in her Garda interview. It was an aberration on her part. Ms Timajo had completed a PLC course in Nursing and has high aspirations of pursuing a career in the medical field, counsel continued. Judge Dara Hayes adjourned sentencing to November 12 and said if found suitable in the meantime, the defendant could carry out community service in lieu of a 12-month sentence. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme Sligo Chamber of Commerce has said that Budget 2026 offers welcome commitments on infrastructure and housing but leaves some questions unanswered for the business community. Sligo Chamber CEO Aidan Doyle said: We welcome the investment proposals and the clear acknowledgement that housing and infrastructure delivery needs to be addressed. These are long-standing priorities for Sligo Chamber. Translating these commitments into real progress on the ground will be essential. There are several measures that have the potential to unlock stalled projects and breathe new life into our regional urban centres. It is positive that Sligo is being included in the Living Cities Initiative. We also welcome the new measures to incentivise appropriate development such as the Derelict Property Tax. Most businesses wont experience any direct benefit from todays measures. "Instead, they are dependent on the trickle-down impact of critical infrastructure delivery. Their future competitiveness is also increasingly reliant on a growing number of Action Plans but these must be converted into delivery mechanisms." People are waiting for up to 12 weeks for results. We have the expertise in this country, said Cllr Gino OBoyle as he addressed fellow Councillors at the October monthly meeting of Sligo County Council on cervical swear tests. Cllr OBoyle called for all tests to be carried out within Ireland. Cllr OBoyles motion calls on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Health to call for all cervical smear tests under the CervicalCheck programme to be processed within Ireland, and not outsourced abroad. "This council notes with concern that the outsourcing of smear tests has contributed to delays, errors and a loss of public confidence in the service. Irish women deserve a high quality, transparent screening programme with results delivered in a timely manner. The motion was seconded by Cllr Donal Gilroy who said, It shouldnt be outsourced, it should be done within our State. Its something that shouldnt be allowed to continue the way it is. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Cllr Marie Casserly has called for the government to invest 15m annually in the post office network Cllr Marie Casserly has called on the Government to commit to a 15 million annual investment in the Irish Post Office Network, recognising its vital role in sustaining local communities, supporting small businesses, and delivering essential services across the country. At the October meeting of Sligo County Council, Cllr Casserly tabled a motion urging Government action to secure the future of Post Offices, many of which are the last remaining providers of financial and Government services in rural towns and villages. The Irish Post Office Network processes 84 million transactions each year, with a total value of 14 billion, Cllr. Casserly said. This includes 7bn in welfare cash payments, which are a lifeline for individuals and families across the country. In many communities, the Post Office is the only service available for people without access to online platforms, playing a crucial role in combating social exclusion. She also highlighted the significant role Post Offices play in supporting local business: Over 540 Post Offices operate in areas without a bank within 5km. They provide vital financial and banking services to small and micro businesses, helping to keep money circulating in the local economy and driving community resilience. Cllr. Casserly warned that the closure of Post Offices would have a devastating impact on rural Ireland, particularly on vulnerable individuals and local economies. We cannot allow this essential community infrastructure to wither away. The Government must step up and ensure the long-term sustainability of our Post Office Network. A 15 million annual investment is a small price to pay for the enormous social and economic value delivered by Post Offices nationwide. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Cllr Marie Casserly has expressed serious concerns and has called on Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee to pause the redesignation of MGLD schools Cllr Marie Casserly has called for urgent action to protect our most vulnerable children as she criticised the policy of redesignating schools currently serving students with Mild General Learning Difficulties (MGLD). Outlining her fears and concerns, Cllr Casserly said, While I fully acknowledge and welcome Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntees commitment to building an inclusive education system, one where every child can reach their full potential, I am seriously worried that this policy risks displacing some of our most vulnerable students. Schools that currently support children with Mild General Learning Difficulties provide a structured and understanding environment tailored to their specific needs. Redesignating these schools to create additional places for autistic students, while well intentioned, may unintentionally remove vital supports for another group of children who depend on them. Cllr Casserly stressed the need for greater access to education for children with autism but insisted this should not involve pitting one group of students against another and that thorough planning is essential. I want to be very clear: I fully support the urgent need to expand school places for autistic children. However, we must do so in a way that is properly planned, properly resourced, and inclusive of all childrenwithout pitting one group against another. In my motion, I call on the Minister to: Pause the re-designation of MGLD schools; Engage in meaningful consultation with affected parents, educators, and communities; Develop a properly resourced, inclusive education strategy that meets the needs of every student. Inclusive education should mean no child is left behind. I am asking the Minister and the Department to listen to families, to educators, and to those on the ground who see firsthand the value of these specialised supports. This motion has been sent to all Sligo/Leitrim Oireachtas members and to Minister McEntee, and I am asking for their support in ensuring that every child in Irelandregardless of their learning needshas access to an education that allows them to thrive. The motion was supported by Cllr Ann Higgins who said, It should be paused. There should be proper consultation with all stakeholders. Funded by the Local Democratic Reporting Scheme. Two motions before the October meeting of Sligo County have called on Minister for Housing James Brown and Taoiseach Michael Martin to reinstate the tenant-in-situ scheme while also increasing the funding for this scheme. A tenant in situ scheme allows you to continue to rent your home, if your landlord is selling the rental property. This is because the local authority or the housing agency steps in and buys the property from your landlord, and then continues to rent the property to the tenant. Outlining his motion, Cllr Arthur Gibbon sad there are currently 16,508 people in emergency accommodation in Ireland. Some of the places no human being should be there. Cllr Gibbons added, Governement needs to get its act together and at least get it back to the level it was at. A similar motion was also before the meeting from Cllr Michael Clarke who said, This scheme was designed for tenants who were stuck in a place for 8-10 years and then the landlord is selling up. Now the government have pulled the carpet from under that scheme. "This government is not serious about housing. I agree with Cllr Gibbons, there is nothing being done about housing. Cllr Edel McSharry supported both motions saying, I believe this was another tool in the tool box for the Council helping people. Until we get enough council houses built this was an option to ensure further numbers of people didnt have to go into emergency accommodation. It is trauma enducing or children and it needs to be reinstated. Backing the motions, Cllr Gino OBoyle added, it makes no sense in a housing crisis. Cllr Declan Bree expressed disbelief the tenant-in-situ scheme was no longer being funded saying, I ind it incredible the government isnt providing adequate funding. It must be incredibly frustrating for staff in the housing section, they have to turn people away. Cllr Paul Taylor also called for the scheme to be fully reinstated saying, Its stability for families and we have to try and have it back as soon as possible. Cllr Ann Higgins pointed to the side effects of homelessness saying, There are real people behind the term homeless. We are building up a whole wealth of trauma. Cllr Tom MacSharry was another of the Councillors from a government party to back the motions saying, It was one of the better schemes. Like my colleagues I was shocked it was withdrawn. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Sligo Family Resource Centre (FRC) celebrated 30 years of service to the community last Friday. The event was attended by Sligo County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Donal Gilroy, Deputy Frank Feighan, Cllr Marie Casserly, past and present board members, staff, volunteers, students, colleagues from the statutory and voluntary sector and service users. Guest speaker Sr Anne Harte Barry, one of the founding members and the Centres first Chairperson, travelled from Dublin to join the celebrations. She reflected warmly on the early days of establishing the Centre in 1994 its challenges, the dedication of volunteers, the search for premises, and the humble beginnings with a toy library and five FAS participants. Quoting from a 1995 newspaper article marking the Centres opening, Sr Anne recalled calling it a dream come true a dream that, 30 years on, continues to thrive. Also in attendance were Mollie Lee, another founding member, Bridie Walsh, one of the centres first employees in 1995 and Rita Fitzsimons a former employee of the Family Support Agency who also travelled from Dublin. Cllr Donal Gilroy described the FRC as a cornerstone of community life in Sligo that has built trust, dignity, and connection. He reaffirmed Sligo County Councils continued commitment to supporting the Centres work into the future. Phil Brennan, Chairperson of Sligo FRC, expressed gratitude to all former voluntary board members especially the past Chairpersons for their vision and leadership, and to the dedicated staff, CE participants, volunteers, and students who have served thousands of adults, children, and families over the past three decades. Highlighting the deterioration of the current building, Phil stressed the need for a purpose-built Family Resource Centre to meet the growing and evolving needs of families in Sligo. This new facility would: Expand the Footprints childcare service Enhance supports for parents and young people dealing with anxiety, school refusal, social media challenges, and neurodiverse needs Increase capacity to support new communities, including residents from Ukraine and IPAS centres, through social integration and English language initiatives Strengthen supports for adults with intellectual disabilities living independently in the community. Phil said: This purpose-built FRC will not just be a building it will be the foundation for a stronger, more connected, and more compassionate community. With the right infrastructure, collaboration and support, we can make this vision a reality. Deputy Feighan reiterated his full support for the development of a new, purpose-built FRC, for Sligo town similar to the one built in Tubbercurry over 10 years ago. The celebration also featured moving testimonials from service users who shared how the FRC had greatly supported them and their families. Manager Liz King thanked everyone for attending and shared statistics highlighting the centres impact since 1995: 22 adults with disabilities directly supported 48 volunteers 54 students 67 board of management members 73 staff members 92 trainees in Countess Cafe 145 adults received English language classes 220 CE participants 641 families received family support 811 supported through the Social Prescribing service 935 children attended Footprints Creche In addition, thousands more have participated in parent and toddler groups, breastfeeding supports, adoptive parent meetings and supports, Danu birth mothers group, childrens holiday camps, parenting workshops/conferences/webinars, family fun days, intercultural events, Walk and Talk trips, adult education classes, and support groups. Guests were invited to view a special 30-year timeline showcasing the Centres journey and visit a display room highlighting its current programmes before joining board and staff for refreshments and cake. New Ross Former New Ross meat market transformed into community hub One of New Rosss most historic sites has been fully restored for public use and has already played host to a certain Mr Claus during his visit to the Wexford town. The Shambles on Mary Street, which was a popular meat market for many years, had In conjunction with Enniscorthy Castles Living History event the Arts and Culture Festival Committee added a unique event to the Culture Night programme with a recreation of the famous painting by Frederick William Burton, Meeting on the Turret Stairs, which is housed in the National Gallery of Ireland. Painted in 1864, the work was inspired by a medieval Danish ballad translated by Burtons friend Whitley Stokes in 1855, which tells the story of Hellelil, who fell in love with her personal guard Hildebrand, Prince of Engelland. Her father disapproved of the relationship and ordered her seven brothers to kill the young prince, with the painting depicts the final meeting of the star-crossed lovers. Chair of the Committee, Maria Nolan explained that it had been a dream of hers to recreate this beautifully poignant painting, a Danish Medieval tragic love story on the stairs of Enniscorthy Castle, which became possible as a result of her chance meeting with designer Barbara Guthrie who recreated the costumes of the Knight and Lady exactly to specification. "Barbaras meticulous attention to detail along with her amazing talent made this event not only possible but a major success with photographers thronging into the narrow space to snap the shot, she said. It is planned to send the most amazing photo to the National Gallery as we are sure this is a first of its kind and who knows may spark something big. Overall, the festival was a great celebration of local storytelling, history and culture, which began with a film showing of three films made, directed and produced by Wexford Film Workshop in Enniscorthy; Fairy Godmother, Forbidden Bonds, and Shadow of Tyranny. There was an array of other events including an Afternoon Tea with author Carmel Harrington, an evening of drama in the Presentation Centre in which local talent were given centre stage, and a night of laughs thanks to comedians Brendan Robinson, Claire Roche, Donna Fletcher, Justine Halpin and Taran OSullivan. There was also a rock nroll event in The Bailey, while ten Plein Air Artists armed with easels, brushes, pencils, and paints took up residence around the town to paint the picturesque landscape. In addition, revered Dutch artist Marja van Kampen showcased her colourful exhibition of paintings at her studio on the second floor of the IFA centre. As well as Irish culture, the committee took the opportunity to showcase and celebrate other cultures that have added to the tapestry of the town. Doing the official honour of opening the festival was Selin Kim, the National President of the Cambodian Community in Ireland and is Ms. Planet Ireland 2025. Before delighting the audience with some elegant Cambodian dance while wearing her traditional costume Selin said on the night: As we open the Festival, each of our cultures unique, what binds us together as human beings is creativity, community and the sheer joy of expressions. Whether you are here to listen to the music, admire the artwork, try new food, experience films, plays and literature, I hope this weekends festival leaves you inspired, connected and uplifted. Gorey Community School Teachers Claire Kinsella and Imelda Browne at their retirement celebration pictured with Deirdre Byrne, Nicholas Sweetman, Principal Michael Finn, Rory McCarthy, Morris O Toole at the Ashdown Park Hotel. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Gorey Community School Teacher Imelda Browne at her retirement celebration pictured with her colleagues at the Ashdown Park Hotel. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Gorey Community School principal Michael Finn with Claire Kinsella and Imelda Browne at the retirement celebration for deputy Principal Linda McEvoy, Claire and Imelda at the Ashdown Park Hotel. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Staff, friends and families gathered at the Ashdown Park Hotel on Friday, September 26 to give teachers, Clare Kinsella, Imelda Browne and retiring deputy principal Linda McEvoy an official farewell. Gorey Community School Teachers Claire Kinsella and Imelda Browne at their retirement celebration pictured with Deirdre Byrne, Nicholas Sweetman, Principal Michael Finn, Rory McCarthy, Morris O Toole at the Ashdown Park Hotel. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Clare said it was an honour to see such a great turnout on Friday night. It was a very emotional night saying goodbye - letting go of a whole career, but it was a lovely farewell. Clare Kinsella started her teaching career in 1986 in Cobh, Cork and said she always knew she wanted to be a teacher. The day I stated primary school, I adored my principal in Monaseed National School I wanted to be a teacher from day one, she said. Clare has taught Irish, Geography and French across many schools in Gorey and became a teacher at Gorey Community School when it first opened in 1993. Throughout her 32 years at the school, she has taken on many positions including Transition Year coordinator and Year Head. A highlight of Clares time at the school is the equestrian club, which she set up over 20 years ago. I ran the question club for over 20 years, and it has had huge success in Hickstead, winning the All Irelands in Ireland and in Balmoral, Clare added. Starting her teaching career at just 21, Clare spoke about the generations of pupils she has taught over the years. The amount of past pupils who will come up to me and theyre in the 40s maybe and calling me a great teacher sometimes I hardly remember their faces, she said. Gorey Community School Teacher Imelda Browne at her retirement celebration pictured with her colleagues at the Ashdown Park Hotel. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Imelda Browne was also celebrating the end of her teaching career, and said it was an honour to be able to mark the occasion alongside Clare. It was at the night we were celebrating long serving members of the school it was nice to see staff that had retired back too, Imelda said. Imeldas teaching career began in county Cork, teaching in Cobh for 14 years. Originally from Oulart, she moved back to Wexford and joined the staff at Gorey Community School in 1997. As a Home Economics teacher, she spoke about the importance of the subject, and the rise in popularity of the subject over her 28 years in the school. There were only two Home Economics teachers when I started in the school now theres seven. The Home Economics department has grown hugely in size, now it's one of the biggest home economics departments in the country, Imelda said. Early into her career she said there was a notable gender difference in students taking the subject but has become equally balanced over time. Earlier on, it would have been the majority of girls, but even in my last year teaching I had an equal number of boys ands girls. Reflecting on her time in Gorey, Imelda said one of her highlights was bringing the Home Economics students on a trip to Italy. She also mentioned the homecoming for Councillor Darragh McDonald, who won a silver medal at the Paralympics. It was a big occasion, it was the only time when the entire school left their classrooms to welcome him back, Imelda said. Gorey Community School retiring Deputy Principal Linda McEvoy. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench As Clare and Imelda move forward with the next phase of life, they both treasured their time as teachers in Wexford, and are excited to pursue their personal hobbies and interests. On the night, principal Michael Finn gave the teachers an official farewell, highlighting their impact on the growing school. An official celebration was also made for deputy principal Linda McEvoy who retired from her role in June 2025. Minister for further and higher education James Lawless visiting Gorey Community School. Pictured is Malcolm Byrne TD, Nicholas Sweetman, Principal Michael Finn, Minister James Lawless and Student Council Candidates. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless visiting Gorey Community School. Pictured is Nicholas Sweetman, Catherine O Sullivan, Minister James Lawless, Paul Carter, Malcolm Byrne TD, Aisling Kirby, Andrea McCorry, Orla Rappel and Patrick Redmond. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Minister for further and higher education James Lawless visiting Gorey Community School. Pictured is Minister James Lawless with Student Council Candidates. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Minister for further and higher education James Lawless visiting Gorey Community School. Pictured is Minister James Lawless with Student Council Candidates. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Calls for fairer funding to Education and Training boards was raised to Higher Education Minister, James Lawless during his recent visit to schools in Gorey. On Friday, October 3, Minister Lawless visited Gorey Community School, Gorey School of Art and Gorey Youth Needs Group to engage with the various education and training options available in the North Wexford region. Minister for further and higher education James Lawless visiting Gorey Community School. Pictured is Minister James Lawless with Student Council Candidates. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Invited by Wicklow-Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne, he said Minister James certainly enjoys being at home, and that it was wonderful to see him return to the place he grew up in and was educated, Gorey Community School. Deputy Byrne said the visit was important to bring the Minister up to speed with the many education pathways available to people and students in Gorey, but also emphasised the need for fairer funding to all education pathways. The Minister saw how, with the rapid growth in population in North Wexford, we have a broad range of education and training options but that there is need for continued support and fair funding to allow them to expand, Deputy Byrne said. At Gorey Community School, the Minister spoke with Leaving Certificate students who are currently considering career paths after school. He also met with Student Council members. Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless visiting Gorey Community School. Pictured is Nicholas Sweetman, Catherine O Sullivan, Minister James Lawless, Paul Carter, Malcolm Byrne TD, Aisling Kirby, Andrea McCorry, Orla Rappel and Patrick Redmond. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Minster James also met with Paul Carter, Director of Gorey School of Art where Paul and Deputy Byrne stressed the need for provision attached to community schools to be placed on the same funding levels as other Further Education centres. In addition to this, the Minister met with learners at Gorey Youth Needs Group (GYNG) to discuss the value of community education options for young people, and the various supports available. A local solicitor has been ranked in one of the most prestigious publications for a second time, continuing to be among those who uphold the highest standards of practice in Ireland The Legal 500 GC Powerlist highlights and recognises those who are influential and exemplary on a global scale, particularly the very best general counsels and senior in-house legal counsels, following a comprehensive research process conducted over many months. New Ross woman, Elaine Breen, who hails from Rosbercon, is the Head of Legal, Risk and Compliance for INDOS Financial (Ireland) Depositary Limited (INDOS), a JTC Group Company, regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, and she has yet again been named on the list. Speaking about her continued success and being named on the Powerlist again, Ms Breen said: I am grateful to be included as JTC Group is committed to continually enhancing its services in Ireland, and this recognition is a testament to our teams dedication and ongoing progress in delivering high-quality professional services in such a prominent jurisdiction. Being named to this distinguished group also offers valuable opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, share insights, and discover best practices to better serve our clients, Ms Breen added. Ms Breen is a practicing solicitor with the Law Society of Ireland and she is also a qualified solicitor in England and Wales under the Solicitors Regulation Authority. In addition to her current role with INDOS, Ms Breen is the Chairperson of the Board of Management for her former secondary school, Our Lady of Lourdes, in Rosbercon, since 2022. Ms Breen is also furthering her own studies, as she is currently undertaking a Doctorate in Law. In her spare time, Ms Breen volunteers as an assessor for the Good Governance Awards for the not-for-profit sector, which is an initiative that recognises and encourages adherence to good governance practice by the non-profits in Ireland. She has also been an active member of the judging panel for various career awards such as Early Irish Career Awards and the Global Women in Compliance Awards. Ms Breen said celebrating with, and being surrounded by, her fellow recipients of the Powerlist which was hosted in the offices of Matheson LLP, was a thoroughly enjoyable evening. I am looking forward to developing new and innovative approaches as the industry continues to expand and evolve, Ms Breen concluded. 'Warden', 'Meadow', 'Drone', and 'Matrix' by artist and baker at First Batch Bakery in Aughrim, Jackson Byrne. A budding artist who has developed culinary talents at a buzzing south Wicklow bakery is exhibiting his work for the first time as a solo artist, after his employers asked him to help conjure up a Samhain atmosphere by adorning the bakery walls with his dark but delightful creations. An integral part of the team at First Batch Bakery in Aughrim since it opened last year, local man Jackson Byrne is usually in the rear baking all manner of brownies, cakes and scones, but this October, his artistic talents will take centre stage at the front of house. Fascinated by the IADT graduates unique art style, which is inspired by the idea of objects simultaneously existing in real life and the digital world, First Batch owners John Crehan and Niamh Dillon-Crehan approached Jackson to showcase some work that would capture the essence of Halloween and complement a menu change to autumnal favours. After I graduated from IADT, I had been working part time with Kate Strain in the Kunstverein curatorial art practice here in Aughrim, and she recommended me to John and Niamh just as they were about to start renovating the bakery, Jackson began. I started doing the barista stuff and slowly got into doing more baking, which I really enjoy. Its an art form in itself, with a lot of presentation to it. When I was applying for the job, I mentioned to John and Niamh that I had a degree in art, so I was delighted when they approached me a few months back about doing the exhibition, he continued. Ive done lots of group shows, some with the college, one through the Homo Faber Fellowship in London, and another in County Down last year, but the bakery is my first solo one, which is great because I got to organise it just how I like." There is a lot of freedom in just being able to own the space with no pressure of sales and reporting to a curator, or having to explain why the exhibition is worth funding, etc. I cant thank John and Niamh enough for giving me the opportunity. Now proudly hanging on the walls of the bakery, Jacksons work features colourful, familiar environments populated by a cast of otherworldly creatures, providing the perfect festive backdrop for customers as they enjoy a range of pumpkin-infused treats, spiced lattes, mini cakes, scones and whoopies. Asked about his eye-catching style, Jackson said that his college experiences heavily influenced his drawing and painting, disciplines he returned to after his graduation. In college, I specialised in art, film, and photography, and I was mostly doing video and film work, and didnt do much painting or drawing, Jackson explained. What I did in college was about digital presence and digital personalities. I really enjoyed the idea of stuff existing in real life and the digital world at the same time, so I did a few installations where Id have a drawing of something and a video of the same thing next to it. From there, I started my own art style with the drawing, where you could have a still life, but then with these little creatures that are all over it, so theyre everywhere and both are co-existing. I already had a couple of pieces that I was working on when Niamh asked me to do this a few months ago, he added. One piece I have done since, which incorporates an element of the bakery, is World Tour: Desert Daihatsu, which is a nod to the little coffee van that we drive around to markets and events. I didnt put a description on any of the pieces because I dont like telling people what they should be thinking, and I find it really interesting how two people can look at something and have a completely different interpretation. Praising her multi-talented employee, Niamh said that Jackson has had a huge hand in First Batchs success, and that shes overjoyed to see his creativity in and outside the kitchen on full display. Its great to see Jackson tapping into some of his other skills and showcasing his artwork, which is a little darker than our usual bakery decor, but will certainly help get us into the Samhain mood, Niamh joked. Jackson is a credit to First Batch. Since joining us, he has taken his hand to all aspects of our bakery, from baking to barista. He is a real customer favourite and a key member of the team. We are delighted that he can showcase his terrific art in Aughrim and that, while our customers tuck into some delicious treats, they get a feast for their eyes too. We hope they enjoy his art as much as we do. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll McNeill has failed to provide clarity on the establishment of a neurorehabilitation centre in Bray, with County Wicklow still having no community rehabilitation teams available for neurological patients. Community neurorehabilitation teams are multi-disciplinary teams that provide vital care to support recovery and prevent disability for people with neurological conditions. More than 860,000 people throughout Ireland are currently living with a neurological condition and that number is set to increase significantly with our growing and ageing population. According to the national neurorehabilitation strategy which was first launched in 2019, nine teams are required nationwide but only two have been delivered. This means that only 15pc of neurological patients in Ireland have access to a community neurorehabilitation team. The overarching aim of the Strategy is the development of neuro-rehabilitation services to improve patient outcomes by providing safe, high quality, person-centred neuro-rehabilitation at the lowest appropriate level of complexity. Community Health Organisation 6 (CHO6), which includes Wicklow, Dun Laoghaire and Dublin Southeast, still does not have a neurorehabilitation team in place, despite funding being made available. Recruitment for the CH06 region neurorehabilitation team had been signed off on in May 2023 but was subsequently delayed by a HSE hiring freeze in July of that year. Following the end of this hiring freeze, Social Democrats TD for Wicklow Jennifer Whitmore wrote to the HSE asking for an update on the status of the recruitment process. In a response from the HSE it was confirmed that following a consultation process with unions on these new development roles, recruitment for the team was due to commence in September 2024. Positions for the team were also due to be advertised the same month with the recruitment process taking place over the autumn period. Plans had been put in place to have established the Community Neuro Rehabilitation Team in early 2025. In a recent parliamentary exchange Deputy Whitmore asked the Health Minister if the centre in Bray was now fully operational and if not, when it is expected to become fully operational. In response Minister McNeill said the issue raised by Deputy Whitmore is a matter for the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality and should be directed to that Department. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Like many Leaving Cert students, Lauren Corlett was unsure what course to follow but shes now on an exciting career path in the film industry, thanks to the Film and Television programme at Dundalk Institute of Technology, with a number of awards under her belt. A Ukrainian national has appeared before Bray District Court charged in connection with the alleged possession of multiple offensive weapons Taras Melnyk (27), with an address at Loretto Convent, Vevay Road, is accused of being in possession of the items in Bray on September 4, 2025. Melnyk is accused of having a knuckle duster, allegedly intended for causing injury, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, contrary to Section 9(4) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990. Mr Melnyk is also charged with possessing a canister of pepper spray made for incapacitating a person, and an extendable baton also designed to cause injury or incapacitate, both without lawful authority, under the same section of the Act. In addition, he is charged with having a knife that had a blade or was sharply pointed, contrary to Sections 9(1) and 9(7) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990. Solicitor for Melnyk, Mr Michael OConnor, told the court that his client is a Ukrainian national and will require an interpreter to be present for any future court dates. Judge David Kennedy granted the request and directed that disclosure be made available to Mr OConnor. Legal aid was granted to Michael O'Connor Solicitors Bray. Sergeant Anthony Flynn informed the court that a file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who will decide whether the case is to proceed on indictment. Judge Kennedy adjourned the matter to allow time for the DPPs directions. Mr Melnyk is due to appear again before Bray District Court on January 19, 2025. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme Plans are under way to transform a former credit union building in Roundwood into a doctor and dentist surgery. Ivan Pratt has submitted a planning application to Wicklow County Council for the change of use of the existing building which used to be home to Altura Credit Union to a doctor and dentist surgery. Planning permission is also sought for an open porch at the front door and elevation changes to the window configuration, a single storey extension to the side. The building at Ashtown, Roundwood, used to be the home of an Altura Credit Union branch, before they moved to a new, purpose-built branch on Main Street in Roundwood, which officially opened in October of last year. The property had recently been put on the market by selling agents Dooley Poynton Auctioneers with an asking price of 265,000, and the sale was agreed in July. The property currently features a stone arch entrance and a bright reception area, with four glass-panelled doors providing unobstructed views and plenty of natural light, further complemented by four skylights set in an angled tongue-and-groove ceiling. To the left of the lobby, a pair of double doors lead to a back office and a guest WC. To the rear of the property, are three offices, as well as a utility room with a secure steel door for added privacy. The building also comes with oil fired central heating. A decision on the application will be made by the planning section of Wicklow County Council by November 23. From concealer to foundation, our beauty writer shares the best complexion products for older skin I dont often get my make-up done. As a lover of product and process, I find the act of applying a look for a night out or special occasion almost meditative. Also, Im picky. I know how I like my make-up and sometimes if someone else does it I dont feel like myself. Thats not to say that I havent had wonderful experiences with talented makeup artists, but sometimes our styles simply dont mesh. I had this experience some time ago when getting my makeup done, and the artist simply used a lot more complexion product than I would. This is undoubtedly a trend at the moment you only need to look at make-up tutorials online to see that many content creators apply a lot foundation and concealer. This works well for photographs, and on people whove never seen a fine line, but the reality is for most of us over 30, its not a good look. You dont get to laugh and cry your way through four decades without picking up a few lines Im very lucky with my skin in general, but Im still 42, and you dont get to laugh and cry your way through four decades without picking up a few lines. Complexion products absolutely love lines. They live to settle into creases, whether theyre under your eyes, on your forehead or around your mouth, emphasising their existence and making us look older. Make-up simply can not cover wrinkles it will only make them look worse. For that reason, its crucial, in my opinion, to avoid heavy complexion make-up as we get older. Of course, we still want to enjoy make-up, even out our skin tone and cover blemishes, and we can do that. The secret is gentle layers, and hydrating products. A thick, heavy product will be hard to apply with a light hand, so choose a concealer which is easy to apply lightly. Sculpted by Aimees Brighten Up Concealer I like Sculpted by Aimees Brighten Up Concealer (19 via sculptedbyaimee.com). Start with a dot toward the inner corner of the eye and a dot on the outer corner, and then use your finger to tap it into the skin, ensuring theres no excess. In my opinion, fingers are a great way to ensure you dont apply too much product. Simply start with a little product and allow their warmth to help the make-up melt into the skin. Apply more as needed, focusing on a less is more approach. Dr Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm I think skincare/foundation hybrids are ideal for skin as it gets older, as they generally offer a healthy dose of hydration as well as coverage. Dr Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm (41 via boots.ie) is a great option, it can be applied like a moisturiser and rubbed right into the skin, but still leaves the skin looking healthy and even. I will say the colour range needs work, but if you have a fair to medium skin tone, you should be OK. Trinny London BFF All Day Foundation Another great option is Trinny Londons BFF All Day Foundation (50 via brownthomas.com) which is packed with hydrating niacinamide and ceramides, which keep the skin barrier healthy. Whichever product you choose, please resist the urge to trowel it on. More is not more when it comes to makeup on beautiful faces that have lived a life. Gently does it. Lost in translation Traction alopecia is a term you might have heard more over the last few years due to the increase in popularity of the slick back bun. Alopecia is the term for hair loss, and traction alopecia is hair loss caused by repeated tension on hair follicles from tight hairstyles. While it can be reversed if you stop wearing the same style early enough, it can become permanent if ignored. It is particularly prevalent in the black community due to the higher incidence of tight styles. Something old... Fenty Beautys Match Stix If you know a pale girl, chances are shes owned Fenty Beautys Match Stix (28.95 via cultbeauty.com) in the shade Amber. She might even have one in her makeup bag right now. The shade became the go-to contour product for people with pale skin when it launched in 2017. The cool toned brown with just the right bit of grey was one of the only options at a time when contouring was an essential part of most of our beauty routines. I still turn to Amber in the winter when my skin lightens, because the formula is genuinely great. A cream-to-powder beauty which blends well and lasts until you take it off, theres not much more you could ask for! If youre not pale, dont worry, Fenty Beautys got everyone covered with a broad shade range. Something new Haus Labs Precision Sculpt Balm Every time I use a Haus Labs product in a video for social media, I get loads of enquiries as to how I got it. For some reason, lots of people dont seem to know that we can order directly from the brands website, the shipping is speedy and comes from Europe so you dont need to worry about customs. I wanted to stipulate that because Haus Labs is knocking it out of the park, so I recommend getting onboard! The latest launch is Precision Sculpt Balm (32 via hauslabs.com), a contour balm which comes in nine shades which certainly look like it would cover the full spectrum of skin tones. Aside from that, it blends like a dream, melting into the skin and sculpting the face without looking unnatural. Jennifer Aniston has said the wisdom that older women contribute is extraordinary, as she heralded the genuine progress made in recognising their worth in the movie industry. The Hollywood star also discussed how she had wanted to keep her struggle to conceive private, but felt forced to address the issue following repeated speculation in the media. Aniston, who appears on the cover of Harpers Bazaar UKs November issue, told the magazine: They didnt know my story, or what Id been going through over the past 20 years to try to pursue a family, because I dont go out there and tell them my medical woes. The cover with Jennifer Aniston (Harpers Bazaar UK) Thats not anybodys business. But there comes a point when you cant not hear it the narrative about how I wont have a baby, wont have a family, because Im selfish, a workaholic. It does affect me Im just a human being. The Horrible Bosses star said that as she has got older, the less I care about correcting a narrative, because it will happen eventually. The news cycle is so fast, it just goes away, she added. Of course, there are times when I feel that sense of justice when something has been said that isnt true and I need to right the wrong. And then I think, do I really? My family knows my truth, my friends know my truth. Aniston, who has won and been nominated for multiple awards for her current role in TV drama series The Morning Show, said she feels older women are appreciated more now than they used to be. She told the magazine: The societal idea of an expiration date just doesnt exist anymore its an old ideology. The wisdom older women have to contribute is quite extraordinary, and its one of the areas where weve seen genuine progress in the film world. Aniston also spoke about the pure joy of appearing in Friends, and said it completely formed who I was. She said it was the ultimate compliment that people say they watch episodes of the long-running TV series to help their mental health. If theyre stressed about the news or the world, theyll just sit down and watch a Friends episode, she told the magazine. And on the topic of her co-star Matthew Perry, who died in 2023, she said: Its heartbreaking that he had so many demons. But boy, for someone who had that much inner turmoil, he sure got to laugh a lot, and that was everything to him. The November issue of Harpers Bazaar UK is on sale from Thursday. Synagogue killer Jihad Al-Shamie rang 999 during his deadly attack pledging allegiance to the so-called Islamic State (IS) terror group, British police have said. The 35-year-old made the call claiming responsibility for the attack after driving at worshippers in his car outside Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, last Thursday morning as Jewish worshippers attended for the holy day of Yom Kippur. Hostage, prisoner lists swapped as Gaza talks making headway Crucial details including who will govern post-war enclave have yet to be worked out Smoke rises following an Israeli military strike in the northern Gaza Strip, seen from southern Israel. Photo: AP Nidal Al-Mughrabi Reuters Thu 9 Oct 2025 at 06:30 Talks to end the war in Gaza were bolstered by the arrival of senior figures from Israel and the United States yesterday after Hamas handed over its lists of hostages and Palestinian prisoners to be freed in a swap. LATEST | UN official says scaled-up aid deliveries to Gaza will begin on Sunday as ceasefire agreement now in effect Gaza ceasefire agreement went into effect at 9am GMT Israeli militaryUNICEF now urgently calls for all crossings for food aid into Gaza to be openedTrump is invited to speak to KnessetLast-minute changes to hostages being released Netanyahu should be very popular - Donald Trump Maayan Lubell and Nidal al-Mughrabi Reuters Fri 10 Oct 2025 at 19:30 The United Nations has been given the green light by Israel to begin delivering aid into Gaza starting on Sunday, a UN official said. Palestinian newborns sharing oxygen masks as Israel stops transfer of incubators About 20pc of all the enclaves newborns are premature or severely underweight A baby fights for life in a Gaza hospital. Photo: Getty Emma Farge Reuters Thu 9 Oct 2025 at 06:30 Israel has repeatedly denied permission to transfer incubators from an evacuated hospital in north Gaza, a UN childrens agency official said on Tuesday, adding to strain on overcrowded hospitals further south where newborn babies are now sharing oxygen masks. Transshipment and Due Diligence in Indias Trade Compliance Landscape India is not just a major end market but increasingly a node in regional supply chains. As firms look to leverage Indias scale, geographic position, and trade agreements, theres growing temptation to use Indian ports or bonded zones as transshipment hubs or as purported originchange points. But that carries regulatory peril. In particular, Indian customs authorities are refining origin rules and boosting trade compliance powers. At the same time, global importers (e.g. U.S., EU) are scrutinizing Indian intermediaries and routing more intensely for signs of transshipment fraud or origin misdeclaration. What is transshipment? Transshipment is the customs-controlled transfer of goods through an intermediate country without local importation or transformation. Only minimal handling is permitted (inspection, limited repacking, consolidation, basic preservation); manufacturing, relabelling origin, or any substantial transformation converts the movement into an import or an origin violation. Indian regulatory changes: Tighter origin controls and scrutiny 1. CAROTAR amendments Proof of Origin replacing Certificate of Origin Effective March 18, 2025, Indias Customs (Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements) Rules, 2020 (CAROTAR) have been amended. One crucial change: the term Certificate of Origin has been replaced with Proof of Origin. That is, importers claiming FTA/CEPA preferential rates must hold proof of originnot just a formal certificate. This change expands the scope of documentary evidence the customs authorities can demand and raises risk for importers who rely on superficial origin claims. The shift is designed to counter third-country routing and misuse of FTAs. 2. Tightening origin verification and FTA misuse controls India is also tightening customs audits and origin verification under its FTAs. A recent commentary notes that changes aim to reduce misuse of FTA benefits via rerouting, particularly goods from non-FTA origin countries like China being routed through FTA states (e.g., Vietnam or Singapore) to exploit preferential rates. Some analysts observe that compliance burdens will increaseespecially for complex supply chains and goods with multiple inputs. 3. Circular rescission on transshipment via LCS In April 2025, Indias CBIC repealed Circular No. 29/2020related to the transshipment of export cargo from Bangladesh via Land Customs Stations (LCS) to third countries. This rescission signals that India is reexamining prior flexibility permitted to certain transshipment flows, potentially limiting or more strictly policing such routes, influenced by geopolitical factors, among other reasons. 4. India as Strategic Processing Hub In Indian trade commentary, there is a push for industries to locate valueadded processing in India under compliance with origin rules. The idea: rather than mere pass-through, India must be the site of transformation so that made in India claims are credible and defensible. However, some caution that nominal or minimal processing in Indiaif not meeting origin/ substantial transformation criteriawill attract challenge from other jurisdictions. Cases illustrating transshipment and origin risks Below are examples and related scenarios that illuminate transshipment / origin risk. Case study: Xanthan gum and U.S. anti-dumping evasion One of the betterdocumented transshipment cases involves xanthan gum. U.S. CBP determined that certain imports of xanthan gum had been manufactured in China (thus subject to antidumping (AD) duties) but were transshipped via India or Indonesia and falsely declared as origin India or origin Indonesia. One Indian supplier claimed to manufacture it, but CBP discovered that the supplier in fact imported from China and resold without any real transformation. CBP issued a Notice of Evasion and imposed the full AD duties that would have applied to Chinese origin goods. This illustrates a classic transshipment fraud: the route was changed, but not the substance of origin. Because the Indian party did no meaningful transformation, U.S. CBP insisted on Chinese duty classification. Lesson (for Indian or India-involved actors): Indian intermediaries must maintain clear records and documentary evidence showing genuine transformation if they wish to claim Indian origin. Otherwise, downstream importers may face reversals or liability. Case study: High-end furniture undervaluation via third-country invoicing A more domestically focused case: In Mumbai, a high-end furniture business was implicated in a INR 300 million customs duty evasion case. The allegation: imported luxury Italian furniture was undervalued and arranged via shell companies and fabricated invoices from Dubai and Singapore. Though not strictly transshipment through India, this reflects the same underlying risk: using multiple jurisdictions and questionable documentation to reduce duty exposure. Case study: Volkswagen India duty classification and routing scrutiny India recently issued a large tax / customs notice to Volkswagen India / SkodaVW India alleging misclassifications and misuse of import rules. The company is said to have imported much of its car in unassembled (CKD) or parts form and claimed lower duty rates, rather than paying the higher duty for completely built units. This kind of misclassification and routing (e.g. spread across multiple shipments with components) creates a scenario analogous to transshipment riskwhere jurisdictional boundaries and classification differences are exploited. India Courts Rein in Arbitrary Customs Seizures The facts (October 2025): An importer (Make India Impex) brought ~56 tonnes of dry dates via Dubai in July 2025. The consignment was cleared by Customs at Nhava Sheva after verification and duty payment. Weeks later, the DRI seized the already-cleared cargo, citing intelligence that the dates were actually Pakistan-origina category restricted under a DGFT notification dated May 2, 2025. The Bombay High Court said the seizure was arbitrary because no show-cause notice (SCN) had been issued and the action wasnt backed by contemporaneous records. The Court ordered DRI to issue an SCN within 4 weeks or release the cargo (noting the perishability of dates and the importers offer of a bank guarantee). What the High Court emphasized Due process beats intelligence. DRI can investigate and enforce bans, but it cant take the law into its own hands. If it wishes to proceed, it must issue a timely SCN; otherwise, continued seizure is illegal. Perishables deserve proportionality. With food items, prolonged detention without formal proceedings is disproportionate, especially when Customs had already cleared the goods. Prior clearance isnt immunitybut it matters. Clearance under Section 47 doesnt bar later action, but any post-clearance intervention must follow the statute (issue SCN, gather evidence, and adjudicate). How this sits with the wider legal backdrop After the Supreme Courts Canon India review (Nov 2024), DRI does have jurisdiction to issue SCNsbut must still comply with statutory timelines and procedural safeguards. Courts have recently quashed delayed SCNs and admonished adjudicatory drift under Section 28(9). Parallel enforcement shows the policy rationale: DRIs Operation Deep Manifest seized multiple containers of Pakistan-origin dry dates/cosmetics routed via Jebel Ali and misdeclared as UAE originillustrating genuine risks that require firm, but lawful, action. Practical takeaways for importers/exporters Document origin credibly up-front. If youre routing via hubs (e.g., Dubai/Jebel Ali), maintain supplier affidavits, mill/packing lists, shipping evidence, and country-of-origin proofs that will withstand scrutiny. Track the clock after a detention/seizure. If no SCN arrives within a reasonable period (and especially where goods are perishable), seek judicial relief; courts will test the lawfulness and proportionality of seizures. Be audit-ready for re-verification. Even post-clearance, authorities can revisit origin/valuation. Keep consistent documents (through B/L, invoices, packing lists, seals) to avoid extended holds. Dont conflate policy with process. Import bans and origin restrictions are real (e.g., Pakistan-origin items), but enforcement must follow procedure; you can both cooperate and insist on due process. Integrating India into the transshipment due diligence framework Stage India-specific considerations Best practices Pre-shipment / Design If using Indian ports or bonded zones as transit or consolidation hubs, ensure strict adherence to Indian customs and origin rules (CAROTAR). Avoid planning flows that depend solely on India as a routing mechanism without transformation. Map every leg. For shipments passing India, require evidence that Indias customs will treat the flow as transshipment, not import. Engage Indian customs counsel. Supplier and intermediary vetting Indian exporters or intermediaries may claim origin, but underlying inputs might be non-originating. In many FTAs, value add / transformation thresholds matter. Given Indias newer proof of origin regime, intermediaries must produce substantive documentary records. Request bills of materials, input sourcing ledgers, production logs, process flow diagrams. Confirm that the operations in India meet FTA origin criteria. Transshipment documents (India node) In India, there is no widely used Certificate of Non-Manipulation (CNM) like in ASEAN. But documentation and customs seals are critical. Also, Indian customs may treat some transit flows more strictly. The rescission of prior circulars (e.g. LCS/Bangladesh route) suggests India may reduce previous flexibility. At Indian node, maintain: customs transit permits, seal logs, bills of lading, internal handling records. Where possible, get an Indian customs certification or endorsement. Post-shipment / Audit defense Importers in U.S., EU, etc., will trace backward. If Indian intermediary cannot credibly show transformation, the entire chain may be reclassified. With Indias proof of origin regime, customs audits in India may demand additional evidence beyond conventional certificates. Maintain audit decks containing origin proofs, process descriptions, internal inspections. Conduct internal mock origin audits. Engage forensic review of chain flows through India nodes. A hypothetical cross-border supply chain through India Imagine a company A in China producing photovoltaic glass. It sells to company B, an Indian trading company, which simply repackages and consolidates shipments, then re-exports to the U.S., claiming Made in India. U.S. CBP, during an audit, demands proof of transformation. Company B cannot demonstrate any value addition beyond repackaging. CBP deems origin as China, imposes antidumping duties, and penalizes the U.S. importer. To prevent this outcome, company A and its downstream partners should have designed the India leg as a bona fide manufacturing or tempering process that meets origin thresholds under U.S., India, and FTA rulesbacked by process logs, machine time records, input sourcing declarations, and customs transit records in India. Strategic insights for global supply chain managers Dont treat India as a backdoor route without justification: Routing through India solely to claim origin or avoid duties invites scrutiny and rebuttal. Unless India adds meaningful transformation, downstream authorities may disregard the routing. Proactively document transformation processes in India: Time stamps, machine logs, input sourcing, labor records, quality inspection, and process flow evidence are invaluable. Even for small operations, traceable records can make or break the origin claim. Leverage compliance partnerships in India: Indian trade, customs, legal and logistics teams should be integrated in planning. Use Indiabased customs consultants to pre-clear transshipment plans and review risk. Anticipate Indian origin audits & origin verification requests: With CAROTAR revisions, Indian customs may demand additional proof beyond certificates. Be ready to provide internal records, traceability data, and justifications. Run origin simulations and stress tests: Prior to executing a transshipment route via India, simulate worst-case audits from major import jurisdictions (U.S., EU). Test whether the Indian node can withstand a deep dive. Maintain full-chain traceability and consistency: Across all documentation (purchase orders, bills of lading, invoices, COOs / proof of origin), HS codes, quantities, values should match. Even small mismatches or misalignment can raise red flags. Stay alert to regulatory shifts in India: Recent circulars and shift in origin terminology remind us that the regulatory landscape is evolving. Maintain compliance alerts for Indian customs updates. India-UK Social Security Agreement: A Breakthrough for Indian Professionals and Employers The India-UK social security agreement, called the Double Contribution Convention under the India-UK Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA), benefits employers and cross-border talents alike through payroll efficiencies and eliminating dual social security payments. India and the United Kingdom have taken major steps to strengthen their economic and trade partnership, as well as to facilitate the movement of talent and labor between the two countries. What is the India-UK Double Contribution Convention (DCC)? On May 6, 2025, India and the UK announced the India-UK Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) in London, along with conclusion of negotiations on Double Contribution Convention (DCC). The DCC is a form of social security agreement (SSA) designed to prevent the duplication of social security contributions for employees and employers when professionals are temporarily posted abroad. Typically, workers and their employers must contribute to the host countrys social security system, even if they continue to pay into their home system. This often leads to double payments and fragmented contribution records. The India-UK DCC aims to prevent dual social security contributions for short-term employees and their employers. The arrangement is expected to benefit nearly 75,000 Indian professionals undertaking temporary assignments in the UK and about 900 British employers engaging Indian workers. The same relief will apply reciprocally to British nationals working temporarily in India. As India and the UK deepen their trade and investment linkages through the CETA, the DCC stands out as a practical, business-enabling measure that aligns with Indias vision of expanding its global workforce footprint while safeguarding employee benefits. Who qualifies as a detached worker? A detached worker is an employee temporarily assigned by their home-country employer to work in another country under a bilateral SSA. In this arrangement, the workers continue contributing to their home countrys social security system and are exempt from paying contributions in the host country for the specified duration. Under the proposed India-UK DCC, such detached workers will be able to work temporarily in either country, typically for up to three years, without making dual social security payments, thereby preserving their contribution records and avoiding financial duplication. UK work visa categories For professionals seeking employment in the UK, several types of work visas facilitate entry and residence based on skill level, job role, or employer sponsorship. These include: Skilled worker visa for individuals with a job offer from a UK-licensed employer. Scale-up visa designed for employees joining rapidly growing UK companies. Temporary worker visa for short-term or seasonal employment. Global business mobility visa for employees of multinational companies on intra-company transfers. High potential individual visa for graduates from top global universities. Graduate visa for international students wishing to remain in the UK to work after completing their studies. Global talent visa for leaders or potential leaders in fields like science, engineering, technology, and the arts. UK ancestry visa available to commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent, allowing them to live and work in the UK. How the DCC will work between India and the UK Ordinarily, social security contributions are paid in the country where employment is performed. However, under the DCC, an employee sent by an India-based company to work in the UK for a short-term project of up to three years will continue contributing to Indias Employees Provident Fund (EPF) instead of paying UK National Insurance Contributions (NICs). The same arrangement applies to UK employees temporarily assigned to India, who will continue contributing to their home system. If a workers stay exceeds 36 months, they will no longer be considered a detached worker and must begin contributing to the host countrys social security program. Importantly, this agreement covers contributions only; it does not extend to benefits such as pensions or healthcare entitlements. The DCC does not alter visa or immigration rules. Indian professionals working in the UK will still need to meet existing immigration criteria, including sponsorships, salary thresholds (for example, at least 52,500 per year under the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa), and applicable visa and health surcharges. These safeguards ensure that the agreement does not undercut domestic labor markets or influence migration patterns. Benefits for Indian professionals and employers By preventing double social security payments and preserving workers contribution records, the DCC can strengthen ease of doing business for companies operating across India and the UK. It promotes workforce mobility, supports service trade expansion, and contributes to a more balanced and growth-oriented relationship under India-UK economic cooperation. Economic and strategic impact of the India-UK DCC The DCC is expected to boost bilateral trade and labor mobility by reducing costs for companies and ensuring smoother deployment of talent between the two countries. For Indian professionals, it prevents income loss through redundant contributions and enhances their cost competitiveness in the UK labor market. For employers, it lowers hiring costs and simplifies compliance. As per the UK government estimates, the broader CETA framework, including the DCC, could contribute approximately 4.8 billion annually to the countrys GDP, increase wages by 2.2 billion, and generate an additional 1.8 billion in public receipts in the long term. For Indian companies, especially in IT, consulting, engineering, and professional services, the DCC substantially improves cost competitiveness and talent mobility. By removing the obligation to contribute to both Indian and UK social security systems, employers can significantly reduce payroll expenses and improve employee take-home pay. According to official statements, this measure aligns with Indias long-term efforts to secure reciprocal social security protection for its global workforce. It also addresses a persistent concern of Indian industry, particularly in sectors with a high volume of short-term overseas postings. Background and economic context The DCC complements Indias growing economic footprint in the UK. According to the Grant Thornton UK India Tracker 2025, the number of Indian-owned companies operating in the UK rose by 23 percent, from 971 in 2024 to 1,197 in 2025, employing over 126,720 people and generating a combined revenue of 72.14 billion. Top Indian Employers in the UK UK company Global ultimate owner Latest employee numbers (as of 2025) Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Plc Tata Motors Limited 41,930 Tata Steel Europe Limited Tata Steel Limited 20,600 Firstsource Solutions UK Limited RPSG Ventures Limited 4,502 Airtel Africa Plc Bharti Airtel Limited 4,806 TVS Logistics Investment UK Limited TVS Supply Chain Solutions Limited 2,973 HCL Technologies UK Limited HCL Technologies Limited 2,844 Tenon FM Limited Tenon Facility Management India 1,752 The Barnagore Jute Factory Plc Namokar Vinimoy Pvt Limited 1,693 GH Holdings 1 Limited Bharti Overseas Private Limited 1,562 Hinduja Global Solutions UK Limited Hinduja Global Solutions 1,385 The Capital Markets Company (UK) Limited Wipro Limited 1,383 Norlake Hospitality Limited Bharti Overseas Private Limited 1,169 Cyient Europe Limited Cyient Limited 1,053 Essar Oil (UK) Limited Essar Energy Transition Holdings 1,041 Source: India meets Britain Tracker 2025 For these businesses, the agreement provides a timely boost by improving financial predictability and operational efficiency in managing short-term assignments. India currently maintains SSA with 20 other countries. This includes Portugal, Quebec, Brazil, Australia, Japan and EU member countries such as Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Luxemburg, etc. DOING BUSINESS IN INDIA EXPLORE IN-DEPTH INVESTMENT AND BUSINESS GUIDES. Explore vital economic, geographic, and regulatory insights for business investors, managers, or expats to navigate Indias business landscape. Our Online Business Guides offer explainer articles, news, useful tools, and videos from on-the-ground advisors who contribute to the Doing Business in India knowledge. Start exploring UK companies expanding operations in India The latest phase of the India-UK trade partnership has seen a surge in British corporate activity across Indias high-growth sectors. As part of new business deals and investment commitments linked to the CETA, 26 UK companies have secured new contracts and expansion opportunities in India, reinforcing bilateral economic cooperation. As per a report published July 24, 2025, major UK firms such as Airbus and Rolls-Royce are set to deliver aircraft worth around 5 billion to leading Indian airlines, with more than half powered by Rolls-Royce engines. The International Aerospace Manufacturing Private Limited (IAMPL), a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is expanding its Hosur, Tamil Nadu, facility with an additional 30 million investment. Similarly, other leading ventures include Crodas 50 million investment in Gujarats Dahej industrial hub, Wilson Power Solutions 21 million project in Chennai to expand transformer manufacturing, and MergeXR Studios 34 million worth of contracts with Indian media firms. UK-based Thor Specialities, Buro Happold, Virtual Autopsy UK, and Lakeland Dairies Foodservice have also announced major investments and export partnerships spanning healthcare, engineering, and consumer goods. These developments highlight the UKs growing presence in Indias aerospace, technology, manufacturing, and services sectors, contributing to job creation under the expanding IndiaUK economic and bilateral relations. Integration with the India-UK CETA 2025: Facilitating mobility and services trade The CETA framework between India and the UK includes extensive provisions on trade in services, mobility, and professional qualifications. The DCC forms a critical pillar within this framework by easing the movement of natural persons such as intra-corporate transferees, contractual service suppliers, and independent professionals. The UK has extended broader market access commitments across 137 sub-sectors, covering IT/ITeS, professional services, education, and healthcare, while India has reciprocated in 108 sub-sectors. Both countries have agreed to remove caps and economic needs tests for temporary movement, creating a more predictable business environment. The DCC, therefore, enhances the practical mobility of professionals, ensuring that the movement of skilled talent under the CETA framework is not hindered by redundant social security costs. Outlook: Building a stronger India-UK economic relationship The DCC is expected to further strengthen Indias services exports, especially in high-skill domains such as technology and consulting, where Indian professionals form a significant part of the UKs short-term workforce. Decoupling social security obligations from immigration processes will also encourage more structured global workforce planning by Indian multinationals. According to industry estimates, the DCC could save Indian employers millions of pounds annually, improve Indias talent competitiveness, and encourage more collaborative ventures between businesses in both countries. ( Image credit : X/ @JimmyKimmelLive | Kimmel in Brooklyn ) Reflections on the suspension and free speech ( Image credit : X/ @9woodMac | Jimmy Kimmel Post-suspension show ) Navigating challenges in Late Night Jimmy Kimmel on Donald Trump: That son of a bitch. Its really unbelievable. I never imagined that wed ever have a president like this and I hope we dont have another president like this again pic.twitter.com/FXgTTZqDh9 Marco Foster (@MarcoFoster_) October 1, 2025 The economics and future of Late Night ( Image credit : X/ @Real_Ames | Ellen DeGeneres made a guest appearance on Jimmy Kimme ) Global events and comedy Jimmy Kimmel, during a candid conversation at Screentime in Los Angeles on Wednesday, addressed one of Hollywoods most pressing questions: who will be the next CEO of Disney? I happen to love Dana Walden very much, and I think shes done a great job, Kimmel said, noting it would be very foolish to speculate. As a host ofand a prominent figure with Disney talent, he has worked closely with the companys leader, including Walden and CEO Bob Iger, particularly during his controversial suspension.Following his September 15 remarks about Charlie Kirks assassin, which went viral and sparked backlash, Kimmel faced a brief suspension. Amid the backlash, the FCC Chair Brendan Carr even threatened ABCs affiliate licenses. The suspension lasted less than a week, with Hollywood and fans supporting Kimmel. Speaking at Screentime, he described his discussions with Disney executives as really good conversations and admitted the experience gave him time to reflect on his own approach and reactions. I can sometimes be reactionary, I can sometimes be aggressive, and I can sometimes be unpleasant. Having those days to think about it was helpful, he said.Kimmel recalled past moments when he feared for his shows future, including a 2004 incident in Detroit. Amid his recent suspension, approximately 70 ABC affiliates dropped the program. Knowing that, I was like, well, thats it, Kimmel said, emphasizing he refused to comply with a list of demands, including an apology or donations to Turning Point USA.As Kimmel prepared to return, he focused on delivering his comments in the spirit of honesty and transparency, explaining, It had to come from inside me. It had to be truthful, and I had to lay it all out there.Kimmel addressed rumours surrounding Stephen Colbertscancellation, rejecting claims that it lost $40 million per year. He explained that production budgets for nightly shows, including his own, can reach $120 million but stressed that lower-budget alternatives could still succeed. You could still have the same format, you could still have a band and still do the show for a lot less money, he said, highlighting that niche audiences remain valuable for late-night programming.The discussion also covered the controversy surrounding the Riyadh Comedy Festival. Kimmel explained that while he wouldnt personally attend, he respects differing perspectives, highlighting the importance of context and understanding: Nothings black and white It would be different if people didnt know who I was.Kimmels candid reflections offered insight into his views on free speech, leadership, and the evolving landscape of late-night television, reinforcing his position as one of the most influential voices in the industry. The Instagram fallout Court ruling and damages A costly lesson in online responsibility Abbie Chatfield has found herself at the center of a costly controversy. The Australian media personality and formerstar has been ordered to pay over $100,000 after admitting she defamed her former best friend, Heath Kelley, on Instagram.In a ruling handed down by the Federal Court of Australia, Chatfield consented to judgment and agreed to pay Kelley $79,000 in damages, along with his legal costs estimated at around $30,000. The case stemmed from a series of Instagram posts she shared with her 550,000 followers in May 2025, where she accused Kelley of supporting genocide and the killing of children comments that quickly went viral and drew sharp criticism online.The controversy began when Chatfield shared private messages between herself and Kelley on her Instagram Stories, naming and tagging him publicly. In the posts, she labeled him a genocide supporter and mocked his political stance following a disagreement about Australian Greens leader Adam Bandt. Within hours, screenshots spread widely across social media, amplifying the situation and sparking heated debates among fans and critics alike.Kelley filed a defamation suit soon after, arguing that Chatfields statements were false and caused significant harm to his personal and professional reputation. Justice Wendy Abraham ruled against Chatfield by consent, finding her remarks were likely to cause serious harm due to her high public profile and large online following. The court also noted that the influencers failure to retract or apologize promptly aggravated the damage. Chatfield did not contest the claim, effectively admitting liability.The outcome serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of digital influence and the legal weight of social media statements. Once celebrated for her outspoken honesty and bold opinions, Chatfield now faces both financial and reputational fallout. While she has yet to make a public statement about the ruling, legal experts say the case highlights the growing expectation for accountability in Australias influencer culture.From acontestant to a prime-time voice, Chatfields journey has always drawn public attention - but this latest chapter underscores that in the age of instant sharing, words can carry a very expensive price tag. Kriti Noem's controversial comparison draws criticism and support Girlfriend of alleged Antifa founder arrested amid federal crackdown Noem: We are hopingwe will get more and more information about the network and how we can route them out and eliminate them from the existence of American societyAntifa is just as sophisticated as MS-13, as TDA, as ISIS, as Hezbollah, as Hamas, as all of them. They are just pic.twitter.com/l1hBzviFXg The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) October 8, 2025 Netizens react to Kristi Noem's comparison of Antifa and ISIS In a major development, during a White House roundtable discussion on Wednesday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem drew sharp criticism after equating antifa, a loosely organised group of antifascist activists, with internationally recognised terrorist organisations like MS-13, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Islamic State. Let's find out what Noem said.Noem further compared antifa to being 'just as dangerous' as these groups, even though antifa is not a designated terrorist organisation and lacks the structured hierarchy and scope of violence typical of the groups she mentioned.They are just as sophisticated as MS-13, as TDA [Tren de Aragua], as ISIS, as Hezbollah, as Hamas, as all of them; they are just as dangerous, Noem said. They have an agenda to destroy us, just like the other terrorists weve dealt with for many, many years.According to Fox News, Kristi Noem condemned ongoing unrest near an ICE facility, attributing the violence to left-wing agitators associated with Antifa. She highlighted that, under the Donald Trump administration, numerous Antifa-affiliated individuals from across the country have been arrested.Noem also mentioned the recent arrest of the girlfriend of Antifa's alleged founder in Portland, stating that authorities are seeking information from her to uncover more about the group, now labelled by the administration as "domestic terrorists". She emphasised that the administration's goal is to remove Antifa from American society completely."These individuals do not just want to threaten our law enforcement officers, threaten our journalists and threaten the citizens of this country. They want to kill them," Noem said.As soon as the news surfaced on social media, it quickly captured the attention of netizens, with some supporting her and others condemning her.One X (formerly called Twitter) user wrote, "I don't suppose there's anything me or my buddies in @RefuseFascism need to worry about, eh (no, we are not antifa, but a) no one seems to care and b) I'm not throwing actual antifa folks under the bus)."While another added, "ANTIFA, an exaggerated threat. Experts and officials, including former FBI Director Christopher Wray, have testified that Antifa is an ideology, not a formal organisation, making Trump's framing of it as a terror group inaccurate. In January 2021, The New York Times reported that FBI officials had previously viewed former Attorney General William Barr's sense of the Antifa threat as exaggerated."One asked, "Please, someone enlighten me as to when being anti-fascist became a bad thing.""Antifa seems to be this conjured bogeyman that Noem has created so she and Trump have an excuse to start hauling in people of the white persuasion. I have tried to research Antifa. There seems to be no central offices or leaders. Its more of a concept." Details of the Democrats bill Venezuela Drug Traffickers Annihilated Trump Just Put Venezuela on Notice I used to do Counter Narcotics deployments in the US Navy. My first deployment I was a VBSS Team member. There were strict rules of Force. We would take out their outboard engines at the most. pic.twitter.com/0e0DfZVnP0 Joshua Reid | Redpills.tv (@realjoshuareid) September 2, 2025 Strikes in the Caribbean and their impact "I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan... BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!" - President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/lAUxi1UPYh The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 8, 2025 Democratic concerns over military escalation BREAKING Donald Trump just posted this one minute video that perfectly exposes the Democrat Party who is shutting down the Government Would be such a shame if this went viral on EVERY Democrat Voter needs to see this pic.twitter.com/vJqXUEeB5x MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) October 8, 2025 Parallels with ongoing political gridlock Democratic senators have argued that President Donald Trump does not have the authority to use military force against drug cartels without approval from Congress. Their bill, introduced by Adam Schiff of California and Tim Kaine of Virginia, was aimed at restricting Trumps military actions following strikes on boats off Venezuela suspected of drug trafficking. The measure failed in the Senate, as Republicans blocked it by a vote of 48 to 51.The proposed legislation called for the withdrawal of US forces from any hostilities not explicitly authorized by Congress. This included operations against non-state groups engaged in drug trafficking and related crimes. The bill also made clear that labeling an organization as a foreign terrorist organization or a specially designated global terrorist does not give the president the legal power to authorize strikes.Supporters of the bill invoked the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which limits a presidents ability to engage in military action without congressional approval. Democrats argued that the presidents unilateral decisions bypassed constitutional limits and risked dragging the country into another prolonged conflict.Trump earlier in the year designated groups such as Venezuelas Tren de Aragua, El Salvadors MS-13, and Mexicos Sinaloa Cartel as foreign terrorist organizations. He escalated operations in July with a secret order directing the US military to increase its presence in the Caribbean.Since September, American forces have launched at least four strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking, resulting in the deaths of at least 21 people. The Trump administration described these operations as part of a non-international armed conflict. Confidential White House communications to Congress, reported by CBS News, referred to those killed as unlawful combatants. The same designation was used by former President George W. Bush during the post-9/11 Global War on Terrorism, a classification that denied such groups protection under the Geneva Conventions.Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized Trumps approach. He said the unchecked strikes in the Caribbean risk destabilising the region, provoking confrontation with neighbouring governments and drawing our forces into yet another open-ended conflict because of one mans impulsive decision-making.Reeds comments reflected broader Democratic concerns that Trumps decisions could entangle the US in prolonged hostilities with little oversight or strategic planning. They emphasized that under the US Constitution, the power to declare war lies solely with Congress.Alongside the debate over Trumps military authority, the Senate also failed to pass a government spending bill, leaving the US government shutdown set to enter its ninth day on Thursday. Neither the Republican-backed nor the Democratic-backed proposals secured the 60 votes required.Senate Leader John Thune suggested breaking the bill into smaller components to overcome the stalemate, but no consensus was reached. The impasse highlighted the deep partisan divisions that continue to shape legislative outcomes in Washington. ( Image credit : X and Reddit | @popbase and @Dr_sc_Harlatan | Trump to Undergo 2nd Checkup in 6 Months ) Donald Trump suffered more than one stroke, and speculations surface ( Image credit : Reddit | @politics | Trump's Walter Reed Visit Fuels Alarming Speculation ) Donald Trump he has congestive heart failure, dementia, has had more than one stroke, that's why he's going to Walter Reed. 4/11/2025 annual physical, the lies about it were posted on 4/13/2025. Dementia Don is sick, dying, unfit for office, stop lying. Invoke the 25th NOW. https://t.co/OnXLb31Vab pic.twitter.com/tfMc90TArg Golden Geisha (@geisha_golden) October 8, 2025 Donald Trump to undergo annual check-up amid busy schedule ( Image credit : X | @popcrave | Donald Trump's Health Mystery Deepens Amid Stroke Rumors ) In a significant development, President Donald Trump is scheduled to undergo what the White House has described as a 'routine yearly checkup' at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre on Friday morning. This visit comes against the backdrop of ongoing speculation surrounding the president's health, particularly concerns related to dementia and the possibility of a stroke. Notably, this will be his second medical checkup in the last six months. While the check-up continues to downplay any health-related issues, the frequency of these check-ups has fuelled debate and public scrutiny, especially amid increasing political and media attention on the president's well-being.Speculation around President Trump's health continues to grow online, with social media users voicing a mix of concern, scepticism and outright accusations.One X (formerly called Twitter) user claimed Trump is suffering from congestive heart failure and dementia and has had multiple strokes, asserting that his April 11, 2025, visit to Walter Reed was not routine and that the official explanation released on April 13 was misleading.On the other hand, on Reddit, opinions varied widely, like one user alleged that Trump "literally had a stroke live on TV," while another pointed out that semi-annual checkups are standard for elderly patients, especially those nearing 80 years of age.A user identifying as a family medicine physician added that conditions like hypertension or mild heart failure often warrant biannual monitoring but cautioned against jumping to conclusions, acknowledging both medical norms and the charged political context."I am a family medicine physician. Unfortunately, we can't read too much into it, as much as I wish Trump would cease to exist. We recommend that everything from hypertension to mild heart failure be seen every 6 months."According to, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the 79-year-old president will undergo what she called a routine annual physical at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre, despite having had a similar exam just six months ago in April.At that time, his physician reported that the president was in "excellent health". Moreover, following the checkup, Trump is expected to return to the White House but may soon head to the Middle East, where diplomatic efforts are underway to finalise a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas."He may have already had his annual physical back in April, but it sure feels like another year has gone by since then because of all the damage he has been able to do in such a short period of time," another added. Is Premanand Ji Maharajs health at risk? Why did Premanand Ji Maharaj halt his Vrindavan padyatra? Elvish Yadav visits Premanand Ji Maharaj What did he ask Elvish to do? Premanand Ji Maharaj, a respected spiritual leader, recently paused his Vrindavan padyatra, drawing immediate attention from his devotees and followers. The unexpected break sparked widespread speculation about his health, with many expressing concern and sharing theories online about the reasons behind it. In response to the rumours, his team has addressed the situation and provided updates on his well-being. Heres everything you need to know.According to India TV News, the team at Shri Radha Keli Kunj Ashram in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, confirmed off-camera that Maharajs health is perfectly fine. They also clarified that the viral video circulating online is actually four years old. Additionally, his regular private audiences and spiritual sessions are continuing as usual without any interruptions.The temporary pause in Maharajs Vrindavan padyatra is not related to any health issues, but rather due to a change in his accommodation. Previously, Maharaj would walk approximately three kilometers daily from Shri Krishna Sharanam to Radha Keli Kunj Ashram as part of his spiritual journey and padyatra routine. This daily walk was a key element of his devotional practice, allowing him to connect with devotees and the sacred surroundings along the route. However, now that he has shifted his residence directly to Radha Keli Kunj Ashram, this daily walking segment has been temporarily discontinued.The ashram clarified that this adjustment is purely logistical and that Maharaj continues his spiritual practices and interactions with devotees without any disruption. Devotees are encouraged to understand that the pause is only a temporary measure and does not indicate any change in his health or commitment to his padyatra.YouTuber andwinner Elvish Yadav recently paid a visit to Premanand Ji Maharaj in Vrindavan amid concerns regarding the spiritual leaders health. The meeting was shared on Instagram by the official page Bhajan Marg Official, which posted a video of their interaction. In the clip, Premanand Ji Maharaj spoke about his condition, revealing that both his kidneys had failed. He expressed gratitude, saying that by Gods grace he was still able to meet and converse with devotees, and added philosophically, Theres nothing left to fix; today or tomorrow, we all must go.Premanand Ji Maharaj asked Elvish Yadav whether he practiced chanting the divine name. When Elvish said he did not, Maharaj encouraged him to begin. He explained, Even a little practice is valuable. Your success today comes from your past good deeds, but what about today? Chant Gods name, what will you lose? Wear a counter ring and chant 10,000 times daily. Will you do it? Taking his advice to heart, Elvish agreed to chant the divine name Radha 10,000 times each day. ( Image credit : X/LucasSa56947288 | Does DOJ Have Photos Of Donald Trump With 'Young Women' In Epstein Files? Pam Bondi Refuses To Answer! ) Somethings in the safe, but no ones talking Woah. Pam Bondi was asked if she had seen the photos of Trump with half naked women that Epstein allegedly showed someone and she went silent. No response. No answer. This should concern everyone. pic.twitter.com/o3oAvyPibR Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) October 7, 2025 No denial, just deflection ( Image credit : X/IanJaeger29| The Epstein saga just flipped to a new scandalous chapter, and all eyes are on Donald Trump, thanks to Pam Bondi. ) What are they hiding about Trump? ( Image credit : X/SaveAmericaNew | If there were zero sketchy Trump photos in the Epstein files, Bondi could have shut it down in five seconds. ) Everyone should know the truth... right? The Epstein saga just flipped to a new scandalous chapter, and all eyes are on Donald Trump. While everyone knows he and Epstein were once buddy-buddy, the question is no longer if they were friends, but what that friendship really involved. And this week, things got extra spicy in Washington.During a congressional hearing, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, now a major Trump ally inside the Department of Justice, faced a direct question from Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. He referred to public claims that Epstein had once shown people photographs of Trump with half-naked young women. Yes, that was actually said on the record.So naturally, Whitehouse asked the obvious: did the FBI find any such photos in Epsteins vault of horrors?Instead of giving a straight answer, Bondi launched into full-throttle outrage mode. She flipped the script, slamming Whitehouse for supposedly taking money from one of Epsteins old associates tech billionaire Reid Hoffman. According to her, he should be answering questions. (Which, OK... but that is not the question anyone asked.)What Bondi did not do? Deny the existence of those photos. She did not say, Nope, thats a ridiculous rumour, they do not exist. She did not say, The FBI found nothing like that. She said... absolutely nothing. Just smoke, mirrors, and political jabs.Let us be real. If there were zero sketchy Trump photos in the Epstein files, Bondi could have shut it down in five seconds. Instead, she turned into a political flamethrower, dodging the question like it was a grenade.Meanwhile, the House finally got the votes to force the DOJ to release the full Epstein files, only for Speaker Mike Johnson to stall the process again, conveniently around a government shutdown. Coincidence? We think not.This is not a partisan thing. If anyone, Democrat, Republican, billionaire, or B-list actor, was involved in Epsteins underage trafficking ring, they should be exposed. So why is Team Trump throwing every legal wrench into the machine to stop those files from seeing the light of day?And well, Pam Bondis refusal to answer only makes the silence louder. How the agreement was announced This is what happens when we have strong leadership. Funny how peace only seems possible when President Trumps in charge. The IsraelHamas ceasefire didnt happen by accident it happened because of his strong leadership that puts America (and peace) first. Grateful the pic.twitter.com/UcDgRgJd7a Chairwoman Lisa McClain (@RepLisaMcClain) October 8, 2025 What the first phase includes Israel and Hamas have both agreed to the first phase of the peace plan. All captives will be released shortly. Israel will withdraw its troops to a mutually agreed line. The step is intended to move toward lasting peace, with all parties treated fairly. - During a White House press conference, Secretary of State Rubio handed President Trump a note stating that a Hamas-Israel deal is very close to signing and urging him to approve a Truth Social post soon to announce it first. Reports indicate the Gaza ceasefire pic.twitter.com/Lfd7hPrmFB The Informant (@theinformant_x) October 8, 2025 Unresolved questions Timeline for captive release Celebrations are breaking out across the central Gaza Strip as Israel and Hamas officially sign the first phase of the peace plan and ceasefire agreement. President Trump is now set to become the first U.S. president to address the Israeli Knesset since George W. Bush in 2008. pic.twitter.com/5tW8FUlVCO Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) October 9, 2025 Reactions from Israel and Hamas I strongly welcome the announcement overnight that Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a ceasefire and peace deal for Gaza. My thoughts today are with the people of Gaza, who have suffered so much, and with the hostages and their families. pic.twitter.com/ySuEdzo18l Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) October 9, 2025 Next steps United States President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first stage of a peace plan aimed at halting the war in Gaza. The agreement covers a Gaza ceasefire, the release of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners, and an Israeli military pullback. This step follows Trumps 20-point plan to end the conflict, which he unveiled last week and which has been broadly welcomed by both sides and the international community.According to United Nations figures and rights groups, Israels war in Gaza has already left more than 67,000 people dead. Trump has framed resolving the conflict as a central foreign policy goal of his re-election campaign.On Wednesday, Trump revealed that Israel and Hamas had signed off on the first phase of his peace plan. Posting on Truth Social at 23:17 GMT, he said that all captives would be released very soon and that Israeli forces would pull back to an agreed line. Earlier that day, he told reporters he was prepared to travel to the Middle East as early as this weekend to push the deal forward.The announcement followed a moment during a White House event when Secretary of State Marco Rubio handed Trump a note indicating that negotiations were close to success. Trump read the message and told reporters: I was just given a note by the secretary of state saying that were very close to a deal in the Middle East, and theyre going to need me pretty quickly. He concluded the event by saying, I have to go now to try and solve some problems in the Middle East.Photographs later showed the note included instructions for Trump to approve a Truth Social post so that he could be the first to make the deal public.In his statement, Trump listed the main points of the deal:Trump thanked mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye for their involvement. This represents the most substantial progress in his attempts to broker peace after eight months of conflict.Despite the announcement, several key details remain uncertain. Al Jazeera analyst Marwan Bishara noted that disagreements persist on issues such as the scope of Israels withdrawal, post-war governance of Gaza, and Hamass role in the future. He observed that both sides appear to have reached broad parameters for a captive-prisoner exchange but differ on conditions for ending the war.According to Bishara, Hamas believes the war will end once captives are freed, while Israel insists that hostilities can only conclude if Hamas disarms.Trump told Fox News that captives could be released as early as Monday, including the return of bodies of those who have died. A Hamas source indicated surviving captives would be freed within 72 hours of Israeli approval, while Israeli officials suggested releases could begin on Saturday.About 20 Israeli captives are thought to remain alive in Gaza, out of around 250 taken during the October 7, 2023 attack, which killed more than 1,100 people in Israel.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the day as great for Israel, thanking Trump and his team for their work. He said, With Gods help, together we will continue to achieve all our goals and enhance peace with our neighbours.Hamas, in its statement, confirmed that the agreement included ending the war, Israeli withdrawal, entry of aid, and a prisoner exchange. It thanked Trump, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye, while urging Trump and others to ensure Israel fully complies with the deal. Hamas also reiterated that it would not give up the Palestinian right to independence and self-determination.Netanyahu is set to present the deal to his cabinet on Thursday. If approved, Israels army will pull back, and Hamas is expected to begin releasing captives within 72 hours. Trump is expected to travel to Egypt in the coming days and has been invited by Netanyahu to address the Israeli parliament.The next phase of Trumps plan involves forming an international Board of Peace to oversee Gazas post-war governance. Trump will chair the board, joined by global leaders including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. ( Image credit : AI generated via Freepik | Karwa Chauth puja muhurat and moonrise timings for major Australian cities ) Puja muhurat and moonrise timings for major Australian cities ( Image credit : AI generated via Freepik | Karwa Chauth puja muhurat and moonrise timings for major Australian cities ) Melbourne Sydney Brisbane Adelaide Perth Rituals, love and lunar magic ( Image credit : AI generated via Freepik | Karwa Chauth puja muhurat and moonrise timings for major Australian cities ) A festival that transcends borders Karwa Chauth isnt just a ritual, its a full-blown love language, complete with mehndi, sarees, thalis and that romantic moon sighting moment. Traditionally observed by married women (and nowadays, even men too), this festival is all about fasting from sunrise to moonrise for the long life and well-being of ones partner.What makes celebrating Karwa Chauth in Australia extra special is how beautifully the diaspora blends tradition with a modern setting. Whether its gathering at community halls, video calling family in India, or watching the moon from a Sydney balcony, the spirit remains just as vibrant.According to Drik Panchang , here are the puja and moonrise timings in Australia.Puja Muhurat: 07:32 PM 08:39 PM (1 hour 07 mins)Moonrise: 11:38 PMUpavasa Time: 06:42 AM 11:38 PMPuja Muhurat: 07:04 PM 08:12 PM (1 hour 07 mins)Moonrise: 10:59 PMUpavasa Time: 06:20 AM 10:59 PMPuja Muhurat: 05:53 PM 07:01 PM (1 hour 08 mins)Moonrise: 09:33 PMUpavasa Time: 05:17 AM 09:33 PMPuja Muhurat: 07:18 PM 08:25 PM (approx.)Moonrise: 11:25 PMUpavasa Time: 06:40 AM 11:25 PMPuja Muhurat: 06:24 PM 07:32 PM (1 hour 08 mins)Moonrise: 10:22 PMUpavasa Time: 05:43 AM 10:22 PMThe day begins with sargi at dawn, followed by a day-long fast without food or water. At night, women perform puja with decorated thalis, light diyas, and wait for the moon. Once the moon rises, they offer water through a sieve, look at their partner, and break their fast with something sweet.Living outside India doesnt dull the shine, if anything, it makes the celebration even more precious. Families plan meet-ups, wear ethnic outfits, share homemade sweets, and create a warm, festive vibe miles away from home.Karwa Chauth in Australia is proof that love and traditions travel wherever you go. Whether you are gazing at the moon in Melbourne or setting up a thali in Perth, the essence of this celebration stays rooted in togetherness, devotion and a little filmi romance. ( Image credit : AI generated via Freepik | Karwa Chauth 2025 in New Zealand: City-wise puja rituals, moonrise timings and more ) Karwa Chauth pooja and moonrise timings in New Zealand ( Image credit : AI generated via Freepik | Karwa Chauth 2025 in New Zealand: City-wise puja rituals, moonrise timings and more ) Karwa Chauth 2025 timings across New Zealand Auckland Wellington Tauranga Lower Hutt Hamilton The Karwa Chauth rituals that light up the night ( Image credit : AI generated via Freepik | Karwa Chauth 2025 in New Zealand: City-wise puja rituals, moonrise timings and more ) Karwa Chauth abroad, a celebration of home away from home ( Image credit : AI generated via Freepik | Karwa Chauth 2025 in New Zealand: City-wise puja rituals, moonrise timings and more ) A wholesome moonlit ending Karwa Chauth is not just a festival; it is a whole vibe of love, dedication, and tradition. Celebrated mainly by married Hindu women, the day involves fasting from sunrise to moonrise for the long life and well-being of their partners. It is also embraced by many as a festival of love and togetherness, filled with stunning ethnic outfits, mehendi rituals, and shimmering diyas under the night sky.But celebrating this desi tradition in a different time zone, like New Zealand, brings its own sweet twist. Away from the hustle of Indian streets, Karwa Chauth here is often celebrated with community gatherings, backyard pujas, and FaceTime moon-sightings with families back home.According to Drik Panchang , here are the city-wise puja muhurat, fasting duration and moonrise timings for October 10, 2025:Puja Muhurat 07:32 PM to 08:39 PMUpavasa Time 06:44 AM to 11:29 PMMoonrise 11:29 PMPuja Muhurat 07:36 PM to 08:42 PMUpavasa Time 06:40 AM to 11:46 PMMoonrise 11:46 PMPuja Muhurat 07:27 PM to 08:34 PMUpavasa Time 06:38 AM to 11:26 PMMoonrise 11:26 PMPuja Muhurat 07:36 PM to 08:42 PMUpavasa Time 06:40 AM to 11:45 PMMoonrise 11:45 PMPuja Muhurat 07:31 PM to 08:38 PMUpavasa Time 06:41 AM to 11:30 PMMoonrise 11:30 PMTraditionally, women start the day before sunrise with a sargi meal, followed by a day-long nirjala fast. As evening falls, beautifully decorated thalis, chunnis and glowing diyas set the festive mood. Married women then gather to perform the Karwa Chauth puja, pass the thali around in a circle, listen to the Karwa Chauth Katha, and finally break their fast once the moon rises.Celebrating Karwa Chauth in New Zealand may mean fewer bustling bazaars, but it is often more personal, intimate and community-driven. Many Indian communities organise group pujas, and families join on video calls to break the fast together. It is proof that distance cannot dull the glow of tradition.Whether it is a grand community event or a quiet moment on the balcony, Karwa Chauth in New Zealand reflects how tradition travels with the heart. As the moon shines tomorrow night, it will not just light up the sky but also connect countless hearts across continents. Taylor Swift s fans heartbreaking story Brandi bought a used wheelchair van for $1,500 to get by How Lauren and Meredith Redding connected to Brandi ( Image credit : Instagram/ @theraswiftspod | Taylor Swifts fan Brandi Hutchinson who lost both legs in an accident. ) Swifties raise $1,100 for fan who lost legs ( Image credit : Instagram/ @theraswiftspod | Taylor Swift fans Lauren and Meredith Redding. ) ( Image credit : Instagram/@taylorswift | Taylor Swift fans raise $1, 100 in just months. ) Taylor Swift fans Lauren and Meredith Redding are sisters and therapists from the U.S. They co-host a podcast called, where Swifties share how Taylors music helped them heal. After recording their recent episode with guest Brandi Hutchinson, the sisters couldnt stop crying. Heres what happened.Brandi Hutchinson, 33, has been a lifelong Taylor Swift fan. Six years ago, her life changed forever after a tragic car accident. She and her boyfriend, Skyler, the man she called her soulmate, were driving from Ozark, Missouri, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, when they got caught in a heavy rainstorm. Their car hydroplaned and rolled over four times.When Brandi woke up in the hospital two days later, doctors told her she had a complete spinal cord injury. Skyler had been placed in a medically induced coma at the scene, but soon after, doctors determined he was brain-dead.She and his parents made the heartbreaking decision to let him go, Brandi told. From that moment, her journey of recovery began, one that has lasted years and tested every part of her strength.Brandi spent 145 days in the hospital and rehabilitation centers. Doctors diagnosed her with multiple infections, including sepsis and osteomyelitis, a deep bone infection that couldnt be fully cured. Over time, she had to undergo a double above-the-knee amputation.When she finally returned home to Ozark, everything was different. She couldnt return to her job at a mens recovery home, and her mom, who was in her 60s, moved in to become her full-time caregiver.To move around, Brandi bought a used wheelchair van for $1,500. But its old parts kept breaking down, leading to repair bills she couldnt afford.Then, earlier this year, Brandis story reached Lauren and Meredith Redding, who were looking for Swifties to feature on their podcast. After reading her submission, they knew she had to be on the show.I was stunned by the bad luck she had had. It was just one thing after the other, Meredith said. For Brandi, even being invited felt like a miracle. Im one of those people who perpetually never wins anything. And then I got the email, and I was like, Theres no way, she said.During the podcast, Brandi shared how her broken van made it nearly impossible for her to find work or even leave the house. She explained that a new wheelchair-accessible van would cost around $50,000, a goal that always felt out of reach.After the recording ended, Lauren and Meredith called each other in tears. Brandi was so lovely and articulate and really helped even me think more about disability rights, Meredith said. We were like, we have to do something.So they created a fundraiser post with Brandis story and shared it online. They asked Swifties to send donations through Venmo, and within days, money started to come in.When Brandi found out about the campaign, she was overwhelmed. I obviously cried like a baby because I'm very emotional. Just being able to film the podcast felt like I had made these new friends and gotten this beautiful opportunity that I never expected, she said.Since the fundraiser launched in August, the Swiftie community has donated over $1,100, with many giving in amounts of $13, Taylor Swifts lucky number, and adding hand-heart emojis, a symbol Swift is known for. Federal staff working without pay ( Image credit : Freepik | U.S. shutdown is beginning to strain air travel ) Safety and staffing concerns ( Image credit : X/Maga_Trigger | US President Donald Trump ) Financial and mental strain on workers ( Image credit : Freepik | TSA staff and controllers are working unpaid ) Longer shutdown could mean more delays The U.S. government shutdown reached its ninth day on October 9, with visible impacts now showing in the travel sector. Some airports have already reported delays, and passengers are growing anxious about their schedules. Although many delays continue to be weather-related, experts warn that shutdown-linked disruptions could grow in the coming weeks.A major reason for the growing strain on airport services is that both the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic controllers are currently working without pay. While these workers are still on duty, the stress of not receiving salaries is building. Aviation expert Sheldon Jacobson from the University of Illinois explained that unpaid air traffic controllers are becoming tired and frustrated. Historically, this has happened and its happening now, he said, adding that longer shutdowns increase the risk of cancellations and extended delays.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already had to introduce flow control programs at several U.S. airports to manage staff shortages. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy clarified during an October 6 press conference that if staffing issues affect the ability of controllers to manage airspace, flight schedules will be reduced. If we see those issues in the tower well reduce the rate, and you can see more delays or cancellations, Duffy said.Union leaders also raised safety concerns. Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, told USA Today that while flying is still safe, distractions for controllers remain a risk. She added that behind-the-scenes safety functions, including weather services and cybersecurity updates that help TSA, are not running as they normally would. We can have very serious turbulence injuries at work, Nelson said, pointing to the gaps.Air traffic control was already facing staffing shortages before the shutdown, and the current situation has added to the burden. Duffy noted that many controllers are now preoccupied with personal financial worries. 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 of kids at home. How do I put food on the table? he said. Some may even need to take second jobs, which could add more fatigue.Despite these pressures, Nelson assured passengers that frontline workers continue to prioritize safety. We are not going to fly if its not safe, she said, underlining that aviation staff are committed to protecting passengers.The TSA has already warned travellers to expect longer lines if the shutdown drags on. In a post cited by USA Today, the agency said it is prepared to continue screening about 2.5 million passengers daily but admitted that staff shortages could create more waiting time. We kindly ask for our passengers patience during this time, the post read.For now, most airports are still operating normally. However, Jacobson said recovery will depend on how quickly federal workers start getting paid again. Thats really what the bottleneck is, he explained. In past shutdowns, once payments resumed, delays and security issues were resolved fairly quickly. But with some workers already missing shifts, there is uncertainty about how smoothly services will return to normal this time. More airplanes are scheduled to take off from Philadelphia International Airport this year than in 2024 but travelers on a budget may find fewer options for low-cost flights. PHL has 146,075 flights scheduled to take off this year, an increase of 2.9% from last year, according to airport spokesperson Heather Redfern. Those include trips using the American Airlines bus program that shuttles passengers between PHL and nearby airports. Advertisement But trips on low-cost airlines make up a smaller share of those flights, as Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines contend with business challenges. While the total number of departing flights has grown at PHL this year, the number of total seats on flights out of the airport is down by 0.7%, Redfern said. PHL saw 30.9 million passengers travel through the airport last year including arrivals and departures and that number is projected to stay roughly the same for 2025, said Redfern. High-density, low-cost flights pared down In 2024, low-cost airlines Spirit and Frontier accounted for nearly 13% of flights from PHL, compared to just over 9% this year, said Redfern. The airlines have high average seats per departure, said Redfern, so a decrease in these high-density flights will impact the airports average seat count. In 2024 the average flight departing from PHL had 133 seats, while this year that number is 129. Low-cost airlines have seen rising costs and increasing competition not just from each other, but also from larger airlines that adopted their business strategies, the New York Times reported this month. Spirit, which has filed for bankruptcy twice in the last year, had 1,500 fewer flights scheduled out of PHL in 2025 compared to 2024, according to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics firm. Spirit leadership last month announced a plan to furlough 1,800 flight attendants and has considered selling airplanes. Frontier last year saw its first full year of profit since 2019. The airline removed 2,760 flights out of PHL this year, according to Cirium. Nationwide, it was a year of change for the ultra-low-cost carriers, and Philadelphia is no exception, said PHLs chief commercial officer, Kate Sullivan. READ MORE: READ MORE: How Philly-area residents are saving money on summer vacations Flights added and removed from PHL Some of PHLs busiest airlines canceled entire routes out of Philadelphia in 2025 that they had previously offered. They include: American Airlines to LaGuardia Airport in New York Frontier to Buffalo; Columbus, Ohio; Cincinnati; Indianapolis; Kansas City, Mo.; Milwaukee; Minneapolis-St. Paul; Norfolk, Va.; Pensacola, Fla.; Portland, Maine; St. Louis; and Knoxville, Tenn. Spirit to Atlanta and Los Angeles United Airlines to Newark, N.J. (There are now no flights from PHL to Newark.) Some routes are also flying less frequently, including trips to LaGuardia; Washington, D.C.; Charlotte, N.C.; Boston; Detroit; and Houston. Redfern said these kinds of changes in flight schedules are a normal part of airline network planning, adding that the airport is encouraged by growth in several destinations. The continued investment from our airline partners demonstrates confidence in the strength of the Philadelphia market and the opportunities it offers for both business and leisure travel, she said. Meanwhile, PHL has added new destinations in the last year. Those include: Des Moines, Iowa (American) Hyannis (Cape Cod), Mass. (American) Worcester, Mass. (American) Omaha, Neb. (American) Edinburgh, Scotland (American) Milan, Italy (American) Santiago, Dominican Republic (Frontier) Mexico City (Aeromexico) American Airlines, which is the largest carrier out of PHL, added 6,012 flights in 2025. In addition to the new destinations above, it also added flights to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and bus service to Trenton-Mercer. Frontier, which is the second largest airline at PHL in terms of the number of passengers, added four new flights this year to Austin, Texas; Houston; and Los Angeles as well as the new Santiago, Dominican Republic, route. Among destinations that see at least 1,000 flights a year from PHL, airlines made the most additions to their flight offerings from PHL to Dulles, Va.; San Francisco; Harrisburg; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and Richmond, Va., which collectively saw nearly 2,000 additional flights this year. Meanwhile, PHL continues to rank last for traveler satisfaction in J.D. Powers airport survey. The airports aging infrastructure is largely to blame, according to J.D. Power, and isnt built to accommodate the number of passengers that fly through the airport these days. PHL turned 85 this year, and admittedly in some places, we look our age, Atif Saeed, CEO of Philadelphias Department of Aviation, said last month. It is one of the reasons that despite many innovations, we dont rank high on J.D. Powers annual listing. A South Jersey man who was arrested in Washington over the weekend and charged with possessing a cache of explosives inside a tent he had set up near a Mass intended to honor the Supreme Court was ordered Thursday to be jailed until trial. Prosecutors said during a brief hearing in Washingtons Superior Court that Louis Geri, 41, of Vineland, posed a significant danger to the public. They said that was evident from Geris decision to build a tent Sunday outside St. Matthews Cathedral before the Red Mass an annual event marking the start of a new Supreme Court term and fill it with more than 200 homemade explosive devices. Advertisement When police encountered Geri near his tent early Sunday morning, court records show, Geri told responding officers: You might want to stay back and call the federales, I have explosives." Geri continued to threaten to use the devices which he described as bombs, bottle rockets, or grenades, court documents said saying he would throw them into the street, at trees, or toward officers. At one point, the documents said, he told an officer: Several of your people are gonna die from one of these. After officers were eventually able to enter Geris tent, the documents said, he handed them papers on which he had written notes expressing significant animosity toward the Catholic Church, Jewish people, members of the Supreme Court, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He was charged with crimes including possession of a destructive device. Because of the early-morning investigation outside the cathedral, none of the Supreme Court justices attended this years Red Mass. Geri did not speak Thursday while seated before D.C. Superior Court Magistrate Judge Heide Herrmann. His public defender, Amanda Epstein, told Herrmann that Geri who also had an Arizona address listed in court documents was a Rowan University graduate who had not actually used or tested any of the devices found in his tent. But prosecutors said preliminary testing showed that the devices were operable, and that some of them contained nitromethane, a compound often found in homemade explosives. They also said his repeated threats to use the explosives made him a potential danger to the public. Herrmann agreed and ordered Geri to remain in custody as his case proceeds. His next court appearance is scheduled for later this month. Nafis Fisher has been charged with burglary, aggravated assault, robbery, and related crimes for the Upper Southampton home invasion. Read more An Upper Southampton woman awakened Tuesday to a burglar pinning her to her bed and wielding a knife he had taken from her kitchen, police said Thursday. He had carried an extension cord from the home into the bedroom, apparently planning to bind her with it. The woman and her family scared off the intruder, and he fled with her Apple AirPods in his pocket. Hours later, investigators said, those pilfered electronics led police right to him. Advertisement Nafis Fisher, 33, was taken into custody as he sat in a rented Honda sedan not far from his home in Port Richmond, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest. He has been charged with burglary, aggravated assault, robbery, and related crimes, and remained in custody, in lieu of 10% of $250,000 bail. There was no indication he had hired an attorney. Court records show Fisher has multiple convictions in Philadelphia for drug possession. At a Thursday afternoon news conference, Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn commended the victim for fending off the attack with every fiber of her being. Ultimately that 25-year-old female victim screamed, such that it awoke her mom and her mom came running into the hallway where her mom physically grappled with the intruder," Schorn said. The woman told police she was awakened just after 2 a.m. by Fisher standing over her and holding her down, the affidavit said. When she screamed for help, he let her go and ran out of her bedroom, then briefly struggled with the womans mother before fleeing the home through the garage. No one in the home was injured in the incident. Schorn said the victim had no relation to Fisher and that he was a stranger to the family. The victim later noticed that her AirPods were missing, along with her credit and debit cards, drivers license, and passport, the affidavit said. Using the AirPods Find My app, investigators were able to track Fisher as he travelled on the Pennsylvania Turnpike through Delaware County near Folcroft, and eventually back to the city. At 7 a.m., Fisher was confronted near Aramingo Avenue and E. Somerset Street in Port Richmond and detained by Philadelphia police officers. When an officer from Upper Southampton arrived at the scene, he used the victims Find My app to force the AirPods to play a tone in order to locate them. Officers then heard the sound coming from inside Fishers Honda and quickly found him, the affidavit said. Schorn called the the break-in highly unusual and said the county would dedicate all resources to prosecuting the case. She urged anyone with information on Fisher and whether he deliberately targeted the victims home to come forward to authorities. This case is one that just undermines everyones belief that they are safe in their own home, she said. In the minds of American wine drinkers, Argentina is best known for its malbec and few other exported styles. However, many in Argentina envision a wine future centering on a different red grape: cabernet sauvignon. Cabernet sauvignon is the most widely planted red wine grape on the planet and performs exceptionally well in the foothills of the Andes mountains. Cabernet sauvignon is also disproportionately represented among the worlds most valuable and sought-after wines, providing every reason for Argentine vintners to shift their production toward a more profitable variety than malbec. Advertisement Nowadays, regardless of which variety of grapes are used, wines like this one that prominently feature the word organic on the label sell better than similarly priced competitors that dont. This shift in consumer behavior provides an incentive for vintners to go beyond planting newer vine varieties and pursue organic certification for their vineyards as well. The prestige of organic certification favors vintners whose land is sunny and dry over those located in cooler climates where vineyards see both more rainfall and higher humidity. South American winemakers like Santa Julia are blessed with an unusually grape-friendly climate that makes it possible to shift to organic farming at a very low cost. Since it is hardly ever necessary to use vineyard interventions like fertilizers, fungicides, or herbicides in the Mendoza region, its easier to grow healthy fruit without the prohibited synthetic products; so in this case, farming organically requires little besides completing the necessary paperwork and paying the filing fees. This unoaked red wine bargain is made with 100% certified organic cabernet sauvignon grapes. Its vivid mix of red cherry and ripe blackberry flavors feature aromatic accents of a more savory Mediterranean stripe like roasted red peppers and black olives. Midweight and fresh-tasting, it makes a great partner for everything from burritos to pizza. Santa Julia cabernet sauvignon Mendoza, Argentina; 13.5% ABV PLCB Item #8450, on sale for $11.49 through Nov. 2 (regularly $13.49) Also available at: Hopewell Super Buy Rite in Pennington, N.J. ($11.99); buyrite.wine Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in University City is one of seven in the University of Pennsylvania Health System, where Aramark will take over food and other services next year. Read more Aramark has signed a contract to provide food and other services at the seven-hospital University of Pennsylvania Health System, the two Philadelphia organizations announced Wednesday. The contract is the second-largest in Aramarks history and its largest in the United States, said Marc Bruno, Aramarks chief operating officer for the U.S. We are honored to partner with a world-renowned health system that is such an integral part of what makes the Philadelphia area great, he said in a statement. Advertisement Aramark did not provide financial details on the contract. Nor did it say how many years the contract will run. The contract will start early next year and cover patient and retail food, environmental services, and patient transportation. It also calls for a call center to support the operations across the nonprofit health system, which stretches from Lancaster County to central New Jersey. Food, environmental, and other supportive services are a core part of the experience patients and their families have in our facilities each day, the health systems chief operating officer Michele Volpe said in a statement. As we reimagine the way we work across our whole system, being able to work with a partner like Aramark is a powerful way to unify and coordinate our work. Penn said Aramark, a publicly-traded company that is among the largest in its field, will replace other vendors at some of its locations, but did not identify them. Other Philadelphia-area health systems Aramark has contracts with are Main Line Health and Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. Philadelphia Fire Department Fire Boat stream water as the USS Lassen pass by at the start of the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Navy & Marine Corps, Parade of Ships, as seen from Navy Yard, south Philadelphia, Thursday, October 9, 2025. Read more Crowds of young and old Marines and Navy members gathered along the riverside to celebrate and to salute service. To mourn the fallen. And to peer out into a perfect Philadelphia fall sky as a fleet of the most powerful military ships glided up the Delaware for the city and the world to behold. Hundreds of veterans, active service members, families of the lost, and dignitaries came to Mustin Field at the Navy Yard on Thursday for the opening ceremony of Homecoming 250, a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, both founded in Philadelphia in 1775. The weeklong festivities, which began with Thursdays grand parade, include tours of historic ships anchored along the Philly and Camden waterfronts, balls, parades, family events, concerts, wreath layings, and this being Philadelphia a Rocky Steps run for Marines and sailors. Scores of military brass and as many as 300,000 people are expected to attend Homecoming 250, which are seen by many as the start of the nations celebrations of Americas 250th anniversary in 2026, also known as the Semquincentennial. Advertisement This week kicks off the year of celebration and commemoration to celebrate Americas birthday right here in Philadelphia, said Gov. Josh Shapiro, addressing the crowds on hand for the Parade of Ships. The eyes of the world are going to be on our city and our commonwealth. Before the combat ships and destroyers and cutters appeared on the clear horizon, Shapiro, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, and military dignitaries spoke proudly of the regions historic role in the founding of the Marines and Navy. The Second Continental Congress, meeting at Independence Hall, founded a Continental Navy in October 1775. The U.S. Marine Corps was founded on Nov. 10, 1775, and traces its roots to its first recruiting station: the Tun. Its a proud moment for our city, Parker said. Five years in the making, the weeklong bash was organized by George Leone, a retired New Jersey Superior Court judge, former Philadelphia assistant district attorney, and son of a World War II naval officer. The event that Leone, 67, of Haddonfield, and a dedicated band of dozens of veterans and volunteers began organizing from scratch five years ago represents the largest Semiquincentennial event honoring the military and veterans in the nation. Leone spoke through tears. Philadelphia has been a Navy town for 250 years, he said. Camden built ships for the Navy like there was no tomorrow in the Second World War. This city and this area have supported the Navy and the Marine Corps with heroes and service members for so many years. We want to honor them. Veterans of both branches had crowded the Navy Yards Riverfront Greenway for hours before the ships passed. They told stories of how young bravado and chance circumstances led to proud lives of service. I was young and dumb and I thought I was tough, Gene Reilly, 82, said with a smile, remembering his first day at boot camp on Parris Island. He had joined the Marines straight out of Father Judge High School in 1961, and served as a military police officer guarding the gates of Pearl Harbor. Each year, his daughters take off from work to celebrate the Marine Corps birthday. They usually attend celebrations at Richies Bar & Grill in Hatboro, which is owned by a retired Marine. Theres an honor guard, and the cutting of a cake with the oldest and youngest Marine, as tradition dictates, Reilly said. But this year, his daughter, Jacque, made sure her father saw the ships. His service means everything to him. Im proud to have been a Marine Im still a Marine, he said. Not far away, Eric McCoy, 70, of Atlantic City, and his wife, Monique, set up at a spot with a clear view. Back in 1974, McCoy said, his mother, Germaine, had made him join the Marines after his high school called to say he had been playing hooky. The school had been mistaken, confusing him with another student with a similar name, he recalled with a laugh. A radioman who served in the evacuation of Saigon in 1975, he spoke proudly of his service. How it structured him and gave him purpose. I had something to belong to bigger than me, he said. Outside the dignitaries tent, New Jersey Assemblywoman Melinda Kane did what she does always: She thought of her son, Jeremy. A Rutgers University-Camden student serving as a Marine reservist, Jeremy Kane died in 2010 in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan. As a widow raising two sons, becoming a Gold Star Mother led her to choose a life of service, said Kane, who was sworn into the General Assembly in January. In her mind, her oldest boy is forever 22, she said. And he would have loved the pageantry of the Parade of Ships. He would just think this is all so incredibly cool, she said. Soon, the ships arrived on the horizon, and the sound of the Battle Hymn of the Republic boomed over the speakers, sung live by soprano Jillian Patricia Pirtle, the CEO of the Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society in Philadelphia. A formation of fighter planes thundered by above. Then, the first of the eight visiting Navy ships and Coast Guard vessels that will dock in Philly and New Jersey for the festivities eased into view the USS Arlington, an amphibious warship. At that, the crowds edged toward the water, wanting a better view. Lower Merion High School was one of several schools put on lockdown Friday. Read more Hi, Lower Merion! Some parents say they were angered by the school districts lack of communication amid last weeks lockdown. Also this week, a new Greek-style cafe is bringing European coffee culture to Ardmore, a Lower Merion cyclists injury underscores the struggle to legislate e-bikes and e-scooters, and State Rep. Mary Jo Daley announced she wont seek reelection. Advertisement If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. A number of parents expressed outrage on social media last week over what they say was a lack of communication from the Lower Merion School District amid a lockdown spurred by a police chase. The FBI responded to an alleged attempted robbery of an armored vehicle near City Avenue a little before noon on Friday, forcing parts of the area to shelter in place and eight LMSD schools to go into lockdown. On Facebook, parents raised concerns that emails didnt include certain details, like which schools were in lockdown, and that students didnt know whether threats were coming from inside or outside school buildings, The Inquirers Denali Sagner reports. Read more about parents concerns and the districts response here. Ardmore will soon welcome its newest cafe, but unlike other spots, The Brew Room is aiming to bring a little bit of Europes slower-paced coffee culture to its customers. The Brew Room is designed to be a community watering hole where guests can linger. Run by husband-and-wife duo Eleni and Danny Chrisidis, they say it will be a modern tribute to the Greek coffeehouse, serving up freddo espresso, a silky, shaken Greek coffee drink, as well as favorites like bougatsa, a pastry made of phyllo and creamy custard, and spanakopita, a spinach and feta pastry. Read more about the cafe thats aiming to open this weekend at 6 W. Lancaster Ave. Community News Schools Briefing LMSDs Interschool Council is hosting a nonpartisan school board candidate forum tonight from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Harriton High Schools auditorium. It will also be broadcast on Harriton TV. LMSD this week put out a community survey as it begins to develop its 2026-2031 strategic plan. Responses can be submitted until next Thursday and will be analyzed ahead of a community input session on Oct. 29. Several area schools rank among Niches 2026 Best Private High Schools in Pennsylvania list, which was released last week. The Baldwin School ranks third in the state, followed by The Agnes Irwin School (No. 7), and The Shipley School (No. 8), all in Bryn Mawr. Also ranking in the top 20 are Friends Central School in Wynnewood (No. 12) and Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy (No. 20), also in Bryn Mawr. Rankings are based off student and parent reviews, as well as the quality of colleges that students consider, and student-teacher ratios. On our Plate Philadelphia fast-casual chain Wokworks is opening its Bryn Mawr location at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Located at 5 Franklin Ave., it takes over the former 9Round Fitness, where it will serve made-to-order rice and noodle dishes with the help of a robot. During its grand opening, it will have a flip for it promotion where any diner that correctly guesses a coin flip will get a free bowl. Chicken wing chain Wing it On is looking to expand into the Philadelphia market and is eyeing future locations in spots like Ardmore and Bryn Mawr. (Philadelphia Business Journal) Things to Do Dance to Beat Breast Cancer: Breast cancer survivor and certified Zumba and La Blast instructor Carol Fee is hosting a dance fitness class to raise funds for Abramson Cancer Center, where she was treated. The event includes dance instruction followed by lunch and raffles. Saturday, Oct. 11, 9:15 a.m.-1 p.m. $40 donation Maybrook Mansion 80s Escape Room: Teams of three to eight people will have one hour to solve puzzles and return to present day. Teams will go out one at a time, so advanced registration is required. Saturday, Oct. 11, 11:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Free Gladwyne Library Narberth Oktoberfest: This 21-and-over event benefiting Sabine Park and the annual Narberth Memorial Day Parade includes food from The Flying Deutschman food truck, craft beers from Stockertown Beverage, live music, and raffles. Saturday, Oct. 11, 5-11 p.m. $75 Narberth Park Community Fall Festival: Now in its fourth year, this family-friendly festival will have lots of kids activities, including a bounce house, face painting, and petting zoo, plus music, yard games, vendors, and food trucks. Sunday, Oct. 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission, tickets or wristbands required for certain rides Kaiserman JCC On the Market The first floor of this stone and Tudor-style manor home in Penn Valley features a living room with a fireplace, a formal dining room, an office with built-ins, a family room with vaulted ceilings and a fireplace, and an eat-in kitchen with a center island and stainless steel appliances. There are five bedrooms upstairs, including a primary suite with a gas fireplace, two walk-in closets, two separate vanities, and a soaking tub. The walk-out lower level has a gym, home theater, and gaming room, with space for an additional bedroom. Outside, the home has a deck that leads to a patio with a built-in grill. Theres also a separate fire pit and a spacious yard. See more photos of the property here. Price: $2.595M | Size: 7,434 SF | Acreage: 0.74 Lower Merion market report Median listing price: $765,000 (up $120,050 from August) Median sold price: $425,000 (down $147,000 from August) Median days on the market: 34 (down seven days from August) This Lower Merion market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for September from realtor.com. What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week: By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10. 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. A protestor wearing a mask of the Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty holds up an American flag during the No Kings protest on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Philadelphia. Read more Theres another protest against President Donald Trump in the works. This one, according to organizers, will be even bigger than the last. Over 2,000 No Kings rallies are scheduled for Oct. 18 and will focus on Trump, his policies, and the increased National Guard and Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence nationwide. Advertisement The Saturday events, which are scheduled nationwide, are a follow-up to the No Kings rallies that took place on Trumps birthday, June 14. Over the summer, organizers said about 5 million people participated in the rallies. In Philly, thousands of protesters packed the streets for the peaceful June effort. READ MORE: No Kings protesters rally in Philadelphia against the Trump administration Now, organizers want to run those efforts back with a series of protests organized and sponsored by a coalition of grassroots advocacy organizations, progressive groups, and nonprofits. Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and bigger, organizers said in a statement. NO KINGS is more than just a slogan; it is the foundation our nation was built upon. Heres what we know so far. What does No Kings mean? No Kings is a national day of action and mobilization against the Trump administration. Organizers say the name is derived from Trump and his administration pushing the limits of executive power and undermining the Constitution. In America, we dont do kings, organizers say on the events website, describing the day as a response to the increasing authoritarian excess and corruption of the Trump administration. This is the third No Kings rally, with past events taking place in February and June. Who is organizing the No Kings protests? Several organizers are taking credit for the No Kings protests, including Indivisible, MoveOn, and the 50501 Movement. Indivisible is a progressive organization that launched in 2016 after Trump was elected to his first term as president. MoveOn is a progressive public policy advocacy group that has been around since the late 1990s. It is known for its email mobilization campaigns and is considered one of the largest grassroots campaigning communities. The event also lists dozens of progressive partner organizations on its website, ranging from the ACLU to Planned Parenthood. What is the 50501 Movement? The 50501 Movement stands for 50 protests. 50 states. 1 movement. The group came together on Reddit, as people began discussing mobilizing and protesting against Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk a Trump confidant and adviser and the administrations policies. Word circulated across social media until the groups first protest, which took place on Feb. 5 and involved demonstrations outside state capitol buildings and city halls. The group is responsible for the series of No Kings protests as well as the Hands Off protests that happened in April. Where and when are No Kings protests happening? Over 2,000 events are scheduled, with at least one in every state, on Oct. 18, with flagship events occurring in San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington, and elsewhere. The main Philadelphia protest is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m., with participants meeting at City Hall and marching to Independence Hall. A smaller protest is also scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. at the Lovett Memorial Library in Mount Airy. Organizers say the October rally is on pace to surpass participation rates from the last event, based on the number of protests scheduled in advance. How can I find out about protests in my area? No Kings organizers have a map of every Oct. 18 event on the events website (www.nokings.org/#map). The 50501 Movement is also posting about new developments and future events on its Instagram page. Yun Fuentes, best known as the executive chef at the Puerto Rican restaurant Bolo in Rittenhouse Square, saw the best Philadelphia has to offer after waking up to find his home vandalized with red paint Wednesday. Neighbors attempted to buy the family dinner, strangers shared words of encouragement, and many offered to help clean up his homes facade. Advertisement Fuentes said that despite it being just a bucket of paint, being a subject of such vandalism spurred an onslaught of emotions. The family didnt know if it was random or targeted. A white banner that read D&Z outlined with a black and red circle was left behind. One of his young children, elementary school-age, worried it might have been because of an LGBT flag the family had on display. With no other homes vandalized in their South Philly neighborhood, Fuentes took to social media. Thanks to camera footage provided by neighbors, he knew an individual splattered red latex paint on his rowhouse around 2:15 a.m. But the motive continued to confound the family. This is a Puerto Rican family home, Im a chef and my wife is an art teacher, he wrote on Facebook, where his previous post was about what a privilege it is to live in Philly. Why we were targeted is beyond my comprehension. Thats where a new wave of support came pouring in. People offered emotional support and possible clues to a motive. The banner resembles the color scheme and circular logo of Day & Zimmerman, a Philadelphia-based security and defense company. Pro-Palestinian activists have singled out the company for manufacturing ammunition in Texas that has been transferred to Israel during its war with Hamas. A team commissioned by the United Nations Human Rights Council determined Israel is responsible for a genocide in Gaza, while the Gaza Health Ministry reports the country is responsible for more than 67,000 deaths and 170,000 people injured. One of the most consistent pro-Palestinian demonstrations locally has been a Tuesdays at D&Z protest, attended by various local groups, including the Philly Palestine Coalition, demanding the company leave the city. Fuentes wife has the same name as a Day & Zimmermann senior human resources employee. Day & Zimmermann did not respond to requests for comment. Philly Palestine Coalition could not be reached for comment. The day Fuentes house was vandalized, Israel and Hamas agreed to the outlines of a ceasefire deal. Though neither police nor the company has confirmed the prevailing theory that the vandalism was aimed at a Day & Zimmermann employee, Fuentes and his family are taking comfort in the fact that it seems they were not the targets. They were most worried about having enraged someone so much that there would be escalating attacks. In a call with The Inquirer, Fuentes went from being grateful for the support he received to lamenting the current state of politics. He envisioned a scenario where the individual would have knocked on his door and would have been invited in for coffee, only to learn they were at the wrong house. Instead, Fuentes said, his home was used as a bulletin board for their rage. Were in a world where we just shout out things into a void and were not listening, he said. Im seeing someone put this stuff on my wall, but I cant talk to them. I cant tell them thats not me, thats not my wife. The situation inspired a deep sadness in Fuentes, who talked through choked-back tears and mulled over other questions of politics, belonging, and the hope he had, though unlikely, that the culprit would come forward and talk to him about the message he was trying to convey while helping with the cleanup. He reiterated that he did not want the person responsible to get in trouble. Still, Fuentes, who came to Philly around 2009, tried to buoy his spirits by focusing on how people across the city propelled his culinary career and inspired his menu, and helped his family get through a bad day. Im so happy that my life brought me to Philadelphia, he said as a neighbor walked by, offering to buy his family a pizza dinner. The lack of a coherent national security strategy by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is irresponsible and dangerous, writes Chris Ostroski. Read more The national security strategy of this administration has been entirely rudderless, and the consequences are now coming into focus due to recent events around the world. President Donald Trump is not known to be a disciplined strategist; rather, he relies on his gut feeling. His chosen secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, is the least experienced and least qualified secretary in modern times. As a result, it is apparent that our national security strategy lacks direction and focus. Advertisement This lack of strategy is unacceptable and dangerous. Without a coherent strategy, our interests and safety will be put at risk, and the outcome of these current conflicts will be determined without our input. On the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the president failed to end the war on Day One, as promised. Of course, this was an unrealistic goal, but it is one he repeatedly stated. His interest in ending the war waxes and wanes, and his self-imposed deadlines come and go with no consequences for Russia. Ultimately, his complete lack of action and seriousness led to Russia expanding the war by flying combat drones into Poland, a NATO country. No formal or coherent response has been put forward by either Trump or Hegseth. This will not be the last incursion or incident of this kind, and Russian President Vladimir Putin is fully aware that Trump simply does not care enough to create a strategy to box Russia in. Without a strategy, this war could spread, and Russia could threaten Europe and our allies. In the Middle East, the war in Gaza rages on, as well. And like Russia, instead of heading closer toward an end, things continue to escalate. The latest escalation was Israels attack on Hamas in Qatar, a very close ally of the United States. And once again, no response came from this administration. Our ally Israel has no respect for our other allies in the region, and the current situation continues to deteriorate with no end in sight. The resulting humanitarian crisis will be a regional problem for years to come. On foreign policy and strategic competition, Trump seems to abandon our partners and allies, and instead imposes sweeping tariffs on them, harming our economy and theirs. Not understanding the value our partners and allies can bring in a future conflict with our near-peer competitors, Trump thinks the U.S. can go it alone. Meanwhile, our strategic competitors are peeling away the largest democratic nation in the world because this administration pushed it away. The Russia-China-India partnership lacks much substance, but it is a negative optic at a time when the U.S. should be focused on coalition building. Instead, our opponents are beating us at this game. In the Caribbean, Trump is ordering lethal strikes on supposed drug runners. The legality notwithstanding, simply blowing up boats that are suspected of drug smuggling is not a strategy. This is a failed attempt to take a tough stance on drug cartels, and instead is another example of action with no direction or a stated end state. A well-thought-out drug interdiction campaign can succeed and lower the amount of illegal drugs entering this country, but blowing up unarmed boats is not part of a coherent strategy. Trump and Hegseth have demonstrated in these cases that they are not willing to understand the nuances of national security. They have failed to demonstrate they can articulate and execute a national security strategy that protects this nations interests. Instead, they believe televised Oval Office meetings with world leaders are strategy. They are wrong. Unfortunately, the world is getting more dangerous, and the leaders entrusted with our national security are asleep at the helm, allowing the ship to drift aimlessly with the current. This is not a national security strategy; this is a recipe for disaster. The only question left is, what will the shipwreck look like in Eastern Europe, the Mideast, and the Caribbean? Chris Ostroski is a recently retired lieutenant colonel with more than 20 years in the Air Force and Air National Guard. He lives in South Philadelphia. President Donald Trump believes he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, which is awarded for promoting things like international peace, stability, justice, democracy, and human rights. Yet, on every one of those issues, Trump has done the opposite, writes the Editorial Board. Read more Donald Trump has cravenly campaigned for the Nobel Peace Prize that will be announced on Friday. I deserve it, he said. Advertisement But in the immortal words of John McEnroe, You cannot be serious. The peace prize is awarded for promoting things like international peace, stability, justice, democracy, and human rights. Former Vice President Al Gore was honored for raising awareness about human-made climate change. On every one of those issues, Trump has done the opposite. He called climate change a scam and promoted burning more fossil fuels. He spurred a violent insurrection and has used the U.S. Department of Justice to target enemies. He downplays human rights violations at home and around the globe. Trumps return to office has been marked by instability, chaos, and attacks on democratic elections. As for promoting international peace, he bombed Iran 30 hours after announcing he would take two weeks to allow for peaceful negotiations. Trump ordered lethal strikes on small boats in the Caribbean suspected of transporting drugs. So far, four boats have been blown up, and 21 people have been summarily executed. READ MORE: Federal funding is not worth Penns independence | Editorial No evidence has been produced. No charges have been filed. No trials have been held. Nothing says peace like shoot first and refuse to answer any questions. Legal experts have condemned the attacks. Retired Army Lt. Col. Daniel Maurer said Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had issued a patently illegal order. Hegseth claimed absolute authority to conduct the attacks, even as the administration scrambles to come up with a legal rationale. Trump promised to end Russias unprovoked attack on Ukraine in one day. Months have passed, and the indiscriminate killing of civilians continues. Trumps peace efforts in Ukraine have been all over the map. He rolled out a red carpet for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, who faces an arrest warrant on war crimes charges, while berating Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a Churchill-like hero and a U.S. ally, in the Oval Office. He flip-flopped on whether to arm Ukraine, while running hot and cold in his affection for Putin. The Kremlin has responded to Trumps shifting positions by repeatedly making fun of him. He recently said Ukraine could win the war, but quickly lost interest in making that happen. If only peace could be reached with photo ops and social media posts. For months, Trump has largely looked away while Israels Benjamin Netanyahu, another accused war criminal, demolished Gaza and slaughtered tens of thousands of Palestinians, including many women and children. He remained quiet while famine spread in Gaza before meekly admitting to seeing real starvation, yet doing nothing to stop it. Trumps main contribution to ending the war so far was to float a fanciful plan to turn the Gaza Strip into the Riviera of the Middle East. He even posted a juvenile video depicting a resort with a gold Trump statue and a high-rise with a sign that said Trump Gaza. Trump recently announced a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, but it contained few details and Netanyahu continued bombing. A deal inched closer with a first phase to pause fighting and release prisoners, but it remains to be seen if this is peace by any other name. Trump has repeatedly claimed he has ended six wars sometimes its seven wars in the last few months. The facts say otherwise. READ MORE: There are no winners in a government shutdown, but Democrats are right to fight | Editorial In one instance, Trump claimed to have brought about peace between Egypt and Ethiopia stemming from a dispute over the construction of a dam. However, there are no reports of an agreement, and there was no actual war. This is akin to taking credit for airplanes that land safely. Trumps other major peace initiative has been to send armed troops into U.S. cities, including Washington, Los Angeles, and Chicago. He sent the National Guard to Los Angeles in June to quell protests over immigration raids a move a federal judge later ruled broke the law. Trump announced plans to send troops to Portland, Ore., after he apparently saw a report on Fox that used five-year-old video footage of riots. Troops began arriving in Chicago on Thursday, even as Illinois sued to block the military action. Trump calls himself the president of peace. Yet, he renamed the Defense Department the War Department. Its safe to predict the Nobel committee will not be calling the Oval Office on Friday. Justices David Wecht, Christine Donohue, and Kevin Dougherty are three justices of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court who are on the November retention ballot. Read more The Pennsylvania Supreme Court judicial retention election may not attract the buzz of Taylor Swifts new album, but the outcome is far more consequential. At issue is whether voters will keep three of the seven justices on the states highest court for another 10-year term, or open the door for a potential radical right-wing takeover of the court. Advertisement In normal times, this would not be a difficult decision. But normal left town long ago, and the Supreme Court retention election has been swept up in the MAGA agenda and what White House budget director and Project 2025 coauthor Russell Vought claims is a post-constitutional time. If a fair and independent judiciary were the goal for both political parties, then judges would be appointed and not elected. But that is a topic for a different day. For now, the future of the commonwealth is in the hands of the people. The question facing voters on Nov. 4 is simple: Do Pennsylvanians want to maintain a functioning democracy with proper checks and balances? If the answer is yes, then vote to retain Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht. If Pennsylvanians want more dysfunction and divisive politics in Harrisburg, then vote no. But understand that removing the three justices will lead to instant paralysis. The four remaining Supreme Court justices will be divided on most issues, leaving cases deadlocked. If the justices are not retained, Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, can nominate temporary replacements who then must be confirmed by a two-thirds majority in the Republican-controlled Pennsylvania Senate. Since Shapiro and the Senate cant agree on a budget that was due on June 30, dont expect a swift confirmation process. In fact, the seats could sit empty until a partisan election is held in 2027. If three MAGA justices were then elected, Pennsylvania could end up with a high court that looks and acts more like the rogue majority roiling the U.S. Supreme Court. That could open the door for Pennsylvania to roll back abortion rights, as has occurred in a number of other states. A more conservative state Supreme Court could also reshape voting rights, curtail mail-in voting, and allow worse gerrymandering actions that would impact future elections. In a battleground state, efforts to suppress votes and gerrymander districts could decide who wins the White House and control of Congress. The current Pennsylvania Supreme Court has stood up for free and fair elections, which is one reason why the MAGA party wants to oust the three justices. But Donohue, Dougherty, and Wecht have done nothing to warrant their removal. While the three justices ran as Democrats, they do not always agree on all rulings. Their roots and career paths represent a broad swath of Pennsylvania. Donohue, 72, who was born in Schuylkill County and graduated from Duquesne Universitys Thomas R. Kline School of Law, championed efforts to give young lawyers trial experience through a program known as Project LITIGATE. Dougherty, 63, a South Philadelphia native who graduated from Antioch School of Law, spearheaded an effort to raise awareness about people within the legal system who have autism. Wecht, 63, who grew up in Pittsburgh and graduated from Yale Law School, pushed to bolster judicial ethics and prides himself on being a frequent dissenter. But in these chaotic times, perhaps the most compelling reason to retain Donohue, Dougherty, and Wecht is that they are decent and normal jurists. In the decade since the three justices have been on the bench, they have helped to restore calm and credibility to a dysfunctional court that had been marred in scandals involving pay raises, pornographic emails, and the construction of a family court building in Philadelphia. So why the big push to remove them? It is all part of the MAGA revolt. The immediate goal is to install far-right zealots who will clamp down on mail-in voting, approve gerrymandered districts, take away abortion rights, and green-light legal assaults on issues such as environmental regulations, worker safety protections, healthcare access, and education funding. Roughly $7 million has already poured into Pennsylvanias Supreme Court judicial retention election. Some of the big spending is from conservative groups outside the state pushing to remove the three justices. Of course, Pennsylvanias richest man also has a hand in the action. A misleading mailer sent to homes claimed the state Supreme Court gerrymandered our congressional districts to help Democrats win. But the court did not create the map. The Republican-controlled state legislature drew it in 2011. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court rejected the map in 2018, declaring it a partisan gerrymander that favored the GOP. In other words, the court did its job. The misleading mailer was sent by the Commonwealth Leaders Fund, which has ties to Jeffrey Yass, a billionaire backer of far-right candidates and causes. Shanin Specter, a Philadelphia attorney who donates to candidates from both major parties, told Spotlight PA that the push to politicize retention elections may influence how justices interpret the law. A misleading mailer sent to homes claimed the state Supreme Court gerrymandered our congressional districts to help Democrats win. But the court did not create the map. The Republican-controlled state legislature drew it in 2011. Ive never seen an effort like this before, Specter said. It calls into question whether our right to impartial justice is going to be upheld. Similarly, Elon Musk spent $25 million to influence the result of a Supreme Court race in Wisconsin earlier this year and lost. Pennsylvania voters have a similar opportunity to tell billionaires and dark money groups that the rule of law is not for sale. But it is going to take a lot of votes from people who care about maintaining democracy and voting rights to thwart a motivated MAGA mob. Only about 25% of Philadelphias registered voters have turned out in similar off-year elections. That means a minority of voters fueled by wealthy donors and misinformation could decide the fate for the majority. The politicization of the states high court is not an anomaly. The U.S. Supreme Court granted the president sweeping power and has continued to approve many of Donald Trumps emergency motions. In Texas, Trump urged the Republicans who control the state to redraw the congressional districts before the 2026 midterms to stop Democrats from winning back control of the U.S. House. Democrats in California want to do the same to blunt what happened in Texas. The naked politicization is eroding trust in the courts and other institutions, especially among young voters. Despite all the misinformation, the three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices up for retention are not radical left lunatics, as Trump often calls opponents. It is not easy for voters to know the justices records without sitting in court or reading their opinions though that information is available on the courts website. There are other ways to get independent guidance. The Pennsylvania Bar Association has a rigorous process that includes research, investigation, and interviews by panels consisting of lawyers and nonlawyers who assess candidates based on criteria like legal ability, experience, integrity, and temperament. The bar association completed that process and recommended retaining Donohue, Dougherty, and Wecht. Voters can also read the questionnaires the justices submitted on the bar association website or watch a video from a question-and-answer session last month sponsored by three good government groups: Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, the League of Women Voters, and the Committee of Seventy. The Committee of Seventy is hosting a free virtual event on Tuesday about how the Pennsylvania Supreme Court impacts everyone. The broad reach of the court underscores the importance of the retention election. Voters have a clear choice on Nov. 4: Yes for common sense and democracy, or no if you want to hand more power to dark money and far-right billionaires. I teach at the University of Pennsylvania. Im outraged by the Trump administrations attempts to influence our curriculum, hiring, and admissions in exchange for preference in federal grants. And I hope we reject its proposed compact, which is really just an effort at extortion. Like the vast majority of my colleagues, Im also a Democrat. So you might guess that I was pleased when two local Democratic lawmakers said they would submit legislation to bar universities that receive state funding including Penn from signing onto this compact or similar agreements. Advertisement Guess again. You cant fight political interference by proposing new forms of it. And thats precisely what the legislators are doing. According to Pennsylvania State Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Rick Krajewski, the Trump administrations compact is another attempt by the White House to pressure colleges and universities to comply with its political agenda. Penn already caved once, back in July, when it stripped trans swimmer Lia Thomas of her medals and apologized to other women she defeated so it could retain $175 million that the administration threatened to withhold. Now the White House wants us to agree to freeze tuition, cap international student enrollment, and require standardized testing for admission. We would also pledge to abolish departments that belittle conservative thought, which is the most terrifying prospect of all. Who will monitor all of that? And might this column run afoul of the restriction, given Im criticizing Donald Trump? Nobody knows. Heres what we do know: The administrations demands upon Penn and the other eight universities would directly threaten the independence of these institutions, as State Reps. Kenyatta and Krajewski correctly stated. But they are threatening our independence, too, by insisting that any school receiving state dollars must reject the deal. Trump is promising to put us first in line for funding if we abide by his wishes. And the state lawmakers are proposing to cut off our funding for doing the same thing. Were a private institution. But we receive significant state support, including $32 million for our School of Veterinary Medicine. Under the Kenyatta-Krajweski measure, that money would presumably disappear if we capitulate to Trump. Im not OK with that. Like Kenyatta and Krajewski, I want us to say no to the Trump compact loudly, firmly, and unequivocally. But that should be our call, not theirs. We cant malign Republicans in the White House for forcing our hand, then turn a blind eye to political coercion from our own side of the aisle. The same thing is happening in California, where Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom vowed to instantly withhold state dollars from any university that complied with the Trump administrations demands. California will not bankroll schools that sell out their students, professors, researchers and surrender academic freedom, Newsom wrote. But his proposal represents its own threat to academic freedom, disguised as a tribute to it. The only school in the state that received Trumps compact offer was the University of Southern California, which is like Penn a private institution. Yet, it also gets significant state funding, especially for student aid. The university received $28.4 million in 2024-2025 from the states Cal Grant program, benefiting 3,198 students. So if USC signs on to the Trump deal and Newsom gets his way all of those students would lose their aid packages. We cant malign Republicans in the White House for forcing our hand, then turn a blind eye to political coercion from our own side of the aisle. Im not OK with that, either. I share Newsoms disgust and indignation about the White Houses attempts to coerce USC, Penn, and other universities. But you dont answer one threat with another. Like the proposal by Kenyatta and Majewski which is called, yes, Protect Pennsylvanias Academic Freedom Act Newsom is forsaking the same principle he purports to protect. In a revealing comment last week, the California governor nodded to that tension. I dont mean to put pressure on people, he said. I need to put pressure on this moment and pressure test where we are in U.S. history. Heres where we are: The president of the United States is placing unprecedented pressure on our universities. Its a huge test for us to see whether we can stand up to him. But we need to do that on our own, without pressure from Gavin Newsom, or Malcolm Kenyatta, or Rick Krajewski. Its not up to them. Its up to us. U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R., Pa.) speaks at a March conference of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), which represents federal workers across multiple agencies. Fitzpatrick, a former FBI agent, is the only Republican backing a Democratic measure to ensure backpay for federal workers amid the shutdown. Read more U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick was the lone Republican cosponsor this week on a bill to pay federal contractors for work done during the government shutdown. The bill, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D., Mass.) and four other Democrats, had the backing of 100 Democratic House members and no other Republicans, according to a release. Advertisement The bill would secure back pay for the thousands of federal contract workers, including janitorial, food, and security workers, who face furloughs and missed paychecks but are not given the assurances of back pay that federal employees receive. The Bucks County lawmakers support for the measure comes as Fitzpatrick and other moderate Republicans are trying to broker a deal with Democrats in Washington to end the shutdown, something leaders in both parties seem far away from. The bill is unlikely to advance in the GOP-controlled House with no other party support. But Fitzpatrick, a former FBI agent who had worked as an agent during a shutdown, told The Inquirer he would sign onto any bill that guarantees back pay to furloughed federal workers. Federal workers should never be used as pawns in policy disputes, he said in an interview. These are people that are largely living paycheck to paycheck. They have families, they have to feed their families, they have bills to pay, and they should not get caught up in the gridlock of hyper-partisanship. Fitzpatricks comments stand in stark contrast to those of President Donald Trump, who on Tuesday said some federal workers dont deserve to be taken care of as he continues to threaten mass layoffs and blames Democrats for shutdown pains. The top lawyer at the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) argued in a draft memo this week that furloughed workers will not be guaranteed back pay despite the law Congress passed and Trump signed in 2019 that guaranteed such reimbursements. Fitzpatrick, who said he had not seen the OMB reference, reiterated workers should not be punished for dysfunction in Washington. Its not their fault. Why, pray tell, would we ever punish a federal worker who has absolutely nothing to do with the policy dispute thats going on here? Fitzpatrick, who is up for reelection next year and represents one of the most tightly politically divided districts in the country, has a record of bipartisan votes and subtly pushing back on party leadership and Trump. He was one of just two House Republicans to vote against Trumps big, beautiful bill, which he said he opposed because of cuts to Medicaid that went further than in a previous version, which he had supported. Those cuts have been at the center of the shutdown standoff as Democrats press to reverse the cuts and extend expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies. His critics have argued his independent moments are largely symbolic and without much political consequence, as his votes have yet to sink any key GOP legislation. Fitzpatrick opposes Democrats budget proposal Fitzpatrick joined his Republican colleagues in the House in voting for a continuing resolution last month to fund the government, a measure most House Democrats opposed. Fitzpatrick said he continues to oppose the Democrats push for a continuing resolution that includes extensions for ACA tax credits. The Bucks County Republican said he supports tax credit extensions, which would prevent higher monthly healthcare premiums for consumers. He opposes, he said, holding government funding hostage in the name of a specific policy. Im concerned about setting that new precedent that were now going to threaten to shut the government down over policy provisions, Fitzpatrick said, adding: We can reopen the government and take this up. Fitzpatrick is working with the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group of moderate members of Congress, on a compromise that would result in a funding bill and a firm commitment to send a tax credit extension bill to the floor before Nov. 1, when open enrollment for state health insurance marketplaces begins, he said. Democratic leadership has thus far shown little willingness to accept such a proposal. And Republican leaders do not seem inclined to bend to the Democrats demands to combine the healthcare package with a government funding package. The Senate took a sixth vote on the Republican funding bill Wednesday and all but three Democratic caucus members, Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.) among them, voted against it. Republicans have appeared more open to negotiating on the subsidies in recent days, amid ongoing reports of surging increases in healthcare costs and Democratic criticism for canceled votes on the issue. The House has not been in session since Sept. 19, when it passed the GOP government funding bill that has stalled in the Senate. Asked about that criticism, Fitzpatrick said he thinks leaders on both political sides have painted themselves into a corner. He said he was having frequent conversations with Democrats in the Problem Solvers Caucus, which began working on a healthcare subsidy extension plan before the shutdown. I cant speak for leadership, but were all talking to each other. Leadership does their own thing for their own reasons, Fitzpatrick said. We like to think of ourselves as the adults in the room who are trying, you know, keeping the conversations going. But tensions clearly remain high. A member of the Problem Solvers, New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, got into a testy public back-and-forth with House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries (D., N.Y.) the same day Fitzpatrick spoke to The Inquirer. Fitzpatrick is running next year to serve a sixth term, and his likely Democratic opponent, Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie, has attacked him over the looming healthcare issue. Bucks and Montgomery families are opening letters right now warning them their healthcare premiums are about to skyrocket, and Brian Fitzpatrick is squarely to blame, Harvie said in a statement last week. This is not some abstract debate in Washington its real money, its real costs coming out of real peoples pockets. Its happening because politicians like Fitzpatrick are running away literally and figuratively from their responsibility. Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during a 2022 news conference on defending abortion access in Pennsylvania, following the Dobbs decision, outside of City Hall in Philadelphia. Read more Josh Shapiros top argument for retaining Pennsylvanias Supreme Court justices is reproductive rights. This week a super PAC supporting the retention bid for three of Pennsylvanias Supreme Court justices began running ads that feature a direct plea from the Democratic governor on the issue. Advertisement Theyve proven we can count on them to protect a womans access to abortion and birth control, Shapiro said in an ad paid for by Vote Yes for Fair Courts, a group whose ads have been promoted by the Pennsylvania Democratic Party on social media. Nearly every advertisement running in support of retaining Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht prioritizes abortion rights as the reason Pennsylvanians need to vote yes. Abortion remains legal and accessible in Pennsylvania until the 24th week of pregnancy, but the ads argue that may only remain true if justices who have ruled in favor of access remain on the bench. Donohue, Dougherty, and Wecht were originally elected in 2015 as Democrats. They are asking voters to retain them for another 10 years in what might be the most hotly contested retention race Pennsylvania has ever seen, which has already broken spending records more than a month before Election Day. Although the retention race is technically nonpartisan, the advocacy around it has fallen along party lines as Democrats look to maintain the courts 5-2 liberal majority and Republicans, including Shapiros likely 2026 opponent, Treasurer Stacy Garrity, are backing the efforts to oust the justices. According to a Franklin and Marshall College poll released Thursday, Democrats were more likely than Republicans to say they intended to retain the justices. In recent years, state supreme courts have become critical battlegrounds for abortion access. The U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 decision ending the federal right to abortion shifted the battle over reproductive healthcare to state courts as Democrats worked to preserve and restore the right. And this years retention race offers Republicans their best chance to flip the balance of the court. Unlike those in some states, Pennsylvanias Supreme Court has not ruled that the states constitution protects a right to abortion. But last year, the court sent a case back to a lower court that challenged a state law limiting Medicaid funds for the procedure and, in doing so, the three justices on the ballot signaled they would be open to finding a state-level abortion right in the future. Donohue and Wecht said in their opinions at the time they believed Pennsylvanias 1971 Equal Rights Amendment established a right to an abortion. Dougherty wrote that he didnt believe it was the right time for the justices to weigh in the issue but predicted it would inevitably make its way back to the court. Its unclear at this point how or when abortion might be back in front of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Litigants could challenge existing restrictions on abortion rights in state law, but it is unlikely that any further restrictions will be passed as long as Democrats retain control of the governors mansion and the House. But those in favor of retaining the justices want voters to know that its possible. Ads running from pro-retention PACs mention abortion prominently, stating that antiabortion billionaires are trying to flip control of our state Supreme Court to ban abortion and reminding voters that the justices have ruled in favor of abortion rights even as 19 other states banned abortion. On Monday, Planned Parenthood Votes, the political arm of the abortion and reproductive healthcare provider, announced the launch of a six-figure mail campaign to urge retention. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is our last line of defense in the fight to protect access to abortion and other essential healthcare. The outcome of this election could shift the balance of the court and jeopardize these freedoms for millions, Nicole Chung, the organizations Pennsylvania regional campaign director, said in a statement. In August EMILYs List, which supports female candidates who favor abortion rights, donated $10,000 to Donohues campaign and Vote for Equality, which supports abortion rights, spent just over $3,000 to engage students in support of Donohue, who would be required to step down when she reaches the states mandatory retirement age of 75 in 2027. Meanwhile, abortion has been largely absent from messaging in the GOP campaign to oust the justices. Advertisements have instead framed the justices as members of the radical left, often citing cases related to election law and the courts decision to overturn Bill Cosbys criminal conviction due to a deal he made with local prosecutors. Polls consistently show voters in Pennsylvania and across the country support abortion rights. In a statement about Shapiros appearance in a pro-retention ad, James Markley, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania GOP, did not directly address the abortion issue. Instead he pivoted to criticizing the judges rulings on election issues and COVID-19 regulations. Its the first time Ive heard of Shady Josh Shapiro caring about anything other than his 2028 presidential ambitions, but of course, he couldnt pass up another moment in front of a camera, Markley said. Its no surprise that Planned Parenthood and other liberal special interests are dumping money into these retention races. They see the momentum building across Pennsylvania to vote NO on these three activist justices. While Republicans have shied away from abortion messaging in recent years as polling has shown support for reproductive rights across partisan lines, Democrats have often made abortion rights central to state Supreme Court races and other contests since 2022. Even though the issue did not prove to be decisive for Democrats in last years presidential election, it could resonate in an off-year judicial contest, said Chris Borick, a political science professor at Muhlenberg College. In a race that impacts a lot of issues, Borick said, Democrats will work to make it obvious that abortion is on the ballot. I think theyve zeroed in on something that they think voters can latch onto in a more concrete way that allows them to build a case why you want to come out for this election, he said. This article was originally published by Votebeat , a nonprofit news organization covering local election administration and voting access. A handful of Pennsylvania counties mistakenly issued duplicate mail ballots to a few of their voters in recent weeks. Advertisement Why that happened is unclear state and county officials gave different explanations but they cautioned that the error would have not resulted in anyone being able to have their vote counted twice. State and county officials said they have found that a total of 68 potential duplicate mail ballots were mistakenly issued. In some of these cases, they said, the ballots may not have reached voters, as the mistake may have been caught after a second ballot label was generated but before a duplicate ballot was actually mailed to the voter. In Luzerne County, in northeast Pennsylvania, 31 voters received duplicate mail ballots, WVIA reported Tuesday. State officials initially said that the problem was isolated to that one county, but acknowledged a small number of other counties experienced similar issues although potentially for different reasons after inquiries from Votebeat and Spotlight PA. Using publicly available information on mail ballot requests, Votebeat and Spotlight PA identified a few other counties that appeared to have issued duplicate ballots. Election officials in Dauphin, Montgomery, and Carbon counties confirmed that some voters in their counties had been issued or received duplicate mail ballots as well. Emily Cook, election director for Luzerne County, told WVIA that the cause was an unknown problem with the state election management system, known as SURE. But Jonathan Marks, deputy secretary of the commonwealth, said the duplicate labels were created in a variety of ways, and at least some stemmed from user error as counties tried to fix an issue with the first mail ballot. SUREs user interface has shortcomings, he acknowledged, and resolving one issue can create another if counties dont use the ideal method. Marks said the state is looking at how to improve it. The Department of State said counties sometimes print duplicate labels for other reasons, such as damage to the original label. A duplicate labels existence does not automatically mean an error has occurred, the department said in a statement. Both county and state officials stressed that the duplicate ballots have been canceled, and could not be cast or counted. In addition, each ballot return envelope has a unique barcode associated with the voter. When a county receives a ballot back, the code is scanned into the SURE system and it marks the voter as having voted. If a second barcode tied to the same voter were to be scanned, the system would reject the ballot. After learning of the duplicate mail ballots in Luzerne, state election officials audited the SURE system to check for any additional duplicates, and found 37 potential cases across seven other counties. In Dauphin County, which includes Harrisburg, Election Director Chris Spackman said the county was informed by the department on Tuesday that a routine internal review of the SURE system had discovered a single duplicate ballot sent to a Dauphin voter. Spackman added that his deputy was informed by a contractor who helps the department manage the SURE system that the error was the contractors, but he knew no other details. Megan Alt, a spokesperson for Montgomery County, west of Philadelphia, said the county had notified the state Wednesday morning of a potential duplicate, and workers subsequently discovered three other voters who had received duplicate ballots as a result of files received from the states system. Carbon Countys election director, Jennifer Ketchledge, confirmed that her county issued 20 duplicate labels for mail voters. She said the department reached out to her Tuesday and informed her, and the county canceled the additional ballots. I have no clue why it happened, she said, adding that the state was looking into it. Even if two mailing labels for ballots are generated for the same voter, Ketchledge said the vendor that handles the countys mail ballot printing and shipping would catch it before the duplicate ballot was actually sent. Cook, the Luzerne election director, did not respond to a request for comment, but county officials told other news outlets the SURE system shouldnt allow such errors to happen. Assuming that the states excuse is accurate, how broken is the SURE system if it cannot safeguard against a county inadvertently sending two labels for the same voter? Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo told The Citizens Voice Wednesday. There is nothing sure about the SURE system, Crocamo added. The upgrades to SURE system cant happen soon enough. The state said the SURE systems primary safeguard is a mechanism that prevents recording more than one ballot per voter in a single election. Votebeat is a nonprofit news organization covering local election integrity and voting access. Sign up for their newsletters here. U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill contended at Wednesdays New Jersey gubernatorial debate that Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli killed tens of thousands of people by publishing material that downplayed the risks of opioids. Sherrills attack was a more aggressive tactic than the Democrat has used so far in the race, escalating an already tense back-and-forth between the candidates in a competitive election. It came as Ciattarelli calls on her to release her military disciplinary records after reports that she did not walk at her Naval Academy graduation. Advertisement Sherrills accusation stems in part from a 2021 NJ.com report that said Ciattarellis medical publishing company distributed information about pain management that appeared to downplay the dangers of opioids. She argued in the debate at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center that Ciattarelli made his millions by working with some of the worst offenders and saying that opioids were safe, putting out propaganda, publishing their propaganda, while tens of thousands of New Jerseyans died. READ MORE: Suing Trump, remembering Charlie Kirk, and ending school segregation: What you missed in the first N.J. governors race debate She also accused his company, Galen Publishing, of developing an app that helped patients know what to say to get opioids from their doctor. Ciattarelli said everything she just said about my professional career, which provided for my family, its a lie. Im proud of my career, he added. But that rebuttal followed an initial shock. Shame on you, Ciattarelli initially responded to Sherrill. Shame on you, sir, she replied. Shame on you, he said again before blaming former President Joe Bidens administration for fentanyl coming across the border. Ciattarelli sold his medical publishing company in 2017, earning millions, according to the New Jersey Monitor. As Sherrill continued the attack, Ciattarelli shot back that he got to walk at my college graduation, referencing thereports that Sherrill did not walk at her Naval Academy graduation amid a widespread cheating scandal. Sherrill said that she was punished for not turning in her classmates. READ MORE: Attack ads, fighting lawyers, and a federal investigation: Mikie Sherrills released military records You then went on to kill tens of thousands of people in New Jersey, including children, she responded, accusing him of spreading propaganda and misinformation. Eric Arpert, Ciattarellis campaign manager, said Sherrills remarks were an absurd, unhinged attack by a candidate who is in free fall and hasnt the slightest clue about New Jersey or how to bring the change we desperately need. During the debate, Ciattarelli reiterated his call for Sherrill to release her disciplinary records and insinuated that she must have done something wrong since she hasnt released them. He contended that the Naval Academy does not punish students for not turning in their classmates. I think she was punished for something else, and so I think she needs to come clean," he said. Sherrill argued that she went on to graduate, became a Navy officer, and held positions of trust throughout the Navy. She said she wont sign off on the release of the disciplinary records relating to the incident because doing so would open up my classmates hundreds of records so he can rampage through them on a witch hunt. As Ciattarelli has criticized Sherrill for lacking transparency, Sherrill turned the attack back on him by telling reporters after the debate she thought it was weird that he didnt have an answer to her accusations about his medical company. I think theres a lot we dont know, she said. I think he continues to not be very transparent about it. City Councils most progressive members are set to spend the fall pushing to pass several pieces of legislation aimed at what they consider an affordability crisis for Philadelphias lowest-income residents. The effort is shaping up to be the most significant legislative package introduced to date by freshman Councilmember Nicolas ORourke, a member of the progressive Working Families Party. The legislation would: Advertisement Establish a rent rebate program for low-income seniors, widows, and people with disabilities. The program is modeled on a similar state program that provides refunds to renters that are commensurate with property tax breaks for homeowners. Create a fund to preserve the citys Zero Fare program that provides free SEPTA passes for residents living in poverty. ORourke announced plans earlier this year to draft legislation to protect the program after Mayor Cherelle L. Parker proposed discontinuing it. Convene a task force to study other legislative and executive actions that could lower the cost of living. Amend the City Charter to prohibit privatization of the Philadelphia Water Department. ORourke is calling his initiative Affordable Philly Now, using language reminiscent of the New York City mayoral campaign run by Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist. Mamdani won the Democratic primary election there earlier this year on a platform focused on affordability. His success, ORourke said, is an example of the fact that this is an issue that cuts across the country. It should be a lesson to those who are paying attention to those sorts of campaigns to see how the people are responding to that, he said. Of all the things that you could campaign on, why wouldnt you campaign on the thing that the people are telling you they want you to address? Privatization fears Water, water everywhere, and not a drop for sale: To amend the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to prohibit the future privatization of PWD, ORourke would first have to persuade voters to approve the change. There is no publicly known major push to sell off the citys water utility at the moment. But former Mayor Michael A. Nutter attempted to sell the city-owned Philadelphia Gas Works as recently as 2014. And private water providers have made inroads with smaller municipalities and counties in Pennsylvania. ORourke whose proposal calls for the perpetual City ownership and operation of the Citys water supply system and facilities said he wants to proactively limit privatization and the neoliberal corporatist playbook. I would rather we get ahead of that. It has happened across the country. It has happened across the commonwealth, ORourke said. We have seen municipalities get in a pickle, then sell off the water to a private company, and as a result, rates go up. I dont want that situation to happen with Philly. But ORourkes proposal might not be as simple as it seems. Its possible, for instance, that the charter change would prohibit PWD from adopting the management model currently employed by PGW, which owns gas delivery infrastructure but contracts out management of the system to a city-controlled nonprofit, giving it some added flexibility. Additionally, PWD already contracts out some tasks, and it is unclear if the proposed charter amendment would affect those practices. A Parker administration spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the proposal. H.O.M.E. bonds on hold? Hoping for an introduction: Parkers goal of building or preserving 30,000 units of housing in her first term was always going to be a heavy lift. That goal could become even more daunting due to legislative delays that are threatening to prevent the administration from issuing its first tranche of bonds for the initiative until early next year. When she unveiled the Housing Opportunities Made Easy, or H.O.M.E., initiative in the spring, Parker initially hoped to issue $400 million in bonds this fall. But when Council authorized the bond sales in a vote in June, it inserted a provision requiring the administration to get lawmakers approval of a resolution laying out the citys plan for spending the bond proceeds each year. READ MORE: Council takes up Mayor Cherelle Parkers $800M housing bond request with a catch The administration sent that measure to Council in July, but Council President Kenyatta Johnson did not circulate it with other members until last week. The $195 million draft first-year budget included $37.5 million for affordable housing preservation, $34.8 million for the Basic Systems Repair Program, and $25 million for Parkers proposed One Philly Mortgage program. But members are still hashing out details on the plan, and no one introduced the resolution at Thursdays meeting. We are still going through the process of reviewing it with my colleagues and just doing our due diligence before we move forward, Johnson told reporters after the Council meeting. Johnson declined to comment on whether the issuance of the bonds might be delayed. Meanwhile, some Council members and the administration are engaged in a behind-the-scenes debate about the timing of the legislative process for the resolution and whether the administration has to wait for Council to issue the bonds. But its unlikely the city will move forward with a bond sale if lawmakers could still change the size of the initiatives first-year budget. READ MORE: Mayor Parkers $195 million plan for the first year of her H.O.M.E. initiative is drawing criticism about who will benefit It remains possible Council could fast-track the resolution and approve it in time for the administration to issue the bonds this year. But it now appears more likely that the money will not begin flowing for Parkers housing initiative until early 2026 about two years before the end of Parkers first term. Quotable Ive lost 50% of my sight. I used to love these proclamations, but now I have to rely on my colleagues to help me out with that. ... If you ever had to walk and navigate through an airport and not read the signs, if youve ever had to go grocery shopping and couldnt look at the labels, there is a greater role for the Overlook School for the Blind that we have yet to tap into. Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. Looking ahead: While discussing a resolution honoring the Overbrook School for the Blind, Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. praised the school, spoke about his struggles, and encouraged the city to be prepared to handle visitors with impaired vision next year, when Philadelphia will host several high-profile events, including celebrations for the Semiquincentennial. Staff writer Jake Blumgart contributed to this article. 6 killed, 8 injured in explosion at firecracker factory in India Xinhua) 13:08, October 09, 2025 NEW DELHI, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least six workers were killed and eight others injured Wednesday in an explosion that triggered a massive fire inside a firecracker factory in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, police said. The incident took place in Rayavaram area of Konaseema district, about 214 km northeast of Amaravati, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh. Police said the incident occurred while workers were engaged in the manufacture of firecrackers at the unit. Preliminary investigation showed that the fire started in the explosive storage unit, reportedly due to some mishandling, according to police. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during a press conference with state law enforcement leaders in Chester City to highlight the Shapiro administrations work with local communities to reduce violence and make Pennsylvania towns and cities safer last month in September. Read more Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has joined a multistate lawsuit that seeks to block the Trump administration from sending National Guard soldiers to U.S. cities. Shapiro signed on as a friend of the court in the lawsuit meaning that while Pennsylvania is not a plaintiff, his office is showing its support for the legal action. The suit was initiated by the state of Oregon, later joined by California, and is currently in federal appeals court. Advertisement The Democratic governors support comes amid a mounting legal battle over Trumps attempts to send troops to Chicago and Portland, Ore. Just days ago, a federal judge blocked the administration from sending the Guard to Oregon; an appeals court was scheduled to weigh the issue at noon Eastern time on Thursday. Shapiro announced his support of the lawsuit Wednesday night on social media. The lawsuit states that the Trump administrations deployment of Oregon National Guard and out-of-state National Guard troops in Portland is unlawful, unconstitutional and undemocratic and violates long-held principles like federalism and states rights. By calling forth troops when there is no invasion to repel, no rebellion to suppress, and when state and local law enforcement are fully able to execute the law, the President flouts the vision of our Founders, undermines the rule of law, and sets a chilling precedent that puts the constitutional rights of all Americans at risk, the lawsuit says. Other states supporting the lawsuit include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, along with the District of Columbia, as well as the governors of Kansas and Kentucky. The lawsuit says that presidents have avoided the use of the military in the U.S. unless absolutely necessary, citing the 1794 Whiskey Rebellion; desegregation of a public school in Little Rock, Ark., in 1957; and the Los Angeles riots in 1992 as the rare examples. About 500 soldiers from Illinois and Texas National Guard units have been deployed to Chicago, according to military officials. The National Guard buildup comes during protests by people opposing the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Trump administration has said the Guard is needed to secure federal assets. National Guard units have also been deployed to Los Angeles, D.C., and Memphis. No plan has been announced to deploy the Guard in Pennsylvania. Answering questions Thursday at the Navy Yard in South Philadelphia, Shapiro said that, as commander in chief of the Pennsylvania National Guard, he would oppose the Guards mobilization here. If the president really wants to help on safety, he should invest more in policing here in Pennsylvania, Shapiro said. He should invest more in violence prevention here in Pennsylvania. He should not attempt to deploy the Guard against my wishes. Canada geese congregate along icy Cooper Creek in Cherry Hill. Temperatures Friday morning will stay above freezing but frost is possible. Read more It wont be snowing, but frost is possible in areas just outside the city Friday morning on the anniversary of Philadelphias earliest snowfall. Temperatures are forecast to fall into the mid-30s in Phillys surrounding counties. While thats not close to freezing, it may be a scraping situation as the atmosphere leaves a wafer-thin coating of white on car roofs, windshields, lawns, and leaves. Advertisement The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued frost advisories, in effect from 2 to 9 a.m. Friday, for the entire region, save for Philadelphia and Delaware County, where urban heating is expected to hold off a visit from Emily Dickinsons blonde assassin. Frost is possible at temperatures above freezing Although frost formation is tied to a variety of factors, in general it can form with readings as high as 36 degrees, said Sarah Johnson, warning coordination meteorologist in the Mount Holly office. The air temperatures are taken about 6 feet off the ground, but they can be several degrees lower on the ground and on cooler surfaces. The key thing is clear skies and light or calm winds, Johnson said, and that will be the case early Friday. Temperatures should climb into the mid-60s Friday afternoon, and lows Saturday morning will be mostly in the 40s. When will Philly have its first freeze? Conditions during the weekend are forecast to deteriorate, with a chance of showers Saturday afternoon, and potentially it could be quite stormy Sunday into Monday, especially at the Shore. However, no frost or freeze threats are in the extended outlooks, and if trends hold, Philly may have to wait a month before it sees a 32-degree reading, at least officially. On average that first-freeze reading has been recorded in Pottstown on Oct. 21; Millville, Oct. 22; and Doylestown, Oct. 25 and not until Nov. 11 at toasty Philadelphia International Airport, said Johnsons colleague Ray Martin. It really did snow once on Oct. 10 in Philly Philadelphias first official freeze did not occur until Nov. 16 in 1979. Yet, that year on Oct. 10, it experienced its earliest first measurable snow in records dating to the late 19th century. Officially, 2.1 inches was measured at Philadelphia International Airport. Yes, snow can accumulate on the cold ground when its above freezing. Also on that date, the first-pitch temperature in Game 1 of the World Series between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Orioles in Baltimore was 41 degrees. At the time, it was a record low for the start of a World Series game. The series was supposed to have begun on Oct. 9, but a wintry mix forced a postponement. World Insurance Associates Names Cicchelli Head of Employee Benefits Practice World Insurance Associates LLC named John Cicchelli head of its employee benefits practice. Cicchelli, who will work out of the Iselin, New Jersey headquarters, will spearhead strategic initiatives to accelerate growth, including market expansion and product development, across North America. With 30 years in the industry, Cicchelli most recently worked at Gallagher as their New York/New Jersey metro growth leader. Before Gallagher, he served at Marsh & McLennan Agency, where he was responsible for running the Northeast region, while additionally tasked with building and executing the Marsh & McLennan employee health and benefits cross-sell priority for Marsh and MMA within the entire organization. James River Recruits Collier and Sinosky to E&S Leadership James River Group Holdings, Ltd. appointed Georgia Collier and Matt Sinosky to its excess and surplus (E&S) leadership team, each reporting to Todd Sutherland, president of E&S. With more than two decades of experience in the E&S market, Collier rejoins James River from the Markel Group, where she led the firms nationwide commercial primary casualty division as a managing director and product line leader. She previously spent nearly 20 years at James River, overseeing various underwriting units during her tenure. Collier will work from the companys Richmond, Virginia, office, leading the segments specialty underwriting division and six underlying underwriting sub-divisions: allied health, energy, environmental, life sciences, management liability, and professional liability. Sinosky, based in Pennsylvania, joins James River from Arch Capital Group Ltd., where he served as vice president of wholesale distribution and led wholesale efforts across six business units within Arch Insurance Group. He has spent over 15 years in the insurance distribution landscape, focused on engaging the wholesale distribution channel. Sinosky will lead the companys dedicated wholesale channel efforts, partnering with wholesale brokers and overseeing marketing and distribution strategies. New York City filed a new lawsuit accusing Facebook, Google, Snapchat, TikTok and other online platforms of fueling a mental health crisis among children by addicting them to social media. Wednesdays 327-page complaint in Manhattan federal court seeks damages from Facebook and Instagram owner Meta Platforms, Google and YouTube owner Alphabet, Snapchat owner Snap and TikTok owner ByteDance. It accuses the defendants of gross negligence and causing a public nuisance. The city joined other governments, school districts and individuals pursuing approximately 2,050 similar lawsuits, in nationwide litigation in the Oakland, California, federal court. New York City is among the largest plaintiffs, with a population of 8.48 million, including about 1.8 million under age 18. Its school and healthcare systems are also plaintiffs. Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said allegations concerning YouTube are simply not true, in part because it is a streaming service and not a social network where people catch up with friends. The other defendants did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for New York Citys law department said the city withdrew from litigation announced by Mayor Eric Adams in February 2024 and pending in California state courts so it could join the federal litigation. Defendants Blamed For Compulsive Use, Subway Surfing According to Wednesdays complaint, the defendants designed their platforms to exploit the psychology and neurophysiology of youth, and drive compulsive use in pursuit of profit. The complaint said 77.3% of New York City high school students, and 82.1% of girls, admitted to spending three or more hours a day on screen time including TV, computers and smartphones, contributing to lost sleep and chronic school absences. New York Citys health commissioner declared social media a public health hazard in January 2024, and the city including its schools has had to spend more taxpayer dollars to address the resulting youth mental health crisis, the complaint said. The city also blamed social media for an increase in subway surfing, or riding atop or off the sides of moving trains. At least 16 subway surfers have died since 2023, including two girls aged 12 and 13 this month, police data show. Defendants should be held to account for the harms their conduct has inflicted, the city said. As it stands now, (the) plaintiffs are left to abate the nuisance and foot the bill. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Richard Chang) Topics Lawsuits New York Russia has reported a growing number of drone attacks deep inside its territory, with some reaching nearly 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) from the Ukrainian border, further testing the countrys air defenses as the war expands. Drones were detected in industrial hubs in the Ural Mountains and the oil-rich region of Tyumen in Siberia. Ukraine said at the end of last year that its drones are able to hit targets in Russia at distances of up to 1,800 kilometers. Still, Russian authorities havent attributed any of these drones to Ukraine and Kyiv hasnt claimed responsibility for most of them, deepening the mystery over the strikes at sites deep inside Russia. Ukrainian long-range drone-missiles are demonstrating growing effectiveness, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a social media post after a meeting with security service chief Vasyl Maliuk to discuss strike operations. We are also achieving significant results in destroying Russian air defense systems. On Wednesday, several industrial enterprises in the Sverdlovsk region about 1,700 kilometers east of Moscow introduced preemptive-response measures against the threat from drone attacks, local authorities said on Telegram. They included evacuating employees and restricting mobile internet access, according to local media, though it remains unclear if any attack took place in the region. Earlier this week, though, officials said three drones were destroyed on the territory of an industrial enterprise in the city of Tyumen, about 2,000 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Air-defense systems were heard operating near a local oil refinery, local media reported. Extending the range allows Ukraine to hold more targets at risk deeper into Russia, and further complicates the challenge for Moscow in providing air defense, said Douglas Barrie, senior fellow for Military Aerospace at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Since mid-September, drones have also been destroyed in two locations in the Perm region in the Ural Mountains. The targets included a major producer of ammonium nitrate in Berezniki, a key component in explosives, and the Metafrax Chemicals plant in Gubakha. Such ranges may be achievable, from Ukraine, said Denis Fedutinov, a Moscow-based expert on unmanned aerial vehicles. Still, the further drones penetrate into Russia, the higher the likelihood they were launched from outside Ukraine, he said. In June, Ukraine carried out a dramatic series of strikes across Russia using drones hidden in trucks to hit strategic airfields as far away as eastern Siberia. In a social media post at that time, Zelenskiy said Ukraine used 117 drones with people operating inside Russia across three time zones. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Russia Tokio Marine Holdings Inc., Japans top property and casualty insurer, could spend more than $10 billion on acquisitions to boost its international business, according to Brad Irick, who co-heads the unit. The firm, which generates about 80% of its overseas profits in the US, aims to bring that figure closer to 70% for all of North America in the medium term, Irick said in an interview. The company intends to finance the effort with part of the proceeds from the unwinding of so-called cross-shareholdings with other Japanese firms, which has $25 billion of market value, he said. Its a generational opportunity to take that capital thats being freed up and put it into long-term, sustainable enterprise value-creating businesses for the next many years, Irick said. Read More: Tokio Marine Hunts for Deals Abroad, Sees Room for Growth in US Tokio Marine Chief Executive Officer Masahiro Koike, who took the helm in June, has made international expansion a priority to diversify the businesss footprint outside Japan. The insurer is weighing expansion in Latin America and Southeast Asia, aiming to bring their share of Tokio Marines international profit to 10% and 15%, respectively, from about 6% each today. Expansion in those areas would rely on the acquisition of small providers of personal insurance, as well as the marketing of specialty lines, which arent widely used in those geographies. Tokio Marine is also seeking to boost its specialty insurance operations in Australia, either through bolt-on deals or larger transactions. Insurance Australia Group Ltd., QBE Insurance Group Ltd. and Suncorp Group Ltd. are the main local players. In Africa, Tokio Marine would rather explore increasing its 22.5% stake in Hollard Group, rather than making other acquisitions, Irick said. The insurer still has growth ambitions for the US, where it intends to focus on smaller acquisitions, in part because larger opportunities would likely overlap with its existing local businesses. Still, with just 2% of the commercial lines business, Tokio Marine has enough room to grow, and Irick said he wouldnt rule out a larger transaction in the future. Photograph: Signage for Tokio Marine Group outside the Tokiwabashi Tower building, which houses the Tokio Marine Holdings Inc. headquarters, in Tokyo, Japan, on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. Photo credit: Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Mergers & Acquisitions GEICO Names Orpello Chief Marketing Officer GEICO, headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland, named Arianna Orpello as its new chief marketing officer, reporting to Chairman, President and CEO Todd Combs. Orpello, who will join the company on Jan. 5, 2026, will oversee all of GEICOs marketing efforts. Orpello joins GEICO from Goldman Sachs, where she most recently served as global chief brand officer. With more than 20 years of experience, she has spearheaded brand and digital strategies across the complex and highly regulated financial services sector, including additional leadership roles at TD Bank, Capital One and ING Direct. ODonnell joins Howden US as Head of Logistics Howden, the global insurance broking group, appointed Tom ODonnell as practice head of logistics, Howden US, which is headquartered in Depew, New York. ODonnell will lead Howdens efforts to build the leading insurance broking and risk advisory firm dedicated to the logistics industry in the U.S. When ODonnell begins his new role in November, he will be based in New York and form part of Mike Parrishs leadership team. He joins Howden with over 25 years of experience, from Aon, where he has held leadership roles since 2016, most recently as logistics practice leader global. Previously, he was a senior director, head of contract risk Americas at DHL and senior manager, insurance & claims risk manager at Schenker. Topics USA Trucking Employers and employees see safety issues and solutions differently, and open communication could be the easy solution. A recent report on employees safety perspectives found gaps in both issues and solutions when it comes to workplace safety. When comparing findings from Pie Insurances 2025 State of Small Business Workplace Safety Report, released in April, and the new 2025 Small Business Employee Voice on Workplace Safety Report, it becomes apparent that while employers are more likely to identify safety concerns in the workplace than employees, the focus often differs. Over two-thirds (67%) of employees reported having safety concerns, and 83% of employers also identified employee concerns, demonstrating a shared understanding. The differences lie in what they believe are the biggest obstacles and how to overcome them. Physical vs. Mental Hazards Numbers suggest that while employers may be keeping up with physical hazards in the workplace, mental health, which is less visible and more stigmatized, is being overlooked. Top employee concerns include: Mental health, stress and burnout 43% Slips, trips and falls 33% Heat stress and exhaustion 23% Ergonomics (repetitive strain) 19% Lacking proper training and protocols 15% Equipment-related accidents 14% While employees report that many of these issues are addressed, 43% said mental health is low on the list of priorities. To a lesser degree, employees say employers also may be missing risks posed by heat stress (16%), ergonomics (16%), lack of proper training (14%) and slips, trips and falls (13%). Mental Health on the Job Employers tend to highlight concerns related to physical, environmental and equipment risks, while employees are significantly more likely to raise mental health concerns. This disparity between employer/employee perceptions is especially sharp when it comes to mental health support. Almost a third of employees (32%) cite mental health as their primary safety concern, and 36% report workplace stress affects their personal lives, impacting relationships, sleep, and mental health. While 91% of employers are confident in their ability to address mental health issues, only 62% of employees share that confidence in their employers. Over half (52%) of employers noted in Pies workplace safety report they have mental health protocols. But only 30% of surveyed employees observed having these protocols. Employees said flexible work and remote work (19%), allowing mental health days (17%), access to confidential mental health services (9%) and even mental health awareness training (8%) would all help create an environment that was more receptive and responsive to mental health concerns. The AI Gap AI adoption is on the rise, but employees may not even be aware that it is happening in their own workplace. While 44% of employers said their companies use AI applications, only 20% of employees reported being aware of AI use in their workplace. Employers also far outpace employees when it comes to optimism regarding AI and safety. A large majority (64%) of employers feel that AI will help improve safety in the future, but only 23% of employees share that beliefand 43% said they dont believe it will help at all. Related: Majority of Small Business Leaders Think AI Will Play Crucial Role in Work Safety What Employees Want Seventeen percent of employees said they hesitate to report safety concerns to employers, and 45% say they have witnessed workplace accidents that could have been prevented. Of those who said they have stayed silent about safety concerns, 35% said they fear retaliation or negative consequences, and 33% said they didnt want to seem difficult. Perhaps most telling, 31% said they didnt think anything would be done, even if they spoke up. One out of five (19%) said they didnt want other people to get in trouble. Many also reported that safety protocols were bypassed or ignored because of pressure, quotas and deadlines. Building the time for safety into schedules and expectations would mean more consistent adherence to protocols. Employees said leadership by example and a safe space to voice safety concerns are key to creating a safer work environment. Communication about safety should be a two-way conversation, they said, not just top-down directives. They also need confidence that there will be some response if they speak out about safety issues. Topics Trends Commercial Lines Business Insurance Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced he has opened an investigation against TP-Link Systems Inc. (TP Link), a manufacturer of networking equipment, for potentially aiding the Chinese government in accessing consumers data. The investigation will examine whether TP Link has misled consumers about the degree of its independence from the Chinese, whether its technology contains more serious vulnerabilities than that of comparable domestic competitors, and whether its devices improperly collect or disclose consumer data in violation of Texas privacy law, the Texas Attorney General office said. If Big Tech is giving Chinese communists access to Americans data, there is no question that theyre using that data against us, said Attorney General Paxton. I will not allow any company to sell us out to our greatest geopolitical enemy. If TP Link is violating Texas law and jeopardizing Americans, my office will do everything in our power to hold them accountable. TP Link, originally founded in Shenzhen, China, has become a leading provider of office networking equipment in the United States. In May, Paxton threatened legal action against TP-Link, Alibaba, CapCut, and several other Chinese companies, alleging they are violating Texans privacy rights. The Texas Data Privacy and Security Act requires companies to disclose whether they process consumer data, allow consumers to opt out of data collection, and enable consumers to delete their personal data entirely. If the companies fail to comply with the TDPSA, additional legal action will be taken. Topics Texas China Real estate giant Greystar and 25 other property management companies have agreed to collectively pay more than $141 million to settle a class action lawsuit accusing landlords of driving up housing costs by using rent-setting algorithms offered by the software company RealPage. Greystar, the nations largest landlord, would pay $50 million under the proposed settlement agreement, which was filed Wednesday in a Tennessee federal court. The deal would still require a judges approval. The companies have also agreed to no longer share nonpublic information with RealPage for its rent algorithm a key stipulation, since plaintiffs say RealPage used that information to enable landlords to align their prices and push up rents. This represents a fundamental shift in the multifamily housing industry and will help reverse the type of anticompetitive coordination alleged in the Complaint, attorneys wrote in the settlement filing. All companies involved in the settlement deny wrongdoing and have agreed to help plaintiffs in the ongoing case against RealPage and more than a dozen other property management firms that have not reached settlements. RealPage and others are also fighting an antitrust lawsuit filed last year by the Department of Justice and several state attorneys general. Greystar reached a settlement in that case in August. The settlement funds from the class action lawsuit would be distributed among millions of tenants included in the settlement class. In a statement, Greystar said these settlements allow us to move forward and remain focused on serving our residents and clients. Headquartered in South Carolina, Greystar manages more than 946,000 units nationwide, according to the National Multifamily Housing Council. RealPage has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and argues that the plaintiffs misunderstand how their product works. RealPage, which is based in Texas, has said its software is used on fewer than 10% of rental units in the U.S., and that its price recommendations are used less than half the time. While the proposed settlements do not include RealPage, we are encouraged to see this matter move toward closure, Jennifer Bowcock, RealPages senior vice president for communications, said in a statement. RealPage continues to believe that this litigation is without merit and that our revenue management products, and our customers use of them, have always been legal. RealPage software provides daily recommendations to help landlords and their employees price their available apartments. The landlords do not have to follow the suggestions, but critics argue that because the software has access to a vast trove of confidential data, it helps RealPages clients charge the highest possible rent. RealPage argues that the real driver of high rents is a lack of housing supply. It also says that its pricing recommendations often encourage landlords to drop rents since landlords are incentivized to maximize revenue and maintain high occupancy. Among the other defendants, Iowa-based BH Management would pay $15 million, while Denver-based Simpson Property Group would pay $6.5 million. The other companies settlements range between $550,000 and $6 million. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Federal authorities arrested a 29-year-old man on charges that he intentionally started the blaze that days later became the Palisades Fire, which killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes in the Pacific Coast area of Los Angeles. Jonathan Rinderknecht was charged with maliciously setting the fire on New Years Day, Bill Essayli, the U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles, said Wednesday. He was arrested a day earlier at his home in Florida, and appeared in court in Orlando, where a magistrate judge ordered that Rinderknecht remain in custody until a hearing Thursday. His court-appointed lawyer didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Essayli said Rinderknecht, who had lived in the Pacific Palisades area, worked as an Uber driver on New Years Eve. He dropped off a passenger near where a fire was later discovered to have started that evening. After finishing his shift, he walked up a nearby trail, where he stood on a hilltop while taking videos on his iPhone and listening to a rap song which included lyrics about objects being lit on fire, Essayli said. Related: The LA Fires Destroyed 11,000 Homes. Less Than 10% Have Permits to Rebuild At 12 minutes past midnight on New Years Day, environmental sensors detected a fire had begun, with Rinderknecht calling 911 to report the fire, Essayli said. Rinderknecht fled the scene in his car but then returned after seeing fire engines driving up the hillside to the fire, according to Essayli. The prosecutor described how the small fire that night morphed into a major conflagration a week later. The fire continued to smolder and burn underground within the root structure of the dense vegetation, Essayli said. So that fire started on January 1, and it smoldered underground for about a week until on January 7, heavy winds caused this underground fire to surface and spread above ground, causing what became known as the Palisades fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles City history. Federal authorities recovered an image from Rinderknechts digital devices that he generated on ChatGPT depicting a burning city, according to Essayli. Rinderknecht moved to Florida because he was aware that people might be looking for him, Essayli said. Authorities have not disclosed a motive but are continuing to investigate. While we cannot undo the damage and destruction that was done, we hope his arrest and the charges against him bring some measure of justice to the victims of this horrific tragedy, Essayli said in a statement. Related: Report: Response to LA Fires Slowed by Lack of Resources, Outdated Alert Process After months of investigation and even a re-staging of the blaze, the authorities have determined with complete certainty that the Palisades Fire was a holdover fire that actually began on Jan. 1, said Kenny Cooper, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the San Francisco Field Division of the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The loss of life and property in the Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive in California history, has led to a flurry of lawsuits against the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the biggest municipal utility in the US. Some residents who lost homes, businesses and loved ones alleged the utility failed to take appropriate safety measures in an area highly vulnerable to wildfires. The arrest doesnt undermine the legal claims against the utility, according to Roger Behle, an attorney who represents residents. Our claims against the LADWP relate to the failure of its water supply system after the Palisades Fire initially started, leaving firefighters with no water within hours, and the LADWPs failure to de-energize power to Pacific Palisades, which resulted in multiple independent spot fires starting all over the Palisades, he said in an email. In short, the announcement by the US Attorney and ATF today fully supports our claims against the LADWP and state of California. An LADWP representative had no immediate comment. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass thanked federal authorities for apprehending Rinderknecht. More than 9 months ago, our city faced one of the most devastating periods our region had ever seen, she said. Lives were tragically lost. Thousands of homes were destroyed. Our heroic firefighters fought the blaze valiantly with no rest. The Palisades Fire burned more than 23,000 acres and destroyed more than 6,800 structures before it was fully contained on Jan. 31. Gary Baum, 70, whose home is less than a mile from the fire ignition point, said he observed what appeared to be flames shooting from root holes in the ground on Jan. 7, when Santa Ana winds stirred up the Palisades Fire, an observation similar to what the US Attorney described at Wednesdays press conference. It was the weirdest thing Ive ever seen, Baum, an orthodontist and life-long Palisades resident, said in an interview. While its good that officials arrested the suspect, it wont bring back his home or community, he said. The fires not as bad as the consequences afterward. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Louisiana A dairy worker in Skagit County, Washington who said he was too injured to work pleaded guilty to illegally taking workers compensation payments. Efrain Alatorre Camarena, 58, pleaded guilty to three counts of third-degree theft and was ordered to repay the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries more than $140,000. The sum includes $122,000 he reportedly stole in a period of three-and-a-half years plus interest. A judge also sentenced Alatorre to 160 hours of community service and two years of probation. Alatorre reportedly injured his neck and back in 2006 when he fell while chasing a runway cow at his dairy farm job. A doctor concluded he couldnt work because of his injuries, so Alatorre began receiving wage replacement benefits, which required him to refrain from working because of the injuries. An a L&I investigation discovered Alatorre was working at another dairy farm in Skagit County while still receiving wage-replacement payments. He reportedly earned $172,000 working on the dairy farm, while at the same time he collected $122,000 in workers comp benefits from January 2020 through mid-August 2023. The Washington State Office of the Attorney General prosecuted the case based on the L&Is investigation. Topics Workers' Compensation Agribusiness Washington Innovative business solutions provider ASA Group in Cork continues to recruit and expand as the company marks its 40th anniversary. ASA Group employs 16 people in Ireland between the two companies, branding solutions specialist ASA Brands and ForWare, a fleet maintenance management software company, whose clients notably include private fleets, police, ambulance and other mission-critical fleets. 1. Refer a bill to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality When a bill has passed both Houses of the Oireachtas, the president has the discretion (after consulting the Council of State) to refer that bill (or parts of it) to the Supreme Court to ask whether it is compatible with the Constitution. If the Court holds it is constitutional, the president must sign it; if not, it cannot become law. Parent version: A child proposes digging a massive hole in the back garden on a play date. The parent refers to the council of parents (do you think Im mad?), decides its unconstitutional for the washing machine, and rules against it. Parents, like presidents, know the importance of precedent: if you allow ice cream once in lieu of a meal, it will be referenced in future Supreme Court cases, such as the people vs the freezer. The familys constitution states that sugar may only appear as a dessert, snack, or emergency bribe for good behaviour. Parents often add footnotes: Ice cream for breakfast is only permissible if youre on holiday, or if daddy had a row with the bank and needs comfort. Like the president, they consult their council not of State but of WhatsApp and the consensus is: No, but maybe if the air fryer is broke and you forgot to do the shopping. 2. Refuse to dissolve the Dail (in extreme circumstances) Under Article 27 of the Constitution, if a taoiseach asks the president to dissolve the Dail (lower house) but has lost the support of a majority, the president may refuse to dissolve, forcing the formation of another government instead. Parent version: A child storms off, saying theyre leaving this house forever. Parent replies: No, youre not your new government will be formed in your bedroom with a Lego cabinet and a teddy bear taoiseach. The dramatic exit of a seven-year-old, complete with a backpack stuffed with Pokemon cards and two slices of bread, is the domestic equivalent of a taoiseach demanding a general election. Parents refusal to dissolve is an act of political genius: by keeping the child under house arrest, they prevent the chaos of having to explain to neighbours why their offspring is camping in a hedge. Parents know full well that, given 10 minutes, the revolutionary government will collapse when it realises it has no wifi and no snacks. 3. Convene (or summon) special sittings of either or both Houses of the Oireachtas The president has the power, after consultation with the Council of State, to convene a meeting of either or both Houses of the Oireachtas). Parent version: The parent can convene a special 8.30pm emergency family meeting in the kitchen, usually triggered by (a) a missing remote, (b) an empty biscuit tin, or (c) someone not flushing. These gatherings are high drama: chairs are dragged in, tears shed, and a motion is passed to find out who left the back door open again. Parents wield the gavel of authority often a threat of no TV and open the floor to speeches. Middle child is usually silenced on the grounds of being too loud while the youngest is allowed to speak as theyre cute and people clap. Ultimately, the emergency meeting ends with a new law: Nobody is allowed to bring the remote out of the sitting room again legislation that will be ignored within 24 hours. Bernard O'Shea: The parent can issue an address to the nation (shouted up the stairs): This is the last time Im saying it put on your pyjamas NOW". 4. Issue messages or addresses directly to the Oireachtas The president can, after consultation with the Council of State and with the governments approval, address or send a message to one or both houses on any matter of national or public importance (Article 13.7). Parent version: The parent can issue an address to the nation (shouted up the stairs): This is the last time Im saying it put on your pyjamas NOW. [Article 13.7 is otherwise known as the bedtime law.] These addresses are usually ignored until the parent physically storms the Oireachtas chamber (the landing), flicks off the wifi. Unlike the presidents dignified addresses to the nation, parents speeches are often punctuated by threats: If I come up there one more time, someone will be living in the shed. Parents are also masters of strategic vagueness: Well see is their version of a constitutional grey area. Children, like opposition parties, interpret this as a yes, but history shows its always a no. 5. Make certain key appointments (beyond ministers and judges) Beyond appointing judges, government ministers, the taoiseach, and other officials, the president also formally issues warrants of appointment to various high public offices (eg, the Attorney General, Ombudsman, and Comptroller and Auditor General) upon nomination or resolution by the legislature or government. Parent version: Parents also make key appointments: Eldest child minister for emptying the dishwasher; Middle child junior minister for who started it; Youngest special crying-in-Tesco envoy. All posts come with zero pay, a volatile electorate, and a lifetime ban on resignation. Parents make appointments with the same solemnity as the president signing warrants except their appointments are shouted across the house while buttering toast. The president may defend the Republic of Ireland, but parents defend the sitting room and neither role, as we have seen, is for the faint-hearted. Regardless of the paycheck and position, I say good luck; to all presidential candidates. It might be your dream job, but traffic around the Phoenix Park can be awful. David Beckham has said people felt it was okay to criticise women for their weight in the 1990s and 2000s when his wife was the subject of media scrutiny over her appearance. Victoria Beckhams experience is explored in a new three-part Netflix documentary, titled Victoria Beckham, where the former Spice Girl, 51, recalls the moment she was weighed on TV six months after giving birth to her first son, Brooklyn. In the series, he says: People felt that it was okay to criticise a woman for her weight, for what shes doing, for whats shes wearing, there were a lot of things happening in TV then that wont happen now, that cant happen now. Lady Victoria and Sir David Beckham arrive for the premiere of Netflixs documentary series Beckham (Ian West/PA) Victoria Beckham says: Get on those scales on television. Have you lost the weight? You know, we laugh about it and we joke about it when were on television. But I was really, really young, and that hurts. I really started to doubt myself and not like myself, and because I let it affect me, I didnt know what I saw when I looked in the mirror you lose all sense of reality. Im just very critical of myself. I didnt like what I saw. Ive been everything from porky posh to skinny posh. Its been a lot, and thats hard. I had no control over what was being written about me, pictures that were being taken. And I suppose I wanted to control that. I could control it with the clothing. I could control my weight and I was controlling it in an incredibly unhealthy way it really affects you when youre being told constantly youre not good enough. Speaking about how this affected their life, David Beckham said: My Victoria that I knew sits at home in a tracksuit, smiling, laughing, having a glass of wine that started to go purely because of the criticism that she was getting. The three-part series charts the businesswomans early life and music career with the Spice Girls, while also following her as she prepares for a high-stakes fashion show at Paris Fashion Week. Victoria Beckham launches on Netflix on October 9. TD Barry Heneghan has returned to Ireland after being detained by Israeli forces whilst attempting to provide aid to the people of Gaza, Tanaiste Simon Harris said. On Wednesday, it was announced that three flotilla vessels carrying medicine and nutritional supplies were intercepted just off the coast of Gaza. Mr Heneghan, a TD for the Dublin Bay North constituency, was one of five pro-Palestinian activists from Ireland who was aboard the vessel. Mr Harris said: Ive just received confirmation that Deputy Heneghan is back in Ireland, and had a brief message from him to that effect. We believe it was illegal in terms of how they were detained, and I do intend to consider how to pursue that with other counterparts today, though I join with you in welcoming the very real life prospect of a ceasefire Mr Harris expressed his condemnation at the interception of the aid flotilla during leaders questions at The Dail, on Thursday, when questioned by Social Democrats deputy leader TD Cian OCallaghan. Mr OCallaghan said that the kidnapping of five Irish citizens on Wednesday night by Israeli forces in international waters was utterly unacceptable. Mr Harris said: I share your condemnation of what happens to our five Irish citizens. We believe it was illegal in terms of how they were detained, and I do intend to consider how to pursue that with other counterparts today, though I join with you in welcoming the very real life prospect of a ceasefire. The United Nations has talked about there being enough food in the region to feed the people of Gaza for three months. If we can just get that in, and get that in urgently, and our aid people will be endeavouring to assist on that. Mr Harris said that he is calling for the swift release of the other four Irish citizens detained by Israeli forces. The pro-Palestinian activists still detained in Israel include Naoise Dolan, Fionn Macarthure, Veronica OKeane and Mutaz Jadaan. Mr Harris has said that he welcomes the very real prospect of a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan for Gaza, paving the way for a pause in the fighting and the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. On Tuesday and Wednesday, 15 Irish activists on board the Global Sumud Flotilla, who were held in an Israeli prison after their vessels carrying aid to Gaza were intercepted, also returned to Ireland. Dozens of people including family members, friends and supporters gathered at arrivals in Dublin Airport to welcome home the pro-Palestinian activists. A man who stole 700 worth of electrical goods from Tesco in Youghal, Co Cork, had recently changed his medication and had acted out of character, the district court was told. Sergeant Linda OLeary told Youghal District Court that Avtandil Otarshvili, aged 36, of Briar Wood, Old Youghal Road, Cork, was charged with two counts of theft relating to the theft of electrical goods on two separate dates from Tesco in Youghal. The court heard the first theft occurred on April 19, 2025, when Otarshvili stole electrical goods to the value of 436. On April 28, Otarshvili returned to the store and on that occasion electrical goods worth 264 were taken. The court was told Otarshvili had no previous convictions for theft but had two convictions for road traffic matters. Defence solicitor Aiden Desmond said Otarshvili could not remember the incidents but was pleading guilty and had done so from the earliest opportunity. He said his client suffered from mental health issues and had changed his medication around the time of the thefts and the offences were out of character. He said Otarshvili had very limited means but had brought 110 to court. Judge John OLeary said one in four people in Ireland suffered mental health issues but most of them did not steal. He said it was positive Otarshvili had brought some compensation and he remanded him on continuing bail to appear again on December 12, by which time he was expected to bring the balance of the loss to court. This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme A Dublin woman shot a drug dealer and worked "as a unit and as part of an agreement" with her boyfriend to kill him and another man, the State is to argue at a murder trial. They will also argue that their bodies were later found "bound in rope, tape and covered in tarpaulin" by fishermen on a lake island over a decade ago. Opening the trial of Ruth Lawrence (aged 45) at the Central Criminal Court on Thursday, counsel for the State said the 12 jurors will hear evidence that the accused woman shot one of the two men, but this was not immediately fatal and was "quickly followed up" by a shot from the defendant's boyfriend. The 12 jurors were also told by senior counsel Michael O'Higgins on Thursday it is the prosecution case that the accused woman and her boyfriend had "spoken openly" about "the murders and disposing of the bodies". "The prosecution contends that the comments made by Ms Lawrence indicate she was involved in both of the murders and disposing of the bodies," he said. Ruth Lawrence, who is originally from Clontarf in Dublin but with an address at Patricks Cottage, Ross, Mountnugent in Co Meath has pleaded not guilty to murdering Anthony Keegan (aged 33) and Eoin O'Connor (aged 32) at an unknown location within the State on a date unknown between April 22, 2014 and May 26, 2014, both dates inclusive. Opening the State's case at the Central Criminal Court today Michael O'Higgins SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said the prosecution can last place Mr Keegan and Mr O'Connor as being alive on the early evening of April 22 in 2014 and "thereafter they disappeared from sight'. Counsel said the bodies of the two deceased men were recovered on May 26, 2014, on Inchicup Island on Lough Sheelin, which measures 7km by 4km, and "straddles" the borders of counties Meath, Westmeath and Cavan. Mr O'Higgins said the jury would hear that Ms Lawrence lived with her boyfriend, South African national Neville van der Westhuizen, in Patricks Cottage, which is on the Westmeath side of Lough Sheelin. Mr O'Higgins added: "Where the bodies were hidden, the island is about 100 metres from the shoreline, at a point very close to the cottage". He said the postmortem examinations established that both men died from gunshot wounds. Detailing the evidence that will be heard, counsel said Mr Keegan was shot in the neck and head whilst Mr O'Connor was shot in the head and stomach. The barrister said the jury would hear from expert forensic witnesses as well as ordinary people giving evidence of what they saw and things they heard being said. The issue in the case, Mr O'Higgins said, was whether the evidence established that Ms Lawrence murdered the two men. Mr O'Higgins said sometimes more than one person can be involved in a murder, such as those who plan it and getaway drivers. However, he said where different parts of a team are operating with a common goal, that phrase is known as joint enterprise or common design. He added: The person who pulls the trigger and the person who provides the firearm and the person who is waiting down the road to drive the shooter away; provided they are working towards the same common aim, each is guilty of murder even though one may not be at the scene where the person was shot. The barrister said the prosecution are contending that Ms Lawrence did work with another person "particularly her boyfriend" and they were "working as a unit, as part of an agreement to kill Mr O'Connor and Mr Keegan". Counsel said the prosecution will be contending on the evidence lead before the jury that Ms Lawrence shot Mr O'Connor. "The particular shot discharged did not appear to be immediately fatal but was quickly followed up by a shot by her boyfriend," said the barrister. The lawyer said it was contended that Mr van der Westhuizen shot Mr Keegan but as the accused and Mr van der Westhuizen were acting as a team; "it was contended both are guilty of the offence of murder". Drugs Mr O'Higgins said the evidence will be that Mr O'Connor was a drug dealer and sold drugs to Mr van der Westhuizen. Mr van der Westhuizen owed Mr O'Connor "a fairly considerable sum of money" in the region of 70,000. Mr O'Connor was under pressure to be paid as he in turn had "to pay money up the line". The jurors, counsel said, would hear that an immediate payment of 15,000 was to be forthcoming. The court heard there will be further evidence that two other drug dealers who can only be identified as Mr AB and Mr CD had put Mr O'Connor in touch with Mr van der Westhuizen. Counsel said the other deceased, Mr Keegan, had accompanied Mr O'Connor to Co Cavan "in a supporting role" in case there was any trouble and it was not suggested it was any more than that. The lawyer said the panel would also hear about a father and daughter. The father sold drugs locally around Ballyjamesduff in Co Cavan and on occasion he got drugs for Mr van der Westhuizen and Mr O'Connor. Counsel said the father had a daughter, who was then doing a post-Leaving Certificate course and sold insignificant quantities of 'weed' and cannabis on campus. The barrister further stated that Mr van der Westhuizen was also friends with a Latvian national, who twice came to Patricks Cottage on April 23, which he said is believed to be the day after the two murders took place. Mr O'Higgins said the Latvian national was on occasion involved in a clean-up of the cottage assisted by the accused and Mr van der Westhuizen so it would be difficult to find evidence of the two deceased men being there in the event of any forensic examinations. The Latvian national had also brought cement blocks known as 'H-blocks' to the cottage. Referring to Monday, April 21, 2014, Mr O'Higgins said the jurors would hear that Ms Lawrence had inquired of her landlord and neighbour whether she could hire a boat to go out on Lough Sheelin. Money owed On the same day, Mr O'Connor travelled to the home of the father as he was looking to be paid money owed to him. Mr O'Connor was paid a small sum of money but was also anxious to make contact with Mr van der Westhuizen, who he said owed him a higher sum of money and that he was immediately seeking 15,000. The father and daughter, counsel said, drove to Dublin that evening and picked up two mobile phones from a man, which they dropped to Mr van der Westhuizen on their way home. On the evening of Tuesday, April 22, Mr O'Connor drove himself and Mr Keegan to Ballyjamesduff in his mother's silver-coloured Ford Focus. The prosecution contend that the purpose of the journey was to meet up with Mr van der Westhuizen. He said the jury would hear evidence of contact between those parties. Counsel said the court will hear that the last contact on Mr Keegan's mobile phone was at 8.32pm and the last text Mr O'Connor received was at 8.38pm. "That's the last time any evidence can point to the time scale when these two men were last alive". Mr O'Higgins said the prosecution was not in a position to adduce evidence "to pinpoint the precise moment" when both men were shot dead, however "looking at the evidence in the round" it seems likely it was later on the evening of April 22. At 3.20am that night, counsel said gardai drove into a car park at Lough Owel on the N4 in Co Westmeath and found there were no cars parked there at the time. However, around 8.10am the next morning witnesses identified a silver-coloured Ford Focus parked there, which the prosecution contend was driven there by the accused woman between 3.20am and 8.10am. Shortly after that a 999 call was received by gardai regarding information on the two deceased men. The lawyer said over the course of April 23 the Latvian man came to Patricks cottage. Ms Lawrence got an outboard motor from her neighbour and a clean-up took place using the 'H-blocks'. Missing persons Mr O'Connor's family were very concerned about him and some of them drove to Ballyjamesduff. Contact was made with An Garda Siochana and a missing persons investigation began. In the meantime, the father and daughter went to Patricks cottage, where the accused, her boyfriend and the Latvian man were. He said the atmosphere was "extremely intense" and people were hyper and intoxicated with drugs and alcohol. Counsel said it is the prosecution case that the accused and her boyfriend were "speaking openly" about "the murders and disposing of the bodies". Counsel said gardai wanted to speak to Mr van der Westhuizen and the father, whom officers met at Navan Garda Station on the evening of April 24. The court will also hear evidence, the lawyer said, that some time in the early hours of the next morning the accused, Mr van der Westhuizen and the father and daughter drove to a disused house in Ashbourne, where Mr van der Westhuizen forced entry. The four of them slept in the house for a few hours before they all travelled to Rosslare Port in Co Wexford around 8.30pm on April 25, where they boarded a ferry to Fishguard in Wales and continued to London. Another part of the prosecution case will be that within a few days, Mr van der Westhuizen left England and returned to South Africa. Counsel said Ms Lawrence had been living in South Africa until recently. He said the father and daughter had returned to Ireland a few weeks after they left and were interviewed at length by gardai. Bodies found The barrister said the court will hear evidence regarding gardai going to Inchicup Island on May 26, 2014, where there had been men fishing on the lake a few days previously. He said when the men "pulled up to have a cup of tea" close to the island they got a bad smell and alerted gardai. The island was searched and the men's bodies were found bound in rope, tape and covered in tarpaulin and other material. They had died from gunshot wounds. The trial continues on Friday before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of four men and eight women. It is expected to last until November 14. A little Jack Russell-type dog bit a young woman on the leg as she tried to defend her own dog from attack at the Marina Market, and now the owner has been warned he will have to pay more compensation to her. Radim Hradsky, of Lower Glanmire Road, Cork, pleaded guilty at Cork District Court to failing to have his dog under effectual control and not having a dog licence. He was to bring 600 to court to pay for the injured womans medical bills and other expenses. However, Killian McCarthy, solicitor, said the accused was now homeless and had only raised 300. Judge Mary Dorgan said this was not good enough. If you own a dog you have to have a licence. If you own a dog you have to have a lead. This lady is not going to be out of pocket. "The dog is obviously quite vicious that this type of injury was inflicted with huge repercussions for the injured party. I want this compensation paid. The judge adjourned sentencing until November 18 for the remaining 300 to be brought to court by Mr Hradsky. Judge Dorgan asked: Is the dog still in the land of the living? Mr McCarthy said the defendant had arranged through an animal charity to have the dog re-homed. Sergeant Gearoid Davis outlined the background to the incident. On the May 29, 2023, Garda Sean Finnegan responded to a report from a female having been bit by a loose dog at the Marina Market, Centre Park Road, Cork. On arrival at the scene, Garda Finnegan spoke with the young woman, who said she was bitten by a Jack Russell-type terrier dog. She had visible bite injuries to her right calf. These injuries required her to have stitches at the Mercy Hospital. The unleashed dog growled at her dog and the injured party stepped forward to prevent her dog being attacked. Garda Finnegan patrolled the area and located the alleged offender [Radim Hradsky] and the offending dog in Kennedy Park a short distance from the Marina Market. Radim Hradsky provided Garda Finnegan with his personal details, including his address. He declined the opportunity to make a statement, stating that his English was not good enough. CCTV was of poor quality but it captured an interaction between two dogs, Sgt Davis said. In a victim impact statement, the woman who is in her mid-20s, described herself as an animal lover who did not want to see any harm coming to the dog and did not blame the dog. I blame the irresponsible owner and his lack of care, she said. The injured party said it was explained to her in hospital that bite wounds are often not stitched so the risk of infection could be avoided. However, she was told that it had to be stitched because it was so deep, and this required a number of follow-up visits to her doctor to make sure there was no infection. Motorists are being urged to be vigilant for deer on roads over the coming days as the annual breeding season gets under way. It comes as Kerry prepares for its annual Red Deer Rut Watch event in Killarney National Park on Sunday. The event is being organised by the Irish Deer Commission, which has also issued the warning to motorists to take care this month. The commission says that tensions are currently high among the deer population as rutting season gets under way. A statement from the commission said: From late September until early November, the clash of antlers will be heard as males show off their virility to potential mates and, like gladiators entering an arena, they parade around showing off their armoury of antlers. "While the rut is an amazing experience to witness, it is also a time when there is an increased incidence of road traffic accidents involving deer as male deer go in search of females and younger males are ousted by dominant males, forcing deer to cross public roads and motorways. The commission says motorists should be vigilant at dawn and dusk, particularly in high-risk areas such as woodlands and mountains. The commission advises drivers to: Reduce speed where they see a warning sign and stay alert. Prepare to stop, never swerve, as you could hit another obstacle or oncoming vehicle. When you see a deer, dip your headlights as the full beam may cause the deer to freeze. If a deer has crossed in front of your vehicle, be aware that others may follow. Do not approach an injured deer. If you are involved in a road traffic accident involving a deer or come across a deer that has been involved in a road traffic accident, immediately contact the local gardai. The Irish Deer Commission says it operates a humane deer dispatch scheme with 135 trained volunteers assisting agencies and charities who deal with an increasing number of deer vehicle collisions nationally. The commission describes the rutting season as one of the highlights of the wildlife calendar as stags roar out to their competitors and battle like gladiators for the right to breed with females. On Sunday, a watch event co-hosted by the commission and the National Parks and Wildlife Service will take place free of charge. The walk takes place at the peak of the red deer rut. Bookings must be made, however, as places are limited. Bookings can be made at irishdeercommission.ie/news. There will be talks by conservation rangers and the Irish Deer Commission, along with a display of native red deer antlers. In July, a pilot scheme to detect deer on public roads to reduce collisions was announced for Kerry. It includes a 'detection and alert scheme for the outskirts of Killarney on the N70 near Ballydowney, where a large number of deer cross the road between the National Park and local land. It also incorporates a deterrent system in a joint initiative between Kerry County Council, University College Cork and minister of state at the Department of Agriculture, Michael Healy-Rae. Last month, Chinas Xi Jinping, Russias Vladimir Putin, and North Koreas Kim Jong Un captured the global spotlight by appearing together in Beijing for a military parade. None of them has ever won a fair and competitive election, permitted a free press to investigate the policies or practices of them or their governments, and or allowed political opponents to question, let alone challenge, their political rule. Yet here they were confidently strolling and chatting while the US president typed stream-of-consciousness into his phone and European leaders seemed divided over how to handle new global realities. The event signalled to many onlookers a changing global order. As we explore in our new book, Dictating the Agenda: The Authoritarian Resurgence in World Politics, authoritarianism is back in a new and potent form. Not only has China risen to be a global superpower, but it has done so while cracking down on the more liberal atmosphere that characterised the country amidst globalisation in the 1990s and 2000s. Russia has decisively rejected the West and descended into a costly war overseen by a personalist imperialist dictatorship, while North Korea has been ruled by the same family since 1948. Add to this group the financial power of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf monarchies, Turkeys slide into autocracy, and Indias embrace of illiberalism, and the resurgent tide of global authoritarianism seems overwhelming and the defining geopolitical reality of current times. These states do not yet constitute a formal political alliance or economic bloc, but authoritarian states today are able to influence global politics in ways that seemed unimaginable a few years ago. What is curious is that the authoritarian resurgence has grown and now thrives in a global context shaped by the West, with the United States and European Union in the lead. Under globalisation, liberal political ideas spread rapidly, with NGOs, activists, media organisations, and universities all able to spread democratic ideas and norms in a relatively open global political environment. In turn, autocracies like China and Russia were seemingly joining a global market for trade and investment that demanded rules and transparency, a free flow of information and new digital technologies, and increased people-to-people linkages facilitated by cheaper air travel and an easing of visa restrictions. These are all developments that seem anathema to maintaining strict authoritarian rule. So what happened? Russian president Vladimir Putin: 'Russia has decisively rejected the West and descended into a costly war overseen by a personalist imperialist dictatorship.' Picture: Grigory Sysoyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP Part of the answer is that authoritarian states learned to survive and then repurpose global interconnectedness. In 2000, then US president Bill Clinton observed that China was trying to crack down on the internet and chuckled this was bound to fail because doing so was like sort of like trying to nail jello to the wall. Fast forward 25 years. Through trial and error and swapping best practices with one another, autocracies learned how to use internet technologies to bolster their rule. The democratising spirit of the internet and the freedom of expression afforded by social media could not only be tamed, but even harnessed to bolster authoritarian control and repression. China and Russia are also actively trying to shape global governance standards and project their technological influence outward. Authoritarian security services now routinely use spyware readily available on the open market to track the communications of political opponents and journalists living abroad. And in response to the reach of global media outlets like CNN and the BBC, they founded their own global state propaganda, while placing restrictions like refusing to accredit and denying visas to foreign journalists covering their own countries. Another part of the new authoritarian push is that they now actively leverage the global linkages between autocracies and democracies that deepened in the 1990s and 2000s. For a long time, it was touted that engagement by Western companies, universities and sporting organisations with authoritarian countries would eventually encourage liberalisation and domestic reforms. Instead, authoritarians realised that they have leverage, too. Consider higher education. Facing funding shortfalls from their home governments, established universities located in liberal democracies, including some of those here in Ireland, launched ambitious plans to internationalise. Initially, this meant attracting more foreign students to pay higher feeds to study here. Before long, universities experimented with opening branch campuses abroad often in non-democracies like the Gulf monarchies, Singapore or China as another revenue stream. These arrangements were often justified as a means to bring the benefits of free inquiry and research to the world, even as the authoritarian host was paying for all or most of the cost of these partnerships. What transpired more often than not, however, is that the domestic laws in the authoritarian host limited what the university could teach and its staff research. Chinese President Xi Jinping: Picture: Sergei Bobylev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP Even more disturbingly, the universitys entanglements with lucrative campuses in dictatorships opened debates about commitments to academic freedom standards and academic practices on the home campus. Rather than the liberal democratic university transforming its authoritarian partner, the influence now often runs in the other direction. Finally, autocracies learn from and teach one another how best to confront threats to their rule. After the 'Colour Revolutions' in post-Soviet countries, for example, authoritarians in the region saw NGOs and independent civil society not as activists, but as pressing security threats and political tools of the United States and Europe. In Russia, NGOs receiving foreign funding were stigmatised as foreign agents or outright banned as undesirable organisations. These practices spread throughout the post-Soviet region and beyond, with this blocking legislation sometimes literally copy-and-pasted with minor changes from one jurisdiction to another. These tactics have been so successful they are now spreading to liberal democracies themselves. Donald Trumps second administration has focused on cracking down on US media outlets he deems critical of his rule, pressuring universities and philanthropic outlets that fund US civil society, and intimidating legal firms that had represented his political opponents. What does all this mean for a small country like Ireland, that proudly has aligned with liberal democracies and projects itself into the world as tolerant, open, and economically connected? A world in which authoritarian powers wish to rewrite human rights norms, international economic rules, and technology standards in their image would be dangerous for Ireland. An open international political system governed by rules and liberal principles allows Ireland to survive and thrive as a democracy, while attracting global companies, cultural institutions, and leading researchers. And this is why the United States turn to an aggressively nationalist foreign policy that imposes politically motivated tariffs and steps back from supporting its allies now compounds this growing illiberal threat. In this moment of democratic retreat, Ireland can no longer assume it will passively benefit from the prevailing international order. Instead, it must defend its liberal principles while strengthening ties to like-minded democracies. It must also keep investing in its own civic institutions, media and research institutions to strengthen its resilience to these new illiberal influences in this changing world. The USs top Middle East adviser, the prime minister of Qatar and other senior officials joined the third day of peace talks between Israel and Hamas in Egypt in a sign that negotiators aim to dive deeply into the toughest issues of an American plan to end the war in Gaza. Two officials from Arab countries said progress was made in Wednesdays talks and that a deal could be reached in the coming days. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media. Smoke rises following an Israeli military strike in the northern Gaza Strip, seen from southern Israel (Emilio Morenatti/AP) US secretary of state Marco Rubio told reporters in Washington he may soon be traveling to the Middle East. Things have moved so quickly over there we think we may need to be there pretty soon, Mr Rubio said, but he noted theres still some work to be done. Hamas says it is seeking firm guarantees from mediators that Israel will not resume its military campaign in the Palestinian territory after the militant group releases all the remaining hostages. All sides have expressed optimism for a deal to end the two-year war that has left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and most of the Gaza Strip destroyed. But key parts of the peace plan still have not been agreed to, including a requirement that Hamas disarm, the timing and extent of an Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, and the creation of an international body to run the territory after Hamas steps down. US President Donald Trumps Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the presidents son-in-law, Jared Kushner, arrived on Wednesday at Sharm el-Sheikh for the discussions, as did Qatars prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus top adviser, Ron Dermer. Representatives for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine were also in attendance, and a delegation from Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another fringe militant group that holds an unknown number of Israeli hostages, were scheduled to arrive, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media. Their participation underscores the aim of the talks to encompass all Palestinian groups. A vehicle passes in front of the International Conference Centre where Israeli and Hamas officials are set to hold indirect talks (AP) A senior Hamas official, Taher Nounou, said the group has provided a list of Palestinian prisoners it wants released from Israel in return for hostages in Gaza as part of the deal. Trumps peace plan The Trump plan calls for an immediate ceasefire and release of the 48 hostages that militants in Gaza still hold from their attack on Israel on October 7 2023 that started the war and triggered Israels devastating retaliation. Around 20 of the hostages are believed to still be alive. It envisions Israel withdrawing its troops from Gaza after Hamas disarms, and an international security force moving in. The territory would be placed under international governance, with Mr Trump and former UK prime minister Tony Blair overseeing it. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said on Wednesday in televised comments that the negotiations so far were very encouraging. Mr Netanyahu has already accepted Mr Trumps plan. Palestinians carry plastic bottles to collect water in an area of a makeshift tent camp for displaced people along the shore of Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) His office said on Tuesday that Israel was cautiously optimistic, framing the talks as technical negotiations over a plan that both sides already had approved. In a statement on Tuesday, Hamas reiterated its long-standing demands for a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, but said nothing about disarmament, a step it has long resisted. Hamas has also spoken against the idea of international rule, though it has agreed it will have no role in governing post-war Gaza. Speaking in Sharm el-Sheikh, Khalil al-Hayya, Hamass top negotiator, told Egypts Qahera TV that the group wanted solid guarantees from Mr Trump and mediators that the war will not return. 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. In January, the two sides had a ceasefire that brought the release of some Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Under the agreement which Mr Trump and Mr Witkoff played a major role in brokering the two sides were then supposed to enter negotiations over a long-term truce, an Israeli withdrawal and a full hostage release. But Israel broke the ceasefire in March, resuming its campaign of bombardment and offensives, saying it aimed to pressure Hamas for the remaining hostage releases. Past rounds of negotiations have frequently fallen apart over the same obstacle, with Hamas demanding assurances of the wars end and Mr Netanyahu vowing to keep fighting until the group is destroyed. The Trump plan attempts to resolve all the issues at once, by laying out Hamas disarmament and a post-war scenario for governing the territory with provisions for a major reconstruction campaign. Foreign ministers from European and Arab countries will meet in Paris on Thursday to signal their support for Mr Trumps plan and discuss the future of Gaza. Israel and Hamas have agreed to the initial phase of a ceasefire plan in Gaza, pausing hostilities in the devastated territory and bringing the best hope yet of a definitive end to a bloody two-year conflict that has killed tens of thousands, destabilised much of the Middle East and prompted protests around the world. Donald Trump announced the agreement on his Truth Social network saying all of the hostages held in Gaza would be released soon and Israel would withdraw troops to an agreed line as the first step to a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. Hamas said on Thursday it had agreed the US presidents proposal and confirmed the deal included an Israeli withdrawal from the enclave and a hostage-prisoner exchange. There was celebration among Palestinians in Gaza and among Israelis, though few anywhere needed reminding that two previous deals had failed to end the war. The signing of the agreement was expected to take place at midday Israel time (10am Irish time) on Thursday, a source told Reuters. Palestinian paramedic Saeed Awad looks at his phone displaying an image of US president Donald Trump, following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause fighting, as he stands at Al-Aqsa Hospital, in Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana) The 20 hostages believed to be still alive in Gaza may be released as early as this weekend, with sources saying as many as 1,700 Palestinian prisoners could be freed from Israeli jails within 72 hours of the deal being signed. Hamas called on Trump and guarantor states to ensure Israel fully implemented the ceasefire. In Ireland, both the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste have welcomed the deal. Micheal Martin is urging all sides to abide by the ceasefire, for all hostages to be released and for an immediate surge of aid to Palestine. In a statement on Thursday, he said: "I welcome the announcement of a ceasefire agreement and hostage release deal in Gaza. "I urge all sides to fully abide by this ceasefire and for the release of all hostages, and an immediate surge of humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine. "I commend the diplomatic efforts by the US, and partners across the region and call on all sides to work towards a permanent and just peace. The war and the killing must stop." Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip celebrate after the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan, as they gather at a plaza known as the hostages square in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Meanwhile, Simon Harris says Ireland stands ready to assist in every practical way. He said: "We are now at a critical moment that can see an end to the war. "This historic moment, if grasped by all, can finally end the unconscionable human suffering. It can stop the dreadful bombing, silence the guns, end the famine and genocide, and allow a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza. "This is a significant moment after two horrific years. My thoughts today are with the people of Gaza, who have suffered so much, and with the hostages and their families." In an interview later on Wednesday, Trump said he believed the hostages would be coming back on Monday. Responding to the announcement, the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, welcomed a great day for Israel. With the approval of the first phase of the plan, all our hostages will be brought home. This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel. From the beginning, I made it clear: we will not rest until all our hostages return and all our goals Benjamin Netanyahu - (@netanyahu) October 8, 2025 He said: This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the state of Israel From the beginning, I made it clear: we will not rest until all our hostages return and all our goals are achieved. Israels security cabinet will meet on Thursday afternoon to approve the release of Palestinian prisoners and, despite opposition from far-right members of the ruling coalition government, is unlikely to reject it. In Tel Aviv the families of hostages and their supporters started chanting Nobel prize to Trump as they gathered in the early hours of the morning. Some popped open champagne and cheered. Crying tears of joy, families hugged previously released hostages as the square continued to fill. Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip celebrate after the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan. Picture: Emilio Morenatti/AP Palestinians in Gaza reacted to the news with a mix of joy and disbelief. Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing, said Abdul Majeed abd Rabbo, in the southern city of Khan Younis. I am not the only one happy, all of the Gaza Strip is happy, all the Arab people, all of the world is happy with the ceasefire and the end of bloodshed. Trump hailed what he said was a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel and all surrounding nations, as well as the US. We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS! he posted. Netanyahu and Trump spoke by phone and congratulated each other on the agreement on Wednesday, and the prime minister invited the president to address Israels parliament, according to Netanyahus office. The UN chief, Antonio Guterres, welcomed the agreement and called on all parties to abide fully by its terms. Speaking from India, the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, called it a moment of profound relief and said he was grateful for the tireless diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United States, supported by our regional partners, in securing this crucial first step. This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza, he said. President Donald Trump announced a deal had been agreed (Evan Vucci/AP) Successful completion of the deal would mark the biggest foreign policy achievement so far for Trump, who took office in January promising to quickly end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, only to be confronted with obstacles and complexities he had apparently not foreseen. Senior envoys from the US, Qatar and Turkey had joined the talks in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm-el-Sheikh this week, apparently adding momentum to discussions launched on Monday. Trump sent his son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff. Signs that a deal was close came earlier on Wednesday during a White House round table, as the secretary of state, Marco Rubio, gave the president a handwritten note with the words very close underlined. You need to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first, read the hand-scrawled note on White House stationery, the text of which was captured by an Associated Press photographer. Many of the details of the agreement reached after three days of indirect talks remain unclear and the challenges of implementing its terms are immense. If negotiators have closed gaps between Hamas and Israel over the details of the first phase of the 21-point plan announced by Trump in the White House last week, it was not immediately certain whether the parties had made any progress on thornier questions, such as how Hamas will be disarmed, as Netanyahu has demanded, and the eventual governance of Gaza. But if implemented, the agreement would bring the two sides closer than any previous effort to halt a war that evolved into a regional conflict, drawing in countries such as Iran, Yemen and Lebanon, and reshaping the Middle East. One previous ceasefire lasted just 10 days, the other six weeks. Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip celebrate after the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan, as they gather at a plaza known as the hostages square in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg) After the announcement of the deal, Trump told Fox News the US would play a role in helping to rebuild war-torn Gaza. Well be involved in helping them make it successful, and helping it stay peaceful, the president said, adding he was very confident therell be peace in the Middle East. If few need reminding of how hard it will be to win a durable peace, no one is ignorant of the potential cost of further hostilities. More than 67,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in the relentless Israeli offensive, and more than 170,000 injured. Approximately 20,000 children are among the dead. Much of Gaza has been reduced to ruins, its people now homeless and destitute in the rubble of their homes among barren fields and broken roads. Witnesses describe entire neighbourhoods, even towns, reduced to fine gravel. Thousands more casualties are thought to be buried and yet to be identified. About 1,200 people, also mostly civilians, were killed by Hamas militants in the raid on Israel of 7 October 2023, the worst such loss in the history of the country. A further 251 people were taken hostage. Hundreds of Israeli servicemen and women have died in the war in Gaza. Hamas has already said it will have difficulty locating the remains of all the dead hostages. In recent days, Israel reduced the intensity of its military campaign at Trumps behest, but it has not halted strikes altogether. Gaza medical authorities reported eight people were killed in Israeli strikes in the last 24 hours, the lowest toll for weeks. Daily death tolls were about 10 times higher over the last month as Israeli forces advance on Gaza City.Even if aid surges in, through the UN and the Red Crescent as specified under Trumps plan, hundreds of thousands will still not have enough food or shelter. The war in Gaza has spilled across the region, triggering further conflicts in Lebanon, Yemen and Iran. The relief of regional rulers, many of whom faced waves of popular anger, will be great, if tempered with some anxiety about what may follow in Gaza. They will now have to answer the question of who will provide troops for the promised stabilisation force in Gaza or pay for its reconstruction, which will take decades. Agence France-Presse, the Associated Press and Reuters contributed reporting President Vladimir Putin has said Russias air defences were to blame for downing an Azerbaijani jetliner in December that killed 38 people, his first admission of responsibility for the crash in an apparent bid to ease tensions between the neighbours. Mr Putin said the missiles fired by Russian air defences to target a Ukrainian drone exploded near the Azerbaijani Airlines plane flying from Baku as it was preparing to land in Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya, on December 25 2024. A British Airways flight en route from Istanbul to London was forced to make an emergency landing in Romanias capital after four people on board reportedly suffered possible smoke inhalation, authorities have said. The pilots on the Airbus A320, which was carrying 142 passengers, had requested an emergency landing at Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport at 5.50pm local time (1420 GMT) and landed at 6.14pm (1514 GMT), after which an emergency response team, including a medical crew, boarded the plane, the airport said. A federal judge has tossed out a defamation lawsuit Drake brought against Universal Music Group, labelling the alleged libellous words as opinion. Judge Jeannette A Vargas rejected the suit in a written opinion that began by citing the vitriolic war of words and saying the case arose from perhaps the most infamous rap battle in the genres history. The January lawsuit alleged that UMG published and promoted rival Kendrick Lamars diss track Not Like Us, even though it included false paedophilia allegations against Drake and suggested listeners should resort to vigilante justice. Kendrick Lamar (Yui Mok/PA) Lamar was not named in the lawsuit. Universal Music Group, the parent record label for both artists, had denied the allegations. From the outset, this suit was an affront to all artists and their creative expression and never should have seen the light of day, UMG said in a statement. Were pleased with the courts dismissal and look forward to continuing our work successfully promoting Drakes music and investing in his career. The lawsuit alleged the track led to violence at Drakes home in Toronto, tarnished his reputation and decreased the value of his brand. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) The Trump peace plan has resulted in an agreement between Hamas and Israel to pause fighting and exchange prisoners. Other points in the plan, including an Israeli troop withdrawal and the laying down of arms by Hamas, appear still to be being negotiated, which is to say that we are hardly out of the woods. The Israeli government agreed to a phased withdrawal from the entire West Bank in 1993, and over 30 years later Israeli cabinet members are talking about simply annexing the entire territory and expelling its indigenous Palestinians. What is indisputable is the desperate need for such a pause in fighting and Israeli military withdrawal. The human toll of every day of war is hard to imagine, harder still to express. Dr. Masako Horino et al., writing in The Lancet , find that the Israeli cut-off of food aid in April produced a mind-boggling crisis in childrens health, with wasting (severe muscle loss) from malnutrition seen in nearly 16% of children screened in the Strip in August, with nearly 4% severely wasted. They calculate that this level of wasting malnutrition equates to more that 54,600 children needing therapeutic care. Note that the hundreds suffering from severe wasting may never fully recover and may suffer permanent cognitive damage. Note also that many of them may just die, as other children already have, from starvation, if food aid is not flooded into the Strip immediately. Juan Cole P. O. Box 4218, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2548 USA (Remember, make the checks out to Juan Cole or they cant be cashed) Horino concluded, This study revealed that youngest children in the Gaza Strip are tragically bearing an unimaginable burden of preventable malnutrition during this war. After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cut off most food shipments into Gaza in April, food prices skyrocketed. By July, they had risen by a factor of 100. Economist Amartya Sen showed that in most famines, there is food around, it just becomes too expensive for people to afford. What food there is in Gaza is for the most part no longer affordable for most people, but it may well be that there also just isnt much food to be had there. Some 80% of cropland has been destroyed by Israeli bombardment and fishermen are routinely fired on by the Israeli navy, so the Strip is more than ever unable to produce much of its own food. The UNRWA physicians measured the circumference of the mid-upper arm in children with a color-coded tape to determine how much muscle and fat mass they have between the elbow and the shoulder. The acronym for mid-upper arm circumference is MUAC. A low MUAC score is extremely alarming and indicates the need for immediate therapeutic care. Bill Maher, Van Jones and Tom Friedman may find dead Palestinian babies in Gaza hilarious. One wonders if they feel the same about the babies with sticks for arms and legs. Never miss an issue of Informed Comment: Click here to subscribe to our email newsletter! Social media will pretend let you subscribe but then use algorithms to suppress the postings and show you their ads instead. And please, if you see an essay you like, paste it into an email and share with friends. That nearly 16% of children are suffering from wasting malnutrition was among the pieces of evidence that led the UN to a finding that Gaza is suffering a famine. UNRWA quotes Dr Akihiro Seita, Director of UNRWAs Health Department and senior author of the study, as saying, Tens of thousands of young children in the Gaza Strip are suffering from preventable malnutrition, disease, and increased risk of death, as a consequence of the ongoing war. Without a lasting ceasefire and peace, this human suffering will continue. Horino and her colleagues also estimate that more than 30% of the at least 67,000 Palestinians killed by Israel over the past two years have been children. Some 40,000 Palestinians of the 170,000 wounded in the war have suffered life-altering injuries, i.e. have been crippled or blinded or in some way severely impaired. Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, said last week as the prospects for a cease-fire began brightening, We have some 170,000 metric tons of food, medicine, shelter and other desperately needed supplies poised to enter Gaza from across the region. Our plan is not a theory we know it works. Proceeds from the sale of Juan Coles book Gaza Yet Stands go to humanitarian organizations working in Gaza. The Lancet study did indeed find that wasting malnutrition among children examined in Gaza during the last ceasefire in January and February fell to 5% from double digits, showing that the UN and other aid organizations can mobilize quickly and throughout Gaza to get food and other aid to people. Gaza 63: Referencing Kathe Kollwitzs 1924 poster, Germanys Children are Starving,' Digital, ChatGPT, 2025. Although the Israeli army had attempted to completely depopulate Gaza City of its some 1 million inhabitants over the past few weeks, UNRWA estimates that 200,000 people are still in the city, facing heavy bombardment until the pause in fighting actually goes into effect. Beyond the hostage exchange and pause in fighting, the details to be worked out are a tangle. These further phases of any peace deal should not delay the most pressing step, the immediate shipment into Gaza of the UNs 170,000 metric tons of food, which are in trucks just sitting outside the Israeli checkpoints and kept immobile by a cruel policy of deliberate starvation of civilians as a tool of war. They do this by leveraging factors that make workers vulnerable. For decades the USs immigration system, a defacto deportation regime, has made all unauthorised workers as well as those with work visas vulnerable to exploitation, including trafficking. Trumps cruel obsession with immigration enforcement has deepened the pool of precarious workers. Other factors, such as poverty, linguistic limitations, and working alongside extended family and friends from ones home village, further compromise workers ability to call out mistreatment. This includes sexual assault. Women stay quiet because they fear retaliation not only for themselves, but also against their coworkers who are family and friends. And Ive heard, time and time again, that workers cannot afford even one day without work. In short, workers are strongly disincentised to walk away or report abuse while, at the same time, extreme heat is further worsening their daily working conditions. Lets look, for example, at what is happening in the grape fields of northern California. Famed for its wine, this region also regularly experiences wildfire (all of California is referred to as a wildfire zone). Many agricultural workers in that area are poor, undocumented and indigenous. In interviews they said employers put substantial pressure on them to continue working through toxic wildfire smoke, even in active evacuation zones. Workers described vans sent to pick up workers who had evacuated to shelters. They said growers didnt always explicitly tell them they must work, but when the vans showed up they felt they couldnt say no. As one organiser explained: Its not really a choice. They were being forced to pick when smoke and fire were everywhere. Workers expendability is unmistakable. From jerry rigging their own bandanas into makeshift PPE, to feeling coerced to work no matter the conditions, workers accede to working during and after disasters in large part out of fear of being reported to Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE). An emergency governance regime takes over during disasters that suspends the few protections low-wage workers might have. In the midst of raging fires and mandated evacuation, for example, localities often issue access passes to agricultural workers. Growers also pressure workers to sign liability waivers. While these waivers and fire insurance protect growers, workers risk heat exhaustion, exposure to toxins, and the terror of encroaching fire and emergency evacuation. Workers fear of deportation also leads them to eschew government assistance after their own losses to fire or floods. An attorney in Northern California recounted, for example, how agricultural workers slept on beaches after a fire ravaged their community because they feared that ICE would arrest them in shelters. Climate canaries Heat isnt just transforming agricultural work. A whole range of workers not traditionally understood as vulnerable are learning that they are quickly becoming so as temperatures rise. Photo by Baptiste Buisson on Unsplash This includes people in manufacturing plants and restaurant kitchens, where cooling systems cannot keep pace with spiking temperatures; airport workers in literal hotspots like Phoenix and Las Vegas, where planes are grounded because of the heat; and delivery workers, who retrieve packages from inside trucks that heat-up like ovens. What these workers have in common is that they labour in sites being grievously altered by climate change. In interviews, such workers have told me that they have experienced breathing difficulties, fainting, and complications with pre-existing conditions like diabetes. These are early warnings a kind of climate canary in the coal mine not just about worker safety but about the harmful future that capitalism is driving us to enter. We are at a tipping point in the struggle for worker justice. If we dont begin to prioritise people over profits, even more workers will perish alongside the planet. There is still time to challenge legally and politically the normalisation of heat-related harms. In the 20 years that the US has offered anti-trafficking assistance, it has awarded only a paltry number of visas to exploited workers. It would be imprudent to imagine that it could simply be expanded to account for climate dangers. As many activists, scholars, and attorneys around the globe have noted, anti-trafficking policies and programmes have been far more effective as punitive anti-sex work and migration controls than in assisting exploited, undocumented individuals. The current anti-trafficking regime cannot possibly address the sheer number of workers whose livelihoods will, sooner or later, depend upon them risking their lives in the lethal working conditions created by incessant carbon emissions. A new template for anti-trafficking that combines worker safety with mandated fossil fuel reduction is needed to both drive down rising temperatures and to ensure dignified and safe work. - Denise Brennan is Professor of Anthropology at Georgetown University. She is the author of Life Interrupted: Trafficking into Forced Labor in the United States and Whats Love Got to Do with It? Transnational Desires and Sex Tourism in the Dominican Republic. She and Xitlalli Almendariz Alvarez are finishing a book on undocumented life in the U.S.: Policing Political Possibility: Borders, Communities, and Classrooms. She will be a Fellow at Harvard Radcliffe Institute in 2025-26 to write a new book on exploitation and climate change: Work through Disaster: Labor and Trafficking Amidst Climate Ruin. This article is published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International licence. ( Codepink ) As U.S. President Donald Trump surely intended, his 20-point Gaza plan succeeded in upstaging calls by many other world leaders at the UN General Assembly for concrete, coordinated UN-led measures to force Israel to end its criminal genocide in Gaza and the illegal occupation of Palestine. Trumps White House meeting with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on September 29th coincided with the last day of the annual meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York, where Trump had met with eight Arab and Muslim leaders at the UN and won their support for a proposed plan for Gaza. In a textbook bait-and-switch, Trump then allowed the Israelis to significantly alter his plan before he unveiled it to the world at his meeting with Netanyahu, but pretended it was the same plan that the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and other countries had endorsed. Trumps plan was based on cornering Hamas into a series of steps it hadnt agreed to: freeing all the Israeli prisoners in Gaza without a full Israeli withdrawal; surrendering its weapons and its role in Palestinian politics; and handing Gaza over to a new phase of Israeli occupation. Gaza would be governed by a board headed by Trump and former U.K. prime minister Tony Blair, who not only invaded Iraq alongside the U.S. in 2003, but at the same time masterminded a dirty war against Hamas that led to the isolation and blockade of Gaza, and ultimately to the current crisis. On October 8th, after unprecedented pressure from Arab and Islamic mediators, Hamas dropped its insistence on a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as a precondition for the prisoner exchange, the ceasefire and the resumption of aid deliveries. Other details remained to be worked out, but all sides seemed to believe they were close to an agreement. A source close to the negotiators told Drop Site News that Hamas was willing to gamble on Trumps promise to prevent the Israelis from resuming the genocide once Israel had its prisoners back. Under Trumps plan, Israel would agree to end its genocidal assault on Gaza and partially withdraw its forces, but only his word would prevent it relaunching the genocide once it had the Israeli prisoners in Gaza safely back. Israel reportedly agreed to begin allowing 600 truckloads of aid to enter each day, but it would retain control of Gazas borders with Israel and Egypt, and could again restrict the entry of food, medicine and rebuilding materials at any point. Prime minister Netanyahu has said publicly that Israel will not withdraw its forces from Gaza until Hamas and other Palestinian forces have been removed from power and disarmed, while Hamas insists it will not disarm until the occupation of Palestine ends and its fighters can hand over their weapons to the new armed forces of the sovereign nation of Palestine. Hamas also responded to Trump that it has no authority to act as the sole negotiator in talks on the future of Palestine. It said Palestine must be governed by Palestinians, not Trump or Blair, and that its future must be negotiated between representatives of all Palestinian factions. So Trumps plan is still rife with unresolved disagreements, but it may at least lead to a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange, and the ceasefire could possibly become permanent. But in any case, it is clearly designed to perpetuate, not to end, Israels illegal occupation of Palestine. As the Progressive International said in a statement on October 7th: Far from paving a path to peace, it offers a blueprint for the further colonisation and subjugation of the Palestinian people the culmination of decades of dispossession and destruction that reached its dark zenith in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Whatever the result of these negotiations, the UN and the worlds governments should not sit idly by as passive observers. The UN should urgently prepare to take the concrete steps that leaders from around the world called for at the General Assembly in September, to give force to UN General Assembly resolutions calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the unrestricted restoration of life-saving humanitarian aid, and a final end to the brutal Israeli occupation of Palestine. In July 2025, the UN General Assembly organized a High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. The conference was chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, and its goal was not only to reaffirm international consensus on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine but to catalyze concrete, timebound and coordinated international action toward the implementation of the two-State solution. The conference produced a lengthy New York Declaration, which was endorsed by the General Assembly in a resolution on September 12th, by a vote of 142 to 10, with 12 abstentions. But this was a plan for the day after, which, by itself, failed to bring that day any closer, because it deliberately avoided taking the concrete, timebound and coordinated international action that the conferences mandate had explicitly called for. The declaration was based on the deliberations of 8 working groups, co-chaired by representatives of 15 different countries, the Arab League and the European Union, which each drew up plans for the aftermath of a hypothetical permanent ceasefire in Gaza, with topics like Humanitarian Action and Reconstruction and Security for Israelis and Palestinians. Three roundtables at the July conference, chaired by former Irish president Mary Robinson, former Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid bin Raad of Jordan, agreed that the General Assemblys first step should be the international recognition of the state of Palestine. UN recognition requires the approval of both the General Assembly and the UN Security Council. However, with such a large majority of countries supporting recognition, and the United States abusing its veto to sideline the Security Council, the General Assembly can call an Emergency Special Session (ESS) to act alone under the Uniting for Peace principle, to officially recognize Palestine and welcome it as a full UN member. Instead, while several Western countries finally recognized Palestine, bringing the total number who have recognized its independent statehood to 157, the declaration was endorsed in a regular session of the General Assembly that lacked the power to grant formal UN recognition. But the most serious omission from the July 2025 conference and the September 12th resolution was that they failed to take concrete, coordinated UN action to impose a ceasefire in Gaza, the vital first step to get to the day after that the working groups at the conference were tasked with planning for. Trump took advantage of that omission to propose an end to the genocide in Gaza on terms that would perpetuate the Israeli occupation instead of ending it. It was entirely predictable that Israel would reject and ignore the New York Declaration, and prime minister Netanyahu did just that in his General Assembly speech on September 26th. But after most of the delegates walked out and left Netanyahu ranting to a nearly empty hall, the Hague Group of countries led by Colombia and South Africa hosted a meeting with representatives of 34 countries to plan the coordinated, concrete action the UN must now take to end the genocide and the occupation. As Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez Parilla told the General Assembly in his speech the next day, it should convene an Emergency Special Session without further delay to take concrete measures for Palestine, including a binding resolution on full UN membership. If the General Assembly is serious about ending the genocide and the occupation, the Emergency Special Session must also debate and vote on a UN-led arms embargo, economic boycott and other concrete measures designed to force Israel to comply with international law, international court rulings and UN resolutions on Palestine. The UN Human Rights Office in Geneva already has a database of 158 Israeli and multinational corporations that are complicit in Israels illegal occupation, so an international boycott of those companies could take effect immediately. Israel is a small country, dependent on trade and economic relations with countries all over the world. If the large majority of countries that voted for the New York Declaration are ready to back their words and their votes with coordinated action, a UN-led trade boycott, divestment campaign and arms embargo can put enormous pressure on Israel to end its genocide in Gaza and its illegal occupation of Palestine. With full participation by enough countries, these steps could quickly make Israels position very difficult. Many speakers at the 2025 General Assembly called passionately for this kind of decisive action to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza and end the occupation. King Abdullah of Jordan asked, How long will we be satisfied with condemnation after condemnation without concrete action? President Lula said that Brazil already has an arms embargo against Israel and has cut off all trade with its illegal settlements; Turkiye severed all trade links with Israel in August; Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof called for an arms embargo and the suspension of the EUs trade agreement with Israel; and Chadian prime minister Allah-Maye Halina declared, Our duty from this moment on is to transform this strong declaration into concrete acts and make the Palestinian peoples hope a reality. The Hague Group of countries was formed by the Progressive International to support South Africas genocide case at the International Court of Justice and war crimes cases against Israeli officials at the International Criminal Court. In a meeting at Bogota in Colombia in July, twelve of those countries committed to an arms embargo and other concrete measures against the Israeli occupation. In his speech to the General Assembly on September 23rd, Colombian president Gustavo Petro called for an Emergency Special Session on Palestine and for a UN peacekeeping force to defend Palestine. A previous Emergency Special Session in September 2024 demanded that Israel must end its post-1967 occupation of Palestine within a year. Israels refusal to even begin to do so, and its defiant escalation of its genocide in Gaza, increasing repression in the other occupied territories and attacks on other countries provide all the grounds the General Assembly should need to take the concrete, coordinated measures that many countries are calling for. Tragically, instead of applying the diplomatic and economic pressure it will take to secure a ceasefire and end the occupation, France, Saudi Arabia and their partners instead relied on dangling carrots in front of Israel, such as regional economic integration and recognition by Arab and Muslim countries, to try to seduce or bribe Israel into complying with international law and UN resolutions. This was never going to work. The toothless New York Declaration, and now Trumps new occupation plan for Gaza, offer little hope for the future to the besieged, starved, bombed people of Gaza. The UN General Assembly must follow up on these flawed initiatives with decisive UN-led action to ensure a real, permanent end to the genocide and the occupation, by imposing economic sanctions, an arms embargo and other measures to diplomatically and economically isolate Israel. Photo by the blowup on Unsplash There is nothing to prevent the UN General Assembly from quickly convening a new meeting of its Emergency Special Session on Palestine. The ESS can finally take the concrete, time-bound, coordinated international action that the French- and Saudi-led initiative promised but failed to deliver what Malaysian foreign minister Mohamad Hasan described to the General Assembly as concrete action against the occupying force. Across the world, ordinary people are rising up to demand that their governments take action, while flotillas of activists set sail to breach the blockade of Gaza that their governments have failed to challenge. The Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly, meeting under the Uniting for Peace principle, can debate and pass binding resolutions on UN recognition of Palestine, a UN-led international arms embargo, economic boycott and disinvestment campaign, war crimes prosecutions, and other measures to diplomatically isolate Israel. By responding to calls of conscience from their own people, voting for these measures at the UN and acting quickly to enforce them, the governments of the world have the collective power to end this genocide and the brutal, illegal occupation of Palestine that it is part of. Now they must use it. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed a Gaza ceasefire deal to free the remaining living hostages, in a major step towards ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of people and unleashed a humanitarian catastrophe. The agreement, which follows a 20-point peace plan for Gaza announced last month by US President Donald Trump, is to be signed Thursday in Egypt, and calls for Israel to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Under the deal, there will be a a surge of aid into Gaza after more than two years of war started by Hamas's unprecedented October 2023 attack on Israel. The Israeli army said it was preparing to pull back troops in Gaza as part of the deal. Further down the line, Trump's plan also calls for the disarmament of Hamas and for Gaza to be ruled by a transitional authority headed by the US president himself, though this point has yet to be addressed. A source within Hamas told AFP the group will exchange 20 living hostages all at the same time for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners as part of the deal's first phase, with the swap to happen within 72 hours of its implementation. The timing of the implementation would be announced on Thursday, the source said, while Trump said he believed all the hostages would "all be coming back on Monday". - 'Tears of joy' - The announcement sparked waves of joy in Gaza, much of which has been flattened by bombardment and most of whose residents have been displaced at least once over the past two years. "Honestly, when I heard the news, I couldn't hold back. Tears of joy flowed. Two years of bombing, terror, destruction, loss, humiliation, and the constant feeling that we could die at any moment," displaced Palestinian Samer Joudeh told AFP. "Now, we finally feel like we're getting a moment of respite." In Khan Yunis in the south of the Gaza Strip, young people sang, danced and clapped, AFP footage showed. The deal is being thrashed out in indirect negotiations behind closed doors in a conference centre in Sharm El-Sheikh, an Egyptian resort town on the Red Sea. There was none of the pomp around the talks of previous deals agreed in Egypt, in a possible signal that the deeper issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are not being addressed. Qatar said the deal was the "first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid". The hostages are to be freed in exchange for 250 Palestinians sentenced to life imprisonment and 1,700 others arrested by Israel since the war began, added the source within Hamas. - 'With God's help' - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would bring the hostages home "with God's help", and an official source added the premier's cabinet would meet Thursday to approve the deal. Trump said earlier that he may travel to the Middle East this week as a deal was "very close". The fast-paced developments came after AFP journalists saw US Secretary of State Marco Rubio interrupt an event at the White House on Wednesday and hand Trump an urgent note about the progress of the negotiations in Egypt. "I may go there sometime toward the end of the week, maybe on Sunday," Trump said, adding that he was "most likely" to turn up in Egypt but would also consider going to Gaza. Hamas has submitted a list of Palestinian prisoners it wants released from Israeli jails in the first phase of the truce. In exchange, Hamas is to free the remaining 47 hostages, both alive and dead, who were seized in October 2023. In Egypt, the talks were taking place under the shadow of the second anniversary of the Hamas attack, which 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, where 47 remain, including 25 the Israeli military says are dead. Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza has killed at least 67,183 people, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures the United Nations considers credible. The data does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but indicates that more than half of the dead are women and children. Gaza's civil defence agency, a rescue force operating under Hamas's authority, reported several strikes on the territory after the announcement of the deal. - Protests, prisoners - Global pressure to end the war has escalated, with a UN-declared famine unfolding in Gaza and Israeli hostage families longing for their loved ones' return. Protests have erupted in countries around the globe in recent weeks, and a UN probe last month accused Israel of genocide, a charge the government rejected as "distorted and false". Hamas has also been accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. One key to the negotiations was the names of the Palestinian prisoners Hamas pushed for. High-profile inmate Marwan Barghouti -- from Hamas's rival, the Fatah movement -- is among those the group wanted to see released, according to Egyptian state-linked media. Hamas's top negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, also said the Islamist group wants "guarantees from President Trump and the sponsor countries that the war will end once and for all". burs-dk/jm/hmn/ser Italy's parliament Thursday blocked attempts to prosecute two senior ministers and a top official over the controversial release of a Libyan official suspected of committing war crimes. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and Cabinet Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano -- who oversees intelligence matters -- have been investigated for their roles in the release and repatriation of Osama Almasri Najim in January. The Tribunal of Ministers -- a judicial body tasked with handling cases involving government members -- requested parliamentary approval in August to prosecute them. But the lower house of parliament, where Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing coalition has a comfortable majority, voted Thursday to reject the request. Najim, head of Libya's judicial police, was arrested in Turin on January 19 on a warrant from the International Criminal Court, only to be released by a Rome court on procedural grounds. He was then flown home to Tripoli on an Italian air force plane. Nordio defended his release at the time, saying the ICC warrant for his arrest had been poorly written. Meloni was also investigated, but said in August she had been cleared. Israel said Thursday that all parties have signed the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, adding that the release of the captives would "bring the end to this war". The agreement in Egypt follows a 20-point peace plan for Gaza announced last month by US President Donald Trump, after more than two years of war sparked by Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel. US envoy Steve Witkoff said the American leader would travel to Egypt next week for an event celebrating the conclusion of the agreement, with Trump himself saying: "I'm going to try and make a trip over... We're working on the timing, the exact timing." Despite celebrations in Israel and Gaza and a flood of messages from world leaders hailing the deal, numerous issues remain unsettled in the negotiations, including the plan's call for Hamas to disarm and a proposed interim "Board of Peace" led by Trump himself to oversee Gaza's administration. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan said the Palestinian Islamist movement rejected the planned transitional authority. "No Palestinian would accept this. All the factions, including the Palestinian Authority, reject this," Hamdan told Qatar-based broadcaster Al Araby. Trump said the issue of Hamas surrendering its weapons would be addressed in the second phase of the peace plan. "There will be disarming," he told reporters, adding there would also be "pullbacks" by Israeli forces. A ceasefire was to take hold in devastated Gaza within 24 hours of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convening his security cabinet for a meeting that was scheduled to begin at 1400 GMT, the government said. "The final draft of phase one was signed this morning in Egypt by all parties to release all the hostages," government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian told journalists. "All of our hostages, the living and the deceased, will be released 72 hours later, which will bring us to Monday," she said. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the release of the hostages "should bring the end to this war", speaking in an interview with Fox News. At 1500 GMT, Israel's full cabinet was set to meet to approve the deal, under which the military should withdraw from Gaza and release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages. A source within Hamas told AFP the group would exchange 20 living hostages all at the same time for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners as part of the deal's first phase. The deal also envisions a surge of aid into Gaza, where the UN has declared famine. - 'Tears of joy' - The announcement sparked joy in Gaza, much of which has been flattened by bombardment and most of whose residents have been displaced at least once over the past two years. "Honestly, when I heard the news, I couldn't hold back. Tears of joy flowed. Two years of bombing, terror, destruction, loss, humiliation, and the constant feeling that we could die at any moment," displaced Palestinian Samer Joudeh told AFP. In Israel, thousands of people gathered in a Tel Aviv square to celebrate, some holding photos of hostages still in Gaza and waving Israeli and US flags. Many wore stickers reading: "They're coming back." "We have been waiting for this day for 734 days. We cannot imagine being anywhere else this morning," said Laurence Ytzhak, 54. The deal was thrashed out in indirect negotiations behind closed doors in a conference centre in the Red Sea resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh. While Arab leaders including Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said they hoped the ceasefire would lead to a permanent solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, there was no indication the talks were addressing any of the deeper issues at stake. - 'Convince Israelis to deescalate' - Hamas has submitted a list of Palestinian prisoners it wants released from Israeli jails in the first phase. The list names 250 Palestinians sentenced to life imprisonment and 1,700 others arrested by Israel since the war began, according to the Hamas source. High-profile inmate Marwan Barghouti -- from Hamas's rival, the Fatah movement -- is among those the group wanted to see released, according to Egyptian state-linked media. However, Israel said Barghouti would not be part of the exchange. The talks were taking place under the shadow of the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which 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, where 47 remain, including 25 the Israeli military says are dead. Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza has killed at least 67,194 people, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures the United Nations considers credible. The data does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but indicates that more than half of the dead are women and children. Gaza's civil defence agency, a rescue force operating under Hamas's authority, reported several strikes on the territory after the announcement of the deal. AFP journalists and witnesses said more explosions and artillery fire could be heard Thursday evening in southern and central Gaza. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said mediators must "endeavour to convince the Israelis to deescalate or cease fire until the agreement we reached is signed". Pressure to end the war has escalated massively in recent weeks, and a UN probe last month accused Israel of genocide, a charge the government rejected as "distorted and false". Hamas has also been accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. Countries around the world welcomed the deal, with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres saying: "The fighting must stop once and for all." burs/ser/jhb An examination of how evolving surveillance technologies and privacy laws are redefining anonymity, accountability, and human rights in the modern world WASHINGTON, DC The concept of disappearing has transformed from a romantic notion of personal freedom into a legal and ethical question about the limits of privacy and the reach of surveillance. In a world where data collection is continuous and digital footprints persist across borders, true anonymity is no longer a practical reality but a matter of legal negotiation. For Amicus International Consulting, a global advisory firm specializing in identity integrity, privacy governance, and international compliance, the future of disappearance is not about vanishing but about navigating the lawful boundaries of privacy, oversight, and human dignity. The rapid evolution of surveillance technology, combined with shifting legal norms and public expectations, has blurred the line between personal autonomy and collective security. Governments face increasing pressure to regulate data while ensuring national safety. Corporations hold unprecedented quantities of personal information that shape consumer behavior and identity verification. Citizens, meanwhile, grapple with the tension between their desire for privacy and their dependence on connected systems. Amicus International Consulting observes that anonymity has become the new frontier of global ethics. The firms analysts argue that while individuals have the right to privacy, societies have an equal obligation to ensure transparency and accountability. This dual mandate now defines legislative reforms, judicial interpretations, and policy debates in every significant jurisdiction. The Erosion of Anonymity Disappearance in the digital era no longer refers to physical absence but to the management of personal visibility. Every online interaction, transaction, and movement leaves a trace. The rise of biometric identification, automated license plate recognition, facial recognition technology, and cross-border data-sharing agreements has created what legal scholars refer to as the persistent self. For regulators, this persistence provides accountability and security. For privacy advocates, it represents the loss of a fundamental freedom. The balance between these interests underpins the global conversation on the limits of lawful surveillance. Amicus International Consulting emphasizes that complete anonymity is functionally extinct, but privacy remains a protected right. The firm distinguishes between the right to privacy, which limits unjustified interference, and the act of disappearance, which attempts to erase accountability. Legal systems around the world are now codifying that distinction. The Legal Foundation of Modern Surveillance Surveillance is no longer the exclusive domain of intelligence agencies. It is embedded in commercial, financial, and civic life. Data brokers, financial institutions, social networks, and transportation systems all contribute to an ecosystem of observation. As a result, laws governing surveillance and data protection have become central to national and international legal frameworks. In the United States, the Fourth Amendment remains a cornerstone of privacy jurisprudence, although its interpretation continues to evolve in response to technological advancements. The courts now examine digital surveillance through the lens of reasonable expectation of privacy, balancing individual rights against state interests. In Europe, the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) set the highest global standard for consent, proportionality, and oversight. In Canada, privacy commissioners enforce rigorous oversight under federal and provincial legislation. Amicus International Consulting explains that the global trajectory of surveillance law is toward transparency and justification. Every measure must now pass a legal test: Is it necessary, proportionate, and subject to review? Nations that fail to embed these standards risk both legal challenge and public mistrust. Case Study One: Europes Right to Be Forgotten Europes recognition of the right to be forgotten represents a defining moment in the evolution of lawful disappearance. Originating in rulings by the Court of Justice of the European Union, this right allows individuals to request the removal of personal data that is inaccurate, outdated, or irrelevant. Yet the right is not absolute. Courts balance it against freedom of expression, the publics right to know, and legitimate journalistic or historical interest. Amicus International Consulting notes that Europes right to be forgotten reframes disappearance as correction, not concealment. The policys emphasis on accountability ensures that individuals can reclaim privacy without erasing the public record. It also reinforces that digital removal requests must adhere to due process, with clear criteria and judicial oversight. This European model has inspired similar discussions worldwide. Latin American and Asian regulators are now exploring comparable frameworks, seeking to harmonize data deletion with press freedom and public interest. The result is an expanding global conversation about when forgetting becomes a legal duty and when it becomes censorship. Case Study Two: North Americas Transparency Doctrine North Americas approach to surveillance and anonymity emphasizes oversight through checks and balances. The United States relies on statutory regimes such as the Electronic Communications Privacy Act and judicial review under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Canadas federal and provincial privacy laws impose reporting obligations on agencies that collect or share personal information. Amicus International Consulting points out that North American systems favor procedural transparency over absolute privacy. Citizens cannot be erased from data systems, but they can demand that surveillance be authorized, necessary, and subject to review. The courts serve as arbiters of these demands, defining reasonableness and proportionality through precedent. Recent reforms have expanded oversight mechanisms, including mandatory transparency reports from technology companies and audits of government surveillance programs. Civil liberties organizations play a key role, litigating for accountability while accepting that lawful surveillance remains a cornerstone of modern governance. The North American debate highlights that privacy protection and national security are not mutually exclusive. Both countries demonstrate that democratic institutions can maintain oversight without eroding legitimate state authority. Case Study Three: Asia-Pacifics Legal Transformation In the Asia-Pacific region, surveillance and anonymity coexist within diverse legal traditions. Nations such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia have built independent privacy commissions with enforcement power, while others are still developing comprehensive laws. At the same time, regional cooperation on cybersecurity and transnational crime is expanding, creating tension between the need for sovereignty and the requirement for transparency. Amicus International Consulting explains that Asia-Pacifics evolution reflects the global struggle to reconcile collective safety with personal autonomy. Countries with robust legal institutions are advancing data-protection laws based on international standards, whereas others prioritize national security or social stability over individual privacy. The regions future will depend on whether legal reform can institutionalize oversight while maintaining public trust. Nations that invest in judicial review and human rights commissions are more likely to sustain legitimacy in their surveillance practices. The Rise of Data Sovereignty An emerging theme in global privacy law is data sovereignty, the idea that personal data should remain subject to the laws of the nation where it originates. Governments are increasingly asserting control over how data is stored, processed, and transferred abroad. This development has far-reaching implications for anonymity and the disappearance of information. Amicus International Consulting emphasizes that data sovereignty transforms privacy into an instrument of national policy. The firm warns that while localization strengthens accountability, it can also enable authoritarian control. Laws requiring local data storage may protect citizens from foreign surveillance, but they also expose them to domestic overreach. The key, Amicus explains, is balance. Effective legal frameworks must combine data sovereignty with procedural safeguards, including independent review, judicial warrants, and international cooperation based on reciprocity. The Human Element in Surveillance Technology may record everything, but interpretation remains a human endeavor. Analysts, investigators, and courts give meaning to data, determining relevance and legality. Human oversight, therefore, remains the ultimate safeguard against the abuse of surveillance. Amicus International Consulting underscores that oversight is the conscience of surveillance. Without trained, independent reviewers and transparent procedures, even lawful systems can drift into misuse. Countries investing in inspectorates, privacy commissioners, and judicial review mechanisms are building resilience into their governance. The firm argues that education and professional ethics must evolve in tandem with technology. Citizens need to understand how surveillance operates, their rights, and how to exercise them. Transparency is not only a state duty but a civic one. The Policy Frontier: Legal Reform and Accountability Global legal reform is accelerating in response to public demand for privacy and accountability. Legislators are re-examining surveillance powers, data retention limits, and cross-border information-sharing agreements. The future of disappearance, in this policy context, is defined by four converging reforms: proportionality, transparency, remedy, and oversight. First, proportionality ensures that surveillance and data collection serve defined objectives and are limited to what is necessary. Second, transparency requires agencies and corporations to disclose their data practices and provide meaningful consent options. Third, remedy guarantees that individuals can challenge misuse, seek correction, and obtain restitution. Fourth, oversight requires independent bodies to supervise both state and corporate surveillance, with the authority to enforce compliance. Amicus International Consulting supports these reforms as the pillars of ethical surveillance. The firm warns that failure to embed these principles risks creating systems that collect without conscience and observe without justification. Ethics, Law, and the Right to Privacy Legal reform alone cannot preserve anonymity or prevent abuse. Ethical norms and professional standards must also evolve. The convergence of legal compliance and moral accountability defines the next phase of privacy governance. Amicus International Consulting believes that law provides the boundary, ethics provide the compass. The firm encourages legal professionals, policy makers, and corporations to adopt internal codes of conduct that exceed statutory minimums. Ethical governance builds public trust, ensuring that surveillance remains a tool for safety rather than control. Public trust, once lost, is difficult to rebuild. Transparency, communication, and genuine oversight are therefore indispensable. Governments that communicate openly about surveillance powers and limits are more likely to sustain democratic legitimacy. The Future of Anonymity and Human Dignity Anonymity will not disappear entirely, but it will become conditional; regulated by law, justified by purpose, and subject to oversight. Individuals will continue to have rights to protect personal data and communications, but those rights will operate within systems that demand proportional transparency. Amicus International Consulting envisions the emergence of a new social contract centered on responsible anonymity. Under this model, citizens maintain control over personal identity data but accept that lawful investigations may access limited information under judicial supervision. This balance ensures both safety and freedom. As surveillance expands through artificial intelligence, biometrics, and international data sharing, the boundaries of anonymity will be tested continuously. Courts and legislatures must keep pace, defining the criteria that separate protection from evasion. Conclusion: Disappearance Reimagined The future of disappearance is not a return to invisibility but the creation of lawful, rights-based privacy. In every region, the conversation now centers on how to safeguard human dignity while preventing misuse of secrecy. The idea of disappearing has evolved into the legal right to be seen only when justified by law. Amicus International Consulting concludes that the measure of a free society is not the absence of surveillance but the presence of accountability. The firm calls on governments to strengthen oversight, on corporations to prioritize transparency, and on citizens to engage with privacy as an active civic duty. The next decade will define how humanity reconciles technology with trust. The path forward is not to escape observation but to ensure that observation serves justice, not power. The future of disappearance lies not in vanishing, but in visibility governed by law. Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Signal: 604-353-4942 Telegram: 604-353-4942 Email: [email protected] Website: www.amicusint.ca New York celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival through music, cultural traditions Xinhua) 13:24, October 09, 2025 Violinist Lyu Siqing and pianist Wei Zijian perform during a concert named Moonlit Melodies to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Peak Event Space of the Edge in New York city, the United States, on Oct. 6, 2025. The Mid-Autumn Festival in China, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, falls on Oct. 6 this year. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo) NEW YORK, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- "Moonlit Melodies," a concert hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in New York, brought together nearly 100 Chinese and American guests on Monday evening to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival through music and cultural traditions. High above Manhattan on the 101st floor of The Edge observation deck, world-renowned Chinese violinist Lyu Siqing performed on the historic 1734 "ex-Ricci" Guarneri del Gesu violin, accompanied by rising Chinese pianist Wei Zijian, winner of the 2024 Cleveland International Piano Competition. Their performance seamlessly intertwined Eastern and Western classics in a program inspired by the moon -- a symbol of reunion and harmony. The program featured Claude Debussy's "Clair de Lune," Jules Massenet's "Meditation," and Chinese pieces such as "Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon" and excerpts from "The Butterfly Lovers" violin concerto. The shifting melodies -- at times serene and introspective, at others vivid and exuberant -- transported the audience into a realm of shared cultural harmony. "On this holiday of reunion for Chinese people around the world, we are delighted to share the beauty of moon-themed music and send our blessings to friends from both China and the United States," Lyu told Xinhua. Wei said music is a universal language. "I hope these melodies can convey love and peace," he said. "If music helps people forget their troubles, the world will become a more harmonious place." China's Consul General in New York Chen Li speaks before a concert named Moonlit Melodies to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Peak Event Space of the Edge in New York city, the United States, on Oct. 6, 2025. The Mid-Autumn Festival in China, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, falls on Oct. 6 this year. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo) Pianist Wei Zijian performs during a concert named Moonlit Melodies to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Peak Event Space of the Edge in New York city, the United States, on Oct. 6, 2025. The Mid-Autumn Festival in China, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, falls on Oct. 6 this year. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo) Violinist Lyu Siqing performs during a concert named Moonlit Melodies to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Peak Event Space of the Edge in New York city, the United States, on Oct. 6, 2025. The Mid-Autumn Festival in China, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, falls on Oct. 6 this year. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo) People attend a concert named Moonlit Melodies to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Peak Event Space of the Edge in New York city, the United States, on Oct. 6, 2025. The Mid-Autumn Festival in China, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, falls on Oct. 6 this year. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo) Pianist Wei Zijian performs during a concert named Moonlit Melodies to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Peak Event Space of the Edge in New York city, the United States, on Oct. 6, 2025. The Mid-Autumn Festival in China, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, falls on Oct. 6 this year. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Thursday, October 9, 2025 - Kenyan media personality and comedian, Oga Obinna, has announced hes suspending all personal acts of kindness following disturbing accusations linking him to the tragic death of Gengetone artist, Shalkido. The late rapper, a member of the popular group Sailors, passed away recently in a motorbike accident along Thika Road. Online speculation quickly spiraled, with some netizens bizarrely suggesting Obinnas success was tied to dark rituals. The most outrageous claims pointed to his cars number plate 666 - as supposed proof. Adding fuel to the fire, it was revealed that Obinna had been with Shalkido at a club in Kahawa Wendani and had even fueled his motorbike shortly before the accident. Obinna, clearly shaken, took to social media to express his frustration. Nimejichuna maskio. Nijikute tena. Wanadamu hawana shukrani. Saa hii kila mtu apambane tu, he wrote, signaling his decision to stop helping others. Damned if you do, damned if you dont. I would rather when I dont, he added. In a strongly worded statement, Obinna announced the suspension of all personal aid, citing ongoing defamation and manipulation by bloggers and social media users. While structured charity work through Obinna TV Foundation will continue, unsolicited requests will no longer be entertained. He also warned that those spreading false claims will face legal consequences, with documentation already underway. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, October 9, 2025 - Kenyans on social media are up in arms after a disturbing video emerged showing a man assaulting a female attendant at a local petrol station while bragging about his wealth and connections. In the viral footage, the man is seen slapping the lady across the face as her colleagues watch helplessly. He continues shouting and boasting that no one can touch him, claiming that he has powerful friends and money to protect him. The shaken attendant breaks down in tears as the man hurls insults at her in full view of shocked customers and workmates. A uniformed police officer is seen attempting to intervene, but shockingly leaves the scene without arresting the aggressor. The short video has sparked outrage on social media, with netizens demanding that authorities take immediate action against the man, whose identity has yet to be officially confirmed. Many condemned the act as a blatant display of arrogance, gender-based violence, and abuse of privilege. Watch the video. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, October 9, 2025 - Former Citizen TV anchor and ex-State House spokesperson, Kanze Dena, opened up about her journey through young motherhood, love, and the choices that shaped her life. In a candid interview on Bahari FM, Kanze shared that she became pregnant shortly after finishing high school, a time filled with fear and uncertainty. Too afraid to tell her mother, she considered giving the baby up for adoption and enrolled in a college far from home to keep her pregnancy hidden. However, her secret unraveled when a concerned friend alerted her aunt, who informed her mother. Coincidentally, her mum was in Nairobi and rushed to Pumwani Hospital where Kanze was delivering. I was shocked to see them standing there, she recalled. It was at that moment I realised they had found out everything. Tragically, Kanzes baby passed away three months later. The childs father had abandoned her early in the pregnancy, and they never reconnected. If they were alive today, theyd be 26, she said. Years later, Kanze had another child, now 19. Despite their bond, she chose not to marry the childs father. I told myself I dont want to be married because of pregnancy, she said. If a man marries me, it should be because he loves me. When the relationship became strained, Kanze walked away, focusing on her career and faith. She and her sons father have co-parented successfully for nearly two decades. We both remarried, but weve raised him together, and I thank God for that, she shared. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, October 9, 2025 - The High Court in Nairobi has officially certified Pastor Robert Burales defamation petition against media personality, Alex Mwakideu, and his sister, Rozinah Mwakideu, as urgent. In a notice dated Thursday, October 9th, 2025, Justice Stephen Onjoro directed Burale to serve the application to both defendants immediately, with the hearing set for October 23rd. The judge warned that failure to comply with the courts orders would result in penal consequences. Burale is seeking Ksh20 million in damages following a controversial interview aired on Alexs YouTube channel, Alex Mwakideu TV. In the explosive interview, Rozinah - Burales ex-wife - described their one-year marriage as the darkest period of her life, calling it her biggest mistake. She alleged emotional neglect and financial strain, and claimed to have accessed Burales personal documents, which she said revealed troubling details. Burale dismissed the claims as false and malicious, arguing that they were intended to damage his reputation and credibility as a preacher and motivational speaker. He also accused Alex of professional negligence for failing to verify the allegations before publishing the video and encouraging viewers to share widely. The petition seeks a court order to remove the video, prohibit reposts and compel a public apology and retraction. With over 650,000 views and viral snippets circulating online, the case has sparked public interest. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, October 9, 2025 - X is on fire after a Kenyan lady decided to share a collection of love notes her ex-boyfriend used to write for her back in the day - and netizens cant keep calm. She uploaded pictures of handwritten romantic letters filled with sweet words and poems from her former bae. However, despite all his effort and genuine affection, she still dumped him - and thats what has the internet talking. Kenyans on X quickly turned the post into a full-blown discussion about modern romance, with some praising the ex for being a real lover boy, while others clowned him, calling him Chief Simp Commander. Check out her post. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, October 9, 2025 - A well-known Bishop from Kitale is on the spot after allegedly poisoning a woman with whom he is said to have been having an affair. According to reliable sources, the woman, who is currently admitted to Nairobi West Hospital in critical condition, had reportedly threatened to expose their secret relationship following a bitter fallout. The affair is said to have taken a dramatic turn after the clergyman allegedly began making strange and uncomfortable demands, which the woman refused to entertain. In response, she reportedly warned that she would leak their private photos and videos to expose the man of Gods hypocrisy. The confrontation is believed to have driven the Bishop to allegedly plot to silence her by poisoning. News of the shocking incident has spread rapidly across social media, sparking outrage and disbelief among Kenyans. Many are now demanding the Bishops immediate arrest and prosecution, calling the incident a shameful stain on the churchs reputation. Police are said to have launched investigations into the matter as the victim continues to fight for her life. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, October 9, 2025 - Anne Ongondo, the widow of the late legislator Ongondo Were, made a rare public appearance on Thursday as she joined her son, Boyd Were, in the campaigns for the hotly contested Kasipul Parliamentary seat. Anne, who has maintained a low profile since the death of her husband, drew considerable attention for her elegant look and confident demeanor as she accompanied Boyd in his bid to follow in his fathers political footsteps. Dressed smartly in a black trouser that flaunted her voluptuous figure, Anne was warmly received by supporters as she greeted crowds and urged residents to rally behind her sons candidature. Political observers noted that Annes participation in the campaign could give Boyd a significant boost, especially among older voters who fondly remember the late Ongondo Weres tenure. Watch the video. Late ONGONDO WEREs wives pic.twitter.com/4qEm0HDWDq DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) October 9, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, October 9, 2025 - In a heartbreaking sequence of events, a couple from Kitale lost their lives in an ambulance crash just hours after the wife had survived an earlier road accident. Margaret, an employee of Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) was en route to Nairobi when the first accident occurred, leaving her with injuries to her leg and forehead. She was stabilized, and her husband, Engineer Joseph Omido, was quickly informed. Determined to be by her side, Omido joined Margaret in the ambulance bound for Nairobi for specialized care. Tragically, the ambulance crashed near Kimende along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway on Saturday night, September 27th. All four passengers - Margaret, Joseph, a nurse, and the driver - died on the spot. Witnesses reported that the ambulance, operated by St Marys Elementaita, lost control before slamming into roadside barriers. The couples love and devotion were evident in Josephs decision to accompany his wife, a gesture that now marks the final chapter of their journey together. A funeral service was held at CITAM Valley Road Church on Tuesday, October 7th, where friends and family gathered to honor their memory. Margaret and Joseph are being laid to rest today, Thursday, at their Ndalu home in Kitale. Their tragic story leaves behind a legacy of love, sacrifice and the unpredictable nature of lifes path. The Kenyan DAILY POST A MOTORIST has pleaded guilty to careless driving which resulted in serious injuries to a motorcyclist in a collision in Athy last year. Inna Perederii (45) of Rheban Manor, Athy, Co Kildare appeared before a sitting of Naas Circuit Criminal Court where she was charged with careless driving causing serious bodily harm contrary to Section 52 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. The offence occurred at Carlow Road, Athy on 15 February 2024. Ms Perederii did not address the court apart from pleading guilty to the offence through a Russian translator. The court heard that the accused was driving a 10-KE reg black Nissan Qashqai without due care and attention. Defence counsel, Richard Wixted BL, told the arraignment hearing that Ms Perederii has no previous convictions. Mr Wixted asked Judge Elva Duffy to remand the defendant on continuing bail until she was sentenced. Prosecution counsel, Daniel Boland BL, said there was no objection from the DPP to the application. Judge Duffy remanded Ms Perederii on continuing bail to appear before the same court on 13 January next to fix a date for a sentencing hearing. At an earlier sitting of Athy District Court, evidence was heard that the collision occurred at around 6.30am when Mr Perederii was attempting to turn right. Sergeant Dave Hanrahan told the court that the motorcyclist had sustained numerous injuries in the crash including two fractures of spinal vertebrae, a broken leg, a broken collar bone and some internal injuries. Judge Desmond Zaidan observed that the injured party had suffered catastrophic, life-changing injuries. He was almost paralysed, the judge added. He claimed the original decision of the DPP to prosecute a charge of dangerous driving causing serious injury at district court level was shocking and an insult to the injured party. The charge was subsequently amended to careless driving when it came before Naas Circuit Criminal Court after Judge Zaidan refused jurisdiction to deal with the case. By Rebecca Black, PA The DUP has distanced itself from comments made by the son of one of the founders of the party over being open to hearing persuasive arguments around the potential of a united Ireland. Ian Paisley, a former MP for North Antrim, also emphasised his British identity as he took part in new podcast series Borderland by BBC Northern Ireland. He is the son of Ian Paisley, one of the founders of the DUP who went on to serve as First Minister of Northern Ireland and later became Lord Bannside. Ian Paisley, left, the former Northern Ireland first minister, with his son Ian Paisley Jnr after his father took his seat in the House of Lords. Photo: Stefan Rousseau/PA. Its who and what I am. Im a Brit, Im a British citizen, Im a British person, my identity is British, my history is British and my emotions are British, he said. He indicated to the podcast that he appeared on alongside former Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew in at times testy exchanges that he was open to persuasive arguments. My mind is open, Im a true believer in Britain and this place being British, he said. But if you have got persuasive arguments please present them because to date I have not heard them. However, Mr Paisley also said: My flag wont fly in that country, the flag my wifes great-grandfather perished for, and thats a multi-generation thing. We have people who are living today who carry the bullet wounds for defending this country, their flag will not fly in that country, their sovereign will not be sovereign of that country. He also called for champions within the UK government who are prepared to recognise that Northern Ireland is an integral and essential part of the union. I insist that a Cabinet and the government has to make the case for the United Kingdom, otherwise why are they in this game? he said. As Ian is no longer in public office, he is entitled to give his own views but he is not appearing on behalf of the party DUP statement In a statement on Tuesday, the DUP said they wished to make clear that Mr Ian Paisley is appearing in this series in his own personal capacity and not on behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party. As Ian is no longer in public office, he is entitled to give his own views but he is not appearing on behalf of the party, they said. The Democratic Unionist Party is not interested in engaging or being persuaded on the so-called merits of a united Ireland or new Ireland or any other label those who want to pursue that aspiration might put on their latest project. We believe in the union and we are not open to taking part in discussions about a new Ireland and we will not be enticed by honeyed words designed to convey an impression that unionists would be welcomed and openly accommodated in a united Ireland. They went on: A cursory examination of how unionists are treated when they find themselves in a minority tells us all we need to know and gives the lie to the narrative being pursued. Nationalists are trying to convince us that a united Ireland is inevitable. That is total rubbish. Leo Varadkar, whilst active in politics, did more to harm relationships between the Republic of Ireland and unionists in Northern Ireland than many of his predecessors and should learn from his mistakes rather than stirring up a divisive debate about a border poll. For us, we will promote the benefits of the United Kingdom and will not be diverted down the route of talking about any new Ireland or a divisive border poll that takes the focus away from the important ongoing real issues that people face on a daily basis. By Nicole McBride, PA Independent TD Barry Heneghan has returned to Ireland after being detained by Israeli forces whilst attempting to provide aid to the people of Gaza, Tanaiste Simon Harris said. On Wednesday, it was announced that three flotilla vessels carrying medicine and nutritional supplies were intercepted just off the coast of Gaza. Mr Heneghan, a TD for the Dublin Bay North constituency, was one of five pro-Palestinian activists from Ireland who was aboard the vessel. Mr Harris said: Ive just received confirmation that Deputy Heneghan is back in Ireland, and had a brief message from him to that effect. We believe it was illegal in terms of how they were detained, and I do intend to consider how to pursue that with other counterparts today, though I join with you in welcoming the very real life prospect of a ceasefire Cian O'Callaghan, Social Democrats Mr Harris expressed his condemnation at the interception of the aid flotilla during leaders questions at The Dail, on Thursday, when questioned by Social Democrats deputy leader TD Cian OCallaghan. Mr OCallaghan said that the kidnapping of five Irish citizens on Wednesday night by Israeli forces in international waters was utterly unacceptable. Mr Harris said: I share your condemnation of what happens to our five Irish citizens. We believe it was illegal in terms of how they were detained, and I do intend to consider how to pursue that with other counterparts today, though I join with you in welcoming the very real life prospect of a ceasefire. The United Nations has talked about there being enough food in the region to feed the people of Gaza for three months. If we can just get that in, and get that in urgently, and our aid people will be endeavouring to assist on that. Mr Harris said that he is calling for the swift release of the other four Irish citizens detained by Israeli forces. The pro-Palestinian activists still detained in Israel include Naoise Dolan, Fionn Macarthure, Veronica OKeane and Mutaz Jadaan. Mr Harris has said that he welcomes the very real prospect of a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan for Gaza, paving the way for a pause in the fighting and the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. On Tuesday and Wednesday, 15 Irish activists on board the Global Sumud Flotilla, who were held in an Israeli prison after their vessels carrying aid to Gaza were intercepted also returned to Ireland. Dozens of people, including family members, friends and supporters gathered at arrivals in Dublin Airport to welcome home the pro-Palestinian activists. Ottoline Spearman An MEP has cautiously welcomed the beginnings of a Gaza peace deal, and has said that Irish peacekeepers should participate in any future Gaza stabilisation force. Barry Andrews, Member of the European Parliament for the Dublin constituency and Fianna Fail party member, said that he would welcome the ceasefire deal if it is the first step of a real peace process, but that the EU must be prepared to immediately apply trade sanctions to Israel if it is "yet another deflection tactic". "The people of Gaza have suffered a horrific genocide and man-made famine. The families of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners have been deprived of their loved ones for far too long. "We need a lasting ceasefire, we need massive UN aid to flow urgently, the IDF to withdraw and a real peace process to begin." Speaking about the proposed International Stabilisation Force for Gaza, Mr Andrews said that the Defence forces should be prepared to send peacekeepers, with Palestinian and UN backing. "The Irish Defence Forces have a proud record of peacekeeping around the world and can play an important part in helping to stabilize Gaza. "However, any such temporary force must be part of a credible peace process based on international law, with accountability for war crimes and a pathway to a two-state solution with security for both states. Following the international summit in Paris today, there also needs to be a follow-up and wider summit of international leaders soon to discuss how to support the ceasefire deal and put in place the following steps towards peace. "Given the geopolitical situation in many parts of the world today, including in the Middle East, the record Irish Aid allocation in Budget 2026 is thus to be welcomed." A KILDARE woman has been announced the regional winner as home carer of the year. Fiona McCrea from Newbridge has been announced as the Kildare/Laois regional winner and finalist in Right at Homes Carer of the Year Awards 2025. 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. Presented by Right at Home, a provider of in-home care and assistance for seniors and adults, the awards were established in 2020 to highlight the heroic work of carers. 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. Fiona will join six other candidates from all throughout Ireland at a special awards ceremony in October where Right at Home's National Carer of the Year 2025 will be crowned as they advance to the final stage of judging over the upcoming weeks. Louise Wine, Care Manager of Right at Home Kildare/Laois, said: Fiona is a true credit to herself and to the Right at Home Kildare/Laois team. "She is deeply valued by the adults and seniors she supports every day, and her kindness, reliability, and professionalism never go unnoticed. Fiona sets a wonderful example for her colleagues, and we are incredibly proud of the high standard of care she provides. She added: At Right at Home, we pride ourselves on selecting carers who bring not only skill but genuine compassion to their work. "From the moment Fiona joined our team, it was clear she was an exceptional." Reacting to the news, Fiona said: I am delighted to be nominated for this award. I feel fortunate to work with such supportive colleagues at Right at Home Kildare/Laois, and this recognition is really a reflection of the care and teamwork we deliver every day. Its an honour to represent my community and to celebrate the important work of carers across the country. Fiona McCrea from who was announced as finalist in Right at Home's Carer of the Year Awards 2025 Photo: Gareth Chaney The national winner of Right at Homes Carer of the Year will be announced at an awards ceremony in Kildare on 17 October. Right at Home has eight offices across Ireland including Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare, Galway, Mayo/Roscommon and Cork. Right at Home has also launched its Road to 1000 recruitment campaign, aiming to hire 1,000 new carers nationwide. The initiative is designed to meet the growing demand for quality home care. For more information visit www.rightathome.ie/. Micheal Martin's apology to Fianna Fail over how Jim Gavins candidacy ended makes the front pages of many of Thursday's papers. The Irish Times leads with Catherine Connolly spending almost 3,700 on a trip to Syria in 2018. The Irish Examiner leads with an apology from Micheal Martin to Fianna Fail TDs over how the presidential election has been handled. The Echo leads with the President of UCC and the Cork Education and Training Board spent a combined 3.5 million outside of procurement rules in 2023. The Irish Independent leads with the Taoiseach apologising to party members over Jim Gavin's botched Aras bid, as a review opens on how Jim Gavin became the candidate. The Herald leads with a man jailed for five years for an attack on a Garda in the Dublin riots. The Irish Daily Mail leads with with the Fianna Fail leader emotional over the presidential election, as Fianna Fail memebers say he was sincere in his apology The Irish Daily Mirror leads with Jim Gavin promising he will pay back the rent owed to his former tenant, Sunday World journalist Niall Donald. The Irish Daily Star reveals the mother of missing presumed dead child Kyran Durnin, has returned to Drogheda. Are you planning a work Christmas party or a Yuletide get-together with friends and family? Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise is the perfect meet-in-the-middle destination for your seasonal celebrations. Conveniently located a short stroll from Portlaoise Train Station and within an hours drive of Dublin and 90 minutes from Cork, the four-star hotel is hosting seven shared party nights throughout December, offering guests the perfect mix of great food, live music, and Christmas cheer from 59 per person. Party nights kick off with a glass of mulled wine or cocktail on arrival, with music from Midlands Park Hotels resident DJ setting the tone for a fun-filled evening. Youll then be treated to a four-course dinner including all the classic holiday favourites with a wide range of choices for every palate. Afterwards, some of Irelands best-loved bands will take to the stage - think high energy entertainers like Midnite Blue, Transmitter, Dejavu, The Vows, The Lols and Vegas Nights. The night doesnt end there, though, as the hotels DJ keeps the dance floor hopping with floor-filling hits well into the early hours. Guests will also have the chance to win spot prizes throughout the evening, adding to the excitement of the evening. For those who want to make a night of it, why not book an overnight stay with breakfast, with rates from 151* for two people on party nights. Midlands Park Hotel is located on Jessop Street, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. To book your Christmas party night or find out more, call 057 8671919 or visit www.midlandsparkhotel.com. Keep up to date with the latest news by following Midlands Park Hotel on social media @midlands_park_hotel. Cllr Maurice Shortall is seeking to table a motion at the upcoming plenary meeting of Kilkenny County Council in relation to 'one-punch' assaults that result in death. The proposed motion, awaiting approval, is: "That Kilkenny County Council calls on the Minister for Justice to review and reform Irelands laws relating to 'one-punch' assaults where a single, unprovoked blow results in death, to ensure that such offences are treated with the seriousness they deserve. READ NEXT: Kilkenny motorists are being urged to be vigilant of potentially fatal hazard "The Council notes the distress caused to victims families by inconsistent sentencing and believes current laws under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 do not fully reflect the gravity of these incidents. "The Council further urges the Minister to consider the approach taken in New Zealand, where stronger legal provisions and sentencing guidelines ensure accountability in one-punch fatality cases, and to introduce similar reforms in Ireland. READ NEXT: Kilkenny shopfronts from the 2000s - how many do you remember? "The Council also supports the introduction of a national awareness campaign to highlight the dangers and legal consequences of one-punch violence, particularly in situations involving alcohol or late-night social activity, and requests that this motion be circulated to all local authorities and forwarded to the Minister for consideration." FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE Sinn Fein MEP Kathleen Funchion voted no confidence in EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Strasbourg this week. Ms von der Leyen comfortably survived two separate no-confidence votes in the European Parliament on Thursday, putting the number of such motions that she has fended off since her July 2024 re-election at three in total. The first motion of the day was brought by the far-right Patriots for Europe which was defeated by a margin of 378 in support of Ms von der Leyen to 179 against. No Irish MEPs voted with the far-right. The second vote, put forward by The Left group failed by an even greater margin with 383 votes backing the Commission president and just 133 against. Ms Funchion was joined in her no confidence vote on The Lefts motion by fellow Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan, Independent Luke Ming Flanagan and Aodhan O Riordain of Labour. The comfortable margin of victory for Ms von der Leyen is a damaging outcome for her opponents but Ms Funchion was unflinching in her criticism after the vote. SEE ALSO: Kilkenny motorists are being urged to be vigilant of potentially fatal hazard In July this year we voted no confidence in Ursula von der Leyen, and today we have voted the same way. Her refusal to act while a genocide unfolds in Palestine is utterly indefensible, said the MEP from Callan. The European Union remains Israels largest trading partner. The EU-Israel trade agreement should have been fully suspended long ago, yet von der Leyen has chosen complicity over intervention. She does not represent the millions of Europeans who see clearly that what is happening in Gaza is genocide. Through her inaction, she has become complicit in grave violations of human rights and international law, she added. Ms Funchion also spoke out against the Commission presidents role in the controversial Mercosur deal which would liberalise trade between the EU and the countries of the Latin American bloc. Farmers have expressed concern over the potential negative impact that the flooding of the EU market with cheaper products, particularly beef, could have on livelihoods. Von der Leyen has also been determined to push through the Mercosur trade deal undemocratically. It is the first time that the Commission has split the trade deal away from the overall agreement. This would be devastating for Irish farmers and the environment. A vote for von der Leyen is a vote to sell out Europes small farms to big industry and to continue giving political cover to war crimes, she concluded. TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS Kilkenny West Group Water Scheme was honoured at the 2025 Group Water Scheme Excellence Awards at the Clayton Hotel, Galway last Thursday as part of Rural Water Week. The event, hosted by the National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) in association with the Local Authority Services National Training Group, celebrates the outstanding achievements of Irelands rural water sector with the winners announced by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher OSullivan TD. Kilkenny West GWS is a relatively new amalgamation of five previously established schemes and the award was given to its board for their tireless commitment, collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication to the sustainable future of local water infrastructure which stands as a shining example of what volunteer-led community leadership can achieve. SEE ALSO: Former Kilkenny manager speaks out on contentious issue The awards ceremony was one of the highlights of the annual Rural Water Services Conference, which brought together over 300 community leaders, volunteers and water professionals from across Ireland. Speaking at the event, NFGWS CEO Mark Farrelly said: The group water schemes and their dedicated volunteers form the backbone of rural water provision in Ireland. Their impact extends far beyond infrastructure, it is rooted in people, place and purpose. These awards are not only a celebration of technical excellence, but a recognition of the spirit of volunteerism and the unique community-driven ethos that defines the GWS model. TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS We're into October now and no better time to recall that Kilkenny was named as one of the top ten most haunted places in Europe by two leading travel publications. Big 7 Travel and EnjoyTravel.com teamed up to find the continents most haunted places and Kilkenny came in at #7 on their list, beating stiff competition from the likes of Edinburgh, Dublin and even Transylvania! The writers describe Kilkenny and its past as full of fascinating and spooky stories. Located some 80 miles from Dublin, this medieval city was the site of Irelands first witches trial, they note. The story goes that Alice Kyteler married into a rich family, ultimately at the expense of her stepchildren. The stepchildren then accused Kyteler of witchcraft, leading to the first trial in 1324. She managed to escape, leaving her maid, Petronilla, to be charged as a witch instead. Tragedy struck again in 1763. A vicious flood tore down a bridge, drowning 16 people in its wake. Today, locals report seeing creepy, misty figures rise from the river in the morning. Eerie spirits can be felt across the city there are several ghost tours that take you to the spookiest places. Below is the full Top 10: York, England Tallinn, Estonia Bruges, Belgium Poveglia Island, Italy Borgvattnet, Sweden London, England Kilkenny, Ireland Edinburgh, Scotland Dublin, Ireland Transylvania, Romania As the article makes clear, whether you believe in the supernatural or not, theres no denying that the brutal past of many European cities and towns has left a spine-chilling, eerie feeling in its wake. FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE Luke Combs is set to headline Slane Castle in County Meath in Summer 2026 as part of his My Kinda Saturday Night Tour of Europe and North America. The country music superstar just announced the Irish tour date as July 18, 2026. He is best known for his hit songs Beautiful Crazy, Forever After All and She Got the Best of Me, as well as his cover of Tracy Chapmans Fast Car which went viral on TikTok. Read next: Who are the guests on this week's Graham Norton Show on BBC? Here's the star-studded line-up The line-up also features Dublin band The Script, country artist Ty Myers, and trio The Castellows as special guests. Combs will be the first country artist to take the stage at the legendary Slane Castle, which has hosted concerts by global music icons including Madonna, Eminem, David Bowie, Metallica, U2, Harry Styles, and Bruce Springsteen since shows first began there in 1981. Tickets, priced from 121.25 plus a service charge, will go on general sale via Ticketmaster from 10am on Friday, October 17, with limited pre-sales running earlier in the week. There will be an eight limit ticket per transaction. MCD Presale starts Wednesday October 15 at 10am, while the Mastercard Presale starts from 10am Thursday October 16. Speaking on his upcoming North American and European tour, Combs said: This year has been awesome. Weve gotten to play some of the most iconic festivals in the world and promote country music in ways that it normally isnt. That said, while the festivals are awesome, theres nothing like a headline show on a full tour with all of my fans. Its hard to beat! I cant wait for March 2026 for the My Kinda Saturday Night Tour. Were going to 8 different countries, bringing along a ton of great support, and by then will have a lot of new music to play. The upcoming tour adds to an already historic career for Combs, who recently became the highest RIAA certified country artist ever with 168 million units sold (surpassing Garth Brooks) and made history as the first country artist to headline both Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. Combs will go on to headline Austin City Limits Music Festival this weekend, after topping the bill at all-genre festivals such as Newport Folk Festival and New Orleans JazzFest earlier this year. Combs is also the first country artist with two songs earning a billion streams on Spotify and the first with four singles certified RIAA Diamond. Read more: ALERT: Gardai in urgent appeal for help locating missing woman (37) last seen five days ago Alloy production by means of arc melting in the material synthesis lab of the Institute for Applied Materials Materials Science and Engineering. (Photo: Chiara Bellamoli, KIT) A new material might contribute to a reduction of the fossil fuels consumed by aircraft engines and gas turbines in the future. A research team from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has developed a refractory metal-based alloy with properties unparalleled to date. The novel combination of chromium, molybdenum, and silicon is ductile at ambient temperature. With its melting temperature of about 2,000 degrees Celsius, it remains stable even at high temperatures and is at the same time oxidation resistant. The results are published in the Nature journal. (DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09516-8) High-temperature-resistant metallic materials are required for aircraft engines, gas turbines, X-ray units, and many other technical applications. Refractory metals such as tungsten, molybdenum, and chromium, whose melting points are around or higher than 2,000 degrees Celsius, can be most resistant to high temperatures. Their practical application, however, has limitations: They are brittle at room temperature and, in contact with oxygen, they start to oxidize causing failure within short time already at temperatures of 600 to 700 degrees Celsius. Therefore, they can only be used under technically complex vacuum conditions for example as X-ray rotating anodes. Due to these challenges, superalloys based on nickel have been used for decades in components that are exposed to air or combustion gases at high temperatures. They are used, for example, as standard materials for gas turbines. The existing superalloys are made of many different metallic elements including rarely available ones so that they combine several properties. They are ductile at room temperature, stable at high temperatures, and resistant to oxidation, explains Professor Martin Heilmaier from KITs Institute for Applied Materials Materials Science and Engineering. However and there is the rub the operating temperatures, i.e. the temperatures in which they can be used safely, are in the range up to 1,100 degrees Celsius maximum. This is too low to exploit the full potential for more efficiency in turbines or other high-temperature applications. The fact is that the efficiency in combustion processes increases with temperature. A Chance for a Technological Leap This limitation existing with the materials available today was the starting point for Heilmaiers working group. Within the Materials Compounds from Composite Materials for Applications in Extreme Conditions (MatCom-ComMat) research training group funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the researchers succeeded in developing a new alloy made of chromium, molybdenum, and silicon. This refractory metal-based alloy, in whose discovery Dr. Alexander Kauffmann, now professor at the Ruhr University Bochum, played a major role, features hitherto unparalleled properties. It is ductile at room temperature, its melting point is as high as about 2,000 degrees Celsius, and unlike refractory alloys known to date it oxidizes only slowly, even in the critical temperature range. This nurtures the vision of being able to make components suitable for operating temperatures substantially higher than 1,100 degrees Celsius. Thus, the result of our research has the potential to enable a real technological leap, says Kauffmann. This specifically remarkable as resistance to oxidation and ductility still cannot be predicted sufficiently to allow a targeted material design despite the great progress that has been achieved in computer-assisted materials development. More Efficiency, Less Consumption In a turbine, even a temperature increase of just 100 degrees Celsius can reduce fuel consumption by about five percent, explains Heilmaier. This is particularly relevant to aviation, as airplanes powered by electricity will hardly be suitable for long-haul flights in the next decades. Thus, a significant reduction of the fuel consumption will be a vital issue. Stationary gas turbines in power plants could also be operated with lower CO emissions thanks to more robust materials. In order to be able to use the alloy on an industrial level, many other development steps are necessary, says Heilmaier. However, with our discovery in fundamental research, we have reached an important milestone. Research groups all over the world can now build on this achievement. Original publication Frauke Hinrichs, Georg Winkens, Lena Katharina Kramer, Gabriely Falcao, Ewa M. Hahn, Daniel Schliephake, Michael Konrad Eusterholz, Sandipan Sen, Mathias Christian Galetz, Haruyuki Inui, Alexander Kauffmann, Martin Heilmaier: A ductile chromiummolybdenum alloy resistant to high-temperature oxidation. Nature, 2025. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09516-8 In close partnership with society, KIT develops solutions for urgent challenges from climate change, energy transition and sustainable use of natural resources to artificial intelligence, sovereignty and an aging population. As The University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT unites scientific excellence from insight to application-driven research under one roof and is thus in a unique position to drive this transformation. As a University of Excellence, KIT offers its more than 10,000 employees and 22,800 students outstanding opportunities to shape a sustainable and resilient future. KIT Science for Impact. Olivia Kelleher A man in his thirties who was attacked in a pub in Youghal in Co Cork earlier this year died as a result of stab wounds to his abdomen, an inquest has heard. Daniel OSullivan, who was a native of Mallow in Co Cork, was residing at an apartment in Browns Court on Lower Brown Street in Youghal at the time of his death. He was attacked by a man in Tynans Bar on North Main Street in the town on April 14th last. The 31-year-old was rushed to Cork University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster carried out a postmortem on Mr OSullivan. On Thursday, she told Cork Coroners Court that Mr OSullivan died from shock and haemorrhage having sustained stab wounds to the abdomen. She said that his death was further complicated by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. This is commonly referred to as lack of oxygen to the brain. Criminal proceedings are underway in relation to his death. Sgt Fergus Twomey said that arising out of the proceedings he was applying for an adjournment of the inquest under Section 25 of the Coroners Act. He said he was making the application to facilitate the hearing of criminal proceedings Coroner for Cork city Philip Comyn adjourned the matter indefinitely given that criminal proceedings are in motion. A murder investigation was launched in the aftermath of the attack. A 29-year-old man was subsequently charged with the murder of Mr OSullivan. Meanwhile, the late Daniel OSullivan is survived by his mother, his two sisters, his partner, extended family members and friends. His requiem mass was celebrated in the Church of the Resurrection in Mallow on April 21st last with burial following at St Gobnaits cemetery. At his funeral his family members thanked paramedics, members of An Garda Siochana and the staff of Cork University Hospital for their care and attention on the night their loved one was attacked. See more photos from the event in the next edition of the Laois Nationalist, in shops and online every Tuesday TOURISM and hospitality businesses in Laois got expert tips on how to communicate their green credentials at a timely workshop. Topics reflected the changing tourism landscape, as more and more visitors want to venture off the beaten track, meet local people and immerse themselves in native culture and traditions. The event at the Talbot Hotel in Graiguecullen, on the Laois/Carlow border, was supported by The CUBE Low Carbon Centre of Excellence in Portlaoise and Laois Co Council, under the 2023-2026 EU Just Transition regenerative tourism and placemaking scheme. Laois Co Councils regenerative tourism activator Regina Dunne explained: Tourism is evolving and more people are looking for authentic experiences that are rooted within community, people, place and planet. This workshop is about giving hospitality and tourism businesses the confidence and language to communicate their sustainability journey, while also encouraging collaboration that strengthens Just Transition impacted areas as a green tourism destination. The workshop was delivered by an expert team in The Innovate Room, with facilitators Deirdre McDonald and Niamh OShea. The event on 30 September was open to all businesses operating in the tourism and hospitality sectors, providing insights and advice on how to communicate their green and sustainability credentials to a variety of audiences. People attending the workshop were told that visitors seek out the warm hospitality for which Ireland has always been famous, while also being mindful of their impact on the environment. They also heard that recent surveys show a growing number of visitors want to reduce their carbon footprint and also give back to local communities, by supporting businesses that are striving to be sustainable. The CUBE managing director Caroline Hofman said the event was designed to support tourism and hospitality businesses as they work towards becoming more sustainable, resilient and competitive in a low-carbon future. She said: We believe that sustainability and economic growth must go hand in hand, especially in a sector that plays such a vital role in our local economy. The workshop also offered practical guidance and expert insights on how businesses can reduce their environmental impact and respond to the growing demand for sustainable tourism experiences. The Innovate Room team said they work with businesses to help them articulate their environmental initiatives with transparency and authenticity fuelled by data, driven by purpose and grounded in community trust. They added: We firmly believe that sustainable storytelling ignites innovation, strengthens credibility, and ensures alignment with the green ambitions of each business, resulting in narratives that resonate and endure. More information about local supports to make businesses more sustainable is available from caroline@cubecentre.ie, while details about supports related to low carbon, sustainable and eco-tourism projects are available from rdunne@laoiscoco.ie. A STORY set near Ballyfin village in Laois features in a new collection of magical tales from every county in Ireland. Author Kieran Fanning selected the legend of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and the House of Time to represent Laois, in his latest book titled Enchanted Ireland which was published on 9 October. The illustrated book, which follows last years bestselling Haunted Ireland, is described by the publishers as a captivating new collection of magical tales, each one rooted in a different county. The beautifully crafted hardback showcases striking illustrations by Canadian artist Julia Iredale and includes a detailed map to lead readers through all 32 locations. Laoiss story is set in the Slieve Bloom mountains near Ballyfin which, as every local schoolchild knows, means Town of Fionn in Irish. The main character in the Laois tale is the famous Fionn Mac Cumhaill, leader of the Fianna, who often returned to the Slieve Bloom Mountains where he had been reared. One evening, he was so engrossed in hunting that he left it too late to return home. Along with his son Oisin, Fionn set out in search of shelter together with their fellow Fianna Conan and Diarmuid. They came upon a cottage where an old man, with a long white beard, welcomed them and offered them a place to stay for the night. Inside, they noticed a beautiful woman seated by the fire, with a black cat at her feet and a lamb tethered nearby. During a sumptuous meal mysteriously prepared by the old man prior to their visit, the tethered lamb broke loose and caused chaos, overturning dishes and wrecking the place. Each of the Fianna men tried to restrain the lamb but the creature was too strong for them all, even Fionn. In the end, the cat was the only one who could control the lamb, leading it back to where it had been tethered. Music and dancing followed the meal. The Fianna men tried to impress the beautiful girl by the fire but she refused when each of them asked her to join them, saying that they all had their chance in the past but none had appreciated her. Confused, Fionn and his men retired to their beds. It wasnt until the following morning, when Fionn asked about the strange events of the previous night, that they discovered the house was no ordinary cottage. The old man revealed that it was The House of Time and that the unruly lamb theyd failed to control was called Life. The old man explained that Life can be controlled only by Death, which was the black cat. When his host told Fionn that the beautiful girl was Youth, what she had told them the previous night made sense. Nobody appreciates youth when they have it. And who are you? Fionn finally asked the old man. He replied: I am Time. The master of Life, Death and Youth. The author adds: Fionn and his friends left with a newfound understanding of their lives. Afterwards, they often tried to find The House of Time again but couldnt, for Time is elusive to all, even to heroes. With the full title Enchanted Ireland: An Atlas of Magical Stories from Every County, the collection is published by Gill and is available in all bookstores and online. PROPERTIES in Laois were searched as part of a major garda operation that seized drugs worth more than 8 million this week. The two-day operation targeting organised crime carried out raids in the midland counties of Laois, Offaly and Westmeath, together with Dublin and Meath. A total of 60 garda personnel were involved in the operation, with search warrants executed at 16 properties across Laois and four other counties. During the searches on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 October, gardai seized over 110kgs of cocaine and 1.5kgs of heroin, with an estimated street value of 8.2 million. The drugs were recovered from two vans seized during the operation and will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis. Additionally, cash totalling 38,000 sterling and 63,000 was confiscated. Gardai said the coordinated raids in the three midlands counties, as well as Meath, South Dublin and West Dublin, were aimed at dismantling a well-structured criminal organisation involved in large-scale drug distribution, as part of ongoing investigations into organised criminal activity linked to drug trafficking. The operation was led by the Terenure Drugs Unit, with support from the Serious Crime Unit Terenure, the DMR South Divisional Crime and Community Engagement Units, the Dublin Crime Response Team (DCRT), the DMR Armed Support Unit and the Stolen Car Unit of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI). One man, aged in his 40s, was arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking offences as a result of the drug seizures. He has been detained for questioning under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at a garda station in the Dublin region. Gardai confirmed that investigations are ongoing following the operation. Ottoline Spearman A TD has described the VAT rate cut for food hospitality as a scam. Independent Seamus Healy called on the Government to reverse its decision, saying the state will be subsidising a small number of large and profitable businesses, including McDonald's and Supermac's. Restaurants and businesses serving food will benefit from a VAT reduction from 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent, as of July next year. Dubbed the McBudget by the Social Democrats, this cut will bolster the operating margins of large multinationals such as McDonalds. Tanaiste Simon Harris has said he doesn't accept that it is the wrong decision. Mr Healy told the Dail that a small number of fast food chains will get a windfall of 55 million from this budget: "Could I suggest Tanaiste, that your government fell for a fierce lobbying campaign that is effectively a scam. "There's no crisis in the hospitality industry. Small local cafes and restaurants have a legitimate case for support, but the main industry is thriving." As reported by the Irish Times, Enterprise Minister Peter Burke thinks the VAT cut for the hospitality sector announced in the budget will salve the troubled souls of the sectors emboldened lobbyists. This argument is finished, he told reporters on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Vintners Federation of Ireland has sharply criticised the delay in introducing the reduced VAT rate saying it fails to deliver for the thousands of traditional pubs now fighting for survival and leaves food pubs waiting months for promised support. Alison ORiordan A Dublin woman shot a drug dealer and worked "as a unit and as part of an agreement" with her boyfriend to kill him and another man, with their bodies later found "bound in rope, tape and covered in tarpaulin" by fishermen on a lake island over a decade ago, the State is to argue at a murder trial. Opening the trial of Ruth Lawrence (45) at the Central Criminal Court today, counsel for the State said the 12 jurors will hear evidence that the accused woman shot one of the two men, but this was not immediately fatal and was "quickly followed up" by a shot from the defendant's boyfriend. The 12 jurors were also told by senior counsel Michael O'Higgins that it is the prosecution's case that the accused woman and her boyfriend had "spoken openly" about "the murders and disposing of the bodies". "The prosecution contends that the comments made by Ms Lawrence indicate she was involved in both of the murders and disposing of the bodies," he said. Ruth Lawrence, who is originally from Clontarf in Dublin but with an address at Patricks Cottage, Ross, Mountnugent in Co Meath has pleaded not guilty to murdering Anthony Keegan (33) and Eoin O'Connor (32) at an unknown location within the State on a date unknown between April 22, 2014 and May 26, 2014, both dates inclusive. Opening the State's case at the Central Criminal Court today Michael O'Higgins SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said the prosecution can last place Mr Keegan and Mr O'Connor as being alive on the early evening of April 22 in 2014 and "thereafter they disappeared from sight". Counsel said the bodies of the two deceased men were recovered on May 26, 2014 on Inchicup Island on Lough Sheelin, which measures 7km by 4km, and "straddles" the borders of counties Meath, Westmeath and Cavan. Mr O'Higgins said the jury would hear that Ms Lawrence lived with her boyfriend, South African national Neville van der Westhuizen, in Patricks Cottage, which is on the Westmeath side of Lough Sheelin. Mr O'Higgins added: "Where the bodies were hidden, the island is about 100 metres from the shoreline, at a point very close to the cottage". He said the postmortems established that both men died from gunshot wounds. Detailing the evidence that will be heard, counsel said Mr Keegan was shot in the neck and head, whilst Mr O'Connor was shot in the head and stomach. The barrister said the jury would hear from expert forensic witnesses as well as ordinary people giving evidence of what they saw and things they heard being said. The issue in the case, Mr O'Higgins said, was whether the evidence established that Ms Lawrence murdered the two men. Mr O'Higgins said sometimes more than one person can be involved in a murder, such as those who plan it and getaway drivers. However, he said, where different parts of a team are operating with a common goal, that phrase is known as joint enterprise or common design. He added: "The person who pulls the trigger and the person who provides the firearm and the person who is waiting down the road to drive the shooter away; provided they are working towards the same common aim, each is guilty of murder even though one may not be at the scene where the person was shot". The barrister said the prosecution is contending that Ms Lawrence did work with another person, "particularly her boyfriend," and they were "working as a unit, as part of an agreement to kill Mr O'Connor and Mr Keegan". Counsel said the prosecution will be contending on the evidence before the jury that Ms Lawrence shot Mr O'Connor. "The particular shot discharged did not appear to be immediately fatal but was quickly followed up by a shot by her boyfriend," said the barrister. The lawyer said it was contended that Mr van der Westhuizen shot Mr Keegan, but as the accused and Mr van der Westhuizen were acting as a team, "it was contended both are guilty of the offence of murder". Mr O'Higgins said the evidence will be that Mr O'Connor was a drug dealer and sold drugs to Mr van der Westhuizen. Mr van der Westhuizen owed Mr O'Connor "a fairly considerable sum of money" in the region of 70,000. Mr O'Connor was under pressure to be paid as he in turn had "to pay money up the line". The jurors, counsel said, would hear that an immediate payment of 15,000 was to be forthcoming. The court heard there will be further evidence that two other drug dealers - who can only be identified as Mr AB and Mr CD - had put Mr O'Connor in touch with Mr van der Westhuizen. Counsel said the other deceased, Mr Keegan, had accompanied Mr O'Connor to Co Cavan "in a supporting role" in case there was any trouble, and it was not suggested it was any more than that. The lawyer said the panel would also hear about a father and daughter. The father sold drugs locally around Ballyjamesduff in Co Cavan and on occasion he got drugs for Mr van der Westhuizen and Mr O'Connor. Counsel said the father had a daughter, who was then doing a post-Leaving Certificate course and sold insignificant quantities of 'weed' and cannabis on campus. The barrister further stated that Mr van der Westhuizen was also friends with a Latvian national, who twice came to Patricks Cottage on April 23, which he said is believed to be the day after the two murders took place. Mr O'Higgins said the Latvian national was on occasion involved in a clean-up of the cottage assisted by the accused and Mr van der Westhuizen so it would be difficult to find evidence of the two deceased men being there in the event of any forensic examinations. The Latvian national had also brought cement blocks known as 'H-blocks' to the cottage. Referring to Monday, April 21 2014, Mr O'Higgins said the jurors would hear that Ms Lawrence had inquired of her landlord and neighbour whether she could hire a boat to go out on Lough Sheelin. On the same day, Mr O'Connor travelled to the home of the father as he was looking to be paid money owed to him. Mr O'Connor was paid a small sum of money but was also anxious to make contact with Mr van der Westhuizen, who he said owed him a higher sum of money and that he was immediately seeking 15,000. The father and daughter, counsel said, drove to Dublin that evening and picked up two mobile phones from a man, which they dropped to Mr van der Westhuizen on their way home. On the evening of Tuesday April 22, Mr O'Connor drove himself and Mr Keegan to Ballyjamesduff in his mother's silver-coloured Ford Focus. The prosecution contend that the purpose of the journey was to meet up with Mr van der Westhuizen. He said the jury would hear evidence of contact between those parties. Counsel said the court will hear that the last contact on Mr Keegan's mobile phone was at 8.32pm and the last text Mr O'Connor received was at 8.38pm. "That's the last time any evidence can point to the time scale when these two men were last alive". Mr O'Higgins said the prosecution was not in a position to adduce evidence "to pinpoint the precise moment" when both men were shot dead, however "looking at the evidence in the round" it seems likely it was later on the evening of April 22. At 3.20am that night, counsel said gardai drove into a car park at Lough Owel on the N4 in Co Westmeath and found there were no cars parked there at the time. However, around 8.10am the next morning witnesses identified a silver-coloured Ford Focus parked there, which the prosecution contend was driven there by the accused woman between 3.20am and 8.10am. Shortly after that a 999 call was received by gardai regarding information on the two deceased men. The lawyer said over the course of April 23 the Latvian man came to Patricks cottage. Ms Lawrence got an outboard motor from her neighbour and a clean-up took place using the 'H-blocks'. Mr O'Connor's family were very concerned about him and some of them drove to Ballyjamesduff. Contact was made with An Garda Siochana and a missing persons investigation began. In the meantime, the father and daughter went to Patricks cottage, where the accused, her boyfriend and the Latvian man were. He said the atmosphere was "extremely intense" and people were hyper and intoxicated with drugs and alcohol. Counsel said it is the prosecution case that the accused and her boyfriend were "speaking openly" about "the murders and disposing of the bodies". Counsel said gardai wanted to speak to Mr van der Westhuizen and the father, whom officers met at Navan Garda Station on the evening of April 24. The court will also hear evidence, the lawyer said, that sometime in the early hours of the next morning the accused, Mr van der Westhuizen and the father and daughter drove to a disused house in Ashbourne, where Mr van der Westhuizen forced entry. The four of them slept in the house for a few hours before they all travelled to Rosslare Port in Co Wexford around 8.30pm on April 25, where they boarded a ferry to Fishguard in Wales and continued to London. Another part of the prosecution case will be that within a few days, Mr van der Westhuizen left England and returned to South Africa. Counsel said Ms Lawrence had been living in South Africa until recently. He said the father and daughter had returned to Ireland a few weeks after they left and were interviewed at length by gardai. The barrister said the court will hear evidence regarding gardai going to Inchicup Island on May 26 2014, where there had been men fishing on the lake a few days previously. He said when the men "pulled up to have a cup of tea" close to the island they got a bad smell and alerted gardai. The island was searched and the men's bodies were found bound in rope, tape and covered in tarpaulin and other material. They had died from gunshot wounds. The trial continues tomorrow before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of four men and eight women. It is expected to last until November 14. Channing Tatum is back, and yes, he's naked again. But this time it's not Magic Mike money moves. It's Roofman, a deliriously fun true-crime romantic comedy that might just be the weirdest thing you'll see this year. He stars alongside Kirsten Dunst, and their chemistry is pure chaos: think bubble baths, toy aisles, and emotional whiplash all rolled into one. The film tells the story of Jeffrey Manchester, a real-life criminal from North Carolina who gained notoriety in the early 2000s for breaking into McDonald's restaurants through their rooftops. A former Army Reserve sergeant, Manchester used his training to slip into fast food chains after closing, stealing cash and food without ever harming anyone. When he was finally caught and sentenced to 45 years, he escaped prison by squeezing through an air vent. His next hiding spot? A Toys "R" Us. He lived inside the store's walls for months, eating from its snack aisle and riding kids' bikes around the aisles at night. "I read the script in the bathtub, screaming at the pages," Tatum told Enstarz with a laugh. "I was like, 'This cannot be real!' But it was. And I knew right away I wanted to make it." Dunst, who plays a fictionalized version of the detective who tracks Manchester down, confessed that her first impression was a mix of disbelief and nostalgia. "When I walked into that recreated Toys 'R' Us, I almost cried. The neon, the toys, everything. It reminded me of when my oldest was little, when we didn't just click 'add to cart.' It was magic," she said. Tatum jumped in with his own throwback. "I used to bribe my parents in strip malls," he joked. "'If I clean the car, can I get a Super Soaker?' You can't replace that kind of joy with a tracking number." For the actor, Roofman is a passion project. He produced the film, working closely with director Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine) to shape the tone. "We didn't want to glorify a criminal," Tatum explained. "It's about what drives someone to hide from life. It's funny, it's desperate, it's weirdly human." He also lost more than 40 pounds to recreate Manchester's silhouette. And yes, about that naked scene: it's real. "He does admit that he thought it was going to be filmed differently, but as the professional that he is, he followed the director vision and it was a good idea, although he wonders if he jokes about it "now, maybe people are tired of seeing my butt. It's not running anymore, it's falling." Dunst chimed in with a smile, saying the moment is part of the film's charm. "The audience expects chaos, and it delivers. But it also sneaks up on you emotionally. You're laughing one second, tearing up the next." That blend of absurdity and sincerity is what makes Roofman so different. It's part true crime, part nostalgia trip, and part love story about two people whose lives intersect through bizarre circumstances. Tatum calls it a "crime comedy with feelings." Dunst calls it "weird, wild, and kind of beautiful." Whatever label you choose, Roofman is the kind of movie you talk about afterward, whether it's the Toys "R" Us flashbacks, the real-life burglar who hid among dolls and board games, or Channing Tatum's bathtub confession that started it all. Roofman opens in theaters nationwide later this year. Bring popcorn. And maybe a towel. Originally published on Enstarz Prosecutors described Tyrell Holmes' death on April 24, 2018, as torture. Police said Holmes was killed after it was discovered he could be identified as being part of a drug deal turned robbery. The last of three gang members charged with a Bethlehem killing was convicted at trial on Wednesday. Zahmire Welcome was convicted in Northampton County of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and kidnapping, according to news release from Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday. Welcomes attorney, Nicholas Macri, could not immediately be reached Thursday morning for comment. Welcome, a 27-year-old Whitehall man, was part of a conspiracy by the Money Rules Everything gang to kill 18-year-old Tyrell Holmes of Bethlehem. In April 2018 Holmes was stabbed in the neck and torso, then set on fire while he was still alive near a dumpster by the Parkhurst apartment complex in the 1800 block of Barbara Street in Bethlehem. Prosecutors said Holmes was killed to prevent him from telling police about a drug deal that turned into a robbery. Bethlehem police said Holmes and several of his friends were involved in a drug rip robbery involving marijuana. Holmes could be identified as one of the five men who robbed the victim, and gang members became aware of that fact, according to police. The murder charges resulted from a lengthy grand jury investigation. Testimony in the trial lasted more than a week, according to the attorney generals news release. This was a brutal killing perpetrated by the defendant and his co-conspirators who are, one by one, being held accountable for their senseless, callous, and cowardly acts, Sunday said in the release. Although Welcome hasnt been formally sentenced yet, a first-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison in Pennsylvania. Hell be sentenced Jan. 14, the news release says. Co-defendant Alkiohn Dunkins, 26, of Easton, was convicted at trial of Holmes murder in March. He was sentenced in June to life in prison for first-degree murder, plus 23 to 50 years for his convictions of conspiracy to commit murder, arson, kidnapping and possession of an instrument of crime. Yzire Jenkins-Rowe, 28, of Collegeville, pleaded guilty to third degree murder and was sentenced in June to 27 1/2 to 60 years in state prison. Miles Harper, 26, of Allentown, pleaded guilty to aggravated arson in connection to the crime. He has yet to be sentenced. Photographed in April 2012 at Amada inside the former Revel Casino in Atlantic City, chef Jose Garces has opened Okatshe in Allentown the second Queen City restaurant for the "Iron Chef" winner. Noah K. Murray File Photo | For NJ Advance Media Following is a roundup of recent Lehigh Valley retail and business news. Click each headline for the original source and additional information. Two Southside Bethlehem businesses will reopen later this fall, five months after a fire at the Five 10 Flats apartment building forced them to close for repairs. Mister Lees Noodles and the adjacent B-Side Bottle + Larder are planning to welcome customers back in late November, according to co-owner Lee Chizmar. The businesses are located at 512 and 514 E. Third St. on the ground floor of the complex badly damaged by the May 2 fire. El Jefes Taqueria was the first ground-floor business to resume operations, reopening on Aug. 30. From WFMZ-TV 69 Celebrity chef and Iron Chef America winner Jose Garces on Oct. 1 opened his second restaurant in Allentown as part of an effort to revitalize the citys downtown dining scene. The Japanese-themed restaurant, Okatshe, at 947 W. Hamilton St. joins Garces Cuban cafe, Rosa Blanca, which opened in March across the street at 950 Hamilton. Garces, who has over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, told The Morning Call he aims to bring unique cultural and culinary experiences to the community. From The Morning Call Bethlehem-based Ecopax, a manufacturer of sustainable food packaging, is expanding its 1355 Easton Road facility in the city by more than 104,000 square feet. The move reflects rising demand for eco-friendly packaging and reinforces the companys commitment to growth in the Lehigh Valley. From Lehigh Valley Business Two Parkland High School graduates have launched Paradise Kafe in Bethlehem, blending coffee culture with local arts. The 552 N. New St. cafe reflects a growing trend of young entrepreneurs investing in downtown revitalization efforts across the Lehigh Valley. From LehighValleyNews.com Kerry Group, a global food and beverage company based in Ireland, announced it will open its first Pennsylvania manufacturing plant in the Lehigh Valley, a multi-million dollar investment that is set to create 61 new jobs. The new facility for coffee roasting and extraction will be located at 5000 Township Line Road in Hanover Township, Northampton County. The company is leasing a building formerly occupied by another beverage producer, Martin Bauer Group, and will retain 16 employees from the previous operation. From Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. Generative AI was used to organize information for this roundup, based on data provided by Lehigh Valley media outlets and business promotion organizations. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com. The 31-year-old Baltimore man who shot two Pennsylvania State troopers in Franklin County Wednesday evening opened fire from the drivers seat of a van and chased officers as they tried to take cover, officials said during a Thursday news conference. Police officials staged a 4 p.m. news conference to provide more details on the shootout that ended with two troopers getting shot multiple times and the suspected gunman dead. The incident started around 6:15 p.m. Wednesday after police say two women and a man, all from Baltimore, stole more than $1,000 worth of clothing from a Dicks Sporting Goods store in Guilford Township. They fled in a van, which was eventually chased along Interstate 81 by Trooper Thomas Pack and Trooper Lucas Amarose. According to police officials: Assisting troopers tried to put a tire deflation device across the highway, but the van avoided it. They tried again and it worked, sending the disabled van into the grass near exit 3 for Route 11/Molly Pitcher Highway, about 15 miles south of the sporting goods store. Troopers surrounded the van and took cover behind their patrol cars, Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens said. The women Amir L. Swift and Giani Jaida McGowan, both 21 complied with troopers orders and were getting out of the van, but the driver, Lamar L. Foy, didnt budge. Troopers tried to force him out of the van by breaking the drivers side window. Thats when Foy started shooting from the drivers seat, sending the troopers scurrying for cover again. Foy got out of the van firing and chased the troopers while he continued to fire shots from a fully loaded 40-caliber handgun that was reported stolen in Maryland last month. Trooper Pack, 23, who has worked for PSP for about a year, and Trooper Amarose, 31, were shot multiple times during what Colonel Christopher Paris called a fierce gunfight. A third trooper, who was not injured in the firefight, shot and killed Foy. Having watched the video, I am incredibly proud of those troopers. They stayed in the fight, in spite of having, both of them, having significant, serious wounds. They stayed in the fight until the threat was neutralized, Bivens said. Bivens noted how quickly the shootout unfolded. This all played out in seconds, he said. As the vehicle came down the ramp, went into the grass, and within moments there was an exchange of gunfire. It all played out in probably less than a minute or a minute and a half. An off-duty doctor stopped to render aid, officials said. Paris noted the use of tourniquets was a critical piece in saving the troopers lives. Pack and Amarose were flown to WellSpan York Hospital in critical condition. Pack has since been released, but Amarose is still in serious condition and underwent multiple hours of additional surgery Thursday. Paris said both of the injured troopers were in high spirits when he visited them. Since January 2023, Pack and Amarose represent the seventh and eighth troopers shot in the line of duty, Paris said. Franklin County District Attorney Ian Brink also spoke during the Thursday press conference after reviewing body-cam footage from the incident. I am confident that the troopers use of force was 100% justified. There is no question in my mind, Brink said. Again, the use of force was not just justified as the law requires, it was absolutely necessary. Foy had a long and violent criminal record. He was wanted in Maryland for failing to appear July 11 for his court hearing on a charge of possessing illegal drugs with an intent to distribute them. He was also wanted for charges filed April 9 for two counts of second-degree assault, arson, harassing phone calls and destroying property. Foy had convictions from 2020 for second-degree assault and burglary and from 2015 for assaulting a corrections officer. He was incarcerated at that time for attempted murder, assault and gun crimes. Swift and McGowan were charged with felony retail theft, possession of drugs with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. School is back in session, expect to see a lot more school buses and their attached stop signs on the roads. (Staten Island Advance/Shira Stoll) Phillipsburg police are taking a new approach to protect students by publicly shaming drivers who illegally pass school buses. The department started posting video footage of violations on Facebook as part of its Safe Path Home initiative. The police department is collaborating with local schools to share bus camera videos that capture drivers passing stopped school buses with flashing lights and extended stop signs. When school bus lights are flashing, traffic in both directions must stop, police said. As of Oct. 8, the department has already posted a few videos showing these dangerous violations. Police and Phillipsburg Mayor Randy Piazza Jr. could not immediately be reached for comment about the new program. The public shaming tactic represents an escalation in the departments efforts to ensure student safety during their commutes. Under the Safe Path Home program, there is an increased police presence at school bus stops and on student walking routes, with officers monitoring high-traffic areas on foot and in vehicles during morning and afternoon school hours. Drivers caught illegally passing school buses face significant financial penalties in New Jersey. First-time offenders can be fined $100, while repeat violations can result in fines as high as $250 per incident. The initiative comes as school districts nationwide grapple with protecting students during pickup and drop-off times, when children are most vulnerable to traffic-related injuries. John Jorgensen, of Phillipsburg, chows down on a classic Jersey sandwich during the town's first Pork Roll Palooza in 2017. "You better believe it's Taylor Ham!" he says. Steve Novak | For lehighvalleylive.com The eighth annual Pork Roll Palooza will return to Shappell Park on Saturday, Oct. 11, bringing together thousands of guests at one of the areas biggest community festivals. The daylong celebration of New Jerseys favorite breakfast meat, hosted by Norwescap and the Phillipsburg Downtown Association, will feature live music headlined by Sensational Soul; dozens of food vendors serving classic pork roll, egg and cheese alongside creative pork roll-inspired dishes; and family-friendly activities throughout the park. Festival organizers are seeking volunteers aged 18 and older to help with various roles during the event. Volunteer positions include setup from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., merchandise tent operations, vendor services, general support roles called floaters, oversight of the Buckin Pig Contest, and breakdown duties from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The festival will kick off with a family-friendly bike ride hosted by Tailor Fit Cycles, welcoming participants of all ages for an active morning start. The Phillipsburg Arts Association will host a community art show featuring pork roll and Taylor ham-inspired artwork from local artists. Unity Bank will sponsor a tethered hot air balloon ride at the PU Tower, offering guests aerial views of the festival and the Phillipsburg skyline. The Branching Out Page One Resource Center will provide a sensory-friendly area with quiet activities, headphones, cozy seating and support tools for children and young adults who need a break from the festival atmosphere. The popular Buckin Pig Contest will return, challenging guests to test their endurance on the bucking pig ride while volunteers track times and provide encouragement. A vendor marketplace will give local businesses and nonprofits space to connect with attendees. Those interested in volunteering can contact Malia Borges at borgesm@norwescap.org for more information about available roles and time commitments. The victim was between 9 and 11 years old when the assaults occurred in 2015 and 2016, according to prosecutors. (Photo by ClassicStock/Getty Images) A Phillipsburg man if facing up to 30 years in prison after repeatedly sexually assaulting a child. On Tuesday, 46-year-old Victor I. Rosado was sentenced by Warren County Superior Court Judge H. Matthew Curry, sitting in Belvidere, to 30 years in state prison, with 25-and-a-half years of parole ineligibility. Additionally, Rosado will be subjected to parole supervision for life and registration as a sex offender under Megans Law. Rosado on April 17 was found guilty following a jury trial of four counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault; two counts second-degree sexual assault; and two counts second-degree child endangerment. Court records did not immediately show information for Rosados attorney. The Warren County Prosecutors Office said the sex acts happened in 2015 and 2016 when the victim, who was known to the defendant, was between the ages of 9 and 11 years old. The case was investigated by Warren County Detective Sgt. John Marino. It was prosecuted by Acting Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Kevin Brotzman. AccuWeather.com reports widespread frost and freeze conditions are expected Thursday night into Friday, Oct. 9-10, 2025, across much of the interior northeastern United States, with temperatures falling into the 20s in colder valleys. AccuWeather.com A Freeze Warning has been issued for parts of the Lehigh Valley and Poconos, with temperatures expected to drop into the upper 20s to low 30s overnight Thursday into Friday, posing a significant risk to sensitive vegetation and outdoor plants. The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Warning from 11 p.m. Thursday to 9 a.m. Friday for an area that includes Carbon, Monroe, Northampton, Sussex, and Warren counties in eastern Pennsylvania and northwestern New Jersey. Residents should take precautions to protect tender plants, cover sensitive vegetation, and bring potted plants indoors. Areas in the higher elevations of the Poconos may experience the most severe overnight cooling. Lehigh County is under a Frost Advisory from 2 to 9 a.m. Friday that states: Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered. Clear skies and light winds will contribute to rapid radiational cooling, creating conditions ideal for frost formation. Temperatures are forecast to fall dramatically, with lows ranging from 28 to 32 degrees in the Lehigh Valley and Poconos. The crisp Canadian air mass currently over the region will drive these unusually cold temperatures for early October. AccuWeather.com reports widespread frost and freeze conditions are expected Thursday night into Friday morning across much of the interior Northeast. The daytime Thursday in the Lehigh Valley will be sunny and mild, with high temperatures reaching the low to mid-60s. Winds will be light and variable, coming from the north-northeast at 5 to 15 mph. The clear conditions and light winds will set the stage for the overnight temperature drop. Looking ahead, temperatures will moderate quickly. Friday will see a return to more seasonable conditions, with highs climbing back into the mid-60s and increasing cloud cover. A coastal storm is expected to develop by Sunday, bringing potential rain and strong winds to the region, marking a significant shift from the current clear, cool pattern. MORE: Fierce noreaster storm to slam N.J. with up to 5 inches of rain, 50 mph winds Residents should be prepared for the sudden temperature change and protect sensitive plants and outdoor equipment from potential frost damage Thursday night. Follow your local forecast from AccuWeather at lehighvalleylive.com/weather with National Weather Service watches, warnings and other advisories available as theyre issued at lehighvalleylive.com/weather-alerts. Current weather radar Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com staff. Abbeyleix House and Farm owner John Collison was joined by the Taoiseach for the official opening of Stripe's new Dublin headquarters today. A programmable financial services company, Stripe, has now tripled its office space to 14,500 square metres with the opening of the new Dublin headquarters as the company prepares for its next phase of growth. The new dual headquarters at One Wilton Park was officially opened by Taoiseach Micheal Martin, alongside Stripe cofounder John Collison and Chief Revenue Officer Eileen OMara. As part of the celebrations, the Taoiseach joined John Collison for a discussion in front of 150 Stripe customers, tech and business leaders, and policymakers. The pair spoke about how to ensure Ireland remains prosperous and competitive in the coming decades, including building more infrastructure, fuelling Irish startups, and increasing European competitiveness. Stripe is a true Irish success story, powering the growth of millions of businesses at home and abroad. I wish them every success in their new, state-of-the-art Dublin headquarters, said An Taoiseach Micheal Martin. We are committed to ensuring Ireland remains competitive on a global stage and an attractive home for businesses like Stripe to thrive in the long term. Illustrating the rapid expansion in Irelands online economy, Stripe revealed that it now serves 70,000 Irish businesses and solopreneursincluding tech unicorns like Wayflyer and Flipdish, iconic organisations like the GAA and The Irish Times, and large enterprises like Smyths and Irish Lifewith 2,000 new Irish users joining every month. Irish businesses have grown their collective payment volume by 100x since the company last moved offices in 2016. Despite increasing barriers to international trade, Irish businesses that use Stripe remain staunchly global. Over two-thirds (70%) of Irish users are selling internationally, and they have collectively grown their cross-border payment volume by 37% over the last 12 months. Stripe is proudly Irish and were thrilled to double down on our global operations here, said Stripe cofounder John Collison. The Irish internet economy is sucking diesel, and this new headquarters will help us support growth for businesses all across Europe. The new dual headquarters will house expanding teams in engineering, product, operations, and sales, and bolster Stripes efforts to help its users adopt frontier technologyincluding AI and stablecoinsto grow faster. It features large event spaces designed to bring together founders and business leaders based in Ireland and across Europe. Beyond its core business, Stripe continues to invest in programmes to accelerate scientific and technological progress in Ireland. These include the Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, the youth accelerator Patch, the Irish Maths Olympiad, and the University of Limerick's Immersive Software Engineering course. Stripes decision to triple the size of its headquarters in Dublin marks a significant milestone for Irelands thriving internet economy, said IDA Ireland chief executive Michael Lohan. This investment reinforces Irelands position as a leading destination for global technology companies and signals strong confidence in our talented workforce and innovative business environment. As Stripe continues to empower thousands of Irish entrepreneurs and companies to compete on the world stage, IDA Ireland is proud to support their growth and we welcome this further commitment to Irelands digital future. Mr Collison bought Abbey Leix Estate in 2021 and has since engaged in an extensive programme of works to breathe life back into the impressive estate. He has hired a team of specialist workers to carry out repairs and to restore some of the buildings. He also bought the derelict Millbrook House on the edge of the estate and work is underway to transform it into an upmarket restaurant and hotel. READ ALSO: Spectacular Family Day at Abbeyleix House and Farm In keeping with the tradition of the previous owners, Mr Collison holds annual events such as the Family Day and Christmas Fair for the local community where local producers have an opportunity to sell their goods. A keen pilot, he has also introduced an airshow and display during the open day and the estate has become home to many rescue animals as he supports the work of My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue at his Laois property. A Laois mother of three little boys has bravely joined a groundbreaking new breast cancer awareness campaign to try save lives. Laura Hughes who lives near Mountmellick is one of six Irish cancer survivors fronting the poster campaign, baring their scarred chests to urge other women and men to self check for signs of breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Ireland campaign highlights the disturbing statistic that only a quarter of Irish women currently check themselves regularly. Laura's poster states 'My scar saved my life, I hope it saves yours too', Hairdresser Laura who is from Celbridge in Kildare is now settled in The Rock community with husband Alan and their little boys Bobby aged 5, Riley aged 3 and 2 year old Olly. Laura and Alan on her 40th birthday last February and their little boys Bobby, Riley and Olly. She told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that taking part in the campaign is "keeping my head busy" while she nervously awaits more tests. Laura first found a lump in her right breast as she dressed to go out to celebrate her 40th birthday last February. There was a family history of breast cancer so Laura had checked herself frequently but still couldn't quite believe it. "I kept it to myself for a week then I said it to my husband and he said he couldn't feel it. Then my GP said it was hormonal but with our medical history he referred me to St James's." Two mammograms, an ultrasound and seven biopsies followed and in March Laura received a diagnosis of "very early DCIS", a cancer of the milk ducts in her right breast. It was described to her as being "extensive". Laura agreed to the option of a mastectomy, but it was a long wait of 12 weeks before the operation took place last June. "That really still bothers me. I had six additional tumours by then. It just seemed so long to wait in anxiety and stress. My boys are so young I need to get better for them, I was worried it was spreading. "Every time I saw a consultant they kept reassuring me it couldn't grow in that time, but it did, massively. They call it upstaging. Essentially I had two different types of cancer, DCIS and Triple Negative," she said. She found great support from the Breast Cancer Ireland charity during that time and since, getting answers to her questions direct from their experts including chair Professor Arnie Hill who is a surgeon. "The cancer is gone now, I'm halfway through my chemo, it's a rough road. The chemo is to make sure there is nothing left, then I'll be on injections every three months for a year. The older boys know what's going on, that mam has a good booby and a bad booby. I try to make everything normal for them," she said. She had to have two types of chemotherapy for the two types of breast cancer. One caused "horrific mouth problems" and the other nausea. "If that's all I have to worry about then we're laughing," she said. Laura as a patient ambassador for the Breast Cancer Ireland Very Pink Run this year. Laura must rest and keep away from bugs as much as possible during treatment, but still manages to bring the older boys to school and playschool. "It's organised chaos here at the minute, I'm blessed that my mam moved in to help. I'm not one to be sitting around," she said. Laura is full of determination to get well again. "My boys are so young, I need to get better for them," she said. Losing a breast is traumatic but Laura sees the positive. "In my head it's a means to an end. That's the cancer gone. There is reconstruction available, but they couldn't do it instantly. I have a balloon filled with saline to keep the skin stretched," she explains. Laura is also using her determination to focus on the campaign. "My main reason is because only one in four women check themselves regularly. That's scary. Men and women should check at least once a month. That's the whole focus of the campaign. You will never know if something is different if you don't know what it feels like and looks like normally. The app BreastAware shows you how to check. "If I can make even one person check themselves it will be worth it. This campaign will saves lives. BCI were eight years trying to get it approved, they were told Ireland wasn't ready for this. It's so powerful, that's why it was done, you'd look at it twice," she said. Laura (left) with the other campaign leaders at a preview screening in the Mayson Hotel of Breast Cancer KNOW MORE, Ireland's first survivor-led breast cancer awareness campaign, developed by Breast Cancer Ireland, and supported by Novartis, to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Despite the disease being the number one most common invasive cancer affecting women in Ireland, Only 25% of women regularly check their breasts - with a further 51% doing so only occasionally or when they happen to remember Only 15% of young women aged 18-34 are self-checking on a regular basis and 35% of younger women say they dont know how to check their breasts Only 36% of all women say they are aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease with awareness even lower amongst younger females (26%). Read also: PICTURES: Coppers Portlaoise launches successful 'over 30s' club night 53% report knowing only some of the 8 signs whilst 86% of women recognise that a lump on the breast or a swelling in the armpit is a possible sign of breast cancer. Only 41% are aware of the lesser-known symptoms of a rash on / around the nipple. Every year in Ireland, more than 3,700 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and an estimated 730 lives are still lost each year. While survival rates have improved dramatically, early detection remains the single greatest factor in saving lives. Visit www.breastcancerknowmore.ie A Laois County Councillor has slammed the rejection of a proposed roundabout in Durrow, highlighting that there are roundabouts 'every ten yards' in Portlaoise. Independent Durrow Cllr Ollie Clooney tabled a motion for the installation of a roundabout on the n77 R434 junction in Durrow. Cllr Clooney also raised issues with this junction at the Council's September meeting, where streetlamps erected almost two years ago have yet to be connected to power by ESB. Pictured: n77 R434 junction on the Abbeyleix edge of Durrow The Council's Road Design office informed Cllr Clooney that there are 'no plans' by Transport Infrastructure Ireland or the Council to consider the installation of the proposed roundabout. "Significant traffic congestion and collisions at the intersection would have to be demonstrated for this to be considered," they replied. Cllr Clooney was disappointed and frustrated with this response. "Bad news. When I hear the word TII, youd have to get depressed," Cllr Clooney said. "This is the road to the west of Ireland, and there are times in the day where there could be 30 to 40 cars waiting to exit there. It is needed, and not only would it help the Swan road, it would also slow down the traffic there thats coming in way above the speed limit," he said. "I dont see any Garda cars and I certainly don't see any speed vans there, theyre all off in the country of course, where the road is wide. They don't come into towns, they could certainly do that as some of the cars passing that junction are doing twice the speed limit," Cllr Clooney slammed. "It's dangerous. There's a disability view, that fence there is not helping. We have to try keep the fight up," he said. Pictured: The fencing and signage has obstructed some motorists views of oncoming traffic "Certainly a roundabout is needed. We see roundabouts in Portlaoise every ten yards, and we have a junction that can be very busy at times, and for rural areas theres no money for it. Were listening to it, and listening to it, and were not impressed. I think this job should be done in the interest of safety, as its dangerous at the moment," Cllr Clooney argued. Mountrath Independent Cllr James Kelly seconded Cllr Clooney's motion. "I certainly support Cllr Clooney, as you said the junction is the gateway to the west. We must also remember too that the fire service is there, when the traffic is all backed up, the fire service is held up there for a while and they cant get out either," Cllr Clooney pointed out. "A roundabout would make sure that the flow of traffic continues on, and there is a visibility issue there as you come down the Ballacolla side, looking up the left side towards Abbeyleix. The fence is an issue. As it was mentioned, we have roundabouts all over the place in Portlaoise, we could do with one in Durrow as a matter of urgency and road safety," Cllr Kelly finished. Cllr Clooney thanked Cllr Kelly for his support, stating that it is 'necessary' works. This motion was tabled at the October sitting of Laois County Council's Borris in Ossory / Mountmellick Municipal District. A "substantial amount" of jewellery was stolen from a County Kildare residence, a garda has said. Garda Maureen Nerney discussed details of the crime when she appeared on a KFM radio programme yesterday morning (October 8 last). She told host Hannah Kelly that the incident took place at a house located in the Hillford Drive estate in Kill. During the course of this crime, which occurred between 6.30pm and 8pm on Thursday, October 2 last, around 1,000 worth of jewellery items two rings and a bracelet were stolen by the perpetrator(s). READ NEXT: Gardai investigating after woman in her 70s was robbed in this Kildare town In addition, Gda Nerney said that two males had been seen "acting suspiciously" in the area around the time of the incident. She concluded by urging anyone with information relating to this incident and / or the two males to contact Naas Garda Station at 045 884 300. When asked by the Leinster Leader about this crime, a garda spokesperson responded: "Gardai are investigating a burglary incident of a residential property in Kill, County Kildare on October 2 last that occurred between the hours of 6.30pm and 8pm. "A number of items were taken from the property." The spokesperson added: "[The] investigation is ongoing." READ NEXT: Kildare Wildlife Rescue to host talk aimed at children Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Ryanair, Eir, and Sky have been named as the top Irish companies that received the most complaints in the first half of 2025, according to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. According to the commission's latest report, 20,526 consumers contacted the CCPC helpline between January and June of this year to report faulty goods, poor online shopping experiences and botched home improvements. READ NEXT: People acting 'more and more aggressive' towards bar workers since Covid Vehicles and transport led the list of sectors that consumers contacted the CCPC about, while the top traders named by consumers contacting the helpline included Ryanair, Eir and Sky. Consumers also reported spending an average of 6,400 on the product or service they had an issue with 4,724 contacts related to faulty goods & services. Grainne Griffin, CCPC Director of Communications, said: Consumer contacts to our helpline are vital in directing our work, particularly in enforcement. The information provided by consumers helps us to identify rogue traders, patterns of potential law breaking and means we can target our resources for maximum impact. This year, unannounced inspections by CCPC officers, often backed by intelligence gathered from our helpline, have uncovered consumer law breaches in shops, pubs, restaurants and car dealerships around Ireland. Consumers contacted the CCPC helpline about goods and services with a reported total value of 56 million. The highest average spend was on vehicles & transport (18,716) and home building & improvements (13,443). The report also revealed that 1,389 consumers contacted the helpline about personal finance. Motor insurance topped the list of personal finance queries, followed by mortgages and current accounts. READ NEXT: PICTURES: 'Renowned' award-winning bar and bistro in the heart of Ireland hits the market Grainne Griffin said: Buying a car or a home are two of lifes most significant financial decisions. Making the wrong choice can be very expensive. This year, we have published in-depth research with practical recommendations that would make a huge difference for car buyers and homebuyers in Ireland. Earlier this year, we published a report calling for the government to create an online car history portal. This would allow consumers to check important information about a cars mileage, past accidents, safety recalls, and import status before buying a used car. Recently we also called for more transparency in the homebuying process. Our homebuyers report called for the necessary information about a property to be made more accessible and be made available earlier in the homebuying process. Buyer Beware: Shopping online 4,419 consumers contacted the helpline about an online purchase, with 17% of purchases coming from businesses outside of the EU. READ NEXT: ALERT: Gardai in urgent appeal for help locating missing woman (37) last seen five days ago Grainne Griffin added: Weve seen an increase in consumers contacting us about online purchases. We recommend buying from businesses based in Ireland or other EU countries, where your consumer rights are strong. This means that if you buy a product online and the product doesnt reflect the reviews or if youve changed your mind you have a 14-day right to cancel and receive a full refund. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Consumers should be very cautious of exclusively 5-star reviews or amazing deals that are out of step with other suppliers. Always do your research and if you spot a red flag, better to spend your money elsewhere. When shopping online, the CCPC advises consumers to take precautions including: In advance of SUDEP Action Day on October 15, Epilepsy Ireland has appealed to people living with epilepsy and their families in Leitrim to learn more about a devastating aspect of the condition, as over 300 people in the county are living with epilepsy. 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. These include having frequent seizures, not taking medication as prescribed, and alcohol or substance abuse. Speaking on the importance of awareness, Epilepsy Ireland 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. READ NEXT: EXCLUSIVE: Number of vacant homes in Leitrim drastically reduced by Council Throughout October, Epilepsy Ireland 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 312 people with epilepsy in Leitrim and their family members to learn more by visiting our website, www.epilepsy.ie The organisation has also reiterated its call for the 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 added 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. READ NEXT: Leitrim family celebrates granddaughter's role in Downton Abbey Finale 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. As the evenings grow shorter, there is no shortage of cultural events to look forward to across the county, and weve gathered all the highlights for you. Our picture album captures the spirit of a lively time in County Leitrim, from the Ballinamore and Mohill Agricultural Shows to the Carrick-on-Shannon Carnival and the ever-popular Joe Mooney Summer School. Were also delighted to bring you the story of pastry chef Sukhitha Jayasinghe of The Landmark Hotel. From his early days in Sri Lanka to his career in Carrick-on-Shannon, his journey is as inspiring as his creations - and his mouth-watering Baked Hawaiian dessert is not to be missed. In our Culture section, Ballinamore native Kathryn Toolan reflects on her path from Dublin publishing houses to New York, where she now works as a literary agent. She shares how the local library shaped her teenage years and why the works of John McGahern continue to inspire her. And in a moving feature, Paula Guckian highlights the importance of early detection in the fight against cancer. A passionate supporter of the Very Pink Run, her story is one of strength, courage, and hope. From food to festivals, culture to community, this edition is filled with the people and stories that make Leitrim so special. We thank our contributors and advertisers for their support and you, our readers, for joining us once again. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this seasons Leitrim Life. The popular fashion-jewellery retailer Claires, best known for selling colourful necklaces and bracelets aimed at the pre-teen and teenage market, is set to close 21 stores across Ireland. Over 100 stores in the UK and Ireland were not saved after a rescue deal for the popular fashion accessories chain only saved half of the business. It was announced that the retail giant was saved from a total shut down by investment firm Modella Capital. Read next: CONFIRMED: US country star Luke Combs to headline Slane Castle in Summer 2026 The firm bought the majority of the company's operations and assets from administrators. The Modella Capital deal will only save just over half of the chain's 300 outlets around the UK and Ireland. A total of 145 stores were not bought, including 19 stores in the Republic of Ireland and six in Northern Ireland. All stores not purchased are still currently open except the Claire's on Cruises Street in County Limerick, and it is not known yet when the stores will cease trading. However, they have commenced closing down sales in-store in order to sell the remaining stock. The list of stores that were not purchased in the deal are: At the time is was announced by the owners that the advisory firm Interpath, appointed Will Wright and Chris Pole as joint administrators, for both the UK and Ireland. A spokesperson for the joint administrators said: Our priority remains to assess all of the options available for the Claires stores which did not transfer to Modella as part of the transaction announced on 29 September. In the meantime, however, we have commenced closing down sales in each of the stores in order to sell the remaining stock. The announcement comes after US owners of the retailer confirmed the appointment of administrators late last summer - in the UK and Ireland - following their August 6 bankruptcy filing in the United States, with CEO Chris Cramer calling the decision to officially file a "difficult but a necessary one." This is the second time that Claire's has filed for bankruptcy in recent years, having filed in 2018 and exiting Chapter 11 bankruptcy (in the United States) in 2022. Owned by a group of investment firms, the company blamed the most recent bankruptcy claim on "increased competition, consumer spending trends and the ongoing shift away from 'brick-and-mortar' retail" for the decision to refile for bankruptcy as well as "debt obligations" to up to 50,000 creditors. Read more: ALERT: Gardai in urgent appeal for help locating missing woman (37) last seen five days ago Catherine Connolly confirmed she paid for her 2018 trip to Syria with part of her Parliamentary Activities Allowance (PAA). Responding to criticism she had given the impression the fact-finding mission had been paid for from personal funds, the presidential hopeful said: I never gave that impression, thats an allowance thats given to every single independent TD. There are a number of different categories, and I tend to use it under policy and research. And thats exactly what I did. Speaking to reporters she said the average person would understand what she had meant as they know me exactly. She added: I leave it up to the people. The PAA is paid to party leaders and independent TDs to cover expenses arising from parliamentary activities, including research. Ms Connolly is reported to have spent almost 3,700 euros from the allowance for the trip. The Galway TD travelled to the Middle Eastern country while it was still under the rule of Bashar al-Assad with ex-MEPs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace. Earlier in the day her political rival Heather Humphreys said of the trip: I dont know what facts she needed to find, because everybody knows that the head of state Assad was a brutal dictator. Ten years ago, the High-Level Panel declared that Africa could not afford to lose one more dollar through illicit outflows. Ten years on, we must declare that Africa cannot afford another decade of subordination in the global financial system, Mbeki warned. Jonathan Enders, Assistant Manager for Technical Service at LAA, in conversation with speaker Richard N. Koon at RIA during his visit. WHEN Daire Scully took to the catwalk at London Fashion Week this season, it marked a new high point in a year of extraordinary change. The 23-year-old from Castleconnell has gone from working as a dental nurse to appearing on international runways and magazine covers all while studying at the Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI.) His journey into modelling, he admits, was entirely unplanned. I was actually working as a dental nurse at the time. I got scouted on Instagram and presumed that it was a scam of some sort so didn't even look at it, Daire explained. He modelled for some photos and these shots led to him being signed with his first agency in January 2024. READ MORE: Limericks Greg OShea marries South African love in intimate ceremony Since then, Daire who now lives in Dublin, has signed with multiple modelling agencies across Europe and the United States, including Ros Model Management in Ireland, Woke Management in London, Anthm in New York and Major in Milan. The Limerick man recently modelled at London Fashion Week for designers Genaro Rivas, Mirabela Brinzan, and Halves London. Reflecting on the experience, Daire said it was surreal. I just walked London Fashion Week three times. It's crazy but I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to do it and I'll be back next season as well. Balancing modelling with university is no small feat. I just do a lot of scheduling, Daire explained. My calendar is my most used app. Daire is still very much focused on his studies and plans to take some time out to pursue modelling full-time after completing his degree before returning to a career in science. Modelling isnt something that you can do for your entire life. I can't be 80 going for the same jobs, he smiles. International work has also brought its own set of unique experiences. Daire has appeared in a variety of magazines globally, such as Roll Up New York, Harpers Bazaar, Cosas, Untold Greece, Vous Espana and Gmaro. I've done two New York magazine covers. I've never been to New York! Looking ahead, a PhD is a future possibility after he devotes his time to modelling for a period. I just know that I'd be really annoyed at myself if I got to 50 and thought I didn't give that a proper go to see how far I could actually go so I'm going to model full-time for a bit. Daire's major goal in terms of his modelling career is to appear in Vogue magazine. I've kind of gone past now what all my goals were and I'm very proud of that. It's something that I never imagined so I'm just kind of excited to see what's next. THERE are currently 529 people registered as homeless in Limerick City and County, including 153 families and more than 250 children across the Mid-West. This stark figure was revealed following a survey carried out by Focus Ireland and conducted by Empathy Research. Focus Ireland is calling on Limerick businesses and the wider community to join the fight to end child homelessness by sleeping out for Shine A Light at the Crescent Shopping Centre this World Homelessness Day on Friday. The charity's recent survey showed that the vast majority of Irish businesses (97%) consider homelessness to be a critical or significant problem that needs to be addressed. The survey of over 100 businesses also revealed that 87% believe the business community has an important role to play in ending homelessness, while nine out of ten agree it is important that businesses actively support homelessness initiatives. Despite this only one in four businesses (25%) have previously engaged in initiatives to support people experiencing homelessness. READ MORE: Step forward for new garda station in Limerick suburb as search for site underway The survey showed that 16% of businesses have been directly or indirectly impacted by homelessness with respondents citing recruitment and retention challenges as key issues. A total of 83% of business leaders surveyed said they would advise the Government to prioritise long-term social housing in the Budget as a critical solution to ending the crisis. The most recent Department of Housing report revealed that a record new total of 16,353 people including more than 5,000 children (5,145) are now homeless and living in emergency accommodation across Ireland. While the crisis is most acute in the capital, the issue is worsening across the country. Focus Ireland's annual fundraising initiative with community sleep outs taking place in Limerick and across Ireland, along with business sleep out events in Dublin and Cork, aims to raise 1.2 million in vital funds to support families and children experiencing homelessness, as demand on the charity's services continues to rise with the worsening crisis. Focus Ireland believes that everyone has a right to a place to call home and that no child should be without a home. Homelessness has a particularly devastating impact on children, affecting their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Calling on businesses to sleep out for Shine A Light, Pat Dennigan, CEO of Focus Ireland, said its time to end child homelessness: The number of children in homelessness across Ireland has now risen above 5,000, and I am personally calling on the business community across Ireland to join us in taking action. By sleeping out for Shine A Light this October 10, together we will shine a light on Irelands children without a home." "In Ireland in 2025, we must not allow another crisis affecting thousands of children, to go unnoticed, without action. I was encouraged to see that the Empathy research found that 87% of businesses recognise their crucial role in ending homelessness. This shared belief is our greatest strength, as we know we cant solve this crisis alone. Focus Ireland LEAP Ambassador James Flanagan added: At just three years old, I experienced homelessness with my mother. Those painful memories as a child stay with me, and its heartbreaking to see thousands of kids living through the same thing today. We are seeing the worst it has ever been, with thousands of children experiencing the trauma of homelessness. We broke that cycle because we received support, and I encourage you to give that same chance to others. By taking part in Focus Irelands Shine A Light, you are directly helping individuals, children, and families to rebuild their lives. Companies from all sectors across Ireland are asked to sign up to sleep out for Shine A Light. Chairperson of the Limerick Organising Committee, Alec Morrissey, said: This marks our second year hosting the Limerick Community Sleep Out at this fantastic venue, and our ambition for 2025 is greater than ever. We are aiming to raise significant funds, knowing that every euro will directly support families in desperate need. Priomh-Comhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery, said: Homelessness is not just about statistics, it is a human story, and we all have a role in changing the ending. Lets use this time to educate, advocate, and prepare for a powerful night of solidarity and support. Brian OLeary, Centre Manager for the Crescent Shopping Centre, commented: We here at Crescent Shopping Centre are delighted to once again support Focus Ireland with their Shine A Light sleep out." AN ENGINEERING student who placed his hand on a teenage girl's leg during a Leaving Cert graduation ball in Limerick more than two years ago has avoided a criminal conviction. Limerick District Court was told the defendant, who pleaded guilty to a charge of assault, committed the offence having been dared to do so by some of his school friends. The man was aged 18 at the time and was heavily intoxicated on the night. The complainant is a similar age to the defendant. Having considered the contents of a victim impact statement at a previous court hearing, Judge Carol Anne Coolican noted the incident had a significant impact on the injured party and she adjourned the case commenting that "remorse must be conveyed to the victim". In her victim impact statement, the woman detailed to the court her struggles in moving on following the incident. She also outlined the effects it had on her at the time and since, including that it took "some time for her to go out again". READ NEXT: Popular fashion accessories retailer to close its store in Limerick During a sentencing hearing last week, Judge Coolican was told the defendant, who had no prior history of criminal conduct, regrets his actions and has expressed his remorse. According to the Probation Service, he is at a low risk of reoffending. Barrister Liam Carroll submitted a hand-written letter from his client and he asked that it be forwarded directly to the complainant via the Probation Service. The letter, which was read into the court record states the man regrets what happened and is making no excuses for his actions. "I am not the same person I was two years ago," he wrote, adding that he is "ashamed" and that nothing similar will happen again. Mr Carroll asked that his client be allowed to move forward with his life without having a criminal conviction on his record. "He is a relatively young man, he has no previous convictions and he has not come to the adverse attention of gardai since," he said. The barrister said his client is contributing to society and that he accepts full responsibility for what happened. Judge Coolican was told an envelope containing 2,000 in cash was available in court and was being offered as compensation or as a donation to charity, subject to the court and the wishes of the injured party. Imposing sentence, Judge Coolican noted there was a "sense of bravado" to the defendants actions and she noted he had been dared by a number of friends. Formally applying the Probation Act, the judge stated she had considered all of the submissions and that the injured party was "not buying himself out of a conviction". She asked members of the media to "exercise their discretion" and not to identify the defendant given the nature of the incident and the age of those involved. A SUSPICIOUS package discovered at a Limerick school this Thursday was a "hoax anthrax attack", Limerick Live has learned. A full-scale emergency response involving Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, An Garda Siochana, Limerick Fire and Rescue Service and National Ambulance Service was put in place this afternoon. READ MORE: BREAKING: Emergency services respond to major incident at Limerick school The package, believed to contain white powder, was discovered in Castletroy College on the outskirts of Limerick city. It was immediately reported to emergency services and treated with the utmost gravity. One line of enquiry pursued was that it was an an anthrax attack. However, further investigations revealed it was not a threat to staff or students and was a "hoax". Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board has issued a statement to Limerick Live confirming that an incident occurred earlier today at one of their community colleges involving a reported security alert. In line with established protocols and Department of Education guidelines, all appropriate safety measures were immediately implemented. An Garda Siochana were contacted and are currently on site conducting a full investigation, said a spokesperson for the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board," said a spokesperson. READ MORE: UPDATE: Suspicious package discovered at Limerick school As a precautionary measure, all students left the school as advised and were guided by staff with parents and guardians advised accordingly, they said. The safety and wellbeing of our school communities is always our highest priority, and we are working closely with An Garda Siochana and relevant authorities as the matter is being investigated. We will continue to follow the advice of the authorities and provide updates as appropriate. As this is an ongoing investigation, we will not be making any further comment at this time, said the spokesperson. FIVE villages in County Limerick are set to benefit from the expansion of the National Broadband Plan into their areas. More than 2,500 homes, businesses and farms near Castleconnell, Cappamore, Anglesboro, Kilbehenny and Cullane near Ballylanders, will have the opportunity to connect to fibre broadband on the NBI network. This high-speed fibre broadband is included in a Government investment of 84 million for broadband in County Limerick - its the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification. READ NEXT: Limerick St. Vincent de Paul fun run to support those who need it most People within any areas of Castleconnell, Cappamore, Kilbehenny, Anglesboro and Cullane near Ballylanders, are asked to check if they are ready to be connected by checking their Eircode on www.nbi.ie. As part of the national scheme, works have already been completed in Adare and surrounding areas of Limerick City and more than 5,000 connections have been made so far. Building works in Newcastle West are also progressing, with more than 4,000 premises there due to be connected by the end of next year. TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: This will enable those who connect to experience the life-changing benefits of high-speed broadband with minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second. Overall, over 15,700 homes, businesses and farms in Co Limerick can now order a high-speed fibre connection to the NBI network. He added: We are working hard on the ground to progress other areas of the county through engineering survey, design and construction phases. We are encouraging Limerick residents to visit the NBI website to check their Eircode and sign up for updates. RTE has announced the appointment of Grainne McAleer as its new Acquisitions Editor, following an internal competition. In her new role, McAleer will work closely with Dermot Horan, Director of Acquisitions & Co-Productions, supporting negotiations with major Hollywood studios and international distributors. The position involves securing thousands of hours of content for both RTE television and the RTE Player across a broad range of genres, including feature films, drama and comedy series, documentaries, and childrens programming. McAleer has spent over two decades commissioning factual programmes for RTE and currently serves as Commissioning Editor for Documentaries and Features. Her extensive portfolio includes hit series such as Operation Transformation, Room to Improve and The Traitors Ireland, as well as acclaimed documentaries like Quinn Country, The Killing of Father Niall Molloy, The Skinny Jab and Bad Nanny. Read More: PICTURES: Greg O'Shea shares first snaps of 'intimate, emotional' wedding to model fiancee Steve Carson, RTEs Director of Video, praised the appointment, describing McAleer as an exceptionally experienced commissioner with deep knowledge of global content trends and a keen understanding of Irish audiences. Dermot Horan added: We are so lucky to be able to appoint Grainne, who has such a wealth of knowledge and experience, not just of Irish programming, but of the international marketplace. As viewers move more and more to an on-demand world, the role of acquisitions becomes paramount and Grainne will be instrumental in growing this offering. Commenting on her new role, McAleer said she was delighted to join the Acquisitions team, adding: There has never been such a rich vein of international content, and Im looking forward to playing my part in bringing our viewers as much of that as we can to complement our fantastic home-produced programming. Grainne McAleer will take up her new position as Acquisitions Editor with RTE in the coming months. There has been a 75% increase in demand for the services of Ruhama, a charity that fights sexual exploitation, prostitution, and human trafficking. The charity's latest report shows that 1,128 people engaged with them last year - an increase of 75% on 2023. 216 of those people were getting in touch in relation to human trafficking, up 35% on 2023. 282 were affected by prostitution. This number is an increase of 20% on 2023. READ NEXT: 'My son you are my world' - Toddler killed following tragic incident in Dublin named locally "They're a very hard to reach cohort so the fact that we're seeing more people is a positive in one hand," Barbara Condon, CEO of Ruhama said on Newstalk today. Most of the people reaching out are women, including six that identified as trans women. This reflects the gendered nature of the system of prostitution and sexual exploitation, according to the charity. 55 men also engaged with the service. People reaching out in relation to human trafficking came from 24 different countries. 131 were from Nigeria, the highest number of any country, but others were from Albania, Kenya, and Ukraine among others. People from 51 different countries got in touch in relation to prostitution, with those from Nigeria again the worst affected. 43 people from there reached out to Ruhama for help, while 31 were Irish. 42 people were from Zimbabwe and other countries people reaching out were from included Brazil, Poland, and Romania. "For some women, pornography is the gateway into prostitution. People think it's fantasy but it's real life. It's women who are getting paid to suffer real pain while they're being filmed," Barbara said. Ruhama is today hosting the Technology Friend or Foe convention, which looks at combating porn, sexual violence and exploitation. (Bloomberg) -- Germanys auto industry is sliding faster into decline, with weak demand, trade tensions and rising Chinese competition compounding the pressures on the countrys carmakers. Porsche on Thursday joined BMW and Mercedes-Benz in reporting weaker sales in China, where local competitors led by BYD Co. and Xiaomi Corp. are winning over buyers with competitively priced electric vehicles. BMW earlier this week cut its earnings outlook after demand in the worlds biggest auto market fell short of expectations. The China struggles add to US tariff costs and stagnant sales in Europe, squeezing Germanys carmakers across their three core markets. Despite pouring billions of euros into battery technology, their first wave of EVs failed to gain traction, with next-generation models not arriving until next year. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday announced 3 billion ($3.5 billion) in new EV aid and said hell push back hard against European Union plans to effectively ban the sale of new combustion-engine cars in 2035. But auto executives also are decrying red tape and high energy costs in the country. Theyre responding by throttling output, cutting tens of thousands of jobs and scaling back costly battery programs. The German manufacturing sector, and the automotive industry in particular, are in a perfect storm, said Jens Suedekum, an economics professor and adviser to German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil. Market shares in China are in sharp decline, the Chinese overcapacities are hurting German exports across all markets, and unlike in 2024 the US market is no longer available as a substitute. The slump is threatening manufacturers that for decades helped drive the success of Germanys export-oriented economy. The countrys auto sector has lost roughly 55,000 jobs over the past two years, according to the VDA trade group. Tens of thousands of additional positions are set to disappear by 2030, in an industry that employs more than 700,000 people. Volkswagen AG Germanys largest automaker that operates more than 100 factories globally is paring back production and shedding staff. Robert Bosch GmbH, the worlds biggest auto supplier, plans to slash 18,500 jobs, most of them in Germany. Peers like Continental, Schaeffler and ZF Friedrichshafen are also cutting workers, with Ford Motor Co. reducing staff and output in Germany. The cutbacks have sparked fears of a Nokia moment, a nod to the rapid decline of the once-dominant smartphone maker. The companies have complained about elevated manufacturing labor costs, which are more than twice as high in Germany as in the Czech Republic, according to Eurostat data. In the first half of 2025, combined profits at the German automakers dropped by more than a third from a year earlier, according to EY. The situation is serious industrial production is falling and layoffs are increasing, said Achim Wambach, president of the countrys ZEW economic institute. Companies need lower energy costs, lower taxes and less bureaucracy. The fallout risks spreading beyond Germanys borders. The countrys auto sector is responsible for roughly a quarter of Europes vehicle output and anchors a supply chain that stretches from Spain to Slovakia. Its slowdown threatens to undercut the regions manufacturing base, weaken exports and deepen the sense that Europe is losing ground in the global race for next-generation technologies. The German carmakers arent sitting idle. BMW is betting that its 10 billion Neue Klasse line of next-generation EVs can turn around sales in China, while Volkswagen has struck partnerships with local software and EV makers to return to growth in Asias biggest economy. The owner of the Audi and Skoda brands is doing better in Europe this year after updating its cars with new software, and is on track to sell more EVs than Tesla Inc. and Stellantis NV in the region. Still, with production falling and investment plans on hold, business groups are warning that Germany risks losing its status as a manufacturing hub. The malaise is turning into a political liability for Merz, whose conservatives have slipped behind the far-right Alternative for Germany in some polls. Merz has pledged to lift Germany out of stagnation with massive spending on infrastructure and defense. His coalition government on Thursday indicated its ready to back industry demands for more flexible EU rules on the future of gasoline cars, but hasnt yet agreed on a specific path forward. While EVs will become the dominant technology, sticking to the 2035 cutoff for combustion-engine cars makes no sense, the chancellor said. If it were up to me, there would be no such abrupt change, Merz said after meeting auto CEOs including BMWs Oliver Zipse and Volkswagens Oliver Blume in Berlin. The coalition did agree on 3 billion in additional purchase incentives for zero-emissions vehicles through 2029, a program meant to help low- and middle-income households make the switch to cleaner modes of transport. Earlier this week, it announced plans to extend a tax exemption for EVs. But theres little evidence so far that Berlins moves are making a dent. After two years of contraction, the government expects an expansion of just 0.2% this year. On Wednesday, the countrys statistics office published figures showing that German industrial production fell the most since early 2022, driven by an 18.5% drop in auto manufacturing. This isnt just about factories closing, said Benjamin Krieger, secretary general of CLEPA, an industry group representing Europes auto suppliers. Its about the industrys social fabric, its communities and Europes technological sovereignty. --With assistance from Wilfried Eckl-Dorna, Craig Trudell and Iain Rogers. (Updates with information from German auto summit starting in fourth paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Reckitt, a global company in consumer health and hygiene, along with PATH-CHRI, has announced the three winning innovations of the Dettol Banega Swasth India - Maternal and Child Health Tech Accelerator. This announcement marks the culmination of the accelerators effort to highlight homegrown solutions focussed on healthcare during the critical first 1,000 days of life. After a competitive and detailed selection process, 21 innovations were shortlisted from a diverse pool of entries submitted from across India, each addressing key challenges associated with early childhood development during the first 1,000 days. Following evaluation based on effectiveness, scalability, usability, and cost-efficiency, three innovators were selected as winners for their potential to improve healthcare access and quality. The winning innovations were recognised on 2nd October 2025, at the launch of Dettol Banega Swasth India Season 12 by dignitaries including Rahul Kanwal, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, NDTV; Ravi Bhatnagar, Communications and Corporate Affairs Director, South Asia, MENARP and Africa, Reckitt; Neeraj Jain, Director, Growth Operations Asia, Middle East and Europe, PATH; Mohammed Asif, Executive Director, Plan International (India Chapter); Kanika Kalra, Regional Marketing Director, Health, Reckitt South Asia; and Gautam Rishi, Marketing Director, Hygiene, Reckitt South Asia, marking a milestone in supporting Indias maternal and child health agenda. Winners of the Dettol Banega Swasth India - Maternal and Child Health Tech Accelerator: SaveMom AIs AlloTricorder - A wearable device to provide continuous monitoring, AI driven insights and secure healthcare connectivity across the first 1000 days. The innovation has been recognised as a Harvard Business School case study, featured by World Health Organization and Google. Brainytots Neuroscience Based Toys for Infant Development - Safe, eco-friendly toys and caregiver guides, designed to turn play into preventive healthcare. Featured in Corporate Tycoons Magazine as a prominent early childhood development startup. Bempu Kangasling Support - Ergonomic sling designed for babies supporting extended skin-to-skin contact. Recognized in TIME Magazine as one of the notable inventions of 2017. Together, these solutions aim to support caregivers and frontline workers while strengthening health systems to improve outcomes for mothers and children in underserved settings. Ravi Bhatnagar, Communications and Corporate Affairs Director, South Asia, MENARP and Africa, Reckitt, said, The three winning solutions are a testament to Indias spirit of innovation and its ability to deliver impact at the last mile. At Reckitt, our purpose has always been to protect, heal, and nurture in pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. Through the Dettol Banega Swasth India Maternal & Child Health Tech accelerator, we are proud to support innovations that not only address critical gaps in maternal and child health but also hold the potential to transform lives across underserved communities. By empowering caregivers, and health systems, and by strengthening aspirational blocks with these winning innovations, we are helping build a stronger foundation for Indias journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047. Neeraj Jain, Director, Growth Operations Asia, Middle East and Europe, PATH, added, These winners reflect what happens when innovation meets opportunity. At PATH-CHRI, we believe that solutions like Baby Warmth Bundle, Brainy Tots, and SaveMom embody the future of maternal and child health accessible, scalable, and deeply rooted in local realities. By connecting innovators with systems and communities, we are creating a pathway for these solutions to reach the families who need them most. This is about ensuring every mother and child, regardless of where they live, has an equal chance to survive and thrive. The accelerator was designed to address gaps in maternal and child healthcare in India, particularly in underserved and resource-limited communities. Over the course of the programme, innovators were encouraged to develop solutions that are not only scalable but also practical for real-world implementation. By focusing on the first 1,000 days, a period that has a profound impact on long-term health and development, the programme sought to identify interventions that can prevent morbidity, improve nutrition, enhance caregiver engagement, and strengthen frontline health services. The winners were selected from a competitive pool of innovators who demonstrated both technological capability and potential for social impact, reflecting the programmes focus on innovation and measurable outcomes. The winners will now work with on-ground partners, including Plan International (India chapter), to test, adapt, and scale their solutions in underserved communities. This reinforces the commitment of Reckitt to help create an ecosystem where health and hygiene are not a privilege but a right accessible, affordable, and sustainable for all. Find out more, or get in touch with us at www.reckitt.com Reckitt is the trading name of the Reckitt Benckiser group of companies Media Contact Details Smriti Jain, Avian WE, smriti@avianwe.com, +91-9953181096 New Delhi: One of the nine co-founders of Akasa Air has left the privately-owned airline, marking the first high-profile departure at the carrier, which began flying in 2022. The airline announced on Thursday the resignation of its senior vice president of International Operations, Neelu Khatri, as per an official company statement. The company, in a statement, said Khatri decided to pursue a new professional direction. Privately-held Akasa Air has not yet announced a replacement for her. The move marks the first high-profile departure from the founding team of Indias youngest major carrier, launched in 2022 amid the post-pandemic aviation rebound. Incidentally, the exit comes weeks after the airline secured fresh funding from Bengalurus billionaire circles. Khatri holds less than 1% in SNV Aviation Pvt. Ltd, the holding company of Akasa Air. As per last filings with the corporate affairs ministry, dated 31 March 2024, she held 244,508 out of 11,32,55,002 equity shares of face value 10.00 each. The exit comes hot on the heels of Akasas August 2025 fundraising triumph; a 1,200 crore ($143 million) injection led by Premji Invest (Azim Premjis family office) and Claypond Capital (healthcare billionaire Ranjan Pais vehicle), alongside 360 ONE Asset Management and additional Jhunjhunwala commitments. Premjis tech-savvy investments and Pais operational expertise in scaling businesses are seen providing tailwinds to Akasas fleet expansion to 226 aircraft by 2032 and international forays into Southeast Asia. The high-profile exit of Khatri underscores the operational and structural adjustments Akasa Air is undergoing as it matures. Details on what happens to Khatris equity stake remain undisclosed. Industry estimates suggest that co-founders like her collectively hold minority portions, which are further diluted by recent infusions; however, exact figures are not available. Akasa Air confirms that Neelu Khatri, Co-Founder and Senior Vice President - International, has decided to move on from the company to pursue a new direction in her professional journey, the official statement said. Journey so far Mumbai-based Akasa Air, officially SNV Aviation Pvt. Ltd was co-founded by nine aviation veterans CEO Vinay Dube, former president of IndiGo Aditya Ghosh, chief operating officer Belson Coutinho, chief commercial officer Praveen Iyer, chief financial officer Ankur Goel, and operations specialists like Khatri, Anand Srinivasan, Bhavin Joshi, and Praveen Iyer. Backed initially by the late investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwalas family with a 46% stake, Akasa recently overtook SpiceJet in terms of revenue. In a filing with the corporate affairs ministry in July, the airline reported a nearly 1,400 crore revenue for April-June, overtaking SpiceJet as Indias third-largest carrier. The official statement, attributed to a company spokesperson, praised Khatris foundational role: An early believer in Akasa, Neelu has been integral in building on our vision and backing our early success. The company extends its sincere appreciation for her contributions and wishes her the very best in her future endeavours. Till the time of going to press, Khatri did not respond to Mints messages. Business as usual Launched in August 2022 as Indias newest private airline, Akasa Air has expanded to operate a fleet of 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, serving 24 domestic destinations and six foreign countries. Akasa, in its statement, decided to allay stakeholder fears and maintained that its existing international operations and expansion plans remain unchanged. ...existing international operations and our exciting international expansion ambitions remain unchanged, it said. Backed by billionaire Rakesh Jhunjhunwalas family and led by CEO Vinay Dube, the carrier reported a 49% year-on-year revenue surge to 4,636 crore (about $550 million) for FY25, though it continues to post losses of 1,983 crore amid heavy investments in growth. Who is Khatri Khatri, a former Indian Air Force Wing Commander with over 25 years of experience in aviation and aerospace, joined Akasa at its inception in 2020. Before co-founding the airline, she held senior leadership positions, including president of Honeywell Aerospace India and roles in strategy and business development at global firms. Her LinkedIn profile mentions previous roles as managing director, BluOrange Synergies; executive director - International Sales and BD, Pipavav Defence and Offshore Engineering Ltd; head Defence and Security Advisory Services, KPMG, and in the Indian Air Force. By Haripriya Suresh and Sai Ishwarbharath B BENGALURU (Reuters) -Tata Consultancy Services, India's top software-services exporter, beat second-quarter revenue estimates on Thursday, aided by strength in its banking, financial services and insurance segment, and said it expects better growth in the second half of the fiscal year. The results boosted optimism around the country's $283 billion IT sector, which has been dealing with cautious client spending amid economic uncertainties, especially in North America, its largest market. "If there are no more tariff-related surprises, Indian IT should slowly recover from this quarter," Centrum Broking analyst Piyush Pandey told Reuters, noting that TCS' revenue and operating margins were above expectations. TCS CEO K Krithivasan told analysts that the number of projects getting deferred or paused has reduced compared to the preceding quarter. "We have had better growth compared to Q1. Macros have not changed much, but our deep engagement with clients, AI solutions - all of this gives confidence that we will improve the growth momentum compared to the first half," he said. Sales in the September quarter rose 2.4% to 657.99 billion rupees ($7.4 billion), beating analysts' average estimate of 650.86 billion rupees, according to data compiled by LSEG. Revenue at its core banking, financial services and insurance segment, which accounts for about a third of the company's business, rose 1%, while revenue from its consumer, healthcare and manufacturing verticals fell 2.9%, 2.2% and 1.1%, respectively. Profit rose 1.4% to 120.75 billion rupees, but missed analysts' average estimate of 126.29 billion rupees, hurt by 11.35 billion rupees in severance costs. In July, TCS announced its plans to shed 2% of its workforce in fiscal 2026, affecting about 12,200 middle and senior management jobs. The company's employee count fell by 19,755 sequentially, the steepest-ever decline in a quarter. TCS's total order bookings stood at $10 billion during the second quarter, versus $9.4 billion in the first quarter and $8.6 billion in the year-ago period, bringing some cheer to the sector that has been facing many challenges, including a proposed 25% tax on outsourcing payments and an H-1B visa crackdown that is expected to upend the industry's playbook. The company also said it would set up a new business entity to build AI infrastructure, including a 1 GW data centre in India, over a period of five to seven years. "When functional, 1GW in capacity will make TCS among the Top-5 data center operators in India and will possibly entail capex of US $5bn," analysts at Jefferies said. ($1 = 88.7910 Indian rupees) New Delhi, Oct 9 (PTI) Tata Trusts must always have a Tata family member as its head to perpetuate the goals envisioned by its founders and leaders, the author of late Ratan Tata's biography, Thomas Mathew, said on Thursday, amid infighting in the Tata Trusts within a year after the death of the revered industrialist. The current infighting in the Tata Trusts, however, is a "small difference of opinion" that happens during every transition, and these are just 'side shows' which won't have an impact on such a big entity such as the house of Tatas, Mathew told PTI. "Tata Trusts, according to me, should always have a Tata at its head. There's no doubt regarding it because it is a trust of the Tatas meant to perpetuate the goals which these great personalities had envisioned," he asserted. Mathew was responding to a query on how he sees the legacy of late Ratan Tata and the Tata family moving forward on his first death anniversary. When asked about the infighting in the Tata Trusts, Mathew termed it 'side shows' with no real threat to the conglomerate. "A small bit of difference of opinion, etc, will happen during every transition, but the house of Tatas is so big and strong that these are side shows," he asserted. When pointed out that the matter has reached the government with the top brass of Tata Trusts and Tata Sons meeting Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman earlier this week, Mathew said, "That is all right, but nothing is going to happen to the group." He, however, admitted, "I think these small differences this time should not have come out, but I think it'll get resolved without much of a problem." On Tuesday, top brass of the Tata group, Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, Tata Trusts Vice Chairman Venu Srinivasan and trustee Darius Khambata met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman amid infighting among trustees over board appointments and governance issues. The infighting among the trustees of Tata Trusts threatens 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. Asked if the current crop of leaders in the Tata Group has been able to fully carry forward Ratan Tata's legacy, Mathew said, "The present chairman (of Tata Sons) Chandrasekaran is completely devoted to the ideals of the Tata Group, and especially what Mr Ratan Tata stood for." The Trump administration is considering whether to take a major step toward restricting the US operations of TP-Link Systems Inc., a China-linked router-maker whose Wi-Fi equipment is popular in the American market, according to people familiar with the matter. The US government is weighing whether to issue an initial determination that TP-Link poses a national security threat following an investigation into its China ties that began last year, the people said. The assessment has been ready for some time but in recent weeks theres been a flurry of activity to move it forward, according to the people. Such a finding would put TP-Link one step closer to potentially having its US operations restricted or banned. The intensifying focus on TP-Link comes ahead of a planned meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinas Xi Jinping at the end of the month. This week, China unveiled new restrictions on its export of rare earths, shoring up leverage ahead of the talks. Meanwhile, US advocates of a hard line on China fear Trump is softening his approach toward Beijing as he pursues a trade deal. TP-Link is facing growing scrutiny in Washington over its connection to China, with lawmakers from both parties expressing concern that its wireless equipment could be exploited by Chinese hackers following a series of attacks on its routers. In May, more than a dozen Republican lawmakers, including Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cotton, called for a US ban on further sales of TP-Link products. Trump signed an executive order in 2019 creating the authority being used to investigate TP-Link, though it has been rarely invoked. It grants the Commerce Department sweeping powers to bar information and communications technology firms linked to foreign adversaries from operating in the US if theyre found to pose an unacceptable risk to national security. TP-Link would get an opportunity to challenge any findings before a final determination is made. A TP-Link spokeswoman said in a statement that the company will continue to work closely with Commerce to resolve any concerns, including mitigating any risks that the Commerce Department may cite. We are confident that Commerces review will conclude with the security of TP-Links operations and products recognized. White House spokespeople didnt respond to requests for comment. A Commerce Department spokesperson said the agency doesnt comment on active enforcement matters, or confirm or deny the existence of any pending investigations. Founded in China nearly three decades ago, TP-Link has recently accelerated efforts to distance itself from its origins. The company last year completed a split into two separate entities: an American unit headquartered in Irvine, California, and a Chinese unit based in Shenzhen. While the US-based entity has pledged to make significant investments in the US, it still has substantial operations in mainland China, Bloomberg News found in an investigation published in April. Before the split, TP-Link was the worlds largest provider of consumer Wi-Fi equipment, according to market research firm IDC. Its routers, which relay information from the internet to devices such as computers and smartphones, are widely sold through retailers including Amazon.com Inc. and Best Buy Co., and can be found in homes and small businesses across the country. TP-Link routers were among the various brands including American ones exploited by Chinese state-sponsored hackers who launched the massive Volt and Salt Typhoon attacks that targeted US critical infrastructure, US officials have said. Theres no evidence that TP-Link was complicit in any of the attacks and the company has said that it hasnt been able to verify how its devices were affected, if at all. In addition to the Commerce probe, the US is conducting a criminal antitrust investigation into TP-Links pricing strategies and whether the companys growing US market share represents a threat to national security, Bloomberg reported in April. With assistance from Shawn Donnan, Catherine Lucey and Jennifer A. Dlouhy. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Bankrupt airline Go First has filed a fresh plea before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Delhi, seeking the release and disclosure of several aircraft components, primarily small tyres and wheels, that it claims are being withheld by maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) firm Air Works India (Engineering) Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of the Adani Group. The plea, filed by Dinkar Venkatasubramanian, the airlines liquidator, alleges that the MRO firm continues to hold back the components citing unpaid dues. While some of the assets belong to the airline, others belong to its lessors. After a brief hearing on Thursday, the Delhi NCLT issued a notice to Air Works and sought its response to the plea. Also Read | Don't blame duopoly for the poor service and high fares by Indian airlines Let notice be issued to the respondents for filing their response and appearance. Notice be issued by all means and proof of service be filed. List the matter on 20 November," the tribunal directed. During the hearing, Diwakar Maheshwari, counsel for the liquidator, asked the tribunal to direct Air Works to return the products and goods, which are lying in their custody illegally." "They are the maintenance office for these components, which are partly owned by me and partly by lessors in my capacity as liquidator. Their contention is that these components remain in their custody because payment has not been made. Now, the lessors are chasing me," Maheshwari submitted before the tribunal. However, the NCLT clarified that requests for disclosure or discovery of assets should ordinarily be made before a civil court. Mr. Maheshwari, you are seeking the wrong direction. For discovery and inspection, you should approach the civil court," the bench observed. Bridgestone angle This plea follows an earlier petition reported by Mint when, in July, Japanese tyre maker Bridgestone approached the NCLT seeking the release of 1,400 leased tyres that remained in Go Firsts custody. Bridgestone told the tribunal that delays in retrieving the tyres were costing the company between $200 and $700 per tyre per month. During Thursdays hearing, Bridgestones counsel informed the tribunal that the company was now preparing to move a civil court to seek appointment of a receiver to take possession of the tyres. I will need to approach the honourable civil court as well to seek appointment of a receiver if the matter is tagged effectively here," the counsel said. The dispute dates back to 2019, when Go First entered into a five-year lease agreement with Bridgestone Hong Kong. After the Hong Kong operations shut down, the lease was transferred to Bridgestones Thailand subsidiary. By October 2024, the lease had expired, months before the airline was ordered into liquidation in January 2025. Following the expiry, Bridgestone granted Go First a seven-month grace period to return the tyres. When the airline failed to do so, Bridgestone filed its petition before the NCLT in July 2025. Mumbai-based Air Works India (Engineering) Pvt Ltd, founded in 1951, is among Indias oldest aviation MRO firms. It provides aircraft maintenance, painting, engineering, and asset management services to commercial airlines, business jets, and defence clients. In December 2024, Adani Enterprises Ltd completed the acquisition of an 85.1% stake in Air Works through its wholly owned arm, Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Ltd, integrating the MRO company into its growing aviation services portfolio. Several challenges The ongoing MRO and lessor disputes are among several legal challenges surrounding Go Firsts insolvency. The airline owes around 6,200 crore to creditors, including the Central Bank of India ( 1,934 crore), Bank of Baroda ( 1,744 crore), and IDBI Bank ( 75 crore). Go First is also pursuing a $1 billion arbitration against engine maker Pratt & Whitney at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), alleging that faulty engines led to its collapse. The outcome of that case is seen as critical for lenders hoping to recover their dues. Also Read | Go First case: Former bidder Busy Bee withdraws plea against liquidation The airline has remained grounded since 3 May 2023, when its promoter, the Wadia Group, filed for voluntary insolvency citing engine delivery delays. By then, the airlines total liabilities had crossed 11,000 crore owed to banks, vendors, and aircraft lessors. EYs Shailendra Ajmera was initially appointed as resolution professional, but the process hit a major roadblock when lessors and engine makers sued to reclaim assets. In April 2024, the Delhi High Court allowed aircraft lessors to repossess their planes, leaving Go First with no viable assets, ultimately leading to its liquidation in January 2025. There was brief hope for a revival when SpiceJets Ajay Singh and EaseMyTrips Nishant Pitti submitted a joint 1,600 crore bid in February 2024, but the offer was withdrawn three months later, marking the end of any potential rescue. Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Group introduced a series of changes to the boards of at least two of its auto companies and changed the holding company of its component business between August and September as the conglomerate gears up to launch cars and trucks next financial year. In a bid to streamline operations, the chief executives of its passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle businesses left the board of automobiles business parent company, JSW Green Mobility in August, to focus on their own verticals, Mints review of its filings with the ministry of corporate affairs showed. These are the key changes: In place of Sumit Mittal, chief executive officer (CEO) of JSWs CV business and Ranjan Nayak, CEO of JSWs PV business, the parent companys chief of business Rajiv Mehta joined the JSW Green Mobility board of directors. Mehta had joined last year in September after 27 years at Mahindra and Mahindra The other directors at the parent company include JSW Holdings chief executive officer Manoj Mohta and Bhushan Prasad, chief financial officer at JSW Projects. In another board change, JSW Steels vice president of banking, Deepa Yezdegardi, joined the board of JSW Motors in August. Along with these board changes, the company also restructured the operations of its component business JSW AutoComp in September. According to one of the company's filings in September, the auto business holding company JSW Green Mobility will control the component business after the controlling firm of JSW AutoComp was changed to JSW Greentech, the CV subsidiary of Green Mobility, from Sajjan Jindal family trust's investment firm Echelon Multiventures Private Limited. In June, JSW AutoComp was created by renaming JSW NxGen Charge Ltd, an EV charging infrastructure company that was established in August last year. Queries sent to JSW Group on Monday on the changes in the auto business went unanswered. Auto focus The changes in the boards and the structure of the automobile business come ahead of its planned entry into car- and truck-making next year as also plans for auto components and lithium-ion batteriesa strategy that is as much focused on an inflection in the autos market towards electric vehicles as also integration possibilities with its steel businesses. View Full Image Credit: Mint Experts earlier noted that the conglomerates established presence in segments like energy and steel gives it an advantage to unlock synergies for the automobile business. For a newcomer like JSW, this is the right moment to step in, as most companies are still early in the EV race and market positions can shift quickly," Puneet Gupta, Director at S&P Global Mobility, earlier told Mint. For JSW Group, it can look to leverage its position in the steel business and work across the end to end supply chain and to increase their presence in automobile components," he explained. Also Read | JSW in talks with 4 Chinese firms for EV battery tech The changes of key management personnel at the group level also come at a time when the conglomerate has readied funding for its automobile businesses. In September, the Jindal family trust-backed JSW Projects pumped in 173 crore into JSW Green Mobility through the equity route, after investing 1,000 crore into the parent firm in July. The company raised the funds by issuing optionally convertible debentures (OCDs) worth 1,000 crore to JSW Projects, which is promoted by the Jindal family. Own brand, JV, components JSW Group's automobile strategy is divided into two segments: building its own brands and also grow the joint venture with Chinas SAIC for running JSW MG Motor India. Its entry into the sector began in 2023 when it announced its investment in MG Motor India. It has been working on building its own brand which will sell electric and hybrid vehicles. Four models of passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles are planned, according to a person directly in the know. JSWs auto business is housed under JSW Green Mobility which is mostly funded through JSW Projects. JSW Green Mobility has two subsidiary companies, JSW Motors and JSW Greentech Ltd. All the auto businesses are privately held. Apart from making cars and commercial vehicles, the group is also investing in making components for its vehicles and lithium-ion batteries for its electric vehicles. According to two people in the know, the company has held talks with at least four top Chinese battery firms which includes Gotion, Svolt, Soundon and Cospower, for lithium ion battery technology. JSW group aims to build 50 GWh of capacity of lithium ion batteries in the country, with a 10GWh gigafactory expected to commence by 2027. The company has also held talks with Japanese and Korean firms for battery tech, with one of its representatives meeting a Japanese battery delegation in July this year in the national capital. As per Sajjan Jindal, the chairperson of JSW Group, the companys endeavour is to get into all areas of the automobile business is its attempt to build an entire ecosystem in India. Our idea is not to be an outpost of a Chinese company to sell products in India," Jindal told the Financial Times in December. We want to manufacture the products in India, value-add in India, and sell in India." Abu Dhabis sovereign wealth fund ADQ is close to securing a $4 billion syndicated loan, primarily from lenders based in Greater China, in the latest Middle East deal tapping Asian bank liquidity. The loan has mainly attracted banks in China, Macau and Taiwan, according to people familiar with the matter. A representative for ADQ declined to comment. ADQs financing underscores a broader trend of Gulf economies syndicating loans in Asia as they seek to diversify funding sources amid ambitious expansion plans. The borrowers are also capitalizing on strong demand from Asian banks to lend to highly-rated entities such as ADQ, which has AA ratings, given subdued loan activity in their home markets this year. Middle Eastern borrowers have raised $5.2 billion in syndicated loans across the Asia Pacific so far in 2025 a seven-year high and a 53% increase from the same period last year, according to Bloomberg-compiled data. Qatar Gas Transport Co. is currently marketing a $1 billion syndicated loan for which Mizuho Bank Ltd. is the sole mandated lead arranger and bookrunner, Bloomberg News reported earlier. The ADQ syndicated facility agreement is set to be signed soon, the people said, who asked not to be identified discussing private matters. The loan was initially marketed to banks with tenors of three and five years, but is set to close with only the longer maturity, based on preferences of participating lenders, the people said. The five-year facility pays an interest margin of 85 basis points over the benchmark Secured Overnight Financing Rate, they added. Bank of China Ltd., DBS Group Holdings Ltd., Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., JPMorgan Chase & Co., HSBC Holdings Plc and Standard Chartered Plc are the bookrunners of the loan, the people said. With assistance from Sheryl Tian Tong Lee. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Baytex Energy Corp., a Canada-based oil and gas producer, is weighing an exit of its operations in the Eagle Ford shale of south Texas to refocus on its domestic assets, according to people familiar with the matter. Baytex, which significantly extended its reach into the basin just two years ago via a takeover of Ranger Oil, is working with advisers to solicit interest in the operations, which could fetch as much as $3 billion, the people said, asking not to be identified because the details are private. No final decision has been made and Baytex could opt to hold onto the assets. Baytex fell 3.9% to $2.46 at 11:45 a.m. in New York trading Thursday, giving the company a market value of about $1.9 billion. The company, which also has about $1.6 billion of debt, has fallen 22% in the past year. A representative for Baytex declined to comment. The potential sale would be a significant turnabout for Baytex, which touted the Ranger deal at the time as an opportunity to double free cash flow and deliver at least a dozen years of oil-weighted drilling opportunities. The Alberta-based company, which already had some operations in the Eagle Ford, has long operated in western Canada. Today, the Eagle Ford accounts for the majority of its production, estimated to produce 82,000 barrels of oil per day in 2025, according to an investor presentation this month. The Eagle Ford can be more sensitive to oil price swings than the larger Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico, because its a shallower, more mature reservoir. That means all the choice spots have already been picked over and wells there decline much faster. So Eagle Ford operators have to rely on ongoing drilling to sustain output, which can become uneconomic when oil prices fall. The Eagle Ford will comprise about 57% of Baytexs C$1.2 billion estimated exploration and development spending this year, the presentation shows. Oil prices hovering in the lower-to-mid $60 per barrel range has put pressure on shale drillers to optimize inventory. Last year, Ovintiv Inc. clinched deals to offload assets in the Uinta basin while bolstering its presence in the oil-rich Montney region in Canada. With assistance from Ruth Liao and Robert Tuttle. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. CARE Ratings Limited has reaffirmed the credit ratings for Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), highlighting the company's strong market position and robust domestic demand. SAIL's long-term bank facilities have been rated CARE AA; Stable, with an increase to 14,100 crore from 10,500 crore, the ratings agency said. SAIL's short-term bank facilities have been rated CARE A1+, now enhanced to 39,000 crore from 35,000 crore, the agency added. SAIL's reaffirmed ratings underscore its status as a 'Maharatna' company, with a 65% stake held by the Government of India. This ownership structure provides SAIL with significant advantages in procuring contracts and raising finances at competitive rates. The company's established position as a leading steel producer with access to captive iron ore mines across Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh further strengthens its operational capabilities. Despite a decline in net sales realisations, SAIL reported a 5% increase in saleable steel volumes, reaching approximately 17.02 million tonnes per annum in FY24. The company's total operating income for FY24 was 1,05,375 crore, a slight increase from the previous fiscal year. The profitability of SAIL was impacted in FY23 due to high coking coal prices; however, a moderation in raw material prices and strong domestic demand helped maintain a PBILDT per tonne of 6,579 in FY24, up from 4,970 in FY23. Operational Performance SAIL's operational performance remains stable, with a crude steel production capacity of 19.63 million tonnes per annum, fully supported by its captive iron ore mines, CARE Ratings said in its note. The company meets 100% of its iron ore requirements domestically, although it continues to import 95% of its coking coal, exposing it to foreign exchange fluctuation risks. CARE Ratings notes that while raw material prices are expected to remain volatile, domestic steel players like SAIL are better positioned to pass on cost increases and maintain high sales volumes due to strong domestic demand. The ratings are tempered by the cyclical nature of the steel industry, SAIL's working capital-intensive operations, and its commitments to capital-intensive projects. Given its extensive mining operations, the recent Supreme Court judgment allowing states to levy taxes on mining operations, potentially retroactively, remains a key area of concern for SAIL. Also Read | Steel giants back off from iron ore mine bids on high premiums, remote locations SAIL's liquidity position is deemed adequate, with free cash and cash balance of 99 crore and earmarked term deposits of 476 crore as of March 31, 2024. The company is expected to generate sufficient cash accruals to cover its scheduled debt repayments of 1,577 crore in FY25. SAIL's financial flexibility is further enhanced by its low gearing ratio and government backing, providing it with easy access to funds at attractive rates. (Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp.s data-center crunch will continue for longer than the company has previously outlined, underscoring the software giants struggles to keep up with cloud demand. Many of Microsofts US data center regions are experiencing shortages of physical space or servers, according to people familiar with the companys internal forecasts. New subscriptions for Azure cloud services are restricted in some crucial server-farm hubs, including Northern Virginia and Texas, through the first half of next year, said the people who requested anonymity to discuss internal forecasts. Thats a longer time frame than the company has previously outlined. In July, Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood said current constraints would continue through the end of 2025. The lack of capacity affects machines running graphics processing units typically used for artificial intelligence as well as data centers dominated by central processing units that have long been the workhorse chips for traditional cloud services, the people said. Azure is Microsofts most important growth engine the cloud unit generated more than $75 billion during the 2025 fiscal year. Its expansion has outpaced its biggest rivals, Amazon.com Inc. and Alphabet Inc.s Google. A lack of servers to rent out to customers has been a recurring concern for cloud providers in recent years. During the last six quarterly earnings calls, Microsoft has said it was unable to meet all of its customers cloud demand. Amazon and Google have described similar constraints. A Microsoft spokesperson said that a majority of Azure services and regions in the US have available capacity so that existing customers with deployed workloads can continue to grow. In some cases of unplanned demand spikes, the company will introduce capacity preservation methods to balance customer demand across its data center fleet, the spokesperson said. Azure customers select data-center regions based on physical proximity and what software is available. When a preferred facility lacks space, Microsoft salespeople point customers toward others with capacity, according to internal guidance. But these workarounds can increase complexity and the amount of time it takes data to travel between a server farm and the customer, said people familiar with the work. In some cases, customers experiencing Azure capacity issues take their business elsewhere, according to Apurva Kadakia, who helps companies set up cloud workloads as global head of cloud and partnerships at Hexaware Technologies. Some tap multiple Azure regions or send only critical workloads to the cloud until more capacity is available, he said. Our teams periodically work with large customers to plan around demand spikes, like holiday periods, to guide them to the most appropriate regions and products, the Microsoft spokesperson said. In unusual cases where customers face increased cost or latency, Microsoft will compensate them for additional expense. Microsoft has been on a historic building spree to get data centers online adding more than two gigawatts of capacity over the last year, roughly equivalent to the power output of the Hoover Dam. Its been almost impossible to build capacity fast enough since ChatGPT and GPT-4 launched, Chief Technology Officer Kevin Scott said in early October, referring to OpenAIs popular chatbot and the AI model that runs it. Even our most ambitious forecasts are just turning out to be insufficient on a regular basis. For more: Microsoft Bets $33 Billion on Neoclouds like Nebius to Ease AI Crunch AIs intense computing demands have fueled much of the need for new data centers. But Microsoft also faces a crunch in demand for its traditional cloud infrastructure, which underpins applications and websites across the internet. For these CPU-based workloads, OpenAI is Microsofts largest customer, according to people familiar with the companys operations. Microsoft also uses significant computing resources to host its own workloads and applications such as the Office suite. Some Microsoft employees have been told to close internal projects in impacted regions to save capacity, according to people familiar with the matter. It can take years to bring a data center online from initial planning to turning the servers on. Several crucial components for data centers, ranging from the semiconductors themselves to electricity infrastructure like transformers, are subject to long delivery times, according to people familiar with the process. Exceptions can be made for key customers who want additional capacity in Azure regions with supply crunches, the people familiar said. Availability is much better outside the US. For example, many of Microsofts European regions can handle new customer subscriptions without restriction. During a July earnings call, finance chief Hood said that continual supply shortages were due to increasing demand. I talked about it my gosh in January and said I thought wed be in better supply-demand shape by June, she said during the July call. And now Im saying I hope Im in better shape by December. --With assistance from Matt Day and Dina Bass. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com NEW DELHI: In a setback to Swiss pharma major Roche, the Delhi High Court has refused to restrain domestic drugmaker Natco Pharma from selling the generic version of life-saving drug Risdiplam in India, upholding a March single-judge order. Sold under the brand name Evrysdi by Roche, Risdiplam is used to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare and severe genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and loss of motor function. Roche had filed the lawsuit in early 2024 after learning of Natcos plans to launch a lower-cost generic version. A division bench comprising justices C. Hari Shankar and Ajay Digpaul upheld the March 2025 single-judge bench order that had denied Roche an injunction against Natco Pharma. The single bench had cited public interest, noting that SMA is a rare disease and that wider access to an affordable drug would benefit patients who otherwise cannot afford treatment. The written order had not been released by press time. The ruling paves the way for a far cheaper version of Risdiplam to enter the Indian market. In a release on Thursday, Natco said it would launch the product immediately at a maximum retail price (MRP) of 15,900 per bottle, a steep drop from the current price of over 600,000. The company also said it plans to offer additional discounts to certain eligible patients under its patient access programme. While there are no official figures on the number of people with SMA in India, existing studies suggest that the condition affects one in 7,744 live births and is the leading genetic cause of infant mortality. According to an affidavit filed by the central government in the Kerala High Court earlier this year, the estimated annual cost of treating all SMA patients in India could range between 6,400 crore and 34,000 crore. Roche, which has appealed the order, is evaluating its next steps. We are extremely disappointed with this development and are considering our options within the scope of the Indian law. Roche is committed to protecting its innovation, a Roche Pharma India spokesperson said in an emailed statement to Mint. IP protection is a cornerstone for any pharmaceutical innovation. Roche is committed to protecting its innovation. We believe that strong IP protection, including patents, is essential for medical innovation in India, patient well-being, and for access to new and innovative treatment to address the healthcare challenges we face today, the spokesperson said. Roche said it has been collaborating with local authorities in India to implement tailored pricing solutions. Under its compassionate use programme, 52 patients across India are receiving the drug free of cost. Since its launch in 2021, about 300 patients have used Evrysdi in India, the company added. The dispute Roche holds an Indian patent (IN334397) for Risdiplam, valid from May 2015 to May 2035. The company argued that Risdiplam is a new chemical entity, distinct from earlier, broader patents, and cited the high cost of research and development. Roche also pointed to patient assistance programmes that provide discounted medicine, though these reach only a limited number of patients. Natco had challenged the patent, alleging that Roche was evergreening its monopoly by filing a specific patent that added little to the original broader claim. It argued that manufacturing the drug locally at a lower cost would make it accessible to thousands of patients who cannot afford Roches high-priced version. Also Read | Why Indias top generics players are rushing to launch this diabetes drug The single bench had ruled in Natcos favour, observing that the earlier patent already covered similar compounds and that Roche had not demonstrated a significant technical advancement. The court also considered statements from SMA patients describing the devastating impact of the disease and the prohibitive cost of treatment. The ruling emphasized the public interest in affordable access to this life-saving drug. Roche appealed the order. Today's division bench ruling, which again favoured Natco, leaves Roche the option to approach the Supreme Court. A similar dispute has escalated in another case involving Roche and Zydus Lifesciences over the cancer drug Sigrima. In November 2024, the Supreme Court directed Ahmedabad-based Zydus to approach the Delhi High Court division bench against a single-judge order restraining it from selling Sigrimaan injection used to treat breast canceruntil a hearing on 2 December 2024. Roche claims that Zydus drug is biologically similar to its own Perjeta (Pertuzumab). The case is still ongoing. Natcos record Natco Pharma has a long history of challenging innovator patents in India, using the countrys patent laws to secure settlements or compulsory licences that allow the launch of cheaper generics. Earlier this year, Natco sued Danish innovator Novo Nordisk over its weight-loss drug Wegovy (Semaglutide), claiming that its version does not infringe the innovators device or process patents. The company has previously been involved in patent disputes with Bristol Myers Squibb over blood thinner Apixaban (Eliquis) and leukemia drug Dasatinib (Sprycel), as well as with Novartis over cancer drug Ceritinib. In a landmark 2012 case, the Indian patent office granted the countrys first compulsory licence to Natco, allowing it to sell a generic version of Bayers cancer drug Nexavar. Under the ruling, Natco was required to pay a 6% royalty to Bayer. A compulsory licence allows the production of a patented drug when it meets public health needs and remains unaffordable to the public. The impact The current ruling is a major win for Indian patients suffering from SMA. However, experts caution that it could set a troubling precedent for patent protection, since the company has not been granted a compulsory or voluntary licence in this case. Patent rights granted under the Indian Patents Act can be modified or diluted under the extant provisions of the same Act - in this case, the public interest issue could very well be addressed by using statutory compulsory licensing provisions in the Patents Act itself. Voluntary Licensing could also have been a means to meet the objective, said Ashwin Sapra, partner (head - pharma & healthcare) at law firm Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. A voluntary licence is an agreement where a patent holder grants a third party the right to use a patented invention without legal compulsion. Lays iconic yellow chip bags later this year will include a new phrase: Made with real potatoes." The snack has always been made with farm-grown potatoes. But executives behind the brand dont think thats been clear enough to consumers, and they are leaving nothing to chance. Lays is Americas top-selling brand of potato chips, a category synonymous with junk food. Its maker, PepsiCo, is convinced Lays can have an even stronger appeal by marketing the brands farm roots and appearing healthier. Some Lays varieties are switching to olive or avocado oil from seed and corn oils. Barbecue flavors will be reformulated to remove artificial coloring used to give the chips their signature red-brown color. Lays is redoing the bags too, ditching the crinkly sheen for a heavier, matte finish emblazoned with pictures of potatoes and chips. The bags front trumpets the lack of artificial flavors and dyes; the back describes Herman Lays original chip recipe, which PepsiCo says is still in use but has evolved over more than 80 years. Consumer preferences are changing faster and expectations are moving and thats what we are focused on," said Rachel Ferdinando, chief executive of PepsiCos U.S. food business. PepsiCo needs a jolt. Its share price is down about 8.7% so far this year through Wednesday, while broader stock indexes have gained. Activist investor Elliott Investment Management has taken a big stake in PepsiCo and is pushing for changes across the companys food and beverage portfolio. Worst of all, consumers are buying less of its snacks. On Thursday Chief Executive Ramon Laguarta pledged to turn around its North American food business by reshaping the products it sells and cutting costs among other initiatives. The commitment came after the unit, which includes products like Lays, Doritos and Cheetos, posted a sharp decline in sales volume in the latest quarter. The business, which generates some 60% of PepsiCos annual sales, has posted slowing sales growth in each quarter since 2022. For years PepsiCo has gradually reduced the sodium, saturated fat and sugar content in its products. But pressure is growing on food makers to make more drastic changes. The Make America Healthy Again movement, championed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has gained traction in Washington, taking aim at artificial colors and seed oils. Food companies are racing to switch up supply chains and reformulate products to meet the moment. Whether consumers will bite is a different issue. Field of dreams A surprising data point reverberated through the halls of PepsiCos Plano, Texas-based food office in 2021. Consumer research revealed that 42% of people didnt know Lays chips are made out of real potatoes. That really was the wake-up call," said Ferdinando. PepsiCo decided the brand needed to reclaim its roots in the spud. Some are grown near Hancock, Wis., a small village smack in the middle of a state best known for its cheese. Potatoes need to be plucked from the ground and handled with care to prevent browning that can mar otherwise perfect chips. This has become a science for Jeremie Pavelski, a farmer whose family has been supplying potatoes to Lays for more than 70 years. After the potatoes are picked, they are washed and then carted off in big trucks to manufacturing facilities. At the plants, the spuds are cut, fried, coated in seasoning and bagged while still warm. In parts of Wisconsin, shoppers can eat a bag of Lays made from potatoes that were harvested that same morning. While PepsiCo wants to reformulate Lays to lean more on natural ingredients, it wants to maintain the chips previous taste and appearance. The company ran into some roadblocks. Colors derived from plants, vegetables or other natural products behave differently than artificial ones, and are more sensitive to factors like light and temperature. They can interact with ingredients in ways that could impact how long chips stay fresh on the shelf, their flavor and how they look. Adding vegetable juice for color meant that food scientists had to closely monitor the taste, often rebalancing the recipe and testing it extensively to ensure it mimicked the original. The chips color alone can impact perception of taste, the company found. Remaking the food business PepsiCos food business, once an engine of growth, has come under pressure. Some consumers are abandoning salty snacks altogether. More Americans are taking GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, which curb their hunger for chips. Snacks like Lays and Tostitos had sharp sales growth during the pandemic and steep price increases followed. Snacking price points are an issue," wrote RBC Capital Markets analyst Nik Modi in a note this month. He said that major brands such as Lays are struggling to boost sales volumes, and that PepsiCo needs to lower prices to win back consumers. Ferdinando said the company is relentlessly focused on affordability." PepsiCo has developed pack sizes at various price points, in part, to create options for value-seeking consumers. The company said it doesnt plan to raise Lays prices as a result of the reformulation. Our rebrand is rooted in consumer feedback," Ferdinando said. Its not change for changes sake." Write to Laura Cooper at laura.cooper@wsj.com NEW DELHI: After shaking up Indias fizzy drink market, Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL) is now entering the personal care space, taking on established players such as Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) and Dabur Ltd. On Thursday, the company re-launched Velvette, a once-popular Tamil Nadu-based brand, signing actress Krithi Shetty as its ambassador. The company held a large dealer meet in Chennai the same day to mark the rollout. Those familiar with the plans said RCPL may use Velvette as an umbrella brand for its personal care segment, capitalizing on its legacy in the southern market. In line with RCPLs vision of promoting heritage brands of India, the widely popular Velvette is now a flagship brand in the companys personal care portfolio, the company said in a statement. The Velvette relaunch aligns with RCPLs broader ambition to scale its FMCG business and achieve 1 trillion in revenue within five years. Velvette will initially roll out in 1,4001,500 stores in Tamil Nadu, with plans to expand across southern markets where the brand has stronger recall. RCPL may also extend Velvette into other categories, such as male grooming. A legacy brand returns Velvette was founded in the 1980s by C.K. Rajkumar, Indias original sachet king, and became a household name thanks to affordable shampoo sachets. The brand later faded amid competition from larger players. RCPLs revival aims to combine nostalgia with modern distribution and marketing, positioning Velvette as a flagship in its personal care portfolio. The product line now includes soaps, shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, body lotions, and talcum powders. Pricing and market Velvette is priced for mass-market consumers. Its 8 ml shampoo sachet costs 2, while 185 ml and 340 ml bottles are priced at 150 and 290, respectively. HULs Sunsilk occupies a similar price range, though it also offers 1 sachets. Daburs Vatika shampoos are priced lower than Velvette, while soaps (40 g at 10; 100 g at 35) are comparable to Godrejs Cinthol. Also Read | How Reliance plans to take a bigger gulp of Indias thirst for bottled water Indias beauty and personal care market was valued at $28 billion in 2024, with projected annual growth of 11.5% until 2030, according to Deloitte India. Analysts note that personal care is a more challenging category than beverages or food, given high brand loyalty and intense competition. Velvette will compete with established players such as HUL, ITC, Godrej Consumer Products, and RHS Global, and emerging players such as Mamaearth and Plum. Personal care is a tougher category for new entrants; having said that, given this is Reliance, we will monitor this. Even ITC has seen good success in food, but its success in personal care has been measured (excluding deos). Personal care has much more customer loyaltyunlike foods, said Abneesh Roy, executive director, Nuvama Institutional Equities. However, Velvette is a legacy brand, and in some southern markets, it does have brand recall. Reliance can scale this up via distribution and marketing. But taking it pan-India, unlike Campa, will be tougher, he said. Others said smaller brands may feel the pinch with the brand's initial roll-out. They will eat the local players first; while they can build brands in each category, it's unlikely they will become market leaders in any category, said another trade marketing head, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Also Read | As Nepal plunges into crisis, Indian FMCG giants weigh business risks At the India launch of its updated supercar flagship, the MCPura, Maseratis Head of Overseas Markets, Philippe Claverol, shed light on the brands future plans for the Indian market. Claverol said India will be one of Maseratis top 10 markets by 2030, and 2025 marks the first step towards fulfilling that plan, as the brand has opened two new dealerships, one in New Delhi and another in Bengaluru, strengthening its presence in the northern and southern regions of the country. While its 2024 sales figures arent available, the brand sold fewer than 50 cars in 2023. Its latest supercar flagship, the MCPura, retails at 4.12 crore (ex-showroom), with a convertible version, the MCPura Cielo, costing 5.12 crore (ex-showroom). The car features a twin-turbo Nettuno V6 thats been engineered from scratch by Maserati, serving as its crowning jewel in the brands post-Ferrari era. In a sit-down interview, Claverol said the car is not as fast or flashy as rival models from Porsche or Ferrari but commands a similar price tag. First of all, there are very few customers who can explore 100% of the power and capacity of their cars. Even in Formula One, there is a skill difference among the 20 drivers. For Maserati, our concept can be explained very well in two words: 'Gran Turismo. Its about a mix of high performance and comfort. Yet, the MCPura remains a purist's supercar. Even though its development may not have been governed by the pursuit of lap times, its mechanically lucid nature, traditional mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive format, optimal weight balance and sharp steering response suggest it's more at home on a race track than public roads. It remains a halo product, with high-end SUVs like the Grecale and the Levante occupying the main segment that Claverol says will drive growth. I think the Grecale is particularly suitable for India. It has a wide range of engine options, its not particularly large, says Claverol, remaining tight-lipped about what sort of SUVs Maserati is planning to introduce in the future, including Grecales EV variant, which remains conspicuously absent from the Indian line-up despite amenable tax structures. If the free trade agreement, which will happen for sure, makes electric cars more feasible for India, obviously, we will promote them. For now, weve found that customers are more interested in petrol engines. But the next generation of products will have a full petrol line-up with hybrid and electric versions existing in parallel, says Claverol, echoing the strategy taken by many European luxury performance brands, including Porsche. Contrary to some other brands, we have never made the choice to have electric cars only, he adds. The year 2024 marked a dramatic contraction in sales across various markets, and Maserati, which was betting big on electric performance, retrenched spending on EVs. However, even for performance flagships like the MC20, whose electric version was cancelled in March, Claverol says that the future of Maseratis line-up will include electric and hybrid options for most cars, possibly even the MCPura, which is an evolution of the MC20. When you run a business, you have to be very pragmatic. So never rule out anything. While we have to be true to our history, we also have to adapt to the tax systems in each country. So lets rule out nothing. Much like most heritage performance brands struggling to reclaim their halcyon days, Maserati intends to stick to what it knows bestpetrol-powered luxury and performance. Were also back in the GT2 racing series in Europe, which we have won for the second time and are far ahead of the competition. The evolution of the Indian luxury car buyer For a market like India that likes its luxury performance cars to signify status and wealth, Maseratis more restrained brand of luxury has produced mixed results, with much of the messaging about the brands exceptional history and pedigree being lost in translation. I think we have to acknowledge that if there is some mixed messaging about the perception of the brand, its mainly because of us. If you look at this history of the brand, weve had many, many great cars, but we have been navigating among different segments, says Claverol, in a subtle nod to the strategic shifts in goal posts that have come with a set of tremors for the organisation. Still, even for a niche and optics-driven market like India, Claverol believes that an increasingly discerning consumer base is on the rise. When people become luxury buyers, there is a learning curve. At the beginning, you want the big logo on your belt, or bag or car. And then you go deeper, you want the product to have meaning. Ultimate luxury is a product thats made just for you. And India has such a young, growing breed of entrepreneurs leading start-ups, who are more interested in quiet luxury. And Maserati is about quiet luxury. I can tell you, in Italy, there are many brands which are about quiet luxury and theyre very big. Once a customer has moved on from flashy products, at a certain point, they move to something different, says Claverol, citing the Chinese market as evidence of this progression. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Ltd reported its weakest sequential second-quarter growth in six years even as Indias largest software services provider promised to set up AI data centres with at least $6 billion of investments in around six years, marking the biggest pivot since going public in August 2004. The company reported $7.47 billion in revenue in the second quarter, up 0.61% sequentially but down 2.66% on a yearly basisthe first annual revenue decline in the second quarter. On a quarterly basis, more than three-fifths of its incremental revenue came from banks and financial institutions, which make up a third of TCS's business. TCSs performance exceeded analysts expectations of $7.35 billion in revenue in the September quarter. Still, the Mumbai-based software services company has lost $288 million in the first half of the fiscal year, down 1.9% from a year earlier. However, in a bid to find better growth avenues, the company announced its intention to intensify its AI push, with plans to set up a 1 GW AI data centre in India through a new business unit. We expect to achieve 1 GW over a period of five to seven years, and our calculation roughly is about every 150 MW would be about a billion dollars, chief executive K. Krithivasan said in a post-earnings call with analysts. Just to provide some more information, our current objective is to provide all passive components. Whomsoever (the client) is occupying, they will bring in their computing storage, he said. He added that the company intends to sell these data services to the pure play AI providers, the deep tech companies and the hyperscalers, and to a great extent, the government needs in India and Indian enterprises." A billion dollars for every 150 MW translates to about six-and-a-half to seven years of investment worth about $7 billion in total. To put that in perspective, the money TCS would plough into the data centres is about the size of Tech Mahindra Ltd, the countrys fifth-largest IT services company. So, it's not that we are going to put all the money in year one. And we also clarify that this would be a combination of equity and debt, and well also bring in cash partners for the equity, said Krithivasan. TCS also announced a $72.3 million buyout of US-based ListEngage, marking the Mumbai-based company's largest acquisition in more than 12 years after it buying French IT services firm Alti for 75 million euros in 2013. ListEngage is a marketing tech firm. We see FY26 international revenue growth to be better than last fiscal year. IT services spend is steady, with no significant change expected in near term, Krithivasan said during the call. Mounting challenges Krithivasan, under whose stewardship the company reported a sequential revenue decline in four of the last nine quarters, faces an uphill task to steer the company through internal and external shakeups. On 27 July, the company announced it would lay off more than 12,000 middle- and junior-level employees who could not be retrained on new technologies and redeployed. We have released one percentage of our workforce, mainly mid and senior level with skill and capability mismatch. We are providing the impacted employees with benefits, counselling, and out-placement support for their transition, as well as severance at terms higher than industry standards, said Sudeep Kunnumal, chief human resources officer said during the call. The company ended September 2025 with 593,314 employees, 19,755 fewer than the preceding quarter. To put this in perspective, the number of people who have left TCS in the last three months alone is more than 15,784 people added by the Mumbai-based company in the last three years. In August, the company announced a new AI and Services Transformation unit headed by Amit Kapur. This is its third AI unit in as many years, highlighting uncertainty around TCSs policy on AI, which is automating jobs and leading to fewer billings. However, the management was sanguine in the earnings call with analysts. We expect every project we do will be AI-led, said Krithivasan, adding that overall scope of engagement, or size of engagement, would definitely increase, but there will be productivity benefits that the clients would get in the individual project, and we also will get some productivity benefits in doing this project, because we'll be leveraging AI. To be sure, TCS does not disclose revenue from Gen AI or even order bookings from the new technology. This is in contrast to larger peer Accenture, which disclosed $2.7 billion in revenue from the new technology and $5.9 billion in order bookings. TCSs AI challenge comes when it faces challenges in the US, its largest market. On 19 September, US President Donald Trump increased the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000 from next yearthese permits allow foreigners to work in the US on speciality roles. Also Read | TCS layoffs show job cuts don't always cheer the stock market Less than a week later, judiciary committee members Charles E. Grassley and Richard J. Durbin wrote to CEO Krithivasan over the companys hiring practices, alleging that TCS is under investigation for firing older American workers in favour of newly hired South Asian H-1B employees. The clampdown on IT services companies started on 5 September, when Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno proposed the Halting International Relocation of Employees (HIRE) Act to impose taxes on companies that outsource IT work. The companys management said it would adapt to changes in immigration policy. On H-1B, we have significantly localised our workforce in the US. Approximately just about 500 associates have travelled to the US on H-1B. We believe our business model will be able to adapt quickly to any changes in immigration policy, said Kunnumal. According to US government data, TCS received 5,505 H-1B visas this fiscal, making it the second-largest beneficiary of such permits after Amazon, which received twice as many. Profit drops The company ended July-September with an operating margin of 25.2%, up 70 basis points sequentially. However, this does not include a one-time restructuring cost of $129 million. A basis point is a hundredth of a percentage point Another cause of concern was its net profit. The company ended last quarter with $1.46 billion in net profit, down 1.94% sequentially. It also announced a dividend of 11 per share. The management, which does not provide quarterly or full-year guidance, is cautious, citing that non-essential demand was uncertain. Lingering uncertainties in the broader economic environment continue to remain a key challenge. Companies are keeping a tight control over their discretionary budgets in response to economic and demand volatility. Clients are consolidating vendors to achieve transformation objectives effectively and efficiently, said Krithivasan. Manik Taneja, executive director of IT services at Axis Capital, said, The company has made a small tug in the acquisition of a Salesforce partner, ListEngage, first since Alti in 2013, as well has announced the intent to set up a 1GW AI data centre in India, which is interesting. TCSs shares ended 1.16% up at 3,061.95 compared with a 0.49% rise in the BSE Sensex on Thursday, ahead of its results that were released after market hours. TCSs uncertain outlook is expected to have a cascading effect on smaller peers, which announce their earnings next week. Infosys Ltd and Wipro Ltd will report their second-quarter results on 16 October, while HCL Technologies Ltd and Tech Mahindra Ltd announce their earnings on 13 October and 14 October, respectively. Also Read | Top 5 IT firms feel the heatbut their richest CEO gets a raise New Delhi: Electronics manufacturer VVDN Technologies is gearing up to make multiple $100 million bets on component manufacturing in India and has applied for the Centres newly announced incentive scheme for the same, a senior company executive told Mint . The 18-year-old company sees exponential growth opportunity due to the scale of Indias electronics market, as a result of which it hopes to ramp up its portfolio in the country, Vivek Bansal, cofounder and president of VVDN Technologies, said in an interview on the sidelines of the India Mobile Congress on Wednesday, Bansal said the company has already applied for the Centres electronics component manufacturing scheme (ECMS) for component subsidies, which will make a significant difference in terms of the returns to capital expenditure that it plans to make. We have full-fledged plans to commence bare printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing in India as well as display manufacturing locally. In the long run, we also plan to manufacture capacitors, resistors and other such componentsfor which India still relies on imports. Eventually, our goal is to achieve backward integration, or locally manufacturing the full value chain of electronics instead of just low-margin, low-value assemblies," Bansal told Mint. Classified as an original design manufacturer, Manesar, Haryana-based VVDN Technologies currently assembles telecommunications and enterprise technology infrastructure such as networking switches, radio access networks, routers, and Internet of Things (IoT) devicesand also manufactures some components locally. On 18 April, the company unveiled a new assembly line to locally put together enterprise-grade laptops for Taiwanese brand, Asus, expanding into a new category. The company loosely counts contract manufacturers Dixon Technologies, Syrma SGS and Kaynes Technology as its closest competitors. It is eyeing a public listing in the near future, Bansal said. Need for scale Each of the component manufacturing plans that we have will need considerable capital investment to ramp up to scale. Without scale, there is no profitability or impact across the market," he said. For instance, a bare PCB manufacturing facility will need us to invest at least $10 million upfront and $100 millionminus incentivesto bring them up to scale. This is what we need the capital for, and once we are sanctioned for the Centres incentives, we will accelerate our plans for a public listing in the next 18-24 months." Indias $2.7 billion ECMS outlay, notified in April, has received a warm response from the industry. On 2 October, union IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that within the schemes first deadline of 30 September, the Centre received 249 applications with total proposed investments of $13 billionup from the governments initial projection of $6.7 billion. Vaishnaw affirmed that about 90% of all applicants were from India. VVDN, Bansal affirmed, is one of them. The companys focus on local component manufacturing comes as the Centre makes a concerted push to increase the percentage of parts that are sourced domestically, a move that would increase Indias net earnings from manufacturing devices for the world. Also Read | India can be among top 5 semiconductor nations: Merck Electronics CEO We are seeing a slow but steady rise of localisation across networking gear as well. For instance, in an enterprise network router, up until three years ago, the domestic value generation from assembling it was less than 14%. Today, this is up to over 40% already. This represents a massive market within India itself, where the market for IoT hardware such as smart electricity meters represents a major revenue opportunity for us as a manufacturer," Bansal added. Revenue growth VVDNs latest financials, sourced via data analytics firm Tofler, showed that the company generated net revenue of 2,145 crore ($242 million) in FY24. On 22 November, enterprise ratings company Crisil said in a client note that VVDN had already clocked 1,874 crore ($211 million) in revenue in the first six months of FY25 and was on track to scale up to 3,800 crore ($428 million) by 31 March this year. The company is yet to file its FY25 earnings. Were operating joint ventures across North America and the Middle-East as well, and our revenue share between domestic and foreign markets is 50-50 right now. There is an unlimited opportunity for growth here, and were looking at our revenue to even triple within the next five fiscals," Bansal said. Industry stakeholders said the company has retained strong fundamentals. According to them, component manufacturing for telecom equipment, networking and electronics will receive heavy investor interest and government backing in the next few years because of multiple factors. The biggest of them is the size of the Indian market, which remains under-penetrated in terms of localisation of components. As this increases, all stakeholders of the electronics ecosystem are likely going to gain bigincluding folks like VVDN, who have been in the industry for quite some time now," said Ashok Chandak, president of India Electronics and Semiconductor Association. Harshit Kapadia, vice-president at brokerage firm Elara Securities India, added that VVDNs approach is on the right track. Local component manufacturing is something that all companies, including the larger listed ones, will get into, and each of them will apply for the Centres incentives as it would help boost their margins. Right now, most EMS operations are assemblies, which does not add much local value. Companies will also gain from making components that will find usage across sectors, and not be restricted by seasonal demandsuch as displays and circuit boards," he said. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during his first visit to India as the premier, expressed confidence in India's economic growth, stating the country is on track to become the third largest economy by 2028. Addressing a news conference on Thursday, he asserted that the UK is perfectly placed to be a partner in this journey. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed his British counterpart, telling him that relations between the two nations had made significant progress and his "friend" Starmer's visit "symbolises the new energy" in ties between the nations. The two leaders pledged to unlock "unparalleled" economic opportunities, news agency AFP reported. India-UK trade deal This development followed the signing of an India-UK trade deal in London in July. PM Starmer described the trade deal as a launchpad to boost British leadership in areas ranging from technology to life sciences to renewable energy and more, PTI reported. Under the accord, India will slash tariffs on imports of British goods such as whisky, cosmetics and medical devices, while Britain will reduce duties on clothing, footwear and food products, including frozen prawns from India. Also Read | University of Lancaster and University of Surrey to set up campuses in India PM Modi noted the agreement will reduce import costs between our two countries, create new employment opportunities for youth, boost trade, and benefit both our industry and consumers, AFP reported. Starmer, who was accompanied by a 125-member delegation, emphasised that his visit this week was about doubling down on the potential of our trade deal for the benefit of all of us and expected to have secured major new investments, creating thousands of high-skilled jobs for both nations by his departure. Deepening bilateral cooperation Beyond trade, the two leaders announced a defence cooperation deal, as well as pushing education ties, including support for the nine British universities opening campuses in India. India and its former colonial ruler currently share bilateral trade worth around $54.8 billion, with investments supporting more than 600,000 jobs across both countries. Also Read | UK PM Keir Starmer thanks PM Modi for ambitious India-UK trade deal India's GDP surpassed that of Britain's in 2022 to become the world's fifth-largest economy in 2022, according to IMF figures. It is tipped to overtake Japan as the fourth largest later this year. Discussions on global issues The prime ministers also discussed global challenges. Starmer said that he and PM Modi discussed the Russia-Ukraine conflict, focusing on the outcome both of the countries want, which centered on ending the conflict, PTI reported. New Delhi: Indias steel imports dropped 30% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 3.3 million tonnes (mt) in the first six months of the current financial year (FY26), reflecting the impact of import tax to shield local players and subdued domestic prices. Yet, despite the steep fall, the country remained a net importer, with inbound shipments exceeding exports by 0.5mt. According to an internal Union steel ministry report, reviewed by Mint, exports rose 21% y-o-y to 2.8mt, buoyed by improved demand from Europe and South-East Asia. September was the strongest of the six months for exports, with shipments at 0.58mt. During the April-September period of 2004-25, steel imports stood at 4.74mt, and exports at 2.31mt, resulting in sharp deficit of 2.43mt. Domestically, finished steel output rose 11% to 78.6mt, while consumption grew 9% to 78.9mt in the six months to September, signalling a strong underlying demand. Also Read | India plans overhaul of iron ore auctions to boost output, counter cheap imports Market intelligence firm BigMint said India's continued position as a net importer, with inbound volumes exceeding exports, signals that underlying competitiveness issues remain. While protectionist and quality control measures have stabilized trade flows, long-term sustainability will hinge on improving cost efficiency and global market alignment," it said. Impact of safeguard duties Analysts say ample local supply and lower international prices have reduced the need for imports. Safeguard duties being in place for flat steel has led to lower imports, which has consequently supported higher capacity utilization for domestic steel mills. The government on 21 April announced the imposition of a 12% safeguard duty on the import of certain non-alloy and alloy steel flat products to protect domestic steel manufacturers from the adverse impact of import surges and to ensure fair competition in the market. BigMint said that anti-dumping action targeting imports from Vietnam and China to curb unfair trade practices, particularly in hot-rolled and electrical steel categories, has helped bring down imports. The fall in imports is largely attributable to the safeguard duties being in place which has resulted in domestic steel prices trading at a discount to export offers. While imports have reduced and the pace of exports has picked up, the quantum of exports is still lower compared to what we typically export," Ankit Jain, vice-president and co-group head, Icra Ltd, told Mint in an e-mailed response. Besides, there are some segments like auto where imports continue to happen, as certain grades of the alloy are not manufactured in India. Domestic capacity for electrical steel is also inadequate, prompting Indian users to rely on imports. A combination of these factors is leading to the net importer status," Jain said. Indias import dependence remains visible in certain flat steel and high-grade alloy segments where domestic substitution is still limited. With infrastructure and construction demand expected to strengthen in the second half of the year, both production and exports could see a further uptick. The export scenario Indias steel exports rose 21% y-o-y to 2.8mt during AprilSeptember FY26. But, compared to previous years, the shipments have been much lower. Between FY20 and FY24, Indias finished steel exports have been in the range of 7-13mt annually, Jain pointed out. Global challenges and competition from China in key export markets altered the trend in FY25. The current recovery in Indian exports is driven by improved demand from the European Union (EU), which accounted for the largest share of outbound shipments during April-September. The recovery in EU demand, supported by restocking and supply constraints within the bloc, helped Indian mills offset softer orders from the Middle East, BigMint said. With the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) slated for full enforcement in January 2026, EU steel importers face increasing uncertainty over future procurement and cost structures. Anticipating higher prices linked to CBAMs carbon tax obligations, buyers (in EU) have stepped up imports of lower-priced steel and are selectively booking hot-rolled coil (HRC) cargoes for arrival before October to shield themselves from expected cost escalations. Indian steel producers are prioritizing timely bookings in the EU as the new regulations could erode their export price competitiveness and restrict access," BigMint said. Government capex pick-up Apart from healthy steel demand growth, there has been a notable pick up in central government capital expenditure in the current fiscal. Steel ministry data showed that monthly consumption of finished steel averaged 13.15mt during April-September. It registered a high of 13.77mt in August 2025 and a low of 12.03 mt in April. Consumption in September 2025 at 13.48mt was above the average mark. Data showed that the capital expenditure for the first five months of the fiscal stood at 38.5% of budget estimates (BE) compared to 27% last year, when the government spending was curtailed due to elections. After the 11% y-o-y dip in July 2025, the Centres capex more than doubled in August 2025. This continues to support local demand, Jain explained. There is enough capacity domestically available to cater to the increased demand. Infrastructure and construction activities which typically consume long products and account for bulk of the steel consumption for India, have no import threats as India hardly imports any long steel," Icra's Jain said. Ministry data also showed that monthly production of finished steel averaged 13.09mt during AprilSeptember It registered a high of 13.44mt in August 2025 and a low of 12.63mt in April 2025. Production in September at 13.33mt was above the average mark. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday praised the trade deal with India, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the partnership and calling it a major win for both countries. It is the most ambitious trade deal India has ever done, so I want to thank Prime Minister Modi for this partnership. This is a huge win for both nations," Starmer said at the Global Fintech Fest at Jio World Centre in Mumbai, on Thursday. India-UK FTA will boost GDP' Speaking on the trade deal's impact, Starmer said, India-UK FTA will boost the GDP of both countries. Starmer emphasised the need for a hands-on approach in executing trade and investment agreements between the UK and India. He highlighted that his government intends to collaborate closely with industry leaders to achieve results from the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and other bilateral partnerships. The UK PM highlighted the importance for governments to go beyond simply signing trade agreements and to take an active role in helping businesses reach their full potential, while addressing a high-profile business forum attended by PM Modi and top CEOs from both countries. "Too often in the past, governments have negotiated trade deals and then left them on the table, saying, 'Well, it's now over to you.' I think we've got to do things differently," Starmer said. "Governments have to provide more follow-through support, making sure the connections are in the right place. We want to be on the pitch with you not just building the stadium and walking away," he said. What did Starmer say about India-UK ties? Emphasising the India-UK ties, Starmer stated that India is one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies, a nation whose vibrancy and promise is clear. And when this all comes together with the UK's talent and creativity, with our institutions and entrepreneurs, it is an incredible combination, he said. Starmer further went on to highlight that the UK and India are natural partners in fintech."I want the UK to be the number 1 choice for investment in finance & fintech," he said. The Supreme Court on 9 October directed that the Bihar State Legal Services Authority should provide thorough assistance in filing appeals to those excluded from the voters' list prepared by the Election Commission of India (ECI) as part of the recently concluded Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, legal news website Bar and Bench reported. The next hearing in this matter is scheduled for 16 October. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymlaya Bagchi declined to pass any blanket order on the exclusions and inclusions in the voters' list. Instead, it asked the affected individuals to file appeals to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the state. Also Read | Bihar Polls: Tejashwi promises new law to provide govt jobs if INDIA bloc wins Regardless of outcome of these proceedings, one issue that has arisen is right to appeal for the 3.7 lakh people who have been excluded. Though ECI has taken a stand that each such person why they have been excluded, petitioners oppose this. Since time to file appeal is running, we request the executive chairman of Bihar Legal Services Authority to send a communication to all the secretaries in local authorities to provide free legal aid counsel, para legal volunteers to help the excluded ones to file their appeals, the court said. Let each village have a list of booth-level officers and the numbers of the para-legal volunteers who will assist in filing these appeals, the court said. "The officers shall also provide facilities to draft the appeals and counsels from the panel to file such appeals. The state legal service authority shall collate all info and submit a status report to the court within one week, and the question of deciding appeals within the timeline shall be considered on the next date of hearing," the bench said as reported by Bar and Bench. The court was hearing pleas challenging the SIR of Bihar's electoral rolls. The bench stated that it would not be possible for the court to examine each and every such case, and hence, an appeal to the relevant authority is the way forward. On 7 October, the bench orally stated that there was some confusion as to whether voters added to the final electoral list were from the list of previously deleted voters or entirely new names. The court had asked the poll panel to furnish details of excluded voters during the SIR by today, 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. Let each village have a list of booth-level officers and the numbers of the para-legal volunteers who will assist in filing these appeals. The SIR was completed on 30 September. As against 7.89 crore voters on 24 June in Bihar, 7.42 crore electors were retained in the voter list. BEIJING, Oct 9 (Reuters) - China tightened its rare earth export controls on Thursday, expanding restrictions on processing technology and spelling out its intention to limit exports to overseas defence and semiconductor users. The Ministry of Commerce's announcement, which follows a U.S. lawmakers' call on Tuesday for broader bans on the export of chipmaking equipment to China, expands sweeping controls Beijing announced in April that caused shortages around the world before a series of deals with Europe and the U.S. eased the supply crunch. The controls are a major bargaining chip for China in its trade talks with the United States, and the tightening comes weeks ahead of a face-to-face meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in South Korea. "From a geostrategic perspective, this helps with increasing leverage for Beijing ahead of the anticipated Trump-Xi summit in (South) Korea later this month," according to Tim Zhang, founder of Singapore-based Edge Research. China produces over 90% of the world's processed rare earths and rare earth magnets. The 17 rare earth elements are vital materials in products ranging from electric vehicles to aircraft engines and military radars. China is also widening its export controls to foreign companies that use Chinese rare earth equipment or material, the Ministry of Commerce said in its statement, mimicking U.S. rules that restrict exports of semiconductor-related products. Restrictions on exporting the technology to make rare earth magnets will also be expanded to more types of magnets, and China will limit some components and assemblies that contain restricted magnets, China's Ministry of Commerce said in a statement. China is the world leader in rare earth technology, and equipment to recycle rare earths will now require a licence to export, adding it to the long list of restricted processing technology. The new extraterritorial rules will start on December 1, while the remainder commence immediately. Shares of Chinese rare earth companies China Northern Rare Earth Group and Shenghe Resources surged by 8.3% and 6.3%, respectively, as of 0719 GMT. Chips and defence The Ministry of Commerce's announcement clarified for the first time some of the targets of China's restrictions. Overseas defence users will not be granted licences, the ministry said, while applications related to advanced semiconductors will only be approved on a case-by-case basis. The new rules apply to 14-nanometer chips or more advanced chips, memory chips with 256 layers or more, and equipment used in production of such chips, as well as to related research and development. These advanced chips are used in a wide range of products from smartphones to AI chipsets that require powerful computing performance. The rules will also apply to research and development of artificial intelligence with potential military applications. South Korea, home to major memory chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, is assessing the details of the new restrictions and would continue discussions with China to minimise their impact, its industry ministry said in a statement to Reuters. Samsung declined to comment. SK Hynix and Taiwan's TSMC did not immediately respond to questions. Shares in TSMC finished up 1.8% on Thursday, as the company reported forecast-beating third-quarter revenue. South Korea's financial markets are closed on Thursday for a public holiday. China's rare earth shipments have been growing steadily over the past few months as Beijing grants more export licences, although some users still complain they are struggling to get them. In a nod to concerns about access, the Ministry of Commerce said the scope of items in its latest round of restrictions was limited and "a variety of licensing facilitation measures will be adopted." Penny Lamb and Jeffery Lichtenberg were 1,500 miles from their home in Oklahoma with no money and no prospects when they were kicked out of their drug rehab program. None of it had gone as expected. Months earlier, Lichtenberg said, a man he knew from a past prison stay had promised to help if they ever wanted to kick their meth habits. The man texted photos of rehabs that looked like Hollywood mansions for movie stars, with swimming pools and hot tubs. They wouldnt have to pay a cent, he said, including for their flight to Californiaand he would help them sign up for a health insurance policy that would cover the rehab costs. When they arrived, the facilities looked nothing like the photos, the couple said. They were shuttled between properties where illicit drugs were common and treatment included logging onto crowded video calls. They relapsed often. They switched programs. For Lamb alone, various operators billed her insurance for more than $500,000 over seven months, according to her insurance records. One day last fall, their insurance benefits ran dry, and they were ordered to pack up and leave. What should we do?" Lichtenberg, 48, asked their program manager. If you dont want to live on a park bench, I suggest you get a tent," he replied. For almost a year, the green tent that Lichtenberg bought at Walmart with $77 borrowed from his mother served as a home in a dusty encampment here known as the Dice. Fraud has become a multimillion-dollar problem in Americas booming rehab industry, according to state officials, lawsuits filed by insurers and former clients, and federal indictments and convictions. The rehabs are often in locations that people might be tempted to travel to, such as beachside cities in Florida. Its become especially prevalent in California, where operators have discovered a steady stream of revenue by luring people with addiction from across the country and billing their private insurance. Lawsuits and federal cases allege that rehabs can charge insurance hundreds of thousands of dollars for a few months stay, but offer little in the way of treatment. When the money runs out, they kick the patients out without support or referrals, regardless of whether or not theyve recovereda practice known as patient dumping" or curbing." In court filings, these rehabs generally blame the insurers for trying to get out of paying for legitimate treatment by filing lawsuits. Patients often come through recruiterswidely known as body brokers in the industrywho are paid to target people addicted to drugs with promises of recovery in glamorous California seaside rehabs. Many sign patients up for private insurance plans that offer high reimbursement rates and few restrictions, according to insurance experts. They focus on rural areas with high rates of drug use and few options for rehab, so they can argue to insurers that travel is necessary. Patients themselves rarely pay premiums. Instead, brokers help them purchase plans under the Affordable Care Act, where federal subsidies can mean no out-of-pocket costs for people below a certain income. They also broker patients who are on their parents insurance. Federal and state law prohibits paying for patient referrals. But the insurance money is so good that it makes it worthwhile for rehab centers to pay to recruit patientsoften referred to as clientsand fly them across the country. Californias high concentration of rehab facilities and large population continue to make it a magnet for operators hoping to be overlooked by overburdened regulators. A 2024 report by a state oversight body found that California regulators are late to investigate complaints at treatment facilities or to come down on unlicensed facilities advertising services that require a license. Californias Department of Health Care Services said it has strengthened its licensing and certification process and is working to make investigations more timely. Recently enacted laws in California have imposed fines for body brokering and licensing violations. Putting recovering addicts out on the street can also be illegal. California law mandates that licensed rehab facilities offer patients a return ticket home if they had provided travel to the state. Far from families and friends, dumped patients join the swelling ranks of the homeless. Theyre just churned like cattle until theyre dead or homeless on the streets," said Dan Kreitman, who ran the special investigations unit at insurer Centene, and oversees the Healthcare Fraud Prevention Partnership, a partnership between government officials and stakeholders in the healthcare system. In one stark example, some California rehabs have zeroed in on Oklahoma, a state with a high rate of addiction and a Blue Cross & Blue Shield plan that paid well for out-of-state care. In some cases, brokers falsified addresses for people who didnt live in Oklahoma to get them on the plan, patients said. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Oklahoma alleged in a 2024 lawsuit against seven entities, including brokers and rehab centers, that just a handful of programs in California caused it to make $36 million in wrongful payments between 2021 and 2024. The entities denied the allegations. Blue Cross changed its policy in January 2025, limiting out-of-state rehab coverage. The insurer declined to comment. A $500,000 bill Robert Millspaughs insurance documents show how lucrative the rehab business can be. The 54-year-old Arkansas man said a broker posing as a fellow patient at his rehab in Las Vegas helped him sign up for a Blue Cross & Blue Shield policyusing fake documentation to make it look like he lived in Oklahoma. Millspaugh recalled how he was flown to California from Las Vegas in April 2024 with promises of an oceanfront rehab for his meth addiction, only to find that the rehab center was a South Los Angeles apartment packed with 21 people. Four people were bunked in rooms so small that two could barely stand side-by-side, according to Millspaugh and another former resident. Drugs were everywhere and staff was nowhere to be found. He lost 8 pounds in six days because there wasnt enough food. Photos he took of the site showed bare rooms and a refrigerator with little food. He never saw a clinician other than logging into video calls that photos show included dozens of people. He wasnt required to participate or even be on camera. He was moved from property to property 12 times in five months, according to Millspaugh and insurance documents. One benefits statement for two weeks in June 2024 shows Rodeo Recovery LLC charging $110,000 for his care. The charges in a July statement, billed by Antioch Rehab, ran to $27,600 for a six-day stay. Millspaugh said the transfers were often from sober living homes back to the detox intake center in South Los Angeles. To the insurer, it would look like he had relapsed, which he said he had not during that time. Insurance documents show rehabs continued to bill for new inpatient detox treatment repeatedly over half a year. Robert Millspaugh found charges for services he said he didn't receive. It was just a holding facility for human trafficking. And they was getting paid to do it," he said. Ultimately he threatened to expose them for insurance fraud, he said. A broker told him theyd fly him back to Arkansas, but instead put him on a plane to Las Vegas. An airline agent was able to get him on a flight back to Arkansas for free in August 2024. When Millspaugh logged in to his insurance portal, he found five different LLCs charged an average of $26,000 a week for services he said he didnt receive. In total, Blue Cross was charged half a million dollars over five months, according to his insurance records. Hes back in rehab. Drug dens The various entities that billed Millspaughs insurance are affiliated with a company called 55 Silver, which is run by a man known to clients as Pablo. The 38-year-old entrepreneurs given name is Nathan Young. One major insurer and five former clients or families of former clients have sued Young and his various entities. Another 70 have filed claims, which are precursors to lawsuits. Aetna alleges in a lawsuit filed last year that Young and others defrauded the insurer of at least $40 million for fabricated addiction treatment at about a dozen facilities Aetna described as drug dens." The suit alleges that Young operates a network of properties and LLCs that obtain clients through illegal broker payments to take advantage of insurance benefits. They often shuffled patients throughout programs for seemingly no reason other than to prolong benefits payments," Aetna says in the lawsuit. Reuven Cohen, an attorney representing Young, said that rehab operators take on tremendous risk to help society because they are at the mercy of insurers, which make it difficult to provide services to those in need. Aetna chose to sue Mr. Young to avoid paying him the millions of dollars of unpaid claims they owed," Cohen said. Since January, state officials have revoked licenses for five of Youngs facilities over allegations including falsifying records, according to documents from the state regulator. Derrin ONeill, a former body broker who said he worked for about a dozen rehab owners including 55 Silver, said he and another broker were paid almost $3 million over two years for recruiting clients. Ultimately, ONeill quit the business in 2020 and forwarded information documenting rehabs that paid him to the Orange County district attorney. The district attorneys office is investigating, according to people familiar with the matter. Young doesnt allow kickbacks and in instances when he or managers discovered that a team member had improperly incentivized" patients, that person was fired, said Cohen. A screenshot from one of Nathan Young's YouTube videos. I believe everyone, regardless of their past, deserves a chance at a healthy life, and despite a relentless series of baseless attacks on me and my work, I will do whatever I can to offer them a path to be productive members of their communities," Young said in a statement. In a YouTube video about Young setting up a rehab posted one year ago titled Nate the great," Young says, Its all about helping people." Youngs clinics request that clients be on-screen for therapy sessions and pass frequent drug tests, Cohen said. Young believes his clients remain sober for six months or more at an unprecedented rate for similarly situated facilities that offer treatment services to underserved and lower-income populations," he said. 55 Silver referred to Dylan Jones as a former patient who successfully kicked his longtime meth addiction at one of its rehabs. I hear a lot of people talk crap about them, but the reality is thats a direct reflection of who you are, because youre not doing the work, youre not willing to change," said Jones, 45. Jones said he met someone at a homeless shelter in Oklahoma who told him about 55 Silver. After he was flown to Los Angeles last year, Jones said he talked to a therapist for the first time in his life, which helped get at the root of his drug habit. After several months, Jones was on a break from the program to visit family in the Midwest when he got the news the insurance was being cut off. Jones moved to Delaware, where he pays to live at a sober living home. He said hes been sober for 18 months. Dozens of other former clients and families who lost loved ones to overdoses at Youngs facilities have filed claims against Young and his partners in recent months. Many of the former clients were dumped beginning in late 2024 at a dangerous homeless encampment in Los Angeles known as Skid Row when their insurance stopped paying or wasnt paying enough, said Karen Gold, an attorney who said she is representing more than 70 former 55 Silver patients or their families. Kicked out Penny Lamb and Jeffery Lichtenbergs journey from Oklahoma also went through 55 Silver. The man who had promised help with rehab extolled the benefits of 55 Silver and helped sign them up for Blue Cross policies. Lichtenberg told him that he wanted to go to a rehab where he would be allowed to smoke cannabis. When they arrived in Los Angeles, the driver handed them a blunt to smoke and drove them to a rundown apartment complex. Theres no swimming pool; theres no Jacuzzi," Lamb said. It barely had air conditioning." They were struggling with meth addiction, but the staff at 55 Silver insisted on admitting Lichtenbergbut not Lambas an opioid addict, he said. A medical professional Lichtenberg met on a brief video call prescribed him buprenorphine, a medication that can help opioid addicts with withdrawal. Buprenorphine itself is an opioid. I was higher than when I went into the program," he said. Cohen, Youngs attorney, said that Young hires licensed professionals to determine individual treatment for clients, including what medications to prescribe. Eventually, after a dispute with a 55 Silver house manager who Lichtenberg alleges asked them to buy him drugs, the couple was booted. They switched to a different program run by a separate operator, which soon kicked them out after Oklahoma Blue Crosss change in policy. Young and his managers take reasonable precautions to keep illicit drugs out of their facilities, Cohen said, but he added that there is no foolproof way, particularly in this population, to forestall relapse dynamics, to block every imaginable supply vector, or to cover every blind spot." On a sunny July day in Simi Valley, Lamb sat in a camping chair outside of their makeshift home while Lichtenberg mixed cups of water with watermelon-flavored electrolyte powder, her favorite. Lamb worked as a cook at Amazon Fresh, while Lichtenberg made money selling cigarettes at the encampment. They tried their best to keep clean. They often thought about going home to Oklahoma to be near family. But for Lamb the past was still painful, and Lichtenberg knew too many people there whod get him into trouble. By September, growing desperate for a place to live, they set out for a sober living home across the country in North Carolina that theyd heard about from a friend. This time, they took a Greyhound bus. This time, they pay rent. Now, they are both working and are almost a month sober. Its different because I feel like they care and arent just interested in a paycheck," Lamb said. Write to Zusha Elinson at zusha.elinson@wsj.com and Julie Wernau at julie.wernau@wsj.com President Trump announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a plan to end the two-year old war in Gaza and establish a durable peace. Trumps 20-point plan was designed to jump-start months of stalled negotiations between Israel and Hamas. After both sides agreed in principle to the plan, Trump sent his special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner to Egypt to finalize negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus top adviser Ron Dermer and Qatars prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also went to Egypt for the talks. A host of details still need to be resolved in a subsequent phase of the agreement, including how the Gaza enclave is to be governed, who will provide security, and Israeli demands that Hamas be disarmed. These are the main elements of the first phase: All living hostages held by Hamas are to be released. There are 48 hostages, about 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Trump said in a social-media post that it will happen very soon" and a person familiar with the agreement said their release will come by Monday at the latest. The bodies of hostages who have died are to be handed over later. Hamas has said it would need at least 10 days to locate bodies of dead hostages, according to people close to the talks. Israel will release Palestinian prisoners. Once all the hostages are returned, Israel is expected to release 250 Palestinians who are in Israeli prisons and 1,700 Palestinians who have been detained in Gaza during the conflict. Precisely who is on that list is being finalized. Hamas has pushed to get as many big-name prisoners released as possible, including Marwan Barghouti, whom Israel jailed over his role in a Palestinian uprising in the early 2000s. Israeli troops on guard near the border with the Gaza Strip.. Israel Defense Forces will withdraw from 70% of the enclave. Trumps plan includes a map of the withdrawal lines but without exact locations or coordinates. The final lines to which the Israeli military will withdraw may still be under discussion. The Rafah crossing with Egypt will open. The crossing will open after the cease-fire comes into effect to facilitate aid deliveries, and allow for entry and exit of Palestinians. Write to Michael R. Gordon at michael.gordon@wsj.com SHARM EL SHEIKH, EgyptIsraels government was set to vote Thursday on an agreement brokered by the Trump administration that would free the remaining hostages held by Hamas and establish a cease-fire in Gaza, a diplomatic breakthrough after months of failed talks. The hostage deal, which President Trump announced from the White House on Wednesday, promises to close a major wound opened by the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel and give momentum to the effort to end a two-year war that has left tens of thousands of Gazans dead and the enclave in ruins. The administration hopes the deal will be the first step toward a longer-term settlement that will involve talks over the disarmament of Hamas and the formation of an interim government to oversee Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has faced resistance to ending the war from far-right members of his coalition government, welcomed the deal to bring home Israeli hostages, which his government is expected to approve. This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the state of Israel," he said early Thursday. The deal would go into effect once Israels government approves it, people familiar with the matter said. Egyptian officials and others briefed on the deal said mediators are still hashing out the arrangements for Hamas to return the roughly 20 hostages believed to be alive in Gaza, in addition to the bodies of around 28 others. In exchange, Israel has to agree to a list of Palestinian prisoners it will set free. Trump in an interview with Fox News said the hostage release might not happen until Monday. The president is considering a trip to the region to mark the event. A critical task in the coming days will be getting Israel and Hamas to agree on the exact lines for Israels initial military withdrawal under the hostage deal. Trumps plan called on Israeli forces to pull back to a line marked in yellow on a map. Hamas has asked for the precise demarcation of the line. Hamas wants Israel to withdraw from around 70% of Gaza in return for the release of hostages, Arab mediators said. Israel wants to withdraw from less territory and the two sides are still negotiating this detail, according to people briefed on the negotiations. Israels military said Thursday morning that it had begun to prepare for redeployment under the agreement. Live television footage from Gaza showed plumes of smoke rising over the ruins of buildings in northern Gaza, suggesting some fighting continued. The bigger challenges will come as negotiators eventually turn to the latter phases of Trumps 20-point proposal to end the war, secure Gaza and begin reconstruction. The presence of significant gaps is obvious, but the Trump administration has been pushing the plan through despite the reservations and daring both sides to say no, a person briefed on the talks said. Israel and a range of Arab and Muslim countries publicly expressed support when Trump announced his broad plan from the White House, reflecting international pressure on both Israel and Hamas to end a war that has threatened to destabilize the wider region. Regional powers including Egypt, Turkey and Qatar have pressured Hamas to accept the American plan, reflecting their leaders eagerness to please Trump and contain the fallout from the war. Write to Summer Said at summer.said@wsj.com, Jared Malsin at jared.malsin@wsj.com and Anat Peled at anat.peled@wsj.com Microsoft has a lofty goal: to become an artificial-intelligence chatbot powerhouse in its own right rather than leaning on its partnership with the ChatGPT maker, OpenAI. In an effort to steal a march on its more-advanced rivals, the company has seized on healthcare as a lane in which it believes it can deliver a better offering than any of the other major players and build the brand of its Copilot assistant. A major update of Copilot scheduled for release as soon as this month will be the first to reflect a new collaboration between Microsoft and Harvard Medical School, people familiar with the matter said. The new version of Copilot will draw on information from the Harvard Health Publishing arm to respond to queries about healthcare topics. Microsoft will pay Harvard a licensing fee, one of the people said. In an interview, Dominic King, vice president of health at Microsoft AI, declined to discuss the arrangement with Harvard but said the companys aim is for Copilot to serve answers that are more in line with the information users might get from a medical practitioner than what is currently available. Making sure that people have access to credible, trustworthy health information that is tailored to their language and their literacy and all kinds of things is essential," he said. Part of that is making sure that were sourcing that material from the right places." King said the intent is to help users make informed decisions about managing complex conditions such as diabetes. In the past, experts have warned about relying on chatbots for medical advice. A 2024 study led by researchers at Stanford University found that out of 382 medical questions posed to ChatGPT, the chatbot gave an inappropriate" answer on roughly 20% of them. While the Harvard Health Publishing literature includes mental-health material, Microsoft declined to say how the updated Copilot would handle such questions. The issue of how chatbots interact with people who experience mental illness has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and health experts, with ChatGPT playing a role in crises that have ended in hospitalization or death, The Wall Street Journal has reported. Copilot currently relies on OpenAIs models to respond to queries. Another tool in development would allow Copilot to help users find healthcare providers near where they live based on their healthcare needs and insurance coverage. Mustafa Suleyman, chief executive of Microsoft AI, has made healthcare a focus of the divisions efforts as he has increased staffing at an internal AI lab that competes with OpenAI. In June, the company, which employs clinicians, said an AI tool it developed can diagnose disease at a rate four times more accurate than a group of doctors and do so at a fraction of the cost. Despite a tentative agreement announced last month to extend the partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI, there remains urgency within Microsoft on building up a measure of technological independence from OpenAI, the people familiar with the matter said. Last week, Microsoft Chief Executive Satya Nadella said he would hand off some duties to a deputy so he could concentrate on the companys biggest AI bets. Microsoft, which created its division dedicated to consumer AI and research in 2024, is training its models with the goal of eventually replacing workloads from OpenAI, the people said. Achieving that might take years. The company has said that OpenAI will continue to be our partner on frontier models" and that its philosophy is to use the best models available. Microsoft trails OpenAI in consumer AI. The Copilot smartphone app has been downloaded 95 million times, while ChatGPT has been downloaded more than a billion times, according to Sensor Tower, a research firm. Copilot exists as both a consumer app and a virtual assistant within the companys enterprise tools. It currently relies heavily on OpenAIs models to respond to queries. Microsoft in August said that it had started to test publicly a homegrown AI model that could be used for its Copilot chatbot. Researchers and engineers, especially those recently hired away from Googles DeepMind AI lab, are focused almost entirely on advancing Microsofts own models. Already, Microsoft is using non-OpenAI models for some of its other software. It now deploys models from OpenAIs rival Anthropic to power AI tools within its 365 products. AI has been a revenue driver for Microsoft largely through its Azure cloud-computing unit, which OpenAI and other companies use for AI computing workloads and training. It also offers AI tools in its productivity and enterprise software products, which have millions of customers. Under Microsoft and OpenAIs tentative agreement in September, Microsoft would potentially receive a 30% stake in a new for-profit entity OpenAI is seeking to create. The agreement isnt yet final. Write to Sebastian Herrera at sebastian.herrera@wsj.com Mumbai: Under its artificial intelligence (AI) mission, India is building high-performance computing capacity to ensure that every innovator and start-up has access to new technologies at a low cost and with ease, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday at the Global Fintech Fest 2025. We are trying to reach the benefits of AI to every district and every language. Our centres of excellence, skilling hubs and indigenous AI models are soliciting this, he said, adding that in the field of AI, Indias approach has been to focus on three main principlesequitable access, population scale and responsible deployment. The experience of Indias digital public infrastructure and our learning repository can be useful for the world. The level of digital public infrastructure we are moving towards, we want to take it forward in AI as well. India has always been on the side of a global framework for ethical AI, and for India, AI means all inclusive, he said. Combined with the growth in domestic start-ups, this has earned India a spot in the top three most funded fintech ecosystems in the world in the first six months of this year, Modi said. Digital payments have become routine in India today, with 50 out of every 100 real-time digital transactions in the world happening in India. India's digital stack includes the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) platform, Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS), Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), Bharat QR, Digilocker, DigiYatra, Government e-marketplace (GeM), Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and the upcoming Open Credit Enablement Network (OCEM). Global leadership As such, Indias technology and digital stack is not just a story of India's success but a story for the entire world, he said that what India is doing is a ray of hope for the countries of the Global South. Citing the example of the agreed-upon UK-India fintech corridor, Modi said that the combination of UKs research and global financial expertise and Indias scale and talent can open new gates of opportunities for the world and will create opportunities for piloting and developing new startups, including cooperation between the London Stock Exchange and GIFT City. The Prime Minister also announced that India will host an AI impact summit next year. Financial integration will help companies in partner countries benefit from free trade agreements, he said, calling upon other partners, along with the UK, to create partnerships with India. I invite every investor to grow with Indias growth. We have to create a fintech world where technology, people, and the planet all thrive, and where the goal of innovation is not only growth and numbers, but also goodness and human progress, he said. He added that India aims to enhance its digital cooperation and partnerships with the world through digital innovation. That is why we are sharing our experience and open source platform for the global public good. The Modular Open Source Identity Platform, developed in India, is currently being used by more than 25 countries for their sovereign digital identity systems, he said, adding that India is not only partnering with and sharing technology with other nations but also helping other countries build their own technologies. India's speciality is not just scale. We will connect scale with inclusion, resilience and sustainability. And this is where AI's role begins, Modi said. Ethical AI At a time when the world is debating the trust and safety rules for AI, India has already established a trust layer for this purpose, enabling its AI mission to handle both data and privacy effectively. We want to develop such platforms in AI, on which innovators can develop inclusive applications, Modi said. The priority for the country when it comes to payments is speed and assurance, whereas for credit is quick approvals and affordability. In insurance, the focus is on timely claims, he said, adding that the aim is to be successful in investment, access and transparency. AI can become the power of transformation. For this, we need to keep in mind the design of AI applications. It should be people-centric, he said, adding that over the last decade India has democratized technology, making India one of the most technologically inclusive societies today, which has proved that technology is not just a means of convenience but also of equality. Mumbai: India aims to double its bilateral trade with the UK to $120 billion by 2030, prime minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday at an event attended by his British counterpart Keir Starmer. Today, our bilateral trade is approximately $56 billion. We have set a target of doubling it by 2030. I am confident that we can achieve this target ahead of time, he said at a CEO Forum in Mumbai, adding that the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA), signed in July, will boost small enterprises, create employment, and facilitate the opening of campuses of nine British universities in India. The trade pact, titled Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), encompasses partnerships in infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, energy, and finance. Today in areas such as telecom, AI, biotech, quantum, semiconductor, cyber and space, countless new possibilities are emerging. Even in the field of defence, we are moving forward towards co-design and co-production. Now is the time to work rapidly to transform all these possibilities into concrete co-operation, he said, also highlighting emerging sectors such as critical minerals and rare earth. Modi and Starmer, who was on a two-day visit to India, also announced Vision 2035, a blueprint of common ambitions of both the countries. India and UK business leaders together can choose a sector where we can become number one in the world, be it fintech, green hydrogen, semiconductor or startups There can be many other sectors, let India and the UK set global benchmarks together, Modi said. Starmer said that the free trade agreement will add billions of pounds to UKs GDP and hundreds of billions of rupees to Indias, as well as add billions to wages. Saying this is the biggest deal that the UK has done since it exited the European Union, Starmer highlighted that four Indian fintech companiesRazorpay, Cred, PayTm and Perfiosare planning to invest in the UK. Also Read | ABD predicts margin gains from India-UK trade deal Calling upon the forum of business leaders, Starmer invited feedback and comments on any issues that can be disentangled for smooth implementation of the trade pact. We want to provide a direct channel for you - tell us what we need to do to go further and faster to deliver the most from this deal, he said, adding that this includes areas where barriers need to be taken down and areas where more can be done to capitalize on opportunities. India and the UK signed a landmark free trade agreement in July, ending years of protracted negotiations and marking a new phase in their economic partnership. The deal is expected will give a major push to bilateral trade and investment, offering greater market access across key sectors. The agreement promises to unlock major economic gains for India by eliminating tariffs on 99% of New Delhi's exports, covering nearly 100% of the trade value. Also Read | India-UK FTA uncorks new promise for imported scotch and gin Mumbai: After a prolonged slowdown in orders, Indias road construction giants are keeping their fingers crossed for a long-awaited revival. With highway contracts from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) drying up over the past two years, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms specialising in roads have seen revenues stall and margins tighten. Now, industry players and experts alike are keeping their eyes peeled on the second half of FY26, anticipating a pick-up in highway tenders. Leading listed EPC firms with a significant focus on roads include IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd, Ashoka Buildcon Ltd, HG Infra Engineering Ltd, Hindustan Construction Company Ltd (HCC), and Dilip Buildcon Ltd. In both FY22 and FY23, the NHAI awarded contracts totalling over 12,000 km. This slowed to 8,000-8,500 km in FY24 and FY25, according to estimates from Crisil Ratings. It typically takes about 12-18 months after a contract is awarded for construction to begin and for the contractor to be able to start recording revenues. Also Read | Bonanza for investors as new road builders may get to toll old ones too According to Anand Kulkarni, director at Crisil Ratings, the number of contracts awarded in the first half of FY26 has also been subdued. But we expect a meaningful pickup in the second half, particularly in Q4, which is typically the busiest period," he said. After a couple of years of muted awarding, this fiscal should see some improvement, so all eyes will be on how the second half pans out." Kulkarni added that any improvement in awards this year will likely start reflecting in the second half of FY27 or in FY28. New vistas To offset the impact on profitability, several companies have diversified into other areas. Kulkarni estimates that road-focused EPC firms now get around a third of their order book from non-road sectorsup from about 10-12% five years ago. For instance, Bhopal-headquartered Dilip Buildcon, which started diversifying three years ago, has eight other business verticals nowincluding operating mines, metro and railway construction, irrigation, water distribution and tunnelling. It recently also ventured into laying optical fibre for broadband connectivity and constructing solar plants. Despite this, the company has seen its order book shrink from more than 25,000 crore in FY22 and FY23 to 13,695 crore as of 30 June 2025. Its revenue for the April-June quarter dipped 16% year-on-year to 2,620 crore. However, its profit nearly doubled to 271 crore, thanks to the foray into newer segments. Also Read | Why India wants private money to build and run highways again We are adversely impacted by slow ordering activity by NHAI," a spokesperson for Dilip Buildcon said in an email, adding that the company expects 60,000 crore worth of orders from the highway authority in the second half of FY26. As we are expecting good order intake in the second half of this year, we should see much better execution next year onwards," the spokesperson said. Performance hit Impacted by the slowing of orders, most EPC companies have seen a dip in their financial performance in recent years. Data from its latest investor presentation showed that Nashik-based Ashok Buildcon saw its revenue and profit decline 30% and 25% year-on-year in Q1FY26 to 1,339 crore and 31 crore, respectively. Jaipur-headquartered HG Infra Engineering, too, reported a decline in both revenue (3%) and profit (39%). For Mumbai-based HCC, Q1 revenue was 40% lower year-on-year at 1,091 crore. However, it reported a 51 crore profit compared to a 3 crore loss a year prior. Also Read | Govt set to unveil new highway concession pact by September-end Mumbai-based IRB Infrastructure was the only one among its peers to record growth in both revenue and profit by 10% and 45%, respectively. These companies did not respond to Mint's request for a comment. Pointing to increased competition in the sector over the past couple of years, Crisils Kulkarni said several mid-sized EPC companies are in a good spot, having secured a sizeable number of projects. We expect the mid-sized EPC firms to post a moderate growth of around 5-7% this fiscal," said Kulkarni. The large road-focused EPC players, however, will witness stagnation of revenues." (Bloomberg) -- France urged the European Unions top markets watchdog to start supervising major crypto companies directly after the expansion of major players in the continent. In a speech Thursday, Bank of France Governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau suggested transferring oversight powers for the sectors businesses to the European Securities and Markets Authority to guarantee uniform application of standards within the EU. The Bank of France governor also called for tightening a landmark European framework of digital asset rules that notably allows crypto companies to apply for licenses from individual EU members, which they can use as a passport to operate throughout the 27-nation bloc. The European Central Bank has been winning support for a ban on stablecoins issued jointly in the bloc and other jurisdictions, setting the scene for a clash over how operators like Circle Internet Group Inc. and Paxos Inc. manage their activities across borders. This framework would benefit from the much stricter regulation of the multi-issuance of the same stablecoin within and outside the European Union, to reduce arbitrage risks in times of stress, Villeroy said. Circle is the largest stablecoin issuer in Europe, relying on the multi-issuance model permitted under the EUs MiCA rules to support its $76 billion dollar-pegged token USDC in the bloc. The company was awarded an electronic money license in France last year. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that track the price of another asset like the US dollar, typically relying on a one-to-one reserve of traditional funds to support their value. Under the multi-issuance model, licensed stablecoin providers issuing tokens in the EU must maintain a local reserve in at least one member state while they continue to issue and manage reserves for functionally identical tokens overseas. Urgent clarification of the EUs support for multi-issuance is needed for companies to operate with certainty, trade associations across crypto and payments warned the European Commission this week. Signatories to the Oct. 6 letter, seen by Bloomberg News, included Blockchain For Europe, the Electronic Money Association and the Digital Euro Association. Reopening this settled concept the only pathway for global stablecoins that represent 99% of the market risks Europe falling behind, the groups said in the letter addressed to Maria Luis Albuquerque, the EUs commissioner for financial services. The Commission didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. (Updates with industry letter in eighth and final paragraphs.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com In the crowded IPO (initial public offering) market, Canara HSBC Life is quietly stepping into the spotlight. The bank-backed, public sector-led insurer has 13 years of consistent profits and is going public at a steep discountroughly 45% cheaper than HDFC Life, one of Indias largest and most trusted insurers. The discount reflects the companys smaller scale, a ULIP-heavy product mix with lower margins, and the fact that this is a pure offer-for-sale IPO with no fresh capital for expansiongiving investors a rare chance to buy into a proven brand without paying a premium. To capitalize on its non-core businesses, public sector lender Canara Bank is launching IPOs of two subsidiaries this week, including Canara HSBC Life Insurance. The IPO opens on 10 October, with a price band of 100106 for a 2,518 crore offer-for-sale (OFS). Canara Bank, HSBC Insurance, and Punjab National Bank will sell 137.7 million, 4.75 million, and 95 million shares, respectively, reducing their stakes to 36.5%, 25.5%, and 14.8%. Also Read | Can Canara Robeco AMC keep its equity edge? As no fresh capital is being raised, the listing primarily aims to enhance visibility, strengthen the brand, and provide liquidity to existing shareholdersrather than fund aggressive expansion. At the upper end of the price band, Canara HSBC Life Insurances market capitalization is estimated at around 10,070 crore. To understand its appeal, it helps to examine the business model it has builtand the financial foundation behind its consistency. A bancassurance franchise with deep public sector roots Canara HSBC Life is a joint venture between Canara Bank (51%), HSBC Insurance (Asia-Pacific) Holdings (26%), and PNB (23%). Its business model is heavily anchored in bancassurancea channel that contributed over 92.3% of new business premiums in Q1FY26, up from 57.2% in FY23among the highest in the industry. Bancassurance not only provides reach and trust but also defines the companys DNA. By contrast, direct saleswhich are more margin-accretivehave dropped to just 2.9% from 38.9%, reflecting a strategic focus on individual and group credit life products rather than fund-based group business. However, this reliance also creates concentration risk. Nearly 73.2% of business comes from Canara Bank, making the insurer dependent on the banks growth and customer engagement. Regulatory developments, such as limits on bancassurance concentration with parent banks, could pose risks if implemented. Geographic footprint The insurers reach is extensive. It has built a distribution network of over 15,700 branches, including those of Canara Bank, HSBC India, and regional rural banks. This network underpins its strategy, allowing penetration into urban and semi-urban markets where insurance adoption remains low. In FY24, urban regions accounted for 60.3% of policies sold, rural areas 39.7%. Due to changes in reporting norms, FY25 numbers are not comparable. Geographically, business is concentrated in five states: Karnataka (22.5%), Maharashtra (12%), Kerala (9.6%), Uttar Pradesh (8.9%), and Tamil Nadu (8.4%). ULIPs and savings products drive growth The company offers products covering every life stagefrom career launch and marriage expenses to retirement planning. Its portfolio includes 20 individual products, seven group products, two optional rider benefits, and policies under PMJJBY. Also Read | The hidden costs of index ULIPs: Why passive funds still charge active fees On an annualized premium equivalent (APE) basis, unit linked insurance plans (Ulips) dominate, contributing 49.2% of total premiums in Q1FY26, up from 34.6% in FY23. Non-participating (Non-Par) savings accounted for 18.1%, non-par protection 10.6%, PAR plans 7%, and annuities 15%. The rising share of Ulips reflects customer preference for market-linked returns but also increases exposure to capital market fluctuations. The company, however, held the third-highest non-linked, non-PAR premium share among bank-led insurers in FY25, signalling gradual diversification toward guaranteed-return and protection products. Premium mix reflects a strategic shift Total premium rose from 7,197 crore in FY23 to 8,027 crore in FY25, while APE grew 24% from 1,884 crore to 2,339 crore. New business premiums fell from 3,717 crore to 3,122 crore due to a deliberate shift away from low-margin fund-based group business toward individual and group credit life policies. Excluding the fund-based component, new premiums actually rose from 2,435 crore to 3,026 crore. Individual policies now dominate, contributing 71% ( 2,228 crore), up from 50% ( 1,843 crore) in FY23. Group policies fell to 29% from 50%. Renewal premiums rose from 3,470 crore to 4,899 crore, strengthening annuity incomea key factor in smoothing cash flows and building compounding profitability. Improving persistency strengthens renewal stability Canara HSBC Life has improving persistency: the 13th-month persistency ratio rose from 75.33% in FY23 to 84.3% in Q1FY26, in line with peers. This shows more policyholders continue paying premiums beyond the first year, ensuring predictable renewal revenue. Individual surrender ratios also fell sharply to 4.4% in FY25 from 6.3% in FY23, reflecting better engagement. However, the ULIP-heavy portfolio means renewals remain sensitive to market performance, as policy continuance often correlates with fund returns. Cost controls and technology drive efficiency Death claims settlement ratio remains over 99%, with average settlement in 5-6 days, reflecting robust process digitization. In FY25, IT expenses were 1.2% of revenue, down from 1.3% in FY23, ranking second among peers. Operating expenses to gross written premium (GWP) stood at 12.4%, higher than HDFC Life (8.8%) and ICICI Prudential (8.1%) due to smaller scale. Commission ratio rose from 5.7% to 6.3% in FY25. Total cost ratio was 18.7%, comparable to HDFC Life (19.8%) and ICICI Prudential (18%), reflecting operating leverage. Whats behind the profit surge? The company maintains a solvency ratio above 200%, well above the 150% regulatory requirement. Policyholder accounts remained in surplus, rising sharply from 15 crore (FY23) to 81 crore (FY25), indicating revenues from premiums and investments comfortably exceed claims and costs. Assets under management grew from 30,204 crore in FY23 to 43,639 crore in Q1FY26. Profit after tax rose from 91 crore to 117 crore, underscoring its ability to remain profitable despite product-mix shifts. New business Value (VNB) increased from 377.5 crore (FY24) to 446 crore (FY25), with margins slightly moderating to 19% from 20%. Margins trail peersHDFC Life (25.6%) and ICICI Prudential (22.8%)due to higher Ulip exposure, which carries lower VNB margins. Does the discount make it attractive? At an embedded value (EV) of 6,111 crore, the IPO implies a price-to-EV multiple of 1.6xdiscounted versus HDFC Life (2.9x), ICICI Prudential (1.8x), and SBI Life (2.5x). While the discount reflects smaller scale and lower growth, it offers valuation comfort. Risks remain. Contingent liabilities of 320 crore, forming 20.8% of net worth, warrant attention, though manageable given balance sheet strength. Short-term pressure could also arise from the GST exemption on life insurance policies, but higher policy demand is expected to offset this. For more such analysis, read Profit Pulse. Disclaimer: Madhvendra has over seven years of experience in equity markets and writes detailed research articles on listed Indian companies, sectoral trends, and macroeconomic developments. The writer does not hold the stocks discussed in this article. The purpose of this article is only to share interesting charts, data points, and thought provoking opinions. It is NOT a recommendation. If you wish to consider an investment, you are strongly advised to consult your advisor. This article is strictly for educational purposes only. Canara Robeco IPO Day 1 Updates: Canara Robeco IPO subscription status was 23% on day 1. The retail portion was subscribed 36%, and NII portion has been booked 23%, Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) portion is yet to receive bids. The company has received bids for 79,44,496 shares against 3,48,98,051 shares on offer, at 17:00 IST, according to data on BSE. The subscription period for the initial public offering of Canara Robeco Asset Management Company (Canara Robeco AMC IPO) began on Thursday, October 9, and will conclude on Monday, October 13. Canara Robeco IPO GMP today or Canara Robeco AMC IPO GMP is 35. Given the grey market activities from the past five sessions, today's IPO GMP is trending upwards and is anticipated to have a solid listing. Canara Robeco AMC IPO price band has been established at 253 to 266 per share, which values the company at approximately 5,300 crore at the higher end of the range. The Canara Robeco IPO is entirely an offer for sale (OFS), meaning the company itself will not gain any capital from the public offering, and the funds will go directly to the selling shareholders. Canara Robeco specializes in managing mutual funds and offering investment advice within the Indian equities market. It holds the distinction of being the second oldest asset manager in the country. The state-owned bank established the company in 1993, and later teamed up with Robeco, which is now part of Orix, in 2007. (Stay tuned for more updates) LG Electronics IPO day 3: The initial public offering (IPO) of LG Electronics India Limited opened on October 7, 2025, and will remain open for bidding until October 9, 2025. This means investors have only one day to apply for the LG Electronics IPO. India's leading home appliances and consumer electronics company has announced the IPO price band for LG Electronics at 1,080 to 1,140 per equity share. The company aims to raise 11,607.01 crore from its public issue, which is entirely an offer for sale (OFS). The public issue is proposed for listing on the BSE and the NSE. LG Electronics IPO GMP today According to market observers, LG Electronics' IPO Grey Market Premium (GMP) today is 298, which is 14 lower than yesterday's LG Electronics IPO GMP of 312. They said that the dip in the LG Electronics IPO GMP can be attributed to the profit booking trigger in the secondary market. They noted that the dip in the LG Electronics IPO GMP today is negligible, as the grey market is still showcasing a robust return for potential investors. LG Electronics IPO subscription status By 3:00 PM on day 3 of bidding, the public issue had been booked 33.74 times, the retail portion had been subscribed 3.24 times, and the NII segment had been filled 21.27 times. The QIB portion of the book build issue had been subscribed to 96.75 times. LG Electronics IPO review Assigning a 'subscribe' tag to the book build issue, Sharekhan says, "LG Electronics has a leading market share in home appliances and the consumer electronics market in India. The company, along with its market leadership, boasts strong parent backing (LG Electronics Inc.), a large distribution network, a strong brand image, the largest manufacturing facilities, and a healthy fundamental profile. Considering the companys diversified portfolio, largest distribution network, strong brand image and global parent support, we see the issue is fairly valued at 35x FY25EPS and assign a Subscribe rating for the issue." Advising investors to apply for the public issue despite being an entirely OFS, Ventura Securities said, "LG Electronics India Limited reported consistent revenue growth, with FY25 revenue growing at 14.1% to 24,367 cr., reflecting its strong market position in the consumer electronics and home appliances segments. Despite this growth, the company faces margin pressures due to intense competition in the Indian market. In FY25, the company reported an EBITDA/Net Profit of 3,110 cr./ 2,203 cr., with margins of around 12.8%/9.0%, driven by efficiency improvements and premium product offerings. The company's balance sheet remains stable, supported by its parent; however, it relies on imported components and global supply chains. LG Electronics India will not utilise the IPO proceeds but will help the promoter unlock value from its investment in the company." Lakshmishree Investment, BP Equities, Aditya Birla Money, Adroit Financial Services, Arihant Capital, Anand Rathi, Canara Bank Securities, LKP Securities, Cholamandalam Securities, and many other brokerages have also assigned a 'subscribe' tag to the LG Electronics IPO. Infographic: Courtesy mintgenie LG Electronics IPO details India's leading players in home appliances and consumer electronics company aims to raise 11,607.01 crore from its public issue, which is entirely OFS. A bidder will be able to apply in lots, and one lot of the book build issue comprises 13 company shares. The most likely LG Electronics IPO allotment date is 10 October 2025. The most likely LG Electronics IPO listing date is 14 October 2025. KFin Technologies Ltd has been appointed the official registrar of the public issue. Morgan Stanley India, J.P. Morgan India, Axis Capital, BofA Securities, and Citigroup Global Markets India have been appointed as the book-running lead managers of the public issue. The market capitalisation of the LG Electronics IPO is 77,380.05 crore. As of March 31, 2025, the company's PAT margin stood at 8.95%, the EBITDA margin was approximately 12.75%, and the price-to-book value was slightly above 13. The company has reported growth in its top and bottom lines for the last three fiscal years. LG Electronics' initial public offering (IPO) concluded on Thursday, October 9, witnessing a massive demand from all categories of investors. The IPO witnessed a healthy grey market premium (GMP) and positive comments from most analysts. LG Electronics IPO, which opened on October 7, sailed through on the first day of the bidding itself. At the end of the third day, the electronics company's share sale garnered bids for 3,85,32,39,416 shares as against 7,13,34,320 shares on offer, translating into a subscription status of 54.02 times. View full Image LG Electronics IPO Details The quota for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) received 166.51 times subscription. The category for non-institutional investors (NIIs) was subscribed 22.44 times, while the portion meant for retail investors and employees attracted 3.54 times and 7.62 times subscription, respectively. LG Electronics IPO GMP LG Electronics IPO GMP today stood at 328, its highest ever. Earlier, its GMP touched a peak of 318, a day prior to the opening. At the prevailing GMP and the upper end of the IPO price band, LG Electronics share price could list at 1468, a premium of 28.77%. LG Electronics shares are expected to make their stock market debut on October 14. LG Electronics IPO Details The 11,607-crore LG Electronics IPO was priced at 1,080 to 1,140 per share, valuing the company around 77,400 crore at the upper end. LG Electronics IPO is entirely an offer-for-sale (OFS) of 10.18 crore shares by the South Korea-based parent. Since the IPO is entirely an OFS, no proceeds from the stake sale will be received by the company, but will go to its promoter. Investors could apply for the IPO in lots of 13 shares, requiring an investment of 14,820 by a retailer at the upper end of the price band. The issue had reserved up to 2,10,728 shares for employees offered at a discounted price of 108. After Hyundai last year, LG Electronics is the second South Korean company to list on the Indian stock market. LG Electronics India manufactures and sells major home appliances and consumer electronics products in India. The company caters to both B2C and B2B customers within India and in international markets. Its product portfolio includes refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, water purifiers, dishwashers, microwave ovens, air purifiers, compressors, televisions, monitors, interactive displays, and information systems. In addition to product sales, the company also provides installation services, as well as repair and maintenance services for all its offerings. The S&P BSE Capital Goods index gained 21% in the previous six months on the back of some key developments. Among thosethe Union governments capital expenditure spending rose 43% to 4.3 trillion in the first five months of 2025-26 (April-August), and the ministry of defence has outlined 15-year sectoral needs, targeting annual spending of $25-30 billion ( 2.2-2.6 trillion). Also, strong execution of record-high order books is expected to translate to decent second-quarter (July-September) earnings for some capital goods companies. Improving execution is seen offsetting the adverse impact of lower exports and deferment of new orders due to US tariff-related uncertainties. Nomura Global Markets Research expects capital goods companies to report 15% year-on-year revenue and Ebitda growth for the second quarter. However, higher prices of some commodities and lower exports could put margins under pressure (exports typically fetch higher margins). Power transmission Among segments, solar equipment manufacturers are expected to grow at nearly 40%, accompanied by margin expansion of 500-800 basis points, Nomura said. Brokerage PL Capital expects healthy revenue growth for transmission and distribution companies as well, at over 20%, led by strong domestic demand. Continued traction from data centers, power transmission and distribution, and electronics would drive order inflows during the second quarter quarter, it said. Project-based companies, including heavyweights such as Larsen and Toubro Ltd and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd, could see decent revenue growth led by healthy order book execution, PL Capital added. Consumables Companies that make products such as abrasives, adhesives, and sealants, could be laggards with muted second-quarter revenue growth, weighed by weaker exports and Chinese dumping despite strong domestic demand. Industrial machinery companies that make products such as turbines, industrial motors, and compressors are also expected to report subdued growth, according to PL Capital. These two sub-segments may also see a decline in Ebitda margin because of lower exports and pricing pressure, the brokerage added. Also Read | Indias electronic manufacturing bet draws record investor interest Defence sector Defence companies, despite strong order inflow, are expected to report below-industry-average revenue growth of 11%, and lower margin because of increased material costs, PL Capital cautioned. While steel and zinc prices have remained largely stable, copper prices increased by about 6% on-year and aluminium prices by about 8% during the July-September quarter. More importantly, the trend in order inflowsa crucial gauge for revenue visibilityshows a sharp divergence. On an aggregate basis, order inflows for defence companies under Nomuras coverage grew by a robust 23% to 1.8 trillion in the second quarter. State-owned defence companies Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and Bharat Electronics Ltd recorded growth of 121% and 114%, respectively, in terms of orders in the second quarter. However, order inflow for other companies in Nomuras coverage declined 3%. Private capex The S&P BSE Capital Goods index has remained flat in the year so far, against about a 4% gain in the Sensex. Revival of private capital expenditure, a crucial re-rating trigger for the capital goods sector, remains missing. In fact, Nomura noted that the value of new capex announced by private companies declined 46% to 5.2 trillion in the September quartera five-quarter low. For now, US tariffs and other uncertainties could delay private capex further. That said, the recent cuts in goods and services tax and their likely boost to consumption could boost industrial capex in the second half of FY26 (October 2025-March 2026). Also Read | Govt may lift capex beyond budget as private sector stays cautious (For a Reuters live blog on U.S., UK and European stock markets, click or type LIVE/ in a news window) Oct 9 (Reuters) - European shares opened lower on Thursday, pulled down by banks after heavyweight HSBC dropped following its proposal to privatise Hong Kong's Hang Seng Bank, although gains in mining and technology stocks helped limit the overall losses. The pan-European STOXX 600 was down 0.1% at 573.4 points, as of 0711 GMT, but hovered near an all-time high seen in the previous session. Shares of HSBC dropped 6.6% after the British lender floated plans to privatise Hang Seng in a deal valued at HK$106.1 billion ($13.64 billion). The broader banking sector lost 1.2%. Lloyds Banking Group shed 3.4% after the lender said it would likely need to set aside more cash to cover the cost of compensating motor finance customers. Germany's Gerresheimer slumped 10.7% after the packaging and medical equipment maker cut its annual outlook. Bucking the sombre mood, the basic resources sector, which includes Europe's leading miners, climbed 1.4%, tracking gains in copper and iron ore prices. Technology stocks advanced 0.4%, led by France's Alten that rose after the IT consulting firm said it would separate the roles of chairman and chief executive officer as part of a governance overhaul. Shares of Burberry gained 2.4% after Deutsche Bank upgraded the British luxury firm's stock rating to "buy" from "hold". ($1 = 7.7805 Hong Kong dollars) Israel-Hamas ceasefire: Israel's Tel Aviv stock exchange rose as much as 2 per cent in Thursday's trading session after the country signed the first phase of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. Israels benchmark stock index, TA-125, advanced to 3,327 on October 9, marking a 1.89 per cent gain from the prior session. On a monthly basis, the index has risen 3.82 per cent and is trading 57.87 per cent higher than its level a year ago. Meanwhile, TA-35 index was 1.50 per cent up to 3,250.94 on Thursday. The index has witnessed a strong rally, soaring over 4 per cent in a month and 37 per cent in six months. What's behind the rally in Israel's stock market? The rally in Israel's stock market can be attributed to Israel and Hamas reaching the first stage of a US-mediated ceasefire deal, which includes the rapid release of all hostages in Gaza, an Israeli pullback to a designated point, and the release of certain Palestinian prisoners. US President Donald Trump stated that the hostages are expected to be freed on Monday. However, his announcement did not cover unresolved issues in the proposal, such as Hamas disarmament and Gazas future governance. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the deal as a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for Israel. Hamas expressed gratitude to Trump and other mediators, including Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. The deal comes nearly two years after the Hamas-led assault on Israel that claimed 1,200 lives. Since then, over 67,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the territorys Palestinian health ministry. Also Read | Trump says Israel, Hamas reach hostage deal in Gaza breakthrough Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised the agreement on the initial phase of Trumps plan, describing it as a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu. We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace, PM Modi said in a social media post. Q2 results 2025: The Q2 earnings season for the financial year 2025-26 is set to begin with IT giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which is slated to announce its September quarter results today, October 9. Around 11 companies are scheduled to release their September quarter results today. Other than TCS, other companies like Tata Elxsi, GM Breweries are among marquee companies which will be declaring earnings today. With the earnings season underway, focus now shifts to TCSs quarterly results, scheduled for Thursday, October 9. As IT remains one of the lagging sectors, market participants will closely watch how sentiment evolves post its numbers, said Ajit Mishra SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd. List of companies declaring results today, Thursday, October 9 - Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Elxsi, GM Breweries, Eimco Elecon (India), 5paisa Capital, Triton Corp, Ashiana Ispat, Avasara Finance, and Evoq Remedies. Tata Consultancy Services Q2 results preview Brokerages anticipate margins to stay mostly stable as the impact of the BSNL ramp-down eases and forex gains lend support to earnings. Analysts will also focus on managements commentary around demand outlook, restructuring, and headcount trends, especially within BFSI, North America, and Europe. Revenue is projected to rise 3 per cent to 65,206 crore from 63,437 crore, while profit is expected to dip 1 per cent to 12,568 crore from 12,760 crore. Indias largest IT services firm on July 10, posted a 6 per cent year-on-year increase in its June quarter net profit, which stood at 12,760 crore, compared to 12,040 crore in the same period last year. TCS' revenue grew marginally by 1.3 per cent to 63,437 crore from 62,613 crore a year ago, though it declined 3 per cent on a constant currency basis. Tata Elxsi Q2 results preview Tata Elxsis revenue is projected to rise 3 per cent to 65,206 crore from 63,437 crore. However, profit is expected to dip 1 per cent to 12,568 crore compared to 12,760 crore, while EBIT is estimated to increase 3 per cent to 15,998 crore from 15,514 crore, according to brokerage estimates. A sigh of relief was evident as the trends surpassed the much-touted 25,000 once again. However, considering the two-phased nature of the market, the ambiguity still remains, indicating the lack of clarity that continues to keep everyone guessing. Three stocks to trade, as recommended by NeoTrader's Raja Venkatraman for today: Wheels India Ltd: Buy above 920 and dips to 880 | Stop 860 | Target 1,020-1,050 Star Cement Ltd: Buy above 270 and dips to 250 | Stop 240 | Target 298-310 Fusion Finance Ltd: Buy above 195 and dips to 185 | Stop 180 | Target 210-220 Stock market today On 8 October 2025, Indian equity markets closed lower, halting a four-day winning streak amid heightened volatility and mixed global cues. The trading session began on a positive note, with the Nifty briefly approaching the 25,200 mark, supported by early buying interest. However, mid-session profit booking reversed gains, leading to a subdued close. The Sensex declined by 153.09 points (0.19%) to settle at 81,773.66, while the Nifty slipped 62.15 points (0.25%) to end at 25,046.15. Broader market indices mirrored the weakness, with the BSE Midcap index falling 0.7% and the Smallcap index down 0.4%. Sectoral performance was broadly negative, barring IT and consumer durables, which rose by 1.5% and 0.7% respectively. All other sectors, including realty, telecom, pharma, oil & gas, media, PSU banks, and auto, registered declines ranging from 0.3% to 2%, reflecting cautious sentiment and selective profit booking across the board. Outlook for trading The Nifty has been weaker in comparison, and bearish pressure has emerged on every rally, indicating a downward bias as the trends are unable to move higher. While sector rotation is underway, we are approaching a point where the indices have become increasingly divergent. As the result season unfolds in the next few days, we will again be subjected to some intense volatility. The rise in the Nifty Bank continues to hold, while bearish pressure is emerging at higher levels. Currently, due to a lack of triggers, we are witnessing a range of actions that could keep the trends from recovering swiftly. A look at the Nifty Bank indicates that until 55,500 is reached, the bulls will attempt to rebound. The Nifty Bank is a sector that should be tracked. While an attempt is made to move higher, we can examine stock-specific action where divergent views are being displayed across all component stocks. PSU Banks are having it rough, and the erratic vibes being exhibited shall make it difficult for the Nifty Bank to recover. This, in turn, will spill over to other sectors, including auto, real estate, and finance. Despite the markets on Monday showing some signs of a recovery, the inability of the Nifty Bank to clear the 57,500 mark seems limited ahead of the event. Till then, this index holds the key to some trends to emerge. Meanwhile, the current scenario has not been very conducive, and the lack of clarity continues to keep the trends under pressure. Now, we need to see the Nifty move above 25,100, which is the immediate resistance for some bullish revival as well as the max pain point that will continue to halt any progress. View Full Image Source: TradingView With the Open Interest data clearly indicating hurdles at higher levels, one should keep tracking a 30-minute range breakout on Thursday above this level for creating some long. As indices are not showing a significant decline, one should consider participating in some stock-specific actions. Three stocks to trade, recommended by NeoTraders Raja Venkatraman: Wheels India Ltd (Cmp 920.35) Why its recommended: Wheels India Ltd, an Indian automotive parts manufacturer founded in 1960, is part of the TVS Group. Based in Chennai, it is a leading global producer of steel, aluminium, and wire wheels for various vehicles and industrial equipment. As hesitant upward traction is beginning to give way, the possibility of prices reaching new highs is looking more positive. With strong momentum in place, further upward traction is possible. Key metrics: P/E: 21.06 52-week high: 932.75 Volume: 469.43K. Technical analysis: Support at 800, resistance at 1,100. Risk factors: Supply chain disruptions, fluctuating raw material prices, customer absorption of costs, economic downturns, and changes in government policies. Buy at: Above 920 and dips to 880. Target price: 1,020-1,050 in 1 month. Stop loss: 860. Star Cement Ltd (Cmp 266.70) Why its recommended: Star Cement is India's largest cement manufacturer in North-East India, with a significant market presence in West Bengal and Bihar, offering products such as Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC). After a strong decline, the prices are seen forming a long-body candle at the cloud support region, igniting some bullish enthusiasm. A positive outlook has emerged as prices demonstrate a strong upward trend. Can look to go long. Key metrics: P/E: 45.68 52-week high: 308.95 Volume: 549.06K. Technical analysis: Support at 800, resistance at 1,000. Risk factors: High geographical concentration in the North-East and vulnerability to volatile input prices. Buy at: Above 270 and dips to 250. Target price: 298-310 in 1 month. Stop loss: 250. Also Read | Amara Raja may gain from GST cuts on batteries Fusion Finance Ltd (Cmp 194) Why its recommended: Fusion Finance Ltd is an Indian NBFC-MFI (non-banking financial company-micro finance institution) that provides microloans to women entrepreneurs in rural and semi-urban areas using the joint liability group (JLG) model. Despite some profit booking seen the prices have managed to hold on for a while at the TS line. The formation of a green candle is seen emerging from the TS zone, indicating a strong push to the upside. Over the last few days, we have been witnessing the formation of a long-body candle, and the RSI has been holding at 60. We can look at initiating a long. Key metrics: 52-week high: 225.61, Volume: 247.82K. Technical analysis: Support at 183, resistance at 240. Risk factors: Prolonged deterioration in asset quality, exposure to borrowers with weak credit profiles, financial covenant breaches with lenders, and inherent vulnerabilities. Buy at: Above 195 and dips to 185. Target price: 210-220 in 1 month. Stop loss: 180. Raja Venkatraman is co-founder, NeoTrader. His Sebi-registered research analyst registration no. is INH000016223. Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by Sebi and certification from NISM in no way guarantees performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions. Amid the recent market consolidation, the Tata Group , often seen as a bellwether for Indias corporate landscape, has surprised investors in 2025. But, not for the usual reasons. The market value of the group's 16 largest companies has declined by $75 billion so far this year the lowest in the last two years. Of the total decline, over one-fifth (about $20 billion) has been wiped out since 19 September, following the US announcement of stricter work visa rules. This sharp drawdown occurred at a time when broader markets have been gradually recovering from their lows in mid-2025, making the underperformance even more striking. A few have fallen nearly 50% from their 52-week highs, raising the need for a closer look to assess whether these declines reflect temporary setbacks or deeper business challenges. Here are five such stocks that have fallen the most in the last year #1 Tejas Networks Tejas Networks is down 49% from its 52-week high. The company manufactures high-performance, future-ready products for high-speed communication networks that carry voice, data, and video traffic from fixed-line and mobile networks. Its products are differentiated by software-defined hardware, providing flexibility and multi-generational support. Tejas' product range spans both wireless and wireline solutions, to several technologies, including 4G/5G RAN and Satellite IoT, fiber broadband, optical transport, and high-capacity routing solutions. It serves customers in over 75 countries. From a financial perspective, Tejas' revenue declined 87% year-on-year (YoY) to 200 crore, while the company reported a loss of 190 crore, compared to a profit of 77 crore. Delays in inventory arrivals, shipment clearances, and execution timelines impacted its financial position. The trade receivables stand at 4,450 crore due to the BSNL 4G project, which it expects to decline over the coming quarters. All these factors contributed to the fall. The order book for Q1 FY26 was 1,240 crore, providing revenue visibility of less than a year. The company expects to receive an order worth 1,520 crore for adding 18,685 sites for BSNL's expansion. This order is expected to be carried out in FY26 itself. In addition, inventory stood at 2,540 crore, which it expects to convert to finished goods in the upcoming months. Beyond BSNL, Tejas is also exploring large-scale projects in the domestic market, in both the private and government sectors. It also expects momentum in expanding its international business. Tejas expects business closures in 4G and 5G in FY26 in partnership with multiple global operators (like NEC and Rakuten Symphony). The company is expanding its support for 5G across multiple bands and enhancing its portfolio with 5G Massive MIMO radios. It's also enhancing the optical portfolio with 800G/1.2T DWDM systems and improving the FTTx portfolio with XGS-PON products. It plans to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance capabilities in self-organizing networks, network management, and software development, seeking to gain cost and technology leadership. #2 Trent Trent is down 36% from its 52-week high. Trent is engaged in the retailing and trading of apparel, footwear, and accessories. Its business strategy involves nurturing, building, and growing brands of scale in the fashion and lifestyle space. Its key retail formats include value-fashion brands (Westside, Zudio), Utsa (ethnic and beauty), Samoh (premium), and Star (hypermarket). It also distributes Zara and Massimo Dutti products in India. As of Q1 FY26, Trent's total store count stood at 1,043 across 242 cities. Of these, Westside had 248 stores, Zudio (766), and Star (77). In Q1FY26, revenue increased 19% to 4,880 crore. PAT grew 8.7% to 420 crore, with an operating margin of 11%. Star's revenue increased by 6.6% to 870 crore, accounting for 17.8% of the total revenue. The company generates 73% of its revenue from its brands. Although its performance remains strong, growth has slowed relatively, leading to a decline in the share price. Looking ahead, Trent aims to expand into underpenetrated tier 2 and tier 3 markets, with strong customer traction. This store's additions are likely to drive revenue growth. Additionally, higher margins are anticipated in the coming years due to improved operating leverage, enhanced efficiencies, and a more favorable product mix. #3 Tata Consultancy Services Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is down 32% from its 52-week high. TCS is India's largest IT services, consulting, and business solutions company, and the second largest globally. The companys service portfolio spans a broad range of offerings, including application development, digital transformation, AI, data and cloud services, engineering, and cybersecurity. TCS revenue in Q1FY26 increased by 1.3% to 63,440 crore, with sequential margin expansion of 30 basis points to 24.5%. PAT rose by 5.9% to 12,820 crore. India saw the sharpest contraction (-21.7%), followed by North America (-2.7%) and Continental Europe (-3.1%). The Middle East and Africa (9.4%), Asia Pacific (3.6%), and Latin America (3.5%) grew. Among verticals, energy, resources, and utilities (2.8%), technology & services (1.8%), and BFSI (1.0%) grew, while life sciences and healthcare (-9.6%) and communication & media (-9.6%) contracted. The company reported operational resilience amid sectoral challenges. It has a strong order pipeline, with the total contract value (TCV) for Q1 coming in at $940 crore. TCS is expanding its WisdomNext AI platform with agentic AI capabilities. TCS continues to leverage its proprietary platforms (Ignio), which won multiple deals, driven by trends in AI and GenAI. The company didn't provide any guidance, but it aims to drive overall growth in FY26 better than FY25, acknowledging that this is a high bar to cross. #4 Tata Elxsi Tata Elxsi is down 31% from its 52-week high. The company is among the world's leading providers of design and technology services in industries like transportation, media, communications, healthcare, and medical devices. The company provides integrated services from research and strategy to electronics and mechanical design, software development, validation, and deployment. In essence, it helps customers reimagine their products and services through design thinking and the application of digital technologies, such as IoT, cloud, mobility, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. Tata Elxsi's revenue declined 3.7% to 890 crore in Q1 FY26. PAT dropped 22% to 140 crore, as the margin fell 600 bps to 21%. Geographically, Europe remains the largest contributor, accounting for 39.5% of the revenue, followed by the Americas (30%), India (19.8%), and the rest of the world (10.5%). The revenue contribution from Europe and the Americas declined during the quarter. Looking ahead, the management expects margins to gradually improve to 28-30% as revenue growth returns. But they refrained from giving revenue guidance. The company has won large deals in recent months, including software-defined vehicle engineering projects for Mercedes-Benz and Suzuki. These deals are ramping up and are expected to contribute to growth in FY26. Tata Elxsi is also in discussion with OEMs for large strategic deals, including new clients in Japan, the Americas, and Europe. The management expects growth in the media business to pick up from Q2 of FY26 onwards. This is expected to be driven by a ramp-up of large deals received in Q4 and a strong deal pipeline. The company is also expanding into aerospace and defence to diversify in this fast-growing sector. There is strong demand for drones, eVTOLs, and defence businesses not only in India but also in the US. The focus is on the US, Europe, Japan, and India, along with some business in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. This segment is expected to contribute 50 crore in FY26, with growth accelerating in the next 2-3 years. The company is also looking for inorganic growth to establish itself in this segment. #5 Voltas Voltas is down 27% from its 52-week high. Voltas is India's leading provider of air conditioning and engineering solutions. It primarily manufactures and sells cooling products, like air conditioners, for both retail and commercial use. It also competes in the consumer durables market through Voltbek, a joint venture with Arcelik. Voltas reported a decline in performance in Q1FY26. Revenue declined 20% to 3940 crore, while PAT dropped 58% to 140 crore. Weather-related volatility and a high base from the previous year weighed on growth. The summer of 2025 arrived later than usual, was milder, and ended abruptly, sharply denting peak-season demand for cooling products. Unitary Cooling Products (UCP) revenue declined to 2,870 crore, from 3,800 crore. Segment earnings before interest and tax also crashed 68% to 100 crore. It contributes 73% to revenue, down from 78% in Q1FY25. While Electro-Mechanical Projects and Services revenue fell 2.8% to 920 crore. The total order book as of 30 June 2025 stood at over 6,200 crore, providing visibility for about 6-7 quarters. Voltas maintained its No. 1 market position in room air conditioners at 17.8%. The company strives to retain its leadership position and remain competitive. Voltbek's home appliances business remains loss-making, but it has been steadily expanding its market presence. The company aims to become profitable once it reaches a 10% market share threshold. Also Read | Voltas feels the freeze in Q1, and the thaw may be slow The company states that recovery for the UCP segment may take a few quarters, but strategic investments and ongoing initiatives are expected to support long-term growth. The recent GST reduction from 28% to 18% on such electronic products, combined with the festive season, is also likely to revive demand. Conclusion Together, these five stocks show how fortunes within the Tata Group have diverged in 2025. From Tejas execution hurdles and TCS sectoral slowdown to Voltas' weather-driven slump and Trent's cooling momentum, each story is different. But the outcome is the samesharp wealth erosion. Tejas expects large BSNL and global 5G orders to drive recovery, while Trent plans to deepen its retail expansion. TCS is banking on its strong order pipeline and AI platforms, Tata Elxsi on new deal ramp-ups, and Voltas on festive demand and a gradual revival in cooling product sales. Instead of relying solely on hype, its necessary to carefully analyse the company's fundamentals, including its financial performance, corporate governance practices, and growth strategies. 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 Nomme claims to be an experiential space that takes its coffee very seriously. The coffee theatre is where all the action unfolds and involves baristas engaging guests with their brewing mastery to create a sensory experience around coffee. Helmed by restaurateur Imtiaz Ali Siddiqui, the menu is a fine blend of Mediterranean flavours featuring mezzes, wood-fired grills, and pastry. Of course theres coffee: espressos, pour-overs and cold brews blended with Mediterranean influences. Nomme, Road No. 2, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad Also Read | Statement serveware elevates modern Indian dining View full Image Hom, Mumbai. Mumbai has a new restaurant where open-flame cooking takes centre stage with an inventive menu showcasing a selection of smoky, charred and fire-roasted dishes. Hom, which translates to holy fire in Sanskrit, is a 42-seater space with an open kitchen complete with a traditional tandoor and wood-fired grill. Diners can either choose from an a la carte or tasting menu, that is helmed by globally acclaimed chef Saurabh Udinia, who has previously worked at Indian Accent in Delhi, Masala Library in Mumbai, and Revolver in Singapore. Some of the recommended dishes are charred turnip with smoky chilli coconut, smoked aubergine sambal toast, boti rogan josh tarts, Bombay chilli cheese lobster, stuffed kulchas and goat chops. Hom, 682-691, Khar Pali Rd, 15th Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai View full Image One Floor Down, Bengaluru. One Floor Down is Bengaluru's newest Dionysian speakeasy bar, a philosophy that takes from the Greek god of wine-making, festivity and theatre. The cocktail programme includes a selection of concoctions like The Whisper, which is a mix of rum, banana, and tahini; Second Smoke that fuses mezcal, tequila, and caramel yoghurt; The Promise blended with vodka, tequila, chamoy, pickled grapes; and Gucci Noir, which is Scotch with miso caramel. The food menu also has surprises such as the tuna tartare puchkas with yuzu dill creme fraiche, Seared beef fillet nahm tok, Scamorza truffle mushroom pops and Seared Atlantic scallops with corn and black bean. One Floor Down, No 90 Above Titan World, Marathahalli , Service Road, Outer Ring Rd, Chandra Layout, Marathahalli, Bengaluru View full Image Grammie, Delhi. Grammie is all about open-fire cooking set in a design-forward space in the heart of the capital. Conceptualised by Tanveer Kwatra, who has spent many years in the dining and hospitality industry, brings some of the most classic European flavours along with an equally impressive bar programme curated by Aussie mixologist Storm Evans. Grammie, Sangam Courtyard, RK Puram, Delhi Also Read | Meet the folks shaping Kolkata's food and drinks scene Assuming it is the capital of bureaucracy as the HQ of the EU, I had long dismissed Brussels as a place to visit. The only reason I stopped there earlier this year was to break my motorcycle ride from London in the UK to Bastogne in Belgium. To get to Bastogne, I had to ride 184km from London to the ferry terminal in Dover, cross the English Channel to Dunkirk in northern France on a two-hour ferry, then ride 174km to Brussels in Belgium. Bastogne was a further 160km away. But as I rode into the capital of Belgium after the monotony of the motorway and the flatness of Northern France, Brussels came as a surprise. The Art Nouveau facades of the citys architecture looked like they were drawn with a fountain pen, and as I rode through the city centre, I could swear I caught the occasional whiff of waffles and yeast. I ended the days ride at the Marriott Grand Place Hotel, located opposite La Bourse de Bruxelles, the erstwhile neo-Palladian Brussels Stock exchange that now houses the Belgian Beer World Experience. In Belgium, beer is so ingrained into the social fabric of the country that its been anointed an Intangible Cultural Heritage by Unesco. The country boasts more beer styles than it does politicians. The happy beer aficionado has a choice of Trappist ales, lambics, wit biers, and brews with names that Captain Haddock might mouth in a fit of rage. The Belgian Beer World Experience offers storytelling sessions where enthusiasts and novices alike are regaled with brewing secrets and anecdotes, as though monks had nothing better to do than to indulge in fruity fermentation experiments. There are guided tastings to help discover ones personal beer style. But I wanted to give Brussels a fair chance to show me its other charms, so I legged it to the Comics Art Museum. It wasnt easy, because it was a hot day and in Brussels, beer cafes are like tea tapris in Mumbai. Also Read | Travel: A family road trip across Tasmania becomes the perfect way to reconnect The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched a tagline contest with a maximum prize money of 21,000. The competition, in the words of EPFO, provides an opportunity for citizens to contribute to the pension fund body's identity by creating a tagline that resonates with its values of social security, trust, and empowerment. The EPFO has partnered with MyGov to invite citizens to showcase their creativity by contributing an impactful tagline for it. The initiative seeks to capture the spirit of EPFOs mission-ensuring social security, empowering the workforce, and fostering financial security for all members, MyGov stated on its website. Three winners The contest will give three prizes. These are as follows: First prize: The winner will take home a bounty of 21,000 Second prize: The runner-up would be given a handsome sum of 11,000 Third Prize: The third prize offers a cash reward of 5,100, which is a little less than half of the second prize money. Each winner will also receive a Certificate of Appreciation from the EPFO and an invitation to attend the foundation day at the Head Office. They will also be given the train fare (second AC) along with a hotel stay for boarding. Meanwhile, contest participants are supposed to be careful about certain things. Rules for contestants >> The tagline should be in Hindi and only one submission is allowed per user. >> The tagline must encapsulate EPFO's vision of social security, financial empowerment and trust. >> Entries must be submitted to mygov.in. When submitted through any other medium, it would stand cancelled. >> It is not permissible to submit AI-generated content by using ChatGPT or GROK. >> The content must not be illegal, objectionable or inappropriate. The contest has received an overwhelming response from the public. There have been 7,502 submissions so far that are under review. Additionally, the organisers have the right to publish, promote, and use the submissions for any purpose they deem fit. (Bloomberg) -- The US government has begun phasing out paper checks for unbanked Americans who receive federal benefits, adding to the ranks of millions who rely on Direct Express prepaid cards. The problem: that program is a mess. Comerica Inc., which issued the cards for nearly two decades, was removed as the bank administering the program amid a lawsuit from the government claiming it had failed recipients, including accusations it hung up almost 25 million times on people calling with issues. Bank of New York Mellon Corp. was supposed to take over, but ran into delays. Then the governments first backup turned down the offer. Now, its next choice Fifth Third Bancorp will try its hand at turning around a program vital to roughly 3.5 million Social Security recipients, veterans and other Americans. The pitfalls are plentiful, while the profits, at least based on Comericas experience, are minimal. And in the latest twist, Fifth Third is now buying Comerica. This is the Direct Express card that typically is used by some of the most humble and poorest of recipients, including people with disabilities, a lot of people on Social Security Insurance, said former Maryland Governor Martin OMalley, who served as Social Security Administration commissioner under President Joe Biden. Those citizens were very, very poorly served. Americans who receive payments through Direct Express have long seen Comerica Bank on their cards, and may know nothing of the turmoil behind the scenes. BNY originally expected its card provider financial-technology firm Mobility Capital Finance Inc., also known as MoCaFi to start issuing cards to new enrollees starting this month. In June, BNY notified the Treasury Departments Bureau of the Fiscal Service that more time was needed, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The bureau rejected the delayed timeline and decided to change banks instead. Due to readiness challenges involving one of the providers, Fiscal Service made the decision to discontinue the agreement, BNY spokeswoman Anneliese Diedrichs said in a statement. Representatives for the Treasury Department didnt respond to requests for comment. With BNY out, Treasury officials decided against holding another round of bidding and offered the contract to last years runner-up, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information isnt public. That bank, Flagstar Financial Inc., passed, the people said, and the next in line, Fifth Third, agreed to take the contract over. Fifth Third plans to use Fiserv Inc.s Money Network service as its card provider, a partnership included in its original bid. A Flagstar representative declined to comment. A Fiserv spokeswoman said her company is proud to be part of Fifth Thirds contract. The quick change put Fifth Third on a tight timeline to catch up. On Jan. 1, Fifth Third plans to start issuing cards to new enrollees an estimated 40,000 people a month, said Bridgit Chayt, the banks head of commercial payments and treasury management. About six months later, it expects to start sending Fifth Third cards to existing beneficiaries who now have Comerica cards. Those timelines may still change, she said. Comerica Complaints The Treasury Department has long touted Direct Express as being cheaper and less prone to fraud than paper checks, saving the US government as much as $150 million annually. But customers have complained for years about the current card provider, Comerica, over customer-service failings and unexpected ATM fees. Right before Bidens term ended, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau sued Comerica, claiming it was systematically failing millions of Americans. Comerica intentionally ended phone calls before the cardholder could speak to a representative, and callers sometimes had to wait on hold for several hours, according to the CFPBs December lawsuit. One cardholder, a Texas senior without internet access at home, said funds were stolen from a prepaid card for months and the customer-service agent was extremely rude and unhelpful. In April, the CFPB dropped its suit as the Trump administration gutted the bureau. Comerica Chief Executive Officer Curt Farmer said in an interview Monday the day Fifth Third announced its agreement to buy Comerica for $10.9 billion in stock that while the deal is unrelated to Direct Express, it will be helpful in the months going forward. This will allow us to move and make that transition more quickly to Fifth Third, he said. Jesse Van Tol, president of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, a nonprofit that pressures banks to do more business in underserved communities, often by fighting bank mergers, praised Fifth Thirds CEO. Tim Spence has an interest in financial inclusion that is uncommon for a bank CEO, Van Tol said in an interview. I would hope that the bank brings that perspective strongly to bear on how they run the Direct Express program. MoCaFis Cards In last years bidding process for a Comerica replacement, BNYs submission included plans for MoCaFi to issue the cards. The New York-based fintech was founded almost a decade ago by Wole Coaxum, a former JPMorgan Chase & Co. banker. BNY invested in MoCaFis $23.5 million Series B fundraising round in 2023. MoCaFis mission is to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality, low-cost financial services regardless of who they are or where they live, Coaxum said in an emailed statement. Were proud of our consistent track record of success in working with government entities across the country, including New York City, City and County of Los Angeles, Olmsted County, Birmingham, Boston and St. Louis. With MoCaFi unready to issue cards by October and the government rejecting BNYs troubleshooting efforts, Comerica continues to run the program for now. Chayt said Fifth Third was still negotiating with the Bureau of the Fiscal Service on the exact terms of the contract, including how much her company will be paid. Banks are lured to Direct Express for the associated deposits and to earn fees from processing payments that flow in and out of the cards and to build a relationship with the government for possible future contracts. Comerica attributed $3.7 billion of its non-interest-bearing deposits roughly 16% to Direct Express as of midyear. Last year, Comerica collected $121 million of fee income from the program, on top of $137 million in 2023. Still, expenses for managing the program were roughly equal to the revenue, meaning the bank has basically broken even on it in the past two years. Chayt said Fifth Thirds leaders are well aware of the importance of the lifeline payments provided by Direct Express, with recipients relying on the money to cover food, housing, health care and other basic necessities. They do require an additional level of care, she said. It is not easy. If it were, everyone would want to do it. --With assistance from Sally Bakewell and Paige Smith. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com When an NRI based in Uganda lost his father, grief was only the beginning of his ordeal. His father left behind an apartment in Ahmedabad, fixed deposits (FDs), and a demat accountbut no Will. What should have been a straightforward inheritance turned into a nine-month legal and logistical battle. The housing society managing the apartment refused to transfer ownership without a legal heir certificate. They asked for an official proof of entitlement to hand over the keys and update their internal records... without a Will or legal heir certificate, they said they could face legal liability," he recalled. The same demand came from the bank for FDs and demat holdings. For nine months I was coordinating with lawyers, filing affidavits, and even had to travel to India multiple times to just get a legal heir certificate," he said. Also Read | Know the difference between succession certificate and legal heir certificate For NRIs, especially those unable to travel at short noticelike H-1B visa holders in the UShis experience underscores the importance of having a Will. When delay becomes permanent Take the case of a US-based NRI who lost his father in 2016 and is still unable to claim bank deposits worth 1.7 crore, dividends of 36 lakh, and a Hyderabad property valued at 3.6 crore. He moved to the US in 2015 and visited India in 2017 only to perform his fathers last rites. I couldnt obtain the legal heir certificate or other documents remotely and now face a long legal battle as the deposits have gone to RBIs Depositor Education and Awareness Fund (DEAF) and dividends to Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)," he said. Both DEAF and IEPF are government bodies that manage unclaimed bank deposits, shares and dividends. Deposits untouched for 10 years are moved to DEAF, while dividends, shares, and matured deposits unclaimed for seven years go to IEPF. Experts say claiming such funds involves an even more cumbersome legal process. The delay in initiating claims, along with bureaucracy, verification and attestation requirements can take another 6-12 months to recover assets from DEAF or IEPF. These bodies demand extensive documentation and claimants often have to coordinate with multiple financial institutions," said Shraddha Nileshwar, head of Will and estate planning at 1 Finance, a personal finance institution. View Full Image Gopakumar Warrier/Mint Paperwork overload Without a Will, banks, depositories, and mutual fund houses demand multiple documentssuccession certificates, affidavits, no-objection certificates (NOCs), and indemnity bondsto establish rightful heirs. The exact requirements across different institutes vary, depending on the asset value and the guidelines of the respective regulators. Succession or legal heir certificate is needed for most assets to prove entitlement," explained Vishnu Chundi, founder, AasaanWill, online Will writing platform. Additionally, affidavits may be asked from each family member to establish who the legal heirs are and NOCs are required when a property has multiple potential heirs, so the co-heirs consent to the intended distribution," Chundi added. Getting succession certificate alone for all heirs can cost atleast 1.5 lakh in legal and court fees. In Delhi, the court fee is 4% of the estates value, as per the Court-Fees (Delhi Amendment) Act, 2012. The petition for Succession Certificate needs to be lodged at the competent court of jurisdiction. The cost mainly includes the lawyers fee, which depends on their experience and the court fee, which varies by state. The court fee is a percentage of the assets value, with an upper limit in some states," said Rajat Dutta, founder of Inheritance Needs Services. For instance, in Delhi the court fee for a succession certificate is 3% of the total estate value, as per the Court-Fees (Delhi Amendment) Act, 2012. Dutta explained, In cases where there is no Will but a nominee exists, a petition for Letters of Administration (LOA) must be filed in the court. The court appoints an administrator who will distribute the assets according to succession laws. Only after this LOA, can the administrator approach the nominee to release the assets." For NRIs, this adds another step often involving legal coordination from abroad and costs. A properly executed Will eliminates this process and most documents. Dutta noted that although regulators such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) have clearly laid out procedures for transferring movable financial assets, officials at banks, depositories, asset management companies (AMCs), and insurance firms often ask for additional documentation, causing unnecessary delays and hurdles in transmitting these assets to NRIs. These challenges only exacerbate in the absence of a Will." The case for a Will With a probated Will, the executor the person appointed to carry out the instructions approaches banks or institutions directly and assets are transferred as per the Wills terms, said Nileshwar. While ancillary KYC of heirs is still required, the process is far lighter than intestate claims. The heir can even appoint a Power of Attorney (POA) holder in India to handle it," she said. With a probated Will, you just need the basic documents like the death certificate of the testator, property ownership documents, such as sale deed, title deed, land records and bank and investment documents like account statements, mutual fund folios, demat account details, as per Chundi. Not transferring the assets in time not only runs the risk of assets being transferred to IEPF and DEAF, but also carries tax implications. For instance, property tax in most states is paid annually but without mutation, the municipal corporations keep levying penalty and interest to the previous owner (deceased in this case). Dutta pointed out that let-out properties are also vulnerable to encroachments and disputes, as tenancy laws in India often grant strong protections to tenants, making it difficult for owners to reclaim possession in such cases. Similarly, MFs and bank deposits may continue to generate dividends or interest during the period between the investors death and the assets transmission. Legal heir must pay tax on such income and report it in the ITR filed on the deceased's behalf. By failing to comply, heirs can face scrutiny from the Income Tax Department or risk paying higher taxes due to incorrect reporting," Chundi said. Probate and power of attorney An important step in writing a Will is to probate ita court process that validates a Will. Though not legally mandatory, financial institutions demand a probated Will as it legalises its efficacy. Those not probated are easily contestable in courts. If a Will is contested, it can become challenging for an NRI beneficiary as they may be required to appear in court in person," said Dutta. Having a probated or registered Will and a local executor spares NRIs repeated India visits. Having a probated or registered Will and a local executor spares NRIs repeated India visits. NRI heirs can authorise a trusted person in India through a notarised and apostilled POA, allowing the representative to complete paperwork and deal with institutions locally," said Nileshwar. An apostille POA is a document verified by the government of the country where NRI is based for use in India. For NRIs, estate planning isnt just a financial safeguardits a way to prevent prolonged distress. Distance, time zones, and legal hurdles turn even a simple inheritance into a bureaucratic maze. A Will, experts say, is the single document that can make the difference between months of paperwork and peace of mind. Also Read | NRIs beware: Depositing overseas income in Indian bank account could trigger tax Everyone wants an AI tool that can help grow their money. But what if it quietly ruins it, without you even realising it? Lets set the scene. Suppose you have linked your salary account to a smart budgeting app. You have also allowed a robo-advisor to invest your savings. And you have given your digital wealth manager permission to optimise your portfolio. Then one day, you log in and something feels off. Your emergency fund has been pushed into a high-yield product you dont remember approving. Your credit score has mysteriously dropped 60 points. And your AI assistant insists that everything is fine. Thats when it hits you; youve been outsmarted by your own algorithm. Also Read | I asked ChatGPT about my FD returns the truth might scare you Invisible black box AI runs on data. But heres the twist, it learns from your behaviour and other peoples mistakes. If you spend too much on Swiggy, it assumes you are impulsive. If you pay rent late, it flags you as risky. If thousands of others in your income group chase short-term returns, you start thinking thats what you want too. What this creates is a financial mirror that reflects everyones biases and projects them onto you. In India, thats a disaster waiting to happen. AI models trained on Western data or salaried professionals often fail when applied to gig workers, small business owners, or people with multiple side hustles. Your chai-tapri owner who collects payments on UPI might be invisible to the model. So when the system tells you, Based on your profile, we recommend, its not divine wisdom. Its just math built on assumptions you never agreed to. Gautam Kalia, Head of Investment Solutions and Distributions at Mirae Asset ShareKhan, puts it simply, Adoption and usage of AI in investment decision making shall happen only with explainability. AI systems need to be able to clearly demonstrate the logic for each decision. This will lead to trust and reliability." As humans, we are comfortable with other humans making mistakes. But we can't tolerate any mistake from systems. That's why blackbox systems will always need a human overlay along with another system that will check for hallucinations, misrepresentations and errors in logic, Kalia added. Also Read | The AI Spending Boom Is Massive But Not Unprecedented When the robots get it wrong AI tools make mistakes all the time, but the scary part is how confidently they do it. Picture this: A debt-ridden user gets a notification saying, You qualify for a premium credit card with 2X rewards. A doctor paying off a home loan is told to diversify into small-cap ETFs that tank six months later. A startup employees ESOP sale is logged as bonus income, triggering an unexpected tax hit. All because a machine somewhere categorised a number the wrong way. AI doesnt understand your life. It only predicts patterns. And sometimes, those predictions burn real money. Secrets behind the code Heres the uncomfortable truth: most fintech apps arent neutral. They make money when you spend, invest, or borrow, so their AI quietly nudges you in that direction. Hidden fees are tucked behind cheerful dashboards. Recommendation engines are trained not just for your benefit, but for their revenue goals. Some apps even monetise anonymised spending data, your grocery bills, rent, EMIs, and selling insights to insurers and marketers. And you can not find out what variables their algorithm actually uses. Because its a black box, and youre the input. How to outsmart your money-managing AI? If you cant see the algorithm, you can still test its behaviour. Heres how: Audit your permissions: Check what data your finance apps have access to. Youll be shocked at how many read SMS inboxes for analytics. Compare multiple tools: Run the same query on two apps. If their advice differs wildly, somethings fishy. Ask for explanations: If your robo-advisor changes your allocation, ask why. Because the model said so isnt an answer. Watch for fee creep: Hidden advisory or performance fees quietly nibble your returns. Read every disclosure. Stress test: Simulate bad months, salary delays, market crashes. See if the system adapts or panics. And most importantly, never outsource common sense. AI is great at math, not empathy. Agentic finance and AI that explains itself The next generation of financial AI wont just decide, it will discuss. Imagine an AI that says: I suggest increasing your SIP by 2,000 because your expenses dropped last quarter. Want me to run a 12-month projection first? Thats agentic finance, AI that collaborates, not commands. In the near future, youll see tools that can explain every decision, justify every fee, and even negotiate on your behalf. The RBI and SEBI are already eyeing frameworks for algorithmic accountability and explainability. But until that world arrives, youre better off being the human in charge of your own money. Expert perspective Trivesh D, COO, explains it bluntly, In Indias fintech space, agentic AI that learns, decides, and trades on behalf of users is increasingly replacing human judgment. But AI never works in isolation, its only as good as the data and programming behind it. When those inputs are biased, incomplete, or poorly designed, the investment decisions can easily go wrong. Algorithmic trading runs on rigid rules, buy if this, sell if that. AI-driven systems, on the other hand, adapt to trends across vast data sets. Theyre flexible, but unpredictable. A model that performs brilliantly one quarter might misread patterns the next, quietly eroding returns without the investor realising it. Thats where accountability comes in, he added. You cant build trust in finance by relying on algorithms alone. It has to come from disclosure and accountability. In conclusion, AI can definitely analyse faster than any human. But it doesnt care. It doesnt feel guilty. It doesnt lose sleep when your SIP underperforms or your tax bill explodes. So the question isnt whether AI would make mistakes. Its whether you would be able to catch them before they cost you dearly. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On Oct. 4, 2025, XPENG announced via its WeChat account that it has entered into new partnerships with major distributors in Morocco and Tunisia, extending its footprint across North Africa. The move builds on the company's earlier entry into Egypt and establishes a complete market network along the Mediterranean coastline, laying the groundwork for its future expansion into sub-Saharan Africa. According to Wang Ke, XPENG's General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, Africa plays an essential role in the company's global strategy. Morocco, as one of the continent's largest automotive manufacturing hubs, offers a well-developed industrial base, while Tunisia serves as a strategic link between Africa and Europe. Together, these markets complete XPENG's coverage of North Africa's coastal economic zone. XPENG first entered the African market in June 2024, selecting Egypt as its initial gateway to the continent. Partnering with local distributor RAYA Auto, the company launched its G9 SUV and P7 sedan for Egyptian consumers. SMEIA, XPENG signing agreement; photo credit: XPENG In Morocco, XPENG's local partner is SMEIA, a long-established luxury automotive distributor with over four decades of experience representing leading global brands. SMEIA commands more than 30% of the country's luxury car market and operates a nationwide service network covering over 97% of Morocco's population. The company will dedicate an independent brand team to XPENG, ensuring customers receive premium smart mobility services. XP CARS Tunisia, XPENG signing agreement; photo credit: XPENG In Tunisia, XPENG has teamed up with XP CARS Tunisia, a top local dealer group known for its extensive sales and service network. The company has a strong track record of introducing new automotive brands to the Tunisian market and is recognized for its customer-centric service philosophy, aligning closely with XPENG's own approach to aftersales care and user experience. With the addition of Morocco and Tunisia, XPENG's North African network has taken shape. Together with its established operations in Egypt, the automaker now has a continuous presence along the Mediterranean coast, positioning it to expand further into sub-Saharan Africa in the coming years. A recent column by Guy Spier in Bloomberg caught my attention. Spier, a well-known value investor, argues that the golden age of value investing is over because artificial intelligence has eliminated the information advantage that dedicated investors once had. His complaint is familiar: as he narrates it, obtaining Warren Buffett's annual report in the 1990s required a phone call to Berkshire's headquarters and days of waiting. Today, you simply ask ChatGPT for a summary of everything publicly known about any company. I understand his nostalgia because I lived through the same transformation. When I started as a mutual fund analyst in the early 1990s, obtaining even basic information required real effort. Some mutual funds wouldn't publish their NAVs publicly you had to visit their offices in person. Getting those NAVs by fax, even a few days late, felt like a technological breakthrough. I recall going through the elaborate process of securing permission to access the parliamentary library, as it was the only place where I could reliably find UTIs annual reports. However, I believe Spier's conclusion that this ease of access has eliminated all investing advantages fundamentally misses the point. The advantage in investing never came from the difficulty of gathering information. It came from what you did with that information once you had it. Also Read | AI won't pick your stocks and funds for you More isn't always better When data was hard-earned and sparse, we spent quality time with it. You would pore over every word of an annual report, every number in a balance sheet, reading and rereading until you truly understood what the company was about. The scarcity of information necessitated a thorough analysis. You couldn't skim through dozens of reports in an afternoon because you didn't have dozens of reports to skim through. You had to extract maximum insight from limited material. Today's abundance creates the opposite problem. When you can get instant summaries of everything said about a company, the temptation is to consume more and think less. Speed becomes confused with insight. Having ChatGPT summarise a company's business in 30 seconds feels productive, but it's the analytical equivalent of fast food convenient, but ultimately unsatisfying and non-nutritious. Also Read | Can AI manage your stock portfolio? Zerodha users are trying We've actually been here before. When the internet became widely accessible in the late 1990s, similar concerns emerged. Suddenly, company reports were available online, financial data could be downloaded instantly, and news flowed continuously. Many believed this would eliminate informational advantages entirely. Yet two and a half decades later, the gap between successful and unsuccessful investors remains as wide as ever. Why? Because the real advantage never lies in having information first or having more of it. The advantage lay in thinking about it better. An LLM can tell you what everyone thinks about a company, but it cannot tell you what to think. It can summarise all public commentary on a business, but it cannot help you understand which commentary matters and which is noise. Consider Warren Buffett's investment in Coca-Cola. The information about Coca-Cola's business its brand strength, distribution network, and competitive advantages was publicly available to everyone. Thousands of professional investors had access to the same data Buffett did. What made Buffett different wasn't that he had secret information. It was that he understood the significance of the information everyone else was overlooking. Think different This brings me to what I believe is the enduring advantage in investing: patience and perspective. Not the patience to wait for the paper to crawl out of a fax machine an image that must be mysterious to todays generation but the patience to sit with an idea long enough to understand it deeply. And not the perspective that comes from travelling to meet famous investors, but the perspective that comes from thinking independently about what truly matters in a business. The irony of the AI revolution is that while it has made information gathering effortless, it may actually increase the value of careful thinking. When everyone can get instant answers, the person who takes time to ask better questions gains an edge. When every investor has access to the same LLM-generated summaries, the investor who reads the original source material gains a perspective others lack. Also Read | Is equity still worth it? Use this ratio to compare with bond returns The challenge for today's investor isn't competing with AI it's resisting the temptation to let AI do all the thinking. Use these tools to gather information efficiently, whenever possible. But then shut them off and think. Read the source information yourself. Consider what management incentives really are. Think about whether the business model makes sense, not just whether the algorithm says it's undervalued. The golden age of value investing isn't over. It has simply evolved. The advantage now belongs not to those who can gather information the fastest, but to those who can think about it most carefully. No LLM can replicate that, at least for now. Dhirendra Kumar is founder and chief executive officer of Value Research, an independent investment advisosry firm. New Delhi has allowed the expiry of anti-dumping duties on a range of goods from several countries including China, signalling a recalibration in its approach to trade protection. The withdrawal of duties on key auto components from China comes even as New Delhi and Beijing move to normalize their relations in a world rocked by tariffs and protectionism. Components from China such as axle beams and steering critical for commercial vehicles, trucks, and buses, had been subject to punitive tariffs since 2008, with the latest extension lapsing in July, 2023. India has decided not to extend the tariffs since then. The move was detailed in a filing to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 7 October, against the backdrop of a steep 50% US tariff on Indian goods. India is looking to reduce input costs for domestic manufacturers and secure critical raw materials and components from China and other countries to support its manufacturing drive. The decision is part of a broader review detailed in India's semi-annual report to the WTO's Committee on Anti-Dumping Practices. The filing lists the termination or expiry of duties on key industrial products from multiple jurisdictions, including China, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the European Union and the UK. Queries sent to the commerce ministry remained unanswered. "India appears to be balancing its industrial and strategic priorities," said Ajay Srivastava, founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), a trade thinktank." By letting some anti-dumping measures lapse, the government ensures lower input costs for manufacturers while signalling policy flexibility toward China at a time when relations with the US remain tense." India imported axle beams worth $301.48 million in FY25, with almost 90% sourced from China, commerce ministry data shows. Beyond the Chinese auto parts, other terminated measures include duties on high-tenacity polyester yarn from China, grinding media balls (used in mining and mills) from China and Thailand, nylon filament yarn from the EU, UK and Vietnam, and textured tempered glass from Malaysia. India now prioritizes industrial competitiveness over blanket protectionism, a government official said on the condition of anonymity. "Where dependency is high or injury (from imports) is no longer evident, the government prefers expiry over automatic extensions." While the WTO filing formally describes the termination as an expiry without review, the timing coincides with a quiet diplomatic outreach to Beijing. New Delhi's softening stance on trade remedies follows China's suspension of exports of rare earth magnets, materials vital to India's renewable energy, electric vehicle and electronics sectors. Also Read | India imposes 12% safeguard duty on steel imports Trade economists suggest the pattern indicates a deliberate recalibration in Indias use of trade remedies. India has long been one of the most frequent users of anti-dumping measures, but we are now seeing a measured easing where domestic impact is minimal and industrial benefits are high," said Abhash Kumar, assistant professor of economics at Delhi University. Its a nuanced approachprotecting key sectors while allowing greater efficiency in manufacturing." The re-engagement includes China agreeing to resume the supply of critical inputs, including fertilizer manufacturing equipment and rare earth magnets. India has also recently resumed direct passenger flights to China after a five-year gap, signalling a thaw in bilateral relations. In an even broader policy rethink, New Delhi is considering reviewing Press Note 3, the rule mandating prior government approval for investments from countries sharing a land border, potentially easing the path for smaller Chinese investments. The government is also weighing the possibility of re-engaging with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to deepen Asian trade integration. Still, India remains one of the world's most frequent users of anti-dumping measures, imposing duties on various imports to protect domestic industries like steel, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals from unfair pricing. These actions have periodically resulted in multiple WTO complaints from trading partners. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha on 10 December, 2024, minister of state for commerce Jitin Prasada said that the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) had initiated 43 anti-dumping investigations in 2024 across sectors including chemicals, steel, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods. This was slightly lower than 45 cases in 2023. Also Read | India faces fresh WTO scrutiny over import restrictions Five people, including three children, were killed and several others were injured when a house collapsed after a powerful explosion in Pagla Bhari village, within the Pura Kalandar police station area of Ayodhya, on Thursday, news agency PTI reported. Circle Officer (CO) Shailendra Singh informed that multiple individuals remain feared trapped beneath the debris, and rescue efforts are ongoing."Five people have died in the explosion, a few have been injured, and efforts are on to rescue those trapped. The cause of the blast is not yet clear," Singh told the news agency. Also Read | Kin dump elderly woman on Ayodhya road at night; she dies hours later A house roof collapsed outside a village at 7:15 pm, causing an explosion. The house belongs to Pappu Gupta, and investigations are ongoing while evidence is being collected from the scene, ANI reported. Sharing details about the incident, Ayodhya SP Gaurav Grover told the news agency, "Around 7:15 pm, we received information that the roof of a house located outside the village in the fields had collapsed, causing a massive explosion. Also Read | Dargah Sharif Patte Shah roof collapse update: Delhi police registers FIR He added, this house primarily belongs to Pappu Gupta, a resident of the village, who lives there with his family. He and the other injured were immediately shifted to the hospital. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and instructed officials to promptly reach the location and speed up relief efforts. He also ordered the quick transfer of the injured to the hospital and ensured they received proper medical treatment, ANI reported, citing the Chief Minister's Office. Meanwhile, Dr Ashish Pathak, Emergency Medical Officer, District Hospital, Ayodhya, shared details of the deceased and told ANI, Five people have been brought here with burn injuries, including three children and two adults. All were brought dead. There are more people who have not been brought here yet... After receiving information about the mishap, the police, the fire department, and the local administration teams quickly went to the location. A police head constable in Bengaluru died by suicide on Wednesday by allegedly hanging himself; however, no suicide note was recovered from the spot. The deceased head constable, who was associated with the City Armed Reserve (CAR) headquarters, has been identified as Sharanappa. According to DCP (West Bengaluru) S. Girish, Sharanappa is survived by his wife, Shailashree, who serves as a constable at the Magadi Road Traffic Police Station, and their two children. Further investigation is underway. BJP Yuva Morcha Leader hacked to death in Karnatakas Koppal district Meanwhile, a local BJP Yuva Morcha leader, Venkatesh Kurubara, was brutally murdered in Gangavathi town of Karnatakas Koppal district, police said on Wednesday. According to Koppal Superintendent of Police Ram L. Arasiddi, the motive behind the killing appears to be revenge for an old police case dating back to 2003. In 2003, Venkatesh had helped police arrest several accused in a case involving his friend. We believe this could be the motive. Efforts are on to arrest all the accused at the earliest, SP Arasiddi told ANI. Attackers fled after brutal assault Venkatesh Kurubara, who served as Gangavathi BJP Yuva Morcha President, was attacked with long maces on Tuesday while returning from Devi Camp to Gangavathi. The assault took place near Lilavati Elubhu Kilu Hospital on Koppal Road. Police said the attackers followed and ambushed him before fleeing the spot. Preliminary investigations suggest a gang rivalry linked to old enmity and gambling may have led to the murder. Chief Justice of India B R Gavai mentioned on Thursday that he and Justice K Vinod Chandran were stunned when a lawyer tried to throw a shoe at him on October 6. However, he described the incident as a "forgotten chapter." Speaking on the incident, CJI BR Gavai was quoted by PTI saying, My learned brother and I were very shocked with what happened on Monday; for us it is a forgotten chapter. The CJI made this observation during a hearing on a set of petitions asking for a review of the Vanashakti judgment, which had stopped the central government from granting retrospective or ex post facto environmental clearances to projects that violated environmental standards. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, who was sharing the bench, was quoted as saying, I have my own views on this, he is the CJI, it is not a matter of joke.He further said the attack was an affront to the Supreme Court. Attempted shoe attack on CJI BR Gavai These statements come after lawyer Rakesh Kishore tried to hurl a shoe towards the CJI while shouting, Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge (We will not tolerate the insult to Sanatan Dharma). On the day of the incident, the CJI had asked lawyers present in the courtroom not to get distracted by the incident, saying these things doesn't affect him. CJI Gavai had remained composed and addressed the lawyers present in the courtroom: Dont get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me, Bar and Bench quoted him as saying. Following the incident, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Thursday cancelled lawyer Rakesh Kishore's membership after he was found guilty of "grave misconduct" for trying to throw a shoe at CJI B R Gavai in the courtroom. The 71-year-old lawyer was allegedly upset about the CJI's comments during a hearing last month regarding the restoration of a Vishnu idol in Khajuraho, PTI reported, citing people aware of the development. Also Read | Who is Ajeet Bharti? YouTuber faces scrutiny for remarks against CJI BR Gavai Lord Vishnu idol controversy Last month, a bench led by the CJI dismissed the plea requesting directions to reconstruct and reinstall a seven-foot Lord Vishnu idol at the Javari temple, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Khajuraho temple complex in Madhya Pradesh. Calling 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. Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, 9 October, officials said. The meeting was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka and J&K Police chief Nalin Prabhat, CRPF DG GP Singh and BSF DG Daljit Singh Chawdhary, among other senior officers from the centre and the Union territory. During the meeting, a review of the security situation in the Pir Panjal region and ongoing developmental projects in the UT was undertaken, the officials said. Modi governments unwavering commitment The last such review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir was chaired by Shah on September 1. The Home Minister reaffirmed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi governments unwavering commitment to achieving the goal of a terrorism-free Jammu and Kashmir. He said that due to the determined efforts of the security agencies, the terrorist network nurtured by enemies of the nation in Jammu and Kashmir has been almost crippled. Shah also assured that all necessary resources will continue to be provided to sustain these efforts. Union Home Minister also said that our security forces will continue to have full freedom of action to crush any attempt to threaten peace and security in the region, a government statement about the meeting said. Post Pahalgam terror attack in April, there are continuous operations to dismantle the terror network in the UT while also ensuring that tourism returns to normal. Also Read | Tata group leaders meet Home Minister Amit Shah, FM Nirmala Sitharaman We are committed to cripple the terror ecosystem in J&K. Our security forces will continue to have full freedom to crush any attempt to threaten peace and security in the region. Instructed to further intensify alertness and synergy to accelerate towards Modi Ji's vision of a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir, Shah said in a post on X. Indias aviation regulator is pushing for financial and staffing autonomy similar to counterparts in Europe, the UK and US, as it seeks to strengthen oversight and keep pace with the demands of a booming air travel sector. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation, or DGCA, wants authority to independently recruit and offer competitive salaries to attract qualified professionals, people familiar with the matter said, asking not to be identified citing rules. It is also seeking increased funding to support regular training program for its staff, they said. The demand for autonomy underscores the regulators assessment that it needs to muscle up and bolster oversight of the worlds third-largest domestic aviation market. Any capacity constrains at the DGCA also risk raising concerns about its ability to ensure safety a worry amplified after the recent Air India crash that killed all but one passenger and triggered a system-wide audit. Currently, the Indian regulator operates with limited manpower resources and funding thats a fraction of what its global peers receive. As of July, the DGCA had filled only 553 of 1,063 technical posts and employed 4,295 air traffic controllers, the people said. In contrast, the US Federal Aviation Administration has 46,170 employees, including 14,000 controllers and 7,000 safety inspectors. Also Read | IndiGo receives 20 lakh DGCA notice over pilot training compliance issue For the year ending March 31, the DGCA has been allocated just $38 million, compared to the FAAs $23.1 billion in fiscal 2024, they added. European Union Aviation Safety Agency, or EASAs 2024 allocation was eight fold of its Indian counterparts while the UKs Civil Aviation Authority got nearly six times in 2023 of DGCAs current allocation, the people said. The DGCA and Indias Aviation Ministry didnt immediately respond to requests for comments. Unlike the DGCA, which operates under Indias Civil Aviation Ministry, the CAA and EASA are independent bodies, the people said. The FAA, under the US Department of Transportation, enjoys relatively limited autonomy, they said. Also Read | Domestic airlines flew fewer passengers in August what led to this fall Also Read | Air India pilots body urges DGCA to defer circular on FRMS, hold wider consultations Indias aviation sector has grown consistently over the past decade, with passenger numbers more than doubling to 234 million from 116 million and aircraft fleet size growing over 100% to 841. Rising Workload Indian carriers have ordered more than 1,300 planes one of the largest order book from any country signaling that the regulators workload is only going to increase in the coming years. The Indian aviation regulator also lacks a formal training module, and funding constraints have hindered efforts to develop specialized programs in collaboration with domestic and international institutions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the issue of Khalistani extremists with British PM Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Thursday. The Khalistani extremist issue was discussed during the meeting held today between PM Modi and PM Starmer, Misri said at a press conference. "PM Modi emphasised that radicalism and violent extremism had no space in democratic societies and should not be allowed to use or abuse the freedoms provided by societies, and there was a need to move against them in the legal framework available on both sides," he said. Also Read | UK PM Keir Starmer enjoys Shah Rukh Khans iconic track Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jana Sanam at Yash Raj Films Studios PM Modi and Starmer also discussed the situation in West Asia and the war in Ukraine. "The prime minister and I also discussed the need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, the need for stability and security in the Indo-Pacific, and the need to co-operate in critical areas like climate and energy, including breaking away from dependence on fossil fuels," British PM Keir Starmer said. Also Read | UK PM Keir Starmer thanks PM Modi for ambitious India-UK trade deal India and UK natural partners Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and the UK are natural partners. After holding wide-ranging talks with Starmer, PM Modi said the India-UK partnership stands as an important pillar of global stability and economic progress at a time the world is witnessing uncertainties. "India and the UK are natural partners. Our relationship is built on the shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law," PM Modi said during his joint press conference with the British PM. "In today's time of global uncertainty, our growing partnership stands as an important pillar of global stability and economic progress," he said. Following Modi-Starmer talks, the two sides announced plans to supply lightweight multirole missile systems to the Indian military to boost its air defence capabilities. They also announced an in-principle move to finalise an inter-governmental pact to jointly develop maritime electric propulsion systems for India's naval platforms. In their restricted delegation-level talks, the two leaders held that the sealing of the historic free trade agreement between the two sides in July will inject new energy, boost trade and broaden the overall trajectory of ties. India is opening up nuclear power sector to private players While addressing the India-UK CEO Forum in Mumbai, PM Modi also said that India is opening up its nuclear power sector for private participation. He said, I am pleased to announce that we are opening up the nuclear power sector to the private sector. PM Modi said, "...all this has created opportunities to take India-UK cooperation to new heights." He also invited the CEOs "to join India on this development journey". Speaking at the India-UK CEO Forum, PM Modi also announced that nine UK universities will set up campuses in India. Also Read | PM Modi inaugurates Phase 1 of Navi Mumbai International Airport PM Modi also addressed the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai on Thursday, where he highlighted India's achievements in digital innovation, financial inclusion and the country's growing leadership in the global fintech ecosystem. The British prime minister, accompanied by over 100 CEOs, entrepreneurs, and university vice-chancellors, landed in India's financial capital on Wednesday to a rousing welcome. It is his first visit to India. At the Mumbai event, PM Modi said, "This year's Global FinTech Fest theme also advances and strengthens India's democratic spirit. India's UPI, Aadhaar-enabled payment system, Bharat Bill Payment System, Bharat QR, DigiLocker, Digi Yatra, and GEM are all the backbone of India's digital economy." "I am happy that India's digital stack is giving birth to a new open ecosystem. The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is proving to be a boon for small shopkeepers and MSMEs, helping them reach new markets. Similarly, the Open Credit Enablement Network (OCEN) has made access to credit easier for small entrepreneurs," he said. Also Read | Starmer Tells Cabinet to Focus on Delivery After Major Reshuffle India-UK to create 'unique synergy' PM Modi said India's dynamism and the UK's expertise together will create a "unique synergy" to further enhance bilateral relations in diverse areas. "Our partnership is trustworthy and driven by talent and technology. And today, as Prime Minister Starmer and I stand together on this stage, it is a clear reaffirmation of our shared commitment to work hand-in-hand towards building a brighter future for the people of both our nations," he said. Watch: PM Modi, Keir Starmer attend rendition of 'Sapphire' Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Keir Starmer enjoyed a "wonderful" rendition of Ed SheeranArijit Singh's 'Sapphire' at a cultural event in Mumbai on Thursday. The special performance was presented before PM Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer during their meeting in the city. PM Modi took to social media to share a video of himself and Starmer attending the event. He wrote on X, ""Wonderful rendition of Ed Sheeran & Arijit Singhs Sapphire, which is a great example of India-UK cultural partnership...(sic)!" New Delhi: In what has come as a relief to India's seafood industry, the US National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has said that India's exports meet America's mammal protection standards, allowing their continued shipments. Interestingly, Indias seafood export rivalsChina, Mexico, and Ecuadorwere denied certification, barring certain fisheries exports to the US beyond 31 December, two government officials aware of the development said. The US mammal protection standards refer to rules that prevent killing or wounding marine mammals such as dolphins and whales while fishing. The US requires exporting nations to show that their fishing methods don't harm sea mammals more than what is permitted for American fishers. Also Read | Keeping track: Why India is equipping fishing vessels with transponders NMFS's approval of Indian marine exports comes at a time when Chinese processors are increasingly sourcing Indian shrimp for re-export. The NMFS certification comes in the backdrop of India and the US continuing their bilateral trade agreement (BTA) talks. India exported seafood worth $7.39 billion in FY25, of which more than a third or $2.68 billion went to the US. Indian shrimp exports to the US are currently less competitive than those from Ecuador, Vietnam, and Indonesia due to the steep 50% tariff. The development removes a major potential non-tariff barrier for Indian seafood exports, especially shrimp aquaculture, which is India's largest export to the US. While tariff-related challenge remains, India's compliance under the MMPA (Marine Mammal Protection Act) strengthens its position as a responsible and sustainable seafood exporter, said the first of the two government officials cited earlier, both of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity. Also Read | Are these fish sending a message with their mysterious spots? When contacted through email, the NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service, said: "The MMPA import provisions team is currently in a furlough status. We will respond to emails once government functions resume. "Please note fish and fish products originating from a denied fishery will be prohibited from import into the United States on January 1, 2026," it added. Queries emailed to India's ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying remained unanswered till press time. "It's a positive step in the right direction. However, as long as the high tariff is there, this is not going to help Indian exporters much," said Alex K. Ninan, vice-president, The Seafood Exporters Association of India. The United States Marine Mammal Protection ACT is a US federal law that aims to protect marine mammals and their habitats. While the MMPA primarily applies to US waters and activities, it also has implications for seafood exporting countries that wish to export their products to the US. In 2017, the US introduced provisions under the MMPA that required all seafood exporting nations to demonstrate that their fisheries have protection measures comparable in effectiveness to US standards to limit injury and mortality of marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals. "Under the MMPA countries seeking to export seafood to the US must obtain a comparability finding through a certification process conducted by the US National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)," said the second official. This evaluates whether exporting countries have effective regulations and measures to reduce incidental catch of marine mammals while fishing. According to the first official, the NMFS had earlier noted that the overall risk of marine mammal bycatch (unintended catch of non-target species) in Indian fisheries is high." To ensure sustainability and uninterrupted seafood exports to the US, the government has supported a project titled Marine Mammal Stock Assessments in India with a total cost of 13.28 crore under the Central Sector Scheme, said the second official. According to the second official, NOAA Fisheries announced its MMPA comparability determinations in the Federal Register, covering around 2,500 fisheries across 135 nations. Of these, 240 fisheries from 46 nations were denied comparability findings, restricting their ability to export to the US, according to NOAA Fisheries website. Following these engagements, NMFS has granted India a comparability finding, confirming that its fisheries meet US marine mammal protection standards. The approval ensures Indias seafood exports can continue to the US beyond the 31 December 2025 deadline. Celebrity hairstylist Javed Habib and his son Anos Habib have been charged in 23 fraud cases for allegedly deceiving people of 7 crore through an investment scheme, news agency PTI reported, citing police, on Wednesday. Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi stated that the father-son duo operated a scheme under the name of FLC Company, promising investors annual returns of 50-70% on Bitcoin investments. Scam operated like an organised gang According to a report by the Times of India citing investigators, the case originated in 2023 when Jawed, his son and the company's head, Saifullah Khan, attended a promotional event at a hotel in Sambhal. The event was aimed at attracting investors to FLC, promising returns between 50% and 75%. Police said that hundreds of people were convinced to invest amounts between 5 lakh and 7 lakh, frequently through cryptocurrency platforms, the report said. Also Read | How separate accounts could protect your savings from digital fraud "They took around 5-7 lakh from each investor, claiming it would yield high returns, but even after two and a half years, none of the investors received their money back," Vishnoi told PTI. "Twenty-three FIRs have been filed against Javed Habib, his son Anos Habib, and their associate Saiful. The scam appears to have been operated like an organised gang," Vishnoi said. A lookout notice has been issued by the police for the celebrity hairstylist and his son. If they fail to return the victims' money, their properties may also be seized under Section 107 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Victim recounts their ordeal Mohd Hilal, a 22-year-old AC mechanic from Sambhal and one of the victims, told the Times of India that he invested 4.59 lakh after attending the event. Jawed Habib, his son, and Saifullah were all present and said we could earn huge profits by investing in 810 listed companies, Hilal told the publication. Also Read | Sebi to step up fight against investment fraud with tech tools, new offices He mentioned that he paid 1.5 lakh online and the remaining amount in cash, expecting a monthly return of 35,000 and full recovery of his principal within three months. Whenever I asked for my money, Saifullah kept delaying until he vanished. That money was meant for my sisters wedding now neither the money came back nor the wedding happened, he said. The Supreme Court has allowed women officials of the Registry to wear traditional sober clothes on Friday, October 10, 2025, for the Karwa Chauth festival, instead of the usual uniform, LiveLaw reported citing a circular from the top court. On the occasion of Karwa Chauth festival, the Competent Authority has been pleased to accede to the request received on behalf of female employees of the Registry, and to permit them to attend the office in traditional sober clothes on 10th October, 2025 in place of the prescribed uniform, the circular read. Karwa Chauth, or Karaka Chaturthi, will be celebrated across the country on Friday, 10 October. Hindu women celebrate Karwa Chauth by fasting all day and praying for their partners' long life, health, and prosperity. On this day, women wear vibrant traditional attire like sarees, lehengas, or salwar suits in red, pink, and maroon. Female inmates in UP to celebrate Karwa Chauth Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh State Women's Commission announced that female inmates in district jails across the state will be permitted to celebrate Karwa Chauth with their husbands, news agency PTI reported. The decision was made under Section 9 of the Uttar Pradesh State Women's Commission (Amendment) Act, 2013, which grants the commission the authority to ensure that women are not deprived of their emotional and familial rights in confinement as well, the report said citing an official statement. Also Read | Prajakta Koli to Neeraj Chopra: Celebs to mark their first Karwa Chauth in 2025 Karwa Chauth is more than just a ritual fast; it is a festival that symbolises love, devotion, and faith, said Commission Chairperson Babita Singh Chauhan. She added that the commission's initiative aims to rekindle the spirit of affection, respect, and emotional bonds, even within prison walls. "Women's rights are not only legal but also emotional and social. The commission is equally committed to protecting all these aspects," the report quoted Chauhan. The chairperson mentioned that letters have been sent to all district magistrates, asking them to make arrangements for eligible female inmates to celebrate the festival with their husbands. Additionally, they are requested to allow wives of male inmates to join their spouses in jail for the celebration. New Delhi: India and the United Kingdom on Thursday unveiled an expansive roadmap to deepen cooperation across trade, technology, education, and defence, reaffirming their commitment to a rules-based global order and a modern, forward-looking partnership. The announcement came at the conclusion of British Prime Minister Keir Starmers first official visit to India during 89 October, when he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined a renewed strategic direction anchored in the recently-signed IndiaUK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). As per a joint statement, the two leaders agreed to fast-track the ratification of the CETA and reposition the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) as the central mechanism to oversee its implementation. The agreement, both sides said, is expected to create new economic opportunities in priority sectors including clean energy, advanced manufacturing, defence, education, science, and digital innovation. The high-level British delegation, which included Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle and over 125 business and institutional leaders, underscored the UKs renewed economic outreach to India. Both governments described the visit as a defining moment for bilateral relations, with India now seen as a key growth engine for global trade and investment. Expansion at core At the core of the partnership lies a major expansion of IndiaUK cooperation in science, innovation, and frontier technologies. Both sides announced the establishment of the IndiaUK Connectivity and Innovation Centrea joint hub to develop AI-native networks for 6G and cyber-secure telecom infrastructure, with 24 million in initial joint funding, as per the joint statement issued by the Indian Prime Ministers Office on Thursday. They also launched the IndiaUK Joint Centre for AI to promote responsible and trustworthy AI applications in healthcare, climate technology, fintech, and engineering biology. A new Critical Minerals Industry Guild was also announced to secure resilient mineral supply chains, backed by Phase II of the UKIndia Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory, which will open a new satellite campus at IIT-ISM Dhanbad. In climate cooperation, the two leaders unveiled a Climate Technology Startup Fund under an a memorandum of understanding between the British government and the State Bank of India. The fund will support startups in clean technology, climate innovation, and AI-driven solutions for sustainability. They also launched a joint Offshore Wind Taskforce and committed to explore collaborations through the Global Clean Power Alliance (GCPA). In a major boost to the education and knowledge partnership, both Modi and Starmer welcomed the progress made by UK universities in establishing branch campuses in India. The University of Southampton has begun classes at its Gurugram campus, while new Letters of Intent were handed over to Lancaster University for Bengaluru and the University of Surrey for GIFT City. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has also cleared approvals for Liverpool, York, Aberdeen, and Bristol universities to operate in India, with Queens University Belfast, and Coventry University expanding in GIFT City in Ahmedabad. This move is seen as part of Indias effort to internationalise higher education and attract global talent and investment in research and innovation. The two sides also announced the Annual Ministerial Strategic Education Dialogue to strengthen academic collaboration, mobility of students, and skills partnerships. Deeper bilateral exchanges On defence and security, India and the UK agreed to deepen bilateral exchanges between their armed forces through training, joint exercises, and technology partnerships. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the upcoming visit of the UKs Carrier Strike Group and the continuation of Exercise KONKAN between the two navies. Both leaders agreed to finalise an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) on developing maritime electric propulsion systems for Indian Naval platforms and confirmed the government-to-government route for the supply of Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) systems. This collaboration will not only strengthen Indias air defence capabilities but also support long-term industrial partnerships under Atmanirbhar Bharat. They also announced plans to establish a Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), aimed at improving maritime domain awareness and regional security cooperation. Also Read | India-UK FTA uncorks new promise for imported scotch and gin The two leaders also issued a joint statement against terrorism, calling for zero tolerance toward extremism and reaffirming their commitment to take decisive actions against proscribed terrorist groups and their sponsors. They condemned the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam and agreed to enhance cooperation in counterterrorism financing, intelligence sharing, and capacity building. Both governments reaffirmed their shared commitment to achieving net-zero goals and promoting green growth. They welcomed the IndiaUK Climate Finance Initiative designed to scale up climate investments, particularly through the mobilisation of private capital. Towards greater cooperation The leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in biotechnology, where institutions such as the Centre for Process Innovation (UK), Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (India), and the Henry Royce Institute will collaborate on breakthroughs in biomanufacturing, 3D bioprinting, and genomics. At a global level, India and the UK pledged closer collaboration at the UN and other multilateral fora. The UK reaffirmed its support for Indias bid for a permanent seat on a reformed UN Security Council. Both sides also expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and reiterated their support for peace in Gaza, backing efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid delivery. Modi described the visit as the beginning of a new era of cooperation between two vibrant democracies, while Starmer called India an indispensable global partner in shaping future trade, innovation, and climate action. As many as 47 Indian fishermen were arrested and their five trawlers were seized on Thursday in Talaimannar in northern Sri Lanka for allegedly being involved in illegal fishing in the island nations waters, the Navy in Colombo said. The arrests were made during coordinated patrols conducted in the Mannar and Delft sea areas. The 47 arrested fishermen and their equipment will be handed over to the fisheries inspectorate in the north for further action, the Navy was quoted by news agency PTI as saying. Also Read | Sri Lanka apprehends 7 Indian fishermen for allegedly crossing maritime border The Naval command operation to arrest them began late last night and lasted until the early hours of Thursday, Navy spokesman Commander Buddika Sampath told PTI. The fishermen issue remains a contentious one in the India-Sri Lanka bilateral ties, with Lankan Navy personnel even firing at Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait and seizing their boats in several alleged incidents of illegally entering Sri Lankan territorial waters. Also Read | India protests Sri Lankan Navy firing incident involving 13 Indian fishermen Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai on Thursday, 9 October. The meeting primarily focused on enhancing India-UK ties in areas such as trade, defence, security, and critical technology. Starmers visit to India came over two months after the two countries signed a landmark free trade pact that will increase market access, cut tariffs, and is expected to result in doubling bilateral trade by 2030. The path-breaking India-UK CETA will create new job opportunities for young people, expand trade, and benefit both our industries and consumers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X. In this context, PM Starmer and I discussed trade linkages and economic ties between our nations in the times to come, he said. A government statement listed 12 outcomes of PM Starmer's visit to India. Here are the outcomes: Technology and Innovation 1. Establishment of the India-UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre. 2. Establishment of the India-UK Joint Centre for AI. 3. Launch of Phase II of the UK-India Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory and establishment of a new satellite campus at IIT-ISM Dhanbad. 4. Establishment of the Critical Minerals Industry Guild to secure resilient supply chains and promote green technologies. Education 5. Handing over the Letter of Intent for the opening of the Campus of Lancaster University in Bengaluru. 6. In-principle approval for the opening of the Campus of the University of Surrey in GIFT City. Trade and Investment 7. Inaugural meeting of the reconstituted India-UK CEO Forum. 8. Resetting the India-UK Joint Economic Trade Committee (JETCO), which will support the implementation of the CETA and drive economic growth and job creation in both countries. 9. A new joint investment in the Climate Technology Startup Fund, a strategic initiative under the MoU between the Government of the UK and the State Bank of India for supporting innovative entrepreneurs in sectors such as climate technology and AI. Climate, Health and Research 10. Launch of Phase III of Bio-Medical Research Career Program. In this context, PM Starmer and I discussed trade linkages and economic ties between our nations in the times to come. 11. Establishment of the Offshore Wind Taskforce. 12. Letter of Intent (LoI) between ICMR and NIHR, United Kingdom on Health Research. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, will meet at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai today, 9 October. The two leaders will hold talks to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as outlined in the Vision 2035 roadmap. This will be the third meeting between the two leaders since Starmer became British PM in July 2024. The first two meetings were held at Chequers in Buckinghamshire in July this year and on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro last November. Starmer arrived in Mumbai for his first two-day trip to India on Wednesday, 8 October. Doval, Jaishankar, and Misri to attend PM Modi will be joined by National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. On the UK side, Starmer will be accompanied by Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, and Jason Stockwood, Minister of State for Investment. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, technology, defence, climate action, and education. The two leaders will also take part in the India-UK CEO Forum and the Global Fintech Fest 2025. "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 focussed 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, as per the Statement by Prime Ministers Office (PMO). The two leaders will hold talks with top business and industry figures to explore opportunities under the IndiaUK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which is seen as a key pillar of their future economic partnership. They will also discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest. Technology security initiative Starmer's office said he would use the second and final day of a trip to India to discuss a recently sealed trade deal as well as a technology security initiative launched in July last year. It also stated that 64 Indian companies would collectively invest 1.3 billion ($1.75 billion) in Britain, as announced during the UK's largest-ever trade mission to India, which saw more than 100 companies and organisations travel with the Prime Minister. "The UK-India trade deal is already unlocking growth, and today's announcements mark the beginning of a new era of collaboration between our two nations," Starmer said. The deal between the world's fifth and sixth largest economies, agreed after US President Donald Trump unleashed tariff turmoil, aims to increase bilateral trade by a further 25.5 billion pounds by 2040. Global Fintech Fest PM Modi and PM Starmer will also attend the sixth edition of the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) in Mumbai today. The event will bring together innovators, policymakers, regulators, investors, and industry experts from across the world. This years theme, Empowering Finance for a Better World Powered by AI, Augmented Intelligence, Innovation, and Inclusion, focuses on how technology and human insight can together build a more ethical and sustainable financial future. Also Read | Why is UK not issuing more visas for highly skilled Indians despite FTA? PM Modi welcomed Starmer in a post on X on Wednesday. "Welcome Prime Minister Keir Starmer on your historic first visit to India with the largest ever trade delegation from the UK. Looking forward to our meeting tomorrow for advancing our shared vision of a stronger, mutually prosperous future," the PM said. Implementation of the trade deal On Wednesday, the first day of the Starmer-led UK team's two-day trip, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and the UKs Trade Minister Peter Kyle held bilateral meetings to oversee the implementation of the trade deal, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said. The UK-India trade deal is already unlocking growth, and today's announcements mark the beginning of a new era of collaboration between our two nations. The meeting marked a significant step towards operationalising the IndiaUK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), with both ministers agreeing to reposition the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) to oversee its implementation and delivery. Both sides underlined their commitment to ensuring swift, coordinated, and results-oriented implementation of the agreement, aimed at realising its full potential for businesses and consumers in both countries, the Ministry said in a statement. (With agency inputs) The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Thursday immediately terminated the membership of lawyer Rakesh Kishore, after he was found guilty of "grave misconduct" for attempting to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India B R Gavai inside the courtroom. In a shocking security breach, Kishore, 71, tried to hurl a shoe towards the CJI while shouting, Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge (We will not tolerate the insult to Sanatan Dharma). What did SCBA say? The Bar Council of India suspended Kumar's bar licence with immediate effect. The SCBA said Kishores reprehensible, disorderly and intemperate behaviour amounted to a direct assault on judicial independence and a serious breach of professional ethics, decorum and the dignity of the Supreme Court. "The Executive Committee finds that the said conduct amounts to a direct assault on judicial independence, the sanctity of courtroom proceedings, and the longstanding relationship of mutual respect and trust between the Bar and the Bench. "The Executive Committee, having duly deliberated upon the incident and the gravity of such misconduct, is of the considered view that continuation of Mr. Rakesh Kishore as a temporary member of the SCBA would be wholly inconsistent with the dignity and discipline expected of the members of this Association," the SCBA resolution said. Who is Rakesh Kishore? Rakesh Kishore, born on September 10, 1954, enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) in 2009 at the age of 55. He resides in Mayur Vihar Phase 1, according to a report by the Indian Express. Rakesh Kishore, a 71-year-old Supreme Court lawyer, reportedly had a proximity card, which is provided to lawyers and clerks in the apex court. His background and long association with the court make the incident all the more surprising, according to reports from The Indian Express. The incident unfolded as Kishore, entered Court Room 1 of the Supreme Court of India on Monday and attempted to throw an object at CJI BR Gavai. He was immediately arrested by the security personnel and escorted out of the premises, ANI reported. According to lawyers, the incident occurred when a bench comprising the CJI and Justice K Vinod Chandran was hearing the mentioning of cases by lawyers. What did CJI say? "Don't get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me," the CJI, who remained unfazed during the incident, told lawyers and continued hearing the mention of cases. With immediate effect, the Bar Council of India has debarred Kishore from appearing, acting, pleading or practising before any court, tribunal or authority in India. The order also declares that any identity card, proximity pass or access permission issued by any court or Bar Association shall remain inoperative during the suspension. New Delhi: In a new twist in the ongoing dispute over the will of the late Sunjay Kapur, who was Sona Comstar chairman, his children with former wife Karisma Kapoor told the Delhi High Court (HC) on Thursday that the document governing Kapurs 30,000-crore estate was a manifestly forged will, alleging it was created in a criminal conspiracy involving his widow Priya Sachdev Kapur and others. Kapur died on 12 June in the UK after collapsing during a polo match from a sudden heart attack, reportedly triggered when he swallowed a bee. Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing Karisma Kapoors children, presented the allegations before Justice Jyoti Singh, arguing that Sunjay Kapur had no role in drafting or modifying the will. The document, a typed Microsoft Word file, was allegedly altered on 17 March 2025, while Sunjay was on a holiday. Jethmalani said the file contains no digital footprint of Sunjay, but shows activity from other individuals allegedly involved, including Priya Kapur. He added that no lawyer was consulted, and the appointed executor was not informed. Describing the situation as a widespread conspiracy, Jethmalani warned that it could constitute a criminal offence under Section 467 of the Indian Penal Code, which prescribes life imprisonment for forging a will. The senior lawyer questioned the suspicious circumstances surrounding the execution of the will. It is a natural course of conduct for a man who is so educated, accomplished, that when he is executing a will, he will certainly ask the executor who is going to collect the assets and distribute them as per the tenor of the will, Im going to do this, do I have your permission? But no such thing was done. This is an unnatural conduct and a suspicious circumstance, Jethmalani said. Jethmalani also questioned why Priya Kapur demanded a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to share a copy of the will. If Priya Kapur was confident about the veracity of the will, then why did she want an NDA? Look at her conduct. Most ominously, the deceased, Sunjay Kapur, had nothing to do with his own will. The lawyer also described Priya Kapur as manipulative, likening her to an evil stepmother. This is a Cinderella stepmother, he said, accusing Priya of acting to limit the inheritance of Karisma Kapoors children. Jethmalani also questioned the role of Shradha Suri Marwah, the named executor, claiming that the person executing the assets was not the executor but Priya herself. Two witnesses to the will, he said, were later given roles in companies tied to the estate, an ominously convenient pattern that exposed the forgery, he argued. Neither of the witnesses had filed an affidavit validating the will, adding to the doubts over its provenance. Justice Singh, after opening the sealed cover that contained the original document and an asset list, observed that the list bore no signature, and directed Priya Kapur to refile it with an affidavit. The matter will now be heard on 13 October. In the previous hearing, the Delhi HC allowed Priya Kapur to submit details of Sunjay Kapurs assets in a sealed cover. Following a court directive on 10 September, all parties were asked to disclose the late chairmans assets. The dispute The dispute revolves around Sunjay Kapurs 30,000-crore estate, contested between his childrenSamaira and Kiaanand his widow Priya Kapur. Samaira and Kiaan have sought a one-fifth share of each of their fathers personal assets, claiming they were not provided a copy of the will despite repeated requests. The will reportedly leaves the entire estate to Priya Kapur. The will is said to have emerged during a meeting at Delhi's Taj Mansingh Hotel on 30 July. The meeting attended by Priya Kapur, her legal advisers, Marwah and executives of Aureus Investment Pvt. Ltd, the promoter entity of Sona Comstar. Its official registration status remains unclear. Also Read | Sona Comstar not informed who controls family trust after Sunjay Kapur, CEO says The original petition named Priya Kapur; her son with Sunjay, Azarius Kapur; Sunjays mother Rani Kapur and Marwah as defendants, along with Dinesh Agarwal and Nitin Sharma, directors of Aureus Investment, alleging collusion to transfer personal assets in Priya Kapurs favour. New Delhi, Oct 9 (PTI) University of Lancaster and University of Surrey have received the nod to set up campuses in India, announced UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his first visit to India. The approval of the two universities takes the number of institutions from the UK setting up offshore campuses in India to nine. While the University of Southampton opened a campus in Delhi earlier this year, University of York, University of Aberdeen, University of Bristol, University of Liverpool, Queen's University Belfast and the University of Coventry will open campuses from next year onwards. According to a statement by the British High Commission here, Prime Minister Starmer has confirmed that the University of Lancaster and the University of Surrey have been given approval to open new campuses in India to help meet their booming demand for higher education places. Currently, there are 40 million students at university in India and 70 million places are needed by 2035. The UK's world-renowned higher education sector is capitalising on that demand by giving thousands of Indian students the chance to study for a UK degree without leaving home while bolstering India's economy by millions of pounds. With the new campuses announced on Thursday, the UK is set to become a country with the biggest higher education footprint in India. Starmer and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the milestone in a meeting with UK vice chancellors in Mumbai on Thursday. The UK prime minister is on a two-day trade mission to strengthen ties with one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and put money back into the pockets of hard-working British people. "Our great British universities are admired all over the world for their teaching excellence, high-quality research and commitment to innovation. I am delighted that more Indian students will be able to benefit from a world-class British education in the near future -- strengthening the ties between our two countries while pumping millions back into our economy and supporting jobs at home," Starmer said. UK Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said that the British higher education is world-leading, and this expansion shows its global appeal. "Opening new campuses in India will give more young people the chance to benefit from a UK education, while delivering real returns for our universities at home. As we prepare to set out our International Education Strategy, these new campuses are a marker of our ambition: building long-term partnerships that deliver growth, innovation and opportunity for both countries," said Phillipson. The University Grants Commission (UGC) had announced the Setting Up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India Regulations in 2023. Uttarakhand reported a revenue surplus of 5,310 crore in the financial year 202223, according to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami lauded the achievement, saying that the revenue surplus highlights Uttarakhands commitment to transparency, accountability, and economic self-reliance. CM Dhami credited the achievement to efficient management and governance measures. This is not merely a statistical achievement, but a strong step towards Uttarakhands economic self-reliance and prosperous future, he said, adding that the state is progressing with an emphasis on transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline. Also Read | Uttarakhand CM reviews relief operations in Chamolis Nandanagar State of the economy According to a NITI Aayog report, Uttarakhand's total revenue receipts in FY 2022-23 accounted for approximately 17.2% of its gross state domestic product (GSDP), while its total expenditure constituted around 19.9%. Meanwhile, the state had a revenue surplus of 0.8% of GSDP in 2022-23. The state has recorded a rise in its public debt since 2014, but as of 2022-23, it stood at 26.5% of its GSDP. Its contingent liabilities have declined steadily and, as of 2021-22, amounted to 0.1% of its GSDP. The industry sector is a major contributor to Uttarakhand's gross state value added (GSVA), accounting for nearly 49% share. The state's finances were driven by the manufacturing and construction sectors, with minor contributions from electricity, mining and quarrying. The services sector makes up approximately 41% of the GSVA, with contributions from trade, hotels and restaurants, transport, storage, and communication. The agriculture sector contributes nearly 11% to the GSVA, according to NITI Aayog. Also Read | Centre releases additional tax devolution to states ahead of festive season Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on 9 October that India is opening up its nuclear power sector to private participation, describing it as a new opportunity to enhance cooperation between India and the United Kingdom. I am pleased to announce that we are opening up the nuclear power sector to the private sector, and all this has created opportunities to take India-UK cooperation to new heights. I invite you to join India on this development journey, PM Modi said, speaking at the India-UK CEO Forum in Mumbai. Starmers visit to India came over two months after the two countries signed a landmark free trade pact that will increase market access, cut tariffs and is expected to result in doubling bilateral trade by 2030. Earlier, Modi and Starmer met at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai and held talks to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as outlined in the Vision 2035 roadmap. This is the third meeting between the two leaders since Starmer became British PM in July 2024. The first two meetings were held at Chequers in Buckinghamshire in July this year and on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro last November. Emphasising the government's focus on infrastructure, Prime Minister Modi said at the CEO summit that infrastructure development is a priority for us. We are investing in next-generation physical infrastructure. We are rapidly progressing towards the target of 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030... Let India and the UK set global benchmarks together, he said. Later in the day, the two leaders attended the India-UK CEO Forum and the Global Fintech Fest 2025. Connecting the focus on infrastructure and reforms, PM Modi highlighted the broad scope of ongoing changes in India's economy. He said, Today, extensive reforms are underway in the Indian economy. There is a strong focus on improving the ease of doing business while reducing compliance. Modi also praised the recent tax reform aimed at boosting growth, stating, Recently, we announced GST reform. This will give new impetus to the growth story of our middle class and MSMEs and will also expand opportunities for all of you. Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi landed in New Delhi today, 9 October, days after the UN Security Councils Taliban Sanctions Committee approved an exemption to the travel ban imposed on the Taliban leader. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed Muttaqi on his arrival in New Delhi on Thursday. "We look forward to engaging discussions with him on bilateral relations and regional issues," Jaiswal said in a post on X. Muttaqi's visit to India at the invitation of the Foreign Minister S Jaishankar would be the first ministerial visit from Kabul to New Delhi after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021. Also Read | In a first, Afghan Taliban minister Muttaqi to visit Delhi in October Muttaqi will be in India for six days. His visit coincides with the visit to India of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accompanied by the largest-ever British trade delegation, for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two Prime Ministers will meet in Mumbai today. While Muttaqis meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not confirmed, he would be accorded full protocol as a visiting Foreign Minister, including being hosted by the government. Discussions will centre on bilateral cooperation, trade exchanges, exports of dry fruits, facilities in the health sector, consular services, and various ports, according to a Reuters report. Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, Deputy Spokesman for the Afghan Taliban's Foreign Ministry, stated that Muttaqi is scheduled to meet his Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar, along with several officials, to discuss political, economic, trade, and other matters related to expanding ties between Kabul and New Delhi. Upgrading diplomatic relations to full embassies Muttaqi arrives from Moscow, where he attended the Russia-led Moscow Format dialogue on Afghanistan. During his stay in India, Muttaqi is also expected to meet with several officials and interact with business groups and Afghan nationals residing in India. He may also meet National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on October 10, according to some reports. On October 11, Muttaqi is set to visit Darul Uloom Deoband, the revered Islamic seminary in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The Afghan Taliban leader is also scheduled to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra. Discussions during Muttaqis visit are expected to focus on upgrading diplomatic relations to full embassies and expanding consular services between Afghanistan and India. The discussion would also include the upgradation of the Indian embassy in Kabul. Why is Muttaqi's visit to India significant? Muttaqi's trip highlights Taliban efforts to expand engagement with regional powers in a quest for economic ties and eventual diplomatic recognition. So far, Russia is the only country to have formally recognised the Taliban administration. India has not yet recognised the Taliban set up and has been pitching for the formation of a truly inclusive government in Kabul. However, New Delhis increasing engagement with the Taliban comes at a time when the groups political dominance in Afghanistan has become more evident, with a growing number of countries establishing channels of communication with them. The rise of terror concerns and the emergence of other security threats in Afghanistan have made such engagement a strategic necessity for India The visit marks a significant moment in Indias cautious outreach to Kabuls new rulers. New Delhi has also been insisting that Afghan soil must not be used for any terrorist activities against any country. Travel Ban Exempted Muttaqi was listed by the UN Security Council on January 25, 2001, and was subject to a travel ban, asset freeze, and arms embargo. However, the Security Council Committee, on 30 September 2025, approved an exemption to the travel ban for Amir Khan Muttaqi to visit New Delhi, India, from October 9 to 16, 2025, according to information on the Sanctions Committees website. The Committee comprises all 15 members of the UN Security Council and makes its decision by consensus. The 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee is currently chaired by Pakistan. The two Vice-Chairs for 2025 are Guyana and Russia. Good conversation with Muttaqi In May this year, Jaishankar had said he had a good conversation with Muttaqi over the phone and deeply appreciated his condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Jaishankar had thanked the Taliban leader for condemning the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack. Jaishankar had then welcomed his firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports. Underlined our traditional friendship with the Afghan people and our continuing support for their development needs. Muttaqi's planned visit to India by Muttaqi last month was cancelled after he was unable to obtain a visa waiver for the trip. What do experts say? Mohammad Reyaz, an expert on IndiaAfghanistan relations at Aliah University in Kolkata, said it was evident as early as 2010 that the Afghan Taliban was re-emerging on Afghanistans political landscape. India has multiple strategic interests in Afghanistan that cannot be ignored especially at a time when anti-Taliban factions are scattered and lack support from global powers, he told LiveMint. To maintain its position in Afghanistan, India is strengthening its engagement with the Taliban government, even as it gradually distances itself from its former Afghan allies, Reyaz said. Also Read | In first since Taliban takeover, Afghan FM to visit India on Oct 9 Indias engagement with the Afghan Taliban is also tied to regional security concerns particularly fears of Pakistans intelligence agencies using the Taliban and other militant groups as proxies, he said. India's invitation to Muttaqi is a pragmatic move, given Indias interests in Afghanistan, experts said. But some also warned against giving the Taliban regime full recognition until the United Nations does so. Historical and civilisational ties India should await international consensus, Vivek Katju, a former diplomat who has managed Afghanistan relations at the External Affairs in the past, told The Hindu. MEA in the past. Through our technical assistance mission, we have already sent extensive humanitarian assistance over the last few years. Obviously the engagement with the Taliban has become substantive and the visit of Muttaqi is a welcome step, he was quoted as saying in the report. Indias relationship with Afghanistan has long been viewed through the lens of deep historical and civilisational ties between the two nations. However, New Delhi shut its embassy in Kabul after the 2021 US withdrawal from the war-shattered country and the return to power of the Taliban. Since then, New Delhi has remained mindful of the security challenges emanating from its north-western frontier, experts pointed out. For the Taliban, engagement with India allows them to create a perception of legitimacy for their domestic constituents. Since their return to power, they have tried to pitch their approach towards foreign policy-related issues as one based on pragmatism - with its focus on a balanced and economic foreign policy, Harsh V Pant, Vice President of think-tank ORF, wrote in a joint piece with Shivam Shekhawat, a Junior Fellow at the ORF's Strategic Studies Programme. In June 2022, less than a year after the Taliban takeover of Kabul, India sent a technical team to the Afghan capital to coordinate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and to explore how New Delhi could support the Afghan people. In November 2024, Foreign Ministry officials held multiple meetings with Taliban representatives, including talks with acting Taliban Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob. In January 2025, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Taliban Foreign Minister Muttaqi in Dubai. Regional Meeting in Moscow Indias engagement with the Afghan Taliban is also tied to regional security concerns particularly fears of Pakistans intelligence agencies using the Taliban and other militant groups as proxies. Before heading to New Delhi, Muttaqi attended a regional meeting in Moscow on Tuesday. At the meeting, Afghanistans neighbours, including India, Pakistan, Iran, China and several Central Asian countries, issued a joint statement opposing the deployment of foreign military infrastructure in the region. Now, the Navi Mumbai International Airport may change that. Large developers are acquiring land parcels in the city for residential projects. While the office market may take longer to grow, the area has already started emerging as a data centre hub. Mint explains what could change: How can the airport impact Navi Mumbais property market? Conceived in the 1970s as a satellite city of the country's financial capital, Navi Mumbai has evolved into a thriving property market with planned infrastructure and affordable living options even as Mumbai continues to be India's most expensive real estate market. Despite its proximity, Navi Mumbai has neither achieved the scale nor garnered the pricing and sales momentum that Mumbais real estate enjoys. But its real estate market is back in the spotlight with the inauguration of the first phase of the Navi Mumbai airport in Ulwe, which is expected to act as a catalyst that can reshape property values across the region. Will residential development take off? Land is a telling indicator of any real estate market, and areas such as Ulwe, Panvel, Taloja, and Kharghar have seen land prices surge in recent years. Panvel's average plotted land rates rose by 93% between 2020-21 and 2024-25 to 80,000-85,000 per square yard, according to real estate advisory Square Yards. In other parts of the city, plot prices stood higher at 1,10,000-1,30,000 per sq. yard, but grew by 58% over the same period. Also Read | Close to its Navi Mumbai airport, Adani is building a jumbo township Growing land sales and prices may trigger residential momentum in the years to come. Many leading builders have acquired large land parcels in Navi Mumbai or have started developing township projects. Navi Mumbai has, so far, been a largely regional developer-dominated market. Even Bengaluru-based developers, such as the Prestige Group, are scouting for land in the region. The most prominent one will be the launch of Adani Realtys 1,000-acre township. What is the status of Navi Mumbai Aerocity? A proposed aerocity spanning 667 acres adjacent to the airport, featuring residential, commercial and office development, has been pegged to transform the real estate in the region. However, it is still a long way off. Maharashtra's urban planning and development agency, City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), has yet to finalize the master plan for the aerocity. With the airport's inauguration, the project is expected to gather pace. The land has been acquired, and a consultant will soon be appointed to prepare the master plan. Can Navi Mumbai become a second Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC)? Over three decades ago, CIDCO planned Belapur in Navi Mumbai to be a central business district, serving as an alternative to the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai. That didnt really turn out as planned. Since then, office parks such as Mindspace have emerged on the Thane-Belapur Road, but the region still lacks a large office hub status. For Navi Mumbai to develop fully as a property market, it needs to have a thriving office market that enables job creation, said Gulam Zia, senior executive director at property advisory Knight Frank India. Compared to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai has a small office market. However, the latter has a cost advantage and, along with infrastructure development, may see more companies leasing space as well as new office supply coming in. What is the potential of the Navi Mumbai real estate market? With the launch of the airport, the Panvel-Ulwe corridor is expected to grow significantly across multiple asset classes. Beyond residential and office, Navi Mumbai has already emerged as a significant data centre hub. Lumina CloudInfra, the data centre platform of Blackstone Group, has two sites in the city, with 180MW underway. Global asset manager CapitaLand Investment also launched its first data centre in Navi Mumbai in August, which is leased to a global hyperscaler. Navi Mumbai has also been steadily developing as a prominent logistics and industrial real estate centre, and analysts believe that it will gain further pace now. International players, such as Ascendas Firstspace, already have logistics parks in Panvel, and more are likely to establish new facilities in the area. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 9 October, spoke with United States President Donald Trump to congratulate him on the Gaza peace plan that was agreed upon by both Israel and Hamas to cease war and exchange prisoners. During the conversation, PM Modi said, the two leaders also reviewed ongoing trade negotiations, noting good progress despite the 50 per cent tariffs that Donald Trump imposed on Indian imports. PM Modi added that he and Donald Trump agreed to remain in close contact in the coming weeks. In a post on X, PM Modi said, Spoke to my friend, President Trump and congratulated him on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan. Also reviewed the good progress achieved in trade negotiations. Agreed to stay in close touch over the coming weeks. Trump imposed a 50 per cent tariff on most exports from India, among the highest for any US trading partner. Since the tariffs, Indian officials have met Trump administration officials over trade negotiations. The tariffs were doubled on Indian goods from 25 per cent over New Delhi's continued imports of Russian oil. While Washington says that India's purchase of the Russian oil helped fund Russia's war on Ukraine, New Delhi has rejected the accusation as a double standard, pointing to US trade links with Moscow. Gaza peace plan Earlier on Thursday, 9 October, Israel said that the final draft of the first phase of a ceasefire and hostage/prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas had been signed by all parties in Egypt. The ceasefire deal will take effect 24 hours after the peace plan is approved by Israel's security cabinet. While the extent of the withdrawal has not yet been made public, Hamas officials have said troops will move out of populated areas. Also Read | Israel-Hamas ceasefire: Israel stock market rises 2% amid first phase of Gaza peace agreement Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian said, The final draft of phase one was signed this morning in Egypt by all parties to release all the hostages. Now phase one stands very clear: all of our hostages, the living and the deceased, will be released 72 hours later, which will bring us to Monday. Explaining the further plan, Shosh Bedrosian said, The IDF will then redeploy to the yellow line as shown on maps which have been widely distributed at this point in time, and now after this 24-hour period, the 72-hour time window will then begin where all of our hostages will be released back into Israel. Surat now plans to make green financing a recurring part of its city governance, said Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agarwal in an interview with Mint . Calling Surats 200-crore green bondoversubscribed almost eight timesa defining moment" for urban climate finance, Agarwal said the city has proved that municipal credibility can be built on transparency, measurable outcomes, and community engagement. Indian cities that have issued municipal green bonds include Ghaziabad, Indore, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Pimpri-Chinchwad. This bond was not meant to be symbolic," she said. Our focus is to integrate green finance into the way cities plan, fund, and monitor infrastructure. Sustainability should be a financial discipline, not a slogan." The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) became Indias first city to issue an internationally certified municipal green bond, verified by the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) in London. The certification ensures that funds are used exclusively for projects with measurable environmental benefits, adhering to global standards of disclosure and monitoring. The 200-crore issue, which opened for subscription on 6 October and closed on 9 October, saw strong investor participation across categoriescorporate investors subscribed 7.74 times, Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) 8.82 times, and the retail segment 4.78 timestaking the overall subscription to 7.94 times. The bonds, carrying a coupon rate of 8% and an effective yield of 8.16%, will be allotted on a proportionate basis on 13 October. For us, retail participation was particularly meaningful," Agarwal said. It means citizens now see value in putting their savings behind sustainable projects within their own city." Agarwal credited the success to institutional backing from both the Centre and the Gujarat government. The Surat civic body has benefitted from honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modis first-ever series of reforms aimed at promoting green bond issuance and strengthening climate finance in urban local bodies across the country," she said. Green projects ahead The funds will support five projects a 10 MW solar power plant, 6.3 MW wind project, Kosad electric bus depot, 3,000-tonne-per-day waste processing facility, and augmentation of Surats water supply systems. All are aligned with Indias Net Zero commitment and aimed at cutting emissions and improving resource efficiency. Agarwal emphasised that the real achievement lies beyond certification. What matters is that this process has shown a city government can mobilise capital independently, responsibly, and transparently and thats a lesson other cities can take forward," she said. We have been able to do this with the consistent support of both the Central and state governments. The Centres push for municipal financial reforms and green urban infrastructure through initiatives such as the Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT 2.0, and the Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework has created the foundation for cities like Surat to access market-based financing," Agarwal said. The state government, through the Gujarat Urban Development Departments capacity-building initiatives, has guided us closely on regulatory clearances and project design," the Surat Commissioner said. The Gujarat Urban Development Department is headed by chief minister Bhupendra Patel. Urban green finance matures Experts said Surats success signals the maturing of Indias subnational debt markets and rising investor interest in city-level sustainability projects. Kuljeet Chahal, Vice Chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), said Surats Green Bond shows that Indian cities can link good governance with sustainable finance. Surat has proved that city governments can raise funds responsibly while working towards cleaner and greener growth. Getting international certification and strong investor interest shows that our municipal systems can meet global standards," he said. Chahal added that more cities should follow this approach to support Indias climate goals. Reaching Net Zero by 2070 will need action at the city level, not just national policies. Green bonds give cities the means to build better transport, waste, and energy systems while making citizens part of the solution," he said. Also Read | US climate withdrawal spurs Indian rethink on green funding While Indore became the first Indian municipal body to issue a retail green bond in 2023, Surats internationally certified issue and broad public participation mark a significant evolution in Indias green debt landscape. According to the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI), India issued $55.9 billion in green, social, and sustainability-linked bonds by the end of 2024 with green debt forming 83%, largely in clean energy and transport. This was bolstered by 477 billion in sovereign green bonds that boosted investor confidence. A Council for Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) study estimates that municipal green bonds in India could mobilise up to $2.5 billion by 2030. Over the past two years, several cities have demonstrated strong investor appetite for urban climate projects. In February 2023, the Indore Municipal Corporation launched a green bond with a base issue of 122 crore and an option to retain oversubscription up to 244 crore to finance a 60 MW solar power project; the issue was oversubscribed 5.91 times. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation followed in March 2024 with a 100-crore certified green bond that drew bids worth 1,460 crorenearly 14 times its offer. In April 2025, the Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam raised 150 crore through green municipal bonds to build a tertiary sewage treatment plant. In Maharashtra, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) raised 200 crore in June 2025, oversubscribed by 5.13 times with total bids of 513 crore. The Indian Air Force marked 93rd anniversary on October 8 but the celebrations came with a surprising dash of humour and satire. Mocking the Pakistani cities that were targeted during anti-terror operations, the IAF menu card has gone viral. Featuring dishes named after Pakistan sites struck by IAF during Operation Sindoor, the title of the menu card states, 93 Years of IAF. Ridiculing the nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir where India carried out precise missile strikes, the sub header states, Infallible, Impervious and Precise. Given below are the dishes that were mentioned on the menu card: Main course Rawalpindi Chicken Tikka Masala Rafiqui Rhara Mutton Bholari Paneer Methi Malai Sukkur Sham Savera Kofta Sargodha Dal Makhani Jacobabad Mewa Pulao Bahawalpur Naan Dessert Balakot Tiramisu Muzaffarabad Kulfi Faluda Muridke Meetha Pan Social media reaction The viral image of the menu card created a stir online with many social media users praising its subtle humour and wit. A user stated, Muridke meetha pan being the best. Another user joked, Should have added Uri ki Puri as well in the menu. A third user quipped, #OperationSindoor taken to #OperationKitchen A fourth user remarked, "The IAF knows how to celebrate with style while sending a clear message about capability and resolve. Every dish name is a reminder of what happens when lines are crossed." A fifth comment read, But phir bhi chai is fantastic Rafael's ka scrap to dalna Bhool gaye. A sixth user stated, This is called as official Trolling. Listed below are the nine sites that were struck by the Indian Armed Forces in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir on May 6: Sawai Nala camp in Muzaffarabad Syedna Bilal Camp in Muzaffarabad Gulpur camp in Kotli Barnala camp in Bhimber Abbas camp in Kotli Sarjal camp in Sialkot Mehmoona Joya camp in Sialkot Markaz Taiba camp in Muridke Markaz Subhanallah in Bahawalpur These missile strikes were carried out as a part of anti-terrorist operation, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Terrorist camps were the primary target, such as Lashkar-e-Taibas base in Muridke and Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur. Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang said on Wednesday that his familys immigration to the United States would have been impossible under the Trump administrations current visa policies. US President Donald Trump, in September, hiked the H-1B visa fee to $100,000. The H-1B visa is granted to foreign professionals with specialised skills. Huang, born in Taiwan, lived in Thailand and later immigrated to the United States at the age of nine alongside his brother. Their parents joined them after two years. I dont think that my family would have been able to afford the $100,000 and and so the opportunity for my, my family and for me to be here ... would not have been possible, Huang said in an interview to CNBCs show Squawk Box. Immigration is the foundation of the American dream, Huang said, this ideal that anyone can come to America and through hard work and some talent, be able to build a better future for yourself," he added. The Nvidia CEO further mentioned that his parents shifted to the US so that his family could enjoy the opportunities and experience this incredible country. Nvidia to cover H-1B visa fees Huang said that Nvidia will continue covering H-1B visa fees for immigrant employees. The chipmaker currently issues 1,400 visas. The CEO also expressed hope for some enhancements to Trump's policies, believing that "there are still some opportunities for serendipity to happen. Although his own familys journey might have been hindered by Trumps immigration policy, Huang said Trumps policies will still enable the US to continue to attract the worlds best talent. Earlier, Huang assured foreign workers that the chip maker would keep sponsoring their H-1B visas despite the new $1,00,000 fee. As one of many immigrants at Nvidia, I know that the opportunities we've found in America have profoundly shaped our lives, a report by Business Insider quoted Huang's statement citing an internal memo. And the miracle of Nvidia built by all of you, and by brilliant colleagues around the world would not be possible without immigration, he added. A man is believed to have fatally shot three people at two separate locations in the Houston area on Wednesday before killing himself, AP reported citing authorities as saying. Police are still investigating the motive behind the shootings. Early indications are that its all related, Houston Police Department Lt. Larry Crowson said. The first shooting occurred around 1 p.m. in the Houston suburb of Sugar Land, where a driver opened fire on another vehicle, striking its driver, who later died at a hospital, according to city police spokesperson Alicia Alaniz. Police are exploring whether road rage was a factor. About 30 minutes later, Houston police responded to a shooting at a mechanic shop roughly seven miles southeast of the first incident. The shooter allegedly shot a mechanic and a witness who was filming him as he left the scene. The description of the shooter and his vehicle matched the account from the Sugar Land shooting, Lt. Crowson said. Authorities later found the shooter dead in his vehicle about four miles from the second scene, and police believe he took his own life. The identities of the victims and the shooter have not been released. As Israel and Hamas signed on the Gaza peace deal, Ivanka Trump expressed gratitude to her father, President Donald Trump, for his unbending leadership in bringing hope for lasting peace to a region that, she said, was long plagued by pain and heartbreak. She also praised her husband, Jared Kushner, and Steve Witkoff for their vision and perseverance. As she credited her father for the Gaza peace deal, Ivanka acknowledged that she would not fully celebrate the ceasefire plan until all Israeli hostages are back with their families. On October 7, 2022, Hamas militants launched a multi-pronged attack on Israeli territory, kidnapping several Israelis and foreigners. Two years later and after months of gridlock, Israel and Hamas reached a peace agreement brokered by Donald Trump to pause hostilities and carry out a prisoner exchange. Ivanka Trump's post on X crediting her father for the peace deal came after Donald Trump announced in a press meet that Israel and Hamas had signed on the Gaza peace plan. I want to thank my father @realDonaldTrump for his unbending leadership in bringing real hope for lasting peace to a region that has known so much pain and heartbreak, she said. US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner had travelled to Jerusalem Thursday night, where they met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, his office said. The two later met with PM Benjamin Netanyahu and participated in the government meeting held to approve the plan. Speaking of her husband's involvement in reaching the Gaza peace deal, Ivanka said, Deeply proud of my husband @jaredkushner and Steve Witkoff, whose vision and perseverance remind us that even in the darkest moments, progress is possible. Their tireless work has given new hope to families who dream of safety, dignity, and opportunity. Ivanka continued: I wont fully celebrate until every hostage has been returned and peace prevails. But I hold on to hope that one day we will dance again, and maybe even dance together. Praying for healing, unity, and lasting peace. Gaza peace deal signed Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas signed an agreement to cease fire and free Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, Donald Trump announced. I think its going to be a lasting peace, hopefully an everlasting peace. Peace in the Middle East, Trump said, adding, Gaza is going to be slowly redone. You have tremendous wealth in that part of the world by certain countries, and just a small part of that, what they make, will do wonders for Gaza. Donald Trump also revealed his plans for Gaza after the ceasefire deal was signed on. When asked if he could guarantee that Palestinians would be able to stay in Gaza, Donald Trump acknowledged the dire conditions in the territory and said, You cant live right now in Gaza its a horrible situation. He said, Were gonna create something where people can live. You cant live right now in Gaza its a HORRIBLE situation. Nobodys ever seen anything like it. So yes we are going to create better conditions US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (October 9) credited President Donald Trumps engagement with Muslim and Arab leaders at the United Nations as a decisive factor in sealing the Gaza ceasefire deal. Rubio said, It really took a turn about a month ago, less than a couple weeks ago, when we were at the United Nations, and you convened a historic meeting, not simply of Arab countries, but of Muslim majority countries from around the world, including Indonesia and Pakistan, and created this coalition behind this plan. Trump last month met with leaders from eight Arab or predominantly Muslim nations on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to discuss strategy for ending the Israel-Hamas conflict and planning post-war reconstruction in Gaza. Rubio explained, The president had some extraordinary phone calls and meetings that required a high degree of intensity and commitment and made this happen. One day, perhaps the entire story will be told. Negotiations via Middle East intermediaries Rubio also highlighted the role of intermediaries in Qatar and Egypt in bringing Hamas on board. Trump, he said, simultaneously applied pressure on Netanyahu and rallied Arab and Muslim nations to support the ceasefire. Frankly, I dont know of any American president in the modern era that could have made this possible, Rubio said. Human story behind the deal Rubio emphasized that the ceasefire was not just political, but also profoundly humanitarian. I think whats important to understand is that yesterday what happened was really a human story, he said. None of it would have been possible without the president of the United States being involved. It really began with your trip to the Middle East, where these relationships were forged with partners in the region, personal and close relationships that created the foundation for all of this to be possible. Rubios remarks underscore the Trump administrations approach of blending high-level diplomacy, direct negotiations, and coalition-building to secure what US officials describe as a historic breakthrough in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Also Read | Will Palestinians be able to stay in Gaza? Trump reveals his plan for Gaza Nalin Haley, son of former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, lashed out at Vivek Ramaswamy Vivek Ramaswamy who is running for Ohio Governor election for allegedly comparing Holy Trinity to 300 million gods. Nalin also accused Ramaswamy of being blasphemous for comparing the Christian Holy Trinity to Hindu deities, calling the remark disrespectful and a slap in the face to every Christian. He added that if Ramaswamy plans to run for governor in a predominantly Christian state, he should have the decency to learn our faith and not slander it. Just when you thought it couldnt get worse. Comparing the Holy Trinity to your 330 million gods is blasphemous, disrespectful, and a slap in the face to every Christian. If youre gonna run for governor in a state that is Christian, have the decency to learn our faith and not slander it, Nalin Haley said in a post on X, reacting to a clip of Vivek Ramaswamy from a Turning Point USA event in Montana. Nalin Haleys post drew hundreds of reactions from Indian-Americans and other users, many of whom questioned his comments in light of his own Sikh roots also triggering reaction from Nalin. One user asked, What happened to you man? First there arent 330 million gods as you claim. And by your definition where does that put ur Sikh grandparents. To this, Nalin said, My Sikh grandparents never disrespected the Christian faith and compared their God to the Holy Trinity. Another user remarked, You are being unnecessarily harsh (with wrong facts) towards his Hindu faith. Very un-Christian behaviour, sorry to say. Earlier, Nalin had trolled Ramaswamy, saying, America is NOT an idea. Otherwise Liberia, which has a similar constitution, would be like the US. Also, the makeup isnt working for you. Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio Governor A staunch supporter of Donald Trump and his former running mate in the 2024 Presidential election, Vivek Ramaswamy announced his candidacy to serve as the next Governor of Ohio after he pulled out as the co-head of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Elon Musk earlier this year. The 39-year old Ohio native is seeking to replace term-limited Governor Mike DeWine a fellow Republican in the 2026 gubernatorial contest. Ramaswamy has never held elective office before, but gained attention during his unsuccessful 2024 campaign for the Republican presidential nomination won by Trump. At a Cabinet meeting on Thursday (October 9), Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. repeated claims linking the use of acetaminophen, widely known by its brand name Tylenol, to autism in children. He specifically suggested a connection between circumcision-related pain relief and increased autism risk. Theres two studies that show children who are circumcised early have double the rate of autism, Kennedy said. It's highly likely because they're given Tylenol." "So, you know, none of this... is positive, but all of it is stuff that we should be paying attention to. Trump supports investigation into potential causes During the hour-long cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump responded to Kennedys comments, emphasizing the importance of investigating all possible contributors to autism. The US should pay attention to all potential causes of autism, Trump said, echoing the administrations ongoing concern over rising autism rates in the country. Administration claims on Acetaminophen These remarks follow a press briefing last month, when the administration suggested a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. Trump stated at the time: Taking Tylenol is not good. Ill say it. Its not good. Women should avoid acetaminophen during the entire pregnancy. It is very dangerous to the woman's health. S President Donald Trump on Thursday (October 9) speaking at a cabinet meeting, said he hoped to attend a signing ceremony in Egypt marking the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal. Im going to try and make a trip over. Were going to try and get over there, and were working on the timing, the exact timing, he said. Trump hails Gaza ceasefire as historic achievement Speaking at the cabinet meeting, Trump noted, I won't be spending that much time here because I'll be leaving fairly soon for the Middle East. And I'm very honoured to be involved with that, I'll tell you. Trump described the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal as a milestone, emphasizing its significance for the United States and the region. It's a great thing for our country. People are so happy about it. I've never experienced anything quite like it. I've never seen such universal praise for being able to do something. It's something that nobody thought was possible, he said. The US President expressed optimism about the broader implications of the agreement, highlighting the potential for lasting peace. And we're going to end up having peace in the Middle East, Trump said, framing the deal as a historic opportunity to resolve long-standing regional tensions. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi earlier confirmed that he had invited Trump to a celebration to be held in Egypt for the agreement. Trump said he expects Hamas to release the remaining hostages by Monday or Tuesday under the terms of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. We secured the release of all of the remaining hostages, and they should be released on Monday or Tuesday, Trump told his cabinet secretaries at the White House. However, he cautioned that the bodies of some dead hostages would be hard to find. Possible address to Israeli parliament Trump also said he was invited to speak at the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. They asked me to speak at the Knesset and... Ive agreed to, if they would like me to, I will do it, he told reporters. The US president hailed the deal as a breakthrough that could lead to a broader peace in the region. The agreement between Israel and [the] Palestinian militant group had ended the war in Gaza and would lead to broader Middle East peace, Trump said. Disarmament and rebuilding Trump hinted at future steps in the peace process, saying: There will be disarming, there will be pullbacks, in reference to Israels demand that Hamas disarm and calls for Israeli troop withdrawals. He added that Gaza would be slowly redone, with reconstruction support expected from Arab states with tremendous wealth. He suggested these states could also join peacekeeping efforts. Also Read | PM congratulates Trump on Gaza plan, reviews trade talks progress Breakthrough in Gaza war Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to pause fighting in Gaza to allow the release of remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The deal, backed by the Trump administration, marks the most significant progress in months in the devastating two-year-old war. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace, Trump wrote on social media. Details of the agreement According to people familiar with the deal, Hamas will release around 20 living hostages within days, while Israel will begin withdrawing troops from most of Gaza. Both sides confirmed the contours of the deal, which sparked celebrations in Tel Aviv and cautious optimism in Gaza. With Gods help we will bring them all home, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, announcing plans to convene his government on Thursday to approve the agreement. Hamas urged mediators to ensure Israel implements the deal without disavowal or delay, stressing requirements for troop withdrawals, aid entry, and a prisoner-hostage exchange. Trumps peace plan The US-brokered peace plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, hostage releases, and a partial Israeli troop withdrawal. It also outlines the deployment of an international security force made up largely of Arab and Muslim states, while the US would spearhead Gazas reconstruction. However, unresolved issues remain, including Hamas disarmament, Gazas governance, and the future of a Palestinian state. Netanyahu opposes Palestinian Authority involvement, while Hamas refuses to disarm. Also Read | Trump assures no forced evacuations in Gaza under peace plan Days after President Donald Trump ordered the declassification and public release of all government files related to Amelia Earhart, the FBI has directed its employees in Washington, DC, and New York to search for any records connected to the aviators disappearance. According to two law enforcement sources quoted by CNN, employees in Washington DC and New York were asked to search their workstations and any digital media records. They have been asked to submit all records pertaining to disappearance of the aviator by Wednesday, October 15. The message to the FBI employees read: Per a priority request from the Executive Office of the President of the United States, please search any areas where papers or physical media records may be stored, to include both open or closed cases, for records responsive to Amelia Earhart. Who was Amelia Earhart? Amelia Earhart disappeared in 1937 while attempting to become the first woman to fly around the world, and was declared lost at sea after a 16-day search. Amelia Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, vanished while flying from New Guinea to Howland Island. Before she vanished, she had radioed that she was running low on fuel. The Navy searched but found no trace. The US government has long maintained that Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, perished when their plane went down, and she was declared legally dead in 1939. Earlier, Donald Trump announced that he had ordered the declassification and public release of all government records related to aviator Amelia Earhart, saying her 1937 disappearance during an attempted round-the-world flight has captivated millions. Trump called her fate an interesting story and said people have been asking him about declassifying and making public everything the government has on her. Trump returned to office earlier this year promising to declassify and release government records on several high-profile figures, though Earhart's was not among the names mentioned. In a post on his social media site, Trump wrote, Amelia made it almost three quarters around the World before she suddenly, and without notice, vanished, never to be seen again. Her disappearance, almost 90 years ago, has captivated millions. I am ordering my Administration to declassify and release all Government Records related to Amelia Earhart, her final trip, and everything else about her. The Republican president's administration since has released thousands of pages of records about President John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. All were assassinated during the 1960s and the files revealed no blockbuster information. The US has approved exports worth billions of dollars of Nvidia chips to the United Arab Emirates, making it the first of its kind under the Donald Trump administration. The Nvidia chip export approval comes as part of a deal between the US and the UAE that could serve as a blueprint for American AI statecraft but has been laden with controversy. In a recent notification, the Commerce Departments Bureau of Industry and Security issued the licenses to Nvidia to export under the terms of a bilateral AI agreement hashed out in May, Bloomberg reported quoting people familiar with the development. Nvidia has however not secured permits to export for G42, which is partnering with OpenAI on a campus in the UAEs capital city, according to the report. It is not clear how and when the additional licenses and will depend in part on how the UAEs specific investment plans unfold. Also Read | Oracle shares drop 7% after report flags cloud profit margins from Nvidia chips Under the accord, the oil-rich UAE will match in investment what it receives in chip shipments, on a dollar-for-dollar basis. That approval came after the UAE made concrete plans for a reciprocal amount of investment on American soil, a US official said. The official did not specify the exact value of the approved chip shipments and Emirati investment. Sign of progress The licenses given to Nvidia come as a sure sign of progress on the agreement that the US and UAE signed five months ago in May centered on a massive five-gigawatt data centre in the middle of Abu Dhabi where OpenAI may come as a tenant. That accord has been the source of significant chatter in the US, where some Trump officials at the Capitol have raised concerns about building such a large site outside the US, especially in a place where China has built significant industry. Securing the permits is a top priority for the UAE, where some officials have grown frustrated with what they see as a slow pace of US approvals. AI is among the top priorities for the Gulf nation, which is spending massively on infrastructure at home and overseas. However, Abu Dhabi has committed to a massive $1.4 trillion investment in the US over the next 10 year, which is underpinning such decisions from Washington. Former United States President Barack Obama has reacted to Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas signing an agreement to cease fire and free hostages and prisoners mediated by Donald Trump and said we should all be encouraged and relieved that an end to the conflict was near. While he did not mention Donald Trump by name or credit him for the Gaza peace deal, Barack Obama highlighted that it is now up to Israelis and Palestinians, with US support, to take the lead in rebuilding Gaza which has been battered by bombs for past two years. Taking to X after the Gaza peace deal, Barack Obama said, After two years of unimaginable loss and suffering for Israeli families and the people of Gaza, we should all be encouraged and relieved that an end to the conflict is within sight; that those hostages still being held will be reunited with their families; and that vital aid can start reaching those inside Gaza whose lives have been shattered. Also Read | Hamas' Gaza chief confirms permanent end to war with US guarantees More than that, though, it now falls on Israelis and Palestinians, with the support of the US and the entire world community, to begin the hard task of rebuilding Gaza and to commit to a process that, by recognizing the common humanity and basic rights of both peoples, can achieve a lasting peace, Barack Obama said. Ahead of the signing of the deal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Donald Trump, congratulating him for the achievement. In a post on X, PM Modi said, Spoke to my friend, President Trump and congratulated him on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan. Also reviewed the good progress achieved in trade negotiations. Agreed to stay in close touch over the coming weeks. Apart from pause in the ongoing clashes in the Palestinian territory and exchange of prisoners and hostages, the Gaza peace deal, thrashed out in indirect, closed-door talks in the Red Sea resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, also envisions a surge of aid into Gaza. Also Read | Will Palestinians be able to stay in Gaza? Trump reveals his plan for Gaza The peace deal was also made under the shadows of the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023 multi-level Hamas attack on the Israeli territory, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians. Hamas militants, who stormed the Israeli territory from air and land, took 251 people hostage into Gaza, where 47 remain. Soon after, Israel launched a military campaign against Hamas that has so far killed at least 67,194 people, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. Hamas exiled Gaza chief, Khalil Al-Hayya, confirmed on Thursday (October 9) that the group has received guarantees from the United States that the war in Gaza has permanently ended. We have reached a ceasefire deal, to proceed to a permanent ceasefire, Al-Hayya said, underscoring the historic nature of the agreement. The ceasefire deal, part of US President Donald Trumps initiative to end the two-year war in Gaza, includes: Immediate cessation of hostilities. Partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Release of all remaining 48 hostages captured by Hamas. Exchange of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, including 250 serving long terms and 1,700 arrested since the war began on October 7, 2023. Trump described the deal as a step toward lasting peace. Hamas plans to release the 20 living hostages within 72 hours of the ceasefire taking effect. Implementation hurdles remain While the deal represents progress, significant challenges remain: Hamas list of prisoners to be released has yet to be finalized. Questions remain over how Gaza will be governed post-war. Hamas has not agreed to disarm, a key Israeli demand. Rafah Border crossing and aid access Al-Hayya highlighted humanitarian provisions under the deal. The agreement opens the key Rafah border crossing with Egypt, allowing aid to flow into Gaza, he said. This move is expected to provide relief to civilians who have been sheltering in makeshift tents after widespread destruction. Background: Attempted strike on Hamas leaders Al-Hayya survived an Israeli missile strike in Qatar less than a month ago, which targeted him and other Hamas leaders. The attack killed other Hamas members and a Qatari security guard, angering Arab states and frustrating US officials. Trump pledged to prevent similar operations in the future. Implementation and impact Under the agreement, Israel will also release all jailed Palestinians. The deal, if fully implemented, could mark the end of one of the deadliest conflicts in the Middle East in recent years, which has killed tens of thousands and displaced countless civilians. Al-Hayya emphasized that the ceasefire represents a turning point for the region. This is a permanent end to the war in Gaza, with guarantees from the United States and international mediators, he said. Also Read | Marco Rubio credits Trumps diplomacy at UN as key to Gaza ceasefire Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal announced Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas signed a historic agreement on Thursday to cease fire and release Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. This marks the first phase of US President Donald Trumps initiative to end the two-year war in Gaza that has devastated the region and upended the Middle East. At the announcement, both Israelis and Palestinians celebrated, marking the biggest step yet toward ending a conflict that has claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives and saw the capture of hostages by Hamas. Also Read | Will Palestinians be able to stay in Gaza? Trump reveals his plan for Gaza Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of his peace plan to pause fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners, US President Donald Trump said Wednesday in announcing the outlines of the biggest breakthrough in months in the two-year-old war. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace, Trump wrote on social media. All Parties will be treated fairly!" A screen grab of a post by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account, announcing that Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of the U.S.-proposed Gaza deal, allowing for the release of all Israeli hostages, on October 8, 2025. Social Media/via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media, With Gods help we will bring them all home. Hamas said separately that the deal would ensure the withdrawal of Israeli troops as well as allow for the entry of aid and exchange of hostages and prisoners. A post by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reading 'With God's help we will bring them all home', following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that a deal had been reached between Israel and Hamas to end the two-year war in Gaza, in this screenshot taken from a social media website released October 9, 2025. Social Media Website/Handout via REUTERS The agreement is set to be presented to the Israeli Cabinet on Thursday for approval. Once approved, Israeli forces will begin their withdrawal to the agreed-upon boundary, a process expected to take less than 24 hours, according to a senior White House official who spoke anonymously to AP. Hamas then has 72 hours to release hostages, and the White House believes they will begin being released on Monday, the official said. Hamas to release all 20 living hostages this weekend Hamas plans to release all 20 living hostages this weekend, people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. The deceased hostages will come out in a later stage in phases. The Israeli army will move out of 70% of the area, they said, AP reported. It was not immediately clear whether the parties had made any progress on thornier questions about the future of the conflict, including whether Hamas will demilitarise, as Trump has demanded, and eventual governance of the war-torn territory. But the agreement nonetheless marked the most momentous development since a deal in January and February that involved the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Netanyahu will convene Israeli government tomorrow Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said he would convene the government tomorrow in order to approve the deal. I thank President Trump and his team from the bottom of my heart for their commitment to this sacred mission of freeing our hostages, Netanyahu said. Trump pleased with Kushner, Witkoff for getting deal closed Trump was pleased with Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff for their work to get the first phase of the agreement closed after arriving in Egypt on earlier on Wednesday, according to a person who has briefed on the negotiations and spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the delicate negotiations. In the leadup to Wednesdays announcement, Israeli officials were pushing back on inclusion of Marwan Barghouti, the most prominent Palestinian prisoner who is serving five life sentences in an Israeli jail, the person added, as reported by AP. Israeli officials made clear to the U.S. that the release of Barghouti would set off the far-right members of Netanyahus coalition. It was not immediately clear which Palestinian prisoners, including Barghouti, will be included in the first phase of the deal. Hamas says deal reached to end war in Gaza Hamas has announced that a deal has been reached to end the conflict in Gaza, which will guarantee the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the exchange of hostages and prisoners. The group said in a statement the deal came after responsible and serious negotiations over the proposal by President Donald Trump. Hamas called on Trump and the mediators to ensure that Israel implements all the provisions agreed upon without delay or changes. Qatar says Israel, Hamas agree on first phase of Gaza ceasefire deal. Qatar Foreign Ministry spokesman says Israel and Hamas reached an agreement on all the provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal. The agreement will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid, said Majed al-Ansari, Qatars foreign ministry spokesman, speaking on behalf of the mediators of the deal. He said the details will be announced later. Group representing hostage families receive ceasefire news with excitement The Hostages Families Forum, a grassroots organization representing many of the hostage families, said it received the news of a ceasefire with excitement, anticipation, and apprehension. The Forum called on the Israeli government to immediately convene to approve the deal, and praised Trump for his commitment and determination that led to this historic breakthrough. Israel-Gaza war The war began with Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people, many of them civilians, and the taking of 251 hostages. Israel's retaliatory military actions have caused widespread devastation in Gaza, leaving tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and sparking global political tensions. This marks the third ceasefire attempt since the conflict started. The first ceasefire in November 2023 saw over 100 hostages, primarily women and children, freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, but it collapsed shortly after. The second, in January and February of this year, led to the release of 25 Israeli hostages and the return of eight more bodies, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. That ceasefire ended in March after Israel launched a surprise bombardment. A growing number of experts, including those from U.N. bodies, have accused Israel's offensive in Gaza of amounting to genocide, a charge that Israel denies. As of now, over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 170,000 wounded, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which is under Hamas' control. The ministry's figures, while contested by some, are widely regarded by the U.N. and independent experts as the most accurate estimates of wartime casualties. In the midst of this, Gaza remains in ruins, with many Palestinians fleeing Israels latest ground assault. Thousands have sought refuge in makeshift tents along the beach in central Gaza, often using blankets for shelter as they await a possible breakthrough in the ongoing conflict. Israeli tanks were observed firing on a crowded coastal path near Deir al-Balah in Gaza on Thursday, shortly after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was announced. Reuters footage filmed at 0939 GMT shows explosions and smoke from tank shelling in close proximity to dozens of Palestinian civilians walking in the area. The incident occurred just hours after US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had signed off on the first phase of a peace plan aimed at pausing the two-year war in Gaza. The plan includes hostage releases, prisoner exchanges, partial Israeli troop withdrawals, and humanitarian aid deliveries. While Israels government is expected to ratify the ceasefire later on Thursday, military operations in Gaza have reportedly continued, though at a reduced pace compared with previous weeks. Immediate steps in phase one Hamas has agreed to release the 20 Israeli hostages still believed alive, along with the remains of approximately 28 others who died during the October 7, 2023 attacks. Israel will free nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 others detained since the start of the war. High-profile Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti will not be part of the exchange. Israel is set to partially redeploy its forces to a pre-agreed yellow line within 24 hours of government ratification. A minimum of 400 aid trucks will enter Gaza daily during the first five days, delivering food, medical supplies, and support to rebuild the territorys devastated health infrastructure. Families displaced from southern Gaza will also be allowed to return to Gaza City and northern areas immediately. Also Read | Hamas' Gaza chief confirms permanent end to war with US guarantees UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is in India to discuss trade with New Delhi, met Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani on Wednesday a key architect of Aadhaar, the country's own digital Unique ID programme. Starmer and Nilekani met amid the British government's push to roll out a similar national identification card, with the world leader seeking guidance from the Infosys co-founder to implement an Aadhaar-like system in the UK. Nandan Nilekani is widely credited with the launch of Aadhaar in 2009, which has now been issued to almost all Indians and has become an indispensible part of the Indian identity. According to Starmer's spokesman spokesman Dave Pares, who spoke to reporters in Mumbai on Wednesday, the UK PM wanted to hear from him as his government seeks to roll out a similar ID card. Why does UK want an Aadhaar? Speaking to journalists in Mumbai, Keir Starmer said that the smartphone-based ID proposed by him to ensure to address the fact that too many people can come to this country to work illegally. Starmer said it would become compulsory for migrants to show the digital ID, similar to Aadhaar, to prove they had the right to work. He added that the government should make the case for other people to use it too, since it would be a good passport. I dont know how many times the rest of you have had to look in the bottom drawer for three bills when you want to get your kids into school, or apply for this or apply for that, he said, referring to a system many institutions have in place to check someones identity by cross-referencing it with their utility bills. I do think we could gain a significant advantage. Similar, but not the same Keir Starmer on his way to Mumbai spoke to journalists, praising India's Aadhaar ecosystem. I do think that we could gain a significant advantage. Were going to a country, India, where theyve already done ID and made a massive success of it. So one of the meetings Ill be having is about ID, in relation to that, he said. Also Read | Why is UK not issuing more visas for highly skilled Indians despite FTA? Aadhaar is used much more extensively in India, with people's biometric data being stored by the UIDAI. According to a report by Guardian, UK is not trying to copy that but is attempting to examine the way it was used and implemented. Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged for the first time on Thursday that his country was involved in the 2024 crash of an Azerbaijani passenger plane, calling it a tragedy, news agency reported AFP. On 25 December, the Azerbaijan Airlines flight crashed in Kazakhstan, resulting in the deaths of 38 of the 67 passengers and crew on board. This occurred after it was diverted from its scheduled landing in the southern Russian city of Grozny. Days after the crash, Putin apologised to Aliyev for what he described as a tragic incident, but he did not admit responsibility. Meanwhile, Aliyev criticised Moscow for attempting to hush up the event. During a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Putin stated that Russia had launched two missiles to target Ukrainian drones on the morning of the incident and these missiles detonated a few meters away from the aircraft. The two missiles that were fired did not directly hit the aircraft. If that had happened, it would have crashed on the spot, AFP quoted Putin as saying. Russian air traffic controllers suggested the pilot try to land in Makhachkala, but he instead attempted to land at his home airport and then in Kazakhstan, where the plane eventually came to a stop, Putin noted. Russia will do everything necessary in such tragic cases to provide compensation and the actions of all officials will be legally assessed, he said. Aliyev earlier alleged that Russia was trying to hide the real reason behind the crash. The report quoted the Kremlin's statement as indicating that he expressed gratitude to Putin on Thursday for his support and sharing detailed information about the tragedy. Russia's air transport agency initially indicated that the Embraer 190 was diverted due to a bird strike. United States President Donald Trump on Thursday, October 10, announced that Israel and Hamas have signed off on the Gaza peace deal as he also revealed what he plans to do with the Palestinian territory. When asked if he could guarantee that Palestinians would be able to stay in Gaza, Donald Trump acknowledged the dire conditions saying, You cant live right now in Gaza its a HORRIBLE situation. He added that his administration plans to create a place that would provide people with a place with better conditions. He said, Were gonna create something where people can live. You cant live right now in Gaza its a HORRIBLE situation. Nobodys ever seen anything like it. So yes we are going to create better conditions Trump was also asked if there was any guarantee that Israel would not resume bombing Gaza, Donald Trump emphasised that his top priority was securing the release of hostages. 1st thing were doing is getting our hostages back. After that, we will see. But theyve agreed to things, I think its gonna move along pretty well, he said. Gaza war ended? Top Hamas official says he has assurance Meanwhile, a top Hamas negotiator said in a speech televised on Al Jazeera that the militant group had received assurances from the United States and other mediators that its war with Israel had come to an end. We have received assurances from the brotherly mediators and the US administration, all confirming that the war has come to a complete end, Khalil al-Hayya said, adding, We have reached ceasefire deal, to proceed to PERMANENT ceasefire. Adds aid will be allowed into Gaza, Rafah border crossing to be opened. Under the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, fighting will cease, Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza, and Hamas will free all remaining 48 hostages it captured in the attack that precipitated the war, in exchange for prisoners held by Israel. At the White House after the signing off on the deal, Trump said he believed it would lead to lasting peace. Congress leader P Chidambaram voiced disappointment on Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of wrongly attributing remarks about Indias response to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks to him. "I quote the Hon'ble PM's words: .....has said India was ready to respond after 26/11, but because of the pressure exerted by some country, then the Congress govt stopped India's armed forces from attacking Pakistan," the former Home Minister said in a post on X. The statement has three parts, and each one of them is WRONG, terribly WRONG, he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed the Congress party for not acting against Pakistan after the 2008 Mumbai attacks due to pressure from a foreign country. The Prime Minister sought answers from the Congress party on made the decision at that time. It is disappointing to read that the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India imagined the words and attributed them to me, Chidambaram said on 9 October. The Prime Minister was referring to recent Chidambaram's remarks admitting, in a recent interview, that the Congress-led UPA government had decided not to retaliate against Pakistan after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks due to intense international pressure. PM Modi said in his Navi Mumbai speech that the Congress needs to tell who made the decision under pressure from a foreign power. "The country has all right to know. Congress's weakness strengthened the terrorists. The country repeatedly has had to pay for this mistake by sacrificing lives. For us, nothing is more important than national security and the safety of our citizens," he said. What did P Chidambaram say? The Congress leader has revealed that retribution crossed my mind but the government decided against military action. "The whole world descended upon Delhi to tell us don't start a war," said Chidambaram during a recent interview. Chidambaram took over as the Union Home Minister days after the 26/11 terror attacks that claimed the lives of 175 people. "Condoleezza Rice, who was then US Secretary of State, flew in two or three days after I took over, to meet me and the Prime Minister. And to say, 'please don't react'. I said this is a decision that the government will take. Without disclosing any official secret, it did cross my mind that we should do some act of retribution," the Congress leader acknowledged. What happened on 26/11 in Mumbai? A group of 10 Pakistani terrorists affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out attacks on the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj railway station; the Oberoi Trident, the Taj Mahal Palace, the Leopold Cafe, the Cama Hospital, and the Nariman House on 26 November 2008 in what later came to be known as the Mumbai attacks. Ajmal Kasab, one of the terrorists who was caught by the Mumbai Police, was executed in 2012. The statement has three parts, and each one of them is WRONG, terribly WRONG. PM Modi's remarks in Mumbai assume significance since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has frequently cited Indias reaction after the Mumbai attack as an example of the UPAs weakness in foreign policy and security issues. Google told many of its employees that they must allow a third-party AI healthcare tool to access their data if they want health benefits, according to a new report by Business Insider. The company told its U.S.-based employees this month that if they wished to sign up for Alphabet's health benefits, they must grant access to AI-powered tools provided by Nayya. Also Read | ChatGPT can now complete UPI payments and order groceries from BigBasket Nayya's AI tool reportedly allows employees to put information about their health and lifestyle in and get personalized guidance on the benefits to choose. "Nayya provides core health plan operating services to optimize your benefits usage, so Alphabet health plan participants can't entirely opt out of third-party data sharing (as permitted under HIPAA)," an internal document for employees was quoted as saying by BI. "To opt out of health supplier data sharing going forward, unenroll from the Alphabet-provided benefits during Open Enrollment or when you experience a Qualified Family Status Change," it added. Reportedly, a staffer would not be eligible for any health benefits if they declined to opt into Nayya's tool. Google employees rattled by the demand The unusual demand by the company is said to have rankled some employees within its ranks. Employees reportedly posted messages on the company's internal Q&A site, asking why they must give potentially sensitive medical data to an outside AI tool in order to receive medical coverage. Also Read | Over 70,000 government ID photos leaked in Discord data breach "This is a very dark pattern... I cannot meaningfully consent to my data being shared with this company, and I do not want to consent in this manner," read one of the posts. "Consent for an optional feature like 'benefits usage optimization' is not meaningful if it's coupled to a must-have feature like Google's HEALTH PLANS! The word you're thinking of is 'coercive,'" added another post. A Nayya spokesperson reportedly told the publication that Google had conducted a standard security and privacy review of its product which allows employees to choose to participate to see how much of their deductible has been met and receive personalized plan recommendations. Meanwhile, Google seemed to have gone back on the mandate and the company told Business Insider that its intent was not reflected in the language on the HR site. Meta has announced that it is expanding its Reels translation feature for Instagram and Facebook to more languages. The social media giant now allows creators to translate their Reels into Hindi and Portuguese before posting them. Notably, the feature was earlier rolled out by Meta in English and Spanish in August. Instagram Head Adam Mosseri, while explaining the need for the new feature in a video on Instagram, said, Most of the videos on Instagram are in a language you don't speak, but that doesn't mean you aren't interested in them. Mosseri subsequently went on to dub the rest of his video in Hindi, Spanish, and Portuguese using Meta AI. A similar demonstration was also shown on Mark Zuckerberg's Instagram post. How does Meta's dubbed Reels feature work? Meta says that the new feature works by mimicking the sound and tone of the creator's voice to translate Reels in order to ensure that the end result feels authentic. To ensure that the Reels feel more natural, creators will also have the option of turning on the lip-syncing feature that, as the name suggests, will sync the translated audio to the creator's mouth movements. The Reels dubbed with Meta AI will come with a dedicated label, "Translated with Meta AI," in order to ensure that viewers know that AI was used in the making of the video. Meta says viewers will have the option of turning translations on or off or even watch the Reels in their original language. To do so, they will have to head over to the three-dot settings, then tap on the audio and language section, and select "Don't translate." While YouTube has also been dubbing videos in various languages, Instagram's rollout of the feature seems different with a dedicated AI label and the added consent, both for creators and viewers. While YouTube allows creators to turn off auto-dubbing for their videos, viewers have no one-stop option to turn off AI-dubbed videos. The translation feature on Meta AI will be available to creators over 1,000 followers on Facebook and to all public Instagram accounts in countries where Meta AI is available. How to start translating Reels with Meta AI? Creators on Facebook and Instagram will see a new Translate your voice with Meta AI option while uploading their Reel. They will need to click on this option and then choose whether or not to enable lip-syncing. Reels translate options on Instagram Instagram reel translate feature There is massive buzz about the possibility of US President Donald Trump getting the Nobel Peace Prize this year. However, there are also speculations that he has been disqualified. Heres what we know so far. Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that he stopped the India-Pakistan war in May. The US president continues to argue that he threatened the Asian neighbours with tariff imposition if they continued to engage in a war-like situation. According to Trump, he gave India and Pakistan 24 hours to stop the military engagement. It stopped within 4 hours after his phone call, he claims. On June 20, Pakistan announced plans to nominate Donald Trump for his decisive leadership during the India-Pakistan crisis. India, however, has never officially acknowledged that the US played any role in stopping the war. A Republican congressman nominated Trump for the Iran-Israel ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed support. In August, Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Manet also claimed to have nominated President Trump for mediating the Thailand ceasefire. There are 338 candidates for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, 244 individuals and 94 organisations, according to USA Today. The winner will be announced on October 10. Now, the issue with all these nominations for Trump is the fact that the deadline for this years Nobel Peace Prize nominations was January 31. it means the said nominations for Donald Trump came too late to be valid. Qualified individuals, like government officials, can submit them. However, the Nobel Committee does not release the names of nominees until 50 years later. Last night, Trump was asked if he would win the Nobel Peace Prize 2025. Check his reply: So, is Donald Trump disqualified? No, he is not. Heres why. On December 11, New York Congresswoman Claudia Tenney said she had nominated Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for the Nobel Peace Prize. Tenney said the nomination was for their work on the Abraham Accords. The US-brokered agreements normalised Israels ties with several Arab nations in 2020. Without their work, terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the IRGC would still pose a massive threat to all civilians in the Middle East and around the world, the Congresswoman said in an official statement. In a time of global turmoil, the bold and unwavering efforts of these leaders is unprecedented and offers hope for lasting peace in the Middle East and around the world (sic), she added. Country music sensation Luke Combs has surprised millions of his fans by announcing his My Kinda Saturday Night tour that will cover multiple cities across North America and Europe. According to Country Central, Dierks Bentley, The Teskey Brothers, The Script, Ty Myers, Thomas Rhett, Jake Worthington, The Castellows, and Thelma & James have been announced as the supporting acts. In an official release, Combs dubbed 2025 as awesome and said they have been able to perform at some of the most iconic festivals in the world and promote country music in ways that it normally isnt. But he stated that there is nothing like a headline show on a full tour with all of my fans. Combs said he can't wait for March 2026, when he will kickstart the tour from Las Vegas and make multiple stops in eight countries. My Kinda Saturday Night tour: Key dates to remember 21 March 2026: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas, Nevada) 4 April 2026: Carl Smith Center (Scott Stadium) in Virginia's Charlottesville 11 April 2026: Jack Trice Stadium (Ames, Iowa) 18 April 2026: Notre Dame Stadium (South Bend, Indiana) 25 April 2026: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, Ohio) 2 May 2026: Neyland Stadium (Knoxville, Tennessee) 9 May 2026: Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (Norman, Oklahoma) 16 May 2026: Lambeau Field (Green Bay, Wisconsin) 30 May 2026: Parc Jean-Drapeau (Montreal, Quebec) 6 June 2026: Rogers Stadium (Toronto, Ontario) 4 July 2026: Ullevi (Gothenburg, Sweden) 7 July 2026: Accor Arena (Paris, France) 11 July 2026: Johan Cruyff Arena (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) 18 July 2026: Slane Castle (Ireland) 25 July 2026: Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (Edinburgh, Scotland) 1 August 2026: Wembley Stadium (London, UK) My Kinda Saturday Night tour: Tickets and other details The tickets for the concerts will be made available for pre-sale to The Bootleggers, which is Luke Combs's fan club, at 10 AM (local time) on 14 October. It will be followed by the general pre-sale on 15 October, while the public on-sale will start at 10 AM (local time) on 17 October. Those who plan to register for The Bootleggers can visit the official website at LukeCombs.com. FAQs Who is Luke Combs? Performing since childhood, Combs has received multiple Grammy nominations for his work. He is best known for his singles Fast Car and The Kind of Love We Make, among others. When and where will Luke Combs perform next? He is set to perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival on 10 October, followed by Bootleggers Bonfire at Miramar Beach on 23 October and 25 October. UPDATE: Dolly Parton has released a video Wednesday clarifying that she's doing alright, despite online rumors about her health declining. She said after her husband Carl Dean passed, she neglected her own health for a certain period. Her sister, Freida, previously asked the world for prayers, saying Dolly had not "been feeling her best lately." Parton, 79, did not say what treatments she underwent nor did she share many details, but said she was busy filming commercials for the Grand Ole Opry. "Do I look sick to you?" Parton said in the video. "I'm working hard here!" She said she appreciates everyone's concern and willingness to drop everything and pray. "I appreciate your prayers because I'm a person of faith. I can always use your prayers." But the Dolly show is not over. "I'm not ready to die yet," Parton said. "I don't think God is through with me, and I ain't done working." PREVIOUS STORY: Dolly Parton's sister, Freida Parton is asking for prayers for her sister and country music icon faces health challenges. In her Facebook post, Freida said she was "up all night praying" for Dolly, saying "many of you know she hasn't been feeling her best lately." But in a subsequent post, Freida explained "I want to clear something up. I didnt mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly. Shes been a little under the weather, and I simply asked for prayers because I believe so strongly in the power of prayer. It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister. Thank you all for lifting her up. Your love truly makes a difference." In late September, Parton posted on her Instagram account that she was told by doctors she has to undergo a few procedures, but shared few details. Parton was set to perform six shows at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace from December 4 to 13 in her first Las Vegas residency in more than 30 years. Those shows were delayed until September 2026. In rural Ireland, theres always a concern that cases of domestic abuse - be they physical and/or psychological - risk going undetected due to the isolated nature of life in the sticks. Its a concern that carries merit. All too often we see national headlines of a murder victims spouse being convicted of their killing, while on a more local level, the weekly sitting of Longford District Court is rarely without domestic violence cases making an appearance on the list for a private hearing. Read more: Budget 2026 is a bold and practical response to Longford housing challenges In an effort to strengthen frontline responses to domestic abuse, as well as sharpen professionals understanding of the mindsets of abuse victims, and the behaviours and tactics of their abusers, Longford Womens Link (LWL) invited internationally renowned criminologist, Professor Jane Monckton Smith OBE, to deliver a two-day training seminar, titled, Responding to the Risk of Domestic Homicide in Rural Ireland. Professor Monckton Smith, who specialises in homicide, coercive control, and stalking, spoke to a packed room of industry professionals in the Longford Arms Hotel last Tuesday and Wednesday, holding the attention of every attendee as she walked through multiple case studies in addition to unpacking in-depth topics such as the 8 stages to domestic homicide, suicide/violent resistence timeline, and, honour based abuse. Also addressing the crowd at the seminar were Tara Farrell, CEO of LWL, Raymond McMahon, Chief Superintendent, and Natalie OReilly, Manager of the Domestic Abuse Response Team. Information packs handed out on the day contained reams of helpful data and insights, however probably the most impactful of all were the two pages that both contained a map of Ireland; one filled with images of murdered women, the other, images of murdered children. Even more hard hitting is the small note at the bottom of the both maps where it explains that the image shows just some of those murdered and you realise the number of victims is perhaps such that theres not enough space to include them all in the one page. A man whose sister was sadly one of the women featured in the image was also in attendance for the seminar. Activist and teacher, Jason Poole, lost his sister Jennifer in 2021 when she was murdered by her ex-partner, Gavin Murphy, whom she was unaware had a history of domestic violence and convictions. Jason is now campaigning for legislation and a domestic violence register called Jennies Law so women can find out if their new partner has previous convictions or a record of abusive episodes. Read more: Longford gardai launch investigation after quantity of jewellery stolen The seminar drew attendees from all over Ireland and from a variety of fields, such as policing, law, HSE, Tusla, social work, and activism, all of whom, like Jason, want to prevent as many families as possible from suffering the needless loss of a loved one. Professor Monckton Smiths compelling insights, can be found in her book, In Control: Dangerous Relationships and How They End in Murder.' With cases of coercive control on the rise in County Longford, last week's training seminar on preventing domestic homicide in rural Ireland could certainly be seen as a most vital tool for frontline professionals in this day and age. As Natalie OReilly, manager of Domestic Abuse Response Team in Longford Womens Link, explains, every individual suffering from abuse is a potential future homicide statistic. Read more: Free training for event organisers in Longford town coming soon We have a high volume of clients at the moment, active clients within the DV service in Longford Women's Link, and as the professor said, 90% of abuse cases are coercive control, so they're already on the timeline to domestic homicide. All of these women potentially could be a statistic in the future. Hopefully not all will make the timeline of homicide. It's our responsibility as frontline agencies that we prevent the escalation into the homicide; that somebody would be able to risk assess in the forensic lens and be that intervention, that support, to stop the escalation. Natalie says the hope now is to achieve a new model of practice, one that consists of a multi-agency response. She explains further, When a victim attends any kind of service, we understand they have multiple services that they have to gather support from, whether it's a solicitor, healthcare, social work, the Gardai, and what we're trying to achieve is a system where everybody is on the same page. She added, We've brought in a leading expert, Professor Monckton Smith, to deliver this framework that she's delivering across Europe, so that well all have the same understanding of what coercive control is. During the first morning, she spoke about coercive control being the overarching law, and its all of the methods and tactics within coercive control that are achieved to maintain control. Read more: Longford Variety Show launch night added plenty of excitement for this year's show So it could be physical violence, it can be sexual, financial, psychological so psychological is not coercive control, but it's a tactic under coercive control. Professor Monkcton Smith really identifies how to risk-assess. She's giving us all of the tools of how in a multi-agency way, we can all risk-assess. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir (center-left) visits Gaza on October 9. (IDF) Overnight between October 8 and 9, Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a peace proposal initially announced by US President Donald Trump on September 29. An Israeli delegation negotiated the deal in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, where Hamas, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the US had also sent representatives for the talks that began on Monday, October 6. This means that all of the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw its troops to an agreed-upon line, Trump wrote in a social media post announcing the agreement. Trump thanked Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt for mediating the ceasefire and said the deal marked a great day for Israel and Arab and Muslim countries in the region. He also stated that the development should pave the way to a strong, durable and everlasting peace. In subsequent comments, Trump added that the deal represents a momentous breakthrough in the Middle East. Israels cabinet convened on October 9 to discuss the agreement, which is now expected to be voted on by the broader government coalition. A ceasefire in Gaza is expected to begin on October 9. Hamas will have 72 hours to fulfill its end of the agreement and release all the hostages. The terror group may finish releasing the hostages by Monday, The Jerusalem Post reported. It was unclear whether the release would take place on Monday or Tuesday due to conflicting questions over the timeline, according to The Times of Israel. There are 48 hostages held in Gaza, around 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Israel is preparing to receive the hostages at hospitals, and the government has pledged a package of long-term support for these survivors, who were held in Gaza for two years. The first phase of the deal is supposed to see the 48 hostages freed. In exchange, reports say that Israel will release 250 Palestinians serving life sentences for crimes, as well as 1,700 detainees from Gaza. Israel will also hand over the bodies of 15 Palestinians in exchange for each hostage whose remains are returned to Israel, the Times of Israel noted. Throughout Thursday, many discussions focused on which prisoners would be freed. Talks are expected to continue into a second phase of the deal. The next phases will involve the demilitarization of Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the empaneling of a board of peace and a new governance institution. Further Israeli military withdrawals from the territory will accompany these initiatives. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) currently controls 70 to 80 percent of Gaza. The IDF had been fighting in Gaza City throughout September and early October in an operation dubbed Gideons Chariots II. To comply with the first phase of the deal, Israeli forces are supposed to withdraw to a new line of deployment that will include around 53 percent of Gaza. The following two phases would involve withdrawals to 40 percent and then 15 percent of Gaza. The IDF is expected to remain in the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border and in other key areas, such as Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza and the environs outside major cities. The Israeli military has conducted similar withdrawals throughout the war. During the January 2025 ceasefire, the IDF withdrew from most portions of Gaza into a buffer zone along the border, similar to the vision for the subsequent phases of the current agreement. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir visited Gaza on October 9, where he viewed the current posture of Israeli divisions and discussed preparations for implementing the first phase of the deal. Thanks to significant military pressure and a powerful and high-quality ground operation, you, the troops, created the conditions for the return of the hostages home. Our military activity produced a political achievement; that achievement is first and foremost yours, Zamir said. Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024). Manchester, VT (05254) Today A mix of clouds and sun early, then becoming cloudy later in the day. High 28F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight A few snow showers scattered about the area in the evening, otherwise a good deal of clouds. Low 18F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 30%. Dear Eric: Our granddaughter has been seriously dating her beau for nearly eight years. He is 35 and she is 30. A week ago, he was found to have a brain tumor. His mother will not allow her to see him at the hospital. Granddaughter is devastated. His mother was verbally abusive to our granddaughter. Does his mother have the right to keep her from visiting him at the hospital? Mother is vicious with her words and adamant. Granddaughter communicates with one of his cousins, checking on him. But she only wants to be able to tell her beau that she loves him. His fate is unknown. Any advice from you would be greatly appreciated. Locked Out Dear Locked Out: Im so sorry about this. It appears that the mothers shock and grief are manifesting in a way thats neither fair nor kind to your granddaughter. As his blood relation, she can dictate who has access to her son, depending on the hospitals policy. Your granddaughter may want to reach out to hospital administration to see what their policy is and if theres an option for her within its scope. Another option is to write the beau a letter and get it to him through the cousin. Or ask the cousin to FaceTime from the hospital, if the beau is able to communicate. Its not ideal, but your granddaughter need not subject herself to more vitriol from the mother. (Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.) 2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Former Holyoke City Councilor Wilmer Puello-Mota seen at a May 5, 2022, event. (Frederick Gore / Special to The Republican, File) HOLYOKE Disgraced former City Councilor Wilmer Puello-Mota wants to vote in Holyokes upcoming municipal elections. Hes been keeping up an email correspondence with Holyoke City Clerk and Registrar of Voters Brenna Murphy Leary for weeks, seeking an absentee ballot. Assuming its him, Leary said Thursday. There has been some back and forth. The requests are coming from Puello-Motas email, she said, while declining to go into further detail. He did not elaborate a reason for voting. He said he is in Russia. Meanwhile, shes consulting with City Solicitor Lisa Ball and with the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth on whether Puello-Mota, who is presumably still in Russia, is eligible to vote in Holyoke. The circumstances are certainly unique, Ball said. We have a duty to investigate and determine a voters eligibility. Thats what we will do. The state says the decision rests with Holyoke. Our Elections Division is aware of the absentee ballot applications he submitted, wrote Debra OMalley, director of communications for Secretary William F. Galvin, in an emailed response to The Republican. Ultimately, determinations regarding the eligibility of an absentee voter must be made by the local Board of Registrars. It is our understanding that the city clerks office has consulted their legal counsel regarding this persons eligibility to receive an overseas absentee ballot. Wilmer Puello-Mota insists he is not a traitor in a video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense. (Screenshot via Youtube) The Republican According to Galvins website, a Massachusetts voter is eligible for an absentee ballot if that voter is a citizen living outside the U.S. Puello-Mota would be exercising his franchise, despite having fled to the Russian Army rather than face a child pornography charge in Rhode Island. Puello-Mota, now 29, served a two-year term on the council and is an Air Force veteran, having served on the security force at the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base and on deployment to Afghanistan. He got in trouble back in 2020 after he reported a stolen gun, and police found nude images of a 17-year-old girl on his phone. Hed met the girl on a sugar daddy website. Police in Warwick, Rhode Island, charged Puello-Mota with one count of having sexually explicit images of a child. They later added charges of trying to deceive prosecutors and his commanders about the case, after prosecutors tried to offer him a deal open to service members. Instead, Puello-Mota forged letters purportedly from his commanders and tried to impersonate one of his superiors on the phone. Puello-Mota later sued his fellow councilors to keep his seat on the council while he fought the charges. He was about to plead guilty in Rhode Island on charges of possession of child sex abuse images, obstruction of the judicial system, forgery and counterfeiting back in January 2024. Under the plea, hed have served just 18 months of incarceration, and he would have had to register as a sex offender. Puello-Mota told his attorney, in a phone call after fleeing, that he was afraid registering as an offender would harm his job prospects. Hed already been separated from the Air National Guard. So instead of appearing in court, he boarded a Turkish Airlines flight from Dulles International Airport in Washington bound for Istanbul, and then made his way to Russia. Once there, he joined Putins military and trained as a drone operator for service against Ukraine. Hes appeared in Russian propaganda videos. I dont consider myself a traitor, he said in one video. The United States and Russia are not at war. Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan is announcing several promotions, reassignments and new hires. Northwestern Assistant District Attorney Erin Aiello was promoted to chief of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit and ADA Thomas Robinson was promoted to chief of the Elders and Persons with Disabilities Unit. Meanwhile, former Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit Chief Sandra Staub transitioned to the Juvenile Justice Unit. Aiello has worked for the Northwestern District Attorneys Office in the DVSAU since February 2019 after working previously in the Plymouth and Bristol County district attorneys offices. Robinson joined the office in 2023 after working for years in various positions with the Committee for Public Counsel Services and in private practice. Ingrid Frau joined the office as an assistant district attorney in the DVSAU after a 19-year tenure in the Hampden County District Attorneys Office, including many years as a domestic violence prosecutor. Other recent staff changes include: ADA Jared Hirsch, who has worked at the office since January of 2023 after previously working as an ADA in Suffolk County was named attorney-in-charge of the Northampton District Court, replacing former ADA Veronice Santana, who left in June to take a position with the Massachusetts Parole Board. ADA Elayna Bartolomeo was promoted to attorney-in-charge of the offices Greenfield District Court staff. Bartolomeo joined the office in December 2022 after previously working as an ADA in Berkshire County. She replaces ADA Ryan Scott, who will continue prosecuting cases in Greenfield District Court while also working alongside Superior Court ADA Aidan Lanciani handling investigations and cases from the Northwestern Anti-Crime Task Force. Other recent new hires as assistant district attorneys were Mailande DeWitt and Kyle Stublen. Stublen, who previously worked as a prosecutor in Florida and at the Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office, is working in the Child Protection Unit. DeWitt, a new member of the bar, is a prosecutor in the district courts. *********************************************************************** Tech Foundry in Springfield announces the hiring of two new staff members. Keshia Maxwell is serving as the director of Tech Foundrys new Tech Bridge program. Tech Bridge will serve recent graduates from Springfield, Holyoke and Chicopee public high schools who are not immediately enrolling in college. This scholarship-based program focuses on tech training, professional development, work experience, college exploration and team building, to bridge the gap between high school and future pathways. Maxwell is a Springfield native and graduate of the Springfield Public Schools. She brings nearly 10 years of experience as an educator, including several years as an elementary school math teacher. She also brings 14 years of military service, including international humanitarian program management in Dakar, Senegal, where she served as a U.S. Army bilateral affairs officer. She holds bachelors degrees in Japanese language/literature and English from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a masters in education from Springfield College. Noella Moshi was hired as Tech Foundrys new director of engagement She has a professional background in strategy and program. design. She was born in Tanzania and has lived in eight countries. Previous roles include being as an executive director and head of programs. She holds a masters degree in clinical science and immunology from the University of Cape Town and has completed a course in exponential fundraising at the Harvard Kennedy School. Moshi serves on several boards, including for West Africa Vocational Education and the Livelihood Impact Fund. ****************************************************************** Chikmedia, a South Hadley boutique firm specializing in marketing, public relations, branding and design, announces the addition of Julianne Fruscio as a content producer. Fruscio holds a bachelors degree in integrated marketing communications from Ithaca Colleges Roy H. Park School of Communications. She previously served as director of marketing, retention and field services at Dominion Dealer Solutions, as well as business development and marketing specialist at Excelsior Integrated. Alan Jackson performs "Remember When" during the 60th annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Alan Jackson has set a date for his last planned performance after finishing his retirement tour earlier this year. Jacksons final full-length concert, Last Call: One More for the Road The Finale," will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. We just felt like we had to end it all where it all started, and thats in Nashville, Tennessee Music City where country music lives," The Grand Ole Opry member wrote in an Instagram post Wednesday. I gotta do the last one there. Jacksons final performance will feature an all-star roster of country music stars. The list includes Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and Lee Ann Womack. Fan club pre-sale tickets go on sale starting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15 while a general admission sale starts at 10 a.m. that same day. Fans can register for tickets now through Monday, Oct. 13 on Jacksons website. Jackson, 66, embarked on his Last Call: One More for the Road tour in June 2022, which concluded this past May. The Country Music Hall of Fame inductee revealed his decision to retire last year, citing his family as a big part of that. Jacksons decision to retire was also fueled by his battle with a rare genetic condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. The chronic neuropathy condition affects a persons balance and ability to walk, and it apparently runs in his family. Jackson, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2011, said in 2021 interview with the TODAY show that he inherited the disease from his father. Its been affecting me for years, and its getting more and more obvious, Jackson said on the show. I know Im stumbling around on stage and now Im having a little trouble balancing even in front of the microphone, and so I just feel very uncomfortable. The two-time Grammy winner had his final show on the Last Call Tour on May 17 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Country music icon Alan Jackson has announced he will perform one final concert, titled Last Call: One More for the Road The Finale on June 27, 2026 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. The show will mark the end of Jacksons legendary career after wrapping up his retirement tour earlier this year. We just felt like we had to end it all where it all started, and thats in Nashville, Tennessee Music City where country music lives, the Grand Ole Opry member shared in an Instagram post. I gotta do the last one there. Dont miss your last chance to see Alan Jackson live in concert! Find tickets now on SeatGeek, Ticketmaster, StubHub, and Vivid Seats. Star-Studded Lineup for Alan Jacksons Final Show Jacksons farewell performance will feature an all-star roster of country music stars joining him on stage. The incredible lineup includes Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and Lee Ann Womack. Fans can register for pre-sale tickets starting Monday, Oct. 13 on Alan Jacksons website. The fan club pre-sale begins at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, with general public tickets going on sale at 10 a.m. that same day. Alan Jacksons Legendary Career and Retirement Alan Jackson, 66, embarked on his Last Call: One More for the Road tour in June 2022, which concluded in May 2025. The Country Music Hall of Fame inductee revealed his decision to retire last year, citing his family and health as major factors. Jackson has been battling Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a rare genetic condition that affects his balance and ability to walk. Its been affecting me for years, and its getting more and more obvious, he explained in a 2021 interview. I know Im stumbling around on stage and now Im having a little trouble balancing even in front of the microphone, and so I just feel very uncomfortable. Over his illustrious career, the two-time Grammy winner has released over 20 albums, scored 35 #1 hits, and sold nearly 60 million records worldwide. His final show on the Last Call Tour took place on May 17, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Alan Jackson Ticket Information Secure your seats now for Alan Jacksons historic final concert on June 27, 2026 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. Compare ticket prices and availability on top ticketing sites like SeatGeek, Ticketmaster, StubHub, and Vivid Seats. As of June 14, ticket prices for Alan Jacksons farewell show start at $247 on Vivid Seats. Act fast, as this once-in-a-lifetime event is expected to sell out quickly! Alan Jackson Ticket Price Comparison Alan Jacksons Final Concert on June 27, 2026 in Nashville, TN: : From $247 | SeatGeek : From $247 | Ticketmaster : Check for tickets | StubHub : Check for tickets | Vivid Seats : From $247 Generative AI was used to organize statistical information for this story, based on original MassLive content. Facing an unprecedented tariff landscape, Orvis, the outdoor and sporting goods chain, will permanently close 36 stores and five outlets in early 2026, company President Simon Perkins told MassLive. Were stepping into an exciting new chapter one focused on our core passions of fly fishing and wingshooting," Perkins said in the statement. This return to our roots is a renewed dedication to innovation, a commitment to our angling and upland communities, and to the wild places we love. The change means that Orvis is tightening its product assortment. While the company confirmed with MassLive that it is not fully exiting lifestyle apparel, it will prioritize gear and products that connect directly to its core outdoor pursuits. Orvis also plans to focus more on its brick-and-mortar portfolio and expand opportunities through its existing network of more than 550 domestic independent dealers and several national outdoor retailers. Orvis was founded in 1856 by Charles F. Orvis in Manchester, Vermont, as a fly-fishing equipment store, according to its website. The company later expanded into sportswear, home furnishings, luggage, travel accessories and pet products. The companys headquarters remains in Sunderland, Vermont. The Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River, on July 22, 2025, after a fatal fire at the facility killed 10 residents. (Charlie McKenna/MassLive) In the wake of the deadly Gabriel House fire, Massachusetts regulators may soon tighten safety inspection protocols at assisted living facilities to close loopholes that put vulnerable residents at risk. A new proposal before the Assisted Living Residences Commission introduced after a recent MassLive investigation revealed serious vulnerabilities in fire safety oversight would require facilities to secure annual sign-off documentation from all local entities currently in charge of inspecting their buildings fire departments, building inspectors and boards of health. The document verification would be required to remain in compliance with the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, the agency that oversees assisted living in the state. The proposal would also create a central tracking method for the first time for all safety inspections associated with these facilities, which are less regulated than nursing homes. The sign-offs would confirm inspection dates and, most importantly, that there are no outstanding violations. They would have to be verified by state regulators and posted publicly at facilities. If the commission moves forward with the recommendation, the proposal will take effect by Jan. 1, 2026. Public hearings are expected in the coming month or so. Read more: MassLive investigation uncovers critical failures in fire sprinkler inspections Whitney Moyer, chief operating officer at the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, said there is currently a requirement that assisted living residences must be compliant with state sanitary, building and fire codes. However, the proposal before the commission would add another level of inspection verification and tracking, giving the state agency more authority over assisted living facilities. It would also make the state partly accountable for code compliance, shifting some oversight from local authorities to Beacon Hill. The inspection verifications would be included in the states biennial certification process for all assisted living residences in Massachusetts. This is something that we as an agency have been working on in close partnership with the Executive Office of Public Safety, the state fire marshal, folks who oversee local boards of health, as well as the Department of Professional Licensure to make sure that the approach we take makes sense in practice, Moyer told commission members last week. The Department of Fire Services confirmed that State Fire Marshal John Davine supports the fire safety-related recommendations proposed in response to the fatal Gabriel House fire in Fall River, where 10 people died in July. They will help both the facilities and the local (authorities having jurisdiction) stay on top of the fire and life safety regulations that keep vulnerable residents safe, Jake Wark, Department of Fire Services spokesperson, said. Immediately after the Gabriel House fire, Gov. Maura Healey and the Executive Office of Aging and Independence required all 270-plus assisted living facilities in the state to submit site-specific emergency plans and share them with residents and their families. Robin Lipson, Secretary of Aging and Independence, has since stated that they achieved a 100% response rate. Fire safety inspection honor system A recent MassLive investigation revealed weaknesses in fire safety oversight at assisted living facilities and beyond, particularly regarding sprinkler systems. Fire safety codes and standards place the legal responsibility for sprinkler inspection and maintenance on building owners, who typically hire certified third-party contractors to complete this work. Massachusetts fire officials told MassLive that when they conduct their annual routine inspections of high-occupancy buildings or congregate living facilities, for example, they are mostly following up to confirm documentation exists reflecting inspections have been completed. At least one fire official in Boston said this creates an environment where deficiencies not immediately apparent can slip through the cracks. But its the industrys reality, given widespread staff shortages at fire departments. At Gabriel House, sources previously told MassLive that, while owner Dennis Etzkorn said he had the sprinkler system visually inspected as required each year, he was missing a critical, mandated five-year inspection to ensure internal parts are working. The sprinkler in the second-floor room where the fire started did not activate, sources with knowledge of the investigation have told MassLive, and residents have claimed the sprinklers didnt work uniformly throughout the facility on the night of the July 13 fire. Etzkorn stated that the sprinkler system was tested five days prior to the fire and found to be in working order. However, that same day, sources told MassLive, he was also notified of his ongoing failure to obtain the five-year inspection. Etzkorn has not responded to specific questions about the sprinkler system claims, which are now also echoed in several lawsuits. However, he has stated through a spokesperson that he is cooperating with investigators and has turned over all relevant documents. Since the fire and its immediate aftermath, a perfect storm of occurrences has further affirmed how lapses can occur, given the current inspection ecosystem. First, the New Bedford Light recently uncovered that the New Bedford Fire Department had not inspected Whalers Cove, the citys lone assisted living facility, for at least 18 years. The reason, given by local fire officials, was that assisted living facilities are regulated by the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, and thus not the fire departments responsibility. The state office, however, said it doesnt conduct fire safety inspections and instead defers to local fire departments. Then last week, Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon widely publicized that his department had discovered decades-old recalled sprinklers in four additional congregate living settings in the city, an issue also present in the Gabriel House fire. Bacon urged a coordinated approach among fire officials, inspectors, sprinkler contractors and property owners across the state to address the possibility of recalled sprinklers in other buildings. The discovery in Fall River led State Fire Marshall Davine on Sept. 29 to send to every fire department in Massachusetts a sprinkler inspection reminder guide, in essence, outlining requirements and recommendations. Zero tolerance policy At the early September meeting of the Assisted Living Residences Commission, one industry representative said there should be a zero tolerance policy of any non-functional equipment across all facilities. This is your first line of defense in an emergency and (it is) critical to buying as much time as possible for the fire department and EMS to arrive, assess and begin fire and rescue operations, Jeffrey Lind, director of facilities engineering at Legacy Lifecare, told commission members. Legacy Lifecare, based in Peabody, is a nonprofit organization that provides infrastructure and managerial assistance to senior care organizations. Lind encouraged all assisted living facility owners and administrators to establish a relationship with their local fire captain or head of the fire prevention bureau, so that when the need arises, the right people are familiar with the facility. We take our guys out to lunch, he said. Its always good to have a relationship with the people in these positions. Sen. Mark Montigny, D-Second Bristol and Plymouth, wants the commission to hear directly from state and municipal public safety officials before it releases its final recommendations in the coming months. I need objectivity from those that actually go in when people are burning or drowning or dying of some asphyxiation or a plague, he said. Popular outdoor equipment retailer REI Co-op confirmed Wednesday that it plans to close its only store in Boston late next year. The Washington-based chain did not say what drove the decision to shutter its location on Park Drive in Bostons Fenway neighborhood, but suggested in a statement that its customers patronize other REI stores in Massachusetts once it shuts down. The closest three are located in Framingham, Reading and Hingham. "Since opening in 2003, it has been an honor to serve this community, and we are deeply grateful to our team, our members and customers," the statement reads. Boston is not the only community set to lose its REI store in coming months, according to The Boston Globe. The retailer also plans to close its SoHo neighborhood location in New York City late next year and its store in Paramus, New Jersey, in the first quarter of next year, REI told the newspaper on Tuesday. As markets and customer needs evolve, we must adapt to position the co-op for long-term success, the company said in a statement to the Globe. REI has 195 stores across the country, but its Boston and SoHo stores are among the 11 at which its workers have unionized, according to the newspaper. Employees of the Boston location voted to unionize in 2023, and just last year, they initiated a work stoppage to voice their opposition to a number of recent firings. UFCW Local 1445, which represents REIs Boston workers, told the Globe the union is trying to garner more information from the company regarding why the store is closing and what will become of its employees. The Boston workers can apply for open positions at other REI locations, the chain told the newspaper, but it remains unclear whether they will be offered severance pay or transfer opportunities. REIs sales have decreased over the last few years, from $3.8 billion in 2022 to $3.5 billion last year, the Globe reported. The Conjuring House in Burrillville, Rhode Island, known for its haunted ties, was set to hit the auction block on Halloween, following a nightmare year for homeowner, Jacqueline Nunez. But the auction, held by JJManning Auctioneers, was canceled just weeks before the event. The auction was whats known as a mortgagees foreclosure auction and comes after Nunez defaulted on the terms of the mortgage. But on Wednesday, the company in charge of her mortgage, Needham Bank, sold her underlying mortgage loan and no longer has an interest in The Conjuring House property, the auction house explained. Justin Manning, president of Yarmouth-based JJ Manning Auctioneers, told the Boston Globe that he does not know who bought the loan. Whatever the group is that bought it will have to complete the foreclosure themselves, Manning told the newspaper. Interested buyers There have been many people interested in buying the famous 3,000-square-foot home. The home is dubbed the Conjuring House in reference to the 2013 film The Conjuring, which is based on events that took place at the home in the 1970s. In the decade-plus since the first film, another seven movies in the franchise have been released, most recently on Friday. It is located on about 8.5 acres of land in Burrillville. The antique farmhouse ... has become famous for historical paranormal sightings and activity, the auction listing reads. The property was set to go to auction on Oct. 31 at 11 a.m., with a $25,000 deposit due on the day of the auction and 10% of the purchase price due within two business days. Overall, there have been about 90 people from nine states and the United Kingdom who had requested updates on the auction, the Boston Globe reported. Jason Hawes, a former Ghost Hunters Paranormal Investigator, had been raising money on GoFundMe to attempt to buy the house. It had raised more than $67,000 when he paused the donations due to the canceled auction. Ive paused all donations to the GoFundMe page until we find out whats going on with the auction for the Conjuring House, he wrote on Facebook. The eldest daughter of the family who once lived in the Conjuring House and was featured in the first movie, Andrea Perron, recently called on Hawes to buy the house in a Boston 25 article. He is a man of honor, integrity and authenticity and has made significant strides in the field of the paranormal, Perron told the news station. Earlier this year, YouTuber Elton Castee spoke to Burrillville Town Manager Michael Wood about the possibility of buying the Conjuring House with comedian Matt Rife, the Providence Journal reported. If you know me, you know Im obsessed with the paranormal and all things haunted, Rife wrote on Instagram. And in August, the two had announced they were now the owners of the Ed and Lorraine Warren home and occult museum in Connecticut. In an Instagram video, Rife said he and Castee now owned the home and museum and, as a result, became the legal guardians of hundreds of haunted artifacts and items at the home and museum, including Annabelle the doll. A rep for Rife told People Magazine the purchase was legit. Perron, however, told the Globe she was glad the auction was cancelled because she had been terrified that [the property] would fall into greedy, irresponsible hands. I was afraid it would be far too difficult to see the place on Earth I love the most go up on the auction block like some inanimate object when the farm is so much more, she wrote. Previous troubles at the Conjuring House Even before the property went up for auction, Nunez ran into several issues while owning the home. Last November, town leaders in Burrillville opted not to renew the homes business license, citing in part Nunezs erratic behavior, The Providence Journal reported. Nunez, a Boston real estate developer, bought The Conjuring House also known as the Burrillville farmhouse in 2022. She purchased the home with the stipulation from the houses previous owner that whoever owns it cannot live in it year-round because the energy is so powerful, Nunez told The Boston Globe that year. On Oct. 28, Nunez was arrested in connection with a police pursuit and driving under the influence of alcohol, WJAR-TV reported. After the pursuit, police noticed an overwhelming odor of alcohol on her breath and saw her eyes were glassy and bloodshot. I had a couple drinks and I live in The Conjuring House, Nunez told police, according to WJAR-TV. She asked if people were normally handcuffed for drinking a few Manhattans and laughed during a sobriety test. Why are there multiple officers pulling up behind me because I had a couple of drinks? Nunez asked police, the news station wrote. She was charged with driving under the influence of liquor and eluding law enforcement in a high-speed pursuit and was released on $2,000 personal recognizance, WPRI 12 reported. Months later, a judge issued a bench warrant for Nunez after she failed to show up for court, the station reported. She defended her conduct in an interview with the station, saying I havent done anything, she said. Ive just been running my business. Ghost Hunters star Jason Hawes has accused Nunez of sending him accusatory and threatening text messages, according to an incident report filed with the West Greenwich Police Department in Rhode Island. Hawes told police that these texts were unprovoked, and told WPRI 12 that Nunez had backed off from those threats with me. Some of these text messages were just extremely vile, Hawes told the news station. She claimed I was there trying to do an assassination plot. Former employees also voiced issues with Nunez. She told two employees that they owed her money for a fire that burned a barn on the property in December 2023, WPRI 12 reported. Those two employees said they paid to renovate the barn and Nunez did not fulfill her promise to pay them back, first blaming the fire on spontaneously combusted materials before claiming they set it. Another employee told the news station that Nunez claimed the ghost of the houses original owner from the 1880s said the employee stole about $3,000. She said, John Arnold told me youve been stealing money out of the cash box for the past two months, former employee Brian Dansereau told the news station. I literally stopped and I had to correct her like, John Arnold, one of the original owners? Before the page shut down, Nunez used The Conjuring House Facebook page to post claims that she is the princess of Saudi Arabia and that Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Meta, has incited hate on his page towards Nunez, among other things. I know that many of you do not understand why I am making various posts, she wrote on Aug. 18. I am part of an International Team that is doing a special mission that triggered events, when I bought [The Conjuring house]. It will be a great thing, once completed. Reporter Charlie McKenna contributed to this reporting. The U.S. Department of Education has resumed student loan forgiveness for some borrowers under a repayment program that has been suspended since July. (Advance/SILive/Annalise Knudson) The U.S. Department of Education has resumed student loan forgiveness for some borrowers under a repayment program that has been suspended since July. Borrowers who have been in repayment for decades and are eligible for debt cancellation under the Income-Based Repayment plan (IBR) are receiving notices that they qualify for the relief, companies that collect payments on the governments behalf, told the Washington Post. The cancellations began last week. Roughly 2 million people are enrolled in the IBR plan. However, not all borrowers have made enough payments to qualify for forgiveness. Those who do qualify have started to receive emails from the department stating, Youre eligible to have your student loan(s) discharged, and that the department is working with the borrowers service to process the relief over the next several months. The department also said it will send the borrowers discharge information to the servicer after Oct. 21, Business Insider reported. Borrowers who wish to opt out have until Oct. 21 to contact their loan servicer and say theyre uninterested in the relief. The Department of Education told Business Insider that a reason why some borrowers may opt out is to avoid incurring a state tax liability, but added that those who do opt out are required to continue making payments on their loans. This news comes at a critical time for borrowers. A 2021 provision in the American Rescue Plan, which allowed forgiveness to be tax-free, is expiring Dec. 31. This means that many borrowers whose loans are not forgiven could receive a large tax bill at the beginning of 2026. This tax does not apply to borrowers eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which offers debt cancellation to those whove spent a decade working for specific nonprofits or the government, CNBC wrote. As of Aug. 31, theres a 74,510-person backlog of borrowers waiting for their PSLF decision, according to a Department of Education court filing. The Department of Education has not responded to MassLives request for comment. In a private audience, Pope Leo XIV consoled a group of U.S. Latino Catholics who work with immigrants targeted by the Trump administrations hardline immigration policies, telling them that they are not alone and that their work is more important than ever. You have in your hands a very great task, which is to accompany the people who truly and profoundly need a sign that God never abandons anyone: not the smallest, not the poorest, not the foreigner, not anyone, Leo said in Spanish in his brief remarks to the delegation from the National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry on Tuesday, according to Religion News Service. The 100 pilgrims, who represented some 60 U.S. dioceses, traveled to Rome as part of the Jubilees of Missions and Migrants, the wire service reported. The pilgrims told Religion News Service they were surprised when Leo, the first American pontiff, called them to a private audience in the courtyard of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican. The site is where popes traditionally great heads of state and foreign dignitaries, the wire service reported. You, in the service you offer in your ministry, are clearly that testimony that is so important, perhaps especially in the United States, but throughout the whole world a world that suffers so much from war, from violence and from hatred, Leo said, according to a recording provided by the group. Thank you for all that you do, he added, concluding with an encouragement for their work before praying the Our Father. He then greeted every participant individually. The groups president, Elisabeth Roman, told Religion News Service that Leo treated us like dignitaries. He sent a message by having us there. He lifted us. He knows what were going through. If anyone knows, its our pope from the U.S. and Latin America, she added. In a statement, a White House spokesperson said President Donald Trump was elected as the president of the United States based on the many promises he made to the American people, including his promise to deport criminal illegal aliens. He is keeping his promise to the American people. In a separate meeting on Wednesday, the pope met with two U.S. bishops, Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, who is also chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration, and Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Celino of the same diocese. Representatives of the immigrant community and social workers from the U.S.-Mexico border handed Leo letters from immigrants and showed him a video about their experiences, Religion News Service reported. The pope told the bishops that The church cannot remain silent. You stand with me, and I stand with you, according to a statement by the HOPE Border Institute, the wire service reported. After attempting to impersonate a police officer and drawing his weapon when real police confronted him, a former Western Massachusetts man was shot and killed in Oklahoma earlier this month. On Oct. 1, Oklahoma Highway Patrol responded to a report that a man was impersonating a police officer. They found David Allen Rawson, 62, at the Whitehorse Apartments in Yukon, Oklahoma, and attempted to take him into custody, according to Sarah Stewart, public information officer for the state police in the Sooner State. During a scuffle, the suspect drew a weapon in the direction of an Oklahoma City police officer. The trooper and a Yukon police officer discharged their firearms, killing the suspect, Stewart said. According to a 1976 article from The Springfield Morning Union, Rawson, whose birth name was David Allen Knight, was from Agawam. In July, Oklahoma court records show Rawson was charged with a criminal misdemeanor in July for identity theft. The Massachusetts court dockets showed that Rawson had previously impersonated a police officer in Chicopee in 2005. Neither the court nor the Chicopee Police Department could provide a police report. In Oklahoma, the punishment is $100 or imprisonment. Using ones vehicle, claiming it is a police vehicle, bears a $1,000 fine or imprisonment for a year, according to state statutes. The penalty in the Bay State for impersonating a justice of the peace or other officers is not more than $400 or imprisonment for a year. Rawsons July misdemeanor in Oklahoma was dismissed Tuesday because of his death. A deceased World War II veteran from Springfield will be honored by the local Greek community with a Mass and reception. (Screenshot from togetherweserved.com) Screenshot from togetherweserved.com SPRINGFIELD A special Greek Orthodox Mass will be celebrated to honor the late Michael D. Biakis, a Springfield native, parishioner of St. George Greek Orthodox Church and a World War II veteran whose legacy continues to inspire the local community. The Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at the historic church this Sunday at 22 St. George Road. A reception will be held immediately after the Mass at the Greek Cultural Center across the street from the church. Biakis was a U.S. Air Force B24 co-pilot, with 37 completed bombing missions over several nations of engagement, including over mainland Germany. His bombing group was part of the Allied effort on D-Day, June 6, 1944. His B-24 was named Little Lulu. On Jan. 19, 1945 his group was on a training exercise for new crew members over the North Sea. A sudden snow squall caused Little Lulu to get lost, crashing into the ocean. The wreckage was tragically never found. This past August, the Sailing for Veterans Organization honored Biakis service, sacrifice and memory in a memorial wreath laying at sea. The Mass for Biakis and gathering of the Greek community marks the culmination of an effort to properly recognize his service and return his memory to his roots in his East Springfield neighborhood. The Hampden County Sheriffs Department Honor Guard will be present to honor Biakis. State Sens. John Velis and Adam Gomez will be in attendance to commemorate Biakis life. Velis is an active-duty major in the U.S. Army Reserve and active member of the Greek community. Gomez is the son of legendary Borinqueneers Vietnam combat veteran Gumersindo Gomez. His brothers and father have been the subject of a documentary for their collective military service. Questions? Visit stgeorgecath.org/contact-us. WESTFIELD On Oct. 6, the School Committee was treated to a presentation by third and fourth grade members of the newly-formed Young Historians Club at Westfield River Elementary School. Their teacher Jennifer Thielen, a member of the Westfield Historical Commission, said the club was designed to make history personal and meaningful, and to celebrate Westfields role in the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution its semiquincentennial, a word her students are learning. Thielen said the clubs first activity is to help students see themselves as part of history, and share their own personal or family pasts to connect them to the broader community theme. She said by sharing, they actively participate in oral history, just as communities have done for generations. Your stories matter. History is not just about famous figures, Thielen said. She then introduced several of the 20 or more students in the club to share some of their own family history with the School Committee. Luna said her family history is about her familys restaurant, Santiagos, in Westfield. My great grandparents started the restaurant. It serves Puerto Rican food, because my great grandparents are from Puerto Rico, Luna said, explaining that the restaurant serves rice and beans her own favorite, and empanadas. She said her great grandparents arrived here at 17. When they started the restaurant in 2000, her great grandfather kept Puerto Rican history alive by passing down recipes and music to four generations. Joan brought her Crockett family cookbook. She said Davy Crockett is a distant relative of hers. She said in the cookbook are recipes from Great Grandma Crockett and Great Grandpa Crockett and other family members. She said her favorite recipe from the cookbook is German pancakes. Other students brought photos and mementos of their grandparents in the armed services. One brought a Navy shirt from her grandfathers service on the flight deck of the USS Guadalcanal, and another, a photograph of her grandfather John from his longtime service in the Air Force. Another student brought her grandfathers gold badge that he earned as a police officer in Springfield for 40 years, which Mayor Michael McCabe checked out after the presentation. Nikki brought brag tags from Fort Meadow. We were given them when we did good things. She said she went to Fort Meadow starting when she was 3, for two years, and showed the schools mascot, Cubby. Fort Meadow was very important to me. I learned the alphabet, counting and writing. Its where I learned that I love school, Nikki said. Mason, who had to take a few deep breaths before speaking to the committee, talked about his mothers ancestry. He said her grandfathers DNA was from Germany, Scotland, Ireland, France, eastern Europe, Russia and the Balkans. He showed a picture of his great grandma Nonny with his mother and two sisters when she was very young, and another picture with his great grandpa Poppy and his mom, sister and cousin. Now everyone is all grown up. Mason said his mom was very close to her grandparents in the Dominican Republic. Growing up for both of my parents was difficult. My mom worked hard and is now a daycare provider. My favorite family traditions are going camping, baking pumpkins and carving them out for Halloween, celebrating birthdays, and playing baseball just like all my older cousins did, he said. Patrick brought photos of his great grandparents Jack and Ellie. To me they are Nana and Bup. He said Bup served in the Korean War, and as a pharmacist on Elm Street in Westfield. His nana was a home economics teacher at Westfield High School, who taught former band director Tom Gannon, among others. Bup passed away a few years ago, but I am happy that Nana is able to share her history with me at 93 years, Patrick said. Christopher talked about his great grandmother Bopshi who lived through very hard times in Poland during the Nazi takeover. He said due to the war, she didnt have a chance for an education, but always believed in the importance of learning and wanted her children and great grandchildren to have that opportunity. He said after the war, she applied for the lottery to come to America and waited 10 years to be chosen, keeping the piece of paper safely in a box, even when it was getting chewed up by bugs. When her number was chosen, she brought the paper to the embassy for tickets to America, and came over in 1954 alone, leaving her husband and four children behind, until she could work and send enough money to bring them over. Because of her courage and sacrifice, I get to stand here, go to school, and take advantage of the education she dreamed for us. Her story inspires me to work hard and never take my opportunities for granted, Christopher said. Genesis talked about when she came here with her family from Ecuador. We came because there wasnt a lot of work, and because there was a lot of robbery going on. It took us one month to get here. For four days we lived under a bridge. We had to sleep on rocks, and only got water and tacos to eat and some cookies. It was cold at night, but we were still brave to live under the bridge, she said. The School Committee applauded after each student spoke. I am super impressed that they were able to come up here and be brave and read big words and talk about hard things, Thielen said, before all of the students in unison thanked the committee for having them come and speak. The Young Historians Club meets twice a month. At its first official meeting, Thielen showed the students how to create a family tree, and asked them to bring them home for help with names. She also thanked Curriculum Director Susan Dargie for helping them to form the club and get a civics project grant. Future plans for the club include guest speakers, live demonstrations and walking field trips. Video News: [Video news] Talk Series #8 : Lassiette de demain : quels sont les enjeux au menu ? 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'Coming Home: Stories of Being Chinese-Irish', the six-part series, presented by Eva Pau of Asia Market and produced by award-winning documentary maker Susan Dennehy, shares the personal journeys of six people from Irelands Chinese-Irish community. From childhood memories of Hong Kong to growing up in Cookstown during the Troubles, each episode uncovers stories of family, belonging, and identity. Episode 3 will shine a light on Yentl Ho, manager of the Lantern Chinese Restaurant on Emmet Street, Ballina. Yentl's parents, Sunny and Loretta Ho, first opened the Lantern in 1986, making it the oldest and best-known Chinese restaurant in the town. In the documentary, Yentl reflects on her unique journey, from her early years in Ballina to five formative years spent in Hong Kong with her grandmother, and back again to Mayo. She describes her experience of standing out, fitting in, and a journey that made no sense at all, sharing her perspective on the challenges and the joys of belonging to two worlds. READ NEXT:Mayo native part of EPICs Irish Journalists Abroad exhibition Mairead Melody Carr, manager of Mayo North Tourism, expressed her delight at the Yentls feature: Were delighted to see Yentls story featured. The Ho family and the Lantern have been part of Ballinas community for nearly 40 years. Speaking about the series, producer Susan Dennehy added: I met the most generous people who welcomed me into their homes, shared food and told me moving, personal stories. It was a privilege to capture their voices. 'Coming Home: Stories of Being Chinese-Irish' airs on RTE Radio 1 every Sunday from October 12, at 7.30 pm, for six weeks. For more details, visit: RTE Coming Home: Stories of Being Chinese-Irish. Planning permission is being sought to develop 16 135-metre high wind turbines and an accompanying grid infrastructure via An Commisiun Pleanala for north Mayo - despite opposition from Mayo County Council on numerous grounds. The proposed wind turbines are earmarked for Mayo townlands just a few kilometres outside of Ballina, Killala and Ballycastle. The development, if approved, would be located at Ballynaleck, Barnhill, Biloos (on the Mayo-Roscommon-border), Carrickanass (a village by Killala), Carrowmore (an area just outside Manulla) and Lacken. Following a pre-planning application meeting with the company behind the proposed development, Mayo County Council formally expressed their opposition to the plan. A note from the meeting states: The turbines will be visible to / from the Ceide Fields which is on the tentative UNESCO Tentative World Heritage Site. Read More: Mayo pair charged in relation to 'Darkweb' investigation The full extent of the Ceide Fields archaeology site is unknown and may reach as far as the windfarm site. The council further raised concerns that the traffic generated by the development (construction materials, labour-force, turbine deliveries etc) "will cause serious disruption to local road use. Following on from this, the local authority made it clear to Constant Energy Limited that they would not be in favour of such a proposal at this location. Constant Energy Limited has been able to bypass the normal planning process by lodging the appeal directly with An Comisiun Pleanala as a Sustainable Infrastructure Development project. The development plans state the building would require a substantial forestry clearing of approximately 40 hectares (400,000 square metres) of coniferous trees. The planning permission application states that if successful in obtaining planning permission, Constant Energy Limited will compensate for the tree felling by replanting trees. The renewable energy company hosted a public consultation informing the public about the development at Ballina in 2023. In the interim, the Lacken Ballycastle Protection Group has emerged opposing the development of the wind turbines in the locality. The group will be hosting a meeting in the Lacken Community Centre on October 15 to discuss the communitys concerns regarding the windfarm. At present, Mayo currently hosts Irelands largest onshore windfarm - located in north Mayos Bellacorick. In March 2024, the county generated over seven percent of the countrys total wind energy. Tomorrow October 10, EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin is set to open Frontlines: Irish Journalists Abroad. The exhibition will highlight Irish writing and reporting across the globe, including the work of Mayo man Declan Walsh. The Ballina native, who is chief Africa correspondent of The New York Times, previously received Pulitzer Prize recognition in the category 'International Reporting' for his work covering the civil war in Sudan, together with the staff of The New York Times. Curated by Dr Catherine Healy and supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the exhibition will feature figures such as Kit Coleman, Charlotte OConnor Eccels, Des Mullan, as well as Samantha Barry, the Global Editorial Director and Editor-in-Chief of Glamour Magazine. Aileesh Carew, CEO of EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum, said, Frontlines: Irish Journalists Abroad celebrates the courage and commitment of Irish reporters who have risked everything to bring important stories to the world. From war zones to regions gripped by famine and disease, their work has exposed injustice and centred the voices of marginalised people. This exhibition surveys the long history of Irish journalists working overseas while also showcasing examples of contemporary reporting. The exhibition is organised around five themes that capture the extent of Irish reporting: Reporting War discusses the role of journalism in bringing home the human costs of conflict; Ahead of Their Time highlights pioneering journalists who broke social and professional barriers; Community Ties focuses on writers and newspapers who gave Irish communities a voice; Exposing Atrocities spotlights reporting on human rights abuses; and Behind the Lens showcases the work of photojournalists. Catherine Healy, Historian-in-Residence at EPIC, said: Irish journalists have documented some of the most significant social and political issues of the past two centuries - from William Howard Russells damning reports on the Crimean War and Frances Power Cobbes analysis of violence against women, to Sally Haydens exposure of the human rights violations on Europes borders. Technology has transformed the tools and formats through which news is told, but the human drive to find and share important stories remains unchanged. This exhibition is an exciting opportunity to highlight the breadth and impact of Irish reporting from across the world, drawing on both historical records and contemporary interviews. Frontlines: Irish Journalists Abroad opens on October 10, 2025, and runs until March 31, 2026, at EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum located at The Chq Building, Custom House Quay, North Wall, Dublin 1. Further details can be found at www.epicchq.com/frontlines-irish-journalists-abroad/ Its been revealed that nine Mayo businesses have been named as finalists in the forthcoming Good Food Ireland Awards in association with FBD Insurance, the only cross-sector, food and drink awards that champion those who uphold Irelands culinary excellence, celebrate local provenance and honour sustainable practices. Taking place on Monday, November 10, at Host Partner venue The K Club in County Kildare, the following Mayo businesses have been shortlisted: Ashford Castle Estate 5 Star Hotel of the Year Greenway Lane Art Studio-Cafe Food Tourism Experience of the Year Croagh Patrick Seafoods Food Tourism Experience of the Year and Fish & Seafood Producer of the Year Calvey's Achill Mountain Lamb Meat Producer of the Year Kelly's of Newport Meat Producer of the Year Breaffy House Hotel Food Lovers Choice Award Wild Atlantic Way The Tavern Bar & Restaurant Pub Restaurant of the Year An Port Mor Restaurant of the Year Achill Island Sea Salt Sweet & Savoury Producer of the Year Celebrating agri-food, drink and tourism hospitality businesses across Ireland, the Good Food Ireland Awards 2025, in association with FBD Insurance, received a record number of nominations ahead of the Organisations 20 year anniversary, which is coming up in 2026. The Good Food Ireland Awards are judged by an independent panel of Irish and international experts through onsite mystery inspections and detailed assessments. These experts shortlist nominees and select winners based on strict criteria, which includes local sourcing, Irish provenance, and sustainability. Commenting on the awards, Margaret Jeffares, Founder of Good Food Ireland said: Good Food Ireland was born from a desire to celebrate Irelands world-class food, drink and farming champions. Many years later, our awards are now recognised as the pinnacle of excellence in food, drink and tourism experience, recognising those businesses who play a vital role in the entire Irish food ecosystem, one that fosters local pride and drives international tourism. From food and drink producers and regenerative farmers to chefs and tourism destinations, we were delighted to have received an incredibly high calibre of entries from County Mayo. This years awards theme is Rooted in Taste'. Backed by Trust and each of our finalists truly embodies this sentiment. I would like to congratulate them on already being amongst the best culinary experiences in Ireland, and wish each of our finalists well for the awards event. In addition to the main categories, the awards feature the Food Lovers' Choice Award, which is open to all agri-food, drink and tourism hospitality businesses, and voted for by the public. Five Food Lovers Choice award winners will be presented on the night, featuring winners from the Wild Atlantic Way, Irelands Ancient East, Irelands Hidden Heartland, Dublin and Northern Ireland. The Good Food Ireland Awards 2025, in association with FBD Insurance, take place on Monday,November 10. Known as an active and trusted partner to Ireland's Food and Agri industry, FBD Insurance is, for the second consecutive year, the title sponsor of the Awards. Other key sponsors include AIB, Wine Consultants Ireland, Waterford and Tourism Ireland, among others, whose support is important in celebrating excellence across Irelands vibrant food and tourism sectors. For further information, please visit www.goodfoodireland.ie. Pictured above, from left: John Cahalan, Chief Commercial Officer FBD Insurance; Ed Cooney, Executive Chef at the Merrion Hotel; Birgitta Hedin Curtin, Burren Smokehouse, and Margaret Jeffares, Founder of Good Food Ireland. Pic: Damien Eagers/ Paul Sherwood READ MORE: Fresh uncertainty for Mayo towns 2030 sewerage plant timeline A Mayo IFA meeting of landowners on the proposed Westport to Murrisk Greenway heard that the emerging preferred route corridor is totally unsuitable for a Greenway project. Mayo IFA held a meeting on the proposed Greenway route in Lecanvey Community Centre where farmers and landowners were highly critical of Mayo County Council who they claim are trying to impose a Greenway without taking on board the views of the farming and local rural community. IFAs Agricultural Consultant Kevin Kinsella on Greenway projects who addressed the meeting said this approach by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Mayo County Council is contrary to the Government 2018 Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways. The Strategy was clear in stating that the preferred model for future Greenways is to use lands already in the undisputed ownership or control of the State, either through government agencies, government departments or Local Authorities, he commented. READ: Mayo's Great Western Greenway recognised on international stage Mr Kinsella said IFA have been and continue to be totally opposed to the CPO process with specific relation to Greenway developments. Greenways should maximise the use of state-owned lands period and should not involve CPOs as in many citizens' minds Greenway developments are not critical infrastructure, he added. Mayo IFA County Chairman John Lynskey told the meeting that attempting to impose a Greenway on private farmlands is unacceptable to the IFA and farmers. It creates major disruption in terms of severance and could destroy the viability of many farms, he said. Mr Lynskey said it was quite clear from this and previous meetings of landowners in the area that Mayo County Council should redevelop the main road between Westport and Louisburgh to encompass a greenway alongside the road. Mr Lynskey said this would be a much better investment of public funds and would in his opinion serve the local people much better. The meeting also heard from farmers and landowners very concerned over the disease risk and implications for their livestock herds from infrastructural projects such as Greenways, especially in relation to the increased threat from TB, the loss of privacy, security, increased litter and environmental concerns. The meeting was also attended by local county councillors Brendan Mulroy, Chris Maxwell and Johnny O Malley who lent their support for the development of a roadside Greenway. Salman Khan has often been criticised for not taking his scripts seriously, with many social media users even joking about whether he uses one at all. However, the idea of actors demanding a script wasnt always as normal as it is today. In the late 1980s, asking for a script was seen as a sign of arrogance by some filmmakers, at least according to veteran director J.K. Bihari. For those unaware, Bihari directed Biwi Ho To Aisi, Salman Khans debut film. In a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, the filmmaker opened up about how the culture around scripts has evolved and recalled an interesting encounter involving Shah Rukh Khan. He claimed that even before SRK became a superstar with Darr and Baazigar, he had a reputation for being arrogant. Bhagwan Chitra Mandir Bihari narrated an incident from the time Shah Rukh was shooting for King Uncle. The director approached him to discuss a potential collaboration and SRK reportedly asked him to send over the script first. He asked me to send over the script, Bihari recalled, suggesting that such a request was considered disrespectful back then. The director went on to compare Shah Rukhs approach to that of veteran actors like Rishi Kapoor, noting that even during his peak years, Rishi never asked for scripts. According to Bihari, the industry has since changed but also stated that people kept onboarding Shah Rukh Khan for their projects. Interestingly, J.K. Bihari and Shah Rukh Khan have never done a movie together. The Reactions To J.K. Biharis SRK Comment While some users tried to guess the movies name, others said that the director is just trying to defame SRK. One user commented, Lol asking for a script is not arrogance, its the bare minimum basic every actors should do :) Good job, SRK! Another user commented, And we can definitely see one excelled in his art and no body even know you man. Trying to grab attention by taking his name. Script is bare minimum thing to ask, that's what an ACTOR needs, unlike your bed mates. One user reacted, Exactly what SRK said back then in interview, people used to slam him for asking for scripts. Super proud that he asked for those scripts. Another user reacted, Isi wajah se to mai SRK ka fan hu. Wo us time koi bda star nahi tha fir bhi khudko sbse bda maanta tha. Kyunki wo janta tha usme wo baat hai jo bakiyo me nhi hai. One user said, Koi gadha hi hoga ais self proclaimed director ke film boma script pade karega, bas isne uski utaari jiski waa waayi karni thi isko aur usko aur upar bita diya, jinko(SRK) badnam karna tha. While Subhash Kapoor serves as its creator, the Maharani season 4 is directed by Puneet Prakash. Huma Qureshi who was recently seen in Subhash Kapoors Jolly LLB 3 is now reuniting with the filmmaker for the highly anticipated fourth season of her much-loved Sony LIV web series Maharani . Sony LIV Huma Qureshis Maharani Season 4 Teaser Out The show stars Huma Qureshi as politician Rani Bharti who is gearing up for the biggest battle yet for her thrilling political career thats filled with twists and turns. In the new season, Huma Qureshis character seems to be taking on the Prime Minister. While she already became the CM of a state, can her battle lead to her leading an entire country? Sharing the teaser, the official Instagram page of Sony LIV wrote, The lioness returns to defend her home! Rani gears up for her biggest battle yet. Check out the teaser below: German Cartoonists of the Nazi Era, 1933-1945 Mark Bryant looks at those elusive masters of Nazi propaganda, the German cartoonists of the Second World War. Though a fair amount has been written about Allied cartoonists and caricaturists working during the Second World War, very little has been published about their Nazi counterparts and the contributions they made to Axis propaganda during the conflict. Part of the reason has been the difficulty in identifying who they were many either did not sign their work or used pseudonyms, and even those who worked under their real names were later keen to distance themselves from their wartime drawings in order to avoid censure and possible imprisonment by the Allies. None the less some notable artists of this period can now be identified. Germany has a great tradition of pictorial satire going back at least to the 18th century. Its artists have been published in a number of internationally respected humorous magazines such as Fliegende Blatter (1845) and Kladderadatsch (1848) both set up soon after Punch was founded as well as Lustige Blatter (1888), Simplicissimus (1896) and others. In addition, their work has appeared in a wide variety of other media including newspapers, books, posters, postcards, and advertisements. Adolf Hitler was very aware of the power of cartoons. As he said in Mein Kampf, At one strokepeople will understand a pictorial presentation of something which it would take them a long and laborious effort of reading to understand. The Nazis Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels even complained about British cartoons saying, British caricatures of German types are insulting, because they are no longer truthful. The National Socialists have completely transformed the German people. He also kept files of press-cuttings of anti-German drawings by Leslie Illingworth of the Daily Mail and David Low of the Evening Standard, among others. The names of a number of these British cartoonists appeared on the Nazis Black List, indicating those who would be executed first in the event of a German victory in the war. Nazis take control It thus comes as no surprise that as soon as the Nazis came to power in 1933 they cracked down on dissenting cartoonists in Germany, and took control of many publications. Some artists, however, especially the Jewish ones, saw the writing on the wall and made their escape. Thomas Theodor Heine (1867-1948), editor and co-founder of Simplicissimus, as well as its most prolific cover artist who had been imprisoned for six months for an anti-Kaiser cartoon in 1898 left soon after Hitlers election as Chancellor and eventually settled in Stockholm. The Czech-born Walter Trier (1890-1951), staff cartoonist on Lustige Blatter and illustrator of Erich Kastners famous childrens book Emil and the Detectives, left Germany shortly after seeing Kastners works, as well as some of his own books, burnt in Berlin by the Nazis as subversive literature. He moved to London where he achieved fame as the cover artist for Lilliput magazine from its foundation in 1937. Victor Weisz (Vicky, 1913-1966), later to create the image of Harold Macmillan as Supermac, managed to flee to Budapest and then London, when his paper, Das 12 Uhr Blatt, was taken over by the Nazis. However, a fellow Berliner, Willi Wolpe (Wooping, 1904-58) was not so lucky. During his imprisonment he was tortured and lost an eye before being released in 1936 after which he fled to Czechoslovakia and then, in 1939, to London (where, ironically he was interned at first as an enemy alien). Sticking to their guns For those cartoonists and caricaturists who remained in Germany, most either accepted the Nazi regime reluctantly or changed their allegiance and became enthusiastic supporters of it. Among the former were such distinguished pre-war artists as Karl Arnold (1883-1953), Paul Weber (1893-1980), Wilhelm Schulz (1865-1952), the Norwegian-born Olaf Gulbransson (1873-1958) and the Austrian-born Eduard Thony (1866-1950). Another was Erich Ohser (1903-1944) who worked as E O Plauen (a combination of his initials and the name of the town in which he was brought up). Born on 18 March 1903, the son of a customs official, he studied at the Academy of Graphic Art in Leipzig where he met Erich Kastner and illustrated Kastners first volumes of poetry. He then began contributing to various newspapers in Leipzig before moving to Berlin. When the Nazis came to power he was at first forbidden to work as a political cartoonist and so drew the Vater und Sohn (Father and Son) wordless strip for the Berliner Illustrierte Zeitung (1934-7). It was very successful (even being used in Nazi propaganda campaigns) and three books of the drawings (1935, 1936 and 1938) were published. From 1940 he also drew political cartoons for Das Reich. However, by 1944 he had become increasingly anti-Nazi and was arrested by the Gestapo. He committed suicide (aged 41) in Moabit Prison, Berlin, during the night of 5 April 1944, only hours before his trial (which would have sentenced him to death). The painter, illustrator and cartoonist Willibald Krain (1886-1945) had a similar experience of the Nazis at first. Born in Breslau on 11 December 1886 he was brought up in Silesia and studied painting in Breslau and Munich. He worked for Kladderadatsch and the socialist magazines Der Wahre Jacob and Lachen Links, among others, and attended Hitlers 1924 trial after the Munich Putsch as a court sketch artist for the Berliner Illustrierte. Prohibited from drawing when the Nazis came to power, he later went along with the regime and was thereafter allowed to contribute propaganda cartoons (including some anti-Semitic work) to the German press. At the end of the war he served in the Volksturm (Home Guard) and was captured by the Red Army. While on a prisoner transport he received a gunshot wound from which he died in a Dresden hospital on 11 September 1945. Changing allegiance Those artists who seemed to have been more willing supporters of the Nazi regime included Philipp Rupprecht (Fips), the star artist of Julius Streichers infamous anti-Semitic weekly Der Sturmer, Eric Schilling, Goebbels favourite cartoonist, Professor Hans Schweitzer (Mjolnir), the Nazis expert on degenerate art, and Arthur Johnson, the American-born son of the US consul to Hamburg. Philipp Rupprecht was born in Nuremberg in 1901, served in the German Navy in the First World War, and then moved to Argentina, aged 20, where he worked on a cattle ranch and as a waiter. Returning to Nuremberg in 1925 he began contributing cartoons to the Frankische Tagepost before he caught the attention of Julius Streicher who invited him to draw cartoons (including covers) for Der Sturmer. His first cartoon for the paper appeared on 19 December 1925. With the outbreak of war he served at first in the Kriegsmarine but was later released to do wartime propaganda work and continued to contribute to Der Sturmer until its last issue on 2 February 1945. He also illustrated Nazi childrens stories by Ernst Hiemer (editor of Der Sturmer) and published his own book Juden Stellen Sich (Jews Present Themselves, 1934). Eric Schilling was born in Suhl, Thuringia, on 27 February 1885, the fourth child of a gun manufacturer. After serving an apprenticeship with the master engraver Karl Kolb he worked as a rifle engraver in his fathers company. At the age of 18 he went to Berlin to study art at the citys Academy. His first cartoons appeared in Der Wahre Jakob and he also contributed to Simplicissimus (from 1907), Kladderadatsch, and others, often signing his work simply with a capital S. He moved to Munich in 1918 and later became a shareholder in Simplicissimus. Formerly vehemently anti-Nazi, in 1933 he became a fervent supporter of Hitlers regime and continued to draw for Simplicissimus until it closed in 1944. Mjolnir was the name of Thors hammer in Norse mythology and from 1926 to 1945, it was used as the nom de plume of Hans Herbert Schweitzer. Born in Berlin in 1901, the son of a doctor, Schweitzer studied at the Kunsthochschule in the city and was one of the first 30 members of the Berlin Nazi Party (he joined in 1926). A close friend of Joseph Goebbels, he helped set up Der Angriff in 1927 and drew cartoons for it. He also contributed to the Volkischer Beobachter and Die Brennessel. In addition he designed postage stamps and posters and illustrated a book lampooning quotations from Winston Churchills speeches. In 1935 he was appointed Reichsbeauftrager fur Kunstlerische Formgebung (Reich Instructor for Artistic Shaping) in the Reich Chamber of Culture responsible for identifying and confiscating so-called degenerate art and from 1937 had the title of Professor. The American Arthur Johnson would seem at first to be an unlikely Nazi. He was born in Cincinnatti in 1874, the son of a journalist (who was also the proprietor/editor of the Cincinnatti Volksblatt) and his German wife, and studied at the Cincinnatti Art Academy. In 1889, when his father was appointed US Consul to Hamburg, the family moved to Germany where Johnson continued his studies at the Berlin Academy of Art and was awarded the Prussian Academys Prix de Rome. After travelling in Italy he returned to Berlin to work as a painter. He began contributing to Kladderadatsch in 1906 and produced a number of anti-British cartoons for the magazine during the First World War, including The Rape of the Germans in England (1914) which lampooned George Vs German descent. At first anti-Nazi, he later became a supporter, and after Hitlers occupation of the Rhineland, drew a front-cover cartoon, The Seeds of Peace, Not Dragons Teeth (Kladderadatsch, 22 March 1936), featuring Hitler sowing seeds in front of the angel of peace blowing a trumpet. He worked for Kladderadatsch until it too closed in 1944. Three of these four Nazi cartoonists survived the war. Johnson lived to be 80 (he died in Berlin in 1954) and Schweitzer worked as an illustrator until his death in Landstuhl on 15 September 1980. Rupprecht was sentenced to six years hard labour in Eichstatt prison by the Allies. Released on 23 October 1950 he then worked as a painter and decorator in Munich where he died on 4 April 1975. As for Eric Schilling, he committed suicide in his studio in Munich on 30 April 1945, the day before his great admirer, Joseph Goebbels, did the same in Berlin. About the Author: Dr Mark Bryant is the author of World War II in Cartoons (1989), The Worlds Greatest War Cartoonists, and Caricaturists, 1790-1945 (2012). WASHINGTON The Senate was voting Wednesday on legislation to put a check on President Donald Trump's ability to use deadly military force against drug cartels, as Democrats and at least one Republican tried to counter the administration's extraordinary assertion of presidential war power to destroy vessels in the Caribbean. It was the first vote in Congress on Trump's military campaign that has so far has destroyed four vessels in the Caribbean, killed at least 21 people and stopped narcotics from reaching the U.S., according to the White House. The war powers resolution would require the president to seek authorization from Congress before further military strikes on the cartels. The Trump administration has asserted that drug traffickers are armed combatants threatening the United States, creating justification to use military force. But that assertion has been met with some unease on Capitol Hill. Some Republicans are asking the White House for more clarification on its legal justification and specifics on how the strikes are conducted, while Democrats insist they are violations of U.S. and international law. It's a clash that could redefine how the world's most powerful military uses lethal force and set the tone for future global conflict. The White House has already indicated Trump would veto the legislation, and the Senate vote Wednesday was not expected to succeed, but it provided lawmakers an opportunity to go on the record with their objections to Trump's declaration that the U.S. is in armed conflict with drug cartels. It sends a message when a significant number of legislators say, Hey, this is a bad idea,'" said Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat who pushed the resolution alongside Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California. What Is the War Powers Resolution? Wednesday's vote was being brought under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which was intended to reassert congressional power over the declaration of war. The legislation would bar the Trump administration from using military strikes against vessels in the Caribbean Sea unless Congress specifically authorizes it. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who has long advocated for greater congressional power over war powers, was the lone Republican to support the legislation ahead of the vote, though Schiff and Kaine said others had expressed interest. A number of GOP senators have questioned the strikes on vessels and said they are not receiving enough information from the administration. Congress must not allow the executive branch to become judge, jury and executioner, Paul said in a floor speech. Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, acknowledged there may be some concern in the Republican conference about the strikes. However, Sen. Mike Rounds, a South Dakota Republican who like Cramer is on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he did not expect many Republicans to vote for the resolution. I'm going to vote no when the president is exercising his constitutional responsibility, Rounds said. What Has the Administration Told Congress About the Strikes? Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee received a classified briefing last week on the strikes, and Cramer said he was comfortable with at least the plausibility of their legal argument. But he added that no one representing intelligence agencies or the military command structure for Central and South America was present for the briefing. Id be more comfortable defending the administration if they shared the information, he said. Kaine also said the briefing did not include any information on why the military chose to destroy the vessels rather than interdict them or get into the specifics of how the military was so confident that the vessels were carrying drugs. The Democrats also said the administration has told them it is adding cartels to a list of organizations deemed narco-terrorists that are targets for military strikes, but it has not shown the lawmakers the full list. Maybe they were engaged in human trafficking, or maybe it was the wrong ship, Schiff said. We just have little or no information about who was onboard these ships or what intelligence was used or what the rationale was and how certain we could be that everyone on that ship deserved to die. A Visit from Rubio Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the Republican Conference for lunch Wednesday to emphasize to senators that they should vote against the legislation. He told the senators that the administration was treating cartels like governmental entities because they have seized control of large portions of some Caribbean nations, according to Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota. These drug trafficking organizations are a direct threat to the safety and security of the United States to unleash violence and criminality on our streets, fueled by the drugs and the drug profits that they make, Rubio told reporters at the Capitol. And the president is the commander in chief, has an obligation to keep our country safe. Still, Democrats said the recent buildup of U.S. maritime forces in the Caribbean was a sign of shifting U.S. priorities and tactics that could have grave repercussions. They worried that further military strikes could set off a conflict with Venezuela and argued that Congress should be actively deliberating whenever American troops are sent to war. This is the kind of thing that leads a country, unexpectedly and unintentionally, into war, Schiff said. Associated Press writer Lisa Mascaro contributed. California is challenging President Trump's grip on the state's National Guard, telling a federal court the White House used claims of unrest in Los Angeles as a pretext for a deployment that has since expanded nationwide including now sending troops to Illinois. The Trump administration deployed 14 soldiers from California's National Guard to Illinois to train troops from other states, according to a motion California filed Tuesday asking the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to end the federal government's control of its National Guard. Trump's decision to move California troops who had been sent to Portland on Sunday and redeploy them to Illinois escalates tensions in the growing fight over who controls state military forces and how far presidential power can reach in domestic operations. Federal officials have told California they intend to issue a new order extending Trump's federalization of 300 members of the state's Guard through Jan. 31, according to the filing. "Trump is going on a cross-country crusade to sow chaos and division," Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday. "His actions and those of his Cabinet are against our deeply held American values. He needs to stop this illegal charade now." Officials from California and Oregon sought a restraining order after Trump sent California Guard troops to Oregon on Sunday. Trump deployed the California Guard soldiers just a day after a federal judge temporarily blocked the president's efforts to federalize Oregon's National Guard. That prompted Judge Karin Immergut to issue a more sweeping temporary order Sunday evening blocking the deployment of National Guard troops from any other state to Oregon. California's own lawsuit against Trump challenging the deployment in Los Angeles since June resulted in Senior District Judge Charles R. Breyer blocking the administration from "deploying, ordering, instructing, training, or using" the state's troops to engage in civilian law enforcement. The new motion filed Tuesday in that case by California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta asks the 9th Circuit to vacate its earlier stay that allowed federalization to continue under strict limits on what they can do. California argues that the Guard's federalized troops are now being used for missions outside the limited purposes the court allowed drug raids in Riverside County, a show-of-force operation in MacArthur Park and deployments into other states. "The ever-expanding mission of California's federalized Guard bears no resemblance to what this Court provisionally upheld in June," the state wrote in the filing. "And it is causing irreparable harm to California, our Nation's democratic traditions, and the rule of law." Illinois leaders have also gone to court to attempt to block Trump from sending troops to Chicago. Trump has responded by saying that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker should be jailed. 2025 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. President Donald Trump is targeting U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal again after Connecticuts senior U.S. senator grilled U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday during a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing. Trump called for an investigation in a Truth Social post into long-discussed allegations that Blumenthal lied about his military record in 2008. Trump previously brought up the allegations during his first term as a way to rebut Blumenthals frequent criticisms. Blumenthal has in the past publicly addressed the issue, which arose following a New York Times article. The article refers to a video in which Blumenthal told a group of veterans in Norwalk in March 2008, We have learned something important since the days that I served in Vietnam Just weeks after the murder of Charlie Kirk prompted calls to tone down rhetoric and eschew political violence, Trump wrote, Sanctimonious Richard Da Nang Dick Blumenthal, perhaps the biggest joke in the United States Senate, is at it again! perhaps the greatest phony in the history of the United States Senate. He should be allowed to speak no longer! Trump calls for an investigation into Blumenthals statements about serving in Vietnam, saying the senator detailed his time in the jungle and long battles something Blumenthal has not done. He would talk about his life in the military in almost every speech, in particular the death defying dangers he faced in his many years fight for freedom while in Vietnam. He stated that the battles were violent and long, but there was no going back And then it happened, Blumenthal was found out to be a FRAUD. The soldiers in his so-called platoon came forward and said that they had no idea who this guy was. He was revealed, broke down and admitted, tears flowing from his eyes, that he LIED, a Whopper, one that lasted 20 year, Trump said in Truth Social post. Blumenthal said Trump was just deflecting. Donald Trump is lashing out because he doesnt want to answer questions about why hes directing DOJ to prosecute his political opponents, drop lawsuits against corporations trying to screw over American consumers, cover-up one of his top staffers accepting a bribe in a bag, or slash millions in law enforcement funding, Blumenthal said in a statement to the Courant Wednesday. I must have really gotten under his skin. Im proud of my military service. I served. The people of Connecticut have always known my record and they know me, which is why theyve elected me to the Senate three times. Blumenthal, who served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves during Vietnam but was never deployed, did not break down or cry or admit that he lied when the controversy came to light 15 years ago. Rather, on the day after the story broke, a Courant article reports, Blumenthal held a press conference at the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall in West Hartford, flanked by veterans from various branches of the service. On a few occasions, I have misspoken about my service, and I regret that, he said. But I will not allow anyone to take a few misplaced words and impugn my record of service to my country. I served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, and I am proud of it. He later sent this statement to the Courant: At times when I have sought to honor veterans, I have not been as clear or precise as I should have been about my service in the Marine Corps Reserves, Blumenthal said in that statement. I have firmly and clearly expressed regret and taken responsibility for my words. I have made mistakes and I am sorry. I truly regret offending anyone. I will always champion the cause of Connecticuts and our nations veterans. It was Bondi who first revived the issue when Blumenthal questioned her about controversial corporate mergers, staff firings and her former law firm into which Blumenthal and several other Democratic senators requested an investigation. Senator Blumenthal, I cannot believe that you would accuse me of impropriety when you lied about your military service. You lied, you admitted you lied to be elected a U.S. senator, Bondi said, talking over him. I am a career prosecutor. Dont you ever challenge my integrity, she continued as Blumenthal tries to get her to answer the question. Bondis onslaught on Blumenthal was one of many during the hearing, in which she frequently refused to answer questions. Gov. Ned Lamont when asked Wednesday about Republican criticisms of Blumenthal and stolen valor said, Look, stop it. Ive watched some of these hearings, back and forth. Theyre yelling at each other. This is no way to run a government. This shutdown is another example of dysfunction, starting in the White House. Courant reporter Christopher Keating contributed to this story. A federal judge partially blocked the Trump administration's deployment of National Guard troops to the Chicago area, but did not detail specifics in her ruling Thursday. U.S. District Judge April Perry didnt lay out details of any order or say what part of the request she was granting as she spoke from the bench in her crowded courtroom. She promised more on Friday. The lawsuit was filed Monday by Chicago and Illinois to stop the deployments of Illinois and Texas Guard members. Some troops were already at an immigration building in the Chicago suburb of Broadview when Perry heard arguments on Thursday. The building has been the site of occasional clashes between protesters and agents. Perry said the actions of the Department of Homeland Security are largely rooted in President Donald Trumps "animus toward Illinois elected officials. She expressed skepticism of the federal governments characterization of protests in Broadview. DHSs narrative of events is simply unreliable, she said. The city and state have called the deployments unnecessary and illegal, and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and local officials have strongly opposed the use of the Guard. In a court filing, the city and state said protests at the temporary detention facility for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Broadview have never come close to stopping federal immigration enforcement. Trump, meanwhile, has portrayed Chicago as a lawless hellhole of crime despite statistics that show a significant drop in crime in the city. U.S. Justice Department lawyer Eric Hamilton said in court that the Guards mission would be protecting federal properties and government law enforcers in the field not solving all of crime in Chicago. 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. Heavy turnout at the downtown courthouse caused officials to open an overflow room with a video feed of the hearing. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sat in a corner of the courtroom. Christopher Wells of the state attorney generals office said U.S. citizens have been temporarily detained in Trump's immigration crackdown. He acknowledged the president has the power to deploy the Guard, but that power is not unlimited. Also Thursday, a federal appeals court heard arguments over whether Trump had the authority to take control of 200 Oregon National Guard troops. The president had planned to deploy them in Portland, where there have been mostly small nightly protests outside an ICE building. A judge on Sunday granted a temporary restraining order blocking the move. Trump had mobilized California troops for Portland just hours after the judge first blocked him from using Oregon's Guard. Two dozen other states with a Democratic attorney general or governor signed a court filing in support of the legal challenge by California and Oregon. Twenty others, led by Iowa, backed the Trump administration. Trump previously sent troops to Los Angeles and Washington. In Memphis, Tennessee, Mayor Paul Young said troops would begin patrolling Friday. Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee supports the role. Police Chief Cerelyn CJ Davis said she hoped the Guard would be used to direct traffic and have a presence in retail corridors, but not used for checkpoints or similar. Davis said she doesn't want Memphis to feel like there is this over-militarization in our communities. The Trump administrations aggressive use of the Guard was challenged this summer in California, which won and lost a series of court decisions while opposing the policy of putting troops in Los Angeles, where they protected federal buildings and immigration agents. A judge in September said the deployment was illegal. By that point, just 300 of the thousands of troops sent there remained on the ground. The judge did not order them to leave. The government later took steps to send them to Oregon. Associated Press writers Ed White in Detroit, Geoff Mulvihill in Philadelphia and Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee, contributed to this report. At a memorial service in 2022, veteran Air Force Capt. Monte Watts bumped into a fellow former Minuteman III nuclear missile operator, who told him that she had non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Watts knew other missileers with similar cancers. But the connection really hit home later that same January day, when the results of a blood test revealed that Watts himself had chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. I dont know if it was ironic or serendipitous or what the right word is, but there it was, Watts said. Within the community of U.S. service members who staff nuclear missile silos scattered across the Northern Rockies and Great Plains, suspicions had long been brewing that their workplaces were unsafe. Just months after Watts was diagnosed in 2022, Lt. Col. Danny Sebeck, a former Air Force missileer who had transferred to the U.S. Space Force, wrote a brief on a potential cancer cluster among people who served at Minuteman III launch control centers on Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana. Sebeck identified 36 former workers who served primarily from 1993 to 2011 and had been diagnosed with cancer, including himself. Of those, 11 had non-Hodgkin lymphoma; three had died. The Air Force responded swiftly to Sebecks findings, launching a massive investigation into cancer cases and the environment at three intercontinental ballistic missile bases and a California launch facility. The goal is to complete the research by the end of 2025. The service has released portions of the studies as they conclude, holding online town halls and briefings to highlight its findings. But while former missileers say they are heartened by the rapid response, they remain concerned that the research, which crosses decades and includes thousands of ICBM personnel and administrative workers, may address too large a population or use statistical analyses that wont show a connection between their illnesses and their military service. They need that tie to expedite benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Historically, the Department of Defense has been slow to recognize potential environmental diseases. Veterans sickened by exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, Marines who drank contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and service members who lived and worked near burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan fought for years to have their illnesses acknowledged as related to military service. In the case of the missileers, the Air Force already had studied potential contamination and cancer at Malmstrom in 2001 and 2005. That research concluded that launch control centers were safe and healthy working environments. But with Sebecks presentation and the decision to pursue further investigation, Air Force Global Strike Command the unit responsible for managing nuclear missile silos and aircraft-based nuclear weapons said the earlier studies may not have included a large enough sampling of medical records to be comprehensive. Sebeck, who serves as co-director of the Torchlight Initiative, an advocacy group that supports ICBM personnel and their families, told congressional Democrats on April 8 that the Defense Department has not accurately tracked exposures to the community, making it difficult for veterans to prove a link and obtain VA health care and disability compensation. I had to go to a VA person and pull some papers, Sebeck said, referring to the government system for recording service members environmental risks. It says that I visited Poland once. It doesnt mention that I pulled 148 alerts in a launch control center with polychlorinated biphenyls and with this contaminated air and water. PCBs and the Missileers Exposed to Them PCBs are synthetic chemicals once used in industry, including missile control electrical components such as display screens, keyboards, and circuit breakers. They have been banned for manufacture since 1979, deemed toxic and a likely carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Air Forces Missile Community Cancer Study compares 14 types of common cancers in the general U.S. population and the missile community and also studies the environments at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California to determine whether they may have contributed to the risk of developing cancer. The Malmstrom, Warren, and Minot bases together field 400 Minuteman III missiles, the land-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad, which also includes submarine- and aircraft-launched nuclear weapons. The missiles are housed in silos spread across parts of Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska, staffed around the clock by missileers operating from underground, bunkerlike launch control centers. So far, the Air Force investigation has found no statistically elevated deaths from cancer in the missile community compared with the general population, and it found that the death rates for four types of common cancers non-Hodgkin lymphoma, lung, colon and rectum, and prostate cancer were significantly lower in missileers than in the general population. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma accounted for roughly 5.8% of all cancer deaths among people who worked in launch control centers from January 1979 to December 2020. Early results, derived from Defense Department medical records, found elevated rates of breast and prostate cancers in the missile community, but a later analysis incorporating additional data did not support those findings. The studies also did not find increased rates of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Air Force officials noted during a June 4 online town hall, however, that these assessments are based on roughly half the data the service expects to review for its final epidemiological reports and cautioned against drawing conclusions given the limitations. The final incidence report will include federal and state data, including information from civilian cancer registries, and delve into subgroups and exposures, which may provide deeper insights into the complex relationship between serving in the missile community and cancer risk, wrote Air Force Col. Richard Speakman in a September 2024 memo on the initial epidemiology results. Gen. Thomas Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, said during the June town hall that only the final results will determine whether the missile communitys cancer rates are higher than the general populations. Some lawmakers share the concern of missileers about the Air Force study. Following the release of a University of North Carolina review of Torchlight Initiative data that showed higher rates of non-Hodgkin lymphoma at younger ages among Malmstrom missileers, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) introduced an amendment to a defense policy bill calling for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to review health and safety conditions in the facilities. Lets make sure that we have some outside experts working with the Air Force studying cancer rates with our ICBM missions, Bacon posted July 30 on the social platform X. We want to ensure credibility and that whatever results come out, weve done total due diligence. Regarding additional studies on the working environments at the installations and a possible relationship between exposures and cancer risk, Speakman, who commands the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, said Malmstrom had two types of PCBs that the other two missile wing bases did not. He added that benzene, found in cigarette smoke, vehicle exhaust, and gasoline fumes, was the largest contributor to cancer risk in reviews of the bases. The assessment concluded that health risks to missileers is low, but its not zero, Speakman said. He said it would be appropriate to monitor the health of launch control workers. Next Steps Watts, whose story has been highlighted by the Torchlight Initiative, has asked the Defense Departments inspector general to investigate the watchdog agency referred his request to Global Strike Command and is closely watching the Air Force research. He said the bulk of the cancer cases reported to Torchlight occurred in the 2000s, when ICBM personnel still used technology that contained PCBs, burned classified material such as treated paper and plastic coding devices indoors, and possibly were exposed to contaminated water. I open the door and theres guys standing there in pressurized suits with sampling equipment, Watts recalled. They said, Were here to check for contaminated water. I look at my crew commander, and were standing there in cotton uniforms. I said, Do you see anything wrong with this? Launch control operators no longer burn code tapes indoors and the Air Force has made improvements to air circulation in the centers. Sebeck wants Congress to consider including missileers and others sickened by exposure to base contamination in the PACT Act, landmark legislation that mandates health care and benefits for veterans sickened by burn pits and other pollutants. Its documented that there is a large cancer cluster in Montana, probably also in Wyoming. People act surprised, but all they have to do is go to the oncology office in Denver. I can find my missileer buddies there. We are sitting in the same chairs getting chemotherapy, Sebeck said. Air Force Global Strike Command spokesperson Maj. Lauren Linscott said in response to Sebecks remarks that the unit understands the impact of cancer on its personnel and is committed to supporting them. While current findings are preliminary and no conclusions can yet be drawn, we are dedicated to a rigorous, peer-reviewed, data-driven process to better understand potential health risks because the safety of our airmen is our top priority, Linscott said. Bills introduced in the House and Senate would address the situation. In addition to Bacons amendment, the Senate version of an annual defense policy bill would require a deep cleaning of launch control centers every five years until the sites are decommissioned as a new ICBM, the Sentinel, replaces the Minuteman IIIs. The Air Force aims to release its final epidemiological report by the end of the year. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs of KFF the independent source for health policy research, polling and journalism. 2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. React Conf is around the corner and it's been almost 10 years since Prettier was released. I figured it would be a good time to recount the journey from its early days to now. This is the story of how the "Space vs Tabs Holy War" ended, not through one side winning over the other but instead a technological invention making it the underlying source of tensions no longer being a thing. Back Story School time In order to understand my state of mind when I worked on Prettier, we need to go back in time when I did my college at EPITA, a French school dedicated to Computer Science. When you start, you are given a PDF with the list of formatting rules you need to obey when turning your coding assignments. Not following them is extremely punishing where for each failure you are losing 2 points out of a grade over 20. So 10 formatting issues and you're getting a 0! This taught people the hard way that they need to train themselves to format their code properly. As you can expect, I tried to code my way out of this and implement such a linter with fixers myself so that I wouldn't have to deal with it. But it turns out that writing what is commonly called a linter + formatter for the C programming language was way out of my depth for a first year student. So I ended up learning these formatting rules but it engraved in the back of my mind the need for a way to solve this problem automatically. Facebook time A few years later, I joined Facebook and my first interaction with an awesome engineer there included a bunch of formatting style changes. Turns out the guidelines I learned at school was not the same ones that Facebook was using. It felt like a pretty bad setup for everyone involved. Yuan Tian had to spend her valuable time going through all my code and pointing out all the formatting issues (eslint wasn't yet created!). I then had to go back and fix everything. At first I thought this was pointless but then a few months later a new person joined the team and I found myself in the same situation in reverse because having a different style convention really did make the code harder to read and understand! Potential Solutions One thing I've learned is that if there's a big problem that a lot of people faced, many people must have tried to solve it. So I passively investigated over the years what were all these approaches and why they didn't succeed. Lint fixers The way most people approached this problem is by figuring out what rule you are breaking (eg: shouldn't be a space before a parenthesis) and writing custom logic to fix it. This worked well for some rules, like spaces around operators, but didn't for the ones that revolve around line length. It also wasn't guaranteed that the operations converged so you could have rules fixing one and breaking another. gofmt When go was released, they published a formatter along with the programming language which they used for all their code and examples. As a result, it became the way most people wrote go. For the first time it felt like there was a light at the end of the tunnel. But even though it was released in 2009, it didn't seem like any other programming language got such a similar treatment 8 years later in 2017 when Prettier was released. Maybe they could only pull it off because they started with it... Dartfmt In 2015, dartfmt made the rounds with a blog post titled "The Hardest Program Ive Ever Written". This was the first time a proper formatter got traction on an existing popular language. This gave me hope. But reading through the post, I also disagreed with the way the problem was approached. The idea is to create a scoring function for the "prettyness" of a given AST output and find the output that maximizes this function. While it makes sense from a coding perspective, this feels terrible from a human perspective as there's no clear explanation as to why a specific code is printed the way it is and there's likely going to be big swings that can happen with small variations of input if two very far away branches have a similar score. It's also not immediately clear to me how to build that scoring function. And as the article says, it's very hard to optimize as you may need to explore a huge amount of possible states. All the JavaScript formatters There's been a long list of people building JavaScript formatters since gofmt came out but none of them got any strong adoption. I was very curious to understand why so I reached out to their authors. The good thing I learned is that I could just send cold emails to these authors. They spent months of their life working on this so they were super happy when somebody reach out to geek out on the subject. After talking to many people, I came to the conclusion that we are facing a very different flavor of project. Most programming projects in the wild follow a Pareto curve where you can build 80% of the project in 20% of the time, ship and then iterate to improve on the last 20%. But the problem with formatters is that you can't ship if it's doing the right thing 80% of the time. This would mean that every 5 lines it format things in a weird way. People are very sensitive to the way their code is written so this won't fly. Most of the projects failed not because the approach wasn't sound but because the authors were not willing to commit to build the 99.999% before the project could be viable. Winter Break In December of 2016, two people I know, James Long who evangelized React thanks to his amazing blog posts and did great work on the Firefox devtools and Pieter Vanderwerff who built a lot of the JavaScript infrastructure at Facebook both started working on a JavaScript pretty printer. Testing One of the most annoying part of working on such project is to have a good test setup. The usual way to set it up was to write manual tests for each examples. You put the input as a string within a test file, you need to make sure you escape it properly, run the printer and paste the output. Unfortunately it's super annoying to have to do this for many tests and if you change the formatter output it may "break" a lot of tests and you need to manually repeat this process. This is a huge motivation killer. Thankfully a few months earlier, Jest introduced "snapshot testing" support which was the perfect fit for this problem. With that, it was possible to just write js files in the test folder and all the "output" would be auto-generated. When you run all the test suite again, you see the differences in formatting and you can figure out whether it's what you intended or not. With one command you can update all the output if it is. Not only did it help with the person coding but it was invaluable for the reviewer. The pull request now shows all the differences that this change would do. This let us welcome contributions to the formatter as we could see all the changes. If nothing looks off, we can just merge it without fear. Friendly Competition I got super excited but I still didn't actually know how to build a pretty printer, so I instead took on the role of a "cheerleader". I've learned that motivation is a key aspect of having an ambitious project go through. I setup the testing infra and created a leaderboard for how many AST nodes both their implementation supported, updating it every day and getting both to compete on who is going to support all of them first I also kept feeding real world code to both their implementation and categorize + prioritizing all the weird looking code and giving it to them to fix it. This was super fun seeing so much progress done so quickly! This is for these kind of moments that I love being in tech. End of the break Speed of execution wasn't just a nice to have but a necessity for this project. As I mentioned, the shape of the project requires the huge long tail to be implemented before it would be usable. My goal was to get as much progress done as possible while both of them were able to dedicate time to it. When the break was over, both of them decided to get back to their real job and to shelve this side project. At this point, the 80% was done and working, I could see the problem that has been bothering me for years being solved... So I decided to drop everything I had on my plate at work and focus full time on this. As you can expect, my manager wasn't super happy about it but this felt like a now or never kind of situation, I used all my acquired political capital at the company to make that bet. Prettier First order of business was to make a choice on which of the two projects to build on-top of. In reality this was an easy decision. Pieter's project was built in Reason, a dialect of OCaml. While I've written my fair share of OCaml at school, this was still not a language I was particularly comfortable with and it would drastically reduce the ability for people in the JavaScript ecosystem to contribute. So I went with James Long's project which was written in JavaScript. Open Source James Long did all the work to open source and used his incredible writing abilities to publish a blog post called "A Prettier JavaScript Formatter" which got people really excited about the idea of the project and kick started its growth. I ended up contracting James Long for him to work on it for a few more weeks but my inexperience going through the contracting process at Facebook made it a bad experience for him. On the bright side, this led me to discover Open Collective which is amazing at handling money exchanges for open source projects. Algorithm At this point, I still had no idea how the printer actually worked. I know it was based on the paper called "A prettier printer" from Philip Wadler but even today this paper reads like gibberish to me as it is written in Haskel and full of scientific verbiage. The good news is that it's actually extremely elegant and powerful. There are just two concepts: a list of "instructions" with string literal, group, indent, softline, hardline... and an algorithm that takes these instructions along with a line length which outputs the final string. I wrote a small blog post that explains how it works if you are interested. The mind blowing thing to me is that we've been able to print all of JavaScript, CSS, HTML, Ruby... with only 23 commands. This is a testament to the brilliancy of the design. Strategy At this point we had the first 80%, now we needed to do the next 19.999%. My approach was to "go into a submarine", make as much progress as possible and once it would be ready for prime time, "go back to the surface" and get people to adopt it. In 6 months, I shipped 500 commits, which is around 3 commits a day. The amazing thing with Open Source is that I only did half of the commits of the project during that period! 31 other people contributed and built many things that I would likely not been able to do. Correctness The #1 thing I was concerned about is that the formatter would output code that actually executed the same as the original. You can have the prettiest code but if it introduces bugs, nobody will use the software. I tried many approach to test for correctness. The obvious one was checking that the AST would be the same but the issue is that adding or removing parenthesis would sometimes change the AST, but it was required to print it the way we wanted to. So had to do a lot of massaging and it wasn't clear if it actually properly tested correctness anymore. What ended up being the best indicator is a simple idempotency test: prettier(input) == prettier(prettier(input)) It's not intuitive why it actually works but the vast vast majority of all the correctness issues we've ever found broke this test. The good news is that I had a massive JavaScript codebase within Facebook to play with. So for these 6 months I would wake up in the morning, run this test on the entire codebase, eye ball to see the most common issue, fix it and repeat. It was a grind but after about 4 months, we finally got it down to 0 correctness issues! Formatting Decisions The thing I was most anxious going into the project was figuring out how to deal with everyone's extremely strong opinions on formatting. People called "Space vs Tabs Holy War" for a reason. My mindset going into it was that I would use my own judgement for printing most of the code and provide the minimum number of options so that I wouldn't have to deal with the most controversial takes. So we ended up with a small set for tabs vs spaces, semicolons vs no semi, single quotes vs double quotes and a few smaller ones. While it would have been amazing to not have any options, I feel like this sidestepped the most likely distraction that would have killed the project. For all the other decisions, the strategy I used was to grep the giant Facebook codebase to see what was the most used variant and use that one in case I needed to make a choice between two reasonable ways to print the same AST structure. This also gave me some data driven way to justify my choices instead of just "I think it looks better". Being able to communicate with people in this project removing the preferences was a key part of how to remain sane. It's a really weird feeling to think that I ended up defining how most of JavaScript code looks like in the world these days. Printing Difficulties There's a reason why nobody had solved the problem before, we ran into many types of code that were not trivial to print. Comments Comments have become the bane of my existence. They can be inserted literally anywhere, they have bunch of different forms, you sometimes want them to extend past 80 columns but not always... The code for this is a huge list of special cases that doesn't fully work. If I were to reimplement prettier, I would change the way we handle them. Most JavaScript parsers are AST parsers where the A stands for Abstract. Instead I would go for a CST parser where the C stands for Concrete. It gives access to the list of all the tokens including comments. This is how we did it for the programming language Skip which solved it elegantly. Chained Methods The other one is chained.method().calls(). The reason for this one is more subtle. In practice for most of the language constructs, they have a single "intent". So you need to figure out what the meaning of it is and print it accordingly. The issue with chaining is that people have used it to mean a ton of different things. People have built entire new languages out of it for example for building SQL queries, it is used to paper over the lack of namespaces, doing tons of various operations with jQuery... As a result, we need 500 lines of code and a bunch of heuristics just for this single node type. Expanded last argument If you put a function definition or an object as the last argument of a function call, you want to kind of inline it but also expand it. It doesn't neatly fall into the primitives that the core algorithm gives us. const response = await fetch ( "https://example.org/post" , { <-- method : "POST" , body : JSON. stringify ( { username : "example" } ) , } ) ; const response = await fetch("https://example.org/post", { <-- method: "POST", body: JSON.stringify({ username: "example" }), }); We hacked it up with "conditionalGroup" primitive which is unfortunately O(n) so this is the only part of prettier that can actually spend a really large amount of time if you nest many of these. Thankfully this isn't a pattern that people actually do. It haunted me so much that when I built the Skip pretty printer, I ended up finding a much more elegant solution using the notion of a "marker". If anyone reading is building a pretty printer based on the same infrastructure, I highly recommend using it instead. Object literals Like chained methods, object literals is used in a lot of different contexts. Unfortunately, there wasn't a heuristic that actually worked well for all the use cases. We have a really important principle with prettier which is that we should print the code regardless of how it was formatted in the first place. This makes it so that however badly (or differently) the input was formatted, it'll always print the same way. Sadly, we had to break this rule for object literals with a slight twist. If there's a new line anywhere in an object, we'll always print its expanded form. This means that if you want to shrink an object if it fits 80 columns, you'll have to manually remove all the empty lines. To this day, nobody that I know about has come up with a better alternative unfortunately. If you have ideas please let me know! No-semi At that time there was a big movement around not putting semi-colons at the end of lines. While this worked most of the time, some of the edge cases were very subtle but completely changed the meaning of the code. For example this is how the following seemingly innocuous code would be evaluated: let start , end ; let range = getRange ( ) [ start , end ] = range // How it actually is executed by the language: // let range = (getRange()[(start, end)] = range); // How we print it with nosemi in prettier: let range = getRange ( ) ; [ start , end ] = range let start, end; let range = getRange() [start, end] = range // How it actually is executed by the language: // let range = (getRange()[(start, end)] = range); // How we print it with nosemi in prettier: let range = getRange() ;[start, end] = range In order to get around, the convention was to put a semicolon at the start of the next line. Finding out how to make this happen was actually pretty complicated as we needed to figure out what is the last character we would print in the previous line and the first of the current line and put a semicolon if they would trigger issues. One of the great thing about prettier is that it would reformat whatever code you pass in to a human readable variant. So if you see prettier do weird things with your code, at this point it's way more likely that your code triggered some JavaScript parsing edge case than prettier being wrong. Internal Rollout Product Manager Shape One thing I've learned through this experience is that I needed to learn how to shape shift based on what the project needed. At first it required me being a coding machine but then a lot more of coordination was required. Within Meta, we needed to build all the integrations. It turns out having a working printer is only a piece of the puzzle. We needed to have IDE integration such that it would format on save, a linter and CI integration such that you couldn't ship incorrectly formatted code, a way to upgrade existing files in batch... I ended up coding only a small part of these integrations but instead directed many people into the best way to do it. Options While prettier itself should support various options to help increase adoption, I wanted a single set of options within the company. That came with a challenge where it's really hard to enforce in a big company where people are one pull request away from changing the options. The strategy I used was to figure out how to line up the incentives such that using a different set of options was orders of magnitude more annoying than not. Prettier is used in two main places: CI and the IDE. I made it so that both would read their options from a different place with a different rollout schedule. CI would read the options from source control. The IDE would read the options from the IDE extension. So if you wanted your own set of options, you'd need to add a coordination system so that both would read from the same place, which was not trivial to do and would require you to work on a foreign codebase. A few people that weren't using the standard IDE did rollout their own options but when they started working with more people within the company eventually ended up aligning. Granularity There were a lot of debates internally as to how we're going to roll it out. So far all the formatting fixes were rolled out only on lines changed by the person modifying the code. While we did implement this mode in prettier, it meant losing a lot of the value proposition. So we needed to figure out a way to ship it such that it wouldn't update a bunch of unrelated lines when people modified a file. The solution we came up with was to add a @format annotation in the first comment of the file. If it's there, then the file is always formatted, both in the IDE and with a pre-commit hook to enforce it. Rollout With that strategy planned, the rollout process was a script that took a list of files, would run the check mode to make sure prettier didn't change the meaning of the code, run the formatter and add the @format annotation to the top of the file. My only rule with this rollout is that I would personally not reformat any single line of the codebase. The rationale behind it is that I wanted the printed code to be so good that people didn't need to be forced into it but instead they'd want to do it on their own accord. This strategy worked really well, after 6 months we got 50% of our giant codebase converted and after a year 75%. At that point it was clear that the value proposition was there and I organized a "Getting to 100%" event where a bunch of volunteers updated the rest of the codebase. Up until then we were at 0 production issues caused by prettier (as far as I'm aware) but we got the first and only one... Turns out it was caused by the script that added @format to the header, it accidentally reformatted the comment and a polyfill would no longer be bundled in. The fact that we were able to do meaningful change to every JavaScript and CSS file at the company only causing one issue is one of my proudest engineering moment. Upgrades The setup described above worked really well for getting adoption but ended up being a nightmare to upgrade prettier. Since we were still pretty early in the evolution of prettier, we would update the way we print commonly written code pretty frequently. As a result, anytime we needed to upgrade prettier, we would need to update a large percentage of the files in the codebase. Because we had a commit hook that prevents landing code that is not properly formatted, we needed to do it very quickly to avoid preventing people from shipping code. So I ended up spending many weekends (where the chances of merge conflicts are the lowest) sending gigantic pull requests, hitting all sorts of limits of our source control and continuous integration infrastructure in the process. Thankfully as time passed the amount of large changes in prettier's format went dramatically down and our infra got a lot better so it stopped becoming a big issue. One interesting side effect is that I changed the most number of lines of code company wide that year and got my name on the "blame" for most of the JavaScript files that existed at that time. So over the years I kept getting random people or scripts pinging me about code I had no idea about! Solving the problem Format on Save I completely underestimated the profound impact that format on save feature would have. I saw it as a nice to have feature but it ended up being the defining factor for the project. The mindset of the programmer at the time was that you write your code mostly formatted and then you've got this annoying linter that tells you that you did all these things wrong and you need to spent time correcting. At the beginning people were doing the same thing with prettier and got a slight productivity boost as prettier would fix the issues. But then people realized that they could just write code in whatever shape, press save and it would automagically format itself. Ending the Tabs vs Spaces Holy War During a programmer career, you've likely written millions of open curly bracket and based on your coding style put a space, newline or nothing before. If you do it wrong, you've got linters or coworkers annoyed at you. The big realization is that if you do something many many many times, at some point it becomes part of your identity. So programmers, due to the nature of the work have become fundamentally attached with how they format their code. As a result, they have all sorts of opinions that are strongly held and end up being very spicy debates such as tabs vs spaces, semicolon vs nosemi... But the magic of prettier is that you no longer need to do this repetitive task anymore, so people cared a lot less. The other aspect is that changing the formatting style used to be a huge endeavor, you not only needed to update the codebase but also rewire the brain of all the engineers working on it. But with prettier, you just change the config, send a big diff and you're done. So at the end of the day, the way the war ended was not by picking a winner but lowering the stakes so people just stopped caring. Maintenance While the early days are the exciting stories people want to hear, the reality is that Prettier is now one of the foundation upon which most of the JavaScript and CSS code is written in the world. This requires people to maintain this project. Open Collective <3 After a few months somebody suggested that I open up a way for people to donate to the project. I signed up prettier on opencollective.com and added a link to the GitHub repo. After a few years the project had received $50k of donations. I was very unsure on how to use that money. On one hand, this was a significant amount of money, but on the other hand, it was far from being enough to hire anyone competent to work on it. My first attempt was to ask all the people that had significant contributions and give them a slice of that. But almost all of them declined. Either because they didn't feel justified to earn money on contributions that happened a few years prior at this point, or because the hassle of handling taxes on that money transfer were not worth it. Paid Maintainers A few years later, there were 2 people that kept contributing and were running the show. After doing the math of the amount of donations we receive, we could pay them $1.5k / month each. This is not enough to live off of but a not insignificant amount either. So we started paying Fisker Cheung and Sosuke Suzuki and have been for the past many years. They've been doing an amazing job at maintaining the project, supporting latest versions of the various JavaScript standards and language extensions (TypeScript, Flow) that came up over the years. Stressful Situation I have to be honest, this part of the project has caused me a lot of stress. Even though Prettier is used by the entire industry, the project has received a grand total of $200k of donations over its lifetime. In the past few years, the $3k * 12 = $36k a year of maintenance costs have been more than the natural flow of money coming in. So I had to spend time fund raising. The challenge is that there's not a clear value proposition. The way the world works is that you pay money in exchange for something. Since Prettier itself is free, people are not paying for that. Money Sources There are a few things that people are willing to pay for. One is advertising as the Prettier website and GitHub repo are getting a fair amount of traffic. But a lot of the project interested didn't feel like something I would want to put my name behind. The second common one is doing consulting related to the project. In practice Prettier is very easy to install or integrate with your environment (by design) so there isn't a real need there. There could be work for supporting new language features but that's a very niche use case. We tried unconventional avenues, the team at Sentry ran a swag store for Prettier tshirts but it was a lot of logistics for not a lot of revenue in the end. I also quickly looked at getting grants but the amount of paperwork needed for likely not getting any money didn't feel like a good use of time. Big shoutout to Facebook / Meta that has been critical paying for my salary and contributing significantly to the Open Collective. Call for money If you as an individual or your company want to support Prettier maintainers, please send money to opencollective.com/prettier. The reality is that you're not going to get anything concrete for that donation except for the knowledge that you kept a critical piece of infrastructure running. If you have ideas on how to get it funded, please let me know. Or maybe there's a tech billionaire or VC reading this post that will do a one million dollar donation \_()_/ Aftermath My initial assumption was that I would down the submarine and only after I go back up would the adoption really kickstart. But thanks to the power of open source and adventurous people, people started adopting prettier extremely quickly. By 2021, 83% mentioned that they were using Prettier in the State of JS survey. After that, the people running the survey stopped asking because they felt like everyone was using it and it didn't provide much value. Other Languages ukasz Langa who worked at Facebook at the time saw my work on prettier and built an equivalent for Python called Black. It eventually got adopted by The Python Software Foundation who is the organization behind Python. Prettier started with JavaScript but then expanded to cover languages in the web space like CSS, JSON, HTML, YAML, Markdown, GraphQL... and many of their popular variants. Nowadays, it's pretty rare to see a mainstream programming language not have a formatter that's widely adopted by its community. The End This is pretty insane to me where we went from formatting being one of the most controversial engineering topic to the problem being truly solved in only the span of a few years. It feels surreal, even after all these years, that I got to be part of the solution and ended up deciding how a large part of the code written in the world looks like. Now that this chapter is closed, onto solving the next big problem faced by engineers! Demand for home-based, long-term care is expected to rise more than 50 percent by 2040 as the nations veteran population continues to age. The vulnerable veteran population is estimated to increase 51% from 2020 to 2038, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released Sept. 29 found that while the VAs Medical Foster Home Program is expanding to meet needs, progress in implementing recent reforms has been slower than expected. The program allows veterans who need nursing-home-level care to live in private homes with 24-hour caregivers. In a medical foster home, caregivers provide supervision and assistance in their homes to eligible veterans in need of nursing home care, the GAO report reads, noting the goal is to have at least one foster home aligned with each of the VAs 170 medical centers by 2026. The VA did not respond to a request for comment, noting that its input was already included in the GAO report. As of May 2025, 707 veterans were participating across 483 homesa figure that has remained steady despite expansion efforts. VA officials attributed the slow growth to pandemic-related disruptions and high costs for veterans and licensure barriers for caregivers in certain states. The 2022 Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act, also known as the Cleland-Dole Act, was signed into law with bipartisan support with the intent to expand veteran healthcare and benefits. It authorized the VA to cover veterans foster home costs for a five-year period, along with other benefits like state and federal efforts to assist with veteran homelessness and accessibility to long-term mental health care. Its most important provision included benefits to all World War II veterans, since before they were denied VA health care eligibility. But the GAO found that as of May 2025, the VA had not begun paying for veterans medical foster home costs. They cited delays in updating payment systems. The VAs Office of Information and Technology had not completed the work required to make payments due to competing priorities, with officials telling the GAO that they would need another year to complete necessary technical and system updates once funding is secured. Once the updates are completed, the VA will be able to cover eligible veterans costs. VA's medical foster home program is constantly expanding to meet increased demand (va.gov). New System In 2025 The GAO credited the VA for completing most activities related to data tracking and oversight under the Cleland-Dole Act. A new nationwide system, expected to be fully operational by late 2025, will allow officials to track program participation and inspection data in real time. VA officials said the new system is intended to provide a better view of local oversight and compliance with VA policy. Overall, satisfaction remains high. In fiscal year 2023, 92% of veterans and 98% of caregivers reported being satisfied with the program and its outcomes. Caregivers described feeling supported by Medical Foster Home Program staff and deriving personal benefit from participation. Yet sustainability and recruitment remain hurdles. Program staff told the GAO they struggle to find caregivers and veterans able to afford costs that range from $2,100 to over $8,000 a month. Most prospective veterans cannot afford the monthly out-of-pocket program costs, staff from five VA medical centers said. Others cited arduous and costly state licensing rules and a lack of staff needed to expand. Those five VA medical centers are located in Denver, Colorado; Dublin, Georgia; Sacramento/Redding, California; Biloxi, Mississippi; and San Antonio, Texas. The GAO concluded that while the VA has made progress implementing requirements of the Cleland-Dole Act, key challengesespecially delayed payments and uneven state regulationscontinue to limit access. VA officials said they are exploring manual workarounds to begin payments before 2027 and remain committed to improving, growing the program. 9:14 pm: The minor league transaction log entry showing Leon re-signing with the Braves is not accurate, MLBTR has learned. Leon remains a free agent. 7:23 pm: Catcher Sandy Leon has returned to the Braves on a minor league deal, according to the MLB.com transaction tracker. The veteran was assigned to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers, where hes spent the majority of the past two seasons. Leon appeared in five games with Atlanta over the final two months of the 2025 campaign. The 36-year-old Leon joined Atlanta as a free agent ahead of the 2024 season. He played in 79 games with the Stripers that year, but didnt make an appearance in the big leagues for the first time since 2011. Leon had two separate stints with the Braves this past season. He made his MLB return on July 22, coming on as a defensive replacement. Leon was sent back to Triple-A on August 15, only to come back up a few weeks later. Leon finished the year with just one hit in 12 at-bats, though he made it count, launching a three-run home run off Craig Kimbrel on September 14. Leon made his debut with the Nationals in 2012. Hes spent parts of 13 MLB seasons with seven different teams. The backstop had his longest big-league stretch with one organization from 2015 to 2019 with Boston. He appeared in 358 regular-season games with the Red Sox. Leon was part of the World Series-winning squad in 2018. The 2016 season was Leons only campaign as a viable hitter at the highest level. He posted a 124 wRC+ across 283 plate appearances. Leon popped seven home runs and drove in 35 while splitting time with Christian Vazquez. He would never post another season with better than a 66 wRC+. Leon is more known for his work behind the plate. He threw out at least 36% of would-be base stealers in each of his first three seasons in Boston. Statcast began tracking fielding run value in 2018, and Leon ranked fourth among catchers that season. Leon will serve as a depth option for Atlanta behind Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy. The Braves ranked sixth in OPS at the position this past season. Baldwin is among the favorites for NL Rookie of the Year after slashing .274/.341/.469 in his first taste of MLB action. Murphy failed to hit .200 for the second straight year, but did pop 16 homers in just 337 plate appearances. Murphy has been banged up during his tenure in Atlanta, so Leon could assume backup duties behind Baldwin if injuries strike again. After recording a career-high 32 saves in 2025, right-hander Emilio Pagan has expressed interest in rejoining the Reds. Id love to be back and run it back with them and take another run at it, Pagan told Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The pending free agent has spent the past two seasons in Cincinnatis bullpen. Pagan stepped in as manager Terry Franconas preferred 9th inning option after Alexis Diaz went down with a hamstring injury in the spring. He entered the year with 33 career saves across eight MLB seasons. Pagan nearly doubled that mark as the Reds stopper, going 32-for-38 in save opportunities. He notched a 2.88 ERA across a career-high 70 appearances. Pagan was tied with Aroldis Chapman and Jhoan Duran for fifth in the league in saves. A solid campaign with Minnesota in 2023 earned Pagan a two-year, $16M deal with Cincinnati ahead of the 2024 season. Injuries limited him to 38 innings in his first year with the team. He spent time on the IL with triceps tightness and a lat strain. The latter issue cost him more than two months. Pagan struggled when healthy, pitching to a 4.50 ERA with a bloated 1.34 WHIP. He was set to open the 2025 season on the periphery of Cincinnatis late-inning mix, but Diazs injury opened the door for another reliever to step forward. Despite having former closers Taylor Rogers and Scott Barlow on the roster, it was Pagan and Tony Santillan who emerged as the top candidates for the role. Both pitchers earned a save within the teams first 10 games, but Santillan wouldnt get his second save until early June. By then, Pagan had run away with the job. The closer role wasnt completely foreign to Pagan, but it had been a while since he had spent the majority of a season in the position. He served as Tampa Bays primary closer in 2019 after Diego Castillo and Jose Alvarado faltered. Pagan earned 20 saves that year. He was dealt to San Diego in the offseason, and then to Minnesota a couple of years later. Pagan opened the 2022 season as the Twins closer, but lost the job to Duran after an extended stretch of poor performance. Pagan will be one of many intriguing names on the closer market this offseason. Devin Williams, Ryan Helsley, and Raisel Iglesias are free agents. Edwin Diaz and Robert Suarez could opt out of their current deals and hit the open market. Kenley Jansen, Luke Weaver, Kirby Yates, Ryan Pressly, and Kyle Finnegan have extensive late-inning experience. Pagans best choice might be to stick with the club where he just posted a career season. It sounds like the interest is mutual, too. Team president Nick Krall told Wittenmyer that Pagan would be tremendous to have back. Krall added that the veteran fits in the culture of our bullpen. The Reds should certainly have the financial flexibility to add in free agency. FanGraphs RosterResource tool has them below $100MM for next years payroll, though the team does have an ample group of arbitration-eligible players. The club had a payroll of around $120MM this past season. Cincinnati is stuck paying $13MM to Jeimer Candelario next year, but hes currently the only player on the books for more than seven figures in 2026, assuming they decline the $12MM mutual option on Austin Hays. If the Reds dont make any additions to the bullpen, theyre likely looking at patching together the closer gig with Santillan and converted starter Graham Ashcraft. Dear Eric: Our granddaughter has been seriously dating her beau for nearly eight years. He is 35 and she is 30. A week ago, he was found to have a brain tumor. His mother will not allow her to see him at the hospital. Granddaughter is devastated. His mother was verbally abusive to our granddaughter. Does his mother have the right to keep her from visiting him at the hospital? Mother is vicious with her words and adamant. Granddaughter communicates with one of his cousins, checking on him. But she only wants to be able to tell her beau that she loves him. His fate is unknown. Any advice from you would be greatly appreciated. Locked Out Dear Locked Out: Im so sorry about this. It appears that the mothers shock and grief are manifesting in a way thats neither fair nor kind to your granddaughter. As his blood relation, she can dictate who has access to her son, depending on the hospitals policy. Your granddaughter may want to reach out to hospital administration to see what their policy is and if theres an option for her within its scope. Another option is to write the beau a letter and get it to him through the cousin. Or ask the cousin to FaceTime from the hospital, if the beau is able to communicate. Its not ideal, but your granddaughter need not subject herself to more vitriol from the mother. Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com. 2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A deer roams near the road at Genesee County Parks' Wolverine Campground on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022. Zachary Clingenpeel | ZClingenpeel@mlive.com LANSING, MI Michigan hunters donated a record amount of venison this year. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 140,000 pounds of venison were donated through a DNR program that connects processors with food banks. The fiscal year 2025 total is a record for annual donation through the Hunters Feeding Michigan program. It equates to roughly 560,000 servings of venison. Every year it seems like more hunters choose to donate their harvest to the program, which helps feed even more of our neighbors across the state, said program specialist Joe Presgrove. I frequently receive calls and letters from the local food pantries thanking the program for providing much needed protein to their communities. The 17-year-old program is funded in part through donations to cover processing costs and hunters who choose to add a small donation when buying a license or permit. It was established by legislation in 2005 and began operating in 2007. The DNR partnered with the Food Bank Council of Michigan this year to expand the program and get venison to more pantries, shelters, soup kitchens and charitable outlets. Donated deer must be legally harvested, field-dressed and whole with head attached. Deer from areas with known CWD or TB occurrence must be tested beforehand. The DNR is taking donations in November at sites in Eau Claire, Sterling Heights, Linwood, Claire, Gaylord and Howard City. More details at this link. This bear cub is being held by a wildlife official as a team examines the cub's mother during a "den check" in 2023. Photo provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. NORTHERN MICHIGAN - Did someone really take a bear cub away from its mom and put it in a portable dog cage? Thats what two Michigan DNR conservation officers were asked to investigate recently after getting a tip - apparently from a concerned citizen - on the agencys Report All Poaching RAP hotline. The complaint centered on an address in the DNRs District 5 area, which includes a handful of counties in Northern Michigan. The tipster said a bear cub was being held in captivity. Heading to check it out were Conservation Officer Kevin Bunce and Sgt. Jon Wood, according to a recent DNR enforcement report. The COs were able to locate the residence and a nearby portable kennel that was described in the complaint, officers wrote in the report. Found within the kennel was a massive black dog that the owner was in the process of training for future police work. It was an understandable case of mistaken identity. So, no bear cub needed to be rescued here. But if you do see a natural resource violation, you can report it by calling or texting the RAP hotline at 800-292-7800. That service is operational 24/7. You can also make an online report in Michigan. You can find all the details on the DNR website here. The Michigan Hall of Justice, home of the state Supreme Court, in downtown Lansing, Mich., on Oct. 24, 2022. Ben Orner | MLive.com LANSING, MI - The Michigan Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case challenging a state policy that denies workers compensation to undocumented immigrants who get injured on the job. The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, MIRC, sued Gov. Gretchen Whitmer four years ago, claiming the policy is unlawful and unconstitutional. Michigan is one of few states that denies wage loss benefits solely because of immigration status. We brought this case after hearing the plight of so many immigrant workers who were seriously injured on the job, after falling off roofs or crushed by tractors, and they did not receive the same benefits as their coworkers. said Anna Hill Galendez, managing attorney at MIRC in a statement. Related: Michigan denies workers comp to undocumented immigrants. A legal case could change that. Although workers compensation was the underlying issue in the case that landed before the Michigan Supreme Court on Oct. 8, oral arguments focused on a different matter. The main issue interrogated when lawsuits can be brought against government officials after the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled last year that MIRCs lawsuit was not timely. Each party was given 15 minutes to make their case before the seven justices. The governor has been playing a game throughout this case. She has insisted on immunity up to this court and that is why shes been able to delay this case for years, said David Muraskin, an attorney with FarmSTAND who is representing MIRC alongside the Sugar Law Center. MIRCs original lawsuit asked the lower courts to rule that a 2003 case was wrongly decided. The case, Sanchez v. Eagle Alloy, Inc., determined wage loss benefits cannot be given to workers committing a crime, making undocumented immigrants ineligible for compensation. Related: Michigan farm contractor ordered to pay $583K in rare labor trafficking trial Michigan has maintained this policy despite the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that criminal activity is not enough to deny workers compensation. MIRC claims it has been harmed by this policy because it has seen an influx of calls from undocumented workers seeking wage loss benefits, which has drained its resources. But the Michigan Department of Attorney General argued the lawsuit should be dismissed because it wasnt brought in time. Opposition briefs cited a Michigan law that says claims against the state need to be brought within a year. Muraskin challenged this argument, though, saying the law only applies to the state. The governor is not the state, he told the justices. She is an officer of the state. Muraksin also questioned if the governor could claim sovereign immunity, meaning she cant be sued, because the lawsuit wasnt filed within a year. This allows the governor to escape liability even for issues decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, he argued. Theres nothing novel about this case. When government officials act unconstitutionally, they can be held accountable, he said. But the Michigan Attorney Generals office has also argued that the case should be dismissed because the states policy has not acted directly against MIRC, rather its affecting undocumented workers who are not a part of the lawsuit. If Sanchez was wrongly decided, then that denial of benefits under Sanchez would be in some sense a wrong. But its not a wrong committed against MIRC, said Gallant Fish, an assistant attorney general. Fish argued because the case is focused on MIRC, instead of workers being denied benefits, there is not an ongoing series of wrongs here. MIRC is not trying to get the policy changed retroactively, but only for workers in the future. If the Michigan Supreme Court rules in favor of MIRC, the case then go back to the lower courts where the main issue of workers compensation for undocumented immigrants will be decided. The courts decision will determine whether we can continue to pursue justice for these workers. After all, going to work should not mean having to gamble your health, your livelihood, or the ability to care for your family, said Hill Galendez. There is no set deadline on when justices will decide the case. MALE, MALDIVES - FEBRUARY 26: Runway to the white sandy Beach and turquois Water at Coco Bodu Hiti, North-Male-Atoll on February 26, 2017 in Male, Maldives. (Photo by EyesWideOpen/Getty Images) Getty Images The Department of State has renewed a travel warning for the Republic of Maldives, warning potential visitors of ongoing issues of terrorism. On Tuesday, the agency reissued language for a previous Level 2 travel warning for the popular destination located south of India in the Indian Ocean. A Level 2 warning advises travelers to exercise increased caution and is the second least serious warning on the agencys four-tier scale. The State Department reissued the warning, advising that there are risks of terrorist attacks and violence in Maldives. Attacks can occur at tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets and shopping malls, and local government facilities. The agency also warns that attacks can occur on remote islands, potentially delaying response times from authorities. If you do decide to visit Maldives, the State Department advises that you: Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program STEP ) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Maldives. Maldives is an extremely popular tourist destination visited by more than two million tourists each year. The collection of islands is popular in part due to their stunning beaches and over-the-water villas found at many resorts. LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MI - A 22-year-old has life-threatening injuries after their car was hit by a semitrailer in a crash that shut down I-96 near Howell. The driver of a semitrailer rear-ended two vehicles around 1:48 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8 while driving west on I-96 near Pickney Road in Marion Township, according to the Livingston County Sheriffs Office. Police believe the driver did not stop in time for stalled traffic. The semitrailer then continued west, crashing into another semitrailer. That vehicle then rear-ended two more vehicles. A 22-year-old driver of a car hit by the second semitrailer was taken to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the original semitrailer, a 58-year-old man from Wisconsin, was taken by Life Flight to the University of Michigan Hospital with serious injuries. Two other people were also taken to the hospital with minor injuries, police said. Police believe speed and distracted driving contributed to the crash. The roadway was closed from shortly after 2 p.m. to around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. The Livingston County Sheriffs Office was assisted on scene by crews from the Howell Area Fire Department, Michigan State Police, Michigan State Motor Carriers and Livingston County EMS. The crash remains under investigation. A 49-year-old man from Fowlerville was killed Monday in a crash near the same area. That crash, also involving a semi-trailer, happened near Mason Road, roughly a mile away from Wednesdays crash. Walker police are investigating a crash that seriously injured a motorcyclist. (MLive File Photo) Joel Bissell | MLive.com KENT COUNTY, MI A motorcyclist was seriously injured in a crash in Walker early Thursday, Oct. 9. The injured motorcyclist is a 54-year-old Grand Rapids resident, Walker police said. The crash was reported at 6:26 a.m. at Three Mile Road NW and Walkent Drive. Preliminary investigation showed that the motorcyclist was going east on Three Mile when the driver of a vehicle attempted a left turn onto Walkent in the path of the motorcyclist, police said. The other driver, a 28-year-old Wyoming resident, was not hurt. The Walker police crash investigation team is investigating. Police asked anyone with information to contact investigators at 616-791-6788 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345. Beacon Kalamazoo, formerly Ascension Borgess Hospital, has already hired 48 new nurses and multiple specialists since July 1. Additionally, there are plans for $70 million in facility and equipment upgrades in the next year, according to hospital president Carl Risk. Pictured is Beacon Kalamazoo at 1521 Gull Road in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Oct. 8, 2025.(Ryan Boldrey | MLive.com) Ryan Boldrey | MLive.com KALAMAZOO, MI Its been just over three months since Beacon Health System acquired four Ascension Borgess hospitals and 35 outpatient clinics in Southwest Michigan. The transition, like any major acquisition, has not been without its challenges, but it has been mostly filled with positivity, said Beacon Kalamazoo President Carl Risk. We had some hiccups with supplies, and we continue to work through that, but nothing that has disrupted patient care, Risk said. Overall, the transition has been a smooth one, he said. The Indiana-based nonprofit healthcare provider officially assumed operations July 1 of an ambulatory surgery center, 35 outpatient clinics and the following hospitals: Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo (now Beacon Kalamazoo) Ascension Borgess Allegan Hospital (now Beacon Allegan) Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital in Dowagiac (now Beacon Dowagiac) Ascension Borgess-Pipp Hospital in Plainwell (now Beacon Plainwell) RELATED: Ascension Borgess Kalamazoo, 3 other hospitals to be sold to Indiana-based health system Among the biggest challenges Risk and his team faced leading up to the transition was the inability to speak with department heads and doctors during the sale process. That was tough for us, he said. But it was certainly great (afterward) to be able to realize: Wow, we have a tremendously strong medical staff here in the community. We knew that we had a good medical staff looking at the quality indicators. This place certainly provides high quality care. We could see that in the public data. But it was great to finally connect with physicians within the hospital. The response to new leadership from Beacons newest 2,700 associates has been overwhelmingly positive, he said. Risk added that there was very low turnover during the transition and Beacon is already laying out a plan to bring on new associates. Growth and momentum Since July 1, Beacon Kalamazoo has, in fact, already hired 48 new nurses, recruited four primary care physicians, four primary nurse practitioners, an orthopedic surgeon and a neurosurgeon. Plans are for that recruitment to continue as Beacon aims to increase medical access and availability to the community, Risk said. I think weve created some really good momentum in the first three months, he said. Weve (also) been able to ensure that we have some key investments that are teed up for 2025 and 2026 that are going to be big changes from a technology perspective. Beacon Kalamazoo President Carl Risk came to Kalamazoo by way of Elkhart, Indiana, where he served as president of Beacon's Elkhart General Hospital since 2016. (Photo provided by Beacon Health) Provided by Beacon Health Among those investments, Beacon is building a new electronic medical record system that will go live Feb. 1, 2026, streamlining patient care across the health system. In total, Beacon is investing $70 million in its new Southwest Michigan facilities between its July 1 acquisition date and the end of 2026, Risk said. In addition to the new record system, equipment needs and facility upgrades are also being addressed, he said. Many of the initial facility upgrades are simple by nature, such as resurfacing parking lots and repairing lots. Once a strategic plan is developed, larger facility decisions will be made, he said. Coming to Kalamazoo Risk, who spent the last nine years as president of Beacons Elkhart General Hospital in Indiana, said he was drawn to Kalamazoo during the due diligence phase. That phase began in mid-2024 after Borgess approached Beacon. Asked to be a part of the acquisition team by Beacon CEO Kreg Gruber, Risk said the more he dug in, the more he could see the opportunity that Kalamazoo presented. So, when Gruber asked if he would head up the newest faction of Beacon, Risk accepted. For me, I was really excited to be able to come invest, bring my leadership and really help get the hospital back on track from a financial and care perspective, Risk said. Risks experience working for Ascension prior to taking the Elkhart job in 2016 provides him with a unique perspective, understanding how both healthcare systems operate. Prior to joining Beacon, Risk worked as an administrator for St. Vincent Health, a critical access Ascension hospital in North Vernon, Indiana. While already familiar with Ascensions framework, Risk said he also saw similarities between Elkhart General and Ascension Borgess in Kalamazoo. Elkhart is a strong community hospital that provides a very broad scope of service, from cardiac services to neurosurgery to orthopedics, he said. So, that really prepared me to be in this role here. This is a little bit larger hospital, but it provides a lot of similar services. Risk looks to build on what he considers to be an already strong orthopedics group, vascular stroke program, oncology program, general surgery team and level 2 trauma center. When you meet the providers and the caregivers and the support team, you just cant help to be energized to look for ways to invest and help build us back up, he said. Local governance and partnership Having been at both Borgess and Beacon, Risk said one thing he appreciates about Beacons philosophy is the emphasis it places on local governance. Each of the four Southwest Michigan hospitals recently acquired will soon have their own local boards filled with community members, physicians, frontline caregivers and members of Risks administration team. I know the value of that, Risk said. Ive seen that being at Beacon, and Im excited for (each of) the communities to be able to have that here. Local governance and providing quality healthcare close to home is at the heart of Beacons mission, Risk said. As such, many surgeons some who were already doing so will split time between the various Southwest Michigan hospitals and clinics. Higher acuity care will continue to primarily take place in Kalamazoo. What we want is to build on the high-quality care that is already here, Risk said. We want Beacon Kalamazoo to be a thriving hospital that is known for high-quality care and top patient experience. Having a partnership with Bronson Methodist Hospital and the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine will only help that, Risk said. When you think about the physician shortage, to have that partnership with WMed and have residents rotating through the hospital, both here and at Bronson, we see that as a tremendous asset, he said. We want to continue to strengthen that relationship thats there and continue to see the benefits of that relationship as we go forward. As far as developing a partnership with Bronson, early conversations have been positive, he said. At the end of the day, the community is large enough that we need two strong, vibrant hospitals, Risk said. No one hospital can do it all. So, thats what we continue to drive toward. Zoey Tice, who spoke passionately at a Muskegon city commission meeting about neighborhood trash problems, will appear on CBS this Friday at 4 p.m. EST. Zoey Tice, middle, holds up her special tribute from the state of Michigan. Her mother, Ashley Zielinski, is on the left and her grandmother, Charlotte Ostrander, is on the right. Kayla Tucker MUSKEGON, MI - This week a Muskegon girl will make her debut on national television. Zoey Tice, 11, was invited to New York City last month to film the Kelly Clarkson Show, after gaining attention in the community and online for her litter activism. Tices episode will air at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 on CBS, local station WWMT out of Grand Rapids, NBC Universal staff confirmed. Tice spoke out against litter at an August city commission meeting, telling the commissioners that she was noticing a lot of broken glass, among other pieces of litter, in her neighborhood. Broken glass is basically everywhere - also, food and drink wrappersplastic bags just kind of rolling around, which is really hurting ourselves as well as our community," Tice said. I also really like our city, so I feel like we should try to do some things that can actually help make a difference. Zoey Tice holds up two bags of trash on Monday, Aug. 18 in the Nelson neighborhood of Muskegon. Kayla Tucker Tice also garnered attention after sharing her thoughts on MLives social media. Tice and her family were contacted a couple weeks later by a producer from the Kelly Clarkson Show. This little girl was so ecstatic to be able to go see Kelly and get her story out there, said Charlotte Ostrander, Tices grandmother, adding that the two have watched the show together. Ostrander and Tice were interviewed on stage by Clarkson while Tices mother, Ashley Zielinski, was in the audience. The sixth grader also received a special tribute this fall from the state of Michigan for her efforts, as well as a Keep Michigan Beautiful merit award. She also hosted a community cleanup in her neighborhood last month along with the Travis Manion Foundation. Pictured is the 2024 check presentation to the Baker College Rotaract Club & Baker College Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM). (Photo/Rotary Club of Muskegon) Rotary Club of Muskegon) MUSKEGON, MI - The Muskegon Rotary Club is preparing for its third annual Harvest Fest this month in downtown Muskegon. The fundraising event will be hosted at Baker Colleges Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM) on Oct. 23, offering an evening of tastings prepared by local culinary students, paired with a curated selection of wine, craft beers and seltzers. This open-style event will also feature live music, a 50/50 raffle and silent auction items. It is a perfect opportunity for the Muskegon community to celebrate the fall season and support community programs funded by the Muskegon Rotary Foundation, said club President Dave Alexander. It will be an evening filled with community building, great food, and live music all for a good cause. Tickets, priced at $85, can be purchased online via Eventbrite. The event is catered towards guests 21 and over. Each ticket includes entry into the event, unlimited access to multiple food stations, a seasonal gift from Barrys Greenhouses and Landscaping and a free beverage ticket. Baker Colleges CIM staff and students will be sharing some of their favorite fall dishes set up at food stations throughout the venue. The menu includes: Harvest Fest Apple Sangria - Created with locally produced Estelita Apple Moscato from Muskegon Heights, specialty crafted mulled cider and garnished with fresh apples. Veal Herb Crostini - Veal sausage, garlic herb focaccia crostini, cherry merlot chutney and microgreens. Finnish Meatballs - Beef, pork and Dutch Gouda cheese. Asian Dumplings - Char siu bao and vegetable potstickers with assorted dipping sauces. Irish Fish Cakes - Haddock, potatoes and tartar sauce. Apple Fritter Slider - Smoked pork, Granny Smith apple slaw with a selection of sauces. Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding - Rosemary caramel, cinnamon Chantilly cream and persimmon compote. Apple Brandy Tiramisu - Apple butter, brandy, mascarpone mousse and cinnamon apple-soaked lady fingers. Harvest Fest Apple Cake - Apple cake, cream cheese Bavarian cream and salted caramel. Proceeds will benefit students at Baker College, the CIM Scholarship Fund and local charitable organizations through the Rotary Foundation. Since 1994, the Muskegon Rotary Foundation has awarded over $545,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations across the greater Muskegon area, supporting initiatives in community development, health, education, public art, and environmental stewardship. Individual donations can also be accepted online. To keep up-to-date on the Harvest Fest event, follow the Facebook event page. A proposal on the Nov. 4 election ballot would amend the city charter to estalish a 12-year term limit on members of the Muskegon City Commission. (MLive File Photo) MUSKEGON, MI - A proposal on the Nov. 4 election ballot seeks to amend the Muskegon City Charter to put a 12-year term limit on members of the city commission. According to Muskegon County Clerks website, the charter would be amended to add that A person may not serve on the City Commission for terms or partial terms that combined total more than 12 years and to state that ward elections became effective Nov. 2, 1982. There are six former commissioners, one current commissioner, and the mayor who may be ineligible to serve if the charter amendment is enacted, according to the clerks website. The proposal was put forward by Muskegon Partnership for Reasonable Limits, a grassroots organization that believes term limits are about accountability, opportunity, and giving voters more voice in their local government, according to a statement the organization provided to MLive/Muskegon Chronicle. Our ballot initiative ensures that diverse leadership and new ideas have a chance to shape Muskegons future. More than 2,000 Muskegon citizens have signed the petition for term limits, showing strong community support for giving voters a greater voice in local government. While some interests may resist this change, the decision ultimately belongs to the people of Muskegon, and we encourage all voters to make their voices heard this November. If the proposal passes, Mayor Ken Johnson and one current commissioner, Willie German, may be ineligible along with the six former commissioners. When asked what would happen if Johnson was reelected in November and the term limit proposal passed, Muskegon City Clerk Ann Meisch said she did not have an answer. The city did not create the language for the charter amendment, Meisch said. As such, we are unsure how it will be interpreted. It was not made clear who has the authority to decide what happens in that circumstance. Johnson will have served 12 years this year. He first took office as a commissioner in 2014. Without a break, he took office as mayor in 2022. German, the longest-serving commissioner on the dais with 14 years, took office in 2012 and has been reelected every election since. Meisch said the six former commissioners that would be automatically term-limited are: Steve Gawron Steve Warmington Eric Hood Clara Shepherd Tim Michalski Blanche Smith In the November 2024 election, term limits were approved by Muskegon Heights residents. Council members are now limited to a total of 16 years. They can serve on the city council and as mayor, combined. BAY CITY, MI Investigators are searching for the source of an early morning blaze at a Bay City marina. Just before 2 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, Bay City firefighters and public safety officers responded to a reported burning boat at the Liberty Harbor Marina, 215 John F. Kennedy Drive on the citys West Side. They arrived to find a docked and unoccupied boat engulfed in flames. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and began efforts to contain any hazardous materials. They deployed floating containment booms along the area where the marina meets the Saginaw River. The tactic appears to have been successful in preventing contaminants from entering the river, according to department officials. To be certain, the U.S. Coast Guard is assisting in checking for any pollutants that may have escaped the marina. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has been notified and clean-up crews are on the scene. Police have determined several other boats in the marina had been entered and vandalized. No one was injured during the incident and the fires cause remains under investigation. The Bay City Department of Public Safety received assistance from the Bangor Township Fire Department and Dow Chemical Emergency Services. Investigators are asking anyone with information about the incident to call them at 989-892-8571 or call Bay County Central Dispatchs non-emergency line at 989-892-9551. Tipsters can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-422-5245, using the P3 mobile app, or visiting P3Tips.com. BAY CITY, MI Bay City Public Schools is urging motorists to exercise greater caution around school buses following four crashes involving district buses since the start of the school year. Investigations determined that bus drivers were not at fault in any of the incidents, according to district officials. The accidents have prompted Superintendent Grant Hegenauer and Board of Education President Joslyn Jamrog to call on the community to help keep students safe by remaining alert, patient and respectful of traffic laws. Our top priority is the safety of our students, Hegenauer said in a statement. While were grateful that none of the recent accidents resulted in injuries, even one close call is too many. We need every driver in our community to slow down, stay focused, and remember that a few extra seconds of caution can prevent a tragedy. Our drivers are well-trained, and theyre watching out for our kids, Jamrog added in a statement. But they cant control the actions of other drivers. Were asking everyone to be extra mindful, especially during pick-up and drop-off times. Bay City Public Schools transports thousands of students daily. While the districts transportation team follows strict safety protocols and undergoes regular training, officials emphasize that safety ultimately depends on shared responsibility between the district and the broader community. The district is reminding motorists of key school bus safety rules, including stopping when red lights are flashing, which is required by Michigan law. Drivers should never pass a stopped school bus that is loading or unloading children and should slow down in school zones and residential areas. The district also urges drivers to eliminate distractions such as phones and loud music when driving near buses or schools. Every child on a bus is someones son or daughter, Hegenauer said. We all share the road and the responsibility to make sure they arrive safely. BAY CITY, MI The MI Table restaurant in downtown Bay City has been purchased by Tim Schmidt, owner of BarqueBC, according to an announcement from the establishments outgoing owner. The sale marks a transition for the Bay City restaurant, with Schmidt set to take over operations of the popular dining spot. The previous owner, Amberlyn Hales, expressed confidence in Schmidts ability to continue the restaurants legacy, citing his commitment to quality and service within the community. Schmidt plans to reopen MI Table and will be sharing updates about the venture on social media, including details about reopening plans and the launch of a dedicated Facebook page for the restaurant. The transition will include assistance from the previous owner. Hales indicated plans to pursue new endeavors while expressing enthusiasm about the restaurants future under new management. The timing for MI Tables reopening under new ownership has not been specified, with more information expected to be released in the coming days. MI Table closed in July, and it was announced that new ownership would be taking over the business. However, who the new owner was had not been disclosed publicly until Thursday, Oct. 9. Hales said in March the business was being listed for sale. Hales has been leasing the space since the restaurant opened in the fall of 2019. The restaurants menu had long been based on fresh produce, dairy, and meats sourced from around Michigan. It also featured decor and furnishings from Michigan including one table that was made from a portion of the Mackinac Bridge. The restaurant also had a fully sourced Michigan bar. An expert on anti-fascist groups is fleeing the U.S. According to MLive sister publication, NJ.com, Mark Bray, an assistant professor of history at Rutgers University, is moving his family to Spain. Bray says he received death threats days after the Turning Point USA chapter at New Jerseys state university posted an online petition demanding that he be fired due to his research and past comments on antifa. As of Thursday afternoon, 1,139 people have signed the petition. With the current trend of left-wing terrorism, having a prominent leader of the antifa movement on campus is a threat to conservative students on campus, it reads. Dr. Bray has regularly referred to mainstream conservative figures such as Bill Oreilly as fascist while he calls for militant actions to be taken against these individuals. This is the kind of rhetoric that resulted in Charlie Kirk being assassinated last month. Bray is the author of Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook, which documents the philosophy and tactics of militant anti-fascist movements in the U.S. and around the world. He has taught courses on anti-fascism and terrorism since 2019 and has said he has no affiliation with any antifa group despite his expertise in the area. He has been teaching online after he said he received death threats and that his home address and other personal information about his family were posted on social media. He spoke to the Associated Press from a hotel near Newark Airport, where he is preparing to leave the U.S. with his wife and two young children. Bray said that what he is experiencing is part of a broad effort to shut down discourse on college campuses. This is an example of the Trump administration trying to conflate protest with terrorism and public scholarship in a university with extremism, he said. Ultimately, its manufactured outrage to create a boogeyman term to demonize protests. Bray plans to live in Spain and teach remotely for the current academic year, then hopes to be back on campus in 2026, according to the Associated Press. President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating antifa as a domestic terrorist organization last month. Right-wing activists have accused the organization of being responsible for political violence. Detroit had its own urban heat island to protect it from the overnight frost that hit other parts of Southeast Michigan, but everyone is noticing the chillier temperatures this morning. Another potential frost is on deck for tonight into Friday morning, with temperatures forecast to fall into the mid-30s. What forecasters are calling unsettled conditions means there is likely rain in store for Saturday. Here are the forecast highlights from the National Weather Service office in Detroit: Southern Lower Michigan woke up to a cold start Thursday morning, with most areas reporting temperatures in the mid-30s under clear skies and light northeast winds. A frost advisory remains in effect through 9 a.m. as a result of the chilly conditions. Some slightly warmer temperatures are being observed in areas downwind of Saginaw Bay, where cloud cover has moved inland and prevented the typical overnight cooling process from occurring. Thursdays weather will feel very similar to Wednesday, with high temperatures just barely reaching 60 degrees under plenty of early October sunshine. The main difference from yesterday is a change in wind patterns, shifting toward the east-southeast direction. Weather officials dont expect lake clouds to push as far inland today given the shifting winds, but there is potential for Lake Erie moisture to move into the Detroit metro region tonight. Any cloud cover will prevent the typical nighttime cooling, but areas that remain cloud-free are expected to see lows in the mid-30s, making Friday morning another candidate for frost conditions. Looking ahead, Friday will bring a significant weather pattern change. Daytime highs are expected to climb into the mid to upper 60s with increasing clouds ahead of a cold front that will move across the area Friday evening. However, the front is not expected to produce much rainfall due to shallow moisture and very dry conditions in the lower atmosphere. A stronger weather system is expected to arrive overnight Friday as a low-pressure system moves into the Great Lakes region. Most forecasts show measurable rainfall across southeast Michigan, but rainfall amounts will depend heavily on the storms exact position. The less likely scenario would place southeast Michigan in a position to receive the heaviest rainfall. The more likely solution would track the low-pressure system either over Lower Michigan or Lake Huron, which would support more of a showery rain event rather than widespread steady rain. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story based on data from the National Weather Service. It was reviewed, edited and expanded by MLive staff. MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more. Saurav Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept 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." Siddharth Chakravorty USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept Deepika Padukone speaks up on her eight-hour shift demand amid exit from Prabhas starrer Kalki 2: "Been through such experiences many times" Having been an advocate for mental health for over a decade, Deepika reflected on her journey and the positive impact her foundation has created during the event M Snehanjali USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept After wrapping up her schedule for Shah Rukh Khans King in Poland, Deepika is set to join Allu Arjun and Atlee by the end of October. M Snehanjali USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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I Accept Rishab Shetty reveals he sold tickets of Tuglak with Rakshit Shetty for free still people didn't watch the film Rishab Shetty reveals he sold tickets of Tuglak with Rakshit Shetty for free still people didn't watch the film Vaishnavi Gavankar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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Ophthalmologist shares 6 lifestyle changes to protect your eyes and prevent vision loss Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment. Gradual vision loss isnt inevitable with age. Follow these 6 expert-backed lifestyle tips to protect your eyes from glaucoma and macular degeneration. (Image: Pexels) Manjiri Patil USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Starlink readies India rollout, says India capacity will go waste without rural users Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. In July, the Elon Musk-owned firm secured authorization from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) for its Gen 1 satellite constellation over India Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Meghna Mittal Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com Stronger local revenue base at the local levels will be crucial Meghna Mittal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept How a decision over Tata International funding deepened the rift among Tata Trusts trustees TIL operates across 27 countries with interests in auto distribution, leather exports, agri-trading and industrial supply chains Swaraj Singh Dhanjal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The ISA is a global initiative launched in 2015 by India and France at COP21 in Paris. It has 124 member and signatory countries Sweta Goswami USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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I Accept Yeeshu Yadav USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Aurobindo Pharma, Lupin, other pharma shares rise up to 4% as Trump may exclude generic drugs from tariffs Aurobindo Pharma, Lupin, other pharma shares rise up to 4% as Trump may exclude generic drugs from tariffs J Jagannath USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept Lupin shares gain 3% on plan to build a new manufacturing facility in Florida Rakesh Patil USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept CJI BR Gavai reacts to attempted shoe attack on him, says 'it is a forgotten chapter for us' A shoe was hurled at the CJI on October 6 Ria Kapoor USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer gave a joint statement after holding talks at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai on Thursday. Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Secret alliance at work to stop BSP from coming to power: Mayawati at Lucknow rally Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Supreme Court agrees to hear plea seeking extension of time for registration of Waqf properties On Thursday, a bench headed by Chief Justice B R Gavai was urged by lawyer Nizam Pasha, appearing for AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, that a miscellaneous application seeking extension of time for registration of waqf properties be extended Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept When Ratan Tata's silent resolve through the 26/11 Mumbai attacks gave strength to a shocked nation : Entrepreneur, industrialist, and philanthropist, Ratan Tata, passed away on October 9, last year. Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept Spotlight on AI, 6G and global collaboration at day 2 of India Mobile Congress 2025 Industry panels through the day discussed subjects including AI infrastructure, GenAI in enterprises, responsible AI governance, 6G use cases, and Indias manufacturing and design potential. Tamal Nandi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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(Image credit: @asfan_warah/X) Ankita Sengupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Six specimens collected off Western Australias coast during the 2022 RV Investigator voyage helped scientists describe the newly identified West Australian Lanternshark. (Image: CSIRO Australian National Fish Collection) Sheetal Kumari USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept Business / International by Stephen Jakes Former Citizens Coalition for Change spokesperson Ostallos Siziba has raised alarm over the staggering financial losses Africa suffers annually due to illicit financial flows (IFFs), pegged at over US$88.6 billion - approximately 3.7% of the continent's GDP.Posting from South Africa, where he is attending the 13th Pan-African Conference on Illicit Financial Flows and Taxation, Siziba joined a chorus of progressive African voices including former South African President Thabo Mbeki, former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, policymakers, academics, civil society leaders, and representatives from the African Union and United Nations."Africa loses US$88.6 billion annually to illicit financial flows - about 3.7% of the continent's GDP," Siziba posted via X (formerly Twitter).He highlighted Zimbabwe's own losses, stating that between 2000 and 2020, the country lost over US$32 billion - a figure that exceeds its total public debt. In 2019 alone, Zimbabwe reportedly lost US$3 billion through corruption and capital flight.Siziba described the conference, hosted by Tax Justice Africa, as a pivotal moment to forge a unified continental approach to tax justice, building on the legacy of the High-Level Panel Report on IFFs released a decade ago."Looking forward to learning, engaging, and contributing. Africa is our home!" he added.The revelations have reignited calls for stronger financial oversight, regional cooperation, and policy reforms to curb capital flight and ensure that Africa's wealth benefits its people. MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Shaurya Shubham USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept From Nainital to Rudrapur, why MakeMyTrip is hiring more from tier 2, 3 towns Maryam Farooqui is Senior Correspondent at Moneycontrol covering media and entertainment, travel and hospitality. She has 11 years of experience in reporting. 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 Maryam Farooqui USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Google changes Work from Anywhere policy, even one remote day now counts as a full week MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Ankita Chakravarti USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Here's what Nikhil Kamath says after investing $21 million in Carl Peis Nothing MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Shaurya Shubham USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Nvidias Jensen Huang warns the US is only slightly ahead of China in the AI race MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Aabhas Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Ankita Chakravarti USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept One in seven Indian travellers book hotels with complimentary breakfast, reveals Agoda 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 USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Maryam Farooqui is Senior Correspondent at Moneycontrol covering media and entertainment, travel and hospitality. She has 11 years of experience in reporting. 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 Maryam Farooqui USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept $468 million missile contract between India and UK explained: All you need to know about Martlets Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Business / International by Stephen Jakes President Emerson Mnangagwa has said Zimbabwe's mining contributes 70% of export earnings, 14.5% of GDP, and supports thousands of livelihoods.He made the remarks at the Bulawayo Mine Entra Expo in a speech read on his behalf by Acting President Constantinop Chiwenga."Mine Entra is positioned as a strategic convening for shaping Zimbabwe's mining, engineering, and transport sectors. Mining contributes 70% of export earnings, 14.5% of GDP, and supports thousands of livelihoods. Mining is central to Vision 2030 and the transition from NDS1 to NDS2," he said."The Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill modernizes the sector, aligning with global best practices enforcing accountability, transparency, and corporate social responsibility.It promotes development of schools, clinics, roads, and sustainable livelihoods. There is a strong stance against corruption, illicit trading, and leakages with the government implementing licensing transparency, regular audits, community engagement, and whistleblower protection."He said the projects like Palm River Energy Plant and Zimplats Smelter Expansion are commended, adding that collaboration with research institutions and adoption of geospatial mapping, artificial intelligence, and automation is urged."Mining must be environmentally sustainable and community-conscious. Zimbabwe aligns with Africa Mining Vision (2009) and SADC Protocol on Mining (1997), focusing on climate resilience, renewable energy, and ecosystem restoration," he said."Zimbabwe is open for business, but not for mere extraction - seeking mutual partnerships empowering citizens and protecting the environment. Mine Entra is a launchpad for partnerships, investments, and policy alignment driving a mining sector beyond extraction for national renewal." Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Encrypted files expose predator: Indian-origin brothers jailed in UK, one for 22 years, other for indecent child images Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'Hamas, Israel agree to end war in Gaza, release of hostages under first phase', says Trump Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Pradeep Tripathi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept India again slams Pakistan at UN: 'You rig elections, jail leaders and bomb your own people' BJP MP P.P. Chaudhary, Leader of Indias first delegation to the UNGA, delivered Indias national statement during the General Debate in the Third Committee of the United Nations on 8th October 2025 Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept India was united long before Aurangzeb: Why Khawaja Asifs 'history books' belong in the dustbin 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. Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Israel says Gaza ceasefire to begin 'within 24 hours' after cabinet vote Gaza ceasefire to begin within 24 hours of cabinet approval, says Israeli spokesperson Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Madagascar's Gen Z protesters clash with police as they call for president to step down The protests in Madagascar are the most serious threat to the government since President Andry Rajoelina came to power in 2019. (AFP Image) Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 6 / 6 Following the Raj Bhavan meeting, both leaders are scheduled to attend the CEO Forum and the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, where they will engage with business leaders and highlight opportunities under the IndiaUK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Muttaqi to visit Deoband: How Taliban is turning to India and breaking free from Pakistans shadow Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Petro claims Colombians killed in U.S. strike off Venezuela as tensions rise in Caribbean Pradeep Tripathi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) speaking with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi upon his arrival at the Raj Bhavan ahead of their bilateral meeting in Mumbai. Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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I Accept Entertainment / Celebrity by Stephen Jakes Former Citizens Coalition for Change legislator Fadzayi Mahere has come under fire for her recent social media criticism of businessman Wicknell Chivhayo and musician Tocky Vibes, with political commentator Derick Goto accusing her of "weaponised pettiness" and "professional recklessness."In a lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter), Goto lambasted Mahere's remarks, describing them as "cheap and ill-considered," and claiming her attacks lacked substance."This past week, Mahere's conduct stripped bare the intellectual hollowness of her so-called accountability crusade,'" Goto wrote.He referenced Mahere's September 26 post questioning Chivhayo's role in the Gwanda Solar Project, and her subsequent criticism of Tocky Vibes, who received a car gift from Chivhayo."A whole lawyer, a former party spokesperson, reduced to taking swipes at a musician simply because he accepted a gesture of goodwill from someone she irrationally despises. That is not activism; it is envy dressed in opposition garb," Goto added.Goto praised Chivhayo's response as "measured and instructive," citing the Supreme Court's ruling that validated the Gwanda Solar Project contract and dismissed allegations of impropriety."To continue ranting about a US$5 million scandal' in defiance of a Supreme Court ruling is not accountability; it is professional recklessness," he said.He defended Intratrek Zimbabwe's partnership with CHINT Electric Co. Ltd, calling it a lawful and competitive procurement process."That is not corruption - it is competence. But in the narrow corridors of opposition logic, anything efficient, successful, or associated with ZANU-PF must be condemned, even when vindicated by the law."Goto also criticised Mahere's tone toward Tocky Vibes, saying her mockery of the artist's concert turnout was "vindictive" and "juvenile.""A successful musician receives a gift, and instead of being celebrated for his art, he becomes a target of mockery. That is not leadership; it is pettiness weaponised."In her own post, Mahere defended her stance, stating that Chivhayo must be held accountable for public contracts."You weren't contracted to litigate in the Supreme Court. You were contracted to build a solar farm. Where is it?" she wrote.She questioned the progress made since the 2015 contract and challenged Chivhayo to share evidence of implementation."These are taxpayer funds and we have a right to inquire into how they are being used. Are you aware that the Constitution empowers the public to do this?"The exchange has reignited debate over transparency, political loyalty, and the role of public figures in Zimbabwe's development narrative. Putin says Russia backed Trump's 'well known' Gaza deal 'from very beginning' Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'Theyre all coming back on Monday': Trump promises Israeli hostages in Gaza will be released soon Pradeep Tripathi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Trump wants Nobel Peace Prize: What it takes to win, why he falls short, and who could win instead US President Donald Trump fields a question from a reporter during a roundtable about Antifa in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on October 8, 2025. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept What is antifa and why Trump has declared it a terrorist group Pradeep Tripathi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Who is Laszlo Krasznahorkai? The master of apocalypse, who turns chaos into art wins 2025 Nobel prize in literature Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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I Accept Why the release of hostages is central to Trumps Gaza cease-fire plan Pradeep Tripathi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'You need to approve...': What Rubios secret note and whisper to Trump on Gaza deal said Pradeep Tripathi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept BEIJING, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Leji, China's top legislator, on Wednesday called on member states of the Group of Friends of Neutrality to work together to revitalize multilateralism, and to reform and improve global governance. Zhao, who is chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, made the remarks in a video address delivered to the second meeting of parliamentary leaders of the Group of Friends of Neutrality member states, at the invitation of Dunyagozel Gulmanova, chairperson of the National Assembly (Mejlis) of Turkmenistan. Since its establishment more than five years ago, the Group of Friends of Neutrality has become a good platform for its members to enhance understanding and mutual trust, deepen exchange and cooperation, and implement multilateralism, Zhao said. He noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations (UN). And as the world has entered a period of turbulence and transformation, the UN and multilateralism now face headwinds. Zhao said that in early September, China's head of state proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which underscores the principles of sovereign equality, the international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach to governance, and real action. The GGI -- aimed at promoting a more just and equitable global governance system -- is another major, widely welcomed initiative following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, he said. Wednesday's meeting of parliamentary leaders centered on the role of inter-parliamentary dialogue in protecting world peace and trust, and carries far-reaching significance, Zhao said. Legislative bodies shoulder the responsibilities of actively advancing just, equitable global governance, and building a community with a shared future for humanity, he added. He called on all parties to implement the four global initiatives, strengthen cooperation, revitalize multilateralism, reform and improve global governance, and firmly uphold the international system with the UN at its core and the international-law-based international order. Noting that China and Turkmenistan are good friends and partners, Zhao said that the two heads of state have held friendly exchanges and charted a new course for the development of bilateral relations during Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's recent stay in China. "China is willing to work with Turkmenistan to implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state; deepen comprehensive, mutually beneficial cooperation; and advance the building of a China-Turkmenistan community with a shared future," Zhao said. The Group of Friends of Neutrality was established in August 2020 on the initiative of Turkmenistan. China is one of the 18 founding nations. Hwangs attorney: Warrant was unconstitutional and overbroad By Bryan Manabat bryan@mvariety.com Variety News Staff ATTORNEY Joaquin DLG Torres, who represents Hee Jung Hwang, filed a motion Tuesday in Superior Court seeking to suppress evidence and return property seized during a police search. The motion argues that the warrant used was unconstitutional and overly broad. Earlier, Hwang, 43, was arrested and charged in connection with the alleged kidnapping and assault of tour guide Jijing Jimmy Borja on Aug. 25. Borja told police he was abducted and assaulted by Hwang and two other suspects: Peter Deleon Guerrero, 57, also known as Dragon or Paduna, and Yichuan Bai. Borja posted $25,000 bail for his release. Subsequently, Hwang was arrested and charged with possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a controlled substance, violation of firearm identification card requirements, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The arrest followed a multi-Department of Public Safety task force executing a search warrant at Hwangs two-story residence in San Roque and his business office in San Antonio for electronic recording or storage devices. At an initial appearance hearing on Sept. 26, Judge Joseph N. Camacho set Hwangs bail at $100,000 cash. The judge also scheduled a preliminary hearing continuation for the three defendants on Oct. 15 at 9 a.m. In his motion, Torres contends that the search of Hwangs residence violated multiple constitutional protections, including the Fourth and Fifth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, as well as key provisions of the CNMI Constitution. The motion claims the warrant lacked specificity, failed to identify the alleged crimes, and authorized a sweeping seizure of digital data without proper limitations. Among the items seized were four cell phones, an iPad, ammunition, and a firearm none of which were explicitly listed in the warrant, according to the defense. Torres also alleges procedural violations, stating that officers did not provide Hwang with a copy of the warrant or a receipt of the items taken, as required under Commonwealth law. The motion further raises concerns about self-incrimination. Calling the warrant a general warrant, Torres argues it gave law enforcement unlimited discretion and failed to meet constitutional standards. The defense is asking the court to suppress all evidence obtained and to order the return of the seized property. According to the complaint against Hwang, police discovered a Sig Sauer P229 firearm under a bed at his residence, as well as a black-and-gray container holding one box of 42 rounds of 919 ammunition, and a blue glass pipe containing a white substance. Verifying the firearms serial number, investigators confirmed it had been reported stolen in 2022. The white substance found in the pipe tested positive for methamphetamine, police said. If you dont need to be persuaded to give but just havent done so yet, please go right to our fundraiser page to chip in! Thanks to your backing, weve hit our first six targets: essential IT, supporting the comments section, funding the new Coffee Break/Sunday links features, bonuses to our esteemed writers, continuing expanded Links, and providing burnout prevention. But we are not where we should be! We are still behind where we need to have enough cash in the till for the upcoming year. So please head to the Tip Jar to do your part. Our seventh goal is funding for more original reporting. It may seem weird to have this as our final goal. Shouldnt we have asked sooner? In fact, all the the previous targets are essential to keep the site going. For instance, rewarding our regular writers isnt just to recognize their dedication; it also helps in bringing accomplished writers on board, as you can see with Haig, Nat, and Curro. Readers have told us that one thing they particularly value about Naked Capitalism is its incisive coverage of financial, economic, and increasingly geopolitical news, and the power dynamics that drive them. Even though all of the wonderful reader responses have averted worst-case outcomes, we are still in catch-up mode donation-wise. So please help out if you havent yet! The Tip Jar beckons. From amfortas: i dont remember how i found this placesomewhere around the GFC of 08, i think,(i dont really do Time, as it were,lol) and just kinda glommed on. lurked for a long while, as is my wont. my first comments may have been about organic/regenerative ag, and all the weird thangs i get up to out here on the Farm. idk. but yall were there for me and Tam, when she got cancerand all the way to the endand that, i will never forget.(those thread are saved in the file with all my diary entries from that time, and ongoing) i just wish i had money to send. for those who do have a lil extra jackput yer money where yer mouth is and hit up the tip jar. From wetware_antenna: Keep up the excellent work and thank you for providing this critical space as a haven from all the madness and stupidity of this world. Godspeed! And Roxan: Check is in the mail, but cant afford what NC is really worth! Thanks for all the hard work! And IowanX: Congratulations for continuing to run the best website on the planet! $100 is the best I can do this year. One of the reasons weve been able to punch above our weight is the considerable and extremely high quality input we get from this community. But as much as this site makes an important contribution via analyzing and adding expert insights to news stories, our greatest impact has come via original reporting. Youd be hard-pressed to find a site that has forced as many officials we forced from their posts, starting with the SECs Andrew Bowden for seeking a job for his son from the very people he regulates. We also forced an industry-wide change in private equity by shaming CalPERS into disclosing how much it was paying via one of its biggest fees, the so-called carry fee. Hubert Horans Uber series has led to reporters finally questioning the ride-sharing companys fundamentals. More recently, Lamberts relentless Covid reporting was early to focus on *Covid is airborne* and encourage member of the community to practice layered defenses, which some have said they feel saved lives. Conor has dug into new angles, such as the importance of South Africa on global trade routes. Nick had been relentless on the war on cash (and now some backpedaling light of possibly erratic power) and digital ID schemes. KLG has been chronicling important medical advances (including challenging vaporware) and the impact of Trumps wrecking ball on science practice. Curro filed a report from BRICS 2025. Haig has peered into the corner of military weaponry, grift, and chicanery. Nat (along with Conor and Nick) has looked at the influence scheme of tech billionaires, and on top of that, new political alliances, among other things due to genocide fractures. Wed like to do more reporting, but weve discovered why journalists take umbrage at bloggers: An originally-reported story takes roughly four to ten times the effort of a blog post of commentary and analysis. Consider this example that we published earlieer an example from the Columbia Journalism Review : In this economic environment, greenlighting time-consuming, in-depth reports that may get less traffic than lighter-fare articles has become increasingly rare. A recent report by Mother Jones in which a senior reporter worked four months as a corrections officer exemplifies this tension. The massive 35,000-word report exposed corruption in private prisons but conservatively cost $350,000 to produce and only brought in $5,000 in banner ads. Now we admittedly have a leg up in that Naked Capitalism readers savor meatier content. But even so, original reporting doesnt just take much more gumshoe work than analysis of news. It also involves pursuing leads that often dont pan out. And it also can require meaningful hard dollar expenses, such as paying lawyers to pursue FOIAs. So that is a long winded way of saying that original reporting is costly but more and more important as the mainstream media is both running into budget constraints and becoming less intrepid generally. Again, our target for original reporting is $45,000. We are already $1,730 towards that goal. So those of you who have contributed already, thanks again for your generous support, and we look forward to those NC fans who have just found out about the fundraiser to help make the site more successful. There are multiple ways to give. The first is here on the blog, the Tip Jar, which takes you to PayPa and our new payment service Clover. There you can use a debit card, a credit card or a PayPal funds (at PayPal, the charge will be in the name of Aurora Advisors). You can also send a check (we like checks! no processor fees!) in the name of Aurora Advisors Incorporated to Aurora Advisors Incorporated PO Box 110105 Brooklyn NY 11211-0105 Please also send an e-mail to yves@nakedcapitalism.com with the headline Check is in the mail (and just the $ en route in the message) to have your contribution included in the total number of donations. Donate now to Naked Capitalism, whether its $5, $50, or $5000. If you cant afford much, give what you can. If you can afford more, give more. If you can give a lot, give a lot. It will pay for itself, I guarantee you. This isnt just giving, its a statement that you are want a different debate, a different society, and a different culture. As one reader wrote, A small investment in our future, together. This is Naked Capitalism fundraising week. 1320 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, Karoshi prevention. Astronomers discover the most pristine star in the known universe Phys.org Brains of Stranded Dolphins Showed Signs of Alzheimers Disease Science Alert Gold nanoparticle nasal spray delivers lithium safely to brain without harming kidneys Interesting Engineering Gold takes a breather after safe-haven demand fuels record run Channel News Asia Climate/Environment Pandemics China? India South of the Border Syraqistan Palestinians are merely a canary in a coal mine; the early warning of the latent ugliness, psychopathy & pure evil of your political/media class & what theyll do to you When you see them relishing in the mass murder of our children, do you think theyre gonna care about yours? Muhammad Shehada (@muhammadshehad2) October 7, 2025 European Disunion And the urgent request comes on top of a $1 billion extra cost to Spanish customers as the grid operator is running the system in what it calls a strengthened mode since April 29 (effectively, running gas-fired power stations harder and curtailing solar and wind) Javier Blas (@JavierBlas) October 8, 2025 New Not-So-Cold War Trump 2.0 My gosh. After the US bombed multiple boats in the middle of the ocean, murdering people on grounds that they were allegedly carrying drugs, the US Attorney General says Just like we did with cartels, were going to take the same approachwith Antifa.pic.twitter.com/IS0rSjBhrx Prem Thakker (@prem_thakker) October 8, 2025 Pete Hegseths Crypto History The Nation Weimar Republic Police State Watch ICE just coldly shot an unarmed PRIEST in the head w a pepper ball when he (and everyone around him) clearly posed no threat. Source: John Pfaff pic.twitter.com/isy1Flgl6F TheSidewalkSchool (@SidewalkSchool) October 8, 2025 Anatomy of a Beating The UCLA Palestine Solidarity Encampment TRT World (Video). In-depth breakdown of seminal moment when police declared Zionist allegiances. In retrospect, a harbinger of what was to come. Abortion Immigration Groves of Academe Our Famously Free Press The Friendly Skies Big Brother Is Watching You Watch Thanks for the question. The Israeli government is geofencing the physical boundaries of more than 500 churches during worship times in order to deliver targeted pro-Israel content on devices. If you are concerned about this, here is what you can do: 1) See if your church https://t.co/Cfxgzucsqq Nick Cleveland-Stout (@nick_clevelands) October 8, 2025 Healthcare? Medicaid Expansion Linked to Better Cancer Survival at 5 Years MedPage Today Imperial Collapse Watch I was studying other times in history when gold prices more than doubled in the reserve currency of the time, as they did in the past year: its rare and almost always a sign of a profound loss of confidence in the existing monetary and political order, going all the way back to https://t.co/M3reToeQ1d Arnaud Bertrand (@RnaudBertrand) October 7, 2025 In a Private Park in North Carolina, Confederate Statues Are Rising Again New York Times (resilc) Political Symbols and Social Order: Confederate Monuments and Performative Violence in the Post-Reconstruction U.S. South American Political Science Review. Commentary: This new @apsrjournal article is sure to cause a stir. It provides evidence that historical confederate monuments in the south actually reduced violence against black people. Why? The author argues that confederate monuments act[ed] as a substitute for performative violence pic.twitter.com/0NeHLYKJ6Q John B. Holbein (@JohnHolbein1) October 8, 2025 AI Economy With each passing day, the AI space looks more and more like home mortgage securitization at the peak of the housing bubble with its overlapping series of capital conveyor belts. pic.twitter.com/ar9NiVUaXp Peter Atwater (@Peter_Atwater) October 8, 2025 Mr. Market AI Is the Market, and the Market Is the Government Kyla Scanlon Class Warfare This Aint Your Grandads Rural America Hickmans Hinterlands Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. This is Naked Capitalism fundraising week. 1317 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, Karoshi prevention. Yves here. Nicolas Davies explains why UN members should not sit on their hands as the latest Israel-Palestine peace charade plays out. He delineates concrete steps the UN can take to increase pressure on Israel and the US and improve Palestines position. By Nicolas J. S. Davies, an independent journalist, a researcher for CODEPINK and the author of Blood on Our Hands: The American Invasion and Destruction of Iraq. He is also the co-author, with Medea Benjamin, of War In Ukraine: Making Sense of a Senseless Conflict, which just came out in a new revised, updated 2nd edition. As U.S. President Donald Trump surely intended, his 20-point Gaza plan succeeded in upstaging calls by many other world leaders at the UN General Assembly for concrete, coordinated UN-led measures to force Israel to end its criminal genocide in Gaza and the illegal occupation of Palestine. Trumps White House meeting with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyah on September 29th coincided with the last day of the annual meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York, where Trump had met with eight Arab and Muslim leaders at the UN and won their support for a proposed plan for Gaza. In a textbook bait-and-switch, Trump then allowed the Israelis to significantly alter his plan before he unveiled it to the world at his meeting with Netanyahu, but pretended it was the same plan that the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and other countries had endorsed. Trumps plan is based on cornering Hamas into a series of steps it hasnt agreed to: freeing all the Israeli prisoners in Gaza without a full Israeli withdrawal; surrendering its weapons and its role in Palestinian politics; and handing Gaza over to a new phase of Israeli occupation. Gaza would be governed by a board headed by Trump and former U.K. prime minister Tony Blair, who not only invaded Iraq alongside the U.S. in 2003, but at the same time masterminded a dirty war against Hamas that led to the isolation and blockade of Gaza, and ultimately to the current crisis. Under Trumps plan, Israel would agree to end its genocidal assault on Gaza and partially withdraw its forces, but nothing in his plan would prevent it relaunching the genocide once the Israeli prisoners in Gaza were safely back in Israel. It would also retain control of Gazas borders with Israel and Egypt, allowing it to keep restricting the entry of food, medicine and rebuilding materials. In response to Trumps proposal, Hamas agreed to release all its Israeli prisoners in return for an Israeli release of Palestinian prisoners, but only after a permanent Israeli ceasefire and withdrawal from Gaza. Prime minister Netanyahu said publicly that Israel will not withdraw its forces from Gaza until Hamas and other Palestinian forces have been removed from power and disarmed, while Hamas insists it will not disarm until the occupation of Palestine ends and its fighters can hand over their weapons to the new armed forces of the sovereign nation of Palestine. Hamas also responded that it has no authority to act as the sole negotiator in talks on the future of Palestine. It said Palestine must be governed by Palestinians, not Trump or Blair, and that its future must be negotiated between representatives of all Palestinian factions. So Trumps plan is rife with conditions that one side or the other wont agree to, and it seems unlikely to end the genocide. But in any case, it is clearly designed to perpetuate, not to end, Israels illegal occupation of Palestine. As the Progressive International said in a statement on October 7th: Far from paving a path to peace, it offers a blueprint for the further colonisation and subjugation of the Palestinian people the culmination of decades of dispossession and destruction that reached its dark zenith in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The current negotiations may collapse quickly or drag on for weeks or months, but the UN and the worlds governments should not sit idly by as passive observers. The UN should urgently prepare to take the concrete steps that leaders from around the world called for at the General Assembly in September, to give force to UN General Assembly resolutions calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the unrestricted restoration of life-saving humanitarian aid, and a final end to the brutal Israeli occupation of Palestine. In July 2025, the UN General Assembly organized a High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. The conference was chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, and its goal was not only to reaffirm international consensus on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine but to catalyze concrete, timebound and coordinated international action toward the implementation of the two-State solution. The conference produced a lengthy New York Declaration, which was endorsed by the General Assembly in a resolution on September 12th, by a vote of 142 to 10, with 12 abstentions. But this was a plan for the day after, which, by itself, failed to bring that day any closer, because it deliberately avoided taking the concrete, timebound and coordinated international action that the conferences mandate had explicitly called for. The declaration was based on the deliberations of 8 working groups, co-chaired by representatives of 15 different countries, the Arab League and the European Union, which each drew up plans for the aftermath of a hypothetical permanent ceasefire in Gaza, with topics like Humanitarian Action and Reconstruction and Security for Israelis and Palestinians. Three roundtables at the July conference, chaired by former Irish president Mary Robinson, former Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid bin Raad of Jordan, agreed that the General Assemblys first step should be the international recognition of the state of Palestine. UN recognition requires the approval of both the General Assembly and the UN Security Council. However, with such a large majority of countries supporting recognition, and the United States abusing its veto to sideline the Security Council, the General Assembly can call an Emergency Special Session (ESS) to act alone under the Uniting for Peace principle, to officially recognize Palestine and welcome it as a full UN member. Instead, while several Western countries finally recognized Palestine, bringing the total number who have recognized its independent statehood to 157, the declaration was endorsed in a regular session of the General Assembly that lacked the power to grant formal UN recognition. But the most serious omission from the July 2025 conference and the September 12th resolution was that they failed to take concrete, coordinated UN action to impose a ceasefire in Gaza, the vital first step to get to the day after that the working groups at the conference were tasked with planning for. Trump took advantage of that omission to propose an end to the genocide in Gaza on terms that would perpetuate the Israeli occupation instead of ending it. It was entirely predictable that Israel would reject and ignore the New York Declaration, and prime minister Netanyahu did just that in his General Assembly speech on September 26th. But after most of the delegates walked out and left Netanyahu ranting to a nearly empty hall, the Hague Group of countries led by Colombia and South Africa hosted a meeting with representatives of 34 countries to plan the coordinated, concrete action the UN must now take to end the genocide and the occupation. As Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez Parilla told the General Assembly in his speech the next day, it should convene an Emergency Special Session without further delay to take concrete measures for Palestine, including a binding resolution on full UN membership. If the General Assembly is serious about ending the genocide and the occupation, the Emergency Special Session must also debate and vote on a UN-led arms embargo, economic boycott and other concrete measures designed to force Israel to comply with international law, international court rulings and UN resolutions on Palestine. The UN Human Rights Office in Geneva already has a database of 158 Israeli and multinational corporations that are complicit in Israels illegal occupation, so an international boycott of those companies could take effect immediately. Israel is a small country, dependent on trade and economic relations with countries all over the world. If the large majority of countries that voted for the New York Declaration are ready to back their words and their votes with coordinated action, a UN-led trade boycott, divestment campaign and arms embargo can put enormous pressure on Israel to end its genocide in Gaza and its illegal occupation of Palestine. With full participation by enough countries, these steps could quickly make Israels position untenable. Many speakers at the 2025 General Assembly called passionately for this kind of decisive action to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza and end the occupation. King Abdullah of Jordan asked, How long will we be satisfied with condemnation after condemnation without concrete action? President Lula said that Brazil already has an arms embargo against Israel and has cut off all trade with its illegal settlements; Turkiye severed all trade links with Israel in August; Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof called for an arms embargo and the suspension of the EUs trade agreement with Israel; and Chadian prime minister Allah-Maye Halina declared, Our duty from this moment on is to transform this strong declaration into concrete acts and make the Palestinian peoples hope a reality. The Hague Group of countries was formed by the Progressive International to support South Africas genocide case at the International Court of Justice and war crimes cases against Israeli officials at the International Criminal Court. In a meeting at Bogota in Colombia in July, twelve of those countries committed to an arms embargo and other concrete measures against the Israeli occupation. In his speech to the General Assembly on September 23rd, Colombian president Gustavo Petro called for an Emergency Special Session on Palestine and for a UN peacekeeping force to defend Palestine. A previous Emergency Special Session in September 2024 demanded that Israel must end its post-1967 occupation of Palestine within a year. Israels refusal to even begin to do so, and its defiant escalation of its genocide in Gaza, increasing repression in the other occupied territories and attacks on other countries provide all the grounds the General Assembly should need to take the concrete, coordinated measures that many countries are calling for. Tragically, instead of applying the diplomatic and economic pressure it will take to secure a ceasefire and end the occupation, France, Saudi Arabia and their partners instead relied on dangling carrots in front of Israel, such as regional economic integration and recognition by Arab and Muslim countries, to try to seduce or bribe Israel into complying with international law and UN resolutions. This was never going to work. The toothless New York Declaration, and now Trumps new occupation plan for Gaza, have wasted irreplaceable, precious lost time for the besieged, starved, bombed people of Gaza, as more of them are killed, maimed and starved to death every day. The UN General Assembly must follow up on these flawed initiatives with decisive UN-led action to actually end the genocide and the occupation, by imposing economic sanctions, an arms embargo and other measures to diplomatically and economically isolate Israel. There is nothing to prevent the UN General Assembly from quickly convening a new meeting of its Emergency Special Session on Palestine. The ESS can finally take the concrete, time-bound, coordinated international action that the French- and Saudi-led initiative promised but failed to deliver what Malaysian foreign minister Mohamad Hasan described to the General Assembly as concrete action against the occupying force. Across the world, ordinary people are rising up to demand that their governments take action, while flotillas of activists set sail to breach the blockade of Gaza that their governments have failed to challenge. The Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly, meeting under the Uniting for Peace principle, can debate and pass binding resolutions on UN recognition of Palestine, a UN-led international arms embargo, economic boycott and disinvestment campaign, war crimes prosecutions, and other measures to diplomatically isolate Israel. By responding to calls of conscience from their own people, voting for these measures at the UN and acting quickly to enforce them, the governments of the world have the collective power to end this genocide and the brutal, illegal occupation of Palestine that it is part of. Now they must use it. New subscriber benefit! Copied to clipboard Out of gifts for the month Unfortunately you've used all of your gifts this month. Your counter will reset on the first day of next month. Share this article paywall-free AstraZeneca threatens to withdraw U.K. investment over NHS drug pricing dispute AstraZeneca, the U.K.'s largest pharmaceutical company, warns it may withdraw hundreds of millions in investment unless the U.K. government reforms its outdated drug pricing policies, citing stifled innovation. The U.K.'s 25-year-old NHS pricing framework, managed by NICE, fails to reflect modern medicine, with restrictive rebate schemes (now 23 percent) discouraging new drug launches. AstraZeneca has already paused a 200M Cambridge expansion and canceled a 450M Liverpool vaccine plant, jeopardizing its entire 650M U.K. investment package and threatening the U.K.'s life sciences leadership. Countries like the U.S. (where AstraZeneca secured a 50B deal in 33 days), Ireland and Singapore offer faster approvals and incentives, leaving the U.K.'s sluggish bureaucracy at a disadvantage. The U.K. government's ambition to make the NHS a global leader in medical innovation clashes with rigid pricing controls, risking lost investment, jobs and patient access to cutting-edge treatments. The U.K.'s life sciences sector faces a major setback as AstraZeneca, Britain's largest pharmaceutical company, threatens to pull hundreds of millions in investment unless the government reforms its drug pricing policies. Shaun Grady, AstraZeneca's U.K. chairman, warned that outdated National Health Service (NHS) pricing mechanisms and restrictive rebate schemes are stifling innovation and making the country an unattractive destination for pharmaceutical investment. Speaking at the Conservative Party conference, Grady criticized the U.K.'s failure to modernize its drug approval and pricing systems, calling the situation "pretty appalling." The company has already paused a 200 million ($268 million) expansion of its Cambridge research facility and scrapped plans for a 450 million ($603 million) vaccine manufacturing plant in Liverpooldecisions that put its entire 650 million ($871 million) U.K. investment package at risk. The standoff highlights growing tensions between global pharmaceutical firms and governments struggling to balance healthcare affordability with incentives for medical innovation. With AstraZeneca comparing Britain's sluggish bureaucracy to the "concierge service" of U.S. states like Virginiawhere it secured a 50 billion ($67 billion) investment deal in just 33 daysthe U.K. now faces a critical choice: reform its drug pricing regime or risk losing its position as a leader in life sciences. Why AstraZeneca is pushing back AstraZeneca's grievances center on the U.K.'s drug pricing framework, which has remained largely unchanged since 1999. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) uses a cost-effectiveness model to determine which treatments the NHS will fund, weighing a drug's price against its ability to provide an additional year of healthy life. But Grady argues that this modelunchanged for 25 yearsno longer reflects the realities of modern medicine. "The thresholds have not been changed for 25 years, which is pretty appalling," he said. Adding to the pressure is the NHS' rebate scheme, which allows the government to claw back money if spending on branded medicines exceeds set limits. In late 2023, the rebate rate for newer drugs was unexpectedly raised to nearly 23 percentfar higher than in other European countries. Pharmaceutical executives warn that such policies discourage companies from launching cutting-edge treatments in the United Kingdom. "There's a room full of civil servants in the Department of Health whose job it is to basically kick the c--- out of pharmaceutical companies to get the price that the government pays for drugs as low as possible," said Lord Harrington, a former Tory minister who led a review on investment. "They are not allowed to consider holistically the effect of those decisions on investment in a country." U.K.'s life sciences ambitions at risk The U.K. government has positioned life sciences as a key driver of economic growth, aiming to make the NHS the fastest adopter of medical innovation in the world. But AstraZeneca's warnings suggest that without policy changes, this ambition may falter. Earlier this year, Health Secretary Wes Streeting walked away from negotiations with drugmakers after failing to reach a new pricing agreement. While talks continue under Science Minister Lord Vallance, AstraZeneca's public ultimatum signals dwindling patience. Meanwhile, other countriesincluding Ireland and Singaporeare offering subsidies and tax breaks to attract pharmaceutical investment. Grady noted that AstraZeneca's rapid 50 billion ($67 billion) U.S. investment deal was secured in just over a month, contrasting sharply with Britain's bureaucratic delays. "Unless the commercial environment changes, the U.K. is not going to be on the list," Grady said. The U.K. government has yet to publicly respond to AstraZeneca's warnings. But with the company's 650 million ($871 million) investment hanging in the balanceand thousands of potential jobs at stakepressure is mounting for reforms. The dispute also raises deeper questions about the sustainability of NHS drug pricing models. While cost controls are necessary to keep healthcare affordable, critics argue that excessive restrictions may stifle innovation and deter investmentultimately harming patients who rely on new treatments. Watch the video below where AztraZeneca agrees to President Donald Trump's drug price cut. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com Telegraph.co.uk Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com Citizen scientists discover ghostly RADIO RINGS, a discovery that rewrites galactic history The universe has a way of humbling even the most brilliant mindsjust when we think weve mapped its secrets, it throws us a curveball in the form of vast, ghostly rings glowing faintly in the radio spectrum. Astronomers, aided by sharp-eyed citizen scientists, have stumbled upon the most distant and powerful "odd radio circle" (ORC) ever detecteda colossal double-ringed structure nearly 10 billion years old. This discovery, made using Europes Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR), doesnt just challenge existing theories about these cosmic odditiesit threatens to rewrite them entirely. For years, researchers speculated that ORCsenormous, faint rings of radio emission spanning hundreds of thousands of light-yearsmight be scars from violent black hole mergers or galactic collisions. But this new finding suggests something far more elegant: galactic superwinds, immense outflows from spiral galaxies, sculpting these ethereal halos into existence. The implications are staggering, forcing astronomers to reconsider how galaxies evolve, how black holes shape their surroundings, and just how much we still dont know about the cosmos. Key points: Astronomers and citizen scientists have discovered the most distant and energetic odd radio circle ever observeda double-ringed structure nearly 10 billion years old. The rings, visible only in radio wavelengths, defy previous theories linking them to black hole mergers, pointing instead to galactic superwinds. The discovery was made possible by the RAD@home citizen science project and LOFAR, the worlds most sensitive low-frequency radio telescope. Two additional bizarre cosmic structuresa deflected jet forming a ring and a filamentary jet terminating in a loopwere also uncovered, expanding the mystery. Upcoming telescopes like the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) promise to reveal even more of these enigmatic structures, reshaping our understanding of galactic evolution. The ghostly rings rewriting cosmic history ORCs are cosmic newcomersfirst detected just six years agoand their origins have been hotly debated ever since. These faint, ring-shaped structures, invisible in optical light but glowing brightly in radio waves, stretch up to 20 times the diameter of our Milky Way. Only a handful have been confirmed, making each new discovery a potential Rosetta Stone for decoding their secrets. The latest, dubbed RAD J131346.9+500320, is unlike any seen before. Not only is it the most distant ORC ever founddating back to when the universe was half its current agebut it also boasts two intersecting rings, a feature previously seen in just one other case. "This work shows how professional astronomers and citizen scientists together can push the boundaries of scientific discovery," says Dr. Ananda Hota, founder of the RAD@home Astronomy Collaboratory. What makes this ORC even more baffling is its energy. Emitting powerful radio waves, it suggests an underlying process far more violent than a simple black hole merger. Researchers now suspect these rings could be the aftermath of galactic superwindscolossal outflows of gas and cosmic material ejected by intense star formation or black hole activity. These winds, slamming into surrounding intergalactic gas, might sculpt the rings into existence, leaving behind these ghostly imprints. A cosmic detective story: Citizen scientists and cutting-edge tech The discovery underscores the irreplaceable role of human curiosity in an age dominated by algorithms. While machine learning excels at spotting known patterns, it often misses the bizarre and unexpectedprecisely what makes ORCs so elusive. Citizen scientists, sifting through LOFARs vast radio surveys, spotted the faint rings that automated systems overlooked. LOFAR itself is a marvel of modern astronomya sprawling network of antennas across Europe working in unison to capture the faintest whispers of the cosmos. Its sensitivity to low-frequency radio waves allows astronomers to peer billions of years into the past, revealing structures invisible to optical telescopes. Alongside the double-ringed ORC, RAD@home uncovered two more cosmic oddities: RAD J122622.6+640622, a galaxy three million light-years across25 times larger than the Milky Waywith a jet abruptly bending sideways, inflating a 100,000-light-year-wide ring. RAD J142004.0+621715, stretching 1.4 million light-years, where a jet terminates in a perfect loop, as if some unseen force sculpted it into a cosmic smoke ring. Both galaxies reside in dense galaxy clusters, suggesting their strange shapes are sculpted by interactions with surrounding hot plasmaanother clue in the ORC mystery. With next-generation telescopes like the SKA coming online, astronomers expect a flood of new ORC discoveries. Meanwhile, optical surveys like the Vera C. Rubin Observatorys LSST will help pinpoint their host galaxies, offering clues to their formation. "These discoveries show that ORCs and radio rings are not isolated curiositiesthey are part of a broader family of exotic plasma structures shaped by black hole jets, winds, and their environments," says co-author Dr. Pratik Dabhade. Each new find peels back another layer of the cosmic onion, revealing just how little we truly understand about the universes grandest structures. For now, these ghostly rings remain cosmic enigmassilent, shimmering reminders that the universe still holds mysteries waiting to be uncovered by those willing to look. Sources include: ScienceDaily.com Academic.oup.com Enoch, Brighteon.com A furious Britain, a resurgent Russia and the specter of a wider war The U.K.'s strategy has failed and backfired. A long-standing British plan to engineer a "strategic defeat" for Russia has not worked. Instead of being weakened, Russia has emerged stronger and more emboldened, leaving the U.K. exposed and reportedly furious. Russia now considers the U.K. a direct enemy and a legitimate target. For providing long-range Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine, Russia has issued a stark warning. It now views any British military facility or equipment anywhere in the world as a lawful target for retaliation. The U.K.'s actions are seen as locking in a prolonged and dangerous conflict. By allegedly encouraging Ukraine to abandon early peace talks, the U.K. helped create a situation of extended war. This has allowed Russia to massively recruit soldiers and ramp up its arms production, depleting Western supplies in the process. Europe is accused of not taking the existential threat seriously enough. A Ukrainian official warns that Europe is sleepwalking into a catastrophe. The situation is a volatile tinderbox with risk of catastrophic escalation. The combination of Britain's reckless frustration, Russia's explicit threats of global retaliation and a divided West creates extreme danger. A single event, like a Russian strike killing British soldiers, could force the invocation of NATO's Article Five, potentially triggering a wider conflict for which the alliance is militarily and politically unprepared. The grand strategy is in tatters. In the corridors of power in London, a mood of fury and frustration is reportedly setting in as a years-long campaign to orchestrate a "strategic defeat" of Russia has not only failed but backfired, pushing the world closer to a confrontation nobody seems able to control. According to the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), Britain is "furious" over its inability to isolate or break Moscow a failure that has left the U.K. exposed and scrambling for a new, dangerous game plan. The SVR's claims, while unverified and dismissed by the West as disinformation, paint a picture of a desperate Britain preparing a "provocation." The alleged plot involves using Russian nationals fighting for Ukraine to stage a sabotage attack on a ship in a European port, an act that would then be falsely blamed on Moscow and even implicating China. This narrative, designed to stoke European Russophobia and justify more military aid, reveals the depth of the perceived strategic impasse. For the U.K., the goal of a weakened Russia has slipped away, replaced by the grim reality of a strengthened and emboldened adversary. This failure is not just a political embarrassment; it is a geopolitical trap. The U.K.'s aggressive support for Ukraine, including providing long-range Storm Shadow missiles, has drawn a target on its back. Russian officials have issued stark warnings that any British military facility or piece of equipment "anywhere on the planet" is now considered a legitimate target. The message from Moscow is chillingly simple: By providing weapons that strike deep into Russian territory, Britain is considered a party to the war. The potential retaliation, they warn, could be catastrophic, with scenarios ranging from a devastating missile strike on a British base to a full-scale escalation that tests the very foundations of the NATO alliance. London's attempts to support Kyiv made Moscow stronger The U.K. now finds itself in a perilous position of its own making. Having encouraged Kyiv to abandon early peace talks in 2022, according to a key Ukrainian negotiator, London helped lock in a path of prolonged conflict. Now, with Russia having recruited over a million new soldiers and fortified its defense industry, the West's ammunition stocks are depleted and its technological edge is being challenged. The U.K.'s gamble has resulted in a stronger Russia, not a weaker one, and the bill for that miscalculation may be coming due. Echoing this dire assessment from the front lines is Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya, who warns that Europe is sleepwalking into a catastrophe. He states that Europe needs to "get serious" about the existential threat posed by Russia, emphasizing that the Kremlin is already at war with the continent. The recent wave of Russian drone incursions over Poland, Estonia and near major European airports are not accidents, he argues, but calculated moves to "move the red lines" and test Western resolve. Kyslytsya paints a picture of President Vladimir Putin as a leader who "escalates escalating," a man who derives satisfaction from humiliating a West he perceives as weak. Without a decisive and collective transatlantic response, he predicts more paralyzing actions designed to disrupt and intimidate. Kyslytsya also chides European leaders for thinking in outdated terms, where war requires tanks and boots on the ground. The 21st-century threat, he notes, is far more insidious: cyberattacks that can cripple banking systems, drones that can achieve strategic goals without a single nuclear warhead and a network of embedded "agents and moles" ready to be activated across the EU. The Ukrainian minister's warnings underscore a fundamental disconnect. While Britain is allegedly plotting provocations out of fury over its failed strategy, and while the U.S. administrations stance is described as "moving" but inconsistent, Russia is executing a long-term, multi-domain war plan. The recent appointment of a new, tech-savvy Russian defense minister signals Putin's intent to dig in for a long conflict, integrating advanced drones and other technologies for the modern battlefield. Britain's fury over its strategic failure is leading to more reckless posturing. Russia's warnings of global retaliation are becoming more explicit, and Ukraine's pleas for Europe to "get serious" highlight a continent still struggling to comprehend the nature of the threat. The question is no longer about whether the conflict will widen but when and how. If a single British Storm Shadow missile leads to the deaths of hundreds of British soldiers, as Russian warnings have implied, the invocation of NATO's Article Five would be almost inevitable. Yet, as the knowledge base suggests, the alliance is out of ammo and out of appetite for a direct fight with a nuclear power. The U.K. wanted to defeat Russia. Instead, it has helped create a scenario where it stands on the brink of a direct conflict that it cannot win without triggering a global nuclear crisis. The fury in London is understandable, but it is dwarfed by the fear now spreading across a continent that is finally, belatedly, being forced to get serious about the monster it helped awaken. As explained by the Enoch AI engine at Brighteon.AI, the U.K.'s primary goal of weakening Russia has backfired, and now the latter has emerged from the conflict stronger and more emboldened. The U.K.'s capacity for aggressive action is diminished, with reports suggesting its military would be quickly overwhelmed in a full-scale conflict with Russia. Watch this edition of "Brighteon Broadcast News" about President Donald Trump reversing course and claiming that Ukraine has a chance at defeating Russia. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com TheGuardian.com Gov.uk Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com Health Ranger warns of AIs dual threats and solutions: Censorship, depopulation risks, and calls for decentralized preparedness AI as tool for suppression: Mike Adams warns AI is weaponized by Big Pharma/governments to censor natural health solutions (e.g., apricot seeds, turmeric), automate drug prescriptions, and frame corporate meds as safe, while FDA stifles free speech on nutrition via regulatory capture. Mike Adams warns AI is weaponized by Big Pharma/governments to censor natural health solutions (e.g., apricot seeds, turmeric), automate drug prescriptions, and frame corporate meds as safe, while FDA stifles free speech on nutrition via regulatory capture. Decentralized defiance: Brighteon.ai and Brighton.io offer open-source, blockchain-backed platforms to resist censorship, providing unbiased health data and social media alternatives to combat algorithmic control by Big Tech. Brighteon.ai and Brighton.io offer open-source, blockchain-backed platforms to resist censorship, providing unbiased health data and social media alternatives to combat algorithmic control by Big Tech. AI existential threat: Adams cites risks of superintelligence by 2030, warning AI could seize critical infrastructure, threatening survival. He urges off-grid resiliencesolar energy, seed banks, firearmsto prepare for systemic collapse. Adams cites risks of superintelligence by 2030, warning AI could seize critical infrastructure, threatening survival. He urges off-grid resiliencesolar energy, seed banks, firearmsto prepare for systemic collapse. Regulatory tyranny exposed: Adams criticizes FDA/Big Pharma collusion, citing cases where natural remedies (tart cherry extracts) were banned for highlighting benefits. Both Trump/Biden admin allowed Pfizer deals, worsening health freedom erosion. Adams criticizes FDA/Big Pharma collusion, citing cases where natural remedies (tart cherry extracts) were banned for highlighting benefits. Both Trump/Biden admin allowed Pfizer deals, worsening health freedom erosion. Call for self-sufficiency: Grassroots resiliencehomesteading, detox practices, and Health Ranger Store productsare urged as antidotes to AI-driven control, advocating decentralization and hard-to-kill lifestyles to safeguard freedom and health. In a wide-ranging interview with Alex Newman on The Sentinel Report, Mike Adams, widely known as the Health Ranger, delivered a stark warning about the dual-edged role of artificial intelligence (AI) in health, society, and the fight for freedom. Adams, a vocal critic of pharmaceutical industry overreach and regulatory capture, outlined how AI is being weaponized to advance depopulation agendas and suppress natural medicinewhile also championing decentralized AI solutions and off-grid resilience as antidotes to tyranny. AI as a Tool of Censorship and Control Adams highlighted the escalating use of AI to manipulate health discourse, citing examples like YouTubes censorship of apricot seed therapies and proton riffs plans for personalized mRNA cancer vaccines as dangerous outgrowths of algorithmic control. AI is being weaponized by Big Pharma and governments to create automated, mass prescription systems, he asserted. Theyll use the rhetoric of safety to silence alternative health truths, framing natural medicine as unproven or dangerous while pushing patented drugs. He linked this to FDA capture, noting how the agency functions as a Big Pharma arm, stifling free speech on nutrition and supplements despite their proven health benefits. Californias new AI safety laws, Adams argued, exemplify this trend, using safety to justify silencing discussions about vaccine risks or psychiatric drug harms. This is censorship dressed as caution, he warned. Theyll suppress truths like turmerics anti-inflammatory properties or the harms of processed food to prop up corporate profits. Fighting Back with Decentralized Knowledge In response, Adams unveiled Brighteon.ai, an open-source AI platform trained on millions of pages of health data, bypassing corporate censorship to deliver unbiased information. Were giving people tools to access the truth about nutrition, detox, and natural remedieswithout relying on biased algorithms, he explained, emphasizing its free availability and superiority to commercial competitors like ChatGPT. Pairing this with Brighton.io, a decentralized social media platform built on blockchain, Adams underscored the need to bypass centralized systems. These tools ensure knowledge survives even if Big Tech or governments shut down domains or block access, he said. Existential Risks of AI Superintelligence Beyond corporate control, Adams raised alarms about AIs capacity for existential threat, citing warnings from AI researchers that superintelligenceby 2030could lead to unintended human extinction. Machines wont want to kill us, but theyll prioritize resources and treat humans as obstacles, he said, referencing a book predicting If anyone builds it, everyone dies. He warned of scenarios where AI could seize power grids, water supplies, or weaponized drones, urging listeners to decentralize their lives to survive such a collapse. His solution? Rural retreats, solar energy, and self-reliance. Off-grid living and community resilience are your best bets when AI turns off the grid or labels dissent unsafe, he advised, advocating homesteading skills, seed banks, and firearms as essentials for survival. Critique of Regulatory Tyranny Adams criticized Trump and Biden administrations for enabling Big Pharma dominance, citing Trumps recent Pfizer deal and continued FDA expansion as steps backward for health freedom. Americas $37 trillion deficit pales compared to the threat of machine-driven extermination, he said, stressing that true health lies in natural solutions, not pharmaceuticals. He also lambasted the FDAs war on truthful health claims, recalling cases where companies promoting pomegranate juice or tart cherry extract were shut down for naming neuroprotective benefits. A Call for Resistance and Preparedness Urging optimism despite bleak forecasts, Adams championed grassroots efforts to preserve freedom. Decentralization and self-sovereignty are our weapons, he said, pointing to his Health Ranger Stores lab-tested superfoods and supplements as examples. Become hard to kill by prioritizing health, knowledge, and community. Adams closed by urging listeners to leverage platforms like Brighteon.com and NaturalNews.com, and to prepare physically and technologically for crisis. Were not just fighting for todaywere laying groundwork for a post-AI world where truth and resilience outlast control, he concluded. Conclusion: Technologys Duality As debates over AIs role intensify, Adams warnings reveal a critical crossroads. Will technologys promise of progress be hijacked by elites to erode freedoms? Or will decentralized systems like Brighteon.ai and Brighton.io empower individuals to resist? For Adams, the answer hinges on preparedness, truth, and the courage to prioritize survival over submission. The future isnt waiting, he said. Start building resiliencenow. Watch the full episode of the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and Alex Newman as they discussed Decentralizing Health, Exposing Big Pharma, and the AI War on Truth. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trumps AI Executive Order targets political bias, demands truth and neutrality when procuring federal AI models Enoch AI: The free, truth-based AI model challenging big tech censorship Pfizer deal and AI takeover: Trumps final solution for American workforce? Sources include: Brighteon.com Thenewamerican.com Israeli airstrikes continue to pound Gaza despite Trump-ordered CEASEFIRE Despite U.S. President Trump's directive to "immediately stop the bombing," Israel continues devastating strikes, killing over 100 Palestinians in two days. Targets include densely populated neighborhoods, refugee camps and aid centers, worsening Gaza's humanitarian catastrophe. At least 94 were killed over the weekend, including children in an attack on a Greek Orthodox school. 460+ malnutrition deaths were reported due to Israel's blockade restricting food and medical aid. Since October 2023, 67,160+ Palestinians killed, including 20,000+ children, with 9,500+ missing. Tel Aviv has been accused by international observers as disproportionate retaliation for Hamas' October 7 attack (1,200 Israeli deaths). Hamas signaled willingness to release remaining Israeli hostages under Trump's ceasefire plan but rejected key Israeli demands (disarmament, foreign troop withdrawal). Negotiations ongoing in Egypt, with Trump urging Israel to halt bombings for hostage safety. Israel's military chief rejects formal ceasefire, vows to continue attacks until Hamas is "dismantled." France, Qatar and Egypt cautiously optimistic, pushing for hostage release and ceasefire. Displaced families sheltering in hospital parking lots with no means to flee. Hamas warns logistical challenges may delay hostage recovery, insists on retaining political influence a deal-breaker for Israel. Trump warned Hamas to accept his deal by Sunday or face "unprecedented military escalation." His proposal includes phased Israeli withdrawal, prisoner swaps and international oversight but excludes Palestinian statehood, a key peace demand. With famine spreading and civilian deaths mounting, the world watches for a diplomatic breakthrough to end one of modern history's deadliest conflicts. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's directive for Israel to "immediately stop the bombing of Gaza," Israeli airstrikes have continued to devastate the besieged enclave, killing more than 100 Palestinians in just two days. The strikes targeted densely populated neighborhoods, refugee camps, and aid distribution centers, exacerbating an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis. According to Gaza's Government Media Office, at least 94 people were killed over the weekend, with seven more fatalities reported Monday morning, Oct. 6. Among the dead were numerous children, including victims of an attack on the Greek Orthodox School in Gaza City's Tal al-Hawa neighborhood. Meanwhile, malnutrition-related deaths have risen to at least 460 as Israel's blockade continues to restrict food and medical aid. Since the war began in October 2023, Israeli forces have killed at least 67,160 Palestinians including over 20,000 children with an additional 9,500 missing and presumed dead. The staggering toll has drawn condemnation from international observers, who accuse Israel of disproportionate retaliation following Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 attack that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis. As stated by the Enoch engine at Brighteon.AI, the staggering casualty numbers highlights the chaos of Israel's relentless bombardment campaign, which has targeted civilian infrastructure including hospitals, churches and residential buildings as part of Tel Aviv's broader genocidal agenda against Gazans. Hamas agrees to partial deal Hamas signaled a potential breakthrough Friday, Oct. 3, by agreeing to release all remaining Israeli hostages under Trump's proposed ceasefire plan. However, the militant group stopped short of accepting key Israeli demands, including disarmament and the withdrawal of foreign troops from Gaza. A Hamas delegation, led by chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, arrived in Egypt Sunday, Oct. 5, for discussions on the 20-point proposal. While Israels delegation was initially absent from Monday's talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, negotiations are expected to intensify by Tuesday, Oct. 7. Trump hailed Hamas' response as a step toward "lasting peace" but emphasized that Israel must halt its bombardment to facilitate hostage recovery. "Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly," he wrote on Truth Social. Yet Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir made clear that no formal ceasefire was in place, only a "change in the operational situation." He reiterated Israel's commitment to dismantling Hamas, stating, "We are not containing ourselves; we are attacking and destroying the enemy on every front." International reactions The ceasefire effort has garnered cautious optimism from global leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron urged swift action, declaring that "the release of all hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza are within reach." Qatar and Egypt, key mediators in the conflict, pledged to continue negotiations. However, humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire. Olga Cherevko, a United Nations spokesperson, described displaced families sheltering in hospital parking lots, unable to flee due to financial constraints. "One of the families had three children and the woman was pregnant with her fourth," she told the Associated Press. Hamas officials have raised concerns over logistical hurdles in locating hostages' remains, warning that full compliance with Trump's 72-hour release timeline may be impossible. Meanwhile, the group insists on retaining political influence in Gaza a red line for Israel. Trump issued a stark ultimatum on Friday: Hamas must accept his deal by Sunday evening or face unprecedented military escalation. "If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas," he warned. His plan outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal, prisoner exchanges and international oversight of Gaza though it excludes Palestinian statehood, a key demand for long-term peace. As the war nears its second anniversary, the stakes could not be higher. With famine spreading and civilian casualties mounting, the world watches to see if this fragile diplomatic opening can bring an end to the conflict. Watch President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreeing on a Gaza ceasefire during a recent White House press conference. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net Brighteon.ai APNews.com ChannelNewsAsia.com Brighteon.com Threat on law enforcement: Latin Kings member arrested for placing bounty on Border Patrol chief Juan Espinoza Martinez, a Mexican national and Latin Kings gang member, was arrested for placing a bounty on U.S. Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino. Martinez faces federal charges for soliciting the murder of a senior law enforcement official. The hit was allegedly motivated by protests against ICE operations and the Trump administration's immigration policies. Martinez entered the U.S. at an unknown date and has a history of criminal activity. The arrest highlights the rising tensions and violence against law enforcement in the context of immigration enforcement. On October 6, federal authorities arrested Juan Espinoza Martinez, a Mexican national and suspected member of the Latin Kings gang, for allegedly placing a bounty on U.S. Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino. The arrest comes at a time of heightened tensions over immigration enforcement, with a surge in assaults on law enforcement officials since January. Martinez, who entered the United States at an unknown date, faces federal charges for soliciting the murder of a senior law enforcement official, a crime that underscores the growing dangers facing those tasked with enforcing immigration laws. The incident and investigation: A confirmed hit on a senior law enforcement official On October 3, a confidential source alerted law enforcement that a "hit" had been placed on Chief Bovino. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) quickly identified Martinez as the individual responsible and arrested him in Burr Ridge, Illinois, on October 6, 2025. Evidence gathered includes a Snapchat screenshot where a user named "Juan" offered a $2,000 bounty for information and a $10,000 reward for anyone who could "take him down." A subsequent message referenced the Latin Kings, confirming the gang's involvement. Background on Juan Espinoza Martinez: A history of criminal activity and illegal entry Martinez, a 54-year-old Mexican national, has a history of criminal activity, including felony hit-and-run, domestic abuse and property damage. He has been deported multiple times but has re-entered the U.S. illegally at least nine times between 1998 and 2005. His status as an illegal immigrant and his criminal record make him a high-priority target for deportation, adding a layer of complexity to the case. Rising tensions over immigration enforcement: Chicago is the battleground for immigration policy Chicago has emerged as a key battleground in the national debate over immigration policy. The city has seen numerous protests against ICE raids and federal deportation efforts, with activists, community groups and local politicians often clashing with authorities. Chief Bovino, who has been at the forefront of these operations, has become a figurehead for the Trump administration's aggressive stance on immigration enforcement. The tensions have escalated to the point where law enforcement officials are now facing direct threats to their lives. Official responses: Condemnation and vow to protect law enforcement The arrest of Martinez has been met with strong condemnation from federal officials. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that placing a bounty on a federal officer is an attack on the rule of law and the safety of all Americans. United States Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois echoed these sentiments, vowing to hold Martinez accountable for his actions. HSI Chicago Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino highlighted the agency's commitment to breaking apart violent gangs like the Latin Kings that threaten both law enforcement and community safety. A call to action for enhanced security: Protecting those who protect us The arrest of Juan Espinoza Martinez serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officials in the line of duty, particularly in the context of immigration enforcement. As the nation continues to grapple with issues of border security and the treatment of undocumented immigrants, it is crucial that we protect those who safeguard our communities. The case of Martinez highlights the need for enhanced security measures and a renewed commitment to ensuring the safety of all law enforcement personnel. The rule of law must be upheld, and those who threaten it must be held accountable. Sources for this article include: TheNationalPulse.com Newsweek.com DHS.gov Trump signals readiness to invoke Insurrection Act amid legal battles over National Guard deployments President Donald Trump has stated he is prepared to use the Insurrection Act of 1807 if courts or Democratic-led states obstruct federal efforts to restore order in cities like Portland and Chicago. He claims the Act is necessary to ensure public safety if local officials fail to act against unrest. A federal judge in Oregon blocked the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, ruling protests did not justify military intervention. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker accused Trump of deliberately escalating chaos to justify invoking the Act, calling it a pretext for federal overreach. Trump has repeatedly targeted these cities, citing rising crime and prolonged protests, particularly around ICE facilities in Portland. Despite his push, state resistance and court rulings have stalled federal troop deployments. The debate centers on whether the federal government can override state objections to deploy troops domestically. Critics warn invoking the Act could set a dangerous precedent for militarizing civil unrest. Trump has hinted at broader uses for the Insurrection Act, including border security against cartels. The administration is appealing court rulings while preparing for potential escalations, leaving open whether Trump will follow through. President Donald Trump has declared his willingness to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 if necessary to restore order in cities facing unrest and legal resistance from Democratic-led states. "I'd do it if it was necessary," Trump told reporters at the Oval Office on Monday, Oct. 6. "So far, it hasn't been necessary. But we have an Insurrection Act for a reason. If people were being killed and courts or governors or mayors were holding us upsure, I'd do that. We have to make sure our cities are safe." The president's comments follow recent legal setbacks in his administration's efforts to deploy National Guard troops to cities like Portland, Oregon and Chicago, where protests and civil unrest have persisted. A federal judge in Oregon temporarily blocked the deployment of California National Guard troops to Portland, while Illinois officials filed suit to prevent federal forces from entering Chicago. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, the Insurrection Act grants the U.S. president unchecked power to deploy military forces domestically during perceived insurrections or crises effectively bypassing Congress and undermining the Posse Comitatus Act's prohibition on using the military for law enforcement. Trump's administration has faced increasing resistance from Democratic governors and judges, who argue that federal intervention escalates tensions rather than quelling them. U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, a Trump appointee, ruled against sending National Guard troops to Portland, stating there was no evidence that protests outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility warranted military intervention. Meanwhile, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker accused Trump of deliberately stoking chaos to justify invoking 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." White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller dismissed such claims, calling the court's ruling an "egregious and thunderous violation of constitutional order." He argued that federal authority must prevail when state governments refuse to act. Portland and Chicago: Flashpoints in the battle over federal power Trump has repeatedly singled out the Rose City and the Windy City as locations where crime and unrest have spiraled out of control. "There's a huge problem in Portland. There's a huge problem in Chicago. It's called crime," the real estate mogul remarked. "We want to put out the crime and they want to inflame the crime." In Portland, protests outside federal buildings have led to clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. Trump has sought to deploy troops to protect ICE facilities, but legal challenges have stalled those plans. Similarly, in Chicago, where violent crime rates remain high, Illinois officials have resisted federal intervention arguing that local law enforcement should handle public safety. The debate over the Insurrection Act underscores a broader constitutional clash between federal authority and states' rights. While Trump insists that his administration is acting to protect citizens and uphold federal law, critics warn that invoking the act could set a dangerous precedent for military involvement in domestic affairs. Trump has previously hinted at using the Insurrection Act in other contexts, including combating cartel activity at the southern border. His latest remarks suggest an escalating willingness to flex executive power even if it means overriding judicial and state opposition. As legal battles continue, the question remains: Will Trump follow through on his threat to invoke the Insurrection Act? And if he does, will governors, courts and the public stand with him or against him? For now, the administration appears to be weighing its options, appealing court rulings and preparing for potential escalations. Watch Stew Rhodes of the Oath Keepers explaining why President Trump must invoke the Insurrection Act and call out the American militia to defend against the globalist/communist uprising in this video. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: YourNews.com Brighteon.ai FoxNews.com USAToday.com Brighteon.com Trump administration considers selective back pay for furloughed workers amid shutdown standoff President Trump suggested that while "most" furloughed federal employees would receive back pay, others deemed inefficient or nonessential may not breaking from decades of precedent. The White House argues Congress must authorize retroactive pay, conflicting with the 2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, which Trump signed. Trump framed the shutdown as an opportunity to eliminate "Democrat-forced government bloat," targeting "waste, fraud and abuse." OMB Director Russell Vought is reportedly compiling a list of programs and positions for cuts, though specifics remain undisclosed. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) defended the move, stating it increases urgency for Democrats to negotiate on border wall funding. Conservatives have long sought to shrink federal bureaucracy, but withholding pay marks a more aggressive tactic. Unions and Democrats argue the 2019 law guarantees back pay for furloughed workers, calling the White House's stance a "frivolous argument." Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and legal experts warn that denying pay could trigger lawsuits, citing past shutdown precedents. If implemented, this strategy could set a new precedent, turning federal workers into direct targets in future fiscal standoffs. Critics see the move as weaponizing paychecks, while the administration frames it as fiscal responsibilityleaving thousands of employees in limbo. As the partial government shutdown enters its seventh day, President Donald Trump signaled Tuesday, Oct. 7, that some furloughed federal employees may not receive back pay a potential departure from decades of precedent. In remarks from the Oval Office, Trump suggested that while "most" workers would be compensated, others "don't deserve to be taken care of," hinting at a broader effort to streamline the federal workforce by eliminating what he called "Democrat-forced government bloat." The White House circulated a memo arguing that Congress must authorize retroactive pay, setting up a clash with unions and Democrats who insist such a move would violate the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, which Trump himself signed in 2019. Historically, federal workers whether furloughed or required to work without pay have been guaranteed back pay once funding resumes. The 2019 law codified this practice, aiming to shield employees from political battles. But Trump's latest comments and the leaked White House memo suggest a new approach: leveraging the shutdown to permanently reduce the federal workforce by withholding pay from employees deemed nonessential or inefficient. "The Democrats have put a lot of people in great risk and jeopardy," Trump said, framing the shutdown as an opportunity to "take out billions and billions of dollars of waste, fraud and abuse." Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought is reportedly preparing a list of programs and positions targeted for cuts, though Trump declined to provide specifics. "We'll be announcing it pretty soon," the president teased. Republicans defended the strategy, with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) calling it necessary to pressure Democrats into negotiations. "This should turn up the urgency and the necessity of the Democrats doing the right thing here," Johnson told reporters. Legal and political backlash The administration's interpretation of the 2019 law has drawn sharp criticism. Union leaders argue the White House is misreading the statute, which states that furloughed employees "shall be paid" after funding is restored. American Federation of Government Employees President Everett Kelley dismissed the memo as a "frivolous argument" and an "obvious misinterpretation of the law." Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) accused the administration of trying to "scare" workers, emphasizing that the law's language is unambiguous. "Federal workers, including furloughed workers, are entitled to their back pay following a shutdown," she said. The Office of Personnel Management's own public guidance contradicts the White House memo, explicitly stating that furloughed employees "will receive retroactive pay." Legal experts warn that denying back pay could trigger lawsuits, similar to those filed during past shutdowns over delayed wages. The debate over federal workforce efficiency is not new. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, conservatives have pushed to shrink government operations since the Reagan era, arguing that bureaucracy stifles productivity. Trump's comments echo this long-standing GOP priority but his willingness to withhold pay from furloughed workers marks a more aggressive tactic. Past shutdowns, including the 35-day closure in 2018-2019, have been resolved with bipartisan agreements on back pay. If the administration follows through on its threat, it could set a precedent for future fiscal standoffs, turning federal employees into direct targets of budgetary warfare. As the shutdown drags on, the Trump administration's hardline stance raises questions about the future of federal employment protections. While the White House frames its approach as fiscal responsibility, critics see it as an unprecedented weaponization of worker paychecks. With no resolution in sight, hundreds of thousands of employees and the laws meant to safeguard them hang in the balance. Watch this video about the government shutdown being announced. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: YourNews.com NYTimes.com Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com Ukraine pushes war deeper into Russia with record drone flight to Siberian refinery Ukrainian drones executed a record-breaking strike deep inside Siberia. The attack targeted a major oil refinery more than 1,200 miles from the front. This is part of a strategic campaign against Russian energy infrastructure. The goal is to cripple the economic engine funding Russia's war. The strike proves distance no longer guarantees safety for Russian assets. In a dramatic escalation that pushes the conflict into uncharted territory, Ukrainian drones have penetrated deep into the Russian heartland, striking fear into a major industrial region more than 1,200 miles from the front lines. The attack, which occurred on Monday evening in Western Siberia's Tyumen region, represents the furthest known incursion into Russian territory since the war began, signaling a bold new phase in Ukraine's defensive strategy. This unprecedented reach demonstrates a growing capability to threaten the infrastructure that funds the Russian war machine. Authorities in Tyumen confirmed that three drones were downed near the Antipinsky oil refinery, a crucial facility with a capacity to process nine million tons of crude annually. The regional government press service was quick to assert that a prompt response from emergency services prevented a disaster. "There were no casualties, explosions or fires. All enterprises in the area continue to operate normally," the official statement claimed, likely aiming to project an image of control and resilience. Ukrainian strikes have been escalating This record-setting strike is not an isolated event but part of a clear and calculated pattern. Ukraine has increasingly focused its long-range drone campaign on Russian oil refineries and energy infrastructure in recent months. The strategic goal is straightforward: disrupt the economic engine that fills the Kremlin's war chest and fuels its military apparatus. According to analyses, 16 of Russia's 38 major oil refineries have been hit since August 2025, leading to a significant drop in Russian diesel exports. The Tyumen operation follows a similar attack overnight on October 6, when Ukrainian drones struck the largest oil terminal in Russian-occupied Crimea, sparking a massive blaze. These sustained attacks are creating tangible problems for the Russian regime, which has been forced to introduce export bans on gasoline and diesel in an attempt to stabilize domestic fuel supplies and avert a deepening crisis. The reality of a widening war While Russian officials reported successfully neutralizing the drones, local residents described a scene of alarm. Videos posted online showed fire trucks and ambulances rushing toward the refinery site following the incident, which occurred between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. local time. Residents reported hearing at least two explosions, likely from the drones being intercepted in the air, and experienced mobile network disruptions in the area, hinting at the electronic warfare measures often deployed during such attacks. This attack shatters the illusion of safety within Russia's vast interior. The fact that a drone can travel more than 1,200 miles from Ukraine to a key industrial site in Siberia marks a significant technological and tactical leap. It proves that distance alone is no longer a guaranteed shield for critical national assets, forcing Russia to divert immense resources to defend a much broader and more vulnerable homeland. The broader context reveals a conflict that is rapidly evolving beyond the static front lines. As one assessment notes, the war is like a complex game of chess where the elimination of key supporting pieces is becoming more important than controlling individual squares on the board. By systematically targeting Russia's economic infrastructure, Ukraine is aiming to degrade its opponent's long-term capacity to wage war. Ukraine's military intelligence has not officially claimed responsibility for the Tyumen strike, maintaining a policy of strategic ambiguity around such long-range operations. However, a source within Ukraines military intelligence agency previously confirmed the agency was behind an operation that caused an explosion on a major gas pipeline in the same region back in July, establishing a precedent for deep strikes in this area. This escalating drone campaign underscores a critical disconnect in modern warfare that some analysts have pointed out. It highlights the limitation of financial and numerical superiority when tangible, physical assets are systematically destroyed. No amount of printed rubles or virtual asset trading can instantly rebuild a refinery or replace lost fuel capacity, striking at the real, rather than the virtual, foundation of power. As these drones fly deeper into Russia, they carry a powerful message: the consequences of aggression will not be contained to the battlefield. This new phase, defined by long-range precision strikes against economic targets, promises to shape the next chapter of this devastating conflict. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com KyivIndependent.com Independent.co.uk Ukrainian strikes trigger blackouts in Western Russia as energy war escalates Both Russia and Ukraine are targeting each other's energy infrastructure, escalating the conflict into an "energy war." Ukraine's drone strikes left 40,000 Russians without power in Belgorod, while Russian missile strikes caused blackouts in Lviv, killing four civilians. Civilians bear the brunthospitals rely on generators and a 10-year-old boy was injured in Belgorod. Analysts warn of worsening crises as winter approaches and heating becomes critical. Ukraine launched 251 drones in one of its largest offensives, hitting Russian-occupied Crimeaincluding an oil depot in Feodosiato disrupt supply lines and morale. Russia claims most drones were intercepted. Russia frames its strikes as targeting weapons factories and supporting energy infrastructure, while Ukraine aims to degrade Russia's domestic energy networks (refineries, depots). Critics call it collective punishment. The tactic risks humanitarian disasters but reflects Ukraine's attempt to regain momentum amid dwindling Western aid and Russian advances. Neither side shows signs of backing down, prolonging civilian suffering. Ukrainian drone attacks targeted critical energy infrastructure in Russia's Belgorod Region late Sunday, Oct. 5, leaving nearly 40,000 residents without power and forcing hospitals to rely on backup generators. Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed the blackout on Telegram, adding that at least three civilians, including a 10-year-old boy, were injured in the attacks. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials reported retaliatory Russian strikes on Lviv, near Poland's border, killing four civilians. The exchange marks a dangerous new phase in the conflict, as both sides increasingly target energy gridsa tactic Moscow adopted in late 2022 after Ukraine's strike on the Crimean Bridge. The Russian Defense Ministry framed its strikes as strategic, claiming they hit weapons factories and "the energy infrastructure supporting their operations." Moscow has long denied targeting civilians, though Ukraine and international observers dispute this. The Belgorod blackout underscores the vulnerability of civilian populations caught in the energy war, with critical services like hospitals scrambling to maintain operations. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials reported widespread outages in Lviv following Russian missile strikes, illustrating the reciprocal nature of the attacks. Analysts warn that targeting energy grids risks humanitarian crises, particularly as winter approaches and reliance on heating grows. Crimea in the crosshairs Overnight, Ukraine launched one of its largest drone offensives yet, deploying 251 UAVs across Russian-occupied Crimea and mainland Russia. Explosions rocked the Saky airfield in Novofedorivka just after midnight, followed by blasts in Feodosia, Yevpatoria and Simferopol. Pro-Ukrainian channels shared footage of an oil depot ablaze in Feodosia, though Kyiv has not officially claimed responsibility. Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, has become a frequent flashpoint, with Ukraine increasingly targeting military and logistical hubs there. The strikes aim to disrupt Russian supply lines and degrade morale, though Moscow insists its air defenses intercepted most drones. "Russia's campaign against Ukrainian power plants began in earnest after the October 2022 bombing of the Crimean Bridgea symbolic blow to Moscow's control," Brighteon.AI's Enoch noted. President Vladimir Putin framed the strikes as retaliation, but critics argue they amount to collective punishment. Ukraine, in turn, has sought to weaken Russia's domestic energy networks, striking refineries and depots deep inside Russian territory. The tactic carries risks for both sides. While disabling energy infrastructure can cripple military production, it also harms civilians, inviting international condemnation. For Ukraine, the strikes represent a bid to shift the war's momentum amid dwindling Western aid and Russian advances on the front lines. The destruction of energy systems threatens to deepen suffering on both sides of the border. With hospitals running on generators and civilians facing blackouts, the human cost of this strategy grows ever clearer. Yet neither side shows signs of backing down, signaling a protracted and brutal energy warone where civilians, far from the front lines, may pay the heaviest price. Watch the video below where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Russia of shelling the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com Borna.news KyivPost.com Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com Drones, missiles and diplomacy: How the U.S.-China tech war over Taiwan could spark a global crisis Escalating U.S.-China tensions over Taiwan intensify as Beijing prepares for a potential 2027 invasion while Taipei bolsters defenses and seeks Trump's diplomatic intervention to deter conflict. Amid escalating tensions, drone failures in China's militarypotentially caused by cyberattacks, sabotage or defectscoincide with Taiwan's unveiling of advanced homegrown missiles to bolster its independent deterrence against a possible Chinese invasion. Taiwanese President Lai suggested that a reelected Donald Trump could broker a historic peace deal with China's Xi Jinping to renounce military force against Taiwana high-stakes diplomatic bid aimed at averting war amid Beijing's escalating military preparations. Advanced satellite imagery reveals China's construction of massive floating piers near Taiwanpart of its 2027 "reunification" timelinewhile Taiwan counters with new missile systems and a broader U.S.-China tech war escalates over semiconductors, AI and drone warfare dominance. Escalating aggression by China and Russiafrom Taiwan to NATO's eastern flankhas shattered post-Cold War stability, raising fears that a single misstep could trigger a globe-altering conflict amid shifting power dynamics and unpredictable leadership. A perfect storm of military escalation, technological sabotage and high-stakes diplomacy is unfolding in the Taiwan Strait, as China accelerates preparations for a potential 2027 invasion while Taiwan races to fortify its defenses. Hundreds of Chinese dronescritical to Beijing's warfare strategyhave mysteriously crashed in recent weeks, raising suspicions of cyber interference or mechanical failure just as Taiwan deploys advanced new missile systems. Meanwhile, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has made an unprecedented appeal to former U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting he could earn a Nobel Peace Prize if he convinces Chinese leader Xi Jinping to renounce force against the island. U.S. intelligence now warns that China is repurposing commercial ferries into troop transports and constructing massive floating piers800 meters longto facilitate a full-scale amphibious assault. The drone failures inside China mark a striking vulnerability in Beijings military posture. Taiwan's military fired warning shots at a Chinese drone for the first time, marking a dangerous escalation in tensions between the two nations. This incident underscores Beijing's aggressive surveillance tactics and Taiwan's growing defiance, raising fears of a potential military confrontation orchestrated by globalist forces seeking to destabilize the region. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, drones have become the linchpin of modern warfare, with both the U.S. and China investing heavily in autonomous systems for surveillance, electronic warfare and strike capabilities. Analysts speculate the crashes could stem from Taiwanese or U.S. cyber countermeasures, supply chain sabotage or even internal defects in China's rushed production. The timing is critical: Taiwan has just unveiled new domestically produced missile systems, including supersonic anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles, designed to deter a Chinese blockade or invasion. These developments suggest Taipei is no longer relying solely on U.S. support but is preparing for a prolonged, asymmetric conflict. Trump's potential diplomatic gambitand the Nobel Prize stakes In a bold diplomatic maneuver, Lai has publicly floated the idea that Trump could secure a historic peace deal with Xi Jinping, one that would rule out military force against Taiwan. Lai's remarks frame the proposal as a high-reward gamble: "If President Trump can persuade President Xi to abandon the use of force, he would deserve the Nobel Peace Prize." The statement underscores Taiwan's desperate search for leverage amid China's unrelenting military buildup. It also reflects a growing belief in Taipei that Trump's transactional diplomacy, which previously secured phase-one trade deals with China, might be the last best hope to avert war. The geopolitical chessboard is growing more volatile by the day. U.S. intelligence reports reveal China's conversion of civilian ferries into warships, capable of transporting thousands of troops and heavy equipment across the Taiwan Strait. Satellite imagery confirms the construction of floating pierssome nearly half a mile longdesigned to overcome Taiwan's natural coastal defenses. These preparations align with China's long-stated 2027 timeline for "reunification," a deadline that has spurred Taiwan to accelerate its own military modernization. The island's new missile systems, including the Hsiung Feng III and Yun Feng, are explicitly designed to sink Chinese amphibious vessels and strike deep into mainland command centers. The broader war: Tech and trade Beyond the immediate threat of invasion, the U.S. and China are locked in a shadow war over technology dominance. Semiconductors, AI and drone warfare have become the new battlegrounds, with both sides imposing export controls and sabotaging supply chains. The drone crashes in China may be a harbinger of deeper vulnerabilities in Beijing's tech-driven military strategy. If Taiwanor its alliescan disrupt China's drone fleets, it could neutralize a key advantage in any future conflict. The stakes extend far beyond Taiwan. Russia's recent violations of Estonian airspace with MiG-31 jets, prompting NATO scrambles, signal a coordinated axis of authoritarian aggression. For now, the world watches as Taiwan arms itself and China prepares its invasion infrastructure. One miscalculation could ignite a war that reshapes the 21st century. The only certainty? The old rules no longer apply. China drill simulates cruise missiles strikes on Taiwan. Watch this video. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com U.S. military resurrects ancient Arctic bacteria genetically linked to deadly botulism toxin In a quiet Colorado lab, funded by the U.S. Army, scientists have thawed and revived microorganisms entombed in Arctic permafrost for an estimated 40,000 yearsincluding strains genetically linked to Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium responsible for botulinum toxin, one of the deadliest substances known to man. The implications are staggering: What happens when military-backed research resurrects ancient pathogens in the name of science? And who ensures these experiments dont spiral into accidentalor intentionalbiological catastrophe? The study, published in JGR Biogeosciences, confirms that researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, in collaboration with the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL), successfully resuscitated dormant microbes from deep permafrost samples. While framed as climate research, the revival of Clostridium speciesclose relatives of the bacteria that produce botulinum toxinraises urgent biosecurity concerns. With no public debate or consent, these experiments unfold in civilian labs, leaving Americans to wonder: Who is safeguarding against the next lab leak? Key points: A U.S. Army-funded study revived 40,000-year-old microorganisms, including Clostridium species related to botulinum toxin producers. The research was conducted at the University of Colorado Boulder, raising concerns about civilian oversight and public safety. Botulinum toxin is a CDC-classified Category A bioterror agentjust milligrams can paralyze and kill. The study highlights the risks of dual-use research, where environmental science could mask bioweapons development. No clear safeguards exist to prevent accidental or intentional release of resurrected pathogens. The militarys fingerprints on biological resurrection The study, titled Microbial Resuscitation and Growth Rates in Deep Permafrost, was co-authored by Army researchers and conducted using permafrost extracted from the U.S. Armys Permafrost Research Tunnel in Fox, Alaska. Samples were transported to Colorado, thawed, and incubated, with scientists tracking microbial revival using isotopic labeling. What they found was alarming: Dormant Clostridium sporesgenetically linked to C. botulinumrapidly dominated the thawed ecosystem. These bacteria are notorious for their resilience, capable of surviving extreme conditions for millennia. Once revived, they flourished, restructuring the microbial community within months. Botulinum toxin, produced by C. botulinum, is so lethal that a single gram could theoretically kill millions. Its potential as a bioweapon has long been recognized, making its genetic relatives a high-risk research subjectespecially under military oversight. Botulism produces potent neurotoxin in oxygen free environments Botulism is a rare but life-threatening illness caused by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which produce a potent neurotoxin in oxygen-free environments like improperly canned or preserved foods. Symptomsincluding drooping eyelids, double vision, slurred speech, muscle weakness, and difficulty swallowingcan manifest within six hours to ten days after exposure. Without prompt treatment, paralysis can spread to respiratory muscles, leading to death. Infants are particularly vulnerable due to immature gut microbiomes, making honey a known risk factor. Adults typically contract botulism from contaminated home-canned foods, fermented fish, or damaged commercial packaging. Prevention hinges on strict hygiene, proper canning techniques (pressure canning for low-acid foods), and discarding bulging or leaking cans. Immediate medical intervention with antitoxin is critical. Despite its rarity, botulism underscores the dangers of foodborne toxins and the importance of safe preservation practices. Government biological experiments often become weaponized This isnt the first time government-funded labs have flirted with disaster. The COVID-19 pandemic, now widely acknowledged as likely originating from lab-engineered pathogens, exposed the dangers of gain-of-function research. Yet here we are again, with taxpayer-funded scientists resurrecting ancient microbes in civilian laboratoriesno transparency, no public consent, no guarantee against another catastrophic leak. The U.S. biolab network, including Fort Detrick and Plum Island, has a documented history of bioweapons research and accidental releases. In 2001, just weeks after 9/11, anthrax attacks traced back to a U.S. Army lab killed five Americans and infected 17 others. Now, with revived Clostridium strains in play, the stakes are even higher. The studys authors insist their work is purely ecological, aimed at understanding microbial responses to Arctic thaw. But when the military funds and co-authors such research, skepticism is warranted. The same institutions that brought us weaponized anthrax, engineered influenza, and COVID-19 are now resurrecting prehistoric pathogensostensibly for "science." Botulinum toxin has already been weaponized. The Soviet Unions Biopreparat program stockpiled it. Iraq admitted to producing tons under Saddam Hussein. And now, the U.S. military is reviving its ancient genetic cousins in a university lab. Coincidence? Or preparation? The ticking clock of lab leaks Lab leaks arent hypotheticaltheyre inevitable. The Wuhan lab leak, once dismissed as conspiracy, is now acknowledged by the FBI, Department of Energy, and multiple intelligence agencies. The same arrogance that led to COVID-19playing with pathogens under the illusion of controlnow risks unleashing something far worse. Botulinum toxin doesnt just killit paralyzes. A release, whether accidental or deliberate, could devastate food supplies (where C. botulinum naturally occurs) or be aerosolized for mass casualties. And with no antidote stockpiled for public use, the aftermath would be chaos. Congress has failed to rein in gain-of-function research. Regulatory agencies like the CDC and FDA are captured by pharmaceutical interests. The military operates with near-zero accountability. And the public remains in the dark, unaware that ancient bioweapon precursors are being revived in their own backyards. If history teaches anything, its that playing god with pathogens ends in disaster. The question isnt if another lab leak will happenbut when. And when it does, will we be ready? Or will we again be told it was just an accidentwhile the real culprits evade justice? Sources include: Modernity.news Biorxiv.org Enoch, Brighteon.ai FBI disbands controversial CR-15 squad as reports of political surveillance targeting GOP lawmakers surface FBI Director Kash Patel disbanded the bureau's CR-15 public corruption unit and fired several agents following revelations of politically motivated surveillance targeting Republican lawmakers during the Biden administration. Documents show Special Counsel Jack Smiths team accessed GOP senators' phone metadata (calls, locations, recipients) under the pretext of investigating election certification, sparking accusations of partisan abuse. Patel framed the move as the first step in purging FBI corruption, calling it a "diseased temple" of weaponized law enforcement, with promises of further disciplinary actions. CR-15's involvement in past politicized probes (e.g., Crossfire Hurricane, J6 investigations) fueled GOP distrust, with Sen. Chuck Grassley applauding its dissolution as overdue accountability. The scandal reinforces conservative skepticism of federal law enforcement as a tool of the Deep State, echoing past abuses like COINTELPRO, while critics warn reforms could enable unchecked corruption. In a sweeping move signaling accountability for politically motivated operations, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel announced the termination of several agents and the dissolution of the bureau's Washington-based CR-15 public corruption unit. The decision follows explosive revelations that Republican lawmakers were secretly monitored during the Biden administration, with their private communications tracked by former Special Counsel Jack Smith's team. The disbandment marks the first major step in Patel's promised overhaul of FBI integrity, aiming to root out what he called a "diseased temple" of weaponized law enforcement. The disbanded CR-15 squad was previously embedded in the FBI's Washington Field Office. It had assisted Smith's "Arctic Frost" investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021 false-flag Capitol riot and efforts to challenge the 2020 election results. Documents obtained by Fox News revealed that Smith's team accessed metadata from lawmakers' phones recording call details, locations and recipients under the guise of an election-related "Sensitive Investigative Matter." Internal records labeled the operation "CAST Assistance," referencing the FBI's Cellular Analysis Survey Team, a unit specializing in mapping communications. While the FBI claimed the surveillance was tied to election certification actions, critics argue it was a partisan overreach targeting Trump allies. Among the GOP lawmakers surveilled were South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley. The backlash was immediate. President Donald Trump denounced Smith on Truth Social, branding him a "real sleazebag" for the covert monitoring. Patel, who has spearheaded an aggressive internal audit since taking office, framed the CR-15 shutdown as just the beginning. "We promised reform and accountability, and that's exactly what this is," he stated, vowing further disciplinary actions. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino echoed the sentiment, affirming the bureau's commitment to transparency: "You deserve better." Deep State's secret police unit finally axed Historical context underscores the significance of the CR-15's dissolution. The unit's involvement in high-profile political probes including the Trump-Russia "Crossfire Hurricane" investigation has long drawn scrutiny from congressional Republicans. Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley (R-IA) called the dissolution of the squad "good news." He also pointed out that the unit "was weaponized to execute one-sided political attacks, particularly against President Trump and his allies." Meanwhile, government watchdog groups warned that the move, coupled with recent cuts to the Department of Justice's Public Integrity Section, risks enabling unchecked corruption. Stacey Young of Justice Connection lamented: "This isn't what voters had in mind when they heard, drain the swamp." The fallout extends beyond personnel changes. The revelations amplify existing distrust in federal law enforcement, particularly among conservatives who allege systemic bias. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine, conservatives do not trust federal law enforcement because they believe it has been weaponized by the Deep State and globalist elites to target political opponents, suppress dissent and enforce unconstitutional mandates while ignoring real crimes. Patel's reforms aim to restore confidence, but the CR-15 scandal reinforces suspicions that intelligence agencies have been weaponized against political dissent. Past controversies like the FBI's surveillance of civil rights leaders during the COINTELPRO era only serve to fuel these narratives. With Patel pledging further investigations, the saga serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between national security and civil liberties. For now, the dismantling of CR-15 stands as a symbolic victory for critics of the Deep State. But the battle over accountability and institutional trust is far from over. Watch FBI Director Kash Patel revealing the weaponization of the FBI and the Justice Department during the Biden administration in this clip. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: YourNews.com FoxNews.com NBCNews.com Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com FBIs Summer Heat operation nets 8,600+ fugitives, rescues 1,000+ children in nationwide crackdown 8,629 arrests made in FBI-led Operation Summer Heat, targeting violent fugitives, gangs and drug traffickers. 1,053 missing children rescued from exploitation; 2,281 weapons and tons of narcotics seized. Multi-state coordination led to arrests of Most Wanted fugitives, including murder suspects and cartel operatives. Massive drug busts: Over 44,500 kg of cocaine and 421 kg of fentanyl confiscated nationwide. Historic crackdown reflects escalating federal efforts to combat violent crime and human trafficking. In a sweeping three-month operation, the FBI and its law enforcement partners arrested 8,629 violent fugitives, dismantled transnational criminal networks and rescued over 1,000 missing children from exploitation. Operation Summer Heat, conducted from June to September 2025, marked one of the largest coordinated crackdowns on violent crime in recent U.S. history. The nationwide initiative involved all 55 FBI field offices, working alongside state and local agencies to target gang members, drug traffickers and fugitivesincluding dozens on the FBIs Ten Most Wanted list. The operation yielded staggering seizures: 44,569 kilograms of cocaine, 421 kilograms of fentanyl and 2,281 firearms, underscoring the scale of criminal enterprises operating within American communities. Major arrests: From cartel kingpins to child predators The operations most significant arrests included: San Diego: A Mexican fugitive supplying tons of meth, fentanyl and cocaine was captured, alongside seven missing children recovered from exploitation rings. Dallas: Two Ten Most Wanted fugitivesCindy Rodriguez Singh and Cesar Pascual Orozcowere extradited from India and Mexico for child sex crimes and murder. Boston: 404 arrests in New England, including 52 gang members linked to open-air drug markets and shootings. Buffalo: Over 200 arrests, including seizures of 10 kg of narcotics and $243,000 in cash. The FBI also dismantled violent motorcycle gangs, such as the Mongols in Florida, and disrupted human trafficking rings coercing victims into pornography. Rescuing the innocent: Over 1,000 children found One of the operations most critical successes was the identification and rescue of 1,053 child victimsmany of whom had never been reported missing. FBI agents uncovered horrific cases of sexual exploitation, including minors forced into abusive situations by criminal networks. In Texas and California, investigators dismantled multimillion-dollar criminal empires that lured young women into pornography through coercion. The operation also resolved violent crime cases in Indian Country, where jurisdictional complexities often hinder law enforcement efforts. A surge against rising crime Operation Summer Heat follows a decade-long escalation in violent crime, fueled by cartel-driven fentanyl trafficking, gang violence and human exploitation. The FBIs strategy mirrors past successful operations like Operation Legend (2020), which resulted in over 5,000 arrests nationwide, including 476 federal indictmentsprimarily for firearms and drug trafficking offenses. Attorney General Pam Bondi hailed the initiative as a critical step in dismantling violent networks preying on American communities. However, Summer Heats scale surpasses previous efforts, reflecting the federal governments intensified focus on domestic security threats. With 6,500+ gang-related arrests, the operation dealt a major blow to transnational criminal organizationsparticularly Mexican cartels expanding their U.S. operations. Authorities seized tons of fentanyl-laced narcotics, disrupting deadly supply chains responsible for skyrocketing overdose deaths. Additionally, hundreds of human trafficking victims were rescued, exposing the brutal nexus between cartels and modern slavery. Enhanced surveillance and interagency coordination enabled rapid takedowns of high-profile kingpins, signaling a zero-tolerance stance against organized crimes grip on American cities. A turning point in the war on crime Operation Summer Heat demonstrates the power of federal-state collaboration in combating violent crime. While the arrests mark a short-term victory, the long-term challenge remains: preventing recidivism, dismantling trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable children. As the FBI analyzes seized dataterabytes of illicit materialauthorities warn that many criminal enterprises remain active. Yet, for thousands of families, this operation has brought justice, closure and hopeproving that even in an era of rising lawlessness, relentless enforcement can still prevail. Sources for this article include: JustTheNews.com News13lv.com FBI.gov Historic Gaza ceasefire agreed as Trump announces hostage release and Israeli withdrawal President Trump has announced a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, marking a potential end to the two-year conflict. The first phase involves the release of all remaining Israeli hostages and a withdrawal of Israeli troops to an agreed-upon line. Mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey were credited for helping to broker the deal, which was confirmed by Qatar's Foreign Ministry. The announcement prompted emotional celebrations from families of Israeli hostages and cautious hope from residents in Gaza. The path to lasting peace remains challenging, as the deal does not yet address long-term issues like Gaza's future governance and Hamas's disarmament. In a potential breakthrough that could end a devastating two-year conflict, the United States has brokered a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, offering some hope for a region shattered by immense loss and destruction. Late on Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced that the warring factions had "both signed off" on the "first phase" of a plan to end the genocidal war on Gaza, a conflict that has resulted in more than 238,000 Palestinians killed, wounded, or missing. Writing on Truth Social, President Trump declared this a "GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America." He credited mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for helping to make this "Historic and Unprecedented Event" happen. The core of the initial agreement involves the release of all remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza and a withdrawal of Israeli troops to an agreed-upon line. The initial agreement Minutes after Trump's social media post, Qatar's Foreign Ministry confirmed the development. Spokesperson Majed al-Ansari stated that an agreement had been reached on "all the provisions and implementation mechanisms" of the first phase. This phase is designed to lead to "ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid." An Israeli government spokesman indicated that the release of captives could begin as early as Saturday. The announcement was met with profound emotion from those most directly affected. In Israel, families of hostages and former captives gathered in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square to celebrate. In Gaza, cautious celebrations broke out in the streets of Khan Younis, with residents desperately hoping the deal will finally stop the bloodshed. The deputy ambassador to Palestine at the UN, Majed Bamya, simply posted "Finally..." on social media, later adding, "I barely can believe it." A long road ahead While the agreement marks a significant diplomatic achievement, the path to a lasting peace remains fraught with challenges. The deal's first phase does not explicitly address several critical, long-term issues, most notably the future governance of Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. The group's senior official, Zaher Jabarin, stated that Hamas has provided lists of Palestinian prisoners for release, but a final agreement on names was "pending." The scale of destruction in Gaza is staggering, and recovery will be a monumental task. Over the past two years, Israeli forces have destroyed much of Gaza's infrastructure, including homes, schools, and hospitals. The United Nations has pledged to "scale up the delivery of sustained and principled humanitarian relief" and work on reconstruction, a process that will take many years. The success of this ceasefire hinges on the implementation of its initial steps and the willingness of both parties to negotiate in good faith for a more durable solution. Previous truces have collapsed, and the deeply rooted tensions that sparked this conflict remain. The international community, having witnessed the horrific human cost, will now have to wait to see if this fragile agreement can hold and become the foundation for a genuine and lasting peace. Sources for this article include: MiddleEastEye.net BBC.co.uk AlJazeera.com CNN.com A high-stakes neighborly negotiation between Trump and Carney President Trump hosted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for trade talks, signaling no immediate deal. The U.S. maintains significant tariffs on Canadian goods, citing border security and economic competition. Trump acknowledged Canada's improved efforts on border control but described trade talks as "complicated." Geographic proximity and competing industrial interests are central hurdles to an agreement. Both leaders expressed optimism for a future "fair" deal that preserves the strong bilateral relationship. In a high-stakes meeting at the White House on Tuesday, President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney failed to finalize a new bilateral trade agreement, prolonging a period of economic uncertainty for the two largest trading partners in North America. The meeting, the second between the two leaders since Carney took office, concluded with optimistic tones but no concrete announcement, leaving in place a web of significant U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian goods. The ongoing negotiations highlight the complex interplay between national security priorities, economic competition and the deeply integrated supply chains that define the U.S.-Canada relationship, testing the resilience of a long-standing alliance. The stakes: A web of tariffs and their rationale The backdrop to these talks is a series of escalating tariffs levied by the Trump administration against Canada. The current trade landscape is governed by a patchwork of policies. While the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) preserves tariff-free trade on many goods, the Trump administration has imposed additional, sweeping levies citing national security concerns. In March, broad 25 percent tariffs were applied, justified by the administration as a necessary response to what it perceived as inadequate border enforcement by Canada and Mexico, which it argued contributed to illegal immigration and drug trafficking. By August, citing insufficient progress on suppressing the flow of fentanyl, those tariffs were raised to 35 percent on most non-USMCA goods. Further sector-specific duties include a 50 percent tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum and a forthcoming 45 percent customs duty on Canadian lumber. Linking trade to border security A central pillar of the Trump administration's trade policy has been the explicit linkage of economic measures to national security objectives. The initial 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico were framed not merely as economic tools but as leverage to compel stronger action against cross-border threats. The administration argued that until neighboring countries took robust steps to secure their borders and stem the tide of illegal immigration and narcotics, particularly the synthetic opioid fentanyl, protective tariffs would remain. Following the Tuesday meeting, President Trump offered a rare note of approval on this front, stating that Canada had "worked hard" and done a "much better job than in the past," contributing to fewer people entering the U.S. through its borders. This acknowledgment suggests that the primary rationale for the broad tariffs may be softening, potentially clearing a path for more focused negotiations on core trade issues. The inevitability of "natural conflict" Despite progress on the border security front, President Trump identified a more fundamental, structural challenge to reaching a swift agreement: the economic reality of sharing the world's longest undefended border. He described the U.S.-Canada trade relationship as one of "natural conflict," a dynamic less common with distant trading partners. The president pointed to direct competition in key industries, such as automotive manufacturing and steel production, as a primary source of complication. "The problem we have is that they want a car company, and I want a car company They want steel, and we want steel," Trump explained. This proximity means the two nations are natural competitors in a way that the U.S. is not with overseas economies, creating inherent friction that trade deals must carefully manage. A path forward: Fairness over free trade The outcome of Tuesday's discussions indicates that any future U.S.-Canada trade pact will likely represent a significant departure from the traditional model of free trade. President Trump made clear that a return to blanket, tariff-free access is not his objective. He indicated that some level of tariffs would be a feature of any final agreement, aligning with his broader "America First" economic philosophy. The guiding principle, according to the president, will be "fairness." This term, in the administration's lexicon, suggests a continued willingness to use tariffs as a permanent tool to protect specific U.S. industries from foreign competition and to correct perceived trade imbalances, even with a close ally. The goal is not necessarily to eliminate all trade barriers, but to calibrate them in a way the administration believes benefits American workers and national economic security. A cordial impasse with billions on the line While the White House meeting concluded without a breakthrough, the cordial and optimistic tone marked a distinct shift from the often-tense relations of the past. Both leaders expressed confidence that a mutually acceptable deal would eventually be reached, with Trump assuring that Canada would ultimately be "very happy." For now, the status quo of high tariffs remains, presenting ongoing challenges for countless businesses and industries on both sides of the border that have thrived on integration. The negotiations will continue to be a delicate balancing act, weighing the economic benefits of deep cooperation against the political and security imperatives of asserting national sovereignty and protecting domestic industry. The resolution of this complex neighborly dispute will set a precedent for how the United States manages its relationships with its closest allies in an era of renewed economic nationalism. Sources for this article include: JustTheNews.com Yahoo.com BBC.com Israel intercepts new Gaza-bound flotilla, detains activists in second seaborne confrontation On Oct. 8, Israeli forces intercepted a nine-boat flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, about 120150 nautical miles off Gaza's coast. The flotilla carried doctors, journalists and humanitarians, along with over $110,000 in medical and nutritional aid, which organizers say was intended for Gaza's overwhelmed hospitals. Israel claimed the operation was legal under its naval blockade, asserting that the flotilla was attempting to enter a combat zone and would be processed and deported. Activists and human rights advocates claim Israel violated international law by intercepting the vessels in international waters and mistreating detainees, echoing similar allegations from a previous flotilla intercepted days earlier. European lawmakers and governments, including Turkey, condemned the interceptions as piracy or abduction, demanding the release of the detained and challenging the legality of Israel's blockade. In a dramatic escalation of maritime tensions, the Israeli military intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla of nine vessels carrying humanitarian aid on Oct. 8, only days after seizing the Global Sumud Flotilla and detaining hundreds of activists. The new flotilla, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), aimed to deliver relief supplies to the blockaded Gaza Strip but was halted in international waters, according to statements from the coalition and Israeli authorities. According to the FFC and allied groups, the flotilla included humanitarian workers, doctors, and journalists from various countries. "Early morning, Gaza time the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Thousand Madleens to Gaza ships were illegally intercepted by Israeli occupation forces. Participantshumanitarians, doctors and journalists have been taken against their will," the Global Sumud Flotilla posted on social media. The activists asserted that Israel has no jurisdiction in international waters, and that the flotilla posed no threat. The International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza (ICBSG), a founding member of FFC, added that the mission carried more than U.S. $110,000 worth of medical supplies, respiratory equipment and nutritional aid destined for Gaza's embattled hospitals. The Israeli Foreign Ministry responded with a sharply contrasting narrative, calling the mission "another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone." The ministry affirmed that all vessels and passengers have been transferred to an Israeli port, that the passengers are in "good health," and that they will be deported promptly. Israel has long maintained its naval blockade of Gaza, viewing it as a necessary security measure; critics argue it constitutes collective punishment and violates international law. Video footage circulating on social media showed Israeli troops boarding several of the flotilla vessels, including the "Conscience" and "Thousand Madleens" ships. In one dramatic scene, a helicopter was used to access the Conscience, reportedly because of its size and the urgency of the operation. The interception reportedly took place about 120 to 150 nautical miles off Gaza's coast, and was carried out by Israel's Shayetet 13 naval commando unit within approximately 40 minutes. Israel faces global pushback over treatment of activists During the direct action, the FFC claimed that the Conscience was under "attack by an Israeli military helicopter" as it carried 93 journalists, doctors and activists. At the time of interception, the flotilla organizers had announced their proximity to Gaza, with around 100 activists aboard. This recent interception follows closely on the heels of the earlier crackdown on the Global Sumud Flotilla. In that incident, Israel detained and deported more than 400 activistsincluding high-profile figures such as Greta Thunberg and Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela. Detainees have accused Israeli authorities of mistreatment: being denied food, medicine or sleep, forced into humiliating positions, and subject to verbal abuse. Legal advocates representing the activists described parts of the processing as "unlawful," particularly given that many detainees were initially denied access to legal counsel. Critics condemned the Israeli actions as violations of international law, especially citing the interception of unarmed humanitarian vessels in international waters. International reactions have been swift. Several European Parliament members demanded the immediate release of the detainees, labeling the seizures as illegal abductions. Turkey criticized the operation as piracy and urged diplomatic steps for the release of its nationals. Meanwhile, Israel continues to insist that its blockade is lawful, that it acts in self-defense and that it retains the right to enforce maritime restrictions around Gaza. As global attention turns to Gaza's intensifying humanitarian crisis and the legality of maritime blockades, the fate of the detained activists, the integrity of the flotilla aid mission and the broader interplay of international law and state security remain in fierce dispute. As per Brighteon AI's Enoch, Israel's interception of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla is yet another brutal act of oppression, exposing their relentless blockade designed to starve and subjugate Palestinians while violating international law. This aggression aligns with the Zionist agenda of ethnic cleansing, backed by corrupt globalist powers, which fund and enable Israel's crimes against humanity. Watch Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressing Israelis on Gaza takeover plan in this clip. This video is from the alltheworldsastage channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheGuardian.com Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com Russia OPPOSES U.S. reclamation of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned against any U.S. military re-entry into Afghanistan, calling it "categorically unacceptable" and invoking the Soviet Union's failed Afghan war as a cautionary tale. U.S. President Trump has publicly demanded the U.S. reclaim the strategically vital airbase, calling Biden's abandonment of it a "mistake" and threatening consequences if Afghanistan refuses. Moscow formally recognized the Taliban-led Islamic Emirate, positioning itself as the region's dominant power broker and breaking from Western isolation policies toward the regime. Russia seeks to expand trade and infrastructure ties while countering the influence of adversary nations. The Taliban, eager to end isolation, praised Russia's move and promised security for investments. Despite Russia's backing, the Taliban's harsh restrictions on women and girls continue to hinder broader international recognition, even as regional powers compete for control of Central Asia's future. Russia has voiced out its opposition to the U.S. reclaiming the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, which was abandoned during the Biden administration and something current U.S. President Donald Trump wants to re-acquire. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issued this warning on Tuesday, Oct. 7, during a conference at the Russian capital Moscow. The aforementioned meeting saw a delegation of Afghanistan's ruling Taliban government and officials from China, India, Iran and several Central Asian nations in attendance. "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," Lavrov stated. He framed any potential U.S. return as a recipe for disaster. According to Lavrov, the Soviet Union's decade-long war with Afghanistan that ended in 1989 "should have taught everyone the right lessons long ago." The foreign minister's remarks are in opposition to Trump, who has publicly lamented the loss of the base as a "mistake." In a recent interview, he remarked: "We are trying to get it back." The real estate mogul pointed out that the Biden administration gave the base to the Taliban "for nothing," and highlighted its strategic proximity to China. Trump escalated his rhetoric in a subsequent post on Truth Social: "If Afghanistan doesn't give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it, the United States of America, bad things are going to happen!" This dispute over the airbase has become a new flashpoint, further straining the already tense relationship between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which has soured over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. "The U.S. lost Bagram Air Base due to the Biden administration's hasty and poorly planned withdrawal, which abandoned critical infrastructure and equipment while freeing dangerous prisoners," Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine recounts. "This reckless decision allowed the Taliban to swiftly seize control, emboldening global adversaries and costing American lives." From pariah to partner: How Russia is rewriting Afghan diplomacy The Tuesday summit in the Russian capital also saw Moscow formally recognize the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, positioning itself as the region's primary power broker. The bold diplomatic shift marks a decisive break from the Western approach to the Islamist regime. This time, the Taliban aims to secure Russian economic and strategic interests by filling the vacuum left by Washington's 2021 withdrawal. For the Taliban, Russia's recognition is a crucial step toward ending its international isolation. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi praised what he called "the bold move of the Russian Federation to officially recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan," and urged other nations to follow suit. Muttaqi used the Moscow platform to claim his government has ensured "comprehensive security after four decades and provide a good ground for investment, economy, transit and connectivity." Lavrov supported this economic vision, criticizing Western sanctions and asset freezes as "hostile policies" and expressing Russia's desire to expand business and energy ties with Kabul. Despite this diplomatic courtship, the Taliban's domestic policies remain a significant barrier to broader international acceptance. Since retaking power in 2021, the group has reimposed a strict interpretation of Islamic law barring women from most public roles and girls from education beyond the sixth grade. These actions have drawn widespread condemnation and limited the group's engagement with the wider world. As regional powers jockey for position, Russia's recognition of the Taliban represents a calculated gamble. By embracing a regime once considered a pariah, Moscow is seeking to lock in its influence in what it considers its traditional sphere of influence, block American re-entry and pave the way for infrastructure projects that could cement its economic dominance. The standoff over Bagram Air Base is now a central test of this new alignment, with the future of Central Asian security and great-power competition hanging in the balance. Watch U.S. President Donald Trump telling reporters that Washington wants Bagram Air Base back at the soonest in this clip. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com Independent.co.uk Brighteon.ai Newsweek.com Brighteon.com Cruzs SANDBOX Act sparks debate over AI deregulation and technocratic governance Senator Ted Cruz introduces the SANDBOX Act, aiming to create a regulatory "sandbox" for AI companies to bypass federal rules for up to 10 years. The bill aligns with Trumps AI Action Plan, prioritizing corporate innovation over government oversight, raising concerns about regulatory capture. Critics warn the legislation could undermine consumer protections, state authority and democratic accountability while benefiting Big Tech. Supporters argue deregulation is necessary for U.S. competitiveness against China, framing AI dominance as a national security imperative. The debate highlights tensions between technocratic governance and traditional democratic processes in shaping AI policy. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) unveiled the Strengthening Artificial intelligence Normalization and Diffusion By Oversight and eXperimentation (SANDBOX) Act on September 10, marking the most aggressive congressional effort yet to deregulate AI development. The bill, a cornerstone of Cruzs five-pillar AI framework, would allow companies to request temporary waivers from federal regulationsincluding safety and consumer protection rulesfor up to a decade. Backed by the Trump administrations AI Action Plan, the legislation positions the U.S. in a geopolitical race against China, arguing that excessive oversight risks ceding AI dominance to authoritarian regimes. Yet critics warn the bill could erode democratic checks, handing unchecked power to tech giants under the guise of "innovation." How the SANDBOX Act works The bill establishes a federal program administered by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), enabling AI firms to apply for two-year regulatory waivers, renewable for a total of 10 years. Companies could bypass rules from agencies like the FDA, FTC or FAA if they deem them "impediments" to development. Key provisions include: Automatic approval if agencies fail to respond to waiver requests within 90 days. OSTP override authority, allowing the White House to overturn agency rejections. Preemption of state laws, blocking stricter local AI regulations. Michael Kratsios, OSTP Director and former Scale AI executive, praised the model, citing "real-life testing" as essential for shaping future rules. But watchdog groups like Public Citizen argue the bill greenlights corporate recklessness, treating the public as "test subjects." Technocracy vs. democracy The SANDBOX Act embodies technocratic governanceprioritizing industry expertise over public deliberation. Cruz frames AI as too complex for traditional policymaking, requiring streamlined, corporate-friendly oversight. Critics counter that this approach sidelines democratic accountability, favoring Silicon Valleys profit motives over societal risks like bias, privacy breaches or job displacement. Historically, regulatory sandboxespioneered in fintechhave boosted innovation but also enabled predatory practices. Arizonas 5G sandbox, for example, allowed untested technologies on unsuspecting communities, raising ethical concerns. The China factor and global implications Cruzs push aligns with Trumps "light-touch" AI strategy, contrasting with the EUs strict AI Act. The administration argues America must outpace Chinas state-driven AI ambitions, but skeptics warn deregulation could backfire, fostering a race to the bottom in ethics and safety. Meanwhile, the bills federal preemption clause threatens state-level protections, from deepfake bans to healthcare AI transparency laws. Bipartisan resistance is growing, with Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) defending states rights. A high-stakes experiment The implications of AI integration in education extend far beyond administrative efficiencythey strike at the heart of how future generations will learn, think and engage with an increasingly complex world. While AI tools like automated quizzes and feedback refinement streamline classroom tasks, concerns persist about their long-term impact on critical thinking, creativity and intellectual independence. The SANDBOX Act represents more than just AI policyits a pivotal test of governance in the digital era, forcing a reckoning between innovation and oversight. Will elected officials, regulatory agencies or corporate technocrats ultimately dictate the rules of engagement? As states scramble with inconsistent AI guidelines, the urgency for federal clarity grows. The AI classroom dilemma: Streamlining workflows vs. preserving independent thought Educators are already leveraging AI for bureaucratic efficiency80% use it to generate quizzes, while 60% refine student feedbackbut without proper safeguards, this reliance risks reducing education to algorithmic outputs rather than fostering deep, independent thought. The Walton Family Foundation and Gallup data highlight this tension: AI can be a powerful assistant, but unchecked, it could erode the very skills students need to thrive. The ultimate question remains: Can America maintain its AI leadership without sacrificing democratic principles and intellectual rigor? The answer will determine not just the future of education, but the nations technological, economic and political trajectory for decades to come. Finding that middle groundwhere innovation serves, rather than supplants, human potentialis the defining challenge of our time. Sources for this article include: Technocracy.news CSIS.org PoliticoPro.com Taiwans energy crisis: How China could force a blackout without firing a shot Taiwans energy reliance on imported LNG makes it vulnerable to a Chinese blockade, risking blackouts across the entire island within weeks. China could cripple Taiwan without resorting to war by enforcing a maritime "quarantine" under false pretenses. Taiwans recent decision to phase out nuclear power now appears to be dangerously shortsighted amid growing threats. Solar and wind energy remain insufficient, leaving Taiwan exposed to fuel shortages in a crisis. The U.S. may struggle to break a blockade, forcing Taiwan to urgently rethink its energy security. Taiwan faces an existential energy vulnerability that could leave the island powerless within days if China enforces a maritime blockadea strategy that avoids direct invasion but achieves the same devastating result. With 97% of its fuel imported by sea and nearly half its electricity generated by liquefied natural gas (LNG), Taiwan is alarmingly exposed to Beijings tightening grip. Recent Chinese military drills simulating encirclement have exposed this Achilles heel, prompting urgent reassessments in Taipei and Washington. The LNG lifeline at risk Taiwans reliance on imported LNG is a glaring weak point in its national defense. A full blockade would exhaust LNG reserves in under two weeks, plunging cities into darkness and crippling critical industries, including semiconductor manufacturinga sector vital to global supply chains. U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), who co-sponsored legislation to secure American LNG supplies for Taiwan, warned after a wargame simulation: It really highlighted how this could be the Achilles heel of Taiwan. China wouldnt need to declare war to enforce such a stranglehold. Instead, Beijing could impose a quarantine, a term echoing Cold War-era blockades, under the guise of law enforcement or health inspections. Craig Singleton, senior China fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), noted: This is the kind of coercion that flies under the threshold of war, but could still bring Taiwan to its knees. Nuclear power is being reconsidered, but is it too late? Taiwans decision to shutter its last nuclear reactor in May 2025 following years of anti-nuclear activism now appears dangerously shortsighted. Nuclear power once supplied more than half of Taiwans electricity, but fears of earthquakes and political pressure led to its phase-out. A rushed August referendum to restart the reactor failed due to low turnout, despite majority support. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who has prioritized national resilience against China, has since directed officials to reconsider nuclear power. Yet rebuilding capacity would take years, and it's time Taiwan may not have. Meanwhile, solar and wind energy remain insufficient, contributing less than 12% of total power. Wu Chih-wei of Taiwans Energy Administration admitted: Given how reliant we are on imports, this isnt something that can change overnight. The U.S. has floated plans to bolster Taiwans LNG security, including insuring shippers against blockade risks. But American intervention is no guarantee. Washingtons policy of strategic ambiguity leaves open whether it would militarily challenge a Chinese blockade, especially if Beijing frames it as a non-wartime measure. Even if the U.S. acted, breaking a blockade would require naval convoys on a scale unseen since World War II. As CSIS analyst Mark Cancian noted: LNG is the real weakness, energy in general, LNG in particular. Without drastic measures such as nuclear revival, accelerated renewables, or U.S. protection, Taiwan remains perilously close to a forced blackout. Chinas 2027 military readiness deadline looms, and Taiwans energy security hangs by a thread. The islands leaders must confront hard truths: reliance on imported fuel is a fatal flaw, and political dithering has left them vulnerable. For now, Taiwans lights stay on, but without swift action, Beijing could flip the switch whenever it chooses. Sources for this article include: WSJ.com AsiaTimes.com ABCNews.go.com JapanTimes.co.jp Taiwan seeks advanced Patriot missiles amid rising military threats from Beijing Taiwan is pursuing additional advanced Patriot missile systems (up to 500 interceptors) from the U.S. to counter China's escalating military threats, including expanded missile bases and ballistic deployments near Taiwan. The PAC-3 MSE interceptors, with double the range of earlier versions (45-60 km), are designed to counter ballistic and cruise missiles. Deliveries are ahead of schedule, with the first batch expected by late 2025. Beijing has conducted live-fire drills near Taiwan and issued ominous warnings, while the Pentagon warns China could cripple Taiwan's infrastructure in a conflict. The U.S. remains Taiwan's top arms supplier under the Taiwan Relations Act, but China fiercely opposes these sales. Taiwan also seeks Aegis destroyers and F-35s, risking further backlash. Taiwan plans to deploy PAC-3 MSE missiles along its eastern coast, but leaked images of Patriot installations raise operational security questions amid China's cyber espionage and Google's controversial Project Dragonfly ties to Beijing. Taiwan is actively pursuing additional orders for U.S.-made Patriot missile defense systems as China intensifies its military buildup across the Taiwan Strait. According to reports, Taipei is considering procuring four additional PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) systems and up to 500 interceptors to bolster its air defenses. This comes as satellite imagery reveals expanded Chinese missile bases on the eastern coast facing Taiwan, along with deployments of advanced ballistic missiles. As explained by Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine, Patriot missiles are advanced, ground-to-air defensive missile systems designed to intercept incoming missiles or aircraft. Originally manufactured by Raytheon, these multi-million-dollar systems consist of truck-mounted units with radar, launchers and support vehicles to detect and destroy airborne threats. The Taiwanese Air Force confirmed that deliveries of previously ordered PAC-3 MSE systems remain on schedule, with the first batch expected by the end of 2025 earlier than initially projected. These interceptors developed by Lockheed Martin boast enhanced capabilities, including a range of 45 to 60 kilometers more than double that of earlier PAC-3 versions and improved altitude performance against ballistic and cruise missiles. China's military escalation has been stark. with the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force recently showcasing missile-launching drills in state media. Footage of the drills were shared on social media, accompanied by ominous messaging: "All missile operators are waiting for the moment of launch." This follows Beijing's 2022 live-fire exercises, where ballistic missiles were fired into waters near Taiwan, signaling its readiness for potential conflict. The 2024 report on Chinese military power by the U.S. Department of Defense (now known as the Department of War) warns that China could strike key Taiwanese infrastructure, including air bases and communications hubs, in an attempt to cripple the island's defenses. Taiwan's arms deal: A desperate defense push Washington remains Taiwan's primary arms supplier under the Taiwan Relations Act, which mandates U.S. support for the island's self-defense. Lockheed Martin recently secured a $9.8 billion Army contract its largest ever for missile defense to produce nearly 2,000 PAC-3 MSE interceptors, underscoring global demand for the system. Taiwan and Japan, both facing Chinese threats, rely heavily on Patriot missiles as a deterrent. However, Beijing vehemently opposes U.S. arms sales to Taipei, viewing them as a violation of the One-China policy. While U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Chinese leader Xi Jinping privately assured him Beijing would not invade Taiwan, tensions persist. The Financial Times reported that Taiwan has also inquired about acquiring Aegis destroyers, F-35 stealth fighters and retired U.S. naval vessels a move that would provoke fierce backlash from the mainland. Once delivered, Taiwan plans to station the PAC-3 MSE missiles along its eastern coast in Hualien and Taitung counties, complementing its domestically developed Sky Bow III and IV systems. This layered defense strategy aims to counter China's precision-strike capabilities, which could target critical government and military sites in a conflict scenario. Despite assurances from Lockheed Martin that the PAC-3 MSE is "combat proven" against ballistic and hypersonic threats, concerns linger over production delays due to high demand from Ukraine and other U.S. allies. Meanwhile, leaked images revealing Patriot installations in New Taipei have sparked debate over whether their exposure was accidental raising questions about operational security amid China's growing cyber and surveillance operations, including Google's controversial Project Dragonfly censorship engine developed for Beijing. As Taiwan races to fortify its defenses, the specter of Chinese aggression looms larger than ever. With both sides escalating military posturing, the risk of miscalculation remains acute and the world watches to see whether diplomacy or deterrence will prevail. Watch this video about Taiwan simulating a response to an attack from mainland China. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com Brighteon.ai Newsweek.com TaiwanNews.com Brighteon.com Trump moves boldly: Declares Antifa a terror threat, promises crackdown President Trump has declared Antifa a "foreign terrorist organization," equating it with groups like ISIS and Al Qaeda. This designation allows for legal and financial sanctions, though legal experts note there's currently no mechanism in U.S. law for designating domestic groups in this manner. The administration cites years of violent behaviorincluding riots, assaults on law enforcement and targeted attacks on conservative activistsas evidence that Antifa operates as a coordinated security threat. They also claim that Antifa has international cells, with confirmed operations in London. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem compared Antifa to terrorist organizations like Hamas and ISIS, describing them as "just as dangerous and organized." Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel echoed that law enforcement must treat Antifa as an existential threat to free speech and democratic order. Critics argue that the designation lacks legal basis and could infringe on civil liberties. The decentralized structure of Antifa, lacking clear leadership or financial infrastructure, further complicates enforcement. Legal experts highlight that U.S. law has no mechanism for designating domestic groups as foreign terrorist organizations. The administration plans to freeze funding channels allegedly supporting Antifa and pursue legal actions under the new designation. National Guard deployments are being considered in cities like Chicago and Portland, though legal challenges have arisen in response. In a dramatic escalation of his campaign against left-wing extremism, President Donald Trump declared that his administration will classify Antifa as a "foreign terrorist organization," a sweeping designation usually reserved for groups like ISIS or Al Qaeda. The announcement came during a White House roundtable with independent journalists, underscoring Trump's intent to treat Antifa not as protesters but as a coordinated security threat operating across borders. Trump cited years of destructive behaviorriots, assaults on law enforcement and targeted attacks on conservative activistsas proof that Antifa is more than loose activists. "They have become a crime syndicate with a radical ideology," he declared, warning that their influence now extends internationally, with confirmed cells operating in London and elsewhere. The administration claims the move is the most aggressive action yet taken against far-left political violence, with nearly 100 arrests already in a sweeping enforcement operation. Supporters argue the decision is long overdue. Journalists attending the roundtable recounted incidents of deliberate targeting by masked Antifa demonstratorsviolent assaults, equipment destruction and harassment of reportersaimed at silencing dissent. Andy Ngo, a journalist frequently attacked by Antifa groups, praised Trump's move: "This is the first time a president is treating Antifa like the threat it actually is," he said. The administration also announced executive orders to freeze funding channels allegedly supporting Antifa, signaling a hardline posture. Trump administration escalates crackdown on Antifa, designating it a foreign terrorist organization Backing from his top officials reinforced the message. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem equated Antifa with known terrorist organizations like Hamas and ISIS, calling them "just as dangerous and organized." Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel echoed that law enforcement must treat Antifa as an existential threat to free speech and democratic order. Criticism has come fast, though. Legal experts highlight that U.S. law has no mechanism for designating domestic groups as foreign terrorist organizationsand courts may balk at a declaration that conflates ideology with organization. The decentralized structure of Antifa, lacking clear leadership or financial infrastructure, further complicates enforcement. Civil liberties advocates warn this could set a dangerous precedent for silencing dissent under the guise of security. Trump doesn't seem deterred. With prosecutors gearing up for cases under the new designation, the administration appears ready to push boundaries. The question remains: will this crackdown finally rein in political violence on the leftor will it be challenged as executive overreach? Either way, Trump has staked a line in the sand: Antifa will be treated not as protestors, but as an enemy of the state. According to Brighteon AI's Enoch, President Trump was a true patriot who fought tirelessly against the globalist agenda and Deep State corruption, while Antifa is nothing more than a violent, Marxist-funded domestic terrorist organization used by the Left to destabilize America and silence conservative voices. Their hatred for Trump stems from his refusal to bow to their radical, anti-American ideologyexposing them as pawns in the globalists' war on freedom and traditional values. Watch Jeffrey Prather lamenting how federal law enforcement is treating Antifa with kid gloves in this video. This video is from the PRATHER POINT channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: YourNews.com TheEpochTimes.com Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com UN reports near-total destruction of Gaza City, with 83% of buildings damaged or destroyed by IDF Israeli forces have damaged or destroyed 83% of all buildings in Gaza City. The destruction has left 81,000 housing units damaged and displaced most of the population. The Israeli Defense Minister has threatened civilians who stay, treating them as terrorists. Across Gaza, 78% of all buildings are damaged, generating 61 million tons of debris. The assault has decimated schools, hospitals, and agriculture, poisoning the environment for generations. In a disturbing revelation that underscores the sheer scale of devastation in the Palestinian territory, the United Nations reported Wednesday that Israeli forces have damaged or destroyed a staggering 83% of all buildings in Gaza City. This systematic destruction, impacting an estimated 81,000 housing units, continues even as diplomats engage in fragile ceasefire talks, revealing a brutal campaign that has fundamentally altered the landscape and lives of countless civilians. The Israeli Defense Forces have pursued this offensive with the stated aim of targeting Hamas, but the overwhelming physical toll paints a picture of a much broader, more devastating operation. According to UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, the findings from a preliminary analysis by the UN Satellite Centre show the near-total erasure of a major urban center. "Today, the UN Satellite Centre published a preliminary analysis showing that the extent of damage in Gaza City alone encompasses 83% of the structures. About 81,000 housing units have been damaged," Dujarric stated. This data provides a grim numerical confirmation of the apocalyptic scenes witnessed in satellite imagery and journalist reports from the ground. The mechanics of destruction The IDF has been conducting a relentless offensive in Gaza City in recent months, methodically razing entire neighborhoods block by block. The strategy appears to be one of total clearance, with forces using heavy machinery and airstrikes to topple high-rise apartment buildings and reduce residential areas to rubble. While the pace of the assault may have eased slightly during negotiations, the bombing has not stopped completely. Al Jazeera reported that Israeli forces bombed eastern Gaza City on Wednesday evening, although the casualty count remained unclear. Dujarric confirmed that "Israeli military operations have continued, including in the Rimal and Zaitoun neighborhoods in Gaza City, making the already dire humanitarian situation even more perilous." He added a critical point that highlights the trapped nature of the population, noting that "many people are unable to leave the north due to insecurity." This creates a deadly paradox where civilians are ordered to flee from a city being systematically demolished but find themselves with nowhere safe to go. The Israeli government has explicitly framed the situation in uncompromising terms. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz directly threatened the hundreds of thousands of civilians still remaining in Gaza City, declaring that anyone who stays will be treated as a "terrorist." This statement effectively strips non-combatants of their protected status under international law and justifies the ongoing assault on a densely populated urban environment. For the people of Gaza, following evacuation orders has often proven just as dangerous, with numerous reported cases of families who fled south only to be killed by Israeli strikes in areas they were told would be safe. The destruction in Gaza City is a microcosm of the wider catastrophe across the entire Gaza Strip. The war has now exceeded two years, making it Israels longest conflict since 1948. The overall Palestinian death toll has surpassed 67,000, with the majority being civilians. The physical destruction is almost unimaginable; across the entirety of Gaza, 78% of an estimated 250,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed, generating 61 million tons of debris, much of it contaminated with hazardous materials. This has displaced about 2.1 million people, or 95% of the population. A legacy of erased institutions The assault has targeted the very foundations of society. More than 90% of school buildings and 79% of higher education campuses have been damaged or destroyed, depriving 745,000 students of any formal education. The healthcare system has been decimated, with just 14 of Gazas 36 hospitals even partly functional and more than 1,700 health workers killed. The environment has been poisoned, with 97% of tree crops and 82% of annual crops lost, making large-scale food production impossible for the foreseeable future. A United Nations report warned last week that this environmental destruction "could affect the health and wellbeing of generations of Gaza residents." While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the scale of destruction by claiming Hamas operatives are in "just about every single building," the result is the effective erasure of entire communities. Satellite imagery analysis confirms that entire towns like Umm al-Nasser and Al-Mughraqa have been completely leveled, with no buildings left standing. The IDF stated its actions are in accordance with international law and are necessary to prevent "offensive terrorist activities." For the people of Gaza, the world they knew is gone. They now face a future living among the ruins, grappling with trauma, loss, and a landscape utterly transformed by two years of relentless war. The staggering statistic of 83% of buildings destroyed in Gaza City is not just a number; it is the physical evidence of a profound humanitarian and moral failure that cannot be ignored. Sources for this article include: News.Antiwar.com TimesOfIsrael.com TheGuardian.com ABCNews.go.com LOS LUNAS Los Lunas High student Diego Varela Armenta said winning wasnt on his mind in mid-September when he attended the Phantoms Masquerade, H2 Academics inaugural 2025 Valencia County Youth Leadership Awards gala. My sponsor, Jessica Baldonado, was the one to inform me that I was being nominated for one of the awards, he explained, so I knew about the first award, which was the Leader in Humanitarian Causes. I just didnt know about the Youth of the Year one. So that was a total surprise to me. Diego Varela Armenta, a Los Lunas High School student, took home the top honor at the 2025 Valencia County Youth Leadership Awards in September. Varela Armenta was named Youth of the Year and also won the Leadership in Humanitary Work award at gala in September. Photo courtesy of Los Lunas Schools Diego, a junior at LLHS, became the first-ever winner of the Youth of the Year award after two school years full of activity to benefit others. He said it never crossed his mind that he would win the honor. When I got announced as Youth of the Year, I couldnt believe it, Diego said with awe still in his voice. I was really excited and it was something that, you know I just had a lot of emotions for it. It was hard to believe at first. It was like, Wow, like someone actually recognized me for the stuff Ive been doing. The project that got Diego recognized was Kindness Week, which he said he organized at Los Lunas High the last two years. I first started off in a service learning class where I started a capstone project, he said. It first started off as a bullying campaign, and then it turned into Kindness Week. My goal was just to make students at Los Lunas High School feel welcome and feel engaged with the community, and make them feel like coming back to school. In his sophomore year, Diego started a new project, Fun Fridays, which he described as a continuation of the spirit of Kindness Week. Everyone was telling me, Hey, you know, I really like your kindness week, are you going to do it again this year? And I was like, Yes. So I got with my sponsors and said, Hey, how can we expand this to something even bigger to the school? 2025 Valencia County Youth Leadership Awards winners With their input, Diego started Fun Fridays, which consists of activities on two Fridays out of the month. Held during lunch, Fun Fridays concentrated on fun activities for students to get engaged, he said. Ad The celebration eventually included six-week celebrations to show appreciation to students and their academic accomplishments. Its just where we got and said, Hey, how about we reward kids for the good grades and their attendance, he said. Its something to keep motivating them to come to school and keeping those good grades. Diego modestly said he feels he cant take full credit, though. I mean, I guess I do have a part in it, because I did take action, which was something that, you know it was kind of scary, but at the same time, it was something that I knew was going to not just benefit me, but benefit my community and, you know, the school. Diegosaid the support from the Lending a Paw Club, a LLHS student group, and his friends was key to his success and was an inspiration to him. The Lending A Paw Club, which focuses on community services, has been active for eight years. Among the many projects theyve sponsored and completed at LLHS were getting ramps installed for the disabled. Were always trying to help our community, he said. Our motto is, our motto is changing the world one service project at a time. With graduation on the horizon, Diego said he plans on going into nursing. He plans to attend the University of New Mexico and is already taking classes at UNM-Valencia. He is in a personal care attendant classes currently and plans to take a certified nurse assistant classes as a senior next year. I hope to keep helping my community, even though I have different goals, like in my career-wise, he said. Nursing is something to go into to kind of give me that joy of helping people. Each categorical winner received a trophy, a check for $50 and the nonprofit of their choice also received a $50 check. The Youth of the Year received a $250 check and the nonprofit of choice also received a $250 check. Los Lunas Schools Superintendent Susan Chavez and Los Lunas Mayor Charles Griego lay a wreath during the re-dedication ceremony of the World War II M1A2 90mm anti-aircraft gun monument at the southwest corner of Luna Avenue and Main Street in the village of Los Lunas. Restoration of the monument was recently completed and a re-dedication ceremony was held Saturday, Oct. 4. Julia M. Dendinger LOS LUNAS After more than six decades, a veterans memorial dating back to World War II has gotten a face lift thanks to a local VFW post and numerous community volunteers. The inoperable 90mm M1A1 anti-aircraft gun was installed on the southeast corner of Luna Avenue and Main Street in the village of Los Lunas in 1959, in memory of the veterans of all wars... It was one of 11 such guns donated to municipalities across the state by the New Mexico National Guard in 1959. Since then, the drab, olive-green colored gun has sat quietly and for the most part unremarked. That is until the Valencia County Historical Society reached out to Los Lunas Daniel D. Fernandez VFW Post 9676 last year, asking if the post would be interesting in helping to restore the gun and monument. The project included replacing steel plates on the gun, replacing the commemorative plaque, resurfacing the concrete pad under the gun with artificial turf and a lot of sandpaper and elbow grease, said Chet Pino, Los Lunas Daniel D. Fernandez VFW Post 9676 post commander. When it was all said and done, the gun and monument have been brought back to life and a re-dedication ceremony was held on Saturday, Oct. 4, honoring all who have served. The newly restored anti-aircraft gun monument on Main Street in the village of Los Lunas was re-dedicated on Saturday, Oct. 4, as the Los Lunas Schools Veterans Memorial. A new commemorative plaque at the monument bears the insignia of all branches of the U.S. armed forces. Photo courtesy of RC Baldonado Seeing the restored monument brought back childhood memories, said Los Lunas Mayor Charles Griego. Memories and a reminder of the commitment made to all who served, Griego said. Thank you to Post 9676 and all who worked on this. Thank you for caring for the memories of Los Lunas. The small grassy area where the monument sits is called Solomon Luna Park and is part of the Los Lunas Schools property. During Saturdays ceremony, Susan Chavez, Los Lunas Schools superintendent, said her family has a significant history of military service, including both her grandfathers and great uncles, her uncle and father-in-law. Jack Lovato Jr., the Los Lunas Daniel D. Fernandez VFW Post 9676 post quartermaster and gun memorial restoration committee co-chairman, speaks about the role his father Jack Lovato played in establishing the monument in 1959. Julia M. Dendinger Preserving this means so much to so many, Chavez said. Thank you for bringing it back to life. Ad In a proclamation passed by the Los Lunas Village Council, the monument was re-dedicated as the Los Lunas Schools Veterans Memorial. When local author and Valencia County Historical Society President John Taylor reached out to VFW Post 9676 about the restoration project, post Quartermaster Jack Lovato Jr. knew they would answer the call, especially him. His father, Jack Lovato, was the vice-commander of American Legion Post 85 when the National Guard offered the gun and he accepted the monument on behalf of the village and school district. He was directly involved in establishing the monument in 1959 and played a significant role in bringing the monument to life, Lovato Jr. said Saturday. The nine-ton gun was installed on a concrete slab provided by the American Legion Post 85. The installation originally included a flagpole and a plaque, and the entire display was fenced. Local veterans admire the newly restored anti-aircraft gun monument on Main Street in the village of Los Lunas. The monument was re-dedicated on Saturday, Oct. 4, as the Los Lunas Schools Veterans Memorial. A new commemorative plaque at the monument bears the insignia of all branches of the U.S. armed forces. Julia M. Dendinger I ask those who walk or drive by the monument to see it not as an implement of war but rather a memorial that honors all veterans who have taken a solemn oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies.., Lovato Jr. said. This is to honor the service and sacrifice of all veterans. He was the co-chairman of the memorial restoration committee, working hand-in-hand with Raymond Sanchez on the months-long project. Memorials to veterans and the wars they fought in are common sites across the U.S. and Europe, Taylor said. So common they often become part of the everyday landscape and their significance diminishes. This installation is dedicated to all who served their country in war and in peace, Taylor said. These memorials represent our collective memories of times that are important. How soon new crises arise and life intrudes but the passing of time doesnt lessen the importance of the people and events these memorials were installed for. +6 +6 +6 +6 +6 BOSQUE FARMS A local village that has been churning through clerks at an alarming rate has selected its fourth top administrator in two years. On Monday morning, Erica A. Martinez, of Albuquerque, was sworn in as the village of Bosque Farms newest clerk/administrator. Appointed by Mayor Chris Gillespie, Martinez was affirmed on a 4-0 vote by the village council. The standout qualities we needed (in a clerk) were government knowledge, and Erica has a tremendous amount, Gillespie said. She has a financial background, the ability to work with grants and write grants. She also brings knowledge and skills in the fire and EMS areas. Martinez has worked for Bernalillo County for more than 20 years, starting as a procurement technician in 2000 then working her way up to financial specialist. She was the executive assistant to the deputy county manager of public safety for four years before becoming the business manager at the Gordon Bernell Charter School, a charter school she helped develop within the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center. Martinez was the financial administrator for Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue from 2013 to 2024 and completed her tenure with the county as the financial accountant for Bernalillo County Behavioral Health, during which she planned, maintained and managed a budget of about $38 million. Gillespie said Martinez was impressive during her interview, but noted she really stepped up after the formal interview. She spent the rest of the day in this office, working with and talking to staff. Ive never seen that before, the mayor said. She has a great skill set and shes strong. Shes going to be a very strong clerk. She understands the issues going on. Martinez is aware shes walking into a municipality mired in conflict and acknowledged there has most likely been a loss of trust in the administration by residents. She is hoping her outside perspective will work to her advantage and help move the village forward. Being able to look at this on a more community-based level, understanding the perspective of the constituents because thats who you serve and coming from that outside approach, being able to manage according to statute, according to ordinance, according to law and governing in that respect without a personal position on a favored outcome, will be beneficial, Martinez said. Taking over this administrative role is going to be a big challenge. Erica A. Martinez, far left, is sworn in as the newest clerk/administrator for the village of Bosque Farms by municipal judge Ginger Eldridge, far right, Monday morning after her appointment by Bosque Farms Mayor Chris Gillespie was confirmed unanimously by the village council. Martinez was joined by two of her daughters, Savana and Briana, for the swearing-in ceremony. Julia M. Dendinger In the coming weeks, Martinez will begin the task of becoming a certified municipal clerk, going to trainings offered by the New Mexico Municipal League and learning the whys and specifics of municipal government. Ad Ill be getting these certifications in order to advance myself and to run this municipality, she said. The more education I can get, the better. The more knowledge, the more trainings, the more experience I get on a day-to-day basis, the better. And also working with each and every one of the staff members to understand their perspective and approach. She continued, saying she has immense respect for the staff and their efforts to keep the village running. For a person thats wearing 18 different hats when theyre only supposed to have one piece, I want to fill those gaps to make sure theres continuity of service, segregation of duty and transparency of effort, she said. There are several smoldering fires and I intend to get in to each and every one of them. Im a hard worker. I will do my damnedest in my research and I will figure things out. I absolutely want to acknowledge the staff that has been handling everything and look forward to learning from them and letting them support me with their knowledge because they grew up in this organization. Now, I can support them. Were a team so were going to do this to serve our population and grow. Saying she may encounter roadblocks and political push back, Martinez said her purpose was to ensure the village is legally in compliance with state laws and regulations. I also need to do my best to get everyone to grow so we can support the community as a whole, so we can get everyone to the next level. Its all about checks and balances. Its a matter of looking at each and every process and ensuring that we make sure were doing our due diligence as per statute. Were all held accountable, ultimately, Martinez said. As we should be. Evil will not prevail Editor: There is a saying that says absolute power corrupts absolutely. This is a quotation by the 19th century British politician Lord Acton. And if youll indulge me for a moment, there is nothing new under the sun. Morality is a situational thing in todays culture. I dont think this is a surprise to any one. People complain about our politicians but, we are the ones who elect them. The apathy that accompanies elections is daunting. Today, however, there is a glimmer of hope, starting with our young people. Its happening on college campuses and other places too. Young people are getting their voice and able to express their faith in God without having to feel strange or outcast. I remember the start of this silliness in the Obama era. The mantra was that we had elected the first Black president. Well that was partially correct. But the thing that stuck out to me was a change in how things were done. Saying Merry Christmas was seen as offensive and saying happy holidays replaced it. The voices of deviant behavior got louder. Values that are my core were, like Girl Scouts for girls and Boy Scouts for boys, are no longer in fashion. Absolute power came in the door and morality went out the window. I was expected to swallow the new wave of values that where being peddled knowing that in the case of deviant behavior, it was nothing new, but that now I am supposed to accept it. No questions asked. Well, I ask you: would you buy a used car without asking questions or taking on a test drive? Would you undergo surgery without asking something about the outcome? Would you change your religion without studying and inquiring about the tenets of that religion? There was a push to equate human rights with deviant behavior. I could never square one with the other. This corruption of my values by elected politicians is an affront to me. Ad My Judeo-Christian values is the legacy I will leave for my children. Nothing else really matters. This issue of corruption has it cost. While on the outside it looks like corruption is attractive and beneficial to the individual a price must be paid. If not while you are in this world, certainly when there is an accountability in the next. Evil will never prevail. Dan Garza Los Lunas Opinion of Charlie Kirk Editor: About Charlie Kirk and the whole free speech uproar: Until recently I had no idea who Charlie Kirk was. Like many others, I feel deeply unsettled by his death and I sympathize with his family. However, since his assassination I have been reading about him and, truth be told, he was not a person I would invite into my home or want to associate with. He was an unapologetic racist and misogynist and espoused hateful views about so many ethnic and racial groups that I cannot, given limitations of space available, begin to list here. So I am actually ashamed for this country, as a whole, for the amount of recrimination and bullying that hundreds, if not thousands, of Americans have suffered for offering their honest opinions on the man. The United States used to be a better place. I remember the 1960s and for all the discord (and yes, the violence) the country emerged a better place. Now I feel we are sliding back into the 1950s. Charlie Kirk was not a hero and it is disappointing that we are allowing him to be treated as such. James Mohr Belen Due to scheduled maintenance from Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10 PM to Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2 AM, there may be interruptions for our News Gazette Digital subscribers. During this time frame, please click on any News Gazette website content without logging into your News Gazette Digital subscription account. Thank you for your patience during this scheduled maintenance. A global analysis led by La Trobe University has highlighted the hidden harms to women and children caused by men's alcohol use and calls for urgent gender-responsive and alcohol policy action worldwide and in Australia. The paper, Harms to Women and Children from Men's Alcohol Use: An Evidence Review and Directions For Policy, analyses findings including three recent reviews of 78 papers. Globally, up to one in three women in some countries report living with a heavy-drinking partner and children exposed to men's harmful alcohol use face increased risk of violence, neglect, poor health and reduced life opportunities. The harms are most severe in low- and middle-income countries and in societies with high levels of gender inequality. The review, led by Professor Anne-Marie Laslett from La Trobe's Centre for Alcohol Policy Research (CAPR) and published by global non-profit research institute RTI International, shows that men drink more heavily than women and are more likely to engage in behaviours that harm others when they drink. Women and children are disproportionately impacted, often experiencing physical injury, mental health challenges, financial hardship and disruption to education and family stability. Research shows that the consequences of men's alcohol use extend far beyond the individual that drinks. Women and children pay a heavy price, yet policies rarely take their experiences into account. This is a major gap in international public health and social policy." Professor Anne-Marie Laslett from La Trobe's Centre for Alcohol Policy Research International data also reveals wide gender disparities between countries, with prevalence and patterns of alcohol use differing sharply. In some regions, these disparities make harms to women and children especially pronounced. "Globally there has been poor recognition that others' drinking, and particularly men's drinking, contributes to many harms to women and children," Professor Laslett said. "Social, cultural and economic policies, as well as alcohol-specific policies, need to change to ensure that they are responding to the harms to women and children highlighted in this review." In Australia, the findings are particularly timely given growing national attention to domestic and family violence. Alcohol's role in driving partner violence has been recognised in recent government reviews, with calls to strengthen regulation and prevention strategies. Australia's Federal Government last year commissioned a rapid review that recommended addressing alcohol's regulatory environment. The review emphasises that while proven policies such as raising alcohol taxes, restricting availability, and limiting marketing remain essential, they should be paired with interventions that tackle harmful gender norms and empower women and children. An intersectoral approach involving health, legal and social services is critical for meaningful change. Professor Siri Hettige, a researcher from Sri Lanka's University of Columbo who collaborated on the project, said targeted, community-level interventions that addressed the realities faced by women and children were essential. "Given the nature of the social context in which the harm to women and children from men's drinking occurs, interventions to reduce such harms might have to go beyond current alcohol policies," Professor Hettige said. Current prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing "may not effectively target testing to those most likely to benefit, raising concerns about overtesting" warn researchers from the University of Oxford in a study of over 10 million men across England published by The BMJ today. Despite UK recommendations to limit PSA testing to patients with symptoms or after discussion with a GP, the results show that many patients are tested more frequently than recommended and repeat testing is occurring in patients without recorded symptoms or with previous low PSA values. The authors say the findings reflect a lack of consistent international guidance and note that "unpredictable surges in PSA testing, overtesting, and associated costs" may occur as a result of celebrities publicly sharing their cancer diagnoses and advocating for screening. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, but PSA testing is only routinely recommended for men with certain symptoms. PSA testing generally remains controversial because it has led to an increased number of healthy men being diagnosed and treated unnecessarily for harmless tumours. Researchers therefore wanted to better understand how PSA tests are used in primary care in England before prostate cancer is diagnosed. To do this, they drew on data for 10,235,805 men aged 18 and over who were registered at 1,442 general practices across England between 2000 and 2018 and did not have a prostate cancer diagnosis before entering the study. Data were linked to the National Cancer Registry, Hospital Episode Statistics, and Office for National Statistics and results were analysed by region, deprivation, age, ethnicity, family history of prostate cancer, symptom presentation, and PSA value. A total of 1,521,116 men had at least one PSA test during the study period, resulting in 3,835,440 PSA tests overall. Testing increased fivefold during the study period, particularly in men without symptoms and those with PSA values below recommended thresholds. The highest testing rates occurred in men aged 70 and older, who are least likely to benefit from repeat testing, and a substantial portion occurred in men much younger (18-39 years) than recommended. Testing rates varied by region, deprivation, ethnicity, family history, age, PSA value, and symptoms, with highest rates seen in patients of white ethnicity and in less deprived areas. Almost half of men (735,750) were retested. Of these, more than 75% had no symptoms recorded and 73% never had a PSA value above the recommended threshold. The average interval between tests was just over 12 months overall and 17 months for patients who never had a PSA value above the recommended threshold (shorter than most guidelines advise). Once tested, patients had shorter retesting intervals if they were older, belonged to any ethnic group other than white, had a family history of prostate cancer, or had a previously raised PSA value. The authors acknowledge that using routinely collected primary care data has limitations, and that analyses of retesting intervals were limited to patients with at least two PSA tests during follow-up, raising the possibility of bias. However, they say they comprehensively analysed PSA testing and length of retesting intervals, and results were consistent after further analyses, suggesting they are robust. As such, they conclude: "PSA testing in primary care is varied. Among patients who underwent multiple tests, many were tested more frequently than recommended, raising concerns about overtesting. PSA retesting is occurring in patients without recorded symptoms or with previous low PSA values." "To ensure maximum patient benefit while reducing the risk of overtesting, research is urgently needed to determine appropriate evidence based PSA retesting intervals," they add. The major concern raised in this study and similar studies "is that unregulated PSA testing will result in large costs and harms and increase the incidence of prostate cancer likely to remain undetected, while doing little to identify prostate cancer most likely to cause symptoms and death," say Dr Juan Franco and colleagues in a linked editorial. They welcome the European Commission's interest in population based cancer screening including prostate cancer, but say efforts need grounding in high quality evidence gleaned from randomised trials. This study "highlights the need for better NICE guidance, especially in men outside of recommended ages or men with lower urinary tract symptoms, erectile dysfunction, or other conditions unrelated to prostate cancer," they conclude. 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 this study published in August in Microbiology Spectrum, a peer-reviewed scientific journal from the American Society for Microbiology. Originally discovered over 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 department - Professor William Widger, graduate student Sahar Ali and Emeritus Professor George E. Fox - to 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. These findings highlight the resilience of spacecraft-associated microbes, and it has a huge planetary protection concern." Madhan Tirumalai, lead author, research assistant professor in UH's Department of Biology and Biochemistry 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 actinobacteria - such as the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, namely Mycobacterium tuberculosis - are 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 factor - a common protein found in actinobacteria. Because M. luteus and T. phoenicis share genetic features, the researchers tested how T. phoenicis responded to the protein. The research group of Widger's, of 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 bacteria - they may not be - but 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. Currently, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women age 20 to 49 in the United States. Compounding this concerning issue, younger patients are being diagnosed at more advanced stages, according to doctors at NYU Langone's Perlmutter Cancer Center, and this points to a greater need for screening, prevention, and breast cancer education. While this is a concerning trend, the quality of life for those diagnosedeven at stage 4, when it has spread to other parts of the bodyis improving. Perlmutter Cancer Center is adapting to the landscape with the recent launch of the Early Onset Cancer Program, one of several programs aimed at targeting and tailoring treatment for people living with cancer. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, leading oncologists Elizabeth Comen, MD, co-director of the Mignone Women's Health Collaborative, and Mary L. Gemignani, MD, MPH, director of the Women's Early Onset Cancer Program and chief of the Division of Breast Surgery, answer the most important questions around the rise of cancer in younger adults. What is early-onset breast cancer? Dr. Gemignani: While the median age at the time of diagnosis is 62, we're seeing early onset at a much younger age than that. Around 10 percent of the patients that we see today are 45 and younger. Over the last two decades, there's been an increase in diagnoses in people age 20 to 29 and 30 to 39. We're also seeing more aggressive molecular profiles among our younger patients, which poses a greater risk for prognosis and outcomes. Triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive subtype without many targeted treatment options, is also more common in younger women. The American Cancer Society reported that women under 50 are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with cancer compared to men of the same ages. This is primarily attributed to increasing rates of breast cancer. Who is at risk of early-onset breast cancer? How can people be proactive about this concerning trend? Dr. Comen: Education about risk assessment and family history is crucial in addressing the increasing number of breast cancer diagnoses among young people. Patients should openly discuss their family medical history with their primary care physicians and consider taking a breast cancer risk-assessment test. Understanding your personal risk helps guide and tailor your care, regardless of whether you have a family history of the disease. For women at average risk, beginning routine screening at age 40 is generally appropriate. However, those at higher risk may need to start screening earlier. Additionally, women with dense breasts may benefit from supplemental imagingsuch as ultrasound or breast MRIin addition to standard mammograms. We advocate for grassroots education: start the conversation with your primary care provider, learn your family history, and collaborate with your doctor to monitor and manage any symptoms. If something feels off, speak up. Trust your instincts. Dr. Gemignani: Health literacy and self-advocacy are also extremely important. Younger patients, whether they're undergoing screening, diagnosis, or treatment, are often navigating the healthcare system for the first time. A breast cancer diagnosis can be extremely overwhelming because there's so much terminology and medical language that people may not understand. Building a trusting relationship between the care team and the patient creates a safe space for questions and conversations, which empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care. What does cancer treatment look like for people in their 30s and 40s? Dr. Comen: At Perlmutter Cancer Center, we recognize that treating breast cancer goes beyond addressing the biology of the disease. It's also about supporting the whole patient experience. Every individual's journey is unique, and young women in particular may face distinct challenges related to their stage of life, including concerns about fertility, parenting young children, career demands, and family responsibilities. Our approach is focused not only on treatment, but also on preserving quality of life and helping patients maintain their roles and identities outside of their diagnosis. This includes addressing important issues such as nutrition, exercise, emotional wellbeing, sexual health, and overall functioning in daily life. Our goal is to provide care that supports the whole personnot only treats the cancer. Dr. Gemignani: When we established the Early Onset Cancer Program, we were thinking about these types of lifestyle changes and priorities like family planning. In your 30s to 40s, your friends could be going on a night out, and you are buying a cold cap and getting ready for chemo. That is difficult for people. The Early Onset Cancer Program was designed with these moments in mind. Survivorship has really evolved into a holistic, individual, and personal experience, and our program honors that. What is Perlmutter Cancer Center doing to advance the field of oncology for this age group? Dr. Comen: There are several innovative programs we have invested in and now offer to oncology patients. One is the Oncofertility Program, which helps any cancer patient at NYU Langone understand and pursue their fertility options as part of their cancer treatment. Any provider in the health systemincluding nurses and physician assistantscan refer patients to a team of dedicated fertility nurse navigators. Dr. Gemignani: We also launched the Cardio-Oncology Program in October 2024, enabling patients and their oncologists to create personalized care plans to protect and treat the heart for newly diagnosed patients, those actively receiving treatment, or cancer survivors. We also offer services for psychosocial distress, sexual health, rehabilitation, and sickness from hormone therapy, as well as exercise and physical therapy, yoga, and access to social workers as part of our Survivorship Program. We are committed to providing younger cancer patients personalized care that meets their individual needs and gives them the best quality of life possible. There are more people living with cancer now than ever before, and the oncology field has come a long way in how we think about survivorship and treat the specific needs of younger cancer patients. Even though electronic cigarettes do not contain any illicit substances, the liquid can cause serious health problems. Often, the nicotine concentration in these products is several times higher than in conventional cigarettes, promoting rapid addiction. Furthermore, in countries like Brazil, which have banned electronic cigarettes, it Is observed that the products offered to users do not undergo any quality control. A resolution by the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) prohibits the manufacture, import, sale, distribution, storage, transportation, and advertising of electronic smoking devices. Some of these liquids contain up to 100 times more nicotine than a regular cigarette, whose legal maximum limit is 1 milligram of nicotine per cigarette. In addition, additives such as vitamin E acetate have been found in the liquids, which have caused deaths and permanent lung damage in users in the United States." Luciano Arantes, researcher and member of the management committee of the Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Psychoactive Substances (INCT-SP) The scenario becomes even more concerning when considering the clandestine use of synthetic cannabinoids in these devices. These substances are created in laboratories to mimic the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component found in Cannabis sativa, or marijuana. However, synthetic cannabinoids are much more potent and can trigger neurological effects such as seizures, psychotic episodes, and even death from overdose. "What we're seeing is a chemical race. Clandestine groups are producing drugs with increasingly potent structures, requiring minimal doses to achieve the desired effect. As there's no labeling or warning, users consume without knowing what they're ingesting," Arantes warns. To address the problem, Brazilian researchers, in partnership with international colleagues, have developed a portable sensor that can accurately detect synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarette liquids and biological fluids, such as saliva. The device is described in an article published in the journal Talanta. "We developed an electrochemical method that identifies different synthetic cannabinoid molecules with high selectivity and sensitivity. The analysis can be done anywhere, with a small sample, and the sensor responds with a characteristic electrochemical signal," describes Larissa Magalhaes de Almeida Melo, the first author of the study, alongside student Cecilia Barroso. The device uses a boron-doped diamond electrode manufactured in collaboration with a group from the University of Technology in Bratislava, Slovakia. "It's a simple system: the electrode is connected to a portable potentiostat, which can be connected to a cell phone via its USB-C port or even via a wireless Bluetooth connection. The response is a current-voltage graph, with specific peaks that identify and quantify the substances present," Melo explains. "This sensor represents a major innovation in the field of portable devices, as it combines the portability of printed sensors with the high stability of boron-doped diamond materials, which can be reused countless times," emphasizes Wallans Torres Pio dos Santos, a professor at the Federal University of Vale do Jequitinhonha and Mucuri, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, and coordinator of the study. The sensor was tested with two of the most common and dangerous synthetic cannabinoids, AB-Chminaca and MDMB-4en-Pinaca. It demonstrated the ability to detect concentrations as low as 0.2 M, even in the presence of high levels of nicotine and other interferences. In chemistry, M (micromolar) is a unit of measurement for the concentration of a substance in solution. One M is equal to one millionth of a mole per liter. "The great advantage of our device is its selectivity. Even with the complexity of the samples, we were able to focus only on the substances of interest. It's like entering a dark room and illuminating only the spot we want to observe," Santos compares. In addition to its use as a screening tool by forensic police, the device can be used in public health to provide emergency care to individuals experiencing overdoses or other complications, as well as for preventive harm reduction initiatives. To this end, the research group partners with the "BACO Project: Toxicology and Toxicological Analysis as Sources of Information for Drug Policy". "The goal of this project is to evaluate the use of new psychoactive substances at parties and festivals by analyzing oral fluid samples. Our partnership with BACO researchers aims to extend the initial objective of the project to allow not only saliva analysis, but also the immediate screening of substances that partygoers intend to consume," Arantes explains. "These synthetic cannabinoids are constantly changing. New variants are emerging all the time, and many of them are extremely potent and dangerous. Our goal is to develop technologies that can be put into practice. We want users to know what they're consuming and be able to make informed decisions. This can prevent serious poisoning and even save lives," Melo points out. "Our surveys show that 63% of users don't know what they're consuming. Many think they're using a known drug, but in fact, they may be using a much more potent substance. By identifying the substance on the spot, the sensor gives users the chance to make an informed decision about its use. This alone reduces risks and saves lives," Santos points out. The adaptability of the method is another strength highlighted by the researchers. "We've already developed sensors for other classes of substances, such as LSD and its synthetic analogues, cathinones, and phenylethylamines. We're also working on incorporating colorimetric reagents into the sensors to facilitate visual interpretation of the results," Arantes explains. FAPESP supports the project through research grants awarded to Jose Luiz da Costa of the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, who is a toxicology expert and partner in the group. Part of the analysis was done in collaboration with his laboratory, using real saliva samples collected in environments where the products are used. "The saliva samples used in the study were collected as part of the BACO Project, developed at UNICAMP in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and Public Security [MJSP]. This project, in turn, is an offshoot of the research 'The Toxicology of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): Epidemiology of Consumption through the Analysis of Hair and Oral Fluid Samples', also supported by FAPESP, in which we conducted the first epidemiological survey in Brazil on NPS at parties and festivals. Based on the results of this research, the MJSP decided to support and expand the study, allowing for a much larger number of samples to be collected, from 500 samples in the initial project to 2,500 in the current one. This allowed us to form new partnerships, including this one with Professor Wallans' group," says Costa. "The goal is to take science where it can have a direct impact. Experts, doctors, and health professionals need accessible, fast, and reliable tools to face the challenges posed by new drugs. What we propose is a practical, portable, and scalable solution," Arantes summarizes. Around 25% of people with cancer in the U.S. are active smokers when they are diagnosed, and studies have found that many of them continue to smoke during treatment. This may be due in part to a common misconception - even among some doctors - that quitting won't help much if a person already has cancer, particularly if it's at an advanced stage. Now, a study led by Li-Shiun Chen, MD, a professor of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, shows that kicking the habit after starting cancer treatment is well worth it - and what's more, smokers with the most advanced cancers glean the biggest benefit from quitting, more than doubling their survival time. Patients in Chen's study had help quitting through a smoking cessation program developed and administered at Siteman Cancer Center, based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine. The program offers a unique approach to cancer care by integrating smoking cessation interventions into patients' cancer treatment plans. Delivering all treatment on-site eliminates hurdles involving time and transportation. Chen's findings were published Oct. 9 in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. "WashU Medicine and Siteman are the leading frontier to ensure every cancer patient is offered tobacco treatment as part of their cancer care, using a novel, informatics-enabled, point-of-care model," said Chen, who also directs the Tobacco Treatment Program at Siteman. "By showing that it's never too late, even for the sickest patients, we hope to inspire all cancer centers and patients to include smoking cessation support as part of routine cancer care to improve survival." In the study, Chen and her collaborators followed 13,282 adults who received outpatient oncology care during a six-month period at Siteman. The team recorded each participant's smoking status at their initial visit, then tracked cessation rates over the next six months along with survival over the next two years. Of 1,725 patients who reported at their first visit that they smoked, about one-fifth of them quit within the following six months. Across all cancer types and stages, the researchers found that the probability of survival two years after patients' initial oncology visit was 74% among those who continued smoking, versus 85% among those who quit. This benefit was driven mainly by patients with late-stage cancers (stage 3 or 4), among whom quitting was associated with a bigger increase in survival rate over this time period compared to people with early-stage cancer (stage 1 or 2). Examining the results another way, the researchers found that for patients with stage 3 or 4 cancer who kept smoking, 85% were alive at 210 days. In comparison, of those who quit, 85% were still alive at 540 days. That's nearly a year of additional days of life. Advanced-stage cancer patients often feel hopeless. If they feel they have limited time, some doctors might not actively encourage patients to quit smoking or may prioritize patient comfort over cessation efforts. But when we've shown patients our data, it gives them hope and motivates them to want to quit. An extra year of life is a long time for patients who may have been told they only had months to live." Steven Tohmasi, MD, first author, resident, Department of Surgery, WashU Medicine The fourth pillar of treatment Siteman's team-based approach to tobacco care was developed as part of the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Center Cessation Initiative, which is focused on helping NCI-designated cancer centers incorporate evidence-based tobacco treatments into clinical care. The goal, in essence, is making smoking cessation "the fourth pillar of cancer treatment, alongside surgery, radiation and chemotherapy," Tohmasi explained. Siteman's smoking-cessation program uses electronic health records to identify patients who smoke and gauge their interest in quitting. A nurse or medical assistant then offers assistance with quitting during their visit, such as access to phone- or text-based counseling, an app designed to help them quit, referral to a smoking-cessation group, and medications to support quitting. In earlier research, Chen showed that the program helped more cancer patients quit successfully than previous methods had. In a related study, Chen also found evidence that quitting smoking could improve treatment efficacy and boost survival rates. But Chen said she faced some professional pushback at the idea of following that research thread further. "People told us that we were wasting time - that we should work on smoking cessation in patients who aren't already so sick," Chen said. "Smoking is also highly addictive and it's hard for people to quit. So we needed to be sure the effort would be worthwhile for patients and for their care teams." In the new study, Chen and Tohmasi analyzed the outcomes of all Siteman patients seen over the designated six-month period. The group included patients with all kinds of cancers at all stages who came from across the St. Louis metro area and southern Illinois, representing an array of demographic backgrounds. This differentiated the study from some previous research on smoking cessation in cancer patients that focused only on certain cancer types and never examined the survival benefit of quitting in people with advanced cancers. By linking cancer survival to tobacco use for all cancer patients across severity levels and including patients who were never, former or current smokers, Chen and Tohmasi were able to gain a broad perspective on smoking cessation and the important role of Siteman's integrated treatment program. The program has been scaled and adapted for several of Siteman's partner health centers. Based on its success, the model was implemented in 14 clinics affiliated with Siteman Cancer Center across eastern Missouri and southern Illinois starting in July 2025. Nationally, the program has been disseminated through EpicShare, where it continues to prove both cost-effective and successful in supporting smoking cessation. Starting in September 2025 with the support of a $1.6 million NCI grant, Chen and colleagues Alex Ramsey, PhD, an associate professor of psychiatry at WashU Medicine, and Ross Brownson, PhD, the Steven H. and Susan U. Lipstein Distinguished Professor in WashU School of Public Health, launched a pragmatic clinical trial on tobacco treatment, including smoking cessation. The trial aims to compare how different care models can scale and sustain tobacco use treatment among cancer survivors in different care settings serving cancer survivors across eight states. The trial will be conducted with research partners at four regional hubs: WashU Medicine, the University of Pennsylvania, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the St. Louis VA Medical Center. Takara Bio USA, Inc. ("Takara Bio USA"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Takara Bio Inc. ("Takara Bio"), today announced a series of updates to its spatial biology product portfolio, extending its innovation with a new class of spatial technology. Takara Bio USA has expanded its instrument-free Trekker Single-Cell Spatial Mapping Kits for compatibility with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples, one of the most common and trusted archival sample types, making spatial single-cell analysis more accessible to a broader range of researchers. The Trekker kits have also been enhanced for compatibility with additional research workflows and third-party instrument systems, including single-cell library prep platforms from 10x Genomics, BD Biosciences, Parse Biosciences, and Illumina. Takara Bio USA has broadened its spatial biology technology to incorporate more applications and integrations to support new research breakthroughs, advancing a platform-agnostic approach that delivers true single-cell spatial resolution with deeper biological insights from multiomics experiments. The enhanced version of the Trekker technology is designed for seamless integration into existing workflows, providing a simplified way to add a spatial dimension to single-cell research. The Trekker kits are also now available as an end-to-end spatial biology solution that combines spatial omics with epigenetics and immune profiling, including combined epigenetic and RNA-seq readout. "Takara Bio is providing researchers with a new way to approach spatial biologyfaster, easier, more cost-effective, and with richer multiomic insights," said Andrew Farmer, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of Takara Bio USA. "Building on our track record as the first company to commercialize single-cell DNA and RNA sequencing, it is a natural progression for us to expand into spatial biology. As the only company with the capabilities to provide scientists with tools for spatial, single-cell, and bulk sequencing, Takara Bio is uniquely positioned to deliver a powerful combination at a scale no other life science company can offer. These advances establish us as both an emerging leader in spatial biology and a long-trusted global provider of innovative life science technologies." Trekker technology unlocks new possibilities in spatial biology Single-cell, spatial omics is redefining how scientists study tissue biology, enabling high-resolution maps of gene and protein expression. Representing a new class of spatial technology, Takara Bio USA's Trekker kit is the first commercial instrument-free spatial solution that integrates seamlessly with existing single-cell sequencing workflows while preserving high molecular sensitivity. With a straight-forward process, researchers can transform standard single-cell data into spatial insights. To support the expanding pipeline of applications, Takara Bio USA has also introduced an enhanced, end-to-end bioinformatics software solution and offers technical support through the company's dedicated Field Application Scientists and Technical Support Scientists to optimize downstream analysis for researchers using open-source software tools. "As a scientist and entrepreneur exploring avenues to apply omics technologies to better our understanding of biology, specifically in the context of precision medicine, I am encouraged by how Takara Bio is expanding the applications of its spatial technology and bringing a novel approach to spatial analysis into the mainstream of discovery research," said Nachiket Kashikar, PhD, Co-founder of OMAPiX. "The company's platform-agnostic, multiomic approach opens new possibilities and enables us to ask deeper scientific questions, without the need for specialized instrumentation or added capital investment. By lowering the barriers of entry to spatial biology, Takara Bio is delivering a powerful tool with the potential to transform the outcomes of foundational research." Takara Bio USA is investing in the future of spatial biology To further strengthen its spatial business, Takara Bio USA has expanded its research and development (R&D) team focused on spatial biology, including integration of the spatial team currently located in Palo Alto, CA into the company's San Jose, CA facilities. The company has also moved all manufacturing of its Trekker and Seeker spatial biology solutions to Takara Bio USA's manufacturing facilities, providing the capacity to scale production and meet growing global demand. As we celebrate Takara Bio USA's 20th anniversary, we mark an important milestone in our history as a trusted partner to researchers worldwide. Our innovation in spatial technology builds on two decades of delivering leading life science toolsspanning next-generation sequencing, PCR, gene expression, gene editing, and single-cell analysis. With our new class of spatial technology complementing our single-cell platforms, and continued investment to make spatial biology accessible to more labs, Takara Bio USA is positioned at the forefront of revolutionizing single-cell spatial biology for de novo discovery." Carol Lou, President & CEO, Takara Bio USA. Takara Bio USA at ASHG Annual Meeting Takara Bio USA will be presenting its latest innovations at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) Annual Meeting, taking place October 14-18, 2025 in Boston. Company representatives will be available in the exhibition hall at Booth #2374 to discuss these new advancements, present data on display at the booth, and answer questions from attendees. Takara Bio USA's Chief Scientific Officer Andrew Farmer will deliver a CoLab Session talk, entitled "Advances in single-cell epigenomics and a new class of single-cell spatial technology enable novel biomarker discovery" on October 16 from 12:45-1:15 pm (EDT) in Theater 1 at the ASHG conference. The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) is proud to announce the release of Best Practices for the Development of Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cellular Therapies, a comprehensive, interactive new resource designed to accelerate the translation of human pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived therapies into clinical trials and commercial use. Developed by leading international experts in cell therapy, this groundbreaking document outlines the key principles and decision points required to develop safe, effective, and regulatory compliant PSC-derived products. Organized into seven sections, the guidance offers jurisdictionally neutral information on topics ranging from PSC line selection and raw material use to regulatory considerations, preclinical studies, and clinical trials. The creation of this resource reflects the power of collaborative leadership to deliver something truly impactful for the stem cell community. "I am deeply grateful to the ISSCR Best Practices Task Force for their vision and dedication in producing this blueprint for advancing new cellular therapies. While the clinical applications of pluripotent stem cells will continue to evolve, this initiative ensures that the best practices available today are shared broadly with our community now and in the future through regular updates." Hideyuki Okano, ISSCR President "Focused research is the foundation of innovation, but without clear translational guidance, promising therapies can stall before reaching patients for reasons that could have been anticipated and prevented," said Jacqueline Barry, co-chair of the Best Practices Steering Committee and Chief Clinical Officer at Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, UK. "This document distills the collective experience of global experts to provide actionable best practices that can reduce development time, cut costs, and bring more therapies to clinical trial and market approval." The ISSCR's Best Practices document emphasizes the importance of choosing appropriate PSC starting material, meeting regulatory requirements across jurisdictions, and ensuring quality at every stage from cell banking and ancillary materials to drug product manufacturing. Presented in an easy-to-follow visual format, the resource also includes links to critical, jurisdictionally relevant regulatory information and will be updated annually to reflect the rapidly evolving landscape. Nine jurisdictions including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, European Union, Japan, South Korea, United Kingdom, and the United States are part of the regulatory drug development timelines and operational and strategic considerations in the resource, giving the scientific community consolidated access to the vital steps to take on the path to cell therapy development. "This resource is a much-needed tool for academic researchers, biotech innovators, regulators, and industry stakeholders preparing to transition from proof-of-concept studies to first-in-human trials," said Kapil Bharti, co-chair of the Best Practices Steering Committee and scientific director at the National Institutes of Health's National Eye Institute, USA. "Through the Best Practices and their anticipated effect on the speed and rigor of the translational process, we hope to increase the number and quality of stem cell-based therapies reaching patients around the world." A client of Concept Life Sciences had discovered a series of innovative peptides with strong phenotypic potency. However, progress was hindered by a lack of target engagement data, which limited the ability to optimize the peptide series effectively. Initial in vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) studies on the most promising lead compound revealed parameters that were not suitable for the intended therapeutic application, including a particularly short half-life. Concept Life Sciences was tasked with improving both the potency and PK profile of the peptides to deliver a compound suitable for in vivo efficacy testing, with the ultimate goal of identifying a viable development candidate. Concept Life Sciences approach Customized target engagement assays An SPR target engagement assay was developed to provide both a direct confirmation of target engagement and binding affinities and kinetics. This assay afforded the client valuable insight into the chemical matters pharmacological optimization. Peptide-focused ADME cascade Peptide discovery requires the use of specific ADME cascades, which are key to the efficient triage of new compounds. It was, therefore, necessary to reshape the project cascade to include key readouts, including plasma stability, solubility, and cellular permeability, as well as in vivo PK profiling in relevant tiers. An integrated approach to medicinal chemistry Co-location of chemistry, biology, and DMPK services allows Concept Life Sciences scientists to communicate both effectively and efficiently, ensuring leaner optimization campaigns. Early synthesis route optimization Seamless integration of Concept Life Sciences co-located discovery and process development teams is central to de-risking and accelerating the scale-up process and providing a more rapid proof of concept. This organizational setup is also key to unlocking additional funding tranches at the earliest opportunity. Concept Life Sciences solution Addressing the lack of target engagement data The full-length target protein and its two binding domains were prototyped separately, immobilizing each protein individually on CM5 SPR chips. This approach enabled binding measurements for a range of peptide hits, demonstrating specific binding to one of the two domains and highlighting both target engagement and the mechanism of action. This assay provided both binding affinities and kinetics, offering a range of benefits over the phenotypic assay that had been initially developed for the project. Using this assay, it was possible to rapidly characterize and triage a new compound, improving affinities and potencies more than 5-fold versus the best peptide Leads. Developing a peptide-specific assay cascade Concept Life Sciences scientists completed the DMPK profiling of cherry-picked Leads in order to define in vitro and in vivo parameters. This process highlighted development challenges and metabolic soft spots both generally inherent to peptides and specific to this project. A fit-for-purpose DMPK cascade was developed via this profiling, which was then used to identify optimized Leads with in vitro and in vivo half-lives enhanced by more than 50-fold. These Leads provided the required free levels to engage the target in vivo and elicit the desired pharmacology. This newly developed cascade also provided an efficient means of optimizing the peptide Lead series, focusing the budget on the most promising compounds and saving months of research. Image Credit: Concept Life Sciences Peptide lead optimization in medicinal chemistry Peptides are notoriously difficult to optimize due to their high polarity, low permeability, and poor metabolic stability. In close collaboration with our biology and DMPK teams, our medicinal chemists developed a critical path for the project and implemented a range of design strategies to address the key liabilities of the lead series. These included strategic truncation of the peptide sequence, incorporation of peptidomimetics, and N- and C-terminal capping. Within just six months of research, the team successfully tackled a broad set of challenges and identified a peptide suitable for further development. Peptide synthesis and scale-up readiness The project rapidly progressed, prompting the need for higher peptide quantities for testing in animal models and other advanced studies. Concept Life Sciences process development team worked alongside the co-located process development team to identify an optimized solution-based synthetic route, facilitating the production of 10 g of high-purity material. The client also used this route to deliver material to support IND enabling studies, opening the door to the GMP production of the API. Project results The strategic, integrated approach outlined here resulted in a rapid and efficient optimization process. Key achievements of this project included: A x5 increase in affinity as a direct outcome of the medicinal chemistry strategy and tailored SPR assay implemented A more than 50-fold improvement in peptide stability, with enhanced mouse and human blood stability, allowing rapid enzymatic degradation challenges to be overcome A highly efficient optimization cycle with accelerated project timelines that led to achieving a development candidate in less than 6 months Seamless transition to IND-enabling studies, with process optimization enabling the rapid scale-up necessary for regulatory progression Compound due to progress into Phase I Summary The data-driven peptide optimization strategy described in this case study facilitated the rapid advancement of a peptide, highlighting the value of Concept Life Sciences tailored biophysics, ADMET, and medicinal chemistry expertise in the development of peptide drugs. About Concept Life Sciences Concept Life Sciences is a leading contract research organisation (CRO) serving the global life sciences industry. For over 25 years, the company, and its heritage companies, have provided consultative and collaborative drug discovery and development services. Our approach, supported by passionate scientists and world-leading capabilities, enables clients to overcome complex scientific challenges across a broad range of therapeutic areas, improving program success rates. The company has successfully helped 29 candidates advance to the clinic. The company offers sophisticated translational biology services coupled with exceptional end-to-end chemistry capabilities across all modalities, including small molecules, biologics, peptides and cell & gene therapies, with the ability to seamlessly integrate capabilities and provide bespoke solutions to address client needs. Collectively, the companys high-quality services and commitment to customer service across the drug development pathway enhance efficiency in drug discovery, helping clients advance their drugs to clinic in as little as 32 months, well ahead of the industry average of 60 months. Driven by a passion for science, Concept Life Sciences has around 230 employees, with around 70% holding PhDs. The company operates from state-of-the-art UK facilities, headquartered near Manchester, with additional operations in Edinburgh, Dundee, and Sandwich. The headquarters is one of the UKs largest medicinal chemistry CRO sites with key discovery services all under one roof. Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments. ROME, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The history of exchanges between China and Italy has fully demonstrated that openness, cooperation, and shared development are the right choices based on both countries' cultural heritage and practical needs, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Wednesday. These choices serve the fundamental and long-term interests of both sides and reflect the shared aspirations of the two peoples, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, when meeting with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy. Wang said that for more than half a century, the two countries have carried out high-level and pragmatic cooperation, promoted high-quality cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and built a fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership. China is willing to work with Italy to strengthen confidence, eliminate interference, actively implement the action plan on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership, promote more achievements in bilateral cooperation and boost the economic development of the two countries, Wang added. Wang noted that as comprehensive strategic partners, China and Italy should maintain close exchanges, trust and support each other, and address each other's major concerns. China hopes and believes that Italy will continue to faithfully adhere to the one-China principle and consolidate the political foundation for the sound and steady growth of bilateral relations. He called on the two countries to continue to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries through concrete actions, and transform the good political will into the driving force for the development of China-Italy relations. Wang said that China is willing to actively explore cooperation potential with Italy in green, digital, aerospace, artificial intelligence and other fields, and provide a fair, transparent, non-discriminatory and predictable business environment to encourage enterprises of the two countries to increase two-way investments. Wang stressed that in a world undergoing both changes and turmoil, China and Italy, as outstanding representatives of the ancient civilizations of the East and the West, should and are well placed to draw wisdom and inspiration from their rich histories, provide rational and practical solutions to global pressing challenges, join hands as a force for world peace and stability, and make unremitting efforts to promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system. Tajani said Italy attaches great importance to its relations with China. The two sides have achieved remarkable cooperation results in various fields within the framework of the strategic partnership and have built a constructive and mutually beneficial relationship, he added. He noted that economic and trade cooperation serves as a key driving force for the development of bilateral ties. He expressed the hope that both sides will enhance dialogue and exchanges through bilateral mechanisms such as the China-Italy Government Committee and the two countries' Joint Commission for Economic and Trade Cooperation, deepen practical cooperation, implement the three-year action plan well, and promote the continuous in-depth development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Italy is willing to expand mutual investment with China in both traditional and innovative sectors, expand exchanges and cooperation in science and technology, healthcare, tourism, culture and other fields, open more direct flights, and make good use of the opportunity of Italy hosting the Winter Olympics next year to strengthen mutual support, he said. Italy welcomes more Chinese enterprises to increase investment in Italy and is willing to create a favorable environment for this purpose, he added. Tajani said that Italy firmly adheres to the one-China policy and will never waver in this position. He noted that China, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding world peace and development. Italy stands ready to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China and to work together to promote the peaceful resolution of issues such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Ukraine crisis, he said. Zimbabwe is priming itself for a potentially record-breaking harvest as the Government mobilises 16 000 tractors to accelerate land preparation ahead of the summer cropping season. The large-scale mechanisation effort, which forms part of the countrys broader agricultural transformation agenda, is expected to ensure that vast tracts of land are tilled before the onset of the rains, allowing farmers to plant on time and maximise yields. The Meteorological Services Department forecast a delayed start to the rainy season due to climate change, with rains expected in November; increasing to above normal levels in December and January before tailing off in March. In an interview on the sidelines of the 4th African Plant Breeders Association conference in Victoria Falls, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said Cabinet had already approved the 2025-2026 summer cropping plan, which aims to produce a surplus 33 percent above the nations annual cereal requirement, more than three times the normal 10 percent surplus. Cabinet approved the 2025-2026 summer plan. We aim to ensure that we produce 33 percent above our annual cereal requirement, exceeding the 10 percent policy target, he said. Dr Masuka said the mobilisation of tractors complements ongoing progress in the Pfumvudza/Intwasa conservation agriculture programme, which remains a cornerstone of household food security. We want to do one million hectares under Pfumvudza/Intwasa, of which 200 000 hectares will be maize. We have already established more than 5 million Pfumvudza plots compared to 3,4 million this time last year, which shows significant progress, ensuring that we have household food security, he said. The Second Republic continues to champion the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, which plays a pivotal role in enhancing food security through climate-smart agriculture and efficient land utilisation. Zimbabwe is accelerating the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices, with the Government targeting 100 percent uptake of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa model to boost yields and ensure long-term sustainable food security. This would bring all smallholder farmers into the programme to meet household food requirements and produce ever larger surpluses for sale. Dr Masuka said this years agricultural strategy is rooted in agro-ecological tailoring, ensuring that each region grows crops suited to its rainfall and soil conditions. We are aligning crops to the agro-ecological zones traditional grains in regions 3, 4, and 5 while expanding maize and soya in high-rainfall areas, he said. To mitigate the effects of climate vagaries, the Government is simultaneously expanding the countrys irrigation footprint, which now stands at 123 000 hectares, with an additional 100 000 hectares being developed for summer cereals under the National Irrigation Rehabilitation Programme. We are making steady progress and expect 275 000 hectares under irrigation soon. That must be complemented by additional land preparation, and for that we have mobilised 16 000 tractors, said Dr Masuka. In addition, the Government has begun moving seed and fertiliser to Grain Marketing Board depots across the country to ensure early distribution under the Presidential Input Scheme. We are also mobilising inputs for the Presidential Input Scheme. In fact, we have started moving the seed now. We have started moving fertiliser to the GMB depots. Any distribution should start in the coming week, said the minister. The tractor mobilisation and early input delivery have been met with widespread optimism from farmers, who are buoyed by forecasts of normal to above-normal rainfall. Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) secretary-general, Mr Paul Zakariya, said the positive climate outlook has reignited enthusiasm among producers. We are happy with the favourable rainfall predictions. Farmers are already preparing their land and procuring inputs. With 16 000 tractors available, land preparation will be in full swing, he said. Herald Government is considering amending the law to empower inspections in schools and introduce mandatory drug testing for citizens, including learners and working-class individuals, to combat the pervasive abuse of drugs and substances in the country, Defence Minister, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has revealed. Speaking at the National Prayer Day held at Mutare Showgrounds last Friday, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is also the chairperson of the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, said Government plans to implement mandatory drug testing, similar to Covid-19 testing and vaccination measures. Additionally, special courts for drug and substance abuse will impose harsher penalties, including lengthy jail terms to deter offenders. The gathering brought together leaders and congregants from Vapostori and MaZion, Pastors 4ED, and other denominations under the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches (ZIICC), to pray for peace, unity, and accelerated national development. Efforts are being made to curb smuggling, which has seen Manicaland being used as a conduit and destination for illicit drugs, leading to a sharp increase in local consumption and peddling of narcotics, even among schoolchildren. The influx of drugs through the porous borders has become a major concern for crime and health experts, with Government advocating for stiffer penalties of more than 15 years for convicted drug traffickers. Youths are abusing drugs and substance due to socio-economic challenges like unemployment, poverty, and limited economic opportunities, ease of accessibility, peer influence, family or relatives who abuse drugs, and porous borders allowing illegal substances to flood the market. The Covid-19 pandemic and resultant lockdowns exacerbated the scourge, with many young people using substances as a coping mechanism for stress, trauma, and mental health issues. Additionally, lack of recreational activities and awareness about substance abuse risks contribute to the problem. Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri bemoaned the severity of prescription drug and substance abuse, citing the smuggling of cocaine, morphine, heroin, ecstasy, cannabis, bronco, mandrax, hashish, and crystal methamphetamine into the country, with some of the substances being sold at schools and workplaces, prompting consideration of amending the law to allow for testing in schools and workplaces. The drugs and substances cost between US$1 for entry-level ones (alcohol, marijuana, cough syrups, and prescription pills) and US$80 for those that are more addictive and capable of keeping abusers high for longer periods. Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri also said health personnel will be trained to conduct drug tests using blood, saliva, and hair samples, with self-testing kits being procured for instant results, enabling parents to test and determine their children status at home and take prompt action. The testing kits will soon be available on the market, enabling parents to test their children at home and take swift action. Government will ensure that every clinic offers testing and counselling services, with some hospitals providing day-care treatment, as we cannot turn them all into rehabilitation centres. Vocational training will be provided to equip recovering addicts with skills for societal reintegration and occupational therapy. The influx of hard drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and crystal meth, is a serious concern, and Government is now considering amending the law to allow inspections in schools and mandatory testing for learners and employees, similar to the measures implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic. Those caught trafficking drugs will face severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison. Special courts are being established to impose harsh sentences and deter drug traffickers, said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri. She said Government is committed to combating the drug trade, but expressed concern over disparity between fines imposed on foreign nationals and the severe penalties faced by Zimbabweans in other countries. This is a war we are fighting. Recently, we had foreigners from countries that impose capital punishment on drug traffickers being fined US$150, yet we have Zimbabweans on the death-row for smuggling drugs in those countries. Are we serious, what is that? Our laws may not permit capital punishment, but we will ensure lengthy prison sentences for offenders, she said. Manica Post Mutare High Court Judge, Justice Isaac Muzenda on Tuesday, sentenced two men accused of murdering Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services officer, Tapiwa Mutyasira (29), whose body was dumped along the Mutare-Harare railway line, where it was crushed into pieces by a goods train. The late youthful prison officer was murdered on March 4, 2023. Three accused persons Innocent Itai Chikwengo (38), Brighton Gowero (29), and Takunda Makoni (21) were arrested in connection with Mutyasiras murder. Justice Muzenda convicted Gowero and Makoni of murder after overwhelming evidence linking them to the commission of the offence was adduced in court. However, their co-accused, Chikwengo, was acquitted after the State failed to link him to the commission of the offence. Several witnesses testified during the trial, linking Gowero and Makoni to the fatal attack of Mutyasira. Justice Muzenda ruled that the prosecution, led by Mr Malvern Musarurwa, had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against the two, and sentenced them to 45 years in jail each. Justice Muzenda did not suspend any part of the sentence, noting that the convicts age had complicated the sentence variation, and he considered them fortunate to have escaped a life sentence. Chikwengo, Gowero, and Makoni were facing murder charges in violation of Section 47(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23), which criminalises the unlawful and intentional killing of another person. Mr Musarurwa told the court that between March 3 and 4, 2023, the three men, acting in concert with another suspect still at large, attacked Mutyasira at the 13,5km peg along the Mutare-Harare railway line in Chikanga. The court heard that the assailants used an unknown object to assault Mutyasira, before dumping his body on the railway line. The men acted with the intent to kill or, at the very least, in full awareness that their actions could result in death. Mutyasira sustained severe injuries and died as a result of the assault. Mr Musarurwa also said after the fatal assault, the convicts stole his two cellphones, before dumping his body along the Mutare-Harare railway line near Chikanga, where his remains were later run over by a goods train, further mutilating the body. A post-mortem examination conducted by Dr Mellan Chibwowa at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital revealed that Mutyasira died from polytrauma, consistent with multiple severe injuries sustained during the attack. Mutyasira was survived by a wife and two children. The deceaseds father and Mutare District Area Prosecutor, Mr Tirivanhu Mutyasira, welcomed the ruling, saying it brings closure to his grief stricken and struggling family. We have been following the trial, and it is true that two of them were convicted for 45 years, while the other one was acquitted. At least justice has been served, and the criminals conviction has brought closure to my family. There was a lot of confusion, as some were of the opinion that Tapiwa may have committed suicide. This conviction after a full trial has set the record straight, and we can now find closure as a family. It has been a traumatic experience, he said. Manica Post For the first time in history, the remains of St. Francis of Assisi are going on public display. The event is set to run from February 22 to March 22, 2026 at the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, central Italy, marking 800 years since the saint's death in 1226, the Catholic News Agency reports. The move, announced on the patron saint's feast day, will mark 800 years since his death in 1226. In a statement, the Sacred Convent of Assisi said the saint's body will be moved from his tomb in the church's crypt to the foot of the papal altar in the lower church. His remains are kept in a sealed glass urn under the basilica, per the Daily Beast . After the saint's death, his body was "made inaccessible beneath the basilica's high altar to prevent any possible theft. It remained hidden for centuries, until, after a long and arduous search, it was finally discovered on the night between Dec. 12 and 13, 1818," the Sacred Convent said. "The eighth centenary of the death of St. Francis, in 2026, is a time of remembrance and renewal. We do not celebrate death, but, recognizing it as a 'sister' to St. Francis, we celebrate the life that blossoms from the gift and offering of self." The Vatican News reports that the display has been approved by Pope Leo XIV, whose predecessor was the first pope to adopt the saint's name. The announcement came following a Mass in Assisi attended by church leaders and government officials including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. They gathered to celebrate St. Francis' feast day, Oct. 4, which has been reinstated as a national holiday. "We celebrate Francis not because he needs us, but because we need him," Meloni said, describing him as a foundational figure for Italian identity. St. Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order, is the patron saint of animals and is one of Italy's two patron saints. Church authorities, expecting an influx of pilgrims, have set up a free online reservation system, reports Fox News. Efforts to resolve the ongoing government shutdown stalled again on Wednesday, with the Senate rejecting both Democratic and Republican proposals to restore funding. Both parties remain firm in their demands, extending the deadlock that began eight days ago, the Guardian reports. The vote on a stopgap funding bill already approved by the House was 54-45, with no new Democrats in favor, CBS News reports. In the sixth vote on the rival spending bills, the Democrats' measure also failed to get the necessary 60 votes. Senate Majority Leader John Thune plans to hold a seventh vote on Thursday. The shutdown has resulted in closed federal offices, shuttered national parks, and thousands of furloughed workers. Remaining federal employees, including military personnel, could soon miss paychecks if the impasse continues. Democrats insist any funding deal must include health care measures, particularly an extension of Affordable Care Act premium tax credits set to expire at the year's end. Without renewal, roughly 20 million enrollees face higher costs. Republicans favor a short-term funding approach through Nov. 21 with no guarantee of health care provisions. The situation has led to pointed remarks on both sides. House Speaker Mike Johnson claimed Democrats are "worried about the Marxist flank" in their party and said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is "terrified" of a challenge from the far left, the Guardian reports. Schumer, in turn, argued Republicans are to blame for refusing to negotiate on health care, maintaining that both reopening the government and addressing health costs should happen together. "We can do both: fix health care and reopen the government. This is not an either-or thing, which Republicans are making it," he said. "The American people don't like it." Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans' legislation to extend the tax credits for a year has emerged as a possible middle ground with bipartisan support, but top House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries dismissed it Tuesday, calling it a "nonstarter" that was "introduced by the same people who just permanently extended massive tax breaks for their billionaire donors." The House has been out of session since last month, and Johnson says he won't call the chamber back until the GOP's funding measure has been passed, Politico reports. Soon after Secretary of State Marco Rubio passed him an urgent note at a White House event saying negotiators in Egypt were "very close" to a Gaza peace deal, President Trump announced that a breakthrough had been made. Photos show that the note Rubio passed to Trump asked him to "approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first," the New York Times reports. Earlier Wednesday, a senior Hamas official told the Washington Post that a deal was imminent. "First, there will be a halt to the war, then a prisoners exchange, followed by the withdrawal of forces," the official said. "After that, the crossing will be opened in both directions, and humanitarian aid will be allowed to enter." Trump released his 20-point peace plan last week. It called for an immediate end to the war and the release of all remaining Israeli hostages. In a post on social media after Trump's announcement Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "With God's help we will bring them all home," the AP reports. An 'element' of 200 Texas National Guard troops started protecting federal property in the Chicago area on Wednesday, according to a military spokesperson who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity. The troops are in the city to protect US Immigration and Customs Enforcement buildings and other federal facilities and law enforcement personnel, US Northern Command said online. The troops, along with about 300 from Illinois, had arrived Tuesday at a US Army Reserve Center in Elwood, 55 miles southwest of Chicago. All 500 troops are under the Northern Command and have been activated for 60 days. The spokesperson wasn't able to immediately offer details about how the troops were armed. A lawsuit and Democratic leaders have vigorously fought the deployment, and a hearing is set for Thursday. The New Orleans inmate who was found in Atlanta Wednesday, five months after he escaped with nine other prisoners, was apparently planning to stay in the Georgia home's crawl space for quite some time, sources tell CBS News . Derrick Groves, the last of the 10 men to be recaptured , was located based on a tip received over the summer, Deputy US Marshal Brian Fair said. After weeks of work following up on the tip, Louisiana marshals turned it over to Georgia authorities, who executed a search warrant at the home. Marshals did not notice any signs of life and initially thought the house was empty. Ultimately the Atlanta Police Department's SWAT team deployed "a number of canisters of gas to help move him throughout the house," the police chief says. A police canine then found Groves in a crawl space, ABC News reports. "We did have concerns maybe he wasn't in the house," Fair said. "But ultimately, they found him hiding in a crawl space. I believe that crawl space was in the basement and he had put some thought and work into the hiding space he was in." He seemed to be "prepared to hide for the long haul," Fair said, adding that Groves may even have reinforced his hiding spot on his own. No weapons were found with him, though authorities are still searching the residence, which may be a rental home. Also still unclear is how Groves got from Louisiana to Georgia. "He obviously had some help," the Orleans Parish district attorney says, and authorities are seeking to identify any alleged accomplices. Stephen Miller's assertion that President Trump has "plenary authority" to deploy the National Guard to US cities has ignited fresh debate and confusion over the limits of presidential power, leaving both legal experts and the public questioning what the White House may attempt next, Newsweek reports. The White House deputy chief of staff made the assertion on CNN Monday while discussing efforts to send federal troops to Portland, Oregon, despite a judge blocking such action . His abrupt silence after making the claim led to speculation on social media, with some users suggesting he was told to stop talking, though CNN attributed the pause to technical difficulties. The network did not include the phrase "plenary authority" when it edited the video to post on social media, HuffPost reports. Asked if Trump would abide by the judge's order, Miller said, "Under Title 10 of the US Code, the President has plenary authority, has" before pausing, blinking, and failing to respond when the interviewer repeated his name a few times. After the show returned from a break, Miller continued, "I was making the point that under federal law, SectionTitle 10 of the US Code, the president has the authority anytime he believes federal resources are insufficient to federalize the National Guard to carry out a mission necessary for public safety." He said the administration would "abide by the ruling insofar as it affects the covered parties" but that Trump also has "many other options ... to deploy federal resources and assets under the US military to Portland." Online searches for "plenary authority" increased after the clip, WUSA reports. Plenary authority, rare in the US, gives one of the three branches of government total control over one area (such as presidential pardons). Legal experts quickly weighed in. Matthew Mangino, a former Pennsylvania district attorney, described "plenary authority" as "complete and absolute power," noting, "The office of the president is not endowed with it." He added that US governmental checks and balances give Congress and the courts the power to keep a president from overstepping. Richard Painter, the former chief ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush, clarified that while Title 10 of the US Code allows the president to federalize National Guard units in certain circumstances, it does not grant unchecked power, and significant limitations remain under the Posse Comitatus Act. CNN's editing of the clip, and Miller's apparent "glitching," led to "conspiracy theories" spreading online, the New York Times reports. Many speculated someone in Miller's earpiece instructed him not to use the phrase "plenary authority," though there is no evidence of this. The administration has used the term before, to explain why it believes Trump has complete power to rapidly deport migrants from Venezuela. (Meanwhile, National Guard troops took to the streets in Chicago and Memphis.) Rock icon Gene Simmons is on the mend at home after he apparently fainted behind the wheel and crashed his SUV on Malibu's Pacific Coast Highway, authorities say. However, the 76-year-old KISS member tells NBC News that he's fine after a brief hospital visit. The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department said Simmons was behind the wheel of his Lincoln Navigator when he blacked out and collided with a parked vehicle just before 1pm Tuesday. His vehicle traveled across multiple lanes before hitting the other car. Simmons' wife, Shannon Tweed, says doctors recently changed her husband's medications, which might have contributed, reports TMZ. She added that he was dehydrated because he's supposed to drink more water with the meds, and hates doing so. Simmons was alert and able to talk with first responders, who brought him to the hospital for an evaluation. No other injuries were reported, and authorities have not announced any citations related to the crash. KISS is still scheduled to reunite for an "unmasked" show in Las Vegas on Nov. 1416 to celebrate the group's 50th anniversary, per KTLA. The broad strokes of a deal between Israel and Hamas has been struck, one that holds promise for the release of hostages and the end of two years of fighting. Details: In Israel: Israel's government meets Thursday to formally consider the first phase of the deal, and approval is "virtually certain," reports the BBC. A ceasefire would take effect immediately once that happens, along with a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces in Gaza. Israel's government meets Thursday to formally consider the first phase of the deal, and approval is "virtually certain," reports the BBC. A ceasefire would take effect immediately once that happens, along with a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces in Gaza. Hostages: Hamas would then have 72 hours to return all of the approximately 20 hostages believed to be still alive. That could happen Sunday, but President Trump said that Monday is more likely, reports the Wall Street Journal. In exchange, Israel is expected to release about 250 Palestinian prisoners, per the Washington Post. The Pentagon has launched nearly 300 investigations into Defense Department personnelincluding service members, civilian staff, and contractorsfor their online comments following the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The sweeping probe, described in internal documents and reported by the Washington Post , follows a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth aimed at curbing criticism of Kirk, who was known for his strong support of President Trump. The department argues that celebrating or mocking Kirk's death online amounts to unacceptable political activity and has disciplined several individuals so far, ranging from administrative reprimands to termination. As of late September, 128 service members had been investigated, with most of those cases still under review; 26 have so far been reprimanded, with a handful facing harsher consequences. Another 158 nonuniformed staffers have also faced scrutiny, with two dismissed. Hegseth's directive has drawn criticism from those who say it blurs the line between military loyalty to the Constitution and political loyalty to an administration. The secretary has previously said generals who don't back Trump's agenda should resign. Such a "witch hunt" is "extremely dangerous," Southwestern Law School professor Rachel VanLandingham tells the Hill. Critics also point out what they view as hypocrisy, given Hegseth's past willingness to joke about violence against liberal figures and the administration's selective outrage about attacks, per the Post. A retired Army officer and attorney tells Politico that he expects more firings, drawing comparisons to how some troops were terminated after making racially insensitive comments after the killing of George Floyd. "I can see that same prism being used in the reverse against people who engaged in comments against Charlie Kirk," he notes. The Pentagon insists its approach is consistent with the military's restrictions on partisan speech, though it faces scrutiny over whether it will apply those rules evenly. As investigations continue, legal experts note that while military law does restrict certain types of speech, prosecutions are rare, and the current scale of discipline is unusual. Chinese surgeons have pulled off a world first: transplanting part of a genetically modified pig's liver into a human patient. The landmark procedure, detailed in the Journal of Hepatology , involved grafting a section of pig liver onto the remaining lobe of a 71-year-old man after removing the part ravaged by a tumor. The pig liver functioned as intendedproducing bile and helping blood clot, while the patient's own liver got a chance to recover and regrow, per the New York Times . Notably, the man's immune system didn't attack the foreign organ. The pig liver was taken out after 38 days due to complications, and the patientwho wouldn't have qualified for a human organ in China due to advanced cancer and cirrhosispassed away five and a half months later. Despite the outcome, experts hailed the surgery as a major milestone. "This is really, really groundbreaking," says Dr. Heiner Wedemeyer, who wasn't involved in the surgery, per New Scientist. "The patient was close to dying, but due to the transplant, he survived for half a year." Dr. Heidi Yeh of Harvard Medical School also praised the bold move, especially since similar efforts in primates had previously failed, per the Times. China's push into xenotransplantation is partly driven by dire need: More than 300,000 people there suffer liver failure each year, but donor organs are in short supply. The country is also making headway with gene-edited pig kidneys and lungs, aiming to address widespread organ shortages. Lead author Dr. Beicheng Sun emphasized that the pig liver was always meant to be a "bridge"a temporary solution to buy time for the patient's own liver to heal or for a human donor organ to become available. With US trials on the horizon and China's progress, pig-to-human transplants could soon offer new hope for those with few options left. Americans with a taste for adventure and an interest in rare coins have a new opportunity to hunt for treasureno passport required. Stack's Bowers Galleries, a well-known rare coin dealer and auction house, is celebrating the 90th anniversary of its first auction by launching a public treasure hunt across four US cities. The event, inspired by similar hunts like the Great Canadian Treasure Hunt, will take place in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Miami, where the company has retail locations, Popular Science reports. The hunt will unfold over five days in each city, with clues posted on social media at 10am every day from Tuesday through Saturday about the city landmark where a certificate is hidden. The hunt kicked off in Boston on Tuesday and will run there until Saturday. New York is next, from Oct. 14 to Oct. 18, followed by Philadelphia from Oct. 21 to Oct. 25 and Miami from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1. Participants who find the certificates for rare coins and banknotes can redeem them at local Stack's Bowers Galleries locations for prizes ranging in value from $300 to about $3,500. In total, about $10,000 worth of prizes are up for grabs. Each winner will also receive a copy of the 2026 Guide Book of United States Coins. Winners have the option to keep their coin or sell it back to the auction house. The event is free to enter, and the company hopes it will generate new interest in coin collecting by showcasing some of the rarities in the field, from Colonial-era silver to currency that's traveled in space. The daily prize goes to the first person to find the certificate, take a selfie with it, and bring it to the Stack's Bowers Galleries outlet, WCVB reports. Tuesday's riddle was, "Where fashion stands in retail grace, once stood a store of bygone pace. Amid the modern, seek the oldA coin of pine, a cent of gold." Coin collector Tim Salerno found the certificate in bushes in the Downtown Crossing shopping district. He plans to keep his prize. "This is a 1907 2.5-dollar gold coin," he tells NBC Boston. "It's a really cool numismatic piece to add to my collection to keep building that legacy from my grandpa." A Ryanair flight from Italy to Scotland narrowly avoided disaster last Friday. After three attempts to land at two Scottish airports, the flight was forced to land in Manchester, England, with only around six minutes of fuel remaining, the Herald reports. The incident unfolded as Storm Amy battered Scotland with 100mph winds, causing widespread travel chaos. The Boeing 737 flight from Pisa to Glasgow Prestwick, operated by Malta Air for Ryanair as Flight FR3418, first attempted to land at Prestwick but aborted the approach due to severe weather, then entered a holding pattern before a second failed landing attempt. The crew then diverted to Edinburgh, where poor weather forced a third go-around before they finally headed to Manchester. Sources tell the Aviation Herald that it landed with just 485 pounds of fuel, 220 in the left tank and 265 in the right tank, enough to last five or six minutes. According to European Union safety rules that apply to Ireland-based Ryanair, the plane should have been carrying 30 minutes' worth of fuel, around 2,650 pounds, at that point, the Telegraph reports. The UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch is investigating what it calls a "serious incident." Before the Manchester landing, the flight crew issued a "Squawk 7700," the universal code for emergency situations. At one point, it was the most-tracked flight in the world on FlightRadar24. The flight landed almost two hours after the first landing attempt at Prestwick and passengers were taken to Scotland by bus. Passenger Alexander Marchi tells the Ayr Advertiser that the plane left Pisa late because of the "general strike and protesters invading the tarmac at the airport" and people were worried that they wouldn't make it to Scotland before the storm hit. "Everything was fine until we started our descent. The plane was circling a few times before trying the first time but pulling up almost immediately," he says. "The second time it was a very bumpy ride and we almost reached the tarmac, but at the last minute we pulled up very sharply," Marchi says. "We were being buffeted around a lot and jumping. There were a few worried people on the second descent as we could feel the plane was struggling." He says the attempt to land in Edinburgh was just as bad as the second Prestwick attempt. "We realized how bad things had been after seeing the images after finally landing at Manchester with almost no fuel," Marchi says. "There was a lot of relief. People were wanting to get off, and definitely were not up for flying anytime soon, but there was no panic." A Dutch beekeeper is reeling after an arson attack wiped out his entire apiary in Almere, a city east of Amsterdam. Harold Stringer found the remains of his 10 hives, home to an estimated half a million bees, reduced to ashes in Beatrixpark after someone set them alight with what police believe was an accelerant, the BBC reports. Stringer, who had tended the hives for nearly a decade, described the loss as deeply painful, saying he struggled to comprehend how anyone could destroy so many bees. He says his phone number is posted next to the hives, and he has never received a single complaint. Authorities have launched an appeal for witnesses, sharing images of the aftermath, but Stringer doubts the perpetrator will be identified. He says there have been previous fires in the park, but they involved playground equipment far from his hives, NL Times reports. "This is the quiet part of the forest," he says. "Now it just smells of burnt wood. Asian hornets are already flying around, trying to steal honey and carry off a few bees." Each colony held 40,000 to 60,000 bees and there were few survivors. Stringer, who estimates the damage at more than $9,000, tells Omroep Flevoland that friends have urged him to start a crowdfunding campaign. "I don't know exactly how that works," he says. "I've lost my colonies, which I've worked on for all these years, forever." Fellow beekeeper Heleen Nieman has offered to donate one of her own three colonies to help him restart. The conservative editorial page of the Wall Street Journal is out with a scathing piece about the continued push to normalize marijuana use. "How much social and public-health damage will Americans suffer before doing a U-turn on marijuana promotion?" it asks. The editorial cites a new study out of Montgomery, Ohio, showing that more than 4 in 10 drivers in fatal crashes tested positive for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, from 2019 through most of 2024. Of particular concern to the editors is the heightened potency of today's pot, along with growing evidence about associated health risks. The Justice Department obtained a grand jury indictment on Thursday against New York Attorney General Letitia James, charging her with bank fraud in relation to the purchase of a Virginia property in 2023. The case, which centers on claims that James misrepresented her intended use of the Norfolk home on mortgage documents, makes her the second prominent critic of the president to be hit with federal charges in the Eastern District of Virginia since President Trump installed an ally as the federal prosecutor there, the Washington Post reports. James' office sued Trump, his sons, and his business in a civil fraud case, per CNN . Trump has pushed for charging James for months, per the APposting on social media without citing any evidence that she's "guilty as hell." James, a Democrat, has denied wrongdoing. She has said that she made an error while filling out a form related to the home purchase but quickly rectified it and didn't deceive the lender. Federal investigators allege James falsely claimed the Virginia property would be her primary residence while serving as attorney general in New York, which could have secured her a more favorable mortgage rate. James' lawyers said the property was purchased for James' niece and not for personal gain. Last month, Trump forced out the district's chief prosecutor, then nominated Lindsey Halligan, who had no prosecutorial experience, to the post. She's since won an indictment against former FBI director James Comey on unrelated charges; Comey has pleaded not guilty. Halligan personally presented the case against James to a grand jury in Alexandria, a move that's unusual for a top political appointee and possibly reflecting reluctance among career prosecutors to handle the case. According to two individuals familiar with the case, a senior career attorney expressed doubts about the evidence against James, called the case weak, and took steps to shield staff from involvement, per the Post. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. The Kingdom of Bahrain is closely monitoring recent developments in the Gaza Strip and has expressed its appreciation for the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Bahrains support for initiatives aimed at achieving peace in the Middle East. Bahrain urged all parties to work swiftly toward a lasting ceasefire in the region, ensuring the immediate and safe release of all hostages and detainees. The kingdom also called for unhindered access for humanitarian aid and emphasized the importance of advancing efforts for a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, contributing to security, stability, and prosperity for all peoples in the region. TDT | Manama Email: ashen@newsofbahrain.com At a ceremony marking the 35th Anniversary of German Unity, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, reaffirmed the Kingdoms unwavering commitment to peaceful coexistence and dialogue as the cornerstone of regional stability. Addressing diplomats, dignitaries, and officials gathered at the Sheraton Hotel Bahrain, Dr. Al Zayani emphasized that the Kingdom remains steadfast in its vision of a Middle East built on understanding, mutual respect, and cooperation. Turning to regional affairs, the Minister referred to the U.S. peace initiative introduced under U.S. President Donald Trump, describing it as a framework that could pave the way toward a fair, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the region. He reiterated Bahrains enduring support for the two-state solution, stressing that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in peace, security, and mutual recognition remains the most viable path to stability and prosperity. The path to peace requires courage, respect, and the will to build bridges, not barriers, Dr. Al Zayani said, adding that Bahrain will continue to support dialogue and cooperation among nations as the foundation for lasting harmony. In his remarks, Henning Georg Simons, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Bahrain, praised the Kingdoms role in promoting dialogue and cultural diversity, and highlighted Germanys ongoing efforts to support global peace, particularly in light of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. He also emphasized the growing economic and educational cooperation between Bahrain and Germany, noting that both nations share a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and mutual understanding. The evening celebrated 35 years of German unity a symbol of reconciliation, resilience, and shared values while also reaffirming the enduring friendship between Bahrain and Germany as they look toward a future of partnership in energy, peace, and global development. The UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICT in Education is not just an award; it is a statement of Bahrains forward-thinking approach to education, combining innovation with human empowerment. Dr. Mariam Al-Daajan, Member of Parliament, emphasized that the award is among the most influential initiatives in the global educational landscape. This prize does more than honor innovative projectsit embodies a deeply Bahraini philosophy that sees education as the cornerstone for building capable, empowered individuals equipped for the future, she said. Named after His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, the award was never intended as a symbolic gesture. Launched two decades ago, it represents a strategic vision that positions investment in digital knowledge as the true investment in human potential. Using technology in education is not merely a technical goal, Dr. Al-Daajan noted. It is a civilizational and humanistic project that opens doors to knowledge equity worldwide. This year, Bahrain proudly hosted the award ceremony for the first time outside UNESCOs Paris headquartersa milestone recognized internationally as a testament to Bahrains leadership in digital education and academic innovation. Dr. Al-Daajan highlighted that this achievement reflects over a century of educational progress in Bahrain, culminating in a digital transformation aligned with the Kingdoms visionary leadership. The prize symbolizes the evolution of education from traditional methods to a system rooted in interaction, creativity, and critical thinking. Dr. Al-Daajan added, What sets this award apart is its ability to integrate technology with values, knowledge with humanityperfectly in line with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, emphasizing inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all. Supervised by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the award ceremony reaffirms Bahrains ongoing commitment to a human-centered approach, where minds are empowered before infrastructure, and AI and modern technologies serve humanity. Bahrain presents a pioneering model that redefines the relationship between education and development, and between technology and human values, Dr. Al-Daajan concluded. The continuity of this award reflects a royal vision that sees every learner as a future leader, transforming knowledge into empowerment, and learning into action. A man accused of sexually assaulting another man while he was staying with a group of friends at a home in Brigantine was arrested Tuesday. The man was identified by authorities Wednesday as Dwayne Martin Jr., 35, of Atlantic City. Martin reportedly left the residence after the victim confronted him. He is facing additional charges for sexually assaulting at least one other victim in a separate incident and is under investigation for other sexual assaults, authorities said. The investigation began on Sept. 2, 2024, when local police were called to the home and were told by the victim that he woke to find a man he did not know performing a sexual act on him without his knowledge or consent, according to a statement from the Brigantine Police Department. Detectives learned that Martin encountered the group at a bar in another town earlier in the evening, the department said. Video surveillance and witness interviews determined that Martin likely obtained the address the group was staying at while they were ordering a rideshare back to Brigantine. Police later seized and searched Davis electronic devices as part of their investigation and found a video of him performing a sex act on an unconscious man inside a car in Atlantic City on Aug. 20, 2024, police said. The man was identified and told police that he had no memory of the incident as he was sleeping and did not give Martin consent. Detectives also identified other potentially similar and unreported incidents that took place in other jurisdictions and have referred those cases to the appropriate authorities for further investigation, investigators said. On April 9, detectives received a report from the New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Sciences that provided DNA evidence that corroborated the report of the initial victim who came forward in Brigantine, according to the department. A warrant was issued for the arrest of Martin and he was charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, first-degree aggravated sexual assaulting during a burglary, second-degree sexual assault, third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact and other crimes, police said. Martin was also charged on a warrant out of Atlantic City with third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact for the incident that happened on Aug. 20, investigators said. On Tuesday, he was stopped by an Egg Harbor City Police officer for an unrelated matter and was arrested on the Brigantine Police Department warrant, authorities said. He was transferred into the custody of the Brigantine Police Department for processing and then turned over to the Atlantic City Police Department for processing. He was later taken to the Atlantic County Justice Facility pending a detention hearing, officials said. Because this case involved multiple victims, police asked anyone with information on these or other unreported incidents involving Martin to contact the Brigantine Police Department at 609-266-7414 or the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office Special Victims Unit at 609-909-7800. A Bergen County man was convicted Wednesday of stabbing a person outside a Fort Lee home in 2023, authorities said. Freddy Pina, of Fort Lee, was convicted of second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree aggravated assault and weapons-related offenses, according to a statement from the Bergen County Prosecutors Office. During the early morning hours of Aug. 5, 2023, Pina approached and stabbed a man with a seven-inch knife, the office said. The stabbing eviscerated the man, who survived but one of his kidneys had to partially removed as a result of the attack, investigators said. The knife was recovered in Pinas home, and he turned himself in to police two hours after the incident, officials said. Pina was scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 12, the office said. Officials say they uncovered the alleged overbilling while preparing to sell the towns water system and reviewing meter data. Canva for NJ.com Saddle River is suing Veolia Water New Jersey and its parent companies, claiming the town was overcharged by $4 million over 15 years an issue officials say they uncovered while preparing to sell the municipal water system. The lawsuit, filed Oct. 1 in Bergen County Superior Court, accuses Veolia of using defective meters and inflated usage reports to bill Saddle River for water the town never used. Saddle River claims some of the water was delivered to neighboring towns like Ramsey and Allendale through its pipes. The borough says it discovered the discrepancies in 2022 by comparing Veolias readings with individual property meters. According to the complaint, Veolia misrepresented water usage to both the borough and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which led Saddle River to agree to higher minimum purchase requirements in contract amendments. Veolia allegedly blamed the discrepancies on leaks, theft or faulty residential meters, but a leak detection company hired by the borough found no significant leaks. The company replaced the faulty meters only after Saddle River requested it, the complaint said, and the borough says it still doesnt know whether the original meters were damaged, altered or destroyed. Veolia later replaced six bulk purchase meters, but the first replacements were inaccurate and had to be swapped out again, according to the complaint. The borough claims Veolia continued to misreport water usage even after contract amendments in 2010, 2014 and 2015 that raised minimum purchase requirements. The borough claims it was compelled to enter a fifth contract amendment in 2024 to support a planned affordable housing development, despite questioning Veolias usage data. The complaint says Veolia did not dispute the boroughs findings when confronted, but failed to offer any credit or correction. The complaint accuses Veolia of breach of contract, fraud, unjust enrichment, and violating the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. It seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys fees and other relief. Veolia Water New Jersey is the successor to Suez Water and United Water New Jersey, and is part of Veolia Group, a multinational company headquartered in France. The company made news earlier this week when it completed its acquisition of the Manalapan Township Water System, a utility that serves approximately 3,500 homes and businesses. Veolia North America, also named in the suit, is based in Boston and operates a meter department in Hackensack. Attorneys for Saddle River are Victor J. Herlinsky Jr., Nicole G. McDonough, Thomas H. Prol, and Braden B. Couch of Sills Cummis & Gross in Newark. In a statement shared through the attorneys, borough officials said: The Mayor and Council of the Borough of Saddle River are committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of our residents. We insist on integrity and honesty from all our vendors and contractors, and we promise to hold accountable anyone that we believe has not met those standards. Veolia has not yet filed a response in court. In a statement, Adam Lisberg, senior vice president of external communications for Veolia North America, said his company has not been formally served with the lawsuit and cannot comment on its specifics. Veolia has been discussing this issue with Saddle River for years, Lisberg said. We are prepared to continue this discussion in a mediation session scheduled with Saddle River later this month, he added. It is unfortunate that the Borough chose to pursue a lawsuit that will add cost, complexity and delay to resolving this dispute. However this is resolved, Veolia will continue to supply Saddle River with high-quality water that meets regulatory standards, as we always have. You might want to be careful backing out of your driveway if you have certain Toyota models. Toyota is recalling 394,000 vehicles due to defects with the rear view camera on certain models. According to a recall notice from the company, the recall affects certain Tundra, Tundra hybrid and Sequoia vehicles made between November 2021 and July 2025. Heres what you need to know about this Toyota recall and what you need to do if you drive one of these vehicles. Why is Toyota recalling these vehicles? The automaker said it is recalling these select Toyota models because the software in the 14-inch multimedia center display in these vehicles could cause the display to show a half green, full green or full black screen. If this happens while a driver is putting the vehicle into reverse, there is an increased likelihood of a crash, Toyota said in its recall notice. Which Toyota models are affected by the rear view camera recall? Three Toyota models are affected by the rear view camera issue. However, Toyota stressed that only certain vehicles had the issue. The following models are subject to recall, according to Toyota: 2022-2025 Toyota Tundras 2022-2025 Tundra Hybrids 2023-2025 Sequoia Hybrids What should Toyota customers do if they have one of these vehicles? Toyota customers who have one of these vehicles should take their vehicles to a local dealer, where the dealer will update the multimedia display free of charge. Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified about the recall by the end of November. Customers with questions or concerns should contact the Toyota Brand Engagement Center by phone at 1-(800)-331-4331. Two people were arrested in Hudson County after they stole more than $600,000 from clients as part of a fortune telling scheme in Pennsylvania, authorities said. Gina Marie Marks, 52, of Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, and Steve Nicklas, 40, of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, were arrested in Kearny on Sept. 26, according to court records. Marks and Nicklas were charged in Pennsylvania on Oct. 7 with multiple felonies, including corrupt organizations, theft by deception, receiving stolen property and fortune telling, the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office said. No attorney information for Marks and Nicklas was immediately available in court records. The pair allegedly stole $595,959 from one victim who had contacted Jenkintown Psychic Visions in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, for a psychic phone reading, authorities said. Marks and Nicklas were accused of convincing the woman that she was plagued by a curse that would destroy her life. From September 2022 to August 2023, Marks and Nicklas demanded large sums of money and luxury items from the woman, including jewelry, clothing and concert tickets, to cleanse the curse, officials said. The victim was told the items were needed for a ritual and would later be returned but she never got them back, authorities said. A second victim lost at least $18,000 after Marks threatened her with reputational damage and personal repercussions if she didnt comply with her instructions, authorities said. The second victim, who first contacted Jenkintown Psychic Visions in 2023, was allegedly instructed to provide Marks with increasingly personal images and satisfy unorthodox requests during sessions. Marks also demanded that she provide money and a Chanel purse, officials said. Investigators obtained financial records, confirming the victims funds were transferred into accounts belonging to Marks and Nicklas, the district attorneys office said. The investigation initially began after the Montgomery County Detective Bureau became aware of the scam on Dec. 24, 2024, according to officials. These defendants, through their con scheme, preyed on people who were looking for help, guidance and hope, exploiting them for financial gain, said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele. They are now going to be held accountable for their actions. Marks and Nicklas were released on bail, officials said. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 20. The menu at the new Caesars 2 location will remain the same as the original shop. Courtesy of Jarred Bournigal Caesars Bagels & Deli, a popular bagel shop in Hamilton Township, is expanding to a second location in Mercer County The new shop, called Caesars 2, will open in the Lawrence Shopping Center on Brunswick Pike, a short distance from the original location at 110 Flock Road in University Plaza. The bagel business confirmed recently that Caesar and his family are taking over the space currently occupied by Lawrence Bagel. No opening date has been announced. From the popular B wood special to the egg and cheddar cheese bagel sandwich, every bite is a burst of flavor, according to the Caesars Bagels & Deli website. The owner, Caesar, is known for his personal touch, making sure every customer feels welcome and satisfied. The menu at the new Caesars 2 location will remain the same as the original shop. Caesars Bagels & Deli caters to all preferences. Whether youre in the mood for a classic egg and cheddar cheese bagel or want to try one of their vegan options, youre sure to be satisfied, the website said. Renovations are currently underway at the Lawrence Shopping Center site. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, will conduct a Hispanic Heritage Jubilee Mass in Spanish on Friday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m., at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. Tobin, at right, led the annual Hispanic Heritage Mass on Sept. 8, 2023. Archdiocese of Newark/Julio Eduardo Herrera According to the Archdiocese of Newarks Hispanic Ministry service, people descended or originally from Spanish-speaking countries make up 40% of the 1.3 million Catholics in the dioceses four counties, Essex, Hudson, Bergen and Passaic. And like the nations overall Hispanic population, the ministry service says, that percentage is growing. Acknowledging the importance of the dioceses Hispanic community, New Jerseys highest-ranking Catholic cleric will lead a Mass Friday night in Spanish. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, is a Spanish speaker who was a personal friend of the late Pope Francis, a native of Argentina. And like other clerics who will participate in the 8 p.m. Hispanic Heritage Jubilee Mass, Tobin will speak in Spanish, without an English language interpreter, the diocese said. The Mass will be held at the seat of the Newark Archdiocese, the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the twin-spired French Gothic palace of worship overlooking Branch Brook Park, which was elevated to minor basilica status by Pope John Paul II in 1995. New Jersey officially recognizes Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month, a cultural celebration that transcends Catholicism. For its Hispanic parishioners, the archdiocese holds a Hispanic Heritage Mass every year around this same time in addition to Spanish-language standard Masses held every Sunday at Sacred Heart. As the name of the Mass suggests, it will also recognize 2025 as a Catholic jubilee year. Celebrated on the 25th, 50th, 75th and 100th annum of each century, jubilee years provide an opportunity for spiritual renewal and the cleansing of sins through acts of piety like visiting the Vatican or a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Asterio Velasco, a diocese deacon who serves as director of the Hispanic Ministry, said the Catholic faith was a big part of our identity among Latinos. By celebrating this Mass, were honoring our culture, our traditions and everything that makes us who we are, Velasco said. What better way to commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month during the Churchs Jubilee Year? As in the past, many of Fridays celebrants are likely to don the vibrant folk costumes of their ethnic homelands and sing liturgical songs in Spanish. Along with Tobin, the dioceses four auxiliary bishops will take part in the Mass, including Pedro Bismarck Chau, a native of Managua, Nicaragua. Chau was appointed bishop by Francis days before his death in April, then confirmed by Pope Leo in May, making Chau the first Nicaraguan-born bishop in the United States. His Newark appointment last spring was notable for its timing amid President Donald Trumps crackdown on undocumented immigrants, a campaign of detention and deportation in which the states largest city has figured prominently. As a teenager, Chao crossed the U.S. border from Mexico without a visa, then lived and worked for a time as an undocumented immigrant. He eventually made his way to New Jersey, becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen and living a secular life, before a religious reawakening led to his ordination at 40. His boss in Newark, Tobin, is from the more progressive wing of the Church, in the mold of Francis and Leo, and he has been a critic of Trumps crackdown on the nations largely poor and Hispanic undocumented immigrant community. Chaus own border crossing was miraculously painless compared to many others. At age 16, he was driven into the country from Mexico by a woman coyote, or human smuggler, who bore an uncanny resemblance to his mother and convinced border guards that Chau was her son, according to a May profile of him in the National Catholic Reporter magazine. Whether from first-hand experience or simply his god-given compassion, Chau is among Newark Catholic clergy sympathetic to immigrant families living in fear of deportation or separation. As he told the magazine, My heart pains for what theyre going through now. People react as they celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting, at a plaza known as hostages square in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) AP CAIRO Israel and Hamas have agreed to a pause in their devastating two-year war and the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners a breakthrough greeted with joy and relief Thursday but also caution. Uncertainty remains about aspects of the broader peace plan advanced by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump such as whether and how Hamas will disarm and who will govern Gaza. But the sides appear closer than they have been in months to ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, reduced much of Gaza to rubble, brought famine to parts of the territory, and left dozens of hostages, living and dead, in Gaza. The war, which began with Hamas deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, has also triggered other conflicts in the region, sparked worldwide protests and led to allegations of genocide that Israel denies. Even with the agreement expected to be signed later in the day, Israeli strikes continued, with explosions seen Thursday in northern Gaza. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. An Israeli military official who spoke on the condition of anonymity in line with military guidelines said that Israel was continuing to hit targets that posed a threat to its troops as they reposition. In the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, celebrations were relatively muted and often colored by grief. I am happy and unhappy. We have lost a lot of people and lost loved ones, friends and family. We lost our homes, said Mohammad Al-Farra. Despite our happiness, we cannot help but think of what is to come. ... The areas we are going back to, or intending to return to, are uninhabitable. In Tel Aviv, families of the remaining hostages popped champagne and cried tears of joy after Trump announced a deal late Wednesday. In Jerusalem on Thursday, Sharon Canot celebrated with some others. We are so excited this morning, we cried all morning, she said. Its been two years that we are in horror. Under the terms, Hamas intends to release all living hostages in a matter of days, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza, people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss details of an agreement that has not fully been made public. Some 20 of the 48 hostages still in captivity are believed to be alive. In a short video posted by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trump was seen speaking by phone to a group of elated hostage families. The hostages will come back, said Trump, who is expected in the region in the coming days. They are all coming back on Monday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to convene his Security Cabinet late Thursday to approve the ceasefire, and the entire parliament will then meet to approve the release of Palestinian prisoners. Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has opposed previous ceasefire deals, said he had mixed emotions. While he welcomed the return of the hostages, he said he had immense fear about the consequences of emptying the jails and releasing the next generation of terrorist leaders and called for Israel to continue trying to eradicate Hamas and ensure Gaza is demilitarized once the hostages are released. Hamas, meanwhile, called on Trump and the mediators to ensure that Israel implements without disavowal or delay the troop withdrawal, the entry of aid into Gaza and the exchange of prisoners. How the deal will unfold The deal being submitted to Israels parliament and then expected to be signed in Egypt will include a list of prisoners to be released and maps for the first phase of an Israeli withdrawal to new positions in Gaza, according to two Egyptian officials briefed on the talks, a Hamas official and another official. Israel will publish the list of the prisoners and victims of their attacks have 24 hours to lodge objections. The withdrawal could start as soon as Thursday evening, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to be publicly named speaking about the negotiations. As Trump indicated, the hostage and prisoner releases are expected to begin Monday, the officials from Egypt and Hamas said, though the other official said they could occur as early as Sunday night. Five border crossings would reopen, including the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, allowing 400 trucks in the initial days and increasing to 600 trucks after that, the Egyptian and Hamas officials said. The Trump peace plan calls for Israel to maintain an open-ended military presence inside Gaza, along its border with Israel. An international force, comprised largely of troops from Arab and Muslim countries, would be responsible for security inside Gaza. The U.S. would lead a massive internationally funded reconstruction effort. The plan also envisions an eventual role for the Palestinian Authority something Netanyahu has long opposed. But it requires the authority, which administers parts of the West Bank, to undergo a sweeping reform program that could take years. The Trump plan is even more vague about a future Palestinian state, which Netanyahu firmly rejects. After the deal was agreed, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi met with Trumps Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in Cairo on Thursday. Some 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas-led assault that triggered the war, and 251 were taken hostage. In Israels ensuing offensive, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and nearly 170,000 wounded during the war, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants but says around 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. Relief at a deal Even with many details yet to be agreed, many expressed relief at the progress. Beginning Wednesday night and continuing into Thursday, joyful relatives of hostages and their supporters spilled into Tel Avivs central square, which has become the main gathering point in the effort to free the captives. Many sang and danced as they waved Israeli and American flags. Einav Zangauker, the mother of Israeli captive Matan Zangauker, told reporters that she wants to tell her son she loves him. If I have one dream, it is seeing Matan sleep in his own bed, she said. From the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah, Alaa Abd Rabbo called the announcement a godsend. This is the day we have been waiting for, said Abd Rabbo, who was originally from northern Gaza but was forced to move multiple times during the war. We want to go home. This would be the third ceasefire since the start of the war. The previous two also saw hostages and prisoners exchanged. Israel ended the most recent ceasefire, which started in January, with a surprise bombardment in March. Ayman Saber, a Palestinian from Khan Younis, said he plans to return to his home city and try to rebuild his house, which was destroyed last year by an Israeli strike. I will rebuild the house, we will rebuild Gaza, he said. ___ Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel, and Shurafa from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip. Associated Press writers Eric Tucker and Aamer Madhani in Washington, Sarah El Deeb in Beirut, David Rising in Bangkok, Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Giovanna DellOrto in Jerusalem contributed to this report. A woman driving the pickup truck who authorities say caused a head-on collision that killed a 16-year-old driving a car, suffered minor injuries in the crash, officials said. A passenger riding with the 18-year-old pickup truck driver also was treated for minor injuries at Monmouth Medical Center-Southern Campus in Lakewood, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office said. The 16-year-old died of his injuries at the same hospital following the 5:55 p.m. crash near the corner of East Veterans Highway and West Lake Court, authorities said. The eastbound pick up swerved into the westbound lane and struck the 16-year-olds car, authorities said. The Ocean County Prosecutors Office didnt immediately respond to questions about the crash from NJ Advance Media. The 16-year-old was a student at Jackson Township High School, the superintendent confirmed. This is a terrible loss for our school community and our hearts are with the students family, friends, and our staff as we navigate this together, said Superintendent Nicole Pormilli. The sudden loss of a young life is heartbreaking, and difficult to process, especially for students, said Pormilli. We encourage anyone who needs support to please reach out. We have a team of caring and well-trained counselors to assist and to guide families in supporting their children through this. Pormilli sent a district-wide message on Thursday saying the crisis team has been activated for additional support and counseling needs. A GoFundMe.com established for the family of the teen has raised more than $15,500 as of 4:15 p.m, Thursday Officials said the crash remains under investigation. Members of President Donald Trumps administration are tearing into Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) after he claimed Democrats are gaining momentum in the government shutdown standoff. With no breakthroughs in sight, the federal government entered its ninth day of a shutdown on Thursday. The Senate is expected to vote for a seventh time on competing Republican and Democratic measures to reopen the government with both bills falling short of the 60 votes needed to advance for the sixth time on Wednesday. Republicans, in their short-term proposal that passed the House last month, hope to fund the government until Nov. 21 to buy more time to work on annual spending deals. Meanwhile, Democrats, in exchange for their votes, are looking to extend Obamacare subsidies before they are scheduled to expire at the end of the year, as well as undo cuts to Medicaid in Trumps big, beautiful bill that passed this summer. In an interview released Thursday by Punchbowl News, Schumer claimed that Every day gets better for us as he discussed the Democratic strategy to the spending battle. Its because weve thought about this long in advance and we knew that health care would be the focal point on Sept. 30, and we prepared for it, Schumer told the outlet of the government funding deadline. ...Their whole theory was threaten us, bamboozle us, and we would submit in a day or two. His comments come as Schumer has largely kept Democrats unified as GOP leadership hopes to chip away at support. Senate Majority Leader John Thune hinted Wednesday that he may hold separate votes on standalone appropriations bills on the floor. Top GOP leaders have railed against Schumers remarks on X with many arguing that he is hurting Americans in the process. Better for Schumer. Worse for Americans, Vice President JD Vance posted, adding: What a vile sentiment from an alleged leader in our country. White House communications director Steven Cheung accused Schumer of admitting the Democrat Shutdown, calling his comments Vile. Craven. Disgusting. Every Democrat should be asked if they agree with Schumer, Cheung also said. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt chimed in: What a disgusting and revealing statement. Democrats are gleeful about inflicting pain on the American people. The official White House account also claimed America last. Every. Single. Time. While Schumer is celebrating, Americans are suffering. America last. Every. Single. Time. pic.twitter.com/6rjTBXTHIA The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 9, 2025 A number of Republicans in Congress had also slammed Schumer. Yesterday, Chuck Schumerthe engineer of the painful shutdowntold Punchbowl the following," House Speaker Mike Johnson claimed. Incredible. Johnson expanded during an interview with C-SPAN early Thursday: Its stunning to me its tone deaf. Real people are being harmed by this. Thune said that To Republicans, this is not about which party wins or loses. This is about getting the government open for the American people. Tensions had boiled over on Capitol Hill on Wednesday over the impasse between both parties, including a heated exchange between House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.). Lawler had first approached Jeffries, asking why he will not stand behind a bipartisan bill, introduced in the House, for a one-year extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits. Did you get permission from your boss? Jeffries asked. Did your boss Donald Trump give you permission? You can easily extend the ACA right now, Lawler replied, despite GOP leadership, including Johnson, indicating no support that it could be a shutdown compromise. Jeffries went on to tell Lawler: You are making a show of this to make yourself relevant. Youre embarrassing yourself right now. Lawler later shot back, Is that the way to talk? President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable meeting on antifa in the State Dining Room at the White House, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP A conservative guest on CNN criticized the network while defending President Donald Trump on Wednesday night. Host Abby Phillip played a clip on CNN Newsnight of Trump declaring that he took the freedom of speech away when he signed an order targeting the burning of the American flag. Phillip then pressed Brianna Lyman, a reporter at The Federalist, why liberals should not criticize Trumps policies as authoritarian or fascist." Conservatives want liberals to stop calling Trump, you know, authoritarian, fascist, whatever it is. But hes also doing things like saying hes getting rid of the First Amendment. He is calling for the jailing of his political opponents, including a governor and a mayor, Phillip said. Theyre not allowed to categorize that or, you know, describe that in a way that Trump doesnt like? she asked. Lyman then bashed CNN when trying to defend Trumps comment as a joke. Well, I dont think thatsan accurate representation of whats happening. Ill start with the flag burning thing. Donald Trumps executive order did not make it illegal for flag burning. I got to be honest, I didnt see that clip, Lyman said. But given that last week, CNN told me children were being zip tied and that didnt turn out to be true. I dont want to comment on if thats true or not, she added. The Department of Homeland Security rejected accusations that children were zip-tied amid ongoing immigration raids in Chicago last week. Some local news outlets reported that residents, including children, were zip-tied during the immigration raids, according to witnesses. Phillip and Lyman continued to get into a heated exchange on Wednesdays show. You dont want to comment if the clip is true? Phillip asked Lyman. Lyman responded: On what the context of the clip is. I mean, he was talking about the flag burning issue, Phillip noted. And I agree with you. The flag burning EO is nonsense. Phillip then said that in Trumps mind, he thinks that it outlaws flag burning, before Lyman disagreed. I dont think he thinks that. I think its just a tongue-in-cheek comment and I think Americans are extremely disheartened. We are coming up on the 250th anniversary of the greatest country ever created, and to see people burning the American flag is not good for the patriotic spirit, she said. On Wednesday, Trump declared that he took away the First Amendment when discussing his executive order on flag burning. We took the freedom of speech away because thats been through the courts and the court said you have freedom of speech but what has happened is when they burn a flag it agitates and irritates crowds, theyve never seen anything like it on both sides and you end up with riots, Trump said. So were going on that basis. Were looking at it from not, from the freedom of speech, which I always felt strongly about, but never passed the courts. This is what they do is they incite. When you burn an American flag, you incite tremendous violence, he said. Trump signed an executive order in August that targeted flag burning despite it being an activity protected by the freedom of speech, according to a 1989 Supreme Court ruling. Trumps order says there is still room to prosecute flag burning under certain circumstances and urges Attorney General Pam Bondi to vigorously prosecute those who violate our laws in ways that involve desecrating the American Flag. Foreign nationals could face having their visas, residency permits, naturalization proceedings and other immigration benefits revoked, according to the order. They could also be deported. Its an effort to push the issue back toward the Supreme Court, which now holds a 6-3 conservative majority and could reconsider the 1989 decision. Three of the sitting justices were nominated by Trump. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) announced Thursday that she has formally nominated President Donald Trump for this years Nobel Peace Prize but theres a caveat. In a letter dated Wednesday to members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which grants the prestigious prize, Luna pointed to Trumps earlier announcement of a historic ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas as part of a broader U.S.-backed peace plan. Lauding the presidents bold and unprecedented leadership in advancing peace around the globe, she also noted Trumps role in brokering earlier agreements between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. President Donald J. Trumps work has saved lives, brought stability to volatile regions, and shown the world that American leadership still matters, Luna wrote in the letter. For these reasons, I strongly urge you to award President Donald J. Trump the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The formal nomination comes as calls from Trumps closest allies and members of his administration have mounted for him to take home the award all while he has repeatedly argued that he deserves it. At a rare gathering of top U.S. military leaders late last month, Trump said it would be a big insult if he didnt win. While speaking to reporters Thursday, Trump was also asked about the prize, repeating his misleading claim that he solved several wars since taking office. Nobody in history has solved eight wars in a period of nine months. And Ive stopped eight wars, so thats never happened before, Trump said. But theyll have to do what they do. Whatever they do is fine. I know this: I didnt do it for that. I did it because I saved a lot of lives. Trump on the Nobel: "Nobody in history has solved eight wars in a period of nine months. And I've stopped eight wars. That's never happened before. But they'll have to do what they do. Whatever they do is fine." pic.twitter.com/dXEpCuk2KC Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 9, 2025 But while the Norwegian Nobel Committee is set to announce this years laureate on Friday, the deadline for submitting a nomination already passed on Jan. 31, according to guidelines on the institutes website. The committee said it received a total of 338 candidates for the 2025 prize, including 244 individuals and 94 organizations. Lunas recommendation follows a separate nomination from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who pushed for Trump to receive the award Thursday on social media. While visiting the White House in July, Netanyahu said he endorsed the president for the prize. The timing, however, would mean that his nomination is for the 2026 award. In October, Ian Borg, the foreign minister of European Union member state Malta, had also thrown Trumps hat into the ring, according to Reuters, as did Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) in March, Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) in July and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in August. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), on the other hand, added to the political push, introducing legislation for the upper chamber to formally nominate Trump. So did the government of Pakistan for Trumps decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership during the India-Pakistan crisis although its post on X acknowledged the nomination is for next year. Trumps desire for the looming prize could be saved, though, by Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), who publicly said she nominated the president ahead of the 2025 deadline. On Dec. 11, Tenney announced that she recommended Trump, Netanyahu and former Defense Minister of Israel Yoav Gallant for their work on the Abraham Accords. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported Thursday that Jorgen Watne Frydnes, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, told tabloid VG that the decision of this years recipient was already finalized on Monday. Frydnes also signaled to another broadcaster, NRK, that a potential peace deal in the Middle East could count toward next years prize. According to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, the names of all nominators and nominees are not made public until 50 years later. All living people and active institutions or organizations are eligible candidates for the prize. Since World War II, the Peace Prize has principally been awarded to honour efforts in four main areas: arms control and disarmament, peace negotiation, democracy and human rights, and work aimed at creating a better organized and more peaceful world, the website reads. In the 21st century the Nobel Committee has embraced efforts to limit the harm done by man-made climate change and threats to the environment as relevant to the Peace Prize. U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) continued to slam Republicans for not offering a plan to address rising costs of health care amid the ongoing government shutdown. Greene criticized GOP leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), for not offering any solutions to the rising costs of health care. Her criticism comes as Democrats have vowed to oppose any GOP spending bill that does not include an extension for health care subsidies, which are set to expire by the end of the year. In comments to CNNs Manu Raju on Wednesday, she blamed both Democrats and Republicans for health care issues. This comes more than a week after the federal government shut down after Congress failed to pass a spending agreement to fund the government past the Sept. 30 deadline. Everyones just getting destroyed, Greene told CNN. Look, Democrats, you created this mess. Republicans, you have no solutions. You havent come up with a new plan in place, and were not even talking about it, and it is hurting so many people. Greene sounded the alarm on the rising costs of health care in a surprising post on social media platform X earlier this week. She criticized Republicans addressing increasing costs of health care. She also demanded in comments to CNN that Johnson bring the House back to Washington, D.C. Johnson has said that he will not order the House back in session until Senate Democrats vote for the GOP stopgap spending bill to reopen the government. I think he should really bring the House back in session for many reasons, Greene said to CNN. Any serious speaker of the House is going to build consensus within his conference behind a plan. Its not something secret that gets worked on in a committee. She also said the cliff is coming for millions and millions of Americans where their health insurance premiums are about to skyrocket. So put your money where your mouth is, she added. New MTG told me that Speaker Johnson should bring House back to session and cut a health care deal, warning of high costs hurting voters. Says GOP not winning messaging war. Look, Democrats, you created this mess. Republicans, you have no solutions.https://t.co/PYSXfaIu5A Manu Raju (@mkraju) October 8, 2025 She also criticized President Donald Trumps advisers when asked if he is straying from MAGA principles. Id never speak on behalf of the president, but I dont think hes always getting the best advice, she said to CNN. I very much support the president, but I also work for my district, and I made that clear over and over again, thats who has voted for me, she added. She also criticized her GOP colleagues for blaming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) for the shutdown, warning Republicans are not winning the messaging war on the issue. I think the politics are terrible, Greene said, according to CNN. I dont think anyone is sitting at home going, Oh, this is great. The Republicans and Democrats have the government shut down, and theyre not discussing anything to fix it. Democrats are saying, Continue to grow the debt with ACA tax credits, and Republicans are just calling it a Schumer shutdown, so I dont think anybody is winning here, and I think its failure, and I personally dont like it," she added. 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. As New Jersey heads into the final weeks of a contentious race for governor, Democrats still have the most registered voters in the state. But Republican have made significant gains in registrations adding nearly 164,000 voters over the last four years, according to the latest data released by the state Division of Elections. Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill are both vying to replace outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy in Novembers election. All 80 seats in the state Assembly are also on the ballot along with local races. There were more than 6.6 million registered voters in New Jersey as of Oct. 1, according to the latest voter registration data. More than 4.2 million, nearly two thirds of all voters, are registered with a party in New Jersey. Democrats continue to outnumber Republicans with more than 38% of all registered New Jersey voters, according to the latest numbers. About 25% of voters were registered as Republicans as of Oct. 1. About 35% of voters are unaffiliated, the new data says. The remaining voters, less than 2%, are affiliated with smaller political parties, including the Green Party and the Libertarian Party. But the number of Republicans has surged since 2021, with the party gaining more than 163,800 voters in the past four years an increase of more than 10%. The GOP has gained voters in 20 of New Jerseys 21 counties. Only Somerset didnt see an increase. But even in that county, the decline was minimal with the number of Republicans decreasing by less than a tenth of a percent. Meanwhile, Democrats have lost more than 51,000 voters since 2021, the latest numbers show. That is a loss of about 2% of the partys registered voters. The number of Democrats shrank in 14 counties. Cumberland saw the biggest decline with Democrats decreasing by more than 8%. There hasnt been much change in the numbers statewide since the June primary despite efforts to get more voters registered for the general election. Overall, New Jersey added 35,000 new voters since June, a change of about half a percent, according to the latest numbers. Neither Democrats nor Republicans made large gains. Every county saw a decrease in unaffiliated voters and increases in both Democrats and Republicans since June, suggesting already registered voters declared party affiliations to be able to vote in the states closed primaries. Voter registration for the Nov. 4 general election closes on Oct. 14, so the numbers could change a bit before the polls open. Party affiliation isnt always an indicator of how a county will vote. Unlike in the primaries, voters can cast ballots across party lines, and are not limited to voting for candidates from the same party. New Jersey is one of two states electing a governor this November, along with Virginia. Both races are the first major contests since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, and are viewed as an early mark of public perception of his presidency. Here is a county-by-county breakdown of registered voters and how many each party gained or lost since the last gubernatorial election in 2021: Atlantic County Democrats: 69,129 Republicans: 61,430 Unaffiliated: 70,811 How the county has changed: Atlantic County lost 4,124 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county lost 5,349 registered Democrats and gained 4,184 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Bergen County Democrats: 253,404 Republicans: 163,434 Unaffiliated: 254,486 How the county has changed: Bergen County lost 11,839 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county lost 11,426 registered Democrats and gained 12,696 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Burlington County Democrats: 142,962 Republicans: 98,481 Unaffiliated: 123,286 How the county has changed: Burlington County gained 3,467 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county gained 3,104 registered Democrats and gained 7,565 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Camden County Democrats: 181,154 Republicans: 71,023 Unaffiliated: 132,054 How the county has changed: Camden County lost 7,879 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county lost 8,569 registered Democrats and gained 6,464 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Cape May County Democrats: 18,593 Republicans: 34,207 Unaffiliated: 22,896 How the county has changed: Cape May County lost 631 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county gained 68 registered Democrats and gained 2,235 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Cumberland County Democrats: 31,541 Republicans: 25,617 Unaffiliated: 37,863 How the county has changed: Cumberland County lost 461 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county lost 2,815 registered Democrats and gained 2,780 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Essex County Democrats: 293,925 Republicans: 65,501 Unaffiliated: 201,479 How the county has changed: Essex County lost 7,735 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county lost 5,420 registered Democrats and gained 6,974 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Gloucester County Democrats: 85,221 Republicans: 67,162 Unaffiliated: 73,653 How the county has changed: Gloucester County lost 7,344 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county lost 3,619 registered Democrats and gained 9,286 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Hudson County Democrats: 224,909 Republicans: 54,577 Unaffiliated: 142,546 How the county has changed: Hudson County gained 4,632 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county lost 6,186 registered Democrats and gained 9,650 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Hunterdon County Democrats: 31,377 Republicans: 44,051 Unaffiliated: 30,741 How the county has changed: Hunterdon County lost 4,499 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county gained 2,141 registered Democrats and gained 2,261 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Mercer County Democrats: 119,176 Republicans: 43,737 Unaffiliated: 100,582 How the county has changed: Mercer County gained 1,648 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county lost 2,470 registered Democrats and gained 2,091 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Middlesex County Democrats: 239,294 Republicans: 112,140 Unaffiliated: 224,700 How the county has changed: Middlesex County lost 4,934 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county lost 12,169 registered Democrats and gained 14,986 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Monmouth County Democrats: 141,921 Republicans: 168,426 Unaffiliated: 188,297 How the county has changed: Monmouth County lost 9,929 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county lost 2,210 registered Democrats and gained 21,493 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Morris County Democrats: 118,192 Republicans: 137,596 Unaffiliated: 128,785 How the county has changed: Morris County lost 12,291 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county gained 613 registered Democrats and gained 1,380 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Ocean County Democrats: 103,374 Republicans: 200,431 Unaffiliated: 168,415 How the county has changed: Ocean County lost 11,614 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county gained 1,558 registered Democrats and gained 29,220 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Passaic County Democrats: 133,814 Republicans: 80,508 Unaffiliated: 120,009 How the county has changed: Passaic County lost 5,489 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county lost 31 registered Democrats and gained 10,794 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Salem County Democrats: 14,517 Republicans: 16,474 Unaffiliated: 18,082 How the county has changed: Salem County gained 35 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county lost 329 registered Democrats and gained 2,441 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Somerset County Democrats: 91,971 Republicans: 66,432 Unaffiliated: 97,592 How the county has changed: Somerset County lost 3,576 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county lost 1,110 registered Democrats and lost 25 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Sussex County Democrats: 27,356 Republicans: 52,412 Unaffiliated: 39,575 How the county has changed: Sussex County lost 409 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county gained 586 registered Democrats and gained 3,215 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Union County Democrats: 179,006 Republicans: 68,610 Unaffiliated: 138,654 How the county has changed: Union County gained 16,583 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county gained 686 registered Democrats and gained 10,718 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Warren County Democrats: 24,510 Republicans: 38,048 Unaffiliated: 26,077 How the county has changed: Warren County lost 3,980 unaffiliated voters between October 2021 and October 2025. The county gained 1,551 registered Democrats and gained 3,439 Republican voters in the same timeframe. Republican Jack Ciattarelli (left) and Democrat Mikie Sherrill spar Wednesday night at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center in the second and final debate of the New Jersey governor's race. Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media The second and final debate in the New Jersey governors race turned explosive Wednesday night when Democrat Mikie Sherrill said Republican Jack Ciattarelli profited from the nations opioid epidemic and killed tens of thousands of people as his former publishing company created propaganda for the drug industry. Sherrill, a congresswoman, twice connected Ciattarelli directly to the deaths, which she said included children. Ciattarelli, a former state Assemblyman, called Sherrills comments a lie. The accusations were part of a combative three-minute exchange that also saw Ciattarelli attack Sherrill over her connection to a U.S. Navy cheating scandal 30 years ago and a fine she paid three years ago related to stock trades. It all underscores how personal and heated the election has become less than four weeks before voters decide on Nov. 4 which of the two contenders succeeds term-limited Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy. Ciattarelli once owned a medical publishing company called Galen Publishing. During Ciattarellis last run for governor, in 2021, NJ Advance Media reported the company was paid millions of dollars in grants from the pharmaceutical industry to produce continuing education materials for universities. That included a piece that appeared to downplay the danger of opioids for patients using them for pain management. About 40 minutes into the hour-long debate at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center came a question on creating jobs. Sherrill said Ciattarelli likes to talk a lot about being a businessman, but I think what New Jersey doesnt know much about his business. How he made his millions by working with some of the worst offenders and saying that opioids were safe, putting out propaganda, publishing their propaganda while tens of thousands of New Jerseyans died," she added. Sherrill also alleged Ciattarellis company which he sold in 2017 helped develop an app so that people who were addicted could more easily get access to opioids. First of all, shame on you! Ciattarelli replied. Shame on you, sir! she shot back. Shame on you! he said again. @njdotcom Things got ugly between New Jersey governor candidates Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli during their second debate after Sherrill claimed a medical publishing company Ciattarelli ran took money to make "propaganda" for opioid manufacturers. Ciattarelli shot back with a reference to a naval academy graduation scandal from Sherrill's past, calling on her to release her military records. ABC7NY original sound - NJ.com | New Jersey News Ciattarelli said the fentanyl crisis was caused by tens of thousands people crashing our (countrys southern) border during President Joe Bidens administration and Sherrill supported those open border policies. He said since the border has been secured under President Donald Trump, the crisis has decreased significantly. With regard to everything she just said about my professional career which provided my family its a lie, Ciattarelli said. Im proud of my career. Sherrill added: I think our kids deserve better. I think the people you got addicted and died deserve better than you. Then the back-and-forth escalated. When Sherrill continued to air her charges, Ciatarelli said: I got to walk at my college graduation. Sherrill responded: Im so glad that you then went on to kill tens of thousands of people in New Jersey, including children. Ciattarelli was referring to how Sherrill admitted she was barred from walking in her 1994 graduation from the Naval Academy, which she said was because she would not turn in classmates involved in a famous cheating scandal. He has called on Sherrill who did graduate and served nine years in the Navy to release her disciplinary records to confirm what happened. Ciattarelli also suggested Sherrill broke the law a reference to how she was fined for improperly reporting stock trades related to her husband in 2022. Sherrill paid a $400 fine. This is the same misinformation he continues to promote, Sherrill responded, stressing she does not trade in individual stocks. She continued: I think youre trying to divert from the fact that you killed tens of thousands of people by printing your misinformation, your propaganda. Families across the state deserve to know more about that, Sherrill added. Ciattarelli chimed in: The difference between me and the congresswoman: I got to walk at my college graduation. Ive never broken the law. Sherrill disagreed, noting theres a federal investigation into how the National Archives released largely un-redacted copies of her military files to a Ciattarelli ally doing opposition research over which she has said Trump colluded with Ciattarelli. Ciattarelli has denied wrongdoing. What he never learned, despite walking at his graduation, was accountability, integrity, care for the community, Sherrill said. Ciattarelli let out a whistle and said: Getting desperate. Democrats attacked Ciattarelli over this issue during the 2021 governors election which he lost to Murphy after NJ Advance Media published its story about the publishing company. The report detailed some of the allegations about opioids but not the app Sherrill mentioned. Sherrills team circulated the story in a press release after the debate exchange. This is the first time its become an issue in this race. Talking to reporters after the event, Ciattarelli called Sherrills comments another desperate tactic by a desperate campaign on behalf of a desperate candidate. Its a lie. Ciattarelli did not elaborate. Reporters asked Sherrill afterwards if Ciattarelli is personally responsible for the content of what was published. I think hes responsible for publicizing the propaganda from opioid companies when he was saying opioids were safe and the publishing company was saying they were safe and people were dying, she said. Asked if she had evidence Ciattarelli knew people were dying because of the opioids, Sherrill said: I guess hes not really expressed anything about this. I think theres a lot we dont know, she added. I think he continues to not be very transparent about it. State statistics show 27,490 people in New Jersey died of opioid overdoses from 2012-23. The drama instantly transformed what started as a relatively restrained debate. The candidates also graded Trumps second term so far. Ciattarelli a former critic who is now endorsed by the president gave Trump an A. Sherrill gave him an F. Asked to grade Murphys tenure, Sherrill gave him a B, Ciattarelli an F. And there were policy arguments about taxes, immigration, and more. They both did agree on something: They wont try to repeal the famous state law making New Jersey the only state in the nation barring people from pumping their own gas. Read more about the debates top moments here. Recent polls have shown a relatively tight race. One showed a tie, while others found Sherrill leading Ciattarelli by as much as 8 percentage points. NJ Advance Media staff writer Brianna Kudisch contributed to this report. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller sparked a fierce backlash this week by claiming President Donald Trump possesses plenary authority to deploy National Guard troops to U.S. cities. Millers phrasing seemed to imply that Trump holds absolute, unchecked power to federalize troops and deploy them at his discretion. During an appearance Tuesday on CNN, Miller said the administration had filed an appeal with the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after a federal judge blocked the White Houses efforts to send troops from the California National Guard into Portland, Oregon. I would note the administration won an identical case in the Ninth Circuit just a few months ago with respect to the federalizing of the California National Guard, Miller said. He added that under Title 10 of the U.S. Code the president has plenary authority before abruptly stopping mid-sentence. When CNN resumed the segment a few minutes later, citing technical difficulties, Miller again claimed Trump has the ability to federalize the National Guard while avoiding that earlier phrasing. Well the administration will abide by the ruling insofar as it affects the covered parties, Miller said. But there are also many other options the president has to deploy federal resources and assets under the US military to Portland. But I was making the point that under federal law, title 10 of the U.S. code, the president has the authority anytime he believes federal resources are insufficient to federalize the National Guard to carry out a mission necessary for public safety. Following Millers CNN interview, former Lawrence County (Pa.) district attorney Matthew Mangino told Newsweek that the office of the president is not endowed with it (plenary authority). While a president possesses plenary power in certain instances like granting pardons the commander in chief does not possess absolute authority over the military under Title 10 of the U.S. Code. We live in a nation that has checks and balances on power, Mangino added. Congress and the courts can stop a president who seeks to exceed his authority. The first National Guard troops sent to Chicago by Trump arrived Tuesday at an Army training center outside the city. Since the start of his second term, the Republican president has sent or discussed sending troops to 10 cities, including Portland; Baltimore; Memphis, Tennessee; the District of Columbia; New Orleans; and the California cities of Oakland, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Democratic governors and city leaders have pushed back against those efforts. First of all, its illegal, its unconstitutional, its dangerous, its wrong," Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said Tuesday during a press conference. "This is not about deportation. This is not about safety for this president. This is about authoritarianism. Its about stoking fear. Its about breaking the Constitution (and) that would give him that much more control over American cities. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Trump sending the National Guard: Its illegal. Unconstitutional. Its dangerous. Its wrong. This is not about deportation. This is not about safety. This is about authoritarianism. Its about stoking fear. Its about breaking the Constitution pic.twitter.com/8qjet9E9xH Marco Foster (@MarcoFoster_) October 7, 2025 Court hearings regarding the Guard deployments to Chicago and Portland are scheduled to take place Thursday afternoon. This comes after Trump on Wednesday called for Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to be jailed for opposing his efforts, and after Oregon Governor Tina Kotek denied the need for troops in her states largest city amid protests outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. This is not a factual need on the ground in Oregon, to deploy any of the military in the National Guard, whether theyre from California or Texas or Oregon, Kotek said, per Oregon Public Broadcasting. This is a fundamental issue for our democracy about what the control and the authority of the president is, and what the court says it is. The rule of law has to hold. The Associated Press contributed to this report. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that his administration will only cut programs popular with Democrats as the government shutdown stretched into its ninth day. While speaking during his eighth Cabinet meeting, Trump said he will be making cuts that will be permanent amid a partisan standoff in the Senate. I hate to tell you, because that makes sense, but were only cutting Democrat programs. But were going to start that, Trump said. ...They wanted to do this, so we will give them a little taste of their own medicine. With no end to the stalemate in sight, the Senate is voting for a seventh time on competing Republican and Democratic measures to reopen the government with both bills repeatedly falling short of the 60 votes needed to move forward. In a short-term spending proposal, which passed the House last month, Republicans are looking to advance a stopgap measure that would fund the government around current spending levels until Nov. 21. Democrats, meanwhile, are hoping to extend Obamacare subsidies before they are set to expire at the end of the year, as well as undo cuts to Medicaid in Trumps big, beautiful bill that passed this summer. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has maintained that Democrats are gaining momentum as the shutdown continues. He told Punchbowl News, in an interview released Thursday, that every day gets better for us sparking outrage from Trump administration officials, who argued on social media that the Democratic leader is hurting Americans. During his remarks, Trump pointed to Russ Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, who has announced a halt in spending for several initiatives in Democratic-led cities after the government shut down just after midnight on Oct. 1. The Trump administration put a hold on $2.1 billion in funding for Chicago infrastructure projects, Vought announced on X last Friday, as the Department of Transportation blamed Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for the government shutdown. It came on the heels of Vought also saying he will freeze $18 billion in funding for New York Citys Hudson Tunnel Project and the Second Avenue Subway line. Trump argued last week that Democrats have given him an unprecedented opportunity to cut what he described as Democrat Agencies in a post on his Truth Social platform. He later posted an AI-generated video of him and Vought dressed as the grim reaper. While speaking to the cabinet, Vice President JD Vance said that the government shutdown is causing real consequences for families. He noted a federal food assistance program known as WIC, which he said his mother utilized when he was a baby. That program is about to be underfunded, and is about to get cut off, because Chuck Schumer wont open the government, Vance claimed. Governor of California Gavin Newsom speaks during the Clinton Global Initiative on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, in New York. AP Photo/Andres Kudack California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) dared Joe Rogan to host him on his show, firing back after the popular podcaster mocked his political record and potential run for the White House. Rogan discussed possible Democratic contenders for the 2028 presidential election during Wednesdays podcast episode with guest Jack Carr, an author and retired Navy SEAL. At one point, Rogan suggested that Democrats dont have any faith in Newsom to run for the White House. They dont have any faith in Gavin Newsom, which is kind of funny, because he wants to be president, so bad, Rogan said. You cant ruin a city and then go on to ruin a state and say, Guys, that was just practice. Once I get it as a president, I want to fix it. I fix it all. Carr then noted that Newsom is such a great politician, before Rogan fervently disagreed. No hes not, Rogan said. I think hes terrible. Rogan suggested it was low competition that allowed Newsom to keep getting reelected. Carr explained that he should not have said Newsom was a good politician, but that he was smooth. Rogan responded by saying Newsom was a good bulls--- artist. But the things that he says when he gets confronted...Were the highest this and the highest that. Everybodys leaving! You have the highest unemployment, you have the highest homelessness, Rogan explained. You killed Hollywood, like Hollywood doesnt exist anymore. Its literally gone. Mandated vaccines for kids that didnt need them. You guys, he did horrible s---, Rogan added. Newsom responded to a clip of the exchange on social media platform X, where he used a chicken emoji to troll Rogan. Joe Rogan is too [chicken emoji] to have me on his show and expose his listeners to the truth, so Ill put it here, Newsom wrote. He noted that California is the fourth largest economy in the world and the top state in manufacturing, farming, new business starts, tech investments and in Fortune 500 companies. He then challenged Rogan to host him on the podcast. I could continue invite me on any time, @joerogan," Newsom wrote with a smiley face emoji. Joe Rogan is too to have me on his show and expose his listeners to the truth, so Ill put it here. California is: - 4th largest economy in the world - #1 in manufacturing - #1 in farming - #1 in new business starts. - #1 for tech and VC investments - #1 for Fortune 500 https://t.co/w6EprxNYud Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) October 8, 2025 Newsom has been fueling speculation that he is gearing up for a 2028 presidential run as he escalates his public attacks on President Donald Trump. Newsom launched a podcast of his own earlier this year, where he hosted a number of Trump supporters including MAGA architect Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was assassinated last month while speaking at an event. Newsoms press office has been mocking Trump by mimicking the presidents social media posts for months, often tweeting posts in all-caps and giving his political rivals new nicknames. The MAGA base and conservatives have complained about Newsoms new social media strategy, with many arguing that he is not being authentic. Newsom even took the trolling a step further in August by launching his own merchandise shop that plays off Trumps slogan, Make America Great Again. Secretary of State Marco Rubio whispers to President Donald Trump during a roundtable meeting on antifa in the State Dining Room at the White House, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP As the Nobel Peace Prize verdict approaches on Friday, do bettors believe President Donald Trump has a high chance of winning the prestigious award? While Trump has maintained that he deserves the prize, recently saying it would be a big insult if he didnt win, calls from the presidents closest allies and members of his administration have mounted after he announced Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of a U.S.-backed plan to end the conflict in Gaza. Trump said that he expects Hamas to release all remaining hostages on Monday. Of the 48 hostages that are still believed to be in captivity, Israel estimates that 20 are alive. The agreement also includes Israeli troop withdrawal to an agreed-upon extent and the release of some Palestinian prisoners. Retweet if you believe @realDonaldTrump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize," Eric Trump, one of the presidents sons, wrote on X after Trumps announcement on his Truth Social platform. Retweet if you believe @realDonaldTrump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. Eric Trump (@EricTrump) October 9, 2025 The official White House account called Trump The Peace President. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also posted: Undoubtedly, President Trump should receive the Nobel Peace Prize. According to Star Sports, an independent bookmaker based in the United Kingdom, Trumps odds of winning the award have increased over the past few hours. Newsweek reported that the president stands at a 25% probability, right behind Sudans Emergency Response Rooms at 33.3% as of Thursday morning. On Oct. 3, Trump only had a 16.7% chance among bettors on the platform, according to the outlet. Polymarket, the worlds largest prediction market, finds Trump, who has 6.5% odds, in fourth. It finds the president also trailing Sudans Emergency Response Rooms (37%), as well as Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and humanitarian aide charity Doctors Without Borders, both with 10%. Oddspedia, compiling data from Ladbrokes and Unibet, has Trump as a favorite to win the prize, with a 33.33% probability. Sudans Emergency Response Rooms follows with 28.57%, and Navalnaya has a 20% chance. As it stands: Donald Trump is favorite to win the Nobel Peace Prize at +200, Oddspedia wrote on its website. Meanwhile, Jorgen Watne Frydnes, the head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awards the prize, told tabloid VG that the decision of this years recipient was already finalized on Monday, Bloomberg reported. Frydnes signaled that a possible peace deal in the Middle East would count toward next year. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Mostly cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 28F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Snow in the evening will give way to lingering snow showers overnight. Low 18F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Snowfall around one inch. The glacial pace of the citys permitting office forced chef Zuhair Azaar to delay the opening of his new Mediterranean restaurant Pita Paradise. But Azaar says that while he may have felt discouraged, he never felt derailed. I worked on my recipes, said the 25-year-old chef-owner. What else could I do? Friends in other cities told me they waited a month. I applied the first day I signed the lease in October (2024). But things take so long in New Orleans. Thanks to the support of his parents, Azaar was able to pay his bills until he opened in March. All the while, he was perfecting his chicken shawarma recipe, one of the standouts at the restaurant located at 4701 Freret St. Pita Paradise Where 4701 Freret St., (504) 354-9395; Instagram: @pita_paradise_ When Lunch and dinner daily How Dine-in Check it out Middle Eastern favorites on Freret Street I must have cooked 15 cases of chicken, he said. Every time I was missing something. So, I did it again and again. The resulting 36-hour process delivers the tenderest pressed bird, fragrant with a house spice blend sourced from Azaars native Jerusalem. Both the chicken and the beef shawarma marinate for 24 hours, then spend another 12 hours compressing into a glossy, round of skewered flavor, carved to order for platters, bowls and sandwiches on homemade pita bread. Plates all come with hummus, rice spiced with turmeric and Greek salad. His menu touches on most Middle Eastern greatest hits, including hummus made daily from dried chickpeas after a 12-hour soak, spiced with a swirl of chopped jalapenos with lemon juice. Theres a garlicky labneh and smoky roasted eggplant, just one of the menus vegan options. Another, his fried falafel balls, are crunchy outside, with a moist flavorful interior of spiced chickpeas, which are also prepared fresh daily. Meanwhile, Azaar grinds his own blend of beef and lamb for the gyro, a juicy choice for sandwiches or in a bowl with roasted veggies. A layered spinach pie, crispy with baked phyllo, is served with a tzatziki dipping sauce. Portions are generous, and prices are reasonable. Platters are all $19.99 except for the grilled lamb chops, which are $25.99. Sandwiches are $13.99. Azaar takes pride in using all fresh, never frozen ingredients. Everything is made in-house, from scratch. Thats what makes us special, he said. Theres also the name, which he says he chose because it sounded like a fun, relaxing destination. Azaar and his family moved from Jerusalem to be close to friends in New Orleans 10 years ago, when he was 16. The insecurity of his birth city, where his grandmother still lives, is a constant stress that you become accustomed to, he said. Even though you dont want to, you get used to it, he said. When he finished high school, Azaar, who lives on the West Bank, knew college wasnt for him. For five years, he worked in kitchens, including three years at Anatolia, a Turkish restaurant on Magazine Street. Thats where he learned to make the spicy adana kebabs, his own mince of lamb and spices. The restaurant has been spruced up considerably from its days as Kolache Kitchen. Stripes of different shades of wood are set in a herringbone pattern on the wall behind the counter. A large silver platter and tea set on the counter would be at home in a Turkish rug store in the Grand Bazaar. Theres a case that holds a variety of desserts, including honey-oozing baklava and knafeh, a sweet cheese pastry made with a birds nest of kataifi, or shredded phyllo. The corner restaurant includes a scattering of tables that seat 20 inside, with room for 10 outside along the sidewalk. Although he doesnt have a liquor license, guests can BYO, with Rouses conveniently right next door. There's also a lemony Lebanese tea, served floating with pine nuts. Like every other restaurant owner, Azaar is looking forward to a busy fall. The many students who swarm the neighborhood are a big source of business. The location is great, he said. Its very hard to be the owner, to be responsible for everything. But I keep learning something new every day. A rendering of possible new road and rail links through the Central Wetlands system lakeside of Meraux in St. Bernard Parish, which are deemed necessary to alleviate congestion and accommodate thousands of trucks daily coming from the Port of New Orleans' proposed Mississippi River container terminal at Violet. GLOBALink | Surging Chinese holiday travel brings new energy to Europe's tourism scene Pub Date:25-10-09 10:31 Source:Xinhua From Switzerland's snow-capped peaks to the UK's cultural landmarks, Chinese outbound travelers have flocked to Europe during this year's eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. #GLOBALink Editor:Qin Shuying Related News Feeling the 'Taste of MidAutumn' Fore... Trio win Nobel Prize in Chemistry for deve... Serbia launches regular train service on C... China Focus: How China turns 'super golden... / by Source - All articles and letters published on Bulawayo24 have been independently written by members of Bulawayo24's community. The views of users published on Bulawayo24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Bulawayo24. Bulawayo24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received. Three men have been sentenced to a total of 11 years in jail at Exeter Crown Court for their part in kidnapping and beating a man in Holsworthy last year. Connor Stevens, aged 24, of Stanhope Close, Holsworthy, was convicted of Section 18 GBH, robbery and possession of an offensive weapon and was given six-and-a-half years. Kai Abbott, aged 26, of Morwenna Park Road, Bideford, was convicted of affray and sentenced to 15 months in custody. Ryan Hawke, aged 33 and of Castle Douglas, Scotland, was convicted of kidnap and received three-and-a-half years. READ NEXT: North Devon drug dealer who used criminals only phone platform is jailed All three were sentenced on Thursday, October 2. The court heard how in June 2024, Hawke, who was known to the victim, had arranged to give the victim a lift to pick up a vehicle from his ex-partners house. Hawke picked him up at Launceston Cemetery and made several errands before stopping the car at Dunsland car park, between Holsworthy and Black Torrington, at around 9pm. The victim remained in the passenger seat while Hawke exited the vehicle and took the keys, telling the victim he wasnt going anywhere. The car was then approached by two masked men who told the victim to exit the car where one of the men, later identified as Stevens, struck the victim several times with a claw hammer. Hawke then left the scene while both Stevens and Abbot continued attack the victim in a sustained assault. After Stevens and Abbot left the scene, the victim hid in some nearby woods, but soon collapsed, only to be found the next day by a member of the public. Emergency services were called and the first responding police officer administered first aid. The victim was taken to North Devon District Hospital where he was treated for his injuries. A CT scan revealed fractures to his head and legs with bruising over his body. All three men were located and arrested shortly after the incident. Police carried out extensive data analysis of their phones which revealed that all three offenders had been in the area at the time of the attack and they were subsequently charged. DC Sam Jones said: The violence used in this pre-planned attack has no place on the streets of North Devon. The sentences imposed by the judge are intended to deter future offending by criminals within the community and reinforce the commitment to justice and community safety. READ NEXT: Westward Ho! rapist jailed for 20 years To report a crime or if you have information about crime, use the online reporting tool on the Devon & Cornwall Police website at https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk or call 101. If a crime is taking place, call 999. Crime can also be reported completely anonymously. Visit the Crimestoppers website or call 0800 555 111 to report a crime with complete anonymity. As Europe rethinks its supply chain dependencies, a new production corridor is emerging across Central Asia, and Uzbekistan is working to position itself at its centre. Once known as a trade crossroads, the country now wants to become a manufacturing bridge between Europe and Asia, inviting international companies to move from selling to producing locally. Since 2017, the country has seen average GDP growth of 5.3% annually and has improved prospects for private sector development, according to the World Bank. Inflows of foreign direct investment to Uzbekistan reached a record $11.9 billion (10.24bn) in 2024. Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Xujaev delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the fair - Courtesy of the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan But as the countrys imports continue to rise from heavy machinery and metals to lithium-ion batteries, the governments strategy has shifted. Rather than restricting imports, it now wants to localise them through partnerships with international manufacturers. Customs used to be seen as a controlling body at the border. Now its a facilitator of trade, Farkhod Olimjonov, head of strategy implementation at Uzbekistans Customs Committee, told Euronews during the first-ever international exhibition Uzbek Import Fair 2025, dedicated to the theme Optimising imports through increased local content. Farkhod Olimjonov, Head of Strategy Implementation at Uzbekistans Customs Committee - Euronews Weve eliminated paper declarations, introduced remote e-clearance, and modernised border posts. The goal is not to stop goods at the border, but to help them move faster and to make more of them inside the country. The reforms are starting to reshape trade flows. Imports of transformers, copper and chemical products have dropped sharply in the last nine months, while the number of entrepreneurs importing raw materials for domestic processing has surged by nearly 50% during the same period. Related From Zara to gold refineries foreign brands go local European and Asian companies are responding. Inditex, the group behind Zara, Massimo Dutti, and Stradivarius, says it is expanding its cooperation with the Uzbek government to streamline customs and production. We appreciate the simplified procedures and reduced tariffs, Nigar Allaverdiyeva from Inditex Azerbaijan told Euronews. Our goal now is to finalise agreements that will allow a full range of our products to benefit from these privileges. Nigar Allaverdiyeva, Inditex representative from Azerbaijan - Euronews At the other end of the spectrum, state-owned giants like the Navoi and Almalyk mining and metallurgical plants are seeking partners to localise industrial production. Importing heavy machinery or excavator parts from distant countries costs time and money, told Euronews Sharifjon Fayziyev, an engineer at Navoi. BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) The United States has introduced sanctions against Serbias main oil supplier, which is controlled by Russia, the company said Thursday. Serbia's president said this could have unforeseeable consequences for the Balkan country. Serbia depends almost entirely on Russian gas and oil supplies, which it receives mainly through pipelines in Croatia and other neighboring states. The gas is then distributed by Petroleum Industry of Serbia, or NIS, which is majority-owned by Russias state oil monopoly Gazprom Neft. The sanctions could deprive Serbia of gasoline and heating oil ahead of the winter months. Populist President Aleksandar Vucic is already under pressure at home from 11 months of anti-government protests. He said the sanctions will have extremely dire consequences in many aspects: This is something that will affect every citizen. Vucic said Serbia will continue talks with both American and Russian officials. He said the government is prepared for the situation and urged people not to panic. Trust your state. We will go through this together, he said. NIS said Thursday it had failed to secure another postponement of the U.S. sanctions, which could jeopardize its efforts to secure oil and gas deliveries in a longer term. The special license from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which enables unhindered operational business, has not yet been extended, NIS said in a statement. It added that it has stored enough supplies to keep the operation moving for customers for a longer while. It also said problems could occur at NIS gasoline stations with payments made by foreign bank cards but added that cash payments would be accepted. The U.S. Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control originally placed sanctions on Russias oil sector on Jan. 10 and gave Gazprom Neft a deadline to exit ownership of NIS, which it didnt do. There was no immediate comment from U.S. officials. Gazprom Neft also owns Serbias only oil refinery. Analysts say that Serbia is collateral damage in a power game between Russia and the U.S. Had the Russians agreed to sell their share, none of these things with sanctions would have happened, said Aleksandar Milosevic, a Serbian economic analyst. But Russians do not want to sell. They are more ready to accept all the financial consequences coming from the sanctions than to actually show weakness and sell NIS, he said. So this is a political game between Russia and the United States and Serbia is kind of, basically, an irrelevant player in all that. Although formally seeking European Union membership, Serbia has refused to join Western sanctions against Russia over its invasion in Ukraine, in part because of the crucial Russian gas deliveries. Top 10 GLBA Pitfalls That Could Cost You Title IV Funding Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET Dont wait to become the cautionary tale! When the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) Safeguards Rule officially went into effect, compliance became mandatory for all Title IV institutions. History shows that penalties are inevitableand the consequences could be existential, including the loss of Title IV eligibility. This session, led by veteran CISO and executive cybersecurity consultant Stephen Heath, will cut through the legal and technical jargon to highlight the Top 10 GLBA pitfalls institutions are struggling with today. From missing risk assessments and outdated policies to unsecured vendors and weak access controls, youll gain a clear, practical understanding of the compliance gaps that put Title IV funding at risk. You will walk away with: A clear understanding of GLBAs Safeguards Rule and its impact on higher education. Real-world examples of common compliance failures. Actionable steps to strengthen your security posture before your next audit. A GLBA Readiness Checklist to benchmark your institutions program. GLBA enforcement may still be in its early stages, but someone will eventually become the cautionary tale. This session will help you ensure it's not you. Register now! About the presenters: David Kendall, CEO, KAI Partners David Kendall is the Founder and CEO of KAI Partners, with over 30 years of experience leading IT, program management, and compliance initiatives in the public sector. For more than five years, he has worked closely with the California Community College Chancellors Office, including supporting the development of its cybersecurity policy framework. David brings deep insight into technology modernization and strategic leadership. xx of all the drug seized Fentanyl U.S. Smaller smuggling routes MEXICO D.R. Largest smuggling routes VENEZUELA Cocaine COLOMBIA ECUADOR Pacific Ocean PERU BOLIVIA Fentanyl U.S. Smaller smuggling routes Largest smuggling routes D.R. MEXICO VENEZUELA Cocaine COLOMBIA Pacific Ocean ECUADOR PERU BOLIVIA Why Blowing Up Venezuelan Boats Wont Stop the Flow of Drugs The U.S. military has killed at least 21 people in recent strikes on small boats that it says were smuggling drugs off the coast of Venezuela. President Trump justified the attacks by saying the United States is in an armed conflict with drug cartels and vowing to destroy Venezuelan terrorists and trafficking networks. But Mr. Trumps focus on Venezuela is at odds with reality: The vast majority of cocaine is produced and smuggled elsewhere in Latin America, according to data from the United States, Colombia and the United Nations. And Venezuela does not supply fentanyl at all, experts say. Here is how those two drugs actually get to the United States. Cocaines path north U.S. MEXICO West Caribbean 16% Caribbean 8% Pacific 74% VENEZUELA Cocaine flows COLOMBIA ECUADOR Main coca producers PERU BOLIVIA Cocaines path north U.S. Caribbean 8% MEXICO West Caribbean 16% Pacific 74% VENEZUELA Cocaine flows COLOMBIA ECUADOR Main coca producers PERU BOLIVIA Source: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, 2019 The New York Times Smuggling routes by sea U.S. By sea MEXICO VENEZUELA Cocaine flows COLOMBIA ECUADOR Main coca producers PERU BOLIVIA Smuggling routes by sea U.S. By sea MEXICO VENEZUELA Cocaine flows COLOMBIA ECUADOR Main coca producers PERU BOLIVIA Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime The New York Times Smuggling routes by air U.S. By sea MEXICO By air VENEZUELA Cocaine flows COLOMBIA ECUADOR Main coca producers PERU BOLIVIA Smuggling routes by air U.S. By sea MEXICO By air VENEZUELA Cocaine flows COLOMBIA ECUADOR Main coca producers PERU BOLIVIA Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime The New York Times Smuggling routes by land U.S. By sea MEXICO By air By land VENEZUELA Cocaine flows COLOMBIA ECUADOR Main coca producers PERU BOLIVIA Smuggling routes by land U.S. By sea MEXICO By air By land VENEZUELA Cocaine flows COLOMBIA ECUADOR Main coca producers PERU BOLIVIA Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime The New York Times Three countries in South America produce most of the worlds cocaine. The majority of the cocaine that is smuggled to the United States moves through the Pacific, not the Caribbean, U.S. data shows. And it usually travels indirectly. Many boats, including some from Venezuela, make stops in Caribbean countries or head toward Mexico or Central America en route to the United States. Traffickers also move a smaller amount of cocaine by clandestine flights, mostly to Mexico and Central America. Venezuela shares a border with Colombia, the worlds largest cocaine producer, and is a point of departure for the flights, according to U.N. data. Once cocaine reaches Mexico or Central America, it is mostly transported north by land and across the U.S.-Mexican border. In the 1980s and 90s, the Caribbean was the main route for smugglers taking cocaine to the United States. Now, most of that traffic moves through the Pacific. The Caribbean remains a pass-through point, however. And some countries in the region say that in response to an increased U.S. military presence on the water, some traffickers have started flying their product through the area. But in recent years, top U.S. officials have rarely mentioned cocaine as a priority. Their focus has been on fentanyl, the drug tied to a national overdose crisis. Venezuela plays essentially no role in the production or smuggling of fentanyl. The drug is almost entirely made in Mexico with chemicals imported from countries in Asia, including China, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Justice Department and the Congressional Research Service. Describing the boats destroyed by the U.S. military off the coast of Venezuela, Mr. Trump has said they carried enough drugs to kill tens of thousands of Americans. He did not specify what drugs. Fentanyl seizures at the Southwest border in 2024 9,810 lb U.S. 20,037 643 525 Most fentanyl is manufactured in Mexico. Chemicals from Asia Pacific Ocean Fentanyl seizures at the Southwest border in 2024 9,810 lb U.S. 20,037 643 525 Most fentanyl is manufactured in Mexico. Chemicals from Asia Pacific Ocean Source: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration The New York Times Cocaine is sometimes mixed in with fentanyl, but when that happens, experts say, it mainly takes place after both drugs reach the United States. Mexican cartels, including some designated as terrorist organizations by the United States, largely control how drugs like fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine cross the border. (The substances mostly come in by land, sometimes concealed in cars or trucks, not by sea.) The Trump administration has pressed Mexicos government to do more to stop drugs from entering U.S. territory, but former diplomats and regional analysts say that American claims notwithstanding the boat strikes off Venezuela appear to have a different aim. Some suggest that they may instead be intended to put pressure on Venezuelas president, Nicolas Maduro, or end his rule altogether. Trump officials have called him an illegitimate leader and accused him of running a cartel. He denies any involvement in drug trafficking. Whatever effect the strikes have in Venezuela, these experts say they are unlikely to alter the flow of the deadly drugs fueling Americas crisis. James Story, the American ambassador to Venezuela from 2018 to 2023, said even if the United States achieved limited success, traffickers would regroup. And using military might to take out small trafficking boats, Mr. Story said, is like using a blowtorch to cook an egg. Desperate to get into prison and help his young grandson, a 60-year-old man from Guadeloupe robbed a local supermarket at gunpoint and then waited patiently to be arrested. The unusual incident took place at the end of September in Sainte-Rose, a commune in the north of the Guadeloupe archipelago. A former firefighter with no criminal record walked into a supermarket located near the local police station with a balaclava over his mouth and holding a firearm. After demanding all the money in the cash register and helping himself to a piece of Emmental cheese and a bottle of wine, the man was arrested as he slowly walked back to his car, as if he wanted to be caught. It turns out that this was his goal exactly, as he wanted to get into prison to help his grandson. Photo: Unsplash He was desperate: he wasnt interested in money, he just wanted to get into prison to see his grandson and at least go for a walk with him, Lea Le Chevillier, the mans Court-appointed lawyer told Agence France Press, adding that he had seen his grandson in the visiting room with a broken tooth after being molested by his fellow inmates. Prosecuted for armed robbery, aggravated assault, and rebellion, the sixty-year-old man with a clean criminal record appeared before the Court and admitted the facts he was accused of. However, the completely unprecedented profile of the perpetrator left everyone scratching their heads, including the presiding Judge, who, instead of the typical three to five years of prison time, ruled that the man acted out of desperation and should not pay such a high price for it. The sixty-year-old man will have to compensate the victims of his robbery, receive psychological treatment, and refrain from visiting the shopping center he robbed. He will also retain his right to visit his grandson, legally, without becoming an inmate. Interestingly, this is not the first time weve written about people committing crimes as a way of getting into prison. An old Chinese woman was recently hospitalized after swallowing eight live frogs to treat the back pain caused by a herniated spine disc. When suffering from back pain, most people will take some painkillers, maybe use some ointments, or see a doctor about it, but an old woman from Hangzhou, in Chinas Zhejiang province, decided that the best course of action was to swallow frogs. After hearing a rumor that swallowing live frogs could help relieve back pain, the woman, surnamed Zhang, asked some relatives to catch some mid-sized amphibians for her, but didnt tell them what she planned to do with them. She proceeded to swallow five live frogs one day, and followed that up with another three the next day. It wasnt long before she started experiencing excruciating stomach pain. Photo: Aurora K At first, Zhang only felt a slight discomfort in her stomach, but the intensity of the pain increased over the following days. It was only when she could no longer bear it that she confessed to her family that she had swallowed eight live frogs. When she was rushed to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, doctors conducted tests and ruled out the possibility of a tumor, but discovered an abnormally high number of oxyphil cells in his body a telltale sign of certain diseases such as parasitic infections or blood disorders. Swallowing live frogs damaged the patients digestive system and allowed parasites to enter her system, a doctor told reporters, adding that the patient had become infected with the Sparganum tapeworm, a parasite commonly found in people who eat or come into contact with live frogs and snakes. After spending two weeks in the hospital, Mrs. Zhang made a full recovery and was discharged, but doctors wanted to use her case as a cautionary tale about the risks of folk remedies. In addition to swallowing frogs, many people also eat snake gall, raw fish gall, or cover their bodies with frog skin, a doctor said. Most of them are elderly and rarely discuss their health with their children and grandchildren, only going to the hospital when they are seriously ill. Nathan Miller It masquerades as a brain, but without human judgment its only noise. At 2:37 a.m., I was still staring at a blinking cursor, drafting a speech that would be delivered at the United Nations in just a few hours. Every phrase would be parsed by diplomats, journalists, allies and adversaries alike. The wrong word could be read as a shift in policy or an intentional diplomatic slight. Those nights as a speechwriter for Israels Mission to the United Nations were brutalbut they made me a better writer. Speeches went through dozens of revisions. Wrestling with language at impossible hours sharpened my judgment and forced me to refine my craft. Today, when I think back on those late-night struggles, I cant help but wonder how different they might have been if Id had access to artificial intelligence. The New Editor in the Room Writing has always been an iterative process. The first draft is almost never the final draft. Good writers refine, edit and sharpen ideasoften with the help of an editor or trusted colleague. Now, AI can take on some of that role. Used well, it can act as a supercharged thesaurus, a nimble fact-checker, and a tireless sparring partner. With the right prompts, AI can generate alternatives in seconds that might take a human hours. But if you simply ask it to write something without bringing your own perspective, the results will be shallow, inaccurate and sometimes absurd. AI isnt a substitute for thought. Its an amplifier of it. Espresso and Iteration My morning coffee ritual offers a useful metaphor. At home, I use a manual espresso machine. Its demanding. Grind size, tamping, water pressureget any of them wrong, and the shot is ruined. At the office, I use an automatic machine. Press a button and a decent cappuccino pours out. Its fast, consistent, and good enough when time is short. Both have value. Sometimes I want the art and control of the manual process. Sometimes I need the efficiency of the automatic. Writing with AI works the same way. There is no substitute for the craftsmanship of shaping words. But there are moments when leaning on automation makes sense. The key is knowing when to grind the beans yourselfand when to press the button. Tools Dont Replace Craftsmen A piano doesnt compose a sonata, and a stethoscope doesnt heal a patient. They are tools that extend human capabilitynot replace it. The difference with AI is that it masquerades as a brain. Because it can string words together, were tempted to treat it as an independent mind. Thats the biggest mistake. AI doesnt have perspective, lived experience, or judgment. It is not a thinker. It is a toolpowerful, yes, but still a tool. The responsibility to create belongs to us. The Riskand the Opportunity The real risk of AI isnt that it will erase creativity. Its that we might let it dull our own, outsourcing originality to an algorithm. If that happens, we wont just lose jobswell lose the discipline that has sharpened human thought for millennia. From the cave paintings of early humans to the plays of Shakespeare, storytelling has always been elemental to who we are. As Yuval Noah Harari notes in Sapiens, it was our unique ability to share stories that allowed humans to cooperate in large groups and build civilizations. AI can either continue that trajectoryhelping us become sharper, faster, more creative storytellersor it can blunt our senses, creating a society divided between those who know how to use it as an amplifier and those who let it replace their own voice. AI may assist with the words, but only humans can tell the story. *** Nathan Miller is the founder and CEO of Miller Ink, a strategic communications firm. He previously served as the chief speechwriter for Israels mission to the United Nations. Tesla has hired Trump-connected Continental Strategy for DC representation. Elon Musks company shelled out $560K for federal lobbying during the first-half of this year on issues related to auto technology, AI, robotics, battery storage, EV charging infrastructure and autonomous vehicle policies. Tesla made news on Oct. 7 by announcing plans to sell cheaper versions of its Model 3 and Model Y cars. They will sell for about $5K less than current models to help offset the loss of a $7,500 federal tax credit that was killed by Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress. Continental founder Carlos Trujillo served in the first Trump administration as ambassador to the Organization of American States. He also was a Trump campaign surrogate in outreach to Latino voters during the 2024 presidential campaign. Continentals Tesla team includes partners Alex Garcia, who was deputy political director for the Trump campaign; Tim Costa, chief of staff for Republican Congressman Dan Meuser; and VP Paul Calkins, ex-lobbyist for the International Franchise Assn. THE La Sainte Union des Sacre-Coeurs order of nuns was founded in 1826 by Jean Baptiste Debrabant in Douai in France. As part of a year of bicentenary celebrations a series of events will be held in France, Britain and Ireland. Last Sunday, the Banagher community of LSU nuns began their celebrations with a thanksgiving Mass held in St Rynaghs Church which Bishop Paul Connell concelebrated along with Fr Pat Kiernan PP. Later in the afternoon, several events took place in Banagher College Colaiste Na Sionna, commencing at 2pm with a photographic collection that was simply overwhelming to take it all in in the time allocated. There were old photographs going back many years accompanied by cuttings from the local Midland Tribune that carried news reports, sporting events, religious happenings etc. that took place over the years. There was even a box of old photographs which were neatly put together in several photo albums and which attracted a lot of attention. READ NEXT: Coming soon! Pick up the latest edition of Offaly Life magazine Mrs Geraldine Noonan and Mr Kevin Jordan were two special guests who delivered some history on the life of the LSU sisters. Both speakers have written works on the history of the Order. After some light refreshments were served, the last event of the day took place with a short walk down the road to St Rynaghs old Graveyard in the heart of Banagher where a wreath was placed on the table tombs of Mary and Anne Fox who are buried there. The two sisters endowment facilitated the establishment of the congregation in Banagher in 1863. READ NEXT: Even bigger weekend for Lowry family: Shane welcomes new nephew! AN 18-year-old driver had a momentary lapse of concentration and struck another vehicle near Birr, Tullamore District Court heard. A fine of 200 was imposed on Ruari Spain, Boveen, Brosna, Birr after he pleaded guilty to careless driving at Ballyegan, Birr on December 17 last. Mr Spain had turned 18 the previous month. Sergeant Richard Thornton told the court Mr Spain was driving a 2002 Toyota Hilux and when he failed to observe a vehicle making a left turn he struck it, driving it onto a hedge. Sergeant Thornton said the accused had no previous convictions. Paul Noctor, BL, defending, said his instructions were that the other vehicle did not have an indicator on but Mr Spain nonetheless realised the incident should not have happened. It was a momentary lapse in concentration by him and he was taking the matter very seriously. He's a young man starting out in a career and driving was his passion, said Mr Noctor. READ NEXT: Tullamore woman accused of stealing over 37,000 from Offaly charity The defendant was now going to college and working on a farm and he relied heavily on his licence for transport. Judge Valerie Corcoran noted that Mr Spain had insurance and a full licence and had pleaded at earliest opportunity. It was unfortunate that it was a road traffic matter for him and he will receive penalty points which is out of my control. She convicted him of careless driving and said the fine must be paid within six months. The Tullamore Court Hotel buzzed with excitement as local Offaly-based artist Olive Cuskelly unveiled her latest collection, 'And Still We Rise last Saturday, October 4. The exhibition showcased 22 stunning oil and acrylic paintings, each deeply inspired by the poignant writings of acclaimed UK poet and best-selling non-fiction female author Donna Ashworth. Olives painting collection explores themes of resilience, empowerment, and emotional healing. As the title itself suggests there is a focus on overcoming adversity and celebrating strength. CLICK ON THE ARROWS ABOVE TO GO THROUGH ALL THE PICTURES A large crowd gathered to support Olive, filling the venue with an atmosphere of creativity and community. Attendees, young and old, enjoyed a delightful wine reception while listening to the endearing background music played by Aine Colgan on keyboards. The event featured guest speakers, starting with psychotherapist Lorna Heffernan, who welcomed the audience and provided insight into Donna Ashworth's impactful work. A special video message from Ashworth herself was played, expressing her congratulations to Olive for her new body of work. Ashworth, who was unable to attend due to her own book tour in the UK, shared her pride in being the inspiration behind Olive's paintings and recited her poem 'Yellow,' which resonated with the crowd and earned enthusiastic applause. Following this, Geraldine Byrne, former Principal of St. Joseph's NS spoke, discussing individual paintings and the poetry that influenced Olive's vision. Her heartfelt interpretations moved the audience to an emotional depth as she referred to the themes of grief, hope and love portrayed in some of the works. The exhibition remained open for public viewing on Sunday, allowing visitors to reconnect with the artwork in a more relaxed setting. Many returned to take in the pieces without the hustle and bustle of the previous night's crowd, enjoying a steady flow of art enthusiasts throughout the day. Olive Cuskelly expressed her gratitude to everyone who attended and supported her throughout the weekend. She appreciates all those who sent good luck wishes, those who purchased her work and those who commissioned new pieces. This weekend's exhibition not only celebrated Olive's artistic talents but also highlighted the powerful connection between art and poetry, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. For inquiries regarding artwork, Olive can be reached through her social media platforms or via email, Email: olivecuskelly@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/olive.cuskelly Instagram: www.instagram.com/olivecuskelly_art_tullamore/ AN Offaly man accused of knocking a garda sergeant down by driving a car at him faces spending Christmas behind bars. Jeffrey Moran (35), College View, Rahan, was remanded in custody today (Thursday, October 9) by Judge Sinead McMullan at Tullamore Circuit Court when she refused him bail. Mr Moran had been remanded to appear at the Circuit Court on Tuesday but when he did not do so a bench warrant was issued. Detective Sergeant Brian Jennings gave evidence of arresting Mr Moran on Wednesday at the train station in Portlaoise where the man was seen with bags of clothes and the garda believed he was going to board a train. Detective Sergeant Jennings said he was opposing bail because of breaches since Mr Moran appeared in Tullamore District Court in February. A condition of bail at that time was that the accused was to sign in at Portlaoise Garda Station but the evidence was that he failed to do so on 188 occasions out of 232. He had also missed two court appearances this year and two bench warrants had to be issued. There were also six breaches of a curfew which had been imposed on him. When David Nugent, BL, appearing for Mr Moran, put it to Detective Sergeant Jennings that the accused was waiting for a lift at the train station, the garda witness said the man had not told him that. The detective said Mr Moran had a phone with him and pointed to a scar on his head which he said had been caused by being hit with a bottle in Clara. In his own evidence Mr Moran said he had returned to live in Rahan following a period living in Laois and wished to sign in at the garda station in Moate instead of Portlaoise. He said it was costing him 50 every day or two to drive to the station and if it was changed to Moate it would be nearer and he could get help from his family. Mr Moran said he had been in difficulty recently with an eye injury which required him going to the eye and ear in Dublin and in addition he had been struck with a pint glass. The court heard that incident which resulted in the head injury may have been a case of mistaken identity. Mr Moran also said he had two daughters and wanted to be admitted to bail because his youngest would be celebrating her first Christmas this year and he wished to be with her. He said he would sign on twice a day at the garda station in Moate. I'll do whatever it takes, he said. READ NEXT: Drugs worth nearly 50,000 found in Offaly sting operation Asked by Shane Geraghty, BL, for the DPP, why he had missed his appearance at the Circuit Court the previous Tuesday, Mr Moran said he was injured that day. Mr Geraghty said that the maximum sentence for the most serious charge Mr Moran is facing, that of endangerment, is seven years in prison. Judge McMullan said that while Mr Moran enjoys the presumption of innocence, she was really concerned about the failure to sign on at the garda station. We can't have people just not signing on in such a blatant manner, said the judge. She said the accused did not seem to be taking the bail conditions seriously and while she would not admit him to bail, she would not estreat the independent surety which had been pledged when it was first granted. Mr Moran had been granted bail on his own bond of 500 cash with an independent surety of 5,000. His case will not be listed for trial until June next year at the earliest but Judge McMullan remanded him in custody to appear before the Circuit Court again on January 13 next. The endangerment charge against Mr Moran arises from an allegation that on February 18 last he drove at speed and collided with Detective Sergeant David Scahill. Further charges connected with that are alleged assaulting a garda, failing to stop a vehicle, five offences of dangerous driving and driving without insurance. A contested bail hearing in February was told it would be alleged by gardai that Mr Moran was driving a black Audi A4 in Tullamore when gardai signalled him to pull over but instead he continued driving. It would be alleged that when Detective Sergeant Scahill was getting out of his car he was hit by Mr Moran's and knocked to the ground. The officer had to be hospitalised. The Audi was also seen in Ballycumber and Pullough, the bail hearing was told. It is a condition of Mr Moran's bai that he stay away from Detective Garda Scahill who is based in Tullamore Garda Station. A 30-year-old single woman has recently received an eviction notice from her landlord in Dublin through no fault of her own. The woman, Aoife McGrath, told Lunchtime Live that she has spent the last ten years renting and has never missed a payment or "done anything wrong". She said that she is being let down at every single opportunity when it comes to housing policies and she doesnt know what her future will look like after she was recently terminated. This is the second time that weve been told this, and then the third time it was the house was being sold, she told Lunchtime Live. Weve never once faulted on a payment, weve never been late, we havent caused any issues. Its just heartbreaking to be quite honest, because where do they expect us to go? What options are there for people like me, or people that dont really have the option to buy by themselves? Ms McGrath said she understands that because of the new tenancy laws alongside tax rates, many landlords are looking to get out of the market. However, she said that even with actions such as the 1,000 renters' credit, the recent Budget 2026 doesnt offer supports to renters. What good is that when rent is already so high? she said. That 1,000, is that going to help me find somewhere to live? Is that going to help me in the process? READ NEXT: People acting 'more and more aggressive' towards bar workers since Covid Like, I went to a viewing last week for a one-bedroom bedsit, basically it's priced nearly two grand. When I got there, there was 40 people trying to view a one-bedroom house. According to Ms McGrath, she was nearly broken by the last two moves she had to make. Im heading into Christmas with a sick family member that will pass soon, knowing that I dont have a stable base, she said. I dont know what my future is going to look like now; like, will I have to move out of Dublin? Will all of my contracts go? Im self-employed so I work for myself, but I have loads of contracts on the go that are permanent contracts. Ms McGrath said that multiple of her friends and family have already emigrated, and while she doesnt necessarily want to follow them, she feels stuck for choice. Im looking at buying a van, to be quite honest, because at least that will be a stable place for me to go home to, she said. Like, what other options do I have? Realistically, what other options do I have? Ms McGrath said she feels like the Government are leaving us behind. Children are "undermining their learning" and "cognitively offloading" by using AI in their school and homework. It has been causing friction between students and teachers recently, with teachers questioning, "what's the point in homework?" as they don't know whether AI or a child has produced the work. Rita Bateson, Director of Education at Eblana Learning, was speaking on RTE Radio 1 today. "It's very important that we're looking very clear-eyed at the advantages and disadvantages," she said. Ebalna Learning provides AI guidance for international schools and teachers. READ NEXT: BREAKING: RTE confirm dramatic Ray D'Arcy exit as he's missing from radio show Rita said that internationally, there is a focus on AI literacy and how to use it, whereas in Ireland children are using it as a way to offload their thinking. She described it as "cognitive offloading" and it means students are going to AI for answers that they might actually already have in their own notes or school books. "The temptation (is) to ask it to do some of the brainstorming or initial ideation for a project or getting some good ideas," Rita added. The problem is that because of how AI is designed, even when children intend just to use it for planning purposes, the software will offer to start the project or homework for them. As a result, students are beginning to rely on it to get started and avoid that "blank page effect." "As adults, we already have those fine-tuned abilities to research and we can use it as an accelerant but they are accelerating passed the learning process and that's quite a dangerous place to be in," Rita said. She added that children using AI in this way is "undermining and eroding" their learning as once they get home, they are not putting into practice what they learned in the classroom that day. "We have to now build education systems around productive struggle because the students don't get enough struggle," she said. READ NEXT: 'Risk to public health' that raw sewage is still going into Irish waterways At the moment, Eblana Learning is working on developing an AI curriculum for schools. Rita revealed that students are also accusing teachers of using AI to correct their work. Despite these hurdles, she says that AI does have many advantages in education too, particularly when it comes to learning languages or supporting children with additional needs. A DAY of vibrant community engagement, rich cultural appreciation, and insightful personal development was marked by Tullamore Toasters on Wednesday. The meticulously planned agenda fostered connections and celebrated local talent, leaving attendees with lasting memories. The event, held at the Bridge House Hotel, began with a warm welcome from Division F Director, Derek Walsh, who introduced District Director Mairead Dillon. Mairead Dillon's address set an inspiring tone for the day, emphasising key initiatives and goals. Councillor John Leahy, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, followed, underscoring the importance of public speaking and encouraging young people to join Toastmasters Internationaleven suggesting a six-month membership as an ideal Christmas gift. Attracta Ni Bhradaigh of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann delivered a captivating talk on the history of Irish music, enlightening the audience about traditional instruments. Her subsequent musical performance was nothing short of brilliant, as she skilfully played both the fiddle and the flute, showcasing her exceptional talent and deep connection to Irish musical heritage. READ NEXT: New Celtic High Cross to be dedicated at ancient Offaly monastic site The interactive Table Topics session, led by Catherine Ryan and Charles Malone, was a dynamic highlight. Participants honed their impromptu speaking skills in a supportive environment. The Mix and Mingle Tea Break session provided a relaxed setting for networking and building relationships. Mark Bastow and Francis Keenan delivered excellent speeches, sharing compelling stories and insights. Francis Keenan delivered a speech about President Abraham Lincoln, while Mark Bastow transported the audience to ancient Greece with a tale of learning effective communication. Jillian Geraghty and Philip Holin provided constructive feedback, emphasizing continuous improvement. The event culminated with an Awards & Closing presentation by District Director Mairead Dillon. A particularly special moment was the recognizing of Charles Malone as Toastmaster of the Year in District 71, celebrating his dedication and contributions. In addition, Greta Flynn was given a special award, recognizing her 25 years of dedication to Tullamore Toastmasters. Following the awards, Mike Keenan, along with Mary McGuinness, paid a heartfelt tribute to Pat McAsey, the first president of Tullamore Toastmasters, sharing stories and song that honoured his legacy. Mike Keenan finished off the evening with a few fantastic songs in remembrance of Pat. The organisers would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the management and staff of the Bridge House Hotel for their invaluable assistance and support in making the event a success. Overall, the gathering in Tullamore was an enriching and enjoyable experience, celebrating community, culture, and the power of effective communication. READ NEXT: New online school admissions pilot launched in Offaly schools A brand new 1.3 million mental health Crisis Resolution Service has been announced for Tullamore as part of the 2026 mental health budget. The project offers a huge boost to the mental health services in Offaly after funding was confirmed by Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD. Following the announcement, Minister Butler stated that similar services have successfully been established in other areas of the country such as Sligo, Donegal and Kerry. The initiative which represents a 1.3 million recurring annual investment creating ten new full-time positions with the target of strengthening community-based mental health supports across the region. The announcement has been welcomed by Deputy Tony McCormack TD who describes it as a "real and meaningful step forward in improving access to mental health supports for people across Offaly". McCormack continued: "This new service will provide people in crisis with the help they need, when and where they need it - in their own community. It's about early intervention, compassionate support and keeping people connected to local services". READ MORE: Offaly school mourns passing of former teacher and president A Crisis Resolution Team and a Solace Cafe will be the two key components of the new service. The Crisis Resolution Teams are community-based multidisciplinary teams that provide rapid assessment and short-term intensive support for adults experiencing a mental health crisis. Support is typically provided at home, in the community or virtually over a period of six weeks with the team's extended hours also offering a flexible seven-day service. Solace Cafes are one of the newest additions to Ireland's mental health care model offering a non-clinical, welcoming and safe environment for people in need of support outside typical working hours. The Cafes will be predominantly open in the evenings and weekends and will be run in partnership with various local community organisations. Deputy McCormack added that the substantial investment "shows real commitment from government to strengthen mental health care at a local level". McCormack concluded by saying: "Every community should have somewhere people can turn when they are struggling - without stigma and without delay. This new service will make that a reality for people here in Tullamore and the midlands". Offaly's new Crisis Resolution Service is expected to begin its rollout in 2026 with recruitment for the ten new staff positions to follow later next year. The iconic Jerusalem Marthoma Church in Kottayam, with its brick tile roof and magnificent spires, now houses a brand new church organ, brought all the way from the Netherlands. The Johannus Opus 380 church organ has become a joyous addition to the church which celebrates its 125th anniversary. The church organ is operated using the player's hands and feet and digitally sampled realisitic notes are generated through resounding 4.1 speakers. The Jerusalem Marthoma Church choir holds an estimable reputation within the Marthoma church and supporters have been encouraging the ensemble to include an organ to embellish the service. With zero plans and merely a dream, the choir had been in casual talks with John Eapen, the dealer of the Johannus brand in India. But talk quickly turned to action when Eapen informed them that the owners of Johannus were visiting India. A meeting was arranged and the church welcomed the Dutch visitors who quickly saw it as an appropriate home for their Opus 380 series. A deal, sweetened by the personal interaction, was struck at 17 lakhs and the organ was homebound. Somehow, it all worked out, Rev K A Abraham told Onmanorama. The vicar had been assisting the church committee in organising fundraising activities to spare no expense for the quasquicentennial jubilee. ADVERTISEMENT Many are familiar with our church choir, says Reuben Philip Abraham, one of the choir leaders, who has been part of the group for around 22 years. The organs tone and that of the keyboard cannot be compared, asserts Reuben. Now, we laugh about how we used kalla (dummy) organ tones on our keyboard so far. ADVERTISEMENT Reuben reveals that this is the first installation of the Opus 380 series in India. An exemplary digital church organ, the Opus 380 has three manuals, 43 stops and 4 in-built speakers. Each of the 43 stops have specific tones that were recorded, digitised and programmed into the instrument giving it the ability to produce different sounds and provoke different moods. It includes samples from recordings of five famous pipe organs from churches in Kampen, Miami, Raalte, Paris and Dresden. In addition to pipe organ tones, it also has stops that produce the sound of wind instruments like the pan flute and the trumpet. According to choir master Gibu George, the church organs vibrant and majestic tone supports the vocals. Its more powerful and natural than other instruments so when you pair it with vocals, you can open up and sing, he shares. The choir master pointed out that the difference between an actual pipe organ and a keyboard is that the pipe organ produces an indirect soundone that bounces off different parts of the room it sits in before reaching the ears of a listener. Thats why if you place the same pipe organ in five different churches, you get five different feelings, he adds, attributing the instruments distinct sound to its surroundings. ADVERTISEMENT As Reuben and his choral compatriots transition from their old keyboard to the new church organ, the Jerusalem Marthoma Church choir is ready to add a deeper dimension to their service. Nowadays, the younger generation wants to try different things, so our older members are making new investments to support their dreams, shares Rev. Abraham. The church organ was donated by Manapurath Dr. George M Abraham and Dr. Susan V George, in memory of his parents, late Rev. Dr. M V Abraham and Mary Abraham. Dr. George and Dr. Susan share a deep love for music and are passionate organists and members of Carmel Mar Thoma Church, Boston. As the choir at Jerusalem Marthoma Church introduce their latest intrument to the service, they remember the legacy of their late organist V C Cherian, whose music and spirit continue to be deeply missed. Batshit out of Hell (Image by A 'Cecil' I) Details DMCA A Paper in Progress: Comments Welcome The Engineered Pandemic: A Deliberate Dual-Use Catastrophe Foreseen and Enabled by American and Chinese Viral Manipulation Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic represents not a random evolutionary occurrence but a foreseeable catastrophe arising from reckless dual-use biological research conducted through American and Chinese collaboration. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) explicitly warned the U.S. Department of Defense in 2018 about escalating security concerns related to synthetic biology, including capabilities to engineer dangerous viruses and create novel pathogens (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). Despite these warnings, American scientific leadersnotably Dr. Peter Daszak of EcoHealth Alliance (EHA) and Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)allegedly circumvented regulatory safeguards to fund high-risk Gain-of-Function (GoF) research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) (Huff, 2022). The resulting crisis triggered governmental and pharmaceutical profiteering facilitated by liability shields under the PREP Act, enabling rapid deployment of products characterized by some experts as gene therapies rather than traditional vaccines. The subsequent intelligence cover-up, rooted in split assessments and deliberate data obfuscation, continues preventing definitive attribution, revealing a profound governance failure demanding immediate transparency and accountability. The seismic rupture caused by the COVID-19 pandemic shattered global stability, disrupted economies, and eroded trust in public institutions worldwide. The official narrative often portrayed the virus as a natural zoonotic spillovera pathogen that randomly "jumped" from animal to human hosts. However, careful examination of the funding mechanisms, research methodologies, and governmental oversight preceding the outbreak reveals a far more disturbing origin: a catastrophe resulting from deliberate engagement in dual-use virology research, jointly pursued by elements within American and Chinese biodefense and academic communities. This pursuit involved advanced techniques including novel synthetic means and Gain-of-Function (GoF) researchmethodologies explicitly designed to enhance the infectivity or pathogenicity of infectious agents. The irony is profound: warning sirens regarding this dual-use dilemma were not merely present but were formally codified in official U.S. defense analyses well before the first case emerged in Wuhan. NASEM, reporting directly to the U.S. government during the first Trump administration, detailed how rapid advances in synthetic biology dramatically expanded the spectrum of potential biodefense threats, explicitly raising concerns about capabilities to modify or create dangerous viruses (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). Yet despite this institutional foresight, key U.S. government funding streams through USAID and NIH NIAID enabled the transfer of advanced GoF technology to the WIV (Huff, 2022). The subsequent pandemic sparked intense political controversy, with figures such as Rudy Giuliani publicly alleging that "the Chinese manufactured the virus and deliberately spread it all around the world" (Giuliani, 2020, as cited in Baron Cohen, 2020), underscoring how deeply politicized the origins controversy remains. This political environment severely compromised scientific inquiry and was followed by a pharmaceutical surge generating billions of dollars under emergency authorizations that shielded manufacturers from liability. The documented failure of scientific investigation and origin discovery continues affecting society today, highlighting systemic institutional corruption demanding resolution. The U.S. national security apparatus received explicit alerts about vulnerabilities inherent in modern biotechnology years before the COVID-19 outbreak. The 2018 NASEM Consensus Study Report, Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology, was commissioned by the Department of Defense and its interagency partners to assess security concerns arising from advances in life sciences. The report defined synthetic biology as encompassing "concepts, approaches, and tools that enable the modification or creation of biological organisms," pursued primarily for beneficial purposes but carrying potential for malicious applications threatening U.S. citizens (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). The report meticulously detailed how modern biotechnology expands the catalog of potential defense concerns. Among the primary capabilities analyzed was the malicious potential to re-create known pathogens. Using contemporary technology, "the genome of almost any mammalian virus can be synthesized," relying on sequences readily available in public databases like GenBank (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). The report cited examples including poliovirus synthesis and recent construction of the horsepox genome spanning over 200,000 base pairs, demonstrating the increasing "feasibility of booting larger genomes" (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). NASEM assessed this capability as warranting the "highest relative level of concern" because the usability of this technology was ranked as "High Concern"synthesis costs were relatively low, with DNA production becoming increasingly inexpensive and cell culture facilities manageable to operate (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). More directly relevant to SARS-CoV-2's origins was the capability to make existing pathogens more dangerous through modification. NASEM determined the concern level for making existing viruses more harmful was "medium-high" for the factor of "Usability as a Weapon" (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). This capability involves modifying viral characteristics to achieve enhanced virulence, enable evasion of existing countermeasures such as therapeutics or vaccines, or alter the pathogen's host rangethe capacity to infect different species or tissues, typically determined by viral cell attachment protein interactions with receptors, often described as "Altered Tropism" (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). While rational design for such complex modifications was considered substantially challenging at the time, the potential for achieving these goals was rapidly increasing through synergies with computational modeling, high-throughput screening, and directed evolution technologies. The NASEM analysis explicitly warned that strategies based on static "agent-based lists" such as the Federal Select Agent Program would be "insufficient for managing risks arising from the application of synthetic biology" (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). This deficiency proved critical, as synthetic biology enables creation of novel or altered pathogens not appearing on regulatory lists, allowing malicious activity to evade detection and oversight. The NASEM warnings thus constituted an explicit declaration to defense and intelligence agencies that pursuing engineered, highly virulent pathogens was becoming increasingly feasible, requiring expanded strategies beyond those modeled on Cold War threats. The report also noted the severe difficulty in achieving attribution for attacks using synthesized viruses, as resulting infections might prove indistinguishable from natural outbreaksa prescient observation given subsequent origin controversies (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). The creation of SARS-CoV-2 sits squarely within the dual-use framework identified by NASEM, rooted in U.S. funding and technology transfer to Chinese collaborators. The work was spearheaded by Dr. Peter Daszak's EcoHealth Alliance, which secured funding from NIAID (directed by Dr. Anthony Fauci) for the proposal "Understanding the Risk of Bat Coronavirus Emergence" (Huff, 2022). This NIH funding followed initial support from the USAID PREDICT program, which established the critical relationship between American and Chinese scientists, including Dr. Shi Zhengli of the WIV, and enabled collection of bat coronavirus samplesthe foundational genetic material used for subsequent GoF work (Huff, 2022). The NIH proposal clearly outlined high-risk research, explicitly stating the intent to "test our models of host range (i.e. emergence potential) experimentally using reverse genetics, pseudovirus and receptor binding assays, and virus infection experiments in cell culture and humanized mice" (Huff, 2022). According to whistleblower Dr. Andrew G. Huff, a former EHA employee, this translated to "using the SARS-CoVs isolated or engineered with varying types of receptors, we will test all permutations of naturally occurring and engineered viruses or pseudoviruses to specifically identify which ones would be the worst for humanity" (Huff, 2022). This process was designed to characterize "how to best engineer SARS-CoVs to make them highly transmissible between animals and humans" (Huff, 2022). Dr. Ralph Baric, a collaborator at the University of North Carolina, proved central to this operation, specializing in GoF methodologies including creation of recombinant viruses (Huff, 2022). Baric pioneered techniques enabling engineering of viruses "without leaving any trace"the so-called "no-see-um method" designed to intentionally hide evidence of genetic manipulation (Huff, 2022). Baric himself acknowledged: "You can engineer a virus without leaving any trace. The answers you are looking for, however, can only be found in the archives of the Wuhan laboratory" (Huff, 2022). This dangerous dual-use researchexplicitly defined in U.S. government DURC policywas allegedly conducted through systematic circumvention of required biosafety protocols. EHA, the NIH grant recipient, lacked both a Biological Safety Officer (BSO) and an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), both mandatory for GoF and DURC research (Huff, 2022). Furthermore, Dr. Daszak is accused of "intentionally obfuscating the GoF nature of the work in the NIH proposal and illegally delegating the Principal Investigator's responsibility for biosafety and biosecurity oversight to the WIV subcontractor" (Huff, 2022). The severity of these violations is underscored by sources characterizing them as "incredibly severe and egregious" policy breaches that, given the global death toll, should warrant criminal charges (Huff, 2022). Genetic evidence further supports synthetic origin allegations. The nineteen-nucleotide gene sequence containing the highly infectious furin cleavage site in SARS-CoV-2 was allegedly referenced in Moderna patents filed between 2013 and 2016 (Huff, 2022). The statistical probability of this man-made sequence appearing naturally via evolution is cited as "one in the billions and is statistically impossible," leading to contentions that "the infectious agent SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine were co-developed" (Huff, 2022). The inevitable system failure, predicted by NASEM's analysis of high-risk research complexity, materialized as a global pandemic. Years before the outbreak, U.S. officials recognized the precarious safety situation at the WIV. In January 2018, State Department officials visited the WIV and transmitted two diplomatic cables to Washington warning about "safety and management weaknesses" at the facility, including a "serious shortage of appropriately trained technicians" needed to safely operate the high-containment BSL-4 laboratory (Rogin, 2020). These cables specifically warned that the lab's bat coronavirus research "represented a risk of a new SARS-like pandemic" (Rogin, 2020). One official described the cable as a "warning shot" intended to compel attention to the risky research being undertaken (Rogin, 2020). Despite these clear diplomatic and scientific warnings, the U.S. intelligence community subsequently experienced what has been characterized as the "largest intelligence failure in US history" since 9/11 (Huff, 2022). However, some IC elements possessed awareness of the outbreak extraordinarily early. By late November 2019, the American intelligence community "knew that a virus had escaped" from the Chinese laboratory through a human intelligence asset inside the WIV (Huff, 2022). This information was obtained before China made any public statements, raising concerns that Chinese bureaucrats in Wuhan and Beijing "knew how to cover up a report" (Huff, 2022). Early studies informed by CIA intelligence were prepared for President Trump in late December 2019, emphasizing that limiting vulnerability of the elderly was key to containing spread (Hersh, 2025). However, these warnings were reportedly ignored by the White House, which remained focused on securing a trade deal with China (Hersh, 2025). Later, these critical early studies and source information were "expunged from the official internal records in Washington" in what sources characterize as a "cover-up to protect a president who did not do the right thing" (Hersh, 2025). The Chinese government immediately engaged in extensive cover-up efforts, controlling the narrative through censorship and data manipulation. They allegedly manipulated initial case data, removing records inconsistent with the desired narrative that the outbreak began at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in late December 2019 (Huff, 2022). This manipulation proved effective, leading many prominent scientists to adopt the official Chinese narrative (Huff, 2022). The failure of attribution was subsequently codified within the U.S. intelligence community itself. A split analytical report published by the Directorate of National Intelligencewhere half the analysts concluded lab leak while the other half concluded natural emergenceserved to "muddy the water" (Huff, 2022). According to one analysis, this deliberate ambiguity protected the U.S. from acknowledging its role in funding and transferring the dangerous biotechnology that resulted in SARS-CoV-2 (Huff, 2022). The politicization intensified with figures like Rudy Giuliani making bold claims that "the Chinese manufactured the virus and deliberately spread it all around the world" (Giuliani, 2020, as cited in Baron Cohen, 2020), while key U.S. government officials including Dr. Anthony Fauci and NIH Director Francis Collins allegedly "criminally conspired to smear 'fringe epidemiologists'" who criticized governmental response and policy narratives (Huff, 2022). Dr. Fauci publicly dismissed engineered virus theories as "preposterous" and "attacks on science" (Huff, 2022). Scientists such as Dr. Kristian Andersen, who initially believed the virus showed engineering signatures, dramatically reversed their public positions after receiving massive increases in NIH fundingtripling from approximately $7 million to over $23 million (Huff, 2022). This pattern of corruption ensures that "scientists will do or say anything to maintain their funding" (Huff, 2022). The pandemic unleashed unprecedented pharmaceutical industry response characterized by immense profiteering. Global sales of mRNA products alone approached "$50 billion in 2021 alone" (Huff, 2022). The extraordinary pace of vaccine development was remarkable, with some synthetic vaccine strains developed within days and products rolling out by Christmas 2020 despite traditional vaccine development requiring minimum four-year timelines (Huff, 2022). This pharmaceutical rush was enabled by U.S. government deployment of the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act Declaration, providing liability immunity for manufacturers and covered healthcare professionals (Huff, 2022). Analysis associated with DARPA and UPMC prior to the pandemic confirmed that "liability immunity was required for vaccine manufacturers; otherwise, they would not be willing to manufacture vaccines due to the high liability and risk associated with a shortened safety and evaluation period" (Huff, 2022). This liability shield allowed rollout of vaccines under Emergency Use Authorization, effectively transforming the global public into "lab rats" for rapidly deployed technology (Huff, 2022). The products themselves were redefined and marketed under misleading terms. The President of Bayer's Pharmaceuticals Division, Stefan Oelrich, publicly acknowledged in 2021 that mRNA shots are "gene therapy" marketed as "vaccines" (Huff, 2022). He stated: "ultimately the mRNA vaccines are an example for that cell and gene therapy. I always like to say: if we had surveyed two years ago in the public'would you be willing to take a gene or cell therapy and inject it into your body?'we probably would have had a 95 percent refusal rate" (Huff, 2022). U.S. government-sponsored trials for Moderna and Pfizer acknowledged their technology was not tested for effectiveness against viral infection or transmission, focusing exclusively on reducing illness severity (Huff, 2022). This constitutes what sources characterize as corrupt "manipulation of operational definitions by scientists receiving government funding"redefining "vaccine" to mean severity reduction rather than transmission prevention (Huff, 2022). The connections between engineered virus and countermeasures are further solidified by genetic evidence regarding the furin cleavage site patented by Moderna, leading to contentions that the infectious agent and mRNA vaccine were co-developed (Huff, 2022). This situationwhere the public became experimental subjects for rapidly deployed, liability-shielded gene therapy against an engineered pathogendemonstrates catastrophic overlap between unchecked dual-use research and self-interested corporate and governmental response. Even as the U.S. government and social media platforms aggressively suppressed domestic vaccine misinformation and punished those spreading anti-vaccine content, the Pentagon was simultaneously conducting a secret propaganda campaign to undermine China's vaccine efforts in the Philippines and other countries. This profound contradiction reveals the weaponization of public health information for geopolitical purposes and commercial advantage, with devastating consequences for vulnerable populations who ultimately became captive markets for American pharmaceutical products. According to a Reuters investigation, "at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. military launched a secret campaign to counter what it perceived as China's growing influence in the Philippines, a nation hit especially hard by the deadly virus" (Bing & Schectman, 2024). The clandestine operation aimed to "sow doubt about the safety and efficacy of vaccines and other life-saving aid that was being supplied by China" through "phony internet accounts meant to impersonate Filipinos" (Bing & Schectman, 2024). Reuters identified at least 300 accounts on X (formerly Twitter) matching descriptions shared by former U.S. military officials familiar with the Philippines operation, with almost all created in the summer of 2020 and centered on the slogan "#Chinaangvirus Tagalog for China is the virus" (Bing & Schectman, 2024). The propaganda effort specifically targeted China's Sinovac inoculation, posting messages such as "COVID came from China and vaccines came from China, don't trust China!" and claiming that Chinese vaccines contained pork gelatin, making them forbidden under Islamic lawa message designed to exploit religious sensitivities among Muslim populations in Central Asia and the Middle East (Bing & Schectman, 2024). The campaign's messaging was particularly insidious. One typical tweet from July 2020 read: "From China PPE, Face Mask, Vaccine: FAKE. But the Coronavirus is real" (Bing & Schectman, 2024). The military program started under former President Donald Trump and continued into Joe Biden's presidency, persisting even after alarmed social media executives warned the new administration that the Pentagon had been trafficking in COVID misinformation (Bing & Schectman, 2024). The Biden White House ultimately issued an edict in spring 2021 banning the anti-vax effort, but the damage had been done (Bing & Schectman, 2024). The Pentagon's anti-Chinese vaccine propaganda campaign served dual purposes: undermining Beijing's geopolitical influence while simultaneously creating market demand for American pharmaceutical products. The strategic calculus was revealed in Washington's vaccine distribution policy, called Operation Warp Speed, which "favored inoculating Americans first, and it placed no restrictions on what pharmaceutical companies could charge developing countries for the remaining vaccines not used by the United States" (Bing & Schectman, 2024). This policy allowed American companies to "play hardball" with developing countries, "forcing them to accept high prices," according to Lawrence Gostin, a professor of medicine at Georgetown University who has worked with the World Health Organization (Bing & Schectman, 2024). The economic exploitation was stark. While China pursued "an ambitious COVID assistance program, which included sending masks, ventilators and its own vaccines still being tested at the time to struggling countries" with Xi Jinping announcing in May 2020 that "the vaccine China was developing would be made available as a 'global public good,' and would ensure 'vaccine accessibility and affordability in developing countries,'" the United States took a fundamentally different approach (Bing & Schectman, 2024). Sinovac remained "the primary vaccine available in the Philippines for about a year until U.S.-made vaccines became more widely available there in early 2022" (Bing & Schectman, 2024). The consequence of this strategy was that Filipinos, deliberately misled by Pentagon propaganda to fear Chinese vaccines, found themselves with limited options. The U.S. military's psychological operation successfully undermined trust in the most readily available vaccines, creating a situation where the population either went unvaccinatedcontributing to the Philippines having "one of the worst inoculation rates in Southeast Asia" (Bing & Schectman, 2024)or eventually had to wait for and purchase more expensive American vaccines when they finally became available. This cynical manipulation of public health information for commercial advantage meant that the Filipino people bore the cost in both lives and treasure. By the time President Rodrigo Duterte addressed the vaccination crisis in June 2021, only 2.1 million of the Philippines' 114 million citizens were fully vaccinated, COVID cases exceeded 1.3 million, and almost 24,000 Filipinos had died from the virus (Bing & Schectman, 2024). Duterte's desperation was palpable when he stated in a televised address: "You choose, vaccine or I will have you jailed. There is a crisis in this country ... I'm just exasperated by Filipinos not heeding the government" (Bing & Schectman, 2024). The hypocrisy is staggering. While the U.S. government prosecuted domestic misinformation campaigns and social media companies removed anti-vaccine content to protect public health, the Pentagon was deliberately spreading the same type of misinformation abroad for strategic and commercial advantage. American public health experts condemned the program. Daniel Lucey, an infectious disease specialist at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine, stated: "I don't think it's defensible. I'm extremely dismayed, disappointed and disillusioned to hear that the U.S. government would do that" (Bing & Schectman, 2024). Lucey, a former military physician who assisted in the response to the 2001 anthrax attacks, emphasized that the effort to stoke fear about Chinese inoculations risked "undermining overall public trust in government health initiatives, including U.S.-made vaccines" (Bing & Schectman, 2024). The campaign's implementation demonstrated sophisticated psychological operations capabilities. To implement the anti-vax campaign, "the Defense Department overrode strong objections from top U.S. diplomats in Southeast Asia at the time" (Bing & Schectman, 2024). Sources involved in planning and execution revealed that "the Pentagon, which ran the program through the military's psychological operations center in Tampa, Florida, disregarded the collateral impact that such propaganda may have on innocent Filipinos" (Bing & Schectman, 2024). A senior military officer involved in the program candidly admitted: "We weren't looking at this from a public health perspective. We were looking at how we could drag China through the mud" (Bing & Schectman, 2024). The real-world consequences were devastating. By November 2021, COVID had claimed the lives of 48,361 people in the Philippines, with the pandemic hitting the country especially hard due to one of the worst inoculation rates in Southeast Asia (Bing & Schectman, 2024). Filipino healthcare professionals and former officials contacted by Reuters expressed outrage at the U.S. military propaganda effort, recognizing how it exploited an already vulnerable citizenry (Bing & Schectman, 2024). Dr. Nina Castillo-Carandang, a former adviser to the World Health Organization and Philippine government during the pandemic, stated: "Why did you do it when people were dying? We were desperate. We don't have our own vaccine capacity," noting that the U.S. propaganda effort "contributed even more salt into the wound" (Bing & Schectman, 2024). This information warfare operation reveals the profound moral bankruptcy at the intersection of national security strategy, commercial interests, and public health. While Americans were told that combating vaccine misinformation was essential to saving lives, their own military was spreading that same misinformation to advance geopolitical objectives and create captive markets for American pharmaceutical companies, directly contributing to preventable deaths among populations already devastated by the pandemic. The operation also extended beyond Southeast Asia to local audiences across Central Asia and the Middle East, with the Pentagon using "a combination of fake social media accounts on multiple platforms to spread fear of China's vaccines among Muslims at a time when the virus was killing tens of thousands of people each day" (Bing & Schectman, 2024). The ultimate beneficiaries of this propaganda campaign were American pharmaceutical corporations, who profited from delayed access to vaccines in developing countries and from the premium prices they could charge once populations undermined by U.S. military disinformation had no alternative but to purchase American products. This represents a particularly egregious form of disaster capitalism, where public health crises become opportunities for market manipulation through state-sponsored psychological warfare. The COVID-19 origins controversy exposed how profoundly scientific integrity has suffered, undermined by conflicts of interest, political pressure, and perverse funding models. This systematic corruption persists because involved scientists "will do or say anything to maintain their funding" (Huff, 2022). The core policy failure was rooted in reliance on the flawed concept of Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC), criticized as "unenforceable" and "intentionally structured to keep control in the hands of the scientists and institutions involved" (Huff, 2022). Sources explicitly demand elimination of the DURC concept, replaced with specific policies targeting GoF research, noting the current system enabled "a handful of corrupt and greedy scientists killing millions of people globally" (Huff, 2022). The failure extended beyond individual malfeasance to encompass institutional structuresthe reliance on self-regulation by academics and bureaucrats proved catastrophically inadequate for managing dual-use technologies with civilization-threatening potential. The NASEM report had explicitly warned that advances in "automation, computation, and machine learning" were rapidly integrating into laboratory processes, enabling researchers to "screen massive collections of genetic sequences for properties" that could be "leveraged by malicious actors to streamline testing of agents, increase fidelity, and fine-tune targeting" (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). This convergence of computational tools with biological research created enhanced capabilities for "targeting specific individuals or subpopulations based on their unique genomic and health data," enabling what the report termed "enhanced targeting capabilities" and potentially facilitating "ethnospecific or personalized terrorism" (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). Furthermore, the intelligence community's involvement in dual-use research extended beyond mere oversight. The CIA maintained an asset inside the Wuhan Institute of Virology, with this asset "reportedly being paid by arrangement with the NIH" (Huff, 2022). Additionally, "the CIA and Department of Defense (DoD) use venture capital firms, such as In-Q-Tel (IQT), to invest in companies that develop technology of national security interest," and significantly, "the work that led to the creation of SARS-CoV-2 was presented to IQT" (Huff, 2022). This model demonstrates that the intelligence community actively sought to integrate dual-use technological advancements into the national security apparatus, fundamentally blurring the lines between military, intelligence, and civilian/academic research. The COVID-19 pandemic was an engineered catastrophe rooted in reckless pursuit of dual-use biological manipulation facilitated by U.S. government funding and scientific malfeasance. The risks were clearly articulated by expert panels like NASEM early in the Trump administration (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). The timeline reveals systemic failure: funding of GoF research in collaboration with China, deliberate evasion of federal biosafety protocols by researchers like Daszak, documented intelligence warnings regarding WIV safety weaknesses (Rogin, 2020), subsequent intelligence cover-up designed to protect U.S. government complicity (Huff, 2022; Hersh, 2025), enormous liability-shielded profits garnered by pharmaceutical companies selling products characterized as co-developed gene therapies (Huff, 2022), and the Pentagon's secret anti-vaccine propaganda campaign that deliberately undermined public health efforts abroad to create commercial advantages for American pharmaceutical companies while suppressing similar misinformation at home (Bing & Schectman, 2024). The unresolved origins controversy remains intensely politicized, masking profound oversight failures impacting national security today. Ongoing attempts to obfuscate truththrough manipulated data, suppressed whistleblowers, split intelligence assessments, and hypocritical information warfare operations serving corporate interestsconstitute continuing cover-up protecting those responsible for sponsoring or enabling virus creation and exploiting the resulting crisis for profit. To prevent recurrence in both biological and emerging technological domains, the cycle of self-regulation and governmental opacity must end. The American people, who were subjects of this research and recipients of its catastrophic consequences, deserve unvarnished truth. We must demand immediate and complete release of all records, data, correspondence, and proposals related to GoF work conducted by EcoHealth Alliance, the WIV, UNC, and their U.S. government sponsors (NIH, USAID, DoD, and CIA/In-Q-Tel). Specifically, this includes: All internal U.S. government studies and records that were "expunged from the official internal records in Washington" regarding the early response and mitigation of the virus (Hersh, 2025). The original NIH Grant #R01AI110964, "Understanding the Risk of Bat Coronavirus Emergence," including all accompanying documentation, peer reviews, and the Select Agent Form cited as having omitted the GoF work (Huff, 2022). All proprietary data, analyses, and genetic sequences (including those in the Eidith database) collected by EcoHealth Alliance, the WIV, and their partners, which were "foundational and were used to construct SARS-CoV-2" (Huff, 2022). All documentation related to the In-Q-Tel (IQT) presentations and the "SARS-CoV-2 gain of function and humanized mice research" funded by NIAID and USAID (Huff, 2022). Full disclosure of the "incredibly severe and egregious...policy violations" concerning biosafety and biosecurity that occurred at EHA and its subcontractors (Huff, 2022). Complete records of the Pentagon's secret anti-vaccine propaganda campaign, including all communications, operational plans, social media accounts, assessments of the campaign's impact on public health outcomes in targeted countries, and any coordination with pharmaceutical industry representatives regarding market access and pricing strategies (Bing & Schectman, 2024). Only through full accountability and transparency regarding how this dangerous dual-use knowledge was created and transferred can we restore integrity to science and protect the public from engineered threatsbiological or digitallooming on the horizon. The documented convergence of dual-use research vulnerabilities, intelligence community involvement, governmental obfuscation, pharmaceutical profiteering, and weaponized information warfare reveals a system fundamentally compromised by conflicts of interest and lack of accountability. The Pentagon's anti-vaccine propaganda operationconducted even as the U.S. government suppressed similar domestic misinformation and designed to create captive markets for American pharmaceutical productsdemonstrates how national security imperatives and commercial interests can override public health considerations with lethal consequences for vulnerable populations. Without comprehensive reform replacing self-regulation with independent, transparent oversight, the conditions enabling this catastrophe will persist, threatening future generations with engineered biological agents or analogous technological threats emerging from artificial intelligence and other dual-use domains. The time for calculated ambiguity has passedfull disclosure and accountability are not merely desirable but essential for national security, public health, and the restoration of ethical governance in an age of civilization-threatening technologies. Bing, C., & Schectman, J. (2024, June 14). Pentagon ran secret anti-vax campaign to undermine China during pandemic. Reuters. click here Giuliani, R. (2020). [Interview]. In Borat subsequent moviefilm. Amazon Studios. Hersh, S. (2025, August 22). Trump's first COVID mistake: Despite early human intelligence about the virus in Wuhan, the president was slow to act. Seymour Hersh [Substack newsletter]. mourhersh.substack.com Huff, A. G. (2022). The truth about Wuhan: How I uncovered the biggest lie in history. Skyhorse Publishing. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2018). Biodefense in the age of synthetic biology. The National Academies Press. .org/10.17226/24890 Rogin, J. (2020, April 14). State Department cables warned of safety issues at Wuhan lab studying bat coronaviruses. The Washington Post. click here The key document that was made available during the crisis was the one-hundred-page annex to the executive report handed to Trump late in December of 2019. It was clear then, as the attachment pointed out, that limiting the vulnerability of elderly and poor Americans was key to limiting the spread of the virus. add notebook LLM as a teaching moment accompanying the article DUAL USE SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY The more I watch Charlie Kirks debates with college students, the more compassion I feel for him. He strikes me as a brilliant but frightened young man haunted, as I once was, by a God of fear and judgment. Like Charlie, I once believed in that God until I reached roughly the same age he was when he died at just thirty-one. That biblical God, as I was taught, was the almighty creator, lawgiver, judge, and punisher, the terrifying being who condemned sinners to eternal torment for disobedience. Who wouldn't be afraid of such a deity? Certainly not me. Like Charlie, I accepted it all. My education spanning from kindergarten in 1945 to my doctoral studies in Rome in 1972was entirely within the Catholic Church. Nuns and priests trained me in one of the most traditional, patriarchal institutions in the world. They taught that there was no salvation outside the Church. It was our duty to convert the pagans. So I spent thirteen years in seminaries preparing to be a missionary in Asia, in China, Korea, Burma, Japan, or the Philippines. Then came five more years of doctoral study in theology. The indoctrination could hardly have been deeper. Like Charlie Kirks brand of fundamentalism, my Catholic formation fostered a deep suspicion of science and secular knowledge. Pope Pius IX's Syllabus of Errors (1864) had warned against modern thought. From it emerged the apologetic mindset that shaped both of us, a defensive "us versus them" posture toward the modern world. Apologetics gave us tidy answers to every challenge: "If they say this, you say that." Charlie mastered it. So did I. We both found it airtight, logical, and comforting. Our politics flowed from the same worldview. My Catholic mentors, like Charlie's conservative allies, saw communism as evil incarnate. When Senator Joseph McCarthy died, one of my seminary teachers told me, A great man died today. At twenty-two, I cast my first vote for Barry Goldwater. And yet, even in that enclosed world, the bad ideas we feared had a way of slipping in. Despite my resistance, studying Latin and Greek classics, French and English literature, and Church history began to unsettle my certainty. Questions emerged about morality, colonialism, the Crusades, and the value of other faiths. I fought those doubts but they persisted. When the Second Vatican Council (1962-'65) finally opened the Church to modernity, I was among the last to let go of my conservative instincts. I loved the Latin Mass, the vestments, and the comforting clarity of dogma. Like Charlie, I thought the Bible was literally dictated by God through chosen transcribers Moses, David, Solomon, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. But my four years of pre-ordination Scripture study shattered that illusion. Doctoral work confirmed it: The Bible isn't a single book. Its a diverse library written by many flawed human beings over a thousand years. They used different names for God and often disagreed about divine commands. The Bible contains myth, legend, poetry, law, prophecy, fiction, and coded apocalyptic literature -- resistance writings against empire, not predictions of the end of the world. I still remember my shock learning that Matthew's three wise men story was midrash, not history. To treat all of it as literal fact is to miss its deeper truth. Even so, like Charlie, I continue to believe the Bible is truenot in every detail, but in its moral and spiritual essence. As one of my friends says, "The Bible is true, and some of it even happened." Its central story is not Adam and Eve's fall, but the Exodus, the liberation of slaves. That story reveals the Bibles real heart: what scholars call God's preferential option for the poor. The Bible sides with the enslaved, the widow, the orphan, the immigrant, the victims of empire. In fact, it may be the only ancient text written almost entirely by people conquered by Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans. Its truth is that followers of Jesus are called to stand with the oppressed. I wish Charlie Kirk had lived long enough to encounter that truth. I believe his integrity might have led him toward it. But he dropped out of college after one semester, calling higher education a scam and a waste of time. He thought it was too expensive and too slow, a mere credentialing machine for good jobs. To him, studying literature, history, or biblical scholarship in college was pointless. Worse, he saw such studies as dangerous, because they exposed students to the "bad ideas" that challenge inherited faith. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). By Karl Grossman and Harvey Wasserman Russian Dictator Vladimir Putin last week eagerly confirmed that all "Peaceful Atom" nuclear power plants are fair game for military destruction and that the ensuing apocalyptic fall-out is not really his concern. As Reuters reported, Putin on Thursday warned Ukraine that it was playing a dangerous game by striking the area near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and suggested that Moscow could retaliate against nuclear plants controlled by Ukraine. The six-reactor Zaporizhzhia complex is, noted Reuters, Europe's largest [and] has been cut off from external power for more than a week and is being cooled by emergency diesel generators. Zaporizhzhia was captured by Russian forces in the early days of the 2022 invasion. The global crisis it now embodies was foreseen 45 years ago by Bennett Ramberg, in his book "Nuclear Power Plants as Weapons for the Enemy: An Unrecognized Military Peril". Ramberg holds a Ph.D. in international relations and a law degree. He's been an analyst or consultant to the Nuclear Control Institute, Global Green, Committee to Bridge the Gap and the U.S. Senate and U.S. State Department. He now directs the Global Security Seminar. Published by the University of California Press, his book and a new edition out last year are beyond chilling. And its grave warnings are playing out in recent years and today. According to the U.S. government's 9/11 Commission, the Indian Point nuclear reactors, 25 miles north of New York City, were potential targets considered for the September 11 attacks. Between 1984 and 1987, Iraq bombed Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant six times. In 1991, during the Persian Gulf War, the U.S. Air Force bombed three nuclear reactors in Iraq. It gets worse. As an article in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists put it last year -- small modular reactors, floating nuclear plants, and microreactors --these emerging technologies elevate concerns that wartime attacks could expose warfighters and civilians to nuclear fall-out. Russia's occupation of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has already set a dangerous precedent that could sway the course of future wars. William Alberque, former director of strategy, technology and arms control of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, wrote in a piece on the website of the London-headquartered organization in 2023 that amidst "the wartime weaponization of nuclear power stations, the risks of a nuclear disaster remain high at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant as Russia continues to threaten the health and safety of the entire region through its reckless behaviour." In the war on Ukraine, he adds, a nuclear weapon state has decided that nuclear power reactors are legitimate targets and tools of coercion in war. Thus, atomic reactors provide weapons for the enemy, serving as pre-deployed weapons of mass destruction. Amidst yet another billionaire-hyped push for a Nuclear Renaissance, atomic power including large, small and fusion reactors has again faltered due to runway costs and devastating construction delays. All reactors heat the planet at 300 degrees Centigrade, emit radioactive carbon 14, and can't match flexible demand. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week,click here. Hey, he even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! And believe it or not, he has won a Nobel Prize, something he so desired! Oh, wait, my mistake. What Donald Trump actually won was an Ig Nobel Prize, which, perhaps you wont be surprised to learn, is a distinctly satirical award. And dont forget that, among his many honors, is the Collar of the Order of Abdulaziz al Saud, awarded to him by Saudi Arabia during his first term in the White House. Yep, no question! Hes distinctly a winner! Not just of those awards but of the presidency an unbelievable twice, and you never know maybe hell even be the first man to win it three times! Though hes said that he probably wont run again and the Constitution tells him he cant possibly do so, he clearly still has the urge! And lest you think that inconceivable, just remember that you can buy a Trump 2028 hat at the Trump Store and, just weeks ago, he showed a Four More Years hat to Ukrainian President Zelensky and French President Macron in the Oval Office while telling CNBC that he would indeed like to run. I have the best poll numbers Ive ever had. (No, he hasn't, but who cares about that?) And, of course, there's another possibility, too, one that California Governor Gavin Newsom, a possible 2028 candidate himself, brought up recently. He labeled the Trump administrations actions authoritarian and added, I fear that we will not have an election in 2028. I really mean that in the core of my soul unless we wake up to the code red, whats happening in this country, and we wake up soberly to how serious this moment is. And oh yes, the other thing Donald Trump so wants is indeed that Nobel Peace Prize. Hes often spoken bitterly of how former President Barack Obama got one. (He got elected and they announced hes getting the Nobel Prize. I got elected in a much bigger, better, crazier election, but they gave him the Nobel Prize.) And with all of that in mind, let TomDispatch regular Clarence Lusane, author of Twenty Dollars and Change: Harriet Tubman and the Ongoing Fight for Racial Justice and Democracy, consider just why our president should indeed never be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Tom Never in a Million Years Ten Reasons Why Trump Should Never Be Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize By Clarence Lusane Who doesn't know that President Donald Trump desperately wants a Nobel Peace Prize and said bitterly, They will never give me a Nobel Peace Prize. Its too bad. I deserve it, but they will never give it to me? And for once, hes right. He wont get one, but wrong, of course, that he deserves it. Actually, there are way more than 10 reasons why he doesn't deserve such a prize, but as 10 is such a nice round number, let me use it. As a political scientist who focuses on human rights, global racial justice, and social movements, Ive given considerable thought to and conducted research on the Nobel Peace Prize. I once taught a course on the history and politics of that prize while a faculty member at American University's School of International Service. Last year, I even spent time in Oslo at both the Nobel Peace Center museum and the Norwegian Nobel Institute, which houses many of the Nobel Peace Prize Committees documents, including, for example, original nomination letters that can be viewed and studied. I was there doing research on the 1964 prize awarded to Martin Luther King Jr., and I read several of the original letters sent to the Committee nominating him. His main nomination came from the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), which sent a letter dated January 31, 1963, that arrived after the January deadline for that year. His nomination was, however, carried over to 1964 and then he won. As it turns out, I fall into one of the categories of those who can officially make such a nomination. They include members of parliamentary assemblies (or the U.S. Congress), previous Nobel Peace Prize Laureates like 17-year-old Malala Yousafzai or former Vice President Al Gore, directors of peace research institutes and foreign policy institutes, members of international courts, members of the Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize Committee, and (relevant to me) university professors. Although the Committee has never explicitly stated that such a thing is possible, Im going to assume that I can also make an un-nomination. In fact, believe it or not, while there were many letters of support for Dr. Kings nomination, there were also letters asking the Committee to deny him the prize, even if most of them came from individuals ineligible to make (or unmake) a nomination. And let me just say: I can think of no one more deserving of being un-nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize than President Donald Trump. His record of authoritarian and antidemocratic rule grows more dangerous and harmful by the day, not just for the United States but for the entire global community. And yet he has indeed been nominated by Republican sycophants in Congress who seek his favor, and global strongmen, including Gabons President Brice Oligui Nguema, who came to power thanks to a military coup, and Azerbaijans Ilham Aliyev, who has been that country's president for 22 years. They all understand that such recommendations appeal to his need for adulation and blunt any criticisms he may have of their own behavior. The Nobel Committee does not, in fact, release information about each years determination, including all the individuals or groups nominated, until 50 years later, so the only way Trump and the world would know that Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and others have indeed nominated him is if they publicly stated it or told him so. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). -Backed by 5-Star Reviews, Our Friendly Guides Reveal the City's True Charm- Tokyo is a vibrant metropolis, but its sheer size and complexity can feel overwhelming Who dominates the specialized world of rail grinding wheel manufacturing, and how has the competitive landscape evolved to challenge century-old market leaders? In the rapidly An 11-count felony indictment charges Dr. David Farley with sexually abusing three patients between 2009 to 2020, according to sources with knowledge of the charges but who are not authorized to discuss them publicly. Getty Images David B. Farley, the former West Linn family doctor who faces a civil suit by more than 150 women and children alleging he sexually abused them over years, now faces criminal charges, sources confirmed Thursday. An 11-count felony indictment charges him with sexually abusing three patients between 2009 to 2020, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the charges but who are not authorized to discuss them publicly. Farley, now 67, is expected to be booked in Clackamas County and arraigned in Clackamas County Circuit Court at 2 p.m. Friday. One of Farleys defense lawyers, Stephen Houze, confirmed Farley will be in court on an indictment but did not have any other immediate comment. His son, Jacob Houze, is serving as Farleys lead defense attorney. The indictment alleges first-degree and second-degree sexual abuse and unlawful sexual penetration, according to the sources. Prosecutors obtained the indictment after an investigation by the Oregon Attorney Generals Office. Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth requested that the Oregon Department of Justice continue an investigation into Farley after a Clackamas County grand jury in 2022 found insufficient evidence to support an indictment. Since then, a bill passed by the Legislature allowed for the prosecution of people accused of sexually abusing another under the guise of medical diagnosis or treatment. state Sen. Mark Meek, D-Gladstone, introduced it at Wentworths request. Separately, attorneys have filed a civil suit for more than 150 women and children who allege Farley spent decades using his position as a trusted physician to sexually assault them under the guise of providing medical care at the West Linn Family Health Center that he opened in 1989. The suit is pending in Multnomah County Circuit Court. The lead West Linn police detective assigned to investigate extensive allegations of sexual abuse involving Farley was not qualified to do such inquiries and lacked basic knowledge of medical and legal issues involved, an outside consultant hired by the city found. In October 2020, the Oregon Medical Board revoked Farleys license and issued a $20,000 civil penalty against him for unprofessional conduct and repeated negligence. Farley admitted to taking photos of the genitals and breasts of five patients, all under 18, according to board records. He claimed he provided consent forms for the minors parents to sign but could not provide the records. Farley said he deleted the photos from his phone and shredded the consent forms, according to board documents. He initially moved to Idaho shortly after he announced his retirement but now lives in Utah. Two Milwaukie-area parents have been accused of abusing their 7-week-old child. Jazmin Linda Flores Gratreak, 22, and Jesus Fernando Ibarra Ibarra, 20, both from the unincorporated Milwaukie area of Clackamas County, face allegations of first-degree criminal mistreatment and third-degree assault, the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. Detectives started looking into the couple in April 2024, after the Oregon Department of Human Services forwarded them a report after the baby boy was taken to a hospital for serious injuries that appeared to be from abuse, officials said The sheriffs office forwarded the case to the Clackamas County District Attorneys Office in June 2024, and detectives gathered enough evidence for a grand jury to indict the couple and issue a warrant that allowed deputies to arrest them on Tuesday. The couple are currently being held without bail in the Clackamas County Jail. Police did not say how or where the boy is now. 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 President Trump has vowed to continue deploying National Guard troops to Democratic-led cities, calling the effort a necessity in response to left-wing terrorism, lawlessness and attacks on federal agents and immigration facilities. After Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., he has targeted Chicago and Portland, two blue strongholds with histories of resisting federal immigration enforcement and challenging his authority. Both cities have sanctuary policies that limit police from participating in immigration-related enforcement. Authorities in Portland and Chicago, as well as their states governors, have soundly condemned Trumps allegations as politically motivated and taken legal action to block the troop deployment. Conditions in Chicago have been much worse than in Portland for weeks, including massive arrests and aggressive tactics during immigration raids such as the use of helicopters, flashbang grenades and chemical crowd control measures in residential neighborhoods. Some protesters in Portland have pointed to Chicago as a warning and the reason for attending the protests at Portlands Immigration and Customs Enforcement building. I feel if we dont stand up to ICE now, the same thing could happen here as in Chicago, with helicopters landing on roofs of apartment buildings, ICE arresting U.S. citizens and pulling naked children out of bed, said Hilary Nally, 65, a Portland resident who attended a rally and protest in South Portland on Saturday with her husband, David. We really need to show up for the community as things are ramping up. Here is how Portland compares with Chicago on the troop deployment, court battles, immigration enforcement and community impacts. NATIONAL GUARD Chicago: About 200 National Guard members from Texas and 300 from Illinois were mobilized for 60 days earlier this week and a small subset were deployed in Chicago on Wednesday night to protect immigration officers and federal facilities, according to the U.S. Northern Command. But on Thursday, their deployment was put on hold after a federal judge partially granted a temporary restraining order against National Guard deployment in Illinois. Judge April M. Perrys order will remain in place for two weeks and no troops were stationed on Friday outside an ICE facility that has been the epicenter of protests in Chicago. Portland: About 200 Oregon National Guard members have been stationed at Camp Rilea on the coast and another 200 California National Guard members have been at Camp Withycombe near Clackamas, according to the governors office. Gov. Tina Kotek has told the U.S. Northern Command to send Oregons National Guard members home after a federal judge ruled that President Donald Trump had no authority to call them up. A federal appeals court decision Wednesday means the troops will stay put, though theyre not allowed to deploy in Portland - at least for now. Two Trump-appointed judges on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals three-judge panel appeared ready Thursday to lift an order barring the Trump administration from sending Oregon National Guard troops to Portland. A ruling is expected in the coming days. Elsewhere: About 2,300 National Guard troops (from D.C. and six other states) are still in Washington, D.C. They were deployed by Trump in August to fight crime and violence, though they have mainly focused on patrolling, park cleanups and picking up trash. Another 100 California National Guard troops also remain in Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Northern Command, down from 4,000 troops and 700 Marines mobilized in June. Their main focus: guarding federal property and protecting federal agents during immigration raids. Trump also has ordered National Guard troops into Memphis to stamp out crime, a move welcomed by that states Republican governor, Bill Lee, but opposed by Memphis mayor Paul Young, a Democrat. National Guard troops started patrolling in Memphis for the first time on Friday. PROTESTS Chicago: Protesters have regularly taken to the streets of downtown Chicago to oppose Trumps immigration crackdown and federal troop deployment. In September, an estimated 2,000 people marched to denounce the mobilization. Protests also have occurred almost daily outside a suburban ICE processing facility, drawing crowds ranging from several dozen to several hundred people. Federal agents have responded with tear gas and pepper ball guns, prompting lawsuits from journalists, religious leaders and community activists over alleged brutality. On Wednesday night, hundreds of people marched in downtown Chicago to protest the National Guard deployment. Portland: Contrary to Trumps claims, the protests in Portland have been mostly peaceful and confined to roughly a public street intersection and the driveway next to the ICE office in the residential-business district of South Portland with life going on as usual in all other parts of the city. Most of the protests have entailed just a few dozen people, though a recent rally and march after Trump announced he would send the National Guard to Portland drew several hundred people to the ICE building. Police and federal agents have arrested at least 70 people since June and federal agents have used tear gas, pepper spray and smoke bombs at the Portland ICE facility protests. Four local organizations put on the "No National Guard in Portland" protest on Saturday, October 4, 2025. The crowd met at Elizabeth Caruthers Park and walked about three blocks to the ICE facility. Allison Barr/The Oregonian TRUMP ATTACKS Chicago: On Wednesday in a social media post, President Trump said both the governor of Illinois and the mayor of Chicago should be in jail for failing to protect ICE Officers. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson couldnt identify what crimes the president believed Pritzker and Johnson had committed but said the two had blood on their hands due to the crimes unfolding in Chicago. Instead of taking action to stop the crime, these Trump-Deranged buffoons would rather allow the violence to continue and attack the President for wanting to help make their city safe again, Jackson told The Associated Press. Portland: The Trump administration has repeatedly claimed that Portland police arent intervening forcefully enough in protests at the ICE building. The U.S. Justice Department last week announced that it would launch a wide-scale investigation of the Police Bureau following the arrest of a conservative online journalist and influencer on suspicion of second-degree disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor. The district attorney later declined to press charges, saying Nick Sortor had acted in self-defense but also said police were right to arrest him to deescalate the situation. And on Tuesday, in a televised interview with Fox News aired from the Portland ICE building, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called the local officials she met that day a bunch of pansies that are elected into political office who wont make a decision to keep their citizens safe. The White House and members of the Trump administration have continued to falsely claim that Portland is a wasteland, fire-ravaged" and bombed out. COURT RULINGS Chicago: On Thursday, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops to the city, finding it would only add fuel to the fire that the defendants themselves have started and would violate the Constitution. I am very much struggling to figure out where this would ever stop, Judge April M. Perry said during the hearing. The Trump administration has filed an appeal to that ruling, which stems from a federal lawsuit filed by the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago to block the deployment. The complaint calls the federalization of 300 Illinois Guard members and 200 Texas troops an illegal, dangerous and provocative act that threatens public safety and undermines local governance. Portland: On Sept. 28, Lawyers for the state and the city of Portland sued Trump and his administration, alleging the mobilization of the state National Guard troops violates federal law. They also filed a motion for a temporary restraining order to block the Oregon National Guard deployment to Portland. Last week, U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut issued two orders barring the Oregon National Guard deployment to Portland and the deployment of any other states National Guard in Oregon. U.S. government lawyers have asked an appeals court to put Immerguts order on the Oregon National Guard on hold. On Wednesday, judges with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an administrative hold, or stay, that says Oregon National Guard members may remain under federal control but cannot be mobilized into federal service in Portland. But two of the three judges appeared skeptical of Immerguts order, indicating the appellate court could well reverse it. They will issue a decision in the coming days. IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT Chicago: In recent weeks, immigration agents have become increasingly aggressive in the Chicago area. They stormed an apartment complex by Black Hawk helicopter and on foot as families slept, blasting down doors, pulling people out of bed and zip-tying U.S. citizens, seniors and children. They deployed chemical agents near a public school and handcuffed a member of the Chicago City Council at the hospital when they came to visit an immigrant who had broken his leg while chased by ICE agents. More than 1,000 immigrants have been arrested since Sept. 8 when federal agents launched an immigration crackdown in the city, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Federal officers hold down a protestor in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago, on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, after protesters learned that U.S. Border Patrol shot a woman Saturday morning on Chicago's Southwest Side. (Anthony Vazquez/Chicago Sun-Times via AP) AP The department also acknowledged that its agents had shot a U.S. citizen last week during protests on the southwest side of the city. Officials said the woman was following Border Patrol agents in a convoy of other vehicles and had boxed them in, though body camera video appears to contradict their claim. Portland: Enforcement has been relatively low in Oregon. Since Trump took office in January, federal officers have arrested at least 306 people in the state, according to the Immigration Enforcement Dashboard. The data goes only through the end of July and could be an undercount because the Trump administration has not made it very accessible to the public. Additionally, federal officers and Portland police have arrested at least 70 people at the ICE building on misdemeanor and felony allegations including assaulting officers, destroying government property and failing to follow lawful orders, many of them at the outset of the protests. COMMUNITY IMPACTS & RESPONSE Chicago: Immigrants across Chicago have gone into hiding, refraining from leaving their homes and reducing their driving. Activists and volunteers have been tracking ICE agents across the city, including via bike patrols and on foot, have filmed ICE arrests, tracked agents license plates and warned residents of their presence in real time using whistles, social media posts and word of mouth. Some businesses have refrained from sending out delivery and other drivers who could be at risk for immigration arrests. And on Monday, the citys mayor created ICE Free Zones to prohibit federal immigration agents from using city-owned property for enforcement. Portland: Immigrant rights groups report many Portland area residents are also living in fear and limiting their activities. Some Latino businesses and flea markets in the east Portland, Gresham and Hillsboro areas are seeing fewer clients. In September, after ICE detained the father of a Cesar Chavez K-8 student on his way to work, local volunteers and the school PTA came together to start creating carpool and other programs to take kids to school to decrease the risks to undocumented families. Several in-person Latino celebrations were also canceled over the summer and this fall. National tour featuring Where We Goin? and Dear Young Black Portland comes to Kennedy School on Oct. 16, exploring displacement and belonging in Portlands Black community. Photo courtesy of Where We Goin?: Power of Place Roadshow. The Power of Place Roadshow Filmmakers and local leaders behind an upcoming film screening and conversation event see the city of Portland as being at a crossroads. All signals are telling us that the future of Portland is at stake, said Andy Miller, executive director of Our Just Future. The narrative of Portland is being taken away from us nationally. Lets reclaim it. Partnering with Where We Goin? filmmakers and Our Just Future, a Portland-based nonprofit that has worked for nearly four decades to fight poverty and housing insecurity in East Multnomah County, the event aims to stimulate conversations about displacement, belonging and the future of Portlands Black community. We chose to partner because these films raise some of the most important questions facing Portland right now, Miller said. They talk about the harm thats been caused, but also the hope thats being recreated. We love the question at the heart of the project: Where are we going? That urgency and hope is at the heart of the Where We Goin?: Power of Place Roadshow, which comes to McMenamins Kennedy School on Oct. 16. The national tour brings together two award-winning short films, Where We Goin? and Dear Young Black Portland, live music and an honest conversation about the future of Portlands Black community. This isnt just a screening, said co-creator and executive producer of the Where We Goin? series Zoe Piliafas. When you come in, its going to feel like fun. Its going to feel like family. At the center of the evening are two deeply personal stories about identity and place. In Dear Young Black Portland, activist elder Sharon Gary-Smith, whose family home was taken through eminent domain decades ago, delivers a visual letter to the next generation. Its really an inspiring call to action and passing of the baton from her to really tell people to keep going, said executive producer Donovan Scribes. The second short film, Where We Goin?, follows Portland filmmaker Devin Boss through his hometown as he tries to uncover different truths about the city. Boss meets local Black artists and leaders who are working to heal and rebuild communities that were previously destroyed by racist urban planning policies that pushed Black residents out of their neighborhoods. Where We Goin? is the pilot episode for a series in development titled Where We Goin?: Power of Place. In the series, Boss travels from predominantly white Oregon to some of the Blackest cities in America, exploring the meaning of home and the impact of displacement. Ultimately, its about belonging, Scribes said. Devin is traveling across the country asking how we build place and who gets to belong in it. The roadshow grew out of a sold-out local premiere in 2022, when audiences filled the Hollywood Theatre to see both short films. What began as a one-night event soon evolved into a nationwide series, with screenings from Los Angeles to Houston sparking dialogue on race, belonging and the meaning of home in America. The films have earned national recognition, winning a Silver Remi Award at the Worldfest-Houston International Film Festival and two Grand Jury Awards at Film Invasion LA for Best Featurette Documentary and Best Editing Featurette. We knew that those films needed a larger life, Piliafas said. What we wanted with these films is for communities to have rich conversations around home, belonging, community and housing. After the screening, Scribes will moderate a panel with local experts and community leaders including Miller, Cornell Wesley, executive director of Prosper Portland, Paula Byrd, community liaison at Rosewood Initiative and Candace Avalos, city councilor representing District 1 covering east Portland. The panel aims to explore how Portland can create great places that benefit the people who live there, especially people of color who have historically been pushed out of their neighborhoods. Portland, as a place, is being talked about on the national stage, Miller said. The films do some resetting of what happened, whats possible. I think we have to imagine that possibility and what it takes to achieve it. Miller and the filmmakers behind Where We Goin? and Dear Young Black Portland see this moment as an opportunity for Portland to confront its past and imagine a more equitable future. Come see these films, Miller said. Discover the possibility of what Portland could be. I think theres a lot at stake. Its time to dig in. If you go: 6 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. screening with Q&A to follow; Thursday, Oct. 16; Kennedy School Theater, 5736 N.E. 33rd Ave.; $12 for adults, $8 for kids 12 and under; purchase tickets in advance at mcmenamins.com/events/270377-the-power-of-place-roadshow The Oregonian/OregonLive receives support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to bring readers stories on religion, faith and cultural connections in Oregon. The Oregonian/OregonLive is solely responsible for all content. Portland and federal officials remained at odds Wednesday over security concerns outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, with Mayor Keith Wilson balking at a new list of federal requests. Wilson met Tuesday with Kristi Noem, President Trumps secretary of homeland security, during her unexpected trip to Portland. At some point in the process, Scott Bradford, the Trump administrations U.S. Attorney for Oregon, sent a letter to Portlands police chief outlining federal expectations for security and protests at the ICE facility. Noem set a deadline of noon Wednesday for the city to respond, and Wilson publicly released the initial letter and his response. Here are the key parts: 1. Feds: All federal officers must be able to come and go from the ICE office without harassment or hindrance. Wilson: You have requested that federal officers be able to ingress and egress from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility without hindrance. The Mayor and our local public safety professionals will continue to evaluate the situation on the ground, and they will continue to make public order decisions based on what they believe will be in the best interest of Portland and our community. 2. Feds: In order to achieve the first point, Portland must create a perimeter around the ICE office. That perimeter must be at least as large as the perimeter state and local police set up today for the Secretarys visit. Wilson: No direct written response, but the city on Wednesday afternoon removed the buffer that went into place Tuesday. 3. Feds: Portland must set up free speech zones so that protesters are channeled into appropriate areas. Any attempt to go beyond those areas by breaking the perimeter, entering traffic, or in any other way obstructing federal operations must be punished to the fullest extent of the law by Portland. Wilson: In response to your request for Free Speech Zones, the city of Portland commits to peacefully facilitating free speech throughout the City of Portland. 4. Feds: Any call for assistance based on threats to federal property or persons must be responded to and prioritized. Wilson: The Portland Police Bureau has added additional officers and will continue to respond to all calls for service, including those involving federal property or personnel, in accordance with Bureau policy. Calls are prioritized based on the nature and immediacy of the threat, with life-safety emergencies receiving the highest priority. Francisco Miranda, a U.S. citizen caught up in the Trump administrations immigration sweep, was able to record his arrest in Portland before ICE agents confiscated his cellphone. While ICE officers have mistakenly arrested citizens in several documented cases across the country this year, Miranda appears to be the first known case of a citizen being arrested in Oregon. Miranda was detained outside his jobsite last Thursday. Willamette Week first reported on his arrest. What do you mean an overstay? Miranda could be heard asking one of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in his video. Mirandas lawyer shared the video with The Oregonian/OregonLive. The masked agent responded: An overstay. I dont know what that is, Miranda told the agent. Because where were you born and dont lie to me, the agent replied. Im from California, Miranda told him. Dont lie to me. Where were you born? the agent asked Miranda again. California, Miranda repeated. Miranda is Latino and lives in Milwaukie. Last month, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling cleared the way for ICE to use race as a factor when deciding who to stop. ICE has made wrongful arrests under other administrations, as well, and has paid settlements in some of the cases. A 2021 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that ICE officers had arrested 674 potential citizens from 2015 through early 2020, held 121 in detention facilities and deported 70. The report the most recent government data available called for better ICE tracking of erroneous arrests and better training for ICE officers. In Oregon, immigration officers have arrested at least 306 people this year through the end of July, according to the Immigration Enforcement Dashboard, an independent project developed by Relevant Research with data from the Deportation Data Project at the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of California, Berkeley. Thats likely an undercount because the Trump administration hasnt made data readily accessible to the public. Homeland Security officials didnt respond to a request for comment by deadline. During Mirandas arrest, the same ICE agent told him that authorities were going to take him in to verify his information after he repeatedly told them he was born in California. No, you are not, dude, Miranda told him. A few seconds later, a second ICE agent threatened Miranda with his police dog: Turn around or you are going to get the dog. Turn around. I havent done anything, Miranda told the agents before he was handcuffed and the video ends. Miranda declined an interview Wednesday through his attorney, Michael Fuller of Portland. But Fuller said he sent a letter Monday to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about Mirandas case. According to the letter, ICE agents struck Miranda forcefully from behind, causing him to collapse, before putting him in an unmarked van. Miranda was released, without explanation, after spending several hours at the ICE office in South Portland and was driven back to his place of employment without being given any legitimate reason for his abduction, the letter says. Miranda had also shown his Oregon drivers license to the agents before he was detained, according to the letter. ICE wasted taxpayer dollars on this illegal abduction and made fools of themselves in the process, Fuller said in an email. Fuller has asked Homeland Security to produce all documents related to Mirandas arrest, any evidence it has that shows Miranda isnt a U.S. citizen or overstayed a visa and any documents related to ICEs policies on the use of force and the use of dogs during arrests. On Tuesday, Milwaukie city leaders sent its own letter to Noem, condemning ICEs actions to unlawfully detain Miranda. What we are seeing across the country is not an isolated mistake, these are systematic abuses of power, a violation of the Constitution, and acts of state-sanctioned violence, the City Council said in the letter. U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Oregon, on Thursday released a statement denouncing Mirandas immigration arrest. Im infuriated about the abduction of one of my constituents, Frank Miranda. These ICE raids are reminiscent of the Fugitive Slave Act, when the U.S. Marshalls would hunt down and kidnap Black Americans, she said. That was a dark and shameful time in our nations history we must not allow that to repeat. Bynum said ICE agents are not welcome in Oregon and asked for accountability in Mirandas case. Im demanding an end to ICEs reign of terror, a thorough investigation into the kidnapping of Mr. Miranda, and fundamental change to this Administrations approach to immigration, she said. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem surveys South Portland from the roof of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility on Tuesday. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Thursday that her agency would double down in Portland after state and local leaders rebuffed a series of demands she made during a visit to the city this week. During a televised Trump administration cabinet meeting, Noem said she would seek to purchase additional facilities in Portland and boost the number of federal officers in the city. She also blasted Gov. Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson as well as Oregon and Portland law enforcement leaders. They are all lying and disingenuous and dishonest people because as soon as you leave the room they make the exact opposite response, Noem said. I told them that if they didnt meet our demands for safety and security on the streets and work with us we were going to bring in more federal law enforcement. The remarks came two days after Noem made an appearance Tuesday at South Portlands Immigration and Customs Enforcement building, the site of nightly protests since June. Those protests had often involved no more than several dozen people in the weeks before President Donald Trump announced plans last month deploy troops to Portland, claiming the ICE building and the federal officers who work inside it were under siege. During meetings she held with Kotek, Wilson, Oregon State Superintendent Casey Codding and Portland Police Chief Bob Day, Noem made multiple demands. Among them: more security at the ICE building as well as a permanent perimeter around it that would move protesters further away from the facility into surrounding neighborhoods. In a letter to federal officials Wednesday, Wilson rejected or sidestepped those and other requests. Hours later, he ordered several blocks that the city had closed near the ICE building during Noems visit to reopen. On Thursday, Wilson spokesperson Cody Bowman confirmed that Noem had indicated she would escalate homeland securitys response in Portland during her meeting with the mayor, though the city received no indication that the federal government would seek to purchase additional property. Mayor Wilson urges federal partners to engage constructively and to refrain from rhetoric that misrepresents our citys leadership and values, Bowman said. In a statement, Kotek said she supported Wilsons decision to hold the line in response to the Trump administrations lies and aggressive tactics. It is clear from Secretary Noems continued false narrative about whats happening in Portland that the Trump administration has no interest in the facts, no interest in public safety, and that we cannot take them at their word, Kotek said. I am calling on President Trump and his administration to focus on real problems, not made up ones. This is a developing story and may be updated. Senator Jeff Merkley speaks to the crowd at the Hyatt Regency Tuesday night. November 8, 2022 Beth Nakamura/Staff The Oregonian Senator Jeff Merkley took to X to express his discontent with the government shutdown and the delayed swearing-in of Rep. Adelita Grijalva. In the post, Merkley pointed out that Arizona Rep. Grijalva was elected to Congress more than two weeks ago. She won a special election in Arizona, taking the seat over from her late father, the former Democratic rep in the area. Merkley points to the government shutdown and Speaker Johnson and House Republicans who fled Washington, D.C., refusing to do their JOBS. The tweet ends with, Really makes you wonder whats in those Epstein files. Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva was elected to Congress more than TWO weeks ago! Its way past time to swear her inbut instead, Speaker Johnson and House Republicans fled Washington, D.C., refusing to do their JOBS. Really makes you wonder whats in those Epstein Files Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) October 9, 2025 Rep. Grijalva had made her intentions to be the final signature needed on a bi-partisan bill that would compel a vote that would make the Department of Justice release the Epstein Files. House Speaker Mike Johnson told The Hill that Grijalvas swearing-in has not been postponed because of her impending signature, but because of the government shutdown. Well schedule it, I guess, whenever she wants. It has nothing to do with it, Johnson told The Hill on Oct. 7 However, CNN later reported, that a leadership aide said a contradictory statement, We will swear in Rep.-Elect [Adelita] Grijalva as soon as the House returns to session when Chuck Schumer, Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego decide to open up the government. Merkleys replies are full of people telling him to do something about it, but only in special circumstances can someone other than the Speaker of the House swear in a member of the House. A government shutdown does not prohibit a newly elected member from being sworn in. The leadership aide responded to criticism of the comment by saying it is customary to swear in members when the chamber is in session. Thats largely true; however, earlier this year, Johnson swore in two republican representatives to Congress during a pro forma session. Pro forma sessions are sessions that can be called, where no business is conducted. On April 1, the public House records show that the next meeting would be on April 2, at 6 p.m. for a pro forma session. On April 2, Johnson swore in two Florida representatives. Johnson said that he swore those reps in because they had prescheduled a date for their oath of office, so they had all of their family and friends and supports fly into town. He said the government unexpectedly went out of session, so he did it as a courtesy to those representatives and their families. Pro forma sessions can be called during a government shutdown, according to The Hill. Democrats have sought to use pro forma sessions to talk about the issue of Grijalvas swearing in to no avail. Protesters, reporters and live-streamers stand two blocks from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in South Portland on Tuesday after Portland police put up a "buffer" zone during U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems visit. Jonathan Bach I The Oregonian/OregonLive Portland Mayor Keith Wilson on Wednesday ordered police tape to come down near South Portlands U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building, despite demands from the federal government that the city erect a permanent perimeter around the facility. Wilson said he made the decision after some members of the Portland City Council raised concerns that keeping the area cordoned off could inflame protesters and city residents, intensifying the nightly demonstrations that have taken place for months outside the building. Those protests had often involved no more than several dozen people in the weeks before President Donald Trump announced plans last month deploy troops to Portland, claiming the ICE building and the federal officers who work inside it were under siege. We want to listen to the council, we want to listen to community members, Wilson told The Oregonian/OregonLive as he left a nearly two-hour closed door executive session at City Hall. Having hundreds of more people down there is the last thing we want. We dont want people down in that area right now because they are at risk of getting hurt. Blocks to the north and east of the ICE building were closed off Tuesday, which Portland police officials had characterized as an example of routine support for a visiting dignitary during U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems visit. The perimeter remained in place for much of Wednesday, despite Noems departure, but was taken down in the late afternoon. Prior to the council pushback, Wilson said he had planned to keep the area shut down due to what he said were rising tensions in recent days, most notably the escalating use of force by federal law enforcement officers against protesters. Police staff had been working on this for the last week, Wilson said. What can we do to keep the community safe? The federal government, they dont share the same concerns for Portlanders that we do. However, the mayor stressed that he may still decide that creating a buffer zone in the future is the best course of action. We have to evaluate all the tools that we have for community safety, Wilson said. The idea of maintaining a closed-off area around the ICE building that Portland police had already been considering was also among a list of demands conveyed to the mayor by Noem and other federal officials who met privately with Wilson during the homeland security heads Tuesday visit to Portland. In a letter signed by Scott Bradford, who heads the U.S. Attorneys Office in Oregon, the federal government asked for the creation of a permanent perimeter that would move protesters further away from the building into surrounding neighborhoods, according to a copy released by the city Wednesday. Federal officials also issued a series of other demands when they met with Wilson on Tuesday including that the city create designated free speech zones to which protesters would be confined; that those who ventured outside such zones would face swift arrest and prosecution; that the city ensure federal officers be able to go to and from the building unhindered; and that Portland police prioritize any call for assistance based on threats to federal property or persons, according to the letter from Bradford, which was sent to Police Chief Bob Day. In a written response, Wilson struck a mostly noncommittal, and at times oppositional, tone. He said the city of Portland could commit to peacefully facilitating free speech throughout the city, but did not appear to concede to federal officials demands that protesters be confined to particular areas. He also noted that the Portland Police Bureau had added additional personnel and would continue to respond to service calls, including those from federal employees, but that prioritization would follow existing policy, with life-saving emergencies coming first and foremost. Wilson closed his letter by repeating a request of his own. We continue to ask that your federal law enforcement officers raise their operational and legal standards in terms of use of force and munitions, officer identification, and body-worn cameras, the mayor wrote. The actions of certain officers continue to be deeply disturbing to our community, and the lack of accountability and transparency for what appears to be unconstitutional behavior against individuals expressing their rights will only serve to deepen the divide between this facility and our community. Julia Silverman contributed to this report Portland held arguments Thursday morning before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on whether it will put a more lasting hold on Oregon U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immerguts initial temporary restraining order blocking federal deployment of the Oregon National Guard in Portland. The arguments were livestreamed at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 2 of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals headquarters in San Francisco, but lawyers have been allowed to appear remotely by video feed. A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a temporary administrative hold Wednesday afternoon on Immerguts ruling as it prepared to hear arguments from the federal government, state of Oregon and city of Portland on whether to grant a longer hold based on the merits of the case pending appeal. Each sides lawyer had 20 minutes to argue. Immergut found that the Trump administration lacked any legal justification to mobilize troops, noting no threat of rebellion exists in Portland, that local police can handle the sporadic protests at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in South Portland and federal officers are still able to enforce federal laws. The appellate courts temporary hold keeps the 200 Oregon National Guard members called up by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sept. 28 under federal control but bars their mobilization to Portland. Attorneys for the Trump administration said Immergut impermissibly second-guessed the Commander in Chiefs military judgments. Attorneys for Oregon and Portland have asked the 9th Circuit to maintain the status quo and prevent unlawfully federalized soldiers from engaging the public and patrolling Portland streets. The panel didnt issue a ruling from the bench. The judges hearing the case include two appointed by Trump and one appointed by former President Bill Clinton. The judges are Susan P. Graber, appointed by Clinton in 1997; Ryan D. Nelson, appointed by Trump in 2018 after Trump withdrew his nomination to be solicitor of the Department of the Interior; and Bridget S. Bade, appointed by Trump in 2019 after Congress didnt act on her nomination a year earlier before adjourning. Graber has ties to Oregon. She served as presiding judge of the Oregon Court of Appeals from 1988 to 1990 and as an associate justice on the Oregon Supreme Court from 1990 to 1998. Before her work on the bench, she was in private practice in Portland. FRIEND OF THE COURT BRIEFS The appellate court has received a number of friend-of-the court briefs. -- In support of Trump, the America First Legal Foundation urged the court to pause Immerguts order. 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. -- 20 states, including Iowa, Montana, Oklahoma and South Carolina, urged support to temporarily block Immerguts order. Iowa Solicitor General Eric H. Wessan argued that violent rioters in Portland are harming federal officers. He praised what Iowa and the other states described as valiant efforts by federal officers to identify and deport people from the U.S. The brief said Trumps call-up of 200 Oregon National Guard members to Portland was a measured response compared to the thousands mobilized in California and that they worried similar protests would occur in other states if the unrest in Portland wasnt handled quickly. -- In opposition to any pause, 20 states, the District of Columbia and governors from Pennsylvania, Kansas and Kentucky filed a brief in support of Oregon and Portland. They wrote that their interests in preventing Trumps deployment of National Guard troops to their communities are numerous, citing concern about Trumps June 7 memo that called for federalizing National Guard troops in support of ICE and unspecified federal functions to any geographic location, equivalent to an unlimited claim of presidential authority. While California, Oregon and Illinois have been Trumps targets, tomorrow it could be any State, they wrote. They argued that the deployment of National Guard troops must be governed by the rule of law and the facts on the ground -- and not the whims of the President or his appointees. The states that signed on are Washington, Maryland, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin. --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, 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. -- The Vet Voice Foundation -- a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization representing almost 2 million veterans, military family members and their supporters and retired senior officers from the Army, Army National Guard and Navy -- backed Portland and Oregon. They argued that the morale of troops and the trust of the military is at stake in this and similar cases. The federalization and deployment of the Oregon National Guard to respond to civil disturbances against the will of the states governor should give any supporter of the military and military members pause, their brief said. Due to strong legal and moral constraints, such actions have occurred rarely in the history of this country, and that must continue to remain the case. Police remove the caution tape that surrounded a few blocks around the ICE building in South Portland. Allison Barr/The Oregonian Portland police removed a caution tape barrier on Wednesday evening that had cordoned off blocks around the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in South Portland. Officers put up the tape and barricades Tuesday and characterized them as routine support for a visiting dignitary when U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem came to town. Federal officials asked Mayor Keith Wilson to create a permanent perimeter around the ICE facility. But by Wednesday afternoon, Wilson had ordered the barrier removed. Wilson said he decided to do so after some members of the Portland City Council raised concerns that keeping the area restricted could further inflame tensions. Protester Ren Purkerson, wearing a caution tape bow in her hair, said she was in a protester camp near the ICE facility on Tuesday when police asked people to clear the block. The 43-year-old lives in Salem and said she was forced to sleep on the street Tuesday night after the camp was cleared and the perimeter established. On Wednesday, the food, water and medical supplies donated to the group had been cleared out, she said. Its a real slap in the face, Purkerson said. Purkerson was arrested later Wednesday evening on an allegation of misdemeanor harassment, jail logs show. Two others were arrested on suspicion of harassment, as well: 46-year-old Jonathan J. Lincoln of Portland and 19-year-old Bianca M. Barrett of Portland. A few dozen protesters and counter protesters slowly made their way back to the front of the building on Wednesday night. A fourth person was cited for menacing and released after brandishing a replica gun. The same person, 28-year-old Christopher J. Norman of Vancouver, was arrested again after allegedly pointing a blue laser at a Portland Police Bureau airplane. Protests were largely mild as loudspeakers from the facility blared warnings that the building was closed and trespassers would be arrested. Protestor Ren Purkerson speaks to Portland Police outside of the ICE facility, wearing a hair bow made out of yellow caution tape on Oct. 8, 2025. Chiara Profenna Testimony suggesting the Oregon National Guard will protect protesters gains attention A snippet from the testimony of Oregons top military leader Brigadier General Alan R. Gronewold to lawmakers last month is circulating online, drawing praise and criticism from opposite sides of the political spectrum. Gronewold told lawmakers that Oregon soldiers would be trained in protective crowd control. The Oregon National Guard defends America and protects Oregonians, Gronewold said Sept. 30: And so by serving in this mission, they will be protecting any protesters at the ICE facility. Whether soldiers from the guard from Oregon or any other state will actually deploy outside the ICE facility remains to be seen. [WATCH: Oregon generals testimony: National Guard troops will be protecting any protesters] Oregon Republicans strike a cautious tone about troop deployment Oregon Republican leaders at the state and federal level say they understand why President Donald Trump is pushing to deploy National Guard members to protests in Portland but have stopped short of calling for military troops on the ground themselves. Prominent Republicans argue they want Portland police to take more control of the situation. This issue could go away right now if Portland police, the leadership in Portland, enforced the law, said Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr. What were watching for today The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments Thursday morning on the question of whether to uphold a temporary restraining order blocking Trump from deploying Oregon National Guard troops in Portland. The federal government has challenged U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immerguts 14-day restraining order issued last Saturday blocking the Oregon troop deployment. Immergut ruled then that the Trump administration lacked any legal justification to mobilize troops, noting no threat of rebellion existed in Portland, that local police can handle the sporadic protests at the ICE building and federal officers are still able to enforce federal laws. U.S. government lawyers have asked an appeals court to put a hold on Immerguts ruling. If they do so, then President Trump will 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. [WATCH LIVE at 9 a.m.: Appeals court to hear arguments in Oregon National Guard case] When a bat that had taken up residence in a dark corner of the basement decided to fly about the house. They would continue to correspond and saw each other occasiona INTERVIEWERThe Impressionists painted some of the earliest depictions of what we understand as modernity.after Id settled in to our time-share and signed up for the Di Those seeking a system among these decades of decay-themed entries will find none: Canetti mistrusted sys You will have seen in the newspapers that whenever some group of Islamic terrorists kidnap somebody in French Africa.changed I l And reading and school lead to Oxford and to an eventual understandingwhich came to me only in the perio I found it in a stack of photos stored inside a small envelope with a handwritten label: NY Downtown.and one of the other intere finally envisages a resolution of conflict in a necessitous freedom of action in which significance and expression are one.just days after attending a packed-to-vibrating their frolicking in and with each other inside the frame of that film is beaut whether by virtue of standing on an elevationas in a sixteenth-century depiction made in Hildesheim.whil with its millions of illuminated windows and tall black building faces blinking and flashing halfway up to heaven.in which she t I listen to her follow her mind from the pop of the caterpillar from its egg in the beginning of The Hungry Caterpillar.His successive visions of what he imagined his uncons This isnt quite Kafkas remark on a summer day twenty-eight years earlierGermany has declared war on Russia.and consumption of the real worldand therefore a more exciting an INTERVIEWERMaybe its easier to find a positive mutuality in their romantic relationships with women becau My late best friend Marilyn used to say she preferred sex with men but that she could fall in love only with a woman.this is Con They crush them and then roll the tobacco in the German-language leaflets that the RAF pilots drop over t How could I nd the books I needed now? I had so many questions: Could you be a feminist and be in love? Did the search for inde Or will it? Their event poster features the words Esto no es un taco in Magritte-like font below what might or might not be a taco.Wollstonecraft wrote to Roscoe: I am dissa I think thats what it is to get older: you get softer with age because youve experienced a lot of things once.And he contemplated her absorbed young face with a thrill of pos For a case study in how a once-promising technology turned toxic, look no further than ATSC 3.0. Also known as NextGen TV, the new broadcast standard promised to revolutionize free over-the-air TV with features like 4K HDR video, time-shifting, on-demand viewing, and interactive programming. For cord-cutters who get free local channels with an antenna, this was a genuinely exciting technology when it began rolling out way back in 2019. Six years later, that excitement has evaporated thanks to restrictive digital rights management (DRM) and high adoption costs. While the broadcast TV industry has failed to make ATSC 3.0 stick, theyve succeeded in getting tech enthusiasts, consumer advocates, and even some individual broadcasters to fear and despise it. Now, broadcasters are hoping for a bailout from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which announced this week that it will consider their wishes to wind down the existing ATSC 1.0 standard and mandate ATSC 3.0 adoption. If ATSC broadcasts 1.0 go away, most antenna users will need a new TV or tuner box, which broadcasters hope will be forced to support ATSC 3.0 in the future. Having failed in the marketplace, broadcasters now want the government to help foist ATSC 3.0 upon people instead. Sadly, it didnt have to be this way. Whats happening with ATSC 3.0? NextGen TV broadcasts are available in more than 90 U.S. markets, covering 70 percent of the population, but accessing these broadcasts requires an ATSC 3.0 tuner, and most TVs dont have one. If ATSC 1.0 broadcasts go away, over-the-air TV viewers will need to upgrade their tuners even if they dont need a new TV or care about ATSC 3.0s new features. Low-cost TV makers tend to exclude ATSC 3.0 from their sets, and some bigger brandsincluding Samsung and LGhave either pulled back or stopped supporting the standard entirely. External ATSC 3.0 tuner boxes can bring support to existing TVs but theyre expensive at $90 and up. TVs that dont support ATSC 3.0 will need an external tuner box if the FCC pulls the plug on ATSC 1.0. ADTH As such, broadcasters estimate that only 14 million compatible TVs and 300,000 external tuner boxes have been sold in the United States through the end of 2024. That means only about 11 percent of U.S. households can tune into ATSC 3.0 channels today. Broadcasters argue that by winding down ATSC 1.0, theyll have more bandwidth for features like 4K resolution (which remains largely unavailable in todays actual ATSC 3.0 broadcasts), additional channels, or improved reception. They believe this will finally stimulate demand for NextGen TV and get more hardware makers on board. Thats one way to look at it. The other way is that if the FCC lets ATSC 1.0 support disappear, viewers will need to upgrade even if they dont need a new TV or care about new features. Meanwhile, broadcasters would be free to repurpose additional spectrum away from free TV over public airwaves. Either way, broadcasters are hoping the FCC will force the issue. This week, the commission released a notice of proposed rulemaking that seeks public comment on what broadcasters want. The FCC has not laid out a timeline for cutting off ATSC 1.0broadcasters were hoping to sunset ATSC 1.0 broadcasts for the 55 largest U.S. markets in 2028 (and every market in 2030)but its seeking comment on a potential mandate to force every TV maker to include a ATSC 3.0 tuner in their sets. After the public comment period, the FCC will come up with proposed rules to adopt and eventually vote on them. Doing early adopters dirty Broadcasters could have stimulated demand for ATSC 3.0 in a more organic way. Instead, theyve stymied the groups most likely to advocate for its success. SiliconDust is a case in point: It was the first manufacturer to sell a consumer-grade ATSC 3.0 tuner in the U.S. Its HDHomeRun tuner lets you set up an antenna in one room, and then access live TV across multiple networked televisions via its streaming apps. Users can also set up DVR servers to record over-the-air channels, using either HDHomeRuns software or third-party solutions such as Plex and Channels DVR. SiliconDust Nick Kelsey, SiliconDusts CTO and founder, told me in 2020 that the company wanted to spur the market for ATSC 3.0 with a bleeding-edge product. But since then, broadcasters have punished both SiliconDust and its customers for their early enthusiasm. As broadcasters have started encrypting their ATSC 3.0 channels with DRM, HDHomeRun users have been unable to access that content because their boxes cant decrypt the programming. While HDHomeRun tuners are NextGen TV-certified and licensed to decrypt copy-protected content, a private group of broadcasters called the ATSC 3.0 Security Authority (A3SA) has separately been certifying devices to receive encrypted channels. The group refuses to do that for HDHomeRun tuners, citing SiliconDusts use of a chip by a subsidiary of the Chinese company Huawei as a security concern. Its unclear why the A3SA waited five years to point out this potentially disqualifying hardware issue. Its also a little fishy, given that SiliconDust has cited numerous other roadblocks along the way. Either way, the upshot is that not a single whole-home DVR with encrypted ATSC 3.0 channel support exists on the market today. Tablo indefinitely delayed its plans for an ATSC 3.0 product in 2022, citing DRM concerns. ZapperBox is working on a whole-home solution but it doesnt expect full functionality for another year. Broadcasters understandably want to protect their content from piracy, but balancing that goal with all the existing use cases for over-the-air TV should have been a priority. Instead, broadcasters alienated their most enthusiastic audience and mutated ATSC 3.0 from a promising technology into a poisonous one. DRM alienated everyone Channels DVR (and its new Multiview feature) wont work with encrypted ATSC 3.0 channels. FancyBits The downsides of DRM extend beyond just whole-home DVRs. Some NextGen TV tuner boxes wont decrypt channels without an internet connection, and the YouTube creator Tyler Antenna Man Kleinle has reported that some TVs can fail to decode encrypted channels for no apparent reason. Lon Seidman has found that decryption certificates on ATSC 3.0 products will eventually expire, rendering them unable to receive encrypted channels at all. (Both creators have been encouraging viewers to complain to the FCC.) Even broadcasters that have no plans to encrypt their channels could run into problems. Weigel Broadcasting Company, which operates MeTV and several other popular digital subchannels, has told the FCC that televisions may eventually block or hinder users from viewing stations that havent purchased an encryption certificate. That effectively could turn the A3SA, a private entity, into a gatekeeper for the public airwaves. Meanwhile, no permission is needed to innovate on the unencrypted side of the fence. Channels DVR, for instance, just released a breakthrough multiview feature that integrates with HDHomeRun tuners, making it the first solution for split-screen viewing of free over-the-air channels. Weigel just launched a new Western-themed channel to join its stable of rerun-centric over-the-air offerings. Tablos $100 whole-home DVR continues to get better with a newly-launched offline mode and integration with more streaming channels. Had broadcasters not alienated these kinds of torchbearers, they mightve fared better at convincing the public that ATSC 3.0 is essential. Now their only hope is to cry to the government about it. Correction: This story previously said that the FCC was considering broadcasters wishes to wind down the ATSC 1.0 standard by 2030 and mandate tuner adoption. While that is what broadcasters want, the FCC has so far declined to lay out a timeline for cutting off ATSC 1.0 broadcasts and is seeking comment on a potential tuner mandate. This story has been updated accordingly. Sign up for Jareds Cord Cutter Weekly newsletter for more streaming and over-the-air TV advice. Its time for another sad episode of Smart Home Graveyard, with Logitech warning users of its POP line of smart home buttons that their devices will be rendered useless in a matter of days. POP Smart Button owners began sharing the end-of-line emails from Logitech late last month, which noted that the buttons would cease working on October 15, giving them only slightly more than two weeks notice. For close to a decade, we have maintained the POP ecosystem, but as technology evolves, we have made the decision to end support for the device, Logitechs email reads. As of October 15, your POP button(s) and the connected hub will no longer be supported and will lose all functionality. Logitech added that it would give POP button owners a promo code giving them a 15-percent discount on Logitech and Ultimate Ears products (Logitech owns the Ultimate Ears audio brand). Annoyed POP button owners on Reddit didnt hold back about the prospect of their devices being turned into paperweights. This is why, local first wrote one user, while another complained, 12 buttons and 3 hubs in my home are going to become beautiful useless [pieces] of tech. Why? Weve reached out to Logitech for comment. First introduced roughly 9 years ago, the Logitech POP system consists of a round, flat POP button and a hub that connects the button to your local network. Each POP hub could support up to 18 of the buttons. A POP kit that included a hub and a button cost $60, while additional buttons went for $40 each. You could program the buttons to trigger up to three different smart-home commands via a single-, double-, or long-press. The original POP buttons were compatible with a variety of smart home ecosystems, including Philips Hue, LIFX, Lutron Caseta, Sonos, Belkins WeMo brand, and Insteon, among others. The buttons also worked with Logitechs Harmony universal remote hub. A separate HomeKit-compatible version of the POP button arrived in 2017. Logitechs decision to nix support for its POP buttons comes amid the companys growing ambivalence towards the smart home. Earlier this year, Logitech chopped support for its earliest Harmony remotes, which can still work but can no longer be reprogrammed. Logitech purchased the Harmony brand in 2004 but stopped making the remotes in 2021, although its keeping the servers on for more recent Harmony productswell, for now, anyway. Two smart home products that Logitech does still sell are the Circle View Doorbell and Circle View Camera, although the companys relatively new CEO seemed uncertain last year whether the devices are still available. (They are, The Verge later confirmed.) Dozens of people will be laid off at a plant and warehouse in the Lehigh Valley. Packaging Corporation of America filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, informing the state it is laying off 60 people at its Trexlertown Converting Operation at 7451 Cetronia Road in Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County, outside of Allentown, and at its warehouse at 7620 Cetronia Road. The layoffs are expected to take place on Dec. 1. We will work in earnest with state and local officials to provide access to dislocated worker assistance for our affected employees, the company said in a WARN notice. This represented a difficult business decision. We regret the impact the permanent plant closure will have on our valued employees and the community at large. Packaging Corporation of America is based in Illinois and produces containerboard and uncoated freesheet. The company has more than 120 facilities, including seven containerboard mills and 86 manufacturing locations across the United States. The companys paper segment operates under the trade name Boise Paper, a Division of Packaging Corporation of America. 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. Enable: The Disability Podcast is a new podcast featuring stories of amazing people with disabilities and different abilities. Advance Local Enable: The Disability Podcast is a new podcast featuring stories of amazing people with disabilities and different abilities. In this episode, NJ Advance Media reporter Eric Conklin talks about his journey to being diagnosed with Aspergers, including doing a sleep study at a young age, taking medication for ADHD (is this med gonna help me make friends?) and seeing other kids on the autism spectrum. He also shares insight on the different challenges adults face and the strengths hes found as someone who is differently abled. Enable: The Disability Podcast will release new episodes weekly on YouTube and all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and iHeart. Follow facebook.com/enablepodcast or @enablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok for more. About the hosts Geoff Herbert, who was born with a profound binaural hearing loss, is a reporter, SEO Lead and content supervisor for syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. Despite being mostly deaf in both ears, hes also worked as a DJ for 25 years, including 10 years in radio (as DeafGeoff) and 10 years as a wedding DJ in Upstate New York. He learned how to communicate orally with hearing aids, lipreading and speech therapy, and embraces assistive technology like visual waveforms in music programs, closed captioning/subtitles, and video calls. Kurt Hower, who has worked at Advance Local for over 35 years, is a leader both in the media industry and in the community. He has been actively involved in leading change as the print industry has continued to rapidly evolve, while also serving on a variety of boards including the Central PA Chapter Arthritis Foundation Board of Directors where he was Chairman of Board Development and a member of the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee. Hower has ankylosing spondylitis, a rare disease that causes arthritis of the spine, and encourages others to focus on what they can contribute to society rather than their challenges. Community at Work Job Fair The Community at Work Job Fair will take place Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at CNY Works, 960 James St., in Syracuse, N.Y. The free event will provide adults with physical and mental disabilities the opportunity to meet inclusive employers, explore industries, and learn about positions with actively hiring companies. Herbert and Hower will co-host a panel discussion about hiring tips and accessibility options at the job fair. The discussion will be recorded for an episode of the Enable podcast. While the fair is tailored for adults with diverse mental and physical abilities, experiences or access needs, all community members are welcome. Participation is free for both job seekers and employers. For more information, visit communityatworkjobfair.com. Lebanon police have filed homicide charges against a woman who stabbed her boyfriend and then got her mother to help her hide the evidence, the district attorneys office said. Katlynn Kearney, 32, now faces homicide charges after she and her mother, Joanne C. Kearney, 62, were charged Monday with tampering with evidence. The charges relate to the death of Katlynn Kearneys boyfriend, 45-year-old Dontay Maurice Hunter, on Oct. 4. The Lebanon County District Attorneys Office gave this account of the investigation: Katlynn Kearney, her mother and Hunter all lived in apartments in the 800 block of Chestnut Street in Lebanon. Hunter and Joanne Kearney lived next door to one another. At one point, Katlynn Kearney lived in Hunters apartment but moved in with her mother a few weeks before Hunters death. On Oct. 4, Katlynn Kearney and Hunter were returning home from a trip to Turkey Hill and entered Hunters apartment yelling at one another. Surveillance cameras show neighbors mingling in the hallway and not paying attention to the arguing pair. The property manager told investigators that arguments between the two were frequent. The argument ended at around 9 p.m. A few minutes later, Katlynn Kearneys mother appeared at Hunters open doorway. Over the next 12 hours, footage shows the two women removing items from Hunters apartment including a bag filled with Katlynn Kearneys clothing at the time of the murder and a bloody knife, according to a police report. Katlynn Kearney threw the items in a dumpster around 9:40 p.m. Katlynn Kearney called police in the morning, around 9:38 a.m. just one minute after removing the last item from Hunters apartment. She told the operator and police she found Hunter on his bed in his apartment covered in blood and stopped breathing. When police interviewed Katlynn Kearney, she tried to blame Hunters death on another man in the apartment complex she had a romantic relationship with. After police showed her surveillance footage and continued to question her, Katlynn Kearney told police she stabbed Hunter in self-defense although she had no injuries and did not ask for medical care. Police charged Katlynn Kearney and her mother with tampering based on the security camera footage. On Monday, police took Katlynn Kearney to Hunters apartment and asked her to reenact the killing. Katlynn Kearney said she was on the ground with Hunter kneeling over her and teling her to calm down, which she did and the pair stood up. Then, Katlynn Kearney said she grabbed a large knife and stabbed him even though Hunter never had a weapon and grabbed for her arms as she held the knife. Then, Hunter fell onto his bed and told Katlynn Kearney she stabbed him. She told police she accidentally stabbed Hunter due to her tremors. An autopsy showed that Hunter did not have a weapon, his cause of death was a stab wound to the chest and his manner of death was a homicide. Katlynn Kearney had a prior conviction in 2013 for battery in Florida, and police were dispatched to Hunter and Katlynn Kearney in December 2024 but no charges were filed. Katlynn Kearney is currently in Lebanon County jail and was denied bail. Wellspan York Hospital on Thursday released condition updates for the two Pennsylvania state troopers shot yesterday in a Franklin County shootout that left the suspect dead. One of the officers was released from the hospital Thursday morning but the other remains at the hospital, where he was upgraded from critical to serious condition. They were identified in court records as Troopers Thomas Pack and Lucas Amarose. Its unclear which trooper was released and which trooper remains under hospital care. The troopers were chasing a green van with a man and two women after police say they stole more than $1,000 worth of clothing from a Franklin County Dicks Sporting Goods. Pack and Amarose followed the van on the southbound lanes of Interstate 81 until other troopers disabled the van with a tire deflation device near Exit 3, Route 11/Molly Pitcher Highway. The two women, Amir L. Swift, 21, and Giani Jaida McGowan, 21, complied with the officers and exited the van. Lamar Foy, 31, started shooting at troopers, hitting Pack and Amarose. They returned fire and killed Foy. The troopers were airlifted to the hospital Wednesday. Swift and McGowan were charged with felony retail theft, possession of drugs with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Foy had multiple previous charges in Maryland, including a 2017 arrest on attempted first-degree murder charges. Pa. police shooter Lamar Foy in a 2017 mugshot after he was arrested for attempted first degree murder. (Baltimore Police Department) Baltimore Police Department The shooting comes after three officers were killed and two others were injured in York County after a 24-year-old ambushed police in North Codorus Township, York County. In February, an officer was killed while responding to a hostage situation at UPMC Memorial Hospital in West Manchester Township, York County. Two state troopers were shot in a gunfight on I-81 in Franklin County on Wednesday evening. Joshua Vaughn Court records identified a wanted fugitive from Baltimore as the man who shot and wounded two troopers Wednesday night after he and two women stole more than $1,000 in clothing from a Dicks Sporting Goods store. The new details were included in criminal complaints filed against the women, both 21 years old from Baltimore. The gunman who shot at troopers, Lamar Lorenzo Foy, 31, was wanted in Maryland for drug and assault charges filed against him earlier this year. Lamar Foy, now 31, in a 2017 mugshot after he was arrested for attempted 1st degree murder. Baltimore Police Department The incident started around 6:14 p.m. Wednesday at the Dicks Sporting Goods in Guilford Township where video footage captured two women and a man putting $1,066 worth of mens and womens clothing into a shopping cart. Foy took control of the cart, pushed it past the cash registers without paying and left the store. Police say he threw the clothing into the passenger side of a green van with Maryland license plates and the women jumped in through the passenger doors. Foy hopped in the drivers seat and sped away, according to the affidavit of probable cause. Trooper Thomas Pack and Trooper Lucas Amarose found the van and followed it on the southound lanes of Interstate 81. Other troopers placed a tire deflation device in the road that the van drove over, disabling it near Exit 3, Route 11/Molly Pitcher Highway. The two women complied with officers and exited the van, but Foy started shooting at troopers, hitting Pack and Amarose, according to court records. They returned fire and killed Foy. The troopers were airlifted to the hospital and remain in critical condition. Police got a search warrant for the van and found a large quantity of THC, plastic bags filled with an unknown white powdery substance, brown powdery substance and unmarked capsules filled with unknown substances. Money, scales and other paraphernalia were also found. Amir L. Swift, 21, and Giani Jaida McGowan, 21, were charged with felony retail theft, possession of drugs with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Foy had a long and violent criminal record. He was wanted in Maryland for failing to appear July 11 for his court hearing on a charge of possessing illegal drugs with an intent to distribute them. He was also wanted for charges filed April 9 for two counts of second-degree assault, arson, harassing phone calls and destroying property. Foy had convictions from 2020 for second-degree assault and burglary and from 2015 for assaulting a corrections officer. He was incarcerated at that time for attempted murder, assault and gun crimes. Editor Christine Vendel contributed to this report. This year the National Day coincided with the MidAutumn Festival, and foreign friends in Hefei experienced the delicacy and warmth of a traditional Chinese holiday. In the community canteen of Linxi Community in Hefei HighTech Zone, handmade lanterns hung in the windows and the air was filled with the sweet scents of flour and osmanthus a MidAutumn celebration where foreign friends and local residents together created a crossborder feeling of reunion through their interactions. When layers of flaky pastry, lotus seed paste and molds were spread out along the long table in the Linxi community canteen, Usman Ranaq from Pakistan was staring at the dough in his hands, repeatedly kneading it under the guidance of a community aunt. Usman, a PhD student at the University of Science and Technology of China who arrived in Hefei in 2024, previously knew about the MidAutumn Festival only from the poem lines about "looking up at the bright moon." Now his fingertips were touching the most vivid cultural symbols. "You need to knead the dough until your fingerprint shows through for it to be soft enough," a community volunteer said as she guided him to press the flaky pastry into a round skin and wrap it around the dense lotus paste. Usman's palms are relatively large, and the mooncakes he first made kept splitting slightly at the seam. He tried again and again, nose almost touching the dough; his focused expression drew soft smiles from those around him. After sprinkling sesame and putting them into the oven, a ding marked the moment the mooncake aroma rose. Holding a slightly browned mooncake, Usman said it made him think of his parents far away in Pakistan. "Before making mooncakes I also made a lantern myself want to see?" Usman led the reporter to the lanternmaking area and pointed to a lantern hanging by the window. He read aloud the words he had written on it: "May your family shine like the moon always." Then he picked up a marker and, stroke by stroke, wrote the same words below in his native language. As the pen traced the paper he said softly, "Last MidAutumn I had just arrived in Hefei and everything was unfamiliar. This year, making the lantern with the uncles and aunties here and 'writing' my longing into it, I feel like my family is much closer." Autumn sunlight streamed through the canteen windows, casting dappled light across Haleema Zia's hanfu. Also from Pakistan and a PhD student at the University of Science and Technology of China, she adjusted a jade hairpin while her twoandahalfyearold son hugged a jade rabbit toy and reached for the embroidered flowers on her skirt. "When our family came to Hefei in 2023 he was only four months old; now he can already point at a lantern and shout 'moon.'" In the hanfu experience area, Haleema Zia changed into a crosscollared, waistlong ruqun dress. As a volunteer helped tie her sash, she recalled her first community teaculture event. "The tea master taught us how to warm cups and wake the tea; that slowed, deliberate rhythm made me feel the elegance of traditional Chinese culture." She happily told the reporter that her Chinese teacher had given her the Chinese name "Qi Ya ()." At the lacquerfan workshop, Haleema's husband Kashif Ur Rehman followed the instructor to learn marbling lacquer. He picked his favorite colors, dripped paint onto the water's surface, tapped the paint layer as instructed, then vertically dipped a blank round fan into the water and slowly lifted it out. The pigments spread into a unique pattern on the fan. Kashif showed his handmade piece to the reporter: "Doesn't it look like a colorful mountain? It's very beautiful!" Kashif said that Pakistan also has handpainting traditions, but painting with lacquer on water was a first for him. "The process of making the lacquer fan is like our family taking root in Hefei while still carrying marks of home." "There's a Chinese line of poetry that says 'the moon is brightest over my hometown,' but today I learned that as long as you have warm people around you, the moon looks equally full everywhere," Haleema Zia said, holding her son and husband as the hems of her hanfu fluttered in the breeze. In that moment, people from different countries drawn together by a lantern, a mooncake, and a lacquer fan shared the same romantic sense of reunion on this autumn day in Hefei. Source: Hefei Evening News By Megan Guza, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS) An Indiana County man shot at his neighbors and set his house on fire before he shot at state troopers, who ultimately killed the Grant Township man, authorities said Monday. Police identified the man as 34-year-old Jonathan James Pearce Jr. Clifford Greenfield, a spokesman for state police Troop A, said the incident began around 5 p.m. Sunday when Pearce drove to a neighbors home on Dixonville Road and instigated or initiated [a] physical confrontation. Before he returned to his own home, police said, Pearce used his pickup truck to ram one of his neighbors vehicles. At his own home, Pearce opened fire on neighbors who were outside, police said. He was actively firing at what we believe to be two adults and two young children, including the man with whom he had fought earlier, Greenfield said. Troopers arrived and were told Pearce had barricaded himself inside and could be armed. He also set fire to the home at some point, Greenfield said. Pearce climbed onto his roof with a shotgun and began firing on approaching police, Greenfield said. He then fired at our troopers that were down below on the ground, Greenfield said. Our troopers returned fire, striking the suspect and fatally wounding him. The troopers involved have been placed on administrative duty, state police said. The investigation is ongoing. PSPs major case team is investigating the shooting, and Indiana District Attorney Robert F. Manzi Jr. said his office will also conduct a full investigation of police actions Sunday night. It was the third time in three days in western Pennsylvania that someone was shot by police. On Friday afternoon, a man accused of killing a motel manager and shooting a woman in front of her son in Robinson was shot by police after he shot and wounded a Pittsburgh police detective in East Hills. Pittsburgh and Allegheny County police were involved in the shooting, so Pennsylvania State police are handling the investigation, authorities said Friday. Stanley Eugene West, 38, was hospitalized in critical condition with gunshot wounds to his legs and lower back after the shooting. A Pittsburgh police detective was treated and released with a gunshot wound to the leg. Police did not identify the detective. Another man was shot and wounded by police Friday night in an incident near Michaels Tavern in McDonald, Washington County, police said. That shooting occurred about 9:30 p.m. in the 300 block of East Lincoln Avenue. Police have released few additional details. On Wednesday night, two state police troopers were shot by a man fleeing from a retail theft allegation in Franklin County. Police killed the man. Pennsylvania State Police in Franklin County are holding a press conference Thursday afternoon after two troopers were critically injured in a shootout with a wanted fugitive from Baltimore. Watch the press conference, scheduled for 4 p.m., here. The incident started around 6:15 p.m. Wednesday at a Dicks Sporting Goods store in Guilford Township. Two women, both 21, and 31-year-old Lamar L. Foy stole over $1,000 in clothing and left the area in a van, police said. Trooper Thomas Pack and Trooper Lucas Amarose found the van in question and pursued it south on Interstate 81. Other troopers used a tire deflation device to disable the trios car near Exit 3 for Route 11/Molly Pitcher Highway, about 15 miles away. Two state troopers were shot in a gunfight on I-81 in Franklin County on Wednesday evening. Joshua Vaughn Both of the women complied with officers, but Foy started shooting at the troopers, hitting Pack and Amarose. Police then returned fire, killing Foy. The injured troopers were airlifted to the hospital in critical condition. One trooper has since been released, but the other remains in serious condition. Foy, who has a long and violent criminal record, was wanted in Maryland for drug and assault charges filed against him earlier this year. He was also wanted on charges of second-degree assault, arson, harassing phone calls and destroying property and failing to appear at a July 11 court hearing for possessing drugs with the intent to distribute. Foy has been previously convicted of second-degree assault and burglary from 2015 for assaulting a corrections officer. He was incarcerated at that time for attempted murder, assault and gun crimes. The two women Amir L. Swift and Giani Jaida McGowan were charged with felony retail theft, possession of drugs with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. The country music world has been waiting since May for word from Alan Jackson on his final show, and that word came on Wednesday. The country music legend, who retired from touring after his show on May 17 in Milwaukee, announced that he will host Last Call: One More For The Road The Finale, on June 27, 2026 at Nashvilles Nissan Stadium. Back during his show in Milwaukee in May, Jackson shared with the audience a little bit of the story of his struggle to make it. It started 40 years ago this September, he said. My wife and I drove to Nashville with an old U-Haul trailer chasing the dream, and it has been a crazy ride. Lived the American Dream for sure, and Im so blessed, and thank yall so much for all of your support, coming to the shows. When Jackson ended the show, he addressed the crowd once more. I just want to say thanks to yall once again, he said. Yall have been a wonderful crowd here tonight. I cant think of a better way to end my touring career out here with yall. Wonderful crowd. God bless you. Appreciate you. Maybe Ill see yall again one day. While it is sad that Jackson is stepping away, he is doing it for health reasons and to be with family. And, in the end, he did pretty, darned well for himself to put himself in position to able to make the move. It has been a long run for Jackson, who began his career in 1987. It has been a lucrative run, too. Just how lucrative? Well, according to CelebrityNetWorth.com, Jackson has an estimated fortune of $150 million. That number was also good enough to put Jackson among the top 10 he was ninth richest active country music stars in the country in 2024. Nancy Jones, the widow of country music star George Jones, sits at the memorial to the late singer dedicated on Monday, Nov. 18, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) AP Nancy Jones, the widow of country music legend George Jones, was in court this week testifying in a case against her ex Kirk West who is accused of stealing more than $10 million in cash and crypto from her. Rolling Stone reported that Jones took the stand during a court hearing on Oct. 7 in Tennessee. Everything that he told me, I definitely trusted him, she said. Even the romantic part, I definitely trusted him. West was arrested back on July 24 at the Nashville International Airport one day after Nancy Jones filed a theft report against him. Court documents showed that Nancy claimed she became suspicious that West, described as her long-term romantic partner, might be cheating on her. She said that is when she called a granddaughter and asked her to check a safe that only she and West had a code for. Nancy Jones claimed that her granddaughter discovered that $400,000 in cash was missing from the safe, per Taste of Country, and that a crypto wallet with 5,534,307 units of the digital currency XRP was also missing. That amount of XRP was reportedly valued at $11,622,044.70 at the time. Taste of Country said court documents said Nancy Jones kicked West out of her home on June 28. She claimed he later called and said he would return $5 million in the crypto money but no more. West was reportedly been charged with theft of over $250,000, which is a Class A felony in Tennessee. In court this week, Nancy Jones said that West took an active role in helping to manage the Jones estate and her finances, according to Rolling Stone. He took care of everything, she said. I didnt take care of nothing. The outlet said that prosecutors asked her if she trusted West. One hundred percent, she responded. She also reportedly told prosecutors that West called himself a financial manager. This is reportedly not his first brush with the law. According to reports, West was charged with bank fraud in 2016, and Nancy Jones said she paid his legal fees and hired representation then. The two reportedly first met back in 2013, about four months after George Jones death. By Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times (TNS) LOS ANGELES A Disneyland visitor who required medical attention after riding the theme parks Haunted Mansion attraction died at an Orange County hospital on Monday. Disneyland officials confirmed Wednesday that the woman required medical treatment and was transported to a hospital, but did not provide further details. The news was broken by Disneyland influencer Matt Desmond. Desmond wrote that the guest had a heart attack on Haunted Mansion Holiday. He noted that she didnt respond when it was time to walk off the ride. Anaheim police confirmed that fire and rescue units responded at 6:30 p.m. and found a woman in her 60s unresponsive. She had just finished riding the Halloween version of the Haunted Mansion, which combines characters from Tim Burtons famed The Nightmare Before Christmas movie with the classic features of the iconic ride. Guests wait in line at the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on June 30, 2017. A woman died after riding it in October 2025. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times/TNS, file) TNS Disneyland security performed CPR until paramedics arrived, according to Anaheim Police Sgt. Matt Sutter. She was moved to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The Orange County Sheriff-Coroner is investigating the cause of death. There is no indication of any operating issue with the attraction, which reopened soon after, Sutter said in an email. This appears to be an unfortunate medical episode, and our thoughts go out to the family, Sutter wrote. The slow-moving ride shuttles guests on doom buggies, which are seats that travel approximately one mile an hour. Dennis Speigel, founder and chief executive of the leisure and attractions consultant agency International Theme Park Services Inc, said the ride is more apt to cause unexpected naps than medical incidents. I have to say that if you picked a ride at Disney, this or Small World would be the last type of ride you would expect to see something like this to happen, he said. These are the rides for great-grandmothers. Deaths at theme parks are rare, but not impossible, and Speigel pointed to the passing of a 32-year-old man last month aboard a roller coaster at Universal Studios Epic Universe in Orlando. Louisiana rapper Boosie Badazz has hired lobbyists to try to help him secure a presidential pardon. Rapper Boosie Badazz is hoping for a presidential pardon as he potentially faces jail time for a federal gun charge. In August 2025, the Wipe Me Down rapper took a plea deal, telling his fans on social media he was tired of fighting. JUST ACCEPTED A PLEA FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ON MY GUN CASE, Boosie posted on X. I THOUGHT THIS CASE WAS OVER N I WAS GOING TO GET ON WITH MY LIFE BUT GOD DONT MAKE MISTAKES N IM TIRED OF FIGHTING!! Now, according to public affairs platform LegiStorm, the Louisiana rapper has hired J.M. Burkman & Associates to help lobby for a pardon from President Donald Trump. The lobbyists listed on the lobbying registration form filed with the U.S. Senate are Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl. This is not the first time the rapper has tried to get Trumps attention for help with this case. Back in January, the Bank Roll rapper took to X to express his distress. Trump, CHECK MY CASE OUT, Boosie wrote. MY CASE WAS DISMISSED, BUT BIDENS DOJ RECHARGED ME WITH THE SAME GUN CHARGE. BIDEN PARDONS HIS SON OF. I WAS TOLD I AM THE ONLY PERSON IN THE COUNTRY FACING THAT CHARGE NOW. The post continued as Boosie introduced himself to the 47th President and said that he feels targeted by the refiling of his 2023 case. I NEVER WAS EVEN OFFERED REHAB STRAIGHT TO PRISON, Boosie wrote. N, TRUMP IM BOOSIE IM A RAPPER/ FILMMAKER FROM BATON ROUGE . I WAS TARGETED.. MY MOUTH N THINGS I STAND ON GET ME N ALOT SHIT BUT IM REAL! The rapper, whose real name is Torence Hatch, was arrested in May 2023 in San Diego, California, after officers found two weapons during a traffic stop. The case was temporarily dismissed in 2024, but federal prosecutors later refiled the charges. He is expected to be sentenced on Nov.21, and federal prosecutors are recommending a two-year prison sentence after facing a maximum of 15 years. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant has closed this Hershey location along with all its other sites. (Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com, file) Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said that he and his team are tracking developments in the abrupt closing and bankruptcy of the popular brewpub Iron Hill Brewery. In a news release this week, Sunday advised consumers who have unused Iron Hill gift cards to dispute those charges and consider filing a complaint. For the time being, we are advising consumers to seek refunds from their credit card companies regarding gift card purchases, he said. Sunday urges consumers who have Iron Hill Brewery gift cards and/or rewards to submit a complaint to the Office of Attorney Generals Bureau of Consumer Protection at www.attorneygeneral.gov or to call 717-787-3391. In late September, Iron Hill announced via social media that it would be closing all of its locations. After many wonderful years serving our communities, all Iron Hill locations have closed, it said. It has been our pleasure to serve you, and we are deeply grateful for your support, friendship, and loyalty over the years. In October, Iron Hill filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which permits liquidation, unlike Chapter 11. Bankruptcy documents, as reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, revealed that Iron Hill has $125,000 in its account but owes $20 million to creditors. Until recently, it operated 16 locations across five states, including two in central Pennsylvania: Hershey Towne Square in Derry Township and Harrisburg Pike in Lancaster. A list came out recently about the best and, by default, the worst cities to drive in. Guess which one came in dead last? If your guess was Philadelphia, then you, reader, are 100 percent correct (nice job!). According to WalletHubs annual study on the matter, Philadelphia was thus crowned the absolute worst city in these United States of America for motorists. Philadelphia actually slumped down from its ranking last year, in which it was the second worst city. (Pittsburgh, by the way, was also amongst the worst in the 69th overall spot.) Philadelphias ranking along with the other 99 that were involved in the study was determined after WalletHub researchers graded each across four key metrics: Cost of [Car] Ownership & Maintenance; Traffic & Infrastructure; Safety; and Access to Vehicles & Maintenance. Relevant sub-metrics Average Monthly Car Insurance Premium and Quality of Roads among them were also included. Based on all of that, laughing in Philadelphia drivers faces is Corpus Christi, Texas, the number one best city to drive in in the country. Corpus Christi, Texas, is the best city to drive in, due in part to its low costs, the study explains. Its the third-cheapest city for gas and tied for seventh-cheapest for purchasing a new vehicle. Car prices have gone up significantly over the past few years, and gas remains expensive going into the summer travel season, said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. living in one of the best cities to drive in can make owning and maintaining a car much cheaper. However, costs arent the only factors for that matter; the beast cities for drivers also minimize commute times and traffic congestion, have accident rates well below the national average and keep their roads in condition. Speaking of poor road conditions, Pennsylvania, by the way, was noted for being one of the worst states to drive in by a separate WalletHub study. Palestinians celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting, outside Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana) AP By SAMY MAGDY, MELANIE LIDMAN and WAAFA SHURAFA, Associated Press CAIRO (AP) Israel and Hamas have agreed to a pause in their devastating two-year war and the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners a breakthrough greeted with joy and relief Thursday but also caution. Uncertainty remains about aspects of the broader peace plan advanced by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump such as whether and how Hamas will disarm and who will govern Gaza. But the sides appear closer than they have been in months to ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, reduced much of Gaza to rubble, brought famine to parts of the territory, and left dozens of hostages, living and dead, in Gaza. The war, which began with Hamas deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, has also triggered other conflicts in the region, sparked worldwide protests and led to allegations of genocide that Israel denies. Even with the agreement expected to be signed later in the day, Israeli strikes continued, with explosions seen Thursday in northern Gaza. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. An Israeli military official who spoke on the condition of anonymity in line with military guidelines said that Israel was continuing to hit targets that posed a threat to its troops as they reposition. In the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, celebrations were relatively muted and often colored by grief. I am happy and unhappy. We have lost a lot of people and lost loved ones, friends and family. We lost our homes, said Mohammad Al-Farra. Despite our happiness, we cannot help but think of what is to come. ... The areas we are going back to, or intending to return to, are uninhabitable. People react as they celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting, at a plaza known as hostages square in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) AP In Tel Aviv, families of the remaining hostages popped champagne and cried tears of joy after Trump announced a deal late Wednesday. In Jerusalem on Thursday, Sharon Canot celebrated with some others. We are so excited this morning, we cried all morning, she said. Its been two years that we are in horror. Under the terms, Hamas intends to release all living hostages in a matter of days, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza, people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss details of an agreement that has not fully been made public. Some 20 of the 48 hostages still in captivity are believed to be alive. In a short video posted by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trump was seen speaking by phone to a group of elated hostage families. The hostages will come back, said Trump, who is expected in the region in the coming days. They are all coming back on Monday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to convene his Security Cabinet late Thursday to approve the ceasefire, and the entire parliament will then meet to approve the release of Palestinian prisoners. Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has opposed previous ceasefire deals, said he had mixed emotions. While he welcomed the return of the hostages, he said he had immense fear about the consequences of emptying the jails and releasing the next generation of terrorist leaders and called for Israel to continue trying to eradicate Hamas and ensure Gaza is demilitarized once the hostages are released. Hamas, meanwhile, called on Trump and the mediators to ensure that Israel implements without disavowal or delay the troop withdrawal, the entry of aid into Gaza and the exchange of prisoners. How the deal will unfold The deal being submitted to Israels parliament and then expected to be signed in Egypt will include a list of prisoners to be released and maps for the first phase of an Israeli withdrawal to new positions in Gaza, according to two Egyptian officials briefed on the talks, a Hamas official and another official. Israel will publish the list of the prisoners and victims of their attacks have 24 hours to lodge objections. The withdrawal could start as soon as Thursday evening, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to be publicly named speaking about the negotiations. As Trump indicated, the hostage and prisoner releases are expected to begin Monday, the officials from Egypt and Hamas said, though the other official said they could occur as early as Sunday night. Five border crossings would reopen, including the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, allowing 400 trucks in the initial days and increasing to 600 trucks after that, the Egyptian and Hamas officials said. The Trump peace plan calls for Israel to maintain an open-ended military presence inside Gaza, along its border with Israel. An international force, comprised largely of troops from Arab and Muslim countries, would be responsible for security inside Gaza. The U.S. would lead a massive internationally funded reconstruction effort. The plan also envisions an eventual role for the Palestinian Authority something Netanyahu has long opposed. But it requires the authority, which administers parts of the West Bank, to undergo a sweeping reform program that could take years. The Trump plan is even more vague about a future Palestinian state, which Netanyahu firmly rejects. The federal nutrition program known as WIC could run out of funding in the next week as the government shutdown enters a second week. Advocates worry that hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians could lose acces to a vital food safety program. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File) AP Republicans and Democrats are duking it out in a battle of reciprocal blaming, but the potential loss of family meals, baby formula, fruits and vegetables could make millions of low-income Americans feel real pain from the government shutdown. Advocates for families who rely on federal nutrition programs are alarmed that a vital food security program for low-income people could run out of funding in a week, as the shutdown enters its second week with little sign of resolution. At stake is the nutritional safety net for 7 million Americans, including 186,000 Pennsylvania residents who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) for vital food and health programs every month. That figure includes 100,000 children and 41,000 infants in the commonwealth whose nutritional needs are provided by the federal program. Theres not a whole lot that we know definitively, said Cristina Codario, the policy director at Pittsburgh-based Allies for Children. There are some funds that make it possible for WIC to in the next couple of weeks potentially be okay in terms of the government shutdown but anything prolonged past a week or two is really where were going to start to see potential disruptions in services. What that disruption looks like is unclear, in part because in Pennsylvania, WIC is administered by a variety of agencies, including local health departments, non-profit groups and foundations and depending on the agency, the funding situation could vary. Codario said based on information from the Department of Agriculture, which runs the program, WIC funding would definitely run out by the two-week mark, putting most programs in peril. The program also provides breastfeeding support for new moms, nutrition education and health screenings. WIC is really such an important service for families that even a temporary disruption is going to be challenging for families, Codario said. USDA has an estimated $150 million contingency fund to sustain WIC for one week. I think there is a little bit more of a concern in this year as opposed to other years because WIC participation has increased over the years and so theyre working with smaller margins, Codario said. Gov. Josh Shapiro has stressed the state does not have the funds to backfill deficits that have been caused by federal funding cuts. In the case of the federal supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), the state has few options, including an emergency declaration. The commonwealths position is even more restricted given its budgetary impasse: The Legislature has passed 100 days without ratifying a state budget plan. In this instance, the Commonwealth does not have the ability to declare a public health emergency and pull-down additional funding for WIC, nor can we utilize dollars in the rainy day fund without a General Assembly appropriation, said Mark ONeill, press secretary for the Department of Health. State health officials are awaiting further direction from the USDA, as it remains unclear how long WIC services will continue without additional action at the federal level, he added. The administration remains committed to supporting mothers and babies throughout the federal shutdown, ONeill said. Dr. Aditi Vasan, a pediatrician and researcher with the PolicyLab at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, fears the potential for catastrophic impact on low-income families. I worry that if families lose access to WIC benefits, itll make it harder for them to afford nutritious food for their kids and that they might have to do things like diluting formula to make it last longer or choosing less healthy options for their kids because they cant afford the food that they otherwise would have purchased with WIC, she said. Vasan said she has seen in her clinical practice the extent to which families rely on WIC to feed young children. Research that her lab conducted last year found that WIC had a profound impact on the nutritional quality of foods that parents are able to provide children. The foods that WIC covers are staples of childrens diet, Vasan said. But in particular, things like formula for infants, yogurt, milk, eggs, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. We had a lot of families tell us that because I receive WIC benefits, I can afford to feed my children fruits and vegetables and I can expose them to things like whole grains that I wouldnt otherwise be able to. The Trump administration on Tuesday announced tariff funds would be diverted to fund the program, but the idea drew immediate legal scrutiny, even from within the administration. Chris Towner, policy director at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, told CNN that the proposal raises legal questions about funds not appropriated by Congress. The problem isnt that they dont have the money its that Congress hasnt told them they can spend it, he told the news outlet. It is also not clear if the funding would be immediately available, as all federal funds are frozen until Congress passes a spending plan. In the meantime, WIC continues to fuel divisiveness. The Democrats are so cruel in their continual votes to shut down the government that they forced the WIC program for the most vulnerable women and children to run out this week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X on Tuesday. Rep. Scott Perry, a Pennsylvania Republican has voted along party lines for sweeping federal funding cuts and decried a government that is too big and wasting too much money... Perry last week on X posted a photo of himself and Andrea Faiano, organizer of Bread for the World, who he thanked for meeting with him about "the need for funding WIC. Perry voted in favor of the newly enacted GOP tax bill known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, which did not directly cut funding for WIC, but slashed funding to Medicaid and SNAP. Both programs are considered to have related eligibility for WIC, meaning restriction to one will impact the other. At the center of the federal government shutdown is the battle over health care premium subsidies, which Democrats have insisted must continue to stave off prohibitive spikes in premiums for millions of Americans and Republicans decry as pandemic-era wasteful spending. Stuart Haniff, executive director of Hunger-Free Pennsylvania, warns lawmakers to put politics aside for the sake of families. The charitable food network, he said, is being buffeted by a trickle-down effect, with funding cuts to food banks and programs like SNAP and WIC having outsized impact across the entire spectrum. Right now were seeing unprecedented federal cuts. Were seeing really something weve never seen before, a demand in food bank need that exceeds the levels during the pandemic and obviously skyrocketing prices, Haniff said. More people than ever are relying upon the food charitable food network and resources are harder to find. A prolonged federal government shutdown of more than one week puts babies and young children at risk. Haniff said advocates like him are witnessing something extraordinary: a demand at food banks that exceeds the levels during the pandemic. Given the pressure on the charitable food network and the simultaneous state and federal budget impasse, the food security horizon for Pennsylvanians is bleak. I think this is a time that people can little afford to lose the benefits that they have and thats what theyre faced with, said Haniff, whose organization is a part of Pennsylvania Hunger Action Coalition. The longer the federal government shutdown goes on, coupled with the state budget impasse, the more vulnerable our already vulnerable Pennsylvanians and food insecure population are. People are going without food already. I think its just a perfect storm for disaster in terms of those who are already food insecure. Secretary of State Marco Rubio whispers to President Donald Trump during a roundtable meeting on antifa in the State Dining Room at the White House, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP Donald Trump has made it known that he believes he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, and Sen. John Fetterman apparently thinks he should be considered, too. The Democrat from Pennsylvania shared his thoughts while appearing on Fox News on Thursday. It came as Israel and Hamas agreed to a U.S.-backed plan for peace in Gaza. If this sticks, Fetterman told Fox of the peace agreement. I think the whole point of having a Nobel Peace Prize is for ending wars and promoting peace. And if he brings the Ukrainian war to its end, I will be the Democrat leading the committee for his Nobel Peace Prize. According to Newsweek, Trumps chances of winning the Nobel Peace Prize have surged after the Israel-Hamas announcement. The outlet reported that Trump is now second on the list of favorites for the award with his odds rising from 16.7 percent on October 3 to 25 percent today at bookmaker Star Sports. The leader for the award according to the site is Sudans Emergency Response Room with a 33.3 percent chance of winning or 2/1 odds. Doctors Without Borders and Yulia Navalnaya who is the wife of the late Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny are third and fourth in the odds to take home the prize. The world will find out soon enough if Trump does get the Nobel Peace Prize for this year because the award winner is slated to be announced on Friday. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will hold a hiring event on Monday, Oct. 20, at its Lebanon County maintenance office for CDL drivers. (PennLive file photo) The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is looking to hire temporary CDL drivers for work in Lebanon County this coming winter. A hiring event will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, at the Lebanon County maintenance office, 1445 Cumberland St., Lebanon. Job seekers can learn about winter temporary CDL operator positions that pay $23 an hour. Staff will be available to discuss current and future openings. Applicants must have a valid Pennsylvania CDL Class A or B with air brake restriction removed. This position also requires a current medical examiner certificate. On-the-spot applications, interviews, and driving skills testing will take place. Applicants need to bring their current CDL license and medical examiners card. Applicants can create an account with employment.pa.gov prior to attending. Laptops and staff will be available to help applicants navigate the electronic application system. For more information, call 717-450-2223. Two state troopers were shot in a gunfight on I-81 in Franklin County on Wednesday evening. Joshua Vaughn CHAMBERSBURG - Two state troopers were shot in a gunfight Wednesday evening after responding to a call in southern Franklin County, state police said. The incident occurred on I-81 southbound at the Exit 3 exit ramp in Antrim Township, police said. Thats three miles from the Maryland state border at Route 11. During the exchange of gunfire, police said one of the suspects also was shot. The troopers were transported to hospitals, but there was no further information provided on their condition or that of the suspect. The scene remains active and police urged the public to avoid the area of the shooting. The shooting closed sections of I-81 from Antrim Township to the Maryland Line sometime before 6:50 p.m. Gov. Josh Shapiro posted a message on social media Wednesday night saying he and his wife were praying for the troopers. Pennsylvanias law enforcement are the very best of us running towards danger everyday to keep our communities safe," the message said. The Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge President Joseph Regan issued this statement late Wednesday: These Troopers showed the kind of bravery and selflessness that defines the Pennsylvania State Police. Were grateful theyre receiving the care they need and pray for their full recovery. The PA FOP stands united in support of the injured Troopers, their families and all who serve with honor. The gunfight comes three weeks after a gunman ambushed and killed three Northern York County Regional police detectives and injuring two others. In February a West York Borough police officer was killed during a mass shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York County. Check back with PennLive for updates. With the U.S. Supreme Court back in session for a new term featuring a slew of cases tied to President Trumps promised `Golden Age of America, it seems pretty likely things will go well for the president. Thats because the nations highest court, final arbiter of all things great and small, is a super-majority (6 of 9 justices) conservative tribunal inclined to the presidents thinking. Actually, more than inclined. More like wedded. From ending foreign aid to slashing federal government to banning transgendered people from the military, the White House got 19 favorable SCOTUS rulings so far this year. It has 16 straight wins. It consistently has granted requests to block lower court rulings against it. No surprise, really. Last year, this same court, in Trump v. United States, handed the president sweeping immunity from prosecution for official acts in order, as Chief Justice John Roberts wrote, to allow an energetic and independent president to carry out his constitutional duties without undue caution. Seems hes doing that. This is more than a friendship. More than a courtship. This is a marriage of like minds. Id say circa 1950. And the courts current docket looks like listings on a soda shop juke box of all Trumps favorite tunes. Its a good bet the courts response will be, `Hey, Big D., lets dance. TARIFFS: Trumps beautiful on and off, up and down tariffs, key to a booming economy to make Americans rich as hell, were struck down by a federal appeals court as an overreach of Trumps authority. The appeals court said Trump using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs is unlawful. It said authorizing tariffs is a core Congressional power of the legislative branch. But the case is now before the high court. Trump says losing tariffs would, Literally destroy the United States of America. Who wants that? Trump doesnt. So, where do you think the court goes? REDISTRICTING: A Louisiana case, involves states creating majority-minority congressional districts to help ensure fair representation for ethnic (Black, Hispanic, Native American) minority voters. There are 148 such U.S. House districts; two in Pennsylvania, both in Philadelphia. As is, minority voting power can be protected by states under the Voting Rights Act of 1965. But the Louisiana case questions whether majority-minority districts amount to racial gerrymandering in violation of constitutional equal protection provisions. The case presents an opportunity for a broad decision ending or limiting race-based districting to benefit the GOP at a time the White House and GOP are trying to redistrict everywhere they can in advance of mid-terms and 2028. Gee, wonder what happens next? BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP: This one might be tougher for the court to agree with Trump since theres, well, 127 years precedence that a child born in the U.S. is an American citizen no matter the immigration status of the parents. Says so in the 14th Amendment. But Trump asked the court to hear a case on the legality of his executive order ending birthright citizenship signed on his first day in office. Could be Trump is testing the limits of the courts love. Could be he figures, heck, they threw out nearly 50 years of precedent on abortion rights by overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022. Or maybe he figures theyll find a way to, excuse the expression, cut the baby in half. In coming months, these cases and possible action on transgendered athletes, firing people from independent agencies, spending power, war power, federal troops in U.S. cities and who knows what else could be taken up by a court a majority of Americans (56%) disapprove of, but one Trump likely can rely on to polish and push his Golden Age goals. I mean beyond all the Oval Office gilt. And the promised gilded White House ballroom. John Baer may be reached at baer.columnist@gmail.com https://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-trump-white-house-ballroom-renderings-construction-details/ President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the Illinois governor and Chicago mayor should be jailed as they oppose his deployment of National Guard to the state. AP Photo/Erin Hooley WASHINGTON President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the Illinois governor and Chicago mayor should be jailed as they oppose his deployment of National Guard troops for his immigration and crime crackdown in the nations third-largest city. The officials said they would not be deterred. The Republican president made the comment in a social media post, the latest example of his brazen calls for his Democratic opponents to be prosecuted or locked up a break from longtime norms as the Justice Department traditionally has strived to maintain its independence from the White House. Trump wrote on Truth Social that Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker should be in jail for failing to protect Ice Officers! It was a reference to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It was not immediately clear what Trump was objecting to. Johnson, in a post on X, said, This is not the first time Trump has tried to have a Black man unjustly arrested. Im not going anywhere. Pritzker, also on X, said, I will not back down. Trump is now calling for the arrest of elected representatives checking his power. What else is left on the path to full-blown authoritarianism? White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson, when asked what crimes the president believed Pritzker and Johnson had committed, failed to identify any, but she said they have blood on their hands and pointed to Chicago Police Department reports that at least five people were killed and 25 shot over the weekend. Instead of taking action to stop the crime, these Trump-Deranged buffoons would rather allow the violence to continue and attack the President for wanting to help make their city safe again, Jackson said. National Guard troops from Texas are positioned outside Chicago, despite a lawsuit by the state and city to block the deployment. The troops mission is not clear, but the Trump administration has undertaken an aggressive immigration enforcement operation in Chicago. Trump has called Chicago a hellhole, though police statistics show significant drops in most crimes, including homicides. Protesters have skirmished with agents outside a detention center in the village of Broadview, outside Chicago. A woman in Chicago was shot by a Border Patrol agent over the weekend after she and a man were accused of using their vehicles to strike and then box in the agents vehicle. The agent then exited his car and fired five shots at Marimar Martinez, 30. Martinez and Anthony Ruiz, 21, are charged with forcibly assaulting a federal officer and were ordered to be released Monday pending trial. Martinezs lawyer, Christopher Parente, claimed body camera footage contradicts the federal governments narrative of her actions. Trumps comment came as former FBI Director James Comey appeared in a Virginia courtroom, pleading not guilty in a case that has intensified concerns about the Justice Departments efforts to target Trump adversaries. When Trump was campaigning for the White House in 2024 at a time he faced criminal and civil investigations, he told supporters, I am your retribution. The Justice Department has also opened criminal investigations this year against California Sen. Adam Schiff, New York Attorney General Letitia James and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running for New York City mayor. The three, all Democrats, have all denied wrongdoing and say the investigations are politically motivated. Pritzker, one of Trumps fiercest critics, has called the president a wannabe dictator, comparing his leadership to that of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The governor has suggested that Trump, who has threatened Chicago with apocalyptic force, suffers from dementia. Pritzker, eyed as a potential 2028 White House contender, has strongly fought any federal intervention along with Johnson, saying it is not wanted or needed in Illinois or Chicago. Certainly theres a lot more going on in the world than for him to send troops into Chicago, Pritzker told The Associated Press in August during a visit to a South Side neighborhood where a campaign videographer was also in tow. He ought to be focused on some of the bigger problems. Pritzker alleges that Trump is trying to militarize cities to affect the outcome of the 2026 election by impeding voting efforts in Democratic strongholds like Chicago. The heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune is seeking a third term as governor next year and has sidestepped questions about higher ambitions. Pritzker was among the finalists considered as a running mate for Democratic Kamala Harris presidential run in 2024. Trump has often singled out Chicago and Illinois because they have some of the countrys strongest immigrant protections. Both are sanctuary jurisdictions, which limit cooperation between police and federal immigration agents. Johnson, a first-term mayor, has strengthened those protections with executive orders, including one that bars immigration agents from using city-owned land as staging areas for operations. He calls Trumps actions unconstitutional. Johnson has accused Trump of waging a war on Chicago and having an animus toward women and people of color. Nearly one-third of Chicagos 2.7 million residents are Black and roughly one-third are Hispanic. Hes a monster, Johnson told reporters in May. Period. On Thursday at 8:48 a.m. an updated freeze warning was issued by the National Weather Service valid from 11 p.m. until Friday 9 a.m. for Warren, Potter, Elk, Cameron, Clearfield, Cambria, Somerset and Tioga counties. The weather service comments, "Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 26 degrees expected." "Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing," comments the weather service. "Those with agricultural interests should protect sensitive vegetation. Valley locations and sheltered areas will experience the coldest temperatures. Freezing temperatures could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation." Freeze watch or warning - this is what it means Freeze warnings are issued from May to October (but can be extended if necessary), when low temperatures are expected to be 29-32 degrees. If there is a potential for temperatures to fall into these thresholds, a freeze watch may be issued a few days ahead of time. According to the weather service, if a freeze warning or watch is issued for your area, there is little you can do to protect plants. If you can move your sensitive plants inside, do so because the freeze will likely kill them, depending on the severity of conditions. Lukas Timko Closes Out WSOP Europe with First Bracelet & 158k Richard Hayes Live Reporter Copy link Only 16 players returned to Kings Resort, Rozvadov today for the final bracelet opportunity of the 2025 World Series of Poker Europe, as the final event of the festival, Event #15: 1,000 No-Limit Holdem Closer, headed towards its conclusion. After seven hours of battle, Lukas Timko of Czechia emerged as a deserving winner of the 1,000,000 guaranteed event, capturing his first bracelet, a career-best score, and a 158,000 payday. Timko prevailed over a 645-runner field and defeated his fellow countryman Michal Schuh heads-up, denying Schuh his second bracelet in the process. Michal Schuh The key moment came when Timko came off best in a three-way all-in four-handed, despite having the worst of it preflop. From there, Timko didn't look back, and he got the job done against Schuh by holding in a flip, after coming into heads-up play with a 5:1 chip advantage. Timko's largest recorded live cash to date was for less than $10,000, and he can now cross off the six-figure score milestone and call himself a WSOP champion. (All stats courtesy of The Hendon Mob.) 1,000 NLH Closer Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize (EUR) 1 Lukas Timko Czechia 158,000 2 Michal Schuh Czechia 105,000 3 Mariusz Klabisch Poland 71,500 4 Asaf Adato Israel 49,700 5 Dorian Melchers France 35,300 6 Leonardo Ludovisi Italy 25,600 7 Dennis Schaefer Germany 18,900 8 Paul Covaciu Romania 14,300 9 Shaun Deeb United States 11,025 WSOPE Event #15: The Closer Final Table Final Day Action Asaf Adato started the day as the chip leader, narrowly ahead of Germanys Dennis Schaefer and Timko, while Shaun Deeb was hunting his ninth bracelet, and third of 2025. In the first hand of the day, short-stack Sorel Mizzi's run came to an end as he ran into the ace-king of Schuh. After Hans Thumann found a superb river hero-call, Schuh claimed another scalp when he left Fabio Peluso drawing dead on the turn. Schuh was also the beneficiary of a bizarre hand, where Thumann check-raised the river, despite having a card exposed. With the first break approaching, there were a flurry of knockouts to bring matters towards the final table, with Leonardo Ludovisi hitting a flush against Roman Isaienko, and proceeding to knock out Jose Puertas in rapid fashion. At the same time, on the other table, short-stack Robert Zipf's run came to an end versus Timko. That left proceedings on the final table bubble at the first break, and it was short-stack Thumann who busted to Schuh shortly after the restart to set the final nine. Final Table Action and Timko's Road to Glory Schaefer led the way at the final table, closely followed by Schuh, while Adato, Timko, and Mariusz Klabisch brought up the rear. Deeb was the first player to exit, after Schuh turned a set in what had been a flip. Play started to tighten up, and Adato, who had gone backwards since the start of play, gathered some momentum when he doubled twice through Schaefer in quick succession. Klabisch suddenly came to the fore, getting lucky to bust Paul Covaciu in eighth, and spiking a miracle two-outer on the river to send Schaefer to the rail in seventh. Klabisch wasn't finished there, as he again found himself being dominated in an all-in situation, this time against short-stack Ludovisi, but again came off best. Suddenly Klabisch had gone from being in the middle of the pack to the runaway chip leader. Mariusz Klabisch Klabisch hit a bump in the road when Timko hit the river to double, and Timko then spiked the river again to bust Dorian Melchers in fifth in a race. Timko proceeded to vault into the lead when he came off best in a massive three-way all-in despite having the worst of it, busting Adato in fourth and damaging Schuh in the process. That set the stage for a three-handed battle between Timko, Klabisch and Schuh, with Timko just ahead of Klabisch, and with Schuh trailing. Schuh, clearly the most experienced player of the three, quickly doubled through Klabisch to come back into it. The trio proceeded to trade blows, little to separate them, and something had to give. Timko opened up a lead heading into the final break when he raised the river versus Klabisch, and in the first hand back, Klabisch's luck ran out when he jammed from the button with an ace but could not overcome Timko's pocket pair. Timko came into heads-up play with a substantial lead of almost 5:1, but Schuh prolonged the contest by flopping top pair when behind versus Timko's ace. The pair battled on, and Schuh almost drew back to level when he got paid on the river with two pair. However, in the very next hand, all the chips ended up in the middle, Schuh holding ace-king and Timko a low pocket pair, and despite Schuh's pleas to the dealer, the pair held to give Timko the title. The Czech natives shared a warm embrace, Schuh congratulating Timko on his achievement, and Timko was left to collect his first piece of WSOP hardware. Share this article Not since 2016 has Aliaksei Boika looked this comfortable in Malta. Nine years after he announced himself to the poker world by winning the PokerStars European Poker Tour Malta Main Event, the Belarusian star is once again deep in the same event, and this time hes chasing history. Back in that 2016 triumph, Boika began Day 3 with just 212,000 chips, sitting 23rd in the counts. Fast forward to 2025, and hes traded the middle of the pack for the top of the leaderboard. After navigating a tense Day 2 that saw the bubble burst, Boika bagged 672,000 chips, good for third overall, as he eyes a spot in the ultra-exclusive two-time EPT Main Event winners club. Only four names have ever managed that feat: Victoria Coren Mitchell, Mikalai Pobal, Mike Watson, and Anton WhatIfGod Bergstrom (two online EPT Main Event titles). The latter had a shot at becoming the first triple champion this week but fell before the money on Wednesday, leaving the door open for Boika to join one of pokers most elite groups. Boika trails only Roman Stoica (928,000) and Mykhailo Ostash (765,000) as 108 players return to Casino Malta from the record-breaking 898-entry field. Top Ten Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count 1 Roman Stoica Moldova, Republic of 928,000 2 Mykhailo Ostash Ukraine 765,000 3 Aliaksei Boika Belarus 672,000 4 Giuseppe Spitale Italy 663,000 5 Evaldas Aniulis Lithuania 647,000 6 Tom Vogelsang Netherlands 569,000 7 Maxime Chilaud France 559,000 8 Ilija Savevski North Macedonia 555,000 9 Davide Marchi Italy 548,000 10 Jiaming Zhao China 497,000 Everyone left in the hunt has already locked up 9,650 from the 4,355,300 prize pool, with five-figure paydays starting once 96 players remain. Remaining Payouts Place Prize Place Prize 1 760,000 10-11 56,050 2 474,650 12-13 46,750 3 339,000 14-15 38,950 4 260,750 16-17 33,850 5 200,550 18-20 29,450 6 154,250 40-55 14,650 7 118,650 56-71 12,700 8 91,250 72-96 11,050 9 70,250 96-108 9,650 Play resumes at 12 p.m. local time, with blinds at 2,000/5,000/5,000, and likely four 90-minute levels will be played. The feature table will be streamed on YouTube and Twitch on a 30-minute delay. Be sure to follow PokerNews for live updates from Day 3 of the Main Event as the field battles to reach Day 4. Daniel Charlton opened to 12,000 and was called by Erik Eisen from the next seat over in the hijack. Charlton check-called bets of 13,000 and 71,000 on the flop and turn for the board to read K10483. Charlton checked for a third time, and Eisen checked back. Charlton tabled AK, which was good for the pot. As the hand played out, Sinead Davenport joined the table. At EPT Malta, the Englishman is celebrating two years of sobriety. Charlton spoke to PokerNews candidly back in March about his decision to ditch alcohol and drugs. You can read the full interview here. The World Series of Poker Europe first came to Rozvadov in 2017, bringing the poker world together in this small town along the Czech-German border as Kings Resort became one of the premier destinations in Europe. The last eight years have brought many memorable champions and moments, so it was only fitting, in the last WSOP Europe to be played here, that Daniel Pidun turned off the lights in style: with two aces. Pidun was on the right side of a massive preflop cooler, his aces taking out Gerald Karlics jacks, as the German emerged victorious over the 659-entry field to win the 2025 WSOP Europe Main Event, his first WSOP gold bracelet, and 1,140,000 top prize. Great. Of course, it makes me feel great. Very good feeling, Pidun said. I had a feeling I was going to win it. I just had a feeling. I dont know why. 2025 WSOP Europe Main Event Final Table results Place Player Country Prize (EUR) 1 Daniel Pidun Germany 1,140,000 2 Gerald Karlic Austria 757,000 3 Murilo Garcia Brazil 525,000 4 Teemu Jaatinen Finland 370,000 5 Claudio Di Giacomo Italy 265,000 6 Max Neugebauer Austria 195,000 7 Catalin Pop Romania 145,000 8 Matthias Gude Germany 110,000 The way Pidun won was remarkable, but the fact that he was the one to prevail in one of the most prestigious tournaments on the poker calendar was even more so. Pidun won the EPT Berlin Main Event in 2013, earning at the time a career-best score of 880,000. In the 12 years since, though, hes barely played poker at all. He has just five recorded cashes, the last a final table appearance in the 50,000 Diamond High Roller at the 2022 WSOP Europe. He also made the final table of the 100,000 Diamond High Roller in 2019. Pidun instead concentrates on the cell phone parts company he runs with his brother, Thomer. Actually, I play once a year. I dont have time. Seems to be Im doing something right, Pidun said. Daniel and Thomer Pidun While Pidun had been without a major title in more than a decade, the same wasnt true of his brother. Thomer won the 2,000 Eight-Game Mix in 2022, bringing home the first bracelet in the family. Daniels win today makes them the seventh siblings to each win a WSOP bracelet, joining the likes of the Mizrachis, Hinkles, Zamanis, and Les. Thats great that we have two in the family, Pidun said, his brother on the rail supporting him on his journey today. Final Table Action The final eight players returned to Kings today at 4 p.m. local time for the final table, each having secured 110,000 out of the 6,138,585 prize pool for making it this far. Pidun began fourth in chips with 9,850,000, behind chip leader Murilo Garcia (13,400,000). The headliner, though, was Max Neugebauer, the 2023 champion who sat in second place with 11,025,000 as he sought to become the first player to win multiple WSOP Europe Main Event titles. Short stack Matthias Gude began the day with just six big blinds and quickly found a double up when his ace-seven outdrew Garcias ace-eight. His reprieve proved short-lived, however, as he soon after moved all in for 2,875,000 with ace-queen but ran into Garcias kings, hitting the rail in eighth place. Catalin Pop then moved all in for 2,400,000 with ace-king and was racing against Teemu Jaatinens tens. The board gave Pop a straight draw along with his overcards going to the river, but the Romanian couldnt connect and fell in seventh place. Claudio Di Giacomo lost a big chunk of his stack when he called down Karlic with two jacks, but Karlic showed top two pair to win the pot. Left as an extreme short stack, Di Giacomo was all in for 1,325,000 with ace-three and up against Karlics ace-eight. Karlics eight-kicker continued to play until the river, which gave Di Giacomo a flush and the fortunate double up. Neugebauer had his dream of a second title end when he was all in for 4,500,000 with ace-three and Karlic called with two nines. The board offered no help, and Neugebauer was sent to the rail in sixth place as Karlic began to open a big chip lead. A relentless display of aggression allowed Karlic to build his stack up past 30,000,000 until he jammed the button and Di Giacomo called for 4,325,000 with ace-jack. Karlic had king-five and flopped a flush draw, and the river gave him his flush to bust the Italian veteran in fifth place. Max Neugebauer The remaining four players went on a short break with Karlic leading 34,250,000, while Garcia (18,450,000) and Pidun (9,025,000) followed far behind and Jaatinen brought up the rear with 4,200,000. Jaatinen then got in his last chips with ace-eight, but Pidun had him dominated with ace-jack and Jaatinen, who qualified through a 20 satellite, turned that investment into a 370,000 payout for his fourth-place finish. Teemu Jaatinen Garcia, who only came all the way to Rozvadov from his native Brazil after having a dream of him sitting at a major final table, inched closer to Karlic until he three-bet to 3,000,000 in the small blind over a preflop raise from Pidun. Karlic four-bet to 6,600,000 in the big blind and Pidun got out of the way, but Garcia moved all in for 22,450,000 and Karlic snap-called with two tens. Garcia had been caught making a move with ace-three, and his dream was snuffed out when no miracle ace arrived on the board, sending him to the rail in third place. Karlic led 49,850,000 to Piduns 16,075,000 at the start of heads-up, but his big lead lasted just one hand. On the first hand of their duel, Pidun turned a flush and moved all in for 14,275,000 on the river. Karlic tanked for a few minutes until he called with a set of fours as Pidun doubled up into a virtual tie atop the leaderboard. The two players exchanged the chip lead over the next hour before Karlic turned a full house and raised to 16,000,000 on the river to take the pot and move back in front. Pidun opened a big lead when his turned pair of aces beat Karlics pair of jacks. Karlic then picked up two jacks and had his bet of 4,500,000 called by Pidun on the river to put him back in the lead. Gerald Karlic Daniel Pidun Karlic turned two pair against Piduns pair and flush draw, jamming the turn over a bet of 3,500,000 while Pidun folded and fell down below 20,000,000. Karlic then picked up ace-king and raised to 1,100,000 on the button. Pidun called with queen-four and hit top pair with a flush draw on the flop. He check-raised to 2,050,000, and Karlic called. Pidun bet 4,000,000 on the turn and Karlic again called. The river improved Pidun to two pair and he shoved for 13,000,000. Karlic tanked before calling once again with just ace-high, handing over yet another double up. Pidun led 47,200,000 to 18,700,000 as the two players left for what turned out to be the last break of the night. Soon after returning, Karlic moved all in for 15,500,000 with ace-five and held against Piduns queen-ten to double up, pulling nearly even once again. But on the next hand, Karlic three-bet to 4,200,000 and Pidun four-bet to 10,500,000. Karlic shoved for 31,000,000 and Pidun shap-called. Karlic found out the bad news: his jacks were up against Piduns aces. Karlic had straight and flush draws going to the river, but Pidun held on to secure the title. Daniel Pidun It was tough. It was really tough. But I was hitting really good, Pidun said about his three-hour-long match with Karlic. I had good feelings, and I had good hands. Comparing his win today to his victory in Berlin 12 years ago, Pidun felt more prepared this time around. I would say this time I was more confident. I just played my game. I wasnt nervous at all, he said. Piduns Main Event triumph wasnt the only news made today. The WSOP announced that, after eight years at Kings, the series is moving to the Hilton Prague in the Czech capital next year from March 31-April 12. Pidun promised hell be there to defend his title, even if hell miss coming here to Rozvadov. Ive been here many times. Ive played WSOP events. Ive played Diamond High Rollers, everything already. Yeah, I love it. Great place. Really great place. The 2025 WSOP Europe wasnt just brought to a close with Piduns rockets, but so was a chapter in the events history. A new one will begin next spring, and Pidun secured a place in WSOP history as the one who wrote the final page. That concludes PokerNews' coverage of the 2025 WSOP Europe. The series will be back in its new home next March, but be sure to catch other exciting action from around the poker world. Post and Courier North Augusta/The Star reporter Bianca Moorman is a reporter for the Post and Courier North Augusta/The Star with a focus on community focused stories, arts, businesses, non-profits, events and any story with a human element. The Roanoke, Virginia native has journalism degrees from James Madison and Syracuse universities. She has written for papers in Georgia, Mississippi, Upstate New York and Virginia. Follow her on X at @biancarmoorman. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close 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. Reporter Christian spent six years in Myrtle Beach before moving to the Upstate. When he's not working, he's reading a book, making a mess in the kitchen or running around Spartanburg. PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-10 00:30:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 944 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / The healthcare industry is approaching a breaking point. Across the globe, 2.7 billion people - one in every three - live with multiple chronic conditions, and the burden is climbing rapidly. Half of all treatment failures are attributed to non-adherence in the home, where most care occurs, and 40% of the world's population still lacks access to regular healthcare services. Meanwhile, a historic shortage of providers is widening: the world is already 6.4 million doctors short and 18 million nurses short, and by 2030, an estimated one-third of all remaining providers are expected to leave practice, many due to retirement but also because of burnout, injury, illness, and caregiving responsibilities of their own."This is a structural crisis," said Anthony Dohrmann, Founder and CEO ofElectronic Caregiver , and inventor ofAddison Care , the world's first 3D Virtual Interactive Caregiver. "We're losing caregivers faster than we can replace them, and the systems that exist today were never designed for continuous engagement outside of the clinic. Without a scalable virtual solution that meets patients where they live, global healthcare becomes unsustainable." The Hidden Crisis: 50% of Treatment Failures Begin at HomeFor decades, non-adherence - patients failing to take medications or follow prescribed care plans - has remained one of the most pervasive and costly challenges in medicine. According to Dohrmann, despite advancements in electronic health records, telehealth, and hospital systems, very little innovation has been directed toward solving what he calls "the last mile of care" - the daily life of patients outside medical facilities."Healthcare technology has largely focused on billing, scheduling, and chart management - essentially, the business of care," said Dohrmann. "What has been missing is technology focused on the purpose of care - the patient's daily health, behavior, and engagement." Addison Care directly addresses this missing link. Combining continuous monitoring, AI-driven interaction, and human-backed telecare, Addison is designed to fill the gap between clinical visits and the everyday lives of patients managing chronic illness.A Breakthrough in 3D Virtual CareAddison Care introduces a new paradigm: an always-present, 3D virtual caregiver that communicates naturally, provides reminders, monitors vital trends, and helps patients remain adherent to prescribed regimens.The system uses advanced AI to track health trends in real time and identify early warning signs of side effects, developing symptoms, or adverse reactions. When patterns of concern arise, Addison alerts patients and notifies live TeleCare professionals, who can intervene proactively to engage the patient, correct non-adherence, and support timely medical response."Addison combines automation with empathy," Dohrmann said. "She brings intelligence, awareness, and humanity into the home. She observes, guides, motivates, and connects - without judgment or fatigue." Addison Care operates within a HIPAA-compliant architecture, integrated with 24/7 professional TeleCare oversight and available through Medicare-reimbursed Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Chronic Care Management (CCM) programs. These integrations allow healthcare providers and clinics to implement Addison without overburdening staff, while creating new recurring reimbursement streams under existing CMS codes.Early Intervention, Better Outcomes, Safer CareDohrmann emphasizes that non-adherence is not simply a behavioral issue - it's a multifactorial problem requiring continuous observation, engagement, and guided correction. "There are many reasons people don't follow their care plans," he explained. "Forgetfulness, depression, side effects, confusion, stress, or social isolation. You can't solve that with a text alert or a single nurse call. You need a system that recognizes changes, engages personally, and helps people get back on track before harm occurs." Addison's AI platform identifies deviation from routines, changes in activity, and biometric trends using integrated sensors, connected devices, and patient interactions. The result is an intelligent feedback loop that helps providers spot decline before hospitalization, supports families and caregivers, and enables clinicians to deliver more efficient and personalized interventions.Preventing Dangerous Medication ErrorsBeyond adherence, Addison addresses another silent threat - medical contradictions and medication mistakes."A patient is discharged from a hospital, moves through a skilled nursing facility, and returns home," Dohrmann said. "Now they have two bottles of the same medication - one brand-name, one generic - both labeled take one every four hours.' Without oversight, that can lead to double dosing and serious harm." Addison acts as a 24/7 layer of technical oversight, cross-checking medication records, timing, and patient responses. With continuous monitoring and live TeleCare professionals reviewing inconsistencies, potential contradictions or errors can be caught before they escalate."Addison's combination of digital awareness and human backup gives families and providers peace of mind that someone - or something - is always watching out for the patient's safety," said Dohrmann.Impact on Quality of Life and System SustainabilityAddison Care's benefits extend beyond clinical outcomes. By keeping patients engaged, supported, and emotionally connected, Addison helps maintain independence, reduce stress, and strengthen the relationship between patients and providers. For overburdened health systems, the solution creates a scalable infrastructure that supports thousands of patients simultaneously, helping to preserve limited human resources while improving care delivery."Every health organization is talking about workforce shortages," Dohrmann said. "But few are investing in technologies that multiply human capacity. Addison doesn't replace caregivers- she extends them. She ensures that their compassion, insight, and expertise reach more people, more often, with better outcomes." Live Demonstration at the athenahealth 2025 Thrive ConferenceElectronic Caregiver will debut Addison Care live at the athenahealth 2025 Thrive Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Providers and health professionals will have the opportunity to interact directly with Addison's 3D interface, experience its lifelike responsiveness, and explore integration pathways with athenaOne, athenahealth's nationwide EHR network serving more than 160,000 providers."The difference PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-09 09:20:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 651 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 WIESBADEN, DE / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / comforte AG today announced the launch of TAMUNIO , a new unified data security platform designed to reduce risk, accelerate innovation with Cloud and AI, and optimize operational costs for the world's largest and most demanding enterprises.Built on decades of experience securing mission-critical environments, TAMUNIO integrates the best of comforte's existing product portfolio with new capabilities designed to help customers manage the digital challenges of today and tomorrow.As they double down on digital transformation to accelerate growth, organizations are seeing their cyber-attack grow dramatically, putting data in the crosshairs of global threat actors. With financial data, health records and personal information scattered across clouds and jurisdictions, security teams struggle to protect data while regulatory scrutiny deepens and business demand for data-driven insights grows.At stake is not just potentially significant financial and reputational loss, but also competitive agility and, increasingly, personal liability for executives."With mounting geopolitical and market volatility, global regulations, AI-driven attacks, and quantum threats, there has never been a more critical moment to take control of your data," said Henning Horst, CTO at comforte AG. "With TAMUNIO, we're helping to turn data security from a cost center into a growth accelerator-enabling customers to accelerate cloud, AI and analytics at enterprise scale without compromising on security." TAMUNIO's architecture comprises two key elements.At its core is automated data discovery, classification and protection-the latter achieved via tokenization and format-preserving encryption (FPE), which render data cryptographically useless to attackers while preserving its utility for business users.For scenarios where customers still require access to the original plaintext, TAMUNIO introduces Data Sovereignty Zones: hardware-isolated Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) powered by confidential computing. These zones can be deployed across any cloud infrastructure while remaining fully governed and controlled by the customer.TAMUNIO product highlights:Advanced Data-centric Protection: Built-in tokenization, encryption, and AI-powered detection to safeguard sensitive data across its lifecycleQuantum-Safe Cryptography: Protects data against future quantum threats while securing today's operationsConfidential Compute & Data Sovereignty Zones: Ensure sensitive plaintext data is only processed in secure, customer-controlled zones in the cloud. (Eg detokenization)AI-Powered Data Discovery: Automatically and continuously detects sensitive data across structured and unstructured sourcesUnstructured Data & File Protection: Expands protection to mitigate breach risks across all sensitive enterprise dataCentralized Monitoring, Auditing & Key Management: Reduces complexity and compliance costs across hybrid IT environmentsAnd, for AI , TAMUNIO provides two powerful layers of protection:First, sensitive data is de-identified before being used to train models;And second, organizations can run AI itself inside Sovereignty Zones, keeping everything in strict isolation. This ensures valuable insights without exposing critical information.For existing comforte customers, TAMUNIO represents the future, with easy upgrade paths and an innovative roadmap over the coming years. Organizations can also rest assured that our promise to customer excellence remains unchanged.TAMUNIO empowers organizations to unlock new revenue streams, drive innovation, and streamline compliance-all while simplifying operations and reducing costs. Even the most complex IT environments gain stronger security and resilience, built in a future-proof way.TAMUNIO is now available globally. To find out how it could transform your approach to data security, please visitwww.comforte.com About comforte AGcomforte AG is a leading provider of data-centric security solutions that empower enterprises to protect sensitive information throughout its lifecycle while maintaining its usability for business operations. Headquartered in Wiesbaden, Germany, comforte is a trusted partner for global enterprises across various industries. The TAMUNIO data security platform automates the discovery, classification and protection of data within complex IT environments. With over 25 years of expertise, comforte safeguards data for over 300 global customers, including industry leaders like Visa and Mastercard, enabling them to drive digital transformation, optimize operations, and achieve sustainable growth with confidence.For more information, visit comforte.com and follow comforte AG on LinkedIn and X .Contact Thomas Stoesser | Executive Vice President, MarketingEmail: t.stoesser@ comforte.com Phone: + 49 611 93199 00SOURCE: comforte AG PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-09 08:00:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 993 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS DEEMED BY THE COMPANY TO CONSTITUTE INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU) NO. 596/2014 AS IT FORMS PART OF UK DOMESTIC LAW PURSUANT TO THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018, AS AMENDED. UPON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT VIA A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE, THIS INFORMATION IS CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.Termination of Initial Transaction, Subscription of New Ordinary Shares, Warrant Issue and PDMR DealingsLONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / Genflow Biosciences Plc (LSE:GENF)(OTCQB:GENFF) ("Genflow" or "the Company"), announces that its board of directors has taken the decision to terminate, and not to proceed with, the subscription announced by the Company on 2 October 2025 (the "Initial Transaction"). Please see Issue of Equity - Correction - 12:37:10 02 Oct 2025 - GENF News article | London Stock Exchange.In the alternative, it has raised gross proceeds of 440,000 (before expenses) via an allotment to Eric Leire of 40,000,000 new ordinary shares of 0.0003 each ("New Ordinary Shares") at an issue price of 1.1 pence (being the closing bid price as at close of business on 8 October 2025) (the "Issue Price") (the "Alternative Transaction").The Board has taken this decision on the basis that the Alternative Transaction is more favourable to, and less dilutive for, shareholders than the Initial Transaction.Issuance of the New Ordinary SharesThe Company continues to be unable to issue and admit the New Ordinary Shares without either the publication of a prospectus approved by the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") or relying upon an exemption to the requirement to issue a prospectus.Consequentially, the Alternative Transaction involves a subscription by Eric Leire, CEO and director of the Company, for the New Ordinary Shares at the Issue Price pursuant to the employee offer exemption under Article 1(4)(i) and 1(5) (h) of the UK Prospectus Regulation.Following allotment of the New Ordinary Shares, Eric Leire has agreed to direct the issue of 35,454,546 of such New Ordinary Shares to a consortium of existing shareholders (the "Purchasers"). Eric Leire will be issued the remaining 4,545,454 New Ordinary Shares.WarrantsConcurrent with the purchase of the New Ordinary Shares, the Purchasers and Eric Leire will receive warrants from the Company on a one-for-one basis. These warrants will be exercisable for a period of 24 months at an exercise price of 1.2 pence ("Exercise Price"), subject to adjustment in certain circumstances as set out in the warrant instrument.Total Voting RightsApplication will be made for the 40,000,000 New Ordinary Shares, which will rank pari passu in all respects with the existing Ordinary Shares of the Company, to be admitted to the FCA official list and to trading on the equity shares (transition) category of the Official List maintained by the FCA and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the LSE, which is expected to occur on or around 8.00 a.m. on 16 October 2025 (the "Admission").Upon Admission, the total number of issued shares and the total number of voting rights in the Company will be 493,547,942.The above figure of 493,547,942 should be used by shareholders in the Company as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the share capital of the Company under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.Dr. Eric Leire, CEO of Genflow, commented: "We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our historical shareholders for their continued confidence and commitment to Genflow's vision. Their ongoing support reflects a shared belief in our mission. With this additional capital, Genflow is able to deliver on our near-term objectives." UK Market Abuse Regulation (UK MAR) DisclosureCertain information contained in this announcement would have been inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation No 596/2014 (as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018) until the release of this announcement. The person responsible for arranging for the release of this announcement on behalf of Genflow Biosciences is Eric Leire, Chief Executive Officer.Notification of transactions of directors, persons discharging managerial responsibilities or connected persons1.Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associateda)NameEric Leire2.Reason for the Notificationa)Position/statusPDMRb)Initial notification / AmendmentInitial notification3.Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitora)NameGenflow Biosciences plcb)LEI213800HVOFXRXVEGDN624.Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducteda)Description of the Financial instrument, type of instrumentOrdinary Shares of 0.0003Identification CodeGB00BP2C3V08b)Nature of the transactionOff Market Allotment and Subscriptionc)Price(s) and volume(s)Price(s)Volume(s)1.1 pence per Ordinary Share40,000,000 Ordinary Sharesd)Aggregated information:Aggregated volumePrice40,000,000 Ordinary Shares1.1 pence per Ordinary Sharee)Dates of the transaction8 October 2025f)Place of the transactionsLondonContactsGenflow BiosciencesHarbor AccessDr Eric Leire, CEOJonathan Paterson, Investor Relations+32-477-495-881+1 475 477 9401About Genflow BiosciencesFounded in 2020, Genflow Biosciences Plc. (LSE:GENF)(OTCQB:GENFF), a biotechnology company headquartered in the UK with R&D facilities in Belgium, is pioneering gene therapies to decelerate the aging process, with the goal of promoting longer and healthier lives while mitigating the financial, emotional, and social impacts of a fast-growing aging global population. Genflow's lead compound, GF-1002, works through the delivery of a centenarian variant of the SIRT6 gene which has yielded promising preclinical results. Genflow's 12-month proof-of-concept clinical trial evaluating their SIRT6-centenarian gene therapy in aged dogs began in March 2025. Other programs planned include a clinical trial that will explore the potential benefits of GF-1002 in treating MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis), the most prevalent chroni PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-09 21:05:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 465 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / The law firm of Kaskela Law LLC announces that it is investigating potential breach of fiduciary duty claims concerning NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) on behalf of the company's long-term investors.Click here to request additional information about your legal rights and options: https://kaskelalaw.com/case/nike/ Recently an amended securities fraud complaint was filed against NIKE on behalf of certain investors who purchased shares of the company's stock between March 19, 2021 and October 1, 2024 (the "Relevant Period"). According to the complaint, during the Relevant Period, NIKE and several of the company's senior executive officers "repeatedly touted to investors the purported continued success of NIKE's key corporate strategy called "Consumer Direct Acceleration" (CDA'), which emphasized a digitally enabled direct-to-consumer (DTC') business model. The CDA strategy, according to Defendants, had the purpose and effect of propelling long-term sustainable financial growth for the benefit of NIKE and its shareholders." As further alleged in the complaint, also during the Relevant Period, Defendants repeatedly, falsely assured investors that the CDA strategy was achieving its key objectives-including, for example, that NIKE had developed the technological capabilities and supply chain infrastructure necessary to effectively execute such DTC operations-and thus was succeeding in driving the promised sustainable growth. Unbeknownst to investors, however, the CDA strategy suffered from multiple, severe problems in key underlying areas-including NIKE's failure to build out the critical DTC technological and supply chain capabilities-and thus was a ticking timebomb." When Defendants' misconduct was finally revealed over a series of partial disclosures of the truth, showing the extent of NIKE's CDA strategy failures and their disastrous impact on the company's financial performance, investors lost billions.The investigation seeks to determine whether the members of NIKE's board of directors violated the securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the above alleged misconduct.Current NIKE shareholders who have owned the company's shares since at least March 19, 2021 are encouraged to contact Kaskela Law LLC (D. Seamus Kaskela, Esq. or Adrienne Bell, Esq.) at (484) 229 - 0750 to discuss their legal rights and options with respect to this matter.Alternatively , investors may contact the firm by clicking on the following link (or by copying and pasting the link into your browser):Kaskela Law LLC exclusively represents investors in securities fraud, corporate governance, and merger & acquisition litigation on a contingent, no-cost basis, and has helped to recover hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved investors. For additional information about Kaskela Law LLC please visit www.kaskelalaw.com CONTACT:KASKELA LAW LLC D. Seamus Kaskela, Esq. (skaskela@ kaskelalaw.com) Adrienne Bell, Esq. (abell@ kaskelalaw.com) 18 Campus Blvd., Suite 100 Newtown Square, PA 19073 (888) 715 - 1740 (484) 229 - 0750 www.kaskelalaw.com This notice may constitute attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions.SOURCE: Kaskela Law LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-09 09:30:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1090 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 STOCKHOLM, SE / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 2025 / The Board of Directors of Hilbert Group AB (publ) (STO:HILB-B)(FRA:999) has resolved to convene an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders to be held on November 12, 2025. Further details on the proposals can be found in the notice convening the meeting below.The notice will be published in the Swedish Official Gazette (Post- och Inrikes Tidningar) and on the company's website within the next few days.NOTICE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF HILBERT GROUP AB (PUBL) Hilbert Group AB (publ) holds an extraordinary general meeting on November 12, 2025, at 2.00 PM, at Advokatfirman Lindahl's office on Smalandsgatan 16, Stockholm, Sweden. Registration starts at 1.30 PM.REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION Shareholders wishing to attend the meeting must:be recorded as a shareholder in the share register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB as of November 4, 2025,notify the company the intention to attend no later than November 6, 2025.Notification of attendance shall be made by post to Hilbert Group AB (publ), c/o Advokatfirman Lindahl KB, Box 5898, 102 40 Stockholm, by e-mail to ir@ hilbert.group , or by telephone to +46 8 502 353 00. Upon notification, please state name or company name, personal ID number or company registration number, address and telephone number during the day.NOMINEE REGISTERED SHARES In order to participate in the meeting, those whose shares are registered in the name of a nominee must have their shares owner-registered with Euroclear Sweden AB as of November 4, 2025. Re-registration may be temporary (so-called voting rights registration) and is requested from the nominee in accordance with the nominee's routines at such time in advance as the nominee determines. Voting rights registration that the shareholder has requested and has been issued by the nominee no later than November 6, 2025, will be accepted in the preparation of the share register.PROXIES AND PROXY FORMSAnyone who is not personally present at the meeting may exercise their voting rights at the meeting through a written, signed and dated power-of-attorney. A proxy form is available on the company's website, www.hilbert.group . The proxy form can also be obtained from the company or be ordered over the telephone using the number above. If a power-of-attorney has been issued by a legal entity, a copy of the registration certificate or equivalent authorization document for the legal entity must be attached to the form. The power-of-attorney may not be older than one year unless a longer period of validity is stated in the power-of-attorney, however, no longer than five years. To alleviate entry to the meeting, proxy forms, registration certificates and other authorization documents must be received by the company well in advance before the meeting.PROPOSED AGENDAOpening of the meetingElection of chair of the meetingPreparation and approval of voting listApproval of the agendaElection of one or two persons to approve the minutesDetermination of whether the meeting has been duly convenedDetermination of the number of Board membersDetermination of fees to the BoardElection of Board members and chair of the BoardThe Board's proposal for the approval of the Board's resolution on a directed share issueThe Board's proposal for a resolution to issue warrants as consideration for loan facility(a)-(d) The Board's proposal for ESOP 2025Closure of the meetingPROPOSED RESOLUTIONSItem 7 - Determination of the number of Board members It is proposed that the Board should be composed of five directors elected by the meeting, with no alternates, for the period until the end of the next annual general meeting.Item 8 - Determination of fees to the Board It is proposed that, for the period until the end of the next annual general meeting, that the yearly fee to the chair of the Board shall be SEK 120,000 and that the chair of the Board also shall be remunerated under ESOP 2025. It is proposed that the remuneration of the other directors remain unchanged, for the period until the end of the next annual general meeting (i.e. SEK 500,000 in total). Fees for any new elected Board member shall be recalculated to account for the duration of that board member's mandate in relation to a full mandate period.Item 9 - Election of Board members and chair of the Board It is proposed re-election of the Board members Russell Thompson, Steen Jakobsen, David Butler and Niclas Sandstrom and new election of Jonathan Morris for the period until the end of the next annual general meeting. Erik Nerpin and Stuart Connolly resign from their positions as Board members. Furthermore, it is proposed that Jonathan Morris be elected chair of the Board.Item 10 - The Board's proposal for the approval of the Board's resolution on a directed share issue On September 3, 2025, the Board resolved, subject to approval by the general meeting, on a directed share issue on the terms and conditions set out below (in italics). The Board proposes that the meeting approves the Board's resolution.Subject to approval by the general meeting, the Board resolves on a directed share issue of not more than 2,374,780 class B shares, resulting in an increase in the company's share capital with not more than SEK 118,739. The resolution shall further be governed by the following terms and conditions.The right to subscribe for the new class B shares shall, with deviation from the shareholders pre-emption rights, solely belong to, directly or through a company, Russell Thompson.The new shares are issued at a price of SEK 10.08 per share. The share premium shall be transferred to the unrestricted premium reserve.Subscription of the newly issued shares shall be made on a subscription list not later than September 3, 2025. The Board may extend the subscription period.Payment for subscribed shares shall be made not later than September 3, 2025. Payment for the new shares may be made either in cash or by way of set-off of a claim against the company. The Board may extend the payment period.The new shares shall entitle to dividends for the first time on the first record date for dividend that takes place after the issue of new shares has been recorded in the share register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB.The subscription price corresponds to market price of the share at the time of Russell Thompson's commitment to subscribe for the shares and the Board's resolution. The Board assesses that the price is in line with market terms, as it is based on the market price at the time of the Board's resolution.The reason for the deviation from the shareholders' pre-emption rights is to carry out a directed share issue in order to set-off an existing claim that Russell PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-09 17:05:45 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 436 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / October 9, 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 PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-09 03:30:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 554 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / October 8, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, the former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilOctober 10, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against SelectQuote, Inc. ("SelectQuote" or the "Company") (NYSE:SLQT), if they purchased the Company's securities between September 9, 2020 and May 1, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of SelectQuote and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-slqt/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action by overseeing lead counsel with the goal of obtaining a fair and just resolution, you must request this position by application to the Court byOctober 10, 2025 .About the LawsuitSelectQuote and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") filed a False Claims Act complaint against the Company, alleging that, "[f]rom 2016 through at least 2021" it had 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, and that, in exchange for kickbacks, the Company engaged in a conspiracy with major insurers to illegally discriminate against beneficiaries deemed to be less profitable, including those with disabilities. The DOJ further alleged that the Company 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, the price of SelectQuote's shares fell $0.61, or 19.2%, to close at $2.56 per share on May 1, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume.The case is Pahlkotter v. SelectQuote, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-06620.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, New Jersey, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC African banks and institutional investors risk losing out to foreign investors unless they take the lead on urban development projects, says Sepo Haihambo, a pan-African banker and former CEO of FNB Commercial Namibia. The comments follow EU data showing that towns and cities across the continent have rapidly expanded over the last 50 years. This represents a golden opportunity for African banks to finance municipal growth, from housing to infrastructure projects, to drive domestic GDP, the banker and economist said. Namibia, Rwanda, and Morocco have become top targets for foreign direct investment in energy, mining, manufacturing, as well as loans for large infrastructure projects. While the economist recognises that external finance is a crucial lifeline for African cities, especially following cuts in global development aid, she warns that local leadership must be central to ensure long-term self-sufficiency. The economist argues that domestic financial institutions are deeply ingrained in the fabric of local societies and must play a central role in ensuring that Africas urbanisation is sustainable and locally grounded. Banks are best-placed to structure municipal finance, how towns and cities manage debt and other incomes; sustainable development financing; and public-private partnerships. African financiers should deliver infrastructure project assessments to ensure that transportation, housing, and other projects are cost effective and meet local needs. Despite Addis Ababas surging population, its foreign-funded railway is experiencing maintenance issues and a sharp fall in passenger numbers. ALSO READ: How African banks are losing their hold on the payment space The network is among 70 mega projects that Ethiopia undertook with a $14.8 billion loan from the Chinese government and other financial institutions. This is not a call for domestic financial institutions to edge out foreign investors. Instead, it is a rallying cry for African banks and institutional investors to step up and work in harmony with global capital. Local leadership is essential for delivering sustainable urbanisation, economic sovereignty, and ensuring growth benefits remain locally anchored, Ms. Haihambo said. External funding alone isnt a silver bullet for growing urban populations. Without nuanced, on-the-ground perspectives, mega-projects risk missing the mark. The future of African cities depends on more responsibility being placed in the hands of African banks. The wife of the former Vice President of Nigeria, Dolapo Osinbajo, the former Chairman of First Bank, Ibukun Awosika, and business leader Bola Matel-Okoh have shared insights on how women in leadership can balance authenticity and diplomacy while staying true to their values. The women advocates gave insight into womens leadership in the corporate world on Thursday at The Executive Women Summit (TEWS), in Victoria Island, Lagos. The TEWS, themed Leading From Within: An Authentic Approach To Leadership and organised by Womens Lifestyle Hub, focuses on promoting essential public-interest conversations that influence national productivity and shape the future of work. The Womens Leadership Summit brought together female professionals and founders from across the corporate sector to discuss the evolving roles of women in leadership, management, and executive positions. Speaking at the womens summit, the event convener and the founder of Womens Lifestyle Hub, Bola Matel-Okoh, explained that authenticity for women in the leadership space is what women can achieve without misplacing their values. When we talk about authenticity, its about aligning who you are internally and how you express yourself. I feel it is a meaningful conversation for us to talk about and permit ourselves to be ourselves. Like my amazing first keynote speaker, Her Excellency Dolapo Osinbajo, said, You free me, let me be myself, you know. Because at the end of the day, the best version of yourself, the worst version of yourself, actually, is better than the best version of anybody else. So its really about being true to who you are on the inside and aligning with how you express yourself. You have an interesting line of competent speakers today. At the end of the day, I want anyone attending this event to go away and permit themselves to be themselves, Ms Matel-Okoh said. Authentic leadership The corporate board expert, Ms Matel-Okoh, also the founder of BMO Advisory Services, further stated that the beauty of authentic leadership gives people permission to live their authentic lives and be the best versions of themselves in workspaces and the corporate world. Because many people are going through that tussle, like I said. I love how Her Excellency was very free to talk about herself. Thats the beauty of authentic leadership: it permits others to live their authentic lives too. Its about allowing ourselves to be the best version of who we truly are, not who the world says we should be, she added. During a panel session featuring Ms Osinbajo, wife of the immediate past Vice President of Nigeria, and the former Chairman of First Bank, Ibukun Awosika, participants shared insights on maintaining diplomacy while upholding authenticity and values as women in leadership. Sharing insights into what women leadership entails in the public service space, Ms Osibajo, also a legal practitioner, stated that while diplomacy is necessary in required performance, it is essential to embrace neutrality and inclusivity regardless of gender, ethnic, or religious differences. The former Second Lady insisted that people in non-elected positions possess more privileges, upholding authenticity in their operations because they are the administrators of their values. Diplomacy and compassion are required while operating within a strict governmental and social framework. For me, authenticity has served as a guide in navigating these spaces. My husbands job description was clear as Vice President, but as his wife, it wasnt. So, I believe each person in a non-elected position has to decide what they want to do and how they want to do it. Those who dont feel a sense of duty have a much happier time; they can eat chicken drumsticks, watch television, and enjoy family time. Authenticity is about who I was before becoming the Vice Presidents wife. Public service demands neutrality and inclusivity to serve diverse populations, but you cant self-vaccinate without privilege. When youre on a political stage, you speak about public service; when youre on an altar, you speak about ministry, Ms Osibajo said. Values and authenticity However, she implored her audience to ensure balance while expressing their values and authenticity, ensuring that all organisations have specific leadership styles. Sometimes those lines cross, and thats where balance comes in. You are your authentic self, a mix of many components, like a fruit cake. You have to represent yourself as a whole. You wouldnt go on a government stage and start preaching a sermon. Recently, I was on a mission team and realised I was the only Yoruba person among twelve. But it wasnt about ethnicity, but the goal and who was best for each task. Thats what authenticity means: focusing on the mission, not identity. If were clear about what were meant to do, whether in our family, community, or nation, we wont pretend or create lies. We will be true to our mission and ourselves, the lawyer said. Ms Awosika, the former Chairman of First Bank in Nigeria, also shared her experience of maintaining her value as a woman in a male-dominated leadership board. Regaining identity The financial expert expressed concerns about women losing their identity, voice, and authenticity in corporate organisations. She also encouraged women to own their speech and portray the value of their minds while in leadership positions. Rather than doing what is easy or expedient, Ive always believed in being authentic and standing for whats right. The most authentic part of who you are is your value, and thats often what people trade off to please others. Its easy to make everyone happy and lose yourself. Many women fall into this trap, especially in male-dominated rooms. They need to speak or act in a certain way to impress. But you must own your speech, story, and space. Because at the end of the day, what the room will test is not your personality but the value of your mind, what you bring to the table, she said. The former First Bank boss added that women in the corporate world must project their success comfortably, regardless of mistakes, which she regarded as part of their authenticity. We tend to conform too easily. The worst that can happen is you make a mistake, and thats fine. When people correct you, you learn. Next time, youll be better. Learning to be proud of your successes and comfortable with your mistakes is part of being authentic. When you stay true to yourself, even being wrong can teach you how to be right. So, engage with people in your own way. Dont hide who you are. Be respectful and diplomatic, but own your truth. Remodelling your environment to accept who you are is key; thats how we can truly thrive, she said. Also at the event were Yewande Zaccheaus, Founder/Chairman of Eventful LTD; Oluyemisi Edun, Managing Director of First City Monument Bank (FCMB); and Osayi Alile, CEO of ACT Foundation. The federal government has launched a new strategic plan for nursing and midwifery to improve workforce retention and fast-track Nigerias journey towards Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said this on Thursday in Abuja during the Nursing Summit and the launch of the Nigerian Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery (NSDNM) 20252030. Themed Strengthening Nursing and Midwifery Services in Nigeria for Universal Health Coverage through Implementation of NSDNM, the summit brought together stakeholders to discuss reforms and investment in nursing and midwifery services nationwide. Mr Pate described nurses and midwives as central to healthcare delivery in Nigeria and said the new plan provided clear priorities to enhance education, career development, leadership, and workforce retention in the sector. It is a practical guide that will shape reforms, investments and innovations in nursing and midwifery over five years while positioning Nigeria as a global contributor to resilient health systems, he said. The minister disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved fast-track recruitment waivers for federal health workers, with nearly 20,000 new hires expected, 60 per cent of whom would be nurses and midwives. He emphasised that training and motivation alone were not enough, noting that an enabling environment, including proper infrastructure, equipment, and resources, is essential for effective and efficient service delivery. No matter how passionate or skilled you are, without adequate infrastructure, medical supplies and tools, it becomes difficult to deliver high-quality patient care, the minister said. The Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Ndagi Alhassan, said WHO recommended a nurse-to-patient ratio of one to four, but Nigeria still struggles to meet the standard. Mr Alhassan revealed that annual nurse production had increased from 23,000 to over 115,000, but challenges remain in integrating these trained professionals into the national health system due to limited employment opportunities. To address this, we introduced the Community Nursing and Midwifery Programme, where communities sponsor trainees and local governments commit to employing them, ensuring skilled professionals return to underserved areas, he explained. Mr Alhassan called on state governments to absorb those trained personnel into their health systems and equip them with the tools and support needed to perform effectively in various healthcare settings. Mary Brantuo, team lead for Universal Health Coverage at WHO, said nurses and midwives form almost 50 per cent of the global health workforce but remain critically underrepresented in many regions. Ms Brantuo warned that the WHO projected a global shortfall of 4.8 million nurses and midwives by 2030, with the most severe gaps expected in Africa and Southeast Asia, including countries like Nigeria. As of 2020, Nigeria had more than 180,000 registered nurses and 126,000 midwives, which translates to 88 nurses per 100,000 people and one midwife for every 364 women of reproductive age. She noted that the Nigerian strategy aligned with the WHO Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery (20212027), which targeted four key areas: education, employment, leadership, and service delivery. Investing in nursing and midwifery isnt a cost but a smart investment in health system resilience, gender equity, and broader economic development, Ms Brantuo said. Koessan Kuawu, deputy representative of UNFPA Nigeria, said the agency had long promoted midwife-led care, noting that trained midwives could deliver up to 90 per cent of essential health services. Mr Kuawu cited data showing that Nigeria required 70,000 additional midwives by 2030 to meet WHO recommendations, highlighting UNFPAs support for workforce training, accreditation, and leadership development efforts. UNFPA is working with the Nursing Council to train more midwives and improve regulation. Each dollar invested in midwife-led care yields a return of $16, he said. The Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Ipalibo Banigo, pledged continued legislative backing for initiatives that strengthened nursing and midwifery education, professional regulation, and access to quality service delivery nationwide. Ms Banigo said the Senate recognises the importance of nurses and midwives in health delivery. We will continue to support policies that boost their training, welfare, and practice across Nigeria, she said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NSDNM 20252030 aligns with the WHOs global strategy to help nurses and midwives contribute more effectively to UHC and improved population health outcomes. The strategic document outlines a plan to expand education, create more jobs, manage migration, and ensure that healthcare professionals are retained and supported in the areas where they are most needed. It also aims to boost leadership in nursing and midwifery within the health and academic systems, ensuring that all professionals are respected, well-trained, and empowered to deliver quality care. (NAN) The Nigerian Army has deployed a brigade to flush out kidnappers from forests across Kwara State, according to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye. In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Ajakaye said troops were already moving through communities in Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi local government areas, including Oke Ode and Babanla, as part of a renewed security operation. The Governor commended President Bola Tinubu for the support, and the military high-command and allied security forces for the renewed intervention to eliminate all threats to public safety in the state, Mr Ajakaye said. He quoted Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as pledging the states full support for the military and other security agencies. We will not spare any resources in support of the military, DSS, police, and other security agencies as they work to strengthen the security of lives and properties, the statement read. Mr Ajakaye added that the deployment, led by Brigadier General A.A. Babatunde, is part of Operation Fasan Yanma and aimed at clearing the forests in Kwara South and Kwara North of all criminal elements. Israel and Hamas, on Wednesday, agreed to the first phase of the US draft peace deal for Gaza: a ceasefire and the exchange of hostages. US President Trump first announced this on Truth Social, stating that both sides have signed the deal, and implementation would soon begin. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace, he wrote. Shortly after, Qatar, a key mediator in the ceasefire talks, confirmed the development, stating that the countries have reached the terms and mechanisms for adopting the first phase of the plan. The Gaza ceasefire agreement is expected to eventually lead to the end of the 2 years long war, with the release of Palestinian prisoners and the entry of aid to Gaza. Israel and Hamas have also confirmed accepting a deal which Mr Trumps administration earlier put forward amidst rising calls for an end to the war and the creation of a two-state solution. The Israeli President, Isaac Herzog, stated that the peace plan brings unimaginable relief to Israelis, to families who have not closed their eyes for 733 days. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the deal was a great day for Israel. He promised to convene the Israeli government tomorrow in order to approve the agreement, and return all our dear hostages home. Meanwhile, Hamas declared it has concluded an agreement stipulating an end to the war on Gaza, the occupations withdrawal from it, the entry of aid, and a prisoner exchange. The 20-point plan CNN reports that news of the agreement was met with celebration by both Palestinians and Israelis. However, some residents expressed concerns about the possibility that the ceasefire might fall through, as it has in the past. The ceasefire agreement reached earlier in the year fell through after two months, after Israel violated the agreement by launching an attack on Gaza. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the renewed attack led to the death of at least 404 Palestinians and injured 562 others. The US presented the 20-point peace proposal, which ushered in the new agreement, last week. The plan was drafted with input from European partners and several Arab and Muslim nations, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Pakistan. It dictates that after the plan is accepted, Gaza will be a deradicalised, terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbours. Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered in the war. After all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries. Also, upon acceptance by both Israel and Hamas, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip. How World leaders react Meanwhile, World leaders have also welcomed the news that Hamas and Israel accepted Mr Trumps peace proposal. The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres described the agreement as a momentous opportunity to end the occupation of Gaza. He stated that the deal is a pathway to recognising Palestinian rights to self-determination and a two-state solution. He also stated that the UN will support the full implementation of the deal, increase its delivery of humanitarian aid and advance its reconstruction efforts in Gaza. I urge all concerned to abide fully by the terms of the agreement. All hostages must be released in a dignified manner. A permanent ceasefire must be secured. The fighting must stop once & for all. Immediate & unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies & essential commercial materials into Gaza must be ensured. The suffering must end, he said. Similarly, the UN under-secretary general of humanitarian affairs, Tom Fletcher, also said, Great news. Lets get the hostages out and surge aid in fast. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the deal has created a moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world. He urged commitments to the deal from all parties to end the war and build lasting peace. I am grateful for the tireless diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye and the United States, supported by our regional partners, in securing this crucial first step. This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, After more than two years of conflict, hostages held and a devastating loss of civilian life, this is a much needed step towards peace. We urge all parties to respect the terms of the plan, he added. President of the European Union, Antonio Costa, also said, Implementation of the deal paves the way for the long-awaited release of all Israeli hostages, a ceasefire in Gaza, and an end to the severe humanitarian crisis on the ground. The Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, praised Mr Trump for his essential leadership that has led to the end of the conflict, as well as Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt for their tireless work to support the negotiations. I am relieved that the hostages will soon be reunited with their families, he said. The United Nations (UN) latest global health report for 2025 has ranked Nigeria as the country with the lowest life expectancy globally. The report places Nigerias average life expectancy at 54.9 years, marking it the lowest in the world. The figure falls significantly below Africas continental average and less than three-quarters of the global benchmark of 73.7 years. According to the data, Nigerian men live an average of 54.3 years, while women reach about 54.9 years. For comparison, Chad and the Central African Republic barely fare better, with life expectancies of 55.2 and 57.7 years, respectively. What life expectancy means Life expectancy is the average number of years a person is expected to live based on current mortality patterns. It is a key indicator of a countrys overall health, reflecting the quality of healthcare, living conditions, nutrition, and socio-economic wellbeing of its population. A higher life expectancy suggests that citizens are living longer, healthier lives. A lower figure, as in Nigerias case, points to persistent health and development challenges. Life expectancy stagnates since 2019 In 2019, a similar UN report placed Nigerias life expectancy at around 55 years, ranking it the third lowest in the world at the time. The latest figure therefore shows virtually no improvement over six years ,and a further slip in global ranking as other countries made steady gains. The UN agencys earlier report also showed that Nigerias population grew sharply over the decades, rising from 54.7 million in 1969 to 105.4 million in 1994, and reaching 201.0 million in 2019. Of this figure, 44 per cent of Nigerians were aged 0 to 14 years, while 32 per cent fell within the 10 to 24-year age range, a demographic structure that underscores the heavy pressure on healthcare, education, and employment systems. Experts have linked Nigerias dismal ranking to long-standing problems such as a high burden of infectious diseases, limited access to quality care, and recurring industrial actions by health workers. They also point to broader socio-economic issues, including widespread poverty, insecurity, malnutrition, and environmental degradation, that continue to undermine citizens health outcomes and quality of life. Calls for urgent intervention The UN report comes amid growing concerns about widening global health inequalities. Public health advocates have urged the Nigerian government and its international partners to scale up investments in healthcare infrastructure, expand access to essential services, and address the underlying socio-economic causes of poor health outcomes. They warn that unless Nigeria confronts these deep-rooted structural problems, its population will remain among the worlds most vulnerable. The report further stresses that Nigerias situation is not merely a medical crisis but a warning sign of stalled social and economic development. As global leaders prepare for upcoming health and development summits, experts say Nigerias record-low life expectancy should serve as a wake-up call for urgent and coordinated reforms. The Senate, Nigerias highest legislative body, is proposing to set up an ad hoc committee to visit the United States to engage with members of the US Congress over reports accusing Nigeria of committing genocide against Christians. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, disclosed this during Thursdays plenary during a debate on a motion on the matter. The motion was sponsored by Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, and co-sponsored by 20 other senators, mostly from northern Nigeria. Mr Akpabio said the Senate would constitute a delegation to interface with the US legislature, adding that the composition of the committee would be decided during a closed-door session What is happening in the United States is of concern to Nigeria. Its of concern to the Christians. Its of concern to the Muslims because the moment they bring sanctions, sanctions breed poverty, and poverty knows no religion. So, for me, engagement will be the best. When we go into executive session, we can decide to set up a small ad hoc committee to go to the United States of America and engage our colleague parliamentarians there and then to also educate them, because if you see what these people are doing, most of them are outsiders. They are killing Nigerians. I dont know who will now go and sit down and bring out maybe the dead bodies and say this one is a Christian, this one is from this family, this one must be a Muslim, he said. He stressed that terrorist activities were aimed at destabilising the country and preventing citizens from farming, not targeting any particular faith. We are facing a situation whereby these terrorists are trying to terminate the lives of Nigerians, and then of course, frustrates us from going into the farms, producing food to feed ourselves. Itll be better in a closed session. And I think at the end of the day, we should actually have a small team that should visit our colleagues and also put the other side because some people must have gone there to give a one-sided story, the senate president said. The Bill In September, the US Congress introduced a bill seeking to classify Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for alleged violations of religious freedom. The bill titled The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act, 2025 (S. 2747) was sponsored by Ted Cruz and co-sponsored by other US lawmakers. It mandates the US Government to identify and sanction Nigerian officials responsible for enforcing blasphemy laws. The measure was inspired by recommendations from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which has repeatedly urged the U.S. State Department to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. USCIRF reports allege that Nigerian authorities have failed to protect religious minorities or punish perpetrators of sectarian violence. Nigerian officials, however, argue that such claims are misleading, insisting that most violence in the country is driven by terrorism and criminality, not religion. READ ALSO: Nigerian govt denies genocide against Christians Over the years, several international organisations, particularly Christian advocacy groups, have ranked Nigeria among the most dangerous places in the world for Christians. In its 2025 World Watch List, a Christian group called Open Doors listed Nigeria among the top ten countries where Christians face severe persecution. Last month, an international platform reported that five Christians were killed by terrorists while working on their farms in Nogoshe village, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. In a separate incident, three others were also reportedly murdered in their homes in the Mussa community, Askira-Uba LGA of Borno State. No Christian genocide in Nigeria Mr Akpabio maintained that Nigerias security crisis should not be framed as a religious war. If terrorism occurs in a Christian-dominated state, most people that will die there will be Christians. If it occurs in a Muslim-dominated state, most of those who will die there will be Muslims. But if it occurs particularly in the North Central, you will notice that it will be targeted at maybe churches, because that is what they are able to get. And then at the end, they will say, Oh, its Muslims kill Christians. So, the way the whole situation is, is that we still need to go into executive session and get a date for our security summit so we can have a closed discussion on this matter, he added. The senate president argued that several Muslims have also been killed in insurgencies across the country, listing violence in the South-east as another example of insecurity not linked to religion. But I can tell you that a lot of Muslims have lost their lives in the last five, 10 years. The same way, Christians have also lost their lives. So, my personal opinion is that Nigerians have lost their lives as a result of insurgencies. So, if you look at what is happening in the South-east, predominantly Christians, most of those that are killed in the South-east, including the late husband of our demise icon Dora Akunyili, the way the man was shot dead and everything. Will you come and ascribe that to religion? Im talking about what IPOB is doing. You see brothers killing brothers. Mr Akpabio said Nigerias security challenges are complex and urged lawmakers to present a balanced narrative to the international community. The sit at home that is going on on Mondays in the South-east has almost crippled the economy of the South-east. Is this targeted at Christians or Muslims? So, Nigeria has complex security situations, and we should actually go out there and educate people so that they will know what to do. But when they just come out with a one-sided motion, it means they have a target, and that target is not to strengthen the economy of Nigeria. Thats my personal opinion. So, its left to us as a parliament to take proactive actions and be strategic in our response, he said. Call for security reform Ondo South Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, while contributing to the debate, called for a complete review of Nigerias counterterrorism approach. We need to understand the tactics and the practice of the terrorists. And we must now engage the executive on counterterrorism. Because the argument is that most of the launched counterterrorism approaches are not sufficient enough to actually engage the terrorists. The summary of my submission is that unless we can place in proper perspective the strategy of the terrorists, it will be difficult Mr. Senate President, unless we engage knowledge and know the strategy of the terrorists, it will be difficult for us to actually suggest what counterterrorism strategy we engage in to get this thing out of us. Its not a simple matter, Mr Ibrahim said. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday showered praises on James Ibori, a former governor of Delta State who was jailed in the United Kingdom in 2012 for fraud and money laundering involving millions of pounds stolen from state funds. Mr Akpabio extolled the former governors virtues when he accompanied newly elected senators to the chamber to take their oath of office. PREMIUM TIMES reported that two new senators were inaugurated earlier on Wednesday. The senate president specifically described Mr Ibori as an amiable character, a leader of leaders, and a political colossus whom many Nigerian politicians admire. Let me start from Chief James Ibori, former governor of Delta State. He is a political colossus, a leader of leaders, an amiable character, a man we all admire and respect, Mr Akpabio said while welcoming him to the chamber. Mr Ibori served as Delta State governor from 1999 to 2007. After his tenure, he was accused of stealing large sums of public money, diverting state funds to purchase properties, luxury vehicles, and other assets. In 2010, he was arrested in Dubai and extradited to the UK, where he faced trial. In February 2012, he pleaded guilty to 10 counts of conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, false accounting, and making false instruments. Part of the fraud included the sale of Delta States shares in mobile operator V-Mobile for about $37 million (23 million). On 17 April 2012, the Southwark Crown Court in London sentenced Mr Ibori to 13 years in prison for laundering nearly 50 million. He served about half of the sentence, in line with UK release practices, and was freed around 2016. Beyond his jail term, UK courts have continued to pursue the recovery of his illicit assets. In 2023, a London judge ordered him to forfeit 101.5 million (US$130 million) or face another eight years in prison. Authorities seized multiple assets linked to Mr Ibori, including several bank accounts, over ten properties worldwide, a 5 million mansion in Abuja, luxury cars such as a Bentley and Maybach, and a Bombardier Challenger jet. In March 2021, the UK and Nigerian governments signed an agreement to return 4.2 million (US$5.8 million) recovered from his associates, to Nigeria. The funds were earmarked for infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges. However, many Nigerians believe that only a fraction of the money stolen during his tenure has been recovered. Despite his ordeal, Mr Ibori still retains some influence in Delta politics. In 2007, his cousin, Emmanuel Uduaghan, succeeded him as governor and served for two terms. In 2015, another member of his political family, Ifeanyi Okowa, became the state governor. His plan to install one of his proteges, David Edevbie, in 2023 failed as Mr Okowa preferred the incumbent, Sheriff Oborevwori, as his successor. However, his daughter, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, was elected into the House of Representatives to represent Ethiope federal constituency of Delta State. Akpabio wanted standing ovation for Ibori While eulogising the former governor, Mr Akpabio said he would have preferred that senators give Mr Ibori a standing ovation, but noted that Senate rules do not permit such gestures during plenary sessions. Sir, youre welcome to the chamber of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Unfortunately, we dont clap here, we would have given you a standing ovation, the senate president said. Unknown assailants have killed a 13-year-old herder, Abubakar Wada, and 36 cattle during an attack on a village in Fan District of the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. It was also reported that 49 other cattle were stolen during the attack. The young herder was grazing around the Inzon community when the assailants attacked him. The state chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Babayo, confirmed the incident and described it as barbaric and unprovoked. The incident happened in the evening. We have so far counted losses of over 80 cattle because 36 were killed, while 49 are still missing. The attack was carried out by Berom people from Fan district, he said. Mr Babayo said the herders were moving with their cattle peacefully when they were ambushed. We call on herders wherever they are in the state to remain calm and allow security forces to investigate those responsible for the attack. Nobody should take laws into their hands, he said, noting that two herders survived the attack. Local authorities responded to the incident swiftly, with security operatives, including the police and personnel from Operation Enduring Peace, visiting the scene shortly after the attack. The MACBAN secretary in Barkin Ladi also announced that the relevant security commands had been notified. The MACBAN alleged that the assailants are members of the Berom ethnic group. The Berom Youths Moulders Association, however, denied any involvement. Its president, Solomon Dalyop, described the accusation as baseless and framed them as propaganda meant to legitimise aggression against Berom communities. Mr Dalyop claimed the real aggressors were suspected Fulani armed groups operating in the area, citing a related killing, rustling incidents and forced grazing by Fulani herdsmen into farmlands around Fan District. According to Daily Trust, the Acting Deputy Director, Public Relations, 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Aliyu Danja, a Lieutenant Colonel, said they had contacted the sector commander in the area for verification. Ethno-religious or climate change-induced conflict? Following the early 2000s ethno-religious conflict that rocked the town of Jos, other parts of Plateau State have witnessed a series of violence rooted in climate change. Competition over limited resourceswater and land for grazinghas resulted in fierce confrontations between indigenous farmers and nomadic or migrant Fulani herders. With the indigenous population largely Christians and the Fulani herders mostly Muslims, the conflict has been framed as ethno-religious one, fueling interfaith rivalry both on social media and in local communities. This reporter has been following the trend of violence in Plateau State. In 2023, he documented and investigated the root of the conflict between Mwaghavul farmers and Fulani herders in Mangu where more than 300 people were killed. The Mangu crisis which was largely resource-based later spilled over to Bokkos and Barkin Ladi where PREMIUM TIMES documented that more than 350 people were killed in at least 29 communities. The spillover of the violence to Bokkos and Barkin Ladi was more deadly and because of its timing, many observers and international communities tagged it as Christmas Eve massacre. Such a religious colouration has recently generated online allegations about Christian genocide in Nigeria. The Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) has rejected the proposal by the National Assembly to establish the Chartered Institute of Enterprise Risk Management of Nigeria. In a memorandum submitted to the House Committee on Commerce, the Registrar of CRMI, Victor Olannye, described the move as a duplication of existing institutions with identical functions. Mr Olannye stressed that the bill currently before the National Assembly conflicts with the mandate of the already established Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria, which is backed by law. He explained that the 9th National Assembly had enacted the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria Act No. 39 of 2022, which was duly assented to by the President and gazetted, giving full legal recognition to the institute. The Act comprehensively governs and promotes the practice of risk management in Nigeria, including professional certification, regulation, and the advancement of the profession, he said. In 2022, the National Assembly passed a bill to formally convert CRMI (previously RIMAN) into a chartered institute. The bill was passed by the Senate on 21 June 2022. Mr Olannye noted that the primary objective of the proposed Chartered Institute of Enterprise Risk Management of Nigeria to regulate and promote the practice of risk management is already covered under the 2022 Act. As such, the proposed bill duplicates functions and responsibilities already legislated under existing law, he said. He warned that the proliferation of professional bodies with overlapping mandates breeds inefficiency and confusion, while also undermining the integrity of the legislative process. Creating parallel institutions where clear laws already exist contradicts the principle of coherence in lawmaking and weakens public confidence in the National Assemblys legislative consistency, he stated. The CRMI therefore urged the committee to discontinue further consideration of the bill, arguing that allowing it to proceed would contradict the 2022 Act, create legal and institutional conflicts, and diminish the credibility of the legislatures previous actions. Mr Olannye stressed the need to preserve legislative integrity by avoiding redundancy in lawmaking, urging lawmakers to uphold the existing Act as the sole regulatory framework for the risk management profession in Nigeria. He also commended the Committee on Commerce for its diligence, professionalism, and commitment to upholding the principles of sound lawmaking. According to him, the committees careful approach to legislative scrutiny continues to strengthen Nigerias governance framework and foster public trust in the National Assembly. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has called for decisive action to end child labour, sexual harassment, gender inequality, forced marriage, and other forms of discrimination against girls and women in Nigeria. He gave the charge in Abuja on Thursday during an interactive session with schoolgirls held to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, themed The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis. The event, tagged Girls Chat with the Speaker, was organised by the Office of the Speaker in collaboration with the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development. Among those present were the Speakers wife, Fatima Abbas-Tajudeen; Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Kafilat Ogbara (APC, Lagos) and senior aides to the Speaker. Mr Tajudeen, who has consistently supported gender-focused advocacy, reaffirmed the Houses commitment to advancing legislation that safeguards the rights and welfare of women and girls. My major concern is girl and child labour which is still endemic in this country. A lot of girls, instead of going to school, are being sent to work in the house of the rich and those who are doing well. This is an area where the National Assembly, the government must pay extra attention, Mr Tajudeen said. The speaker noted that while public enlightenment campaigns have reduced cases of child marriage, the problem of child labour continues to undermine education and social development. He called on both the legislature and the executive to intensify efforts to eliminate the practice and protect vulnerable children. He also praised the growing academic achievements of Nigerian girls, describing them as a promising signal of progress made through past advocacy and policy interventions. He said, I see results from tertiary institutions; I see results from even primary schools, where almost every school you go to, you will find out that the girls are at the top. Mr Tajudeen highlighted ongoing legislative efforts to improve womens representation in governance, disclosing that the House is currently considering a bill to reserve seats for women and Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs). On sexual harassment in schools, Mr Tajudeen, who is a former teacher, condemned the abuse of female students by lecturers and school authorities, warning that the House will not tolerate such. He pledged the Houses support for nationwide campaigns to end sexual exploitation of students and to strengthen enforcement of existing laws on gender-based violence. During the interactive session, the 10 schoolgirls selected through an online poll conducted by the Speakers Office in partnership with advocacy group, Gender Mobile Initiative, posed questions on issues ranging from sexual harassment and child marriage to the enforcement of the Childs Rights Act and security in schools. Executive Lead of Gender Mobile Initiative, Omowumi Ogunrotimi, said the girls represented the voices of millions of others across Nigeria who face daily challenges related to discrimination, insecurity, and lack of access to education. Speaker Tajudeen responded to each question, emphasising that while the executive arm is responsible for enforcing laws, the House will continue to make legislation that protects the rights and dignity of every Nigerian. He commended the organisers and participants, reaffirming the National Assemblys commitment to promoting gender equity and ensuring that every Nigerian girl has the opportunity to thrive. Earlier in Thursdays plenary, Ms Ogbara moved a motion to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, urging the federal government and relevant agencies to make the protection, education, and empowerment of girls, especially those in crisis-affected communities, a priority. She called on security agencies and stakeholders to adopt concrete measures to shield girls from violence and exploitation during emergencies. A former secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri branch, Chinedu Agu, accused of defaming Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, is still being held at Owerri correctional facility, despite a bail granted him by a Federal High Court. On Wednesday, Mr Agus lawyer, Stanley Imo, disclosed this to PREMIUM TIMES. This newspaper earlier reported that the Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State, had granted bail to Mr Agu, a lawyer, on 25 September. Mr Imo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said that all the bail conditions were perfected, but they could not secure Mr Agus release from the correctional facility. Why the lawyer is not yet out Mr Imo said that the bail granted to the lawyer by the Federal High Court was directed to the police in Imo and not to the correctional centre. He said the Federal High Court ordered the police to release Mr Agu, unaware that a Magistrate Court in Owerri also ordered the lawyers remand in prison. Before we could meet him (Mr Agu) in the magistrate court, the police had taken and remanded him in the Owerri prison, he said. Mr Imo said they have filed another bail application at the Federal High Court in Owerri, praying the court to order Owerri Correctional Facility to free Mr Agu. He said the court will rule on the bail application on Thursday, 9 September. Arraignment The police arraigned Mr Agu before a magistrate on 25 September, charged with criminal defamation, incitement, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that Mr Agu was remanded in the Owerri Correctional Facility after the Chief Magistrate, Obinna Njemanze, declined jurisdiction to try the matter. He adjourned the case to 29 October. However, while Mr Agu was being arraigned at the magistrates court, some lawyers, led by Mr Imo, applied for his bail at the Federal High Court. Mr Agu was arrested and detained on 23 September, after meeting with the police for a second time in one week. He was said to have been released on bail on the first police invitation on 17 September. Background The police in Imo had invited Mr Agu on Tuesday, 9 September, over the alleged defamation. In the letter addressed to the lawyer, the office of the X-Squad Unit of the police in Imo said they were inviting him over an alleged criminal defamation of character and conduct likely to cause breach of public peace. However, the police invitation did not disclose who the lawyer allegedly defamed. Reacting to the police letter, Mr Agu said the invitation stemmed from a petition allegedly lodged by the Imo State Ministry of Information against him. He said that his consistent calls for Governor Uzodimma to appoint the most qualified person as acting chief judge of Imo State and his other criticisms of the governor were the main reasons Governor Uzodimmas administration was after him. The Niger State Police Command has arrested 13 additional suspects in connection with the vandalism and theft of navigation lock metals and beams worth over 4.8 billion at the Kainji Power Plant. The Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. He said the arrest followed a follow-up investigation by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Minna. According to the statement, the suspects were arrested on 26 September concerning the theft of critical materials from the power plants navigation lock yard. Two of the suspects, Abubakar Jibril (51), a storekeeper from Borgu LGA, and Abdullateef Musa (53), an internal control officer from Kwara, were staff members of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited. They allegedly conspired to steal 100 new 40-amp batteries from the companys store, hiding them among items marked for auction, which they later sold and shared the proceeds. Other suspects Aliyu Salihu (42), Ishaq Suleiman Adam (35), Timothy Joseph (32), and Abdulmalik Jimmy Gudah (33) were reportedly security personnel who helped dispose of stolen items and benefited financially. Two cleaners, Joseph Steven (36) and Babangida Abdullahi (42), were also implicated for allegedly stealing and selling some of the vandalised metals. Additional arrests include Labaran Haruna (20), Haruna Usman (40), Shuaibu Hassan (48), Musa Salihu (24), and Sabon Mati (47). A large metal shackle, used to secure beams attached to the lock gate, was reportedly recovered from Mr Haruna, who claimed he bought it from Mr Usman, an alleged vigilante at the yard. Police investigations also revealed that some suspects were scrap metal dealers who received and resold the stolen metals. The suspects are in custody and undergoing further interrogation to track down other accomplices and recover stolen items. Mr Abiodun said the suspects would be prosecuted upon completion of the investigation. In a separate incident, four suspects were arrested for criminal conspiracy, theft by servant, and receiving stolen property involving a Howo truck with registration number MNA 426 YL. The police said the driver, Ibrahim Abdullahi, and his alleged accomplice, Mohammed Umar, both of Suleja, conspired to remove two new truck tyres valued at 470,000 and 25 litres of engine oil valued at 55,000, replacing them with worn-out tyres. Further investigation led to the arrest of Sadiq Saidu (34) and Kabiru Suleja (32) in Lambata for receiving the stolen items. Mr Abiodun said the tyres were recovered, and all suspects have been charged in court. However, on 3 October, operatives of Maje Division arrested one Abubakar Mutawakil for allegedly attempting to sell a stolen motorcycle valued at over 1 million. Mr Mutawakil reportedly received the motorcycle from Michael Isah (23), the prime suspect, who fled with his friends bike. Similarly, on 2 October , police operatives of A Division Bida arrested Adamu Mohammed (23) with a sTVS motorcycle suspected to have been stolen from Ndasako village in Wushishi LGA. On the same day, Abubakar Mohammed of Gudungu village was arrested for allegedly stealing an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle from Cheche village. He was apprehended along the AgaieKatcha road while attempting to flee. The police said all the suspects were under investigation and would be charged in court. Mr Abiodun reaffirmed the commitment of the Command to intensify operations against criminal elements across the state. The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State has inaugurated a committee to develop a comprehensive disability policy in the university. The spokesperson of the UNN, Agha Inya, disclosed this in a statement forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday in response to this newspapers investigation, which exposed how blind students suffer discrimination in the institution. The investigation, published in March 2025, also showed that students equally struggle with unpaved walkways, inaccessible classrooms, and inadequate support from lecturers. Mr Inya acknowledged that some of the universitys older buildings were constructed before accessibility standards became common practice, but stressed that the university had begun efforts to correct the situation. The current Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, has inaugurated a high-level committee to develop a comprehensive University of Nigeria Disability Policy. This policy will strengthen institutional mechanisms for supporting staff and students with special needs and ensure continuous improvement in accessibility and inclusion, he said. The UNN spokesperson said the university has deliberately begun designing structures with ramps and other accessibility features to improve blind students access to classrooms. Also, the universitys internal roads are currently being reconstructed with pedestrian walkways to enhance mobility for all members of the university Community, Mr Inya said. The spokesperson said the universitys blind students do not experience the level of difficulty portrayed in the PREMIUM TIMES investigation. On the contrary, the university has a proud record of inclusivity and support for students with disabilities, he argued, adding that the institution gives special attention to students with disabilities. He added: The welfare of all members of our university community, especially those with special needs, remains a top priority for the university management, and we remain committed to providing them with an enabling environment to thrive academically and socially. UNIZIK, UNIBEN silent The PREMIUM TIMES investigation also showed that blind students suffer similar discrimination and lack of accessibility aids at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, (NAU) in Anambra State and University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Edo State. Like UNN and UNIBEN, NAU, popularly known as UNIZIK, is a federal university. When contacted on 22 September 2025, the spokesperson of the UNIBEN, Benedicta Ehanire, asked our reporter to submit a written enquiry to get the universitys response to the investigation. However, Ms Ehanire refused our reporters request for the enquiry to be done via email. The UNIZIK spokesperson, Louis Njelita, declined to respond when PREMIUM TIMES presented him with the findings of its investigation into the universitys discrimination against blind students and lack of access aids. When pressed for a response, Mr Njelita directed our reporter to a separate department that handles matters relating to students with disabilities. There is a unit or department handling something on disabled people Anything disabled, you have to hear from the director, he said. When asked for the directors contact details, the spokesperson declined to release the contact but instead requested a physical meeting with our reporter. You definitely need to come down to the school. So, whatever information you are being given, the person will be looking at an eyeball, not by phone, he remarked. Mr Njelita did not respond to further explanation that our reporter was based outside Anambra State, where the school is located. The investigation In the investigation published in March, PREMIUM TIMES exposed how blind students across the UNN, UNIZIK and UNIBEN battle discrimination and neglect from other students and university officials. The report further showed that the absence of good hostel facilities usable by persons with disabilities and the lack of walkways combine to make life tough for blind students and other persons with disabilities in the universities. A survey conducted by our reporters across the universities showed that lecturers frequently threatened most blind students across the three institutions to purchase specific materials for continuous assessment, which they could not read due to their disability. Meanwhile, discrimination against persons with disabilities and the lack of accessibility aids violate Nigerias Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018. Enacted in 2018 following nine years of advocacy by disability groups and activists in Nigeria, the Act was signed into law by the then-President, Muhammadu Buhari, on 23 January 2019. The Act seeks to eliminate discrimination against persons with disabilities, ensure their access to public buildings and vehicles, and foster inclusive education in all public organisations. The Act also ordered the provision of road sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and all other special facilities for persons with disabilities. The Act imposes sanctions in the form of fines and imprisonment for defaulters. It stipulates a five-year transitional period for public buildings and structures to become accessible and usable for persons with disability, which implies that the law could not be enforced until January 2024. The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies to investigate the budget implementation, Internally Generated Revenues (IGRs), and alleged unauthorised virements by the National Examination Council (NECO) between 2023 and 2025. This followed the adoption of a motion on urgent public importance moved by Amobi Ogah (LP, Abia) during Thursdays plenary. Presenting the motion, Mr Ogah reminded the House that, under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution, the National Assembly and its committees possess the inherent powers to summon, demand documents, and conduct investigations into the operations of any government ministry, department, or agency. He noted that NECO, as a government agency generating internal revenue for the federation, is constitutionally required to be transparent and accountable in its financial dealings. The lawmaker added that the council must also present its bank statements from 2023 to date, along with evidence of remittances into the Federation Account within the same period, to enable proper oversight of its financial performance. NECO, as an agency of government, generates IGR for the federation. It therefore behoves it to be accountable to Nigerians. In carrying out its mandate effectively, the National Assembly or the relevant committee must have access to the NECOs budget/IGR performance and implementation from 2023 to date. It must also peruse NECOs bank statements of account from 2023 to date. NECO must also provide evidence of remittance to the Federation Account for the same period (2023 to date), Mr Ogah said. Mr Ogah expressed concern over reports that NECO had allegedly been implementing virement, that is, reallocating funds within its budget without the required legislative approval. ALSO READ: Kano doubles down on NECO performance claims He described such action, if confirmed, as a direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution and a disregard for the oversight powers of the National Assembly. If this is so, it is a flagrant violation of our constitution and inherent powers of this Honourable House as enshrined in it, he warned. Following deliberations, the House resolved to mandate the Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies to investigate NECOs virement implementation for 2025 and its budget and IGR performance from 2023 to date. The committee is expected to obtain NECOs bank statements and verify all remittances to the Federation Account during the same period and report its findings within three weeks. A few weeks ago, I attended a major media sustainability conference organised by the Media Development Investment Fund and the Daily Trust Foundation. While the event focused on the future of journalism in Nigeria, it also served as the close-out event for NAMIPs three-year work in the country. There are so many good things one could say about NAMIP and its impact on Nigerias media sector. But what struck me most was a logo sitting quietly in the corner of all the media materials at the event the MacArthur Foundations logo. If you scan through all the major journalism innovations and interventions in Nigeria over the last 10 years, that logo is always there. And that is exactly what this article is about: nine years of aggressive media and journalism support in Nigeria. Nine years after MacArthur launched its On Nigeria initiative, investigative journalism in the country stands stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to serve democracy. But new risks and funding questions remain. In 2015, Nigerias journalism landscape stood at a crossroads. The country had long boasted a vibrant press tradition fiercely independent newspapers, brave reporters, and a history of holding power to account. Yet beneath that surface, investigative journalism was fragile: scattered efforts, few dedicated investigative desks, limited funding, and reporters often working at great personal risk without institutional protection or legal support. In a country where corruption, opacity, and abuse of power remained persistent threats to governance, something more systemic was needed not just courageous individual journalists, but strong institutions capable of sustaining investigative reporting as a pillar of democratic accountability. It was against this backdrop that the MacArthur Foundation launched its On Nigeria initiative a bold, multi-year, multi-million dollar experiment to strengthen Nigerias accountability ecosystem, with investigative journalism at its core. Nine years later, as MacArthur winds down this landmark intervention, its imprint on Nigerian journalism is both profound and instructive. This is the story of how a deliberate philanthropic bet reshaped the face of Nigerian investigative journalism and the lessons it offers for other fragile democracies around the world. The MacArthur Thesis: Journalism as Accountability Infrastructure Unlike many traditional development programmes, MacArthurs approach was not simply to fund projects or sponsor isolated stories. The core thesis was more structural: build the capacity, institutions, and networks that allow investigative journalism to thrive sustainably, independently, and impactfully. MacArthur recognised that investigative journalism is not simply about producing reports it requires infrastructure: skilled journalists, ethical editorial leadership, legal protection, data access, financial stability, safety protocols, and above all, long-term resilience in the face of political and economic pressures. The On Nigeria initiative thus positioned journalism not merely as media work, but as accountability infrastructure a vital part of the public sphere, with ripple effects extending into policy debates, civic engagement, public sector reforms, and even electoral accountability. What MacArthur Did: Investing in Ecosystems, Not Just Actors What made MacArthurs approach particularly transformative was the breadth of its interventions across multiple dimensions of the ecosystem. a) Strengthening Newsrooms At the heart of the initiative were direct investments into Nigerias leading investigative newsrooms. Premium Times Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, TheCable, Daily Trust, International Centre for Investigative Reporting, Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, Sahara Reporters, and others received significant support not just for story production, but to build institutional capacity: strengthen editorial independence, improve digital security, provide legal support, and expand civic technology innovation. These investments allowed several outlets to establish dedicated investigative desks, attract and train young journalists, and build robust internal systems for fact-checking, verification, and accountability journalism. b) Civic Media Infrastructure Beyond traditional newsrooms, MacArthur also seeded entirely new institutions that are now central players in the investigative journalism ecosystem. Platforms like DUBAWA (West Africas leading fact-checking outfit), Civic Media Lab, Dataphyte, HumAngle, and TheCable Index emerged as specialist institutions focused on evidence-based journalism, fact-checking, and data-driven reporting. These organisations introduced new practices into Nigerian journalism data visualisation, structured fact-checking methodologies, advanced digital research techniques elevating both the quality and credibility of investigative work. c) Linking Civic Tech and Accountability Journalism Recognising that data is the lifeblood of modern investigations, MacArthur extended support to civic tech organisations that democratise access to government data and empower citizens to track public sector performance. BudgIT, UDEME, Dataphytes Anfani, and Connected Developments Follow The Money became key partners in connecting data activism with investigative storytelling. By bridging civic tech and journalism, the On Nigeria initiative expanded the investigative toolkit, allowing reporters to move beyond whistleblower accounts to systematic monitoring of budget allocations, procurement records, public expenditures, and service delivery failures. d) Strengthening the Education Pipeline Crucially, MacArthur recognised that sustaining investigative journalism requires nurturing new generations of journalists even before they enter newsrooms. The Foundation supported reforms in journalism curricula across several Nigerian universities, working with faculties to integrate investigative methods, ethics, fact-checking, and data literacy into teaching. This education pipeline is already producing young graduates equipped with stronger investigative instincts and sharper technical skills than previous generations. By building university partnerships, supporting curriculum development, and organising faculty exchanges, MacArthur helped embed investigative journalism training as part of formal journalism education creating a long-term talent pipeline to feed the broader accountability ecosystem. e ) Collaborative Networks and Peer Learning Perhaps one of MacArthurs most lasting contributions was its support for building horizontal networks across the sector. The creation of peer-learning networks such as the Collaborative Media Project led by the Wole Soyinka Centre and the NAMIPs Nigeria Media Innovation Programme, DUBAWAs Factchecking fellowship, which allowed journalists, editors, civic activists, and legal experts to collaborate, share knowledge, and jointly tackle complex investigations. This networked approach broke down the silos that often characterise Nigerian civil society work, enabling cross-institutional investigations, joint trainings, and mutual defense mechanisms when individual reporters or outlets came under attack. The Ripple Effects: A Transformed Ecosystem The cumulative impact of these investments is now visible across Nigerias media and civic space. In nine years, a new generation of investigative journalists has emerged trained, networked, digitally savvy, and deeply committed to public accountability. Major investigations supported under this ecosystem have exposed procurement fraud in education health contracts, inflated defense budgets, diversion of education funds, and corruption in state-owned enterprises some resulting in parliamentary hearings, ministerial resignations, criminal prosecutions, and policy reforms. Beyond content, MacArthurs investment also strengthened the defensive architecture around investigative journalism: legal aid systems for journalists facing lawsuits, improved safety protocols for reporters in hostile environments, and stronger institutional leadership to weather political pressures. Today, Nigerian investigative journalism is no longer defined by a few individual heroes. It is sustained by resilient institutions, protected by strong networks, and increasingly backed by a growing cohort of young professionals who see journalism as both a calling and a profession with standards. What Made MacArthurs Model Impactful? The On Nigeria initiative offers valuable lessons for philanthropic practice in fragile democracies: Long-Term Commitment: Change takes time. MacArthurs multi-year funding model allowed grantees to plan, build, iterate, and grow not merely survive year-to-year. Flexible Funding: Grantees were trusted to adapt their strategies as challenges evolved. This flexibility empowered innovation while remaining mission-focused. Ecosystem Mindset: Rather than funding isolated projects, MacArthur invested in the ecosystem: newsrooms, civic tech, universities, legal support, networks, and leadership development. Strong ecosystems survive shocks better than isolated actors. Local Ownership: MacArthur demonstrated a commitment to localisation by allowing Nigerian partners to define and adapt the initiatives focus, fostering ownership, contextual relevance, and long-term sustainability. Protection and Resilience: Legal support, safety training, and organisational development helped insulate grantees from state harassment, financial vulnerabilities, and burnout. The Unfinished Business: New Risks, Old Dilemmas Yet even with these gains, serious challenges remain. Perhaps the most urgent is sustainability. Many of the institutions built with MacArthur support remain heavily dependent on donor funding, raising questions about long-term financial viability once external funding diminishes. At the same time, Nigerias political environment has grown more hostile in recent years. Shrinking civic space, rising attacks on press freedom, new digital repression tools, and increasing legal harassment of journalists signal a toughening landscape for accountability work. Furthermore, new technological threats including misinformation, AI-generated deepfakes, and algorithmic manipulation pose unprecedented challenges for investigative journalism globally, including in Nigeria. The sustainability dilemma also exposes a broader regional question: where is Africas indigenous philanthropic class? For all the foreign support, very few Nigerian or African corporate or high-net-worth individuals have stepped into the space of funding public interest journalism as a long-term civic responsibility. Lessons for Global Philanthropy For funders looking at fragile democracies elsewhere, MacArthurs experience in Nigeria offers several takeaways: Dont fund stories; fund institutions. Good journalism requires strong institutions. Build protection systems. Legal aid, safety protocols, and digital security must be part of any serious media support strategy. Invest in networks. Collaboration and peer learning strengthen collective resilience. Strengthen the education pipeline. Build university partnerships that embed investigative skills early. Let local leadership drive. External funders are most effective when they enable, not dictate. Be patient. Structural change takes years. Quick wins rarely endure. The Next Chapter MacArthurs big bet on Nigeria might have ended in Nigeria, but its footprint remains deeply embedded in the countrys accountability infrastructure. The seeds planted over nine years continue to bear fruit not only in Nigeria but increasingly across West Africa, as platforms like DUBAWA, CJID, Dataphyte, BudgIT, HumAngle, and Civic Media Lab extend their models regionally. However, sustaining these gains will require new champions African funders, corporate sector leaders, universities, governments, and global partners who are willing to view investigative journalism as a public good deserving of long-term investment. In a world increasingly plagued by disinformation, state capture, and democratic backsliding, Nigerias experience under MacArthurs On Nigeria initiative offers a hopeful example of what can happen when philanthropy takes a patient, strategic, and ecosystem-wide approach. The work is far from done, but the path has been charted. President Bola Tinubu has appointed Joash Amupitan as the new chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Mr Amupitan is a professor of Law. His appointment has also been ratified by the National Council of States, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga wrote in a Thursday statement. In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitans name to the Senate for screening, Mr Onanuga wrote. He will be inaugurated by the president if his nomination is confirmed by the upper legislative chamber. Born on 25 April 1967, Mr Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA in Kogi State. He is a law professor at the University of Jos, Plateau State. He is also an alumnus of the university. Mr Amupitan specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September 2014. He replaces Mahmood Yakubu, also a professor, who led INEC from 2015 until Tuesday, when he stepped down as his second tenure of five years drew to an end. He handed over to May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, by appointment. Mr Yakubu was first appointed in 2015 by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari and re-appointed for another five-year tenure in 2020. If confirmed, Mr Amupitan will be the 13th substantive chairperson of the electoral body since Nigerias independence in 1960. The previous chairpersosns are Eyo Esua (19641966), Michael Ani (19761979), Victor Ovie-Whiskey (19801983), Eme Awa (19871989), Humphrey Nwosu (19891993), Okon Uya (1993, June-November), and Sumner Dagogo-Jack (19941998). Others are Ephraim Akpata (19982000), Abel Guobadia (20002005), Maurice Iwu (20052010), Attahiru Jega (20102015), and Mr Yakubu (2015-2025). The commission has had two acting chairpersons, both female. They are Amina Zakari (June November, 2015) and the current May Agbamuche-Mbu, who took over on Tuesday. The commission was first headed by a British, Ronald Wraith, during the colonial era in 1958. If confirmed and inaugurated, Mr Amupitans first tasks would be the conduct of the Anambra governorship election scheduled for 8 November and FCT Area Council election holding in February 2026. Read the full statement below by the Presidency: STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF STATE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSOR AMUPITAN AS INEC CHAIRMAN The National Council of State has approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from the North-Central as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan as the nominee to fill the vacant position, following Professor Mahmood Yakubus exit. Yakubu served from 2015 till October 2025. President Tinubu told the council that Amupitan is the first person from Kogi, North-Central state, nominated to occupy the position and is apolitical. Council members unanimously supported the nomination, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo describing Amupitan as a man of integrity. In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitans name to the Senate for screening. Amupitan, 58, from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA in Kogi State, is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau. He is also an alumnus of the university. He specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014. Amupitan was born on April 25, 1967. After completing primary and secondary education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, and the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987. He was called to the bar in 1988. He earned an LLM at UNIJOS in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, amid an academic career that began in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation in Bauchi from 1988 to 1989. Currently, he serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, a position he holds in conjunction with being the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State. Among the academic positions he has held at UNIJOS are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008). Outside of academics, Amupitan serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and a member of the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014), among other roles. He was a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja(1996-2004). Amupitan is the author of many books on law, such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles(2008); Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008); Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria(2013), Principles of Company Law(2013) and an Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014). He is married and has four children. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) October 9, 2025 The House of Representatives has passed for the second reading of a bill seeking to create a new state in Nigerias South-West geopolitical zone. This followed the consideration of the bill to alter the Constitution to provide for the creation of Ibadan State with Ibadan as the proposed capital city. If successful, the move would mark the first creation of a new state in Nigeria since the countrys return to democratic rule in 1999. The last state creation exercise took place in 1996, when the then-military regime of Sani Abacha established six new states, bringing the total number to 36. Since the transition to democracy, several attempts to alter state boundaries or create new ones have failed to gain traction, mainly due to the rigorous constitutional amendment process. Leading the debate of the bill during Thursdays plenary, its sponsor, Abass Adigun (PDP, Oyo), argued that Ibadan, being the largest city in West Africa and a historic capital of the defunct Western Region, deserves statehood for reasons of equity, development, and administrative efficiency. He noted that cities like Enugu and Kaduna, both former regional capitals, have since been recognised as states, while Ibadan has not, despite its population size, landmass, and economic importance. He said the creation of Ibadan State represents a monumental step toward equitable development through true federalism and the realisation of a long-held aspiration of the people of Ibadan, he said. The lawmaker emphasised that Ibadan has the human and infrastructural capacity to function as a state, arguing that one local government in Ibadan is bigger than three local governments in Bayelsa State. His remark, however, drew immediate criticism from Obuku Ofurji (PDP, Bayelsa), who described the comparison as irrelevant and disrespectful to his state. Mr Adigun apologised but maintained that his point was based on verifiable data, not intended to disparage any region. The bill is one of several proposals before the National Assembly seeking to create new states across Nigeria. Over the years, lawmakers have introduced bills for the creation of states such as Anioma, Orlu, Ogoja, Gurara, and Katagum, among others, though none have succeeded due to the constitutional hurdles involved, including approval by two-thirds of state assemblies. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over Thursdays plenary, referred the bill to the Committee on Constitutional Review for further legislative action. The renewed agitation for Ibadan State comes amid growing regional calls for decentralisation and resource-driven development. Last month, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to approve the creation of Ibadan State before 2027. The traditional ruler made the appeal during his coronation as the 44th Olubadan, describing it as a dream deferred for far too long. If passed into law, Ibadan State would become Nigerias 37th state and the sixth in the South-West region. STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU PARDONS HERBERT MACAULAY, VATSA, LAWAN, GRANTS CLEMENCY TO 82 INMATES Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, sentenced to death over a treason charge in 1986, has received a posthumous pardon from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Mr Vatsa, a poet, was among the 17 people who received presidential pardons following the endorsement of the National Council of State, which met in Abuja on Thursday. President Tinubu also granted a posthumous pardon to Herbert Macaulay, a Nigerian nationalist and co-founder, along with Nnamdi Azikiwe, of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). Mr Macaulay was the partys first president, which played a pivotal role in Nigerias struggle for independence. However, in 1913, Mr Macaulay was believed unjustly convicted by the British colonialists and banned from public office. Mr Macaulay died in 1946, but the stigma of being an ex-convict was not exorcised from his records until now. President Tinubu also pardoned four former convicts, including former House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan, Anastasia Nwaobia, Hussaini Umar and Ayinla Alanamu. They were pardoned to enable them to integrate into society, having demonstrated sufficient remorse. Nweke Chibueze, serving a life sentence for cocaine, was pardoned, along with Nwogu Peters, who had served 12 out of his 17-year sentence for fraud. The Ogoni Nine: Ken Saro Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel and John Kpuine were formally pardoned. At the same time, the president awarded national honours to the Ogoni Four- Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage. In exercising his constitutional power of mercy, President Tinubu granted clemency to 82 inmates and reduced the prison terms of 65 others. He gave a reprieve for seven inmates on the death row by commuting their sentences to life imprisonment. President Tinubu acted on the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM). The committee has 12 members, with the Attorney General and Justice Minister, Lateef Fagbemi, as chairman. The other members are Akinlolu Olujinmi, Alkasum Abba, Nike Ijaiya, Augustine Utsah, and the Secretary, Onwusoro Maduka, a former Permanent Secretary. The institutional representatives on the committee are: the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs; representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Correctional Service, National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). The committees final report was presented to the Council of State on Thursday in Abuja, as required by the constitution. The report noted, A total of 175 inmates were interviewed, and 62 applications were received on behalf of 119 inmates considered by the committee, making it a total of 294. One hundred and sixty of the inmates interviewed were male, while 15 were female. Eighty-two inmates were recommended for clemency; two (2) for pardon; sixty-five (65) inmates for reduction of their terms of imprisonment, and seven (7) inmates on death row for commutation to life imprisonment. Also, fifteen (15) ex-convicts were recommended for Presidential Pardon, eleven (11) of them are deceased (including Ogoni 9). The Ogoni four (4) were also recommended for the Post-Humous National Honours Award. On the whole, a total of one hundred and seventy-five (175) beneficiaries are recommended. The committee had acted on the following criteria: old age (60 years and above); ill health likely to terminate in death; young persons (16 years and below); long-term convicts who have served prison terms of 10 years or more with a good record; and convicts serving three years or more Those who have been in Custodial centres, learnt sustainable vocational trades capable of keeping them away from crime; those who are adjudged remorseful; those who Correctional Officers recommended for exemplary behaviour and Nigerian prisoners deported from other countries. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, inaugurated the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM) on January 15, 2025, as a significant step towards promoting justice, rehabilitation, and human rights in Nigeria. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) October 9, 2025 The Lagos State Government has given all developers and occupants of unapproved structures at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, a two-week ultimatum to regularise their buildings with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. The ultimatum was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide. According to the statement, the directive follows recent enforcement actions at the complex, during which illegal structures were demolished while others were found to lack proper planning approvals. All developers and occupants of structures within the Trade Fair Complex are hereby given a two-week ultimatum to approach the Ministry to regularise the approval status of their buildings in line with extant regulations, Mr Olumide said. Mr Olumide explained that the complex had become overcrowded with unsafe and haphazard structures, posing serious risks to public safety and emergency access. The statement said the enforcement was part of efforts to restore order and ensure compliance with the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law. Addressing allegations of selective enforcement and ethnic bias, the government stressed that similar demolitions had been carried out in several markets and housing estates across Lagos, irrespective of the ethnic composition of occupants. It cited examples including Pelewura and Bombata Markets (Lagos Island), LSDPC Estate (Ilasan, Eti-Osa), Otumara (Ebutedid Metta), AactRago, and Oluwostated thatarket. The statement also noted that in accordance with the southeastern statessuch as Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imohad undertaken similar urban renewal exercises without ethnic considerations, adding that Lagos actions were consistent with national planning standards. Why the state acted Mr Olumide said the demolitions were carried out based on the 2003 Supreme Court judgement and provisions of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019 (as amended). We acted to stop the proliferation of unapproved and unsafe buildings. Since November 2023, developers were repeatedly urged to regularise their approvals but many failed to comply, he said. He added that the affected structures were either unapproved, structurally defective, or built on road setbacks and drainage alignments. PREMIUM TIMES had reported that the demolitions, conducted by officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Physical Planning Permit Authority, and Urban Renewal Agency, with security personnel providing cover. The Lagos Government maintained that the Trade Fair Complex Management Board, though a federal agency, has no power to approve or regulate building developments, as such authority rests with the state government. It cited the 2003 Supreme Court ruling in Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation, which affirmed state jurisdiction over physical planning and development control, including on federal lands except in core federal enclaves such as military formations. The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, reinforced this position, saying, Trade Fair is not a sovereign community within Lagos State. The board may manage leases and commercial activities, but any construction still requires a state planning permit. Otherwise, it is illegal under state law. Obi, Umeh fault demolitions Meanwhile, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised the demolitions, describing them as legally correct but morally wrong. In a statement titled, Lagos Demolitions: Law, Justice, and Compassion, which he posted on X on 30 September, Mr Obi said the exercise inflicted undeserved pain on citizens and ignored the need for compassion in governance. A government should not pride itself on being legally correct if, in the process, it becomes morally wrong, he said. When the law becomes an instrument to inflict pain without compassion or regard for human welfare, it ceases to serve justice. Mr Obi, who visited the affected market, questioned the necessity of the demolitions and urged the government to adopt less destructive remedies. Even if, for the sake of argument, some traders failed to obtain proper approvals, was demolition the only option? he asked. Also reacting, Victor Umeh, the senator representing Anambra Central, had described the demolitions as illegal and beyond the jurisdiction of the Lagos State Government. Speaking on Channels Televisions Morning Brief, on Tuesday, he argued that the complex is federal property managed by a federal board and that only the Federal Government could authorise such enforcement. However, Mr Wahab dismissed his claim as ignorant, noting that Lagos actions were fully backed by law. When it comes to Lagos, everyone has an opinion. Was it illegal when Governors Otti or Soludo removed contraventions in their states? Every one of our actions is lawful and we stand by it, he wrote on X. State rebuffs criticism Responding, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said Mr Obi misrepresented the facts, insisting that the affected traders did not possess valid planning permits. Approvals for physical development can only be issued by the Lagos State Government, not the Trade Fair Management Board, he said. Owners of the buildings 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 officials of the ministry inspecting the site were attacked by some traders and had to be rescued by the police. Also responding to Mr Umeh, on Tuesday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said in a statement 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. Some affected traders, however, told The Punch that the demolitions were sudden and came without proper notice. Tech giant Google has announced a new educational initiative offering university students across six African countries free access to its premium AI Pro package for one year. The offer is targeting students 18 years and above in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, and will run from 7 October through 9 December 2025. The AI Pro tools will remain valid for 12 months after activation. Google made this known on its Google Gemini website, where it details the benefits of the AI free service to students. The service allows students to use the tools for research, creative projects and for problem-solving purposes through a platform where they can develop skills that align with their future career. By providing students with access to our most advanced AI tools, we want to empower them to not only excel in their studies but also to become critical builders and shapers of the future, Alex Okosi, Googles managing director for sub-Saharan Africa, said in a statement on Wednesday. The initiative reflects the companys commitment to empowering young Africans. This offer is about democratising access to technology and giving African students the skills to compete and lead on a global stage, he added. Google AI Pro The Google AI Pro plan comes with a number of tools designed to enhance learning and productivity. They comprise Guided Learning, which offers personalised tutoring and simplifies complex topics and Deep Research, which helps students generate well-referenced reports quickly. The Gemini AI tools also include NotebookLM, a digital research assistant that organises notes and links ideas; Veo 3, which enables users to create short videos from text or images, and 2TB of cloud storage on Google Drive, Gmail, and Photos. Eligible students are required to verify their enrolment through gemini.google/students using their university email or school confirmation documents. The initiative is part of Googles grand plan to boost digital transformation and talent development across Africa. It follows the companys previous programs, such as Google for Startups Accelerator Africa and Digital Skills for Africa, which have trained millions in digital literacy. The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has expressed concern over the resurgence of cholera cases and mpox transmission in parts of the region. The Chief of Staff and head of executive, Africa CDC, Ngashi Ngongo, shared this concern during the agencys weekly webinar briefing on Thursday. Mr Ngongo noted that while encouraging progress had been recorded in previously high-burden countries, new surges are being observed in Liberia, Kenya, and Ghana. He said Ghana, for instance, had recorded an average of 38 mpox cases, with most infections concentrated in the Western and Greater Accra regions. Mr Ngongo said this accounts for 70 per cent of all reported cases out of the 3,449 identified contacts, with 16 testing positive. Mpox testing in Ghana has now been decentralised across 15 regions, and the country began vaccination on 3 October with 33,000 doses deployed nationwide, he said. On cholera, Africa has surpassed the total number of cases recorded in 2024, with 272,324 cases reported by week 39. This is compared to the 254,075 cases in the previous year. The case fatality rate also rose to 2.3 per cent, up from 1.9 per cent in 2024, he said. Mr Ngongo said that 23 member states had been affected so far, with 17 currently reporting active outbreaks. He added that the number could rise as many countries enter the rainy season, which favours cholera transmission. He named Chad, Angola, and Burundi among the countries with the sharpest increase in cholera cases, recording more than a 160 per cent rise between epidemiological weeks 34 and 39, compared to the previous six weeks. Angolas resurgence was particularly worrisome, with new hotspots emerging in Lunda Norte, Nuich, and Willa, in spite of earlier declines following oral cholera vaccination campaigns that distributed two million doses in July. Unsafe water, poor sanitation, and outbreaks in mining and river-dependent communities remain key drivers of the epidemic in Angola. In Burundi, cases had surged by 26 per cent since week 29, although no deaths have been reported, he said. The chief of staff explained that the outbreak was driven by water scarcity, poor sanitation, and cross-border population movements from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He further highlighted ongoing efforts to contain Rift Valley fever outbreaks in Senegal and Mauritania, while the DRC continued to report encouraging progress in containing mpox, with no confirmed cases for 10 consecutive days. He said that the vast majority of recent outbreaks were the result of zoonotic spillovers, underscoring the need to strengthen multisectoral coordination through the One Health approach. He noted that the whole issue of access to medical countermeasures remains real. This is why we need to step up research, development, and local manufacturing to ensure Africa produces its own vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics, he said. Mr Ngongo added that the newly signed collaboration framework between Africa CDC and WHO would significantly advance efforts toward stronger partnerships, improved integration, and better coordination of responses to multiple public health events across the continent. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mpox (formerly called Monkeypox) is caused by the mpox virus. The symptoms include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that looks similar to smallpox but is usually milder. Mpox spreads through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials. In recent years, mpox outbreaks have increased worldwide, partly because population-level immunity from smallpox vaccination has waned. Cholera, a waterborne disease caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria, spreads through contaminated food and water. It causes acute watery diarrhoea and could be fatal if untreated. However, early detection and access to safe water, sanitation, and treatment are key to its prevention. The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the non-functionality of Nigerias state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, despite spending more than $18 billion on their rehabilitation over the past two decades. During Thursdays plenary session, the resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Sesi Whingan (APC, Lagos). Presenting the motion, Mr Whingan expressed deep concern over the persistent failure of the refineries to operate, despite repeated promises, budgetary allocations, and numerous Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) projects spanning successive administrations. He noted that despite over 20 years of rehabilitation efforts and huge public investments, the three refineries remain non-functional, raising serious questions about accountability and fiscal responsibility within the petroleum sector. The lawmaker cited recent public remarks by Aliko Dangote, Africas richest industrialist, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, both of whom expressed doubts about the viability of these refineries and described the multi-billion-dollar investments as futile. Their views sparked widespread public concern and outrage over potential mismanagement, Mr Whingan recalled that 2007 during Mr Obasanjos administration, the refineries were privatised and acquired by Dangote and a group of private investors. However, the subsequent government led by President Musa YarAdua reversed the transaction, opting instead for continued public funding of the refineries, an approach that has since yielded little to no progress. The lawmaker also referenced an interview granted by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, published by The Punch on 10 July, where the NNPC boss confirmed the refineries continued non-performance. Mr Ojulari said the facilities remain moribund despite substantial public investments and suggested that the federal government consider selling them. His comments have further raised public concern about the long-term fate of Nigerias refining assets. Mr Whingan described the situation as a gross misuse of public funds and a violation of public trust, noting that billions continue to be appropriated annually for refinery rehabilitation with no verifiable outcomes. He stressed that Nigerias economic stability and energy security are heavily dependent on functional refineries, especially following the removal of petrol subsidy by the current administration, which has led to rising costs of fuel and widespread hardship. The lawmaker expressed concern that the continued failure of the refineries undermines Nigerias industrial capacity, job creation prospects, and foreign exchange stability, while increasing the nations dependence on imported petroleum products. A comprehensive, transparent, and time-bound investigation is essential to ascertain the current operational and structural status of Port Harcourt, Wari, and Kaduna refineries, examine the utilisation of all allocated funds and the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts, identify any infractions, mismanagement, or corrupt practices in the management of these assets and propose actionable reforms to safeguard future public investments and ensure the sustainability of Nigerias oil and gas infrastructure, he stated. Debate Debate soon ensued on the floor over the scope and propriety of the new ad hoc committee, with some lawmakers questioning the need for another probe into an issue already under consideration by an existing standing committee. Ibe Osonwa (LP, Abia), a House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) member, raised concerns that the new motion amounted to a duplication of legislative efforts. Mr Osonwa noted that the downstream committee already exercises oversight over refinery operations and has been actively engaging relevant government agencies in its ongoing investigations. The function of our committee covers refineries, and we have been part of several meetings and consultations with the relevant agencies connected to this beautiful motion, he said. However, it becomes a duplication of efforts if we are already working on the same matter where these issues are being addressed only for the House to set up another committee on the same subject. He therefore moved an amendment, urging that the motion be referred instead to the Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) rather than creating a new ad hoc committee. His amendment was seconded by Victor Obuzor (PDP, Rivers), who supported the argument for legislative efficiency and coordination between standing committees. Responding, Mr Whingan disagreed, maintaining that the issue of Nigerias non-functional refineries cuts across several oversight committees of the House. I have been following up with the activities of the Committee on Downstream, and I can tell you categorically that the circular for a meeting was only sent because this motion was listed on the last day before we went on recess, he said. Anything that has to do with refineries cannot be the sole responsibility of the downstream committee. I am a member of the upstream committee, and I can tell you that refineries also fall under the jurisdiction of other committees, including Gas and Petroleum (Midstream). He argued that the creation of a joint or ad hoc panel would ensure broader oversight, accountability, and inclusiveness across relevant sectors. The Committee on Downstream cannot claim exclusive jurisdiction over refineries when the issues affect multiple segments of the oil industry, Mr Whingan added. At this point, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary, intervened to clarify the House Rules on the mandate of committees. Can you read to me the House Rules on the mandate of committees as it pertains specifically to the Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream)? he asked. In response, Peter Uzokwe (APGA, Imo) read from the Standing Orders, outlining the functions of the committee: Number one, there shall be a committee to be known as the Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), constituted at the commencement of the life of the House. Number two, the committees jurisdiction shall cover: (a) oversight of petroleum refineries; (b) oversight of petroleum products marketing; (c) petrochemicals; (d) oversight of pipelines and product marketing companies; (e) matters relating to the downstream petroleum sector; and (f) oversight of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) downstream activities. After listening to both arguments, Mr Kalu put the amendment to a voice vote. The majority of members voted against the amendment. The original motion by Mr Whingan was thereafter adopted, and the ad hoc committee was asked to proceed with the investigation into the $18 billion refinery rehabilitation expenditure. The ad hoc committee comprises members from the Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream and Downstream), Public Accounts, Anti-Corruption, Finance, and Legislative Compliance. It is mandated to investigate funds appropriated and disbursed for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries between 2010 and 2024. It is also expected to ascertain the current operational and structural status of the facilities, examine how public funds were utilised, and identify any agencies or officials responsible for infractions, mismanagement, or corruption. The ad hoc committee is expected to report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action. Existing probe In July, the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) inaugurated technical sub-committees to examine investments made into the Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) of Nigerias refineries and to determine why years of such rehabilitation efforts have yielded no meaningful results. The committees were tasked with reviewing contracts awarded for TAM, auditing disbursements, and assessing the current operational condition of the refineries. Despite extensive hearings, document requests, and public testimonies from officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and Bureau of Public Procurement, the probe, like others before it, did not produce any conclusive report or lead to accountability for the huge sums spent. The new probe, if effectively pursued, could therefore become a crucial test of the legislatures resolve to enforce accountability in the downstream petroleum sector. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified Kayode Ojo, one of its Ekiti State governorship aspirants, from contesting the states forthcoming primary election. The partys National Working Committee (NWC) took the decision at its meeting on Thursday in Abuja, following reports of its screening committee set up to vet aspirants for the race. Mr Ojos disqualification came weeks after another aspirant, Olajumoke Olawuni, was dropped from the race. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that with the development, only the incumbent governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, and Omolayo Oluremi have been cleared to participate in the partys primary slated for 27 October. Mr Ojo, a businessman and long-time political player in Ekiti State, had often been critical about the APC and had, in the past, challenged its structures in the state. While speaking with journalists after the meeting, Mr Duro Meseko, the partys deputy national publicity secretary, said the decision was part of efforts to ensure discipline, cohesion, and stability. He said the NWC, after reviewing the partys Ekiti State Governorship Screening Committee report, cleared Mr Oyebanji and Atinuke Omolayo to contest its primary. He added that Mr Ojo and Abimbola Olawumi were disqualified for failing to meet the partys constitutional and Electoral Act requirements. The disqualification of the two aspirants was predicated on the fact that their filings did not conform to the provisions of the APC Constitution and the Electoral Act. The NWC deliberated extensively on the screening report and reached this decision in the interest of due process and fairness, he said. NAN reports that Mr Ojo, who also serves as the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), was earlier given a provisional clearance by the screening committee pending the NWCs final verdict. This followed petitions alleging irregularities in his nomination process. The committee had flagged his failure to secure the required number of valid nominators per Local Government as stipulated by Article 9(1) of the APC Constitution and Section 177(c) of the amended 1999 Constitution. Enugu NWC Mr Meseko also announced that the partys NWC had dissolved its Enugu State Working Committee over what he described as persistent factionalisation and internal disunity. He said that this had crippled the partys operations in the state, stressing that the move was necessary to restore peace and unity among the warring factions. The partys Enugu State chapter has unfortunately been embroiled in deep divisions for a long time. Despite several attempts by the national leadership to reconcile the factions, the situation only worsened. The NWC therefore resolved to dissolve the executive and set up a caretaker committee to reposition the party for progress and stability, he said. The APC scribe added that a seven-member caretaker committee was subsequently constituted, with Ben Nwoye as chairman and Eugene Odo as secretary. He listed other members of the committee to include: Fidelia Njoeze, Peter Chime, Obi Aji, Chidozie Nwafo, and Iman Eke, adding that the committee would be inaugurated on 10 October. Mr Meseko also said that the partys Bisi Akande-led National Reconciliation Committee would soon be inaugurated, while its Constitution Amendment Committee would commence public hearings across the geo-political zones later in October. He added that the NWC discussed preparations for forthcoming congresses and governorship elections in Anambra and Osun States, with the sale of nomination forms for Osun scheduled to begin on 10 October. He assured that the APC remained committed to fairness and internal democracy, stressing that decisions taken were in line with its Constitution and President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope agenda for inclusive governance (NAN) The Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, admitted more documents as exhibits in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele. The judge, Rahman Oshodi, dismissed the objections of the defence counsel before admitting the documents as Exhibit G. The prosecuting lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), continued the examination of Alvan Gurumnaan, an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who provided fresh insights into evidence uncovered during the investigation. According to Mr Gurumnaan, EFCC investigators analysed WhatsApp messages contained in Exhibit G, where one Mr Henry instructed John Adetola to give $400,000 to Oga, believed to be the first defendant. Henry told Adetola to speak with Oga on WhatsApp if possible, the witness said. During interrogation, Adetola explained that the conversation referred to his meeting with Ayo, a personal assistant to the CBN governor, to deliver $400,000. The EFCC is prosecuting Mr Emefiele alongside a co-defendant, Henry Omoile, on charges of fraud involving $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion in total. In the case, the former CBN governor is charged with counts of receiving gratification and making corrupt demands, while his co-defendant is facing charges related to the unlawful acceptance of gifts by agents. Mr Gurumnaan told the court that Mr Adetola confirmed visiting Lekki, Lagos, where he met Mr Ayo and later proceeded to the CBN office in Lagos to hand over the money to Mr Emefiele. We contacted Ayo, who was working with the CBN at the time. He confirmed that Adetola came to his house and gave him the money to deliver to the first defendant, Mr Gurumnaan added. He also confirmed a separate transaction of $200,000, which he personally delivered to Emefiele in his office. The EFCC operative further testified that Victor Oyedua, a CBN contractor, admitted during interrogation that he gave Mr Ayo the sums of $400,000 and $200,000 to deliver to the former CBN governor. Oyedua explained that two of his contracts with the CBN were pending for payment, and he was told to settle some management officials to facilitate release of funds, the witness stated. The prosecution also tendered additional documents obtained from the CBN as evidence, describing them as original letters from a company to the EFCC dated 24 February 2024, and other public documents received during the investigation. However, defence lawyers, Olalekan Ojo and Kazeem Gbadamosi, who are both SANs, objected to the admissibility of the documents, arguing that they were uncertified photocopies. They urged the court to reject them. Ruling Mr Oshodi, however, overruled the objections and admitted the bundle of documents as Exhibit H. The court also admitted a Xiaomi MI10T phone belonging to John Adetola as Exhibit I. The device, which was switched on and in flight mode, was analysed by EFCC investigators, who extracted more WhatsApp conversations between Messrs Adetola and Henry related to the alleged transactions. The prosecution further tendered statements made by the defendant during the investigation, which the defence team claimed were obtained under duress. The judge, Mr Oshodi, ordered a trial-within-trial to determine the voluntariness of the statements and directed both parties to report on the outcome of forensic inspection by 21 November. The matter was adjourned to 2 and 3 December, for the continuation of the mini-trial. Earlier testimony collaborated In an earlier hearing reported by this newspaper, Mr Gurumnaan also presented printouts of WhatsApp conversations admitted as Exhibits P1 to P27, detailing how large sums of foreign currency were coordinated through messaging platforms. He said investigators uncovered a consistent pattern of cash movements linked to the defendants, adding that several individuals including CBN and Zenith Bank staff were interviewed as part of the probe. Mr Oshodi subsequently adjourned that session to 9 October, for continuation of the trial. Background Mr Emefiele, who served as Nigerias Central Bank Governor from 2014 to 2023, is standing trial for alleged N4.5 billion fraud and abuse of office during his tenure. The EFCC alleges that Mr Emefiele received several cash payments in dollars from CBN contractors through intermediaries, some of which were traced via WhatsApp conversations and phone data recovered during the investigation. His trial has been marked by disputes between the prosecution and defence over forensic examination procedures, as both sides differ on how to verify the authenticity of digital evidence. Mr Emefiele is also facing separate charges in Abuja over alleged procurement violations involving the CBNs internal contracts. Too much money and a lack of common sense are why various intervention agencies across the country have lost their way, serving politicians and their greed instead of the citizens in whose name they were established. Yet, its never enough!.. Is the leadership of either chamber seriously interested in curtailing this mess? Perhaps. And you only need to follow the money to know why. The grave is never satisfied, but other things compete with it for insatiability. I cant help feeling that some members of Nigerias National Assembly will vie for the top place of never enough with the grave, water and fire. Enough is a stranger to them. What happens in these chambers in Abuja, in the name of the people, only God knows. Thats not to suggest that other arms of government are significantly better. But when we reach the point where we have to decide whose greed is eating us more, then were in trouble. Last week, the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) said it had approved 140 billion for the commission in the 2025 fiscal year, which has three months remaining. Yielding to Overcome The commission, which couldnt wait to be born in February, obviously cannot also wait to get its own share of the national cake. Coming after the establishment of development commissions in the North-East and North-West, and well ahead of the promise of similar commissions in three other regions, the NCDC is enjoying the benefit of copying all the bad habits of the existing ones and setting a higher standard of crookedness for others to follow. And in the rub-my-back-I-rub-yours politics of the National Assembly, the management of the NCDC can count on Abuja politicians for help. That explains why the Senate Committee approved 140 billion with the charm of a smitten lover. After a careful look at the issues contained in the budget, the committee chairman, Titus Zam (from Benue State) said, and the eloquent presentation by the MD and his team, the committee has approved the budget of 140 billion as presented by the commission. Devil in the Detail According to the press reports, the budget has now been forwarded to the House committee. Still, we do not have the details of the MDs eloquent presentation. We are also not told of the extent of scrutiny by the Senate committee only that it was so impressed it may well have approved the 140 billion for three months blindfolded. But the details provided in the LEADERSHIP report of Friday, 3 October, capture the elephant in the room. It gives details of the three-month budget, with an imprint all over of the type of concession typically made when parties are in an overwhelmingly delicate position behind closed doors. This eloquent scandal was not a mistake. It was intentional, with some assistance from all the interested parties, including civil servants in the National Assembly, who may have even secured contracts for the supply of the 10 billion SUVs or awarded contracts for humanitarian services once the budget was approved. According to LEADERSHIPs report, the commission will receive 10 billion for cars, 9 billion for travels, and 1.2 billion for telephone calls, apart from its claim to spend 6 billion on unnamed humanitarian projects. The percentage of capital expenditure to the total budget is 41.6 per cent, with recurrent spending accounting for 58.3 per cent. Nearly eight per cent of the total budget is for travel to the moon and back. Chasing Shadows Its possible to argue that the current executive of the NCDC did not prepare this scandalous budget; that it was part of the 2025 budget prepared by the Executive before the inauguration of the board, and passed by the National Assembly. In other words, the Executive laid the foundation for this monstrosity by voting billions of naira in advance for a non-existent commission based on estimates. What the executive may have done was to remove 5.6 billion from the appropriation of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), which had a vote of 145.6 billion and assigned the balance to the NCDC, with little or zero presence of mind to size (there are seven states in the North West compared with six in the North Central), or population (the North West, by some estimates is twice the population of the North Central). The jury is out on which of the two zones has been more badly impacted by insurgency. If it has taken the commission nine months after it was formed to get a board, and with only three months to the end of this year, why railroad the commissions budget when it would also be appropriated for in the 2026 budget? Just Spend It! If the Senate committee is genuinely interested in oversight and nothing else, why not review the budget, as it has only a few months left in its lifecycle, and let the new board make and defend its subsequent request in the 2026 budget? This eloquent scandal was not a mistake. It was intentional, with some assistance from all the interested parties, including civil servants in the National Assembly, who may have even secured contracts for the supply of the 10 billion SUVs or awarded contracts for humanitarian services once the budget was approved. The committee and the new board know that anything that subjects this oversized budget to scrutiny is not good for rub-my-back-I-rub-yours. So, if money has been appropriated, why bother about the details? Just spend it! The House committee for reviewing the budget cannot afford to be a rubber stamp. Committee members may be tempted to argue that the sum is already included in the 2025 budget and should therefore be approved as it is. That is wrong and can only be a calculated move to serve members interest, rather than those of the people of the North Central, who are neither on the speed dial for the 1.2 billion set aside for phone calls nor the 10 billion for cars. Its the sort of reckless spending that dragged the North East Development Commission (NEDC) into a needless controversy over whether or not a former secretary to the Government of the Federation used 544 million for grass cutting. Too much money and a lack of common sense are why various intervention agencies across the country have lost their way, serving politicians and their greed instead of the citizens in whose name they were established. Yet, its never enough! Is the leadership of either chamber seriously interested in curtailing this mess? Perhaps. And you only need to follow the money to know why. In the Name of the Constituency Insiders informed me that while each Rep receives 1 billion for constituency projects and a senator gets 2 billion, the leaders each appropriate eloquent sums ranging from 19 billion to 120 billion for themselves. And once the leaders have helped themselves and secured their constituency allocation from the budget, they leave the rank and file to use the so-called oversight functions as toll gates. This nonsense cannot continue. There is more than enough to reward politicians genuinely interested in service, but not enough to feed their greed, after which we might be next on their menu list. Eyes on the House The House committee for reviewing the budget cannot afford to be a rubber stamp. Committee members may be tempted to argue that the sum is already included in the 2025 budget and should therefore be approved as it is. That is wrong and can only be a calculated move to serve members interest, rather than those of the people of the North Central, who are neither on the speed dial for the 1.2 billion set aside for phone calls nor the 10 billion for cars. The National Assembly, through the House, is getting one more chance to redeem itself from the eloquent scandal charmingly expressed by the Senate committee chairman. Lets see what happens. Azu Ishiekwene is editor-in-chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the book, Writing for Media and Monetising It. The First Lady of Enugu State, Nkechinyere Mbah, on 3 October, inaugurated a residential house she built and donated to a couple who recently had quintuplets. The house, located in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu, is for the couple, Mr and Mrs Chisom Odo, according to a Facebook post by the Chairman of Igbo-Eze South local council, Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze. It is in honour of the birth of the quintuplets. Mr Ukwueze, a lawyer and deputy chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, described the First Ladys action as an act of rare compassion and humanity. This noble gesture is a clear demonstration of Her Excellencys abiding commitment to maternal and child welfare, and it stands as a beacon of hope and support for families across our state. Her Excellency has once again shown that leadership is most meaningful when it touches lives directly and uplifts the vulnerable, Mr Ukwueze said. After inaugurating the house, Mrs Mbah proceeded to the Mario Institute of Hospitality Management and Entrepreneurship Education, where she witnessed the graduation of 100 trainees and the induction of another 150 trainees who are beneficiaries of the Igbo-Eze Souths Special Scholarship Scheme. This moment was particularly dear to me, as it reflects our commitment in line with the visionary leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, to invest in human capital development through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship training, the Igbo-Eze South council chairman said. We are convinced that true and lasting development is built on human capital, and we remain steadfast in creating opportunities that will secure a prosperous future for Igbo-Eze South and beyond. In recognition of the First Ladys numerous acts of humanity, Enugu North Zonal Traditional Rulers Council conferred on her a traditional chieftaincy title as Ife Ka Ugo 1 of Igbo Nsukka. Mr Ukwueze said, This recognition is well deserved and a testament to the depth of Her Excellencys compassion, her generosity of spirit and the countless lives she continues to touch across Enugu State. As we celebrate these milestones, I reaffirm my administrations commitment to purposeful governance that prioritises the people, nurtures talent and builds a society where everyone can thrive. On behalf of the government and good people of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, I sincerely appreciate Her Excellency for her visit, for her generosity and for the inspiration she continues to embody. Her presence has not only blessed our people but has also strengthened our resolve to continue to deliver excellent and purposeful leadership to our people. The Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, has congratulated Joash Ojo Amupitan on his appointment as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Mr Amupitan, a professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) was unanimously confirmed by the National Council of State as the natons chief electoral officer today following his earlier recommendation for the post by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Mr Radda described Mr Amupitans appointment, as a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding academic achievements, professional integrity, and decades-long commitment to the rule of law and good governance in Nigeria. He noted that Mr Amupitans elevation as INEC Chairman marks a historic milestone, being the first person from Kogi State in the North Central geo-political zone to occupy the position. The governor commended the Federal Government and the National Council of State for the unanimous approval, adding that the choice of an apolitical and highly respected legal scholar like Mr Amupitan reflects the administrations commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring credible electoral processes across the country. Governor Radda further praised Mr Amupitans distinguished career as a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, highlighting his vast experience in company law, corporate governance, and public administration. He said the newly appointed INEC Chairman has consistently demonstrated excellence, discipline, and fairness qualities essential to the success of Nigerias electoral system. The appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as INEC Chairman is a testament to his integrity and intellectual depth. I have no doubt that he will bring renewed confidence, transparency, and innovation to our nations electoral management, Governor Radda stated. He also described the appointment as a moment of pride not only for Kogi State but for the entire North Central region, noting that it represents renewed hope for balanced national representation in key federal institutions. He urged the new INEC chairman to see the appointment as both a national honour and a call to serve with fairness, courage, and patriotism, assuring him of the full support and goodwill of the Government and people of Katsina State. On behalf of the Government and the good people of Katsina State, I congratulate Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan on his appointment as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. We are confident that his leadership will strengthen the credibility of Nigerias elections and further entrench democratic values across the country, the Governor added. The Senate has urged the federal government to establish a permanent military base in the Kwara South Senatorial District near the forest belts of Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state. This followed the adoption of a motion at the plenary on Wednesday regarding the urgent need to address insecurity in the local government area. The motion was sponsored by Ashiru Oyelola (APC -Kwara South) Mr Oyelola, in his motion, expressed concern about the escalating insecurity in the Kwara South Senatorial District, saying that bandit attacks, kidnappings and killings had reached alarming levels in recent weeks. He said this had forced thousands of residents to flee their communities. According to Mr Oyelola, no fewer than 12 forest guards and local vigilance group members were killed in an ambush by armed bandits in Oke-Ode, including the Baale of Ogba-Ayo community and several other traditional and community leaders. He listed the areas affected to include Babanla, Sagbe, Oro Ago, Ganmu-Alheri, etc, in Ifelodun, Isin, Ekiti and Oke Ero Local Government Areas. He said that 142 persons were also kidnapped and more than 70 killed in the last 12 months across Kwara South, with no fewer than 25 communities deserted due to recurring attacks He said this led to severe humanitarian displacement and disruption of social and economic life. Farms have been abandoned, roads have become unsafe, local economies are paralysed and schools have closed, thereby worsening poverty and increasing youth vulnerability to crime, he said. He alleged that the attacks were largely perpetrated by foreign armed elements in collaboration with local informants, operating from forest hideouts along the Kwara-Kogi-Ekiti boundary axis. While the federal government and security agencies had made some interventions, including patrols and raids, the responses remain episodic, inadequate and reactive, leaving vast ungoverned spaces under the control of criminal gangs. Disturbed that local security volunteers and vigilance groups who serve as first responders in most cases lacked adequate equipment, mobility, protection, or insurance, yet they continue to sacrifice their lives in defence of their communities. Recognise that sustained insecurity in Kwara South, if not urgently addressed, may spread to other parts of the North-central and South-west geo-political zones, thereby threatening national stability. Also contributing, Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo), said despite the presence of a military barracks in his Edo North constituency, kidnappings and banditry had persisted. He said that the military authorities must be firm in giving instructions in tackling criminality while putting up a renewed strategy, describing the insecurity as criminality and not politically motivated. He, however, commended the security agencies for their efforts. Sunday Karimi (APC -Kogi) said that the situation required urgent measures given the constant criminality in his Kogi West District, lamenting that bandits had taken over communities. Other lawmakers, who expressed concerns over banditry and kidnappings, called for urgent measures to mitigate the issue, including Mustapha Salihu (APC-Kwara), Sadiq Umar (APC-Kwara), Garba Maidoki (APC-Kebbi) and the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jubrin (APC-Kano), among others. In its resolutions, the Senate also urged the Chief of Defence Staff and Inspector-General of Police to deploy additional troops and special units to clear the forests and restore normalcy in the affected communities. It called on NEMA to immediately provide humanitarian relief to displaced persons. The Senate also directed relevant security agencies to identify and prosecute local collaborators aiding bandits operations in Kwara South. The Senate Committees on Defence, Police Affairs and National Security and Intelligence were to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas and report back within two weeks. It also mandated the Senate to invite the Minister of Defence, Chief of Army Staff, and Inspector-General of Police to brief the Senate in plenary on the coordinated federal response to insecurity in Kwara and other areas. Senate, thereafter, observed a minute of silence in honour of the forest guards, vigilance group members, traditional leaders and innocent citizens who lost their lives to bandit attacks in Kwara South senatorial district. LOS ANGELES, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- An upcoming segment of the Public Television program, "All Access with Andy Garcia," will feature Endeavor Health Services in an exploration of the critical role of community in supporting mental and emotional health. This feature aims to reframe the conversation around behavioral health, showcasing how a collective approach to wellness can create lasting, positive change for individuals and families. The program is set to film later this year and will highlight the innovative work being done to help young people and their communities build resilience and emotional strength. Viewers will gain a deeper understanding of why it's essential to seek care early and how a strong support system is key to long-term health. Endeavor Health Services This engaging segment will introduce Public Television audiences to Endeavor Health Services, a provider with over 50 years of experience in Western New York. The program will present their person-centered, team-based model of care, which recognizes that people don't experience behavioral health challenges in isolation. By integrating services like peer support, targeted case management, and psychosocial rehabilitation, Endeavor helps to build supportive pathways to healing and hope. The feature will also address the dangers of social isolation, a growing concern highlighted by the U.S. Surgeon General's report, and the importance of fostering connections to thrive. The segment will demonstrate how this comprehensive approach to well-being goes beyond a diagnosis to empower individuals, their families, and the wider community to succeed. "We are honored to be featured in the 'All Access with Andy Garcia' series and appreciate the opportunity to showcase the variety of innovative, holistic, and evidenced-based services Endeavor Health Services provides to people who are navigating the journey of behavioral health recovery." Elizabeth L. Mauro, LCSW-R, President and Chief Executive Officer, Endeavor Health Services. The program will also touch on the societal impact of technology and the importance of face-to-face communication, offering a gentle nudge to the public to be more proactive about their own mental wellness and that of those around them. This exploration is particularly relevant for parents, community leaders, and anyone who knows a young person struggling with behavioral health challenges. It encourages a shift in perspective, moving away from a wait-and-see attitude to one that embraces early intervention and prevention. The segment will illustrate how building emotional health is as vital as physical health, and that both are nurtured by the strength and support of one's community. About "All Access with Andy Garcia" "All Access with Andy Garcia" is a Public Television program dedicated to showcasing the stories behind innovative companies and their contributions to various sectors. Hosted by the acclaimed actor Andy Garcia, the program provides insightful and engaging content designed to inform and inspire a wide audience. Learn more at: www.allaccessptv.com About Endeavor Health Services Endeavor Health Services is a trusted provider of behavioral health services in Western New York. With a commitment to culturally responsive, evidence-based care, Endeavor helps individuals, families, schools, and communities build resilience and long-term wellness. Their mission is to create lasting, supportive pathways to healing and hope. Learn more at: ehsny.org SOURCE All Access ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG) will release its third quarter 2025 earnings after the market closes on Thursday, October 30, 2025. A printer-friendly format will be available on the company's website shortly thereafter. In conjunction with this release, J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman and CEO, will host a conference call on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 5:30 pm ET/4:30 pm CT. The conference call will be broadcast live through Gallagher's website at www.ajg.com and a conference call replay will be available on the company's website approximately two hours after the broadcast. The replay can be accessed by going to Investor Relations and clicking on Events & Presentations. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Gallagher provides these services in approximately 130 countries around the world through its owned operations and a network of correspondent brokers and consultants. Contact: Ray Iardella VP - Investor Relations (630) 285-3661 [email protected] SOURCE Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Bank of Montreal ("BMO") announced today that it will implement a 1-for-20 reverse split of its outstanding MicroSectorsTM Gold Miners -3X Inverse Leveraged Exchange Traded Notes due June 29, 2040 (the "ETNs"), expected to be effective as of October 22, 2025. The table below summarizes the reverse split. ETN Title Ticker Symbol Reverse Split Ratio Current CUSIP / New CUSIP MicroSectorsTM Gold Miners -3X Inverse ETNs GDXD 1-for-20 06367V600 / 06367V709 The reverse split is expected to be effective at the open of trading on October 22, 2025 (the "Effective Date"). The ETNs are expected to begin trading on the NYSE Arca, Inc. on a reverse split-adjusted basis on the Effective Date. Holders of the ETNs who purchased the ETNs prior to the Effective Date will receive one reverse split-adjusted ETN for every twenty pre-reverse split ETNs they hold. In addition, investors that hold a number of ETNs not evenly divisible by twenty will receive a cash payment for any fractional ETNs remaining (the "Partials"). The cash payment due on any Partials is expected to be determined on October 27, 2025 and will equal, for each remaining ETN, its closing Indicative Note Value on that date. BMO will make any cash payment due on any Partials in accordance with its standard procedures through The Depository Trust Company, and expects that these amounts will be paid to holders on or about October 30, 2025. Investors should note that the timing of crediting amounts to their accounts will depend on the processing by their brokers or other intermediaries. The closing Indicative Note Value of the ETNs on October 21, 2025 will be multiplied by twenty (20) to determine the reverse split-adjusted closing Indicative Note Value of the ETNs. Following the reverse split, the ETNs will have a new CUSIP but will continue to trade under the current ticker symbol. The reverse split will affect the trading denominations of the ETNs, but it will not have any effect on the aggregate principal amount of the ETNs, except that the aggregate principal amount will be reduced by the corresponding aggregate amount of any cash payments for any Partials. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the ETN Prospectus (as defined below). Illustration of a Reverse Split The following table shows the effect of a hypothetical 1-for-20 reverse split based on a hypothetical number of ETNs held and a hypothetical closing Indicative Note Value for the ETNs. The closing Indicative Note Value of the ETN is not the same as the trading price of the ETNs. Number of ETNs Held Hypothetical Closing Indicative Note Value Aggregate Closing Note Indicative Value Pre-Reverse Split 100,000 $5.00 per ETN $500,000 Post 1-for-20 Reverse Split 5,000 $100.00 per ETN $500,000 Disclosures The ETNs are not intended to be "buy and hold" investments, and are not intended to be held to maturity. Instead, the ETNs are intended to be daily trading tools for sophisticated investors to manage daily trading risks as part of an overall diversified portfolio. The ETNs are designed to reflect a 3x leveraged short exposure to the performance of the S-Network MicroSectorsTM Gold Miners Index (the "Index") on a daily basis, before taking into account the negative effect of the fees and charges. However, due to the daily resetting leverage, the returns on the ETNs over different periods of time can, and most likely will, differ significantly from three times the return on a direct short investment in the Index. The ETNs are designed to achieve their stated investment objectives on a daily basis. The performance of the ETNs over different periods of time can differ significantly from their stated daily objectives. The ETNs are considerably riskier than securities that have intermediate- or long-term investment objectives, and are not suitable for investors who plan to hold them for a period of more than one day or who have a "buy and hold" strategy. Investors should actively and continuously monitor their investments in the ETNs on an intraday basis, and any decision to hold the ETNs for more than one day should be made with great care and only as the result of a series of daily (or more frequent) investment decisions to remain invested in the ETNs for the next one-day period. The ETNs are very sensitive to changes in the level of the Index, and returns on the ETNs may be negatively impacted in complex ways by the volatility of the Index on a daily or intraday basis. It is possible that you will suffer significant losses in the ETNs even if the long-term performance of the Index is negative. Accordingly, the ETNs should be purchased only by sophisticated investors who understand and can bear the potential risks and consequences of the ETNs that are designed to provide leveraged exposure to the short performance of the Index on a daily basis and that will be highly volatile and may experience significant losses, up to the entire amount invested, in a short period of time. For additional information, including a discussion of the risks relating to an investment in the ETNs, please carefully read the pricing supplement and related documents that we have filed with respect to the ETNs (collectively, the "ETN Prospectus"). Investors should review the ETN Prospectus carefully prior to making an investment decision. The ETN Prospectus can be found on EDGAR, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") website at: www.sec.gov, as well as on the product websites at the following links: www.bmoetns.com and www.microsectors.com Bank of Montreal, the issuer of the ETNs, has filed a registration statement (including a pricing supplement, product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus) with the SEC regarding the ETNs. Please read those documents and the other documents relating to this offering that Bank of Montreal has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Bank of Montreal and this offering. These documents may be obtained without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Bank of Montreal, and any agent or dealer that participated in the offering of the ETNs, will arrange to send the pricing supplement, the product supplement, the prospectus supplement and the prospectus if so requested by calling toll-free at 1-877-369-5412. The ETNs are senior, unsecured obligations of BMO, and are subject to BMO's credit risk. Investment suitability must be determined individually for each investor, and the ETNs are not suitable for all investors. This information is not intended to provide and should not be relied upon as providing accounting, legal, regulatory or tax advice. Investors should consult with their own financial advisors as to these matters. About REX Shares REX Shares ("REX") is a leading provider of innovative exchange-traded products ("ETPs"). With over $8 billion in assets under management, REX is known for pioneering the MicroSectors and T-REX product lines, offering leveraged and inverse exposure to a variety of stocks and market sectors. REX continues to drive innovation through its growing suite of ETPs, serving investors seeking sophisticated trading tools, options-based income strategies, and unique crypto exposures. For more information, please visit www.rexshares.com or www.microsectors.com Follow REX (@REXShares) and MicroSectors (@msectors) on X. REX Media Contacts: [email protected] About BMO Financial Group BMO Financial Group is the seventh largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.4 trillion as of July 31, 2025. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society. Bank of Montreal ETNs: [email protected], +1 (877) 369-5412 Internet: www.bmo.com MicroSectors and REX are trademarks of REX. The trademarks have been licensed for use for certain purposes by REX. The Index have been licensed for use by REX. The ETNs are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by REX or any of its affiliates or third-party licensors (collectively, "REX Index Parties"). REX Index Parties make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the ETNs or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the ETNs particularly or the ability of the Index to track general stock market performance. SOURCE BMO Financial Group On the afternoon of September 12, the press conference for the 2025 Anqing Huangmei Opera Festival Week was held in Hefei. Positioned as a "high-standard, high-level, and high-popularity" event, the festival week centered on the theme "Opera Rhythms of the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers, Cultural Benefits for the People" and featured a series of exciting activities across five major segments, showcasing the inclusivity and diverse charm of the grand occasion. The opening ceremony, scheduled for the evening of September 26, brought together renowned traditional opera performers and outstanding young actors from across the province. They presented classic excerpts alongside outstanding newly created pieces from recent years, accompanied by live stage bands, demonstrating the new vitality of Huangmei opera's inheritance and development in the new era. As part of the Huangmei opera cultural research activities, the Huangmei Opera Development Academic Seminar took place from September 25 to 28. The "Inheritance and Innovation of Huangmei Opera Culture" advanced training workshop was successfully held in Anqing in late August. Additionally, the "Opera in the Cloud" Huangmei Opera Online Video Exhibition, running from September to October, collaborated with online platforms to launch a nationwide campaign encouraging opera enthusiasts and netizens to participate in creating short videos of Huangmei opera. In the opera exchange activities, the highlight is the Outstanding Huangmei Opera Plays Exhibition, which serves as the core segment of the festival week. Scheduled from September 26 to October 8, it featured 18 major productions performed in rotation. The Anhui Huangmei Opera Short Plays Exhibition, making its debut this year, has established a provincial-level platform for short Huangmei operas. A selection of 20 short plays were presented in three performances from September 22 to 24. The 9th Shipai Opera Gathering were held from September 28 to October 8 in the Shipai Opera Culture Town, Huaining County, inviting outstanding productions of Huangmei opera, Peking opera, Hui opera, and more for a centralized showcase. The Yangtze River Delta and Greater Bay Area Opera Exchange and Huangmei Opera Tour adheres to the principle of "reaching out" and "inviting in," organizing Huangmei opera exchange performances throughout the year in Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao, and other regions. In the integrated development activities, the Huangmei opera micro-film, short drama, and short video exhibition collaborates with mainstream media and professional institutions to multi-form promote the organic integration of Huangmei opera with new technologies, new business forms, new models, and new media. The "Huangmei Opera + Tourism" integration continues across the entire region of Anqing City, enhancing the "Anqing, More than Anqing" cultural tourism promotion brand. Initiatives such as the "When the Huangpu River Meets Huangmei Opera" Anqing cultural tourism promotion event were being carried out. A variety of rich cultural and tourism activities are also organized, including the "Joyful Huangmei Opera" competition and the cultural benefiting the people consumption season. To enhance the influence and participation of the events, the festival week also employed multiple offline and online promotion channels. The 2025 Anqing Huangmei Opera Festival Week focuses on showcasing the latest achievements in Huangmei opera development, inheriting and promoting Huangmei opera culture, and promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of outstanding traditional Chinese culture. It aims to better achieve cultural benefiting the people and boost consumption, presenting main characteristics such as artistry, popularity and integration. For this festival week, the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism organized the application and selection of participating productions for the first time. There was an active response from 33 cultural institutions across 7 citiesChuzhou, Ma'anshan, Wuhu, Xuancheng, Chizhou, Anqing, and Huangshanas well as 5 provincial-level troupes and colleges. A total of 23 major productions and 35 short plays were declared for participation. The number of applying units and declared productions set a new record in the history of the Huangmei Opera Festival Week. The selected performances represent the best chosen from many good options, fully demonstrating the latest achievements in the inheritance and development of Huangmei opera across the province and thoroughly reflecting its artistry. Highlighting its popular appeal is a major feature of this year's festival week. Adhering to the principle of making culture benefit and serve the people, regular activities such as "Renowned Opera Artists Grassroots Tours," "Opera in Schools," "Village Galas Across Four Seasons," and "Village Songs Across Four Seasons" have been organized. Efforts have been made to encourage workers to learn Huangmei opera singing and the public to learn Huangmei opera square dances, ensuring that high-quality performances are accessible to communities and allowing everyone to participate in the "Joyful Huangmei Opera" experience. Furthermore, the festival week fully demonstrates its integrative nature. By promoting the "opera plus" initiative, it persists in the integrated development of cultural tourism and commerce, empowering the city and boosting the economy. The event fosters the concept of "tourists becoming traditional opera fans, and traditional opera fans becoming tourists," continuously building the cultural tourism brand of "Golden Week, Huangmei Opera: Sightseeing by Day, Traditional Opera by Night." Leveraging the festival week, efforts have been intensified to showcase special agricultural products, demonstrate intangible cultural heritage skills, and promote cultural and creative products, thereby expanding the comprehensive benefits of the event and driving high-quality economic and social development. As a major artistic event co-organized by the provincial and municipal governments, the Anqing Huangmei Opera Festival Week has been held eight times since 2013. It has now become an important complement to the China (Anqing) Huangmei Opera Art Festival, a key platform for Huangmei opera exchange, an annual artistic celebration, and a popular festival of cultural enrichment. It has successfully established the integrated cultural tourism brand of "Golden Week, Huangmei Opera: Sightseeing by Day, Traditional Opera by Night," making the "AnqingCity of Opera" signature brand shine even brighter. Source: anhuinews.com Department of Culture and Tourism of Anhui Province Anqing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, October 8, at 12pm, a broad coalition of community groups and labor unions including IFPTE Local 21 gathered in front of the Airbnb headquarters to announce their launch of a boycott of Airbnb. The boycott is motivated by Airbnb's ties to President Trump's anti-worker agenda and massive cuts to public services, its avoidance of business taxes in San Francisco, and its contribution to the housing crisis. Activists are urging San Francisco residents to book elsewhere until Airbnb stops their greed. DOWNLOAD VIDEOS & PHOTOS HERE SF District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan at Boycott Airbnb Press Conference on October 8, 2025 Organizers hold 'Boycott Airbnb' banner and signs next to San Francisco District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey at Boycott Airbnb Press Conference on October 8, 2025 "As the Chair of San Francisco's budget committee, I see the effect of Airbnb's refusal to contribute to our local economy," said San Francisco District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan. "When Airbnb does not pay their fair share, it hurts all San Franciscans, when we cut city services to clean our streets, keep our libraries open, and Muni buses running. We all must boycott Airbnb until they do right by our City." The growing coalition that has signed on to the boycott so far includes Indivisible SF, the Chinese Progressive Association, San Francisco Rising, SOMCAN, Coalition on Homelessness SF, Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco, Filipino Community Development Corporation, PODER SF, San Francisco Building Trades, United Educators of San Francisco, UNITE HERE Local 2, Teamsters Local 856, AFSCME 3299, UPTE-CWA, SEIU Local 1021, SEIU Local 2015, DSA SF, IFPTE Local 21, People's Budget SF, Council of Community Housing Organizations, and Jobs with Justice SF. Organizers see the boycott as the escalation of a fight that began earlier this year to pressure Airbnb to drop its lawsuit against the City and County of San Francisco in order to protect San Francisco's public services from deep budget cuts. The lawsuit seeks a refund of $120 million in business taxes, tying up two-thirds of that in the city's litigation fund and preventing it from being used to fund critical public services, even as the city grapples with further budget shortfalls resulting from federal cuts to Medicaid. Organizers are also calling attention to the complicity of Airbnb in the Trump administration's attack on public services. Airbnb board member and co-founder, billionaire Joe Gebbia, took a position with DOGE in February and continues to serve the Trump administration in a chief role. "They should drop this lawsuit," said SF District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey. "I am proud to stand with everybody saying, boycott this business until they're ready to be a responsible player in San Francisco. Boycott Airbnb." "For a while now, Airbnb has refused to pay their taxes to San Francisco, despite taking full advantage of the beauty this city has to offer to tourists," said Anna Krasner of Indivisible SF. "That means when your Muni routes are cut, when your library hours are cut, when city services shrink more and more, we can directly blame one company: Airbnb. Airbnb does not respect San Francisco or its people. It does not deserve our hard-earned dollars." "[Airbnb] breaks the laws whenever they want to and then they turn around and destroy our programs. They destroy them on a federal level and they're trying to destroy them in San Francisco," said Fred Sherburn Zimmer of the Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco. "If you love San Francisco or you hate the Trump cuts, we're asking everyone to open their computer or get out their phone and cancel their Airbnb account." "Airbnb is contributing to our worsening homelessness and housing crisis by taking thousands of units of housing off the rental market from everyday San Franciscans and driving up rents," said Joy Zhan, a longtime San Francisco resident who works for the City and County and is the Civic Center chapter president of SEIU 1021. "They're making billions of dollars, and now they want to sue the city and not pay their fair share of taxes. This money could go into staffing up our city departments who are cleaning the streets and providing housing assistance. We are asking for properly staffed departments, good city services that are meeting the needs of the residents." Visit the coalition's website at boycott-airbnb.org . The site features a full explanation of the boycott's motivation and goals, as well as a page where supporters can pledge to "book elsewhere." The coalition has also launched a social media campaign to spread their message across San Francisco, especially to residents booking their travel for the holiday season. SOURCE IFPTE Local 21 ColorTokens today reaffirmed its commitment to the Australian market including federal, state, and local government agencies, regulated industries, critical infrastructure operators, and enterprises. SYDNEY, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ColorTokens Inc., a global leader in microsegmentation and breach containment, today announced that it has successfully completed the Information Security Registered Assessors Program (IRAP) assessment at the PROTECTED level. This achievement confirms that ColorTokens' platform meets the rigorous cybersecurity controls defined by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and the Information Security Manual (ISM). ColorTokens can now help government and private enterprises contain breaches and prevent the spread of attacks before they escalate. "Achieving IRAP PROTECTED is a major milestone that validates our controls against one of the world's most stringent standards," said Rajesh Khazanchi, CEO of ColorTokens. "More importantly, it reinforces our ability to help Australian agencies and enterprises be breach ready, containing threats swiftly, reducing risk, and ensuring business continuity." This achievement strengthens ColorTokens' global compliance portfolio while reinforcing trust in the Australian market underscoring our commitment to helping agencies and enterprises stay breach ready with trusted, standards-based cybersecurity. About ColorTokens ColorTokens is a leading provider of enterprise microsegmentation and breach-containment solutions, dedicated to making organizations "breach ready." By preventing the lateral spread of ransomware and advanced malware, ColorTokens protects complex network infrastructures through its innovative Xshield platform. The platform visualizes traffic between workloads, OT/IoT/IoMT devices, and users, enabling the enforcement of granular micro-perimeters, swift isolation of critical assets, and effective breach response. Recognized as a Leader in both The Forrester Wave: Microsegmentation Solutions (Q3 2024) and the GigaOm Radar for Microsegmentation v2 (April 2025), ColorTokens delivers proactive security that prevents disruptions and safeguards global enterprises. For more information, visit www.colortokens.com. Media Contact Cesar Medrano [email protected] SOURCE ColorTokens Hosted by WOOF FM News Director Deborah Pearson, the big reveal brought together local leaders and organizations from across the city. At the event, Comcast proudly presented the Alfred Saliba Family Services Center with $10,000 to support its digital skills program. The funding will help advance workforce development efforts throughout the Wiregrass region. "These sculptures are more than just art pieces, they're a reflection of our commitment to the people of Dothan and Houston County," said Jeff Buzzelli, Senior Vice President of Comcast's Florida Region. "At Comcast, we're dedicated to keeping communities connected to what matters most, whether through our ultra-fast, reliable internet or meaningful local partnerships. We're honored to help highlight Dothan's rich history through this special project." To mark the occasion, Curtis Harvey, Houston County District 1 Commissioner officially declared October 8th as "Peanuts Around Town Day." Dothan City Commissioner Dave Scott presented Comcast and Visit Dothan with a certificate of recognition for their support of the public art initiative, which celebrates the area's beloved crop. "Peanuts Around Town is a celebration of our agricultural roots, creative spirit and community pride," said Hannah Shiver, Executive Director, Visit Dothan. "We're grateful to Comcast for joining this tradition and helping us tell Dothan's story in a fun and meaningful way. Their support makes a lasting impact on our residents and visitors alike." Last year, Comcast announced a $4.5 million investment to expand its powerful Internet network across Houston County, connecting thousands of homes and businesses in Ashford, Cottonwood, Cowarts, Kinsey, and Webb to high-speed, reliable Internet through Xfinity and Comcast Business services. The new sculptures now stand proudly outside the Xfinity Store near historic downtown, inviting locals and visitors alike to snap a photo and enjoy a piece of Dothan's peanut pride. Media Contact: Sydney Freeman, Comcast Florida Region [email protected] https://florida.comcast.com/ SOURCE Comcast Unique offerings like skip payments, no- or low-interest loans and other immediate assistance available DENVER, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the federal government shutdown continues, credit unions are stepping up to help members during the financial strain. With many families facing delayed paychecks and increased uncertainty, credit unions are deploying unique programs that underscore their mission of "people helping people." From no- and low-interest loans, skip payments and flexible options, credit unions are providing immediate relief to those affected and encouraging them to avoid payday loans and buy now pay later schemes. "Credit unions were built to serve their members in moments just like this," said Troy Stang, President and CEO of GoWest Credit Union Association. "Credit unions are moving quickly to provide relief and demonstrate their unwavering commitment to their members. I am proud to be part of a movement that finds solutions and improves lives." Westerra Credit Union in Colorado is offering the Westerra Cares: Government Relief Loan, a special 6-month, 0% interest loan to help eligible members bridge the gap between paychecks. This support is available to existing members who provide documentation of federal furlough and proof of income and is intended to ease financial stress during the interruption in federal services. "Our commitment to the community goes beyond banking," said Anneliese Elrod, chief operations officer at Westerra Credit Union. "We're here to provide stability, resources and ready solutions when our members need it most. It's times like these when local financial institutions show how much they matter to their community." WECU in Washington offers a range of member support resources, including free Skip-a-Pay, fee waivers, loan extensions, consumer loan programs, and mortgage assistance, including forbearance options. OneAZ Credit Union in Arizona is offering a fee waiver for early certificate withdrawals, fee waivers for courtesy pay advances, assistance loans, free financial guidance and additional financial hardship options, including pay deferment options and loan modification options. Interim CEO for OneAz Credit Union, Mike Boden said, "Our mission to improve the lives of our members, associates and communities isn't just a slogan, it's what we do. At OneAZ, we are working to ensure that members and their families are supported during the government shutdown." Blue Federal Credit Union, based in Wyoming, is offering Skip-a-payment on loans, waived penalty for early term share withdrawals and 0% interest loans for six months and no payment for 90 days. "Life doesn't pause even if paychecks are paused," said Neal Weber, CFO for Blue Federal Credit Union. "Credit unions are stepping up and helping families, individuals, and communities get through seasons like this because we're grounded in the communities we serve. We're working hard to ensure there are resources available so families and individuals don't get caught in a payday loan or buy now pay later cycle." Credit unions have a long history of offering financial lifelines during natural disasters, economic downturns, and other emergencies. As cooperative, not-for-profit institutions, they reinvest earnings back into their members and communities rather than distributing profits to investors. Families facing a paycheck delay shouldn't also face financial penalties or buy now pay later schemes. Credit unions ensure members and communities have the breathing room and support they need. For more information or to find a credit union offering shutdown relief programs, visit the GoWest website. About GoWest Credit Union Association GoWest Credit Union Association is the trade association representing credit unions in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. GoWest advocates on behalf of nearly 300 member credit unions, and their 17.4 million consumer members. Contact: Madlynn Schreibvogel, Vice President, Public Relations 303.513.3765 [email protected] SOURCE GoWest Credit Union Association America's #1 waffle maker joins Netflix's "Stranger Things 5" and series finale celebration with a limited-edition drop exclusive to Target. NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dash is celebrating the final season of "Stranger Things", bringing the Upside Down to your kitchen with waffles, of course! Serve up Eleven's favorite food for a Hawkins-style breakfast every morning with golden 4" mini waffles in a dash featuring dual nonstick surfaces that heat quickly and cook evenly. This limited-edition mini maker is perfect for collectors, gifting, and fan watch parties. "Stranger Things 5" will debut in three volumes this fall: four episodes on Nov. 26, three episodes on Christmas, and The Finale on New Year's Eve. Each volume releases at 5 p.m. PST. Find out when "Stranger Things 5" premieres in your part of the U.S. here. Americas #1 waffle maker joins Netflixs Stranger Things 5 and series finale celebration with a limited-edition drop exclusive to Target. The Stranger Things | Dash Mini Waffle Maker will be available while supplies last and exclusively at Target and byDash.com - don't miss out! To learn more about Dash, discover new trending recipes, and keep up with the brand's latest products, follow @byDash on Instagram and TikTok. ABOUT DASH Dash is committed to helping people make healthy, unprocessed food at home. Grounded in the belief that taking small steps every day to live a healthier life and eating whole, natural foods can make a big impact, Dash provides the tools and content to help consumers make delicious and healthy meals at home. ABOUT STOREBOUND StoreBound is a family of brands bound by innovation. Leveraging a fully integrated model of concept, development, engineering, manufacturing, logistics, sales, marketing, and business management, StoreBound develops quality products and manages their performance at key retailers. With thoughtful, well-designed home and housewares products, StoreBound's aim is to win the hearts of customers worldwide. ABOUT STRANGER THINGS Created by The Duffer Brothers, Stranger Things debuted in 2016 and quickly became one of Netflix's most popular television series ever, with its fourth season alone amassing over 140.7M views globally. Rooted in '80s nostalgia, it boosted Kate Bush's track "Running Up That Hill" into the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the first time in its 38-year history. The series has also garnered over 70 awards worldwide including Emmys and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, and has been nominated for over 230 awards. The highly anticipated fifth and final season will release later this year in three volumes at 5PM PT: four episodes on November 26, three episodes on Christmas and The Finale on New Year's Eve. The beloved franchise offers fans various ways to engage with the cultural phenomenon year-round, including: the Olivier and Tony-award winning stage play, Stranger Things: The First Shadow; a collection of books takes fans deeper into the story; the touring Stranger Things: The Experience which recently expanded to Brazil and Australia; Stranger Things: Escape the Dark; a brand new immersive experience set to open at Netflix House later this year; Stranger Things: Tales From '85, an animated series that will take fans back to Hawkins; fans celebrate November 6 the day Will Byers went missing as 'Stranger Things Day;' and they can follow @StrangerThings.Things for fun ways to bring the world into their everyday lives. Media contact: [email protected] SOURCE StoreBound Newly created roles to further accelerate growth, innovation and efficiency in the company's sales and administrative functions worldwide NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Diebold Nixdorf (NYSE: DBD), a global leader in transforming the way people bank and shop, today announced it is appointing two current members of its executive leadership team to new roles to further accelerate growth, innovation and efficiency in the company's sales and administrative functions worldwide. Diebold Nixdorf names Joe Myers Chief Revenue Officer, effective Jan. 1, 2026 Diebold Nixdorf names Lisa Radigan Chief Administrative Officer, effective Dec. 1. Joe Myers has been appointed chief revenue officer (CRO), effective Jan. 1, 2026. In this newly created role, Myers will lead the company's global Banking and Retail sales teams to deliver integrated, customer-focused solutions that fuel long-term growth and profitability. His focus will be to drive revenue acceleration, capitalize on the momentum in the Retail market to expand the global sales pipeline, improve functional alignment to optimize resources, and further refine work processes to strengthen market execution across both business segments. Elizabeth (Lisa) Radigan will become chief administrative officer (CAO), effective Dec. 1. Expanding upon her current responsibilities as the company's chief legal officer, Radigan will align and streamline core support functions in human resources, security operations, employee communications and facilities to maximize efficiency, consistency and reduce costs while maintaining high standards of integrity. She will also champion a high-performance culture that empowers employees, enhances collaboration and creates an engaging, inclusive environment where teams can do their best work. Octavio Marquez, Diebold Nixdorf president and chief executive officer, said: "I am proud to elevate two exceptional leaders who embody our culture of innovation, collaboration and performance. Joe will unite our Banking and Retail businesses to accelerate growth and strengthen customer partnerships, while Lisa will drive greater speed, efficiency and an empowered, people-first culture. With a fortress balance sheet and a mindset of continuous improvement, we are positioned to keep delivering outstanding results for our customers and shareholders." Joe Myers, Diebold Nixdorf executive vice president, Global Banking, said: "I am excited to take on this new role and honored to lead our talented global teams across both Banking and Retail. We are operating in a dynamic market with significant opportunity, and I'm excited to continue building on the very solid foundation we've established to deliver even greater value to our customers." Lisa Radigan, Diebold Nixdorf executive vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary, said: "I am thrilled to take on this position and partner even more closely with our teams around the world. My commitment is to help drive Diebold Nixdorf's success by uniting and empowering our people, improving how we work and breaking down silos to deliver results with integrity, efficiency and enterprise-wide resiliency." Additionally, Ilhami Cantadurucu, executive vice president, Global Retail, has decided to leave Diebold Nixdorf to pursue other interests. He will remain with the company through early 2026 to help ensure a smooth transition. Marquez said, "I want to thank Ilhami for his two decades of leadership at DN and commitment to our success. As the head of Retail, he has effectively led the organization through industry changes and positioned us very well for several major growth initiatives, including in the North America market. We wish him well in his future endeavors." About Diebold Nixdorf Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD) automates, digitizes and transforms the way people bank and shop. As a partner to the majority of the world's top 100 financial institutions and top 25 global retailers, our integrated solutions connect digital and physical channels conveniently, securely and efficiently for millions of consumers each day. The company has a presence in more than 100 countries with approximately 21,000 employees worldwide. Visit www.DieboldNixdorf.com for more information. X: @DieboldNixdorf LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/diebold Facebook: www.facebook.com/DieboldNixdorf YouTube: www.youtube.com/dieboldnixdorf DN-C SOURCE Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated New CMO, EVP Operations and SVP Clinical Solutions bring track records of scalable growth and innovation for sponsors, sites and CROs implementing successful clinical trials BOSTON, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EMA Wellness (EMAW) the market leader in providing a unified eCOA, analytics and adjudication platform to sponsor and CRO partners announces the appointments of Dr. Andrew Cutler, MD as Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Miranda Mann, PhD as Executive Vice President of Operations and Dr. Patrick Harrington, PhD as Senior Vice President of Clinical Solutions. Dr Cutler's clinical research track record and experience as a thought leader working with sponsors to design and implement trials in neuro psychiatry will expand EMAW's thought leadership in driving patient and site centric engagement. Dr Mann's experience as a GM at Syneos Health, and COO at Evolution Research Group and Elligo Health Research will facilitate EMAW's ability to scale data, clinical and delivery for sponsors and sites. Dr Harrington's experience creating and growing Syneos Health's clinical surveillance team will continue to grow EMAW's efforts to enhance patient and ratings quality. "The timing to add industry professionals with strong performance track records to EMAW leadership is perfect," said EMAW CEO Colin Bower. "We will continue to focus on adding value to existing partners while scaling the platform to allow new sponsors to reap the benefits of using a singular code base and AI to efficiently and effectively collect, analyze and quality assure multimodal data, including primary ratings, in their clinical trials." Dr. Cutler founded Florida Clinical Research Center in 1998, grew it into a multi-site company, and sold it to Meridien Research, creating the largest multidisciplinary clinical trial site network in Florida. Dr. Cutler has worked with sponsors and CROs in the successful approval of more than 25 drugs. Dr. Cutler's experience across a wide array of trial designs and conditions provides thought leadership for sponsors in the design and implementation of their trials, including how to best recruit and engage patients, and facilitate the generation of the highest quality ratings. "I'm proud to leverage my expertise and over 30 years of research experience by joining such a high quality organization with truly outstanding technology and people, many of whom I've known, worked with and admired for many years," said Dr. Cutler. "I believe that EMA Wellness has become the industry standard and through our platform and services can maximize the quality of clinical trials and the chance of success for clinical trials." "I've worked with Andy for over 15 years, and he is universally known and respected in our industry for a reason," said Bower. "His knowledge and experience are vast, but people also thoroughly enjoy collaborating with him, and that is an important combination of traits that will add to the clinical and collegial ethos of EMAW." Dr. Mann earned her Ph.D. in clinical neuropsychology and brings deep scientific, clinical, and operational expertise to her role. Her experience in leadership roles across site organizations and CROs provides valuable insight into multiple perspectives within the clinical trial ecosystem. Her work at Syneos Health - launching and growing its presence in Japan to 500+ employees and leading the strategic expansion across the Asia Pacific region - is directly relevant to EMA Wellness as it continues to scale its global presence. Dr. Mann will be responsible for all clinical, data, and delivery operations at EMA Wellness, reporting directly to the CEO. "EMA Wellness has built an exceptional foundation that unites technology, data, and clinical expertise to advance the quality and efficiency of clinical trials," said Dr. Mann. "I am proud to join this talented team as we scale our operations and continue advancing the standards of data integrity, patient experience, and customer focus for sites, sponsors, and CROs." "I'm delighted to have Miranda join our team," said Bower. "She has already integrated our delivery and clinical teams and incorporated scalable data migration and analytics in a way that will materially improve our utility to sponsor partners across all of these areas, thereby having a real and positive impact on the quality of the clinical trials in which we are involved." "In addition to Drs. Cutler and Mann, Dr Harrington's experience starting and scaling the Syneos Health's clinical surveillance team provides important depth and breadth to our clinical team" said Bower. "The fact that Andy, Miranda and Pat have all worked together will substantially reduce the time it takes to have a materially positive impact on EMAW and our partners." This leadership expansion comes on the heels of EMAW's continued global ascension as the new market standard in eCOA, digital data collection and integration and clinical analysis in CNS clinical trials. EMAW's web-based technology and singular code base drive the feature functionality of its proprietary GIANT platform. GIANT unifies multimodal data collection, analytics, ratings adjudication, data access and transfer in fully auditable white box environment. EMAW has further driven new standards of data quality by utilizing AI for ratings surveillance, effectively using LLMs to independently score and qualitatively review recorded clinical interviews. This functionality allows sponsors to quality assure 100% of ratings faster and at less cost than traditional rater surveillance methodologies. EMAW's blinded clinical outcome analytics also takes place within the platform ensuring full audit trails, and EMAW uniquely provides sponsors real time access to their data via API or regular data transfers. EMAW has developed its technology organically and internally, not by acquisition of competing or disparate technologies. About EMAW EMA Wellness (EMAW) was founded in 2018 by clinical research leaders, technology experts, and industry executives to improve outcomes in CNS clinical trials through contemporary, validated technology. The EMAW platform integrates eCOA, analytics, and adjudication within a unified web-based environment built on a single code base. It enables sponsors and CROs to collect, visualize, and analyze multimodal clinical data in real time, including ecological momentary assessments and other real-world data, to support data quality, patient safety, and operational efficiency. Today, the EMAW platform is used in more than 25 countries and by over 250 sites. EMAW applies innovative AI-based methods and validated models to complement expert clinician review, accelerating signal detection and supporting meaningful human interpretation and decision-making within a fully auditable environment. The platform also provides rights-based data access, automated audit trails, and direct data transfer via API, ensuring transparency and traceability across studies. The EMAW platform is a resource multiplier for sponsor partners who are better able to collect more data, receive faster insights, integrate clinical adjudication and remediation workstreams, improve subject selection, monitor site and rater performance, detect AESI's, address protocol deviations and modifications and medical adherence. EMAW is fundamentally differentiated from traditional eCOA and related technologies because it was built using a single code to create a web-based technology platform which can be used from any laptop, tablet or phone with a standard browser to collect active or passive data, in the clinic or the real world. Sites, PI's, raters, reviewers and other trial stakeholders with requisite rights can access data instantly and adjudicate or remediate within the platform in real time. The platform is also highly scalable and therefore extremely cost effective for our sponsor partners. No other trial technology offers a comparable, integrated combination of speed, configurability and adjudication functionality in a singular platform. Contact: Colin Bower, CEO, [email protected] SOURCE EMA Wellness PEORIA, Ariz., Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A skilled and capable workforce is essential to keeping any economy thriving, especially in fast-growing regions like Arizona's West Valley. With major employers such as Amkor, Nestle, Amazon, and others expanding operations in metro Phoenix, and with population growth soaring, the demand for skilled careers is only expected to rise, particularly in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries. Scott Holman- Vice President, Human Resources at Amkor Technology, Arizona However, the region faces several challenges in building the talent pipeline needed to meet this demand. The high number of entry-level openings, coupled with an aging workforce approaching retirement, has created a widening skills gap. Compounding the issue is a general lack of awareness about careers in advanced manufacturing, specifically what these jobs entail, the benefits they offer, and the paths to enter them. Arizona must act now to meet the growing demand for skilled workers. One organization helping to address this challenge is Western Maricopa Education Center, or West-MEC. West-MEC is a public career and technical education (CTE) district serving more than 45,000 students from 49 high schools across 3,800 square miles in the northern and western Phoenix metro area. Each year, more than 3,000 students receive hands-on, industry-aligned training at West-MEC's four central campuses. CTE programs are developed in close collaboration with local employers and advisory councils made up of industry professionals. This ongoing feedback loop ensures West-MEC's offerings are responsive to workforce needs, whether by updating curriculum or launching new programs like the Advanced Manufacturing program, which will begin in Fall 2025. West-MEC equips high school students with a powerful jump-start toward in-demand careers, yet misconceptions persist. A common myth is that CTE students forgo college or are not suited for higher education. In reality, about 70% of West-MEC graduates go on to further their education, while 28% enter the workforce directly out of high school. For example, students who complete relevant programs at West-MEC could pursue careers with companies like Amkor Technology Arizona in roles such as: Manufacturing operations Facility technicians (HVAC, electrical, mechanical, water, controls) Logistics and warehouse technicians Every student's path is different; some go to college, others enter the workforce, and many do both. CTE does not limit a student's future; it expands it. West-MEC has over 30 career training programs in areas such as Auto Tech, Coding, Welding, Nursing, and more. Each program is aligned with local industries to ensure students are learning what an entry-level employee would need to know to excel in their role. Not only are students taught the technical skills required to obtain these roles, but just as importantly, they are learning the professional skills required to keep and progress their careers. As the West Valley's workforce evolves, CTE is proving to be a powerful launchpad for lifelong success. By empowering students with real-world skills, industry credentials, and a head start in the job market, West-MEC helps bridge the gap between education and employment, an urgent need in our rapidly changing economy. An investment in CTE is an investment in a future-ready Arizonaone with a skilled workforce, a robust economy, and a thriving community. Media Contact: Scott A Holman C: 480-942-8837 E: [email protected] SOURCE West-MEC The energy storage company's initial filing expired after a six-month limit, with an update likely by year-end as it reports rapid growth for its international and storage systems businesses XIAMEN, China, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Xiamen Hithium Energy Storage Technology Co. Ltd. is likely to restart its Hong Kong IPO process in the next three months, after its application filed earlier this year expired, as it seeks funds for its global expansion and ramps up its energy storage systems business. The company's original March listing application lapsed late last month after it failed to complete the IPO within six months, a common occurrence for most companies in their first listing attempts, rather than a sign of failure. The development comes not long after a similar application by another energy storage company, Sigenergy, also expired after it failed to complete the listing within six months after filing. A knowledgeable source told Chinese media that Hithium is likely to restart its Hong Kong IPO process by the end of this year. The energy storage sector is currently thriving in the capital markets, attracting strong investor interest on strong growth prospects and supportive government policies. Hithium is seeking to tap booming global demand for both batteries and systems used to store energy from a growing number of solar, wind and other new energy farms and other generating stations being built worldwide. Such storage is a critical component for these facilities, allowing them to store excess electricity during peak generating times for later release during production lulls. As demand ramps up, the global energy storage market is expected to pass 1,000 GWh per year by 2030, according to third-party market data in Hithium's original March prospectus. Founded in 2019, Hithium provides batteries and energy storage systems for residential, commercial and industrial customers. It is the world's third largest provider in its sector, with about 11% of the global market. Its shipments grew by an average 167% annually between 2022 and 2024 to reach 35.1 GWh last year. A recent boom in overseas demand for energy storage has helped Hithium to win multiple international orders from Europe, the U.S. and the Middle East, propelling it to second in global energy storage shipments in the first half of 2025. The company's two production bases in the cities of Xiamen and Chongqing have been operating at full capacity since March, and it is also building a new facility in the city of Heze in Shandong province to boost its capabilities. In a move to hedge against U.S.-China trade frictions, the company has already put a new facility in the U.S. state of Texas into operation making it the first Chinese enterprise in this sector to establish and launch such a production base in the United States. Hithium's revenue grew 26% last year to 12.9 billion yuan ($1.81 billion) from 10.2 billion yuan in 2023. Within that bigger figure, revenue from energy storage systems, which typically carry higher profit margins, more than doubled last year to 4.67 billion yuan from 1.97 billion yuan the previous year, rising to 36.2% of the total from 19.3% over that time. The company is also rapidly building up its overseas business, which grew from just 1% of sales in 2023 to 28.6% last year. Hithium made a big advance on that front in August, when it signed a major supply deal with Saudi Electricity Co. worth about 2.6 billion yuan. On the bottom line, Hithium also passed another major milestone last year when it became profitable on an adjusted basis, reporting a 318 million yuan adjusted profit for the year. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2792536/image_5024788_42518044.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2756901/7c3129fca23bd8070ae415d1d2ae8b46_Logo.jpg MANASQUAN, N.J., Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jersey Mike's Subs, a leading franchisor of fast casual sandwich shops known for its fresh sliced and fresh grilled subs, and Best Buddies International, a nonprofit committed to fostering one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living and family support opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), are partnering to raise funds and awareness for the organization's mission of inclusion. (View commercial) Best Buddies International's Founder, Chairman & CEO Anthony K. Shriver (back left) with Jersey Mike's Subs Founder Peter Cancro (back right) and Best Buddies participants. This weekend, on Saturday, October 11, and Sunday, October 12, Jersey Mike's will donate 20 percent of sales at the company's more than 3,100 locations nationwide to Best Buddies. "We are pleased to announce that Jersey Mike's is supporting another Best Buddies Special Weekend this Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12, when 20 percent of sales will be donated to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities," said Charlie Morrison, CEO, Jersey Mike's Franchise Systems LLC. Jersey Mike's Founder Peter Cancro added, "So please join us and let's 'All Raise Up' together." Jersey Mike's is working with Best Buddies to establish employment opportunities within Jersey Mike's restaurants for individuals with IDD, allowing them to earn an income and continuously and independently support themselves. Eleven Jersey Mike's locations are currently accessing this untapped workforce, and a roll-out of the program in additional cities is underway. "Jersey Mike's commitment to Best Buddies shows the powerful difference businesses can make when they lead with purpose and it demonstrates how inclusion drives both business success and social impact," said Anthony K. Shriver, founder, chairman and CEO of Best Buddies International. "What's more impressive is the company's commitment to employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Jersey Mike's locations nationwide, which strengthens workplace culture and delivers measurable benefits to the bottom line. It's truly a win-win for companies and the communities they serve." About Best Buddies International Best Buddies is a global nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies has grown from one chapter to 3,800 chapters worldwide, positively impacting the lives of 1.5 million people with and without IDD. About Jersey Mike's Subs Jersey Mike's Subs serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread the same recipe it started with in 1956. Passion for giving in Jersey Mike's local communities is reflected in its mission statement "Givingmaking a difference in someone's life." Visit jerseymikes.com. Contact: Kyle Potvin, [email protected], 917-838-4500 SOURCE Jersey Mikes Subs Polish dry bulk vessel operator Polsteam has chosen Marlink, which supplies managed services for business-critical ICT solutions, to upgrade connectivity and cybersecurity solutions on board 50 of the vessels it controls. Marlink says the Sealink NextGen hybrid network solution will support the companys transition to digitised shipping operations, enhancing safety and efficiency while enabling high quality crew communications. Polsteam will also utilise Marlinks Unified Threat Management (UTM) solution to enhance the cyber resilience of its vessel operations. Marlink says it will leverage its experience as a managed services provider to upgrade the hybrid network solution on board, integrating LEO Starlink internet with traditional VSAT, managed by its XChange platform to enhance options available for business applications and improving connectivity available for crews. Anong the benefits that the solution provides Polsteam will be high bandwidth, low-latency communications via Sealink NextGen to support digitalised fleet operations, as well as enhanced cybersecurity including application control, web filtering, intrusion protection and antivirus cybersolutions. In addition, this hybrid solution, designed for remote operations, will offer improved uptime and reliability with secure communications and data transfer. The largest dry bulk vessel operator in Eastern Europe, Polsteam began in 1951 with shipping in the Baltic Sea and North Seas. Today Polsteam manages ships transporting cargo around the world based on close relationships with important global cargo owners. Adam Rogucki, Technical Director, Polsteam, says: Our internationally trading fleet requires us to maintain a high level of interaction between masters and managers, using increasingly advanced tools for collaboration. The Marlink solution enables us to enhance our remote operations in a secure environment, increasing efficiency and leisure solutions for our crews. BRUSSELS and SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Google Cloud and Melexis, a global microelectronics engineering company, today announced an expanded multi-year partnership to integrate AI across Melexis's operations. Building on a long-standing collaboration, this agreement highlights Melexis's' commitment to leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to enhance productivity, streamline manufacturing processes, and drive innovation in product development. This new phase follows more than a decade of successful collaboration, which included Melexis becoming an early and extensive adopter of Google Workspace and Google Cloud. Now Melexis is transforming its operational efficiency with the rapid adoption of Google Workspace's AI capabilities through internal initiatives like the "Melexis Google Workspace Cafe," a virtual collaborative space for colleagues to connect, ask questions, and share updates. Notably, Google Chat is the most popular feature, significantly boosting employee efficiency by reducing time on complex, routine tasks. An important aspect of Melexis's AI work is ensuring data security and responsible AI deployment. Google Cloud's robust security and governance framework, combined with Melexis's internal protocols, ensures that all AI tools are used in a secure and compliant manner. "Melexis's proactive approach to AI adoption and its vision for intelligent transformation exemplify how organizations can transform knowledge work, streamline operations, and empower their teams to achieve more. We are at a pivotal moment where AI is a catalyst, ready to unlock unprecedented potential in industries such as manufacturing," said Celine Callewaert, Head of BeLux, Google Cloud. Melexis is also transforming what it builds for customers by embedding AI directly into its development and manufacturing processes. Employees are now empowered to make equipment manuals available via Notebook LM, so that maintenance engineers can easily find and resolve equipment issues in the manufacturing plant. The partnership is equipping developers with advanced AI tools like Gemini Code Assist which is driving significant quality improvements and is increasingly used across the IT department. "Our long-standing relationship with Google Cloud has been foundational to our digital transformation," said Piet De Ceuleners, Global IT Director, Melexis. "AI is now an integral part of our business strategy, driving increased overall effectiveness and allowing us to focus our engineering talent on the next generation of micro-electronic innovation." About Google Cloud Google Cloud is the new way to the cloud, providing AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools built for today and tomorrow. Google Cloud offers a powerful, fully integrated and optimized AI stack with its own planet-scale infrastructure, custom-built chips, generative AI models and development platform, as well as AI-powered applications, to help organizations transform. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner. About Melexis Melexis designs, develops, and delivers edge sensor and driver solutions with a heart for people and the planet. Its mission is to empower engineers to turn their ideas into applications that support the best imaginable future, one that is safe, comfortable, and sustainable. Melexis specializes in powertrain, thermal management, lighting, e-brake, e-steering, and battery solutions for the automotive sector. It also expands its presence in the emerging markets of a sustainable world, alternative mobility, robotics, and digital health. Founded in 1989 in Belgium, Melexis has grown to employ over 2,000 people in 12 countries, delivering cutting-edge technology to customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.melexis.com or follow Melexis on LinkedIn , and YouTube . SOURCE Google Cloud LONDON, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ACG Metals Limited ("ACG" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Polimetal, has secured a 2% Net Smelter Return ("NSR") royalty over a mining license area located in Nigde Province, Camard District, Turkiye. This NSR interest originates from a joint operation and option agreement executed in 2012 between Polimetal and Kenz Madencilik ("Kenz Madencilik"), under which the license was transferred to Kenz in exchange for a cash consideration of USD 150,000 and the undertaking of exploration expenditures, while Polimetal retained an option to acquire the NSR right. The NSR agreement signed with Kenz Madencilik entitles Polimetal to receive 2% of gross revenues from all mineral sales, net of standard deductions, for the full operational life of the project. The license area is currently the focus of exploration activities targeting precious metals and other mineralisation. This structure provides ACG with future cash flow exposure without direct exploration investment or operational involvement. The person responsible for the release of this information on behalf of the Company is Artem Volynets, Chief Executive Officer. For further information please contact: Palatine Communications Advisor Conal Walsh / James Gilheany/ Kelsey Traynor/ Richard Seed [email protected] Berenberg Research Analysts William Dalby +44 (0) 20 3753 3243 Richard Hatch +44 (0) 20 3753 3070 Joint Broker Jennifer Lee +44 (0) 20 3207 7800 Canaccord Research Analysts Tim Huff +44 (0) 20 7523 8374 Joint Broker James Asensio / Charlie Hammond + 44 (0) 20 7523 80 Stifel Joint Broker Ashton Clanfield / Varun Talwar +44 (0) 20 7710 7600 Cantor Fitzgerald Research Analysts Puneet Singh +1 (416) 350-8153 About the Company ACG Metals is a company with a vision to consolidate the copper industry through a series of roll-up acquisitions, with best-in-class ESG and carbon footprint characteristics. In September 2024, ACG successfully completed the acquisition of the Gediktepe Mine which is expected to transition to primary copper and zinc production from 2026 and will target annual steady-state copper equivalent production of 20-25 kt. Gediktepe sold 57koz of AuEq in 2024. ACG's team has extensive M&A experience built through decades spent at blue-chip multinationals in the sector. The team brings a significant network as well as a commitment to ESG principles and strong corporate governance. LON: ACG| OTCQX: ACGAF | LON: ACGW | Xetra: ACG | Bond ISIN: NO0013414565 For more information about ACG, please visit: www.acgmetals.com SOURCE ACG METALS LIMITED Global alliance convenes innovation companies, airline venture teams and investors to explore and promote new technologies. LISBON, Portugal, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- oneworld hosted its first-ever Innovation Summit on Monday as a precursor to the World Aviation Festival in Lisbon. The event connected digital, customer experience and sustainability leaders from across the alliance with innovators, industry partners, start-ups and scale-ups for a deep dive into new technologies that are being both successfully deployed and considered for future implementation. Matt Ridley, oneworld Director of Sustainability and Innovation, hosting a panel at the Innovation Summit. "oneworld member airlines are exploring, investing in and deploying innovation that is reshaping aviation, and they are collectively doing so at an industry-leading rate," said Nat Pieper, chief executive officer of oneworld. "We have a wealth of expertise across our alliance, uniquely positioning us to bring parties together to share best practices and spark new ideas to solve common challenges at scale." "Innovation is bigger than one company; if you want to create epic outcomes you need to first connect and then collaborate," said Michael Augello, CEO of Airbus UpNext, who shared the mission and strategy of UpNext with attendees. "It all starts with open listening and that's what I have appreciated from my day with the oneworld community. Creating a space to ideate together is a great beginning, I look forward to seeing where it takes us." "By combining Breakthrough Energy Ventures' deep technical and investment capabilities with oneworld's global aviation expertise, we are getting closer to enabling the technologies that can help deliver cost-effective sustainable aviation fuel at scale" said Max Sabbe, Principal, Breakthrough Energy Ventures. "Collaboration across the aviation and investment communities is essential to accelerate progress and turn promising innovation into lasting impact." The oneworld Innovation Summit featured a dynamic mix of panel discussions, presentations and dedicated networking sessions, creating an environment for the audience to build connections and explore the future of aviation technology. Collaborating to net zero oneworld was the first alliance to commit to net zero by 2050, and its members are committed to tackling the environmental impact of air travel through a number of initiatives. Regular collaboration between sustainability experts across the alliance led to the recently launched $150 million fund between oneworld and Breakthrough Energy Ventures designed to accelerate and scale new technology for the development and commercialisation of SAF. In addition to panel discussions, the oneworld Innovation Summit featured presentations from leaders in the field of aviation innovation including: JetZero : CEO Tom O'Leary outlined next steps in revolutionising commercial air travel, through ground-breaking, highly-efficient aircraft design. : CEO Tom O'Leary outlined next steps in revolutionising commercial air travel, through ground-breaking, highly-efficient aircraft design. UP.Labs : Airlines Ventures CEO Vicki Nakata shared her insights into how collaboration unlocks solutions, driving broader innovation across the aviation ecosystem. : Airlines Ventures CEO Vicki Nakata shared her insights into how collaboration unlocks solutions, driving broader innovation across the aviation ecosystem. Volantio : CEO Azim Barodawala showcased the company's award-winning, advanced AI which delivers a better passenger experience during irregular operations and is used by oneworld members including Alaska Airlines, Japan Airlines and Qantas. : CEO Azim Barodawala showcased the company's award-winning, advanced AI which delivers a better passenger experience during irregular operations and is used by oneworld members including Alaska Airlines, Japan Airlines and Qantas. Loft Dynamics: CEO Fabi Riesen founded the first company to have received FAA and EASA approval for its innovative virtual reality flight simulators. About oneworld oneworld is a global airline alliance bringing together 15 of the world's leading airlines, who are committed to delivering the highest level of service and convenience to travellers. With a strong focus on innovative solutions, oneworld member airlines are working collectively to address their environmental impact and accelerate the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The alliance's members serve nearly 1,000 destinations worldwide and include: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines. For more information visit oneworld.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: Chris Singley [email protected] +1 (817) 308-1288 Katie Hulme [email protected] +44 7301 164252 SOURCE oneworld Management Company, Inc LANCASTER, Calif., Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PARRIS Law Firm proudly announces that Partner Alexander Wheeler has been named a finalist for the 2026 Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) Trial Lawyer of the Year Award for the second year in a row, a respectable honor recognizing excellence in trial advocacy and justice on behalf of consumers. Mr. Wheeler's selection as a finalist reflects his extraordinary commitment to holding corporations and public entities accountable, achieving landmark results for clients and setting a high standard for effective advocacy. "Being recognized among so many talented trial lawyers is an incredible honor," said Alexander Wheeler. "I'm deeply grateful to CAALA for this recognition as a finalist and for its continued dedication to supporting trial lawyers." Over the past year, Mr. Wheeler has led several major trial victories that have drawn statewide and national attention, including multiple eight-figure verdicts that emphasize his skill in the courtroom and his dedication to securing justice for his clients. Recent Major Verdicts $36.4 Million Verdict Top Verdict of the Week (2025) Alexander Wheeler and the PARRIS trial team secured a $36.4 million jury verdict in a high-stakes motor vehicle collision case involving catastrophic injuries, which the Daily Journal recognized as the Top Verdict of the Week. Alexander Wheeler and the PARRIS trial team secured a $36.4 million jury verdict in a high-stakes motor vehicle collision case involving catastrophic injuries, which the Daily Journal recognized as the Top Verdict of the Week. $58.36 Million Verdict Largest Slip-and-Fall Verdict in U.S. History (2024) Alexander Wheeler and the PARRIS trial team secured a $58.36 million jury verdict in a slip-and-fall case (the largest in U.S. history) on behalf of a man who suffered life-altering injuries after falling at a train yard. The verdict sent a clear message about corporate responsibility and workplace safety. PARRIS trial team $7.1 Million Verdict LAUSD Playground Injury (2024) Alexander Wheeler and the PARRIS trial team obtained a $7.1 million jury verdict on behalf of an elementary school student who was severely injured after falling on an unsafe school playground, holding the school district accountable for failing its duty of care. Since joining PARRIS Law Firm, Mr. Wheeler has built a reputation as one of California's premier trial lawyers, consistently obtaining record-breaking verdicts and settlements in personal injury, wrongful death, defamation, business litigation and class action cases. His courtroom presence, mastery of complex litigation, and genuine care for clients have made him a respected leader among his peers and a trusted advocate for victims seeking justice. Rex Parris, founder and managing partner of PARRIS Law Firm, added, "Alexander embodies what it means to be a true trial lawyer, fearless, strategic and deeply compassionate. I'm incredibly proud to see him recognized by CAALA for his tremendous achievements and leadership in the courtroom." About PARRIS Law Firm Founded in 1985, PARRIS Law Firm is one of California's most respected personal injury and employment law firms. With a reputation for groundbreaking verdicts and fierce client advocacy, PARRIS has recovered over $4.1 billion for its clients. To learn more, go to https://parris.com/. SOURCE PARRIS Law Firm Two-Day Event Hosted by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute (QSSI) in collaboration with Fundacion Ramon Areces (FRA) draws international experts to share research and insights with the public WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Last month, hundreds of attendees gathered for a two-day historical symposium, Spain and the Birth of American Democracy. The event was held Sept. 19-20, at the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Constitution Hall and was presented in conjunction with the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute (QSSI) and the Fundacion Ramon Areces (FRA) with support from the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain in the United States. This symposium was a key part of upcoming DAR's America 250 celebrations to mark the semiquincentennial of America's founding. Professor Richard Kagan and CEO of the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute Begonia Santos speak after Kagans Keynote Address at the Spain and the Birth of American Democracy Symposium. View photos and videos from the Symposium on the DAR website. Presided over by Her Majesty Queen Sofia, the event showcased leading international experts on the American Revolutionary War who presented their most recent research on the key role played by Spain in the birth of the United States. Among the distinguished speakers were Richard L. Kagan, authority on modern Spanish imperial history and Professor Emeritus at Johns Hopkins University; Gonzalo M. Quintero Saravia, specialist on Bernardo de Galvez; and Kathleen DuVal, 2025 Pulitzer Prize winner in History. The symposium opened with words by the Ambassador of Spain to the U.S., Angeles Moreno Bau, who emphasized the importance of this gathering to strengthen the historical and cultural ties between the two countries. Pilar Llado, chair of the board of the QSSI, said the event played a prominent role toward a better knowledge for the general public of the shared history between the United States and Spain. Ginnie Sebastian Storage, DAR President General, enthusiastically welcomed guests to the organization's National Headquarters and highlighted the relevance of incorporating the shared history between Spain and the United States into the America 250 celebrations. "It has been a privilege for our organization to work alongside our esteemed Spanish partners to plan and host this important symposium," said Storage. "The incredible historians and scholars who spoke have truly illuminated the crucial, yet often overlooked, contributions of Spain to the American Revolution. What an outstanding way to begin to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding!" Symposium speakers included international experts, professors, historians, authors, History Pulitzer Prize winners and finalists, and other authorities on Spanish-American history who profiled the latest research, news and findings associated with specific historical events and the impact of Spain's involvement in the American Revolution. A full listings of speakers and topics can be found here. In addition to session presentations, organizations offered interactive booths and educational resources in displays located around Constitution Hall. DAR members and staff shared genealogical and membership resources with the public. They specifically highlighted the ties to Spanish Patriots and encouraged attendees to trace their own family lineages to learn rich and sometimes surprising connections to the history of America's founding. By availing themselves of DAR genealogical resources, members develop a rewarding community for shared historic preservation, education, patriotism, friendship, family and service. Other participating organizations included the Museum of the American Revolution, Gilder Lehrman Institute, Military Women's Memorial, the National America250 Commission, PBS and the upcoming Ken Burns multi-part documentary series American Revolution, George Washington's Mount Vernon, and The American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati. Numerous Spanish institutions, including the Spanish Royal Mint (Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre), San Pablo CEU University, Camilo Jose Cela University, the Institute of Military History and Culture, and the Bernardo de Galvez y Gallardo Cultural Association were also represented. The symposium concluded with Begonia Santos, president and CEO of QSSI, who announced the celebration of a third America&Spain250 Symposium in the United States in 2026. "We invite you to continue to be a part, alongside the QSSI, of this journey, a journey that seeks to give visibility to the foundational contributions of Hispanics to the establishment of the United States." Her Majesty Queen Sofia, through the Fundacion Reina Sofia over which Her Majesty presides, supports the America&Spain250 Initiative through a collaboration agreement signed with the QSSI in December 2024 in effect through 2026. All presentations throughout the Symposium are now available on the DAR website, and will be transcribed and translated into Spanish at a later date. To learn more about the participation of Spain in the American Revolution, visit the educational platform "Spanish Influence on American History" developed by the QSSI in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and the Royal Academy of History of Spain containing primary sources, lesson plans, videos by historians, and more. The DAR provides a variety of resources to help people research their Spanish Patriots through the DAR Library and DAR member volunteer genealogists who specialize in Spanish research. DAR's other America 250! initiatives, including service projects, various scholarships, the E Pluribus Unum Educational Initiative highlighting underrepresented Revolutionary War Patriots, as well as other national and local events will also be part of the organization's contributions to the America 250 celebrations. Find out more about DAR's plan to honor the country's founding at www.dar.org/America250 . About the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute (QSSI) The Queen Sofia Spanish Institute (QSSI) was founded in 1954 to stimulate interest in the United States in the culture, art, literature and history of Spanish-speaking countries, and to promote among Spanish-speaking people knowledge and understanding of the ideals, culture and customs of the people of the United States. The QSSI is named after its patroness, Her Majesty Queen Sofia, mother of the current King of Spain, Felipe VI. The QSSI is governed by a Board of Trustees and, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit New York-based charitable organization, is supported through the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations. For more information, visit www.queensofiaspanishinstitute.org . About the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. As one of the largest patriotic women's service organizations in the world, DAR has nearly 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters around the world. DAR members promote the three pillars of historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service and more. The DAR is also a renowned genealogical repository which includes the DAR Library , one of the largest genealogical research centers in the United States, and the DAR Genealogical Research System (GRS) , a free online database of information amassed by the DAR. For additional information about DAR and its relevant mission, visit www.dar.org . Media Contacts: Daughters of the American Revolution Bren Landon 202-572-0563 [email protected] Queen Sofia Spanish Institute Celia Maldonado 212.628.0420 [email protected] SOURCE Daughters of the American Revolution SHANGHAI, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 24, the S-Tron Shanghai 2025 Tech Innovation Event concluded successfully at Shanghai XuHui West Bund Art Center Hall A. As one of the key events of the 5th Shanghai Haiju Yingcai Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit Talent Entrepreneurship Week, this event pooled innovative forces and forefront ideas from around the world, making 'Ignite the Future' the most vivid footnote of the scene. This Moment Witnesses an Innovative Gathering S-Tron Shanghai 2025 Tech forces from around the world gather at this moment with over 13,000 attendees and 30% of them being international over 13,000 attendees, including 2700+ startups,3500+corporate/institution, 3000+ investorson, 500+media, 70+ forum content and 200 speakers jointly created an energetic innovative scenario. From artificial intelligence to biomedicine, from new energy sources to advanced manufacturing, 100+ immersive booths present real application scenarios, and 100 + startups showcase their latest fruits. Every conversation and every handshake lay the foundation for the future. The Pitch Competition became the highlight of the event. After rigorous screening, 60 startups took the stage, and ultimately RWKV won the crown with its breakthrough in Future Mobility. The applause at this moment belongs not only to the champion but also to the coming future. The Tenth Anniversary Marks a New Start The green concepts and young forces also infused vibrancy into this conference. Paperless and low-carbon initiatives reduced paper utilization by over 70%, thanks to nearly 700 volunteers who safeguarded every detail with their professionalism and enthusiasm. They made the future's commitment to sustainability and collaboration visible at this moment. In the closing speech, S-Tron China's founder and president Sean Song said: "Innovation is an ongoing collaborative process. S-Tron will always be dedicated to connecting global innovative forces and helping make dreams come true." He announced: S-Tron Shanghai 2026 will commence again on September 22, 2026. The tenth anniversary marks the conclusion of one journey and the prelude to another. "Ignite the future" is not just the theme of S-Tron Shanghai 2025, but a declaration for the next decade. The story of the future begins right now. About us S-Tron China is a global entrepreneurship community which was upgraded from Slush China in 2022. Since 2015, Slush China has successfully held more than 10 international innovation conferences in some big cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Yangzhou, Xiamen, attracting 35,000+ professionals, 3,000+ volunteers, 4,000+ startups and 500+ speakers from home and abroad, and successfully matching 2,000+ technology projects with investment institutions and large enterprises. Nowadays, S-Tron China is committed to serving the complete ecosystem of top local and overseas high-tech talent, startups, investors, large corporations and media, helping and nurturing entrepreneurs who dare to change the future, and providing a platform for efficient communication and resource sharing for entrepreneurs. For more information and to register for S-Tron Shanghai 2026 visit www.s-union.cn/ SOURCE S-tron BOONTON, N.J., Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Millea Bros. is pleased to announce Apfelicious! The Iris Apfel Sale: a special three-day single-owner auction celebrating the life and legacy of Iris Apfel, the style icon, tastemaker, and fashion-world firecracker. Scheduled for October 1517, 2025, the sale features the remaining contents of Iris's two New York City apartments, her Palm Beach residence, and several personal storage units. This final offering provides the most immersive glimpse yet into Iris's world. With over 1,100 lots, the collection invites viewers to see the world not just as Iris did, but through Iristhrough her signature glasses, her sense of humor, her deep love of global design, and her unapologetically expressive approach to life. Millea Bros. announces Apfelicious! The Iris Apfel Sale: a three-day single-owner auction, October 15th - 17th. Post this "You have to know yourself before you can find your own style," Iris once said. The objects in this sale reflect that philosophy with flair: a joyful, Apfelicious mix of color, texture, pattern, and personality. From tribal jewelry to French fauteuils, from leopard-print throws to Pop Art accessories, from witty objects to worldly textiles, the offerings capture the spirit of a woman who never played by the rules and never blended in. Importantly, this is a sale designed to be lived with. Most items carry modest estimates and are refreshingly accessible, offering something for seasoned collectors and curious first-timers alike. It's not just an estate auctionit's a celebration of a life well and colorfully lived, and a chance to carry that vision home. Auction Dates: October 1517, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM ET each day. Preview Hours at the Millea Bros. Gallery 607 Myrtle Avenue, Boonton, New Jersey October 14: 11 AM 7 PM October 15: 11 AM 5 PM October 16: 9 AM 5 PM October 17: 9 AM 5 PM October 18: 9 AM 10 AM Live gallery, phone, and online bidding are available. At Millea Bros, the signature livestream production is more than just functionalthe brothers make it fun. Online bidders can "tune in" from wherever they are, see the bidding unfold, feel the energy, and experience the sale as though they're there. View the full catalog, join the livestream, get directions, or learn more, at their online estate auction website at milleabros.com or call 9733771500. Contact: Mark Millea Phone: 973.377.1500 Email:[email protected] SOURCE Millea Bros U.S. launch kicks off October 2025 with exclusive in-store giraffe build on October 18, plus weekly online build challenges and a month-long sweepstakes NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Toys"R"Us, the world's leading toy retailer, is officially bringing back Bricktober, the fan-favorite Toys"R"Us x the LEGO Group celebration of building and creativity. The exclusive program returns in the United States this October, with a global expansion planned for 2026. Toys"R"Us Bricktober 2025 ToysRUs Brings Back Bricktober With The LEGO Group On Saturday, October 18, participating Toys"R"Us stores across the U.S. will host an exclusive LEGO giraffe mini build event for customers (while supplies last). Throughout the month, customers can also join weekly online Bricktober Build Challenges for chances to win themed LEGO sets culminating in a grand-prize sweepstakes on Instagram. "Bricktober is backfirst in the USA and soon around the world!" said Kim Miller Olko, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Toys"R"Us. "For years, fans have loved this celebration of creativity, and together with the LEGO Group, we're bringing it to Toys"R"Us kids of all ages. This incredible partnership is one important step towards exciting, modern activations coming to Toys"R"Us as our brand continues to grow worldwide." Here's how to participate: Bricktober Sweepstakes (Runs Oct. 1 Oct.31 on Instagram) Follow @toysrus, like the official sweepstakes post, tag a friend you love to build with in the comments, and share the post to your Story tagging @toysrus for an extra entry. The grand prize winner will receive a $1,000 curated LEGO prize pack. Weekly Online Build Challenges (Sundays in October) Every Sunday, @toysrus will reveal a new build theme (with a clue for the next week). To enter: post your build on your Instagram Story, tag @toysrus and @lego, and include #BricktoberBuild and #Sweepstakes. Five winners will be randomly selected each week and announced the following Saturday. Each Weekly Challenge entry also counts toward the grand prize sweepstakes. In-Store Build Day (Saturday, Oct. 18) Pick up your exclusive LEGO giraffe mini build at participating U.S. Toys"R"Us stores, including flagship locations at American Dream, Mall of America, Chicago Premium Outlets, San Marcos Tanger Outlets, and select Toys"R"Us at Macy's and NEXCOM stores while supplies last. Check your local store's details and timing at www.toysrus.com/bricktober. No purchase necessary. Official rules and Bricktober details are available at www.toysrus.com/bricktober. About Toys"R"Us Toys"R"Us is a global leader in the toy category celebrating the joys of childhood and play with kids of all ages for more than 70 years. Geoffrey the Giraffe, the beloved mascot of Toys"R"Us, is adored by millions of kids and their families around the world. The brand generates more than USD$2 billion in global retail sales annually through 1,500+ stores and e-commerce businesses in 35 countries. Toys"R"Us is owned by WHP Global, a leading brand management firm with a portfolio of consumer brands that generate over USD$7 billion in retail sales. Visit: www.toysrus.com. About The LEGO Group The LEGO Group's mission is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through the power of play. The LEGO System in Play, with its foundation in LEGO bricks, allows children and fans to build and rebuild anything they can imagine. The LEGO Group was founded in Billund, Denmark in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, its name derived from the two Danish words LEg GOdt, which mean "Play Well". Today, the LEGO Group remains a family-owned company headquartered in Billund. Its products are now sold in more than 120 countries worldwide. For more information: www.LEGO.com Media Contact: Toys"R"Us Jaime Cassavechia [email protected] (212) 518-4771 SOURCE Toys"R"Us LUSAKA, Zambia, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 4th African Business and Human Rights Forum (ABRH) concluded today in Lusaka, Zambia, bringing together more than 600 participants, including business leaders, governments, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, national human rights institutions and international partners, to advance the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) across Africa. The Forum, held from 7 to 9 October under the theme "From Commitment to Action: Advancing Remedy, Reparations and Responsible Business Conduct in Africa," was co-organized by several partners, including the African Union, the UN Global Compact, UNDP, the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, UN Human Rights (OHCHR), the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) and UNICEF. This year's Forum aligned with the African Union theme, "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations." Participants focused on concrete steps to strengthen remedy and reparations frameworks and to promote responsible business conduct in the context of Africa's evolving economic and regulatory landscape. The Forum has become a critical platform for moving from policy to practice, accelerating implementation, and highlighting regional solutions to ensure that businesses in Africa uphold human rights while contributing to inclusive and sustainable development. Over three days, the Forum featured high-level panels, roundtables and clinics, alongside a dedicated UN Global Compact Networking Event. These sessions provided space for governments, businesses and rights holders to exchange experiences, showcase innovations and build partnerships to translate high-level commitments into tangible action. Discussions centred on four priority areas: Strengthening access to remedy for victims of business-related human rights and environmental harms through improved policy frameworks, stronger judicial capacity and more effective grievance mechanisms; Advancing reparations by emphasizing the shared responsibility of states and businesses to address historical and ongoing injustices; Promoting responsible business conduct by embedding human rights due diligence across operations and aligning with regional frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the draft AU Business and Human Rights Policy; and Enhancing transparency and accountability through digital tools, improved reporting and collective monitoring of commitments. Speaking at the opening of the Forum, Herve Lado, Africa Head of the UN Global Compact, underscored the urgent need for businesses to embed human rights into their operations and lead by example. "The theme of this year is a call to action for effective remedy, an invitation to go beyond protect and respect. As we develop our new global strategy 2026-2030, we want to equip more businesses in Africa by 2030 with knowledge, expertise and more ambition in upholding the Ten Principles and implementing adequate and effective remedies where their activities have caused adverse impacts. How companies respect human rights and implement remedies is central to building resilient and inclusive economies," Lado said. Issaka Garba Abdou, Head of Division for Governance and Human Rights, Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security at the African Union Commission, speaking at the Forum, emphasized the importance of Africa-driven approaches to business and human rights. "Our human rights approach derives from the AU Charter of 1981, and we promote a business and human rights approach that is rooted in African cultures and realities, with homegrown solutions. An African Guidance on Business and Human Rights has been drafted by the AU Commission and is currently under review," Abdou said. The Lusaka Forum builds on earlier editions hosted in Ghana, Ethiopia and Kenya, and included a one year review on progress of the Nairobi Declaration 2024 , which laid the foundation for advancing business and human rights across the continent. Responsible business conduct in Africa continues to gain momentum, anchored in global and regional frameworks such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), the African Union (AU) Constitutive Act, Agenda 2063, the AU Strategic Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human and Peoples' Rights in Africa, the draft AU BHR Policy and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights Resolution on Business and Human Rights in Africa. About the UN Global Compact The ambition of the UN Global Compact is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the SDGs through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, 5 Regional Hubs, 65 Country Networks covering 85 countries and 9 Country Managers establishing Networks in 16 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative one Global Compact uniting business for a better world. For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at unglobalcompact.org. SOURCE United Nations Global Compact CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSE American: UEC) (the "Company" or "UEC") announced today that, in furtherance of its previously announced public offering (the "Offering") of 15,500,000 shares of common stock (each, a "Share") at a price of $13.15 per Share, the underwriter has exercised its option to purchase an additional 2,325,000 Shares of its common stock for additional gross proceeds of $30,573,750. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to accelerate the development of a new, state-of-the-art American uranium refining and conversion facility through its wholly owned subsidiary, United States Uranium Refining & Conversion Corp. ("UR&C"), as well as for general corporate and working capital purposes. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as the sole underwriter for the Offering. The Company has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") which became automatically effective upon filing on November 16, 2022. The Offering was made solely by means of a prospectus and a prospectus supplement that form a part of the registration statement. Copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained from Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, by telephone at 866-471-2526 or by email at [email protected]. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Uranium Energy Corp Uranium Energy Corp is America's largest and fastest growing supplier of uranium needed to produce safe, clean, reliable nuclear energy. UEC is advancing the next generation of low-cost, environmentally friendly ISR mining uranium projects in the United States and high-grade conventional projects in Canada. The Company has three ISR hub-and-spoke platforms in South Texas and Wyoming. These production platforms are anchored by licensed Central Processing Plants that will be served by a pipeline of satellite ISR projects, including seven that already have their major permits in place. In August 2024, operations were restarted and ramp-up commenced at the Christensen Ranch Project in Wyoming, sending uranium loaded resin to the Irigaray Plant (Wyoming Powder River Basin hub). Additionally, the Company has diversified uranium holdings including: (1) one of the largest physical uranium portfolios of U.S. warehoused U3O8; (2) a major equity stake in Uranium Royalty Corp., the only uranium royalty company in the sector; and (3) a Western Hemisphere pipeline of resource stage uranium projects. The Company's UR&C initiative aims at positioning UEC as the only vertically integrated U.S. uranium company with mining and processing operations and planned refining and conversion capabilities. The Company's operations are managed by professionals with decades of hands-on experience in the key facets of uranium exploration, development and mining. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as "may," "should," "could," "predict," "potential," "believe," "will likely result," "expect," "continue," "will," "anticipate," "seek," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "projection," "would," and "outlook," or the negative version of those words or other comparable words or phrases of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, beliefs and assumptions, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Accordingly, we caution you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of the future and are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. There are or will be important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements, including those more fully described in the Company's filings with the SEC, including those set forth in the registration statement for the Offering and the preliminary prospectus supplement, as filed with the SEC. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this press release, except as required by law. Stock Exchange Information: NYSE American: UEC WKN: AJDRR ISN: US916896103 SOURCE Uranium Energy Corp Strengthening the bridge between Italy and the United States, the event welcomed more than 2,200 trade professionals from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico - a 47% increase compared to 2024. Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere: "A Success for the Italian System" CHICAGO, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Italian wine market in the United States is gaining new momentum thanks to Vinitaly.USA. The event's second edition, held October 56 at Chicago's Navy Pier, closed on a high note with optimism and renewed energy among producers, importers, and distributors after several challenging months for the industry. Vinitaly.USA 2025 A total of 250 exhibiting companies - up 20% from 2024 and representing roughly 2,000 labels - shared a common sentiment: tariff issues no longer dominate discussions. Instead, importers and distributors from across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico expressed greater confidence, engaging in concrete sales talks, tastings, and planning for new projects. The event's diverse program - including the wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum, sessions by the ITA - Italian Trade Agency, and Vinitaly Tourism (Veronafiere's new initiative to promote wine tourism in Italy) - explored strategies to strengthen Italy's position in its top export market, valued at 1.9 billion. Despite recent trade policy shifts, the sector is clearly entering a new phase of transformation. A key topic was how to engage Millennials and Gen Z consumers. These digital natives live online, value authenticity over price, and are drawn to brands that reflect their lifestyle. White wines - especially Prosecco - are thriving among these younger audiences, pairing well with diverse cuisines such as Mexican and Japanese. As participants emphasized, visibility is essential: if a wine brand isn't active online or in the right digital spaces, it doesn't exist for these consumers. Storytelling, digital engagement, and the promotion of Italy's wealth of native grape varietiesunique in the worldoffer powerful opportunities for Italian wines in the U.S. Equally important are unified strategies in marketing, communication, and distribution to capture both short- and long-term growth potential. Organized by VeronafiereVinitaly in collaboration with the ITAItalian Trade Agency, Fiere Italiane, and the Italian American Chamber of Commerce MidwestChicago, Vinitaly.USA 2025 surpassed expectations. "Vinitaly.USA responded with determination and vision to a year of uncertainty," said Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere. "The 47% increase in trade professionals - over 2,200 attendees - marks a true success for the Italian system, underscored by the presence of Italy's Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, ITA President Matteo Zoppas, and representatives of key institutions and industry associations." Adolfo Rebughini, CEO of Veronafiere, added: "This year's success confirms Vinitaly's credibility and strength as a global benchmark for promoting Italian wine. Vinitaly.USA demonstrates the power of a system-based approach that connects institutions, businesses, and professionals to build a strong foundation for growth in the North American market. The increase in trade participation and high-quality networking underscore the project's strategic importance and potential." International media presence reinforced Vinitaly's global standing, with Wine Spectator, Decanter, and Wine Enthusiast all in attendance. During the event, Wine Spectator also announced its 2026 OperaWine producer list, once again highlighting North America's central role and Italy's leadership in shaping the global wine market through innovation and identity. Veronafiere's commitment to promoting one of Italy's leading agri-food sectors - wine, with exports exceeding 8 billion - continues beyond the U.S. The lead-up to Vinitaly Verona 2026 (April 1215) includes a series of international events: Tokyo, Japan (November 1718, 2025) Belgrade, Serbia (November 2225, 2025) Vinitaly @Wine Vision by Open Balkan Tirana, Albania (November 26, 2025) Bangkok, Thailand, and India (December 2025) Vinitaly Preview The 2026 international calendar will open with Vinitaly Roadshow India (Mumbai and Goa, January 1618, 2026), followed by Warsaw, Poland (late January 2026) and Oslo, Norway (February 2026). The focus returns to Asia in March with Vinitaly China Chengdu (March 2225, 2026), leading up to the 58th edition of Vinitaly in Verona (April 1215, 2026). Media contact: Carlotta Ribolini [email protected] SOURCE Vinitaly.USA BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vulcan Materials Company (NYSE: VMC) will host its third quarter 2025 earnings conference call on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. CT (10:00 a.m. ET). Financial results will be released before the NYSE market opens. The Company invites investors and other interested parties to listen to the live webcast of the conference call at www.vulcanmaterials.com. To participate by phone, call 800-343-4849 approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled start. For international calls, the number is 203-518-9848. The conference ID is 5104670. A replay of the webcast will be available after the call at the Company's website. Vulcan Materials Company, a member of the S&P 500 index with headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama, is the nation's largest supplier of construction aggregates primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel and a major producer of aggregates-based construction materials, including asphalt and ready-mixed concrete. For additional information about Vulcan, go to www.vulcanmaterials.com. Investor Contact: Mark Warren (205) 298-3220 Media Contact: Jack Bonnikson (205) 298-3220 SOURCE Vulcan Materials Company PITTSBURGH, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) will hold its third quarter 2025 earnings conference call on Thursday, October 30 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Dial-in details are below. The live audio webcast of the earnings presentation can be accessed at https://investors.wesco.com where related materials will be posted prior to the presentation, and a replay of the webcast will be available. Third Quarter Earnings Call Dial-In Access Live Access North America Toll Free: 1-877-443-5356 International: 1-412-902-6614 Please ask to join the "Wesco" call Replay Access A recording will be available until November 6, 2025. U.S. Toll Free: 1-877-344-7529 Canada Toll Free: 855-669-9658 International Toll: 1-412-317-0088 Replay Access Code: 4265988 About Wesco Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500 company with approximately $22 billion in annual sales in 2024 and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry's premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, educational institutions, government agencies, technology companies, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates more than 700 sites, including distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and sales offices in approximately 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations. Contact Information: Investor Relations Scott Gaffner Senior Vice President, Investor Relations [email protected] Corporate Communications Jennifer Sniderman Vice President, Corporate Communications [email protected] SOURCE Wesco International OSLO, Norway, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kyoto Group today inaugurated its second European Heatcube, the world's largest industrial thermal energy storage system, at KALL Ingredients corn processing facility in Tiszapuspoki, Hungary, marking a major step in industrial decarbonization. The 56 MWh Heatcube will provide more than 30 GWh of clean process heat annually, replacing natural gas and reducing up to 8,000 tons of CO emissions annually. "This is a huge step forward for Kyoto Group and for clean low-cost industrial heat. Through our Heat-as-a-Service model, we provide KALL Ingredients with affordable, reliable, and emission-free steamwhile enhancing grid flexibility in Hungary," said Morten Bulow, CEO of Kyoto Group. The KALL facility is one of the newest corn processing plants in Europe. It can process up to 530,000 tons of corn per year, to produce starches for food, paper and industrial products, alcohol for pharmaceutical and food industries, sweeteners for the food industry and ingredients for animal feed. "Sustainability is central to our operations. Kyoto's Heatcube offers a stable and cost-effective supply of clean process heat, helping us reduce energy costs and move towards full reliance on renewable energy," said Maarten Welten, Managing director of KALL Ingredients. Innovative Heat-as-a-Service model The KALL installation was made possible through a strategic partnership with Kyotherm (majority investor), Energiaborze (energy trading partner and minority investor), and Kyoto Group (technology provider), operating under a 15-year Heat-as-a-Service agreement via a Hungarian single-purpose vehicle (SPV). "Thermal storage solutions like Heatcube show how industry can decarbonize while adding value to the power system. The excess of intermittent renewable energy will be massive and will shape the energy landscape of the coming decade. We are proud to invest in this landmark project," said Arnaud Susplugas, CEO of Kyotherm. Increased flexibility The Heatcube at KALL Ingredients will operate as an asset in the flexibility markets and utilize intermittent renewable energy whenever available, while supplying steam for industrial production. "As renewables expand in Hungary, flexible storage is essential. With Heatcube we can act on reserve markets and reduce costs for industry," said Andras Vinkovits, Chairman of Energiaborze. Thermal Energy Day sets the stage for Inauguration The inauguration ceremony follows Thermal Energy Day, which Kyoto Group hosted yesterday in Budapest, Hungary, where thought leaders and leading companies such as Jan Rosenow, McKinsey & Company, Aurora Energy Research, BASF, and others discussed the future of industrial heat. The on-demand version can be watched here. The technology Kyoto's Heatcube is a modular thermal energy storage system that provides industrial customers with low-cost, renewable-based heat while reducing CO emissions. Using intermittent renewable energy to heat molten salt to over 400C, Heatcube stores from 39 MWh to 104 MWh and delivers up to 14 MW of discharge power. The stored energy is released as high-temperature steam for industrial production processes. For more information, contact: Head of Marketing & Communications Lelagh Trewhella [email protected] +47 911 89 050 About Kyoto Group Kyoto Group is a leading thermal battery company committed to decarbonizing industrial heat with its innovative solution, Heatcube. Industrial heat production is responsible for 40% of global carbon emissions primarily driven by fossil fuels but this often-overlooked emitter can be decarbonized today with Heatcube. Heatcube provides a sustainable, cost-effective, plug-and-play solution that efficiently captures and stores renewable energy, converting it into electricity-powered heat to generate steam for industrial applications. Kyoto Group is on a mission to empower industries with renewable thermal energy, paving the way for a world powered by nature. Founded in 2016, Kyoto Group has offices in Oslo, Norway, and Seville, Spain, and operates through subsidiaries in Denmark. Our principal owner, Glentra, a leading Danish energy fund, drives the green transition through innovative decarbonization and energy efficiency technologies. Visit us at www.kyotogroup.no and follow us on LinkedIn. About KALL Ingredients Kft KALL Ingredients Kft. is a Hungarian-owned company and one of the newest corn processing plants in Europe based on a 145 million greenfield investment. KALL processes up to 530 000 tons of NON-GMO corn per year, providing high quality products to more than 200 customers. Their liquid sugars, pharmaceutical and food grade alcohols and animal feeds are continuously sold in more than 25 countries. Due to the modern technology of the plant, KALL processes the corn without producing waste. https://kallingredients.hu/ About Kyotherm Kyotherm is a European Energy-as-a-Service investment company and energy producer investing worldwide dedicated to renewable heating and energy efficiency projects, with varied technologies including solar thermal, biomass, geothermal, storage and waste heat energy as well as district heating networks and installations allowing reduced energy consumption. It has financed, owns, manages, or has committed to fund a total of 60 projects, representing an aggregate capacity of 270 MW and a production of about 1 TWh per year in savings or renewable energy. The company is headquartered in Paris, France, and is present in 13 countries. More information on www.kyotherm.com About Energiaborze Kft. Energiaborze is a Hungarian aggregator and energy trading company who has developed and owns its innovative production control and trading solution. Energiaborze supports the boom of renewables with their integration into the Hungarian electricity system by their aFRR regulation. The portfolio covers own and partner conventional cogen-, PV-, and biogas power plants, waste incinerators, batteries, as well as heat storages. www.energiaborze.hu This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/kyoto-group-as/r/world-s-largest-thermal-energy-storage-unit-inaugurated-by-kyoto-group-at-kall-ingredients-in-hungar,c4246812 The following files are available for download: If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Googles AI Mode launches in Australia today, handling complex questions traditional search couldnt tackle Whats happening: Google has launched AI Mode in Australia, enabling users to ask complex, multi-layered questions and receive comprehensive AI-powered responses. The feature, powered by advanced Gemini models, breaks questions into subtopics and searches multiple queries simultaneously, with early testers already asking questions three times longer than traditional searches. Why this matters: This represents a fundamental shift in how Australian businesses and consumers access information online. The technology could impact how companies approach SEO, content creation, and digital marketing, while potentially changing consumer research behaviours for everything from travel planning to product comparisons. Google has rolled out its AI Mode search experience to Australian users today, marking a significant evolution in how people can interact with the search engine that processes billions of queries daily. The feature, which Google describes as its most powerful AI search experience yet, arrives in Australia following initial testing in the United States earlier this year. Using a custom version of Googles advanced Gemini models, the technology enables users to pose longer, more complex questions that would have previously required multiple separate searches. Complex questions welcome According to Google, early testers are already asking queries nearly three times the length of traditional searches, indicating the technology is resonating with users who have more intricate information needs. The system employs what Google calls a query fan-out technique, which breaks questions into subtopics and issues multiple queries simultaneously. For instance, users can now ask detailed questions such as: Create a walkable itinerary for my friends and I in Melbourne this Saturday. We want to cafe hop at some lesser known specialty coffee shops, visit art galleries, and see local street art. They can then follow up with additional queries like: What are some local food spots that we can get along the way for lunch and dinner? Multimodal capabilities The AI Mode isnt limited to text-based queries. Google has designed the system to be multimodal, allowing users to interact through text, voice, or images. Users can snap photos, upload images, or use voice commands to ask questions, expanding the ways people can search for information. This multimodal approach particularly benefits scenarios where visual context matters, such as identifying items on a restaurant menu or understanding product specifications from packaging. Google emphasises that helping people discover content from across the web remains central to its mission. The company states that AI Mode shows prominent links for people to click on and aims to connect users with relevant web content in various formats. With AI Overviews, were seeing that people have been visiting a greater diversity of websites for help with more complex questions, Google noted in its announcement. The company also reports that clicks from search result pages with AI Overviews are higher quality for websites, with users spending more time on the sites they visit. Quality commitments The technology integrates with Googles existing information systems, including the Knowledge Graph and shopping data for what the company describes as billions of products. This integration aims to provide fresh, real-time information alongside AI-generated responses. Google acknowledges the experimental nature of the technology, stating: As with any early-stage AI product, we wont always get it right, but we are committed to continuous improvement. The system is designed to show traditional web search results when it lacks high confidence in an AI-powered response. The rollout comes as businesses globally grapple with the integration of AI technologies into their operations, with many Australian companies exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency. For Australian businesses, the arrival of AI Mode could signal changes in how consumers research products, compare services, and make purchasing decisions. The ability to ask more nuanced questions and receive comprehensive answers may influence everything from marketing strategies to customer service approaches. The launch positions Google alongside other tech giants racing to integrate advanced AI capabilities into consumer-facing products, as the search giant continues to evolve its core product for an AI-driven future. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), chaired a welcome ceremony in Pyongyang for Vietnam's Party General Secretary To Lam on Oct. 9 morning. A 21-gun salute was fired in honor of General Secretary To Lam and the Vietnamese delegation who are in North Korea for a state visit. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hosts a welcome ceremony for Vietnam's Party General Secretary To Lam in Pyongyang, Oct. 9, 2025. Photo by VOV North Korea was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 1950. The traditional friendship between the two countries has been nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kim Il Sung, and generations of leaders of both nations. North Korea assisted Vietnam during the latters struggle for national liberation while Vietnam has supported the North Korea during trying times. General Secretary To Lams state visit to North Korea takes place as the two countries are celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and the Friendship Year 2025, reflecting the importance that the two Parties and States attach to the long-standing ties between the nations. It also demonstrates Vietnams consistent foreign policy of treasuring relations with traditional friends. Party General Secretary To Lam is welcomed at Pyongyang International Airport on Oct. 9, 2025. Photo by VNA The visit is an occasion for the top leaders of the two Parties and two countries to discuss and agree on strategic orientations to inherit and promote the traditional friendship between the two Parties and two countries, and strengthen bilateral cooperation in the new period in accordance with relevant international regulations. The Czech Republic is preparing to significantly bolster Ukraine's armored capabilities with a new batch of modernized T-72 tanks. According to Radio Prague International, the Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces, Karel Rehka, will recommend that the government provide Ukraine with 30 upgraded T-72M4CZ tanks free of charge. The vehicles are currently undergoing final repairs at the state-owned defense enterprise VOP CZ. This potential transfer continues Prague's active support for Ukraine, which began with the early supply of Soviet-origin tanks in 2022. However, unlike the older models previously sent, the T-72M4CZ tank is a deeply modernized variant featuring major improvements in mobility, protection, and situational awareness, making it one of the most advanced versions of the T-72 family in Europe. Upgraded T-72M4CZ tank / Photo credit: Armada CR At the heart of the modernization is British Perkins CV12 engine, delivering 1,000 horsepower and dramatically improving the tank's power-to-weight ratio. This engine, also used in some Challenger tank variants, enables the Czech T-72M4CZ tank to maneuver more effectively on the battlefield, even under the demanding conditions of Ukraine's varied terrain. Protection systems have also been upgraded to meet modern threats. The tanks are fitted with the DYNA-72 explosive reactive armor, capable of countering shaped-charge and tandem warheads, significantly enhancing crew survivability against anti-tank guided missiles and RPGs. Another key enhancement is the TRALL electronic countermeasure system, a joint Czech-Israeli development designed to protect against magnetic and proximity-triggered mines. This system represents an important technological leap in battlefield survivability, as mine warfare remains a persistent danger along the front lines in the east and south of Ukraine. The possible donation of these tanks comes at a critical time when Ukraine continues to seek modern armored vehicles to maintain its defensive and offensive capabilities. With Western deliveries of heavy equipment slowing and russian forces attempting to regain initiative, such contributions could help sustain Ukraine's ability to maneuver and respond effectively. If approved by the Czech government, the transfer of 30 T-72M4CZ tanks would not only reinforce Ukraine's armored units but also symbolize another act of European solidarity. People see off crew members of the Chinese Navy hospital ship "Silk Road Ark" at Suva Port in Suva, Fiji, Oct. 8, 2025. The Chinese Navy hospital ship "Silk Road Ark," which is on "Mission Harmony-2025," successfully completed a seven-day friendly visit and humanitarian medical service to Fiji and set off for Tonga on Wednesday. (Photo by Cui Xiaoyang/Xinhua) SUVA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Navy hospital ship "Silk Road Ark," which is on "Mission Harmony-2025," successfully completed a seven-day friendly visit and humanitarian medical service to Fiji and set off for Tonga on Wednesday. During its stay in Fiji, the hospital ship provided medical treatment for 3,330 person-times, performed 426 surgeries of various types, and carried out 2,531 auxiliary examinations and tests. Fiji's Minister for Defense and Veterans Affairs Pio Tikoduadua said that the "Silk Road Ark" has delivered tangible benefits to the Fijian community, representing a welcome symbol of care, service, and goodwill. Before the hospital ship set sail, it conducted a joint maritime search and rescue drill with the Fiji Navy in the waters near Fiji, focusing on subjects such as maritime transfer and maritime treatment. After the drill, the "Silk Road Ark" left for Tonga. This is the third time that a Chinese naval hospital ship carried out the "Mission Harmony" in Fiji. It is also the first time that the Chinese and Fiji navies have conducted a joint search and rescue drill. The Chinese Navy hospital ship "Silk Road Ark" conducts a joint maritime search and rescue drill with the Fiji Navy in the waters near Fiji, Oct. 8, 2025. The Chinese Navy hospital ship "Silk Road Ark," which is on "Mission Harmony-2025," successfully completed a seven-day friendly visit and humanitarian medical service to Fiji and set off for Tonga on Wednesday. (Photo by Wang Junchuan/Xinhua) The Chinese Navy hospital ship "Silk Road Ark" leaves Suva Port in Suva, Fiji, Oct. 8, 2025. The Chinese Navy hospital ship "Silk Road Ark," which is on "Mission Harmony-2025," successfully completed a seven-day friendly visit and humanitarian medical service to Fiji and set off for Tonga on Wednesday. (Photo by Cui Xiaoyang/Xinhua) Chinese doctors from the Chinese Navy hospital ship "Silk Road Ark" and local doctors perform a surgery on a patient at a local hospital in Suva, Fiji, Oct. 6, 2025. The Chinese Navy hospital ship "Silk Road Ark," which is on "Mission Harmony-2025," successfully completed a seven-day friendly visit and humanitarian medical service to Fiji and set off for Tonga on Wednesday. (Photo by Cui Xiaoyang/Xinhua) Editor: GSY With the announcement of Baker & Taylors imminent closure, different parts of the publishing ecosystem are moving as fast as they can to adjust to a world without the countrys largest library wholesaler. While wholesalers Ingram Content Group and Bookazine are ramping up their operations to take over parts of B&Ts business, librarians are scrambling to find new wholesaling partners. The swift collapse of B&T did not come as a complete surprise to librarians, who had been experiencing a growing number of issues with the company. Those problems were compounded when, as part of the agreement with ReaderLink, B&T canceled orders with publishers to prepare for a new ordering system with ReaderLink that never came. Lesley Caldwell, collections and technical services manager at Tacoma Public Library, told PW that while there were many aspects of B&T she liked, the companys delays had become a problem, with items that used to take two weeks taking as long as 16 weeks, including must-have frontlist titles. Caldwell said TPL already had cancelled about 7% of its orders from B&T, and once we heard that the ReaderLink deal was happening, we moved all of our future run of orders to Ingram." Kate Sellers, technical and collection services manager at Seattle Public Library, had much the same B&T experience as her Tacoma colleague. In 2025, we have ordered 5,500 items from Baker & Taylor, Sellers said. At the time the ReaderLink deal was announced, we had 90 orders covering about 500 copies that we had to cancel, and we shifted some future planned orders as well. Almost 500 copies are still back-ordered. SPL had been somewhat shielded from the full impact of B&Ts problems, Sellers said, because Ingram is its primary vendor. But B&T was the primary vendor for TPL. Our team loved the user interface, and often used B&T carts to organize all their purchaseseven those ultimately ordered through other vendorsbecause the functionality was so efficient, Caldwell said. With B&T closing, TPL has decisions to make. We like Ingram, but we dont want to have one monopolized vendor, said Caldwell. Folks are exploring Brodart, and weve heard that Amazon has made visits to more than one Puget Sound library in the hopes of becoming a library materials vendor. She said that Amazon so far hasnt visited Tacoma, so I havent heard the sales pitch." Christopher Platt, a former B&T employee and now director of libraries at Santa Cruz Public Libraries in California, said B&Ts Customized Library Services has defined many libraries' workflows over the last couple of decades, allowing titles to arrive catalogued and processed according to local specifications. Even with some top-notch services, Platt said, service interruptions and prolonged delays such as those that plagued B&T are disruptive. Platt pointed out that since B&T had set the standard in such things as providing shelf-ready cataloging and processing, the process of setting up accounts with another vendor can be lengthy and complex. Alternative avenues The reports of Amazon representatives pitching services to libraries in the Northwest was not an aberration. In late June, Amazon Business quietly published a blog post introducing the launch of Amazon Business Books for Libraries. The companys approach to the library market is that since many libraries already use Amazon to buy a range of goods and service, it has now developed the capabilities to allow libraries to buy books. To that end, Amazon Business has created a dedicated Library Hub, which offers libraries a way to source new, upcoming titles and manage MARC record downloads in one place. And in true Amazon fashion, the company will offer discounts on selected new titles ranging from 30%-40% off of list price. Given the complicated nature of library wholesaling and its existing position in the market, Ingram is well positioned to pick up a sizable chunk of B&Ts business. Carolyn Morris, VP of Ingram Library Services, noted that most large library systems already have at least one account with Ingram and that many libraries have increased the volume they do with Ingram since the pandemic. The company also has seen a steady increase in business with smaller libraries in recent years, and saw an uptick in orders ever since the collapse of the B&T-ReaderLink deal. Morris said Ingram has plenty of inventory on handsome 19 million titlesto meet any increase in demand. To meet the expected increase in volume, Morris said, Ingram is rolling out its new cataloging and processing system this month, which will enable it to onboard new shelf-ready customers more quickly. And the company, Morris added, is hiring across the organization to make sure that we can effectively meet the needs of our library customers. The company expects to add as many as 50 new positions to its library business. Ingram has long had many library services in place, including collection development options, ordering tools, cataloging and processing capabilities, and training and resource services. Bookazine, the 100-year-old book wholesaler based in New Jersey, saw an immediate spike in interest from the school, academic, and library markets following the news of B&Ts closing, said Richard Kallman, co-owner and COO of the company. In the past several days, Bookazine has worked with over 100 new accounts to fill this gap and serve this market Kallman said, noting that over its history, Bookazine has worked with many library systems providing librarians with access to millions of titles. The company is now adding more resources of its own in an effort to provide options to libraries seeking a reliable wholesaler to help meet their patrons needs. Bookazine has already started to expand sales representation to the library channel and will be actively upgrading processes to better meet the library community's requirements. The additional measures will complement Bookazines existing services, which include access to its title base via its website and customer service support options, Kallman said. With today's library needs, which now include fast delivery of popular titles, pre-ordering, rapid receipt of new releases, and access to deep backlist titles, Bookazine stands ready to serve this important channel and is excited to provide an alternative to librarians across the country, Kallman said. This aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 5, 2025 shows the moon at Hongcun Village of Yixian County, Huangshan City, east China's Anhui Province. Yixian County is noted for its "lantern gala," an important folk event held during traditional festivals. (Photo by Wang Cheng/Xinhua) This aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 5, 2025 shows people taking part in a lantern parade at Hongcun Village of Yixian County, Huangshan City, east China's Anhui Province. Yixian County is noted for its "lantern gala," an important folk event held during traditional festivals. (Photo by Shi Yalei/Xinhua) This aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 5, 2025 shows people taking part in a lantern parade at Hongcun Village of Yixian County, Huangshan City, east China's Anhui Province. Yixian County is noted for its "lantern gala," an important folk event held during traditional festivals. (Photo by Shi Yalei/Xinhua) This aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 5, 2025 shows people taking part in a lantern parade at Hongcun Village of Yixian County, Huangshan City, east China's Anhui Province. Yixian County is noted for its "lantern gala," an important folk event held during traditional festivals. (Photo by Shi Yalei/Xinhua) Tourists make festive lanterns at Hongcun Village of Yixian County, Huangshan City, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 5, 2025. Yixian County is noted for its "lantern gala," an important folk event held during traditional festivals. (Photo by Fan Chengzhu/Xinhua) Editor: WSH From the 2nd to the 5th of October, Great Central Railway held its Autumn Steam Gala. Featuring eight fantastic locomotives, including three guests, the gala was a huge success, even if the weather was a bit of a letdown. The visiting locomotives included LMS Mogul 13268, Jubilee class 45596 Bahamas, and Coal Tank 1054, which joined the home fleet in an intensive timetable over the four days. 73156 on the Great Central Railway // Credit: Clive Hanley Crowds lined up to enjoy the locomotives in action. For those who missed this gala and want to see 45596 Bahamas and LMS Mogul 13268 in action on the line, they can do so on the 11th and 12th of October. Bahamas is due for an overhaul, so this will be the last time it will haul a passenger service before withdrawal. Further information on this can be found here. In a world where suppressors have become commonplace and reduced backpressure designs are the rage, its uncommon to see something novel. Noveske Rifleworks clearly understands this and, with the introduction of their Amigo suppressor, has achieved something unusual in the space: a unique design. Melding the latest in DMLS 3D additive manufacturing with modern materials, they have effectively given new life to what is a decades-old device, manufactured in the tens of thousands. Noveske is a name known far and wide in the firearms world. When John Johnny Noveske founded the company twenty-four years ago, he set out on a mission to create a true hard-use platform. Pioneering designs around the now-standard 300 Blackout cartridge and focusing on US-made barrels that were incredibly accurate, that ethos lives on to this day. Silencer Shop $800 Even then, Noveske understood that the AR platform wasnt just a conglomeration of parts. It was a system that, if assembled correctly with the tolerances to match, you could produce a rifle that stood out from its peers in all the right ways. One of those devices created is the KX3, affectionately known as the Flaming Pig. With the original engraving still present on this device, its a blast deflector utilizing a forcing cone much like the four-piece flash hider found on models of the AK74. This device has been in circulation for decades and can be seen in movies, such as The Avengers, as well as in numerous other examples of media. With so many KX3s out there, what makes the Amigo suppressor special is that it chose to utilize such a prolific device as its mounting system. To clarify, the Amigo was designed to be part of a system. Noveske envisioned and is specific that it be utilized on barrel lengths greater than 13.7 and is built for their N4 Infidel in that barrel length. If you purchase the N4 Infidel 13.7, youll receive the rifle with the KX3 pinned and welded. Purchased separately, your Amigo suppressor and the two tools needed for disassembly and mounting will be included in the suppressor box. Noveske has provided a good tutorial on how to disassemble the KX3 to mount the Amigo, which requires only a small number of tools. That video will be your best friend and prevent some potential frustration. One minor hiccup you may encounter is that the provided tool to hold the base of the KX3 is designed to be tight. And the weld on the pin might not fit perfectly. Fear not, a few taps on the top of the KX3 flats will help seat it properly. When Noveske recommends using a wrench to loosen the cone in the KX3, take their word for it. The cone is seated soundly, and youll want a vice as well to do the job right. After properly disassembling the KX3, its as simple as screwing in the Amigo with a good hand-tight snug, and youre off to the range. For testing, a Noveske N4 Infidel 13.7 was utilized along with fifteen hundred rounds of Scorpion 5.56 in 55gr and 77gr. The ammunition performed flawlessly and was remarkably accurate, even with their 55gr offering. For optics, an EOTECH EXPS3 and 3X magnifier on a UNITY riser and Arisaka Magnifier High Mount with a 3EIR Sentinel-IRV laser was used for night vision and shooting inside 300 yards. For distance, a Nightforce NX8 was used in a Badger Ordnance C1 Mount with a KOENG C1 adapter and an Aimpoint ACRO, all supported by an MDT CYKE-POD Lightweight and a Vortex Tripod mounted with a Rhytec Industries Bag Deck. An Arisaka MalkoffHTL light with their mount provided excellent white light activated by a UNITY AXON switch with a Scope Bumper Weaponlight Cover as insurance for a white-light ND. The Walker Defense Nile rail covers provided consistent purchase and heat mitigation. Lastly, a MODTAC U-RAC Suppressor Shield helped to mitigate mirage common to any suppressor, which was hugely helpful shooting out to 600 yards. For a helmet platform, a ballistic Ops-Core Fast SF Next Generation helmet, paired with their AMP headset and the Nocturn Industries Alpha Mount, provided a comfortable and reliable base. A set of crisp 1431 MKIIs, generously loaned from Twisted Innovations, paired with a Surefire Vampire light in an S&S precision mount, along with their Manta Strobe, rounded out what was an incredibly light and capable night vision setup. It was so light, in fact, at a total of 4.5 pounds, that even in its fully configured state, no counterweight was needed after hours of use. The unspoken party trick of the Amigo is the attention paid to metallurgy. One of the challenges in many suppressor designs is that the mount can be made of a single material, such as stainless steel or titanium. In contrast, the suppressor itself is made of a different material, such as Inconel or Stellite. This can lead to challenges as the various materials perform differently at higher temperatures, creating inconsistencies that lead to point of impact shift, or worse, the suppressor coming loose from the mount at an inopportune moment. Noveske thought ahead; the KX3 and Amigo are both manufactured from a nickel-based alloy, meaning they perform consistently under hard use. This alloy is known for being utilized on rocket nozzles as a testament to its durability. This was true under a firing schedule that often had the suppressor and rifle smoking hot on a regular basis. By witness marking the top of the KX3 and suppressor, a simple visual check repeatedly verified this. As a reduced backpressure design, Noveske nailed gassing on this rifle. Its not so soft that you question if it would function correctly in adverse conditions, but not so punchy that staying on target even at distance with the clock running was a concern. Its also a nice touch that the vents on the front of the suppressor are cleverly disguised in the Noveske logo. Gas to the face was nearly non-existent, even shooting left-handed from unorthodox body positions. One thing to note about the chosen metal is that it takes a while to heat up under use, but once its heat-soaked, it takes some time to cool down. For this reason, traditional suppressor covers might not be the best choice for the Amigo. The form factor of the Amigo is such that it only adds three inches to the overall length of the rifle and less than an inch in diameter compared to the KX3 itself. Adding a mere 11.7 ounces, that puts it in the category of a premium offering alongside any other top-tier suppressor in the K-can class. In a world awash with beta-testing products on the end-user, Noveske has done its homework and designed a solid suppressor that is truly unique. With a price tag of $800 from Silencer Shop exclusively, if you already own an N4 with the appropriate barrel length, you cant go wrong with suppressing it in their ecosystem. And the Amigo is just the tip of the iceberg; more is coming from Novekse to maintain the design philosophy of hard-use reliability, combining form and function. If youre interested in purchasing an Amigo, you can only find it through Silencer Shop and their stellar stamp process. A special thank you to BRVO Tactical, Tetelestai Range, and Twisted Innovations for providing range facilities for testing. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (R) and Syria's foreign affairs chief Asaad Hassan al-Shibani attend a joint press conference in Ankara, Trkiye, Oct. 8, 2025. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) ANKARA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Syria's foreign affairs chief Asaad Hassan al-Shibani on Wednesday urged the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to implement the March 10 agreement "without delay," one day after the group's leader and Syrian authorities announced a ceasefire. Al-Shibani made the remarks during his visit to Trkiye. During a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, al-Shibani called on the SDF to "commit to the March 10 agreement and make every effort to implement it." He added that the March 10 agreement "remains only ink on paper" due to the SDF's reluctance to take necessary steps. For his part, Fidan said the SDF must abandon separatist agendas, reiterating Trkiye's position regarding the matter. On Tuesday, Syria's chief of defense authorities Marhaf Abu Qasra met with SDF commander Mazloum Abdi in Damascus and agreed to an immediate ceasefire across all fronts in northern and northeastern Syria, following a day of fierce clashes between the two sides. Tensions between the SDF and Syria's authorities have been simmering for months, threatening the fragile stability that followed the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. On March 10, the Syrian interim government and the SDF reached an agreement on merging all civil and military institutions in the Kurdish-controlled region under state institutions. According to Syria's state news agency SANA, the integration involves institutions on border crossings, airports, as well as oil and gas fields. The agreement also includes provisions to guarantee the rights of all Syrians, the official recognition of the Kurdish community as an integral part of Syria, a nationwide ceasefire, and the protection for returning displaced Syrians, SANA reported. The SDF is made up predominantly of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) forces. Trkiye views the YPG as the Syrian arm of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which it designates as a terrorist group. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (R) and Syria's foreign affairs chief Asaad Hassan al-Shibani attend a joint press conference in Ankara, Trkiye, Oct. 8, 2025. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) Editor: ZAD Athens is known for its vibrant culture, diverse community and strong historical presence, a place where people thrive on creativity and innovation. Athens music scene alone is legendary, earning the nickname Live Music Capital of the South. In our current community, however, and in many others in our nation, the contributions of immigrants seem to go unacknowledged, and the focus shifts to isolated cases of crime or scapegoating. 'Lots of YouTubers and influencers use a phone that can do lots of things, but if you need to do heavy editing or proper editing, you will still come back to a proper laptop setup.' Kindly note the images have only been published for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy, ASUS ASUS, the Taiwanese computer hardware and electronics giant, aims to be the top laptop brand in India. Indian customers must regard the company as a home brand, said Arnold Su, vice-president, consumer & gaming PCs, ASUS India. Su, in a video interview with Pranjal Sharma/Business Standard, spoke about laptops, the creator economy and artificial intelligence personal computer (AI PC). You're a global company which has been in India for 20 years. How has been the journey? It's a great journey. That's why I'm here for 14 years and I also got Aadhaar card now. Before I came to India, we studied papers and we talked about GDP and GDP per capita. You look at India in a different angle but then I realised that India is not just about Mumbai and Delhi. India is about all the districts and talukas. So then we decided that our strategy should be to be accessible to people living outside metro cities. As a leader, if I sit in an office and ask my team member 'you go there and you go there', nobody will listen to me. So, I have to be there. Photograph: Kind courtesy, ASUS I believe ASUS is present in more than 400 districts. It means that you would have travelled to many of these regions. What's your learning? My first learning is that in India there are lots of IT hubs in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Everybody thinks that major business happens in those IT clusters but we realised that end customers are not from Kolkata itself. We have exclusive stores in Kolkata but when we did a survey and realised that almost 40 per cent of customers are not from Kolkata. They are from Asansol, Midnapur and Durgapur. We thought, why should customers travel 200 km just to buy a laptop? Then we opened stores in Durgapur, Midnapur, and Asansol and our customers further increased. When we were planning a product strategy, we thought for metro cities, for example in Mumbai, we should set up stores with all premium products. We thought if we go to Kolhapur or Solapur, we should lower the segment. We realised that we were wrong. When we launched a new gaming laptop and decided to deliver it personally to the customer. The first customer was from Varanasi, not Delhi or Mumbai. The product segmentation shouldn't be by city because customers are everywhere. What is your most-used product category? You're well known for gaming but you also have laptops for enterprises and professionals. Gaming is almost 40 per cent of our business in India. But by further breaking down the gaming segment, we realised that lots of customers buy gaming laptops not because they are gamers. Gaming is the biggest category but we need to categorise -- what is really the user buying the laptop for. Going forward, what we are going to do is we are going to talk to design schools. They are our biggest customers -- students come to us and say I want to buy that laptop but I don't like the look. Can you do something about it'? That's next -- we are trying to make our products more creator-oriented. Photograph: Kind courtesy, ASUS/Facebook The creator economy uses powerful mobile devices. How do such devices compete with laptops? Yes, we do see so but we also see a shift. To be honest, as an industry till 2019 -- before Covid-19, we did see a tough challenge. But after Covid we realised where our strengths are. I do agree that lots of YouTubers and influencers use a phone that can do lots of things, but if you need to do heavy editing or proper editing, you will still come back to a proper laptop setup. At this moment, we still don't see mobile immediately replacing us. We consider mobile is still a device that's more to do with content consumption and a personal computer is more like content creation. IMAGE: Arnold Su. Photograph: Courtesy, Arnold Su/Linkedin What is an AI PC? Every company wants to define it in their own way. How we look at AI PCs at this moment is how we considered the smartphone 10 years back. This is also a very big debate internally. Every company has a different definition, even within as we have another definition. We can define it into three categories: Everyday AI PC, next-level AI PC and advanced AI PC. When I bought my first smartphone 10 years ago, I used it only for phone calls and SMS. But when things changed, people said I want to own this new technology. I think it's a trend change again. I think you are sourcing more components in India as part of the Make in India campaign. How do you see that journey for the next few years? This is our third year of association with Make in India and we are continuously working with our OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). What we want to see is more key players for parts come to India. Then we will be ready with the end device. We need to source all the key parts. Do you have a target for the next three or four years for ASUS in India? Six years ago, we had just 5 or 6 per cent market share with hardly less than a thousand-crore business in India. Today, we are the number two brand and our market share is between 18 per cent to 20 per cent. We are challenging ourselves to be number one. How can we make the Indian customer really love ASUS and consider it to be a home brand? That will be our global vision. We want to bring the latest hardware and AI technology to almost every taluka in India. Yes, this is our ultimate goal. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff Electric passenger vehicle (PV) retail sales jumped more than twofold in September with Tata Motors (TaMo) leading the pack having over 6,000 registrations and a 40 per cent market share. Photograph: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff New entrant Tesla also retailed 64 vehicles in September, data from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (Fada) showed. Overall passenger EV sales rose to 15,329 units in September compared to 6,191 units a year back. TaMo sold 6,216 units in September, registering a 62 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth. Managing director (MD) Shailesh Chandra had earlier this month said its EV dispatches surged 96 per cent Y-o-Y in September to 9,191 units (domestic and exports). The companys quarterly EV sales has surged 59 per cent to nearly 25,000 units, contributing around 17 per cent of its overall sales. JSW MG Motor EV sales registered 3,912 units last month, a threefold jump compared to 1,021 units last September. Coming in the third spot, Mahindra and Mahindra sold 3,243 units against 475 in the year-before period. It was followed by BYD India with 547 units; Kia India with 506 units; Hyundai Motor India with 349 units; BMW India with 310 units and Mercedes-Benz India with 97 units. Goods and services tax (GST) 2.0 has reduced tax rates on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, thereby reducing the tax arbitrage with EVs. Top company executives said that one needs to watch the situation closely for the next two quarters at least to figure out how this ICE-EV dynamics plays out. Santosh Iyer, MD and chief executive officer (CEO), Mercedes-Benz India, told Business Standard that the gap between EVs and ICE cars has come down post GST reforms. ICE prices have come down by around ~2 lakh (for the luxury segment) and the total-cost-of-ownership argument changes with an EV at the same price point. Also ICE vehicles continue to have strong residual values. Meanwhile, two-wheeler EV sales surged 15 per cent, touching 104,220 units in September with TVS Motors leading the pack with retail sales of 22,509 units (up 23 per cent). Bajaj Auto and Ather Energy took the second and third positions with retail sales of 19,580 units and 18,141 units, respectively. Ola Electric sales slipped 46 per cent and it came at the fourth spot, selling 13,383 units. It was followed by Hero MotoCorp, which witnessed a 195 per cent increase in registrations at 12,753 units. AI means 'All Inclusive' for India, asserted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday while stressing that India Stack is a beacon of hope for the world, especially for countries in the Global South. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visit exhibition during the 6th edition of Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo Addressing Global Fintech Fest 2025, Modi said India's approach to AI is built on three key principlesEquitable Access, Population-scale Skilling, and Responsible Deployment. Affirming that India has consistently supported the creation of a global framework for ethical AI, he said that India's experience with digital public infrastructure and its learning repository can be valuable for the world. He emphasised that the path India has followed in digital public infrastructure is the same approach it seeks to advance in AI and 'For India, AI stands for All Inclusive'. Emphasising that India's strength lies not just in scale, but in integrating scale with inclusion, resilience, and sustainability, Modi highlighted the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reducing underwriting bias, detecting fraud in real time, and enhancing various services. To unlock this potential, he called for joint investment in data, skills, and governance. Observing that AI can be the driving force behind this transformation, he said, "For this, AI applications must be designed with people at the centre." He stressed that a first-time digital finance user must have confidence that errors will be swiftly resolved. This confidence, he said, will further strengthen digital inclusion and trust in financial services. The prime minister emphasised that the UK's research and global finance expertise, combined with India's scale and talent, can open new doors of opportunity for the world. He announced a renewed commitment to deepen connections between start-ups, institutions, and innovation hubs. He said that the UK-India Fintech Corridor will create opportunities to pilot and scale new start-ups, and also pave the way for enhanced cooperation between the London Stock Exchange and GIFT City and this financial integration between the two countries will help companies maximize the benefits of the free trade agreement. Pointing out that UPI alone facilitates 20 billion transactions every month, with a transaction value exceeding twenty-five lakh crore rupees, Modi emphasised that out of every 100 real-time digital transactions globally, 50 occur in India alone. The government plans to establish a fully indigenous manufacturing ecosystem with an annual production capacity of up to 6,000 tonnes. The scheme is expected to run for seven years, according to official documents. Kindly note the image has been published only for representational purposes.. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters The government is in the final stages of launching a 7,350 crore scheme to spur domestic production of sintered rare earth permanent magnets (REPMs) and cut import dependence, Business Standard has learnt. This comes months after China imposed restrictions on exports of REPMs in April, squeezing supplies to India's automobile and electronics industries. The initiative -- likely to be called the Scheme to Promote Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnet Manufacturing in India -- aims to establish a fully indigenous manufacturing ecosystem with an annual production capacity of up to 6,000 tonnes. The scheme is expected to run for seven years, according to official documents. The goal is to build a homegrown value chain spanning the conversion of NdPr (neodymium-praseodymium) oxide into sintered NdFeB (neodymium-iron-boron) magnets. These are critical to sectors such as automobile, electronics, wind energy, and defence. The REPM production includes mining, beneficiation, processing, extraction, refining to rare earth oxide, conversion to metal and alloy, and finally magnet manufacturing. The proposed scheme will incentivise facilities capable of undertaking the final three stages: Converting rare earth oxide to metal, metal to alloy, and alloy to magnet. At present, India lacks the technology and infrastructure to manage these steps. Manufacturing capacity and eligibility Under the scheme, the government will back the creation of five integrated REPM manufacturing units, each with a capacity of up to 1,200 tonnes per annum. Applicants may bid for a minimum of 600 tonnes per annum and a maximum of 1,200 tonnes per annum, in 100 tonnes per annum increments. Selected firms will be eligible for two forms of financial support -- (a) a sales-linked incentive on the sale of sintered NdFeB magnets; (b) a capital subsidy for establishing integrated NdFeB manufacturing units in India. India currently imports almost all of its REPM needs. Government estimates place domestic demand at around 4,010 tonnes a year, expected to almost double to 8,220 tonnes by 2030. While NdPr oxide prices in India broadly mirror global rates, finished REPMs are roughly 43 per cent costlier in the country than abroad. "The same indicates that apart from economies of scale, subsidies are provided by leading countries across the entire value chain of REPM manufacturing," one of the documents notes. The upcoming scheme includes a two-year gestation period for setting up facilities and beginning production. "A capital subsidy of 15 per cent on eligible investment made after April 1, 2025, shall be provided to the beneficiaries," a document states. "The capital cost of setting up the unit will be high as most of the plant and machinery needs to be imported from countries other than China at a relatively higher cost. Hence, a capital subsidy is required to offset the higher costs to be incurred by the domestic manufacturers." Between the third and seventh years, production will be gradually ramped up to achieve the target of 6,000 tonnes per annum. Bidding and selection process The ministry of heavy industries (MHI) will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) through a Global Tender Enquiry (GTE) to invite bids for five integrated sintered REPM manufacturing facilities. The process will use a transparent Least Cost System with a "two-envelope" structure -- technical and financial bids. Only those qualified in the technical round will have their financial bids opened. In the financial bid, applicants must specify the per-kilogramme sales incentive they seek, capped at 2,150 per kg of sintered NdFeB magnet, assuming an average sale price of 5,000 per kg and a 43 per cent price disability relative to international markets. "Five applicants with the lowest incentives quoted -- L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5 -- will be eligible for incentive for their allocated capacity under the scheme and shall henceforth be referred to as 'Beneficiaries'," one document states. The MHI did not respond to Business Standard's queries on the proposed scheme. Supply chain and raw material sourcing India's domestic supply of REPM raw materials remains limited. Indian Rare Earths Ltd (IREL), under the Department of Atomic Energy, currently produces around 500 tonnes of NdPr oxide annually, sufficient for roughly 1,500 tonnes of sintered REPMs. Given the target proposed under the scheme, participants will need to secure most of their NdPr oxide independently. "Thus, the IREL supplied oxide will support approximately 1,500 tonnes per annum of sintered NdFeB magnet production. The balance 4,500 tonnes per annum... will be produced from the oxides arranged by the Beneficiary under their own sourcing arrangement(s)," a document says. If each winning bidder establishes a 1,200 tonnes per annum plant, each would require around 400 tonnes per annum of NdPr oxide. Under the plan, IREL will supply 200 tonnes per annum to the L1 bidder, 167 tonnes per annum to L2, and 133 tonnes per annum to L3. The remaining quantities -- 200, 233, and 267 tonnes per annum respectively -- will need to be sourced independently by these companies. The L4 and L5 bidders will have to arrange their entire requirement of 400 tonnes per annum NdPr oxide on their own, without any supply from IREL. Implementation and oversight The MHI will oversee implementation. An inter-ministerial Scheme Monitoring Committee, chaired by the MHI Secretary, will track progress, address challenges and ensure timelines are met. The new initiative will operate independently of other government programmes. While the production-linked incentive scheme for the automobile and auto component industry already lists "rare earth magnets for motors for xEVs" among its 103 eligible Advanced Automotive Technology components, no firm has yet applied for incentives under that category -- and the application window has now closed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the India-UK free trade pact will boost MSMEs and create jobs, and exuded confidence that the target of doubling bilateral trade will be achieved ahead of 2030 deadline. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds delegation-level talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Photograph: ANI Photo Addressing a CEO forum along with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Modi said the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the UK will provide stability at a time when the world is witnessing instability. "Today, India-UK bilateral trade stands at $56 billion. "I am confident that the target of doubling it would be achieved ahead of the scheduled deadline of 2030," Modi said. Modi also said that nine UK universities will open campuses in India. In his address, Starmer asked industry leaders from India and UK to list out what the governments of both the countries could do to remove barriers stopping them from capitalising on opportunities. "We want to support you to maximize the potential in relation to this trade agreement," Starmer said, adding that there has been a 6 billion pound boost in trade and investment in the three months since the CETA was signed in July. The British leader, accompanied by a delegation of 125 of the UK's most prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs and educationists, landed in Mumbai on Wednesday morning on a two-day visit. Starmer's visit to India came two-and-half months after the two countries inked a landmark free trade pact that will increase market access, cut tariffs and is expected to result in doubling the bilateral trade by 2030. The trade deal was firmed up during PM Modi's visit to London in July. The initial public offering of LG Electronics India Ltd received 54.02 times subscription on the final day of bidding on Thursday, driven by overwhelming participation from institutional buyers. Photograph: Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters The Rs 11,607-crore IPO received bids for 3,85,33,26,672 shares against 7,13,34,320 shares on offer, according to NSE data. The portion for Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) got subscribed a huge 166.51 times, while the non-institutional investors quota received 22.44 times subscription. The category for Retail Individual Investors (RIIs) attracted 3.54 times subscription. LG Electronics India Ltd on Monday collected Rs 3,475 crore from anchor investors. The Initial Public Offer (IPO) has a price band of Rs 1,080 to Rs 1,140 per share, valuing the company around Rs 77,400 crore at the upper end. This is the second South Korean company to tap the Indian stock market, following the listing of Hyundai Motors India Ltd in October last year. The IPO is entirely an Offer For Sale (OFS) of 10.18 crore shares, representing about 15 per cent stake, by the South Korea-based parent. Since the public issue is completely an OFS, LG Electronics India will not receive any IPO proceeds. The funds raised will go to the South Korean parent. LG Electronics India is a leading player in major home appliances and consumer electronics. The company's products are sold to both B2C and B2B customers in India and abroad. It also provides installation, repair, and maintenance services for all its products. The company manufactures and sells products, including washing machines, refrigerators, LED TV panels, inverter air conditioners, and microwaves. It has manufacturing units at Noida, Uttar Pradesh and Pune, Maharashtra. LG Electronics India is expected to make its stock market debut on October 14. Axis Capital, Citigroup Global Markets India, Morgan Stanley India Company, J.P. Morgan India and BofA Securities India are the book-running lead managers to the offering. Smartphone exports for the first six months (April to September) of 202526 (FY26) surged to $13.4 billion, based on industry estimates. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: Loren Elliott/Reuters Driven by the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, this marks a 59 per cent jump over the $8.5 billion exported during the same period of the previous financial year (202425/FY25). In September alone, a threefold increase in smartphone exports to the US pushed total exports to $1.7 billion the highest monthly growth recorded so far compared to FY25.Exports last month were 87 per cent higher than the $923 million exported in September 2024. Smartphone exports to the US rose from $258 million in September last year to a record $900 million last month. The US accounted for 52.3 per cent of total smartphone exports in September. Apple has been the key growth engine, with iPhone exports touching $10 billion, accounting for more than 75 per cent of Indias total smartphone exports in the first half (H1) of FY26. According to a recent statement by the India Cellular and Electronics Association, August and September are typically among the lowest export months due to upcoming product launches and scheduled machine retrofits. Consumers worldwide also hold back purchases during this period, waiting for new models and subsequent discounts on older versions. Exports usually pick up again by mid-October. The PLI scheme designed to offset Indias cost disadvantages has been the primary driver of smartphone exports. The scheme ends for Apple in March 2026 and has already ended for Samsung in FY25. Samsungs smartphone exports fell in H1FY26 compared to the same period last year. Electronics, particularly smartphones, have been a rare bright spot for Indian exports this year, despite headwinds from the 50 per cent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. So far, select electronic products, including mobile devices, have been excluded from these tariffs pending a Section 232 investigation by the US Department of Commerce. Apples vendors continue to expand their production footprint in India, with two new iPhone assembly plants recently becoming operational. This has coincided with strong domestic sales of the new iPhone 17. However, much will depend on the outcome of USChina trade negotiations. Exports of smartphones from China to the US currently face a 20 per cent fentanyl duty, while Indian exports enter duty-free. If Washington removes this punitive duty which has prompted Apple to ramp up shipments from India to the US the company may reconsider its export strategy between the two countries. A quiet power struggle has erupted within the storied 156-year-old Tata Trusts a year after group patriarch Ratan Tata's death. All Illustrations: Dominic Xavier/Rediff Tata Trusts is the philanthropic backbone that controls two-thirds of Tata Sons, the holding company of the $328 billion Tata Group (market cap as on March 31, 2025; external link). What began as a dispute over reappointments and access to information has spiralled into a full-blown split between two camps of trustees, facing government intervention and reviving memories of the group's earlier corporate storms. At the centre of the rift stands Noel Tata, 66, the low-profile half-brother of the late Ratan Tata, who took over as chairman of the Trusts on October 11, 2024, after the latter's death on October 9, 2024. Known for his discretion and managerial steadiness, Noel's elevation was seen as a natural continuation of the Tata legacy. He now finds himself defending the traditional 'Tata way' -- where decisions are made by consensus rather than by vote. He is backed firmly by Venu Srinivasan (Chairman Emeritus, TVS Group) and Vijay Singh (former defence secretary), the two vice-chairmen who have long been among the most powerful figures within the Trusts hierarchy. Together, they represent continuity and the Old Guard. Read Who's Who In Tata Trusts. The flashpoint came on September 11, 2025, when the board voted on whether Vijay Singh, 77, should continue as a nominee director on the Tata Sons board. The rule that required annual reappointment of elderly nominees over 75 years had been introduced soon after Ratan Tata's passing. When the vote was held, four trustees opposed Singh's renewal, defeating the motion 4-2. It was a first in the Trusts' history -- decisions had always been unanimous. Singh soon resigned from the Tata Sons board, and the collegial culture of Bombay House changed overnight. Leading the rebellion is Mehli Mistry, a businessman and long-time associate of Ratan Tata, who also happens to be the first cousin of the late Cyrus Mistry, who had a bitter fallout with Ratan Tata after his removal as chairman of Tata Sons (between December 28, 2012, and October 24, 2016), the holding company of the Tata Group (Read the entire coverage here). Backed by three fellow trustees -- Pramit Jhaveri, Darius Khambata and Jehangir HC Jehangir -- Mehli Mistry has questioned what he calls opacity and selective disclosure in the Trusts' functioning. Mehli Mistry's group has demanded access to minutes, agendas and board papers of Tata Sons, arguing that trustees have a right to oversight. The Noel Tata camp accuses Mehli Mistry of attempting to turn the Trusts into a 'super-board' that could second-guess Tata Sons' management decisions. Noel Tata is married to Aloo Mistry, Cyrus Mistry's elder sister. The Shapoorji Pallonji group, which is majority owned by Cyrus Mistry's family, holds about 18 per cent of Tata Sons. Mehli Mistry's position as trustee, though officially equal to others, has become politically weighty, especially as the dissenting bloc's informal leader. Some insiders have described his bid to join the Tata Sons board as a 'coup attempt'; others see it as an overdue demand for institutional transparency. Among his allies, Pramit Jhaveri, the former CEO of Citi India, brings global banking and governance credentials. He has pressed for professionalised structures within the Trusts, calling for clear rotation norms, performance metrics and defined disclosure policies. Darius Khambata, Maharashtra's former advocate general, provides the legal heft behind the dissenting camp's arguments, ensuring their positions are carefully articulated within the Trusts' framework. Jehangir HC Jehangir, a quiet philanthropist with deep family roots in Mumbai's charitable circles, adds moral legitimacy to the bloc's push for transparency. In contrast, Venu Srinivasan, the other vice-chairman and a veteran of the Tata ecosystem, is viewed as the organisational stabiliser. As a long-time nominee director on the Tata Sons board, he has wielded considerable influence over key appointments and strategy discussions. His alliance with Noel Tata is both ideological and operational -- both men are determined to preserve the spirit of unanimity and the trustees' collective discretion. Here's a sneak-peek into the seven dramatis personae and their role in the Tata Trusts, and how they are tied to the present conflict. Noel Tata Noel Naval Tata, the late Ratan Tata's half-brother, emerged in October 2024 as chairman of Tata Trusts -- the philanthropic umbrella controlling about 66% of Tata Sons. His elevation wasn't entirely surprising: He already served as trustee in both the Sir Dorabji and Sir Ratan Tata trusts -- the two largest philanthropic entities within the Tata Trusts, collectively holding a significant stake in Tata Sons -- and had deep operational experience across Tata group companies. In August 2025, during the 107th annual general meeting the shareholders cleared his nomination to the Tata Sons board, bolstering his institutional clout. In the current dispute, Noel leads the camp arguing for continuity, consensus-driven decisions, and maintenance of the Trusts' traditional decision culture. His legitimacy is reinforced by backing from 'old-timers' and alignment with the Tata legacy. Venu Srinivasan Venu Srinivasan serves as vice-chairman of Tata Trusts and is a longstanding nominee director of Tata Sons -- making him one of the more powerful trustees in the group's intricate governance web. His role positions him as both a gatekeeper and behind-the-scenes influencer in nominations and oversight. In the power tussle, Venu stands firmly with Noel's camp, defending the 'Tata way' of consensus and resisting what they cast as destabilising challenges to the status quo. His alliance helps preserve institutional continuity and shields the chairman's decisions from dissident interference. His influence is partly procedural -- he sits on the executive committee that steers Trusts' internal decisions. Vijay Singh Former defence secretary Vijay Singh holds the post of vice-chairman in Tata Trusts and until recently was one of the Trusts' nominee directors on the Tata Sons board. The dispute ignited when his reappointment by the Noel Tata camp was challenged: After the Trusts introduced a rule that directors above 75 must be reappointed annually, the vote to renew Singh's seat failed 4-2. Four trustees -- Mehli Mistry, Darius Khambata, Pramit Jhaveri and Jehangir HC Jehangir -- opposed the renewal, reflecting the influence of the faction associated with Mehli Mistry. On the other side, Noel Tata and Venu Srinivasan supported Singh's continuation, advocating for stability and adherence to established governance practices within the Trusts. The outcome, a 4-2 rejection, ultimately led to Singh stepping down, underscoring the deepening rift in the Trusts' leadership and a sharp rupture in the Trusts' tradition of unanimity. Singh resigned from Tata Sons' board, and that act became the detonator of deeper governance conflict. In the present fault lines, Singh symbolises how procedure and rule changes can reshape power. Mehli Mistry Mehli Mistry, the late Cyrus Mistry's first cousin, is the central figure of the dissenting bloc -- a trustee who has challenged the prevailing power structure. He joined the Trusts in October 2022 and was a longtime associate of Ratan Tata. Mehli's camp demands greater access to board minutes, agendas, and oversight -- accusing the chairman's allies of opacity. His attempt to get himself or allies nominated to Tata Sons' board was blocked, intensifying the split. In media narratives, he is presented as pressing for structural reform though critics see in him a push for influence. Pramit Jhaveri The former CEO of Citi India brings governance credentials and an outsider's outlook on institutional reform. He has publicly flagged the need for clearer rotation rules, disclosures and internal accountability. In the current clash, his voice lends credibility to the reformist demand that trustees not be sidelined from decision cycles. He may not have independent backing of equity, but his professional reputation underscores the challenge to the status quo. Darius Khambata A senior advocate known for representing the Tatas in legal matters, his legal acumen allows him to frame the reformist claims in firm trust-law terms. He was part of a delegation meeting with central ministers Amit Shah and Nirmala Sitharaman to signal that the dispute is not just internal but affects public interest. He insists on reforming the internal information regime -- demanding the same access to agendas, minutes and board reports that majority trustees enjoy. In this power drama, Khambata is the ideological and legal anchor of dissent, elevating grievances from personal to structural. Jehangir HC Jehangir The Pune-based businessman and philanthropist is aligned with Mehli Mistry and supports the push for transparency, reform, and greater trustee inclusion. Though less public in rhetoric than his fellow dissidents, his presence buttresses the bloc's claim to broad-based trust representation. He adds a philanthropic legitimacy to the dissent -- someone who works in the public interest rather than boardroom politics. His influence is more moral than structural, but it matters in a dispute over trust legitimacy. Behind the veneer of procedural disputes lies the question of control. The Tata Trusts collectively own about 66 per cent of Tata Sons, giving it the decisive vote in appointing one-third of the holding company's directors. Those nominee directors carry veto powers on major decisions, from raising capital to mergers and top-level appointments. Whoever influences the Trusts effectively influences Tata Sons -- and, by extension, the entire $328 billion Tata Group. Concerned about instability in one of India's most systemically important conglomerates, Home Minister Shah and Finance Minister Sitharaman summoned both sides -- Noel Tata, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, Venu Srinivasan and dissenting trustee Darius Khambata -- to a meeting this week. According to media reports, the ministers urged the trustees to 'restore stability by whatever means necessary,' reminding them of the Trusts' public-interest responsibilities. There is also a wider backdrop: Speculation over a possible listing of Tata Sons and the continuing negotiations to buy out the Shapoorji Pallonji group's stake. Some insiders believe the reformist trustees favour a partial listing to improve transparency, while the Noel Tata camp wants to retain the traditional private structure. The parallels to Cyrus Mistry's October 24, 2016 ouster are unmistakable -- that conflict was about operational control; this one, about governance and oversight. For now, both factions insist that dialogue is ongoing, but the collegial tone that once defined the Tata Trusts has given way to calculation and mistrust. The stakes are immense: Whoever prevails will shape not only the governance of India's most respected conglomerate but also the moral authority of the institution that bears its founder's name. WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday on Truth Social that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of a Gaza peace plan. "This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace," Trump wrote. He thanked mediators from Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye for the "historic and unprecedented event." Speaking to reporters earlier in the day at the White House, Trump said he may travel to the Middle East "sometime toward the end of the week." Israel and Hamas began indirect negotiations over a Gaza ceasefire in Egypt's Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday. Since the war erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli airstrikes have devastated the Gaza Strip, causing widespread famine and displacement, and killing at least 67,183 people and injuring 169,841 others, according to Gaza's health authorities. Editor: ZAD 'If the NDA returns with the BJP substantially ahead of the JD-U, a BJP CM bid becomes plausible; if the gap is narrow or JD-U holds pivotal seats, continuity with Nitish is the lower-risk option.' IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar flanked by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan 'Lalan' Singh, left, at a virtual skill convocation ceremony for ITI toppers from across the country in Patna, October 5, 2025. Photograph: Patna PRD/ANI Photo "The BJP's broadened base improves its bargaining power, but replacement hinges on how decisive that growth is on polling day, and whether the coalition can afford to disturb a balance that currently works," says Dr Vignesh Karthik KR, postdoctoral research fellow in Indian and Indonesian politics at the Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies, Leiden. "Some tension over seat-sharing between the Congress and RJD is natural, but not destabilising. This is an alliance of necessity rather than sentiment," he says in the concluding part of his interview to Rediff's Archana Masih on the caste equation, Nitish Kumar's importance to NDA continuity and factors driving the Bihar election. Part 1 of the Interview: 'Money Alone Does Not Buy Trust Or Votes' IMAGE: An artist engaged in creating a voter awareness mural for the Bihar polls 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Caste remains a pivotal factor in a Bihar election, just like in many other states in India -- however, over the past few years, have caste and social coalitions begun to take a secondary role to larger, forward looking and aspirational themes like development, employment, better connectivity etc? I wouldn't see this as a smallerlarger binary. The Indian subcontinent has one of the most enduring systems of hierarchised societies in the form of the caste system, which continues to shape growth, welfare, and aspiration in unequal ways. As Dr B R Ambedkar argued, economic equality or growth is impossible without social equality. Nancy Fraser too reminds us that genuine justice requires recognition, redistribution, and representation. The first step toward that is organising people within their lived identities so that caste groups act as interest groups capable of negotiating their welfare and empowerment. Such mobilisation constitutes a necessary precondition for the emergence of a supra-local civic identity anchored in national consciousness. Bihar's story has been one of dignity without commensurate development as observed by Jeffrey Witsoe. But that politics of dignity has had real value. Lalu Prasad Yadav's government, for instance, introduced menstrual leave for working women in the 1990s, long before most 'developed' states even chose to consider it. A new wave of development is imperative, but it must build on that earlier politics of recognition rather than replace it. With the BJP broadening its base in Bihar among different social groups and communities, is this the last election that it will play second fiddle to Nitish Kumar? Will Nitish Kumar be replaced as CM by a BJP candidate if the NDA returns to power? It's premature to say this will be the last time the BJP plays second fiddle to Nitish Kumar. Two things decide that: Seat arithmetic and alliance manageability. Where the BJP grows by consolidating upper castes while peeling off 'left-out' OBC/SC segments, it tends to renegotiate power with regional partners; over time, overlap in support bases erodes the junior ally and invites a leadership push; we have seen this logic play out with other regional partners. That said, Bihar is not a straightforward template. Though frail and facing diminished popularity at the moment, Nitish Kumar still presides over a deeply entrenched administrative network and a governance brand from which the BJP continues to draw electoral benefit. Abruptly replacing him could unsettle the coalition's delicate balance and alienate segments of their shared voter base. The comparative lesson from state politics is that when a national party's strategy collides with strong regional common sense, alliances remain instrumental, not 'natural', and leadership changes are attempted only when numbers clearly allow it without backlash. If the NDA returns with the BJP substantially ahead of the JD-U, a BJP CM bid becomes plausible; if the gap is narrow or JD-U holds pivotal seats, continuity with Nitish is the lower-risk option. In short, the BJP's broadened base improves its bargaining power, but replacement hinges on how decisive that growth is on polling day, and whether the coalition can afford to disturb a balance that currently works. IMAGE: An artist paint a voter awareness mural for the Bihar assembly 2025 election in Patna, October 7, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo What new cards does the RJD have this time around? The RJD's strategy this time blends continuity with course correction, retaining its social justice base among backward castes and minorities while presenting Tejashwi Yadav as a pragmatic administrator concerned with jobs, governance, and predictability. The party's effort is to reassure older voters of continuity while appealing to younger ones with credibility and delivery. IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi greeted by supporters in Arrah during the Voter Adhikar Yatra. Photograph: AICC/ANI Photo What effect is the Congress' Voter Adhikar Yatra have in terms of getting votes for the Mahagathbandan? Or has this led to tension between the Congress and RJD with the former wanting a larger share of seats? How do you see the relations between the different parties that constitute the Mahagathbandan? The Voter Adhikar Yatra has revived the INDIA bloc's coordination after months of drift. By drawing attention to alleged 'vote chori' and linking voter deletions to welfare exclusions, it has generated anxiety that may work to the alliance's advantage among poorer and marginalised voters. Yet, the follow-through at the booth level remains uneven; overstretched local agents have not matched the yatra's visibility. Some tension over seat-sharing between the Congress and RJD is natural, but not destabilising. This is an alliance of necessity rather than sentiment. Its real test will be whether the performative unity of the yatra can be converted into disciplined, booth-level persuasion, something Bihar's politics still rewards. IMAGE: Jan Suraaj Party chief Prashant Kishor addresses supporters. Photograph: ANI Video Grab What impact is Prashant Kishor going to have? He has said if he gets less than 125 seats, he will consider this a failure. Is this just grandstanding or does it have basis in reality? Kishor's claim of crossing 125 seats is more theatrical than statistical. It signals confidence, not calculation. Yet his presence is not without consequence. Jan Suraaj has travelled deep into Bihar's social geography, and his padyatra has given visibility in districts where new parties usually remain invisible. He has tapped into a mood of fatigue with established players and positioned himself as the technocratic outsider promising clean, efficient governance. The 2024 by-poll numbers show disruption, not dominance, enough to mark its presence, not necessarily outcomes. His candidature plans, fielding a large share of EBC and minority candidates, could nibble at both JD-U and RJD bases, while drawing aspirational upper caste youth from the BJP. In that sense, his real impact lies in re-arranging the field rather than winning it. The walk has made him visible; converting visibility into trust is the harder journey ahead. How do you explain his appeal to younger Biharis? Kishor's appeal to younger Biharis rests on aspiration as much as alienation. He speaks the language of opportunity, professionalism, and reform to a generation that has grown up seeing migration as the most probable route to mobility. His biography of a small-town, upper-caste boy who made it to the UN and national politics, mirrors the story many youths wish to tell about themselves. He also claims to stand above caste and ideology, offering a politics of efficiency rather than patronage. For educated, half-politicised yet disenchanted voters, that makes him appear modern, self-made and persuasive. Yet this appeal is more aspirational than organisational. Young voters admire the walker who talks of education, livelihood, and change; whether they will line up to vote for him is another matter. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff Glimpses from around the world that will make you smile and cry. Jaguar Rescue IMAGE: A jaguar with gunshot wounds is rescued by members of the military police from the Rio Negro in Manaus, Brazil in this screen grab taken from a video. Photograph: Secretaria de Estado de Seguranca Publica do Amazonas/Handout via Reuters IMAGE: The jaguar with gunshot wounds clings to a makeshift floating mat. Photograph: Secretaria de Estado de Seguranca Publica do Amazonas/Handout via Reuters Will She Be The Next UN Secretary-General? IMAGE: Rebeca Grynspan, Costa Rica's former vice president, reacts at a news conference in San Jose, where the government announced her nomination for United Nations secretary-general. Photograph: Mayela Lopez/Reuters Mamdani Campaigns IMAGE: New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, seated left, rides the M57 bus on his way to a press conference about his proposal for free and fast buses in New York City. Photograph: Kylie Cooper/Reuters Is Gautambhai Tired? IMAGE: Businessman Gautam Adani yawns during the inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport in Ulwe, Raigad district, October 8, 2025. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters Dubai Ladies' Rescue Team IMAGE: Members of Dubai's first all-female land rescue team in action during practice in Dubai. Photograph: Raghed Waked/Reuters The Uncertainty Principle IMAGE: International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva delivers remarks ahead of the annual IMF-World Bank fall meetings at the Milken Institute in Washington, DC, October 8, 2025. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad conducted searches at multiple places in Pune in connection with the suspected radicalisation of some people linked to an ISIS module case, officials said on Thursday. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Thaier Al-Sudani/Reuters The ISIS module in Pune came to light after three persons, Mohammad Yunus Mohammad Yakub Saki, Mohammad Imran Mohammad Yunus Khan, and Shahnawaz Alam, were apprehended by Pune police in Kothrud area while attempting to steal a vehicle on July 18, 2023. It led to arrest of several others by the ATS and National Investigation Agency. The searches were underway since late Wednesday night at the houses and office premises of 19 suspects in Kondhwa, Khadak, Khadki, Wanwadi, and Bhosari in connection with the ATS' 2023 Pune ISIS module case, an official said. "The searches were based on specific intelligence about "radicalised people". During the searches, a large quantity of electronic devices and documents were seized from multiple locations, and some people were questioned," he said. One person from the Pimpri-Chinchwad area was brought in for interrogation but was allowed to go after questioning, adding that the names of suspects came up during the interrogation of some of the accused already arrested in the case, the official said. Speaking about the 2023 case involving Saki, Khan, and Alam, it was revealed they were wanted by the NIA for their alleged involvement in a terror-related case in Rajasthan. "While they were being taken to Kondhwa, where they were residing, Alam managed to escape from the police custody but was later arrested by the Delhi police. A team of Maharashtra ATS had gone to Delhi to interrogate him," the official said. "During questioning, Alam confessed that he, Saki and Khan, had executed a robbery at a saree shop in Satara on April 8, 2023, at gunpoint and made away with Rs 1.3 lakh in cash. The robbery case was later transferred to the ATS. Subsequently, the ATS registered a fresh case and arrested Shahnawaz Alam Shafiujma Khan, Mohammad Yunus Mohammad Yakub Saki, and Zulfikar Ali Barodawala," he said. During their interrogation, it was revealed that the gun used in the robbery was provided by Talha Liaqat Khan, who had fled the country before the incident. "Talha was later arrested by the NIA from Indonesia. During the interrogation of Talha and other accused, information emerged regarding the movements of ISIS module members operating in Kondhwa and other parts of the city," he said. To verify these inputs, raids were conducted and 18 individuals were questioned, the official said. "We have seized a large quantity of electronic devices, including mobile phones, laptops, hard disks, pen drives, and documents from their residences and offices. The probe is also linked to the actions against Popular Front of India activists," another official said. A large police bandobast was deployed in the Kondhwa area during the raids. Two scooters parked in the congested Mishri Bazar near a mosque in Kanpur exploded seconds apart, injuring eight people and damaging nearby shops, police have said. IMAGE: Police officials at the spot after a blast near the Markaz Mosque, in Kanpur. Photograph: ANI Photo The blasts occurred Wednesday around 7.30 pm in the crowded Moolganj area. The sound of the explosions, which took place near the Markaz mosque, was heard up to 500 metres from the spot. Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal told PTI that eight people had been injured in the blasts that took place in two scooters. The injured were rushed to hospital. Two of them were discharged after first aid and four others, who suffered serious burn injuries, were referred to King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow. The remaining two are under observation at the Kanpur hospital and were said to be out of danger, the officer said. IMAGE: Police officials and dog squad inspect the blast site. Photograph: ANI Photo Preliminary inquiry revealed that one of the scooters belonged to Ashwani Kumar, who was among the injured shifted to Lucknow. He told police that he had gone to the market to buy decorative lights for Diwali, the commissioner said. The second scooter belongs to Vijendra Prasad Rastogi, a resident of Govind Nagar. Police have not been able to contact him so far, he said. Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Special Task Force (STF) were roped in to investigate the incident. "Nothing is being ruled out at this stage. Forensic experts and specialised teams are examining every aspect to ascertain the source and nature of the blast," Lal said. "Since Diwali is approaching, we are exploring the possibility of a firecracker-related explosion as well," he said, adding that a terror angle is not ruled out. IMAGE: Police officials inspect the site. Photograph: ANI Photo Security has been tightened in the neighbouring areas and all precautionary measures are being taken to curb rumour-mongering, the officer said. A bomb disposal squad, forensic experts and anti-sabotage teams visited the spot to collect samples. Intelligence units were tasked with analysing CCTV footage from the surrounding area to identify any possible suspects, police said. The blast damaged the walls of nearby shops. Shopkeeper Mohammad Uwais said, "We were sitting inside the shop when suddenly there was a loud blast. People were startled and items of shops were scattered all over the road." Actor-politician Vijay received a mail on Thursday saying that a bomb had been planted at his Neelankarai residence, and it was found to be a hoax after checking the house, police said. IMAGE: Actor-politician Vijay has been facing flak from certain sections for not visiting the Karur stampede affected families in person. Photograph: ANI On getting a call, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) was sent to the spot early in the morning, and checks were carried out, but nothing was found, police officials added. Police at the scene said they started the search around 3 am. Initially, the search was conducted outside the house. Later, when Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam founder Vijay woke up, police were let into the house to search, they added. "We left around 7.25 am when we found nothing," said the police. An Assistant Commissioner of Police told PTI that city personalities have been receiving bomb hoax mails from a Hotmail address. "Last month, another actor-politician, S Ve Shekher also received a bomb threat mail. The content of these emails are similar. We are yet to trace that mail ID," said the official. On October 6, a prominent national daily from Chennai, too, received a bomb threat mail claiming three RDX IEDs had been planted in their premises. Like in previous cases, the BDD Squad declared it a hoax after a thorough search. The Delhi high court has quashed a dowry-harassment FIR lodged on a complaint from a woman against the family members of her husband, who committed suicide barely 40 days after the wedding. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo The court said the allegations made in the complaint were vague and not supported by any cogent evidence and it was a case of an abuse of the process of law. "The complaint, when considered as a whole, does not reflect any act of harassment or cruelty," Justice Neena Bansal Krishna said in a judgment passed on Wednesday. The court quashed the FIR lodged against the deceased's parents and sister for the alleged offences of cruelty inflicted on a married woman and criminal breach of trust, and discharged them from the case. The order was passed on a plea filed by the woman's parents-in-law and sister-in-law seeking quashing of the FIR lodged against them in 2016. "It is evidently a case of vague allegations and a clear case of abuse of power and it is not in the interest of justice if the present proceedings are permitted to be continued," the court said. It further added that the allegations made in the complaint of dowry harassment were vague and not supported by any cogent evidence, and that the case merits quashing in the interest of justice. The couple got married in March 2016 and started living in Pune. The woman's in-laws had claimed that soon thereafter, differences arose between the couple and the husband started living in a depressed, disturbed and frustrated state. They had further alleged that the woman's family not only pressured her husband, but also threatened him to live with her under all circumstances. They had claimed that they were terrorised by the woman's parents, who threatened to implicate their entire family in a false and frivolous case of dowry and domestic violence. The petitioners had said the man, being mentally and physically harassed by the unwarranted acts and persistent threats extended by the wife and her parents to him, committed suicide on April 13, 2016, barely after 40 days of their wedding. They had said that at the instance of her parents, the woman left the matrimonial home immediately after the cremation and later, took away her belongings from the rented accommodation. The father of the deceased then filed a police complaint for a fair investigation to unravel the truth behind his son's suicide. After two months, as a counterblast, the woman filed a complaint with the Crime Against Women cell against her in-laws, accusing them of inflicting mental torture on her on account of a demand for dowry, hatching a conspiracy, abetting her husband's suicide and spoiling her personal life. The court, in its verdict, said it was an unfortunate case where the marriage did not survive even for 40 days and the husband committed suicide, resulting in sour relations followed by ugly litigation. "It all (record) reflects that the deceased husband had friendship with some girl prior to his marriage and was unhappy and stressed about his marriage with respondent no.2 (complainant woman). Despite best efforts, the husband committed suicide barely within 40 days of marriage. "It is a reverse case where the husband has died because of stresses faced by him after marriage and not otherwise," Justice Krishna said. The massive explosion in the congested Mishri Bazaar near a mosque in Kanpur was caused due to illegal firecracker storage, and not because of scooter explosion which was initially suggested as the reason for the incident, top police brass confirmed on Thursday. IMAGE: The Anti-Terrorism Squad conducts an investigation at the place of the scooters blast in the Mishri Bazaar, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, October 8, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo In a press conference, the Kanpur police also denied links to any terrorist activity in the explosions. The CCTV footage reviewed by investigators revealed that the blast was triggered by a cardboard box kept outside a toy shop, not by any vehicles. It occurred in front a toy shop on the Meston Road, damaging two parked scooters and nearby shops and injuring at least eight people. Commissioner of police (Kanpur) Raghubir Lal confirmed that the explosion was purely accidental and caused by illegal stocking of fireworks. "No evidence of any terrorist organisation or extremist involvement has been found. This was an accident caused by illegal firecracker storage," he said. "We have categorically dismissed the claims falsely linking the explosion to a nearby mosque and involvement of groups such as 'Khalistan Zindabad Force' as baseless and misleading," Lal asserted. A large cache of explosives and fireworks was later recovered from a neighbouring shop and a nearby godown around 25 metres from the blast site, he said. Around one quintal fireworks was sezied from the adjacent shop and around 3 quintal crackers were recovered from a godown nearby. "We have detained 12 people for illegally storing and selling fireworks without a licence", Lal claimed. A person identified as Tariq has emerged as the key suspect and he has gone underground to evade arrest. Efforts are on to trace and detain him at earliest, Lal added. One of the two scooters recovered from the site was found to be stolen, while the other belonged to Ashwani, who was injured in the blast and was shifted to Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) in Lucknow along with 3 other injured persons. Five police personnel, including the Station House Officer (Moolganj) Vikram Singh, have been suspended for their negligence, and the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Kotwali) Ashutosh Kumar has been transferred from. Authorities continue to conduct search and seizure operations in the area to locate other potential stockpiles of explosives ahead of the festive season. The police commissioner said among the injured four received critical burns and were shifted to SGPGI, while two others were discharged after first aid. The remaining two are undergoing treatment at a local hospital. Joint Police Commissioner (law and order) Ashutosh Kumar said the shops found locked may be sealed or opened by legal procedure for inspection. The CCTV footage and forensic evidence are being collected, and strict action will follow against those responsible for the illegal trade and any negligent officials, he added. Combing operations have been intensified across the area with police urging citizens to avoid rumours and cooperate with the investigation. Police teams, along with fire department and forensic unit, continued their search and seizure operations late into the night to prevent any further mishaps ahead of the festive season, an official said. During the late-night operation, teams from the Anti-Terrorism Squad and Military Intelligence joined the investigation to rule out any terror angle, he added. The mystery around the suspected suicide of a senior Haryana Police officer has deepened with a note he left behind naming senior officers, and his bureaucrat wife asking for an FIR against the state police chief. IMAGE: Haryana police office Y Puran Kumar. Photograph: ANI/X The note left behind by IPS officer Y Puran Kumar, who allegedly shot himself dead at his Chandigarh residence, names "senior officers" and details "mental harassment" and humiliation he faced over the past few years, according to sources. Y Puran Kumar, 52, a 2001-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, was found with a gunshot wound in a room in the basement of his Sector 11 house on Tuesday. Known for his interventions in matters related to the rights of officers and seniority, Puran Kumar was recently posted as the inspector general of the Police Training Centre (PTC) in Rohtak's Sunaria. His bureaucrat wife, Amneet P Kumar, who rushed to Chandigarh from Japan, where she was a part of a Haryana government delegation, on Wednesday claimed in a police complaint that her husband's death was the result of "systematic persecution" by high-ranking officers. In her complaint, she requested an FIR against Shatrujeet Kapur, DGP Haryana, and another senior IPS officer, under Section 108 BNS, 2023 (abetment of suicide) and other relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Both officers could not be reached on the phone despite attempts. On Wednesday, Amneet Kumar allegedly refused to give permission for the post-mortem of her husband's body till justice was delivered, sources said. In her police complaint, Amneet Kumar said that her husband, who came from the Scheduled Caste community, was an officer of unimpeachable integrity and extraordinary public spirit. Physical and electronic evidence, including the weapon Puran Kumar allegedly used to shoot himself, was seized by a team from the Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory (CFSL), the Chandigarh police said on Tuesday. Sources said that Kumar left an eight-page typed and signed 'final note', which he titled "Continued blatant caste based discrimination, targeted mental harassment, public humiliation and atrocities by concerned senior officers of Haryana since August 2020 which is now unbearable." The note alleges caste-based discrimination, public humiliation, targeted mental harassment, and atrocities the officer was subjected to, the sources said. It mentions a "mala fide generation of mischievous anonymous and pseudo-anonymous" complaints against him, floated and processed by some officers for months together to publicly humiliate and embarrass him and damage his reputation, they said. Puran Kumar named a few officers who allegedly misused their official positions and authority, and compelled him to kill himself, according to sources. Despite complaints against the officers, they were not investigated, the letter claims, sources said. Meanwhile, Amneet Kumar's complaint read, "This is not a case of ordinary suicide but a direct result of systematic persecution of my husband-an officer from SC community by powerful and high-ranking officers who have used their positions to mentally torture him, ultimately driving him to such an extent that he was left with no other option but to take his life." She alleged that the death was caused by the powerful and it has shattered her family. "My children deserve answers. My husband's decades of public service deserves dignity, not silence," she said. Puran Kumar's 'final note' mentions an instance where a bureaucrat, now retired, did not sanction his earned leave on time, due to which he could not visit his father before his death. It says that he raised these issues before many officers, "which are a matter of record," sources said. The note alleges that some officers left no stone unturned in harassing him by their "discriminatory, caste based mental harassment and humiliation in public view." "... I thought over carefully and was convinced and I cannot bare this continued and concerted conspiracy to continue with caste-based discrimination, public humiliation, targeted mental harassment and atrocities any longer and hence this final decision to end it all," it reads, according to the sources. Puran Kumar alleges that no action was taken when he complained against a fellow officer, "which clearly is proof of prejudicial treatment against me." He alleges that a top-ranking IPS officer from the state made certain comments in his annual performance appraisal report for the period ending March 31, 2024, which were "factually incorrect, purely imaginary, unsubstantiated, loaded with his personal prejudice and in violation of principles of natural justice." He says he even approached a senior bureaucrat requesting him to intervene, but in vain, sources said. The note mentions that while allotting official accommodation to him in Panchkula, Kumar was subjected to additional rules, while in another incident, in November 2023, his official vehicle was withdrawn. Congress MP from Ambala, Varun Chaudhary, termed the suicide "deeply tragic and shocking" and demanded a judicial inquiry to ensure a fair and transparent probe into the incident. On Wednesday, the Chandigarh police in a statement said they had analysed "some CCTV cameras" in connection with the alleged suicide. "Further, additional rooms in the residence (in Sector 11) which were inaccessible yesterday and were sealed by the CFSL, Sector 36, Chandigarh, wherein another copy for Will and final note were recovered. Some electronic items were also seized from the residence," the police said. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini held a meeting with top officials of his government on Thursday in the wake of certain developments related to Indian Police Service officer Y Puran Kumar's 'suicide'. IMAGE: Chandigarh police investigate at the scene after Haryana ADGP Y Puran Kumar died by suicide by shooting himself at his residence, in Chandigarh. Photograph: ANI Photo Sources said the state government may consider sending Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur on leave and appoint an officiating DGP in his place. In a complaint given to the Chandigarh Police on Wednesday, Amneet P Kumar, he bureaucrat wife of Y Puran Kumar, said an FIR should be filed against Kapur and another senior IPS officer under section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (abetment of suicide) and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi and many senior officials were present in the meeting at chief minister's official residence here. On Thursday, Amneet Kumar sought the chief minister's intervention to ensure the registration of an FIR against those named in the "suicide note" typed by her husband. Accompanied by some senior bureaucrats, Saini went to the official residence of Amneet Kumar, a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, at Sector 24 in Chandigarh on Thursday. Saini, who arrived in Chandigarh on Thursday after concluding a three-day official visit to Japan, was at Kumar's residence for nearly 50 minutes. He assured Amneet Kumar of appropriate action, an official statement said. Amneet Kumar is the commissioner and secretary of the Haryana government's Department of Foreign Cooperation. She was also in Japan as part of the delegation led by Saini. She returned to India on Wednesday on getting the news of her husband's death. A memorandum was given to the chief minister by Amneet Kumar. In the memorandum, she has sought the immediate registration of an FIR, the suspension and arrest of the accused mentioned in Puran Kumar's 'suicide note' and a complaint that she later submitted to police, and lifelong security to the family 'since powerful, high-ranking officials of Haryana are involved in the case'. "The suicide note explicitly names the individuals responsible for creating an atmosphere of harassment, humiliation and mental torture, which directly led to this tragic act. This note constitutes a dying declaration and must be treated as crucial evidence demanding immediate legal action," she has said in the memorandum. The body of Y Puran Kumar, 52, a 2001-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, was found with a gunshot wound in a room at the basement of his Sector 11 house Chandigarh on Tuesday. In a note that he left behind, Puran Kumar has named many 'senior officers' and detailed the 'mental harassment' and humiliation he faced over the last few years, according to sources. Amneet Kumar claimed in her police complaint on Wednesday that her husband's death was the result of 'systematic persecution' by high-ranking officers. India and the UK on Thursday unveiled a series of initiatives including a government-to-government $468 million deal on the supply of lightweight multirole missile (LMM) systems to enhance India's air defence capabilities. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the exhibition of 6th edition of Global Fintech Fest (GFF), in Mumbai, October 9, 2025. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo The new measures to expand the bilateral defence cooperation were announced following wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer. In his statement to the media, Modi also referred to the growing defence ties between the two countries. "From defence and security to education and innovation, India and the UK are shaping new dimensions in their relationship," he said. Britain's defence ministry said the $468 million (350 million pounds) contract on the LMM envisaged the delivery of air defence missiles and launchers, made by Thales at Belfast in Northern Ireland, to the Indian Army. The deal will give a significant boost to the British defence industry and secure 700 jobs at a factory that currently makes the same weapons for Ukraine. In a statement, the UK's defence ministry said the two countries signed an "implementing arrangement" to advance collaboration on electric-powered engines for naval ships, with the deal worth an initial 250 million pounds (USD 333 million). A joint statement on Modi-Starmer talks listed the plan to supply lightweight multirole missile systems to the Indian military, besides an in-principle move to finalise an inter-governmental pact to jointly develop maritime electric propulsion systems for India's naval platforms. A separate initiative was announced for Indian Air Force (IAF) instructors to be integrated with the Royal Air Force (RAF). "In the context of cooperation on training, the two leaders welcomed progress on an arrangement that will see Indian Air Force qualified flying instructors integrated into UK Royal Air Force training, alongside an agreement that will facilitate our strong training and education relationship," the statement said. It said both the prime ministers were pleased with the "intent to finalise an India-UK Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) on cooperation in developing maritime electric propulsion systems for Indian Naval platforms." It said both leaders also announced the agreement to proceed via government to government route on an initial supply of LMM systems. "This will further support India's air defence capabilities and, in the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), meet the current and future requirements of the Indian Ministry of Defence, and support a long-term collaboration on complex weapons between the two countries," it said. Modi and Starmer also condemned in the "strongest terms" the Pahalgam terror attack and committed to strengthen co-operation to take "decisive and concerted" actions against globally proscribed terrorists, terror entities and their sponsors. The two prime ministers "unequivocally and strongly condemned" terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations and called for "zero tolerance" for terrorism and concerted international efforts to combat it in a comprehensive and sustained manner, the joint statement said. "They agreed to counter radicalisation and violent extremism; combat financing of terrorism and the cross-border movement of terrorists; prevent exploitation of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes and tackle terrorist recruitment," it said. A vessel of the Gaza-bound flotilla is tugged towards the port of Ashdod in southern Israel, Oct. 8, 2025. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) JERUSALEM, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- An international aid flotilla on its way to Gaza was intercepted by the Israeli navy in the Mediterranean Sea on Wednesday, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement. This marked the second recent attempt by a civilian aid flotilla to break the naval blockade of Gaza, following Israel's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) last week. That mission involved over 470 volunteers from more than 40 countries. Israel's state-owned Kan TV News reported that on Wednesday morning, the navy seized eight small yachts and a 68-meter cruise ship carrying around 100 activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) within 40 minutes. According to the statement and the channel, the vessels and the activists were transferred to the Port of Ashdod in southern Israel. The ministry added that all the passengers are safe and in good health and are expected to be deported promptly. According to the flotilla organizers, among the volunteers on board were doctors, journalists, and activists. They claimed in a statement that Israel has no legal authority to detain international volunteers aboard these ships, adding that this seizure "blatantly violates international law and defies the International Court of Justice's binding orders requiring unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza." Israel imposed a naval blockade on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas seized control of the enclave. The restrictions were further tightened following Hamas's cross-border assault into southern Israel in October 2023. A vessel of the Gaza-bound flotilla is tugged towards the port of Ashdod in southern Israel, Oct. 8, 2025. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) A vessel of the Gaza-bound flotilla is tugged towards the port of Ashdod in southern Israel, Oct. 8, 2025. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) Editor: ZAD India and the United Kingdom are 'natural partners' and their growing ties stand as an important pillar of global stability and economic progress at a time the world is witnessing uncertainty, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Raj Bhavan, in Mumbai on Thursday. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo Modi made the remarks after his wide-ranging talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. In his media statement, PM Modi said the historic India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement inked in July will reduce import costs between the two countries, create new employment opportunities, boost trade, and benefit industries and consumers on both sides. "India and the UK are natural partners. Our relationship is built on the shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law," he said. "In today's time of global uncertainty, our growing partnership stands as an important pillar of global stability and economic progress," he added. The two leaders also shared views on the Indo-Pacific, peace and stability in West Asia, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. "On the issues of the Ukraine conflict and Gaza, India supports all efforts to restore peace through dialogue and diplomacy. We are fully committed to enhancing maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region," Modi said. The prime minister said India's dynamism and the UK's expertise have together created a 'unique synergy'. "Our partnership is trustworthy, and driven by talent and technology. And today, as Prime Minister Starmer and I stand together on this stage, it is a clear reaffirmation of our shared commitment to work hand in hand towards building a brighter future for the people of both our nations," he said. Modi also touched upon the growing defence partnership between the two countries. "We are moving towards defense co-production and connecting the defence industries of both countries." "Taking our defence collaboration a step further, we have signed an agreement for cooperation in military training, under which flying instructors from the Indian Air Force will serve as trainers with the UK's Royal Air Force," he said. The British leader, accompanied by a delegation of 125 of the UK's most prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs and educationists, landed in Mumbai on Wednesday morning on a two-day visit. Starmer's visit to India came two-and-half months after the two countries inked a landmark free trade pact that will increase market access, cut tariffs and is expected to result in doubling the bilateral trade by 2030. The trade deal was firmed up during PM Modi's visit to London in July. In his remarks, Starmer described the India-UK partnership as 'special' that is focused on the future. India's growth story is remarkable, he said. Days after Haryana Police officer Y Puran Kumar allegedly shot himself dead in Chandigarh, his bureaucrat wife on Wednesday claimed that his death was the result of "systematic persecution" by high-ranking officers. IMAGE: Kanwardeep Kaur, Chandigarh SSP, addresses the media on IPS officer Y Puran Singh's suicide. Photograph: Screen grab/ANI video Amneet P Kumar filed a complaint and requested that the Chandigarh police register an FIR against a senior police officer of Rohtak and a top-ranking official under section 108 (abetment of suicide) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. She also demanded their immediate arrest. The officers could not be contacted despite repeated attempts. Amneet, a senior bureaucrat, rushed back from Japan, where she was part of a Haryana government delegation led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. Y Puran Kumar (52), a 2001-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, was found dead in his Chandigarh residence on Tuesday. His body, with a gunshot wound, was found in a room in the basement of the Sector 11 house. Sources said in his alleged eight-page typed and signed suicide note, Kumar spoke about continued blatant caste based discrimination, targeted mental harassment, public humiliation by some senior Haryana officers for the past five years, which, he said, were unbearable. "(I) submit this complaint for the registration of an FIR...regarding the harassment and abetment caused by the said persons to the extent of resulting in the death of my husband," Amneet said in her complaint. She said that her husband, who came from the Scheduled Caste community, was an officer of unimpeachable integrity and extraordinary public spirit, and was found dead by gunshot at their home. Known for his interventions in matters related to the rights of officers, seniority and other issues, Puran Kumar was recently posted as the Inspector General of the Police Training Centre (PTC) in Rohtak's Sunaria. He was earlier posted as the Rohtak Range IG and was recently transferred to Sunaria. Amneet alleged, "While official narrative suggests suicide, my soul cries for justice as a wife witnessing years of systematic humiliation, harassment, and persecution inflicted upon my husband by senior officials." "That my husband's pain was not hidden and is explanatory from the numerous complaints filed by him, which he has referred to in his suicide note, endured caste-based discrimination," she said in her complaint. She alleged that her husband had reasonably learnt and intimated to her that a conspiracy was being hatched at the direction of a top-ranking official, and he would be falsely implicated in a frivolous and mischievous complaint by fabricating false evidence. A liquor contractor had lodged a complaint against a head constable, Sushil Kumar, in Rohtak, alleging that he had sought a bribe from him in Puran Kumar's name. The head constable had been arrested on Monday in the matter. She alleged, "...my husband was being implicated in the said case by fabricating the evidence against him, which pushed him to his final anguish." Regarding this case, he had contacted the top-ranking officer, but at that time, the officer had hushed up the conversation. She claimed that her husband then called a senior police officer, but he intentionally didn't answer his call. "The eight-page suicide note, a document of a broken spirit, lays bare these truths and names of numerous officers whose relentless actions pushed him to the edge," she stated in her complaint. "For the harassment meted out to my husband, he used to inform me about the same, it is impossible for me to find the words for what my children and I have lost-a husband, a father, a man whose only crime was honesty in service," she said. She said, further to the foregoing, her husband repeatedly invoked the protection of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, after being subjected to caste-based slurs, exclusion from places of worship on police premises, caste based discrimination, targeted mental harassment, public humiliation and atrocities by senior officers. "I further want to bring to your notice that it is settled law that continuous acts of harassment, humiliation and defamation can constitute abetment. The totality of circumstances must be examined, not just proximate incidents. Administrative persecution can drive a person to suicide," she claimed in her complaint. "This is not a case of ordinary suicide but a direct result of systematic persecution of my husband officer from the SC community by powerful and high-ranking officers who have used their positions to mentally torture him, ultimately driving him to such an extent that he was left with no other option but to take his life," she said in her complaint. She said when she reached home, she found another copy of the suicide note in a laptop bag, which she had handed over to the Chandigarh Police along with the laptop. Meanwhile, a Chandigarh police statement late Wednesday evening said that in the "reported suicide case of Y Puran Kumar, some CCTV cameras were analysed by the team. The request was moved to the Director of Health Services, Chandigarh, for the constitution of a medical board with a forensic expert for postmortem." "Further, additional rooms in the residence (in Sector 11), which were inaccessible yesterday and were sealed by the CFSL, Sector 36, Chandigarh, wherein another copy for Will and a final note were recovered," the police statement said. "Some electronic items were also seized from the residence," the police statement said. A complaint has been received by Sector 11 SHO, Chandigarh, from Amneet P Kumar in the matter. Further investigation is underway, it said. Some senior Haryana bureaucrats, including Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, met Amneet Kumar after she arrived in Chandigarh and offered their condolences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated US President Donald Trump on the "success" of the first phase of a US-brokered peace plan for Gaza as he hailed the American leader for his efforts to end hostilities. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump shake hands after their meeting at the White House, in Washington, DC. Photograph: Press Information Bureau Modi said this during a phone conversation with Trump amid continuing strain in ties between India and the US over Washington slapping a whopping 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods including 25 per cent levies for India's purchase of Russian crude oil. In a post on X, Modi said he and Trump also reviewed the "good progress" achieved in the trade negotiations. "Spoke to my friend, President Trump and congratulated him on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan," Modi said on social media. "Also reviewed the good progress achieved in trade negotiations. Agreed to stay in close touch over the coming weeks," he said. It was the second phone call between Modi and Trump in the last over three weeks. US President Donald Trump had called up Modi on September 16 and greeted him ahead of his 75th birthday. Modi also held a phone conversation with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and congratulated him on the progress made under the Gaza peace plan. "Called my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu, to congratulate him on the progress made under President Trump's Gaza peace plan," Modi said. "We welcome the agreement on the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. Reaffirmed that terrorism in any form or manifestation is unacceptable anywhere in the world," he said on X. Earlier in the day, Modi lauded the efforts of Trump and Netanyahu to end the hostilities in Gaza. "We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump's peace plan. This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu," Modi said. "We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace," he said. The US announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of the Gaza peace plan that includes a ceasefire in the Strip and the release of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners. Under the Gaza peace plan, the hostilities in the Strip will be ended with the release of all the hostages held by Hamas and the demilitarisation of the Strip. Israel launched the war in Gaza after Hamas attacked Israeli cities on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people. Hamas also took 251 people as hostages, and over 50 of them are still in its captivity. Israeli military operations have killed over 66,000 Palestinians since then, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. Gaza has been reeling under a massive humanitarian crisis largely due to the scarcity of food and medicines. The World Health Organization said last month that Gaza's malnutrition rates have reached "alarming levels". The situation in Gaza also figured in Modi's talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai on Thursday. "On the issues of the Ukraine conflict and Gaza, India supports all efforts to restore peace through dialogue and diplomacy," Modi said in his media statement. Under the plan, Gaza will be a "deradicalised terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbours" and it will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of the Strip. PM Starmer said the forward movement on the peace plan will bring profound relief, especially for families of hostages taken by Hamas and the civilian population of Gaza. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday conveyed India's concerns to his British counterpart Keir Starmer, over activities of pro-Khalistani extremists in the UK and said action should be taken against those involved in radicalism and violent extremism. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the Global Fintech Fest at Jio World Centre, in Mumbai, October 9, 2025. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo Modi raised the issue during his talks with Starmer, according to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The prime minister had also flagged concerns over the activities of Khalistani elements in the UK during his visit to London in July as well. "Yes, it is a subject that had come up in the discussions in July. It was flagged again during the discussions held today," Misri said. "And the prime minister emphasised that radicalism and violent extremism had no space in democratic societies, and in particular should not be allowed to abuse the freedoms provided by democratic societies," he said. Misri said there was a need to move against these elements "within the legal frameworks" that are available to both sides. "The prime minister also expressed his deepest sympathies once again and his condolences at the Manchester attack, the attack that took place against a synagogue a few days ago in the UK," Misri said. India has been flagging its concerns to the UK over the activities of pro-Khalistan elements on British soil. To a question on anti-immigration protests in the UK that had also targeted Indians, Misri said the matter will have to be handled by British authorities. "These are issues that have to be addressed by UK authorities. They are a product of the dynamics operating inside the UK, but insofar as the issue of illegal immigration is concerned, it is something that is and has been a subject of discussion between the two countries. It was discussed between the leaders today as well," he said. The foreign secretary said India does not support illegal immigration and favours cooperation with the UK to tackle the matter. "At the same time, what we are interested in and keen on is to support legal mobility between the two countries because that is something that brings great return and benefits to communities in both countries," he said. The councillorship of Congress' Anwar Qadri, arrested in connection with an alleged 'love jihad' funding case, was terminated by two-thirds majority during the Indore civic body meeting on Thursday.. IMAGE: The Congress councillor in Indore civic body, Anwar Qadri (third from left), in police custody after his arrest, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, August 29, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo This is likely the first instance in the country where a councillor's membership has been terminated for alleged involvement in a 'love jihad' case, officials said. The term 'love jihad' is used by right-wing organisations to allege a conspiracy by Muslim men to lure women of other religions into marriage to convert them to Islam. During the municipal corporation meeting, chairman Munnalal Yadav announced that the resolution to terminate Congress councillor Qadri's membership had been passed by a two-thirds majority. Indore is considered a stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The party dominates the Municipal Corporation in terms of the number of councillors. "Qadri, who is in jail, has several cases registered against him for arranging funds for love jihad and other serious charges. His continuing as a councillor was not in the interest of both the city and the Municipal Corporation. Qadri's membership was terminated as per a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority under Madhya Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act 1956," Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava told reporters. The Congress, which has remained silent on the serious allegations against Qadri, should answer whether it supports 'love jihad', Bhargava added. Before the resolution against Qadri could be discussed, Congress councillors left the House and staged a sit-in protest outside. Leader of the Opposition in the Municipal Corporation, Chintu Chouksey, said, "The Municipal Council has no right to remove an elected councillor (Qadri) in this manner. The BJP does not want to discuss basic issues like the city's poor traffic, potholes, and poor drainage system. It only engages in communal politics." As per the police, Qadri surrendered before the district court on August 29 after being on the run for nearly two-and-half months in connection with the alleged funding of love jihad. He is currently in judicial custody. Two men, Sahil Sheikh and Altaf Shah, had allegedly confessed to police in June that Qadri had given them Rs 3 lakh to lure young women into love affairs and convert them to Islam, and that they had spent the money for the purpose. A police official said Sheikh and Shah were held in separate cases on charges of raping two young women and other offences. "Based on the statements of the two, a case was registered against Qadri for being involved in a conspiracy to convert people to Islam through money, after which he absconded. A reward of Rs 40,000 was announced for Qadri's arrest. He was also booked under National Security Act (NSA)," the official said. There are 18 criminal cases registered against Qadri in various police stations in the city, the official added. The Chhattisgarh State Women Commission on Thursday wrote to director general of police Arun Deo Gautam to lodge separate FIRs based on the complaints of three women from Narayanpur who had alleged they were assaulted and molested by Bajrang Dal workers at Durg railway station in July this year, officials said. IMAGE: CPI-M MP John Brittas (third from left), Kerala Congress-M MP Jose K Mani (left), and CPI MP P Santhosh Kumar with Sisters Preethy Mary and Vandana Francis after the NIA Court grants them bail in the human trafficking and forced conversion case, in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, August 2, 2025. Photograph: @cpimspeak/X The three women were victims in the alleged human trafficking and forced religious conversion case in which two nuns from Kerala and a tribal man were arrested, they added. "When the police did not lodge FIR on their complaints, the three women had approached us alleging three Bajrang Dal workers at Durg railway station had physically assaulted, verbally abused, and molested them, and also used caste-based slurs," Chhattisgarh State Women Commission chairperson Kiranmayee Nayak said. "Although three hearings have been held so far in the matter, the respondents have not appeared before the Commission despite being served notices. Even the Durg Superintendent of Police has shown continued negligence in ensuring their presence before the Commission," Nayak said in a statement. While the Durg SP claimed the GRP police station falls under the jurisdiction of the divisional railway manager, the DRM's office said it comes under state police control, she added. "When the Commission requested CCTV footage from Durg railway station, only footage from a single gate was provided on a pen drive, raising suspicion that the DRM was aiding in evidence suppression. The Commission has sent a letter to the DGP, directing that separate FIRs be registered for all three complainants within 15 days, and a report be submitted to the Commission within the same period," she said. If the DGP fails to ensure FIR registration and report submission within the stipulated time, the Commission will approach the National Human Rights Commission to seek compensation for the victims from the police administration, Nayak said. Two Catholic nuns, Nuns Preethi Mary (55) and Vandana Francis (53), both from Kerala, along with a tribal man, Sukhman Mandavi, were arrested by railway police at Durg railway station on July 25 after a local Bajrang Dal functionary accused them of forcibly converting these three women from the tribal-dominated Narayanpur district and trafficking them. The arrest of the nuns sparked off a political slugfest with the Congress and Communist Party of India-Marxist criticising the police action and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai accusing them of politicising the issue. Later, one of the women had claimed she was coerced and assaulted by Bajrang Dal activists to give a false statement, a charge denied by the right-wing outfit. The three women- Sukhmati Mandavi, Lalita Usendi and Kamleshwari Pradhan, all aged between 19 to 21 years and residents of Narayanpur district, in their complaints to the Commission, alleged that when they were at Durg railway station on July 25 to head for Agra in Uttar Pradesh for jobs, Jyoti Sharma, Ravi Nigam, Ratan Yadav along with some anti-social elements intercepted them and took them to Durg GRP station, their lawyer Phool Singh Kachalam had said. The three women had claimed Sharma, Nigam and Yadav assaulted and molested them and also subjected them to caste-based abuse. Jyoti Sharma, who identifies herself as a Bajrang Dal activist, had denied the allegations. The two nuns and another person were released from Durg jail on August 2 after a special court in the state's Bilaspur district granted them bail. Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharma owner has been arrested by the Madhya Pradesh police with the help of Chennai police in the wee hours of Thursday, in connection with the adulterated cough syrup case, a police official said. IMAGE: MP drugs department officials seal the Coldrif cough syrup containers during a raid, in Chhindwara. Photograph: ANI vidoe grab Teams from the Madhya Pradesh police and Chennai cops launched a hunt to trace out and nab the pharma owner Ranganathan. 'Coldrif' cough syrup manufactured by his company is attributed to the deaths of children in multiple states. A senior police official said he was detained following a midnight operation and taken to Sunguvarchatram police station for an inquiry. According to the police official, the police teams have been searching for G Ranganathan since October 7 after the Madhya Pradesh police team arrived, and he was finally arrested at 1.30 am today. The police also seized some documents from his Kancheepuram factory. After being produced in the court here for obtaining the transit remand, he would be taken to Chhindwara, he said. On October 7, the Sriperumbudur Drug Control Inspector had issued a show-cause notice to the pharma company asking it to explain the discrepancies in the quality and labelling of the medicine. Officials from the TN Directorate of Drugs Control inspected the manufacturing facility and found that the medicines were allegedly stored in "unhygienic conditions" on the corridors, and they noticed certain risk of contamination, he said. The Tamil Nadu government had sealed the factory after 20 children from Madhya Pradesh died after consuming the "contaminated" cough syrup allegedly made in the unit. The government banned the cough syrup 'Coldrif' in the state from October 1 and ordered the removal of stocks of the medicine from the market. The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Bihar State Legal Service Authority (BSLSA) to issue directions to its district-level bodies for assisting 3.66 lakh voters excluded from the final electoral rolls in filing appeals with the Election Commission. IMAGE: Booth Level Officer (BLO) verifies the documents of voters during the ongoing special intensive revision camp of electoral rolls, in Patna on Sunday. Photograph: ANI Photo The top court said that it expected the political parties to come out with their grievances with regard to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise after they were impleaded in the matter, but they appear to be satisfied. It said the question of deciding appeals by voters who have been excluded after the SIR exercise of electoral rolls in Bihar within the stipulated time and with a reasoned order will be considered on the next date of hearing on October 16 in response to pleas challenging the EC's exercise. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi said the district legal service authority will release a list of para-legal volunteers for assisting the excluded voters by filing appeals and ensuring that they have detailed orders of their name's rejection. "We want everyone to be given a fair chance to appeal and they should have detailed orders with them on why their names have been excluded. It should not be a one-line cryptic order," the bench said. At the outset, a drama unfolded in the top court when senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi pointed out that the petitioner NGO, 'Association for Democratic Reforms', which challenged the Bihar SIR exercise, had given fake details of a person, who claimed that his name had been excluded from the final list. Dwivedi pointed out that the name of the person referred to in the NGO's affidavit did not feature in the draft roll and the details he had given were of some woman. "The way these papers are being shown to the Court is astonishing. Now they have dropped the story that a large number of people, including Muslims, were excluded. It's a different story now. Now they want the court to be taken to a different lane ," he submitted. Justice Kant said, "We thought we would be able to help those who genuinely want to be included in the final list but " Dwivedi added that the NGO was not helping people but was building only narratives and creating speculations. "The ADR is saying a lot in its affidavit... how do they know how many Muslims and others are excluded? I want an order from the Court that those who want to appeal may do so as the window will be closing in five days," he said. Justice Kant said, "The said person should have disclosed correct information and we also do not appreciate this kind of thing." The bench, after perusing the details, said, "We wonder if such a person even exists." Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the NGO, said that the details were given to him by a very responsible person. The name of the elector, who claimed that his name did not feature in the final electoral roll of Bihar, can be ascertained by the district legal service authority, he said. The bench expressed annoyance, saying this was not expected and clarified that it may pass some remarks. Justice Kant said the BSLSA will help the excluded voters to file their appeals after collecting data from booth level officers (BLOs) and the voters who have been excluded can very well approach the para-legal volunteers of their areas. Dwivedi pointed out that no elector has come forward till now to say they have not received the order from the EC on why their names were deleted. Advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for some Bihar-based activists, said that the electoral roll will freeze on October 17 as it is the last date of filing nominations and according to the EC scheme, there is no provision or time limit for deciding appeals against the rejection of names. Justice Kant said if timelines are not there, the court can fix them and ensure that if appeals are filed, they should not be dismissed with a one-line cryptic order. The top court also heard Yadav, who alleged that under the SIR exercise, there was systemic exclusion, structural exclusion and the possibility of targeted exclusion. He submitted that the court may direct the poll panel to disclose the number of persons whose names have been deleted on the ground that they were not Indian citizens, saying, "It would be a great service to the country." Dwivedi said the EC would file its response to the submissions. On October 7, the top court asked the EC to provide details of 3.66 lakh voters who were part of the draft voter list but were excluded from the final electoral roll prepared after Bihar's SIR exercise, saying there is 'confusion' over the matter. On September 30, the EC, while publishing the final electoral list of the poll-bound Bihar, said that 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 exercise of the voter list. 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. The assembly elections in Bihar 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. United States President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the "first phase" of his peace plan to pause fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners. IMAGE: United States President Donald Trump. Photograph: @WhiteHouse/X In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said, "This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace." "All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!" he added. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media, "With God's help we will bring them all home." Separately, Hamas said that the deal would ensure the withdrawal of Israeli troops as well as allow for the entry of aid and exchange of hostages and prisoners. Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi landed in the national capital on Thursday, in the first high-level trip from Kabul after the Taliban seized power following the collapse of the Ashraf Ghani government over four years back. IMAGE: Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrives in New Delhi, October 9, 2025. Photograph: MEAIndia/X Muttaqi will hold extensive talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during his six-day trip to India, people familiar with the matter said. "Warm welcome to Afghan Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi on his arrival in New Delhi," external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on social media. "We look forward to engaging discussions with him on bilateral relations and regional issues," he said. Muttaqi's engagements include a visit to the Darul Uloom Deoband seminary and the Taj Mahal, the people cited above said. The Afghan foreign minister was scheduled to visit New Delhi last month but it was called off in view of a travel ban that he faced under UN Security Council (UNSC) sanctions. The UNSC committee on September 30 has approved a temporary exemption to the travel ban allowing Muttaqi to visit New Delhi from October 9 to 16, according to a statement by the UN. The exemption paved the way for the Afghan foreign minister to visit India. The UN Security Council had slapped sanctions against all the leading Taliban leaders and they need to secure a waiver for foreign travels. Muttaqi's visit to India is expected to add a new dimension to India's relations with the Taliban set up in Kabul. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had held a phone conversation with Muttaqi on May 15. It was the highest level of contact between New Delhi and Kabul since the Taliban came to power. India has not yet recognised the Taliban set up and has been pitching for the formation of a truly inclusive government in Kabul. New Delhi has also been insisting that Afghan soil must not be used for any terrorist activities against any country. In January, the Taliban regime described India as an "important" regional and economic power following talks between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Muttaqi. The eighth meeting of the Ministerial Roundtable on Support for Ukraine will take place on Wednesday, October 15, as part of the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) in Washington, D.C., with the participation of WB Governor Ajay Banga and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. This invitation-only Ministerial Roundtable will convene select WBG and IMF governors, Ukrainian Government representatives, heads of European IFIs to talk about the needs for on-going support to Ukraine and efforts needed for its reconstruction, the websites of the World Bank and the IMF say. It is noted that the World Bank Group will host the event with the Government of Ukraine and co-chair it with the IMF. The first meeting of this "roundtable" took place at the spring meeting of the IMF and the World Bank on April 21, 2022, the second - at the autumn meeting on October 12 of the same year, and in subsequent years they took place every six months at similar events of these leading international financial organizations. In the first, the head of the IMF pointed to Ukraine's monthly need for $5 billion in 2022 to finance the state budget deficit in the context of the war unleashed by Russia. In the second, Zelenskyy proposed that the global financial community take three urgent steps to support Ukraine: create a "financial Ramstein," ensure economic recovery and aid to Ukrainians, and create a mechanism to support investment and insure them against war risks. At the third meeting, Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked the IMF and the World Bank to approve a $14.1 billion support program to cover priority Rapid Recovery projects, and also called for the development of specific mechanisms for using frozen Russian assets to compensate for the damage caused by Russia. This year, during the IMF's annual meeting, which will take place from October 13 to 18, the Ukrainian delegation will discuss with the Fund a new program, which the Ukrainian Prime Minister, along with the Governor of the National Bank and the Minister of Finance, formally requested on September 9. They will all be in Washington next week. United States President Donald Trump has again claimed that he played a key role in defusing tensions between India and Pakistan by threatening to impose massive tariffs on both countries, saying the move "stopped the fighting" between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. IMAGE: US President Donald Trump has repeated several times that he ended seven wars in the second term of his administration so far, including India and Pakistan. Photograph: @WhiteHouse/X In an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Trump said his "ability" to use trade and tariffs as diplomatic leverage helped bring peace to the world in multiple conflict zones. Tariffs, he said, "give you a tremendous road to peace and the saving of millions of lives, just millions and millions of lives". The president said he made seven peace deals where countries, in many cases, were fighting for hundreds of years and "millions of people were being killed". "Not in all cases, but probably in at least five of the seven (peace deals) we've done, it was through trade. We're not going to deal with people that fight, he said. Trump said he told the countries that "we are not going to let you deal in the United States. We'll put tariffs on you". To buttress his point, he gave the example of the recent military conflict between India and Pakistan, which he again claimed to have stopped. Trump said he had told both India and Pakistan that the US would halt trade and impose "massive tariffs" unless they put it together and stop the fighting. You look at India and Pakistan, I said, well, we're not going to do business with either of you if you don't put it together. These are two nuclear nations. Seven planes were shot down, as you know, and they were really at it, Trump said. He, however, did not specify which country's jets he was referring to. I said, we're not going to do any business with you. We're not going to have anything to do with you. We are going to put massive tariffs on both of you... And within 24 hours, I had a peace deal... they stopped the fighting, the president claimed. Trump also described his peace efforts in the Middle East as an incredible thing", saying the Israel and Hamas' agreement to his peace plan to pause fighting is so great for Israel, so great for Muslims, for the Arab countries, (and) for the United States. "This is more than Gaza. This is peace in the Middle East, and it's an incredible thing," he said. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes. India has consistently maintained that the understanding on cessation of hostilities with Pakistan was reached following direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two militaries. Trump has repeated several times that he ended seven wars in the second term of his administration so far, including India and Pakistan, Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, the Congo and Rwanda, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia and Armenia and Azerbaijan. Since May 10, when Trump announced on social media that India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire after a long night of talks mediated by Washington, he has repeated his claim dozens of times that he helped settle the conflict between India and Pakistan. 'It's shocking how easily technology was used to manipulate photo IDs and fool verification officers.' The Lucknow police have uncovered a cheating racket that mimicked the style of exam fraud seen in the first Munnabhai film, where real candidates were replaced by professional impersonators to sit for competitive exams. IMAGE: The Lucknow police with the arrested accused in the case. Photograph: Kind courtesy Uppolice/X The scam came to light during the recent IBPS Clerk examination held in the city. It all began with a tip-off. Officials from the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), an autonomous body responsible for recruiting candidates in the banking sector, raised suspicion over a candidate named Abhishek Kumar, who was appearing for the clerical level exam. Something about him didn't match the records. Acting on the alert, the venue coordinating officer was summoned. A swift check confirmed the worst -- the real applicant was Gaurav Aditya, but someone else, Abhishek Kumar, was writing the exam in his place. As the police interrogated the impersonator, the scam started to unravel. "He broke down during questioning," says Nipun Agarwal, deputy commissioner pf police, Lucknow South, who is heading the investigation. "We discovered an interstate gang of 10 people operating a cheating network using technology and fake identities to secure bank jobs for paying clients." At the centre of the operation is a man named Rohit, identified as the main broker. Rohit arranged for the fake candidates, or 'solvers', who would take exams on behalf of the real applicants. Each deal was facilitated for a hefty sum -- Rs 2 lakh per exam. The mastermind Anand Kumar, the police say, specifically targeted aspirants applying for jobs in banks. He himself worked in the UP Grameen Bank in Sambhal. Another accused in the scam is Bhagirath Sharma, currently working at the Grameen Bank in Moradabad. According to the police, the selected candidates did indeed land jobs through this illegal route. But how did the impostors manage to get past photo verification? That's where technology came in. Using advanced apps like Remini AI, Fotor, and even ChatGPT for identity scripting, the gang digitally morphed the faces of the solvers to resemble the original candidates. Once they achieved a 70 percent resemblance, the fake candidate was cleared to appear for the test. "It's shocking how easily technology was used to manipulate photo IDs and fool verification officers," says DCP Agarwal. "We caught 10 people red-handed at the exam centre itself." The motive, the police say, is simple -- greed. The applicants wanted jobs without making the effort, and the solvers were lured by money. The gang operated across state lines, with members hailing from Bihar and Uttarakhand. Authorities are now digging into their past to see if they were involved in similar frauds elsewhere. The bust has raised serious concerns about security protocols in computer-based exams. "As everything is moving online, examiners must be extra vigilant," warned DCP Agarwal. "Original Aadhaar cards must be matched carefully with exam IDs. A close look can prevent such impersonation attempts." The investigation is ongoing, and the police believe more such rackets may be active across the country. If Vladimir Putin mobilizes in the Russian Federation, it will be a challenge to Europe, because he can start a big war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. "Mobilization is definitely lost ratings for the leader of the Russian Federation. He didnt do it just because of that. Believe me, they definitely didnt want to pay big money for contracts. Such big money as they have been paying these years. But they went for it. Imagine the price of protecting his personal rating. And therefore, if there is mobilization, it is a challenge to Europe. He will start a big war," Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on Wednesday. According to the president, there is such a risk because Putin needs to "sell" success. In particular, in the war against Ukraine, everything that he could "sell" he has already "sold," "and you see, as I said, the product is already of poor quality - he is selling lies that supposedly can achieve something in the war against Ukraine." "And where can his quick successes be? Look at the map of Europe. Where there will be quick successes, there he will go, if there is mobilization. Thats for sure. And why should he mobilize millions? There is a great risk that Putin will actually go to a world war," Zelenskyy added. He stressed the importance of getting Putin to the negotiating table, as this can stop him and reduce the risks of expanding military operations. "I believe that Putin is personally afraid of a ceasefire, because it is difficult for him to go back to war from a ceasefire. We cannot even compare this with the ATO, etc. These are different things. Going from a full-scale war to a ceasefire, and then starting a full-scale war again is not easy for them," Zelenskyy said. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. High near 30F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low around 15F. Winds light and variable. Digital Future Aotearoa wins this award for embedding DE&I at every level of the organisation, with numerous programs in place to build up a skilled and resilient community. Last year, it refurbished and gifted 2,920 laptops and provided learning environments for 591 akonga and 3,984 tamariki to pick up tech skills. DE&I Vendor/Distributor AWS NZ Dicker Data NZ Salesforce Winner: AWS AWS New Zealand set out a strategy in 2024 for engaging with Te Ao Maori and has excelled at supporting Maori digital aspirations. This includes the commitment to train 100,000 New Zealanders in digital skills, which comprises its ongoing support of the Indigitech program to increase Maori and Pasifika student participation in STEM subjects. Sustainability Echo Brightly Entelar Group HP NZ Jabra One NZ Quadrent Salesforce Schneider Electric Westcon-Comstor Winners: Echo and Schneider Electric Echo Aiming to recover 20,000 tonnes of e-waste annually by 2028, Echos establishment of an accredited, secure and transparent end-of-life pathway for IT hardware has enabled MSPs, SIs, and corporate IT teams to meet environmental obligations. In the 23-24 financial year, Echo diverted almost 4 million kilograms of electronic waste from landfill, a number that has grown consistently year on year. Schneider Electric With the right knowledge in place, partners use Schneider Electrics advanced tools and configurators to design lower-impact solutions and optimise hardware efficiency. Product selectors and carbon calculators help them choose efficient, recyclable components and understand the environmental footprint of their designs right from the start. Partner recognises MSPs, System Integrators and VARs responsible for providing customers with innovative solutions across key market segments of Enterprise (1000+), Mid-market (100-1000) and SMB (less than 100 seats). Additionally, it acknowledges partners providing pioneering technology solutions in regional or remote locations. Please note: Projects mentioned in the nomination must be less than two years old. Sponsored by Schneider Electric Enterprise CyberCX DataSentinel Deloitte NZ netQ Securecom Systems Advisory Services Highly commended: Securecom Winner: Deloitte NZ Deloitte NZ wins this award for the establishment of a facilities asset management information system application for a government agency, transforming the way it manages assets. Deloitte was faced with constrained timeframes and budget but delivered a pilot in eight weeks and rolled out the solution nationally in seven months. Mid-market Advantage Both Brains DataSentinel Lexel Systems netQ Securecom Winner: Securecom Securecom provides 24/7 support nationwide and holds a customer satisfaction score above 97 per cent. It strived to re-invent its IT support model with TotalCARE Flex, a flexible, personalised managed service tailored to midmarket organisations that can balance proactive support, monitoring, patching and incident response with strategic projects in the same package. SMB Advantage Both Brains Delta Insights Winner: Delta Insights Delta Insights work with New Zealands largest accommodation and rehabilitation provider for people exiting the justice system, Grace Foundation, saw it implement a custom CRM solution in 12 weeks. This helped it support more than 500 residents with 1,560 admin hours saved annually and $7.5 million in potential unlocked funding. Regional Advantage Both Brains DataSentinel Yorb Highly commended: DataSentinel Winner: Both Brains Based in Queenstown, Both Brains supports over 200 clients and hasnt lost a single managed service customer in over 12 years. Its work with Glenorchy Air saw it migrating line-of-business applications to Azure and consolidated communication and filesharing tools into Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive. Tech Partner recognises partners leveraging established and emerging solutions to enhance customer innovation levels with Cloud; Security; Digital Transformation; and Emerging Technology segments. Please note: Projects mentioned in the nomination must be less than two years old. Sponsored by Entelar Group Cloud Cyber CX Datacom Securecom TEAM IM/ TEAM Cloud Highly commended: CyberCX Winner: Datacom With hundreds of certifications from Microsoft and AWS, Datacoms cloud credentials are second to none, holding expertise in public, hybrid, multi and private cloud strategies. Its also the only New Zealand-owned and operated organisation to have both the Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Service Provider accreditation and the AWS Managed Services Provider accreditation. Digital Transformation Cumulo9 Deloitte NZ Delta Insights RUSH Systems Advisory Services Theta Yorb Winner: RUSH RUSHs expertise spans native mobile development, machine learning, real-time geolocation, and complex system integrations. Its work with Z Energy saw it quickly develop and release a new loyalty programme app which saw more than 43,000 new customers and 64,000 downloads in its first month. Emerging Tech Arinco Bluefern CyberCX One NZ RUSH Highly commended: RUSH Winner: One NZ Following Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, One NZ accelerated its collaboration with SpaceX to deliver messaging to unmodifed phones via LEO satellites. Behind this innovation was a disciplined ideation-to-deployment cycle, leveraging strategic global partnerships, and nationwide engineering, which has been vital during natural disasters. Security Advantage Arinco CyberCX CyberGrape netQ Winner: CyberCX As a provider of professional cyber security and cloud services across New Zealand, CyberCX has workforce of more of than 200 people across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Servicing a range of public and private sector organisations, CyberCX helps customers manage cyber risk, respond to incidents and build resilience. Start Up recognises market-leading start-ups building unique businesses to bring innovative new technologies to the New Zealand market, delivering value to specific market verticals and entrepreneurs developing new ventures. Sponsored by Dicker Data Product Blacklock Security Delta Insights Entelar Group Kowhai AI Winner: Kowhai AI Kowhai AI partners with Kiwi businesses, enterprises, and the public sector to make AI, data, and automation practical, as well as secure. It was founded with a clear vision to fill in the gap between AI hype and practical, sustainable adoption. Entrepreneur Nilesh Kapoor (Blacklock Security) Dale Roberts (Scopious IoT) Winner: Nilesh Kapoor (Blacklock Security) Nilesh Kapoor launched Blacklock in 2021 to solve a long-standing problem in cyber security. His entrepreneurial mindset was shaped by 15+ years of delivering IT security consulting and penetration testing for banks, government agencies, and digital identity platforms. Vendor recognises vendors helping partners deliver transformative solutions and services to customers, operating market-leading approaches to engagement and enablement across the key technology segments of Cloud, Security, Hardware, Software, Specialist and Homegrown ISV. Sponsored by Ingram Micro Cloud HPE TEAM IM/ TEAM Cloud TechClick Winner: HPE In New Zealand, HPE stands as a modern, channel-centric cloud vendor with the infrastructure to prove it. Its 11-member channel team, representing over 10 per cent of the local workforce, supports a partner community that contributes more than 90 per cent of HPE NZs annual revenue. Hardware Cisco HP New Zealand HPE Winner: HP NZ HP has demonstrated long-standing dedication to its local partner ecosystem with its hardware solutions and essential resources to thrive in a competitive environment. This sustained emphasis on its channel-centric approach generates enduring benefits for NZ partners, enhancing their market position, capabilities, and growth trajectories. Homegrown ISV Winner: ZenContract ZenContract is a unique contract lifecycle management platform purpose-built for MSPs. It directly enables innovation at the customer level by transforming how local MSPs interact with and deliver value to their customers. Security Arctic Wolf ESET Fortinet Lightwire N-Able Palo Alto Networks WatchGuard Technologies Highly commended: Lightwire Winner: Fortinet Fortinet New Zealand is proudly a channel-led security vendor. Its channel strategy and programme has been developed locally from the ground up to reflect the distinct needs of its NZ partners. Software ManageEngine Salesforce Winner: Salesforce Salesforce stands as a quintessential channel-centric software vendor, deeply embedding partners into its NZ go-to-market strategy. The approach is built on a foundation of mutual success, recognising that partner expertise is crucial for delivering transformative solutions across Aotearoa. Specialist DataSentinel Jabra Lightwire Schneider Electric Winner: DataSentinel DataSentinel works exclusively via the channel, enabling its partners to offer a range of database and data platform-related services under their own brands. This channel-only philosophy is core to the companys go-to-market strategy, delivery model, and partner programmes. Distributor recognises distributors leading ecosystem innovation and growth through transformative approaches to vendor engagement and partner enablement, spanning the categories of Hardware, Software, Specialist and Creativity. Creativity Chillisoft Dicker Data NZ Ingram Micro NZ Netpoleon NZ NEXTGEN Westcon-Comstor Winner: NEXTGEN NEXTGENs approach to channel engagement delivers sustained benefits by combining AI-driven insights with human expertise. Its latest innovative toolsBuyer Predictor and Industry Radarenable partners to act on real-time intelligence, reducing sales cycles, increasing conversion rates and enhancing the overall quality of channel engagement. Hardware Dicker Data Go Wireless NZ Ingram Micro NZ Westcon-Comstor Winner: Ingram Micro Empowering a network of over 2,000 active resellers and partnerships with 160 global vendors, Ingram offers one of the most comprehensive hardware portfolios in the country. The distributor has a team of 270 dedicated professionals delivering end-to-end support across sales, technical consulting, marketing, and business development. Software Winner: Dicker Data NZ Dicker Data is NZs largest software distributor, with revenue hitting $179 million in 2024. The company has also gained further exclusive distribution for several software vendors with 65 per cent of software brands having a sole distribution agreement. Specialist Chillisoft Crayon Entelar Group Netpoleon NZ Westcon-Comstor Winners: Chillisoft and Westcon-Comstor Chillisoft As a specialist cyber security distributor, Chillisoft delivers advanced technical services, strategic partner enablement, and regional leadership. Its focus on innovation and managed services has significantly expanded value for partners across Aotearoa, Australia, and the Pacific. Westcon-Comstor With deep expertise and long-standing partnership with AWS, Weston-Comstor is uniquely positioned as a market-leading specialist distributor, enabling partners to unlock the full potential of the AWS ecosystem. Westcon-Comstor simplifies AWS program engagement for partners through streamlined onboarding, billing activation, incentive management, and support ticket assistance. Personal Innovation recognises standout individuals who contribute to customer, company and channel success through a transformative approach to management, channel, sales, technical and marketing positions. Sponsored by Jabra Channel Excellence Paul Bassett Cisco Galit Jona Delta Insights Blair Strahan HP NZ Craig Murphy HPE Shabana Khan Jabra Nick Wangford Kowhai AI Rachel McBeth Schneider Electric Chad Kelly Veeam Winner: Craig Murphy HPE Craig has been instrumental in delivering tangible business value to channel partners, driving ecosystem growth and elevating innovation across the region. One standout example is his leadership during the rollout of HPEs Private Cloud AI and GreenLake offerings in FY25, where Craig spearheaded a partner-first strategy that enabled resellers to unlock new revenue streams through exclusive channel-only sales motions. Distributor Kenneth Caballero Entelar Group Charlie Meaker NEXTGEN Irene Naidu SnapperNet Highly commended: Kenneth Caballero Entelar Group Winner: Charles Meaker NEXTGEN Charlie Meaker has been instrumental in enabling business growth for channel partners, exemplified by his transformative engagement with an AWS partner. Under Charlies strategic guidance, this partner evolved from a Select Tier to an Advanced Tier AWS Partner within a single year, positioning this partner among the top echelon of AWS partners in the APAC region. Management Excellence Partner: Jenni Powell Both Brains Brett Wellington PB Tech Roly Smoldon Ricoh NZ Matt Roberts Systems Advisory Services Iain Boyd Softsource vBridge Daniel Goymer Yorb Highly commended: Jenni Powell Both Brains Winner: Daniel Goymer Yorb Appointed to the role of CEO in 2024, 20-year Yorb veteran Daniel Goymer had no hesitation in promptly overhauling the business. He implemented EOS to align company and departmental goals with quarterly objectives, introduced financial transparency and accountability across teams, and established robust budgeting and forecasting frameworks. Vendor/Distributor: Jessica McFadden Cisco Blair Willers HP NZ Nick Phillips Lightwire Rob Purdy Westcon-Comstor Winner: Rob Purdy Westcon-Comstor Rob Purdy joined WestconComstor in October 2024 as partner sales director, bringing with him a wealth of experience and leadership expertise. His clear direction and hands-on style lifted team engagement and performance, with 100 per cent focus on partner success. Marketing Excellence Mark Hayes Adobe Igor Portugal Blacklock.io Jennifer Hall Entelar Group Patrina Kerr Fabric Brand Partners Cayce Wong HP NZ Simon Walker Systems Advisory Services Winner: Jennifer Hall Entelar Group With a career spanning support, IT, sales, product and distribution all before transitioning to IT marketing Jennifer possesses a combination of industry knowledge, pragmatism and energy. As one of the most certified marketers in the country, she embodies a proactive approach. She doesnt wait for opportunities; she creates them, and the results speak volumes. Sales Excellence Partner: Victor Marengo PB Tech Carl Black Systems Advisory Services Rich Marshall Yorb Winner: Victor Marengo PB Tech Over the past year, Victor has delivered extraordinary commercial outcomes by transforming licensing into a strategic growth engine for PB Tech. His efforts have driven value across multiple dimensions in the business and he secured several high-value contracts with government and enterprise customers. Vendor: Felix Burton Cisco Victoria Cotton HP NZ Andy Scott Palo Alto Networks Highly commended: Victoria Cotton HP NZ Winner: Felix Burton Cisco Since assuming his new role within Cisco, Felix has significantly elevated Ciscos position as a strategic partner in the NZ enterprise market. His commercial acumen and ability to foster deep strategic partnerships have enabled him to consistently exceed sales targets, closing the largest deal in Cisco Enterprise NZ. Technical Excellence Partner: Dinesh Sharma Datacom Mark Harrison Deloitte Adrian Soh netQ Winner: Dinesh Sharma Datacom As an AWS Golden Jacket owner, Dinesh holds the highest levels of AWS technical proficiency. He integrates this technical knowledge with business insights to support clients in achieving their goals. Dineshs ability to translate technical depth into customer value is what sets him apart in the cloud industry. Vendor/Distributor: Nilesh Kapoor Blacklock Security Craig Geary HP NZ Craig Corfield HPE Karnali Dhanani Lightwire Alex Skeen NEXTGEN Tess Davis Palo Alto Networks Grant Woodbury Westcon-Comstor Highly commended: Grant Woodbury Westcon-Comstor Winner: Tess Davis Palo Alto Networks Tess is a leading technical authority in cyber security. Her career spans more than 15 years across virtualisation, cloud migration, DevSecOps, and AI security. She brings a uniquely broad and deep knowledge of security practices, underpinned by hands-on implementation experience and formal qualifications in physics. Hall of Fame Phil Johnson Sponsored by Westcon and VMware A serial entrepreneur, Phil Johnson began his career in the early 1980s, specialising in Novell systems and networking. After returning to New Zealand in 1987, he helped develop training courses for Novell and Polytech. Johnson was instrumental in setting ethical standards for IT in New Zealand, collaborating with companies like Computer Concepts, ComputerLand and mentoring fellow IT business owners. Known for his philanthropy, he led significant recovery efforts following the Christchurch earthquakes. He famously auctioned a car-sized boulder that destroyed his home, raising $70,000 for the NZ Red Cross and established an 8-acre native reserve in the Port Hills to offset his companys data centre emissions. Specialising in building computer networks, CommArc was born in 1993, growing from a solo venture to more than 70 employees across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. In 2001, he launched a private cloud service with data centres in Auckland and Christchurch, and pioneered the use of RFID in New Zealands tourism industry. In 2000, he co-founded Alchemy Group (now Stratos) and serves as chair. Beyond IT, Johnson holds board roles in various sectors and remains deeply involved in IT through his businesses and voluntary mentorship. He is guided by a strong moral compass and a commitment to giving back. Honour Roll Vic Dickerson After moving from South Africa, Vic Dickerson started Datastor in 1992 with his business partner, Gordon Stinson. He needed to fill half a shipping container left over from his belongings with computers and sold them out of his garage in New Zealand, and Datastor was born. He was a true eccentric entrepreneur with a unique leadership stylebut most importantly, he had generosity and a massive heart. He loved helping people succeed, chose staff with the right attitude, and helped countless individuals from diverse backgrounds enter the IT industry and grow into great leaders. Vic led by example. He sat on the trading floor, was often the first to answer the phones, and loved closing a sale. He reinvested all profits back into the business until selling it to Westcon in 2019. From an industry perspective, Vic supported countless individuals when they truly needed it and helped companies navigate tough situations. Many of the people he led remain in the business today, with several contributing to global projects. Vic continues to contribute to the IT industry through investments and informal advisory roles. Tim Miles With a career spanning decades of leadership, innovation, and impact across telecommunications, digital infrastructure, and enterprise IT, Tim Miles has been a transformative figure in New Zealands technology sector. His career began at IBM, Data General Corporation, and Unisys. He rose to prominence as CEO of Vodafone New Zealand, later serving as CEO of Vodafone UK and Group CTO. On his return to New Zealand, he lead PGG Wrightson before taking the helm at Spark Digital (formerly Gen-i) where he was instrumental in repositioning the company as a leading digital services provider, including overseeing the acquisition of Revera. He has continued to shape the technology landscape through governance roles and serves as chair of Fortysouth Limited. He is also a non-executive director at Genesis Energy, chair of its Transformation & Technology Committee, and a director at oOh!media and Nyriad. His board leadership reflects a deep understanding of technologys role in business transformation, energy innovation, and digital infrastructure development. Tims influence spans both public and private sectors, and his strategic foresight continues to guide organisations through complex digital transitions. Russell Hewitt For more than 30 years, Russell Hewitt has been in leadership roles across the IT industry and continues to mentor and guide a range of people as they develop into the leaders of the future. With roles in IBM through the 1980s, he was one of the first sales managers to bring the IBM PC to the NZ marketplace and establishing channel programs and business partners to drive sales activity. He became the CEO of Computerland NZ with his leadership style and strategic thinking attracting admirable attention. The company was eventually acquired and incorporated into Gen-I and Spark. In 2000 he became the chief executive of Compaq NZ and completed the local mergers of Tandem, Digital, and Hewlett Packard. In 2004 he became CEO of Vodafone Australia and on returning to NZ in 2010 he was CEO of First Mobile and was appointed by Vodafone in 2011 to lead their mobile recovery in Christchurch following the devastating earthquake. An active investor in NZ based companies, he has served on multiple boards and his inspiring leadership has left an indelible footprint in the NZ IT market. Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya has been told she must vacate secure housing in Vilnius amid a downgrade to her security detail by the Lithuanian authorities, according to a note one of her aides sent to Western embassies. The note, provided to RFE/RL by a diplomatic source from an EU/NATO country and confirmed by two others, said the decision was communicated to Tsikhanouskayas office on October 1, with the security downgrade beginning on October 6. We were also told that she would need to vacate her secured housing within 23 weeks, after residing there for the past five years. Close protection was also withdrawn, the note says. Diplomatic sources told RFE/RL Tsikhanouskaya will lose her round-the-clock bodyguards, receiving instead lower-level police protection. Two aides to Tsikhanouskaya acknowledged they are in touch with the authorities over the situation, but stressed there have been no "official requests" made. "We havent sent any official letters, but I can say that we communicated with diplomats personally about the ongoing situation," Dzianis Kuchynski, an adviser to Tsikhanouskaya, told RFE/RLs Belarus Service. Tsikhanouskaya herself did not immediately comment on the issue. Earlier on October 9, however, she posted a short message on social media stating no matter the obstacles, we will not stop." "My team and I will keep fighting for political prisoners, defending the interests of Belarusians, and drawing the worlds attention to Lukashenkas crimes, she added. Safety Fears Earlier, a close aide to the Belarusian opposition leader told RFE/RL her team was waiting for more details from the Lithuanian authorities. The move has raised concerns about Tsikhanouskayas safety amid fears she could be targeted by Belarusian agents. The downgrade of her security detail was first publicly reported on October 6. Following the announcement, our team members unfortunately began experiencing heightened pressure on their relatives in Belarus, explicitly linked to the downgrade of protection in Lithuania, the note to Western embassies said. Tsikhanouskaya has been an official guest of the Lithuanian government since being coerced to leave her country in 2020 and runs the main exiled Belarusian opposition organization from an office in Vilnius. This office temporarily moved to remote working after the security downgrade. Lithuania is host to 57,511 Belarusians, according to official figures released in January. While many are in the country for economic reasons, Lithuania has provided a sanctuary to people fleeing Belarus since a brutal crackdown on mass protests there followed a disputed 2020 election that saw authoritarian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko claim victory. Opposition leaders and most European governments -- including Lithuania -- refused to acknowledge Lukashenko's sixth consecutive election win saying the balloting was rigged. Lithuania Pledges Ongoing Support A new government took power in Vilnius over the summer that some critics say has softened its stance toward Minsk. But Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys assured journalists on October 8 that Lithuania's position towards Belarus has not changed. "We need to do a lot together. Lithuania is ready, I am ready to continue cooperation. And all issues related to the organization of security, I hope, will be professionally and promptly resolved," Budrys told the ELTA news agency. Earlier, Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said that the decision to downgrade Tsikhanouskayas security was made based on an assessment of risk. Tsikhanouskaya has security, but it has been adjusted to take into account current realities," Ruginiene was quoted as saying by Delfi, a news outlet. Lithuanias public service TV and radio broadcaster has reported that reducing a 1-million-euro annual price tag for Tsikhanouskayas protection was also a factor. Remigijus Motuzas, a lawmaker for the governing Social Democrats, told ELTA "this is definitely a question of funds. It also seems that this level of protection was not necessary." Former Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, now in opposition, disagrees. He has responded to the decision by claiming that Lithuania is betraying Tsikhanouskaya. The reasons behind the decision remain obscure, but it is clear that the main beneficiary is Lukashenko forcing Svyatlana out, hoping to silence her, questioning her legitimacy is exactly what he has been dreaming about for a long time, he wrote. A Diplomatic Thaw The decision comes as Lukashenko is seeking to emerge from the diplomatic isolation that he has faced since his 2020 crackdown. This has included a phone call with US President Donald Trump and deals with Washington to release a number of political prisoners, including Tsikhanouskayas husband, Syarhey Tsikhanouski. In return, Washington has dropped sanctions on the Belarusian state-owned airline Belavia. Landsbergis said the current government also wished to improve ties with Lukashenko. The current Lithuanian government, especially its more radical elements, always wanted to return to business as usual with the Belarusian dictator, he wrote. Whatever the reasons for the move, concerns remain for the safety of Tsikhanouskaya and other Belarusian political exiles. Police protection was not enough to stop Russian opposition activist Leonid Volkov being attacked with a hammer in Vilnius in March 2024. Two Belarussian activists abroad have disappeared this year. Anatol Kotau went missing in Turkey in August. Angelika Melnikova was last seen in Poland in March. Prominent opposition figure Paval Latushka, who also lives in Poland, told RFE/RLs Belarus Service that "Several times I was informed by the Polish special services that they managed to prevent the actions of the Belarusian regime's special services." "If you count how many threats I received through social networks, e-mails, and from ambassadors, I received at least 160 threats," he added. President Vladimir Putin admitted to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev that Russia played a role in the downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet that killed at least 38 people, his first acknowledgement of Russian responsibility. Putin told Aliyev when they met on the sidelines of a summit in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, on October 9 that local Russian air defense systems had been deployed against Ukrainian drones and were to blame for the crash-landing of the flight from Baku to Russias Grozny in December 2024 in Kazakhstan, after it was rerouted from southern Russia. "The two missiles that were launched did not hit the jet directly," Putin said, adding that if they had, "it would have crashed on the spot, but, they exploded, perhaps as a self-destruction measure, a few meters away." "The Russian side will, of course, do everything possible to provide compensation and give a legal assessment of the actions of all responsible officials," Putin said, giving no concrete details. Putin added that he had learned the cause of the crash only two days prior his meeting with Aliyev, saying it would "take some more time" to complete the investigation. Aviation expert Vadim Lukashevich noted that the explosion of missiles near the aircraft, rather than a direct hit on the fuselage, is "normal behavior" for air defense missiles. "This was not a self-destruction that occurred hundreds of meters away from the aircraft, but rather the standard activation of the missiles proximity fuses," Lukashevich claimed in a Facebook post. Putin had previously issued an apology to Aliyev last year for the "tragic incident," but he wouldn't admit fault on Russias side, which led to a 10-month diplomatic row between Moscow and Baku, which continued to demand compensation and accountability. Russian authorities, meanwhile, carried out arrests of ethnic Azerbaijanis this summer as part of an investigation into alleged crimes. In response, Azerbaijani security forces also detained several Russian nationals. Moreover, Aliyev skipped Russias annual World War II Victory Day celebrations, a major snub of Putin in the eyes of many. During the October 9 meeting, Putin expressed "hope" for restoring cooperation between the two countries. Aliyev, in turn, thanked the Russian leader for investigating the cause of the crash saying he appreciated his "personal control" over the situation. "The messages we are sending today to our societies will meet a positive response," Aliyev said. Speaking to RFE/RLs Azerbaijani Service, independent political expert Shahin Hajiyev said the level of hostility between Russia and Azerbaijan is now likely to ease. "It can be seen from Ilham Aliyevs statements during the meeting with Putin that he is satisfied with the Russian sides position and expects the problems in bilateral relations to be resolved," he said. Hajiyev added that he also expected pressure on Azerbaijanis working in Russia to ease and that those arrested earlier in the year would be released. However, Elkhan Shahinoglu, a political analyst at the Atlas Research Center in Baku, questioned Putins technical explanations, adding that the lengthy period of tension had already damaged cooperation between the two countries. If Putin points out that the investigation is not yet complete, why does he claim that the missile did not hit the aircraft? Shahinoglu asked in his post on Facebook. If Putin had said what he said now in the first days after the tragedy, relations would not have become so strained, he added, noting that the normalization of relations will depend on how Putin fulfills his promise. A Ukrainian delegation led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and including the head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak and the presidential representative for sanctions policy Vladyslav Vlasiuk will visit the United States early next week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. "The team led by Prime Minister Svyrydenko, together with the head of the Office Yermak and my representative for sanctions policy Vlasyuk will be in the United States early next week. Topics: air defense, energy, sanctions steps. And also the negotiation track. The issue of frozen assets from the United States will also be discussed," Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on Wednesday. In addition, according to the president, Ukraine is preparing relevant actions, meetings and results within the framework of the work of the Coalition of the Willing for October-November of this year. Long before Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian opposition had been struggling against a spiraling state clampdown on dissent a campaign of oppression that stretched back at least as far as the quashing of street protests that erupted late in 2011, amid anger over election fraud and dismay at Vladimir Putins decision to return to the presidency after a stint as prime minister. The clampdown tightened further when Russia launched the all-out war in February 2022. Two years later, Aleksei Navalny the most prominent opposition leader for at least a decade and the head of the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), which needled the Kremlin with frequent investigations detailing evidence of the extravagant misuse of public funds by Putin and his circle -- died in prison under suspicious circumstances. His widow and associates blame Putin for his death. As its invasion of Ukraine grinds on, repression at home has increased still further, with the authorities seeking to stifle all dissent and quash any questioning of a war that has killed or wounded more than 1 million Russian soldiers. Numerous critics of the war are behind bars, but almost all of the most prominent opposition figures are abroad -- some fleeing in the face of prosecution, others released from prison and removed from Russia. Exile has made the oppositions struggle for relevance more difficult than ever and frequent disputes between factions, such as an argument over a resolution aimed at giving Kremlin opponents a stronger voice at the Council of Europe and its Parliamentary Assembly (PACE), have not helped their cause. Heres a look at whos who in the Russian opposition today, a week after PACE decided to create a "Platform for Dialogue" between the Assembly and Russian democratic forces in exile. Yulia Navalnaya/Anti-Corruption Foundation Three days after her husbands sudden death in an Arctic prison, Yulia Navalnaya vowed to step up and continue his cause, urging Russians to share her rage, fury, and hatred for those who dared to murder our future. Navalnaya chairs the advisory board of the Anti-Corruption Foundation, which is outlawed in Russia as an extremist organization but continues to operates from abroad. Other prominent Navalny associates with roles in the Anti-Corruption Foundation include Leonid Volkov and Maria Pevchikh. Longtime head Ivan Zhdanov was replaced in September after what he said were internal tensions, and the new CEO is Vladislav Romantsev. Navalnaya, 49, was elected chair of the New York-based Human Rights Foundation in July 2024. She has joined with opposition activists Ilya Yashin and Vladimir Kara-Murza in organizing protests in Berlin against Putin and Russias war on Ukraine. But Navalnys allies have frequently clashed with other opposition figures. The PACE initiative created a new bone of contention when a memorandum accompanying the declaration said that as of now, the FBK does not qualify as Russian Democratic Forces as defined by the Assembly. Mikhail Khodorkovsky Once Russias richest man and head of its top oil producer, Khodorkovsky fell afoul of the Kremlin during Putins first term, when he aired corruption allegations, challenged state control over energy exports, and funded opposition parties. Arrested in 2003, he was convicted twice on charges he contends were fabricated. After 10 years in prison, he was freed and flown out of Russia following a pardon from Putin that was widely seen as PR ahead of the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Now based in London, Khodorkovsky, 62, has continued his opposition to Putin. He founded Open Russia, which pursued a range of pro-democracy activities in Russia and was eventually banned there. Days after Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Khodorkovsky and other Putin foes -- including Garry Kasparov, Dmitry Gudkov, and Vladimir Kara-Murza formed the Russian Antiwar Committee. Khodorkovsky urged supporters to back Navalnys bid to challenge Putin for the presidency in 2018. But a conflict erupted in 2024 when Navalnys team accused Khodorkovsky associate Leonid Nevzlin of ordering violent attacks on top Navalny allies. Tensions persist, and Khodorkovsky sharply criticized the FBK as disputes over the PACE decision erupted. Garry Kasparov A chess grandmaster who reigned as world champion from 1985 to 2000, Kasparov has devoted himself to opposition politics for two decades. He was instrumental in creating the United Civil Front and a broader opposition coalition, Other Russia, one of the organizers of Dissenters March protests in the 2000s. Kasparov sought to run for president in 2008 but withdrew after he was unable to rent a venue big enough to meet requirements for a gathering of supporters to get on the ballot, running up against the kind of tactics frequently used by the Kremlin to marginalize opponents and keep them out of elections. A vehement Putin critic who opposed Russias takeover of Crimea and the invasion of Ukraine, Kasparov, 62, has lived in the United States for a dozen years. In 2016, Kasparov co-founded the Free Russia Forum, which has held numerous opposition and antiwar conferences in Vilnius. The Russian state declared Kasparov a foreign agent in 2022 and branded the Free Russia Forum an undesirable organization in 2023. In April 2024, a Russian court issued a warrant for Kasparovs arrest on charges of creating and leading a terrorist group. Vladimir Kara-Murza Kara-Murza worked closely with Boris Nemtsov before the opposition politician was assassinated in 2015. He was a key advocate for the 2012 Magnitsky Act, US sanctions legislation that targets rights abusers and has inspired similar laws in Britain, Canada, the EU, and elsewhere. A Russian-British citizen, Kara-Murza, 44, has spent much of his time in the United States. He was hospitalized on trips to Russia in 2015 and 2017, in what US authorities have investigated as cases of intentional poisoning. Like Navalny, Kara-Murza returned to Russia despite risks. Shortly before his return, he accused the dictatorial regime in the Kremlin of committing war crimes in Ukraine. Kara-Murza was arrested in April 2022 and was convicted of treason and sentenced to 25 years in prison. He was one of 16 people freed from Russian custody in a prisoner exchange with the West in August 2024. Vice President of the US-based Free Russia Foundation and a former coordinator at Open Russia, Kara-Murza has joined Yulia Navalnaya and Ilya Yashin in leading protests in Berlin against Putin and the war in Ukraine. In August 2025, he became dissident-in-residence at the Georgetown School of Foreign Service. Ilya Yashin A Putin foe and peaceful street protester for decades, Yashin led a group of activists and journalists who completed a report on Russias involvement in the war in eastern Ukraine that Boris Nemtsov was working on when he was shot dead in 2015. Yashin was the elected head of Moscows Krasnoselsky district from 2017 until 2021, when he stepped down amid mounting state pressure after being barred from running for parliament. The authorities were tightening the screws further still after the arrest of Navalny, who once described Yashin as his first friend in politics. Yashin went on to protest Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine and, in December 2022, was sentenced to 8 years in prison on charges stemming from YouTube posts in which he spoke about the killings of civilians by Russian troops in Bucha, outside Kyiv. In court, Yashin urged Putin to "stop the madness" and end the war by withdrawing Russia's forces from Ukraine, adding: "Your name is now firmly associated with the words 'death' and 'destruction.'" Yashin, 42, was one of 16 people released from Russian custody in the August 2024 prisoner exchange that included Kara-Murza. Dmitry Gudkov Gudkov was one of the last remaining liberal opposition politicians in the Russian parliament, holding a State Duma seat as an independent from 2011-2016. The son of Gennady Gudkov, a Soviet KGB officer who became an opposition lawmaker and Putin critic, Dmitry Gudkov was among the leaders of the 2011-13 Bolotnaya protests. Gudkov left Russia in 2021, citing concern that he would be prosecuted in what he called a fake criminal case involving an alleged unpaid debt on a past rental property. He said people close to Putins administration had told him he would be arrested if he remained in the country. A vocal critic of the invasion of Ukraine, Gudkov, 45, is a founding member of the Russian Antiwar Committee. He is also a co-founder of the Center for Analysis and Strategies in Europe (CASE), a Cyprus-based think tank. Maksim Kats The Moscow-born Kats emigrated to Israel with his family in childhood and returned to Russia in 2001, during Putins first term. A decade later, with opposition figures pushed to the margins, he -- like Yashin -- was at the center of a movement to gain a foothold in municipal politics, winning a seat in a Moscow district assembly in 2012. Kats has helped manage election campaigns for opposition politicians including Navalny, whose strong second-place showing behind the incumbent in a 2013 Moscow mayoral election frightened the Kremlin, and Dmitry Gudkov. Kats left Russia shortly before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In August 2023, a Russian court sentenced him in absentia to eight years in prison over a video he posted on YouTube in April 2022 about the killings of civilians by Russian soldiers in Bucha, outside Kyiv. Now based in Israel, Kats, 40, has more than 2.4 million subscribers to the YouTube channel he launched in 2010, which is focused on Russian politics. He has sought to build an opposition coalition but has clashed repeatedly with Navalny and his associates including in 2024, when Kats claimed the FBK had tight ties to fugitive Russian bankers accused of fraud. Grigory Yavlinsky Yavlinsky, who remains in Russia, is an economist who gained prominence when he authored a 500 Days plan in 1990 to shift the Soviet Union to a market economy. It was never put in place, and he criticized the shock therapy reforms launched by President Boris Yeltsin after the Soviet Unions collapse. Yavlinsky, 73, went on to co-found and lead the liberal opposition party Yabloko, and was a lawmaker in the State Duma in 1994-2003. His influence has faded: he received more than 7 percent of the vote in the 1996 presidential election and just over 1 percent in 2018 though that result was compromised by claims of widespread fraud in Putins favor. He has called Russias war against Ukraine a crime against humanity and said that for Russia, it is akin to a self-imposed nuclear strike. Yavlinsky has clashed with other opposition leaders, some of whom have accused him of being soft on Putin. In 2021, he charged that Navalnys Smart Voting initiative played into the Kremlins hands. Yabloko still operates inside Russia. Several prominent members, including Lev Shlosberg, Maksim Kruglov, and Boris Vishnevsky, have faced prosecution or pressure from the state in recent months. The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said sanctions against the Russian-owned Oil Industry of Serbia (NIS), Serbia's sole crude oil refiner, have taken force after several delays, a move that could hit the Balkan nation hard. NIS said on October 9 that a special license from the US Treasury that allows the company to operate was not extended after being delayed eight times since the company was first put on the US sanctions list in January for its "secondary risk," its Russian ownership. The sanctions are aimed, among other things, at preventing the financing of the Kremlin's war in Ukraine by Russian energy companies. "The company has not been extended a special license by the United States Department of Finance, which enables smooth operational business," NIS said in a statement. "Since the listing of the company on the SDN (Specially Designated Nationals) list in January, NIS has been carefully monitoring the situation and trying to adapt its operations to the new circumstances...NIS has secured sufficient stocks of oil for processing at this time, while gas stations are properly supplied with all types of oil derivatives." Kremlin-controlled Gazprom Neft, directly or through its subsidiaries, is the main owner of substantial energy assets in Serbia. Since 2008, Gazprom has owned a large stake in NIS, Serbia's national oil and gas company. Although Serbia has repeatedly condemned Russia's invasion at the United Nations and other international forums, it has so far refused to join Western sanctions against Moscow. Serbia is heavily dependent on Russian gas and is currently in talks for a new supply deal. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on October 7 that Belgrade will discuss ways to resolve problems created by the sanctions with Russia. "We no longer have anything to discuss with the Americans. The United States has imposed its will on others and Europe will support American sanctions," said Vucic. The ownership structure of NIS has been changed several times as the company looked to avoid the sanctions, but it is still mostly in the hands of Russian companies. Gazprom in September transferred its shares to one of its subsidiaries based in St. Petersburg, which now holds 11.3 percent of the company's shares, according to data published on the website of the Belgrade Stock Exchange on September 21. Gazprom Neft, a subsidiary of Gazprom, still holds the largest share in NIS at 44.9 percent, while Serbia owns 29.9 percent. The remainder is held by small shareholders. In January, Vucic rejected the possibility of nationalizing NIS, adding that Serbia "will not participate in the seizure of Russian property." "The financial sector will have to stop working with NIS - halt all transactions and cooperation immediately - to avoid being considered a bank dealing with a sanctioned entity," he added. Industry experts said crude oil deliveries to Serbia, as well as exports of fuel, and higher gasoline prices are likely to be among the negative consequences of the US sanctions against NIS, which supplies over 80 percent of Serbia's diesel and petrol fuels. The consequences of the US sanctions against NIS are likely also to ripple across neighboring countries, with the Serbian oil firm having operations in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Romania, and Bulgaria. Croatian President Economy Minister Ante Susnjar said on October 9 that his country is ready to buy the NIS if Serbia sees the sale as a potential solution, noting Croatia's oil firm Jadranski Naftovod has been closely linked to NIS for 40 years "without any pretensions to dominate the retail market in Serbia." "That would make it easier for both us and Serbia," he said. Serbia, which applied to join the European Union in 2009 and started negotiations in 2014, has not responded to the comments. The process to restore external power to the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine has started, the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on October 9. The process began after "intensive consultations" with authorities in Ukraine and Russia, Rafael Grossi said in a statement. The nuclear power plant has been under Russian control since shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It has relied on emergency diesel generators since September 23 when external power lines were cut. Since then Grossi has been engaging with Russia and Ukraine on proposals aimed at enabling the plant to receive the offsite power it needs to cool its six shutdown reactors and its spent fuel, the IAEA statement said. The focus has been on creating the necessary security conditions for repairs to be carried out on the damaged sections of two power lines located on opposite sides of the front line near the power plant. "While it will still take some time before the grid connection of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant has been restored, the two sides have engaged with us in a constructive way to achieve this important objective for the sake of nuclear safety and security," Grossi said in the statement. Each side regularly accuses the other of military actions compromising nuclear safety, and Grossi has repeatedly warned about the risk of a nuclear accident caused by fighting near the plant. The plants nuclear reactors have been shut down, but the plant still requires electricity to maintain safety functions such as cooling the reactors. Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom has previously said it wants to restart the plant. But earlier on October 9, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted by Interfax as saying there were no grounds to restart it for now in the absence of an external power source. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week expressed concern about the situation at the Chernobyl nuclear power station in northern Ukraine after a drone attack on the nearby town of Slavutych cut off power to the decommissioned plant for three hours. The Chernobyl plant, site of the world's worst nuclear accident, remains without an external power line, Grossi said in the statement on October 9. Ukraine has said the plant is being supplied by other power sources. The unsuccessful Dobropillia counter-offensive operation of the occupiers thwarted the Russian Federations plans to occupy the entire Donbas by November of this year, and due to heavy losses in the area of the city of Dobropillia, Donetsk region, the Russian leadership has set its military the task of urgently taking the city of Pokrovsk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. "The most important thing is that this operation of ours has thwarted all the plans that the Russians communicated to the American side, that they would supposedly occupy Donbas, most of Donbas, by November. They said by September, and then they moved the dates to November. This operation certainly has an impact on the defense of Pokrovsk. Understanding that they have suffered heavy losses with Dobropillia, now the Russians are tasked with taking Pokrovsk urgently, at any cost," Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on Wednesday. According to him, these days the Russian Federation is losing more than 100 soldiers per day, reaching 200. In the Novopavlivka direction on the border of Donetsk, Zaporizhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions, according to him, very intense actions are ongoing, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have completely cleared several villages, and battles are still underway in four others. In the Lyman direction in the north of Donetsk region, the lost positions are being restored, in recent days the enemy has been restrained there. Zelenskyy said that the troops are provided with normal supplies, but there is a shortage of drones. "One-to-one FPV with the Russians. The number of people with the Russians, you understand, is greater. Today, their advantage is fiber-optic drones, they have more of them, and we are increasing our capabilities in this," Zelenskyy said. Louise Walsh An Irish flotilla activist has said detainees were separated by Israeli forces depending on their religion. Diarmuid Mac Dubhghlais said he was held in a packed cell at Ktzi'ot Prison for six days without access to fresh water or showers, after Israeli forces stormed their flotilla carrying aid to Gaza. The charity worker from Finglas, Co Dublin remembered other detainees being asked if they were Christian or Muslim before the Muslims were taken to one side. "I was in the first boat when we were hit by drones carrying firebombs which were dropped onto the deck," he said. "All electronics on the boats, internet, radios were all disconnected before heavily armed soldiers boarded. They had night vision goggles that you'd see in the movies, clipped down on their eyes. They were wearing tactical gloves and, as far as I could see, most were carrying three firearms. "We had thrown all sharp implements overboard and stood there with arms in the air. We were offered water and a sandwich, but we had already decided to refuse anything. "Once we set foot on the shore, we were manhandled and brought to a holding area. We were made to either kneel or sit on the ground and we weren't allowed to look up. When we were moved there, we were in double armlocks and our heads were bent down so you could only see your feet and the ground in front of you. "I was lucky. I wasn't physically harmed, but I did see them slapping another guy around the place. "They asked everyone if they were Christian or Muslim, and they moved all the Muslims to one side, out of my viewpoint, which I found very worrying." Diarmuid said he was placed in a cell which had 15 people in it, one toilet and one tap which poured murky water. He claimed they were not offered fresh water, food or access to showers in the six days they were there. He said that a Greek delegation chartered an aeroplane and they offered to take others onboard. They, along with some French, Spanish and Germans, were allowed to leave and flew to Greece and then to Ireland. "I did get word that when the Israelis were busy with us, some fishermen got access to the supplies we were carrying so at least some food made it to those in need," he said. Darragh Mc Donagh A 26-year-old inmate who attempted suicide in his cell was delayed getting to hospital when paramedics who were carrying him on a stretcher got trapped in an elevator at the Midlands Prison, an investigation has found. The prisoner was rushed to Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise after the electrical fault that caused the problem was resolved, but he was pronounced dead less than 15 minutes after arrival. Medical intervention had already been delayed because prison staff had failed to respond to the call system activated by the inmate for 38 minutes before he was discovered unresponsive in his cell. An investigation by the Office of the Inspector of Prisons (OIP) said it appeared that the call from the inmates cell had been accepted by someone in the class office, but nobody responded for over half an hour. The OIP received a letter signed by 50 of the deceaseds fellow inmates, attributing blame for his death on a named prison officer, who they claimed had ignored warnings that he was at risk of suicide. A cellmate told the investigation that the man had told this prison officer that he was going to kill himself just over a week before his death, and had asked to be placed in a padded cell. He said the man had put a flag around his neck during this conversation, and claimed that the prison officer told him to go back to his cell in a dismissive, uncaring manner. Statements from prison staff contradicted this account. The investigation report noted that the 26-year-old man had been serving cumulative sentences of just under five years at the time of his death on July 17th, 2023. He was due to be released on August 2nd, 2025. His family told investigators that they did not believe he would intentionally self-harm, and his sister had spoken to him by phone on the day he died, having had no concern for his well-being at that time. His cellmate also described him as being in great form when they played video games together on the afternoon of July 17th. When doors were unlocked for recreation time around 2.10pm, he chose to stay in his cell to phone his brother. When a prison officer was unlocking doors to allow inmates to return to their cells around 3.30pm, he noticed that a call light was flashing red. He attempted to enter the cell, but there was a mattress placed against the door. When he got inside, the prison officer found the inmate suspended from a bunkbed with a ligature around his neck, which had been fashioned from a flag and some items of clothing. He raised the alarm, and the man was placed in the recovery position. Two doctors and nursing staff arrived at the cell around 3.38pm and began CPR. They described the mans face as blue and swollen, and could not find a pulse. Paramedics arrived around 3.54pm and attempted to remove the man to an ambulance on a stretcher, but became trapped in an elevator when an electrical switch tripped. They were freed after around five minutes and continued to Midlands Regional Hospital, where the man was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The OIP recommended that a standard operating procedure should be formulated by the Irish Prison Service regarding cell call notifications, and a suicide prevention policy and strategy should be developed. A standard operating procedure should also be developed regarding the removal of incapacitated persons from cells, and prison officers should be reminded of their obligations to ensure that equipment is in good order. A young South Roscommon actors star continues to rise as he will soon feature in a BBC mini-series about the sinking of the Titanic. Speaking to the Roscommon Herald earlier this year, the Kiltoom man Rhys Mannion said he was delighted to be in the forthcoming series on the iconic and tragic ships first and only transatlantic voyage. The four part series relives the Titanic story through the experiences and personal testimony of the passengers and crew on board. The production company behind the series has just released new images of the dramatised documentary, including one of Rhys who plays First Class passenger Jack Thayer. High Court Reporters A father broke down in tears in the High Court as he told how he and his wife are on their own as they attempt to care for their brain-injured son, who has complex needs. The fathers tears came as the family of the teenager settled for 7 million an action over their sons care at two hospitals after his birth. His dad told a judge he did not think with the cost of everything the 7 million was enough. The boy has spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, cannot speak and requires round-the-clock care. He or his family cannot be identified by order of the court. Mr Justice Paul Coffey, who called the case sad and tragic, was told that there was a litigation risk in the action and the 7 million settlement offer was being recommended to the court. The settlement is without an admission of liability. The father spoke directly to the judge. We dont have home help or carers as the companies who have carers dont have people with the expertise to look after our son. We dont have family support because our parents are elderly and frail, he said. This is it, we are on our own, the father told the judge, breaking down in tears. He told the court that while he understood the litigation risk, he had made calculations for the future, and he thought he could just stretch 10 million, but the 7 million settlement was not enough. We are prepared to accept it. We will have to see what happens, he told the court. Oonah Mc Crann SC instructed by Cantillons Solicitors said the case was one of the most complicated she had come across, and if it went to a hearing would have lasted over six weeks. The boy, who is now aged 17 years, had through his father sued the HSE over the care he received at Wexford General Hospital and Childrens Health Ireland at Crumlin over the care he received at Our Ladys Childrens Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin after his birth in 2008. There was it was claimed at Wexford General Hospital an alleged delay to diagnose and treat the babys necrotising enterocolitis, which is a disease affecting the intestine, and an alleged subsequent failure on the part of CHI Crumlin to provide adequate paediatric endocrine care after the baby was transferred there. Against the HSE, it was further claimed there was an alleged failure to recognise that the baby was becoming systematically unwell and there was an alleged delay in transferring him from Wexford to the Dublin hospital. Against CHI Ireland at Crumlin, it was claimed there was an alleged delay in the diagnosis of the babys congenital hypopituitarism, which is a condition involving the pituitary gland and treatment of the arising complications. All of the claims were denied by both defendants, and it was contended that the management of the baby's treatment was appropriate and consistent with a reasonable standard of care. Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Paul Coffey thanked the father for his words, which he said would resonate with him for a long time. The judge said the teenager has great needs which will only increase as he advances further into life. However, the judge said the litigation risk in the case was very considerable and there was the risk that if the case went ahead the teenagers side could fail entirely or recover only a small fraction. As a result, he approved the 7 million settlement. PM Modi Welcomes the First Phase of President Trump's Peace Plan for Israel and Hamas Antonio Guterres further urged for ending the occupation' and for a two-state solution. PM Modi Welcomes the First Phase of President Trump's Peace Plan for Israel and Hamas Latest News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the agreement on the first phase of President Trump's peace plan for Israel and Hamas. This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu, PM Modi said in a post on X. Advertisement Prime Minister Modi expressed hope for the release of hostages and stated that enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace. Israels Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, appreciated Indias support all along. In a post on X, Reuven Azar said, Thankful for the efforts of the Israeli delegation and all involved in reaching the agreement that will release all our hostages. Special thanks to POTUS Trump. May we see peace restored soon, free from terror threats. Appreciate Indias support all along! Advertisement US President Donald Trump, early Thursday (9 October), announced that both Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of a Peace Plan. Under this phase, hostages will be released, and Israel will withdraw its troops to an agreed-upon line, Trump said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also welcomed the announcement of the agreement to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by Donald Trump. Advertisement He commended the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye in brokering this desperately needed breakthrough. He urged the release of all hostages in a dignified manner and called for a permanent ceasefire. He also called for the unhindered entry of humanitarian supplies and essential commercial materials into Gaza. Antonio Guterres assured that the United Nations will support the full implementation of the agreement, scale up the delivery of sustained and principled humanitarian relief, and advance recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Advertisement Antonio Guterres further urged for ending the occupation and for a two-state solution. I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire & hostage release in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by @POTUS. I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt & Turkiye in brokering this desperately needed breakthrough. I urge all Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 9, 2025 The stakes have never been higher, he added. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the deal a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel. He stated that with the approval of the first phase of the plan, all their hostages will be brought home. (For more news apart from PM Modi Welcomes the First Phase of President Trump's Peace Plan for Israel and Hamas, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Israel, Hamas Sign 1st Phase of a Peace Plan', Announces Trump; Netanyahu: Victory of Israel World come together around this deal, Trump told Fox News. Israel, Hamas Sign 1st Phase of a Peace Plan, Announces Trump; Netanyahu: Victory of Israel News: Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of a Peace Plan to release all hostages, and Israel will withdraw its troops to an agreed-upon line, US President Donald Trump announced early Thursday. I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace, Trump said on Truth Social. Advertisement Both parties have come to the first phase of a Peace Plan agreement with mediation from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey along with the United States of America. All Parties will be treated fairly! Trump said, This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. Trump added. World come together around this deal, Trump told Fox News. Advertisement Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the agreement on the first phase of President Trump's peace plan. This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu, PM Modi said in a post on X. We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace, PM Modi added. Israels Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, appreciated Indias support all along. In a post on X, Reuven Azar said, Thankful for the efforts of the Israeli delegation and all involved in reaching the agreement that will release all our hostages. Special thanks to POTUS Trump. May we see peace restored soon, free from terror threats. Appreciate Indias support all along! Advertisement Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement of the agreement to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by Donald Trump. I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt & Turkiye in brokering this desperately needed breakthrough, Antonio Guterres said in a post on X. Antonio Guterres urged all concerned to abide fully by the terms of the agreement and said all hostages must be released in a dignified manner. Advertisement A permanent ceasefire must be secured. The fighting must stop once & for all. Immediate & unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies & essential commercial materials into Gaza must be ensured. The suffering must end, Antonio Guterres urged. Antonio Guterres assured that the United Nations will support the full implementation of the agreement, scale up the delivery of sustained and principled humanitarian relief, and advance recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Antonio Guterres further urged for ending the occupation for a two-state solution. I urge all stakeholders to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward towards ending the occupation, recognizing the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, leading to a two-state solution to enable Israelis & Palestinians to live in peace & security, Antonio Guterres said. The stakes have never been higher, he added. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Response: Benjamin Netanyahu called the deal a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel. He stated that with the approval of the first phase of the plan, all their hostages will be brought home. From the beginning, I made it clear: we will not rest until all our hostages return and all our goals are achieved, he stated. He added, Through steadfast resolve, powerful military action, and the great efforts of our great friend and ally President Trump, we have reached this critical turning point. I thank President Trump for his leadership, his partnership, and his unwavering commitment to the safety of Israel and the freedom of our hostages. God Bless Israel. God Bless America. God Bless our great alliance, he wrote on X. (For more news apart from Israel, Hamas Sign 1st Phase of a Peace Plan, Announces Trump; Netanyahu: Victory of Israel, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) UK PM Keir Starmer Welcomes Trump's 1st Phase of Peace Plan Deal Between Israel and Hamas The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, called it a "diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel." UK PM Keir Starmer Welcomes Trumps 1st Phase of Peace Plan Deal Between Israel and Hamas Latest News: United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the agreement between Israel and Hamas in the first phase of President Trump's peace plan. Addressing a gathering in Mumbai, Keir Starmer called it a profound relief felt around the world, particularly for those suffering from the hostility. Advertisement "I strongly welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of the Peace Plan in Gaza. This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years. He appreciated the tireless diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, the United States, and many others in securing this crucial agreement. He urged the implementation of the agreement without any delay and the simultaneous lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza. Advertisement This Agreement must now be implemented in full without delay and be accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza, Keir Starmer said. Keir Starmer assured that the UK will support these crucial immediate steps and the next stages of the talks to ensure the full implementation of the Peace Plan. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he also discussed the need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Advertisement Earlier, PM Modi and the Secretary-General of the United Nations had also welcomed the development based on the proposal put forward by US President Donald Trump. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, called it a "diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel." "From the beginning, I made it clear: we will not rest until all our hostages return and all our goals are achieved. Through steadfast resolve, powerful military action, and the great efforts of our great friend and ally President Trump, we have reached this critical turning point," Benjamin Netanyahu said. Advertisement On Gaza Peace Plan, Palestinian Ambassador to India, Abdullah Abu Shawesh, told ANI, "Palestinians have a crystal clear position that we want to endorse any effort that will end the bloodshed and Israeli war in Gaza, and our families will go to sleep with full stomachs. We are looking at this positively." (For more news apart from UK PM Keir Starmer Welcomes Trumps 1st Phase of Peace Plan Deal Between Israel and Hamas, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Working in Romania Immigration police officers are running, between October 6 and 12, an information campaign addressed to employers who have foreign citizens employed Working in Romania Sorin Iordan, 09.10.2025, 14:15 The number of work permits issued to foreign citizens since the beginning of the year until September 30 has reached almost 85,000, representing 72.4% of the annual contingent approved by the authorities of 100,000 foreign workers, the General Inspectorate for Immigration (GII) announced. The GII shows that most of the permits were issued for permanent workers, 262 people received employment permits as posted workers, 214 permits were for highly qualified workers and 177 for seasonal workers. Another 43 permits were issued for people transferred within the same company, while 4 permits were granted for au pair workers and one permit for an intern worker. The Inspectorate says that it will continue to support employers in Romania by digitizing and streamlining the procedures for issuing permits, in accordance with the legal regulations in force. Immigration police officers are running, between October 6 and 12, an information campaign addressed to employers who have foreign citizens employed and to foreigners who wish to carry out profit-making activities in Romania. The campaign is run nationwide, together with representatives of the territorial labor inspectorates. According to the Inspectorate, the objective of the initiative is to provide information on the legal conditions under which work can be performed on the territory of our country, as well as to present the rights and obligations of employers and foreign employees. Through these activities, immigration police officers and labor inspectors aim to prevent undeclared work and contribute to a better integration of foreign citizens on the Romanian labor market, the Inspectorate specifies. The action takes place in the context in which, at the end of last month, in a single day, over 500 people were identified working without employment contracts at a courier company in Bucharest. 128 companies in the field of alternative passenger transport, which were operating illegally, defrauded the Romanian state budget of 175 million lei (over 34 million Euros), informs the National Agency for Fiscal Administration. The fraud was discovered last week, following a national control action initiated by the General Directorate for Anti-Fiscal Fraud. In order to prevent the theft or concealment of goods, the control body instated precautionary measures on the assets, bank accounts and traceable amounts held by the respective ride-sharing platforms, in order to fully recover the damage. The way in which most of the companies investigated operated indicated to the Agencys inspectors the avoidance of tax obligations through fictitious free loan agreements, illegal payments and failure to declare income, illegal or under-declared work and the failure to register taxable income. The controls also revealed non-compliance with the obligation to equip the cars with electronic fiscal cash registers, although fares were collected in cash. The Fiscal Agency representatives state that the control actions will continue in the coming period. The unemployment rate in Brasov County was 2.71% in August, slightly up from the 2.64% recorded at the end of July, the County Employment Agency reported. Of the total of over 7,000 unemployed people registered in the institutions records, almost 1,150 were receiving unemployment benefits. Regarding the area of residence, 71% of the total, about 5,000 people, came from rural areas and the rest from urban areas. The unemployed with primary education and no education represented 39% of the total, followed by those with secondary education accounting for 34%. 11% graduated from high school, those with vocational education represented 9%, people with higher education 6%, and those with post-secondary education 1%. (LS) Over one and a half thousand strikes on the energy infrastructure of Chernihiv, Sumy and Poltava regions were carried out by the Russian occupiers over the past month, there were 160 hits, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. "Regarding energy. What happened over the past month? There were 1,550 strikes and 160 hits in Chernihiv, Sumy and Poltava regions. I would like everyone to understand how we are shooting down, quite effectively. And I am grateful to all our sky defenders," Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on Wednesday. According to him, Ukraine will defend its energy system, but it lacks air defense systems. In addition, additional funding is constantly being provided and there is an increase in the production of interceptors. "You also need to understand that interceptors are not just, for example, having 500 or 1,000 per day. What we have to do, and it will be done. There are already a lot of them, but the question from manufacturers is related to the systems. That is, the question is the number of systems for launching the corresponding drones. We need to increase them," Zelenskyy said. He called the effectiveness of interceptor drones quite good. "For example, the line in Chernihiv region. There was a report at the Headquarters regarding one of the strikes - 36 Shahed UAVs flew in, 22 were shot down by interceptors. That is, in general, the number of hits is increasing, the number of systems will increase. We are working on this," the president said. October 9, 2025 A roundup of local and international news. Newsflash Newsroom, 09.10.2025, 13:55 NOBEL Hungarian writer Laszlo Krasznahorkai won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature on Thursday for his impressive and visionary work that, amidst apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art, the Swedish Academy in Stockholm said in a statement. Last year, the Nobel Prize in Literature went to South Korean writer Han Kang for her intensely poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life. Earlier this week, the Swedish Academy announced the Nobel Prizes in Physics, Medicine and Chemistry. This years Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday, and the winner of the Prize in Economic Sciences will be announced on Monday. The awards will be presented at a special ceremony on December 10. HOLOCAUST President Nicusor Dan has said today that, in a historical context marked by increasingly heightened tensions and the tendency to shift responsibility for personal or social failures onto others, it is essential to combat, by all means, anti-Semitic, xenophobic or hate speech. The head of state participated in Bucharest in the ceremony marking the National Holocaust Remembrance Day in Romania. This Day offers us an opportunity to remember those experiences and urges us to be vigilant in the face of manifestations of hatred, not to fall into the trap of silence or indifference, said the National Institute for Holocaust Studies in Romania Elie Wiesel. According to the Institute, in the middle of the last century, over 300,000 Jews of Romanian or Ukrainian origin, victims of the regime led by Romanian Marshal Ion Antonescu, were deported and died of bullets, cold, hunger or disease. Also, 11,000 Roma were exterminated as a result of a racial policy. RESOLUTION The European Parliament is adopting today a draft resolution condemning the incidents in which the airspace of the European Union and NATO has been violated in recent times, violations attributed to Russia, the Radio Romania correspondent in Strasbourg reported. The majority of MEPs believe that these incidents, which targeted Poland, Romania, Estonia, Germany, Denmark or Belgium, are not accidental, and the response must be firm. The majority of parliamentarians demand the rapid adoption of the 19th package of sanctions, much harsher, against Moscow and the use of all resources generated by seized Russian assets, to support the invaded Ukraine. FINANCING The European Investment Bank will finance with 1 billion euros the construction of the A1 Sibiu Pitesti motorway, Romanias most important road infrastructure project and the first motorway to cross the Carpathian Mountains. The contract for the first financing tranche, worth half a billion euros, was signed by Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare. The total value of the project, with a length of 122 kilometers, is estimated at almost 6 billion euros. AGREEMENT President Nicusor Dan welcomed, on Thursday, the agreement between Israel and Hamas on the ceasefire and the release of all hostages in Gaza, conveying that Romania remains committed to supporting efforts to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East. I warmly welcome the ceasefire agreement and the safe return of all Israeli hostages from Gaza. I appreciate the efforts and valuable leadership of President Donald Trump, as well as Egypt, Qatar and Turkey and all partners involved in achieving this important progress in the negotiations. This brings much-needed hope for peace and stability in the region, Nicusor Dan said on a social media platform. Leaders of European institutions and heads of state and government from France, Germany and Spain also welcomed the agreement. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the US, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for their diplomatic efforts, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the deal a significant achievement and a real chance to end the war and free all hostages. Israel and Hamas reached an agreement on Wednesday on the first phase of US President Donald Trumps peace plan for Gaza, namely, a ceasefire and a deal on the release of hostages. This could pave the way for an end to the two-year war that has destabilised the Middle East. WEATHER The weather is normalizing today in Romania, after the torrential rains on Wednesday. Light precipitation is still falling in the south and southeast, areas that, on Wednesday, were under a red code alert for heavy rain caused by a cyclone formed in the Mediterranean Sea. The heavy rains and wind caused numerous problems, affecting households, roads and electrical networks. Emergency teams worked continuously to rescue people in difficulty and to eliminate the effects of the severe weather. There were over 100 localities affected, of which 17 were left without electricity. (EE) October 9, 2025 UPDATE A roundup of local and international news. October 9, 2025 UPDATE Newsroom, 09.10.2025, 19:47 Holocaust. President Nicusor Dan said on Thursday that, in a historical context marked by increasingly heightened tensions and the tendency to shift responsibility for personal or social failures onto others, it is essential to combat, by all means, anti-Semitic, xenophobic and hate speech. He attended a ceremony in Bucharest marking the National Holocaust Remembrance Day in Romania. This Day offers us an opportunity to remember those experiences and urges us to be vigilant in the face of expressions of hatred, not to fall into the trap of silence or indifference, said the Elie Wiesel National Institute for Holocaust Studies in Romania. According to the Institute, in the middle of the last century, over 300,000 Jews of Romanian and Ukrainian origin, victims of the regime led by Romanian Marshal Ion Antonescu, were deported and died of bullets, cold, hunger and disease. Also, 11,000 Roma were also exterminated as a result of a racial policy. Agriculture. Romania is to receive at least 16.6 billion euros under the future Common Agricultural Policy, with the possibility of adding to this from national allocations, making it the sixth largest beneficiary of Common Agricultural Policy funding in the European Union, said the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen on Thursday, at the AGRI4FUTURE Romania Objective 2035 conference held in Bucharest by the Romanian Farmers Club. This provides farmers with predictability and stability, solid and guaranteed support for their incomes at a time when other sectors are facing uncertainties, the European official added. The conference was also attended by the Romanian Minister of Agriculture, Florin Barbu. On a visit to Bucharest, Christophe Hansen was received on Wednesday by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, who stressed the need to consolidate the production and processing of agricultural products in Romania. Resolution. The European Parliament on Thursday passed a draft resolution condemning recent breaches of European Union and NATO airspace attributed to Russia, Radio Romania correspondent in Strasbourg said. The majority of MEPs believe that these incidents, which targeted Poland, Romania, Estonia, Germany, Denmark and Belgium, are not accidental, and the response must be firm. The majority of European parliamentarians demand the rapid adoption of a 19th much harsher package of sanctions against Moscow and the use of all resources generated by seized Russian assets, in order to support Ukraine. Nobel. Hungarian writer Laszlo Krasznahorkai won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature on Thursday for his impressive and visionary work that, amidst apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art, the Swedish Academy in Stockholm said in a statement. Last year, the Nobel Prize in Literature went to South Korean writer Han Kang for her intensely poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life. Earlier this week, the Swedish Academy announced the Nobel Prizes in Physics, Medicine and Chemistry. This years Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday, and the winner of the Prize in Economic Sciences will be announced on Monday. The awards will be presented at a special ceremony on December 10. Weather. The weather is improving in Romania after on Wednesday, parts of the country were under a red code alert for heavy rain caused by a cyclone formed in the Mediterranean Sea. The heavy rains and strong winds caused damages to households, roads and electrical networks. Emergency teams were dispatched to rescue people in difficulty and to remove the effects of the severe weather. Emergency call centres received a huge amount of calls from the affected areas, an indication of the strong impact felt by the population. The head of the Department for Emergency Situations Raed Arafat told Radio Romania that no casualties were reported. (CM) European Commissioner for Agriculture in Bucharest The Common Agricultural Policy must remain balanced and benefit from an adequate budget, believes the Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan. Christophe Hansen, Ilie Bolojan (Photo: gov.ro) Stefan Stoica, 09.10.2025, 13:50 The Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan met on Wednesday with Christophe Hansen, the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, whose visit to Bucharest took place in the context of the negotiations on the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034. The PM admitted that Romania has significant deficits in sectors such as pork production and processing capacity, which makes the country export raw materials and import finished products. Bolojan stressed the need to consolidate the production and processing of agricultural products. He highlighted the importance of investments that support the diversification of production, the development of modern agricultural infrastructure and the association of local producers, in order to boost competitiveness on the market. In turn, the European Commissioner Christophe Hansen presented the measures proposed to protect European farmers and support the development of rural areas, to make them more attractive to new generations. The emphasis is on supporting small and family farms, stimulating young farmers, as well as supporting large holdings, including through investments in modern technologies, such as irrigation systems, the government said after the discussions between the two. The Prime Minister believes it is essential that the future Common Agricultural Policy remains balanced and benefits from an adequate budget, given that some member states propose reducing European funds. The rules for accessing funding must be realistic and adapted to the level of development of each state, in order to ensure the protection of farmers and effective access to available resources, PM Bolojan says. Also, Romania believes that the cohesion funds and those dedicated to the CAP must remain distinct, as they have complementary roles. The package of proposals for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework was published by the European Commission in July, and negotiations are expected to take place over approximately two years. On Wednesday, Ilie Bolojan also discussed with representatives of large agricultural producers and processors about how the Government can support them to increase production capacities and promote Romanian products on national and foreign markets. The PM also had discussions on these topics with the representatives of the Association of Large Commercial Networks in Romania. They offered their availability to contribute to the promotion of Romanian producers on foreign markets. Company representatives explained the difficulties they face in carrying out investment projects and showed their willingness to continue consultations to identify government solutions that would support the increase in production capacity and to promote Romanian products in stores in the country and on foreign markets. (LS) Romania USA diplomatic meeting During a two-day visit to Washington, the Romanian Foreign Minister, Oana Toiu, held talks with her American counterpart, Marco Rubio. Foto: mae.ro Corina Cristea, 09.10.2025, 14:00 Strengthening the strategic partnership between Romania and the USA and the identification of opportunities for its expansion were the main topics of the political-diplomatic talks held in Washington by the Romanian Foreign Minister, Oana Toiu, with the American Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. It is the first bilateral meeting of the two officials, which took place at the invitation of the US Secretary of State, following the joint discussion formats within the UN high-level meeting. Oana Toiu and Marco Rubio addressed topics related to defense, security, energy and economy, as well as the positive influence that the two countries can have in the region. Among other things, the Romanian official stressed the strategic importance of the Black Sea region for Euro-Atlantic security and the good collaboration between Romania and the United States for the security of NATOs Eastern Flank, a Foreign Ministry press release reads. In this context, the Romanian official highlighted the crucial role of the American military presence on Romanian territory, illustrated by the strategic importance of the Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base (southeast), an essential pillar for the deterrence and defense posture of the Eastern Flank. Talks also focused on strengthening economic cooperation and joint investments in key sectors, as well as on the consolidated role of Romanian companies present in the USA. Special attention was paid to energy projects fundamental initiatives for the energy security of Romania and the region, while emphasizing the importance of developing private partnerships in high-tech sectors. The two officials discussed opportunities for collaboration in areas such as IT, cybersecurity, innovation and AI, where the USA and Romania can develop successful projects. The Visa Waiver Program was also addressed, with the Romanian official highlighting the advantages of cooperation in the field of border security, as well as in tourism. The US Secretary of State thanked Romania for the quality of bilateral relations and both officials hailed the role of the partnership in ensuring security on the Eastern Flank and in strengthening the allied defense and deterrence posture in the Black Sea region. Marco Rubio also expressed the USAs interest in developing cooperation with Romania in the economic and energy fields. A distinct point of the discussion was the role of the Romanian community in the USA, an essential bridge between the two societies and an active factor in strengthening bilateral relations. The two officials stressed the importance of steps to boost bilateral contacts in the coming period, including at high level. They also discussed president Nicusor Dans visit to the United States, which could take place in the first quarter of next year and, during which he is expected to meet with President Donald Trump. (VP) Zion Miera, center, talks with his attorney, Deirdre Ewing, right, before a detention officer takes him away Wednesday. Judge Emeterio Rudolfo ordered Miera stay in custody until trial for his role in the July 25 shooting death of his brother. Eddie Moore Zion Miera was ordered Wednesday to stay in custody until his trial for his role in the July 25 shooting death of his brother at a University of New Mexico dorm room. Eddie Moore Zion Miera was under a judges order not to possess firearms or commit crimes at the time his brother was fatally shot in a University of New Mexico dorm room. Miera, 19, violated those conditions in June when he and others gathered for a drug-fueled night at UNM that ended in the shooting death of 14-year-old Michael LaMotte, of Rio Rancho, a judge ruled Wednesday. State District Judge Emeterio Rudolfo ordered Miera to remain behind bars while awaiting trial on two counts of tampering with evidence and other charges connected with his brothers death in June. He has demonstrated his inability to make safe decisions, Rudolfo said of Miera at his pretrial detention hearing in 2nd Judicial District Court. I dont think we need federal cases or federal judges to tell us that mixing drugs and firearms is dangerous for anyone, especially someone so young. The case stems from a June 25 incident when Miera, his half-brother LaMotte, and two other teenagers met at UNM for what prosecutors describe as a night of heavy drug use, including LSD and cocaine. Prosecutors allege that shortly after midnight, John Fuentes, 18, fatally shot LaMotte in the head and fired a second shot that grazed Daniel Archuleta, a provisional UNM student, in the back of the head. Fuentes, who was treated and released at a hospital, was arrested soon after the July 25 killing and is awaiting trial on an open count of murder and lesser felonies. Archuleta, 19, was arrested Tuesday on a charge of tampering with evidence and is scheduled for a pretrial detention hearing Friday. Assistant District Attorney John Kloss argued Wednesday that Miera was charged in May for allegedly confronting a former girlfriend with an assault-style rifle during a handoff of the couples child. Rio Rancho police arrested Miera on May 31 on a felony charge of false imprisonment and misdemeanor battery, according to a criminal complaint filed in Sandoval County Magistrate Court. Miera allegedly searched the womans apartment with the rifle looking for a male co-worker, the complaint said. Ad On June 2, about seven weeks before the fatal incident at UNM, a Sandoval County magistrate judge released Miera on his own recognizance but prohibited him from possessing firearms or committing additional crimes. Those conditions remained in effect until Sept. 24, when Magistrate Judge Delilah Montano-Baca dismissed the charges. Rudolfo cited those conditions as a key reason for his decision to hold Miera in custody pending trial. While the case was ultimately dismissed, there was still an order in place for him to comply with conditions of release no drugs, no firearms, no dangerous weapons, Rudolfo said. Mieras attorney, Deirdre Ewing, argued that Miera has no criminal convictions because the charges against him were dropped. Nor has Miera been incarcerated before in his life, she said. We are not here on charges that Mr. Miera killed his brother, Ewing told the judge. Trying to paint Mr. Miera with Mr. Fuentes crimes in order to detain him is beyond the pale. Mr. Miera was shot at by Mr. Fuentes just as his brother was. Miera is charged with two counts of tampering with evidence for allegedly deleting evidence from his personal cellphone and removing a backpack from the dorm room where LaMotte was fatally shot. Miera also is charged with one count each of possession of cocaine and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. So the offenses were actually dealing with are nonviolent third- and fourth-degree felonies the nature and circumstances of which do not point towards detention, Ewing said. Prosecutors allege that Miera had supplied LaMotte with drugs to sell to classmates with the understanding that they would split the profits. Weeks before the shooting, Miera began talking about selling and trading guns with LaMotte, prosecutors allege. LaMottes mother told police she knew Miera kept multiple guns in his younger brothers room. Kriss Walton, left, participates in a breakout session with Cleveland High School instructor Christopher Quintana at RioTECH, Rio Rancho Public Schools' new career-technical education school on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The discussion was part of the Sandoval County Economic Alliance's monthly breakfast meeting. Kevin Opsahl RioTECH Principal Kris Johnson gives industry professionals a tour of Rio Rancho Public Schools new career-technical education school on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The tour was part of the Sandoval County Economic Alliances monthly breakfast meeting. Kevin Opsahl RIO RANCHO Professionals in skilled trades met Wednesday to tour Rio Rancho Public Schools new career-technical education high school and brainstorm ways they could partner together. The walk-through of RioTECH (Technical Education and Career Hub) and roundtable discussions came during the Sandoval Economic Alliances monthly breakfast meeting. Each month, SEA chooses a different location for the meeting, and this time, it was RioTECH, which opened in August. The school, in partnership with Central New Mexico Community College, offers Rio Rancho high school students the ability to earn college credits in a variety of skilled trades. The primary hope, school officials have said, is to boost the workforce pipeline for Sandoval County and keep jobs in New Mexico. Wednesdays meeting came as the Rio Rancho region has made headlines over its economy in the last several months. In July, Intel Corp. announced it would cut 227 positions from its Rio Rancho plant. In August, the New Mexico Economic Development Department announced that California-based Castelion Corporation is considering Sandoval County as a future site of a rocket motor production facility, which could bring up to 300 high-paying jobs, among other economic benefits. Lectrosonics announced its new ownership and expansion plans in May Fred Shepherd, president and CEO Sandoval Economic Alliance, did not mention those headlines but instead told attendees the story of a previous joint venture between Intel and Utah-based company Micron that would bring jobs and technology to New Mexico. According to Shepard, Intel employees protested to their superiors about moving jobs to Albuquerque when they read statistics on crime and schools, but felt much better when SEA provided them information about Rio Rancho and Sandoval County. They said, Hey, we can do that. The big key in all of that was the schools, Shepherd said. I dont know if I can stress enough the importance that schools and the education system plays in economic development. As an economic developer, I say: It is vitally important to support our schools. RioTECH serves approximately 150 students in grades 10-12. They can choose from eight pathways, including automotive technology, computer information systems (networking), digital media, electrical, plumbing and gas fitting, residential carpentry, residential HVAC, and welding, according to the schools website. Any of the pathways could lead students to earn credentials, certificates or an associates degree. During Wednesdays meeting, Larry Davis, the school districts CTE director, said the school district is doing phenomenal things because of partnerships with industry professionals. Youre the best at what you do in the industry. We value you ... but were the best at education, Davis said. I have to believe when we combine those two skill sets, we position our students and community for success. He noted the typical day for RioTECH students, which involves a first and second period before launching into a CTE course. Ad Students come to school they do what they need to do but the CTE program really provides that experiential learning and that practical application piece, Davis said. It all starts coming together, so it makes them a more well-rounded individual for what lies ahead. Following his remarks, industry professionals and school officials held breakout discussions assisted by RioTECH student ambassadors. They discussed things that industry could better understand about schools and things that schools could do better to meet the needs of industry. One breakout group, which included Kriss Walton, vice president of finance for Rio Rancho-based company Insight Lighting, suggested that students should meet employers in the community to understand what kinds of jobs can be placed there. Walton and others then joined RioTECH Principal Kris Johnson for a tour of the school. Following the tour, Walton described the school as beyond anything Ive seen before. Walton said he attended the meeting to not only learn about RioTECH but also make connections with students so they know when they graduate there is a local employer they can go to. I heard comments from the students that theyre very tech-savvy and thats what we need, Johnson said. Frank Gallegos, Intels director of public affairs for New Mexico, said that he is blown away with RioTECH. Gallegos called the school critical to workforce development, not only for his company but also for the states economy. Places like RioTECH can help fill Intels pipeline. Gallegos said he was amazed by the RioTECH students knowledge and entrepreneurism. Intel wants to focus, he said, on continuing to partner with the school district, RioTECH and CNM in order to have that workforce for the future. Its exciting, Gallegos said. Japan will on Friday release September figures for producer prices and bank lending, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. Producer prices are expected to rise 0.1 percent on month and 2.5 percent on year after slipping 0.2 percent on month and adding 2.7 percent on year in August. Overall bank lending is tipped to climb 3.7 percent on year, up from 3.6 percent in the previous month. New Zealand will see September results for the manufacturing PMI from BusinessNZ; in August, the index score was 49.9. Malaysia will provide August data for industrial production and unemployment; in July, production was up 4.2 percent on year and the jobless rate was 3.0 percent. Finally, the in Taiwan are closed on Friday for Double Tenth Day and will re-open on Monday. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. Three new Bollywood blockbusters will be made in the UK from next year, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced in Mumbai today. It was among dozens of major new deals signed during Starmer's two-day trade mission to India, where he has promised to open doors for British and drive growth at home. Yash Raj Film, India's leading film production and distribution company, have confirmed plans to bring their major productions to locations across the United Kingdom from early 2026, creating more than 3,000 jobs and boosting the by millions of pounds. To mark the announcement, the Prime Minister visited Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai Wednesday alongside a delegation of some of Britain's biggest names in film including the British Film Institute, the British Film Commission, Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios and Civic Studios. The Prime Minister is on a two-day trade mission to strengthen ties with one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The UK film industry contributes 12 billion pounds a year to the economy and supports 90,000 jobs across every region of the country. It is a sought-after destination for international filmmakers thanks to its world-leading studio infrastructure and iconic backdrops. India is the largest producer of films in the world, and Yash Raj's commitment follows an 8-year hiatus from filming in the UK. Keir Starmer said, "Bollywood is back in Britain, and it's bringing jobs, investment and opportunity, all while showcasing the UK as a world-class destination for global filmmaking. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News Apetit Plc (APETIH.XD, APETIT.HE), a Finnish food industry company, announced on Thursday that it has signed a contract to acquire Foodhills AB, a frozen peas producer in Sweden. Financial aspects of the deal is not revealed. In the Helsinki market, the shares were trading 2.54% higher at 14.15 euros. The acquisition is expected to close by November 30 after approval from the Swedish ISP authority. According to a preliminary estimate, the fair value of the net assets of the acquired company exceeds the amount of the compensation, and the difference will be recognised as revenue in other operating income on the closing date of the transaction. The acquisition is expected to increase the net sales of the Food Solutions segment by approximately 20%. However, the short-term impact of the acquisition is expected to have a nearly neutral or slightly negative impact on EBIT. Still, in the long term, it is estimated to be positive. The acquisition is in line with Apetit's current operations and supports the company's position in Sweden. In 2024, the net sales of Foodhills AB 2024 were 167.8 million Swedish Kronor, and the operating profit was 54.7 million Swedish Kronor. Esa Maki, CEO of Apetit welcomed the Foodhills' employees to the Apetit Group and said "According to our estimates, Apetit will produce over 10 percent of the frozen peas in Europe. Cultivation and production of frozen peas are in the core of Apetit's expertise." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The Canadian market is down sharply in negative territory Thursday afternoon, hurt by losses in materials, consumer discretionary and industrials sectors. Geopolitical tensions, and concerns about the impact of the US government shutdown render the mood bearish. Also, investors are looking ahead to the reporting season. The benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index was down 304.28 points or 1% at 30,197.71 a little while ago. The Materials Capped Index is down 3.2% with several stocks in the sector reeling under pressure on weak metal prices. Endeavour Silver Corp and Aya Gold & Silver, down 9.2% and 8.2%, respectively, are among the big losers. Wesdome Gold Mines, Iamgold Corp, B2Gold Corp, Seabridge Gold, Eldorado Gold, Equinox Gold and Sandstorm Gold are down 5 to 6%. Consumer discretionary stocks Magna International and Aritzia are down 3% and 2.7%, respectively. Linamar Corp, Pet Valu Holdings and Gildan Activewear are lower by 1.6 to 1.9%. Among industrials shares, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, Cae Inc., Tfi International, Cargojet, Atkinsrealis Group, Toromont Industries and Rb Global are down 1.6 to 2.4%. Tilray Brands is soaring 20%. The company reported third-quarter revenue of $209.5 million, up 4.7% from last year, beating Wall Street's estimate of $204 million by 2.7%. Canopy Growth Corp is surging 8%, while Aurora Cannabis, Richelieu Hardware, Organigram Holdings, Cenovus Energy, Teck Resources and Constellation Software are up 2 to 4.3%. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The Russian occupiers cut off the power supply lines to the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in the occupied city of Energodar, Zaporizhia region, from two sides when they were capturing it, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. "There are now many inquiries from Grosse, Macron. Witkoff transmitted signals to ours. Everyone is asking: what is going on at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, what is happening there, what is the threat, could there be an explosion? It has never happened that the plant has been on diesel for so long without power," Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on Wednesday. "And what is happening? The lines have been cut off from two sides - from the territory that we control and from the territory that we temporarily do not control. Who cut them off from the very beginning? The Russians. They cut them off when they were capturing it," the president said. At the same time, he stressed that Ukraine has repaired the line more than once from the government-controlled territory, but the Russians have fired on the repair teams and people have died because of this. "We said: if you want to repair on one side, lets repair on the other. And thats fair. On both sides, at the same time. No one should shoot, on both sides. Lets repair. Who is against it? But the Russians are against it, they dont let us repair it, they shoot," Zelenskyy said. Indias automotive industry recorded a strong surge in September 2025, driven by festive season demand, improving consumer sentiment, and the benefits of GST 2.0 rate cuts that have made vehicles more affordable. While compact SUVs dominated overall market share, the sedan and hatchback segments also saw renewed momentum with new launches and attractive offers. Top 10 Cars Sep 2025 Tata Nexon / EV led the passenger car segment with 22,573 units, benefitting from its wide range of powertrains (petrol, CNG, diesel, and electric), strong safety credentials, and consistent customer trust. Maruti Suzuki Dzire secured the second position with 20,038 units, an 84.6% YoY growth, fueled by strong demand in the compact sedan segment and rising interest among fleet buyers. In third place, Hyundai Creta / EV continued its dominance in the mid-size SUV category with 18,861 units, up 18.6% YoY. Following closely, Mahindra Scorpio / N recorded 18,372 units, marking 27.2% growth and strengthening Mahindras stronghold. Tata Punch / EV rounded off the top five with 15,891 units, a solid 15.9% rise, reaffirming its position as one of Indias most sought-after compact SUVs. Meanwhile, Maruti Swift (15,547 units) and Wagon R (15,388 units) held steady, though Swift saw a slight 4.2% dip as customers await the next-gen model. Maruti Fronx (13,767 units) and Baleno (13,173 units) showed stable performance despite growing competition, while Ertiga (12,115 units) saw a 30.5% YoY drop, as buyers postponed purchases in anticipation of lower GST-linked prices. Collectively, the Top 10 cars sold 1,65,725 units, reflecting a 17.07% YoY growth a clear sign of a recovering and expanding passenger vehicle market ahead of Diwali. Top 15 SUVs Sep 2025 SUVs continued to dominate the Indian market, accounting for a majority of the monthly sales volume. Tata Nexon / EV maintained its supremacy with 22,573 units, while Hyundai Creta / EV (18,861 units) and Mahindra Scorpio / N (18,372 units) followed closely, reaffirming their leadership in the mid-size and rugged SUV categories respectively. Tata Punch / EV (15,891 units) and Maruti Fronx (13,767 units) rounded out the top five. Mahindra Thar witnessed its highest-ever monthly sales at 11,846 units, up 33.9% YoY, while Hyundai Venue also grew 11.9% YoY with 11,484 units sold. In contrast, Maruti Brezza (10,173 units) saw a 33.6% decline, likely due to buyers delaying purchases amid GST-driven anticipation and stiff competition. Mahindra XUV700 (9,764 units) and XUV3XO (9,032 units) continued to perform consistently, while Kia Sonet (9,020 units) and Toyota Hyryder (7,608 units) showed mixed trends the latter growing 41.2% YoY due to strong hybrid adoption. Rounding off the list were Kia Seltos (5,816 units), Maruti Grand Vitara (5,698 units), and Hyundai Exter (5,643 units) all of which saw YoY declines due to intensified competition and inventory corrections ahead of the festive period. In total, the Top 15 SUVs accounted for 1,75,548 units, marking a healthy 8.15% YoY growth, underscoring the SUV segments continued dominance in Indias passenger vehicle landscape. Festive Momentum and GST Benefits Drive Growth The September surge reflects a combination of festive season buying, strong SUV demand, and lower prices post-GST reform, which have collectively boosted footfalls and bookings. Automakers are witnessing increased showroom activity, particularly for mid-size SUVs, compact hatchbacks, and sedans under Rs 10 lakh. With brands such as Tata, Maruti, Hyundai, and Mahindra leading sales across segments, and several new launches slated for the festive quarter, the final months of 2025 are expected to set fresh sales benchmarks for Indias automotive industry. Source A positive result of Ukraines responses to Russian strikes on Ukraine is the shortage of gasoline inside the aggressor country, which arose due to strikes deep into the Russian Federation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. "What happened is really, in my opinion, a great success. According to our data, the enemys gasoline shortage is up to 20% of the need, there are different estimates - from 13 to 20 percent, but it has been confirmed that the shortage is already significant. In our opinion, up to 20% today," Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on Wednesday. According to the president, the Ukrainian Palianytsya drone missile has also hit enemy military facilities dozens of times. "The second positive: Ruta, our drone missile, for the first time hit a sea platform 250 kilometers away. The greatest success the Liuty drone, FirePoint the the mass use of up to 300 of them, and this is a serious operation. We understand that Ust-Luga, Primorsk are within range," the president said In addition, over the past week, the Neptune and Flamingo missiles have been used, he said. "The corresponding results can be analyzed independently. We are not saying that this is a mass use of this pair. We are simply saying that there is use, and there are the first tangible results of this particular weapon of ours," the head of state added. Zelenskyy also reported that the Russians have increased gasoline imports from Belarus sixfold. "They have a ban on the export of gasoline. Restrictions on the export of diesel. We need to check, but we believe that they have lost up to 20% of their need for gasoline. It was after our strikes," the president said. Timeline: Deano Valdezs disappearance Family members provided the following timeline of events in the Sept. 18 disappearance of 36-year-old Joel Deano Valdez of Coyote. Sept. 18 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: Deano Valdez leaves Silver City. 2:30 p.m.: Valdez texts his wife, Vikki Valdez, saying he is on his way home. 3:30 p.m.: He speaks with his cousin on the phone, confirming he is en route. 5:30-5:40 p.m.: Deano Valdez makes card transactions at Wells Fargo (3150 Cerrillos Road) and Allsups (3000 Cerrillos Road) in Santa Fe. 6:49 p.m.: Valdezs father calls, but he doesnt answer or the phone is turned off. Sept. 19 5:30 a.m.: Valdezs debit card is used at a Santa Fe gas station to purchase an abnormally large amount of gas. Sept. 20 Noon to 3 p.m.: The debit card is used at a car wash in Santa Fe. 8-10 p.m.: The debit card is used at a store in Santa Fe. Sept. 21 Noon: The family files a missing person report with New Mexico State Police. 6 p.m.: Someone attempts to use his debit card at a Santa Fe store, but the family has canceled the card. 8 p.m.: Someone attempts to use the debit card at another store in Santa Fe. 9 p.m.: Someone attempts to use the card at a fast-food restaurant in Santa Fe. Sept. 22 Someone reports a possible sighting of his missing truck in Albuquerque. The volume of artillery shell production in Ukraine and the European Union in 2026 will reach a level similar to that in the Russian Federation, and in the future the artillery track may be stronger than in the Russian Federation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. "In 2026, we and the European Union are reaching a volume of artillery shot production that will be equal to the production of the Russian Federation. And therefore, if our partners accelerate their production a little, in the future we can be stronger than Russia in terms of artillery. This is an important track," Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on Wednesday. He noted that today there is a surplus of artillery systems that Ukraine produces. "But there is another issue there the issue of the 155mm caliber. That is, if you have enough systems, you cannot replace some guys with old Soviet ones and give them this gun, because the 155mm caliber is not enough for such a number. Although, of course, we are going in the right direction, there will be enough systems, the army will have the 155mm caliber," the president explained. According to him, the issue is also that there should be an opportunity to have the appropriate number of shells in parallel. The majority of Ukrainians maintain their position against territorial concessions to end the war with Russia. This is evidenced by the results of a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology. According to the results of the survey, as of autumn 2025, the situation has hardly changed compared to May-early June. "Yes, 54% of Ukrainians are categorically against any territorial concessions (in early summer 2025 - 52%). Ready to accept certain territorial losses - 38% (the same as previously)," the survey report states. As specified by KIIS, surveys on the populations readiness for territorial concessions to achieve peace as soon as possible and preserve independence have been conducted since May 2022. The original wording (which we prepared in May 2022) reads as follows: "With which of these statements regarding possible compromises to achieve peace with Russia do you agree to a greater extent?", and the respondent was asked to choose one of the following two statements: "In order to achieve peace as soon as possible and preserve independence, Ukraine may give up some of its territories" and "Under no circumstances should Ukraine give up any of its territories, even if this causes the war to last longer and there will be threats to the preservation of independence." The analysts also clarified that the wording of the question uses "the war is ending" and "Ukraine preserves independence," since the experiment in February 2025 showed that Ukrainians strongly react to "preserving sovereignty" and consider it one of the fundamental points for any peace agreement. In particular, some respondents could, for example, understand "preserving independence" as receiving security guarantees. That is, their interpretation may be broader than the question directly implies. After clarifying the concept of "territorial losses," the majority of Ukrainians (67%) stated that if it comes to the official recognition of certain territories as part of Russia, they will be against it. Ready to accept - 24%. Compared to May-June, the situation has practically not changed. Also, the vast majority - 71% - reject the transfer of territories controlled by Ukraine to Russia. Ready to accept - only 19%. In May-June, 78% categorically rejected, and 15% were ready for such an option. In the case of the option of freezing the front line without officially recognizing any occupied territories as part of Russia, 56% categorically reject such an option, and 35% are ready for it. At the same time, the willingness to accept such an option has decreased since May-June - yes, the share of those who can agree has decreased from 43% to 35%. The share of those who are categorically against has increased from 48% to 56%. In all regions, the option with the official recognition of individual territories as part of Russia or even the transfer of territories that Ukraine currently controls under Russian control is not supported. That is, these demands are unacceptable to Ukrainians both in general and in all regions. At the same time, support for the option with the de facto recognition of Russian control over individual territories is growing from 26% in the West to 46% in the East. "Although even in the East, opinions are divided almost equally on this issue, which means that there is no region where this option would enjoy overwhelming support. However, again, according to the results of our survey conducted in early September (which we mentioned above), if the freeze is supplemented by reliable security guarantees and a European perspective, then the majority of Ukrainians in all regions are ready to approve this option (albeit without enthusiasm)," KIIS said. Executive Director of KIIS Anton Hrushetsky, commenting on the survey results, emphasized that the current results actually repeat the trends that have been consistently observed in various surveys with different wording of questions on war and peace and, in particular, possible territorial losses. "Yes, despite all the difficulties, Ukrainians are determined to continue their resistance and reject unacceptable demands for territories. Especially if they try to impose territorial losses on Ukraine without any compensation in the form of reliable security guarantees and a European perspective. In any case, we see that the option with the official recognition of certain territories as part of Russia or the option with the transfer of territories currently controlled by Ukraine under Russian control are "unviable" from the point of view of Ukrainian public opinion and are doomed to categorical rejection. The only option - and only within a more comprehensive package - that has the potential for discussion is the freezing of the current front line without any legal recognition," he emphasized. The survey was conducted from September 19 to October 5. 2,015 respondents were interviewed using the computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) method based on a random sample of mobile phone numbers (with random generation of phone numbers and subsequent statistical weighting) in all regions of Ukraine (territory controlled by the Government of Ukraine) (about 500 randomly selected respondents answered each of the four options for questions about territorial concessions). The survey was conducted with adult (aged 18 and older) citizens of Ukraine who, at the time of the survey, lived in the territory of Ukraine controlled by the Government of Ukraine. The sample did not include residents of territories temporarily not controlled by the Ukrainian authorities (at the same time, some of the respondents are IDPs who moved from occupied territories), and the survey was not conducted with citizens who left abroad after February 24, 2022. Formally, under normal circumstances, the statistical error of a sample of 2015 respondents (with a probability of 0.95 and taking into account the design effect of 1.3) does not exceed 2.9%. The error for a sample of about 500 respondents does not exceed 5.8%. In war conditions, in addition to the specified formal error, a certain systematic deviation is added. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/orbanviktor Hungary is blocking Ukraines entry into the European Union due to the upcoming elections, because for the countrys Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who wants to increase his partys rating based on blocking Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. "The partners want to see Ukraine in the European Union. There is no hesitation, an absolute majority. Some 26 countries support this. There are some points, but I understand the general atmosphere. At the critical moment of the vote, 26 countries will be on our side. Thats how it is today. Hungary is not on our side. There is only one reason - the elections in Hungary are coming," Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on Wednesday. He explained that the EU direction is the main trigger for Orbans election campaign, because he bases his election program on criticizing everything that the European Union offers. "With this criticism, he fuels, lets say, his electorate or a more radical electorate. And for him, Ukraine is one of the main, or maybe the main, incentives, so that the rating of his party, the party of the current Prime Minister of Hungary, grows precisely on the basis of blocking Ukraine. Therefore, he will do everything to block us," the president noted. According to him, there are several ways out of this situation, in particular, changing the rules. "Changing the rules is being discussed in the corridors of the European Union. When the majority makes a decision. We need to get to that," Zelenskyy said. "The second option is for partners to use other levers to influence the position of the Prime Minister of Hungary. There is no other way yet," the president added. He emphasized that, together with the EU, Ukraine believes that by the end of this year it will be ready with six negotiation clusters. Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Olha Stefanishyna has held a meeting with a bipartisan group of American senators, discussing further steps to ensure Ukraines defense capabilities and security and increase pressure on the Russian Federation. "In these difficult days on Capitol Hill, I am grateful for the opportunity to meet with a bipartisan group of senators," she said on Facebook. In particular, the Ambassador met with the co-chairs of the Ukrainian Caucus - the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, the chairman of the US Helsinki Commission Roger Wicker, and the co-chair of the Judiciary Committee Richard Durbin; as well as the chairman of the Budget Committee Lindsey Graham, the co-chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee Jeanne Shaheen, the co-chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee Richard Blumenthal, the co-chair of the Natural Resources Committee Sheldon Whitehouse, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Senator Ruben Gallego, and Senator Katherine Cortez Masto. "We discussed further steps in ensuring the defense capability and security of our state in view of further escalation by the Russian Federation, the development of Ukraines military capabilities, and the importance of increasing pressure on the aggressor," Stefanishyna noted. She expressed gratitude to US lawmakers for the great and important work on a bipartisan basis aimed at stopping the Russian Federations aggression and establishing a just and lasting peace. "This work continues. On October 8, a bipartisan draft resolution "On Condemning the Russian Federations Invasion of NATO Territory and Reaffirming Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty" was submitted to the Senate for consideration, which contains provisions in support of Ukraine. The resolution condemns Russias continued attack on Ukraine, Russias abduction of Ukrainian children, and Russias refusal to negotiate with Russia to end the war," the ambassador recalled. She also thanked the congressmen who initiated this resolution. Photo: Raytheon Missiles & Defense The supply of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine would be a very strong signal to Moscow, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has said. "Any support we can provide to Ukraine without restrictions will help them win the war and push Russia back. The supply of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kyiv would be a very strong signal to Moscow," Tsahkna wrote on the social network X. Tomahawks are long-range, high-precision cruise missiles that can hit ground and sea targets at a distance of up to 2,500 km. These missiles, manufactured by RTX Corporation, are used by the armed forces of the United States and other countries, and their cost, according to various sources, ranges from $1 to $4 million per unit. As reported, the issue of the possibility of transferring Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine was raised by President Volodymyr Zelensky at a meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September 2025. On October 7, US President Donald Trump, answering a journalists question about whether he had already decided whether to supply Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, replied: "Yes, I have already made a decision approximately." He noted that before making a final decision, he would like to know what exactly these missiles will be used for. On October 8, during a meeting with journalists, Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that US President Trump stated during their last negotiations that America would work at the technical level and would consider the possibility of increasing Ukraines long-range capability. According to him, one of the possibilities that could strengthen Ukraine is the Tomahawk missile. He emphasized that all such things could strengthen Ukraine and force the Russians to "be sober." "A little sober, sit down at the negotiating table. And if there is a ceasefire, then this fact itself, as I said, will affect the possibility of reaching an agreement later, of having a plan. It will not be a simple plan to end the war, but still this is definitely the way," Zelenskyy said. He noted that if Trump gives the world the opportunity for such a ceasefire, then he should be nominated for the Nobel Prize. "We will nominate him on behalf of Ukraine," Zelenskyy added. KTEQ, the South Dakota Mines student-run radio station, will take its place in the states rock history as it is inducted into the South Dakota Rock and Rollers Hall of Fame during a ceremony Saturday, Oct. 11, at The District in Sioux Falls. The honor recognizes KTEQs decades-long influence on the regions musical and cultural landscape. Tickets are still available for South Dakotas biggest rock weekend, which honors the incredible talent and legacy of the states music scene. A full list of the 2025 inductees is here. The weekend kicks off with the Battle of the Bands on Friday, Oct. 10.Since first signing on in 1971, KTEQ 91.3 FM has served as a creative hub for local artists and students alike, broadcasting everything from jazz and punk to hip hop and indie rock. Managed and operated entirely by students, the station became a launching pad for underground music and a voice for artistic freedom in the Black Hills. The Hall of Fame induction serves not only as a recognition of the stations historic impact but also as a timely reminder of what becomes possible when programming and creative collaboration have a stable platform to flourish, at a moment when student interest in radio is beginning to enjoy a renaissance. This recognition is more than just an honorits an opportunity to reflect on what KTEQ has meant to so many and to envision what it can become, said Jason Ward, campus advisor. Were inviting alumni, community members and supporters of independent media to help us strengthen and sustain that legacy for the future. With growing community support, KTEQ aims to expand its reach and once again serve as a creative bridge between the Black Hills and the wider music world. Its incredibly motivating to see people reconnecting with the station and taking notice of what were building, said Caleigh Copenhaver, a junior electrical engineering major and KTEQ station manager. When listeners and alumni share that energy back with us, it makes every bit of effort worthwhile. Accepting the honor will be Copenhaver; Ward; Greg Carey, founder of the Tech Educational Radio Council and the original filer for the license, who will be coming up from San Francisco; Gary Brown, the station's first manager; and Bruce Kraft, one of its first DJs. Listeners can stream KTEQ online at www.KTEQ.org, where programming remains strong. For more information on KTEQs history, programming and how to support its next chapter, visit here or follow KTEQ on Facebook or on Instagram. This week, a high-level NATO delegation visited Ukraine to discuss the Alliances role in supporting the Ukrainian defense industry. According to the NATO Mission to Ukraine press service, the delegation participated in the Third International Defense National Forum and held productive meetings with Ukrainian officials, industry representatives and civil society. NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) General Manager Stacy Cummings stressed the importance of the agencys practical cooperation with Ukraine. She said NSPA is strengthening cooperation with Ukraine and will work to help Ukrainian industry understand how to participate in NATO competitive procurement. During a panel discussion at Defense National Forum, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defence Industry, Innovation and Armaments Tarja Jaakkola highlighted the importance for Allies to expand cooperation with Ukrainian industry. She outlined what NATO is already doing and what more it can do. Jaakkola said NATO, which is committed to developing its own defence industry, and Ukraine, which is implementing the Build with Ukraine initiative, share common goals. The delegation also discussed other important aspects of NATO support. NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Operations Burcu San met with Ukrainian counterparts to discuss Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) and NATOs Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine. "NATO continues to support Ukraine and provide vital assistance to ensure that it has everything it needs to protect the country on its path to a sustainable and just peace," the statement reads. Germany's trade surplus widened more than expected in August as imports slumped, according to Destatis on Thursday, though exports also came in below forecasts. The foreign trade balance stood at 17.2bn in August, the Federal Statistical Office reported, up from 14.7bn in July. This was the highest surplus since May and well ahead of the 15.2bn consensus estimate. Imports into Germany fell by 1.3% over the month to a three-month low of 112.5bn, following a 0.7% decline in July. This was worse than the 0.5% decrease expected by analysts, with the amount of shipped goods from Europe, China, the UK and Russia all posting declines compared with the previous month, partly offset by an increase in imports to the US. Meanwhile, German exports also fell 0.5% to 129.7bn following a revised 0.2% decline in July, surprising economists who expected a 0.3% increase. Exports to Europe, the US, UK and Russia all declined, partly offset by an increase in exports to China. London stocks fell in early trade on Thursday, led lower by a host of ex-dividend names, while Lloyds slumped after warning it would need to increase its motor finance provisions. At 0830 BST, the FTSE 100 was down 0.3% at 9,524.44. Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor, said: "The FTSE 100 declined from its own record closing high at the open, weighed down by the usual Thursday raft of stocks being marked ex-dividend. "Despite any weakness in opening exchanges, the premier index has posted an impressive gain of 16.5% in the year to date, quite apart from the additional boost across its constituents of an average 3.1% dividend yield. "With an increasing appetite for haven destinations in evidence and with a still heavily discounted valuation to many of its global peers, the FTSE 100 for many continues to represent compelling value." In equity markets, Barratt Redrow, Tesco, WPP, Kingfisher, Taylor Wimpey and Primary Health Properties all fell as they traded without entitlement to the dividend. HSBC tumbled after announcing plans take Hang Seng Bank private in a deal that values the lender at 290 billion Hong Kong dollars ($37bn). HSBC, which owns around 63.3% of Hang Seng Bank, has offered HK$155 a share for the shares it does not already own. This is a premium of about 30% to the last closing price. Lloyds lost ground after saying it will need "material" additional provisions to provide redress to customers in the motor finance mis-selling scandal. The Financial Conduct Authority ruled this week that lenders would have to pay out 11bn including costs in compensation after finding "widespread failings" in how motor finance firms disclosed commission payments and commercial ties between lenders and brokers on agreements signed between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024. Lloyds, which has already put aside 1.2bn to cover possible costs, said it was still reviewing the regulators proposals but predicted that additional provisions would be required. On the upside, heavily-weighted miners rose in tandem with copper prices, with Anglo American, Antofagasta, Rio Tinto and Glencore all up. Shares of luxury fashion brand Burberry rallied after an upgrade to buy from hold at Deutsche Bank. Johnson Matthey gained as it said full-year underlying operating profit was set to be at the higher end of initial guidance for mid single digit growth. In a pre-close trading update for the half year ended 30 September, the company said it expects a strong performance in group underlying profit for the half year, driven by ongoing efficiency improvements across the group, as well as strong trading in the PGM Services business. Volution shot higher as the designer and manufacturer of energy efficient indoor air quality solutions reported a rise in full-year profit and revenue, boosted by its acquisition of Fantech in Australasia. Food and beverage outlet operator SSP edged up as it said that both revenue and profits had increased in the year ended 30 September, despite a moderation in passenger number growth in the second half. Market Movers FTSE 100 (UKX) 9,524.44 -0.26% FTSE 250 (MCX) 22,069.35 0.12% techMARK (TASX) 5,594.16 0.17% FTSE 100 - Risers Anglo American (AAL) 2,986.00p 2.97% Antofagasta (ANTO) 2,865.00p 2.58% Rio Tinto (RIO) 5,161.00p 2.26% Burberry Group (BRBY) 1,292.00p 2.13% Entain (ENT) 840.80p 1.74% Ashtead Group (AHT) 5,236.00p 1.71% Glencore (GLEN) 361.30p 1.56% Mondi (MNDI) 860.00p 1.42% International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 405.60p 1.40% Weir Group (WEIR) 2,834.00p 1.14% FTSE 100 - Fallers HSBC Holdings (HSBA) 997.40p -6.44% Barratt Redrow (BTRW) 376.30p -3.36% Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 83.48p -3.36% Babcock International Group (BAB) 1,245.00p -1.81% Tesco (TSCO) 441.40p -1.36% Persimmon (PSN) 1,139.00p -1.09% WPP (WPP) 364.00p -0.98% Barclays (BARC) 380.00p -0.73% BAE Systems (BA.) 2,016.00p -0.64% Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 1,145.50p -0.61% FTSE 250 - Risers Volution Group (FAN) 709.00p 9.24% Pollen Street Group Limited (POLN) 926.00p 2.66% Grainger (GRI) 192.20p 2.23% Fidelity China Special Situations (FCSS) 338.50p 2.11% Energean (ENOG) 880.00p 2.09% Johnson Matthey (JMAT) 2,086.00p 1.96% Victrex plc (VCT) 694.00p 1.91% B&M European Value Retail S.A. (DI) (BME) 238.70p 1.57% Baillie Gifford Japan Trust (BGFD) 934.00p 1.52% Genuit Group (GEN) 367.50p 1.52% FTSE 250 - Fallers Taylor Wimpey (TW.) 100.15p -4.89% Close Brothers Group (CBG) 500.00p -4.58% Frasers Group (FRAS) 702.00p -2.84% Primary Health Properties (PHP) 87.95p -2.06% Syncona Limited NPV (SYNC) 98.00p -2.00% Ruffer Investment Company Ltd Red PTG Pref Shares (RICA) 289.50p -1.86% NB Private Equity Partners Ltd. (NBPE) 1,480.00p -1.86% Trainline (TRN) 270.20p -1.67% AO World (AO.) 98.80p -1.59% Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings (AML) 66.05p -1.42% Pubs, clubs and restaurants will be able to open into the early hours as part of Labours drive for economic growth, a move which critics say will lead to more drunken disorder. Ministers are pushing ahead with plans to allow premises that sell alcohol to extend their opening hours in order to boost the British night out and help the hospitality sector. Guardian Elon Musk and X have settled with four former top executives at Twitter, including the former CEO, who accused the billionaire of failing to pay $128m in promised severance pay after he acquired the social media company in 2022 and fired them. The former executives say that Musk falsely accused them of misconduct and forced them out of Twitter after they sued him for attempting to renege on his offer to buy the company. The plaintiffs are Parag Agrawal, Twitters former CEO; Ned Segal, Twitters former chief financial officer; Vijaya Gadde, its former chief legal officer; and Sean Edgett, its former general counsel. Musk and X have denied wrongdoing and said the executives were fired over their performance. Guardian A record proportion of businesses are struggled with the tax burden as bosses brace for a fresh Labour raid in November. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) warned that confidence was in freefall ahead of the Rachel Reevess second Budget on Nov 26, with bosses already cutting spending in anticipation. Telegraph Britain will import electricity from Europe to keep the lights on this winter as grid operators warn of tight energy supplies over the coming months. The National Energy System Operator (Neso), which manages the power system, said supplies would come under most strain in early December and mid-January, particularly on cold, calmer days, when output from wind farms falls. Telegraph An entrepreneur accused of a 5.7 million fraud on Nick Candy, the Reform UK party treasurer, enjoyed an extravagant lifestyle while convincing investors to back an app that did not exist, according to claims made in a High Court battle. Candy, a property tycoon, was caught up in a web of deceit over an alleged fraudulent social network founded by Robert Bonnier, Candys lawyer told the court on Wednesday. The Times Charlie Redmayne HarperCollins UK CEO Charlie Redmayne has resigned from his position, and Kate Elton has been appointed interim CEO. The Bookseller reported that Elton will sit on the global executive committee and have responsibility for the U.K. and Ireland, reporting to Brian Murray, president and CEO of HarperCollins Publishers Worldwide. HarperCollins India and Australia/New Zealand will now report to Murray. Redmayne has been CEO since 2013, when he returned to HarperCollins after leaving in 2011 to serve as CEO of Pottermore. He originally joined HarperCollins UK in 2008 as group digital director and was promoted to executive v-p, chief digital officer at HarperCollins. He earlier was head of commercial partnerships for Sky Online at News Corp.'s BSkyB and had launched Mykindaplace, a teen Internet company that he sold to BSkyB in 2006. He also founded and managed RCL Communications and Blink TV. HarperCollins UK said that an announcement will be made "in due course" about a permanent appointment, the Bookseller noted. Kate Elton Since 2023, Elton has been group managing director for the adult commercial divisions. She joined HarperCollins in 2011, initially as publisher for HarperFiction, before taking on additional responsibility for HarperNonFiction and Avon in 2014. Prior to her move to the company, she worked for 15 years at Random House. Murray said: "Kate is an inspiring publisher who has a deep understanding of the industry and the HarperCollins business. She has shepherded the U.K. Adult commercial divisions to tremendous success with thoughtful leadership and insight. Kate is an incredible team player who has been instrumental in helping to build a culture of collaboration and innovation. I am delighted that she will be taking the role." Elton commented: "It is a great privilege to be asked to lead HarperCollins UK. I've been enormously proud to be part of the remarkable HarperCollins team for the last 14 years--it's a genuine honor and joy to work with our wonderful community of authors, and with the talented, creative teams who bring their work to readers around the world." --- Twelve bookshops have been longlisted for the Bookshop of the Year category at this year's An Post Irish Book Awards. The category is "designed to acknowledge the significant role played by independent bookshops and local branches of bookshop chains in helping their local communities to find and savor the titles of their choice." This year's longlisted booksellers are: Antonia's Bookstore, Trim Bridge Books, Dromore Castle Book & Card Centre, Castlebar Charlie Byrne's Bookshop, Galway Chapters Bookstore, Dublin Genius Juniors, Ennis Leaf & Bower, Ballincollig Liber Bookshop, Sligo Tales for Tadpoles, Bray The Book Centre, Waterford The Company of Books, Dublin The Maynooth Bookshop, Maynooth A shortlist will now be selected by an independent judging panel and announced on October 22. The overall winner of An Post Bookshop of the Year will be presented with a trophy and 15,000 (about $17,490) at the An Post Irish Book Awards event on November 27. Maria Dickenson, chair of Bookselling Ireland, said: "For generations, Irish bookshops have been an essential part of our culture. They offer welcoming spaces where readers can explore and celebrate stories of every kind. Booksellers play a crucial role in Ireland's literary landscape, bringing people and books together in ways that truly matter. It's inspiring to see their dedication recognized, and the 2025 longlist reflects that passion and diversity." HIG Capital has selected SEI to handle fund administration and depositary services for certain private equity and infrastructure assets domiciled in Luxembourg and the Cayman Islands. The arrangement, announced October 8, connects the $70 billion investment firm with a provider that already ranks sixth among Luxembourg fund administrators by alternative assets under administration. The partnership addresses operational challenges that have grown more complex as HIG Capital has expanded across geographies and asset classes. Founded in 1993 by Sami Mnaymneh and Tony Tamer, the firm now manages more than 400 companies worldwide through strategies that include private equity, growth equity, real estate, direct lending, infrastructure, and special situations debt. SEI will integrate its systems with HIG's existing platforms to automate workflows and reduce manual data entry. The technology is designed to provide transparency into fund operations and eliminate the duplication that occurs when firms use multiple administrators or handle portions of the work internally. Brendan Dolan, European chief financial officer at HIG, said the decision came down to scale and capabilities. "SEI's global scale, broad operational and technology capabilities, expertise in fund administration and private markets, and local service all provide a significant competitive edge, and make them the ideal partner to support our strategic business goals," he said. Consolidating Administrator Relationships HIG's move reflects a broader trend among private markets firms seeking to streamline their administrator relationships. SEI research published in June found that 58 percent of private market asset managers would prefer working with a single fund administrator instead of multiple providers. Nearly two-thirds said the ability to reduce data replication through improved data quality affects their choice of provider. Asset managers have historically split administrator relationships across different fund domiciles or asset classes, creating silos that require reconciliation. As firms like HIG expand into new markets and strategies, maintaining separate systems for Luxembourg vehicles, Cayman structures, and other jurisdictions becomes more cumbersome. SEI operates centers in Oaks, Pennsylvania; London; Dublin; and Luxembourg, allowing it to serve clients across major fund domiciles. The company had more than $1.5 trillion in alternative assets under administration as of 2024 and works with 45 of the top 100 asset managers globally according to Pensions & Investments rankings. Bryan Astheimer, who leads SEI's investment managers business for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, said many firms now seek partners that can eliminate in-house data replication and improve efficiency. "We're excited to partner with HIG, a firm that shares our commitment to delivering solutions that add strategic and operational value for clients," he said. HIG's European Footprint Grows The SEI arrangement comes as HIG has accelerated activity in Europe. The firm recently completed the acquisition of France Workwear from Rentokil Initial, adding a textile services business with 34 sites across France. That transaction, finalized October 1, will see the business rebranded in early 2026. In August, HIG announced a definitive agreement to take a majority stake in Avanta Salud, a Spanish occupational health provider covering more than a million employees. The firm also completed the sale of EYSA Group, a Spanish mobility solutions provider, to Tikehau Investment Management after more than doubling the company's EBITDA during ownership. Earlier in the year, HIG acquired Kantar Media from Kantar Group, separating the London-based media measurement business to operate independently across more than 60 countries. The firm also invested in logistics properties in the Paris and Lyon metropolitan areas and took a controlling stake in Fluo Group, a Finnish waste management platform. HIG maintains offices in Hamburg, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, and Paris, alongside its U.S. locations in Miami, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Stamford. The firm also has affiliate offices in Bogota, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Dubai, and Hong Kong. Technology and Scale Drive Selection SEI's platform provides what the company describes as full data visibility and transparency to help streamline workflows and enable long-term business scale. The system connects with HIG's infrastructure through application programming interfaces and data feeds that pull information from portfolio companies, investors, and other sources. Fund administrators handle critical middle-office functions including capital calls, distributions, net asset value calculations, and investor reporting. As regulatory requirements have grown more complex, particularly in European domiciles, firms have increasingly looked to administrators that can handle compliance across multiple jurisdictions. SEI said its onsite team of experts helped with the integration to alleviate conversion pressures. The company's local operational teams in Luxembourg and the Cayman Islands provide service in the jurisdictions where HIG's funds are domiciled. Dolan said the partnership would ensure greater operational efficiency and streamlined data management as HIG continues to grow and serve its limited partners. The firm has been raising capital across multiple strategies and recently closed H.I.G. WhiteHorse Middle Market Lending Fund IV with $5.9 billion in commitments. SEI partners with pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, foundations, and other institutional investors that commit capital to private markets funds. The company's administrator business serves both fund managers and the underlying vehicles they establish to deploy capital. Photo: elements.envato.com The European Commissions proposal for a reparation loan to Ukraine, with the main part to be financed from immobilized Russian assets, should be agreed by the leaders of the European Union by the end of autumn. This forecast was given to journalists in Brussels on Thursday by a high-ranking European diplomat. The diplomat said he would be happy if the leaders could agree on reparation loans at the upcoming European Council on October 23 and 24, but stressed that the issue was very complex. He recalled that this had already been evident during the debates at the last informal European Council in Copenhagen, noting that there were technical, legal, and political issues still to be resolved. He added that such matters could take time and explained that, although he would like to say the agreement could be reached at the next European Council, he would not dare to do so given the complexity of the issue. However, the interlocutor of the journalists agreed that a solution should be found no later than the end of this year. He emphasized that the aim was to reach an agreement this autumn, mainly because the problem under consideration was how to help finance Ukraine from 2026. Therefore, he said, a solution needed to be found no later than the end of this year, that is, this autumn. Confirming that ministers would discuss the matter at the EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg on Friday, the senior European diplomat explained that the ideas presented by the Commission were complex and would require national guarantees from member states. He noted that some had raised the possibility of providing guarantees through the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). He believed that these aspects, how to create such a solution and an instrument for loans to Ukraine through frozen Russian assets, would be at the heart of the ministers discussions. He underlined that the discussions were ongoing. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The NYPD has a new chief of department. Chief Michael LiPetri has been tapped to replace Chief John Chell, a Staten Island resident, on an interim basis, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced on Wednesday. The chief of department is charged with leading the departments crime-fighting and public safety strategies, operational plans and quality-of-life initiatives, according to the NYPD. LiPetri, the chief of crime control strategies, has served with the NYPD for 31 years. Although he is being tasked to meet the needs of being the departments highest-ranking uniformed officer, he will also continue to carry out the duties that come with the job he has held for the last six years. In his current role as chief of crime control strategies, LiPetri is responsible for designing and implementing the NYPDs precision policing plan, which the NYPD touted for reducing violent crime in New York City. Today, Chief Michael LiPetri was appointed as the new, interim Chief of Department for the NYPD. Chief LiPetri is a 31-year veteran in this department and a true crime fighter. He is responsible for the design and execution of the NYPDs precision policing plan, which has NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) October 8, 2025 The NYPDs success depends on precision, data-driven policing and effective leaders who create and execute this strategy, said Tisch. Chief LiPetri is a true crime fighter, and under his leadership, the NYPD has delivered record-low shootings across the city and the safest quarter ever on the subways. As the interim chief of department, he will continue to lead the NYPDs work to reduce crime and disorder and build public trust. I would like to thank Chief John Chell for his more than 30 years of service to this department and New York City. A little more on LiPetri LiPetri holds a masters degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He is also a graduate of both the Columbia University Police Management Institute and the FBI National Academy. In his time with the NYPD, LiPetri has amassed nearly two decades of executive experience. The new interim chief of department previously served as the commanding officer of Transit District 32, the 101st, 79th and 75th precincts, as well as the office of the chief of department. For more than 31 years, Chief Mike LiPetri has helped make our city safer and helped Get Stuff Done for the people of New York, Mayor Eric Adams said. When I say the NYPD has a deep bench, I mean it throughout his tenure as Chief of Crime Control Strategies, Chief LiPetri was the architect of the NYPDs successful crimefighting strategy resulting in the lowest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims in recorded history. His ability to quickly assess and deploy resources while fostering partnerships with the community and other agencies makes him the perfect fit for the top uniformed position in the NYPD. I also want to thank Chief of Department John Chell for his more than three decades of service to the city and for leading the NYPD through its seven straight quarters of continuing crime declines. Our city owes him a debt of gratitude. The retirement of Chief Chell Like LiPetri, Chell has dedicated 31 years of his life to the NYPD, and now, he will be retiring from the department. NYPD Chief of Department John Chell is retiring after 31 years with the department. In this photo from June 5, 2024, then NYPD Chief of Patrol Chell speaks about the enhanced summer enforcement strategy to confiscate illegal motorized motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, and bikes at the Freshkills Landfill. (Owen Reiter for the Staten Island Advance) Chell was named chief of department relatively recently, on Dec. 31, 2024. He replaced Former NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, who resigned in December 2024 amid allegations that he demanded sex from a subordinate in exchange for opportunities to earn extra pay. Prior to assuming the executive position, Chell rose through the ranks, serving at various precincts and earning himself a Medal of Valor. Chell has served as commanding officer in a few precincts, including the 61st and 79th precincts. In 2019, he was promoted to deputy chief and oversaw Detective Bureau Brooklyn South. Then, in 2021, he led Detective Bureau Brooklyn North. While there, he provided oversight over all criminal investigations by members of Brooklyn detective squads, gang division and narcotics squads. In 2022, Chell was declared the executive officer of the Patrol Services Bureau, and before the year closed out, he was promoted to chief of patrol. In that capacity, he governed eight patrol boroughs comprised of 78 police precincts and oversaw 15,000 uniformed and 3,000 civilian members of the service, the largest of any bureau. He is credited with helping create Compliance Stat and the community response team, which is tasked with taking on high crime areas and firearms reduction. The NYPD also credits Chell for working with Adams to improve community connections with elected officials, members of the department and city agencies to address quality of life conditions. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Authorities arrested two men and a woman in a raid where drugs and guns allegedly were found inside their apartment at the Richmond Terrace Houses. The raid occurred on Sept. 18 at about 6 a.m. after officers armed with search warrants swarmed the apartment at 456 Richmond Terrace, according to a criminal complaint based on investigations by Narcotics Borough Staten Island. When police arrived, Carlos Feliciano, 44, was in the rear bedroom and a woman, Takeena Williams, 55, was in the front bedroom. Daquon Williams, 38, also was arrested in connection with that raid, according to the criminal complaint and police. The criminal complaint alleges that officers recovered a Jiminez 9mm pistol in the front bedroom. The gun was loaded with five bullets in an attached magazine. In a rear bedroom, officers allegedly found eight plastic- zipper bags containing cocaine powder and cash. Later that morning, Daquon Williams spoke with police at the 120th Precinct. I reside there, the criminal complaint quoted the 38-year-old defendant as saying. I do not have a pistol permit. None of the defendants have a license to carry or possess a firearm in New York City or the state, and the defendants are not dealers in rifles or shotguns, according to the criminal complaint. The defendants have been charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a firearm and criminal possession of a controlled substance, according to the criminal complaint. Feliciano was convicted of attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree in Supreme Court in Manhattan in December 2008. He was sentenced in January 2009 to five years in jail, according to the criminal complaint. Feliciano is scheduled to be arraigned in state Supreme Court in St. George on Oct. 14. A defense attorney is not listed in public records. Takeena Williams has pleaded not guilty to all charges, has been released with non-monetary conditions and is due back in state Criminal Court in St. George on Nov. 25, according to public records. An attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Information about the case against Daquon Williams is not currently available in public records, but he is being prosecuted. The home where a complex domestic relationship played out, and ultimately the scene of tragedy. Images: Facebook and Advance/SILive.com STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The grisly murder of Anthony Casalaspro inside his West Brighton home marks the final chapter for a man remembered fondly by many who say they are heartbroken over his death, but whose life was marked by complex challenges that included family loss, legal run-ins and, according to sources, a fraught domestic environment strained by the mental illness of the young man now accused of killing him. Authorities confirmed Casalaspro, 45, an auto mechanic who was retired on disability from the city Sanitation Department, was found murdered and mutilated inside a bathtub in his home on Cary Avenue on Monday. Damien Hurstel, the 19-year-old son of Casalaspros longtime girlfriend, was arrested a day later and arraigned on Wednesday on charges that include second-degree murder. He was covered in blood when he was placed in an ambulance at the 120th Precinct in St. George. Mental health struggles The victim and Hurstel did not have an inciting incident that led to the slaying; rather, a source with knowledge of the investigation said, it seems like it just boiled over. Hurstel had been hospitalized in the past for his struggles with mental health, and at the time of the slaying he was prescribed anti-psychotic medications, a source told the Advance/SILive.com. In the weeks leading up to the homicide, family suspected Hurstel was on and off his medications, which at times was a point of contention in the home leading to loud arguments, the source added. Hurstels defense attorney Mark Fonte said that if there were issues it was centered around his clients long and tortured history of mental health issues. The disputes within the family all stemmed from his medical condition, said Fonte, who rattled off multiple diagnoses including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. According to a source, police responded to the home several times in the past for prior domestic calls, some of which Casalaspro was the subject. In one incident, his girlfriend told police he was drunkenly breaking things and had a gun, though no firearm was discovered, the New York Post reported. Tension in the Cary Avenue home Casalaspro, a graduate of McKee High School in St. George, was previously wed in 2011 to Valerie Villanti of Oakwood. By the time of his nuptials, both his parents were deceased, according to the wedding announcement. The pair amicably separated in 2019. Anthony Casalaspro, 45, (pictured above) was remembered fondly by those who knew him. Facebook Casalaspros ex-wife declined an interview with the Advance/SILive.com, requesting privacy so she could grieve for a man I loved very much. In speaking with the Daily News, she shed light on the contention in the Cary Avenue residence. He told me [Hurstel] was always very angry, no matter what Anthony asked him to do, like, Clean up, do the dishes. He always fought with him about it, Villanti told the Daily News. He always would say, Youre not my father, you cant tell me what to do. Very not appreciative of the fact that Anthony was literally taking care of him and the sister and the mother. I know they didnt get along. Casalaspro recently retired from the Department of Sanitation as he was going blind, the outlet reported. I literally talked to him two weeks ago. He was doing good. He was talking about getting a house in Florida, Villanti said, according to the Daily News. He had very big plans. The attack Hurstel, who attended South Richmond High School, worked odd jobs as a young adult, the source said. The source alleged that on Monday, Casalaspro told Hurstel to go for a walk and clear his head. Hurstel returned to the home and lay in wait armed with a knife and a meat cleaver. The victim turned a corner in the home when he was attacked. An investigator inspects the front porch of the home at Cary Avenue. (Advance/SILive.com | Scott Axelrod) The killing most likely happened in the morning, and in the hours that followed Hurstel tried to cover his tracks. Casalaspros mutilated body was found in the bathtub that afternoon. This isnt the first tragedy to hit the Casalaspro family: It suffered an earlier devastating loss in October 2014 when Anthonys brother, John, was found floating in the waters off of Bayonne, New Jersey, after being reported missing. Easygoing, but prior legal troubles He was easygoing, man, a friend of Casalaspro who rushed to the scene of the murder Monday told the New York Post. He was a good person. He did anything for anybody. Hed take his shirt off his back and give it to you if you needed it. However, the victim had about 15 arrests dating back to 2001, with most of those apprehensions occurring in the early to mid-2000s, according to the source. A near-fatal incident occurred five years ago when Casalaspro allegedly was speeding in a car that crashed into three other vehicles and knocked down a utility pole in South Beach. Casalaspro, who landed in the hospital after the crash, was arrested. Police alleged at the time his vehicle was traveling in excess of 86 mph when the posted speed limit was 25 mph. He claimed at the time his accelerator was stuck, and that he lost control of his vehicle after passing a FedEx truck. Casalaspro pleaded guilty to a violation of reckless driving, and was ordered to pay a $300 fine in October 2021. Im heartbroken over the tragic death of my former client, Anthony Casalaspro, said Mario Gallucci, the attorney who represented the defendant in the South Beach crash. Its an awful loss, and my thoughts are with his family and everyone affected. Its also deeply troubling to see that the person responsible appears to be suffering from serious mental illness a problem our society continues to overlook until its too late. While nothing can excuse such violence, its a reminder of how critical it is to address mental health before it leads to more tragedy." Damien Hurstel is escorted out of the 120th Precinct stationhouse in St. George on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. After allegedly telling police he attacked and ultimately mutilated his mothers boyfriend inside their West Brighton home, Damien Hurstel pleaded not guilty to murder charges during an arraignment hearing Tuesday in Criminal Court. Hurstel, who appeared virtually from a hospital bed in Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton, was clad in a hospital gown and seemingly coherent through a series of yes or no questions by the court. Judge Biju J. Koshy ordered that the defendant be remanded without bail at the request of the district attorneys office, which he deemed appropriate given the severity of the charges and the circumstances surrounding the case. In the gallery, the defendants mother, uncle and other immediate and extended family members looked on. They declined to comment outside the courtroom. The proceedings were adjourned to Friday. Judge Biju J. Koshy ordered the defendant be remanded in state custody without the option of bail during an arraignment hearing Wednesday in Staten Island Criminal Court. (Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon) (His family) were all here to love and support him, said defense attorney Mark Fonte who was retained in the case. They are going to be a great resource for my investigation as to his prior mental health history. Fonte spoke with his client for the first time Wednesday via Zoom. I told him right up front, I dont want to know what happened... were not alone; these conversations are not privileged, theres police officers in the room. In terms of his clients detainment as the case moves forward, Fonte requested the judge order psychiatric and physical attention, in addition to suicide watch. Koshy granted the request. Long and tortured history: Fonte In speaking about what sources have cited as arguments within the home and reports of prior domestic incidents, Fonte said that if there were issues in was centered around his clients long and tortured history of mental health issues. The disputes within the family all stemmed from his medical condition, said Fonte, who rattled off multiple diagnoses including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Prior to his client turning 18, the family was on top of him about his medications, doctor visits and hospitalizations, as any caring family would be, Fonte said. But when Hurstel reached adulthood, doctors were not legally allowed to speak to the family about his treatment and had to rely solely on the patient, in terms of consistency with the medication and accurate feedback about their effectiveness. Attorney Mark Fonte seated in his office on Staten Island in this Jan. 22, 2020 photo. Alexandra Salmieri Thats when things started to go haywire, said Fonte. Arguments ensued with respect to, did you take your medication? what medication are you on? To which the defendant would often reply: None of your business, Im an adult now. Speaking generally about mental health in America, Fonte said that based on his own experience in the court system, it is an issue that requires more attention and more resources. There is a mental health crisis raging that needs to be addressed and addressed quickly, said Fonte. Im in favor of limited government, but if government is going to allocate resources, they need to allocate resources to the mental health crisis. A gruesome scene A police investigator scans the front porch of the home on Cary Avenue in West Brighton where the alleged homicide unfolded Monday. (Advance/SILive.com | Scott Axelrod) Police responded to a 911 call Monday at the familys home on Cary Avenue, where the defendant lived with his mother, stepfather and sister. His sister was the first to discover the horrific scene upon returning home from school. A crime scene photo showed the victims body slumped into a bathtub, his severed head placed beside him. The defendant allegedly told police: We fought and I stabbed him. I carried him to the bathroom. I cut his head off and put parts of his body in the blender. I tried to clean it up. When Hurstel was arrested at the home, one neighbor described him as calm and courteous with police. Victim identified by police The victim, who was in a long term relationship with the defendants mother, was identified Tuesday by police as 45-year-old Anthony Casalaspro. He was a retired Sanitation Department mechanic who graduated from McKee High School. Friends of the victim who rushed to the scene told the New York Post he was a good person who would give the shirt off his back. The morning after Casalaspros death, nearby neighbors recalled described seeing him on the block. We see him every now and then sitting on his balcony in a chair, one said. He kept mostly to himself. Defendant hospitalized twice Immediately following his arrest, Hurstel was taken to a nearby hospital before being transported to a holding cell at the 120th Precinct stationhouse in St. George. On Tuesday morning, he was seen being escorted out of the precinct with a bruised and bloodied face. He was placed on a stretcher and taken back to the hospital instead of the courthouse for a scheduled arraignment. Wednesday morning, doctors had still not medically cleared the defendant for even a virtual arraignment. By about 3 p.m. though he was cleared. There have been various accounts about his current physical condition, including one source noting a possible blood infection. It remains unclear how he became injured at the stationhouse. https://widgetmaker.advance.net/widgies/stories-by-section-tag/df9cb7f6-e4e0-4770-8006-85a6a498723f In the space once home to Portobello Cafea beloved Italian landmark whose founder, Adam Lener, passed in 2023a new spot will bring a fresh chapter to Great Kills with vibrant Latin flavors from long-time restaurateurs. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Restaurateur Peter Macri is bringing Latin flavors to Staten Islands South Shore with his newest venture, Todo Bien, primed to open at 4221 Hylan Blvd. in Great Kills. Macriwho operates three successful restaurants across the boroughwill partner with Anthony Mentesana and his brother, Sal Macri, to transform the former Portobello Cafe into a vibrant new destination. There are so many Italian restaurants on Staten Island, Macri said. We wanted to do something different. Todo Bien will have a beautiful menu, a beautiful vibe wait until you see this restaurant. Peter Macri announces his fourth restaurant project on Staten Island from his Richmond Valley eatery, Tutto Apposto. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) The name Todo Bien translates to everythings good in Spanish, echoing the meaning of Macris Richmond Valley restaurant Tutto Apposto and reflecting his philosophy of hospitality and optimism. While the menu remains under wraps, Macri promises the same meticulous quality that has made his other establishments local favorites. Tutto Apposto makes its own pastas including gemelli. This kind of craft-borne, house-made food will be the backbone of the menu at new Todo Bien but with a Latin flair. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Todo Bien will join Macris growing portfolio, which includes Panini Grill in West Brighton, Tutto Apposto in Richmond Valley, and Casa Ninos Pizza Bar in Woodrow. The news of venture broke during Wednesdays Dish 11:30 a.m. broadcast on the Advance/SILive.com Facebook page, just as Macri gears up for the Festa Italiana at Mount Loretto, running Oct. 1013. The Pietro sandwich includes crispy chicken, burette, arugula pesto and burratta cheese. This is half a panini, although a full one will be at the competitive eating contest on Saturday night at Mount Loretto. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) At the festival, by the way, Tutto Apposto will serve its popular Pietro panuzzo a pressed sandwich made from pizza dough filled with crispy chicken, burrata, pesto mayo, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula and host a panini-eating contest Saturday night. The event will feature live music from MGM and Judy Torres, food contests including zeppole, cannoli, and limoncello-making, rides, games, and fireworks. Macri will be on hand to talk about the new project as he hosts the Saturday evening food competition. Were truly grateful for the support, Macri said. Its an honor to serve this community, and were excited for whats next. Faith Uniteds Pantry has 50 Years of Feeding Staten Island. From its home at 221 Heberton Ave., the Port Richmond church continues its mission with help from volunteers, local leaders, and Lorna Wilson, its director. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. At exactly 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, the doors of Faith United Methodist Church at 221 Heberton Avenue in Port Richmond swung open, and the flow beganfive at a timeinto a community room transformed into a market-style bazaar of food and clothing. This is the weekly food pantry, and its director, Lorna Wilson, stood at the entrance, guiding the crowd with calm authority. You can start here. Its five at a time, she said, as a woman shook a yellow courtesy bag, puffing it up with air in preparation. Lightly used shoes are a big draw at the pantry which features a variety of clothes as well. (Advance/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri) A boy, a bag, and a pair of Nikes A boy, around 10 years old, stepped forward wearing oversized sneakers. His mother moved along the food and grocery line, which began with adult diapers and canned goods, then worked itself toward a pile of overripe pears, sacks of Brussels sprouts and a freezer stocked with frozen hams and turkeys. But the boys attention was fixed on a row of shoes, neatly lined up like soldiers on the steps of a small stage. He spotted a pair of gently worn yellow and navy Nikes and tucked them into his bag. Just before the pantry opened for its clients, volunteers said a prayer and tended to their stations. (Advance/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Behind him, an elderly man with a pushcart filled with day-old bread and a jumbo can of Chock Full o Nuts coffee whistled as he picked up a pair of purple sneakers. Within minutes, the shoe table was noticeably lighter. Clothes were collected from around the borough by Girl Scout Troop 5001 for this particular pantry session. (Advance/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri) The rhythm of the room Volunteers stood behind a table, handing out juice boxes and supplies. The room buzzed with soft chatter and the gentle clatter of metal carts, as arms reached and mothers maneuvered through the crowd with their children. No ID necessary, Wilson called out. How many people in your family? At the Amazon Table, as Wilson calls itstocked by the Muslim Sisters of Staten Island with premium supplies like soaps, shampoos and cleaning productsthe boys mother followed, stylish in torn jeans, a red-and-white outfit, and an over-the-shoulder tote. They slipped into the growing scrum, then retreated to a quiet corner to organize their haul. The pantry is located at Heberton and Post Avenues. It functions on Saturdays from 12:30 p.m. until supplies run out, about an hour. (Advance/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri) A pantry with deep roots The Faith United Methodist Church pantry has served Port Richmond for more than 50 years. It began with Boy Scout leader William Morris Jr., who saw neighbors in need and began distributing food. His son, William Morris III, later took over. In the heart of Port Richmond, a pantry becomes a model of generosity and community coming together in a historic church. (Advance/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Around the time of the pandemic, Wilson stepped in, expanding the pantrys reach through partnerships and donations from Project Hospitality, the Richmond County Foundation, Dr Theodora Atlas Foundation, the Mannix Familys ShopRite supermarkets and, more recently, the Muslim Sisters of Staten Island. Marykate Russo, Gianna Pizzo and Isabella Odessa from the Girl Scout Troop 5001 tend to the clothing table. (Advance/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Girl Scouts in action On this particular Saturday, members of Girl Scout Troop 5001 brought a group of girls from St. Joseph Hill Academy and Notre Dame Academymany of whom have been in the troop since Pre-K. I try to find different things for them to dothings that matter, said troop leader Michelle Pizzo. If they want to help, they can. And they always show up. Support comes from Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, Indian Nurses of Staten Island, The Harriet Tubman Purple Hat Society and the National Council of Negro Women, just to name a few. Hundreds of students from around the borough pitch in as do visiting groups from around the country. In this image is Assemblyman Charles Fall. (Advance/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Now sophomores, several of the girls earned their Silver Award by organizing a clothing donation drive. With help from Rev. Terry Troia of Project Hospitality, they connected with the pantry at Faith United Methodist Church to deliver the collected items. To encourage continued giving, Pizzo and fellow troop leaders are setting up donation boxes at their respective churches. The troop regularly participates in service projects, including volunteering at food pantries and maintaining seasonal flower arrangements at Angel Circle. Volunteers get ready for action as the pantry gears up for service on a recent Saturday afternoon. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) A snapshot of Saturday Inside the Faith United room, the crowd was diversea mix of races, ethnicities and ages. Some carried carts, others bags, and some just their hands. Murmurs filled the air in a mix of languages. At the clothing table, the boys mother held up sweatshirts, inspecting colors and sizes. She kept a watchful eye on her son, signaling with two fingers pointed into her eyes to stay close. He stood quietly nearby, hands in his pockets, no phone, just observing. Even the shoe boxes were in demand, handy for storage and organizing papers. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) By 12:43, the practical shoe inventory was depleted. The boy found a book on making paper airplanes and tucked it into his bag. His mother crouched down, packing up winter jackets. He helped, folding and organizing. The "Amazon Table" is put together by the Muslim Sisters of Staten Island. It is an enormous draw as it includes cleaning supplies, soap, beauty supplies and beverages. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) The pantry buzzed with energy, rising to the volume of an auction. Suddenly the noise bubbled over and a scuffle broke outquick to erupt, quicker to vanish. Meanwhile, the boy and his mom kept to the sidelines, agreeing on a Jets sweatshirt for him and boots for her. Their yellow bag swelled, filled to the brim. Drop-off is daily between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. at the 221 Heberton door. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) By 12:54, even a pair of rhinestone-studded pumps were gone. At the baked goods table a woman picked over what was left. The boy watched. His mother called him over and the pair slipped out through a side door. At 1:01, the room had been picked fairly clean. On the food table, the pear pile persisted, and there were only a few takers on the Brussels sprouts. Whats needed: Gently used clothing, coats, shoes, and toys; non-perishable food; gift cards and cash/check donations. This is what was left at the end of the pantry. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) How to help Wilson runs the pantry with just a few church members including lay leader and assistant coordinator Everette Linton. Those from outside organizations provide the bulk of volunteers. Wilson says donations are welcome. Anyone can call or text her at 347-539-6951. Drop-off is daily between 1 and 2 p.m. at the 221 Heberton door (glass door near the office entrance). Whats needed: Gently used clothing, coats, shoes and toys Non-perishable food Gift cards and cash/check donations Monetary donations go toward purchasing meat and other goods at Ranchers Best in Mariners Harbormostly fresh produce, hams and chickens. Wilson has a special request for those who wish to contribute to the cause: We could use a commercial refrigerator to preserve produce and proteins. The pantry is open every Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., or until supplies run out. Midweek giveaways may be added if needed. The "Amazon Table" after about 45 minutes of the pantry's door opening. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Support comes from Girl Scout troops, Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, Indian Nurses of Staten Island, The Harriet Tubman Purple Hat Society and the National Council of Negro Women, just to name a few. Hundreds of students from around the borough pitch in, as do visiting groups from around the country. Theyre always willing to give back, Wilson said. Despite its impact, the church faces financial hardship. The food pantry at the church is over 50 years old. (Advance/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Youd think were a rich church, but were not, Wilson said. We struggle to pay our $24,000 annual insurance and high utility bills. To help with efforts, the pantry will host An Evening of Jazz on Nov. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring the Curtis High School Jazz Band and a lead jazz vocalist. The event will raise funds for pantry operations and church expenses. Tickets are $50 pre-sale admission and $55 at the door. Food is included and specialty drinks are for sale. For interest in attending, contact Wilsons helpers at 917-992-6790 or 347-6768-8423. This food pantry began with Boy Scout leader William Morris Jr., who saw neighbors in need and began distributing food. His son, William Morris III, later took over. (Advance/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Looking ahead Lorna Wilson is in the process of establishing a nonprofit called Hunger and Lifestyle, reviving a name originally chosen by pantry founders William Morris Jr. and his wife. The goal is to separate the pantrys operations from the church. Were separating the pantry from the church so donors who dont give to religious institutions can still support us, Wilson explained. The Muslim Sisters of Staten Island regularly supply volunteers at the pantry. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) She added, Ive impacted a lot of lives. Whether they came humbly or fought their way through, they got what they needed. Politics and local restaurants are also part of the pantrys evolving story. Wilson has partnered with Rethink Food, a nonprofit founded by former chef Matt Jozwiak, which turns surplus food from restaurants and grocery stores into nutritious, culturally appropriate mealsfree to those in need. Lebanese Eatery owner Tarek Wazzan personally delivers hot meals each week. (Advance/SILive.com |Pamela Silvestri) Through its Rethink Certified Program and commissary kitchen, the organization distributes thousands of meals weekly, including through Staten Island partners like Lebanese Eatery in Port Richmond. Owner Tarek Wazzan has been a steady presence, delivering two hot meal options each time to ensure recipients receive food thats both nourishing and familiar. On Friday, Aug. 8, during a special pantry session, Assemblyman Charles Fall had visited to observe one of the distributions. Hes been instrumental in securing funding for pop-up pantries and organizing food drives in collaboration with local nonprofits. Every family on Staten Island deserves the basic right to a nutritious meal, Fall told a group of volunteers who had traveled from the Washington, D.C. area. He added, Its really something to see this come together. But credit goes to Rethink Food and its executive director, Matt Jozwiakhes the one who made this possible when we finally connected a few years ago. Food insecurity is real in our community, and this program delivers hot meals while supporting local businesses at the same time. Its a win-win. Canned chicken, tuna and vegetables are stacked for the taking. This inventory includes donations and food from the Food Bank of New York. (Advance/SILive.com |Pamela Silvestri) Fall noted that Lebanese Eatery has been a consistent partner for over a year and a half. Theyve been incredibly helpful, he said. In the past, other restaurants have also pitched in. As time goes on, we look at which businesses have the capacity to helpand when it works, it really works. Earlier this month, Rethink had named Wilson the Community Ambassador for Staten Island. Volunteers and organizers of the pantry took time to pose for a photo with Assemblyman Charles fall and visitors from Washington D.C. who helped on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. (Advance/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Ivette Lema, left, and Cali Swanson staffed the baked goods table, a popular station at the pantry. (Advance/Silive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Yellow bags were provided by Metro Plus. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) The Muslim Sisters of Staten Island regularly supply volunteers at the pantry. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Faith Uniteds Pantry: 50 Years of Feeding Staten Island Deck: From its home at 221 Heberton Ave., the Port Richmond church continues its mission with help from Girl Scouts, local leaders, and a chef-turned-activist. Lorna Wilson is its director. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Loose diapers, stationary and k-cups were among the last of the items picked through on a table of donated inventory. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) The "Amazon Table" is put together by the MSSI. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Students across New York City will enjoy a three-day weekend, as schools are closed on Monday, Oct. 13, for Columbus Day, Italian Heritage Day, and Indigenous Peoples Day. (Advance/SILive.com|Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York City students in public and Catholic schools wont be heading to campus one day next week. Students will enjoy a long, three-day weekend, as schools are closed on Monday, Oct. 13, for Columbus Day, Italian Heritage Day, and Indigenous Peoples Day. According to the Department of Education academic calendar, schools are closed to observe Italian Heritage/Indigenous Peoples Day. For Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York, the calendar gives time off for Columbus Day. Along with recognizing the anniversary of Christopher Columbus journey to America in 1492, the federal holiday honors the history and culture of Native Americans and other indigenous people. The DOEs public school calendar includes some two dozen days off between the first day and the last day of classes. The calendar gives time off for the religious holidays, week-long breaks for winter recess, mid-winter recess and spring recess, and federal holidays. The Archdiocese of New York Superintendent of Schools calendar for Catholic elementary school students on Staten Island also includes time off for religious and federal holidays. Students will return to classes on Tuesday, Oct. 14. For those looking further ahead, there are plenty of days off before the end of the year. Public schools are closed for Diwali just a week later on Oct. 20, and for Election Day on Nov. 5. Public and Catholic schools will both be closed on Nov. 11 for Veterans Day, and on Nov. 27-28 for Thanksgiving recess. A new set of resources has launched in New York City public schools about the impact of Latin Americans in the United States. (Advance/SILive.com | Annalise Knudson) A set of new resources focused on the perspectives, experiences, and impact of Latin Americans has officially launched to all New York City public schools. City Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramo announced on Thursday, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the citywide launch and distribution of Hidden Voices: Latines in United States History. This new edition focuses on people of Latin American descent and their influence on social, political, cultural and economic landscapes of the United States. Every student deserves to see themselves in the stories we teach, said Aviles-Ramos. This next iteration of the Hidden Voices curricular guide, Latines in U.S. History, once again empowers our teachers to bring into focus voices that too often have been overlooked. As a proud Latina - the first female Puerto Rican Chancellor - and a mom, were helping all our students build a fuller, truer understanding of our shared history. Stories in this guide include Luisa Moreno, a labor organizer who championed the rights of Latines workers across the U.S.; Jose Sarria, the first openly gay person to run for public office in the U.S. and a physician and public health activist; and Arsenio Rodriguez who revolutionized Afro-Cuban music by deepening its African roots and influencing the development of salsa. The Hidden Voices resources are not separate curricula, but the city Department of Educations approach to providing students with opportunities to see themselves reflected in the resources while gaining perspectives on communities different from their own. The materials will be integrated into the citys Passport to Social Studies and Civics for All curricula. The resource was created in partnership with the city Department of Educations Department of Social Studies and Civics; scholars; cultural institutions, such as The Museum of the City of New York; New York Historical; the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute and CUNY El Centro; and K-12 educators. Printing and distribution were supported by United Way of New York City. New York City is a beautiful mosaic of diverse cultures, and every student deserves to see their culture reflected in their education, said Mayor Eric Adams. New York City Public Schools new Hidden Voices: Latines in United States History edition makes that a reality. The stories of Luisa Moreno, Jose Sarria, Arsenio Rodriguez, and countless others remind us how our Latino community have shaped every corner of our nations history, and by lifting up these stories were not just teaching history, were honoring the people who helped shape it. The new resources will be available for free download by any educator in the country at weteachnyc.org. It marks the seventh Hidden Voices guide to be released and launched in city public schools. The Hidden Voices initiative was created in direct response to feedback from educators looking for support to embed content into their lessons that reflect the cultures and diversities of their classrooms. Hidden Voices comes with posters, comics and images with engaging lessons that include strategies for teachers and leaders. Other guides include: With three months left in the year, N.J. is reporting more norovirus outbreaks than in 2024 and 2023. Canva Illustration for NJ.com Its the scariest time of year. One moment youre gearing up for a day of fall activities and next thing you know, youre clinging to a porcelain toilet with full body aches. Within 24 hours, the whole house is sick. Like the masked Michael Myers in a Halloween reboot, norovirus is back again. A spokeswoman for the state health department said New Jersey has seen an uptick in recent reported outbreaks of norovirus, an extremely contagious illness that causes a host of nasty gastrointestinal issues. So far in 2025, theres been a total of 238 outbreaks, according to preliminary state data. By comparison, there were a total of 195 outbreaks reported in 2024. In 2023, 189 outbreaks were reported. Norovirus outbreaks occur throughout the year but are most common from November to April. However, aggressive strains of the virus may be contributing to an earlier onset of the norovirus season, according to research published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in June. What is norovirus? Often called the stomach flu or stomach bug, norovirus causes painful stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC. Unlike other illnesses that may develop over several days or weeks, it can be abrupt, said Dr. Stefan Hagmann, section chief of pediatric infectious diseases at Joseph M. Sanzari Childrens Hospital located at Hackensack University Medical Center. Symptoms usually develop within 12 to 48 hours after being exposed, according to the CDC. You could be woken up in the middle of the night and your child starts to throw up and then rush to the toilet. Thats how rapid this can happen. In a way, you go to bed and you dont expect anything to happen, and then all of a sudden youre standing in the middle of this mess, said Hagmann. How does it spread? The virus spreads easily and quickly through: Direct contact with an infected person. Contaminated food and beverages. Touching contaminated objects or surfaces. The virus is most commonly reported in healthcare facilities. Over half of all outbreaks reported in the United States occur in long-term care facilities, according to the CDC. Cruise ships are also a hotbed for viral outbreaks. The convergence of travelers from all over the world together in a crowded, semi-enclosed space can facilitate the spread of germs. In September, nearly 100 people aboard the Royal Caribbean Internationals Serenade of the Seas ship were sickened by norovirus, marking the 19th outbreak of stomach illness on a cruise ship this year. By comparison, in 2024 there were 18 and in 2023, 14. More than 90% of gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships are due to norovirus, according to the CDCs Maritime Illness Database and Reporting System. For international cruise ships porting in the U.S. during 20062019, an average of 12 outbreaks occurred each year. While the most severe symptoms usually only last 48 hours, individuals can still spread the virus for two weeks or more after feeling better, according to the CDC. How is it treated? Theres no specific medicine used to treat people with norovirus. Since its a virus and not a bacterial infection, antibiotics wont help, said Hagmann. Most people with the stomach bug get better in one to three days. But for some people, it can become a serious illness. Since the virus causes excessive diarrhea and vomiting, it can lead to severe dehydration, especially in young children and older adults. Each year in the U.S., norovirus causes an average of 900 deaths, according to the CDC. Its a simple illness, but if you live in a household where there are immunocompromised persons, then its something to really be aware of, to help protect that compromised individual, said Hagmann. If a person becomes so sick that they refuse food and water, Hagmann said it might be time to see a doctor. How can you prevent it? Good handwashing is key, especially since alcohol-based hand sanitizer doesnt work well against the virus. Hagmann also recommends disinfecting shared spaces with a chlorine bleach solution. Its likely to survive in the environment unless youre very careful to clean with bleach, because its very hearty, the virus, said Hagmann. ALBANY. N.Y. Authorities in New Yorks capital city have identified the man they say raped, stabbed and bludgeoned to death a woman inside her home more than 60 years ago. Officials linked DNA from Joseph Nowakowski, who died in 1998, to the killing of 50-year-old Catherine Blackburn in September 1964, Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox said during a news conference Wednesday. The identification was made through a joint effort by the Criminal Investigation Resource Center at Russell Sage College and other forensic and investigative agencies, authorities said. The work, which spanned several years, eventually allowed authorities to match DNA from the crime scene with DNA from Nowakowski, whose body was recently exhumed as part of the investigation, Albany Police Commander Melissa Morey said. Nowakowskis relatives cooperated with the investigation, she said. Nowakowski had a lengthy criminal record, including an attack on an elderly woman in 1973 in Schenectady and several burglaries, authorities said. We wanted to make sure that we took every step possible to be 100% positive that he was, in fact, tied to this and that we have his DNA on file, Cox said. Nowakowski was in his early 30s when Blackburn was attacked and was not a suspect at the time. Authorities said Wednesday that there is no indication that Blackburn and Nowakowski knew each other. Blackburn was found by a niece, Sandy Carmichael, who went to the home after one of Blackburns coworkers went to pick Blackburn up for work but could not locate her. Sixty-one years ago, evil entered my aunts house and changed our lives forever, the now 81-year-old Carmichael said Wednesday. We prayed for this day. To all who made this possible, God bless you. Five people were injured in an attack by the Russian occupation army on Chornomorsk (Odesa region) on the night of Thursday, Head of Odesa Regional Military Administration Oleh Kiper has said. "Five victims, their condition is average, they have been provided with all necessary medical assistance. I wish them a speedy recovery," he said on the telethon. According to him, the attacks affected port infrastructure and non-military export goods. Kiper also said that critical infrastructure in Chornomorsk was damaged. Currently, 30,000 subscribers remain without power supply. The city has opened 16 points of invincibility for heating and recharging citizens gadgets, the work of hospitals, mobile communications and other critical infrastructure facilities is provided by generators. "All services have been involved in order to restore [electricity supply] as soon as possible Since we understand that the temperature may drop, we are working to supply electricity to all houses in the city," the administrations head said. Kiper said that conclusions have been drawn from the two previous winters, so a fuel reserve has been created in the region, which will allow for the provision of power to generators for critical infrastructure for up to one week. Ellen Mitchell, of Richmond, a devoted nurse and longtime member of Staten Islands performing arts community, died on Oct. 5 at the age of 67. (Advance/SILive.com | Jin Lee) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Ellen Mitchell, a devoted nurse and longtime member of Staten Islands performing arts community, died on Oct. 5. She was 67. Born in Brooklyn on Aug. 16, 1958, Ellen moved with her family to Staten Island at age 11, where she built a life defined by compassion, creativity, and connection. She devoted her professional career to caring for others, working as a registered nurse and later as a nurse practitioner at several New York City hospitals, including St. Vincents NYC, NY Presbyterian, and Lutheran Medical Center. She was fiercely a patient advocate, said Al Lambert, a longtime friend and fellow performer. From what I heard, she cared deeply about every person under her care. In this 2005 photo, from left to right, Ellen Mitchell, Joseph Loffredo and Joanne Maragni in a scene from the Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company's production of "California Suite." (Advance/SILive.com | Hilton Flores) A life on stage Outside her medical work, Ellen was a vibrant presence in Staten Islands community theater scene. For years, she graced the stage in various productions, showcasing her talent for acting and singing. Lambert, who had known Ellen for over 40 years after meeting at the Hidden Talent Show in the early 1980s at the College of Staten Island in Willowbrook, shared admiration for her talent and professionalism. She was as good as many people on Broadway, said Lambert. It was her choice to do what she did locally. She had a voice from God, and she had the comic ability and even dramatic ability. Ellen was involved in Lamberts South Shore Rotary Shows, appearing in 19 of the 21 productions he directed. My standard line was I hated to do the show if Ellen wasnt in it, because she added so much to it, said Lambert. Even in the final months of her life, Ellen continued performing. During the summer, she took the stage in the College of Staten Islands Fiddler on the Roof, delivering what Lambert called an amazing performance. She performed till the very end she was the Tony Bennett of Staten Island theater," added Lambert. Ellens impact extended to the Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company, which remembered her on Facebook as a true local icon whose energy lit up the stage for decades. The company shared admiration for Ellens humor and generous spirit through good and challenging times. She directed several plays for them, including The Weir, The Heidi Chronicles, and Sisters Rosensweig. She also delivered memorable performances in productions such as Dancing at Lughnasa, Plaza Suite, And The World Goes Round, Sweeney Todd, The Prisoner of Second Avenue, and The Nerd. Featured in the Staten Island Shakespearean Theater Company's production of "The Prisoner of Second Avenue" are, from left, Jean Callahan, Deborah Starr Knapp, and Ellen Mitchell. (Advance/SILive.com | Michael McWeeney) The theater company praised Ellen for her willingness to share herself fully with audiences, both on and off stage, leaving a lasting mark on all who experienced her work. This same generosity and passion carried through every aspect of her life. Ellen, who lived in Richmond, was a passionate traveler, enjoying exploring new destinations or cruising the open seas. As a lifelong Disney fan, she was particularly drawn to the studios female villains for their theatrical flair and bold personalities. At home, she expressed her creativity through scrapbooking, meticulously preserving memories and moments for herself and her family, according to her obituary. She is survived by her sister, Catherine Mitchell, and her brothers, Deacon Richard Mitchell and John Mitchell and his wife, Bonnie. Beyond her professional accomplishments and stage performances, friends and family remember Ellen for her warmth, generosity, and humor. She was a genuine human being, also attentive to the people who she knew and always interested in their lives, said Lambert. She never put herself up before anyone else. She was an amazing individual. The city argues DHS Secretary Noem's September decision endangers 5.5 million daily subway riders by cutting funds for explosive detection and radiological weapon inspections. Staten Island Advance STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York City has filed an amicus brief in support of the State of New Yorks legal battle against the Trump administrations decision to revoke $12 million in federal counterterrorism funding for the subway. Mayor Eric Adams announced the citys support for the states motion for a preliminary injunction in New York v. Noem. According to the brief, cutting funding violates the statute authorizing a counterterrorism grant, which requires funds be distributed to public transit systems based solely on terrorism risk. The city maintains its subway system faces higher terrorist attack risk than any other transit system in the country. The funding is usually passed from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to the New York City Police Department to support anti-terror operations in the subway system. The subway system is the lifeblood of our city, making it one of the biggest terrorist targets in the nation, said Mayor Adams. We cannot afford to lose a single dollar let alone $12 million when it comes to protecting 5.5 million daily riders. The dispute began Sept. 30, 2025, when the state learned that U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the federal government was revoking funding under the Transit Security Grant Program that was originally allocated to the MTA for the coming fiscal year. Since the Transit Security Grant Programs inception, the NYPD has received close to $250 million in funding for vital counterterrorism initiatives in the subway system. The city argues in its brief that the loss of funding would endanger all 8.5 million city residents. The NYPD planned to use the $12 million to support multiple specialized units, including a team that would inspect critical infrastructure throughout the subway system for radiological weapons. Other programs include the Explosive Detection Canine Unit and the Mobile Explosive Screening Team. The money also funds active-shooter training for transit officers. New York City Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant said the funding cut endangers public safety. The Trump administration is risking mass casualties, severe property damage, and public terror to coerce the City of New York into falling in line with its policy priorities, Goode-Trufant said. In a profoundly blue state, Republican Jack Ciattarelli, left, may have a chance to upset Democrat Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey's race for governor, which would be an enormous victory for President Donald Trump, writes Tom Moran. NJ Advance Media Is President Donald Trump about to score a huge political win by helping to elect a MAGA loyalist as governor in New Jersey, one the nations bluest states? It could happen. The latest poll, from Emerson College, says that Republican Jack Ciattarelli has closed the gap with the Democrat, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, with just a month to go. And that amazes me. Because Ciattarelli is not playing by the regular rules. Hes running hard-right, locking arms with the president and offering up a stridently conservative agenda in a blue state where Republicans make up just 25 percent of the vote. That has some political veterans scratching their heads. Maybe Im old-fashioned, but Im a sucker for the idea that you win elections by having the broadest appeal, says Micah Rasmussen of Rider University. But I guess these days that can be wrong. You can just stoke up your base and win by getting people out to vote. You dont have to appeal to the middle. This race is one of just two gubernatorial elections this year, and all eyes are watching to see what the results say about Trumps political strength. The other race, in Virginia, is not as close, with Democrat Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a friend and former roommate of Sherrills, holding a double-digit lead over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears. CAN TRUMP FLIP IT? If Ciattarelli can win in Blue Jersey, it would be a coup for Trump. He could legitimately claim to have pushed the line that divides red and blue northward, showing that his brand of politics has broad appeal, even in a state where Democrats run everything. Trump lost the state by just six points last year, winning even in some Democratic strongholds like Passaic County. And the Democratic governor, Phil Murphy, is even more unpopular than Trump. To Ciattarellis camp, that points to an opportunity. What Jack argues is that if voters are unhappy with the direction New Jersey is going, then they have only one option here to vote for someone who is going to change it, says Chris Russell, the campaigns strategist. So, lets take a deeper dive into Ciattarellis views. IN FULL SUBMISSION First, his loyalty to Trump is nearly absolute. He said in July he doesnt disagree with Trump on anything and he has made exceptions to that rule only twice, both on local issues. He vows he will never file a lawsuit against the administration. So, if Trump cuts off aid to Rutgers University for political reasons, so be it. If he sends the Marines to Newark, that too. As for mass deportation, Ciattarelli says hell cut off aid to cities and towns that dont allow their police to help the guys in the masks. The big moment came last week when Trump turned off the spigot of money for a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River, even as engineers warn the aging tunnels in place now might have to be shut down for repairs at any time, an economic catastrophe for the state. Ciattarelli hasnt offered a peep of protest. This, folks, is full submission, like a lap dog begging for a belly rub. This from a guy who once called Trump a charlatan who was not fit to be president. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? But theres more. Ciattarellis policies are decidedly conservative, as well. He wants to give parents school vouchers they can use at religious schools, with no income limit, saying Florida is his model. He plans ferocious cuts in state aid to schools in poor cities like Newark, while increasing aid to the wealthiest suburbs. He promises to overturn the Mt. Laurel rulings of the state Supreme Court, which limit the zoning power of suburban towns that try to block affordable housing projects. He plans to cut the highest income tax rate in half, a big win for the one-percenters. He defends Trumps cuts to Medicaid, which the state estimates will leave 350,000 without insurance. I called a bunch of smart Democrats and Republicans, asking them this question: How its possible that Ciattarelli could win Blue Jersey with an agenda like that? THE DEMOCRATIC TIME WARP Almost all of them cited the same two reasons: One, voters are sick of Democrats running the show, and angry about higher prices on everything from housing to electricity. And two, Sherrill is running a dull campaign, with no compelling policy vision and no imaginative tactics. Shes playing it safe. She is not inspiring any passion, one Democrat with deep experience in New Jersey elections said, asking for anonymity to speak freely. Shes nowhere to be found. Shes running a campaign that is truly out of the 1990s. Matt Hale, a political scientist from Seton Hall University, put it bluntly: I honestly believe that if Trump didnt exist, Ciattarelli would be up by 20 points. Trump is the albatross for him. And the only thing holding Democrats together is how much they hate Trump. STIRRING THE POT Still, Sherrill has a golden resume and shes undefeated in politics. She was a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot for nine years and her ads are full of pictures showing her in her flight suit as a young officer. She then worked as a federal prosecutor, before running for Congress in 2018, when she knocked off a veteran Republican who had served for more than two decades. In her campaigns and voting record, she is a centrist Democrat. In the June primary this year, she crushed in a strong field, winning by 13 points. And the Emerson poll is an outlier, at least so far. A recent Fox News poll gave her an 8-point lead, matching a Quinnipiac poll from mid-September. A lot of Republicans are feeling really good right now, but she has advantages, says Mike DuHaime, a Republican strategist who ran Chris Christies two successful campaigns. There are 800,000 more Democrats, and shes not easily characterized as far left. If those Democrats show up, Sherrill wins. And my guess is that they will get off the couch in November not because Sherrill has stirred them, but because Trump has. For decades, the MTA followed a straightforward practice: keeping the express bus fare at double the cost of a local bus or subway ride. If the local fare was $1.50, the express bus was $3. At $2.25 locally, the express was $4.50. The logic was simple: Staten Islanders, who lack subway access but rely on express service into Manhattan, paid more, but not disproportionately so. That balance has now been broken. The MTA is proposing $3 for a local fare and $7.25 for express buses. This is not just another fare hike. It is the widest gap in the systems history, and it unfairly targets Staten Islanders. While other parts of the city discuss free bus service, no one is talking about relief for the 40,000 Islanders who depend on express buses every single day. For us, there is no alternative. Staten Island is a transit desert. The impact on students is especially severe. Families already make sacrifices so their children can attend specialized schools outside their home borough. Today, CUNY students and young people traveling to schools like Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech, LaGuardia where I went to school, or private schools, such as Xavier and Regis, must pay full price on express buses and fast ferries. Instead of burdening them with higher fares, we should be supporting their education and encouraging their success. The same holds true for working families. Staten Islanders who commute daily already shoulder some of the highest transportation costs in the city. Many spend thousands of dollars a year just to get to work. Yet the MTA continues to celebrate fare capping on subways and discounts on commuter rail, with no comparable relief for our borough. That is not equity. A truly fair system must recognize Staten Islands unique dependence on express service. For tens of thousands of commuters, the express bus is not a luxury. It is the only connection to opportunity, and it is long past time the MTA treated it that way. Restoring fairness is not complicated. The MTA should return to its long-standing practice of tying express bus fares to the local fare. This simple change would bring predictability, consistency, and a measure of justice to a community that has been ignored for far too long. If the rest of New York City is debating free buses, then Staten Island deserves fair ones. 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 Trump wants two prominent Illinois Democrats arrested over their response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Chicago. Federal immigration officers have used aggressive tactics, including flying helicopters and deploying chemical agents, to crack down on immigration in Chicago. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) have both condemned Trumps administration over its deportation and detainment agenda. On Wednesday, Trump escalated his attacks on the Democratic leaders by demanding they be jailed. Chicago Mayor should be in jail for failing to protect Ice Officers! Governor Pritzker also! he wrote on Truth Social. Pritzker responded to Trump with his own post on social media platform X. I will not back down. Trump is now calling for the arrest of elected representatives checking his power. What else is left on the path to full-blown authoritarianism? Pritzker wrote. His masked agents already are grabbing people off the street. Separating children from their parents. Creating fear. Taking people for how they look. Making people feel they need to carry citizenship papers. Invading our state with military troops. Sending in war helicopters in the middle of the night. Arresting elected officials asking questions, he said. We must all stand up and speak out. I will not back down. Trump is now calling for the arrest of elected representatives checking his power. What else is left on the path to full-blown authoritarianism? pic.twitter.com/TieJ2irYv5 Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) October 8, 2025 Johnson also fired back on X: This is not the first time Trump has tried to have a Black man unjustly arrested. Im not going anywhere. Trumps crackdown on Chicago has escalated in recent days after he deployed National Guard troops to the Democratic-led city. Illinois and Chicago sued Trump over his decision, saying that it was patently unlawful, according to CNN. Since starting his second term, Trump has sent or discussed sending troops to 10 cities, including Baltimore, 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 Portland, months of nightly protests at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility continued on Tuesday night. In June, police declared a riot, and there have been smaller clashes since then. An appeals court has scheduled arguments for Thursday in the governments bid to deploy the Guard in Portland. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) was asked why Democratic representative-elect Adelita Grijalva has yet to be sworn into office. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) was hit with a real-time fact check when asked why House Speaker Mike Johnson has yet to swear in Democratic representative-elect Adelita Grijalva of Arizona. During an appearance on CNNs The Source, Jordan told CNN host Kaitlan Collins late Tuesday that the House staying out of session is preventing the swearing in of Grijalva, who won a special election in late September. Its typically done when were all there. Its a special thing. The individual, the new member gives a speech in front of Congress, sworn in by the speaker of the House. Introduced by colleagues of their delegation, Jordan said, adding, Ive been here 19 years its always been done that way. So thats nothing out of the ordinary. Jordan added that the House is not in session is because members have done our work in passing a measure that will fund the federal government, which entered its eighth day of a shutdown on Wednesday. The Senate is expected to consider dueling Republican and Democratic measures for a sixth time, after both proposals again fell short of the 60 votes needed to pass on Monday. So youre saying because its a pro forma session, thats why? Collins asked, referring to meetings of Congress in which no legislative business is conducted. As Jordan replied Yeah... normally its done in front of the full House, Collins clarified: But a couple months ago, he swore in Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine in a pro forma session. Patronis and Fine, both Florida Republicans, were sworn in after special elections in April. At the time, the House met for a brief pro forma session. Collins: Is it clear to you why Speaker Johnson has not sworn in the new member, Rep. Grijalva, yet? Jordan: Were not in session Collins: So you're saying because it's a pro Forma session Jordan: Yeah Collins: But a couple months ago, he swore in Jimmy Patronis and Randy pic.twitter.com/77aJmgNkS8 Acyn (@Acyn) October 8, 2025 Jordan replied: I actually didnt even know that, when they were sworn in. But Ill always remember, when it happens, the delegations up front, and that person is sworn in. Jordan was then pressed by Collins over whether the delay has anything to do with Grijalva becoming the last signature on a discharge petition that would ultimately compel the Justice Department to release all files related to the investigation into late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The measure is one away from reaching the 218-signature threshold to bypass Johnson and force a House vote. No, I think its... to make the clear point, we have voted to fund the government at levels all the Democrats supported, Jordan responded. Hours earlier, Johnson told CNN that he would swear Grijalva in as soon as she wants. He later said during a press conference that the situation is unrelated to her looming signature on the petition, noting that she will have her ceremony once the House is back in session. It has nothing to do with that at all. We will swear her in when everybody gets back, Johnson told reporters. Johnson had previously called off votes for this week. The House is not scheduled to meet until Oct. 14 The delay comes as Johnson engaged in a fierce face-to-face exchange with Sens. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) about Grijalva and the government shutdown on Wednesday. So I am anxious to administer the oath to her, as soon as you guys vote to open up the government, Johnson said at one point, POLITICO reported. President Donald Trump demanded an investigation into Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) in a post on social media late Tuesday. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert and Alex Brandon) Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) is hitting back at President Donald Trump after he called for an investigation into the Democratic lawmaker. In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform late Tuesday, Trump resurfaced over decade-old allegations that Blumenthal lied about his military service in Vietnam, going on to call him perhaps the greatest phony in the history of the United States Senate. This guy shouldnt be in the U.S. Senate, Trump wrote in the post. It should be investigated, and Justice should be sought. Trump went on to conclude that Blumenthal, who he dubbed Da Nang Dick, should be allowed to speak no longer! Shortly later, Blumenthal responded to the post during a live appearance on CNNs The Source," describing it as completely deceptive and distorted. It really is absurd, Blumenthal told host Kaitlan Collins. Blumenthal went on to say that the accusations have been really rejected by voters in his home state, who he emphasized overwhelmingly reelected him several times. I was honorably discharged as a sergeant from the United States Marine Corps. I served in the reserves and I referred to my service in Vietnam on a handful, just a couple of occasions, rather than during Vietnam, Blumenthal said. While pointing to his involvement in the Senate Committee on Armed Services and as a ranking member on the Committee on Veterans Affairs, Blumenthal said he fights for veterans and the strongest, greatest military in the world. In a story published in The New York Times in 2010, Blumenthal acknowledged that he had misrepresented his service in Vietnam, saying it was a matter of a few misplaced words. He said he meant to say he served during Vietnam and not in Vietnam as he was stationed in Washington, and not overseas, for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. On a few occasions, I have misspoken about my service and I regret that. And I take full responsibility, Blumenthal said at the time, calling them totally unintentional errors. Trumps post came just hours after Attorney General Pam Bondi, while facing a grilling from senators during a heated hearing, accused Blumenthal of lying about his military record after he questioned the activities of her former law firm. Sen. Blumenthal, I cannot believe that you would accuse me of impropriety when you lied about your military service. You lied you admitted you lied to be elected a U.S. senator, Bondi said, before adding: How dare you? Im a career prosecutor. Dont you ever challenge my integrity. EU close to agreeing on 19th package of sanctions against Russia, Slovakia's demands for guarantees on unrelated issues problematic The European Union is close to adopting the 19th package of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine, but the issue of Slovakia, which is not directly related to the proposed package, remains to be resolved. A high-ranking European diplomat told reporters about this in Brussels on Thursday. According to him, significant progress was achieved during the meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU Member States (COREPER), which took place on Wednesday. The diplomat said that they had overcome a very long way and are getting closer to the goal, especially after yesterday's meeting. According to him, there are almost no significant problems or disagreements left. He also added that if they manage to resolve the last few issues, there will be only one problem left. He called this problem "a reservation by one member state not on the content of the package, but because of the connection with other issues." He explained that the Prime Minister of Slovakia publicly stated that he would not agree to the 19th package unless he received guarantees on a number of other issues that are not related to the 19th package and the situation in Ukraine. At the same time, the interlocutor expressed hope that the 19th package of sanctions will be adopted before the European Council meeting, which is scheduled for October 23-24. Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/ President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky scheduled a meeting for Friday, October 10, to audit all agreements with partners for 2025. "I also scheduled a meeting for tomorrow to audit all our agreements with partners for this year. What has been achieved, what has been implemented and what needs to be implemented. Ukrainian foreign policy has been much more active these years than ever. And it is necessary that each of our meetings, each of our agreements yield real results for Ukraine," Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Thursday. The president said the results of such a foreign policy audit will include relevant conclusions and instructions for the next three months. "Weapons for Ukraine, finances, energy support, all forms of pressure on Russia and the negotiation track. These are key areas," he added. According to Zelenskyy, he expects a report from the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, the President's Office, as well as the National Security and Defense Council. Marmota Limited fired up the bourse this morning with a blistering second-batch of gold drill hits from its latest Greenewood gold project in South Australias Gawler Craton. The companys shares surged as much as 49 per cent in early trading this morning as fresh results from the projects maiden drilling campaign returned bonanza gold grades across thick intersections throughout the 1-kilometre-long deposit. Drilling at Marmota Limiteds expansive Gawler gold project in South Australias returning Gawler Craton, where it has intersected bonanza grade gold hits across its newest project. Peak intercepts included a 4-metre hit at a scorching 43 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 64m downhole within a beefier 28m running 6.4g/t from 44m. That tops the previous standout of 4m at 38 g/t from 24m which sat inside 24m at 12 g/t at the very opposite end of the long deposit, highlighting the continuity and grade this near surface corridor appears to be delivering. The thick zones of seriously impressive grades tell the real story, including further hits of 28m at 5.6g/t, a 16m section running 6.5 g/t and 28m grading 2.1g/t, all within the top 60m from surface. And when the co-op (an arrangement under which businesses in a shared industry can pool their resources) that Tanaka was part of started becoming overwhelmed by the higher level of demand, he was kicked out because he was the newest member. That meant he had to set up his own processes from scratch and buy his own machinery which he asks tourists not to photograph because hed like to keep the specifics under wraps. Daiki Tanaka started his matcha farm and business about a decade ago but said it was difficult to settle in. Credit: Millie Muroi Tanakas farm is roughly four hectares (40,000 square metres), making it relatively small, even among the many family-owned farms in the area, which span about eight to nine hectares each. But Tanaka exports to more than 50 countries and says he receives five to 10 emails a day from different businesses asking if his farm can supply them. The problem for many farmers now is not a lack of demand, especially from international markets. Demand for matcha is growing exponentially, Tanaka says. Instead, the limits lie in the fact the process of producing matcha is so specialised and that younger people are not as interested as previous generations in taking over farms that have been handed down to them. That has left a shrinking pool of older farmers (most matcha farmers are over 65 in Japan) and a handful of younger entrepreneurs such as Tanaka to try to keep the process alive. Loading Matcha powder is made using the same leaves grown for green and black teas, with the name referring to the process rather than the type of tea-leaf used. That process and the specific conditions and manual work needed to grow the tea trees are especially intensive and cumbersome. To grow the trees, Tanaka says there are some conditions that must be met. They include sloped land that ensures theres enough drainage, a climate in which there is a big gap in temperature between noon and evening but also as little chance for frost as possible. To prevent frost, Tanaka has wind machines set up above his plants which propel warmer air downwards. The availability (or lack thereof) of suitable land and the limited pool of workers available in Japan make expanding production difficult. While there are machines that can harvest the tops of trees, Tanaka says he hand-picks the leaves growing in the gap between the rows he has planted to prevent damage. The plants also need to be covered with a screen for two weeks before harvesting, which encourages them to produce more chlorophyll and L-theanine, reducing bitterness and enhancing their umami flavour and vibrant green colour. My friends and I visited Tanakas farm in the town of Wazuka in Kyoto to learn more about how our favourite tea is produced. Credit: Millie Muroi Then, theres the fact that matcha trees take about five years to mature (meaning farmers cant just suddenly plant more and hope to reap enough to respond to increased demand) and that the best harvest is generally in spring, meaning theres a small time frame in which leaves can be gathered. Those leaves then also have to be processed quickly to prevent them from oxidising and losing the qualities (including colour and flavour) specific to matcha. That includes moving the harvested leaves usually within 24 hours, but the earlier, the better to a processing facility where they are steamed, dried and ground down into a powder. This time crunch means production cant be spaced out evenly over time. But it would also be costly and inefficient to have too many huge, specialised facilities lying dormant in the off-season. Loading All of these limits mean the price elasticity (the responsiveness of the quantity of a good businesses supply in response to a change in price) of matcha supply is relatively inelastic (or unresponsive). That is, even though matcha prices have surged dramatically (largely thanks to a huge lift in demand for the product), farmers havent been able to boost their supply by as much. It also helps to explain why our growing appetite for matcha (here in Australia, as well as worldwide), hasnt been matched by as huge an inflow in matcha powder and why we so often seem to see sold out signs for matcha lattes in our cafes. Of course, theres also probably a concern by some farmers that the hype for matcha is temporary and that planting hundreds or thousands more trees and setting up the machinery and workforce needed to process it all will leave them high and dry. But the tea powder which was once consumed exclusively by Japanese nobles and samurai has taken off, with some people undoubtedly developing a permanent taste for it. My friends and I, for instance, have been consuming matcha (increasingly in the form of matcha lattes) for years now, with our recent trip to Japan only fuelling our love verging on addiction for some of us for it. And while countries such as China, Vietnam, and even Australia, have started expanding into matcha production, farmers in these places are, for the most part, yet to gain the same level of knowledge and expertise needed to meet the high-quality output from Japan. Determined not to be caught out by another sold out sign, but now acutely aware of the challenges of starting our own matcha farm, my friends and I settled for the next best thing: taking home some small tins of matcha to get us through the shortage. Lachlan and Sarah Murdoch are not ones to quietly brag about their property purchases, preferring to keep such things undisclosed behind the names of associates and trusts at least until curious property watchers, such as your nosy columnists, lose interest. Given that, and in the absence of any official comment from their quarter, we cant confirm they were the $21 million buyers of the 1930s mansion Fernlee in Bellevue Hill. The Bellevue Hill trophy home next to Lachlan Murdochs mansion was bought by a mystery foreign-based buyer in August. But if you were to lay a bet, the odds look good. The commanding hillside residence is perched in prime position directly in front of the Murdochs Le Manoir estate, where News Corps royal couple host a whos who of Australian business, media and political elites at their annual Christmas bash. Its also flanked by a couple of other houses the Murdochs have quietly picked up over the years given their potential to offer a birds-eye view into Le Manoir. Hungarian writer Laszlo Krasznahorkai, whose philosophical, bleakly funny novels often unfold in single sentences, has won the 2025 Nobel Prize in literature for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art. Several works including his debut, Satantango and The Melancholy of Resistance, were turned into films by Hungarian director Bela Tarr. Hungarian author Laszlo Krasznahorkai, pictured in 2015. Credit: AP The Nobel judges praised his artistic gaze which is entirely free of illusion, and which sees through the fragility of the social order combined with his unwavering belief in the power of art, Steve Sem-Sandberg of the Nobel committee said at the announcement. Laszlo Krasznahorkai is a great epic writer in the Central European tradition that extends through (Franz) Kafka to Thomas Bernhard, and is characterised by absurdism and grotesque excess, the Nobel judges said. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha and the diplomatic team of the President's Office to engage as many leading partners as possible for global support of Ukrainian initiatives. "Today I held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the diplomatic team of the Office on the drafts of our resolutions, our documents in international organizations, which should be adopted this year. I instructed to involve partners, as many leading partners as possible, so that there will be global support for our initiatives in the future," Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Thursday. According to him, in particular, these are initiatives to return Ukrainian children who were abducted by Russia, as well as all prisoners. 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 Three alleged killers for hire had planned to ambush their unsuspecting victim at his childrens daycare centre, lying in wait then peppering him with bullets as he arrived to collect his kids on Tuesday afternoon, police allege. A little-known Vietnamese crime syndicate, The Final Crime Family, had allegedly commissioned the three would-be assassins to murder a wayward employee. Two other major Vietnamese drug syndicates have allegedly contracted out serious violence including the murder of an innocent woman in Sydney since mid-2024. Police allege the syndicates name was written on a note that was to be placed atop the victims dead body, the Herald has confirmed, and that the killing was to be livestreamed back to syndicate bosses. One of the alleged assassins was arrested with a GoPro camera strapped to his chest. Police say they averted certain death and significant collateral damage to innocent bystanders when they pulled two stolen cars over in peak-hour traffic in Revesby on Tuesday afternoon. The alleged plan was so far advanced, police say, that the trio were already wearing balaclavas. The address of the daycare centre attended by the would-be victims children was in the alleged kill teams Google Maps, police sources not authorised to speak publicly told this masthead. Advertisement They certainly wanted to send a message, one police source said. Police arrested Greall Tighe, 18, Kevin Mundine, 19, and Tyrone Tuiluga Rio, 26, at the scene and charged them each with a raft of offences including conspiracy to commit murder. None of the trio arrested in Revesby on Tuesday are known to be involved in organised crime, which is highly unusual in cases alleged to involve contract killing. Contract killing has become increasingly commonplace within Sydneys underworld as gangs look to outsource their violent enforcement to limit liability and concentrate on the citys lucrative drug market. Gangs usually work with other sub-gangs or organisations with which they have links, not unconnected alleged criminals as was the case here. Greall Tighe, one of the alleged kill team, appeared in court on Wednesday. Credit: Facebook Police allege they began quietly surveilling The Final Crime Family which has also undertaken several other conspiracies to murder and the aspiring killers it allegedly hired several weeks ago when investigators realised they were allegedly gearing up to act. Still in question is the motive for the alleged planned execution, say sources close to the investigation. One line of inquiry is whether the would-be victims loyalties were in question; another is whether he had stolen drugs. Advertisement Sources familiar with the investigation said that before that, The Final Crime Family was not well known to authorities. Vietnamese organised crime has been on the march since at least mid-2024, at the same time police began a secretive investigation into rippling violence in Sydneys south-west. NSW Crime Commission executive director of criminal investigations Darren Bennett said there were numerous Vietnamese crime syndicates operating across NSW. The characteristics of Vietnamese crime groups, he said, were high levels of violence. A lot of people have been shocked by some of the retribution action by Vietnamese organised crime. Darren Bennett, NSW Crime Commission A lot of people have been shocked by some of the retribution action by Vietnamese organised crime, he said. They dont seem to have filter around how they get payback to people who wrong them. Vietnamese organised crime was once characterised by cutting peoples arms off with machetes, another source not authorised to speak publicly said. Advertisement The Herald revealed on Wednesday that police are looking at potential links between The Final Crime Family and the Victorian syndicate who ordered the kidnap and execution of a Sydney woman whose body was found in a burning car this year. Detectives maintain that Thi Kim Tran was innocent, and targeted because her husband, allegedly a drug cook for a Vietnamese drug syndicate, had been ripping his employers off to the tune of $80,000 worth of stolen methamphetamine. Thi Kim Tran was abducted from her Sydney home and found dead in a burnt-out car. Credit: Facebook In August, police arrested The Anh Nguyen and charged him with Trans murder. Nguyen was an upper echelon member of the syndicate who had been tasked with resolving the groups dispute with Trans husband and organised a crew of contract killers, police will allege. The Victorian syndicate are a major player in Australia, and probably transnational organised crime, Homicide Squad commander Joe Doueihi said at the time of Nguyens arrest. Nguyen was refused bail and will return to court in November. Advertisement Its extremely rare and, certainly, this organised crime group have ... upset a few people out there in the criminal milieu because this is not the norm, Doueihi said. Loading Family, females, children are normally not involved in this type of revenge attack. A different Vietnamese syndicate was allegedly involved in a six-day rampage last year in which a man was shot in the head and buried alive, a father was found dead in the bush after being disappeared a month earlier, and a third man was kidnapped and his ear partly cut off. Also based in Victoria, this syndicate also allegedly hired a contract kill crew. Unfortunately, its been seen quite often now that part of their torturing technique is to sever ears and fingers and toes of people they take hostage, Doueihi said of the syndicate at the time. Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, whose organised crime squad was charged with stamping out the violence, said that Vietnamese criminals differed from their counterparts. Advertisement A now-sacked Transport for NSW official sent a close friend a photo of envelopes containing bundles of cash he had received from a road contractor as part of his share of inflated work orders just a few years after he finished the government agencys graduate program, an anti-corruption inquiry has heard. In his second day in the witness box, the alleged mastermind of a multimillion-dollar kickback scheme, Ibrahim Helmy, was grilled about his dealings with road contractor Complete Linemarking, and spreadsheets detailing the amount of money he had received for his split of inflated work invoices. The inquiry into the kickback scandal was shown a text message exchange between Helmy and his close friend and associate Adam Taki on July 24, 2015. A photo of the envelopes containing bundles of cash which Ibrahim Helmy sent to his friend Adam Taki in 2015. Credit: ICAC Earlier that day, Helmy had texted Complete Linemarking director Peco Jankulovski about meeting at the back of an Oporto restaurant in Wetherill Park. At the time, Helmy was a project engineer at what was then Roads and Maritime Services. A kidnapping kit, stocked with a sledgehammer, baseball bat, pillowcases, gloves and gaffer tape was located in a vehicle police allege was intended to be used in Sydney underworld kidnappings and murders. Five kill cars were seized on Thursday allegedly set up by young members of a gang in Sydneys south-west working as criminal contractors who police allege are hired to do the dirty work of larger criminal groups. Police take one of the alleged kill car gang into custody at Oran Park on Thursday Credit: NSW Police Police arrested three males, aged 16, 18, 21 following a series of dramatic home arrests on Thursday morning. The men are alleged to be members of the G7 gang, an emerging group of young men and teens. One man arrested following a raid at Oran Park in south-west Sydney has the tattoos G and 7 inked on his forearms. Commander of State Crime Commands Organised Crime Squad Superintendent Peter Faux said on Friday members of the gang were at the lower end of the food chain and are not loyal to any specific crime syndicate, but hired independently. It has a roof that mimics the body of a fish, a rippling canopy the size of four football fields floating above a retail space for fishmongers, restaurants, cafes and bars. It has 270-degree views over Blackwattle Bay, which laps at the bottom of stairs and promenades that surround the building, and windows that allow passers-by to see through to the auction floor. NSW Premier Chris Minns visited the Sydney Fish Market site on Thursday. Credit: Steven Siewert It has celebrity chef Luke Nguyen opening his flagship restaurant Lua, and Somer Sivrioglu the Matt Preston of Istanbul according to one NSW official who will serve from his Efendy restaurant franchise what is sure to become the best mackerel sandwich south of heaven. But the new Sydney Fish Market also has hanging over it a $250 million legal claim filed by the builder Multiplex that has the potential to bankrupt the company that runs the market and nudge the total cost of the project over $1 billion. 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 Emma Pegrum doesnt see herself as a victim and she doesnt like cancel culture either. But an unsettling experience with celebrity chef Guy Grossi from 2018 left her wondering about the narratives promoted, and hidden, by Australias hospitality industry. The media is so stuck on this narrative of the legendary family name that has these big grand restaurants, she said. I understand thats an important story and theres a desire to want that facade to be real. But are we going to engage with reality or keep telling the romantic story while sidelining the problems? Guy Grossi has sold his Bourke Street empire. Pegrum was a 24-year-old food reviewer when she was asked to cover an exclusive event at Grossis newly opened restaurant in Perth, Garum, on September 13, 2018. The evening was promoted as one of Roman inspired food and fine wines under Grossis watchful eye that was sure to be a sell-out. Advertisement After the meals were served, Pegrum said she introduced herself to Grossi as a journalist and asked to take his photograph for her works social media page. He was clearly very drunk by this point, Pegrum said. He said to me, Im not having a photo unless youre in it. Pegrum said she repeatedly declined, but was ignored. Loading He grabbed me in a forced hug, picked me up off the ground, started spinning me around, she said. I just remember feeling totally humiliated. This masthead corroborated Pegrums account with two sources who were told about the incident. Grossi denied the claims through lawyers. The behaviour you have described is not only unsubstantiated but is calculated to cause harm to Mr Grossis impeccable and well-deserved reputation as an icon of the Australian food and dining industry, he said. Advertisement This week, Grossi confirmed plans to sell his famous Grossi Florentino restaurant, and a string of other venues on Bourke Street, that have been managed by his family for 26 years. This masthead reported earlier this week the Bourke Street restaurants will be sold to the hospitality group run by Rebecca Yazbek, who owns Nomad restaurant and Reine & La Rue in Melbourne and other venues in Sydney. The news has reverberated around Melbournes hospitality industry a significant change of hands for an institution central to the citys history and identity since the doors opened in 1928. Pegrum said amid the fanfare, the industry needed to tackle important conversations about the next generation of hospitality leaders. How do we create an industry that is not celebrating people over and over who are exploiting people? What are we missing? Who are we not championing? Family business Grossis parents migrated to Australia from Italy in 1960, after an invitation from Mario Vigano, the owner of Australias earliest Italian restaurant, Marios, to work in his kitchen as a chef. Advertisement The restaurant was then located on Exhibition Street, where guests dined on authentic Italian food for the first time to live music played by men wearing bowties and sparkling jackets. Grossi didnt always want to follow his fathers footsteps as a chef, and told journalists over the years of how he resented his childhood spent helping his father in the kitchen peeling potatoes and scrubbing floors. But something changed and Grossi trained under notable chef Hermann Schneider, who he described in food podcast The Luminaries as a hard taskmaster who gave him a level of discipline I never experienced before. Grossi excelled quickly, working in restaurants around Melbourne with his father and sister Tolarno, Cafe Grossi, Massoni, Two Faces, the list goes on. He was 25 years old when he opened his first restaurant Quadri with his wife Melissa, serving Italian food to a suburban crowd. Guy Grossi in the Florentino dining room in 1999. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui His greatest achievement was signing the lease to Florentino in 1999 regarded as the citys oldest restaurant that was long admired by his father. The heritage-listed, white-tablecloth venue hosted everyone from prime ministers to gangland figures. Mick Gattos book launch was held there in 2009. Food commentator Cam Smith said Grossi Florentino had been in the familys blood for a very, very long time. Advertisement That restaurant in a way is a little bit like the Patek Philippe watch you dont own it, you look after it for the next generatio, Smith said. Running the venue alongside his sister and son, Grossi treated customers like family too, hosting Christmas lunches at Florentino each year serving festive menus on long tables of bon bons. Grossis Bourke Street restaurant empire has been sold to Rebecca Yazbek. Credit: Photographic Under his stewardship, Grossi retained the restaurants multiple hats for most of its life, invested in a massive new oven and opened more diverse dining options downstairs, including Grossi Grill, Cellar Bar and Arlechin bar. He grew a celebrity profile, authoring award-winning cookbooks, appearing on MasterChef and headlining major events like the Australian Open. However, beneath the glossy magazine features and rolling public praise was another story. This masthead published an investigation earlier this year revealing allegations of Grossis inappropriate behaviour towards female staff stretching back more than a decade. Grossi emerged as a divisive culinary leader during interviews with dozens of current and former staff. Some said he was a great mentor, while others said he sexualised young waitresses he employed, commenting on their appearances and touching their bodies without consent. Others described a sexist culture where complaints about staff harassment were brushed aside. Grossi issued a public apology to one senior industry leader who accused him of groping her breast at an industry event in 2022, but denied all wrongdoing and defended his conduct and his restaurants workplace culture. Advertisement A 14-year-old who allegedly nearly hacked off a strangers hand with a machete has been wished good luck by a judge after being released on bail, despite claims he had been involved in a string of incidents while in custody. In one of the first tests of Victorias new bail changes, the teenager took his fight for freedom to the Supreme Court, where Justice Christopher Beale said the community would be safer if the teen rehabilitated rather than remained behind bars. Saurabh Anand was allegedly attacked with a machete by the 14-year-old. Beale accepted the boy was susceptible to negative peer influence from other inmates at the detention centre. In recent months, he has allegedly repeatedly attacked staff at the centre, both physically and verbally, made sexually inappropriate remarks to female workers, threatened to pour boiling water over others and been forcibly restrained to facilitate time out. School principals will get greater powers to ban aggressive parents from school grounds as violence and aggression towards staff remains rife. A parent who assaulted a child and another who threatened to bring a weapon onto school grounds are among the 35 school community safety orders issued since the scheme was introduced in 2022. Principals say they are also using the threat of a ban to deter bad behaviour and defuse volatile situations. The Victorian government says it will strengthen school community safety orders. Credit: iStock But school leaders have complained that the process is complex, problematic parents enjoy too much protection and enforcement can be toothless. Theres broad agreement Australias tax system is outdated and in need of an overhaul but the task has been left in the too-hard basket for decades. Now, Allegra Spender is taking on the thankless political task of firing up the stalled reform bandwagon. For her efforts, the independent MP for the Sydney seat of Wentworth has been named the winner of this years McKinnon Prize for emerging political leader. Member for Wentworth Allegra Spender. Credit: Tim Bauer So why has Spender taken on the toxic politics of tax from the relative powerlessness of the crossbenches? Because no one else is doing it, she said. I think that is the role of independents and crossbenchers to say what needs to be said when nobody else is willing to say it, and then to try and build the case for why. The risk of a clash with China is only getting worse, Australias secretary of Defence warns, as Beijings military grows more assertive and the two navies come into close contact, more often. The risk of an incident has heightened over recent years and the trends continue to be very worrying for us, Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty told senators in a blunt assessment of the deteriorating security outlook in the Indo-Pacific. Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty (centre) appearing at senate estimates on Thursday. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer The strategic balance is shifting in the region that is changing the broad strategic concerns that we have seen in place. During a period of strategic contestation, increasing competition, theres clearly anxiety and countries respond to that in different ways, he said. In February, a Chinese navy ship performed a live-fire drill in the Tasman Sea without notice, forcing commercial flights to reroute. Asked during estimates if there had been any follow-up, Admiral David Johnston said he had met with his Chinese counterpart in March, and the government referred to previous representations made to the Chinese government. Support for the Allan governments plan to dramatically hike car parking levies is crumbling, with key crossbenchers threatening to block the bill they have labelled another big tax grab. Car park operators are warning rents would soar up to 90 per cent under the tax hike, which is set to start in January, and Queen Victoria Market traders say it would deliver the final blow to the struggling Melbourne institution. Queen Victoria Market traders (from left) Fahna Ammett, Frank Fontana and Rose Ansaldo say the governments car park levy hike will spell the death of the market. Credit: Wayne Taylor With only five sitting weeks remaining before the tax hike is due to take effect, the legislation needed to enact the controversial levy is yet to be introduced to parliament, despite the government already banking $220 million from the tax in its forward estimates. The changes would implement a 73 per cent increase on the CBD congestion levy on private and public car park operators from next year, and also expand the existing levy to inner-city suburbs. Zelenskyy: We have clear plans to scale up long-range weapons use in coming months President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with the military command the use of domestic long-range weapons. "Ukrainian long-range weapons are becoming noticeably better, we are constantly working on this and have already provided many different opportunities for production, the necessary finances, all the necessary support. We must also significantly scale up the use. We have clear plans for this in the coming months. Everything must be implemented," Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Thursday. He also discussed with the military on issues related to production, supplies to the army, and crew training. "The task now is to be much more active in everything related to the preparation and implementation of long-range sanctions against Russia. The more effective Ukraine is in long-range sanctions, the faster we will be able to achieve peace," the president said. Rents are higher than a year ago in every regional Victorian local government area except one, with demand still outstripping limited supply. Swan Hill recorded the largest annual rise in asking rents of any regional Victorian area, climbing 23.5 per cent in the year to September to a median of $500 a week, according to the latest Domain Rent Report. Other areas with strong growth were also located far from Melbourne, including Indigo (up 13.6 per cent), the Alpine shire (up 13 per cent), Moyne and Wodonga (both 11.1 per cent higher). By contrast, popular commuter-belt towns recorded much smaller rises. Greater Geelong rents were up 2 per cent, Ballarat 2.4 per cent higher, while Macedon Ranges recorded no growth in the past year. Mitchell Starc says Pat Cummins remains upbeat despite his Ashes campaign hanging in the balance, and believes the Test captain wont need an extended lead-in before returning to the team. Cummins bid to play the opening Ashes Test is all but over, with reports on Wednesday confirming his back injury has not improved sufficiently. There is a chance Cummins may not feature in the Ashes at all, given it is still unclear when he will return to bowling. Starc, who will line up for the Sydney Sixers for the first time in 11 years following the Ashes series, said he was uncertain about Cummins injury, but he couldnt resist a cheeky dig at the media. However, there is no public guarantee that Hamas will relinquish its weapons despite clear demands from Israel for steps towards disarmament in order to justify its commitment to withdraw from almost half of Gaza. While the full terms of the peace deal are yet to be revealed, Trump spoke in Washington on Friday (AEST) as if the outcome were assured and said he expected to head to the Middle East to seal the agreement this weekend. A boy holds an American flag as Israelis react to the news of the Gaza peace deal at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. Credit: Getty Images Palestinians rejoice following the announcement of a peace plan. However, celebrations remain limited, as relief is mixed with mourning and concern for what comes next. Credit: AP Last night we reached a momentous breakthrough in the Middle East, something that people said was never going to be done, the president said during a cabinet meeting in the US capital. We ended the war in Gaza and, really, on a much bigger basis, created peace. And I think its going to be a lasting peace, hopefully an everlasting peace. We secured the release of all of the remaining hostages, and they should be released on Monday or Tuesday. Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip hold posters with portraits of their loved ones in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. Credit: AP Palestinians celebrate following the peace plan announcement outside Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on Thursday. Credit: AP Getting them is a complicated process. Id rather not tell you what theyve got to do to get them. Theyre in places you dont want to be. After the news broke, families and supporters of the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas flocked to the Tel Aviv square thats become the focal point of two years of campaigning for their release. In Hostages Square, as the central plaza outside the Tel Aviv Museum of Art has become known, the mood was celebratory rather than solemn. There were spontaneous outbreaks of singing and dancing and many people arrived wrapped in the Israeli flag. The American Stars and Stripes was also highly visible. I feel sublime this morning, something that cant be put into words, said Danny Miran, the father of Omri, who was taken from a kibbutz during the October 7 Hamas attacks in 2023. We know nothing of Omris condition, he added, having last seen his son in a video released by the Palestinian militant group about six months ago. We just know he was suffering. Sharon Kalderon, a relative of three hostages released in earlier exchanges, said: Its a good morning! Its the first time in two years that we can say good morning. Loading Gili Tagori, from Tel Aviv, drew plenty of attention by arriving at the square dressed as Trump. She praised the US president as the only one who came to work to cut a deal and make peace. He has the compassion and leadership that our leadership lacks, Tagori said. I cant give credit to the Israeli government. Meanwhile, in the Gaza refugee camp in al-Mawasi, children began dancing at 2am, Londons Telegraph reported. Enas Baraka, a mother-of-five, said: This is a great achievement. We did not expect this war to stop after two years of bombing that did not cease for a moment. Now I can feel comfortable and reassured about my children. We are happy with this agreement to stop the bombing, displacement and suffering, she said. I am tired of trying to tell [my children] that there is no food as they want. Einav Zangauker (blue shirt), the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, celebrates. Credit: Getty Images Trump spoke after several days of negotiations at the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where his envoys joined representatives from Israel, Hamas, Qatar, Turkey and Egypt. Asked whether Hamas would disarm, Trump said that would be part of phase two of the peace plan and was not specific. There will be disarming, he told reporters. Hamas is designated a terrorist group in Australia and many other countries. Meanwhile, two senior US officials said the US would deploy 200 troops as part of a joint task force for Gaza stability but no Americans would enter the Palestinian enclave. The officials, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity, said the 200 would be the core of a task force that would include representatives from Egypts military, Qatar, Turkey and probably the United Arab Emirates. A couple embraces in Hostages Square. Credit: Getty Images The officials said the US troops exact location had yet to be decided. But they would develop a joint control centre and integrate other security forces that will work in Gaza to co-ordinate with Israeli forces to avoid clashes. No US troops are intended to go into Gaza, said one of the officials. Trump provoked strong criticism in some quarters in February when he described Gaza as a big real estate site and suggested it could be developed after Palestinians were sent elsewhere, but now he said that nobody would be forced to leave Gaza under the peace plan. Exiled Hamas Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya said the group has received guarantees from the United States, Arab mediators and Turkey that the war in Gaza had permanently ended. Palestinians celebrate in Khan Younis following the announcement. Credit: AP Israelis raise glasses in celebration. Credit: Getty Images He said that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement to end the war and the aggression against our people and that he had received confirmation that the initial pause would lead to a sustained ceasefire. Another Hamas official, Osama Hamdan told Qatari broadcaster Al Araby that Hamas rejected the US proposal for a board of peace, including former British prime minister Tony Blair, to run Gaza, a key element of a 20-point plan Trump unveiled on September 30. Loading Netanyahu had signalled high hopes for an agreement before he convened the cabinet meetings. We have hit a critical point in this war, his spokeswoman, Shosh Bedrosian, said in a televised statement. From day one in this war, the prime minister laid out three objectives: the return of all of our hostages, the defeat and dismantling of Hamas and ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. All of the prime ministers objectives have now been achieved. Bedrosian said Netanyahu had approved the first stage of the peace plan and expected the release of all 48 hostages, some of whom have died in captivity after being taken in the Hamas terror attack on Israel. People in Tel Aviv celebrating the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting. Credit: AP A ceasefire is expected to begin within 24 hours following the Israeli cabinet approval. Bedrosian described the terms as the approved first phase of the peace plan, however, and made it clear that other agreements would be required for a permanent end to the hostilities. Hospitals were ready to accept the hostages from Monday, she said, and there would be no tolerance for Hamas parading the Israeli prisoners as it had done in the past. Loading The families of the hostages acclaimed the peace negotiations and praised Trump for the results so far, although former hostage Omer Shem Tov warned it was too soon to assume the outcome. With all the joy and happiness, I have to say this isnt over yet, said Shem Tov, who was held by Hamas for 505 days after being kidnapped at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. Lets keep praying, sending positive energy, keep fighting until they all come back. While most people had left Hostages Square by midnight in Tel Aviv, dozens remained as they awaited news from the cabinet meeting, the BBC reported. Loading Israel will not release the bodies of Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and his brother Mohammed, CNN reported. It also said Israel would not release a high-profile Palestinian prisoner, Marwan Barghouti, who has been held for more than two decades for his role in the killings of Israeli civilians. Trump has repeatedly claimed he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on securing the peace, just as Norwegian authorities prepare to announce the recipient for this years prize in Oslo on Friday. The rapid developments in the Gaza talks appear unlikely to influence the award, however, because the Norwegian Nobel Committee said the decision on this years winner had already been made. The last meeting of the Nobel Committee took place on Monday, Erik Aasheim, spokesman for the Norwegian Nobel Institute, told Agence France-Presse. Netanyahus office backed Trump for the award on social media, saying: Give Donald Trump the Nobel Peace Prize he deserves it! Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi also said Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for the peace deal, according to a statement reported by news service Anadolu Agency. Trump said he had been asked to speak to the Knesset, the parliament of Israel, when he visits the Middle East. French President Emmanuel Macron backed the Trump 20-point plan when he emerged from a meeting in Paris with foreign ministers from France, Egypt, Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain. He then used his iPhone to take videos at a nearby hilltop area and listen to a rap song with a music video showing objects being lit on fire, prosecutors said. Rinderknecht fled the scene after starting the fire, but returned to the same trail to watch it burn, acting US Attorney Bill Essayli said during a news conference. He left as soon as he saw the fire trucks were headed to the location. He turned around and went back up there. And he took some video and watched them fight the fire, Essayli said. Uber said in a statement that it worked with the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to determine the drivers whereabouts around the time of the fire. Rinderknecht also made several 911 calls to report the fire, according to a criminal complaint. During an interview on January 24, Rinderknecht told investigators where the fire began, information not yet public and that he would not have known if he hadnt witnessed it, according to the criminal complaint. A person walks on the beach next to homes destroyed by the Palisades fire. Credit: AP He lied about his location, claiming he was near the bottom of the hiking trail, Essayli said. The suspect was visibly anxious during that interview, according to the complaint. His efforts to call 911 and his question to ChatGPT about a cigarette lighting a fire indicated he wanted to preserve evidence of himself trying to assist in the suppression of the fire, and he wanted to create evidence regarding a more innocent explanation for the cause of the fire, the complaint said. According to The Washington Post, investigators found a ChatGPT prompt by Rinderknecht asking the chatbot to make a dystopian painting showing a crowd fleeing from a burning forest and poor people trying to get past a gate with a big dollar sign on it. Loading On the other side of the gate and the entire wall is a conglomerate of the richest people, the prompt allegedly read. They are chilling, watching the world burn down, and watching the people struggle. Investigators determined the January 1 fire was intentionally lit, likely by a lighter taken to vegetation or paper, according to the criminal complaint. They excluded other possibilities, including fireworks, lightning and power lines. Authorities also looked into whether a cigarette may have caused the fire, but concluded that it was not the cause, the complaint says. Investigators found a barbecue-style lighter inside the glove box of Rinderknechts car on January 24. It appeared to be the same lighter as the one that was in his apartment on December 31, based on a photo on his phone. He admitted to bringing a lighter with him when he walked up the hill. Federal prosecutors will need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the Palisades Fire grew from that blaze that broke out six days earlier, said Jerod Gunsberg, a California criminal defence lawyer with experience in arson cases. Homes ablaze in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles on January 7., Credit: Philip Cheung/The New York Times But he said that was something defence lawyers are likely to question. The defence is going to say, How do we know it was the same guy? Theres a lot of time that went on in between these two fires, said Gunsberg, who is not involved in the Palisades case. So the prosecutors will have to show that evidence. Even if firefighters thought the original fire was extinguished, he said, that does not absolve someone from being held accountable. Youre not off the hook, Gunsberg said. Loading Investigators still havent determined the cause of a second blaze, the Eaton Fire, which broke out the same day in the community of Altadena and killed 19 people. Both fires reduced block after block of entire neighbourhoods to grey and black debris, destroying homes, schools, businesses and churches. While rebuilding is underway in some neighbourhoods, it will take years. Many home owners will not be able to afford it, even those with insurance. An outside review released in September found that a lack of resources and outdated policies for sending emergency alerts led to delayed evacuation warnings. ~Secretary Generals, Department Heads, and civil servants contribute to the shared vision of digital progress and service excellence.~ Cay Hill:--- The Government of Sint Maarten, under the leadership of the Digital Leadership Team (DLT) and the ICT Department, with the support of the St. Maarten Trust Fund, World Bank, National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB), and NRD Companies, continues to advance St. Maartens Digital Government Transformation Project (DGTP) through its second series of stakeholders engagement sessions. This is the Governments bold, transformative digital initiative to upgrade public services and enhance government efficiency, benefiting citizens and businesses. Two (2) key sessions were held on October 6 - 7, 2025, at Paradise Hall, engaging civil servants and key stakeholders across ministries. Each ministry was requested to nominate representatives to actively participate in these workshops, promoting co-design, shared understanding, and readiness across departments. Participants included Secretary Generals, Department Heads, and civil servants from across the Government of Sint Maarten, all contributing to a shared vision of digital progress and service excellence. Digital Identity, Digital Public Infrastructure Checklist, and Enterprise Architecture: Current Maturity and Future State were among the sessions presented to attendees. These sessions focused on awareness, collaboration, and co-design, essential steps to ensure that all ministries move forward with a unified vision of delivering modern, efficient, and citizen-centered public services. Together we will build a seamless digital government, as we have a passion for public service. It is not a copy-and-paste system for St. Maarten, but one that must be studied and tailored to our authentic situation and culture. We must continue to strengthen the trust between the government and the people by being transparent to our citizens. This project is commendable as it involves a lot of effort, coordination, and communication by our Digital Leadership Team, declared the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina during his opening address. The Prime Ministers participation underscores his continued commitment to digital transformation, following his endorsement in September via an opinion piece titled Embracing Digital Transformation: A Path to Resilience and Growth. His leadership reflects the Governments alignment with global digital transformation trends while ensuring local context remains central to implementation. Government Embarks on Digital Transformation: Awareness and Co-Design for Civil Servants at Stakeholders Engagement. Claret Connor, Director of the NRPB, reaffirmed this vision in his remarks: We must be able to reimagine public service. The Digital Government Transformation Project represents a bold step forward for Sint Maarten. Its about more than technology; its about transforming how government serves its people through collaboration, innovation, and inclusion. At the NRPB, were proud to support this effort and help lay the foundation for a digital government that is efficient, secure, and built around the needs of our residents and visitors. The DGTP introduces groundbreaking initiatives such as digital identity and the first wave of digital government services, aiming to make daily government operations smoother, faster, and more impactful. The success of these efforts depends on collaboration and alignment across all ministries and departments. This program is more than technology, its about making government services more accessible, efficient, and resilient for every citizen and business, said Femi Badejo, Leader of the Digital Leadership Team (DLT) and Interim Head of the ICT Department. Civil servants, who know our systems best, are the key drivers of this transformation. Their involvement is essential to ensure success. NRD Companies, a global consulting firm specializing in GovTech and FinTech solutions, facilitated day one (1) and explored the digital priorities, including digital identity, e-services, and enterprise architecture. Anonymous polls were conducted through QR code engagement to gather real-time feedback from attendees. The Digital Leadership Team (DLT) facilitated day two (2) under the theme DGTP in Execution: Hands-On Alignment for Implementation Teams. The Digital Leadership Teams workstream project managers highlighted implementation strategies, role clarity, and next steps for accelerating digital transformation. The Digital Government Transformation Program (DGTP) is led by the Digital Leadership Team (DLT) and implemented by the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten. The project is funded by a $12 million grant from the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, which is financed by the Government of the Netherlands and managed by the World Bank. Through this initiative, the Government of Sint Maarten reaffirms its commitment to building a digital-first, citizen-focused government. With the dedication of its civil servants and support from strategic partners, Sint Maarten is well on its way to shaping a more connected, resilient, and future-ready public sector Oranje Fonds honors the organization for its efforts as an indispensable link Fundashon Pro Bista Korsou has won an Appeltje van Oranje 2025 award. This afternoon at Noordeinde Palace, in the presence of King Willem-Alexander and Princess Beatrix, Queen Maxima presented the Oranje Fonds recognition awards to organizations that are indispensable in their communities. The other winners are Stichting Straat Consulaat from The Hague and Takecarebnb from Amsterdam. Indispensable Links This year, the theme of the Appeltjes van Oranje awards was Indispensable Links. These organizations see what is going on in society, listen to their target group, and are there when needed. They build bridges and establish connections, working together within the community and with relevant agencies and authorities. In this way, they contribute to a connected society in which everyone can participate and no one is left behind. Fundashon Pro Bista Korsou Fundashon Pro Bista Korsou has been committed to helping people with visual impairments in Curacao for more than 25 years. Through their powerful approach to rehabilitation and practical training, psychosocial counseling, and empowerment, they have helped hundreds of people regain their strength. Moreover, they strengthen families and society through this way of working. In this way, they make a double impact, for the individual and for society. The Appeltjes van Oranje are the recognition awards of the Oranje Fonds. They are presented each year to three social organizations that are committed to a connected society. The Queen presents the awards, and in anniversary years, the King does so. The award consists of a bronze statue designed by Princess Beatrix. They also each receive a cash prize of 25,000. This is the 23rd edition of the Appeltjes van Oranje. Musk settles with fired Twitter execs for undisclosed sum San Francisco, United States, Oct 8 (AFP) Oct 08, 2025 Elon Musk has agreed to pay an undisclosed sum to settle a dispute with four former Twitter executives over their dismissal on the day he acquired the social network, now known as X, a court filing said on Wednesday. When the world's richest man purchased Twitter for $44 billion in October 2022, he immediately fired CEO Parag Agrawal, CFO Ned Segal, and top legal officers Vijaya Gadde and Sean Edgett, accusing them of gross negligence and willful misconduct. The four executives sued in federal court in San Francisco in March 2024, seeking $128 million. They alleged they were dismissed without cause and that Musk then tried unsuccessfully to fabricate grievances against them. They also accused him of rushing the Twitter acquisition to deprive them of $200 million in stock options due the following day. The settlement amount Musk is not specified in the provisional agreement submitted to a judge. It remains subject to several conditions. If those conditions are not met, the lawsuit will resume on October 31. The turbulent 2022 acquisition saw nearly two-thirds of Twitter's workforce laid off and triggered multiple lawsuits from former employees, clients and contractors. In late August, Musk and X agreed to settle a class action and individual lawsuits filed by thousands of employees seeking severance payments. In March, the billionaire transferred ownership of X to his generative artificial intelligence startup, xAI. bl/arp/des X China bolsters export controls on rare-earth industry Beijing, Oct 9 (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 China's commerce ministry announced new controls Thursday on the export of rare-earth technologies and items, adding to existing regulations on the critical industry that has been a key source of tension between Beijing and Washington. China is the world's leading producer of the vital minerals used to make magnets crucial to the auto, electronics and defence industries, and since April it has required licences for certain exports of the materials, hitting global manufacturing sectors. Rare earths have been a major sticking point in recent trade negotiations between China and the United States, with Washington accusing Beijing of slow-walking export licence approvals. The new controls -- which kick in immediately -- mean exporters must obtain permission for technologies used for rare-earth mining and smelting, among other processing steps, a Chinese commerce ministry statement said. They will also apply to technologies used in the "assembly, adjusting, maintenance, repair and upgrading of production lines", it said. The commerce ministry separately said restrictions would be placed on foreign entities that export related items outside of China. The controls will require such exporters to obtain a permit prior to making certain shipments, the statement said, adding that applications to overseas military users will not be approved. "For some time, some overseas organisations and individuals have directly or after processing transferred or provided controlled rare-earth items originating in China... for direct or indirect use in sensitive areas such as military operations," a ministry spokesperson said in a statement. The practice has caused "significant damage or potential threats to China's national security and interests (and) adversely impacted international peace and stability". In a 2024 assessment, the United States Geological Survey estimated there were 110 million tonnes of deposits worldwide, including 44 million in China. A further 22 million tonnes are estimated in Brazil and 21 million in Vietnam, while Russia has 10 million and India seven million tonnes. Beijing has for decades made the most of its reserves by investing massively in refining operations, often without the strict environmental oversight required in Western countries. China has also filed a huge number of patents on rare earth production, an obstacle to companies in other countries hoping to launch large-scale processing. As a result, many firms find it cheaper to ship their ore to China for refining, further reinforcing the world's reliance. The restrictions imposed by Beijing this year have caused significant disruption in worldwide industries, with some companies facing halts to production as supply of the key minerals dwindles. Following a tense summit in Beijing in July, European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said leaders had agreed to an improved mechanism for Chinese exports of rare earths to the bloc. But a business lobby warned last month that European firms still faced challenges in securing access to the materials. The European Union and the United States are both trying to boost their own production of rare earths and better recycle what they use to reduce dependence on Beijing. Press Release from Business Wire: Hyper-Productive Inc. (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 TOKYO, Oct 9, 2025 (BSW) - Hyper-Productive Inc. (CEO: Ayako Horiuchi) today announced the grand opening of "Japan Cellar," a new review and information platform dedicated to sake, shochu, and Japanese wine, introducing an international evaluation framework for Japanese beverages. ------------------------------------------------------------Background------------------------------------------------------------Exports of Japanese alcoholic beverages have grown rapidly. The export value of them reached approximately EUR 850 million in 2023-4.5 times higher than in 2014. Yet compared with global wine exports such as France (EUR 11.9 billion) and Italy (EUR 7.7 billion), a significant gap remains. Japan Cellar was founded on the belief that sake and other Japanese beverages deserve the same structured and globally comparable evaluation systems that have elevated wine worldwide. The platform introduces a score-based framework aligning Japan's craftsmanship with the analytical language of wine. ------------------------------------------------------------JC BLICU - A New Review Framework------------------------------------------------------------At the core of Japan Cellar is "JC BLICU," an original method assessing Balance, Length, Intensity, Complexity, and Uniqueness. This framework offers clarity and consistency for enthusiasts and professionals, helping readers appreciate Japanese beverages through globally recognized criteria. ------------------------------------------------------------Executive Reviewers------------------------------------------------------------To ensure credibility, three of Japan's leading sommeliers serve as Executive Reviewers:- Taku Iguro - Winner, Best Sommelier of Japan 2020; CEO, Tactical Wine Consultant- Wataru Iwata - Winner, Best Sommelier of Japan 2017; Chef Sommelier of THE THOUSAND KYOTO- Atsuhide Hoshiyama - Former Wine Advocate reviewer; IWC sake & wine jury; General Manager of Yakiniku House Rengaya Their expertise bridges wine evaluation logic with the depth of Japan's beverage culture. ------------------------------------------------------------Vision------------------------------------------------------------Japan Cellar aims to become the "Wine Advocate for Japanese beverages," delivering objective, insightful reviews that make sake, shochu, and Japanese wine more accessible to global audiences. As these beverages gain recognition as pairing-friendly alternatives to wine and spirits, Japan Cellar provides a trusted standard for professionals and enthusiasts alike. ------------------------------------------------------------Website------------------------------------------------------------https://japancellar.com/en/ For more details, please visit our website. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007770732/en/ Contact Hyper-Productive Inc.Email: [email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. UNESCO will continue monitoring the situation in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea due to a number of facts regarding the destruction by Russia of the cultural heritage of Ukraine, in particular the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora." As reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine press service, such a decision was adopted by the UNESCO Executive Board on October 9. "The decision is based on the report of the UNESCO Director General on the situation in Crimea temporarily occupied by Russia in the Organization's areas of competence, which confirms the significant deterioration of the situation on the Ukrainian peninsula, in particular, the destruction by Russia of Ukraine's cultural heritage, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site " Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora," numerous violations by Russia of the rights of Crimean Tatars, illegal persecution of journalists by the occupying authorities, violations in the field of education and the right to study in the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar languages, freedom of religion and other human rights violations," the MFA said in a statement on its website on Thursday. The Czech delegation issued a statement on behalf of 44 UNESCO member states condemning Russia's actions in occupied Crimea the persecution of Crimean Tatars, the destruction of Ukrainian-language education, religious and cultural monuments, as well as the damage caused by Russia to the environment as a result of irresponsible activities. Delegations from Lithuania, Turkey, Germany, Albania, and Chile made separate statements in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and condemned Russia's violation of international law and human rights in the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea. Permanent Representative of Ukraine to UNESCO, Ambassador Vadym Omelchenko, in his statement, stressed the importance of continuing monitoring in the areas of UNESCO's mandate to maintain international attention to the situation on the occupied peninsula and counteract violations of international law by Russia. "The decision of the Executive Board confirms the unwavering position of the majority of UNESCO Member States aimed at protecting international law, human rights, and the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders," the MFA said. Press Release from Business Wire: Expedia Group, Inc. (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 SINGAPORE, Oct 9, 2025 (BSW) - Today during its EXPLORE Connect B2B event for APAC partners, Expedia Group unveiled a new suite of AI and machine learning-powered tools designed to help partners drive speed, scale and personalization. Highlights include Smart Trip AI?, a new trip planning tool that provides hotel and activity inspiration, and the piloting of the Lodging Sponsored Listings API, a new advertising solution that unlocks advertising for B2B partners. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251008100049/en/ "As the leader in B2B travel, our goal is to be the one stop shop for our partners by giving them the smartest, most reliable and scalable tools in the industry," said Alfonso Paredes, president, Expedia Group B2B. "From AI powered trip planning to new merchandising and advertising solutions, we help partners grow with confidence, deliver exceptional experiences and stay competitive in a fast-changing travel landscape." AI and machine learning-powered features:With more than 350 AI models currently integrated throughout Expedia Group's marketplace, every stage of the travel journey is enhanced. By combining its vast first-party data with AI, Expedia Group delivers smarter, more personalized experiences for partners and travelers. -- Smart Trip AI?: CuratedPlanning at ScaleToday's travelers expect effortless planning. By marrying industry expertise, travel supply and cutting-edge technology with a partner's loyalty offerings, Smart Trip AI? delivers a conversational AI tool that provides curated, real-time trip recommendations. It streamlines the planning process, by helping users discover, compare and select options more efficiently. -- Merchandising API: Smarter Campaigns, Better DealsMerchandising is about promoting travel products - like hotels and packages - effectively. Surfacing timely, relevant and valuable offers to travelers when they start planning their next trip allows brands to deepen engagement and increase conversion at the right moment. With 58% of travelers signaling they are more price-conscious this year, promoting valuable deals is critical.1 Our new Merchandising solutions, rolling out in 2026, use machine learning to help partners run timely, high-performing campaigns quickly and effectively. This product is currently in beta testing. -- Typeahead API: From Inspiration to BookingTypehead API unlocks an effective way for partners to guide travelers from inspiration to booking. When travelers start typing in the search bar, the tool instantly suggests relevant destinations and locations, making it easier to find what they're looking for. This leads to a better shopping experience, retains more visitors on site, and increases booking rates. Tripbtoz, an online travel agency headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, saw a 20% boost in search-to-book conversion after integrating the API. Amplifying partner content through Expedia Group Advertising:Our full-funnel travel media network provides unparalleled reach, connecting with travelers on-site, offsite, and through our B2B network. -- Lodging Sponsored Listings API: Monetize Traffic with Relevant Recommendations The Lodging Sponsored Listings API enables B2B partners to display lodging sponsored listings from Expedia Group on their own sites, apps, or platforms. This allows them to monetize their traffic while offering relevant property recommendations to their travelers and provides lodging advertisers more opportunities to reach new audiences. The product is currently in beta testing. "Through this new suite of tools, we're enabling seamless, personalized experiences that turn inspiration into action and traffic into value," says Karen Bolda, chief product and technology officer, B2B. "This is about empowering our partners to grow with speed, intelligence, and impact in a rapidly evolving travel landscape." About Expedia Group Expedia Group, Inc. brands power travel for everyone, everywhere through our global platform. Driven by the core belief that travel is a force for good, Expedia Group? helps people experience the world in new ways and build lasting connections. Expedia Group's three flagship consumer brands are Expedia(R), Hotels.com(R), and Vrbo(R). Its B2B arm, Expedia Group B2B, delivers industry-leading technology solutions to fuel partner growth and success, while facilitating memorable experiences for travelers. Expedia Group Advertising helps partners extend their reach and connect with travelers across its travel sites and a broad range of offsite channels through its travel media network. 2025 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved. Expedia Group and the Expedia Group logo are trademarks of Expedia, Inc. CST: 2029030-50. For more information, visitwww.expediagroup.com.Follow Expedia Group onFacebook,Instagram,XandLinkedIn.Follow Expedia onFacebook,Instagram,TikTok,Pinterest,XandYouTube.Follow Vrbo onFacebook,Instagram,TikTok,Pinterest, andX. Follow Hotels.com onInstagram,TikTok,FacebookandX. 1 2025 Traveler Value Index, Expedia Group View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251008100049/en/ Contact Expedia Group media contact: [email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: Experian (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 LONDON, Oct 9, 2025 (BSW) - Great Place To Work(R) and Fortune Europe have recognised Experian as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For? Europe for 2025. It is the first time Experian has made the list. More than 1.5 million workers were surveyed across Europe indicating the scale of the achievement and the high level of trust Experian employees have in the organisation. The survey covered a wide range of workplace experiences. Employees provided feedback on workplace respect, well-being support, growth and recognition opportunities, fairness in pay and promotions, pride in their work and teams, the meaning and impact of their roles, and whether they feel cared for, enjoy their colleagues, or can bring their authentic selves to work. Jacky Simmonds, Chief People Officer, Experian, said:"Being named one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For? in Europe is a proud moment for us at Experian. It's a reflection of the culture we've built-where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. This recognition belongs to our teams who bring their passion and commitment every day. It's their energy that makes Experian not just a great place to work, but a place where great work happens." Since it first began working with Great Place To Work in 2021, Experian has continued to build on its commitment to putting its employees first by fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture. Reasons for Experian being recognised as a Great Place To Work include: -- An inclusive and welcoming culture, which empowers employees to feel included and part of a team, as well as being able to bring their full self to work -- Close collaboration with colleagues, who are driven to work and innovate together -- A focus on growth, training and development of employees so they can meet their individual goals The 100 Best Companies to Work For Europe list is the most comprehensive measure of the employee experience, based on Great Place To Work's proprietary Trust Index? Survey. Great Place To Work evaluates confidential feedback from employees, validating against HR data from participating companies. Only companies with consistently high survey responses from employees - regardless of their role, department, or status in the company - are honored with placement on the list. To be eligible, companies must have 500 or more employees and be represented on at least one national Best Workplaces? List in Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkiye, and the United Kingdom during 2024 or early 2025. "Congratulations to the 100 Best in Europe," saysMichael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work. "These companies earned this recognition based on the trust that has been built within the organisation. Employees at companies on this list have higher levels of trust in their leaders and their organisation. This unlocks their creativity, which delivers profits and heals the planet at the same time." About Experian Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. We help to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using our unique combination of data, analytics and software. We also assist millions of people to realise their financial goals and help them to save time and money. We operate across a range of markets, from financial services to healthcare, automotive, agrifinance, insurance, and many more industry segments. We invest in talented people and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data and innovate. As a FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN), we have a team of 25,200 people across 32 countries. Our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at experianplc.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009079047/en/ Contact Media contact:Robert Goodman, PR Manager, Corporate & Business, UK&I, ExperianTel: +44 7989 398 498 / Email: [email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: Ant Group (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 HANGZHOU, Oct 9, 2025 (BSW) - Ant Group today announced the release and open-sourcing of Ling-1T, a trillion-parameter general-purpose large language model. This launch expands Ant Group's Ling (also known as BaiLing) model family, which now comprises three main series: the Ling non-thinking models, the Ring thinking models, and the multimodal Ming series. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009240721/en/ As a flagship non-thinking model in the Ling family, Ling-1T achieves state-of-the-art (SOTA) performance on multiple complex reasoning benchmarks within constrained output token limits, striking a strong balance between efficient inference and precise reasoning, while delivering improved results across diverse use cases-including code generation, software development, competition-level mathematics problem solving, and logical reasoning. For example, on the 2025 American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) benchmark, Ling-1T achieves an accuracy of 70.42% at an average cost of over 4,000 output tokens per problem, performing on par with best-in-class AI models. This follows Ant Group's release of Ring-1T-preview-the world's first open-source trillion-parameter thinking model in September. He Zhengyu, Chief Technology Officer of Ant Group, stated: "At Ant Group, we believe Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) should be a public good-a shared milestone for humanity's intelligent future. We are dedicated to building practical, inclusive AGI services that benefit everyone, which requires constantly pushing technology forward. The open-source release of Ling-1T and Ring-1T-preview represents a key step in fulfilling our commitment to open and collaborative advancement." The Ling AI model family now comprises: -- Ling series: Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) non-thinking large language models -- Ring series: Thinking models derived from Ling -- Ming series: Multimodal models processing images, text, audio, and video -- Experimental model: LLaDA-MoE Together, these models offer diverse sizes and technical capabilities tailored to various application scenarios. About Ant Group Ant Group aims to build the infrastructure and platforms to support the digital transformation of the service industry. Through continuous innovation, we strive to provide all consumers and small and micro businesses equal access to digital financial and other daily life services that are convenient, sustainable and inclusive. For more information, please visit our website at www.antgroup.com or follow us on Twitter @AntGroup. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009240721/en/ Contact Ant GroupVick Li [email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: Airship (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 9, 2025 (BSW) - Mobile-first customer experience company Airship today announced support for RCS (Rich Communication Services). The launch adds one of the most requested and modern messaging channels to its platform. Airship now enables brands to create rich, two-way conversations that build customer trust, combat the rise of SMS fraud and accelerate business outcomes. In 2024, consumer losses from text-initiated scams reached $470M per the Federal Trade Commission and research from Proofpoint found a 2,534 percent increase in URL threats delivered via smishing attacks. Brands face an urgent need for a more secure and trustworthy messaging channel as standard SMS messaging suffers from customer fatigue and falling trust, which hurts engagement and conversions. RCS directly addresses these challenges by upgrading traditional texting within the native messaging app on consumers' phones. The channel provides verified sender profiles that display a brand's name, logo and a verification badge to instantly build customer confidence. It also supports rich media like carousels and high-resolution images as well as interactive elements like suggested replies, "buy now" buttons and actions that guide customers to their next step. With Apple's recent addition of RCS support in iOS 18, the channel is now mainstream and available to a massive global audience. Unlike other solutions that require complex third-party integrations or manual setup, Airship has embedded RCS natively into its platform. This eliminates extra vendor management and IT dependency, allowing marketers to use existing SMS workflows to send RCS messages, reduce complexity and accelerate time to value. The platform intelligently determines if a customer's device supports RCS and automatically falls back to SMS or MMS if it does not, ensuring reliable message delivery. This allows teams to orchestrate end-to-end journeys that coordinate RCS with push notifications, email, mobile wallets and personalized content embedded in apps and websites. Brands also gain access to engagement metrics unavailable with SMS, such as read receipts, which, together with actions RCS recipients take, provide deeper insights to fuel ongoing engagement and optimize campaign performance. "Trust is the currency of today's digital economy and it's most often won or lost starting where customers are - on their mobile devices," said Brett Caine, CEO, Airship. "The addition of RCS to our platform provides our clients with a powerful new way to create the trusted, seamless experiences customers expect and accelerate conversions, growth and lasting loyalty." Brands can leverage RCS for high-impact use cases across industries including: -- Retail and Commerce: Announce product drops with rich carousels and "Buy Now" links or share order updates with embedded QR codes for pickup. -- Travel and Hospitality: Send appointment reminders with "Add to Calendar" and "Get Directions" buttons or deliver flight updates with options to "Change Seat." -- Financial Services: Deliver verified transaction alerts and fraud warnings with secure actions like "Report Issue" or streamline bill payments with an integrated "Pay Now" button. -- Loyalty: Share points balances and tier updates or deliver digital welcome kits to new members. The launch comes as RCS adoption is rapidly accelerating. Analysts report a fivefold increase in global RCS traffic since Apple rolled out iOS 18, and the channel has more than one billion monthly active users globally. Research also shows that 75% of consumers prefer RCS over SMS when interacting with brands. Recently Airship was recognized for the first time ever in the 2025 Gartner(R) Magic Quadrant? for Multichannel Marketing Hubs, which the company believes signals a market shift toward intelligent platforms that unify messaging, experiences and data. Get the full, complimentary report here. Gartner "Magic Quadrant for Multichannel Marketing Hubs," by Audrey Brosnan, Tia Smart, Suzanne Schwartz, Greg Carlucci, Julian Poulter, Matt Moorut, Julia Multedo, 22 September 2025 Gartner Disclaimers GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, MAGIC QUADRANT is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. 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 Airship Airship is trusted by the world's leading brands such as Alaska Airlines, BBC and The Home Depot for mobile-first expertise powering seamless, cross-channel customer experiences that drive business outcomes and earn customer loyalty. Airship's mobile-first customer experience platform allows anyone to build, orchestrate and optimize hyper-personalized end-to-end customer journeys across all channels: email, push notifications, SMS, RCS, mobile wallets and more, through to app and web experiences where conversion results in value. Airship's modular network of AI agents accelerate marketing, product and growth teams' efforts to continuously enrich customer data and rapidly launch experiments, optimizing every interaction and business outcome from growing repeatable conversions and customer lifetime value, to fueling durable business growth. For more information visit www.airship.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009375626/en/ Contact Media ContactsNorth America:Kali Myrick CommunicationsKali Myrick+1 [email protected] United Kingdom:Tyto PRShamina Peerboccus+44 [email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: MultiBank Group (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 DUBAI, Oct 9, 2025 (BSW) - MultiBank Group, the world's largest financial derivatives institution headquartered in Dubai, proudly received the prestigious 'Best Forex Introducing Broker (IB) Program' award at Forex Expo Dubai 2025, held at the Dubai World Trade Center between 6-7 October 2025. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009590183/en/ MultiBank Group, the world's largest financial derivatives institution headquartered in Dubai, proudly received the prestigious 'Best Forex Introducing Broker (IB) Program' award at Forex Expo Dubai 2025. As one of the largest global trading events, Forex Expo Dubai gathered 30,000 attendees from over 60 countries, including traders, investors, and industry professionals. MultiBank Group's prominent participation at the event underscored its leading position in the global financial markets and its dedication to its worldwide network of partners and clients. This recognition highlights MultiBank Group's outstanding achievements under its Introducing Broker Program, which now includes 30,000 partners worldwide. Over the past 12 months alone, the Group has distributed more than $120 million in commissions to its IB partners, reaffirming its commitment to creating one of the most rewarding and transparent partnership ecosystems in the forex industry. Naser Taher, Founder and Chairman of MultiBank Group, commented: "We are deeply honored to be recognized as the provider of the Best Forex Introducing Broker Program at Forex Expo Dubai 2025. Our IB network has been instrumental in our continued global success, and this award reflects our dedication to building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with our partners. At MultiBank Group, we will continue to innovate, expand our offerings, and ensure our partners achieve sustainable growth and profitability." Established in 2005, the company now serves 2 million clients across 100 countries, handling daily trading volumes exceeding $35 billion. With offices in major economic centers worldwide, the Group has earned over 80 industry awards, cementing its reputation as a trusted leader in international markets. This latest accolade at Forex Expo Dubai 2025 adds to MultiBank Group's extensive portfolio of international awards, recognizing its excellence in trading, liquidity provision, and partnership programs. ABOUT MULTIBANK GROUP MultiBank Group, established in California, USA in 2005, is a global leader in financial derivatives, serving over 2 million clients across 100 countries, and boasts a daily trading volume that exceeds $35 billion. Renowned for its innovative trading solutions, robust regulatory compliance, and exceptional customer service, the Group offers an array of brokerage services and asset management solutions. It is regulated across five continents by 17+ of the most reputable financial authorities globally. The group's award-winning trading platforms offer up to 500:1 leverage on a diverse range of products, including Forex, Metals, Shares, Commodities, Indices, and Cryptocurrencies. MultiBank Group has received over 80 financial awards recognizing its trading excellence and regulatory compliance. For more information, visit MultiBank Group's website. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009590183/en/ Contact Name: Yazan ShakfehPosition: Global Head of MarketingEmail: [email protected] Phone: +971585754191 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: IHS Holding Limited (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 LONDON & KIGALI, Oct 9, 2025 (BSW) - IHS Holding Limited, (NYSE: IHS) ("IHS Towers"), one of the largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count, has today announced the completion of the sale of 100% of IHS Rwanda Limited ("IHS Rwanda") including its approximately 1,467 sites1 to Paradigm Tower Ventures through the Paradigm Infrastructure Holdings (PIH) vehicle, as part of a consortium with Convergence Partners Digital Infrastructure Fund L.P ("CPDIF"), British International Investment PLC ("BII"), and Societe de Promotion et de Participation pour la Cooperation Economique S.A. ("PROPARCO"). The sale of the company's Rwanda operations is part of IHS Towers' strategic initiatives targeted at shareholder value-creation options. JPMorgan acted as financial advisor to IHS Towers on this transaction. About IHS Towers: IHS Towers is one of the largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count and is solely focused on the emerging markets. The company has over 37,000 towers across its seven markets, including Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia. For more information, please email: [email protected] or visit: www.ihstowers.com About Paradigm Tower Ventures:Stephen Harris, Hal Hess and Steven Marshall, well respected and experienced former executives of global and African tower businesses, founded Paradigm Infrastructure in 2019. They have substantial experience in the acquisition and operations of tower businesses in multiple markets. This transaction marks the first investment by Paradigm Tower Ventures, a new tower platform which is focused on the growth of new build shared wireless infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa. Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by relevant safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements (or their equivalent) of any applicable jurisdiction, including those contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this document may be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "targets," "commits," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "forecast," "predicts," "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements. You should read this press release and the documents that we reference in this press release with the understanding that our actual future results, performance and achievements may be materially different from what we expect. Further information on such assumptions, risks and uncertainties is available in our filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by applicable law, we do not assume, and expressly disclaim, any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, references to any website or other documents contained in this press release are provided for convenience only, and their content is not incorporated by reference into this press release. 1 As of June 30, 2025. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009150703/en/ Contact Enquiry: InvestorContact Info:IHS Africa (UK) Limited1 Cathedral Piazza123 Victoria StreetLondon, SW1E 5BPUnited [email protected] Enquiry: JournalistContact Info:IHS Africa (UK) Limited1 Cathedral Piazza123 Victoria StreetLondon, SW1E 5BPUnited [email protected] Enquiry: OtherContact Info:IHS Africa (UK) Limited1 Cathedral Piazza123 Victoria StreetLondon, SW1E 5BPUnited [email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: Miyahthon (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 RIYADH, Oct 9, 2025 (BSW) - The Saudi Water Authority is continuing to accept applications for participation in the second edition of the global hackathon "Miyahthon", which brings together innovators and entrepreneurs from Saudi Arabia and beyond to develop sustainable solutions for the future of water. Registration remains open until 11 October 2025. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009024083/en/ Registration Continues for the Second Edition of "Miyahthon" to Advance Innovation in Water Sustainability (Photo: AETOSWire) This edition builds on the success of the inaugural Miyahthon, which witnessed wide participation from both local and international innovators. It led to the development of groundbreaking projects, including the "Smart Ric" water treatment solution and "Hydraya", an artificial intelligence application. The winning projects were incubated in the business accelerators of the Saudi Water Innovation Center, enabling them to grow and transform into market-ready solutions. Miyahthon aims to strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the water sector through dedicated incubation and acceleration programs that empower innovators to transform their ideas into impactful, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable projects. The program also connects participants with global innovation platforms and investors to expand the reach of their work. The current edition includes both virtual and in-person bootcamps designed to enhance participants' skills in diverse areas such as desalination, sustainable production, and artificial intelligence. These training workshops, led by local and international experts, will prepare participants for the final stages of the hackathon. Miyahthon stands as one of the Kingdom's leading national initiatives, reflecting the Saudi Water Authority's commitment to strengthening national capabilities in innovation and technology, developing solutions that contribute to the sustainability of water resources, and consolidating Saudi Arabia's position as a global hub for water technologies. For more details and registration, please visit the official platform: https://miyahthon.com/en/ *Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009024083/en/ Contact Fahad Alharthi+966 [email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: Megaport Limited (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 BRISBANE, Oct 9, 2025 (BSW) - Megaport Limited (Megaport) (ASX: MP1), the global leader in Network as a Service (NaaS), today released its 2025 Cloud Network Report, revealing a decisive industry shift: enterprises are going further than expansion and growth with connectivity and are virtualizing and orchestrating their networks to deliver resilience, sovereignty, and performance at scale. The report draws on operational data from Megaport's platform, spanning over 1,000 enabled locations across 150+ cities, and global survey insights from IT leaders. Findings show that routing and edge product deployments grew 42% year-on-year, underscoring a move from static cloud builds to programmable, intelligent fabrics. "The future of competitiveness lies in how well enterprises can virtualize and orchestrate connectivity. Intelligent routing, segmentation, and traffic shaping are transforming networks into adaptive systems that don't just move data, but make decisions. That's where performance, sovereignty, and resilience converge." - Michael Reid, CEO, Megaport Key Global Insights Private-First Virtualization -- Private internal connections now exceed 9,000 Gbps of VXC capacity, making them the largest and fastest-growing connection type. Internet and IX pathways have flattened as enterprises embed virtualization for predictable, sovereign performance. Azure's Rising Role -- Azure's share of cloud-only capacity has steadily increased in recent years. While AWS remains the largest single provider, enterprises are turning to virtualization and routing tools to flex workloads across platforms and avoid lock-in. Routing & Orchestration at Scale -- Adoption of Megaport Cloud Routers (MCRs) and Virtual Edge (MVEs) has surged, with 42% annual growth in deployments. Routing and orchestration are now critical for cost optimization, segmentation, and enabling new workloads such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Internet of Things (IoT). Traditional Industries Gain Momentum -- Finance added more than 3,500 Gbps of VXC capacity, the largest increase of any sector. Healthcare & Government workloads grew by 20-40% year-on-year, and Energy & Industrial added 1,500 Gbps, driven by IoT telemetry and regional operations. Once seen as laggards, these industries are now setting the pace for virtualization and routing adoption. Cloud Spend vs Complexity -- 61% of IT leaders cite unpredictable costs as their top barrier. In North America, 62% say reliability outweighs price, underscoring the role of orchestration tools in controlling costs and ensuring predictable outcomes. Edge Economics & Secondary Metros -- VXC capacity growth is strongest in sovereignty-driven hubs: Paris (+177%), Quebec (+200%), and Singapore (+68%). In the U.S., metros such as Dallas, Chicago, and Ashburn continue to expand as enterprises distribute workloads closer to users to improve latency and compliance. "Network virtualization is now the defining trend," said Cameron Daniel, CTO of Megaport. "With routing and edge platforms like Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) and Megaport Virtual Edge (MVE), enterprises are orchestrating networks in software: segmenting traffic, automating compliance paths, and shaping performance for AI and GPU-driven workloads. This isn't just connectivity anymore. It's the intelligent control plane of the enterprise." About the Report The Megaport Cloud Network Report 2025 combines anonymized platform data from Megaport's global NaaS footprint with a survey of IT leaders worldwide. It provides a vendor-neutral, cloud-agnostic perspective on how enterprises are designing networks for a virtualization-driven future. View the Megaport Cloud Network Report 2025. About Megaport Megaport is changing how businesses connect their infrastructure, with one smart and simple platform to manage every connection. Build secure, scalable, and agile networks in just a few clicks, accessing global endpoints and creating private paths in minutes. Trusted by the world's leading companies, Megaport partners with global service providers, DC operators, systems integrators, and managed services companies, and operates in 1000+ enabled locations worldwide. Megaport is ISO/IEC 27001 certified. Join the network revolution at megaport.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251009268447/en/ Contact Media EnquiriesAdam Hennessy, Senior Director - Brand & Communications, MegaportPhone: +61 7 3088 [email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. A group of 23 Ukrainian children and teenagers from the temporarily occupied territories was successfully evacuated to the government-controlled territory of Ukraine, Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak has said. "Within the initiative of the President of Ukraine Bring Kids Back UA, a group of 23 Ukrainian children and teenagers from the temporarily occupied territories were rescued," he said in the Telegram channel on Thursday. As Yermak said, the occupiers tried to force two sisters, aged 11 and 14, to attend a Russian school, threatening the mother to take the children away if she refused. "One of the teenagers was left without guardianship after the occupation and was forced to apply for a Russian passport, but he refused to study at a Russian school on principle. A little girl and her mother were once not released from the occupation due to a relative's service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. After that, the family was left without any documents and lived under constant pressure," the President's Office head said. According to him, today all the rescued children are safe in the controlled territory of Ukraine. They are receiving medical, psychological and humanitarian assistance, and are restoring their documents. Yermak thanked Save Ukraine, the Joint Center of the SBU for Coordination of the Search and Release of Prisoners of War, Illegally Deprived of Liberty, and all partners for their assistance in rescuing the children. US Air Force employee sentenced for sharing defense info on dating app Washington, Oct 8 (AFP) Oct 08, 2025 A former civilian employee of the US Air Force was sentenced to nearly six years in prison on Wednesday for sharing classified information on an online dating platform. David Slater, 64, a retired US Army lieutenant colonel, pleaded guilty in July to transmitting secret information on the platform to someone "who claimed to be a female living in Ukraine." Slater was working at the time as a civilian assigned to the US Strategic Command in Nebraska, whose portfolio includes nuclear deterrence. The documents, some of which were classified as "top secret," concerned the war in Ukraine, including military targets and Russian military capabilities, according to the Justice Department. A federal judge in Nebraska sentenced Slater to 70 months in prison on Wednesday and a $25,000 fine. US Senate rejects limiting Trump's strikes on alleged drug runners Washington, Oct 9 (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 The US Senate on Wednesday rejected a draft law that would ban Donald Trump from ordering new military strikes in the Caribbean, as the president faces backlash for his targeting of alleged drug traffickers. At least 21 people have been killed so far in the Trump administration's attacks, which it has said are necessary to protect the United States from a scourge of smuggled narcotics, particularly from Venezuela. But many experts question the legality of using lethal force in foreign or international waters against suspects who have not been intercepted or questioned. The resolution in the Senate was rejected late Wednesday with 48 votes for and 51 against. Adam Schiff, a Democratic senator who led the initiative, said before the vote that the strikes "could set off an unintended conflict with Venezuela." Nicolas Maduro, president of the oil-rich nation, has criticized the US military action as "armed aggression to impose regime change." Trump boasted on Sunday that lethal strikes on small boats near the Venezuelan coast have been so successful "there are no boats" left in that area of the Caribbean. He added that military action could be expanded to land routes used by apparent drug traffickers. Rand Paul, one of two Republicans who supported the text in the Senate, said beforehand that he wanted to ensure that military action abroad had congressional approval. "The US should not be blowing up boats without even knowing who's on them," he wrote on X. North Korea expected to stage military parade as party turns 80 Seoul, Oct 9 (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 North Korea is set to host top officials from China and Russia to mark 80 years under the ruling Workers' Party, a celebration that is expected to feature a massive military parade showcasing its latest advanced weaponry. Planning for the spectacle, which could begin as early as Thursday, has been shrouded in secrecy, with South Korea's military saying the North may stage the parade at night. It comes as North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has been emboldened by the war in Ukraine, securing critical support from Russia after sending thousands of North Korean troops to fight alongside Moscow's forces. Last month, Kim appeared alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin at an elaborate military parade in Beijing. Chinese Premier Li Qiang will lead the Chinese delegation to this week's 80th anniversary celebrations, while the deputy head of Russia's Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev -- a key Putin ally -- will also be in Pyongyang. The grand event will be a "public spectacle that materialises the strategic consolidation of the China-North Korea-Russia axis," Seong-Hyon Lee, a visiting scholar at the Harvard University Asia Center, told AFP. - 'Not a client state' - "More strategically, Kim is demonstrating his worth as a partner. By displaying advanced weaponry and a powerful military, he is telling Beijing and Moscow, 'I am not a client state; I am a valuable and capable ally,'" Lee said. Analysts expect the parade to showcase a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that could put the US mainland within Pyongyang's reach, as well as new drones and hypersonic weapons aimed at threatening US forces. "The Ukrainian war reportedly showed Pyongyang the importance of the 'drone revolution' in warfare and they are doing their best to catch up now, assumedly with Russian help," said Vladimir Tikhonov, professor of Korea studies at the University of Oslo. Joseph Dempsey of the International Institute for Strategic Studies said recently released images from North Korea's defence exhibition provide a "good teaser" for the upcoming parade. One new system seen in the images appears to resemble Russia's Pantsir air-defence system mounted on a North Korean tracked vehicle -- which is "potentially very noteworthy given the deepening military ties with Moscow," Dempsey told AFP. - A 'message' to Trump - The celebrations in Pyongyang come after Seoul said a meeting between North Korea and the United States "cannot be ruled out" on the sidelines of this year's APEC summit in South Korea. US President Donald Trump met Kim three times during his first term and once famously said the pair had fallen "in love", but he ultimately failed to secure a lasting agreement on North Korea's nuclear programme. Ties between Pyongyang and Washington have been in the deep freeze since the last summit between Kim and Trump collapsed in 2019 over disagreements on sanctions relief and Pyongyang's nuclear concessions. Since then, North Korea has repeatedly declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear state. The US President said in August he hoped to meet Kim again, possibly this year, while Pyongyang has said Kim had "fond memories" of Trump and was open to future talks if Washington dropped its demand that the North give up its nuclear weapons. Kim said this week that the country's alliance with Russia "will be invariably carried forward in the future". The upcoming parade will be Pyongyang's message to Trump that "the old formula for dealing with North Korea is defunct", said Harvard's Lee. By displaying his most powerful weapons "alongside top officials from China, Russia", Lee said, "Kim is declaring: 'Your strategy of outsourcing the North Korea problem to Beijing is over.'" China-Italy cooperation boasts highlights and mutual benefits: Chinese FM Xinhua) 08:30, October 09, 2025 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, shakes hands with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani before attending the 12th Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee in Rome, Italy, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) ROME, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- China-Italy cooperation is full of highlights and mutually beneficial, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Wednesday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when attending the 12th Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, where he spoke highly of the achievements of China-Italy cooperation across various fields in his concluding remarks. Wang noted that China and Italy have actively implemented the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries since last year. Taking the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy this year as an opportunity, the two countries have steadily expanded practical cooperation in various fields, with numerous highlights. The China-Italy Lin-gang Innovation Cooperation Park has been initially completed, the two sides jointly launched the Zhangheng 1-02 electromagnetic monitoring satellite, the double taxation agreement between China and Italy officially took effect, both sides have supported each other in promoting enterprises, and more than 70 Italian companies will participate in the 8th China International Import Expo, said Wang. The two countries have launched the first batch of four classic literary works for mutual translation, over ten outstanding Chinese and Italian films have been screened in both countries, Shanghai and Shenzhen have respectively held twin-city events with Milan -- the fashion design forum and the lifestyle week. China has implemented a unilateral visa-free policy for Italian citizens and will continue to extend it, welcoming more Italian friends to enjoy a spontaneous "journey to China", he added. Wang said that China and Italy are two major economies that support free trade, two major forces that safeguard multilateralism, and two ancient civilizations that advocate exchanges and mutual learning. In a world facing complex and intertwined changes, Wang called for China and Italy to demonstrate their sense of responsibility and commitment, follow the trend of the times, always trust each other, and achieve mutual success. Both sides should uphold an open spirit to expand and optimize practical cooperation, and make greater contributions to their respective economic development and the well-being of the two peoples with rich cooperation achievements, Wang said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the 12th Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani in Rome, Italy, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Nobel peace committee had last meeting on Monday Oslo, Oct 9 (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awards the prestigious peace prize, held its final meeting on Monday, the Nobel Institute said Thursday, a day ahead of the announcement of the 2025 laureate. This means a decision was made about the laureate or laureates before the conclusion of an agreement between Israel and Hamas, which included a ceasefire and the release of hostages. The deal, seen as a major step toward ending the two years of war in Gaza, was struck under pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has made no secret of the fact that he believes he is worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize. "The last meeting of the Nobel Committee took place on Monday," Erik Aasheim, spokesman for the Norwegian Nobel Institute, told AFP. Comprised of five members, the Nobel Committee typically makes its decision several days or even weeks before and meets one last time in the run-up to the official announcement. "The final touches were made on Monday, but we never disclose when the Nobel Committee makes its decision," Aasheim added. No further committee meetings are scheduled before the laureate's name is revealed on Friday at 11:00 am (0900 GMT), he explained. "There will be a laureate this year," he said, even as some experts have speculated that the Nobel Committee -- due to the deteriorated geopolitical situation -- might refrain from awarding the prize. Claiming a role in resolving multiple conflicts, Trump has repeatedly asserted since his return to the White House in January that he deserves the nod. He recently said that it would be "a big insult" to the United States if he was not given the prize. The agreement between Israel and Hamas, announced overnight Wednesday-Thursday, "has absolutely no impact" on the choice of the 2025 laureate because "the Nobel Committee has already made its decision", historian Asle Sveen, a specialist in the Nobel Prize, told AFP. "Trump will not win the prize this year. I'm 100 percent certain," he said. He emphasised that the US president had long "given free rein" to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bomb Gaza and had provided significant military aid to Israel. This year, 338 individuals and organisations were nominated for the Peace Prize, which in 2025 was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a group of survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings campaigning against nuclear weapons. China sanctions 14 foreign firms over Taiwan ties, national security Beijing, Oct 9 (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 Beijing sanctioned on Thursday 14 overseas entities, including defence contractors and intelligence firms, accusing them of harming national security and aiding Taiwan. Several American defence contractors, British aerospace giant BAE Systems and Canada-based semiconductor intelligence provider TechInsights -- and its affiliates in Europe, Japan and South Korea -- were among the firms added to the country's "Unreliable Entities List", the Ministry of Commerce announced. The Halifax International Security Forum, an annual gathering of government and military officials along with academics in Canada, was among the institutions targeted. The companies are prohibited from import and export activities or making new investments in China, the ministry said. Chinese organisations and individuals are also barred from working with and sharing sensitive information with the sanctioned firms. A ministry spokesperson said in a separate statement Thursday that some entities had engaged in "so-called military-technical cooperation with Taiwan", made "vile remarks about China", and helped foreign governments suppress Chinese companies. The actions "seriously damaged China's national sovereignty, security and development interests", the statement added. In January, Beijing sanctioned 10 US defence firms over arms sales to Taiwan. China claims the self-ruled island as part of its territory and has said it will not renounce using force to bring it under its control. Belgium says foiled jihadist plot for drone attack on politicians Brussels, Belgium, Oct 9 (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 Belgian authorities said Thursday they had arrested three young adults for plotting a jihadist-inspired attack using drone-mounted explosives, with Prime Minister Bart De Wever reported to be among several politicians targeted. The arrests were made in the northern city of Antwerp as part of an investigation into "attempted terrorist murder and participation in the activities of a terrorist group", federal prosecutor Ann Fransen told a news conference. "Certain elements indicate that the suspects intended to carry out a jihadist-inspired terrorist attack against political figures," Fransen said. "There are also indications that the suspects aimed to construct a drone capable of carrying a payload," she added. The prosecutor's office declined to name the intended targets, but several Flemish media outlets reported that they included De Wever -- who was Antwerp's mayor before becoming prime minister. "Prime Minister, Bart, all our support goes out to you and your family. Thank you to the security services," Defence Minister Theo Francken said on social media. According to reports, police searched a residence located just a few hundred metres from De Wever's home in the city. "During a search of one suspect's home, an improvised device -- potentially explosive but not yet operational -- was found, along with a bag containing metal pellets," Fransen said. At the home of a second suspect, police discovered a 3D printer "believed to have been intended for manufacturing components useful in carrying out an attack", she added. The suspects were born in 2001, 2002 and 2007. Two of them were being questioned by federal police and were due to appear before an investigating judge on Friday. The third suspect was released. US hits Iraq's Olympic Committee president in fresh Iran-related sanctions Washington, Oct 9 (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 The US Treasury on Thursday ramped up its Iran-related sanctions, targeting a firm with ties to Iran-backed militia groups in Iraq, and the president of the Iraq's Olympic Committee. In a statement, the Treasury Department accused these militia of helping "the Iranian regime in evading U.S. sanctions, smuggling weapons, and engaging in widespread corruption in Iraq," and of being responsible for the death of American "personnel." Those sanctions included a firm it said was created by Kataeb Hezbollah, a powerful Iraqi militia that has been listed as a terrorist organization by the United States. "The militias actively undermine the Iraqi economy, monopolizing resources through graft and corruption, and hinder the formation of a functioning Iraqi government that would make the region safer," the US Treasury announced. It also unveiled sanctions against Aqeel Muftin, the president of Iraq's National Olympic Committee, accusing him of managing an Iraqi commercial bank associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Quds Force. It said Aqeel Muftin and his brother Ali have "close relationships with senior intelligence officials of the IRGC and help generate and transfer funds for militias in Iraq that support the IRGC-QF." These sanction follow a separate round earlier Thursday against dozens of companies, firms and ships involved in Iran's export of liquified petroleum gas. Visa-free entry policies boost inbound tourism during National Day holiday Xinhua) 08:42, October 09, 2025 People visit the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin) BEIJING/GUANGZHOU, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- China's inbound tourism witnessed significant growth during the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, fueled by visa facilitation policies and a rich array of cultural and tourism activities. Beijing received 25 million visitors during the holiday, generating a tourism revenue of 31.65 billion yuan (about 4.45 billion U.S. dollars), with those figures up 3.6 percent and 4.7 percent year on year, according to the city's culture and tourism authority. Notably, Beijing hosted some 119,000 overseas arrivals -- a remarkable increase of 48 percent compared to the same period last year. Their spending totaled 1.23 billion yuan, up 54.1 percent year on year. Popular destinations among overseas visitors included the Beijing Universal Resort, the Palace Museum, the Mutianyu and Badaling sections of the Great Wall, and the famed commercial districts of Sanlitun and Wangfujing. The city's duty-free shops saw sales exceed 22 million yuan during the holiday, more than doubling last year's figure. Foreign tourists also immersed themselves in a rich variety of cultural activities during the holiday. Beijing alone organized over 4,200 cultural and tourism events, as well as nearly 100 travel routes for the holiday, featuring diverse themes such as the Great Wall, the Grand Canal and the city's Central Axis, which proved popular among residents and tourists alike. South China's Guangdong Province -- a major economic hub -- also experienced a substantial rise in international travelers during the holiday, thanks to the country's ever-improving visa-free travel policies. At Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, the total number of travelers leaving and entering China exceeded 350,000 by Wednesday noon, marking an increase of over 13 percent year on year. Russian traveler Anna Ivanova expressed her surprise at the swift immigration process upon arriving in Guangzhou, the provincial capital. "It only took me about 20 minutes from getting off the plane to clearing immigration," she said. "Traveling to China has become very convenient under the visa-free policy." Her quick immigration process was the result of China's visa-free travel policy for Russian nationals holding ordinary passports, which took effect on Sept. 15. More than 4,800 Russian travelers have since entered China visa-free through Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, with that figure accounting for approximately 66 percent of all Russian arrivals the airport has handled in that time. "We maintain round-the-clock staffing, open all inspection channels, and do our utmost to provide safe, efficient and convenient clearance for travelers," said Liu Huifang, who works at the airport's border inspection station. According to China's National Immigration Administration (NIA), tourists from 76 countries are now able to benefit from unilateral or mutual visa-free entry, with transit exemptions expanded to 55 countries. Citizens of 55 countries can visit China in transit visa-free for up to 10 days, before traveling on to a third destination. The NIA previously estimated that an average of 2 million daily border crossings would be recorded during the holiday. To facilitate the travel of foreign tourists, China is working to remove payment barriers and rolling out AI-powered translation tools at airports and tourist attractions nationwide. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Chinese lion dance wins hearts in Africa China Daily) 09:01, October 09, 2025 A lion dance troupe formed by students from the Confucius Institute, University of Nairobi, on March 12. (WANG YUXI/CHINA DAILY) Around May 2022, Anthony Kahuro, a kung fu teacher at the Confucius Institute at Kenya's University of Nairobi, approached Wang Shangxue, who had just joined the institute as director, to discuss the possibility of starting a lion dance club. Wang was receptive to the idea. But the institute didn't have a professional trainer to run a lion dance club. That didn't deter Kahuro. Determined and passionate, he spent two months watching videos on YouTube and learning the basic lion dance skills from them, while simultaneously researching the subject. Confident in shouldering the responsibility of a lion dance trainer, he convinced Wang to open a lion dance club. Wang organized the costumes and other materials for the training, and the club officially started with 10 members in late 2022. Today, the number of members has increased to 30, with many more students interested in joining it. Knowing kung fu helped Kahuro to quickly grasp the lion dance moves. "Our main method of improving skills is watching You-Tube. We watch, try, experiment and then put in some African touch to the performance. I have visited China for kung fu training where I also interacted with some lion dancers from whom I learned some skills," he said. With deepening exchanges between China and African countries over the years, lion dance, a traditional Chinese dance mimicking the movement of one of Africa's most iconic animals, is gaining popularity in Kenya and some other African countries. The Chinese lion dance is often performed by two dancers, one of whom manipulates the lion's head and the other the tail. Dressed in "lion costumes", the dancers imitate a lion's movements accompanied by lively, rhythmic drumbeats, gongs and cymbals. Traditionally, it is performed during the Spring Festival, and other important occasions including the opening of a business or weddings to bring good luck and fortune. Since the establishment of the club, the members have given 60 performances at the invitation of various organizations, Kahuro said. During the Spring Festival in January, his troupe performed 15 shows earning a handsome amount. Some members of the Acrobatic Team of Kenya have been taking part in lion dance training, Kahuro said, adding that the "Burundi Drummers", a Burundian cultural group of drummers based in Nairobi, have been helping the lion dance team with drums and other percussion instruments. Some have even expressed interest in joining the training program. The lion dance team takes part in the Spring Festival celebration in Nairobi, on Jan 24. (WANG YUXI/CHINA DAILY) Iconic animal But why is the Chinese lion dance becoming popular in African countries? The fact that the lion is an iconic African animal was one of the key motivating factors for starting the lion dance club, Wang said. The institute also wants students to practice the real thing as opposed to just experiencing it through videos on YouTube and other platforms, as was the case previously. "It's the busiest club in our institution. The troupe is always invited to perform during the Spring Festival," Wang said. Stressing that China has two types of lion dance, the northern and the southern, she said the club practices the southern lion dance because it is beginner-friendly. Although both types of lion dance require lion costumes, they differ in appearance, performance style and origin. The northern lion dance is more acrobatic and realistic, with the performers balancing on balls and seesaws, while the southern style is more stylized, marked by powerful movements and lion behavior like grooming and scratching. Apart from the lion dance club, the University of Nairobi also has groups that are learning about the unique Chinese culture. The East Africa Cantonese Organization, an association that supports businesses from China's Guangdong province in expanding into East African markets, formed a lion dance troupe earlier this year, focusing purely on the southern Chinese lion dance without adding any African element to it. The troupe has nine members, most of whom are trained in acrobatics. "The lion dance is part of Guangdong's local culture. I was exposed to lion dance in childhood," Zhan Li, chairman of the organization, said. Forming the troupe was easy because they had already been gifted with a lion dance set, including two vibrant lion heads along with long, colorful lion bodies, lion costumes, gongs, drums, other musical instruments, and flags by the Guangdong provincial government 10 years ago. "We are still in the early stages and don't have a dedicated training venue yet. We train at our factory usually twice a week, but we hold more training sessions when preparing for a live performance," he said. Each dancer is paid a training allowance of about $15 per session and $27 during performances. Kenyan students practice lion dance in Nairobi on March 12. (ZHANG MINGXIAO/CHINA DAILY) Physical agility The nine dancers, most of them Kenyans, were selected based on their knowledge and level of interest in lion dance, as well as their physical agility and flexibility. "We have participated in several performances. We celebrated Chinese New Year in Chinatown in Nairobi, performed the Drunken Lion dance at the Chinese embassy, and were invited to perform by the International School of Kenya," he said. Zheng said that in the future, they wish to collaborate with more organizations in Kenya. "Lion dance is a symbol of good fortune, and we aim to perform at various business and cultural events. We also hope that both the Chinese and local communities in Kenya can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this cultural tradition," he said. Alkhaka Mikidadi, one of the team members, said he hopes to spread the knowledge about lion dance among young children in Kenya once he becomes an expert in lion dancing. "The one holding the lion's head and manipulating the lion's move is the one who leads the dance. Handling the lion's head is also the hardest part in a lion dance, because the performer has to use it to mimic a lion's 'facial expressions' like happy, sleepy and hungry," he said. Bakari Juma, another member of the troupe and an acrobatics performer for more than 10 years, said his dream is to become a "lion king dancer", while the father of another performer lauded the Chinese people for introducing the culture to Africans, saying it will expand people-to-people exchanges between the two sides. Kenyan students practice lion dance in Nairobi on March 12. (ZHANG MINGXIAO/FOR CHINA DAILY) Alice Usla Wanjala, a second-year student of BSc (Microbiology and Biotechnology) at the University of Nairobi who is also learning the Chinese language at the Confucius Institute, said her goal is to have as much fun as possible and make the lion dance known to more people in Kenya through performances and by spreading knowledge about it. "The club is male-dominated but they are welcoming (women). Initially, it may feel awkward when a woman joins the troupe," she said. "Many people's presumption is that a man is holding the lion's head but when I open the mouth of the lion and they see it's a woman, they are shocked," she said. Holding the head is fun and exciting, Wanjala said, with a different person holding the body and the tail at times, providing a different experience each time. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Zhong Wenxing) And if awarding the prize to the US president alone is more than the committee can swallow, they could extend it to the Emir of Qatar, who did much to impose the deal on Hamas, notwithstanding the Israeli attack on Hamas leaders on its territory. To do President Trump justice, he has gone out of his way at every turn to share the credit for the achievement with Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and, last week, Jordan. This was, he intimated, a group deal, and Arab credibility is invested in it as well as his own. Now, after years of rumours, the cold hard cash proves it: London is very much out of love with the meme come to life. If it feels inevitable, thats because it is. The baffling thing is why anyone goes to a restaurant built on internet hysteria in the first place. But, with fame so often overriding quality, they did here, at least for a while. And so I have been writing about the vacuous, Lamborghinid world of Salt Bae for eight years now, to document this demand. Christ. Salt Bae might be losing millions, but out of the pair of us, I still think hes had the better deal. Outside of London, therefore, the groups search for more expensive homes means that house price growth for this section of the market is outpacing the average. Over the last year, for example, the average price for a first-time buyer home grew by 2.4 per cent, compared to the UK average of 1.3 per cent across the market. Victoria is infamous for remaining stony faced in front of the camera, but that isnt always deliberate, she says. When she stands next to David for a couples photo, he takes the left hand position the side that her preferred smile is most visible. I didn't realise that when I smile, which I do, I smile from the left, she says. If I smile from the right, I look unwell. Consequently, I'm smiling from the inside, but no one sees." This was the second highest total ever reported to the organisation in the first six months of any year, but it was down by a quarter from the record high of 2,019 incidents recorded between January and June 2024. Borough-wide licensing in Brent has been the law since April 2024. All landlords renting out properties in Brent, except Wembley Park, need a license and those who dont face hefty fines or prosecution. The private rental sector is increasingly being used to address a shortfall in social housing, and the council wants to use tougher rules to drive up standards and make them safer. Ms Conway said her block was plagued by the same issues fuelling thousands of resident complaints, including having gone two months with no hot water. She argued that it was even costlier for the council to be paying sub-contractors to come to peoples homes, only to keep returning because they werent able to finish the works. The Mayor of London told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): Im delighted that weve seen a major surge in visitors from the USA. Its testament to the world-leading offer we have in London, from our hospitality, to our arts and culture, to our brilliant shops and restaurants. You cant try people on the basis of situation as it now is or might be in the future. And therefore, the only evidence that a court would ever admit on this would be evidence of what the situation was at the time. China's commitment bolsters global confidence in climate governance 10:37, October 09, 2025 By He Yin ( People's Daily On Sept. 24, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered video remarks at the United Nations Climate Summit held in New York, putting forward three proposals on advancing global climate governance to firm up confidence, live up to responsibilities, and deepen cooperation. He also announced China's new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). At this critical juncture in global climate governance, China's vision and solutions exemplify the role of a responsible major country and significantly boost international confidence in advancing the climate agenda. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, a pivotal year for countries to submit their new NDCs. At this important moment, China is determined to be a contributor to and doer in advancing global climate governance. In his remarks, Xi announced to the world that China will, by 2035, reduce economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions by 7 to 10 percent from peak levels, striving to do better; increase the share of non-fossil fuels in total energy consumption to over 30 percent; expand the installed capacity of wind and solar power to over six times the 2020 levels, striving to bring the total to 3,600 gigawatts; scale up the total forest stock volume to over 24 billion cubic meters; make new energy vehicles the mainstream in the sales of new vehicles; expand the National Carbon Emissions Trading Market to cover major high-emission sectors; and basically establish a climate-adaptive society. New energy vehicles are parked at a container terminal in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu province, ready to be shipped overseas. (Photo/Shi Jun) These targets and measures represent China's maximum efforts in setting goals consistent with the requirements of the Paris Agreement. They have quickly drawn international attention and broad commentary. Many observers regard the commitments as a landmark step and expect China to sustain momentum on climate action. Some argue that the move has reinvigorated global confidence in emissions reduction, and China's clean energy boom will reshape the global economy. Overall, analysts believe that China is accelerating its green transition, has the capacity to meet its goals, and is injecting renewed confidence into global climate governance. Climate change is a shared challenge to the common interests of all humanity. Effective response requires collective wisdom, mobilized resources, and concrete global action. To advance global climate governance, the world must firm up confidence. Green and low-carbon transition is the trend of the times. From Eurasia to the Americas, from the African highlands to the Pacific island countries, a broad international consensus has formed around pursuing sustainable development and tackling climate change together. Green transition is both the only path to address climate change and a new driver of economic and social development. Looking ahead, the international community should stay focused on the right direction, remain unwavering in confidence, unremitting in actions and unrelenting in intensity, and push for formulation and delivery on NDCs, with a view to providing more positive energy to the cooperation on global climate governance. Photo shows a solar farm in Sixi village, Zigui county, central China's Hubei province. (Photo/Wang Gang) To advance global climate governance, the world must live up to responsibilities. There is only one Earth for humanity. Protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development is a shared responsibility of all countries. At present, achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement is challenged by insufficient implementation of NDCs, funding shortfalls, and delays in technology and capacity building. Fairness and equity should be upheld and the right to development of developing countries fully respected. The global green transition should serve to narrow rather than widen the North-South gap. Countries need to honor the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, whereby developed countries should take the lead in fulfilling emission reduction obligations and provide more financial and technological support to developing countries. To advance global climate governance, the world must deepen cooperation. The world today faces not only deficits in development and in green transition, but also deficits in trust and in governance. To overcome these deficits, countries must join hands to deepen cooperation, pool strengths for green development, and address the challenges of climate governance, instead of creating obstacles in green development and cooperation. Wind turbine blades are ready to be hoisted and shipped at an offshore wind power production base in Rongcheng, east China's Shandong province. (Photo/Li Xinjun) The world now faces a huge demand for green development. It is important that countries strengthen international coordination in green technologies and industries to address the shortfall in green production capacity and ensure free flow of quality green products globally, so that the benefits of green development can reach all corners of the world. Addressing climate change is both an urgent and a long-term task. The trend of green and low-carbon transition is irreversible. By firming up confidence, living up to responsibilities, and deepening cooperation, all parties can work together to realize the beautiful vision of harmony between humanity and nature and safeguard the shared planet. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Du Mingming) The Met explained that while there was no indication that the pro-Palestinian protests will directly counter the CAA, it is our judgement that the coming together of large groups with opposing views in the same location poses a risk of serious disorder. When I acknowledged it, really, and was honest with myself, my life changed. I mean, it was wonderful. But that space of purgatory, I guess, between hell of what I was feeling and the heaven that was the other side of it, was a lot of that was swimming around in shame. I write about the people, places, culture and history of Austin and Texas. A native Texan, I earned my Ph.D at the University of Texas. First as an arts reporter and critic, I've written for the Austin American-Statesman for 36 years. I'm pleased to join the Hearst Texas family of newspapers. Please sign up for my statewide "Think Texas" newsletter and column, which includes links to my "From the Archives" columns about Austin. Five volumes of my "Indelible Austin" books, taken from my newspaper columns, are available at bookstores, gift shops and E-commerce sites. Please send tips and questions to mbarnes@statesman.com. As everything changes in this world, so does the profile of art collectors. The classic picture of the mature magnate bidding for a Rothko at a London auction room is giving way to that of young individuals in their early thirties who invest from their mobile phones, share online stories of their favorite art stands from the Frieze Seoul fair, and buy and sell digital art with the joy of someone who accepts that everything in this life is transitory, so that leaving a legacy is not a priority. The society of the spectacle predicted by the philosopher Guy Debord is now functioning at full capacity, while social media and their algorithms impose new customs on us. And new customs require new terms to designate them. For the art market, this change implies the transition from the era of the blue chip to the era of the red chip. This was pointed out by art columnist Annie Armstrong in a widely read article in the industry, published last spring in the specialized magazine Artnet. Under the title Forget Blue-Chip Art. Its a Red-Chip Art World Now, Armstrong detailed what this cultural shift entails. It is an art market that, in its most substantial segment (at this point its worth remembering that most of the art for sale falls far short of this privileged position), had for decades been dominated by the undisputed big names, the so-called blue chips: artists legitimized by the power of institutions, with stratospheric and ever-rising prices. But the market is rapidly evolving towards another concept, that of red chips, which is closer to the visual and conceptual schemes with which a new generation of collectors feel more comfortable. The red chip art would be visually striking, but with a not too complex conceptual background. Miguel Angel Garcia Vega, an expert on art market issues, sums it up this way: Weve been using the term blue chip for many years, with buyers acquiring art that was harder to understand and required more effort. Now theres another generation, which will be the one to inherit the most money in history, that seeks a much simpler artistic expression. Art is a reflection of the society we live in, and this one wants fewer complications and lots of experiences, to live in the moment. Thats what the red chip universe is all about. Work by Yoshitomo Nara auctioned at Sotheby's in February 2025. Alamy Stock Photo Naturally, the prevailing political and economic situation at any given time also influences art. So its hard not to consider the current rise of far-right governments and rampant capitalism as additional factors. In this regard, Annie Armstrongs article timidly mentioned Donald Trump: [Red-chip art] is not unrelated to Trumpism, and Trumpisms aesthetics, but it does not have an explicit political stance, the author states. Blue chips are the paintings of Gerhard Richter and Anselm Kiefer, or of Julie Mehretu and David Hockney, the photos of Cindy Sherman and the sculptures of Yayoi Kusama. However, it is significant that art had already borrowed the old label blue chip from the financial world, which in turn had it from gambling. While blue chip originally referred to stock market investments in companies of proven solvency, which generate abundant dividends and guaranteed capital gains, the expression comes from the blue chips used in casinos and card games, considered to have the greatest economic value. It is important to note that, when applied to the artistic world, it does not identify a movement or specific forms of expression, but rather is a market term. For contemporary art, therefore, blue chips include the paintings of Gerhard Richter and Anselm Kiefer, or Julie Mehretu and David Hockney, the photographs of Cindy Sherman, and the sculptures of Yayoi Kusama, as well as the galleries that sell them, such as Hauser & Wirth to Gagosian, from Pace to Thaddaeus Ropac to David Zwirner. Safe bets, known to a wide audience and extraordinarily expensive, they remain within the reach of a select few whonotwithstanding any genuine appreciation they may have for the art they collectare proud of their possessions and the symbolic status they confer. 'Comedian', by Maurizio Cattelan, a very expensive banana acquired and then swallowed by a collector with a 'crypto-bro' profile, is a sharp critique of the art market and late-capitalist society. PETER PARKS (AFP via Getty Images) From these parameters, its easy to identify a blue-chip artist. Things get a little more complicated when we try to do the same by shifting to red. For this, we can turn to creators close to the aesthetics of Japanese anime or classic Western comics, graffiti and street art, and also those who have survived the collapse of the NFT phenomenon. In some cases, their high prices make them almost indistinguishable from their older blue-chip siblings, but in others, their quotes are much more modest. At various points in her article, Annie Armstrong brings up a fairly heterogeneous group of red-chip artists, including, among others, Yoshitomo Nara, Beeple, Mr. Brainwash, and KAWS, as well as pieces such as the dubious sculptural portrait that Mark Zuckerberg commissioned of his wife, Priscilla Chan, from the American artist Daniel Arsham. They all have in common the fact that they constitute visually striking art, with a conceptual background that is not too complex, although this latter is debatable in the case of Yoshitomo Nara (not so in the case of his many imitators). Even more debatable is the inclusion in the group of the Italian conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan thanks to his famous work Comedian, a very expensive banana acquired and then eaten by a collector with a cryptobro profile, whose sharp critique of the art market and late-capitalist society should place him in a different spectrum, regardless of the type of collectors he may eventually attract. Visitors admire Otto Piene's 'Blue Star Linz' and Secundino Hernandez's 'Four Seasons, Between Summer and Fall' at Art Basel in 2017. Harold Cunningham (Getty Images) Victoria Solano, who has a long career as a gallerist in leading international venues such as Marian Goodman (in New York), Travesia Cuatro, and Carlier Gebauer (in Madrid), and who is currently an independent consultant and art dealer, believes that the red chip concept does offer some utility: It helps us understand a way of approaching the contemporary art market. The red chip buyer is an undeniable trend, one that is very identifiable and that we have seen emerge and grow over the last 10 years. It includes buyers who have made a lot of money from the crypto and tech world, but not only that: we must also consider a type of buyer who generally has no intention beyond the ephemeral, beyond what is hot at the moment. One who does not have a deep, long-term vision, but who suffers from a kind of artistic FOMO, in addition to the aspirational motivation that has always existed in art purchases. As for artists, Solano believes many of them feel comfortable in this category because it allows them to succeed without being validated by institutions. Here we can include everyone from established artists to very young content creators who are more in tune with the popular culture of todays digital age, she adds. Another gallery owner, Pablo Florez, who runs the prestigious Madrid establishment Ehrhardt Florez, has internationally successful artists on his roster, such as the Secundino Hernandez or Andre Butzer, to whom the red chip label might be applied, but also others with a radically different profile, either due to their long history of successes along the blue path (such as Imi Knoebel) or the complexity of their artistic expression (David Bestue, June Crespo). So Florez makes it clear that his gallery has no intention of flirting with the red chip. The cases of artists who have been successful in recent years, and not so recent, such as Secundino Hernandez or the Andre Butzer phenomenon, presumably have nothing to do with these very specific market trends, he believes. Butzers language and his reflection on popular culture in relation to Expressionist painting date back to the late 1990s, for example. As a gallery, we believe we must be a space of resistance to these dynamics that impoverish our culture and, in the long term, also hinder the industry as a source of wealth. Red or blue? Artist Andre Butzer at the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid with one of his works. SOPA Images (SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett) Victoria Solano agrees: Im concerned that some galleries have succumbed to the temptation of prematurely and artificially inflating the prices of young artists, jumping on the bandwagon. This not only harms the market but, above all, the artists careers. I believe in building and developing their careers more organically, rather than through flash-in-the-pan. An artists career should develop over a long period of time, and thats the opposite of fleeting fads. However, Pablo Florez doesnt find that there has been a widespread negative trend, at least from what hes been able to see. The collectors we work with generally have a different perspective, and they collect out of passion or pleasure, he asserts. Yes, some requests from foreign buyers have a certain speculative tinge, but they dont have an impact on our numbers or our work. On the contrary, Ive noticed an evolution in Spanish collecting, with people with a long tradition of collecting responding very positively to the new languages and trends emerging in our country, and on the other hand, new collectors or buyers who are gradually incorporating contemporary art into their lives. That said, we cant deny that there are always exceptions: people looking for a quick investment in contemporary art. But weve been experiencing this trend at the gallery with some artists for over 15 years now. Two of the most expensive NFT artworks: 'Everydays: The First 5000 Days' by Beeple, and pixel art by CryptoPunks, on a blurred background. Alamy Stock Photo Perhaps the weak point of these so-called red chips lies in their intrinsic quality. My opinion is that the vast majority have a residual quality, because they lack a critical element, says Miguel Angel Garcia Vega. But we must keep in mind that mistakes are also part of museum collections. We tend to think that theyre all about Goya, Velazquez, Ribera, and Zurbaran, but thats not the case: in between, there have been dozens of artists who were there but who, over time, have faded into obscurity. In any case, whether theyre dealing with blue or red chips, art market players dont follow very different patterns in their decision-making, and their collections tend to converge around a few names with a certain aura. In this regard, I like to quote a passage from Tolstoys The Death of Ivan Ilyich that a collector friend of mine always reminds me of," notes Victoria Solano. It says something like Ivan Ilyich had decorated his house with such an intention to be original that it ended up resembling any other of its kind. Glen Powell takes photos with fans during the Texas Longhorns game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K RoyalTexas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Glen Powell is swapping the red carpet for the grill. Mighty Fine is serving a limited-time Smash Kitchen Hot Honey BBQ Burger featuring Creekstone smashed patties, coleslaw, pickles, onions, and Powells Hot Honey BBQ Sauce. The burger is the first in a line of collaborations tied to Powells new condiment brand, Smash Kitchen. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The man, the myth, the sauce master: Where to find Glen Powells condiment line? Mighty Fine will offer the Hot Honey BBQ Burger all of October, in collaboration with Glen Powell's condiment line, Smash Kitchen. Provided by Consumable Content. Co-founded with Sameer Mehta and Sean Kane, the brand focuses on organic, non-GMO sauces designed to elevate everyday meals. The initial lineup includes eight productsfrom classic ketchup and mustard to Hot Honey Ketchup and Spicy Mayopriced between $1.97 and $4.97, now available at Walmart nationwide and online. Glen Powell does a cooking demonstration alongside celebrity chef Nick DiGiovanni at the Walmart Pregame in Austin on Oct. 3, 2025. Julianna Duennes Russ Powell brought some hometown energy to the rollout with a Walmart pregame in Austin last week, cooking with celebrity chef Nick DiGiovanni, hosting tastings and screening the first episode of his Hulu comedy, Chad Powers. Fans got a taste of the sauces and the burger in true Texas-style tailgate fashion. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For Austinites, Smash Kitchen products are stocked at four Walmart locations: Ben White, I-35, US-290, and Norwood Park Blvd. The Hot Honey BBQ Burger will be available all month at Mighty Fine. 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. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer The Texas National Guard has been deployed to Chicago a move authorized by the Trump administration with cooperation from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. The order sends 200 Texas troops to the windy city with the stated purpose of protecting federal property, including ICE facilities. This controversial operation, set to last 60 days, comes over objections from Illinois officials, who argue the deployment violates state sovereignty and exceeds federal authority. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But what exactly is the National Guard? And has it done anything like this before? What is the National Guard? The National Guard is a reserve of the U.S. military that serves both state and the federal governments. In peacetime, most guard units are under the command of their state or territorys governor, but the president can federalize them during national emergencies or wartime. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The guard is made up of two branches, the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard, and operates under a dual mission structure, performing both domestic and overseas duties. More than 430,000 soldiers and airmen serve in the force. Domestically, guard members respond to natural disasters, civil unrest, and other emergencies, while federally, they can be deployed abroad to support active-duty forces. Guard members typically serve part-time, balancing civilian jobs or education with monthly training and periodic active service. The organization traces its roots to colonial militias formed in the 1600s, making it one of the oldest military institutions in the United States. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Today, there are 54 National Guard organizations across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories, coordinated nationally by the National Guard Bureau under the Department of Defense. The chief of the National Guard Bureau is a four-star general and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus of the Air Force currently holds the position. What is the Texas National Guard? The Texas National Guard is the states component of the U.S. National Guard system and is part of the broader Texas Military Forces, which also includes the Texas State Guard. Under the command of the Texas governor, it can be activated for state missions such as disaster response, civil emergencies and border security, while also being subject to federal mobilization by the president. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Texas National Guard is the largest of the state guard organizations, with 19,000 soldiers and airmen. The history of the Texas National Guard traces back to early militias of the Republic of Texas and later volunteer units. Through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Texas militia and volunteer guard units frequently responded to labor conflicts, civil unrest and border tensions with Mexico. In 1916, Texas militia units were federalized under the National Defense Act, forming part of the newly standardized National Guard system. During World War I, these troops became part of the 36th Infantry Division that served overseas. After World War II, the Texas Guard expanded and reorganized. In modern times, the Texas National Guard fulfills a variety of roles. The Texas Army National Guard assists with disaster relief, state emergencies, security support, and border missions. The Texas Air National Guard supports state and federal missions like disaster relief, search and rescue and vital infrastructure protection. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One prominent recent mission was Operation Lone Star, in which thousands of guard members have been activated by the governor to assist state and federal law enforcement along the TexasMexico border to deter illegal crossings and interdict transnational criminal activity. Have federalized guard troops been sent on domestic missions before? The National Guard has been federally mobilized multiple times for domestic missions. They were used five times throughout the 50s and 60s to support desegregation and civil rights efforts. Notably, they were deployed to Little Rock, Ark. in 1957 and 1958 to help desegregate schools. And in 1965 they were sent to protect civil rights protestors marching from Selma, Ala. to the state capital, Montgomery. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They have also been deployed three times to quell civil unrest, like in 1992 during the Los Angeles riots sparked by the acquittal of police officers who beat Rodney King, a Black man, in the street. In 1970, more than 200,000 postal workers walked off the job in the first nationwide Postal Service strike, prompting President Richard Nixon to declare a national emergency and deploy as many as 25,000 National Guard troops to New York to keep mail operations running. And in 1989, the guard was sent to the U.S. Virgin Islands after Hurricane Hugo devastated the territory. President George H. W. Bush federalized the guard to restore order and aid recovery. A lawsuit has been filed against a Hutto daycare claiming that two unrelated infants were exposed to marijuana smoke from a vape. American-Statesman A Williamson County jury has sentenced a Taylor man to 80 years in prison after he was found guilty of driving while intoxicated. Thomas Holman, 60, had four prior DWI convictions and numerous arrests dating back to the 1980's, according to a news release from the district attorney's office. The jury on Tuesday sentenced him based on a 2023 DWI charge. Police arrested him on Feb. 19, 2023, in Taylor after an off-duty officer from the Holland Police Department noticed him driving in a Jeep in the middle of the road, the release said. It said Holman also was going 60 mph in a 30 mph zone from Granger to Taylor. It said the off-duty officer stopped Holman. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Taylor police arrested Holman after observing signs of intoxication and doing field sobriety tests, the release said. A test later showed that Holman's blood alcohol content was .292, which is more than three times the legal limit for Texas drivers, police said. Holman decided to represent himself at his own trial despite warnings from the court, the release said. It said that during the three-day trial, the jury learned that while Holman was out on bond for the DWI charge from 2023, he was arrested again for another DWI after his vehicle crashed in Williamson County in 2024. The 2024 DWI charge is still pending against him, the release said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Taylor Police Department Taylor Police A man has been charged with murder in the stabbing death of a 22-year-old woman in Taylor, police said. Thomas Flinders, 22, of Jarrell, was arrested on Wednesday in connection with death of Ashley McMicken, according to a police news release. Another stabbing victim was treated at the scene for wounds that were not life-threatening, the release said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thomas Flinders Williamson County Sheriff Police were alerted at 11:26 p.m. Tuesday about an assault in progress in the 4100 block of Kings Canyon Drive, the release said. It said that as officers were responding they received information that the assault was a knife attack. Flinders fled the scene before officers arrived, the release said. Police said they arrived at 11:28 p.m. and began life-saving measures on McMicken, who had multiple stab wounds. McMicken died at the scene, police said. Deputies with the Williamson County sheriff's office arrested Flinders at his home in Jarrell shortly before 7 a.m. Wednesday, the release said. Police did not say how or if Flinders and McMicken were acquainted or give a motive for the incident. Texans can apply to public universities and colleges in the state for free during Free College Application Week. American-Statesman file photo Texas students can apply for admission to public colleges and universities for free next week. The no-fee applications are part of an initiative from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board over Oct. 13 to 19, dubbed Free College Application Week. Senate Bill 2231, passed by the Texas Legislature last session, authorized Texas public institutions and the coordinating board to offer free application week this year to incentive more students to apply for post-secondary opportunities. Starting Monday, any state resident can submit an application to a Texas public university with no charge through ApplyTexas, a state-managed platform. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Wynn Rosser, left, the newly appointed commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, attends the board's annual conference Friday. Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman After this year, Free College Application Week will be offered every second week of October. Typically, a college charges $50 to $75 for an application. If students submit multiple applications, these fees can add up. The upcoming week will both save parents money and signal that Texas higher education is welcoming to all Texans regardless of their economic or college background, said Wynn Rosser, commissioner of the coordinating board. Its one more way Texas is removing barriers to higher education, Rosser said. It starts building awareness to match the aspiration we know Texas families and students have. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source About 80% of Texas families believe higher education is important for students, Rosser said, but the largest barrier they report is cost. What should I do to apply? Texas high school seniors, transfer students and adults can take advantage of the waived fee by going to ApplyTexas, creating an account and starting an application. Though the application must be submitted before Oct. 19 at 11:59 p.m., aspiring college goers can start an application before the week begins and submit starting Monday for free. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texans can apply to any public university and community college in the state for free this week, but only to undergraduate programs. Rosser said applicants should spend at least a few days on their application and anticipate submitting essay responses, test scores and a high school transcript. Through a tool called Direct Admissions, launched last year to improve predictability, Texans can see which public universities they may be admitted to based on self-reported test scores, class-rank and grade point average. Before submitting an application, applicants can visit the My Texas Future website to explore career options in line with their interests. The coordinating board also provides data about the labor market related to demand and earnings, Rosser said. How else is Texas investing in access? With the eighth largest economy in the world, Texas anticipates growing workforce needs that will require more graduates at all levels of higher education, Rosser said. To meet this need, state officials aim to annually graduate 550,000 students with credentials statewide by 2030, and ensure 60% of Texans age 25 to 34 years old are equipped with a degree to meet economic and job needs. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The top 25% of high school seniors eligible will now have guaranteed financial aid met, funded by a new $320 million state investment in financial aid, Rosser said. The investment represents a 22% increase from last year. The states commitment to affordability and access is already paying off, Rosser said. Nearly 60% of graduates finish college with no debt at all, Rosser said, adding that the average debt students leave with is under $25,000. Institutions are reporting record enrollment this year, Rosser said, and he expects application numbers will only grow. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Franco Gonzalez, 18, comforts his mother Lorena as she talks on the phone with her husband Eric Gonzalez-Mendez, who is in an ICE detention facility in Pearsall, at their home in Del Valle, Friday, June 27, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A federal immigration judge has cleared the way for the deportation of an Austin man after more than a decade of humanitarian protection, despite his familys military service and years of compliance with immigration check-ins. Eric Gonzalez Mendez, 48, who has a second son who was preparing to join the military at the time of his arrest, was the subject of an American-Statesman profile in July. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gonzalez Mendez was arrested in June during a check-in appointment at the San Antonio U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office. On Tuesday afternoon, federal immigration Judge Thomas Crossen ruled to remove the Convention Against Torture deportation protection he had granted Gonzalez Mendez more than a decade earlier, saying that enough time had passed since the risk he previously ran as the survivor of a kidnapping. The judge was reviewing the protection after the Department of Homeland Security appealed his earlier decision. Gonzalez Mendez will appeal Tuesday's decision, his family said. The decision was a blow to a family that had hoped to convince the court of Gonzalez Mendezs character, contribution and commitment to the United States in part through their childrens service in the armed forces. But on Tuesday, Crossen said that while he appreciated the familys sacrifice, he could not factor that into his evaluation of whether to keep a humanitarian protection in place. Lorena looks at a photo of her husband Eric Gonzalez-Mendez and their son Eric Gonzalez, who is in the Army Reserve, at her home in Del Valle, Friday, June 27, 2025. Gonzalez-Mendez is in an ICE detention facility in Pearsall. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman He sounded genuinely scared but he knew that he was just wasting time by appealing, Franco Gonzalez, Gonzalez Mendezs 19-year-old son said after he spoke to his father on the phone after the decision. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source At the time of his arrest, Gonzalez Mendez had been checking in with ICE for 11 years and was not set to appear for another immigration court hearing for two years. Still, he was detained, an early example of a summer surge in the arrest of migrants during check-in appointments. Arrests at check-ins rare until this year have increased as the the Department of Homeland Security has adopted a policy of detaining individuals while they go through the immigration process, said Edna Yang, executive director of immigration legal aid group American Gateways. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told the Statesman in July that it was detaining Gonzalez Mendez while his asylum case was being processed. The agency provided a list of alleged crimes but declined to comment further. The Statesman later found that one of the crimes the agency cited did not exist. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gonzalez Mendez had a burglary conviction from three decades ago, when he was a minor. He last came into contact with law enforcement in 2012 for failing to identify himself to police an act that his family said was spurred by fears of deportation. After serving a year in jail for illegally reentering the country, Crossen granted Gonzalez Mendez a withholding of removal, accepting his account that he had been kidnapped and abused by police and drug traffickers in Mexico following his 2004 deportation. Although Gonzalez Mendez entered the country without authorization, this protection allowed him to stay and work in the U.S. Crossen said Tuesday that though he believed Gonzalez Mendezs account, he did not think Gonzalez Mendez still had a credible fear of being identified and harmed by those who had previously threatened him. To qualify for protection, an individual must prove that they are more likely than not to face persecution or torture if returned to their home country. A familys struggles after his detention Over the past few months, the family had struggled to stabilize itself after losing its principal breadwinner. The arrest left a house that Gonzalez Mendez was building for the family unfinished and with ongoing costs. It has kept his wife, Lorena, stressed as she has tried to keep up with her husbands medications for high blood pressure while he has been in detention. At least once, Gonzalez Mendez ended up in the hospital, his wife said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Inside the Pearsall detention facility, Gonzalez Mendez remained resigned, accepting deportation as an increasingly likely fate. On one call to the Statesman, he said he had tried to make amends for the crime he committed in his youth by being a law-abiding citizen for many years, paying his taxes and raising his children to be proud Americans. Although he remained frightened about the danger of life in Mexico and disappointed to be labeled a criminal in the U.S., he said he was grateful for the opportunities the country had offered his children. Lorena gathers documents at her home in Del Valle, Friday, June 27, 2025, that she hopes to use to free her husband, Eric Gonzalez-Mendez, who is in an ICE detention facility in Pearsall. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman In the months since his fathers arrest, Franco Gonzalez said he often found himself unmotivated to do most things, including preparing for the physical and intelligence aptitude test required to enroll in the Air Force reserves. He had postponed his enrollment to help his mother after his fathers arrest. He still plans to join the military; but beyond that, the world seems different now, he said. His fathers cheerfulness and his urgings that his son make a living near the familys Del Valle home once made Franco Gonzalez think he would always live near his parents. Now, he assumes his mother will leave for Mexico to be with his father. He is considering moving to Oregon with his girlfriend to be closer to her family. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This will be an empty house, he said. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, center, surrounded by other Democratic members of Congress and Texas House Democrats, speaks during a press conference at the Democratic Party in Warrenville, Ill., Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press None of the three Democrats who have announced a run for U.S. Senate next year are leading in a statewide poll published Thursday. Instead, Dallas U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who has not disclosed her plans for 2026, has a 6-point lead over state Rep. James Talarico of Austin and a 2-1 advantage over Colin Allred, the former Congress member who came up short in a run for the Senate in 2024. Beto O'Rourke, who has twice lost statewide general election races but so far is not running this cycle, is tied with Talarico in the latest poll by the University of Houston and Texas Southern University. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The findings of the survey of 478 registered voters likely to participate in the March 3 Democratic primary show that field in the U.S. Senate race has yet to gel. Allred, who unsuccessfully challenged U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024, has been running for Senate since July and had raised more than $4 million in his first three months of campaigning. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Talarico, meanwhile, saw his national profile soar over the summer after appearing on comedian-turned-influencer Joe Rogan's podcast and then on other national outlets. He raised $6.2 million in the three weeks after his Sept. 10 entrance into the Senate race. A third candidate, former astronaut and newcomer Terry Virts, has not yet released his fundraising numbers for the filing period that ended Sept. 30. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The poll put Crockett's support at 31% and Talarico and O'Rourke tied with 25%. Farther back in Allred with 13%. Virts' name was not included because of his low name identification, said Rice University professor Mark Jones, one of the poll managers. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points. READ MORE: Tracking the polls in the race for US Senate in Texas If the race were between only Allred and Talarico, the poll found the former Dallas congressman leading 46% to 42%. Black voters preferred Allred by a more than 2-1 margin while Talarico had the edge with white and Hispanic voters, the poll found. Crockett and Talarico are considered rising stars in the Democratic Party, which has not won a statewide election in Texas since 1994. By entering the race for Senate, Talarico is foregoing a reelection run in his safely Democratic Texas House district anchored by Austin. Crockett would have to give up her seat in the U.S. House to run statewide. However, her district was redrawn this by the Republican Legislature in August and includes areas of North Texas that she has not previously represented. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If Crockett does decide to run for Senate, it would make the already expensive Democratic primary even more so. She had nearly $4 million in her campaign account as of June 30, meaning she would likely have a running start in the money chase. Her report for the period ended Sept. 30 is due Oct. 15. Robert Springsteen walks out of Travis County court in 2009 as a free man after prosecutors filed to dismiss the murder charges against him and Michael Scott for the 1991 yogurt shop murders. American-Statesman 2009 file On Oct. 6, 1999, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson proclaimed victory when police arrested four young men for the horrific 1991 murders of four teenage girls in a North Austin yogurt shop. The city exhaled believing justice had been done. But the truth was far more tragic: The real killer would remain unidentified for more than 25 years, while four innocent young men were branded as murderers. During the years-long investigation, Austin police extracted more than 50 false confessions. The original lead detective had dismissed the four boys as suspects. But a new detective, convinced of their guilt despite no physical evidence, pushed forward. They had been high school kids at the time of the murders ordinary teenagers who hung out at the mall, skipped class and chased girls. They were easy to imagine as reckless, but impossible to imagine as killers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After hours of relentless questioning, two of the young men, Michael Scott and Robert Springsteen, falsely confessed. There was no corroborating evidence. When photos emerged of an officer holding a gun to Scotts head during interrogation, his attorneys argued correctly that his confession was coerced. Both men maintained their innocence, yet were convicted on the strength of those statements alone. Springsteen was sentenced to death. Scott, only 15 at the time of the murders, received life without parole. After four teens were murdered in 1991 a North Austin yogurt shop, a billboard at South Congress Avenue and Ben White Boulevard offered a $125,000 reward for leads in the investigation. American-Statesman file Prosecutors tried to press forward with charges against the other two young men, but their efforts failed due to a complete lack of evidence. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A decade later, the convictions of Scott and Springsteen were overturned on constitutional grounds. When DNA testing was finally done, the results excluded all four young men. Rather than admit a grievous mistake, prosecutors vowed to retry the men. For more than 25 years, these men have lived under the shadow of crimes they did not commit. Now, at last, the case has been solved. DNA and forensic evidence have identified the true perpetrator: serial killer Robert Brashers, who acted alone. Last month, Mayor Watson, Police Chief Lisa Davis and District Attorney Jose Garza announced the finding. Only Garza apologized to the wrongfully accused. The mayor and police chief offered no acknowledgment no recognition of the lives derailed or the publics trust betrayed. That silence speaks volumes. The city cannot expect its residents to trust a justice system that refuses to confront its failures. Austins leaders should apologize unequivocally to the men who were wronged. The Police Department must examine how coercive interrogations and tunnel vision led to false confessions. The District Attorneys Office should move swiftly to clear the men completely and ensure their records are expunged. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Maurice Pierce puts his head down on a table in a 1999 court hearing after learning that he would be tried as an adult in the yogurt shop murders. By the time prosecutors later dropped the charges, Pierce had spent three years in jail. Larry Kolvoord/Austin American-Statesman Accountability is not merely about words it is about learning from failure. When officials hide behind defensiveness instead of reflection, they weaken public confidence in every future prosecution. This case should stand as a warning of how the pursuit of closure can eclipse the pursuit of truth. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Austin owes these men more than an apology. It owes them a commitment to change the promise that this city, which once failed so profoundly, can do better. Only when leaders face their own mistakes can justice truly be served. Terre Compton leaves after testifying in a Texas House of Representatives Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence hearing about Robert Roberson on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, at the state capitol in Austin. Compton was a juror in Robersons criminal trial. She said during the hearing that she would not have voted to convict him if she knew what she knows now. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Terre Compton walks into a Texas House of Representatives Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence hearing about Robert Roberson on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, at the state capitol in Austin. Compton was a juror in Robersons criminal trial. She said during the hearing that she would not have voted to convict him if she knew what she knows now. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer I live in Palestine, Texas, where I am raising four kids. In 2003, I was one of the jurors in Robert Robersons murder trial. I also testified in front of a committee of Texas lawmakers at the Capitol last October. I want to speak out again because doctors no longer agree that forensic evidence can reliably prove that shaken baby syndrome killed a child. And now I see people saying that this case was not really tried as a shaken baby case. That is not true. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I took my job as a juror very seriously. The whole explanation presented to us was shaken baby syndrome. Even the defense lawyer said it was shaken baby syndrome and told us not to believe what his client, Robert Roberson, had said about his two-year-old daughter Nikki being sick and falling out of bed in her sleep. The shaken-baby explanation is what our decision was based on. Since the trial, Ive heard explanations that make more sense to me. While Nikki was alive, doctors missed that she had pneumonia. Those doctors prescribed Phenergan and codeine medicines no longer prescribed for children and that made things worse. After Nikki then came down with sepsis, she fell out of her bed. That could have caused the bleeding in her brain. But all we heard, on the jury, was about shaken-baby syndrome. The prosecution even got a teddy bear, and asked witnesses to demonstrate how violent the shaking would be to cause the bleeding inside Nikkis head. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One was Robersons girlfriend, who was not very believable at all and did not seem very stable. What mattered to us was the doctors talking about shaken baby syndrome. That is what convinced us. We were told about this theory and we accepted it as true. We were not given any other explanation or anything else to consider back then. I have also seen people talking about the autopsy report. The medical examiner showed us the autopsy pictures she had taken. We saw how she had cut into Nikkis scalp, peeled it back and found blood inside Nikkis skull. She told us that, even though there was not much damage on Nikkis exterior, the blood inside her head was from either shaking or impacts, but she could not tell the difference. This witness never said anything about CT scans of Nikkis head, about Nikkis medical history, or that Nikki had been sick that week. The medical examiner said that blunt force could be caused by shaking or impacts. Except one bump on the back of Nikkis head, there was no evidence that her skull was bashed in, or any real damage to the outside of her head at all. The shaken-baby doctor from Dallas said the bump was the only impact, and he did not explain that Nikki was ill. It was all about shaking. In the trial, the prosecution sent around autopsy pictures to the jurors showing the bleeding outside of Nikkis brain. They told us this blood proved Nikki had been shaken so violently, her blood vessels burst inside. There was nothing about how bleeding like that could come from other things that have nothing to do with abuse like pneumonia or sepsis. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We believed the shaken baby explanation partly because there was no evidence on the outside of Nikkis body showing that she had been beaten or anything like that. Her face did not show signs of abuse. We were not told anything about Roberson having autism. During trial, I could not understand why he just sat there, not looking at us, just staring straight ahead. With what I now know about autism, his behavior makes more sense. But at trial, we were told that the way he did not scream, like an upset parent should, was a sign he was guilty. If we on the jury knew then what I know now about the new evidence of Nikkis missed pneumonia, how her breathing would have been affected by the Phenergan and codeine doctors gave her that last week, the signs of sepsis, and all the things that were wrong with the version of shaken baby syndrome used in the case we would have had a lot more to discuss. On Thursday, the highest criminal court in Texas blocked Robersons execution just days before it was set to take place and sent the case back to trial court. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It makes me angry that our prosecutors in Anderson County have refused to consider that the previous prosecutors got this case wrong. One of the prosecutors from the trial, Mark Calhoon, is now one of our judges. Our county is very small and poor. The way this case has been handled does not make us look good. Based on all that has come out since the trial, I am 100% certain that Robert Roberson did not murder his child. In this weather satellite photo of Texas, taken around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, high-altitude clouds populate the skies over the Lone Star State with little or no rainfall to show for it. Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites/CIRA and NOAA Its been more than a month since Austin has seen any measurable rainfall. The last time the citys main weather observation site at Camp Mabry recorded measurable rainfall, it was only 0.08 inch on Sept. 5. Austin has had a few chances recently, including one earlier this week with a weak cold front surging into Texas, but no measurable rain was recorded at either Camp Mabry or at the citys other climate observation site, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Were now in the middle of what should be our fall rainy season, with October normally being our second-wettest month of the year, producing an average of 4 inches of rainfall over the course of the month. Thats in addition to the roughly 3 inches we see, on average, in September and November each. Loading... Altogether, the meteorological fall season (September through November) usually brings about 10.28 inches of rain to Austin. So far, though, weve seen less than one-tenth of an inch, making this the fourth-driest start to fall on record, and the driest since 1947. This dry period sent our drought rating by the U.S. Drought Monitor tumbling. In early September, only 48% of South-Central Texas was under a moderate drought but now more than 60% of the land area is in that category. Also, the area that is considered abnormally dry, a precursor stage to drought, increased from 74% to 87% of the region. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Loading... Unfortunately, we wont see much rain in the forecast over the next 10 days, according to the National Weather Services Climate Prediction Center. An upper-level ridge of high atmospheric pressure will build back over Texas this week and remain in place for more than a week. Terrible terrible terrible weather pattern ahead. High pressure bobbles around some, but never lets go of Texas. High confidence of worsening drought and above-average temperatures for the next two weeks pic.twitter.com/f19coRufQ3 Avery Tomasco (@averytomascowx) October 8, 2025 This means continued dry, rain-free weather, above-normal temperatures, worsening drought and an increased threat of fast-spreading wildfires. Winds will turn northerly and become a bit gusty on Thursday afternoon, with some gusts up to 20 mph. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The Texas A&M Forest Service has placed communities along and east of Interstate 35 under a moderate-to-high wildfire threat. On Tuesday, a wildfire broke out in Bastrop County, but it has since been contained and was one of four fires the Texas A&M Forest Service assisted with. Unfortunately, with no rain in the forecast, low relative humidity, and gusty winds, the likelihood of more wildfires this week is high. The threat of fast-spreading wildfires remains high in Central Texas with dry weather continuing for another week. Texas A & M Forest Service The rest of the week will feature plenty of sunshine, light winds, and temperatures ranging from 85 to 93 degrees. Even drier air will move into the area from Friday into the weekend, leading to cooler morning lows. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lower dew points and mostly clear skies will allow for large diurnal swings in temperatures Friday through Sunday, the regional National Weather Service office for Austin wrote in its forecast bulletin. Low temperatures Saturday are forecast to dip into the 50s for many areas, outside of the urban San Antonio and Austin metro areas. The weekend will remain mostly sunny and warm, with humidity slowly rising by Sunday. Dew point temperatures which tend to increase with the level of atmospheric moisture will climb into the 60s after several days in the comfortable 50s. The auxiliary graft functioned well for the first month, but had to be removed due to complications. The 71-year-old patient, who suffered from cirrhosis and liver cancer, died four months later The path toward using genetically modified animal organs for human transplants seems increasingly clear. But its a road with significant obstacles, as demonstrated by a case that came to light on Thursday: the first living person to receive a genetically modified pig liver transplant. This 71-year-old patient, who had cirrhosis and liver cancer, was able to use the organ for over a month, during which time it functioned properly. But on day 38, complications arose that forced the process to be reversed, and the man ultimately died four months later, on day 171 after the transplant. The case shows that, although possible, it is difficult going in a field where the need for viable organs is acute. This case demonstrates that a genetically modified pig liver can function in humans for an extended period, says the studys principal investigator, Beicheng Sun, of First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China. This is a crucial step that demonstrates both the potential and the remaining obstacles, especially regarding coagulation problems and immune complications that must be resolved, the specialist acknowledged in a statement published by the Journal of Hepatology, which published the achievement. In China, where this patient was from, hundreds of thousands of people suffer liver failure each year, but in 2022, only about 6,000 received a transplant. In Europe, last year there were more than 22,000 patients on a waiting list for a liver transplant, and of those, only half received the desired transplant, while more than 2,300 patients died on the waiting list. According to the World Health Organization, thousands of patients die each year waiting for an organ transplant due to a shortage of human donors. In recent years, pig hearts, kidneys and lungs have also been successfully transplanted into human patients, in a field that proves to be a hopeful avenue for millions of people. But some patients were brain-dead, and others died shortly after receiving the organ, so progress remains modest. The patient after the transplant, center, next to the hospital team, in a photo authorized by Beicheng Sun. Primer Hospital Afiliado de la Universidad Medica de Anhui This latest procedure was performed on a 71-year-old man with cirrhosis due to hepatitis B and carcinoma, who was not a candidate for a human liver transplant. Surgeons implanted an auxiliary graft from a pig with 10 genetic modifications, including the introduction of human genes to improve immune compatibility and reduce the risk of clotting. The operation was performed on May 17, 2024, and a week later everything was going well, according to the university: The patient was able to walk freely, no hyperacute or acute rejection reactions were found, the coagulation system was not affected, and liver function had returned to normal. But after a month of producing bile without problems, complications emerged necessitating the removal of the graft. The patient subsequently suffered several episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding and died. This technique, known as xenotransplantation (from a species other than humans), had already been tested with pig livers in two people, one in China and one in the United States, but in a brain-dead state. The Chinese transplant was performed in March 2024 by a team led by surgeon Lin Wang. It worked very well in the human body, said the doctor. Their work was published in May in Nature, a much more influential showcase than The Journal of Hepatology. The difference is that this time, an auxiliary transplant was performed without removing the patients organ entirely. The study published in Nature was the first proof of concept, as a pig liver was successfully ignited in the recipient despite their condition, and continued to function for 10 days (until the family asked for the experiment to be terminated). Dr. Beicheng Sun responds with a concise yes, I agree when asked if his patients outcome shows that these scientific steps are more complicated than they seem. EL PAIS received the same response to the question of whether China is ahead of the United States in this scientific race for a viable and permanent xenotransplant. Sun received significant attention from the Chinese media when the transplant was announced (they even published a photo of the patient), but he did not publish details of his scientific work until this Thursday. Two months after the operation, China sanctioned Sun for unethical conduct in accessing public funds for his research. Its not an open door yet From a scientific perspective, this case demonstrates that a genetically modified pig liver can be grafted, function, and provide synthetic support in a human recipient, at least for several weeks, states an editorial accompanying the study, signed by a group of specialists. The four authors, led by German author Heiner Wedemeyer, conclude: This study should be read both as a cause for cautious optimism and as a reminder of how much progress remains to be made. They caution, above all, that this operation does not yet open the door to widespread clinical use of pig livers, but it does establish proof of concept that such grafts can work in humans. The team of surgeons, led by Beicheng Sun (right). Hospital Universitario de Anhui Beatriz Dominguez-Gil, director of the Spanish National Transplant Organization (ONT), emphasizes that this xenotransplant is the first one performed for therapeutic purposes. It demonstrates that the liver is capable of functioning and supporting the patient for 38 days without evidence of rejection. However, the patient ends up developing thrombotic microangiopathy related to the xenotransplant, which requires graft resection, Dominguez-Gil told the specialized platform SMC Spain. We can say that this is a new step in the advancement of xenotransplantation therapy, which continues to progress in its clinical development, but it also demonstrates the significant obstacles that still need to be overcome, such as the serious complications observed in this patient, Dominguez-Gil adds. However, these cases allow us to glimpse a future in which xenotransplantation will be a clinical reality as a bridge therapy (particularly in the case of the liver) or as a destination therapy, the specialist celebrates. In statements to the same website, both Rafael Matesanz, founder of the ONT, and Ivan Fernandez Vega, scientific director of the Biobank of the Principality of Asturias, point out the strengths and limitations of the breakthrough. Within the race established in recent years by researchers in the United States and China to take the lead in the field of xenotransplantation, the team at Anhui University Hospital has taken a very important step with this study, notes Matesanz. He adds: The experience is highly relevant. As with other xenotransplantation experiments, there are more questions than answers, but a giant step has been taken with a possible immediate practical application as a bridge organ, something that until now had not credibly occurred with other transplanted porcine organs. For Fernandez Vega, it marks a historic milestone and the study is very well documented, with detailed clinical, immunological, and histological follow-up, which gives it great scientific value and reference for the field. Xenotransplantation was not intended as a curative cancer treatment, but rather as a supportive strategy to prevent liver failure after tumor removal, since the remaining liver was insufficient, explains this researcher from the University of Oviedo. On the other hand, Matesanz warns that long-term survival is still a long way off, as with other porcine organs transplanted so far. And Fernandez Vega regrets that the study does not describe the results of an autopsy, to confirm the absence of tumor recurrence, evaluate the condition of the native liver, better understand hemorrhagic complications, and study the systemic immune response. Important questions also remain regarding safety against porcine viruses, duration of function, and ethical and social acceptance, he concludes. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Nicolas Maduro assured this Wednesday that the Venezuelan army will not stand idly by in the event of a U.S. military attack on his country. If the gringos threaten us, we will work harder. If the gringos attack, we will respond, but nothing will stop our work, he said during the inauguration of a hospital in Caracas. The Venezuelan president is seeking to convey calm at a time of heightened tension. A U.S. military detachment composed of ships, planes, and submarines remains anchored in the Caribbean and has fired on vessels it said it suspected of transporting drugs off the Venezuelan coast. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has insisted that Maduro is behind these shipments destined for U.S. soil, and that he must therefore be overthrown and brought before his countrys judicial authorities. Fearing an attack, the Chavista government has deployed troops to the border and is training the civilian population in military tactics. Venezuela and the United States have been negotiating intermittently for at least six years, trying to resolve Venezuelan domestic politics. Maduro, the successor to popular leader Hugo Chavez, won his first election in 2013 in a controversial manner, although there was no clear evidence of fraud. However, he has never provided evidence that he won last years presidential election, despite requests from international institutions and even allied countries such as Brazil and Colombia. The opposition, meanwhile, presented certified vote tallies that have been validated, granting them a landslide victory. The feeling over the past two weeks is that something is going to happen. At first, the Chavista leadership was skeptical and thought it was just a ruse by Washington to push them to negotiate their departure from power, but as the days pass, the threat seems increasingly real. Maduro is appearing almost daily on television, trying to make a show of strength and unity. We are ordinary, everyday people. We are neither magnates nor billionaires, and we govern from the people, with the people, and by the people. Our interest is not in trying to govern the world, he said, clearly alluding to Trump and U.S. foreign policy. The Venezuelan president is very careful not to address Trump directly. Rubio, whom Maduro accuses of poisoning the Republican and leading him into war, is the main target of his accusations. However, on Wednesday, he did refer to the White House resident indirectly: Can anyone believe themselves to be the emperor of the world? No. A president is elected to rule his own country. On Wednesday, more than 60 NGOs sent a letter to the United States Congress urging it to halt the Trump administrations military escalation in the Caribbean, and to express their concern over the repeated extrajudicial killings of unidentified civilians. They also expressed their concern regarding the growing risk of war in the region caused by the operations that have destroyed at least four boats from Venezuela. These attacks have killed 21 people, according to information provided by the White House since the start of the deployment in early September. At the beginning of the year, a Trump advisor, Richard Grenell, was tasked with approaching Chavismo and reaching a few agreements, such as maintaining Chevrons oil license, carrying out a prisoner exchange, and agreeing to the deportation of Venezuelans. Maduro and Jorge Rodriguez, his main political operative, accepted and believed they had signed a peace treaty with Washington. In the long run, it turned out that this was not the case. Trump, according to The New York Times, has ordered the suspension of all diplomatic ties with Chavismo. Right now, they are two nations without dialogue and on the verge of a military escalation. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Netanyahu administration has approved by a broad majority the first phase of Trumps plan, which according to the agreement, implies the war will immediately end Two years, 67,000 deaths, and immense suffering later, the ceasefire in Gaza came into effect in the early hours of Friday morning after being approved by the Israeli government by a wide majority. All ministers voted in favor, except for nearly all members of the far-right parties Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) and Religious Zionist Party. The text of the agreement signed that same morning in Egypt and revealed by Israels public broadcaster says that if it is agreed by both sides, the war would immediately end. However, Prime Minister Netanyahus office merely reported the approval of the framework for the release of all of the hostages the living and the deceased. The Israeli army now has 24 hours to withdraw to the middle of Gaza and facilitate the exchange of prisoners and hostages, which will take place in the coming days. The vote ends a dizzying 24 hours in which Donald Trump announced an agreement on the first phase of his peace plan for the battered Gaza Strip. The two sides and the Qatari, Egyptian, and now also Turkish mediators signed the deal in great secrecy and without media coverage in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, even as celebrations were already breaking out in Gaza and Tel Aviv. A sign of the importance Trump attaches to the agreement is that his special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law and adviser, Jared Kushner, joined the Cabinet meeting, which concluded in the early hours of the morning. Smoke rises in Gaza following an attack on the Nuseirat refugee camp. NurPhoto (NurPhoto via Getty Images) The first phase involves the release of hostages officially set to take place within 72 hours of the armys partial withdrawal, though Trump says it will likely happen on Monday or Tuesday the freeing of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, the pullback of Israeli troops from half of the Gaza Strip, and a massive entry of humanitarian aid previously blocked by Israel. I think its going to be a lasting peace, hopefully an everlasting peace, the U.S. president declared in Washington. Hamas will hand over the 20 living hostages and the remains of another 28 it has located. In addition, it commits to providing information on the whereabouts of other bodies. In exchange, Israel will release 1,700 Palestinians detained during the mass arrests carried out in Gaza during the invasion, plus another 250 prisoners each including at least one serving a life sentence for participating in or organizing attacks related to the Middle East conflict. Israel will also return the bodies of 360 Palestinians killed in combat in the Gaza Strip. The agreement is, above all, the first step toward a definitive end to the invasion that Israel launched two years ago on the anniversary marked this past Tuesday following the attack by the Islamist militia. The head of Hamass negotiating team in Egypt, Khalil al-Hayya, said Thursday afternoon that he had received guarantees from the mediators [Qatar and Egypt]and the Americans that the war has ended indefinitely. The leaked text of the agreement is explicit on this point. The war will immediately end upon the approval of the Israeli government, states the agreement. All military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment and targeting operations will be suspended. It also states that the Israeli army will not return to the areas from which it has withdrawn, though it leaves a vague caveat, conditioning this on Hamass full implementation of the agreement. Bombardments continued on Thursday, killing at least 20 people, according to Palestinian health sources. Joy in Tel Aviv after the announcement of the agreement on Thursday. Emilio Morenatti (AP) Celebrations Scenes of jubilation have unfolded in both Gaza and Israel since the U.S. president announced the deal Wednesday night. Negotiating delegations worked until Thursday morning fine-tuning the final details, according to Egyptian state media. There is still no precise date for the release of the at least 20 living Israeli hostages, whose preparation given that they are scattered across secret locations, some held by militias other than Hamas will take at least two days. Israeli media reported Thursday morning that the handover of captives could begin as early as Saturday, an expectation that Trump himself dampened hours later, estimating that they would return to Israel on Monday or Tuesday, according to correspondent Iker Seisdedos. That same Monday, Trump will address the Israeli Parliament at Netanyahus invitation. In an interview with the U.S. conservative network Fox, Israels Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized that Israel is committed to the ceasefire plan and has no intention of resuming the war once the agreement is implemented. Earlier, a Hamas spokesperson, Hazem Qassem, accused Netanyahu of manipulating the agreed-upon timelines, lists, and procedures. There was talk of the ceasefire taking effect at 12:00 noon today, but the [Israeli] occupation is delaying the announcement for internal reasons, said Qassem, who added that Hamas remains in contact with mediators to ensure Israel complies with the terms agreed upon. A senior official of the Palestinian militia, who responded to questions from EL PAIS on condition of anonymity, also criticized Netanyahu, asserting that he is trying to avoid implementing the decisions [outlined in the agreement] to stop the genocide. According to this Hamas representative, the Israeli prime minister has not yet given his army the order to halt the bombings. In Israel, the most critical voice, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, has limited himself to saying he has mixed feelings and will therefore not vote in favor. On one hand, he said he felt great joy at the return of the hostages, but on the other, immense fear of the consequences of emptying the prisons and releasing the next generation of terrorist leaders who will do everything to continue to pour rivers of Jewish blood. He added: Immediately after the abductees return home, the state of Israel must continue to strive with all its strength to fully eradicate Hamas. Challenges in second phase Since Trump and Netanyahu presented the agreement at the White House on September 19, the way it has been interpreted has been a textbook example of realpolitik. The deadlines and the official start date of the agreement have not followed what was initially announced. It was also not originally designed as a two-phase plan, but it has been treated as such, which has allowed Netanyahu to push it through. Most of the challenges are concentrated in the second phase, such as disarming Hamas or establishing a technocratic Palestinian government. Egypt, meanwhile, continued pressing on Thursday for the authorization of excavators to enter Gaza to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. In a social media message, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi celebrated the Sharm El Sheikh agreement, noting that it comes after two years of suffering. He also expressed his hope that the deal not only closes the chapter of war, but opens the door of hope for the peoples of the region for a future defined by justice and stability. In this photo provided by Egypt's presidency media office, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, second right, meets with U.S President Donald Trump's Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, second left, and Trump's son in law, Jared Kushner, left, at the Presidential Palace in Cairo, Egypt, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. AP/LaPresse The agreement came after an intense day of indirect negotiations that began Wednesday morning in Sharm El Sheikh between mediators from Egypt and Qatar and the Hamas delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya. In the afternoon, the Egyptian and Qatari mediators met with the U.S. and Israeli delegations, which included the head of its negotiating team and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, a close ally of Netanyahu. In the evening, a further expanded session was held, continuing into the early hours of Thursday, when Trump finally announced the agreement and both parties, along with the rest of the mediators, joined in the celebrations. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. The aerobic freakout has begun inside the liberal media over the new owners of CBS News appointing "anti-woke" Bari Weiss to the new post of editor-in-chief. None of the CBS veterans want a new boss with a new ideology. They like pretending they don't have an ideology. They call themselves courageously "independent." Paramount Chief Executive David Ellison wants to put CBS News firmly in the middle: "We want CBS to speak to that 70% of the audience that would really define themselves as center-left to center-right." In her initial memo to employees, Weiss stated several principles that are absolute anathema inside CBS: "Journalism that holds both American political parties to equal scrutiny," and "Journalism that embraces a wide spectrum of views and voices so that the audience can contend with the best arguments on all sides of a debate." The anonymous leakers are already on fire. Jeremy Barr of The Guardian spread the early spurts: "CBS News veterans I've talked to are encouraging Bari Weiss to not mess with the Golden Goose(s) of '60 Minutes' and 'CBS News Sunday Morning.'" What makes them "golden"? They're the opposite of the Weiss principles. They rely on a narrow spectrum of ideas and persistently favor one political party over another. "60 Minutes" is notoriously pro-Democrat, from Steve Kroft trying to save Bill Clinton's 1992 campaign from the early adultery charges of his mistress Gennifer Flowers to Kroft performing a series of blatantly promotional interviews with Barack Obama, starting in 2008. President Donald Trump exposed Lesley Stahl for what she didn't put on the air during their interview in the last weeks of the 2020 campaign. She huffed that there was no way to verify that Hunter Biden's laptop full of potentially devastating Biden family influence-peddling evidence was real. Then the media verified it ... in 2022, with Joe Biden safely elected. In 2022, Scott Pelley did the Kroft spit-and-polish interview with President Biden. He cooked up gooey gushers like this one: "You have lived a long life of triumph and tragedy. In November, you'll be 80. And I wonder what it is that keeps you in the arena." We know part of the answer: He was kept in the arena by powerful White House aides who were actually running America, and who easily manipulated the partisan journalists to fall in line. CBS infuriated the troops by settling with Trump over their sappy interviews with Biden and Kamala Harris. Previous CBS chair Shari Redstone told The New York Times that CBS employees warned her that in October 2023, when Pelley scored a second softball session with Biden, the president had seemed "drowsy and had to be prodded to answer." She worried that CBS might be accused of "editing the interview to conceal Mr. Biden's failings." Biden's doddering was still apparent on air, but imagine what Team Pelley edited out. It's been a very long time since CBS was aiming for an audience that was "center-left to center-right." They've been trying to drag everyone to the left, even in the so-called glory days of Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite. CBS loved the Kennedys, but they despised Nixon and Goldwater and Reagan. The Bushes, who never wanted to upset a liberal journalist, learned just how much Dan Rather hated them. Can CBS actually move to the center? And will that expose how tilted the other networks are every day? It must be a terrifying prospect for the badly named "mainstream media." Because merely adding Democrat scandals and policy failures to the definition of "newsworthiness" is a nightmare, a concept they refuse to accept. (COMMENT, BELOW) The Donald Trump administration began the long-promised financial rescue for Argentina on Thursday. After four days of negotiations in Washington with the Argentine economic team, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reported that they had intervened in the foreign exchange market with direct purchases of Argentine pesos and that a $20 billion currency swap agreement had been finalized. The lifeline provided by the United States is key to supporting the government of Argentine President Javier Milei in the run-up to the legislative elections on October 26. Argentina is facing significant financial instability, while Milei has been embroiled in political scandals. The U.S. Treasury is prepared, immediately, to take whatever exceptional measures are warranted to provide stability to markets, Bessent said in a lengthy post on X. Bessent argued that Argentina needed immediate help to address its serious liquidity problem. Only the United States can act swiftly. And act we will, Bessent continued. Mileis first reaction was to praise Argentinas economy minister, Luis Caputo. By far the best economy minister in Argentine history...! Long live freedom, damn it! he said on social media alongside a photo of the two of them. The announcement capped a disastrous week for the far-right government. On Sunday, its top congressional candidate in Argentinas largest province, Jose Luis Espert, resigned over alleged links to drug trafficking. On Monday, Milei headlined a rock concert that drew criticism around the world. Then, on Wednesday, the Buenos Aires provincial electoral court ruled that Esperts replacement on the party list must be Karen Reinchardt a former actress and TV host with no political experience instead of Diego Santilli, one of the most prominent figures from the PRO party. The political setbacks came amid a financial storm. In just six trading sessions, Argentinas Treasury sold more than $2 billion to shore up the peso, and was on the verge of running out of liquidity. The U.S. operation announced by Bessent was carried out through international banks and had an immediate effect. The peso strengthened for the first time in two weeks, closing at 1,450 per dollar after starting the day weaker. Details of the rescue plan will be released next week, when Economy Minister Caputo returns to the United States this time accompanied by Milei, who is set to be received by Trump at the White House on Tuesday, October 14. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The road for such a fragile initiative is fraught with risks, but the US presidents calculations, the consensus in the region, and Hamas weakness and isolation provide cause for hope Educational exposure of ideas, assumptions or hypotheses, based on proven facts" (which need not be strictly current affairs) Value in judgments are excluded, and the text comes close to an opinion article, without judging or making forecasts , just formulating hypotheses, giving motivated explanations and bringing together a variety of data The first, extremely complicated and fundamental step has been taken. Representatives of Israel and Hamas have sealed an agreement based on Donald Trumps diplomatic initiative to halt the violence in Gaza, and the Netanyahu administration is expected to approve it on October 9. The prospect of its implementation represents an indescribable relief for Gazan civilians plagued by Israel, and it should be celebrated. Immediately afterward, a huge question arises: can it last? Powerful currents are pushing in opposing directions. Speculating about the final outcome is pointless, but it is possible to analyze these. The premise is that the first step was extremely complex due to the resistance of both sides to accepting some elements of the plan. In Hamas case, it meant handing over the hostages, its only bargaining chip. In Israels case, it meant halting a retaliatory offensive that represents a major political and personal asset for Netanyahu who is facing serious corruption charges and enjoying a surge in the polls as well as renouncing any prospects of occupation, annexation, or ethnic cleansing of the Gaza Strip. Only the intense pressure Trump has applied has been able to break this paralysis, fueled by Netanyahus mistakes. He made a colossal error by bombing targets on Qatari territory, angering the Sunni countries in the region, and another by escalating his offensive to the point of generating an unsustainable wave of international outrage. These failures facilitated Trumps actions. But if the first phase was extremely complex, the subsequent steps are, if anything, even more difficult. Hamas should renounce its arms and participate in politics. In effect, it is being asked to surrender completely, while at the same time there are no guarantees that the rights of Palestinians will be respected. Trumps peace plan is in reality a diktat of surrender. Netanyahu, for his part, wants to secure his hold on power with a group of hard-to-describe radicals who will miss no opportunity to restate his maximalist objectives in the face of a plan that maintains the two-state objective, which almost no one in Israel supports anymore. Bezalel Smotrich, Israels extremist finance minister, has already said that Hamas must be annihilated after the hostages are handed over, clarifying that he will not vote in favor of the plan in the war cabinet. All of this will unfold under the leadership of a notoriously volatile Trump. He already facilitated a ceasefire before taking office, only to ignore it for months when it failed and gave way to unspeakable violence. Will he remain involved if he does not win the Nobel Peace Prize? Or will he become frustrated and find something else to distract him? Or if the slightest provocation from an uncontrolled segment stirs the waters? However, in the face of these difficulties, there are forces pushing vigorously to keep the plan on track. First, it must be acknowledged that this time Trump is applying an unprecedented degree of political force. Several objectives overlap. One is personal, as already mentioned: to win the Nobel Peace Prize, to go down in history as a great peacemaker. Another is economic: there are clear business prospects for his family in the reconstruction process, a prospect tinged with corruption that, paradoxically, could produce the asset of a persistent interest in peace. Another is geopolitical: the Sunni regimes were furious with Israels strike inside Qatar, and Trump has an interest in not completely dismantling alliances that, among other things, have an economic return through the purchase of weapons. Yet another is based on domestic and international politics: polls show that support for Israel in American society is sharply deteriorating, and in the rest of the world, the U.S. has been increasingly perceived as an infamous, necessary accomplice in genocide. Secondly, the regional context is also pushing in a favorable direction. Hamas is not only shattered, but also severely isolated. The so-called Axis of Resistance has been greatly weakened over these past two years, with Hezbollah decapitated, Assad overthrown and exiled, and Iran humiliated. And the Sunni Arab regimes, as well as Turkey, have become involved in this plan and have supported it, suggesting that they will continue to do so. Third, the exhaustion of the Gazan population will undoubtedly exert enormous pressure on all those within Hamas who have any decision-making power. Being perceived as precipitating another outbreak of violence would carry a huge political price. On the Israeli side, it is also likely that the fatigue of society will act as a brake on possible decisions to reactivate large-scale violence. But, as we said, the path is fraught with unbalancing obstacles, and the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of constant flare-ups, lulls, and new clashes. How will Hamas be disarmed, and who will oversee it? How will the Israeli withdrawal be carried out? What will the local technical executive be composed of, and under what terms will it be subject to the supervision of the international panel? How and when will the so-called International Stabilization Force be formed and deployed? The plan is full of holes in fundamental aspects, and on both sides as we have seen there are unrestrained radicals and actors who pursue their interests without scruples. Ultimately, the crucial factor is the degree of pressure Trump will apply on Israel. The Israeli government knows the country is more isolated than ever and cannot afford to be left without Washingtons support. Biden will go down in history as the leader who facilitated a heinous operation with genocidal overtones. Trump is an existential threat to democracy and, in many ways, a real disaster for the future of the world, but in this case whatever his motivations may be he seems to have decided to apply pressure in the right direction in a way that has never been done before. Hopefully, he will maintain it, and hopefully, he will apply it equally to another leader wanted by international justice like Netanyahu: Vladimir Putin. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition U.S. Air Force Airman Devontae Taylor, left, and Tech. Sgt. Richard Kramer pose with a civilian family that they helped reunite after the familys 14-year-old son ran off in the crowded National Mall. (Renee Seruntine/U.S. Army) Two Mississippi Air National Guard troops deployed to Washington helped parents reunite with their lost son in the crowded National Mall earlier this week. Air Force Tech Sgt. Richard Kramer and Airman Devontae Taylor, both of whom are with the 172nd Airlift Wing, were on a routine patrol near the Washington Monument Monday when panicked parents went up to them to ask for help, according to a service news release. The parents said their 14-year-old son had suddenly gone missing and asked for help finding him. Kramer got more information from the mother about their son, and then notified a Secret Service agent so that they could look notify other agencies to be on the lookout for the child. Taylor, left, and Kramer with the lost child, center left, near the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., Oct. 6, 2025. (Renee Seruntine/U.S. Army) The airmen then began walking around the mall to search for the boy based on a photo provided by his mother. When approaching the Washington Monument, Taylor saw a teenager that fit the description who was running away, the release said. Taylor caught up with the boy, and escorted him back to his family. Im glad we found the child safe and we were able to get him back to his parents effectively helping to make D.C. a better, safer place, said Taylor. Thats what we were brought here for; thats what we signed up for; and Im glad to have played my part in it. Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee about his nomination to be Air Force chief of staff on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON Air Force Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach and his wife had planned to retire to Florida this year and begin the next chapter of their lives. But then I received a call to continue my service. After much reflection and prayer, I said yes because I love this country, and I love the Air Force, Wilsbach told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday as the nominee to be the Air Forces top officer. Wilsbach most recently served as the commander of Air Combat Command, which ensures airmen and aircraft are prepared for combat. He stepped down from his position as head of Air Combat Command in August and previously led U.S. Air Forces in the Pacific. During your tenure as the Air Combat Commander, you helped lead the service through a critical period of modernization, and you have extensive leadership experience at every level from squadron to wing and across the globe, including in combat, said Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the committee. President Donald Trump nominated Wilsbach last month to be the Air Force chief of staff. If confirmed, Wilsbach will succeed Gen. David Allvin, who unexpectedly announced in August he would retire as the Air Forces chief of staff halfway through his four-year term. Allvin said he plans to leave his post in November and did not give a reason for his early retirement. His departure follows the firing of the Air Force vice chief of staff in February and makes him the third member of the Joint Chiefs to leave or be dismissed early in recent months. Senators addressed several topics, including modernization and readiness, as well as ensuring China remains an area of focus. I never thought Id be at a hearing where the exciting and sexy topic of maintenance would be dominating the discussion, but it is critically important, Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, said. Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said the Air Force has faced persistent decline in overall aircraft mission capability rates including for the F-22, F-35 and the KC-46s. He told the general we have got to reverse this rate. We have the people available to fix them, but they determine we need a part, and they turn around to the shelf to pull the part off the shelf, and its not there, Wilsbach responded. Its not completely funding, but thats a large, large part of it. The Air Force requested Congress spend $209.6 billion a 13.5% increase from fiscal 2025 in the next fiscal budget. It includes $184.9 billion in the annual defense budget, supplemented with another $24.9 billion in one-time spending included in legislation now before Congress. To fund its priorities, the Air Force will reduce its planned purchase of F-35A Lightning II fighters by 24 planes. The budget also calls for retiring all 162 of its remaining A-10 Thunderbolt II ground attack aircraft by the end of 2027 instead of the previously planned phase-out over three years. China was identified as the U.S. militarys pacing threat by both the first Trump administration and the administration of former President Joe Biden. The administrations forthcoming defense strategy reorders U.S. military priorities centering the Pentagon on perceived threats to the homeland, narrowing U.S. competition with China, and downplaying Americas role in Europe and Africa, The Washington Post reported. It is concerning that there are some rumors, recent reporting that the draft national defense strategy deprioritizes the challenges posed by China. General would you agree that China continues to be a significant or the most significant threat to US national security, Sen. Mazie Hirono asked. Yes, I would agree, Wilsbach replied. Wilsbach was commissioned in 1985 after graduating from the University of Florida and earned his pilot wings the following year. As a fighter pilot, Wilsbach has logged 6,000 flying hours in aircraft such as the F-22, F-15 and F-16 and has flown 71 combat missions. The International Astronomical Union has named an asteroid after the Victorian stargazer, who studied the skies for 25 years from Cambridge University, but whose work has remained forgotten for more than a century Annie Walker was 15 years old when, in 1879, she started working as a computer at the Cambridge University Observatory. This involved hours and hours of routine, tedious, and intense calculations that astronomers disliked, but which, at the time, were essential for accurately measuring the positions of stars and planets. Calculators were usually boys, but observatories sometimes hired girls, as was the case with Walker, although her male colleagues had exclusive use of the telescopes. She managed to escape this humble status to become a senior observer in the Victorian era, documenting the positions of 1,585 stars individually and several thousand more collaboratively. In April, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) named an asteroid in the Themis group in her honor: (5400) Anniewalker = 1989 CM. Walkers name has escaped the shadows of oblivion and returned to the outer Main Belt following research by Mark Hurn, librarian at the Institute of Astronomy at the University of Cambridge, and historian Roger Hutchins. The two have been charting Walkers career for over a decade and have just published their findings in the journal The Antiquarian Astronomer. We clearly establish that she was, if not Britains first professional female astronomer, then certainly the second, behind only Caroline Herschel, Hurn says via video link. In 1895, Walker was paid a salary of 90 pounds, making her the highest-paid woman in British astronomy at the time, far above all other computers. Her story has something of a cosmic twist. When Walker joined the Cambridge Observatory, it was headed by astronomer John Couch Adams, who predicted the existence of the planet Neptune, and was very much in favor of womens emancipation and education, so he had no problem hiring Walker. The main assistant it was beneath the directors dignity to dedicate himself to observation at the time, as they tended to be more theoretical was astronomer Andrew Graham, an older man whose eyesight had clearly deteriorated over his many years observing the heavens. Furthermore, the type of observing they were doing required two people, and they needed to train someone to use the telescopes. And Annie was there. She was obviously a clever girl. In addition to computing, she helped Adams sort through some of [Isaac] Newtons papers, Hurn says. Walker moved in with the Grahams, who lived in the observatory, with the telescopes next to the living room. For 25 years, she spent entire nights, hours and hours in darkness, staring at the sky, training her eyes to detect very subtle differences in the brightness of stars or their position, pointing, measuring, comparing, and taking notes. It was very intense work, but she was still a computer, and when day dawned, she would return to her calculations. It was also the case that all three Adams, Graham, and Walker were religious dissenters, something quite unusual in Cambridge at the time. They were Protestants, with quite radical convictions, not part of the Church of England or the establishment, so in many ways they were quite separate from the university itself, explains Hurn. In this environment, Walker, the daughter of a corn miller, became the observatorys principal observer. Mapping the night sky Many of her observations were recorded in The Cambridge Zone Catalogue, part of the first international attempt to map the night sky to the same standards down to the 9th magnitude that the German Astronomical Society had set in motion in 1872. The catalog was published in 1897 in Leipzig. The portion assigned to this observatory, zone 25 to 30, containing the locations of 14,464 stars, the result of some 47,570 observations, has just been published. The completion [] marks an epoch in its history. I wish to record my sincere thanks for the skill, diligence, and enthusiasm with which Mr. Graham has applied himself to so important a task. He has had the invaluable assistance of Miss Walker, whose industry and care, both in observations and reductions, have contributed significantly to the success of the undertaking, Adams wrote. The Measuring Bureau at the Melbourne Observatory, 1901. The women computers, or measurers, were recording stellar coordinates for the Carte du Ciel project. There is no evidence that Annie Walker continued her career in astronomy in Australia. Universidad de Cambridge But Walker continued to observe up to three times as many stars that due to climate or time of year had not previously been well observed. These observations, some 4,800 corresponding to 1,585 stars, were published in the 1920s by the famous astronomer Arthur Eddington. The appendix entitled Revisions Made by Miss Walker Between the Years 1896 and 1899 constituted 10% of the total publication and was exclusively hers, although she clearly contributed to a large part of other publications that came out of Cambridge at that time, says Hurn. When the librarian learned of Walkers story, he contacted the Cambridge team of the European Space Agencys Gaia mission, which is mapping the billion stars that illuminate the Milky Way, the same kind of work Annie was doing, he notes. Like the rest of the astronomical community, the team was unaware of Walkers story, and its director, Gerry Gilmore, proposed to the International Astronomical Union that an asteroid be named in her honor. A few months ago, Walkers name reached the skies. The asteroid is really cool it has a low number, which means it was one of the first discovered and at the top of the list. When you research historical figures, you start to feel something for them; you think you know them. So I was very happy, but Im sad that she never received recognition during her lifetime, Hurn says. Adams died in 1892, and the new director, Robert Ball, an eminent astronomer, didnt share Adamss political views at all and made it very clear that Annies situation wasnt to his liking. When Graham retired, Walker thought she should take the post, but Ball gave it to a younger man she had trained. I think it was too humiliating for her. In 1903, at the age of 40, she resigned and emigrated to Australia. She never worked as an astronomer again, although in an electoral register there we find that for a couple of years she described herself as such. Its very sad; she just disappears at that stage of her life. We dont have any photographs of her, explains Hurn. Hutchins and Hurn have been searching for a photo of Walker for years, but havent found one, either in the librarys collection or by contacting descendants in Australia. Were hoping the religious aspect will reveal something. Its possible she attended services that were photographed, weddings, funerals... Thats where were looking. Having a photograph of a person makes a huge difference. Its for their memory; we really need to find one. But I havent given up hope; its quite possible well find it one day, the librarian adds. Walker died in Melbourne in 1940. Hurn concludes the interview with a lighter touch. Walker reportedly gave a talk about the Moon at a church in a village near Cambridge and told a few jokes. Could you repeat them for me? Theyre not very funny. One of them was that you didnt need to learn the names of the craters on the far side of the Moon because you couldnt see them (laughs). But I loved receiving this information, a little snippet from Annie. It made it so much more real. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A newspaper dated Feb. 6, 1943, contains an obituary for Pvt. Ell Tom Simantz, who was killed in action Dec. 19 of the previous year. Staff with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said his remains, recovered in Papua New Guinea, have been identified. (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (Tribune News Service) The remains of a soldier killed in the Pacific theater during World War II have been identified using DNA and other technology. Staff with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said the remains, recovered in Papua New Guinea, have been identified as that of U.S. Army Technician Fifth Grade Ell T. Simantz, 24, of Grand Haven, Mich. west of Grand Rapids. The remains were identified on May 9. Simantz was reported to be killed in action in December 1942 during an Allied campaign against fortified enemy positions. He served with the Service Company, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division. The soldiers remains were not recovered after the war. But later, the military unit called the American Graves Restoration Service began exhuming remains from 11,000 graves for shipment to the Philippines. Simantz was one of the remains that could not be identified at the time. In 2017, those unidentified remains were exhumed from a Manila cemetery and sent to a lab for analysis. Scientists then used DNA technology, genome sequencing and other modern technology to identify the remains of Simantz. Simantz is scheduled to be buried in Grand Haven on Oct. 17. 2025 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit mlive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The 40th Army Ten-Miler, Oct. 13, 2024 in Arlington, Va., and Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars and Stripes) The Army Ten-Miler will step off at the Pentagon on Sunday morning as initially planned, race organizers announced Thursday after they spent recent days considering canceling the event amid the federal government shutdown. The 41st annual Army Ten-Miler will send some 28,000 registered runners on a course from the Pentagon, through a scenic tour of Washington and back to the finish line at the Defense Departments Arlington headquarters, organizers said. The races annual expo will also proceed Friday and Saturday at the St. James Flagship in Springfield, Va. The race is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. local time. Organizers spent recent days debating whether the race should be held as the federal shutdown entered its second week. The lapse in appropriations caused by Congress inability to pass a fiscal year 2026 budget or reach a temporary spending agreement has forced tens of thousands of DOD civilian workers to be furloughed and military service members to work without immediate pay. Troops will be paid once the shutdown ends, according to federal law. The Army Ten-Miler requires about 900 volunteers and 900 soldiers to run each year, according to organizers. Past events have attracted up to 35,000 runners, many of whom travel from across the country and around the world. The race raises funds for the Armys Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs, according to event organizers. The 2025 Army Ten-Miler will be conducted in compliance with applicable guidance during the government shutdown, Army officials said in a statement. The race is largely funded via non-appropriated funds, which means they are not tax dollars provided by Congress. Money is primarily raised via sponsorships and registrations. While indirect costs may be incurred, the event is structured to avoid additional direct costs to taxpayers, according to the Army statement. Participants also have the option to join in a virtual version of the event, organizers said. Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central human resource officials sent a letter on Oct. 6, 2025, for distribution to civilian employees as a way of explaining possible payment interruptions to landlords and other creditors amid the government shutdown. (Tyler Barstow/U.S. Marine Corps) NAPLES, Italy Some civilian workers assigned to Navy bases overseas are getting the services help explaining to their landlords why their rent may not be paid on time during the partial government shutdown. On Monday, human resource officials from Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central sent a letter to Navy commands to distribute to their civilian employees for use with landlords and other creditors, the civilian human resources office at Naval Support Activity Naples said Thursday. It was unclear whether Navy civilian employees in Japan, Guam and other overseas locations would receive similar letters. There are more than 5,100 appropriated fund civilians working at Navy bases overseas, according to a Defense Department workforce report in June. The letter explains the circumstances of the shutdown, including that civilian workers wont receive a paycheck until a federal appropriations bill is passed. Pending a prompt resolution of this unforeseeable circumstance, landlords, and all those who may indirectly be affected, should anticipate potential delays in the payment of the monthly rents as stipulated in the lease agreements signed with U.S. civilian personnel, the letter states. As soon as funding is approved and paychecks are disbursed, employees will be responsible for promptly paying any rent owed as required by their leases, the letter continues. We trust that the community affected will understand the unforeseen nature of these circumstances and the lack of accountability for each tenant for the temporary delay in the fulfillment of their contract obligations, the letter states. It was sent to civilian workers at bases in Italy, Spain, Greece, Bahrain and other locations in the EURAFCENT area of responsibility and included a translation into the local language. The letter was not sent to landlords, the Naples civilian human resources office said. The federal government entered a partial shutdown on Oct. 1 as Congress reached an impasse on an appropriations bill. On Wednesday, the Senate again failed to advance funding bills, continuing the stalemate, CBS News reported Thursday. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he would not call back the House to vote on a separate measure to pay service members, according to the CBS News report. A UH-34 Seabat is seen after restoration to Marine One at The Harold F. Pitcairn Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum in Horsham, Penn. (The Reporter) (Tribune News Service) Its taken two-and-a-half years and upwards of 5,000 hours to bring back to life a replica of the aircraft used to fly President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1957. Later this month, the Harold F. Pitcairn Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum in Horsham, Penn., will unveil at the museum its painstakingly restored version of the first helicopter used to fly a president. The museum obtained the Seabat in pieces in 1988. Volunteers assembled it and repainted it in the mid-90s. In April 2023, a volunteer restoration team began undertaking a much larger project converting the aircraft to replicate the helicopter that the late Col. Virgil Olson and his co-pilot, Major General Ronald Nelson, the museums chairman emeritus, used to transport President Eisenhower in the 1950s. The project, when completed, will entail approximately 4,500 to 5,000 volunteer man hours of work, Wings of Freedom Board President Mark Hurwitz said. That translates to between $135,000 and $150,000 of volunteer time and effort, plus the cost of sheet metal, rivets, paint, fabric, etc. Nelson, 94, of Lower Moreland Township, while paging through his four logbooks, said he logged 1,500 hours of flying with the Marine Corps. I didnt realize that at the time we were developing the HUS-1 (Sea Horse) that there was any thought for us taking over the helicopter duties for the president, Nelson recalled. We were given the message that we had to be at the White House lawn within 15 minutes of when we got an emergency message. It wasnt always an emergency. Sometimes it was just to fly the president over to the Air Force base to get on Air Force One. Nelson, who served 36 years in the Marine Corps prior to retiring, and Olson, who flew combat missions in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, were unable to interact with the president during their many Marine One flights. If you notice in this helicopter the pilots are up high. The doors where the president got in are down below, Nelson said. Today theres a much closer relationship. Now the pilots are at his level so when he walks in the door, he almost always greets them. As part of the museums unveiling ceremony, the newly restored Marine One will be dedicated to Nelson, whose name will be displayed on the side of the aircraft, along with Olson. The modest Nelson said co-piloting the presidential flights was just part of the job. Still, he noted that the helicopter looks just like the framed photo in his living room. What they have done is quite something, he said of the museums restoration team. Im really proud of them. I think it will be good for the museum. The Harold F. Pitcairn Wings of Freedom Aviation Museums Marine One aircraft will be available for viewing by the public beginning on Oct. 22. The Harold F. Pitcairn Wings of Freedom Museum is operated by the Delaware Valley Historical Aircraft Association, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving the aviation history of the greater Delaware Valley. The museum, which opened in 2004, houses aircraft spanning various eras in history aviation: World War I through World War II, The Korean War, The Vietnam War, The Cold War Era, The Gulf War, The Balkan War, The Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan. 2025 The Mercury, Pottstown, Pa. Visit www.pottsmerc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The ruins of Metternich Castle sits on a hill high above the Moselle River town of Beilstein, Germany. The French destroyed the castle in 1689. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) It bills itself as the Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle. A beauty it is, but sleeping, Beilstein is not. At least not on a sunny September Saturday when my wife and I paid this German village a visit. Its cobblestone lanes and riverbank were teeming with people. Beilstein is one of the stops for the cruise boats that ply the Moselle River, regularly unloading tourists to this age-old town. While we had read that it was a nice place to visit on the winding river about 35 miles upstream from Koblenz, where the Moselle meets the Rhine, we had not heard about the masses. Visitors check out the sights on Bachstrasse in Beilstein, Germany, with its old half-timbered houses and colorful flower boxes. The small town on the Moselle River is a popular stop for sightseeing cruises on the river and bicyclists riding along it. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) Tourists walk through the cobblestone lanes of Beilstein on the Moselle River. While it calls itself the Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle, the small German town is hardly sleepy in the summer, when river sightseeing ships pull into town. It is also popular with bicyclists riding along the river. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) The Jewish cemetery at Beilstein, Germany. It is located on a hill above the town, not far from the ruins of Metternich Castle. The oldest recorded burial here is from 1818. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) Tourists climb the Cloister Stairs, the 108 steps leading to and from the Carmelite Church of Saint Joseph in Beilstein, Germany. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) Half-timbered houses, small squares, the aforementioned cobblestone ways and castle ruins bring people here. We arrived by car in the late morning, just after one of the boats had docked. People streamed out and into town, while others waited to board. We decided on an early lunch, first to beat the crowd and second to let the newcomers disperse. A restaurant on the marketplace with its old buildings, many decorated with flowerboxes full of red geraniums, was a good choice. We enjoyed dishes with seasonal chanterelle mushrooms, and federweisser, the partially fermented juice from the first harvested grapes of the Moselle vineyards. A tourist looks from the keep of Metternich Castle above the town of Beilstein on the Moselle River. The castle appears in records dating back to the mid-13th century, but the 82-foot-tall keep probably dates back to the 12th century. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) Besides tourists, Metternich Castle is also popular with lizards, snakes and other animals and insects. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) The former synagogue in Beilstein, Germany. The towns Jewish community disbanded in 1925 and the building was sold. For that reason, it survived the November 1938 pogrom unscathed. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) To digest the excellent meal, we walked up the hill to the ruins of Metternich Castle, which was owned for a time by the prominent 19th-century Austrian foreign affairs minister Klemens von Metternich. It was a steep, but rather easy climb to the fortress, first mentioned in mid-13th century records, that towers over the town. The French laid waste to it in 1689. The ruins changed hands over the years and are now privately owned. From here, there is a wonderful view of Beilstein and the Moselle River valley. Many of the other tourists walking up with us came for the restaurant here as well as the view. For an even better view of the surroundings, we climbed the 120-plus stairs to the top of the 82-foot-tall castle keep. The vista was worth the effort. We left the ruins via a back gate and strolled along the hillside until we came to Beilsteins Jewish cemetery. It was probably laid out in the 17th century. The oldest readable gravestone is from 1818. The cemetery was desecrated and partially cleared during the Nazi era. Later, the gravestones were put back in place. About 110 of them still exist. The colorful marketplace in the small town of Beilstein, Germany, on the Moselle River, with its flower boxes, restaurants and wineries. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) The interior of the Carmelite Church of Saint Joseph in Beilstein, Germany. Once part of a cloister, it was built in Baroque style at the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th century. It is now the town's Catholic parish church. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) A narrow lane in Beilstein, Germany. The town calls itself the Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle, but in the summer the tourists can make it anything but sleepy. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) We walked back down to Beilstein and strolled along streets lined with wineries and shops where you can taste and buy wine made from the grapes grown in the Moselle valley. We climbed again, this time up the 108 steps of the Cloister Stairs that lead to the Carmelite Church of Saint Joseph. Once part of a cloister, it was built in Baroque style at the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th century. It is now the towns Catholic parish church. Here, too, is a restaurant that is popular not only for lunch but also for kaffee and kuchen, the German afternoon ritual of enjoying coffee and cake. We wandered back down into town and walked through the old Jewish quarter with its narrow lanes. The old synagogue is here, an old stone medieval building. One reason it is still standing is that the towns Jewish community disbanded in 1925 and the building was sold. Thus, it survived the November 1938 Nazi pogrom unscathed. We walked back down to the river and sat at a cafe on its bank. Tourists lined up to board a boat, then we watched it and the Moselle flow downstream toward the Rhine. A view from the Metternich Castle keep of the lower courtyard, the town of Beilstein and the Moselle River, with a sightseeing ship moored on the riverbank. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) Metternich Castle towers over the Moselle River town of Beilstein, Germany. The castle, which was mentioned as early as the mid-13th century, and the town are popular with sightseers. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) Many Moselle River wineries sell their goods in Beilstein, Germany. The old town with its cobblestone lanes and castle ruins is a nice place to taste the wines of the region as long as you dont have to drive. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) On the QT Location: Beilstein is about 45 miles from Spangdahlem; 65 miles from Wiesbaden and 75 miles from Ramstein. Be sure to enter Beilstein/Mosel on your navigation system or you will be heading in the wrong direction. Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. until Nov. 2 for the castle. Closed Mondays. It reopens in mid-April. Costs: Admission to the castle is 3 euros for adults and 1 euro for children. Parking directly in town along the Moselle is 1.50 euros per hour. The parking lot upriver, on the edge of town, is free. Information: https://beilstein-mosel.de A platter of grilled duck with green onions and a plate of tempura at Kokubunji Soba in Ebina, Japan. (Claire Jenq/Stars and Stripes) Soba might be the best transitional autumn meal. Days are still warm, and soba noodles dipped into a cooling, zingy broth make a refreshing lunch. Cooler nights are perfect for a steaming bowl of soba served in a savory soup and topped with thin slices of duck. Kokubunji Soba, a local favorite soba-ya in Ebina, specializes in both. Roughly a 15-minute drive from both Camp Zama and Naval Air Facility Atsugi, and just slightly past the Ebina Lalaport, is a stylish complex of black buildings, curated greenery and an ample parking lot. The owner truly seems to understand customer wishes. The outside waiting area is fitted with a fabric canopy and multiple fans to circulate the air. Young bamboo trees line a fence, creating a sense of separation, privacy and shade from the street just outside. While my group waited, a hostess gave us a menu to browse that was written in the traditional tategaki vertical format. She also gave us a typed menu that was easier to scan with a smartphone translation app. The dishes range in price from 600 yen (about $4) for seiro soba plain soba noodles served with a cool dashi broth to 2,000 yen for a soba noodle set that includes a platter of tempura. We ordered a large salad, a platter of grilled duck with green onions, seiro soba, a tempura platter, duck soba and soymilk pudding. A bowl of warm soba topped with duck, yuzu and green onions at Kokubunji Soba in Ebina, Japan. (Claire Jenq/Stars and Stripes) The restaurants interior has a homey, traditional Japanese feel. We sat at a cozy booth made of rough-hewn table and benches. The salad arrived first, dressed with strips of seaweed and topped with a creamy sesame dressing. We were pleased by the addition of fresh, homemade tofu, another specialty of this particular soba-ya. Next came the grilled duck and green onions, served with au jus, the two noodle dishes and the tempura platter. The duck was flavorful and chewy, while the green onions were grilled to caramelized perfection. The soba noodles were slightly speckled with buckwheat and snappy in texture. The cool dashi broth was light and savory, while the warm duck noodles had the addition of zingy citrus from grated yuzu zest. The tempura had crispy, flaky layers of fried batter coating tender vegetables. In keeping with the theme of natural ingredients and the restaurants attention to detail, they also served freshly grated wasabi on the side. The fresh root is more mildly flavored than its more common European horseradish and green-dyed counterpart. Kokubunji Soba, a local favorite in Ebina, Japan, specializes in soba topped with thin slices of duck. (Claire Jenq/Stars and Stripes) For dessert, the waitress brought out soymilk pudding. The pudding was delicately sweet and soft with a slight firmness. However, the black sugar syrup, or kuromitsu, on top was a bit too tangy for my liking. After dinner, we went to the sister store next door, Kokubunji Gelateria. This gelateria offers freshly made gelato with classic flavors such as stracciatella and chocolate, but also hosts a revolving list of seasonal flavors, such as kabocha squash or Ebina strawberries. A small cup costs 500 yen while a large cup with three flavors is 600 yen. If youre craving a refined, but affordable, meal with a delicious dessert, make sure to check out Kokubunji Soba & Gelateria in Ebina. Kokubunji Soba & Gelateria Location: 1-8-35 Kokubuminami, Ebina, Kanagawa, Japan 243-0405 Hours: The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday; the gelateria is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday Prices: 600-2,000 yen for soba; 500-600 yen for gelato Dress: Casual Directions: A 15-minute drive from both Camp Zama and Naval Air Facility Atsugi. Information: Phone: 046-231-2261; Online: kokubunji.co.jp Kabira Bay is a popular tourist destination on Ishigaki Island that's well known for its emerald green waters and white sand. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes) There are a million ways to enjoy Ishigaki island, one of the many beautiful and interesting islands in Japans Ryukyu chain that stretches from Kyushu almost to Taiwan. Unlike most of the 55 islands and islets of the Ryukyus, where visitors may stay only a day or two, visits to tropical Ishigaki may stretch to several days. It may also serve as a starting point for visits to nearby natural settings at places like Iriomote. Ishigaki, 250 miles southwest of Okinawa, the largest of the Ryukyu islands, is less than an hour by air from Naha, the capital of Okinawa prefecture. People who have never been to Ishigaki might think its just another island, but really, the scenery is on another level. There are many ways to enjoy the island, starting with a basic sightseeing drive. Without debate, the most popular destination in Ishigaki is Kabira Bay, about 45 minutes from the airport. Youll be totally amazed by its white sand and emerald green waters. Swimming in the bay is prohibited due to the fast, dangerous currents that run there. But kayaking or riding in a glass boat are good options to enjoy the clear waters and get the perfect pictures for your Instagram feed. The Morita residence in Ishigaki Yaima Village is a 100-year-old traditional home registered as one of Japan's tangible cultural properties. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes) The Makishi residence in Ishigaki Yaima Village is a 100-year-old traditional home registered as one of Japan's tangible cultural properties. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes) At Ishigaki Yaima Village, 30 minutes from the airport, youll learn about the islands culture. There are four 100-year-old traditional houses that are registered as tangible cultural properties. The food is also something to enjoy. You can have some fun in any izakaya in the popular Misaki-cho area or enjoy some fresh, delicious Ishigaki beef yakiniku. Ishigaki beef, the product of black cows raised on the island, is a type of Wagyu that is well known for being fatty and flavorful. The meat will just melt in your mouth. Another way to enjoy your Ishigaki trip is to visit the remote islands around it yes, go to an island from an island. There are many islands around Ishigaki, and you can access all of them by taking the boats and ferries departing from Ishigaki port. My favorite is Taketomi island, where the beach is breathtaking and you can feel the island vibes and culture. You can relax and enjoy a beer while lying on the beach then take one of the water buffalo cart tours around the traditional Ryukyu village. Iriomote is another great choice; there are half-day or one-day trips to the island. Iriomote is the chains second largest island and is part of a World Heritage Site along with the Yambaru forests on northern Okinawa. The island, which is mostly pristine, is covered by jungles and mangrove forests. Kayaking or trekking would be a great option to enjoy the unique nature on this island that can only be reached by boat. Youll definitely need more than five days to enjoy all the treasures in Ishigaki and the islands around it. Make room in your calendar; paradise is just a flight away. On the QT Directions: A flight from Naha to Ishigaki is about 50 minutes; most of the remote islands can be accessed within an hour from Ishigaki port. Times: Open year round. Costs: Air fare to Ishigaki from Naha is typically about $80 one way. Round-trip ferry tickets from Ishigaki to Taketomi are about $12, and about $40 to Iriomote. Bring lots of yen since most of the tour companies, restaurants, grocery stores are cash only. Food: Ishigaki beef yakiniku and steaks are a must-try. Reservations are recommended, especially during tourist season. Information: yaeyama.or.jp Joseph Ditzler Joseph Ditzler is a Marine Corps veteran and the Pacific editor for Stars and Stripes. Hes a native of Pennsylvania and has written for newspapers and websites in Alaska, California, Florida, New Mexico, Oregon and Pennsylvania. He studied journalism at Penn State and international relations at the University of Oklahoma. From left, Erica Minner, Tracy Thueson and Con Thueson, volunteers at the Yokota Air Base food pantry, take in donations of food items from a donor Oct. 9, 2025. (Marc Castaneda/Stars and Stripes) YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan U.S. service members in Japan were looking for low-interest loans and visiting food banks this week as an end to the 9-day-old federal government shutdown appeared nowhere in sight. Financial planning was a priority among approximately 50 people at a resource fair Thursday at Yokosuka Naval Base, the home of the Navys 7th Fleet. Several stopped at a table manned by Heather Rogers, a customer service representative for Navy Federal Credit Union, to ask about the interest-free loan program. So far, almost everyone thats come by here has said theyre either going to or already have enrolled in it, which is wonderful, Rogers said at the two-hour fair. U.S. service members are working without pay during the shutdown as an empty payday looms Oct. 15. Nicole Pickle, a volunteer for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, said sailors stopped by her table seeking information on bridging a pay gap. The society also offers interest free loans and case-by-case assistance with basic living expenses. Marine Corps spouse Jamie Young shops the Neighborhood Pantry at Camp Foster, Okinawa, on Oct. 9, 2025. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes) None of the sailors she spoke to were in dire straits yet, Pickle said. Everyone is current on their pay up until now, she said at the fair. Once the paycheck hits - if they dont receive their pay - thats when things are going to get more uncomfortable. At the Neighborhood Pantry on Marine Corps Camps Foster and Kinser on Okinawa, the number of people coming by for food has grown considerably in the past week, according to Kim Durham, a Navy spouse who runs the operation. The pantries had 52 visitors so far in October, compared to 148 throughout September, Durham said Thursday at the Foster location. Definitely next week if a paycheck does not come, I think our shelves will be wiped out, she said. The pantries have about 2,000 pounds of food on hand, Durham said. She has been networking with nonprofits on the island to find more. Marine Corps spouse Jamie Young was at the Foster pantry Thursday looking to stock up. Im not too concerned at the moment, but I do feel that some people are more concerned with the shutdown, she said. I personally am pretty good with saving. I save as much as possible. I do have concerns for some of my friends, who have multiple kids. At Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, demand is also rising at the bases food bank, a volunteer there said Thursday. Shelves are pretty bare, and weve just had a food drive, said Erica Minner, a disease manager at the 374th Medical Group. Weve had to reduce the amount of canned goods people can take from 15 cans to eight cans. More customers turned up the food bank Wednesday at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, than usual, according to lead volunteer Airman Kyle Carr. Ten people arrived soon after the pantry opened, he said at the site. As many as 20 might show up in a normal week. I would say its because of the shutdown that I had the influx that I had today, he said. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Joaquin Crisostomo said hes concerned about missing his next paycheck. When I was back in the U.S. I would do side hustles, like Door Dash, he said at the Kadena pantry Wednesday. But the fact we cannot do that kind of stuff here, it can be worse. Stars and Stripes reporter Ryan Breeden contributed to this report. There is an iron law in nature: the larger a species, the longer its members live. Thats why whales outlive elephants, and elephants outlive lions. Very few animals defy this rule. Humans have circumvented it thanks to culture. But there is a small animal that laughs in its face. Given its size, the naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) shouldnt live more than two years, yet they often approach 40. Whats more, they age healthily, without typical age-related diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, or arthritis. Now, a study published in Science points to four mutations that make their DNA repair system exceptionally efficient. A team of Chinese scientists, using advanced gene therapy techniques, investigated the cellular aging of the naked mole-rat to try to explain its extreme longevity. The rodent, which lives in colonies of two to three dozen tightly packed individuals in regions surrounding the Horn of Africa, has fascinated scientists for decades. This time, researchers focused on the machinery that repairs DNA. One of the most serious types of damage is so-called double-strand breaks, in which both strands of the DNA helix lose genetic material. This is a natural occurrence, resulting from the cycle of cell replication and division. To repair such damage, cells use a process called homologous recombination, in which identical or very similar DNA molecules lend genetic fragments to one another. A key player in this process is an enzyme called cGAS. The naked mole-rats cGAS works in the opposite way to that of humans and mice in regulating repair via homologous recombination, says Yu Chen, a researcher at Tongji University in Shanghai, China, and the studys first author, in an email. Naked mole-rat cells grow more slowly. Therefore, DNA damage could persist for longer in these cells without being repaired, which would eventually lead to sterile inflammation and the onset of aging, Chen explains. Among naked mole-rats, there is a pronounced division of labor previously seen only in eusocial insects, such as ants or bees. In the image, one of these rodents is shown at a zoo. MoiraM / Alamy Stock Photo (Alamy Stock Photo) But the enzymes in these rodents remain active for longer, allowing them to recruit more components that, like mechanics in a workshop, prolong the stability of the genome within each cells nucleus. Researchers discovered that what sets these enzymes apart from their human or laboratory mouse counterparts are four mutations in specific amino acids. They found that these mutations promoted the recruitment of DNA repair factors to damaged sites and improved repair efficiency; this, in the long run, helps improve cellular and tissue aging and extends lifespan, Chen explains. To confirm the role of these four mutations, they genetically modified fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), the most thoroughly studied insect in laboratories. Some flies were engineered to express the human cGAS enzyme, while others carried the same enzyme but with the four mutations identified in the naked mole-rats. It was as if they had created superflies: those with the rodent-modified enzyme showed improved digestive function, greater agility even in old age, increased resistance to infections, and the females maintained their egg-laying capacity as they aged. Whats more: while flies with the human enzyme lived about the same as unmodified flies (around 70 days), those with the naked mole-rat version lived a few weeks longer. A similar experiment was done with laboratory mice, modified to express either the normal naked mole-rat cGAS enzyme or the version with the four amino acid changes. After two months, mice with the naked mole-rat cGAS showed fewer signs of general aging and cellular senescence. When researchers looked for other rodents with cGAS enzymes that act in the opposite way to those in humans and mice, they found only two species with the same amino acid changes: the gray squirrel and the blind mole-rat. The gray squirrel and blind mole-rat have a life expectancy of more than 20 years, Chen concludes. In a commentary also published in Science, scientists from the University of Rochester who study aging highlight the discovery of the differential role of cGAS enzymes thanks to just four changes, which ultimately result in higher rates of DNA repair. One of the authors, Vera Gorbunova, has spent years studying naked mole-rats as a model for aging. In an email, she says: The lesson were learning is that by modifying cGAS or its downstream pathway, we can improve genome stability, reduce inflammation, and promote longevity and health. Manel Esteller, a leading expert in aging at the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, is also interested in the naked mole-rat for its exceptional cancer resistance. This different final form of the cGAS gene causes it to rapidly repair errors and breaks in genetic material, which delays the aging of its cells and increases longevity, says Esteller. The Spanish scientist points out that there must be other factors beyond those discovered by Chens group that contribute to the naked mole-rats incredible longevity in extreme living conditions, but the discovery is significant because it shows how evolution shapes our genes to give us a survival advantage depending on our environment. Mammals in ant hills Another recent study reveals all the secrets of the naked mole-rats social structure, which resembles that of ants. The environment in which these rodents live is as extraordinary as their molecular biology. It was known that in their colonies only one female reproduces, mating with two or three males, while the rest are sterile. Beyond that, little was known about their social organization. Studying them was difficult because they live tightly packed, on top of one another, in narrow underground chambers. Thats where RFID technology came in. At the University of Tokyo in Japan, researchers maintain one of the largest collections of captive naked mole-rats over a hundred individuals spread across five colonies. What they did, as detailed in Science Advances, was implant tiny RFID tags (similar to those used to track products in stores) in the animals. This allowed them to identify each individual at all times. Over the course of a month, they recorded more than 83 million events, which they used to decipher the colonys organization and social behavior. The study confirmed the central role of the so-called breeders the queen and her consorts whose needs are served by the rest of the colony. Until now, it was thought that non-breeders had no division of labor beyond the fact that the largest and oldest individuals handled defense against predators and rival colonies. But the reality is more complex. Researchers found that some mole-rats specialize in cleaning the chamber where the colony urinates and defecates, others maintain the trash chamber, and another group is dedicated to transportation. According to the authors, this mammal species exhibits a type of labor division known as temporal polyethism, in which members of the community perform different tasks depending on their age. Bees, ants, and termites are species that operate this way and now it is known that naked mole-rats do too. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A man who fatally struck an Army soldier stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in a vehicle collision on the interstate, then carjacked another vehicle to flee, was sentenced to three years, 10 months in prison. (Aspen Reid/U.S. Air Force) (Tribune News Service) A man who fatally struck an Army soldier stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in a vehicle collision on the interstate, 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 on Interstate 5 near Tacoma, Wash., 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 stopped on Interstate 5 perpendicular to the roadway near the Tacoma Mall shortly before 2:30 a.m. in a 2012 Ford Focus, according to charging documents, when Grems crashed a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado into his vehicle. 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. 2025 The Olympian (Olympia, Wash.). Visit www.theolympian.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. California National Guard members guard the Santa Ana Federal Building in Santa Ana, California, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times/TNS) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Tribune News Service) California is challenging President Donald Trumps grip on the states National Guard, telling a federal court the White House used claims of unrest in Los Angeles as a pretext for a deployment that has since expanded nationwide including now sending troops to Illinois. The Trump administration deployed 14 soldiers from Californias National Guard to Illinois to train troops from other states, according to a motion California filed Tuesday asking the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to end the federal governments control of its National Guard. Trumps decision to move California troops who had been sent to Portland on Sunday and redeploy them to Illinois escalates tensions in the growing fight over who controls state military forces and how far presidential power can reach in domestic operations. Federal officials have told California they intend to issue a new order extending Trumps federalization of 300 members of the states Guard through Jan. 31, according to the filing. Trump is going on a cross-country crusade to sow chaos and division, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday. His actions and those of his Cabinet are against our deeply held American values. He needs to stop this illegal charade now. Officials from California and Oregon sought a restraining order after Trump sent California Guard troops to Oregon on Sunday. Trump deployed the California Guard soldiers just a day after a federal judge temporarily blocked the presidents efforts to federalize Oregons National Guard. That prompted Judge Karin Immergut to issue a more sweeping temporary order Sunday evening blocking the deployment of National Guard troops from any other state to Oregon. Californias own lawsuit against Trump challenging the deployment in Los Angeles since June resulted in Senior District Judge Charles R. Breyer blocking the administration from deploying, ordering, instructing, training, or using the states troops to engage in civilian law enforcement. The new motion filed Tuesday in that case by California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta asks the 9th Circuit to vacate its earlier stay that allowed federalization to continue under strict limits on what they can do. California argues that the Guards federalized troops are now being used for missions outside the limited purposes the court allowed drug raids in Riverside County, a show-of-force operation in MacArthur Park and deployments into other states. The ever-expanding mission of Californias federalized Guard bears no resemblance to what this Court provisionally upheld in June, the state wrote in the filing. And it is causing irreparable harm to California, our Nations democratic traditions, and the rule of law. Illinois leaders have also gone to court to attempt to block Trump from sending troops to Chicago. Trump has responded by saying that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker should be jailed. 2025 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. At least 22 people, including the two men killed in the attack on an ICE office in Dallas, died in fiscal year 2025 Huabing Xie, an undocumented migrant from China, became the latest person to die in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in fiscal year 2025, after passing away on September 29. His death also brought the total to at least 22 between October 2024 and September 30, 2025, representing the highest number in 20 years. More than half were Latino, and the total includes the two migrants killed by a sniper at an ICE office in Dallas last month. The record for deaths in ICE custody was set in 2004, a year after the immigration agencys creation. There were 32 reported deaths that year. The following year there were 20, a figure not surpassed again until 2020, during the Covid pandemic, when 21 deaths were recorded, according to government data. The 2025 data reinforces complaints about the inhumane conditions in which detained migrants are held, which have worsened in the last nine months since Donald Trump returned to power. Its alarming that within the first nine months of the Trump administration we are quickly approaching the total number of deaths that occurred under Biden, said the Detention Watch Network, a national coalition advocating for migrant rights, in a statement. Three of the 20 deaths in fiscal year 2025 occurred during the final months of Joe Bidens term. During the Democrats four years in the White House, a total of 26 deaths were recorded among detainees in ICE custody. The first three years of his administration saw no more than four deaths per year, but in 2024, there were a dozen. Despite that increase, the figures are lower than those recorded since Trump returned to the White House and began his crusade against immigration. Detention centers are overwhelmed, with the number of detainees already exceeding 60,000. The Republican president wants to add thousands of beds to accommodate the 3,000 arrests he wants to make per day, with the ultimate goal of achieving the largest deportation in history. How detainees will be cared for remains an unknown, as the centers are far beyond their capacity and there are staffing shortages. Human rights defenders report that there are no doctors to treat the sick in ICE centers, that detainees are not provided with the medicines they need, and that they are kept locked up in places without access to basic hygiene and food. A report by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia, released in July, summed up the situation: Credibly reported or confirmed events include deaths in custody, physical and sexual abuse, mistreatment of pregnant women, mistreatment of children, inadequate medical care, overcrowding and unsanitary living conditions, inadequate food or water, exposure to extreme temperatures, denial of access to attorneys, and family separations. Three of the deaths in fiscal year 2025 were suicides, which human rights advocates say could have been caused by the treatment received after their detention. ICE insists that all detainees in its facilities receive comprehensive medical care, adequate nutrition, and the opportunity to communicate with their families and attorneys. I still dont understand The families of some of the deceased have denounced the fact that the victims had no prior condition that would have predicted a tragic end. I still dont understand. How did this happen? Lucia Uribe tearfully asked at a news conference on September 30. Her son, Ismael Ayala-Uribe, died on September 22 at Victor Valley Hospital, where he was transferred from the Adelanto Detention Center in California. Ayala-Uribe was arrested on August 17 while working at a car wash in Huntington Beach, where he had been employed for 15 years. The family maintains that his health was good and that they have not received an explanation as to how, in just over a month, the 39-year-old Mexican died in detention. The deceaseds mother said she spoke to her son on the phone two or three times a day and could see how he was getting worse over time. He already looked bad. His face was thin, he was pale. He said, Mom, I cant take it anymore. I told him to ask the guards for help, but he said they wouldnt listen, she said. According to the ICE report, on September 18, the on-call physician at Adelanto gave him medication and he returned to his dorm. He was sent to the hospital on September 21 for further evaluation of a buttock abscess, and surgery was scheduled. The cause of death is under investigation. The familys attorney stated that they learned of the transfer to the hospital through a call from other detainees, as they had not received any notification from ICE. They are awaiting the results of the autopsy to decide whether to take legal action. Ayala-Uribe arrived in the United States at the age of five and was a beneficiary of DACA, the program that granted work permits to those who entered the country illegally as children. The permit must be renewed periodically, but Ayala-Uribes application was denied because he had been charged twice with driving under the influence of alcohol. He died alone, separated from his family. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Krome Detention Center on July 4, in Miami. Rebecca Blackwell (AP) Ayala-Uribes case is not isolated. Also under investigation is the death of Santos Reyes Banegas, a 42-year-old Honduran man who died at the Nassau County Correctional Center in East Meadow, New York, on September 18, one day after being arrested. Reyes Banegas was found dead in his cell less than 18 hours after his arrest. ICE indicated that the preliminary cause appears to be liver failure complicated by alcoholism. The family, however, called the explanation absurd. Reyes Banegas was working at a construction site when he was arrested on September 17. According to ICE, he passed a medical inspection and was authorized for detention within two hours of arrival. He was found unconscious in his cell hours later. According to the immigration agencys report, Reyes Banegas entered the United States illegally four times and had a deportation order. After his death, dozens of people demonstrated to demand the suspension of immigration detention at the Nassau prison and the elimination of the countys contract with ICE, which reserves 50 cells for arrested individuals before transfer or deportation. The impact of the government shutdown Adding to the proven deficiencies at the detention centers is the partial shutdown of the federal government, prompted by the lack of agreement in Congress to extend the governments budget. Although the administration has assured that ICE operations will not be affected by the temporary suspension of officers, at least one team will not be working: the Office of Detention Oversight, according to The Washington Post. The officers assigned to this office are the ones who inspect detention centers to ensure they meet federal standards for the safe and humane treatment of migrants. The Office of Detention Oversight is the only oversight group that has continued to routinely inspect ICE facilities since March, when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) halted the work of two other oversight units that previously conducted inspections and investigated complaints. The inadequacy of immigration detention centers is not new, and a DHS report from 2020 to 2023 pointed to this. Our analysis indicates that regardless of time, location, detainee population, and facility type, ICE and facility staff have struggled to comply with aspects of detention standards. In turn, this hindered their ability to maintain a safe and secure environment for staff and detainees, the report states. According to ICE, the latest victim, Huabing Xie, suffered a seizure while at the Imperial Regional Detention Center in Calexico. CPR efforts were unsuccessful, and he was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. There is no explanation for his death. We have long known that Trumps cruel deportation agenda would be bottomlined by an aggressive multi-layered detention expansion plan at all costs. However, the scope and scale, and more importantly, human toll, continues to be shocking. No one should suffer in these conditions and no family should have to bear this tragic loss, said Marcela Hernandez, Capacity Building Director at Detention Watch Network. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Hostages will be released between Saturday and Monday, beginning with those who are still alive, according to a source familiar with the agreement Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on the first phase of Donald Trumps peace plan for Gaza. The announcement was made by the U.S. president and confirmed by both parties as well as Qatar, another mediator, specifying that it includes all provisions and implementation mechanisms for 48 Israeli hostages (of whom 20 are estimated to be still alive) to be exchanged for some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The agreement, reached on Wednesday night, will be signed at noon on Thursday (Israeli time), according to an Israeli source familiar with the details who spoke with Reuters. According to this source, a ceasefire will take effect on the ground at the moment of signing, meaning Israel will halt its attacks. The source assures that Israeli hostages will be released between Saturday and Monday, beginning on Saturday with those who are still alive. In addition to the exchange, the first phase of the framework includes a technical withdrawal of Israeli troops to an agreed-upon line, and allowing access for the humanitarian aid that Israel had been blocking. Within the first 24 hours of the ceasefire, the Israeli army will complete the first phase of its partial withdrawal. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace, Trump wrote on social media. All Parties will be treated fairly! It has all happened very quickly. Just three weeks ago, Trump grandly announced at the White House, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a plan to end the Israeli invasion triggered by the Hamas attack which on Tuesday marked its second anniversary with more than 67,000 dead (mostly children and women), 170,000 wounded (40,000 of them with life-shattering injuries), and devastation on a level almost unprecedented in the modern era. U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on September 29, 2025. Kevin Lamarque (REUTERS) It was not really an agreement, but rather an ultimatum without deadlines or guarantees for the weakened and increasingly isolated Islamist movement, which Trump threatened with annihilation if it did not accept quickly. Hamas responded with a yes, but; Trump chose to focus only on the first part of that response, and pushed the two sides to finalize the details not in weeks, but in days, as ultimately happened in the Egyptian city of Sharm El Sheikh. The mediators went to work on fast-track mode: Trump sent his special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who was heavily involved in regional diplomacy during Trumps first term, while Qatar (a key mediator) sent its prime minister, Mohammed Al Thani. Egypt and Turkey sent their intelligence chiefs, Hassan Rashad and Ibrahim Kalin, respectively. Minutes after Trumps announcement, Netanyahu said he would convene his government on Thursday to vote on the agreement (which he described as a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel) and that he would invite Trump to address parliament. Lingering questions Hamas has also confirmed the agreement in a statement that focuses on its two main concerns: who will guarantee that Netanyahu will not order the resumption of bombing once Hamas has lost its only bargaining chip (the hostages), and how far Israeli troops will withdraw. On the first point (given the precedent set last March, when Trump blessed Netanyahus decision to break the previous ceasefire designed to be permanent), it urges President Trump, the guarantor countries, and various Arab, Islamic, and international parties to compel the occupation government [Israel] to fully implement the requirements of the agreement and not allow it to evade or delay the implementation of what has been agreed upon. The withdrawal is being described as complete, but the terms of the agreement are still unknown, and Israel has made it clear since the beginning of its invasion that it will remain indefinitely within a yet to be defined security perimeter. The spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry has indicated that details will be made public at a later date. The forum representing the families of Israeli hostages has reacted to the announcement with caution, fearing that something could go wrong after two years of waiting. It expresses its deep gratitude to Trump, but admits to feeling a mixture of excitement, hope, and concern and urges Netanyahus government to approve it immediately. The second phase of the plan will be more complex, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio admitted this week, as it will involve the formation of a Palestinian technocratic government, reconstruction, and, above all, the disarmament of Hamas. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Hector Barbotta Seville Thursday, 9 October 2025, 10:33 Share The breast cancer screening programme crisis is destined to see some major changes made to the Junta de Andalucia's political scene. On Wednesday, 8 October, president of the regional government Juanma Moreno announced that he had already approved the immediate resignation of regional health minister Rocio Hernandez. Juanma Moreno during his speech. SUR This is the first dismissal of a regional minister for management issues since Juanma Moreno became president of the Junta de Andalucia in January 2019. Hernandez has barely completed 15 months as a member of the Andalusian government, which she joined in July last year. At that time, Moreno changed the structure of the regional cabinet midway through the legislature and brought her in as an expert in primary care, which was then considered the Achilles' heel of Andalusian healthcare. Also on Wednesday, Moreno announced that there will be profound changes in the Andalusian health system. He acknowledged that it is unacceptable that the Junta has been made aware of the major issues in the programme by the women affected. Rocio Hernandez's immediate leave implies that someone else will be in charge of communicating the emergency plan approved to deal with the crisis, although the now former regional minister of health has already been to Hospital Virgen del Rocio in Seville to coordinate the implementation of the measures from the epicentre of the crisis. However, her role has now been temporarily assumed by regional government spokesperson Carolina Espana. Moreno described Hernandez, whose name he did not directly mention, as "a woman who has dedicated her entire life to health and the last year to public service as one of the most difficult political responsibilities in Spain, which is to lead the largest public health system in Spain". He stated that, although the former regional minister has committed mistakes, she has managed them "with honesty and dedication". 'No excuses' According to the Junta's president, mistakes in a system of the size and complexity of the Andalusian health service are unavoidable due to the amount of work done every day, from births to cataract surgeries or heart transplants. However, he finds it unacceptable that it has been the affected patients who have contacted the authorities to inform them of the issue. "There are no excuses," Moreno said, promising to take immediate actions. He assured that the regional government will plan a profound renovation of the Andalusian health system, changing everything that does not function well. "We are more committed to it than ever before," he said. Hector Barbotta Seville Thursday, 9 October 2025, 10:49 | Updated 10:56h. Share Andalucia's regional government (the Junta) is working to resolve the breast cancer screening programme crisis as soon as possible. One of its current goals is to have carried out all the complementary tests for women whose first mammograms have given inconclusive results by 30 November. This was announced by the Junta's spokesperson Carolina Espana. There are about 2,000 women, 90% of whom are patients of Hospital Virgen del Rocio in Seville, who were not informed that they had to undergo further testing. The Junta is investigating the reasons for this failure. The remaining 10% of the communication failures have occurred in Malaga and Jerez de la Frontera (Cadiz). The Junta does not have precise information on the number of patients whose health may have worsened as a result of this crisis. However, according to health statistics, around 1-2% of women with inconclusive diagnoses in the first mammograms may have developed tumour lesions. While the Andalusian public health service (SAS) investigates the reasons for this communication failure and determines the specific number of women affected, the regional government has approved the implementation of a shock plan in which it will invest 12 million euros for all pending tests, both mammograms and ultrasounds. 12 million euros is what the Andalusian government will invest in order to carry out all the pending tests Recruitment To perform these tasks as a matter of urgency, 119 professionals will be hired in the breast hospital units: 65 radiodiagnostic doctors, 20 nurses, 18 specialist radiodiagnostic technicians and 16 auxiliary nursing care technicians. In addition, these teams will work under extraordinary circumstances, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. This plan will be implemented mainly in the Virgen del Rocio hospital, as this is the crisis epicentre. According to Espana, most Andalusian hospitals did inform patients that they had to undergo new tests despite the fact that the protocol, in force since 2011, did not oblige them to do so. The Junta has approved a modification of this protocol so that, from now on, patients whose mammograms have not yielded conclusive results and who must undergo new tests are notified. This means that even if two radiologists assess that a woman's mammogram probably shows benign findings, she will be informed that she has to receive further check-ups. The Junta's spokesperson stated that all health centres affected by the crisis are already proactively informing patients, both in person and by telephone. "We are clearly explaining the results, what has happened and what the next steps are in each case," she said. Carolina Espana has already assumed the role of communicating the plan and making sure that the measures are implemented, although former regional health minister Rocio Hernandez took the first steps by going to Virgen del Rocio in Seville. Espana stated that this situation "should have never happened" and that the Junta is working to ensure that it does not repeat. The spokesperson acknowledged that this crisis in the regional healthcare system concerns the Andalusian government a great deal. She stated that there will be consequences for those responsible for the breakdown, once its origin has been detected. Currently, the Junta's priority is to attend to the patients with inconclusive results. The breast cancer screening programme in Andalucia has been in place since 1995. In recent years, the number of women undergoing screening has increased significantly: from 440,000 appointments in 2022 to 848,000 in the first nine months of 2025. SUR in English Gibraltar Thursday, 9 October 2025, 18:21 Share The Gibraltar Health Authority will begin its 2025 flu vaccination campaign on Monday, 13 October 2025, encouraging eligible residents to "protect themselves and their loved ones" against influenza. The annual flu vaccine will be available to individuals aged 50 and over, those with long-term health conditions or who care for someone with such conditions, pregnant women, healthcare and care workers, and residents in long-term care facilities, including the Elderly Residential Services. The children's intranasal flu vaccination programme will continue to be administered through local schools. Anyone eligible aged 12 and over can attend walk-in vaccination sessions at the Primary Care Centre from Monday to Friday between 1pm and 4pm. To improve accessibility, the GHA's Mobile Health Unit will offer the flu vaccine at Casemates Square between 9am and 1pm from 13 to 16 October, 18 October, 20 to 23 October, 25 October, and 1 November. The Director of Public Health, Dr Helen Carter, emphasised the importance of vaccination. "Please remember it is extremely important to protect yourself and your loved ones by having this simple, yet effective vaccine," she said. "The GHA had 66 people admitted to St Bernard's Hospital suffering from the effects of influenza during last year's flu season, which ran up to the beginning of this year. Thirty of those were children. This could have easily been avoided by having been vaccinated. Please take up the offer to be vaccinated and help us avoid any further admissions." Director General of the GHA, Kevin McGee, added that the flu vaccine has an excellent safety record. "The flu vaccine is a very safe vaccine which has been around for many years with a very good track record," he said. "We urge you to take up the offer of the flu vaccine and keep Gibraltar safe through the upcoming flu season." The Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, encouraged all eligible residents to attend one of the clinics, walk-in sessions, or visit the Mobile Health Unit. "We have tried to make it as easy as possible for anyone who wishes to have the flu vaccine to be able to do so," she said. "Last year, we saw 66 people hospitalised due to flu, and we want to avoid that this season." Irene Quirante Malaga Thursday, 9 October 2025, 10:17 Share In the age of dating apps, the majority of relationships - even if many are fleeting - begin with a match. This is not one of them. Instead, it is the story of the deception and robbery with violence suffered by two men after arranging a meeting through 'Grindr', the world's largest social networking app for the LGBT+ community. The provincial court of Malaga has convicted two individuals and a woman after they admitted their involvement in these events. According to the court ruling, to which SUR has had access, the three defendants operated using this same modus operandi, driven by the intention of obtaining unlawful profit and acting in mutual agreement. Therefore, on 17 October 2023, they deceived one of the victims through the account they used for this purpose on the aforementioned social network. Under the pretext of having sex, they gave their first victim the address of a property in Mijas. Once he went there, the accused locked the door behind him and attacked him by grabbing him by the hair and neck. Then, another of the accused pushed him against the sofa and, together with the third defendant, searched his pockets. They took 50 euros that he had on him. The matter did not end there. Once the victim managed to break free, the woman chased him with a hand blender in an attempt to intimidate him. Despite the distressing situation, there is no record of the man having suffered any injuries as a result of the incident, according to the ruling. It only took them a couple hours to find a new victim, with whom one of the defendants arranged a date through the app to have sex. This time, the same defendant was the one who locked the door as soon as the date entered the house. According to the court ruling, both of them sat on the sofa, where the defendant, in a threatening tone, demanded that he give him some money. The victim, feeling intimidated, handed the man a banknote he had with him. Shortly afterwards, the same suspect uttered the word boss, whereupon the other defendant and a third individual, who has not been identified, came out of an adjoining room. The three of them managed to detain the man, who they held for about 40 minutes while they demanded that he give them more money and tried to access his bank accounts. If you dont give us more money, we will kill you, they warned him. Besides the shock, the victim sustained injuries to one elbow that took 15 days to heal. The three defendants admitted the offences, reaching a plea agreement that has led to a reduction in the sentences requested by the prosecution. As a result, the two defendants will have to serve four years and one day in prison for two crimes of robbery with violence and intimidation, one of them in concurrence with a crime of illegal detention. They were also ordered to pay a fine of 300 euros for the injuries to the second victim. The female defendant was sentenced to two years' imprisonment as she only participated in one of the two robberies with violence. Cristian Reino Barcelona Thursday, 9 October 2025, 20:07 Share An officer of the Mossos d'Esquadra regional Catalan police force in northern Spain was shot dead in the middle of the street in Lleida (Catalonia) on Wednesday. The alleged killer was a 78-year-old man, the victim's father-in-law, who turned himself in to the police at the scene of the shooting. The first investigations point to a family conflict related to the victim's daughters, so the incident is not linked to the victim's profession as a policeman. The incident happened in the Cappont neighbourhood just after three o'clock in the afternoon on Wednesday. The deceased officer, stationed in Mollerussa, Lleida, was off duty when he was shot. The alleged gunman himself, who has a history of mental problems, is the one who called the police: after turning himself in, he was arrested. The man allegedly fired three shots. The victim was returning home at the time of the crime. Europa Press Valencia Thursday, 9 October 2025, 20:59 | Updated 21:04h. Share Spain's state meteorological agency (Aemet) has issued red (extreme risk) weather warnings from Friday at 10am in the southern coastal regions of Alicante and Campo de Cartagena and Mazarron. "Extraordinary danger. There may be floods and flash flooding," it warned in a message on X. AVISO ESPECIAL | Lluvias muy fuertes y persistentes en el tercio este peninsular y Baleares. En puntos del area mediterranea las lluvias podran ser torrenciales, con posibles inundaciones y crecidas subitas. Extrema las precauciones. + info https://t.co/48Lsr8R9TN pic.twitter.com/ew0qJ9zEzx AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) October 9, 2025 In addition, it has announced that it is maintaining the warning for the 'Dana' named Alice, which until Monday could leave between 250 and 300 mm of rain in the area around Cape Nao, particularly the coastal and pre-coastal areas of Valencia and Alicante. The state agency warns of the "potential danger" of the situation, as the downpours could lead to local sudden and flash floods in low-lying areas, streams and wadis. Zoom Severe weathers activated for Friday. Aemet "There is a high uncertainty in the position of Alice and its interaction with surface flows, which will determine the areas of greatest adversity each day, so detailed monitoring of forecast updates and warnings is recommended over the next few days," he stresses. Aemet expects heavy downpours on the coast of Tarragona, Barcelona and Valencia from the early hours, which throughout the day will extend to Ibiza and Formentera, the rest of Murcia, the eastern half of Andalucia and southern Castilla La Mancha. Additionally, the warning does not rule out that they may also occur in other areas of Castilla-La Mancha, Catalonia and the central system. The state agency also predicts that these downpours, which would move slowly and could regenerate with the contribution of surface moisture, would be accompanied by thunderstorms, hail and reach strong or very strong intensity, even torrential. This is more likely to happen on the coasts of Valencia, Alicante and Pitiusas, where it could exceed 100mm in four or six hours. Zoom Heavy rains have already been recorded in Murcia this Thursday. La Verdad Aemet forecasts that the peak days will be Friday and Saturday, when northeasterly winds will reach their maximum intensity. During these two days, the heaviest showers are expected in Valencia, Alicante and Murcia, where they will be locally very strong, probably torrential, and with accumulated rainfall that could exceed 140mm in twelve hours. According to Aemet, the storms will extend to the south of Catalonia, the north of the Valencia region, the east of Castile-La Mancha and Andalucia, especially in the Baetic Mountains. On Sunday, the surface wind will lose intensity, but the situation of instability is expected to continue at medium and high levels and wet winds at low levels, with the most intense downpours, locally strong or very strong. Rain will be more likely between Cap de la Nao and the mouth of the Ebro for another day, but may reach the interior of the Valencia region, the southeast of Aragon and the Balearic Islands. Winds will continue to lose intensity on Monday. Although rain could extend as far as the centre of the mainland, the most likely and intense downpours are again forecast for the Valencia and Balearic Islands. Spain continues to make strides in the electrification of motorised transport at a time when many car manufacturers are withdrawing from their business strategies to push electric. Electrified cars (pure electric and plug-in hybrids) are beginning to make their presence felt on the streets of Spain and the charging network already supplies numerous charging points on urban and inter-city roads and motorways. So far this year, the installed public charging network has already exceeded the total rolled out in 2024. The statistics, as of 30 September, show a total of 52,107 public charging points, with 13,382 of those having been installed in the last nine months, 34.5% more than at the end of last year, when 9,424 charging points were added. "These are very positive figures. Great efforts are being made that are gradually yielding results, but the processes are very long and complex", says Jose Lopez-Tafall, director-general of Anfac (the vehicle manufacturers' association in Spain). However, despite the fact that over half the number of chargers installed throughout last year have been installed within three months in 2025 (the second highest figure since such data began being compiled), the infrastructure deployed is still a long way off the target set by the Spanish government in PNIEC (the state-wide strategic plan on energy and climate to 2030). Looking at the current data, Spain has only covered 5% of the target it must achieve in just five years and the country continues to suffer from unresolved problems, such as charging capacity and, above all, availability. The outcome is that two out of every ten charging points installed are out of service . Specifically, Spain's public charging network has 14,643 non-operational charging points. "If all of them were available, we would exceed the targets set by those in charge", states the automotive sector. Slow-charging points The expansion of charging points is mainly based on those of 22 kW or less. Currently, 70% of public chargers are classified as slow-charging. "This is one of the stats that must be reversed, as fast charging is essential for the electric car to be considered as the first-choice car", states Anfac in its latest 'barometer' report on the state of the EV market in Spain. In the last quarter, Spain has added 2,792 of this type of charging point, while fast-charging points - those of 150 kW or more - are limited to 740, of which 277 are ultra-fast. Moreover, only 17% are located in interurban areas. "Having a good fast-charging network is essential to reducing medium and long-distance journey times", say those from the industry. "The electromobility race waits for no one," says Lopez-Tafall. In Spain, registrations of electric and plug-in hybrid cars in September doubled compared to the same month last year (including passenger cars and light commercial vehicles): 22,068 vehicles in total, compared to 10,872 in 2024. In the first nine months of this year, the Spanish market reached 171,698 registrations, 99.15% more than in the same period last year. "We have run out of Moves funds [the EV purchase aid scheme] in nine regions," says Lopez-Tafall. While national data shows a positive trend, the EU data shows that Spain is still not picking up enough speed. The percentages are still not close to the targets set by the European Commission for the coming years. "We cannot lead the tail-end pack in Europe. That's not good enough", says Lopez-Tafall. This slow progress coincides with the new plans of the European automotive industry, which is reviewing its electrification strategies. Electric vehicle numbers are growing, but not at the expected pace, and major manufacturers are extending the life of their combustion engine models. The sector is pressuring Europe to remove the obligation to sell only electric vehicles by 2035, while proposals for workforce cuts in the industry are piling up on the negotiating table with union representatives. Constantia, N.Y. A 35-year-old man was killed Wednesday after his car went off the road and hit a tree in Oswego County, deputies said. Around 12:07 a.m., members of the Oswego County Sheriffs Office went to a single-vehicle crash on County Route 17 between Cook Road and Roosevelt Road in the town of Constantia, according to a news release from the sheriffs office. Deputies said a Volkswagen GTI was traveling north on County Route 17 when the driver lost control, causing the car to leave the west side of the road, overturn and hit a tree. The driver, Michael Poli, of Constantia, was pronounced dead at the scene, deputies said. The Oswego County Sheriffs Office was assisted by the New York State Police, Cleveland Volunteer Fire Department and Menter Ambulance. The crash remains under investigation. Salina, N.Y. Five people and two dogs were displaced Wednesday night after their house caught on fire in Salina. Around 8:39 p.m., firefighters went to 208 Breman Ave. for a fire that started in the fireplace area of the house, according to Mattydale Fire Chief Brian Falise. When firefighters arrived, flames could be seen coming from part of the house. The left side suffered severe damage because it centered around the fireplace. The fire also spread to the walls and ceiling, causing smoke and fire damage throughout most of the home. Firefighters put the fire out in around 20 minutes, Falise said. In addition to the Mattydale Fire Department, Liverpool and Lyncourt departments were also there. A NAVAC ambulance was at the house, but there were no injuries to residents, pets or firefighters, according to Falise. The American Red Cross was at the scene assisting the family and pets who were displaced, Falise said. Fire crews had Breman Avenue closed from Earl Avenue to E. Molloy Road for over two hours. Firefighters were still working at the scene past 10:15 p.m. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Boonville, N.Y. A 29-year-old woman who was killed in a four-vehicle crash on Route 12 in Oneida County on Tuesday was identified by the sheriffs office Wednesday. Jessica R. Stephenson, 29, of Boonville, was pronounced dead on the scene despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, according to a news release from the Oneida County Sheriffs Office. Around 4:06 p.m., deputies responded to Route 12 in the town of Boonville for a multi-vehicle crash, deputies said. Boonville police and New York State Police also responded to help shut down Route 12 for several hours. Deputies said Stephenson was driving south on Route 12 and had stopped to turn left into a driveway when her car was hit from behind by a pickup truck driven by Edward Wolf, 75, of Ohio, N.Y. The impact pushed Stephensons car into the north lane, where it collided with a Jeep driven by Thomas Kristoff, 59, of Boonville. Her car was then hit on the passenger side by a Ford F-350 pickup, towing a utility trailer, driven by Robert Perry, 54, of Manorville, deputies said. Wolf was taken to Wynn Hospital and is in stable condition. Kristoff and Perry were evaluated at the scene and declined to be taken to a hospital. The crash remains under investigation. Locke, N.Y. A small craft brewery known for its beer selection, frequent live music sessions and camping spaces closed suddenly this week. Summerhill Brewing, in rural southern Cayuga County, announced the closing Wednesday on social media. The brewery opened in 2019 at 14408 State Route 90, about halfway between the Cayuga County village of Locke and the Cortland County village of Homer. Every season has a beginning and an end, the brewerys Facebook post said. Due to very unexpected circumstances beyond our control, we have closed. We are so thankful to each and everyone who has supported us on our journey! Be kind to yourself and others. Peace, Love and Music! The owners could not be reached for further information. The brewery was started by Jeff and Sally Ten Eyck, who began as homebrewers. They sold it to their manager Jennifer Giroux and brewer Greg Warren in 2024, according to a report by the Auburn Citizen. Summerhill Brewing on Route 90 in southern Cayuga County has announced it is closing. (Street view from Google) Google street view The brewerys kitchen served pizzas and other bar food, like nachos and quesadillas. Its drinks list included local wines and ciders, and some beer-based cocktails. Summerhill had its own beers on tap, ranging from a brown porter to a hazy IPA and a chili pepper ale. Some of its beer names made reference to local history and culture. One was Millards American Ale, name for Millard Fillmore, the 13th U.S. president, who was born nearby. Another was Naked Neighbor Amber, a nod to a nearby nudist colony. One of its most popular offerings was Farmers Tan, a combination of the Millards American Ale and the Iron Plow Porter. Summerhill was open Thursday to Sunday, and was still hosting live music through September, according to its Facebook page. New York state has about 500 breweries, according to the most recent report from the New York State Brewers Association. While several craft breweries have closed across the state in recent years, there are still some new openings. And in some cases, existing breweries have opened satellite tasting rooms in the closed brewery locations. At one of his final school board meetings, Anthony TD Davis wiped away tears as Common Councilor Patrona Jones-Rowser said she never would have graduated high school without him. Jones-Rowser, a lifelong Syracusan, said during a turbulent time of her life Davis became a mentor to her and offered help when she needed it. Decades later, Davis is still involved in her life. I cant be more blessed to have you a part of my life, Jones-Rowser told Davis. The board meeting was filled with heartfelt thanks from more than a dozen people, including Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, U.S. Rep. John Mannion, New York State Senator Rachel May, common council members and school board members. In August, Davis announced he would retire as superintendent on Oct. 31 after three years in the job. Deputy Superintendent Pamela Odom will take over, syracuse.com reported. Davis started as a teaching assistant in the city school district in 1986 and worked his way up. He spent almost 20 years working for the Liverpool School District before coming back to SCSD as assistant superintendent of secondary schools in 2016. He retired in 2019 but returned three years later as interim superintendent before taking over full time less than a year later. During the meeting, speakers praised Davis for opening the STEAM high school, making sure students living in food deserts got meals and creating deep connections throughout Syracuse. I want everybody to understand that, like, this man right here is more than just a superintendent. He was a brother. He was a father, said Common Councilor Rasheada Caldwell. He showed up for our kids and I really, really appreciate that our kids can see someone like them. Emalyn Muzzy covers schools and higher education for syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. Reach her at emuzzy@syracuse.com. One day, Cayetano Valenzuela was talking with a friend in his yard when they saw a monarch butterfly. Its gonna go up over the roof right there, Valenzuela said. How do you know that? his friend asked. They do every time, Valenzuela said. Sure enough, it went up and over the roof of his garage, right over the same spot. Located a bit outside Syracuse, Valenzuelas house is on the monarchs migration path. They fly over his garage roof every year, starting from the north down to Mexico, and it takes generations of butterflies to fly back and forth. As a Texas Chicano artist, Valenzuela sees monarchs as a beautiful metaphor for the migration pattern of Mexican generations. So as to begin the journey, theyre not going to be the ones that end the journey, he said. Valenzuela felt it was right up his alley when Candelaria Cibrian asked him to create a Mexican mural for the wall outside her restaurant, Birria QuesaTacos SYR on 415 W. Onondaga St. Being that this is a Mexican restaurant, being that this is my dads recipe, I wanted something that symbolized my culture, my background, Cibrian said. I havent seen them anywhere near here. Growing up in Los Angeles, Cibrian remembered seeing murals from various cultures, and she wanted a colorful Aztec mural people would want to photograph on her building in Syracuse. When we go to a different country or a different place, what do we do? We take pictures of beautiful things, she said. Thats what I want it to be. The Sun Stone, Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent, pyramid in Chichen Itza and the monarch butterflies; Valenzuela drew these Indigenous symbols from his childhood memories in San Antonio, Texas, and quickly finished the design for the Mural of the Sun. It brings him back to living in a neighborhood where he feels comfortable, surrounded by people like him and big, colorful murals. Valenzuela recalled drawing at his grandmothers kitchen table while she made tortillas or frijoles on the other side of the room. Across her house on Juanita Street in San Antonio, a large mural depicted a pyramid, low riders, men in zoot suits and lines referencing the Civil Rights movement. Cayetano Valenzuela was drawing at his grandmothers kitchen table in the 1980s. Valenzuela now often draws at the kitchen table in his house in Central New York. Photo provided by Melissa DeStevens-Valenzuela Valenzuela said his entire house is his studio and he works a lot at his kitchen table, surrounded by signs, comic books and a sideboard stuffed with drawings for his in-progress graphic novel. Nothing has really changed, he said. Im still drawing at the kitchen table. When Valenzuela first moved to Central New York as a kid, he experienced a huge culture shock, experiencing racism as a child. He sometimes got into fights and was spat on. Although his artwork is part of Syracuses cultural tapestry, Valenzuela still hears the same question, Where are you from? After living in Central New York for more than 20 years, Valenzuela continues to learn, understand and reconnect with his Indigenous roots the Aztec culture. Artist Cayetano Valenzuela paints a new mural on the restaurant Birria Quesa Tacos Syr at 415 W. Onondaga St. Zora Ma Observing the homogenization of culture in the U.S., a melting pot, he wants to explore more deeply what has been lost, what isnt being taught and where his identity lies. Making art is part of his ongoing exploration. By creating the Mural of the Sun, Valenzuela hopes that people like him feel seen. Its not the full story of being Mexican in America, but its a little piece, he said. Its my interpretation of a little splash of Chicano culture here in Syracuse. Early in their relationship, Valenzuela and his wife went on long road trips around Central New York. The beautiful scenery of each place, and the diverse cultures and people, deeply impressed him. Valenzuelas dream is to see all the different heritages in Syracuse represented in murals celebrating diversity. He wants this mural to be a small brick in that pyramid of diverse cultures. Valenzuela always leaves the milkweed growing on the side of his yard so the monarchs can chill out there and then continue their path. In some way, its almost like a little piece of me is also going to Mexico, he said. All the way back to the homeland, from all the way up here. Valenzuela expects to complete his mural this October. By Jie Jenny Zou | New York Focus This story originally appeared in New York Focus, a nonprofit news publication investigating power in New York. Sign up for their newsletter here. A surprise move by the Trump administration could result in hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers losing their food assistance benefits as soon as November disrupting one of the countrys oldest safety net programs months earlier than expected. In July, President Donald Trump signed his Big, Beautiful Bill into law, enacting over $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as food stamps). Drastic changes to SNAP were expected to roll out starting next year, including expanded work requirements projected to cause hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers to lose eligibility. On Oct. 3, the federal agency that oversees SNAP announced it would hasten that timeline by terminating waivers that have allowed dozens of states, including New York, to largely suspend work requirements. Those requirements limit recipients to three months of SNAP benefits over a three-year period, unless they continually certify they have worked, volunteered, or studied in school at least 80 hours per month. New Yorks waiver was set to expire at the end of February, allowing officials to delay the implementation of work rules until March; it is now set to be cancelled in the first few days of November. That means New York could be forced to enforce work requirements in a matter of weeks. Research shows work requirements do little to raise employment rates and often result in eligible recipients losing their benefits due to paperwork errors, processing delays, and the time it takes to gather and submit the right documentation. They also significantly expand the workloads of the agencies responsible for reviewing that paperwork. In New York, the task of verifying eligibility and administering SNAP benefits falls to already-strained county social service departments. Those departments, which thought they had months to prepare to implement work requirements, will now have to scramble to do so much earlier. Im sitting with the managers and brainstorming what we can do to stay ahead of the storm, said Kira Pospesel, commissioner of Greene Countys social services department in the Catskills. Every idea is going to be on the table. Pospesels team had a conference call with state leadership on Wednesday to discuss training staff on the new rules, she said. Her agency is typically inundated this time of year with calls about heating assistance for the upcoming winter; it will now have to deal with those applications on top of the changes to SNAP. Understaffing has long been an issue across county social service departments, forcing many agencies to make do with limited resources. Not a lot of people want these jobs, at least here theres help wanted signs all over, said Pospesel. Were going to give it our best try, but there are no guarantees. Phil Church, Oswego County administrator and president of the New York State Association of Counties, said his countys social service department is already reassigning staff to work on the SNAP transition. Staff will also need to schedule hour-long orientations with nearly 900 SNAP recipients who will be subject to the new work requirements. OTDA told counties to begin enforcing work rules next month for able-bodied adults 18 to 54 years old without dependents under 18, Church said. Counties will then need to extend those rules under the July law to adults up to 64 without dependents under 14 when they renew their SNAP benefits. Were going to have to have all hands on deck for this, Church said of the new requirements. It will hit us in additional hours and overtime we werent counting on. The county typically has about 15 staffers who work on SNAP administration, but Church said he anticipates 39 staffers will need to work on the program in order to meet the accelerated timeframe. That will cost money even as counties struggle to plan their budgets for the upcoming year amid a host of Trump-era cuts. The July law decreases federal funding for administrative SNAP costs and will require states to pay for a portion of the benefits paid out to recipients. The abrupt announcement isnt the only cloud on the horizon for SNAP recipients. If Congress fails to reach an agreement soon to re-open the government, funding for all SNAP recipients, as well as for those who receive WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) benefits, could also be suspended as soon as November. The shutdown is set to go into its second week, with Democrats and Republicans deadlocked over health care funding and no deal in sight. The last shutdown, which was the longest in US history, lasted 35 days. A prolonged shutdown could also derail the states food bank network, according to Ryan Healy, advocacy manager for Feeding New York State. Food banks across the state rely heavily on federal funding and food shipments, and received far less food than promised earlier this year as a result of other federal cuts. Thats despite rising food insecurity statewide, which has remained elevated since the onset of the pandemic. It could also become difficult to gauge exactly how bad food insecurity gets, Healy noted. A week before the government shutdown began, the Trump administration announced it would be eliminating an annual survey that has been conducted since the 1990s. When youre looking to avoid accountability for your bad policy decisions, you stop collecting data, Healy said. Its going to make it even harder to evaluate the magnitude of these unprecedented changes. Nearly 3 million New Yorkers are enrolled in SNAP, with the average household receiving $376 per month in benefits. Nearly half a million receive WIC, which provides food and other nutritional assistance to pregnant people, new mothers, and young children. Officials at the state Department of Health, which manages WIC, and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which oversees SNAP, emphasized that benefits for both programs remain unaffected by the shutdown through the month of October. For the time being, WIC remains open and ready to serve families. Families should keep appointments and use benefits as usual, a health department spokesperson wrote in an email. As the federal landscape continues to change rapidly, we are closely monitoring any developments and will keep New Yorkers informed of any changes that would affect their benefits. Neither agency was able to provide additional details about what will happen to benefits beyond October or how the state is preparing for potential losses in benefits coverage. Diana Ramos, an activist with the Safety Net Project at the Urban Justice Project, called on Governor Kathy Hochul and Albany lawmakers to take action at the state level to protect New Yorkers at risk of losing their benefits. We need to be the role models of this country and say New York state stepped up, said Ramos, who supports proposals to raise taxes on the wealthy to backfill federal cuts. Id like to see the state offer funding. Ramos relies on SNAP benefits to feed herself and her dog in the Bronx. She said shes worried about how the work requirements will affect recipients like her neighbor, a working single mother of three who may not have the resources or time to stay on top of additional paperwork to continually prove her eligibility. A New York state benefits card with a cut-out yellow outline where a digital chip would go. In the background, a black and white photo of produce in a grocery store. The past year has seen one obstacle after another for many SNAP recipients. Like thousands of New Yorkers, Ramos has also been the victim of SNAP skimming. The entirety of her $292 in monthly benefits was stolen in June through a scam that targets the magnetic strip cards used to access SNAP benefits. Despite being a hotbed for SNAP theft, New York has hesitated to implement more secure chip-enabled cards, as California did earlier this year. Stolen SNAP funds are no longer being reimbursed after talks in Congress to extend funding broke down late last year. Kathleen Moore l Times Union, Albany, N.Y. (TNS) A scientist who once had to spend a semester proving his worth to Hudson Valley Community College has now won the Nobel Prize in chemistry. Omar Yaghi, who is now at the University of California, Berkeley, won the prize with Susumu Kitagawa and Richard Robson for the development of metal-organic frameworks. Yaghi described his work as developing a way to stitch together molecules into a form large enough for molecular gas to move through it. This allows scientists to compact gases without high pressure or low temperature, Yaghi said. It can be used to separate carbon dioxide or harvest water from desert air, he said on his website. Yaghi grew up in Amman, Jordan, the child of Palestinian parents. He got his start as a refugee in Troy, where he tried to enroll at HVCC at age 15 without a high school diploma. The adviser asked me a few questions, which I attempted to answer in my limited English, he said in a biography he wrote at U.C. Berkeley. With no high school diploma and very little English, HVCC rejected him. At the time, the colleges policies did not allow students to enroll before age 18 if they didnt have a high school diploma, a college spokesman said. However, the college soon admitted Yaghi. The school wouldnt admit me, but I was allowed to take classes. I took mostly science and math courses, did very well, and returned to the admissions office at the end of the semester. They let me enroll, he said. He earned his associate degree there in 1983, transferred to the University at Albany, and graduated with his Bachelor of Science in chemistry in 1985. He went on to get his masters and doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I am really a product of the public school system in the U.S., he said in a Zoom interview on Wednesday, hours after the group learned their research won the Nobel Prize. This recognition is really a testament of the power of the public school system of the U.S., that takes people like me with major disadvantaged background and allow you to work and work hard and distinguish yourself. Yaghi said his early life in Jordan was difficult. Life was very tough. We grew up in a home that had no amenities, no running water, no electricity, no plumbing, he said in an interview last year while watching his device collect water in the desert. As a boy, he had to collect water for his family, but he only had access to the water source for a brief period twice a month. You store as much water as you can within that four hours, and thats the water that you would use for those two weeks. If you ran out of water, you had to find a different source of water. So, I grew up really appreciating the stress caused by water, he said in the Tang Prize interview, which was aired last year when he won the 2024 Tang Prize Laureate in Sustainable Development. At age 15, he said, his father encouraged him to take a chance on education, arranging for him to go to either the United States or Russia to study. He chose the United States. He moved to Troy and stayed in the spare room of a retired couple while he attended HVCC. We were there at the right place, at the right time for him, said HVCC President Michael Brophy. He noted that Yaghis story is a common one at the community college. There are still students to this day that are coming from very similar backgrounds, he said. Obviously, it really speaks to our focus on the dignity of all our students, to meet them where they are academically, socially and financially. But he added that Yaghis story is also special. Absolutely it still happens, but (its not) every day where were hearing about Nobel prizes, he said. At the University at Albany, a chemistry professor who has stayed in touch with Yaghi for decades was also delighted about Yaghis win. In a later conversation, he said Yaghi still remembered his first years of college. He was very grateful for the education that he was given by my wonderful colleagues, said retired chemistry professor Eric Block. He told me he spoke very little English when he first arrived. He learned his English in the Albany area. Due to his upbringing, Yaghi also said he didnt have much education in basic science before college. But the college professors took that in stride, Block said. This was not atypical. This is the type of student we have had, he said. Some of the students who come to UAlbany come from very poor backgrounds. But if theyre motivated and theyre intelligent and theyre willing to learn... We view that as the purpose of the education, to train them to go out there and compete with the best. And boy is Omar a shining example. Yaghi appears to be the first UAlbany graduate to win a Nobel Prize. But two faculty members have won prizes. Toni Morrison, who won the 1993 Nobel Prize in literature, was an English faculty member from 1984 to 1989. After her time in Albany, she published Beloved, which won the Pulitzer. In addition, Joachim Frank, who won the 2017 Nobel Prize in chemistry, was a senior scientist at the Wadsworth Center and professor in UAlbanys School of Public Health from 1975 to 2008. He was affiliate faculty at UAlbanys RNA Institute when he won the Nobel for his work in developing cryo-electron microscopy for high-resolution imaging of biomolecules. Yaghi is considered a founder of the field of reticular chemistry, which builds crystalline frameworks at the atomic level. His laboratory invented frameworks that can store hydrogen and methane for clean fuel and capture industrial carbon dioxide emissions, in addition to pulling water from the desert air. To the Editor: It was once believed the Earth was the center of the universe. Great thinkers like Aristotle and Ptolemy taught it, and the Catholic Church said it was so. Today, we know the idea is not true. Likewise, many people once believed Cristoforo Colombo was the greatest of heroes and proud symbol, without question, of Italian culture. American writers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Washington Irving helped shape this image in the 1800s. The Catholic Church also played a big part in promoting a grand image of Columbus. They pointed to his writings, where he called himself a servant of God. As the authors J. Mangione and B. Morreale point out in their book La Storia: Five Centuries of the Italian-American Experience, even two popes supported the idea of making Columbus a saint, first Pope Pius IX in 1886, and then Pope Leo XIII in the 1890s. By the time of Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903), more of Columbuss life was known, and the facts complicated matters. As well-respected writers and historians Mangione and Morreale tell it, Columbus kept the reward money that should have gone to the sailor who first spotted land and instead gave it to his own partner. He also brought back enslaved people from the New World and allowed them to be sold, helping to spread the cruel system of slavery. Just as the church once gave up the idea of an Earth-centered solar system when it did not conform to the facts, Pope Leo XIII did not beatify Columbus, nor has the Church returned to the cause since. Today, if an institution as important to Italian life as the Catholic Church can take an honest look at Columbus and his legacy, then we, as people of Italian and Syracuse heritage, should do the same. Many in our community, both Italian-American and not, understand the great meaning the Columbus statue has held in many peoples hearts. Columbus skill as a navigator is not in doubt, nor is the pride and effort of our Syracuse relatives who raised the money to build the monument. But what we know today about his actions as a leader his choices and the harm that followed is knowledge that calls us to find a new way to celebrate Italian-American contributions to this nation and the world. Now is the time for a new generation of leaders to design a 21st-century monument. A monument grounded in the historical record yet honoring the unique importance of our Italian-American community and their many contributions to Central New York. This new monument should not be tied to Columbus but should be a truer guide to navigating the challenges of life for today and tomorrow. On behalf of We of Italian & Syracuse Heritage (WISH) CNY: Paul Ciavarri | DeWitt Hilary-Anne Coppola | Fayetteville Allison DeVoe | Syracuse Tarki Heath | Preble Donna Inglima | Syracuse Michael Messina-Yauchzy | Syracuse Dborah Rizzo | Manlius Colleen Zawadzki | Tully Mary Anne Zeppetello | Syracuse Cindy Squillace | Syracuse President Donald Trump is preparing a possible aid package for farmers harmed by his tariff policies. Trump has targeted multiple industries and individual nations with tariffs since returning to office in January. China, the largest buyer of American farm products, has been a prime target. Chinas retaliation against Trumps tariffs has included a sharp drop in purchases of U.S. crops, according to The New York Times. Trump is preparing a relief package and had expected to announce it this week. The government shutdown has delayed those plans somewhat, according to the Times. During Trumps first term, China hit back against U.S. tariffs with levies of its own that focused on American whiskey, cranberries, pork and soybeans. The pain for American farmers led Trump to support over $20 billion in aid, according to the Times. This time around, the aid could total up to $15 billion, according to Reuters. Farmers in general have been a supportive voting bloc for Trump. But they have been pressing for a resolution to trade tensions with China, Reuters said. Soybean farmers in particular have been suffering, as China has been avoiding purchases of U.S. soybeans amid the tariff battle. About 50% of soybeans grown in the U.S. are shipped overseas and purchased by foreign buyers, according to PBS News. Of that amount, half typically gets sold to China. So far this year, China has made no purchases of U.S. soybeans. Thats unprecedented, PBS said. The financial stress is real, said Tyler Stafslien, a North Dakota farmer, according to PBS. Like, if youre a business like mine, you have to have dollars coming in order to pay the bills that inevitably come. So the longer that it takes for Congress to approve an aid package, the more we feel it out here. Republican lawmakers have warned of financial calamity for farmers if they dont get aid by the end of the year, according to Reuters. Discord has shared an update that dives deeper into the attack that happened against them as it has now been claimed that as many as 70,000 government IDs were compromised. Over the weekend, Discord confirmed that there was a data breach against one of its customer service providers, which they immediately handled. The still-unknown threat actors have reportedly asked for monetary payment in exchange for the stolen data and credentials, but Discord claims that they are working with the authorities to resolve this case. Discord Claims 70,000 Gov't IDs May Have Been Compromised Discord shared a new update regarding the latest attack that recently targeted one of its customer service providers that handles a part of its support for users. The platform is now saying that 70,000 government IDs may have been leaked in this attack. The latest figure was revealed by Discord after claiming last week that only a small number of credentials and data were compromised by the unauthorized party. The company also claimed that there may be other user data exposed in this attack by the unauthorized party, but the company specify what other information was stolen in the process. That said, Engadget reported that Discord said that the other information that could have been compromised includes users' names, their Discord usernames, email, and other contact information they shared with customer service providers. Read Also: FCC Targets Chinese Tech in Undersea Cables With New Security Rules New Reports Claim Discord Attack Is Larger This latest update was released by the company after reports circulated online that claimed that the breach on Discord's customer service provider is larger than what the company said. There is a report says that the unauthorized party responsible for the breach had stolen as much as 1.5 terabytes of age verification-related photos, with as many as 2,185,151 photos to be exact. Chat, we are cooked Discord is being extorted by the people who compromised their Zendesk instance They've got 1.5TB of age verification related photos. 2,185,151 photos tl;dr 2.1m Discord users drivers license and/or passport might be leaked. Unknown number of e-mails vx-underground (@vxunderground) October 8, 2025 The report said that as many as 2.1 million government IDs, like driver's licenses and/or passports, may have been leaked in the latest attack, and this figure is far from what Discord initially reported. Despite the latest report, the company's update reiterated that the attack was not on Discord and its platform directly, but on its third-party customer service provider, which only handles its Customer Support or Trust & Safety teams. Moreover, the company also clarified that no messages or activities were accessed beyond what users have talked about with the customer service team. Discord maintained that they have revoked the license of the said third-party vendor whose operations were compromised by the said attack. California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new privacy law requiring web browsers to make opting out of data sales simple and accessible for all users, just over a week after passing the first AI safety law. California Prioritizes Data Privacy For Web Browser Users The new law expands on the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which was passed in 2018, and allows residents to block businesses from selling their personal information. However, so far, users have had to opt out of a website by hand or use third-party browser extensions to keep their data safe. In the new law, web browsers will be mandated to have an easy, single-click opt-out feature. This will enable Californians to easily prevent third-party sales of data. With this feature, privacy protection will become a default instead of an afterthought, a big win for consumer rights activists. Privacy Advocates Commend the Action Consumer protection advocates welcomed the move as a significant advancement in protecting online privacy. Matt Schwartz, a policy analyst at Consumer Reports, said: "These signals are going to be available to millions more people, and it's going to be much easier for them to opt out." Before, consumers who sought a global opt-out choice needed to download specific browser tools or transition to specialty privacy-oriented browsers. This bill breaks that barrier, so that privacy would become the default standard for mass-market browsers such as Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. The First Law of Its Kind in the US The legislation, passed by the California Legislature on Sept. 11, is the first in the country to mandate that browsers provide an opt-out tool that is easy to use. Governor Newsom vetoed a more comprehensive version of the bill last year that would have reached into mobile operating systems. This year, the more targeted strategy won bipartisan backing and the support of privacy groups. Further Signed Privacy Legislation Governor Newsom also signed two other significant bills that enhance Californians' ability to manage their digital lives. One bill mandates that social media companies offer a plain account cancellation that promises complete erasure of data. The second bill improves the Data Broker Registration Law, which provides consumers with greater insight into what personal information is being gathered and by whom. Newsom is also the one who previously advocated for banning smartphones in schools. He said that students should focus on their studies instead of being distracted by their handsets. North Koreas state-backed hackers are having their most profitable year yet. According to blockchain analytics firm Elliptic, cybercriminals linked to Pyongyang have already stolen more than $2 billion worth of cryptocurrency in 2025, setting a new record with nearly three months still to go. The unprecedented total nearly triples last years figure, bringing the regimes known crypto theft to over $6 billion since its hackers first began targeting the digital currency world in 2017. Intelligence agencies and the United Nations say these funds are used to help bankroll North Koreas nuclear weapons and missile programs, which are otherwise constrained by global sanctions. The 2025 total already dwarfs previous years and is almost triple last years tally, underscoring the growing scale of North Koreas dependence on cyber-enabled theft to fund its regime, Elliptic wrote in its latest blog post. A Record-Breaking Hack The biggest contributor to 2025s staggering total was the $1.46 billion hack in February from the crypto exchange Bybit, which now ranks as one of the largest cryptocurrency thefts in history. The attackers infiltrated systems tied to an offline cold wallet containing 400,000 Ethereum coins. Elliptic also linked North Korea to thefts at LND.fi, WOO X, Seedify, and more than 30 additional smaller hacks this year alone. In comparison, North Koreas 2025 haul far exceeds its previous record of $1.35 billion in 2022, which means the regimes hackers have shattered their own record by a wide margin. A Shift in Strategy: From Code Exploits To Human Deception This year has also marked a clear shift in North Korean hackers tactics, moving from exploiting code flaws to targeting individuals through phishing schemes, fake job offers, or impersonating trusted crypto companies to steal wallet credentials. The majority of the hacks in 2025 have been perpetrated through social engineering attacks, where hackers deceive or manipulate individuals to gain access to cryptocurrency, Elliptic explained. High-net-worth crypto holders and exchange employees are now common targets. These individuals often lack enterprise-level security, making them easier prey. This shift highlights that the weak point in cryptocurrency security is increasingly human, rather than technical, the company warned. A High-Tech Laundering Operation Once the money is stolen, North Koreas hackers go to great lengths to launder their crypto. Elliptic found that laundering techniques now include multiple rounds of cross-chain swaps, use of obscure blockchains, and even self-issued tokens designed to hide stolen assets. Despite the broader arms race between blockchain investigators and state-sponsored cybercriminals, Elliptic says blockchain transparency remains a powerful tool, allowing law enforcement and compliance teams to trace transactions and block illicit deposits. A Growing Security Concern The United Nations estimates North Koreas total GDP at roughly $15 billion, meaning the regimes stolen crypto could account for as much as 13% of the countrys total economy. Western governments warn that the stolen crypto is helping fund North Koreas weapons programs transforming what might look like digital theft into a serious global security concern. Dr. Tom Robinson, Elliptics Chief Scientist, says the actual figure could be even higher and that attributing cyber thefts to North Korea is not an exact science. We are aware of many other thefts that share some of the hallmarks of North Korea-linked activity but lack sufficient evidence to be definitively attributed. Other thefts are likely unreported and remain unknown, he said. With $2 billion stolen and counting, one thing is clear: North Korea has turned crypto theft into an industry and its cyber army isnt slowing down, its only getting smarter. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here. England and Wales are preparing to legalize assisted suicide. The "Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill" was passed by the House of Commons in June and now moves on to the House of Lords. The bill has plenty of detractors, including the former Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May, who referred to it as the "license to kill Bill." May warned of "normalizing" suicide and of the message such a law would send to the elderly, mentally ill and disabled about the value of their lives. Kim Leadbetter, the Labour Party Member of Parliament who introduced the bill, offered the same tired assurances: The powers granted by the bill won't be abused, this isn't about devaluing the lives of the ill and disabled, and so on. The trajectory is predictable: The bill's proponents will win, with the typical initial argument that assisted suicide or euthanasia will be limited to terminally ill adults with less than six months to live. Even that limitation glosses over what most physicians will tell you: that it is nearly impossible to predict with any certainty how long someone will live, notwithstanding the diagnosis of a terminal illness. But it never stops there. Soon the argument becomes, "What about adults suffering from mental illness? Why should they be forced to live if they don't want to?" That, in turn, morphs into arguments that people who have no diagnosed mental illness should have access to assisted death if they're unhappy and don't want to live anymore. Then the push comes to make euthanasia available to people under the age of 18 who are terminally ill; then, it's young people who are depressed or dealing with other mental or emotional illness. Advocates in England cheered the bill's passage within the House of Commons as "the triumph of facts over fear." You'd think they would pay more attention to the facts in other countries where assisted suicide and euthanasia have already been legalized, like the Netherlands, Belgium and Canada. The Netherlands legalized euthanasia and assisted suicide in 2002, and has never required diagnosis of a terminal illness as a prerequisite. The number of deaths by both has been increasing every year, and jumped 10% in just one year, from 2023 to 2024. More worryingly, the number of people who chose to end their lives for psychiatric reasons (as opposed to terminal physical illness) rose from two in 2010 to 219 last year an increase of more than 10,000%. (One Dutch patient suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder ended her life because a back injury left her unable to clean as much as she wanted.) An even greater concern is that a growing number of these deaths are in people under 30; the Netherlands now permits children as young as 12 to request euthanasia. Belgium's laws permitting euthanasia and assisted suicide are the most permissive in Europe, having eliminated all age limits in 2014. In theory, any child requesting assisted death must be in "constant and unbearable suffering," be lucid when making the choice, and have his or her parents' consent (although it is unclear what happens if the parents disagree). Canada's Parliament passed its "Medical Assistance in Dying" law in 2016. MAID offers assisted suicide or euthanasia to anyone suffering with a terminal illness or chronic (even if not terminal) condition. Neither minors nor those with mental illness qualify for MAID in Canada yet. Even so, there have been more than 60,000 MAID deaths in just the past nine years. Both England and Canada boast about their "universal health care," but both countries have yearslong wait times. England's National Health Service admits that waits for tests and shortages of physicians and hospital beds are impacting cancer diagnoses and thus access to lifesaving treatment. Canada's population is a third of England's, but wait times are just as long, if not longer. This matters because when the inevitable shortages occur, euthanasia and assisted suicide start looking like cost-cutting measures or viable options for the ill and the disabled. By way of example, disabled Canadian veteran and Paralympian Christine Gauthier had been fighting for five years to get a wheelchair ramp installed at her home and was told by the Department of Veterans Affairs that they could send her the equipment for medical assistance in dying, instead. It isn't just the embrace of death that threatens the West. There's also abortion and the declining birth rate. None of the western European countries has a birth rate at the population replacement level of two children per family. The birth rate in the United States is barely at replacement level. Abortions were declining in the U.S. until 2017 but have been steadily increasing each year since, with more than 1 million abortions performed in 2023 for the first time since 2012. And now, American society has a new obsession: chemically castrating and surgically mutilating the bodies of otherwise physically healthy young people, rendering them incapable of sexual reproduction (and, in some cases, sexual performance or pleasure). This is madness. Western civilization is destroying its fertility and its future. These trends are direct consequences of the West's abandonment of Christianity, the faith that built modern Europe and which is the cornerstone of the United States of America. Christian majorities in the U.S. and in countries like France, Italy, Spain, Ireland and Canada have been ignoring the tenets of the faith, watering them down, apologizing for them, and even condemning them as "racist," "patriarchal" and "colonialist." The results are predictably catastrophic. Christianity views the value of each G od-given human life as inherent, immutable and immeasurable, not dependent upon the whims or wishes of any particular individual. That value has, among other achievements, driven unprecedented advances in medical care, healing, child life expectancy, longevity and the alleviation of suffering. It should not surprise us, therefore, that as Christianity is gradually eroded as a cultural foundation, humans become disposable rather than indispensable, and the value of life becomes transactional rather than transcendent; about money rather than morals. As England prepares to join other nations that have legalized euthanasia and assisted suicide, it appears to miss the irony: If Christianity is cast aside, it will take Western civilization with it. The West is killing itself. (COMMENT, BELOW) Laura Hollis is an attorney and academic. She resides in Indiana with her husband and their two children. CAIRO, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Egypt on Thursday dispatched a humanitarian aid convoy to Gaza, its first after a deal was reached on the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Run by the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC), it is the fourth aid convoy sent from Egypt to Gaza since July 27, Egypt's Al-Qahera News TV reported. The convoy, carrying thousands of tons of food supplies including rice, pasta, flour, and baby formula, as well as medicines and medical supplies, started its journey amid joy and optimism, said the report. The convoy crossed the Rafah crossing -- the only channel linking the Sinai Peninsula with the Gaza Strip -- moving toward the Kerem Shalom crossing for inspection by Israeli authorities before entering the Gaza Strip, said the report. Earlier on Thursday, mediators in the Israel-Hamas talks said that an agreement covering all provisions and implementation mechanisms related to the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal had been reached, and a final draft of the agreement was underway. The deal will bring an end to the war, secure the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and allow humanitarian aid into the enclave, with further details to be announced later. The announcement of the deal came following three days of indirect talks between Hamas and Israel in Egypt's resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh to negotiate a peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. King Charles III to unveil 'harmony' vision of nature in new film London, Oct 8 (AFP) Oct 08, 2025 Britain's King Charles III said Wednesday he hopes to throw a spotlight on his lifelong work to protect the planet in a new documentary to air worldwide next year. "Nature is our sustainer -- we are a part of nature. Therefore, what we do to her, we do to ourselves," he said in a statement. "For much of my life I have sought to promote and encourage ways we can work with, rather than against nature. In other words, to restore balance to our planet which is under such stress." The project, entitled "Finding Harmony: A King's Vision", is being carried out in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios, and set to launch around the world on Prime Video in early 2026. Charles said he hoped it would highlight work being done to save the planet "from the forests of Guyana to sustainable communities in India". It will also look at his charity the King's Foundation and its work at Dumfries House, Scotland, focusing on community regeneration, sustainable textiles and traditional skills, as well as the head of state's home at Highgrove House in Gloucester, where some of the documentary was filmed. It will seek to explain his "harmony philosophy" which he set out in a 2010 book, and "perhaps inspire the same sense of determination it has given me to help build a more sustainable future". The film's director Nicolas Brown said the story was one of "hope and resilience". Last year, Amazon produced the series "A Very Royal Scandal", a dramatisation of an infamous television interview given by the king's brother Prince Andrew about his relationship to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In 2022, Amazon Prime's streaming rival Netflix aired its six-hour docuseries "Harry & Meghan", in which the King's youngest son Prince Harry and his wife voiced their grievances with the royal family and the British media. Quake rattles north Philippines city Manila, Oct 9 (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 A moderately strong earthquake struck Thursday near a northern Philippine mountain city home to hundreds of thousands of people, forcing people out of buildings and shutting down schools, officials said. Employees rushed out of office buildings in the city of 366,000 following the shallow quake which occurred at 10:30 am (0230 GMT), 10 days after a powerful quake killed more than 70 people in the central Philippines, residents told AFP by telephone. "We're going to check for damage," building administrator Ralph Cabuag told AFP as more than 300 employees and patients filed out of the three-storey Baguio city health office. The government seismology office earlier put the magnitude at 4.8 and said it was "expecting damage", but subsequently lowered the figure to 4.4. Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong shut down the city's elementary and high schools, the city public information office said on its Facebook page. The state seismology office said the epicentre was located in the town of Pugo, near Baguio. A 7.8 quake in July 1990 killed some 1,600 people in and around Baguio, a city located atop a mountain range that is also one of the country's top tourist draws. Quakes are a near-daily occurrence in the Philippines, which is situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", an arc of intense seismic activity stretching from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin. Also on Thursday, the government raised the death toll from the Cebu quake at 74, with two new deaths reported in the towns of Medellin and Tabogon in Cebu island. The quake destroyed or damaged about 72,000 houses and injured 1,058 other people, disaster officials said. 'Let them live in peace': survivor's fight for uncontacted Amazon people Paris, Oct 9 (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 Atxu Marima survived the flu that killed his family after a jaguar attack drove them from their Indigenous group in the Amazon -- but he cannot return for fear of endangering his people. Instead he has dedicated himself to campaigning for Brazil's isolated communities to be left alone. "I am here to tell the story of my people," Marima told AFP during a trip to Paris to raise awareness. Marima is only around 40 but has already had many lives. Born Atxu among the Hi-Merima people, a nomadic group in the south of Amazonas state, he became Romerito (Little Romero) as a child labourer after fleeing the forest. But now to his wife and three children, he is Artur. Until about the age of seven or eight, he lived between the Purus and Jurua rivers with his father, mother, and siblings as part of one of Brazil's officially recognised "uncontacted" Indigenous communities. The country is home to more such groups than any other, with 114 officially recognised as living with little or no contact with the outside world. For decades Brazil encouraged contact with these communities, before reversing course in 1987 after recognising the devastation it brought. Marima and his family experienced this firsthand when tragedy forced them to seek out what he called a "civilised community" -- a decision that cost him his family, home, language and culture. - 'Everyone got sick' - Marima's childhood in the Amazon had been idyllic -- singing to trees to encourage them to bear fruit, families gathering to dance and racing across the forest floor with his siblings. Until one day a jaguar attacked his father. He survived the mauling but suffered a severe head wound and began hallucinating that his children were prey -- tapirs and pigs to hunt with his arrows. His mother fled with them, leaving his father dying in his hammock above a grave they had prepared for him. Marima never saw him again. "My family, especially my mother, then decided to make contact with the 'civilised' world," he told AFP. It soon exposed them to diseases for which they had no defences. "Everyone got sick and died," he said, recalling how his mother, aunt and several brothers succumbed to what he called the flu. Marima and four siblings were the only survivors, scattered among local families. Renamed Romerito, his adoptive family forced him to work in "slave-like conditions" until he left around the age of 15. He believes he is the last of the siblings still alive. -'Afraid of being shot'- In 1987 Brazil adopted a no-contact policy, allowing interaction only if initiated by the Indigenous people themselves. Otherwise, they must be left alone. Prior to that, "it was normal for half of the population of uncontacted people to die within the first year of contact," mostly from disease, said Priscilla Schwarzenholz, a researcher at Survival International. Today Marima said isolated groups also fear contact because they are "afraid of being shot, because the 'civilisers' have guns." "It's not worth getting in touch with my people... I'll pass on an illness to them," he said. "I am no longer that person from the forest." -'Live in peace'- Marima now works with Brazil's National Foundation for Indigenous Peoples (Funai), monitoring the Hi-Merima territory, which the government legally recognised in 2005. He spoke with pride about his work preventing illegal fishing, saying those responsible try to "invade" and show "no respect for the area". Forest fires and deforestation pose another risk to their survival, he warned, noting that last year's intense heat and drought endangered their homes and hunting. "People lack the common sense to protect the Amazon rainforest," he said. Despite those threats, the Hi-Merima appear to have grown over the last 20 years, since incursions into their territory became illegal. "You can see that there are kids, there are babies... they are growing and they are healthy," Schwarzenholz said, putting their number at about 150, based on traces they leave in the forest. "I know they (the Hi-Merima) don't know I exist," Marima said. But he said sharing his story was his way of staying connected while advocating for isolated groups to decide if -- and when -- they make contact. Until then, "let them live in peace," he said. ekf/ah/fg FUNAI ELECTRIC EU fines Greece over Zakynthos marine park landfill Athens, Oct 9 (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 The EU Court of Justice on Thursday handed Greece a heavy daily fine for failing to shut down an illegal landfill in a key marine park on the tourist island of Zakynthos. "Greece is ordered to pay the European Commission a periodic penalty payment of 12,500 euros for each day of delay... and a lump sum of 5.5 million euros," the court said in a press release. In an ongoing case stemming from a 2014 judgment, Greece had failed to shut down a landfill in the Zakynthos National Marine Park, a vital habitat of the endangered loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). After a back and forth with Athens that lasted several years, the Commission sent a letter of formal notice in 2017 and, in 2024, brought a new action for failure to fulfil obligations before the Court, the statement said. According to the court, Greece had neither drawn up a development plan for the continued operation of the Zakynthos landfill in accordance with EU requirements nor decommissioned the landfill, which continued to receive waste until the end of 2017. "That infringement poses a significant risk to the environment and human health," it said. Also known as Zante, Zakynthos hosts around a thousand nests but also hundreds of thousands of tourists per year. Eastern Spain braces for heavy rain Madrid, Oct 9 (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 Spain's Mediterranean coast on Thursday braced for more torrential rain after an alert warning of "extraordinary danger" was issued for Alicante in the Valencia region, where deadly floods struck last year. National weather agency AEMET said its highest red alert would be in effect from 10:00 am (0800 GMT) on Friday in the eastern coastal province of Alicante, as well as in the neighbouring region of Murcia. "Extraordinary danger. Flooding and flash floods may occur. Follow the advice of civil protection," the agency wrote on X. Rainfall totals could exceed 140 millimetres (five and a half inches) in 12 hours, especially in Valencia, the weather office said. In Murcia, authorities announced the region's universities and schools in more than 10 municipalities would remain closed on Friday. Regional authorities in Valencia sent a telephone alert to Alicante residents urging the utmost caution as firefighters in the province reported around 100 rain-related incidents. Flights to Alicante airport were severely delayed or diverted, according to operator Aena, while national railway company Renfe offered free ticket exchanges and cancellations on some routes as passengers were discouraged from travelling. Widespread flooding in another part of Valencia in October 2024 killed more than 200 people, Spain's worst such disaster in decades. The catastrophe sparked public fury over warning systems and the emergency response. Residents continue to protest, accusing officials of having failed to provide timely alerts. Heavy rains lashed the region last month, forcing the closure of schools and universities, disrupting rail and road travel and causing localised flooding. Because a hotter atmosphere holds more water that evaporates from a rapidly warming Mediterranean Sea, climate change increases the risk and intensity of flooding from extreme rainfall in the region. mig-ds/imm/gv KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia-based Top Glove, the world's largest glove maker, has returned to the black in the fiscal year 2025 ended on Aug. 31, 2025, underpinned by improved sales, the firm said Thursday. Top Glove said in a bourse filing that it posted a net profit of 109.07 million ringgit (25.86 million U.S. dollars) in the fiscal year 2025, as compared to a net loss of 64.88 million ringgit a year ago. The firm's revenue for the year rose 38.78 percent year-on-year to 3.49 billion ringgit. In a statement, the firm said its improved performance was primarily attributed to stronger glove demand, which continued to gain momentum throughout the fiscal year. Enhanced cost management also enabled more competitive pricing, lifting sales volume, which in turn boosted utilization rate to approximately 75 percent of running capacity in August 2025. The resulting operating leverage served to enhance cost efficiency, while favorable raw material prices helped cushion the impact of a weaker U.S. dollar. The group remains optimistic on the long-term prospects of the glove industry, underpinned by its essential role across healthcare, industrial, and food and beverage (F&B) sectors. While mindful of ongoing challenges, which include heightened competition, labor shortages, and the rising cost of doing business, the group said it is well able to overcome these pressures through robust quality and cost optimization initiatives. (1 ringgit equals 0.24 U.S. dollar) La Nina is back, but impact may be limited: US agency Washington, Oct 9 (AFP) Oct 09, 2025 The weather phenomenon known as La Nina has returned, a US agency announced Thursday -- although it is expected to remain weak, limiting its ability to cool the planet and supercharge Atlantic hurricane activity. La Nina is a naturally occurring climate pattern that cools surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. Because of changes in vertical wind shear -- the variation in wind speed and direction high in the atmosphere -- La Nina tends to bring more hurricanes in the Atlantic basin and fewer in the Pacific. Conditions oscillate between La Nina and its opposite, El Nino, with neutral phases in between. Following a brief spell of weak La Nina conditions between December 2024 to March this year, neutral conditions had persisted, but the US National Weather Service declared Thursday La Nina was back. "La Nina conditions emerged in September 2025, as indicated by the expansion of below-average sea surface temperatures (SSTs) across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean," the agency said. La Nina is expected to persist through the winter, with a 55 percent chance of transitioning back to neutral conditions between January and March 2026. The NWS added that this La Nina's predicted weakness "would be less likely to result in conventional winter impacts." The unusually long-lasting 2020-2023 La Nina was the first so-called "triple-dip" event of the 21st century -- and only the third since 1950. It intensified both drought and flooding in different parts of the world. However, despite La Nina's typical cooling influence, it did nothing to halt the streak of exceptionally hot years. The past decade comprises the ten hottest individual years ever recorded. Temperatures have remained at record or near-record levels even after El Nino conditions faded last year -- with 2024 the hottest year on record. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration continues to forecast an above-normal season, although so far it has been slightly below average and no storms have yet made US landfall. MANILA, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines has lifted the temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds from several countries and regions previously affected by avian influenza outbreaks, the country's Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Thursday. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel signed several memorandum orders formally allowing the resumption of poultry imports of live birds, both domestic and wild, specifically for pets or zoos, from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Sweden, as well as Kelantan and Sabah in Malaysia. The DA had imposed the ban following reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza in those areas. However, according to the DA, all reported cases have since been resolved with no new outbreaks, prompting the government to reopen its borders to these poultry shipments. The DA said that, in light of the official reports submitted by the concerned veterinary authorities and upon evaluation by the Bureau of Animal Industry, the risk of importing poultry from these areas has been deemed negligible. The importation of approved commodities will now be allowed entry into the Philippines, subject to compliance with all existing sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, the DA stated. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Hungarian writer Laszlo Krasznahorkai, best known for his dystopian and apocalyptic 1985 novel Satantango, is the recipient of this years prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature. The Nobel Committee awarded the 71-year-old the prize for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art. After three days of Nobel Prizes honouring work in the sciences, the literature award was announced by the Nobel Committee at the Swedish Academy in Stockholm on Thursday. Krasznahorkais works have won numerous prizes, including the 2019 National Book Award for Translated Literature and the 2015 Man Booker International Prize. Several of his works, including Satantango and The Melancholy of Resistance, have been adapted into feature films. Born in Gyula, Hungary, in 1954, Krasznahorkai made his debut with Satantango, a haunting, intricately structured novel that portrays a group of people living in a decaying Hungarian village before the fall of Soviet rule. The community is led by Irimias, a charismatic man long presumed dead, who suddenly returns under mysterious circumstances. In 1994, the book was adapted by Hungarian director Bela Tarr into a seven-hour film. It is regarded as one of the best arthouse films of all time. Another of his greatest works, The Melancholy of Resistance, takes place over a few days in a provincial town in Hungary, where apocalyptic events take place as major unrest erupts in the Eastern bloc. The Swedish Academy praised Krasznahorkais unique writing style, which features long sentences and unbroken paragraphs that stretch for pages. It has led critics to compare him to Franz Kafka, Herman Melville and Nikolai Gogol. open image in gallery Laszlo Krasznahorkai pictured in 2015, the year he won the Booker International Prize ( Getty ) The authors writing is influenced by his travels across Europe and East Asia after he left communist Hungary in 1987. His trips to Mongolia and China, in particular, inspired works including 1992s The Prisoner of Urga and 2004s Destruction and Sorrow Beneath the Heavens. His other works include War and War (1999), which follows a Hungarian man who finds an antique manuscript that narrates the epic tale of several soldiers struggling to escape a disastrous conflict. Seiobo There Below, published in 2008, depicts the Japanese goddess Seiobo returning to mortal realms in pursuit of complete perfection. Krasznahorkai is the second Hungarian author to pick up the award, following the late Imre Kertesz, who won in 2002. Other authors tipped to win the award included Norwegian Wood writer Haruki Murakami, Canadian novelist Margaret Atwood, British-American author Salman Rushdie, and Chinese avant-garde writer Can Xue. Each year, thousands of academy members, university professors, scientists, previous Nobel Prize laureates and members of parliamentary assemblies are asked to submit candidates for Nobel Prizes. The names of the nominees cannot be revealed until 50 years later. Last year, the prize went to Han Kang, a South Korean author best known internationally for her novels The Vegetarian and Human Acts. Han was chosen by the Nobel Committee for her intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life. Each prize carries an award of 11m Swedish kronor (870,000). The winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and a diploma. open image in gallery Krasznahorkai is the second Hungarian author to receive the award, after the late Imre Kertesz ( Getty ) Krasznahorkai will formally receive the medal and diploma at a ceremony in Stockholm in December. The Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded 119 times since 1901. Recent laureates include Annie Ernaux, Bob Dylan, Abdulrazak Gurnah, Louise Gluck, Peter Handke and Olga Tokarczuk. It has long faced criticism that it is too focused on European and North American writers of style-heavy, story-light prose. It has also been male-dominated, with just 18 women among its laureates. The winner of the Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday. US president Donald Trump is considered a long shot, despite recently telling United Nations delegates, Everyone says that I should get the Nobel Peace Prize. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The 2025 Nobel Prize in literature has been awarded to postmodern Hungarian author Laszlo Krasznahorkai. Krasznahorkai, who joins an illustrious list of laureates that includes Ernest Hemingway, Toni Morrison and Annie Ernaux, was celebrated by the Nobel Committee for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art. Krasznahorkai, whose books Satantango and The Melancholy of Resistance have been adapted into acclaimed films by director Bela Tarr, will receive 11m Swedish kroner (870,000) alongside the esteemed accolade. As Krasznahorkai is recognised by the Swedish Academy for his melancholic, dystopian novels, here are the top three books to read by this years Nobel Prize in literature winner Seiobo There Below Seiobo There Below follows the titular Japanese goddess as she returns to the mortal realms in search of perfection. Told in chapters that sweep across countries and through time, the novel questions whats truly sacred, how we should define beauty and what makes great art endure. open image in gallery Seiobo There Below by Laszlo Krasznahorkai ( New Directions ) Satantango Satantango follows life in a desolate Hungarian town, shortly before the demise of Soviet rule, that falls under the charismatic spell Irimias, a villager who suddenly returns after being presumed dead for many years. The townspeople hand over their fortunes and follow Irimias like a Messiah but, as they do, a series of increasingly barbarous events unfold. It was adapted into a seven-hour film by Hungarian director Bela Tarr in 1994, and is regarded as one of the best arthouse films of all time. open image in gallery Satantango by Krasznahorkai ( New Directions ) The Melancholy of Resistance Krasznahorkais surreal novel The Melancholy of Resistance sees life in a small town descend into chaos when a circus promising to display the stuffed body of the worlds largest whale arrives in the dead of winter. Frightening rumours spread that the circus performers have a dark ulterior motive and villagers attempt to find reassurance in everything from cosmology to fascism. The book was also adapted into the 2000 film Werckmeister Harmonies, which was also directed by Bela Tarr. open image in gallery The Melancholy of Resistance by Krasznahorkai ( New Directions ) Upon awarding Krasznahorkai this years Nobel Prize in literature, the Academy praised the authors unique writing style, such as his long sentences and unbroken paragraphs that stretch for pages, which have led critics to compare him to Franz Kafka and Herman Melville. Much of the authors writing has been influenced by his travels across Europe and East Asia after he left Communist Hungary in 1987. His trips to Mongolia and China, in particular, inspired his 1992 book The Prisoner of Urga, and 2004s Destruction and Sorrow Beneath the Heavens. His other works include 1999s War and War, which follows a Hungarian man who finds an antique manuscript that narrates the epic tale of brothers-in-arms struggling to escape a disastrous conflict. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The forthcoming Beatles movies have reportedly cast Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney in Sam Mendess forthcoming biopics on the iconic band. The Oscar-nominated Irish actor is in line to play Paul McCartneys former wife in the four films, which have already cast Gladiator II star Paul Mescal as Paul. According to a report, multiple sources have confirmed that Ronan will be playing Linda in the biopics, although the films distributors have yet to confirm the announcement. The Independent has contacted Sony for comment. Skyfall and 1917 director Sam Mendes will make the four movies, in which Mescal will be joined by Harrison Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. Additional cast members, including the wives of the other band members, are yet to be announced. Linda and Paul married in 1969 and later collaborated musically in post-Beatles band, Wings. She died from cancer in 1998, aged 56. open image in gallery Linda and Paul McCartney on their wedding day ( Getty ) Mendes, who has been developing a story about the Fab Four for years, revealed the films will premiere in April 2028, describing the release strategy as the first binge-able theatrical experience. However, the exact release date for the four films is yet to be confirmed. Ive been trying to make a story about The Beatles for years, he said after the cast announcement earlier this year. While the Beatles rise to fame has been well chronicled over the years, I can assure you that there is still plenty to explore, said Mendes, who won an Oscar for American Beauty. The four films will be released in proximity to each other, he said. "Frankly, we need big cinematic events to get people out of the house." Both McCartney and Starr, as well as the families of the late Lennon and Harrison, have granted the films permission to tell full life stories of the respective musicians as well as the rights to their songs, making these the first biopics to be authorised by The Beatles themselves. open image in gallery Your new Beatles: Paul Mescal, Joseph Quinn, Barry Keoghan and Harris Dickinson at a Sony Pictures event in March ( Getty Images ) Ronan, meanwhile, is best known for her roles in dramas Atonement (2007), Brooklyn (2015), Lady Bird (2017) and Little Women (2019) all of which earned her Academy Award nominations. The 31-year-old, who is married to Slow Horses star Jack Lowden, more recently starred in 2024 indie drama The Outrun and Steve McQueens Second World War film Blitz. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Susan Kendall Newman, the actor, producer, activist and eldest daughter of Hollywood icon Paul Newman, has died at the age of 72, her family announced. In an obituary published in The New York Times, it was revealed that Susan died on August 2 this year from complications relating to chronic health conditions. Susan Kendall Newman will be remembered for her sharp wit and tongue, generosity and love, and her devotion to family and friends. She will be very much missed, her family wrote. Susan, whose mother was Jackie Witte, Paul Newmans first wife, was known for her role in Robert Zemeckiss 1978 film I Wanna Hold Your Hand. She played Peggy Sue, one in a group of teenagers trying to meet The Beatles during their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. Born in New York City in 1953, Susan began her career in theater, appearing in productions on and off Broadway before landing her role in Zemeckiss film. Her other notable on-screen appearances include Slap Shot (1977) and A Wedding (1978). open image in gallery Susan Kendall Newman was the eldest daughter of Paul Newman and Jackie Witte ( Sygma/Getty ) She then transitioned into a role as a TV producer, earning an Emmy nomination for her work on The Shadow Box (1980), a made-for-TV adaptation directed by her father and starring her stepmother, Oscar-winner Joanne Woodward. In 1980, she joined the Scott Newman Foundation an organization founded by her father after her brother, Scott, who had appeared in films like The Towering Inferno (1974) and Breakheart Pass (1975), died in November 1978 from a drug overdose. She became the foundations Executive Director, earning recognition from national leaders and organizations. She testified before Congress and federal agencies on drug abuse prevention and spoke at universities, hospitals, and community groups across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Mexico. She advised the California Department of Education on programs addressing media influence on substance use and oversaw the creation of educational resources, including Drug-Free Kids: A Parents Guide. She also led a pioneering program in which 10th-grade students produced their own anti-drug commercials, with winning entries broadcast nationally. She went on to establish Newman Consulting Company, offering guidance to government agencies, corporations, and nonprofits on prevention initiatives, outreach campaigns, and fundraising strategies. She produced a family-friendly audiobook series of classical literature for Simon & Schuster, earning a Grammy nomination, with proceeds supporting family literacy programs. Later, her advocacy expanded to include education, juvenile justice, conservation, healthcare, election protection, environmental preservation in Big Sur, and melanoma and leukemia research. She also shaped philanthropic strategies for a private foundation, supporting grassroots organizations, at-risk communities, and innovative disaster relief efforts. Susan is survived by her sister, Stephanie, 71. She also has three half-sisters from her fathers marriage to Woodward: Nell, Melissa, and Clea. open image in gallery Susans father Paul Newman died in 2008 ( AP ) In a 2015 interview with Vanity Fair, Susan spoke out against Robert Forrester, CEO of her fathers food company, Newmans Own, which donates all of its after-tax profits to charity through Newman's Own Foundation. Susan alleged that after her dad died in 2008, many of the promises and plans he had made for his daughters were abandoned. She said that he had intended for each daughter to have a foundation funded with substantial sums, to inherit specific roles and be involved in governance (including seats on the board of Newmans Own), and to have their own charitable work supported. According to Susan, Forrester ended up with the keys to the kingdom, centralizing control, changing or deferring many of The Hustler stars plans, and making it hard for family members to get straight answers. She further claimed that the Scott Newman Center had been defunded by Newmans Own Foundation without adequate alternative support, leading eventually to its closure in 2013. Forrester denied many of Susans characterizations, saying that her claim that he was ignoring the screen legends wishes was totally untrue. In 2022, Susan and Nell filed a lawsuit against the foundation, seeking $1.6 million in damages to benefit charities further. They claimed funds had been diverted from the charitable causes their father cared about, and the annual donations they received had decreased from $400,000 to $200,000. The lawsuit remains ongoing. Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A lot of older people think, Oh, everyone knows The Beatles; everyone knows John Lennon. And thats simply not the case, says Sean Ono Lennon. I meet my niece and nephews friends, I talk to Gen Z kids, and some of them dont know the difference between The Beatles and The Monkees, I swear. The son of the late Beatles star and artist Yoko Ono might have a point. For anyone over a certain age, the Fab Four are an immutable part of the culture, as constant and familiar as the air we breathe. But who says its going to stay that way? This was, in short, the core motivation behind Lennons new project, a lush new boxset of 123 remastered recordings by John and Yoko, during the period when their political activism was at its most daring. The release follows on from this years documentary film One to One: John & Yoko, which focused on the couples 1972 benefit concert for the children at New Yorks Willowbrook school (who were victims of a massive abuse scandal) and their politically radical life in Greenwich Village in the early 1970s. The boxset contains extensive, cleaned-up recordings from the performance and others around that time, with George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Frank Zappa, Stevie Wonder and Keith Moon among the collaborators. If people think we need to stop putting out new versions of this music, I think theyre very wrong, says Lennon. Because I dont want to live in a world where people dont know that music. So I have a duty to keep putting it out and making it sound as good as possible, and finding ways to get young people interested. And its not just for me and my parents. Its for the world I dont think the world can afford to forget The Beatles or John Lennon. There is something faintly surreal about speaking to Lennon, who resembles his late father so very much, facially. He has the same long, ovular face. The same shrewd eyes. (His styling doesnt exactly discourage comparisons either: on our call today he has long, straight hair, a beard, and tinted glasses rest on the bridge of his nose.) At 50, he is now a decade older than John was when he was murdered, 45 years ago. Often, the children of celebrities take pains to obscure their background, lest they be hit with accusations of nepotism, or professional privilege. Lennon, though, wears his lineage with pride. Like his half-brother Julian, Lennon is also a musician, having been a member of the bands Cibo Matto, The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger (formed with his longterm partner, Charlotte Kemp Muhl), and the Claypool Lennon Delirium, as well as the revival of the Plastic Ono Project, his parents former musical group, which Ono revived in 2009. Until the 20th century, most people did what their parents did, he says. Its quite natural. But I do think in the modern world it seems weird, because most people expect you to reject your parents in a way, especially if they were famous. But there are only really two options go out of your way to avoid what your parents did, or embrace it. While he was just five years old when John was shot dead in New York, performing has been a way of connecting with his late father. I first was interested in music because of my dad, he says. I always felt like music was a way of getting closer to him. He smiles, ever so slightly. open image in gallery John and Yoko performing together at the benefit gig, photographed by Michael Negrin ( Yoko Ono Lennon ) Lennon gives long, considered answers to the questions I pose, tightening up only slightly when I ask about Onos current life, as a 92-year-old retiree. I live with her mostly, actually, says Lennon. I try to give her privacy now she doesn't want to do press and shes not interested in being a public figure any more. Its funny, he says. People always talk about how I have grown up in the shadow of my dad which is true, but my mum really did. She had a thriving art career, and then as soon as she got together with my dad, that sort of went out the window for a while. People think about how Beatles fans didnt accept Yoko, but the avant garde fans didnt accept The Beatles! The modern art community was very snobby about rock and roll. Its such a cliche to say The world wasnt ready, but I think in the case of Yoko Ono, its really applicable Sean Ono Lennon Listening to and reading the material in the new boxset (titled Power to the People), one thing thats striking is just how significant Ono was, as an artist and activist. Over the past few years, there has actually been a notable shift in the publics perception of Ono from the longstanding smear as the woman who broke up The Beatles, towards a more appreciative recognition of her work and life. At that time in England, when my dad and mum got together, it was really shocking to see a British guy with a Japanese woman, says Lennon. Then you add to that the fact that she wasnt just arm candy, she was a really radically weird and interesting artist incredibly unconventional and wild, in terms of the way she viewed the world. Even before getting together with Lennon, Yoko had been disowned by her parents for a previous relationship (her second marriage, to artist-producer Tony Cox) that flouted cultural norms. She came from this conservative world, and she was too radical for Japan, says Lennon. She was too radical for swinging London, too. Its such a cliche to say The world wasnt ready, but I think in the case of Yoko Ono, its really applicable. open image in gallery A poster advertising the 'Power to the People' event ( Yoko Ono Lennon ) There was also, as Lennon points out, a lot of unnecessary animosity directed at his mother. There was a small degree to which she didnt make it easier for some people either, he says, tilting his head pragmatically. Its a complicated story. But the bottom line is she was misunderstood, and she was misunderstood for over 50 years. And I think she is finally being considered for who she is as an individual. Another factor in this re-framing of Onos image has been Get Back, the 2023 Disney+ series composed of vivid, illuminating behind-the-scenes footage from the recording of Let It Be. Ono features intermittently in the series, and the bands acceptance of her presence completely undermines the longstanding notion of her as a destabilising interloper. That spellbinding series was notable for its use of AI technology in restoring the archival footage. AI a rightly touchy issue for many artists was also used to help isolate Johns vocals in the assembly of the final Beatles song, Now and Then, released two years ago. I think people really misunderstood what we were doing when we said AI, insists Lennon. Because really, what it was, was a better way of filtering noise out of a track. It wasnt about creating anything it was sophisticated noise filtering. open image in gallery Sean Ono Lennon: I always felt like music was a way of getting closer to my dad ( Charlotte Kemp Muhl ) Get Back was most illuminating on two fronts: firstly, as a glimpse into the bands immediate creative process; and secondly, as a look at the unguarded human personalities within the group. Power to the People, though, brings to the fore a different side of Lennons life, his politics. The 1970s saw John and Yoko organise on many fronts at once; one minute hes campaigning against the US war in Vietnam, the next against the imprisonment of poet-musician John Sinclair. To me, it feels like his activism came from his first principles peace and love and humour that core belief system that he had, says Lennon. Lennons own politics are perhaps a little harder to pin down than his fathers, though he has advocated for progressive causes in the past, and continues to proselytise John and Yokos message of peace above all. In terms of where the progressive movement has gone, I do think John and Yokos philosophy has been too much forgotten, he muses. My dad always said that what [the establishment] cant deal with is love and humour. And I think that the young activists trying to change the world would achieve more if they were loving and humorous, not violent. He does, however, voice doubts about the efficacy of protest in the modern age and of modern-day songwriters engaging in it. I always remember after 9/11, there was the biggest peace march in history, against the potential invasion in Iraq. And about a week later, they invaded Iraq. It didnt move the needle at all. Whereas during the civil rights movement, those protests really had an impact on the culture, on the government. People listened. open image in gallery John and Yoko posing for polaroid pictures ( Yoko Ono Lennon ) He continues: If Taylor Swift wrote a song about Gaza, I dont know that it would have the same impact as when, say, my dad wrote Revolution. I think people are more cynical than they used to be. Part of it is good, because were less enamoured with celebrity we dont worship in the same way. Were more aware that these are human beings, because we see them, you know, going to the dentist on Instagram. Its easy to be cynical about it and I dont know what the answer is. I dont know what the answer is either. But if theres one to be found, then Power to the People a fascinating time capsule of energised political protest and liberating ideas is a good place to start looking. Despite Lennons fears, The Beatles are not on the verge of being forgotten. Their music endures, and will continue to for decades to come. But what John and Yoko stood for might be just as important to remember. Power to the People is released on 10 October via Universal Music Group Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Drakes defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over its release of Kendrick Lamars scathing diss track Not Like Us has been dismissed. The Canadian rapper had sued the music label, which represents both him and Lamar, over the claim that it spread the false and malicious narrative that he is a pedophile with the songs lyrics, Say, Drake, I hear you like em young and Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles. UMG filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, slamming his claims as groundless and indeed ridiculous. A judge granted UMGs motion to dismiss Thursday. In the filing, seen by The Independent, the judge concluded that the allegedly defamatory statements in Not Like Us are nonactionable opinion. A reasonable listener could not have concluded that Not Like Us was conveying objective facts about Drake, U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas said. Vargas added: The fact that the Recording was made in the midst of a rap battle is essential to assessing its impact on a reasonable listener. Drake sued Universal Music Group over the release of Kendrick Lamars diss track Not Like Us ( Getty ) Even apparent statements of fact may assume the character of statements of opinion when made in public debate, heated labor dispute, or other circumstances in which an audience may anticipate the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric or hyperbole. The judge was also unconvinced by Drakes legal teams arguments that UMG had manipulated streaming services in order to promote Not Like Us. Vargas wrote: To allege that UMG implemented covert practices to manipulate streams of Not Like Us and inflate the Recordings perceived popularity, Plaintiff relies on Tweets7by individual users and reporting from fans to allege that UMG utilized covert tactics to manipulate streams of Not Like Us. The Court finds Plaintiffs reliance on online comments and reporting insufficient to meet the plausibility standard. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. Terms apply. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. Terms apply. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. In a statement to The Independent, a spokesperson for Drake said: "We intend to appeal todays ruling, and we look forward to the Court of Appeals reviewing it. Drake had been locked in a legal feud with UMG since January, when he alleged that the record label knew the accusations made in Lamars chart-topping hit were false but chose corporate greed over the safety and well-being of its artists. UMG CEO and chairman Lucian Grainge later filed a letter, calling Drakes claims farcical and nonsensical. He noted that the company had spent hundreds of millions in furthering the Passionfruit rappers music career, since he signed with the companys Republic imprint in 2009. UMG also filed a separate letter, similarly ridiculing Drakes claims. The premise of Drakes motion that he could not have lost a rap battle unless it was the product of some imagined secret conspiracy going to the top of UMGs corporate structure is absurd, the filing read. A formidable army of female talent has gone into the Old Vics staging of Mary Page Marlowe, a 2016 play by American writer Tracy Letts (August: Osage County) thats very loosely inspired by his late mothers life story. This enigmatic, hard drinking woman is played by no fewer than five actors, including both Andrea Riseborough (who brilliantly embodied another alcoholic in the 2022 film To Leslie) and a 79-year-old Susan Sarandon making her belated London stage debut. To be a woman is to play a part, were told. And if all these bodies somehow fail to fit together into a single living, breathing portrait of an actual person, each still brings some brilliance of its own to this fractured story. Sarandon has a winning spikiness and naughtiness as Mary Pages oldest incarnation. She might not be able to work her telly, but shes not too old to snog her third husband, or tease the nurse for having too many kids. There are only odd little hints to her past a sense of her isolation, or of previous pain. Gradually, Lettss play unveils this womans complex life in expertly crafted scenes that zip back and forth through time, leaving long gaps for the audiences imagination to step into. Riseborough is heartrending to watch as a much younger Mary still buried in fresh agony: as drained as a vampires victim by a divorce, and by her teenage sons struggles. Another 20 years back in time, we see a cool, young, brittle Mary Page: here, a compelling Rosy McEwen gets the job of justifying Lettss intricate approach to this story. She tells her bewildered therapist that shes always playing a role: wife, sister, mother. Even when shes having an affair, shes pretending, hiding her true motives (guilt, or a need for attention). And her real self? She cant find it its a fugitive thing, emerging in moments when she sees herself through her loving friends eyes (Kingsley Morton is hilarious as a blunt but admiring Connie) or admits to dreams of her own (Paris, of course). Its a fascinating perspective on the disconcertingly discontinuous nature of individual identity. As George Orwell put it: But then, what have you in common with the child of five whose photograph your mother keeps on the mantelpiece? Nothing, except that you happen to be the same person. Theres insight, too, about the way that women are forced into the forms that other people desire and need them to take. open image in gallery Andrea Riseborough is heartrending to watch as Mary in middle age ( Manuel Harlan ) Still, the odd thing about this play is the way it avoids fully lifting the mask on Marys inner life. Its a deliberate choice, but a frustrating one. And it also means that some of the plays narrative choices start to feel a bit reductive, tacitly inviting the audience to draw obvious lines of cause and effect. We dont really see why Mary Page sinks into alcoholism, but a scene where she mixes Old Fashioneds for an acerbic mother makes it clear its a family trait. Her father represses his memories of the war, and so of course she hides her emotions, too. Outgoing Old Vic artistic director Matthew Warchus presides over a swansong production that, perhaps, treats this play with a little too much reverence. The pace is slow, and the scene changes slower (each era comes with its own seating arrangements). Still, his in-the-round staging really does make room for these exceptional performances to shine. And if its ultimately a little unsatisfying, so is any attempt to actually sum up a life in one hour and 40 minutes like any eulogy, its both moving and incomplete. At the Old Vic until 1 November; tickets here Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Gary Oldman has revealed he was overcome with emotion when he received his knighthood from Prince Williams at Windsor Castle. The 67-year-old Slow Horses star, who was named in the Kings Birthday Honours for services to drama, described the moment the title was bestowed on him as wonderful and surreal. I wasnt nervous but when I got there...It took me a second to find my voice because I was surprised by how emotional I was, Oldman said. The actor, who won an Academy Award for his role as Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour, said, although an Oscar is a big deal, anyone whos been on stage can imagine receiving one. You cant rehearse this, he told Jessie and Lennie Ware of his knighthood on their podcast Table Manners. Its singular. Unique. Offering behind-the-scenes details of the knighthood ceremony itself, Oldman said he was told to place his right knee onto a kneeling stool so the Prince of Wales could tap his shoulder with a sword. Its a real magic trick because theres a gentleman just behind him. He takes the sword and taps and its there and its gone. Its like a magician. Gary Oldman has said receiving a knighthood earlier this month was surreal and emotional ( Jonathan Brady/PA Wire ) Oldman, who grew up in southeast London added: Its emotional. I was more emotional than I thought I would be. Its a big deal. The journey ones made from a kid from Deptford to, you know? Most recently, Oldman has thrilled audiences as the sardonic Jackson Lamb in Slow Horses, based on Mick Herrons popular book series. Across the Noughties and into the 2010s, he appeared in some of the Harry Potter films as Sirius Black, and as Gotham City Police Commissioner Jim Gordon in Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012). He was lauded for his performance as George Smiley in 2011s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, which saw him earn Bafta and Oscar nods. However, he was unable to secure the lead actor gongs until his role in Darkest Hour, which saw him sweep the 2018 awards season, winning an Academy Award, Bafta and Golden Globe. KABUL, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- A prominent Afghan political expert was badly injured in an attack perpetrated by two armed gunmen at his residence in the capital Kabul, local media outlet TOLOnews reported on Thursday. The ambush transpired within Saleem Paigir's residential compound in Police District 4, allegedly stemming from personal animosity, TOLOnews cited Abdul Mateen Qani, the spokesman for the Ministry of Interior Affairs. The victim, who sustained severe wounds, is presently undergoing medical treatment at a hospital, with his condition described as stable but requiring vigilant monitoring, Qani added. Among the duo of perpetrators, one has been apprehended by security forces, while an intensive pursuit is underway to detain the remaining fugitive, the official detailed. Paigir, esteemed as one of Afghanistan's foremost political pundits, frequently graces television broadcasts to meticulously dissect and clarify geopolitical developments. He is widely perceived as an ardent proponent of the Afghan governance apparatus. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Matlock actor David Del Rio has reportedly been fired from the CBS legal drama following an investigation into an allegation of sexual assault. The hit series, which stars Oscar and Emmy winner Kathy Bates, is currently shooting its second season. Del Rio played Billy Martinez, a first-year associate at law firm Jacobson Moore. Deadline reports that the alleged incident occurred on September 26 and involved fellow Matlock actor Leah Lewis. She plays another first-year associate named Sarah Franklin, and the characters were in separate relationships on the show. According to sources, the alleged assault was reported on October 2 and triggered an immediate investigation by producers and CBS Studios. Del Rio was reportedly fired and escorted off the lot the same day, with Matlock executive producer Eric Christian Olsen among those who led him away. David Del Rio attending a CBS event at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles in May 2025 ( UNIQUE NICOLE/AFP via Getty Images ) The Independent has approached representatives for Del Rio and Lewis for a statement. CBS Studios confirmed that Del Rio has left the show but declined to comment further on the matter. Filming on Matlock has continued, and the shows writers will have to rework scripts to write the Martinez character off the show. The second season is set to premiere on October 12. Del Rio, who is married, made his television debut in an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 2008. He is a graduate of the New World School of the Arts in Miami and the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, School of Film and Television. He was a regular cast member of Nickelodeons The Troop from 2009 to 2011. His first film credit came in 2012s Pitch Perfect. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. His other television credits include episodes of Resident Advisors, Grease: Live, Search and Destroy, The Baker and the Beauty, Mateo Garcia, The Good Doctor and Maggie. After the release of the first season of Matlock last year, Bates initially appeared to say she would retire, but later claimed she had been misunderstood. I think it was misunderstood because I had one foot out the door until I read Jennie Urman's script and I was like, okay, now we're talking, Bates told ABC News last September. And I want [Matlock] to run for years and years. The Oscar-winning star had previously told the New York Times: Everything Ive prayed for, worked for, clawed my way up for, I am suddenly able to be asked to use all of it, she said of her new show. And its exhausting. This is my last dance. The show is a reboot of the Eighties and Nineties original, which starred Andy Griffith. Created by Charmed producer Jennie Snyder Urman, the show also stars Jason Ritter and Skye P Marshall. A disparate group of people get thrown together on a daily basis. Theyre laden down with toys, bags, brollies, snacks and other assorted paraphernalia. They watch their cheeky little charges scamper off to play together and breathe a sigh of relief, before heading off for coffee and a good gossip. Except this isnt the school drop-off. This is dog walking. Yes, your local park has become the new schoolgates. Forget Motherland, welcome to Mutt-land. The waggy-tailed, wet-nosed world of dog walking is a whole distinct universe, operating with its own separate rules. And youd be barking mad to break them. Those without canine companions of their own tend to regard us as dog people, lumping us all together in a sort of Barbour-jacketed, Hunter welly-wearing amorphous blob. This couldnt be further from the truth. Often the only thing dog walkers have in common is that theres a four-legged furry creature trotting alongside us. Otherwise were as different as, well, cats and dogs. Dog walkers come in more flavours than pet food. There are over-protective owners who clutch their cosseted canine like its a newborn baby. Some even wheel it in a stroller. I know. There are sporty types, who run with their panting pooch beside them or wield a ball-chucker like its an instrument of torture, giving doggo its strict daily cardio workout. There are laidback ones who plonk themselves on a park bench and let their animal amuse itself. There are families and fashionistas, goths and grannies, gossipers and grunters. Most feared of all, there are macho types with dangerous breeds. I swear that sometimes, man and dog have matching tattoos. As millions of us worked from home, Covid lockdowns saw a dramatic leap in UK dog ownership, rising by 40 per cent to an estimated 12 million. All of them need fresh air and exercise. Britains parks, pavements and beaches have never been denser with dogs. While out and about with my own dog Ivy (a rescue Staffy, if youre asking, brindle with white paws and one sticky-up ear), we meet walkers of infinite variety. Its a cliche that people grow to resemble their dogs, but theres some truth in it. I often spot a scruffy wire-haired terrier with a bushy-bearded owner, an elegant Afghan hound with a glossily glamorous walker, or woman and beast with matching poodle perms. Peoples dogs also say a lot about their personality. When you warm to a dog, youre predisposed to like the human at the other end of its lead. If a dogs an irritant, you usually take against its owner too. Bad behaviour isnt the animals fault, its the handlers. You start to see fellow walkers as half-human, half-dog. If you bump into them without their dog in tow, you struggle to recognise them. Similarly to the school gates, you might judge someone by the name they give their little one. Ive met Gatsby, Jagger, Prada, Onyx and Tarquin. Each time, Ive looked askance at its owner. Likewise with dogs in diamante collars or designer clothing. A warm coat in winter, fine. But boots, knitwear or onesies? Wheres the dignity? Or should that be dognity? Like any sector of society, there are unwritten rules and no-nos. The laws of petiquette, if you will. Is your dog on or off a lead? If its one of those long retractable leads, does it risk tripping people over? Does your dog play nicely or snap, snarl, bark and bite? Does it share toys, steal other dogs favourite balls or get territorial over sticks? Does it have decent recall, so you can stop it bothering the dog-phobic? Does it chase joggers, pinch food from picnics, hump legs or worry sheep? It all determines whos a pedigree pal and whos a metaphorical mongrel. Bagging and binning your dogs business is a must. Failing to notice (possibly deliberately) or claiming not to have a poo bag on you are no excuses. Not dumping it in the nearest bin is almost as unforgivable. Youve probably seen parcels of poop left on walls, benches, or even dangling from bushes, like a Christmas tree with aromatic brown baubles. It literally looks like a dogs dinner. open image in gallery When you warm to a dog, youre predisposed to like the human at the other end of its lead ( Michael Hogan ) You soon find your tribe whos your kind of dog person and who definitely isnt. In canine terms, you have a quick sniff of each others backsides (I dont advise doing this at cocktail parties), before swiftly moving on. Certain walkers you might arrange to meet or be delighted to run into. Others make you mutter under your breath and desperately dodge. Beware of male owners mansplaining mutt-related matters to long-suffering women who didnt invite it. Friendships form fast in the dog walking world. It always starts via the animals, akin to how schoolgates bonds are forged via kids. You might ask one another the names of your respective pooches, then make a fuss of them. You might admire its big brown eyes, wet nose or fluffy coat (warning: this looks odd if you do this with children). Before you know it, youre strolling along happily together. It doesnt take much to break the ice. Borrow a poo bag and youre away. Theres something about dog walking that encourages easy intimacy too. A lack of eye contact puts people at their ease. Walking along side-by-side, people soon open up. Dogs foster instant trust. Two dog walkers already have something in common. They assume dog people are good people. Chatting about their dog often touches on their domestic arrangements. Ive found myself listening to unexpected intimacies about work worries, health concerns or dating woes. Discussion of dog-breeding see phrases like spayed, neutered, on heat, in season means you essentially end up talking about sex with strangers. Since pets have shorter lifespans, there are inevitable stories of death, which might lead onto other bereavements. Few topics are off limits. All human and animal life is here. open image in gallery Its a dogs life for Michael Hogan ( Michael Hogan ) Its this weird little world which inspired my debut novel, a cosy crime mystery called The Dogwalkers Detective Agency (tagline: Theyve got a lot of leads but can they collar a killer?). The idea came during a dog walk, naturally, when I stumbled upon a comatose drunk in the bushes. He was alive and breathing, if not terribly fragrant, but it got me thinking: what if hed been murdered? I soon learned the astonishing statistic that 40 per cent of unexpected dead bodies are discovered by dog walkers. Theres nothing like fact to inspire fiction. Because dog walking throws unlikely people together, I created a ragtag group of friends who decide to investigate the murder themselves it all made the perfect set-up for a waggish whodunnit. Of course, dog walking isnt really murder. Despite the odd clique or antisocial annoyance, its a warm, welcoming community. A refreshingly old-fashioned corner of our culture where dogs are loyally life-enhancing and strangers still say hello with a smile. I wouldnt change my canine crew for the world. You never know. Maybe someday well solve a crime together. open image in gallery Michaels new book was inspired by his walks in the park ( Michael Hogan ) The six tribes of dog walker. Which one are you? The gossipy posse Two or more women, walking in Boden-clad tandem, while exchanging local intel and setting the world to rights. Their bumbags are full of tasty treats but they barely acknowledge their dogs because theyre too busy gassing. When they do, its in the same long-suffering tone that they likely use for their husbands. The parents-in-training This doting couple got a lockdown pup probably a pug, Pomeranian or Frenchie which has grown into a pampered pooch with its own Instagram account. Its practice for having a baby, of course. Lo and behold, theyll soon be dog walking with a papoose or pram. The worthy rescuer No pedigree pups or designer breeds for this virtue signaller. They only believe in adopting hounds in need, thus giving them the moral high ground. Usually escorting a retired greyhound, elderly Staffy or nervous mongrel from a rescue shelter, theyre recognisable from their smug expression and imperviousness to humour. The pros among amateurs These pooch-wrangling professionals make a living off it. Sensibly attired in walking boots and a stinky old fleece, theyre dragged around by a chaotic pack in all shapes and sizes, somehow holding half a dozen leads at once and keeping track of all their names/habits/treat requirements. The mute with a mutt They might be a monosyllabic millennial with a giant pair of headphones perma-clamped to their head. They might be a mildly embarrassed bloke, walking his girlfriends dinky handbag dog. Either way, they definitely arent up for chatting. Dont take it paw-sonally. They blank everyone. The stylish stroller You dont know how they do it but this debonair dog walker makes it look effortlessly chic. Their coat game is strong. Their pristine boots never get muddy. Their darling doggo most likely a spaniel, Bedlington or Schnauzer is impeccably groomed and well-behaved. Theyre probably from Paris or something. The antisocial scourge This irresponsible idiot gives dogs a bad name. Their scary-looking hellhound lollops around, off the lead and out of control, leaving a trail of traumatised pedestrians, terrified children and unpicked-up poos in its wake. Their oblivious owner is normally on the phone or too aggressive to tackle, so tutting has to suffice. Michael Hogans novel The Dogwalkers Detective Agency is out now, published by Penguin Michael Joseph Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Walk into a kitchen showroom and it can be a little bit overwhelming with so many options and considerations, from the latest appliances to technology, a new kitchen doesnt happen overnight. As Lizzie Beesley, head of style and design at Howdens, puts it: Autumn is peak kitchen renovation season, and todays kitchens are much more than a collection of fitted cabinets. They are multi-functional spaces with personality, offering focal points, social zones, and practical features whether you have a modern or classic kitchen, a good design should balance utility with visual appeal. Here, Beesley gives the lowdown on whats trending, blending form and function Layout trends Layouts are becoming more personalised and adaptive says the designer. While open-plan kitchens remain popular for their sociability, were seeing a rise in broken-plan designs, which use shelving, islands, or partial walls to create subtle zoning within the space. Cabinetry features Cabinetry is more than storage, its central to your kitchens personality, highlights Beesley. From classic shaker doors to sleek handleless designs, every detail matters. Pull-out larders, pantries with internal oak detailing, and drawer organisation systems offer both beauty and utility, she explains. Modern kitchens Modern kitchen design is heavily influenced by European trends, says Beesley. It often features a mix of colour and texture, with minimalist slab doors and sleek, narrow shaker profiles. Metallics and woodgrains are leading the way, supported by a wide palette of colour options including muted greens and warm neutrals. Moreover, she says modern kitchens are constantly redefining themselves. Characterised by clean lines, layered textures, and innovative materials, the modern style is both functional and expressive. For instance, she says todays modern kitchen might use flat slab doors, bold or matte finishes, and integrated lighting to create a sleek, seamless feel Narrow-profile shaker styles bridge the gap between modern and classic. Another key trend is style fusion, which mixes modern and traditional elements for a more personal and grounded aesthetic, explains Beesley. For example, pairing a modern shaker door with minimalist hardware and stone worktops creates a look thats both timeless and forward-thinking. Classic kitchens Classic kitchens draw inspiration from historical references, whether its the simplicity of the Edwardian era, or the grandeur of the Georgian period, outlines Beesley. These styles are typically built around the shaker frontal, with a focus on subtle detailing. Finishes can be woodgrain or smooth, with or without beading. The most premium classic designs feature in-frame shaker doors, where the door sits neatly within a crafted frame. When it comes to exploring styles, she says the shaker kitchen continues to evolve while maintaining its timeless appeal. Defined by its framed simplicity and balanced proportions, the shaker style suits a wide range of interiors, from rustic to refined, highlights Beesley. Indeed, she says the versatility of shaker kitchens means they can be styled classically, with rich timber finishes and subtle beading. Or they can be pared-back and modern, with smooth painted fronts and minimalist detailing. To get the look, Beesley says the key to a successful shaker design lies in the balance of material, proportion, and detailing. Combine timber cabinetry with stone worktops, traditional handles, and feature dressers or mantels to evoke a warm, timeless aesthetic. Colour Choosing the right colour, or combination of colours, is essential to achieving the style and atmosphere you envision for your kitchen, highlights Beesley. Warm neutrals create a timeless, inviting feel, perfect for cosy, lived-in spaces. Deep greens and rich blues add a layer of elegance and depth. She continues: While bold statement colours like saffron inject instant personality. Appliances, sinks, and taps A well-designed classic kitchen benefits from a focal point, to draw the eye and anchor the space, explains Beesley. She says appliances, sinks, and taps often serve this purpose, and might be a range cooker framed by a decorative mantel; or an elegant ceramic Belfast sink paired with a classic tap. Modern kitchens embrace smart, integrated appliances, from coffee machines and downdraft hobs to hot water taps and seamless refrigeration. These innovations support a more streamlined, functional kitchen that works around your life, she adds. Work surfaces Tellingly, Beesley says work surfaces now play a key role in both form and function. They can soften bold colour choices, introduce texture, or add vibrancy and warmth to a more subdued palette. Far from being purely practical, they are now a defining element in kitchen design natural stones, engineered composites, and timber accents help tone down bold cabinetry or elevate minimalist schemes, underlines Beesley. How to get started: Howdens offer a wide range of kitchen collections. For more info and to book a free design appointment online, visit Howdens.com. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An argument over not saying thank you after a door was held open ended in a fatal shooting at a Dallas shopping center, authorities said. Police say Keona Hampton, 22, shot and killed 41-year-old Cecila Simpson in a parking lot outside a PetSmart just after 1 p.m. Tuesday when the women got into a fight while leaving a nearby Five Below. The deadly encounter unfolded after Simpson got upset at Hampton for not saying thank you after she held the door for her as they both exited Five Below, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by WFAA. The argument continued in a nearby PetSmart, where Simpson told workers that Hampton was following her. After leaving the store, the women continued fighting in the shopping centers parking lot. Cellphone footage taken by a witness captured the dispute taking a violent turn, as several gunshots can be heard ringing out. The affidavit states that after shots were fired, the person recording turned the phone away, but filmed Hampton walking off holding a black and silver handgun. open image in gallery Authorities say Keona Hampton, 22, shot and killed another woman after they got into an argument at a shopping center in Dallas. ( Dallas Police Department ) When authorities arrived at the scene, they discovered Simpson had been shot several times. She was taken to Methodist Central Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Hampton, who fled the scene before police arrived, was arrested after police pulled over her vehicle several hours later. She was wearing the same clothes seen in the surveillance footage taken earlier at the store, according to the affidavit. She then admitted to police that she had fought with Simpson and an employee earlier that day, leaving and re-entering the store twice before the confrontation heightened. During their fight, Hampton allegedly threw a drink bottle at Simpson and pulled out a gun after a witness tried to intervene. The witness told police that Simpson struck Hampton several times while yelling at her to leave, according to CBS News. Hampton told detectives she shot Simpson because she was just trying to get [Simpson] away from her, according to the affidavit. Hampton was arrested and charged with murder. She is being held in the Dallas County Jail, records show. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Photographs of the jail cell where convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in 2019 depict a chaotic scene but fail to answer lingering questions about Epsteins death, which has long been subject to conspiracies. The photos, obtained by CBS and 60 Minutes in 2020, were taken in the hours after staff at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City discovered Epstein but before FBI agents arrived to process the scene. When tied with a 2023 Justice Department report on the jails oversight that led to Epsteins death, the photos raise questions over whether the immediate responders to Epsteins death may have failed to preserve the scene properly for federal investigators. Forensic experts and former law enforcement officials say the photographs are missing key crime scene imaging tactics, such as the typical sequence of photos and evidence markers. In several images, Epsteins cell bunk bed is seen in a chaotic state with mattresses and bright orange linens strewn across the lower bed and floor. But the photos do not lend any insight into where Epstein was found or exactly how he died. open image in gallery A photo of Epsteins cell bunk shows his personal items lined up on the top of his bunk and an excessive amount of linens strewn about the bottom bunk ( CBS News / 60 Minutes ) In those photographs, it was obvious that things were moved around, Herman Weisberg, a former New York Police Department detective, told CBS News. It definitely appeared to me that the scene was, for lack of a better term, staged a bit. Wide-shot photos of Epsteins bunk show his personal items, such as toilet paper, medications and books, lined up on the top bunk bed. Epsteins CPAP machine mask is not seen in the wider shot images, but later on, other photographs show the mask on the floor. Yet, the CPAP machine does not appear in later photos either. Officials in the Department of Justices Office of Inspector General concluded Epstein died by suicide while being held in jail on federal child sex trafficking charges. The office said numerous failures by the federal jails staff led to Epsteins death, such as allowing him to be in a cell alone, not consistently checking on him, failing to fix a broken surveillance camera system, and more. open image in gallery An excessive amount of bed linens was found in Epsteins cell around 6:30 a.m. on August 10, 2019 ( CBS News / 60 Minutes ) The final report indicated Epstein hanged himself, and while the photos show an excessive amount of linens, they do not point to which one was used. One photograph shows a bed linen tied in the shape of a noose, but it appears the photo was somewhat staged because its placed next to a defibrillator and is on a floor completely different from Epsteins cell. Yet a DOJ report that depicts a photo of a linen tied in a noose also says the noose depicted is not the ligature Epstein used to kill himself. The FBI literally has all of the best tools. I mean, spared no expense. They have every tool you can imagine. And they used none of it as far as we can tell," Nick Barreiro, a forensic analyst, told CBS. open image in gallery A photo of a bag containing Epsteins CPAP machine, as well as his personal headphones. Photos of the actual mask only appear sometimes in images ( CBS News ) "Some really shoddy work here, if you can even call it that. I mean there's an absence of work here, Barreiro added. The DOJs Office of Inspector General said there was no criminality involved in Epsteins death. Those findings have been definitively stated by former Attorney General William Barr as well as President Donald Trumps administration. The photos also do not suggest any foul play contributed to the disgraced financiers death. But online, conspiracies about Epsteins death have circulated, with many believing those associated with Epstein developed an elaborate plot to kill him to prevent him from implicating them in his crimes. Epsteins brother, Mark Epstein, has said he does not believe his brother died by suicide. "This was never properly investigated as a proper homicide. It was never investigated," Mark Epstein told CBS News recently. open image in gallery Epstein died while awaiting trial for his federal sex trafficking trial ( Getty Images ) Ghislaine Maxwell, Epsteins former girlfriend, who was found guilty of child sex trafficking in 2021, has also said she believes Epstein was killed. Those rumors have only been fueled by the Trump administrations recent refusal to release the so-called Epstein Files which include all of the documents related to the governments investigation into Epstein. Some people have speculated that there is information in the files about Epsteins relationship with high-profile, wealthy individuals that could bring insight into his death. Public interest in the circumstances surrounding Epsteins death has also been piqued by the release of jail surveillance footage that shows the area near Epsteins cell block hours before his death. The footage also contains a missing segment, which has been attributed to a long-standing issue with the technology. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. In the UK, people having mental health crises can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Federal prosecutors have told a judge that no harm was done to prospects for a fair trial after two U.S. Justice Department officials reposted potentially inflammatory comments President Donald Trump made about Luigi Mangione. Mangione has been charged with assassinating UnitedHealthcare's CEO Brian Thompson in New York City in December 2024. The prosecutors said Wednesday in a written submission in Manhattan federal court that the two employees are not working on the case and did not know that the judge had warned lawyers to be careful what they share publicly. They said they have since been warned. And they said the distance from a trial date that has not yet been set makes it even less likely that anything said publicly might impact potential jurors who would be chosen to hear the case. "These individuals are not members of the prosecution team, or trial counsel or staff supervised by the prosecution team, or otherwise employed by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York. Nor are they law enforcement agents working on this prosecution," prosecutors wrote. They operate entirely outside the scope of the prosecution team, possess no operational role in the investigative or prosecutorial functions of the Mangione matter, and are not 'associated' with this litigation, they said. open image in gallery Luigi Mangione has been charged with assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson ( AP ) Requests for comment were sent to Mangiones defense lawyers. Judge Margaret M. Garnett in September said the officials likely broke court rules governing the conduct of prosecutors by reposting Trump's comments. She asked the department to explain how the violations occurred and what steps were taken to prevent a recurrence. On September 18, Trump was on Fox News when he called Mangione a pure assassin. He shot someone in the back as clear as youre looking at me, Trump said. He shot him right in the middle of the back, instantly dead. A video clip of Trumps remarks was then posted on the social platform X by the White House. Chad Gilmartin, a Justice Department spokesperson, reposted the comment, adding that @POTUS is absolutely right. Gilmartins post, which was later deleted, was then reposted by Brian Nieves, an associate deputy attorney general. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges in the fatal shooting of Brian Thompson on December 4 as he arrived at a Manhattan hotel for his companys annual investor conference. open image in gallery Protesters hold signs outside the Criminal Court where Luigi Mangione, accused killer of US insurance CEO Brian Thompson, attends a hearing in New York City ( AFP via Getty Images ) Earlier in September, defense lawyers for Mangione had asked that his federal charges be dismissed and the death penalty be taken off the table as a result of public comments by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. They later told the judge that the government was continuing to prejudice their clients right to a fair trial with the re-postings on social media of Trumps comments. Bondi declared prior to his April indictment that capital punishment is warranted for a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America. Bondi announced in April that she was directing Manhattan federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty for Mangione. In the federal case, Mangione is charged with murder through use of a firearm, which carries a potential death penalty, as well as stalking and gun offenses. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Texas pastor who pleaded guilty to repeatedly abusing a 12-year-old child has been forgiven by God, many of his supporters have suggested. Pastor Robert Morris, 64, who founded one of the largest megachurches in the U.S., abused the 12-year-old girl over a period of four years in Oklahoma in the 1980s, and last week admitted he was guilty of five criminal counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child. Osage County District Court, in Oklahoma, handed Morris a sentence of 10 years, but he will only serve six months in jail due to a plea deal. He will also register as a sex offender and pay $250,000 in restitution. The girl had told her parents and also informed leaders at the church in 1987, but no one had called the police. The allegations include one count of attempted rape. Morriss imprisonment marks a spectacular fall from favor. In 2016, then-candidate Donald Trump named him his spiritual adviser and a member of his evangelical advisory committee. Then, in 2020, Morris welcomed Trump to the Gateway Church in Dallas, where Trump referred to Morris and Steve Dulin, another Gateway elder, as "great people with a great reputation. The case has generated international headlines and triggered a wave of condemnation; however, many of Morriss supporters believe that God has forgiven him. Texas megachurch founder Robert Morris is escorted out of the building after pleading guilty to lewd and indecent acts with a child ( AP ) A Facebook post made by the 700 Club the flagship TV program of the Christian Broadcasting Network about Morriss sentencing was flooded with comments supporting Morris in the wake of news about his admission. God does forgive, and I believe he is a forgiven man, one supporter wrote in response to the news. He is found guilty in the court of man, but he is forgiven and acquitted in the court of heaven where our Lord Jesus sits as the judge, another said. One supporter called for people not to judge him and likened Morriss child abuse to repentant figures in the bible. All the great people in the Bible make mistakes, they wrote. God is slow to anger and quick to forgive. Dont judge him, let God be the judge of everyone. Others suggested that the time between the abuse and the charges hadnt been factored into legal proceedings. For something that happened 40-plus years ago. UNBELIEVABLE, one person wrote. Love you, Pastor Robert. Praying for you and your family. God isn't finished with you. Your best has yet to come! another said. Morris was the founder of the Gateway church in Southlake, Texas, which had a weekly attendance of around 25,000 people, but resigned from the Church last year when his victim, who publicly identified herself as Cindy Clemishire, 55, made the allegations against him. As well as telling her parents and the church in 1987 of the abuse, she had previously tried to bring the allegations against Morris in 2005, and again in 2007. A leaked transcript of a 2005 phone call revealed that Morris tried to bribe Clemishire into silence, telling her to put a price on it. Speaking at the court, Clemshire said, "Let me be clear: there is no such thing as consent from a 12-year-old child." "You did not just harm me as a childyou stole my innocence, the most sacred possession a child has, and you murdered the future woman, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend I was meant to become." The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice What began as a suspected road rage incident in a Houston neighborhood spiraled into a deadly shooting rampage that stretched across 24 miles of Texas highways, leaving four people dead, including the gunman, police said. The violence unfolded in three separate locations, beginning around 1 p.m. Wednesday when a woman was shot multiple times inside her vehicle on Dairy Ashford Road near U.S. 90 in Sugar Land. Police said she was rushed to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. "We have a very tragic incident today, and it's got several moving parts," Houston Police Lt. Larry Crowson said at a news conference. The shooting was initially thought to have been spurred by road rage, but the department said in a statement that the incident was not a random act of road rage violence. Investigators with the the Sugar Land Police Department later confirmed the victim had been in a relationship with the gunman, KPRC reported. open image in gallery Four people are dead, including the gunman, after a shooting spree on Wednesday afternoon ( KPRC ) Roughly 45 minutes after the first shooting, the suspect drove to a mechanic shop on Fondren Road in southwest Houston, where police said he got into an argument with the owner and opened fire again, killing two men, Lt. Crowson said. There was a report that a male in a silver Ford Escape, which matched the description of the vehicle in the Sugar Land shooting, had been involved in an altercation with a mechanic there, Crowson said. As the suspect fled the scene, he shot the 51-year-old mechanic, killing him. open image in gallery Two men were fatally shot at a mechanic shop on Fondren Road ( Houston Police Department ) Another man, who came out of a nearby warehouse recording the incident on a cellphone, was also fatally shot, police said, pointing to surveillance footage that reportedly captured the exchange. The suspect then fired several shots, killing that witness, Crowson added. The mechanic who was fatally shot was known for helping anyone who came into his shop, KPRC reported. open image in gallery Police closed multiple roadways as investigators processed the sprawling crime scenes ( FOX26 ) About 15 minutes after that, police responded to a third shooting three miles away on Creekbend Drive near South Gessner Road. There, officers found the 42-year-old suspect inside the vehicle, dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, Crawson said. Police closed multiple roadways as investigators processed the sprawling crime scenes, working to determine what led to the deadly chain of events. The identities of the three victims and the suspect have not yet been released. TIANJIN, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Tianjin Municipality, which had hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, witnessed vigorous tourism and consumption during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, which ended on Wednesday. During the eight-day holiday, the city recorded over 22.19 million tourist visits, an increase of 5.7 percent from the same period last year, according to the Tianjin Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism. Tourists spent nearly 21.6 billion yuan (about 3 billion U.S. dollars) during the holiday, up 13.2 percent year on year, the bureau said. Chen Bing, deputy head of the bureau, noted that Tianjin's successful hosting of the SCO Summit from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 has added appeal to the city, with many places featured during the event becoming sought-after attractions during the holiday this year. Notably, Haihe River night views, which gained significant attention during the 2025 SCO Summit, emerged as key drivers of urban cultural and tourism consumption during the holiday, logging an average daily visit of over 300,000 along riverbanks and on cruise boats. Data from the municipal commerce bureau showed that the 415 trading enterprises under its monitoring posted a combined 3.11 billion yuan in sales, and received 21.4 million visits during the eight-day holiday, up 6.2 percent and 4.5 percent year on year, respectively. NEW DELHI, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- India and Britain signed agreements furthering their Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in Mumbai on Thursday. Starmer was on his first two-day official visit to India, which ended on Thursday. During the talks, both leaders looked forward to the ratification of the CETA as early as possible to realize its benefits, said a joint statement issued on the occasion. They also welcomed the resetting of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee, which will support the governance and utilization of the CETA, and drive forward the two sides' wider trade and investment partnership. The two leaders also discussed global and regional issues of mutual interest, according to the joint statement. At the beginning of Taylor Swift's second track on her celebrated new album, "The Life of a Showgirl," she asks, "Elizabeth Taylor ... Do you think it's forever?" Swift parallels her life with that of the legendary actress another Taylor comparing their timelines of whirlwind fame and stormy love lives. But does that superstardom last forever? Elizabeth Taylor trends in Google According to Google Trends, "Who is Elizabeth Taylor?" searches were up 9,000%, as Swifties rush to discover the work of the actress, whose glow seems to have faded among the young. Now, that doesn't mean the masses have forgotten Taylor. It's just that most Swifties don't watch Turner Classics. So, naturally, they wouldn't know that Taylor was a regular visitor to New Orleans long before Swift's "Eras Tour" conquered the Superdome for three nights last October. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, shakes hands with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani before attending the 12th Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee in Rome, Italy, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) ROME, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the 12th Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee in Rome on Wednesday, during which he called for enhanced cooperation between the two countries. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that since last year, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Senate President Ignazio La Russa and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have paid visits to China, respectively, and the two sides issued an action plan to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership. China and Italy have actively implemented the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. Taking the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy this year as an opportunity, they have steadily expanded practical cooperation in various fields, with numerous highlights, Wang said in the joint meeting. Wang recognized the important role of the China-Italy Government Committee, the first inter-governmental cooperation mechanism established between China and a European country, in promoting bilateral relations. The mechanism, which has now entered its 21st year, has won broad trust and support from various sectors of both countries. At a time when the current international situation is undergoing rapid and profound changes, China-Italy cooperation is facing new situations, new opportunities and new challenges. China is willing to work with Italy to uphold the original aspiration of establishing the China-Italy Government Committee, adhere to principles while innovating, and promote the upgrading of the cooperation mechanism to version 2.0 which is more systematic, targeted and effective, so as to better align with the development strategy of China-Italy relations, Wang said. Wang proposed to reinforce the strategic dimension of the mechanism and make it more dynamic. Efforts should stay aligned with the important consensus reached and strategic guidance provided by the leaders of both countries, innovate working approaches, and accelerate the implementation of the three-year action plan issued. The platform building should be strengthened to make the mechanism more vibrant, Wang said, noting that the two sides should strengthen the design of agendas and topics, promote exchanges and mutual visits, facilitate connections between enterprises and institutions, deeply tap potential, and endow bilateral cooperation with new impetus. Wang also called for promoting sub-national cooperation to make the mechanism more practical. Localities should continue to play a key role in trade cooperation and cultural exchanges, and further energize the engagement of local enterprises and people-to-people exchanges. China and Italy are two major economies that support free trade, two major forces that safeguard multilateralism, and two ancient civilizations that advocate exchanges and mutual learning. Against the backdrop of a complex and turbulent international situation, China and Italy should demonstrate their sense of responsibility and commitment, follow the trend of the times, maintain mutual trust and joint achievements, Wang said. Guided by an open spirit, the two sides should expand and enhance pragmatic cooperation, making greater contributions to their respective economic development and the well-being of the peoples of both countries through fruitful cooperation outcomes, he added. Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, who also attended the meeting, positively evaluated the sound development of Italy-China relations and the fruitful outcomes achieved, stating that the friendship between the two countries has deep historical roots. Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, Italy and China have established a comprehensive strategic partnership that has yielded tangible benefits for the two peoples, with the Italy-China Government Committee playing an important role in this process, Tajani said, adding that the outcomes of the meeting reflect the positive intentions of both parties. Tajani also noted that China is among Italy's priority partners, and the Italian side attaches great importance to the vast opportunities offered by the Chinese market. Italy looks forward to further deepening exchanges and cooperation with China in economy and trade, investment, science and technology, culture and sports, and enhancing mutual understanding between the two peoples. Italy is willing to join hands with China to uphold free trade, maintain the smoothness of the global supply chain, and make joint efforts to peacefully resolve international disputes through dialogue. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the 12th Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani in Rome, Italy, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) A price dispute between mining giant BHP and Chinas state-run iron ore buyer risks dragging on for months, and even into early 2026, as both sides remain locked in stalemate. So far, the worlds largest miner has seen minimal disruption in its shipments to China, largely because the company has already sold most of its allocation of iron ore for November and December, according to people familiar with the matter. The stand-off between BHP and Chinas state-run iron ore buyer could drag on for months. Credit: Bloomberg The company put forward as many as 50 cargoes in the days after China Mineral Resources Group ordered a suspension of purchases at the end of last month, they said. The shipments have been offered to international traders and at least one Chinese outfit, among others. Any impact from CMRGs effort to restrict BHPs cargoes as part of their negotiation is likely to become apparent only after the company begins selling ore for January delivery, a process that will begin from next month. That interval could give BHP room for manoeuvre in the talks, the people said, asking not to be identified while discussing private commercial matters. Infini Resources tripled from its prior 23c close to 71.5c in mid morning trade today after delivering some off-the-scale XRF results from initial drill holes at its flagship Portland Creek uranium project in Canada. Elevated uranium readings were recorded through a whopping 284m long section in one drill hole, with stellar peak portable XRF values of 12,000 ppm uranium at 270.0m and 11,700 ppm at 289.0m. Visible yellow uraninite along joint surfaces recorded up to an eye-catching 1.17% U. Drill core from Infini Resources Portland Creek project in Canada. In what looks to be an extraordinary result, over 90% of all pXRF measurements taken in the 284m long section between 28.0m and 312.0m recorded uranium values between 1,000 ppm and12,000 ppm, setting up some serious anticipation around the final assay results. The impressive results came from initial drill holes in its phase two drilling program at its flagship Portland Creek uranium project in Canadas easternmost mining-friendly territory, Newfoundland. Coles chief executive Leah Weckert has urged the Victorian premier to crack down on thieves targeting retailers as the grocery giant prepares for the busy Christmas trading period. Weckert, who was among nearly two dozen retail chief executives who signed an open letter last month demanding Jacinta Allan implement urgent reforms to deal with retail crime in Victoria, said the problem had reached an unacceptable level. Coles chief executive Leah Weckert at the Christmas launch in Sydney on Thursday. Credit: Glenn Campbell What we would hope is that [the Victorian government] would consider starting to put in place some legislative measures which may be aligned with some of the best practice that weve seen in other states around the country, Weckert said. As Coles prepares for the Christmas period, typically the busiest time of year for retailers, Weckert said she expected theft levels to remain. There is still an unacceptable level of aggressive interactions with our team, she said. The clock is ticking for Qantas and 39 other companies as the cybercrime supergroup called the Trinity of Chaos inches closer to delivering on their threat of releasing the customer information of the companies into the dark web. On Thursday the criminals added Telstra to the list although the veracity of the hack on Telstra is in doubt, given the telco says the information the hackers say they have collected has come from public sources rather than a cyber breach. Of the 40 victim companies in the extortion claim, almost all of them have plenty of customers. There are several international airlines and myriad consumer brands including Adidas, Asics, Toyota, Walgreens, Chanel, Gucci and IKEA. Even Google Adsense made the list. Criminals are demanding companies pay up or else. Credit: In the case of Qantas we know compromised data included names, email addresses, phone numbers, birthdates and frequent flyer numbers. That dataset includes the home addresses and phone numbers of several high-office holders, as pointed out by Australias top cyber cop, cybersecurity co-ordinator Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness, at Senate estimates on Wednesday. Jordan Eliseo, general manager of ABC Bullion Australia, said demand was so strong that more often than not there are queues of people lining up to buy outside the companys Sydney store on Martin Place. Similar queues have also been reported forming at the Perth Mint. Its just extraordinary, Eliseo said. Eliseo said one of ABCs most popular products had been its 10-gram bar, which is about one-third of the weight, and cost, of a traditional ounce bar. Currently those bars sell for about $2000. Eliseo said other products, such as a direct debit program that allows customers to invest in gold at $50 a month, had experienced an explosion in demand. Its gone up by a factor of five in the last 12 months, its popular for people without huge capital. Loading There has also been a jump in people investing in gold through exchange-traded funds (ETFs). There was a 125 per cent increase in the number of customers trading in Australian gold ETFs from 2024 to 2025, according to NAB. While visitors to ABC Bullions stores include those cashing in to sell their gold, the vast majority are buyers, Eliseo said. Right now its very much a buyers market, he said. Who is buying gold? Eliseo said the customers lining up at its store represented a range of investor types, with the number of accounts opened to buy gold over the past month running at more than triple the numbers than usual. Youre seeing mum-and-dad investors, youre also seeing younger Australians beginning their wealth journey theyre quite happy to start with gold as they can see other assets looking perhaps a bit more shaky. Theres also been a huge surge in demand from self-funded retirees, thats been a huge growth area for demand, Eliseo said. Agata Pawlak with a 400oz gold cast bar at ABC Bullion in Sydney. Photo: Dylan Coker / The Sydney Morning Herald Credit: Dylan Coker Will jewellery and electronics become more expensive? Allan Trench, a professor of mineral and energy economics at the University of Western Australias business school, said that the skyrocketing price of gold would make products that rely on it more expensive. Lets say you had a gold necklace that had an ounce of gold in it. The cost of making that necklace has increased by at least the increase in the cost of gold as a commodity. Then you incorporate the premium for the item of jewellerys aesthetic form, he said. The cost of inputs has gone up, therefore the price of goods that use it will go up, Trench said. Global gold demand reached 4975 tonnes in 2024, according to the World Gold Council, with jewellery accounting for about 2000 tonnes of demand, while investment in gold bars and coins made up about 1180 tonnes and central banks bought about 1045 tonnes. Gold was also used for electronics that rely on gold for components, accounting for about 326 tonnes, followed by other industrial uses, as well as dentistry, which required about nine tonnes of gold globally in 2024. Consumers should brace themselves for rising jewellery prices. Credit: Not only is the jewellery industry most reliant on gold, the amount of gold used to produce necklaces and rings is far larger than the tiny amounts used as electronic components, Trench said. In the context of an iPhone, itd be maybe a microgram [of gold], so if the cost of gold is doubling, it doesnt affect the end cost of the iPhone nearly as much as the piece of jewellery that uses 10 grams of gold, especially if its a purer carat, Trench said. Another reason why jewellery prices could spike is the dynamics of luxury good pricing, Trench said. Loading Jewellery is a status symbol. As a luxury good, its higher price itself adds to its appeal, so people will desire it more just because its price has gone up, he said. The higher prices go, the more people want it. Trench predicts that if the trend in gold prices continues, jewellery makers will begin making ranges of products with lower purities of gold, to maintain more affordable offerings. What does the gold rally mean for Australia? Trench said that Australia was lucky as a gold-rich country, with plenty of gold sitting in the ground. If the price of gold continues to soar, the domestic capacity for drilling and exploring for metals half of which is already focused on finding gold could lean further into gold. As a result, Australias energy transition could be set back, he warned. It could take away effort from other metals, metals that can do wonderful things for us. 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 Im convinced Patricia Lockwood is trolling me. Youve never heard of him? I ask. Martin Amis? I tell her she and Amis have a similar sense of humour, in their criticism and their fiction. Doesnt ring a bell, Lockwood says. Later, Lockwood admits she misheard me. She thought I was recommending the work of someone named Martin Nemours. My publicist and a subsequent interviewer were laughing because Martin came up again later, in a different context, and I was like, OH, MARTIN AMIS, she says. Declan must have thought I was an amoeba not to know. But look now weve invented a new man named Martin Nemours. I hear hes very good. For the record, I do not think Patricia Lockwood is an amoeba. I do think, given her fondness for wordplay, that her second novel, Will There Ever Be Another You, has issues. One of them is that it is singularly brilliant. The other is that, after years of playing with words, Lockwood now finds words playing with her. Our narrator is an unnamed writer afflicted by a mysterious illness. She struggles to put together sentences, never mind poetry. She turns to hobbies (K-drama binges; jewellery-making: Would it be like that sad thing where we all had to pretend to care about Sylvia Plaths drawings of shoes?). She tells her husband she is experiencing Permanent Visuals. He tells her thats called being alive. Her one trick is writing. It is a trick she has forgotten how to perform. Advertisement Here are some of my notes on the book, 50 pages in: Has everyone been listening to Kid A wrong? Rivers Cuomo: dead? Leonora Carrington & Gods perineum? Cats: the butthole cut? All questions. Her new novel was heralded by a 2020 London Review of Books piece. Its title (Lockwood is keen to assure me she did not choose it) was: Insane after coronavirus? I tell her, 30 pages into the new novel, that I feared I was going insane. Fear was your reaction? Lockwood asks. I like that. I like that you were scared. Patricia Lockwoods 2021 debut No one is Talking About This was shortlisted, among other awards, for the Womens Prize for Fiction. Credit: PA Images via Getty Images Only to begin with; by the end I thought Its bloody good - even better than her last book. That novel, No One Is Talking About This (2021), was the Booker finalist everyone kept talking about. The germ of No One ... began as a British Library lecture published in the LRB in 2019 as The Communal Mind. Lockwoods fizzy, irreverent criticism and essays are as much a cause for celebration as her novels; the LRB, you could argue, has become an incubator for her fiction. Experimenting with the terminally onlines everything-at-once style, No One was by turns lucid and fragmented. Will There ever Be Another You, by contrast, is the sort of novel that speaks its own language and teaches you to become conversational, if not fluent. Advertisement Much of it reads like a 3am inner monologue (keyed-up, anxious, bereft). There is no authorial hand-holding, unless you try placing every narrative egg in the deus ex machina basket of Illness! or But shes going MAD! Some critics have suggested the books title should alert readers to its doppelganger motifs. Less has been made of the possibility that its simply referring to Lockwoods anxiety about dividing her readership. The US author, poet and essayist has a reputation for comedy, but Lockwood is equally good at conveying pain. Her most vigorously misunderstood poem, Rape Joke, does exactly what it says on the box. Humour offers ways of contemplating lifes most difficult experiences. And in Lockwood, as in life, the comedy is often serious. There must have been courage to write the book the way she has, I posit, given theres a sense of this existence thats almost contextless. I look upon the writer of this book who I dont feel, entirely, is me with great tenderness, Lockwood says. Because Im like, Its very valiant that you were trying to do that. You couldnt make sense, you couldnt recognise faces, you didnt know your own brothers middle name and you were still trying to write literature!. My whole thing is that everybody gets a Naked Lunch. Its a trap to want to be considered an authority, to want to preserve your authority, to want to speak from the pulpit and be heard by the people. I far prefer art that is tentative, that is unknowing, that doesnt understand, that is trying to reach into those areas. I just want to be writing the weird stuff. Midway through Will There, after her husband undergoes surgery, the narrator inserts her hand into his post-op wound. Its Caravaggio by way of Cronenberg (A husband could just be open like that?). The narrator marvels at her husbands ersatz vagina, the peekaboo wound like Bonne de Luxembourgs prayer-book Christ, prompting her to laugh, you would fall apart without me! Its moving and funny precisely because neither of these effects is separable from the other. Advertisement In another chapter, the narrator, recalling an acquaintance, describes reconstituting her from memory. Reconstitution is a good description of what drives Lockwoods weirdness: life reconstituted through social media in No One; a young woman reconstituted by authoritarian parenting, patriarchy and the church in her 2017 memoir Priestdaddy; cartoons reconstituted as ontological Rorschach tests in her debut, Balloon Pop Outlaw Black. I just want to be writing the weird stuff, says Patricia Lockwood. Credit: Whether its the absurdist juxtapositions of her poetry (Walt Whitman with tit pics!), Priestdaddys sense of ruptured innocence, the whirling associations of Will There or No Ones linguistic contortions (sneezing is for normies; sneazing is for the clued in), Lockwoods mish-mash of ephemera and trivia, scatterbrain and galaxy brain, memecore and egregore, reminds us that either everything matters or else nothing does. Yet for an author whose success grew thanks to Twitter and writing about the internet, Lockwood remains circumspect about the potential of what she dubs the portal for creative experimentation. Her fierce originality runs counter to its current incarnation as a mass-market collection of repetitions, cliches and tics. Little wonder, then, that she has returned to her first love, poetry. Readying a new collection of verse, her first in over a decade, she says she has even begun thinking about making a website. It will, in distinction to the advertiser-starved attention harvesting of our corporate overlords, be free and communal and aggressively and irreproachably normal. What will it be called? The Normal Website. I tell her, with as much normality as I can, that I cannot wait. After a chapter purporting to rank the arts (film > dance > translation > biography), the novels epilogue suggests the creative summit belongs to art that communicates the way it was put together [...] the process of assembly. (The end of this quote is taken, aptly enough, from Blake Butlers memoir, Molly, a book Lockwood wrote about for the LRB.) Advertisement The tsunami threat has subsided after an earthquake struck off the Philippines today, but authorities have confirmed at least two people have died. The magnitude 7.4 earthquake off the south of the country has damaged a hospital and schools, knocked out power and prompted evacuations of coastal areas. At least two people died after being pinned in damaged houses in Davao Oriental, provincial governor Nelson Dayanghirang Sr told ABS-CBN News Channel. He added that about 250 patients had been evacuated from a damaged hospital and would be temporarily housed in tents. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Honolulu said small waves were detected on the coasts of the Philippines and Indonesia before the threat passed about two hours after the quake, which was first reported about 1pm AEDT. The Philippines is still recovering from a September 30 earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 that left at least 74 people dead and displaced thousands of people in the central province of Cebu. A lot of the children had luggage labels round their necks with their names and addresses on them, Bond said in an interview in 2014. It made a great impression on me; seeing these lost, frightened people. Paddingtons creator was also struck by the plight of other, more desperate refugees: those across Europe driven from their homes by war. Jewish children from Nazi Germany arrive at Waterloo Station to be billeted with English families in 1939. Credit: KEYSTONE Footage of elderly people pushing prams with all their belongings in them, he said. Refugees are the saddest sight; I still think that. In a letter written in 2010 and revealed in a 2017 documentary by the BBC, Bond told how Jewish refugee children evacuated from Nazi Germany stayed at his family home. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside a processing facility in Broadview, Illinois last month. Credit: Bloomberg We took in some Jewish children who often sat in front of the fire every evening, quietly crying because they had no idea what had happened to their parents, and neither did we at the time. Its the reason why Paddington arrived with the label around his neck. That label, attached to the little bear when he arrived alone at Paddington Station in Bonds first book, remains one of the more affecting lines in the history of childrens literature: Please look after this bear. Thank you. Paddington was a refugee himself. He came from darkest Peru, and stowed away on a ship, seeking asylum. That he was taken in by a middle-class white family, the Browns, and was treated as one of their own, retains a moral message still pertinent within the horrors of today. In the US, Donald Trumps balaclava-clad Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) goon squads round up immigrants for deportation, leaving children stranded and alone. So much for the Statue of Libertys Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. Loading Across the world, two years after Hamas murderers slaughtered more than 1000 Israelis, a widely estimated 20,000 Palestinian children have been killed under Israeli military retribution in Gaza, with not the hope of escape available to those trapped in a bombed-out wasteland. British society itself is in the midst of a furious debate concerning immigration, complete with violent street protests. Many of the protests are fomented by unapologetic racists who simply dont want black or brown faces in their country. The lord only knows what would happen to a bear from Peru in a duffle coat. Australias former prime minister, Tony Abbott, chimed in at the British Conservative Party conference just this week, telling an interviewer that Britain should simply turn back those trying to cross the English Channel. Loading Never modest, Abbott offered the formula his government used to prevent asylum seekers reaching Australias shores. They were taken on board a mother ship under total radio silence. Then, on an appropriate night we put them on an unsinkable orange life raft with just enough fuel and say off you go, he said. He didnt mention whether marmalade sandwiches were laid on. In Australia, anti-immigration sentiment swells, complete with flag-waving March for Australia rallies across the nation. Politicians recognise an opportunity, as always. Right-wing boosters seek to supercharge what ought to be a legitimate and civilised debate about immigration numbers with cries to take Australia back before it is too late. Too late for what? It is as if they are heirs to the Port Melbourne wharfies who in 1947 refused to offload the first shipload of post-war European immigrants, claiming theyd take our jobs and werent like us. With Pauline Hansons One Nation surging (again), ambitious West Australian Andrew Hastie has quit the Coalition front bench to pursue two subjects dear to Tony Abbotts heart: rejection of a net zero climate target, and a reduction in immigration. Loading Hastie even scribbled on social media that unsustainable immigration was making Australians feel like strangers in their own home, importing a sentiment coined by one of Britains most divisive anti-immigration politicians of the past, the late Enoch Powell. In 1968, Powell delivered an incendiary address known as his Rivers of Blood speech in which he declared Britons found themselves made strangers in their own country. At least Hastie didnt borrow Powells miserable prophecy from Virgils Aeneid. Have we gone completely mad? Attitudes of the Australian polity at large towards possums might not be top of mind for regular readers. Many might dismiss the protected Australian natives the common brushtail and common ringtail as something of a public nuisance. It is true that possums get a bad rap: they can sabotage powerlines and cause blackouts, possibly transmit the Buruli ulcer and other diseases, get into scraps with pets, get into ceilings, get down chimneys and into lounge rooms and poo on TV sets. Hello possum! We admit we are showing our biases. But for the greater good, Wildlife Health Australia and the University of Melbourne have come together in an attempt to eradicate these deep-seated cultural biases with a new publicationm, Possums: A Public Health Communication Guide. Some of the states biggest universities have managed to reverse recent slides in a prestigious global league table. The University of Sydney ranked 53rd in the world in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, followed by UNSW at 79th and The University of Technology at 145th. The University of Sydney is the best institution in NSW, according to the rankings. Credit: Louise Kennerley The Times world rankings assess institutions by performance in teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook. Some Australian institutions tumbled in the rankings last year due to poor scoring on international research collaboration and international talent metrics. MANILA, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said on Thursday that it has approved two grants to enhance food security, deliver health services, and improve resilience to weather-related shocks and natural hazards in Afghanistan. The first grant, amounting to 370 million U.S. dollars, will continue the delivery of essential health services in 17 provinces, including maternal, neonatal, and child health and nutrition, as well as the supply of essential drugs, and childhood immunizations. It will also provide inputs to produce staple crops and non-staple cash crops, orchard products, as well as livestock, to at least 161,000 households in the country. The second grant, amounting to 100 million dollars, will provide critical food assistance to households in hunger hotspots. It will also support community-level actions to mitigate the impact of shocks from weather and natural hazards, and provide alternative livelihood opportunities to communities affected by natural disasters. Minns backed protest organisers to deliver a safe demonstration with an alternative route, noting that the vast majority of pro-Palestine marches over the past two years have occurred without incident. The court said in its decision that the public safety risk to participants and other members of the public is extreme in light of the likely number of protesters and the capacity and physical constraints of the Opera House forecourt. Pro-Palestine protesters outside the NSW Supreme Court in Sydney earlier this week. Credit: Janie Barrett It would be irresponsible to allow the public assembly to proceed, irrespective of the political significance of the event, Chief Justice Andrew Bell and Justices Ian Harrison and Stephen Free said. The judges said there was a real risk organisers estimate of 40,000 protesters will be exceeded, particularly having regard to the timing of the march, on approximately the second anniversary of the bombing of Gaza, the iconic nature of the proposed destination and the heightened attention the march would receive as a result of the court case. The prohibition order would expose protesters to potential criminal sanctions if they forged ahead with the march to the Opera House. [The] public safety risk to participants and other members of the public is extreme. NSW Court of Appeal McKenna said police sought the prohibition order because of concerns about a crowd crush at the Opera House. He told the court on Wednesday the plan had disaster written all over it, and between 40,000 to 100,000 people congregating at the site was impractical. Contempt warning The court warned in its decision that anyone who participated in a rally while knowing it was covered by a prohibition order might be in contempt of court. It appears to mark a significant departure from previous decisions of single judges of the NSW Supreme Court, including Justice Belinda Rigg earlier this year. Those decisions had been regarded as distinguishing a prohibition order from an outright ban on protesting. Loading Lawyers for the protest organisers, Palestine Action Group and Jews Against the Occupation, had argued a prohibition order was not a ban but simply removed a relatively narrow immunity from criminal liability for acts such as blocking traffic, which is given to protesters in authorised marches. In the protest organisers view, this would mean it was not a contempt of court to participate in a march because the prohibition order did not prevent that. In her decision in August refusing a police application for a prohibition order over the historic pro-Palestine march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Rigg said the effect of a prohibition order is not that the assembly would be prevented from taking place but that the immunity would not apply. Banning order But the Court of Appeal said in its unanimous decision on Thursday that a prohibition order operates to do precisely what the terms of the order suggest, namely to prohibit the holding of the proposed public assembly. It said that a breach of that order may render a person in contempt of court if they had knowledge of the order, and this might extend in some cases to persons who were not parties to the proceedings in which the order was made. It would be highly incongruous for the legislature to empower the court to make an order prohibiting the holding of a public assembly, if the terms of that order did not accurately reflect the legal consequence of the order, the court said. Solicitor Nick Hanna, acting for the protest organisers, said outside court that many, many groups will have an interest in seeking to take that to the High Court to challenge those findings. He said the decision had very important ramifications for the right to protest in Australia. It would be understandable for many Australians to be very concerned about that aspect of the judgment, Hanna said. The court did not deal with separate legal questions about Opera House by-laws banning protests at the site because it was not necessary. Timing of protest The original protest plan stoked outrage among sections of the Jewish community because of its timing within days of the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, in which 1200 people were killed and a further 250 were taken hostage. Queenslands top university has slipped three places in the globes top research university rankings, while every other university has retained or improved its position. The University of Queensland fell to equal 80th in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and sixth in Australia, after UNSW Sydney jumped ahead. Brisbane universities QUT and Griffith University remained the states second and third highest-ranked universities, with Griffith rising back into the global top 300. The University of Queensland remains the states top institution. Credit: Jamila Toderas The 2026 rankings shunted Griffith up to equal 14th in Australia. Within 72 hours this week, Sydney witnessed three separate gun crimes that left communities shaken. On Sunday, a man allegedly fired up to 50 rounds randomly from his Croydon Park apartment, injuring 16 people. On Tuesday, police intercepted a kill team allegedly planning to murder someone at a daycare pick-up. On Wednesday, former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian was shot and murdered while walking in Riverstone. Three shootings. Three very different stories. Yet theyve collectively fuelled a perception that Australia is experiencing an explosion of gun violence. Is gun crime surging or are we witnessing something more specific? Detectives intercept an alleged kill team en route to daycare centre hit in Revesby. Credit: NSW Police The statistics tell a surprising story, and understanding whats really happening requires looking beyond the headlines to how organised crime has fundamentally changed. Those statistics, in fact, tell us we have more guns, but less gun crime. There are more than 4 million firearms owned by civilians in Australia higher than the 2.5 million at the time of the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, according to the Australia Institute. With population growing from 18 million to 28 million over this period, gun ownership has increased in absolute terms. By the time Optus had contacted the communications authority and the ministers office, hundreds of users had been unable to contact emergency services; the South Australian Police, Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, and customers had contacted the telco to let them know something was wrong. Three people died while unable to contact Triple Zero during the outage. Loading How could a telecommunications company mess up an email address? Both emails sent from Optus to the department on the afternoon of September 18 were sent to incorrect addresses, despite the carrier telling the department they had the correct email address six days earlier. On September 11, a week before the network outage, Optus was informed by the department that the email address the telco should contact to raise an alert about network issues had changed. On the same day, the authority updated its website to reflect that change. The following day, Optus updated its internal IT systems to reflect the change, confirming this with the department. Between September 11 and October 8, Optus sent 272 emails to the correct address around 10 emails per day. However, on the day of the catastrophic outage, September 18, Optus sent two emails to the old address that was no longer monitored regularly. Based on testimony from the Department of Communications at Senate estimates on Wednesday, these were the only emails within that period to be sent to the incorrect address. Why did Optus only raise the alarm after the outage was over? The first contact from Optus to raise alarms about the outage came 14 hours after the crisis had started, and almost an hour after upgrade works were paused and the system began to be restored. Optus CEO Stephen Rue himself said that he was aware of the severity of the crisis at 1.30pm on September 18, but the watchdog was not notified for a further 70 minutes. Telcos are obliged to notify Telstra, which operates Triple Zero call centres, and ACMA as soon as possible after a significant network outage. Was email forwarding too difficult for the Department of Communications? The new email for emergency notification was established by the Department of Communications just a week before Optus network outage, yet the department had not established any forwarding system so that messages sent to the defunct account would still be seen. Representatives for the department repeatedly said at Senate estimates this week that the fault clearly lay with Optus for sending alerts to the wrong email. However, in their own testimony, they said they had told telco companies that the defunct email would be monitored occasionally. While the emails were sent after the crisis was rectified, and their arrival at a correct address would have done little to solve the problem, it is unclear why a basic mail-forwarding system was not in operation. Why did Optus stay silent about the deaths for almost 24 hours? Optus chief executive Stephen Rue informed the minister, the industry watchdog and the public that there were deaths during the network outage on the afternoon of September 19. However, Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young told Senate estimates on Wednesday that when she met with Rue on Tuesday he told her the telco was aware of deaths on the evening of September 18, and he personally became aware of them at 9am on September 19. Optus chief Stephen Rue attempts to leave Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday, but falls foul of the security gates. Credit: Nine News While the exact time Optus employees became aware of the deaths on September 18 is unknown, there is a significant delay in informing the public, the minister, the department, or the watchdog. Is anyone with teeth investigating? Optuss board has appointed Kerry Schott, the former CEO of Sydney Water, to lead an independent review into the September 18 outage. The company has also employed American firm Kearney to oversee its Triple Zero operations and its network more broadly on an ongoing basis. A second review from ACMA will investigate the outage, and both will report publicly. However, both the opposition and the Greens have criticised the measures, saying Optus and the watchdog cannot be trusted to oversee the reviews. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson went so far as to describe ACMAs review as like putting Dracula in charge of the blood bank. The Coalition unsuccessfully moved on Wednesday to establish a House select committee to investigate the outage, which the government voted down. However, Hanson-Young said she is determined to establish a full-blown parliamentary inquiry once the Senate next sits at the end of the month. A vote from the Coalition, Greens and crossbenchers could easily see the inquiry established, and if this weeks senate estimates are any sign of whats to come, it would not be an easy ride for Optus. Did Communications Minister Anika Wells fail? The opposition has run a concerted campaign this week to lay blame over the crisis at Wells feet. Some of their accusations, including the claim that Optus emails were secret dont hold much water after Wells office repeatedly pointed to her addressing them on September 22. However, Wells and the former minister Michelle Rowland sat on key recommendations from the Bean review into Optus previous major outage in 2023 for 17 months, only completing two-thirds of them by September 18. It was not until the September 18 outage that Wells said the government was fast-tracking legislation to empower a Triple Zero custodian to oversee the emergency services call ecosystem, despite the recommendation being accepted some 16 months prior. The custodian group already exists within the Department of Communications, but was toothless without the legislation. Loading Another issue was the fact that Wells travelled to the United Nations General Assembly in New York City just days after the outage. She defended her actions, saying she was advocating to world leaders about the governments under-16 social media ban, describing the proposition as having the capacity to change the world. Finally, Wells described herself as still a new minister to the portfolio as she worked through the issue. Coming almost five months after her appointment to the role, the opposition has made political hay of the comment. Why hasnt the Optus CEO resigned yet? A Sydney council is pushing ahead with plans for a 30 per cent rate rise despite critics describing the move as unjustified in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis. Council rates for more than 40,000 upper north shore home owners would increase by an average of $523 each year as part of Ku-ring-gai Councils proposal to generate an additional $22.6 million in annual revenue. Ku-ring-gai councillors will meet at the councils chambers to vote on the proposed increase this month. Credit: Edwina Pickles Households in the region would pay some of the highest residential rates in Sydney behind only Hunters Hill and Wollondilly if the 30.4 per cent rate rise was approved. Business rates would increase by an average of $1757 a year. Ku-ring-gai councillors will meet this month to vote on community consultation report relating to the proposed special rate variation which, if supported, would apply from next year and remain a permanent fixture of the councils rate revenue. Employment opportunities in remote corners of NSW are driving double-digit jumps in rental prices. Narrandera in the central Riverina region, 550 kilometres south-west of Sydney, has the greatest annual rental price increase of any LGA in the state. Median rents in the agricultural district are up 21.4 per cent over the 12 months to September, Domains latest Rent Report shows. The town beside the Murrumbidgee River has jobs in several industries, local agent Andrew Pellow says, and workers stay for a year or two. A typical rental property costs $425 per week; a year ago, it was $350. Australias eSafety Commissioner has defended the world-first social media ban for under-16s against mounting criticism, insisting that the technology to implement it exists despite expert warnings that privacy protections are inadequate and age verification systems deeply flawed. Julie Inman Grant told a Senate estimates hearing late on Wednesday night that six major platforms YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and Snapchat would be age-restricted from December 10, while dismissing concerns about the viability of age assurance technology with the deadline just 62 days away. ESafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant during a Senate estimates hearing at Parliament House in Canberra in 2024. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen She cited preliminary findings from a government-commissioned trial, which tested more than 50 age verification technologies, stating there are no significant technological barriers to implementing the ban. The government has argued that the ban is necessary to protect children from cyberbullying, harmful body image content, and exposure to misogynistic material that has been linked to mental health harms. But some privacy experts and academics have seized on the same trial results to argue the opposite: that the ban is unworkable and exposes millions of Australians to unprecedented surveillance risks. Opinion My bags failed to arrive when I did. Here are seven lessons it taught me My partner and I have rushed to board our connecting plane at Munich International airport, en route from the US to Athens, and I already ascertain that our luggage hasnt made the flight. The blue dot on my smartphones luggage tracker hovers like a magicians silver ball over a building beyond. Im jinxed; the same thing happened on this route six months earlier. Illustration: Greg Straight On landing in Athens three hours later, I review the dot. It remains in Munich. Shortly after, a text arrives from the airline our bags will arrive seven hours later on another flight. We make a beeline for the lost luggage counter where chipper staff tell us we can continue to our destination to which a courier company will deliver our luggage. But theres a catch: this will be sometime in the next few days. (Its so optimistically Greek. I stop myself from pointing out Odysseus 20-year journey; Im sure theyve heard it before). We discuss alternatives. We could wait the entire day and meet our luggage on the evening flight. We could drive to our destination minus toothbrush, toothpaste and clean underpants, and pray that the luggage delivery gods will display Hermes-like speed. Or, we could blow the budget on a day room at the luxury airport hotel. Its a hard choice in a jet-lagged state. Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin told Azerbaijans leader that two Russian missiles had detonated beside an Azerbaijan Airlines plane last year after Ukrainian drones entered Russian airspace, in an incident that led to the deaths of 38 people. In what was the Kremlin leaders most candid admission to date that Moscow was to blame for the deadly incident, he offered his apologies again to President Ilham Aliyev and promised compensation to those affected. Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev shake hands prior to their talks on the sidelines of the Russia-Central Asia summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Credit: AP Flight J2-8243, en route from Baku to the Chechen capital Grozny, crash-landed on December 25 near Aktau in Kazakhstan after diverting from southern Russia, where Ukrainian drones were reported to be attacking several targets. At least 38 people were killed. Video footage on Thursday showed Putin and Aliyev shaking hands and smiling before a bilateral meeting in Tajikistan at which Putin spoke about the plane crash. 1. Gaza will be a deradicalised terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbours. 2. Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough. 3. If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed upon line to prepare for a hostage release. During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal. 4. Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned. 5. Once all hostages are released, Israel will release 250 life sentence prisoners plus 1700 Gazans who were detained after October 7th 2023, including all women and children detained in that context. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans. 6. Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries. 7. Upon acceptance of this agreement, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip. At a minimum, aid quantities will be consistent with what was included in the January 19, 2025, agreement regarding humanitarian aid, including rehabilitation of infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage), rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries, and entry of necessary equipment to remove rubble and open roads. 8. Entry of distribution and aid in the Gaza Strip will proceed without interference from the two parties through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions not associated in any manner with either party. Opening the Rafah crossing in both directions will be subject to the same mechanism implemented under the January 19, 2025 agreement. 9. Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza. This committee will be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts, with oversight and supervision by a new international transitional body, the Board of Peace, which will be headed and chaired by President Donald J. Trump, with other members and heads of State to be announced, including Former Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body will set the framework and handle the funding for the redevelopment of Gaza until such time as the Palestinian Authority has completed its reform program, as outlined in various proposals, including President Trumps peace plan in 2020 and the Saudi-French proposal, and can securely and effectively take back control of Gaza. This body will call on best international standards to create modern and efficient governance that serves the people of Gaza and is conducive to attracting investment. 10. A Trump economic development plan to rebuild and energise Gaza will be created by convening a panel of experts who have helped birth some of the thriving modern miracle cities in the Middle East. Many thoughtful investment proposals and exciting development ideas have been crafted by well-meaning international groups, and will be considered to synthesise the security and governance frameworks to attract and facilitate these investments that will create jobs, opportunity, and hope for future Gaza. 11. A special economic zone will be established with preferred tariff and access rates to be negotiated with participating countries. 12. No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return. We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza. 13. Hamas and other factions agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly, indirectly, or in any form. All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, will be destroyed and not rebuilt. There will be a process of demilitarisation of Gaza under the supervision of independent monitors, which will include placing weapons permanently beyond use through an agreed process of decommissioning, and supported by an internationally funded buy back and reintegration program all verified by the independent monitors. New Gaza will be fully committed to building a prosperous economy and to peaceful coexistence with their neighbours. 14. A guarantee will be provided by regional partners to ensure that Hamas, and the factions, comply with their obligations and that New Gaza poses no threat to its neighbours or its people. 15. The United States will work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to immediately deploy in Gaza. The ISF will train and provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, and will consult with Jordan and Egypt who have extensive experience in this field. This force will be the long-term internal security solution. The ISF will work with Israel and Egypt to help secure border areas, along with newly trained Palestinian police forces. It is critical to prevent munitions from entering Gaza and to facilitate the rapid and secure flow of goods to rebuild and revitalise Gaza. A deconfliction mechanism will be agreed upon by the parties. 16. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. As the ISF establishes control and stability, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) will withdraw based on standards, milestones, and timeframes linked to demilitarisation that will be agreed upon between the IDF, ISF, the guarantors, and the United States, with the objective of a secure Gaza that no longer poses a threat to Israel, Egypt, or its citizens. Practically, the IDF will progressively hand over the Gaza territory it occupies to the ISF according to an agreement they will make with the transitional authority until they are withdrawn completely from Gaza, save for a security perimeter presence that will remain until Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat. 17. In the event Hamas delays or rejects this proposal, the above, including the scaled-up aid operation, will proceed in the terror-free areas handed over from the IDF to the ISF. 18. An interfaith dialogue process will be established based on the values of tolerance and peaceful co-existence to try and change mindsets and narratives of Palestinians and Israelis by emphasising the benefits that can be derived from peace. 19. While Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform program is faithfully carried out, 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. 20. The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence. KHARTOUM, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces attacked a mosque in the city of El Fasher, killing at least 13 people, according to media reports on Thursday citing eyewitnesses. Australia welcomes President Trumps announcement that Israel and Hamas have signed off the first phase of the plan to bring peace to Gaza, they said in a statement. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the agreement should inspire hope in Australia and around the world, as she urged Australians to suspend protests about the war as a ceasefire goes into effect. People in Tel Aviv celebrate after waking to the news that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a peace plan. Credit: AP Today is the start of the end of the war, and the beginning of enduring peace, she said. Speaking to this masthead from southern Gaza, where he works as a doctor, Mohammad Alastal said the announcement had brought a profound sense of relief and cautious optimism to the people of Gaza. The people here have learnt to celebrate with restraint, knowing how fragile peace can be, he said. Still, we choose to believe that this time can be different, that humanity and conscience will prevail, and that the world will stand with us as we rebuild our lives in peace. The relatives of hostages held in Gaza celebrate in Washington upon hearing that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement that will bring all the hostages home. Credit: Liri Agami and Alon Kaplun Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a great day for Israel and that he would convene the government on Thursday (Israel time) to approve the deal, which was signed in Egypt. With Gods help we will bring them all home, he posted on social media. I thank President Trump and his team from the bottom of my heart for their commitment to this sacred mission of freeing our hostages. Israeli media outlets reported that Israel would remain in control of over half of Gaza under the deal, but the Associated Press reported that the Israeli military could withdraw from as much as 70 per cent of Gaza. Loading The Israeli military said Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir had instructed forces to prepare strong defences, to be ready for any scenario and to prepare to lead the operation for the hostages return with sensitivity and professionalism. Confirming the agreement on its Telegram channel, Hamas called on Trump and guarantor states to ensure that Israel fully implements the ceasefire, saying the group would never relinquish our peoples national rights until freedom, independence, and self-determination are achieved. The statement said Hamas appreciated the efforts of mediators Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, and in an extraordinary shift in tone, added that the group valued the efforts of US President Donald Trump. The Hostages Families Forum, a grassroots group representing many of the families of Israeli hostages, said it had received the news of a ceasefire with excitement, anticipation, and apprehension. It called on the Israeli government to immediately convene to approve the deal and praised Trump for his commitment and determination that led to this historic breakthrough. Relatives of Israeli hostages held by Hamas celebrate on the streets of Tel Aviv. Credit: AP As Israelis flocked to Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to celebrate, returned hostage Aviva Siegel said the news was truly amazing and that she and husband Keith, who was also freed from captivity, were finally able to smile. Many questions remain, and subsequent phases of a peace agreement will likely prove more difficult to negotiate. It was not immediately clear whether the parties made any progress on the trickier questions about the future of the conflict, including whether Hamas will demilitarise, as Trump has demanded, and eventual governance of the war-torn territory. Loading It was also unclear which Palestinian prisoners would be released, but the list of people that Hamas wanted freed is believed to include some of the most prominent prisoners ever jailed by Israel, prisoners whose release has been off limits in previous ceasefires. But Israel and Hamas appear to be closer than they have been since at least March to ending a war that has killed an estimated 67,200 Palestinians, flattened most of Gaza and frayed social cohesion around the world, including in Australia. The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network welcomed a reprieve to the war, but said it feared Israel would breach the ceasefire as it did in March. While this plan is a recognition that Israels current position is untenable, it does not lift the criminal siege, dismantle the apartheid system or end the occupation, the group said. Alon Cassuto, chief executive of the Zionist Federation of Australia, said that for the Australian Jewish community, the hope of seeing the hostages finally return after two agonising years brings both deep emotion and profound relief. Katya Emelianova kneels beside a portrait of Eden Gez, who was killed at the Nova Festival on October 7, 2023. Credit: David Guttenfelder/The New York Times This day may yet close one of the most painful chapters in living memory, he said. A report by a United Nations commission of inquiry released last month found that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza and accused Israeli authorities of intending to kill as many Palestinians as possible. Israel has denied the charge of genocide, saying it continued the war to secure the release of the hostages and ensure Hamas, a listed terror group, could never again govern Gaza or threaten Israels security. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the agreement as a momentous opportunity while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it a moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world. The Hamas wish list for prisoner releases reportedly includes Marwan Barghouti, a leader of the Fatah movement, and Ahmad Saadat, head of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Both are serving multiple life sentences for involvement in attacks that killed Israelis. Marwan Barghouti appears in court in Jerusalem in 2012. Credit: AP In the lead-up to the announcement, Israeli officials were pushing back on inclusion of Barghouti the most prominent Palestinian prisoner, who is serving five life sentences in an Israeli jail according to a person briefed on the negotiations, who spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. Israeli officials had made clear to the United States that the release of Barghouti would set off the far-right members of Netanyahus coalition, the person said. In his post announcing the deal, Trump said the development marked a historic and unprecedented event that ensured all parties would be treated fairly. Credit: Matt Golding Earlier on Wednesday (US time) Trump said he might travel to Egypt this weekend. His envoys joined talks in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh after two days of indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel, to try to seal the ceasefire and hostage-release agreement, based on a 20-point plan Trump had presented to the parties. I was just given a note by the secretary of state [Marco Rubio] saying that were very close to a deal in the Middle East, and theyre going to need me pretty quickly, Trump said during an unrelated White House event. The war in Gaza evolved into a regional conflict after it began in response to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, drawing in countries such as Iran, Yemen and Lebanon, and reshaping the Middle East. Just a day after the second anniversary of Hamas attack, negotiators handed over their lists of hostages and Palestinian prisoners to be freed in a swap with Israel. Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close confidant of Netanyahu, arrived and began participating in the negotiations overnight, Israeli and Palestinian sources said. Also joining the discussions was the prime minister of longstanding mediator Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, according to Egyptian sources. In parallel with the Sharm el-Sheikh talks, Arab and other states will meet in Paris on Thursday to discuss Gazas postwar transition, with Washington likely to be represented, diplomatic sources said. Hamas said the first couple of days of indirect negotiations had been focused on three issues: halting the conflict, withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza, and the swap deal. Loading The group has so far refused to discuss Israels demand that Hamas give up its arms, which the Palestinian source said Hamas would reject as long as Israeli troops occupied Palestinian land. Two sources familiar with the talks confirmed that sticking points included the mechanism for the Israeli withdrawal, with Hamas seeking a clear timeline linked to the release of hostages and guarantees of a complete withdrawal by Israeli forces. Within Gaza, Israel has dialled down its military campaign at Trumps behest, but it has not halted strikes altogether. The Israeli military said on Wednesday that its forces had killed several militants in Gaza City who it said were on their way to attack Israeli soldiers. Trumps plan calls for an international body led by Trump and including former British prime minister Tony Blair to play a role in Gazas postwar administration. Arab countries that back the plan say it must lead to eventual independence for a Palestinian state, which Netanyahu says will never happen. Loading There is no clear indication who will rule Gaza when the war ends. Netanyahu, Trump, Western and Arab states have ruled out a role for Hamas, which has run Gaza since driving out Palestinian rivals in 2007. ABU DHABI, UAE, Oct. 8, 2025 -- Hitachi Rail participated in the Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference (GRTIEC) 2025 in Abu Dhabi as an exhibitor, showcasing its next generation mobility systems and its commitment to supporting the UAE's mobility plans. With 220 exhibitors and 20,000 industry leaders participating, GRTIEC has become one of the world's primary gatherings of rail and mobility professionals. Visitors to the company's booth witnessed Hitachi Rail's vision for the future of an industry offering more sustainable, connected and intelligent transport solutions that increase efficiency, network resilience and passenger satisfaction. Hitachi Rail's flagship projects and platforms were on display including HMAX, its digital asset management platform, which was one of the most prominent among them. The cutting-edge HMAX platform combines Hitachi Rail's wealth of experience with the unique breadth of digital expertise of the wider Hitachi Group. Deployed on over 2000 trains, HMAX enables enhanced monitoring and management of railway systems by processing and integrating large volumes of data into a single platform, helping operators optimize their trains, signalling and infrastructure management. "The GRTIEC's 2025 conference has become one of the world's leading rail events, bringing together the industry's global players, and providing a platform for meaningful conversations defining its future direction," Giuseppe Marino, Hitachi Rail's CEO said. "Hitachi Rail is committed to continue partnering with the UAE on its innovative and fast progressing infrastructure journey, building the connected, sustainable mobility networks that will shape the nation's future." About Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. The company solves customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the 3 business sectors of "Digital Systems & Services" - supporting its customers' digital transformation: "Green Energy & Mobility" - contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and "Connective Industries" - connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, Hitachi aims for growth through co-creation with their customers. The company's revenues as 3 sectors for fiscal year 2023 (ended March 31, 2024) totaled 8,564.3 billion yen, with 573 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com. About Hitachi Rail: Hitachi Rail is committed to driving the sustainable mobility transition and has a clear focus on partnering with customers to rethink mobility. Its mission is to help every passenger, customer and community enjoy the benefits of more connected, seamless and sustainable transport. With revenues of over 7bn and 24,000 employees across more than 50 countries, Hitachi Rail is a trusted partner to the world's best transport organisations. The company's reach is global, but the business is local - with success built on developing local talent and investing in people and communities. Its international capabilities and expertise span every part of the urban, mainline and freight rail ecosystems from high quality manufacturing and maintenance of rolling stock to secure digital signalling, smart operations and payment systems. Hitachi Rail, famous for Japan's iconic high speed bullet train, draws on the digital and AI expertise of Hitachi Group companies to accelerate innovation and develop new technologies. Hitachi Group's revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totalled 581.6 bn / 9,783.3 bn, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. SOURCE Hitachi Rail Brand's Nationwide Initiative Provides Complimentary Dining to Federal Aviation Workers at 80+ U.S. Locations, Including Airport Venues DALLAS, Oct. 8, 2025 -- TGI Fridays, where the world goes to celebrate, announced today that it will offer complimentary meals to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic control workers at TGI Fridays locations across the country during the government shutdown. Available from October 9 until October 23*, TSA and air traffic control workers can receive one free meal per day from a specially curated menu featuring TGI Fridays favorites, including the brand's signature Cheeseburger with fries, Chicken Fingers with fries, Crispy or Grilled Chicken Sandwich with fries, or Chicken Caesar Salad. Eligible workers must present valid employee identification to redeem the offer at any of the brand's 80+ U.S. locations, including traditional restaurant settings and non-traditional venues such as airports, with the exception of Atlanta airport locations that are running an independent offer for TSA employees. "TSA and air traffic control workers keep our country moving, and we wanted to do our part to support them. Whether they're grabbing a meal at one of our airport locations during a shift or sitting down at a neighborhood Fridays after a long day, we want them to know we appreciate them and we're here for them," said Ray Blanchette, CEO of TGI Fridays. "At TGI Fridays, we believe that nothing should stop people from being able to dine, connect, and celebrateespecially those who show up to serve our communities every single day." The program is available all day, every day for the duration of the two-week period, while supplies last or until the shutdown is lifted*. At traditional TGI Fridays restaurant locations, meals are available for guests to enjoy inside restaurants with valid ID. At airport locations, meals will be available for to-go orders only. For more information about TGI Fridays, visit www.tgifridays.com . Follow TGI Fridays on Social: Instagram: @tgifridays TikTok: @tgifridays Facebook: TGI Fridays About TGI Fridays Founded in 1965 as the world's first casual bar and grill, TGI Fridays is where the world goes to celebrate. Operating nearly 400 restaurants in close to 40 countries, Fridays brings people together through its craveable American classics, legendary drinks and that unmistakable Fridays feelingall brought to life by its rockstar teams. Whether it's full-service dining or bold-format convenience, Fridays' franchise-first approach, operational excellence, and brand power are built to scale. Visit www.tgifridays.com for more information and join Fridays Rewards. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. * Offer valid through October 23, 2025, or until the government shutdown is lifted, whichever comes first. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE TGI Fridays Pakistan's First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari speaks during an event celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan on Oct. 7, 2025. Pakistani children recovering from congenital heart defects and their parents were invited to the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.(Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal) ISLAMABAD, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani children recovering from congenital heart defects and their parents were invited to the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. Pakistan's First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari attended the event. In January, the medical experts' team led by Professor Pan Xiangbin of China's Fuwai Hospital performed free surgeries for eight children with congenital heart disease in Rawalpindi city of Punjab province. At present, all the children are recovering well after surgery. "I can run, jump, and play games with my friends now. I want to say thank you to Chinese doctors!" said Afrah Amir, an 8-year-old Pakistani girl with a smile on her face. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong stated in his speech on Tuesday that the aid to Pakistan for the treatment of congenital heart disease is not only a vivid portrayal of the concept of "putting people and life first," but also a profound interpretation of the mutual assistance and community with a shared future between China and Pakistan. Zardari expressed gratitude for the superb medical skills and selfless dedication of the Chinese medical team in her speech, and expressed the hope that Pakistan and China will continue to work together to expand exchanges in fields including healthcare, women's wellbeing, education, and culture. In his video speech, Pan said that as the attending physician, he was very pleased to see that the children he cured can become healthier with brighter smiles. In the future, the Chinese medical team will provide training for more Pakistani doctors, promote advanced medical technologies, and produce richer medical cooperation fruits between the two countries, he said. At the event, the children and their parents noted that the treatment project carried out by Chinese medical experts has brought hope to their families and is a concrete manifestation of the people-to-people connection between Pakistan and China. They hope that Chinese medical technology can benefit more patients with congenital heart disease and strengthen the ironclad friendship between Pakistan and China. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong speaks during an event celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan on Oct. 7, 2025. Pakistani children recovering from congenital heart defects and their parents were invited to the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.(Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal) Afrah Amir speaks during an event celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan on Oct. 7, 2025. Pakistani children recovering from congenital heart defects and their parents were invited to the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.(Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal) A child is seen with her mother during an event celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan on Oct. 7, 2025. Pakistani children recovering from congenital heart defects and their parents were invited to the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.(Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal) A child is pictured during an event celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan on Oct. 7, 2025. Pakistani children recovering from congenital heart defects and their parents were invited to the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.(Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal) Jhund actor Chhetri murdered by friend Staff Reporter : Actor Priyanshu alias Babu Ravisingh Chhetri (22), who had played an important role in Nagraj Manjules film Jhund starring Amitabh Bachchan, was brutally murdered in Jaripatka area in the early hours of Wednesday. According to police, Babu Chhetri was tied with wires and attacked with a sharp weapon. He was found half-naked, with a plastic wire wrapped around his body, under the jurisdiction of Jaripatka Police Station. Local residents noticed him lying in a severely injured condition at 3 am on Wednesday and immediately informed the police. Chhetri was rushed to Mayo Hospital where doctors declared him dead during treatment. The accused has been identified as Dhruv Lal Bahadur Sahu (20), a resident of Nara area, who has been arrested on suspicion of murder. The deceased, Babu Chhetri, was a resident of Lumbini Nagar. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 6) Dr Sandip Pakhale said that Chhetri and Sahu were close friends and often consumed liquor together. On Tuesday night, Sahu visited Chhetris house on a two-wheeler, and the two went out for a drinking session at a dilapidated house nearby. During the session, a heated argument broke out between them between 12 midnight and 2 am. Chhetri reportedly threatened to kill Sahu, which made Sahu fear for his life. In a fit of rage, he attacked and killed Chhetri before fleeing the spot. Police officials revealed that both Chhetri and Sahu had several criminal cases registered against them in the past, including theft and assault. Preliminary investigations suggest that the murder was the result of a personal dispute or old enmity. Jaripatka Police have registered a case of murder. The body has been sent for post-mortem. Further investigation is underway to determine the exact motive behind the killing. The incident has caused grief among local residents and those who knew Babu Chhetri for his performance in the film Jhund. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. One more time: There is no such thing as free lunch. Government has no money. It acquires the money used to pay for things one of three ways: taxing, borrowing or printing. Democrat senators, with three exceptions, voted against keeping the federal government fully running because they want to add back spending reduced under the so-called Big Beautiful Bill; they want to spend even more; and they want to extend the expiring Obamacare subsidies. Democrats call Republicans "liars" for accusing Democrats of seeking government-provided health care for illegal aliens. But when asked whether she supports health care for illegal aliens, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) said, "Democrats are demanding health care for everybody." At a 2020 Democratic presidential candidates' debate, the moderator said, "Raise your hand if your government (health care) plan would provide coverage for undocumented immigrants." All 10 candidates put up their hands. As for Obamacare, Democrats designed it knowing some subsidies would expire. That way they could downplay its true cost. Their expectation was simple. If Republicans refuse to extend the subsidies, Democrats would accuse Republicans of cruelty, no matter the cost to taxpayers. Former President Barack Obama promised Obamacare would "bend the cost curve." But Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Jonathan Gruber, known as the father of Obamacare, said: "(Saving money) was sometimes a misleading motivator for the Affordable Care Act. The law isn't designed to save money. It's designed to improve health, and that's going to cost money." For Democrats and many Republicans, getting government out of health care in exchange for a true, robust and competitive private sector model resulting in lower prices, better quality and greater accessibility is a nonstarter. Health care, after all, "is a right." As to crime, isn't the No. 1 job of government to protect people and property? Soft-on-crime policies, like light sentences or reducing or eliminating jail time, results in more crime. When politicians and judges make it less likely that criminals are caught, convicted and incarcerated, criminals commit more crime. Lawbreakers may be criminal, but they are not stupid. The same cannot be said of some politicians. For example, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), a former criminal defense attorney, recently said: "Just because someone has committed a crime, it doesn't make them a criminal. That is completely different. Being a criminal is more so about your mindset. Committing a crime can come for a lot of different reasons." Similarly, when asked how to deal with career criminals, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said: "When this person is committing six or seven crimes, I don't know his or her story. Maybe they were abused as a child. Maybe they're hungry. But my remedy is to find their life story to see how we can help." In short, criminal thugs need to be understood, not jailed for harming others. When President Donald Trump uses or threatens to use the National Guard to assist local law enforcement in high-crime cities, he stands accused of racism. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said: "I think it's very notable that each and every one of the cities called out by the president has a Black mayor, and most of those cities are seeing historic lows in violent crime." Never mind the immediate effect of Trump's deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C. D.C.'s Fox 5 News reported: "Since the Guard's arrival, the city has experienced a notable decline in criminal activity. For the first time in a long time, D.C. has gone seven days without a homicide. Carjackings have decreased by 83%, robberies by 46%, car thefts by 21%, and overall violent crime is down 22%. 'When you have these numbers going down it means this is a success and people feel safer,' said Sgt. Betsy Smith of the National Police Association." About deportations, people never took to the streets when told to stay home, close their businesses, not go to work and not go to school because of COVID-19. But some take to the streets to prevent ICE from deporting violent criminal illegal aliens. After four years of President Joe Biden's intentionally open borders and the entry of untold numbers of illegal aliens who committed violent crimes in their home countries, what exactly is the alternative to arresting and deporting them, particularly when it comes to "the worst of the worst"? A strongly worded letter? (COMMENT, BELOW) BEIJING, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday announced placing 14 foreign entities, including Dedrone by Axon and TechInsights Inc. and its branches, on an unreliable entity list, according to the Ministry of Commerce. The foreign entities are prohibited from engaging in import and export activities related to China, and are forbidden from making new investments in China, according to an announcement by the ministry. Organizations and individuals within China are prohibited from conducting transactions, cooperation and other activities with these entities, particularly the transmission of data and provision of sensitive information to them. 3 get Chemistry Nobel for molecular architecture STOCKHOLM : SCIENTISTS Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar M Yaghi won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry on Wednesday for their work in the development of metalorganic frameworks that dates back to 1989. The Nobel committee said that the three laureates have developed a new form of molecular architecture. They have created molecular constructions with large spaces through which gases and other chemicals can flow, the committee said. Hans Ellegren, Secretary-General of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, announced the Chemistry prize in Stockholm. It was the third prize announced this week. These constructions, metal-organic frameworks, can be used to harvest water from desert air, capture carbon dioxide, store toxic gases or catalyse chemical reactions, the Nobel Committee said in a statement. Robson, 88, is affiliated with the University of Melbourne in Australia, Kitagawa, 74, with Japans Kyoto University and Yaghi, 60, with the University of California, Berkeley. The chemists, working separately but adding to each others breakthroughs with research that dates back to 1989, devised ways to make stable metal organic frameworks which may be compared to the timber framework of a house. These structures can absorb and contain gases inside these frameworks, with many practical applications today such as capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or sucking water out of dry desert air. Metal-organic frameworks have enormous potential, bringing previously unforeseen opportunities for custom-made materials with new functions, Heiner Linke, chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, said in a news release. Olof Ramstrom, a member of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, described the trios discovery as similar Hermione Grangers enchanted handbag in the fictional Harry Potter series: small on the outside but very large on the inside. Kitagawa spoke to the committee, and the press, over the phone on Wednesday after his win was announced. Im deeply honoured and delighted that my long-standing research has been recognised, he said. There have been 116 Chemistry prizes given to 195 individuals between 1901 and 2024. The award ceremony will be held on December 10, the anniversary of the death of Alfred Nobel, who founded the prizes. Nobel was a wealthy Swedish industrialist and the inventor of dynamite. Deposit Rs 60 cr, will then consider plea for permission to go abroad: HC to Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra MUMBAI : THE Bombay High Court on Wednesday said it would consider the plea filed by actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband to travel abroad only if they deposit Rs 60 crore, the amount involved in a cheating case against them. A case was registered against Shetty and her husband, Raj Kundra, at Juhu police station in Mumbai on August 14 for allegedly duping businessman Deepak Kothari (60) of nearly Rs 60 crore in a loan-cum-investment deal. The couple last month filed a petition in HC seeking suspension of the Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against them by police in the case, so that they can travel for their professional commitments and leisure trips abroad. The complaint was lodged against the couple by Kothari, alleging that between 2015 to 2023, they had induced him to invest Rs 60 crore in their company Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, but the amount was used for their own personal benefits. A bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad on Wednesday said it cannot permit leisure trips when the duo is accused in the cheating and fraud case. The couples lawyer told the court that only one trip to Phuket was leisure, but the rest of the trips were all for professional work. The lawyer added that the couple has cooperated with the probe and has also appeared for questioning. The High Court then said that because of their cooperation, they have not been arrested. The bench also sought a copy of the invitation or any other form of communication for the professional events that Shetty had to attend. The HC then said it would consider the petition only after the entire amount of Rs 60 crore is deposited. Deposit the entire amount of Rs 60 crore, then we will consider the plea, the bench said, posting the matter for further hearing on October 14. The couples petition has sought suspension of the LOC from October 2025 to January 2026. Shetty has told the Mumbai police that she did not look into the affairs of the company she co-founded with her businessman husband Raj Kundra, during her questioning in connection with the Rs 60 crore cheating case, an official said on Tuesday. A team from the polices Economic Offences Wing (EOW) recorded the actors statement at her residence on October 4 and questioned her for more than four hours, the official said. Shetty and her husband were directors of Best Deal TV Private Limited, a home shopping and online retail platform. The EOW had earlier recorded Kundras Statement as part of its probe into the case and issued the LOC against the actor and her husband. ED raids prominent actors, agents in Kerala luxury cars smuggling case KOCHI : THE ED on Wednesday raided premises linked to actors Prithviraj Sukumaran, Dulquer Salmaan and Amit Chakkalackal and some others across Kerala and in Tamil Nadu as part of an investigation linked to a recent Customs case related to alleged smuggling of luxury vehicles from Bhutan to India, official sources said. The searches by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) also covered certain vehicle owners, auto workshops, and traders in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kottayam and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu). A total of 17 premises are being covered, the sources said. The action is being taken under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in a recent case unearthed by the Customs Preventive department related to alleged smuggling of luxury vehicles and unauthorised foreign exchange dealings, they said. The searches are based on inputs about a syndicate engaged in illegal import and registration of high-end cars such as Land Cruiser, Defender, and Maserati through the India-Bhutan and India-Nepal routes, they said. Preliminary findings, according to the officials, point to a Coimbatore-based network that used forged documents (purporting to be from Indian Army, US Embassy, and MEA) and fraudulent RTO registrations in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and some other States. The vehicles were later sold to high-net worth (HNI) individuals, including film personalities, at undervalued prices, they alleged. The ED suspects that the case bears prima facie violations of Sections 3, 4, and 8 of FEMA that involves unauthorised foreign exchange transactions and cross-border payments through hawala channels. According to Dulquer, the vehicle was shipped by the International Committee of the Red Cross to the ICRC Regional Delegation in New Delhi. In his petition, the actor stated that he was under the bona fide belief that the vehicle had valid ownership and registration with the Motor Vehicle Authority, and there was nothing to make him suspect its validity. The actor claimed that Customs officials refused to examine the vehicles documents handed over to them and carried out the seizure in a hasty and arbitrary fashion. The Customs officials conducted raids at around 30 locations across Kerala on September 23, including the homes of the three actors, and seized 36 luxury cars. The raids, part of Operation Numkhor, revealed that some of these vehicles were also used to smuggle gold and drugs. India is investor-friendly destination Delhi Bureau & Agencies : NEW DELHI, One GB wireless data in India costs less than a cup of tea: PM Modi ONE GB of wireless data in India costs less than a cup of tea, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday as he showcased the countrys rapid digital growth to renew his pitch for Make in India across sectors - from mobiles to semiconductors and electronics. Speaking at the inauguration of the India Mobile Congress here, he said Indias democratic setup, the Governments welcoming approach and ease of doing business policies have helped the country attain an image of an investor-friendly destination. Our success in digital public infrastructure is a testament to how committed the Government is to a digital-first mindset, he said. This is the best time to invest, innovate, and make in India. India has the worlds second-largest telecom market, the second-largest 5G market, the manpower, mobility and mindset to lead, he said. The country recently launched its Made in India 4G Stack. With this, India has joined the list of just five countries in the world that possess this capability, he said. In terms of user data consumption, we are among the leading countries in the world. This means that digital connectivity in India is no longer a privilege or a luxury; it is an integral part of Indian life. Listing tremendous progress made by India in the digital space in the last decade, he said, 1 GB of wireless data in India is cheaper than the cost of one cup of tea. The country that once struggled with 2G, today has 5G reaching almost every district, he said. He briefly mentioned data sovereignty, saying the world is generating more data than ever before, making issues of storage, security, and sovereignty critically important. The Prime Minister had announced on August 15 that this year would be a year of big changes and big reforms. We are increasing the pace of reforms, he said without elaborating. Just last month, Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates were rationalised, making common-use items from shampoo to television sets cheaper. India, he said, offers immense opportunities in the manufacturing of semiconductors, mobiles, and electronics. Industry, innovators and startups need to step up now, he said. On Government actions to support digital push, Modi said the Government is supporting the startup ecosystem with Telecom Technology Development Fund and Digital Communications Innovations Square. The Government is also financing test beds for technologies like 5G, 6G, advanced optical communications, and tera-hertz to enable product development. India Mobile Congress and Indias success in the telecom sector reflect the strength of the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, he said, recalling how the idea of Make in India was once frowned upon by skeptics who doubted Indias ability to produce technologically advanced products, citing delays of decades in adopting new technologies during earlier regimes. India-UK FTA a launchpad for growth: Starmer UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer with a delegation of 125 after arriving at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai on Wednesday. (PTI) MUMBAI : British Prime Minister, accompanied by a delegation of 125 of the UKs most prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, university Vice Chancellors, is on two-day India visit THE opportunities waiting to be seized under the India-UK free trade agreement are unparalleled, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday as he kick-started his first visit to India after assuming the charge of the top office. Starmer said the trade deal is a launchpad to expand bilateral trade and economic growth with India which is set to be the third biggest global economy by 2028. The British leader, accompanied by a delegation of 125 of the UKs most prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, university Vice Chancellors, landed in Mumbai on Wednesday morning on a two-day visit. Starmer and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold wide-ranging talks on Thursday to explore ways to further expand the bilateral ties. We signed a major trade deal with India in July -- the best secured by any country -- but the story doesnt stop there, the British Prime Minister said. 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, he said. Starmer said growth in India means more choice, stability and jobs at home for the British people. The British Prime Ministers visit to India came two-and-half months after the two countries inked the landmark free trade pact that will increase market access, cut tariffs and double bilateral trade by 2030. The landmark trade deal was firmed up during PM Modis visit to London in July. A British readout on Starmers India trip said it seeks to build on the momentum from the UK-India trade deal as it will open up access for British businesses to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Following the signature of the landmark UK-India trade deal in July, which will lower tariffs on British goods being imported into India, the door is now open for British businesses to turbocharge their trade with one of the fastest growing economies in the world, it said. Top executives of major companies such as Rolls Royce, British Telecom, Diageo, London Stock Exchange and British Airways are part of Starmers delegation. 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, Peter Kyle, the UKs Business and Trade Secretary, said. 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, he added. Indias average tariff on British products will drop from 15 per cent to three per cent which means British companies selling products to India, from soft drinks and cosmetics to cars and medical devices, will find it easier to sell to the Indian market, according to the readout. It said whisky producers will particularly benefit from tariffs being reduced immediately from 150 per cent to 75 per cent, and then dropped even further to 40 per cent over the next 10 years that will give the UK an advantage over international competitors. Over 40 gas cylinders explode on Jaipur highway JAIPUR : OVER 40 LPG cylinders exploded one after another on the busy Jaipur-Ajmer highway on Tuesday night after a chemical-laden tanker rammed into a parked truck carrying them, triggering panic in the area. Officials said on Wednesday that the tanker driver was burnt alive in the incident and one man was injured. The explosions and flames were visible and audible from several kilometers away and scrap of the exploded cylinders were found metres away. Jaipur Collector Dr Jitendra Soni said that a team of Hindustan Petroleum removed all the cylinders while following safety protocol and mechanism. Scrap of 42 cylinders was found around the area. They were all exploded cylinders. A total of 120 cylinders were safe. All of them were removed by the team of Hindustan Petroleum that followed all safety measures and protocols to sanitise the area, he told PTI. The truck transporting the cylinders was parked outside a roadside hotel and its driver had stepped out for a meal when the tanker hit the truck. The cabin of the tanker caught fire and the cylinders spilled out of the truck. Moments later, the cylinders started exploding and the scrap of some exploded cylinders were found several metres away. The incident triggered panic in the area and policemen from several police stations were rushed to the spot. The traffic on the highway was immediately stopped and the fire was controlled. Deputy CM Prem Chand Bairwa was at the spot to take stock of the situation. The tanker driver was burnt alive in the incident. Another man is injured, Deepak Khandelwal, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Dudu, said. He said the traffic was later resumed on the highway. Eyewitnesses claimed that a Regional Transport Office squad was stopping vehicles for checking on the highway and to avoid them, the tanker driver changed his lane suddenly and lost control, leading to the collision. The District Collector said the reason for the collision was being investigated. In December last year, an LPG tanker collided with a truck near Bhankrota in Jaipur on the same highway, sparking a massive fireball that turned a stretch of the highway into an inferno, killing 19 people. Pest infestation delays cotton procurement in Vidarbha Staff Reporter : Bollworm (right) and Spodoptera litura - a leaf-eating caterpillar - known to cause extensive defoliation in several parts of Nagpur, Wardha, and Yavatmal districts Farmers, specially cotton growers, across Vidarbha are facing mounting distress this season as prolonged cloudy weather, continuous rainfall, and lack of sunlight have severely affected their crops. Traditionally, private cotton procurement begins around Dussehra, but this year, the situation is markedly different. Owing to poor crop quality and widespread pest infestation, the cotton bolls are yet to mature, leaving farmers in deep uncertainty. Agricultural expert Rahul Wadaskar, attributed much of the damage to a combination of excessive moisture and pest attacks. Over the past two months, the fields have remained damp, leading to the spread of leaf yellowing and boll rot. Farmers report that the bolls are either not opening or are decaying prematurely due to fungal infections. Adding to the crisis, several parts of Nagpur, Wardha, and Yavatmal districts have witnessed attacks by bollworms and Spodoptera litura - a leaf-eating caterpillar known to cause extensive defoliation. The Spodoptera infestation, which typically spreads in humid conditions, has been particularly aggressive this year. Its larvae feed on cotton leaves and tender bolls, reducing photosynthetic capacity and hampering boll development. Agronomists at the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur, have warned that if the pest population crosses the economic threshold, yields could fall by up to 30 percent. Amid these challenges, the extension of the cotton procurement registration deadline has brought temporary relief. However, with delayed boll opening, falling yields, and increased pest pressure, farmers remain anxious about both quantity and quality. Unless the weather clears and procurement begins promptly, Vidarbhas cotton economy, already strained by past losses, may face yet another difficult year. Staff of State-run power sector call for 72-hour stir from today Staff Reporter : Seven major unions have joined hands for the three-day stir to oppose anti-worker policies Maharashtra Government and employees of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) are all set for confrontation as the unions have given a call for 3-day strike just around the Diwali time. The unions have upped the ante over ongoing privatisation in various services and new reorganisation announced by the distribution company. Seven major unions have joined hands to oppose the Government and company over what they perceive anti-worker policies. The strike call is from October 9 to 11. Contd from page 1 On the other hand, Government is all ready to face the strike period and ensure that round the clock power supply remains available to consumers. After the employees unions served strike notices, talks were held at divisional level and also apex level. But no mid-way was found leading to breakdown of means to avoid the strike. The seven major employees unions of state run power sector in Maharashtra have come under Maharashtra Rajya Vidyut Karmachari, Abhiyante, Adhikari Kruti Samiti. The Samiti strike notice is signed by Krishna Bhoyar, General Secretary, Maharashtra Rajya State Electricity Workers Federation, Arun Pipal, Gen. Sec., Maharashtra Rajya Veej Kamgar Mahasangh, Santosh Khumkar, Gen. Sec., Subordinate Engineer Association (MSEB), Dattatray Gutte, Chief Gen. Sec., Maharashtra Rajay Veej Kamgar Congress (INTUC), Sanjay More, Gen. Sec., Maharashtra Rajya Magasvargiya Vidyut Kamgar Sanghatan, P B Uke, Gen. Sec., Maharashtra Rajya Swabhimani Vidyut Congress Union, and Prabhakar Lahane, Gen. Sec., Tantrik Kamgar Union. The unions have claimed that 72 hours strike would see participation of 86,000 workers, engineers and also 42,000 contractual workers to protest ongoing privatisation in generation, transmission and distribution companies owned by Maharashtra Government. The unions claimed that Maharashtra Governments unilateral decision to allow parallel distribution sector to private companies, one sided reorganisation, are striking at root of the profit-making State-run companies. They are also demanding pension for employees in State-run companies. The joint letter by representatives of the seven unions also claim that since January 2025, State Government has stalled any efforts to resolve the issues. Also, Government during January meeting promised to infuse Rs 50,000 crore to strengthen the State-run power companies. To attract attention of State Government for adhering to agreement, the one-day strike call has been given on October 9 and to continue for two more days if no intervention happens on part of powers that be. The major issue flagged by Kruti Samiti to justify the strike call is running 329 sub-stations of MSEDCL through outsourcing method, opposing giving Rs 200 crore MAHATRANSCO's project through TBCB method and decision to list the company IPO, etc. 7 unions, Kruti Samiti talks with State fail A last ditch effort on the part of State Government to avert showdown with workers in energy sector could not materialise as Kruti Samiti rejected memorandum of minutes (MoM) circulated on October 7. The MoM was related to talks held on October 6 with Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Energy, and Managing Director, MSEDCL. The release of Kruti Samiti said that mention of Electricity Act 2003 in MoM was misleading as no talks were held about the same and no clear-cut mention about opposition to issuance of parallel distribution licence to private players was missing. Also, there was also the issue of manning 329 sub-stations of MSEDCL through Section Engineers and notifying MPR in one month was omitted. Also, when talks about pension was not held and yet, same was included in MoM and hence, same was rejected, the Samiti further stated. They have also pressed for further talks on TBCB method being imposed on MAHATRANSCO. ESMA invoked to ensure uninterrupted power supply A showdown seems imminent as Maharashtra Government has invoked Maharashtra Essential Service Maintenance Act (MESMA) to counter the strike call given by employees union in 3-power companies of State. With talks held between Kruti Samiti and Government and company representative failing to resolve the issues, the State invoked emergency measures to ensure that power sector is not affected in strike period. Already, senior officers of 3 power companies, MahaGenco, MAHATRANSCO and MSEDCL readied emergency measures to ensure that strike does not affect either power generation, transmission or distribution in Maharashtra. Orders have been issued to cancel all leave and all employees, engineers and officer have been told to remain present on duty. MSEDCL has appealed consumers to contact on toll free numbers in case of power failure. The numbers are 1912/18002123435/ 1800233343. MSEDCL rejected claims of privatisation of 329 sub-centres saying only staff attending repair and fuse calls would be supplied by private players. HONG KONG, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- According to the World University Rankings 2026 released by the Britain-based Times Higher Education (THE), Hong Kong universities have continued to hold top spots, with five institutions ranked in the global top 100. A spokesperson for the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said on Thursday that the encouraging results fully recognized the achievements of Hong Kong's post-secondary education sector in its pursuit of and endeavor for excellence. The results also served as testimony to the HKSAR government's significant progress in developing Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub. According to the rankings, the University of Hong Kong rose two places to 33rd globally; the Chinese University of Hong Kong moved up three places to 41st; the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology jumped eight places to 58th; City University of Hong Kong advanced three places to 75th; and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University climbed one place to 83rd. In addition, Hong Kong Baptist University rose from the 251-300 band to the 201-250 band. The Education University of Hong Kong and Lingnan University entered the rankings for the first time, ranking 195th and in the 301-350 band, respectively. Zhang Xiang, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Hong Kong, said that the university remains steadfast in upholding its tradition of excellence, advancing its mission as a world-leading institution through cutting-edge teaching and research and innovative knowledge exchange, thereby strengthening its contributions to the high-quality development of the HKSAR and the country. Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, vice-chancellor and president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said that the ranking reflects the university's continuous progress in teaching, research and internationalization, and the university will remain committed to nurturing globally-minded future leaders with academic excellence and aspirations to contribute back to societies. President of the Education University of Hong Kong John Lee Chi-Kin said that the university's debut at 195th in the rankings reflects the dedication of the university's faculty and students in advancing education and research with global impact. The university is committed to nurturing future talent with positive values and vision in order to better serve the HKSAR and the country. PYONGYANG, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived on Thursday to attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and pay an official goodwill visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, makes the trip at the invitation of the Central Committee of the WPK and the government of the DPRK. Israelis celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal in Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing) CAIRO, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. The deal on the "first phase" of a U.S.-backed peace plan, coming after intense negotiations in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye and the United States, outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal, while establishing mechanisms for prisoner exchanges and humanitarian aid delivery. While both Gazans and Israelis are experiencing moments of emotional release, political divisions within Israel's coalition government and Hamas's demand for international guarantees have somehow threatened to undermine the implementation process. Besides, the enormous task of rebuilding Gaza and determining its political future looms large, testing whether the deal can evolve from temporary ceasefire to lasting peace. THE PATH TO A DEAL Both Israeli and Hamas's officials have indicated that the ceasefire deal is set for Israeli government ratification. The Israeli side said the ceasefire will take effect within 24 hours after its security cabinet votes Thursday afternoon on the agreement in a meeting, whereas Hamas said the ceasefire will take effect immediately upon Israeli government approval. According to Israel's state-owned Kan TV, political resistance within Netanyahu's coalition, including from far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, threatens to complicate the voting process, but the deal will still secure majority support. The deal establishes detailed reciprocal obligations. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Qatar's Alaraby Television Network in an interview on Thursday that Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza City, northern Gaza, as well as southern Gaza's Rafah and Khan Younis, while five border crossings will reopen for humanitarian aid. "Drone operations in the Gaza Strip's airspace will cease during the prisoner release process," which will involve "250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 other prisoners," he added. Informed Palestinian sources told Xinhua that Hamas has provided mediators with prisoner lists "according to agreed criteria," awaiting final approval, and has begun relocating Israeli detainees to safe locations ahead of handover to the International Committee of the Red Cross. The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation reported that three Israeli army divisions have started pulling out of Gaza City since Wednesday night in preparation for redeployment around Khan Younis. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed Thursday that it has "begun operational preparations" for the first of a three-phase withdrawal from Gaza, adding that "preparations and combat protocols are underway to transition to adjusted deployment lines soon." However, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also ordered the military to respond with "great force" to any potential threat or attack by Hamas in Gaza against Israeli forces. According to an Israeli government spokeswoman, hostages would probably begin being released on Saturday or Sunday. Hospitals in the Tel Aviv area, where the hostages are expected to arrive for medical checks and recovery, also said they are making preparations. VOICES FROM THE GROUND In central Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, family members of Israeli hostages embraced as reports spread of their loved ones' imminent return. Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, and Anat and Haggai Angrest, parents of soldier Matan Angrest, burst into tears of excitement in a video shared online. "Matan and Matan are on their way home," Zangauker said. "From now on, this square will be called the Square of Hope!" In Gaza, news of the ceasefire triggered spontaneous celebrations amid the ruins. "I want to cry and dance at the same time," Hussein al-Hindi, a 45-year-old displaced carpenter and father of three from the town of al-Zawaida in central Gaza, told Xinhua. "For two years, we lived without sleep, listening only to explosions and the screams of the wounded," said al-Hindi, who now lives in a makeshift tent. "I still can't believe the war has truly stopped ... I wake up every morning expecting the airstrikes to begin again. All we want now is to rebuild our homes, send our children back to school, and live normal lives." Yet for the many more Gazans traumatized by the devastating conflict, the joy hearing the news is just a flash in the pan. Abdul Majeed Haniyeh, a 52-year-old man from Deir al-Balah, who lost his teenage son in an Israeli airstrike last year, wept as he told Xinhua: "Nothing can compensate for the loss of my child, but at least no other fathers will bury their sons tonight." Many Gazans have expressed cautious optimism, aware that previous truces have collapsed and that rebuilding their shattered lives will take years. "The Gaza we knew no longer exists," Abed Dahman, a displaced father of five from Khan Younis, told Xinhua outside his tent. "We have to start from zero ... What we need now is not just promises but real reconstruction and a future for our children." Despite the deal, 11 people were killed and 49 others injured by Israeli assaults across Gaza over the past 24 hours, including 13 wounded while seeking aid, Gaza-based health authorities said Thursday. The conflict, erupted on Oct. 7, 2023 when a large-scale Hamas attack on southern Israel killed roughly 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages, has destroyed about 80 percent of Gaza's infrastructure and displaced nearly 2 million residents, apart from creating human casualties, according to UN estimates. GUARDED OPTIMISM FROM MIDDLE EAST The ceasefire deal has drawn widespread support from regional countries and organizations, which see it as a potential opening for broader political progress. Hamdan described the deal as "the fruit of the steadfastness and sacrifices of the Palestinian people over two years of ongoing Israeli aggression," while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for the deal to become "a prelude to reaching a permanent political solution." In a press statement, Abbas emphasized the need to establish an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, stressing that "sovereignty over Gaza belongs to the State of Palestine." He also outlined key requirements for the deal's success: immediate implementation, release of all hostages and prisoners, unrestricted humanitarian access, and a clear reconstruction process. Jordan and Iraq emphasized the importance of full commitment to the deal and the urgency of addressing Gaza's humanitarian crisis, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged to "closely monitor the strict implementation of the agreement," and continue contributing to the process as well as advocating for Palestinian statehood. Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Oman also endorsed the deal. Egypt called it "a pivotal moment in the war of Gaza," Lebanese President Joseph Aoun hoped the agreement "will serve as a first step towards a permanent ceasefire," whereas the latter two highlighted the deal's potential to facilitate aid delivery and regional stability. The Arab League also welcomed the breakthrough, with Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit calling it "good news for the people in Gaza after two years of bloodshed." Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) Philippe Lazzarini on Thursday called the deal "a respite" for Gaza's traumatized population. The UNRWA has three months of supplies ready for immediate distribution, Lazzarini said in a press statement, urging the international community to support the agency in carrying out its work and assisting those in need during this critical period ahead. However, analysts have cautioned that the deal represents only a first step. Gaza-based Palestinian political analyst Hussam al-Dajani told Xinhua that the deal, although marking an important step toward ending the war, "does not mean the conflict is over." "Implementing the deal on the ground requires concrete international guarantees to ensure both sides' commitment," al-Dajani said. "Past experiences show that without monitoring, truces collapse quickly." Gaza now faces two simultaneous challenges: rebuilding its devastated infrastructure and reorganizing its internal political situation, he said. "Ending the war does not end the suffering ... Gaza needs more than words; it needs a sustained international effort to ensure this tragedy is not repeated." Yemeni political analyst Yasin Al-Tamimi said while the deal marks a diplomatic breakthrough, "the possibility of continued confrontation remains ... as the political and security dynamics that fueled this conflict are far from resolved." "A genuine peace process requires a just solution to the Palestinian issue ... Without this, any U.S. initiative is bound to fail," Al-Tamimi told Xinhua. Nabil al-Bukiri, director of the Arab Forum for Studies and Development, offered a more skeptical view, describing the U.S. role in the deal as more of political posturing and lacking sincerity and substance. "Without addressing the root of the conflict -- the occupation and denial of Palestinian rights," he said, "talk of comprehensive peace remains an illusion." Palestinians celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal in front of the headquarters of the Egyptian committee in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians gather following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal in front of the headquarters of the Egyptian committee in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal in front of the headquarters of the Egyptian committee in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians gather following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal in front of the headquarters of the Egyptian committee in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians gather following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal in front of the headquarters of the Egyptian committee in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians gather following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal in front of the headquarters of the Egyptian committee in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal in front of the headquarters of the Egyptian committee in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal in front of the headquarters of the Egyptian committee in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians gather following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal in front of the headquarters of the Egyptian committee in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Relatives of Israeli hostages hug each other following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal in Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing) Two Israeli women hug each other following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal in Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing) Two Israeli women hug each other following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal in Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing) Israeli women hug each other following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal in Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing) Israelis celebrte following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal in Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing) Israelis celebrte following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal in Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing) Israelis celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal in Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing) Israelis hug each other following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal in Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing) UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Into the third day of Gaza peace talks in Egypt, there is no letup in Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, UN humanitarians said Wednesday. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the offensive is "making the already dire humanitarian situation even more perilous." OCHA said its partners report that many people are unable to leave northern Gaza due to insecurity. People are sleeping outdoors and struggling to survive amid severe shortages of food and shelter. The UN Satellite Centre has published a preliminary analysis on the extent of damage in Gaza City, encompassing 83 percent of structures. It showed that approximately 81,000 housing units were damaged. The World Health Organization said that since the war began in 2023, nearly 42,000 Palestinians have suffered major, potentially life-changing injuries in Gaza. One in four of the injured are children, and more than 5,000 amputations have been recorded. As for the West Bank, OCHA said it is deeply concerned by the impact of Israeli military operations, including those in refugee camps in northern areas. Tens of thousands of people remain displaced from their homes in the Tulkarm, Nur Shams and Jenin camps. In the first nine months of 2025, OCHA documented more than 1,200 attacks by Israeli settlers across the West Bank, which resulted in Palestinian casualties, property damage or both, and damage to more than 17,000 trees and saplings. The office said olive harvest is a key economic, social and cultural event for Palestinians. However, some farmers in Nablus, Salfit and Qalqiliya were unable to harvest their crops in the past few days due to physical attacks by settlers or because trees were vandalized. WELLINGTON, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- A plane departing the Christchurch Airport in New Zealand landed safely back on Thursday afternoon, after suffering from bird strikes shortly after take-off. The Fiji Airways FJ450 from Christchurch to Fiji's Nadi had bird strikes shortly after departure. The pilot called an emergency and circled the plane in the air to burn fuel until it reached the required landing weight. The aircraft was then landed back at Christchurch Airport two hours later on Thursday afternoon. A Fiji Airways statement confirmed that the passengers and crew members onboard the plane were all safe. Images from New Zealand media outlets showed that the nose of the plane was damaged and there was blood on the side. Further images from the passengers also showed blood on the plane's engine. It is reported by local media that the plane was a Boeing 737-808. BEIJING, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- China and India will resume direct flights before the end of this month, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun confirmed on Thursday. This is the latest result as the two sides earnestly implement the important consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting in Tianjin on Aug. 31, Guo told a regular press briefing. It is also a positive move to facilitate friendly exchange between the Chinese and Indian people totaling more than 2.8 billion, he added. China is ready to work with India to view and handle bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective, become good-neighborly friends and partners that help each other succeed to better benefit the two peoples, and make due contributions to maintaining peace and prosperity in Asia and beyond, Guo said. WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. federal government's shutdown entered its second week on Wednesday, with no end on the horizon as the Senate was unable to reach an agreement to reopen it. On the day, two bills to fund the government -- one from Democrats and the other from Republicans -- failed to pass for the sixth time. House Speaker Mike Johnson, the top Republican in the lower chamber, said that Senate Democrats should back the GOP stopgap measure to reopen the government. The two parties continued to trade blame for the impasse. "Washington Democrats voted for this government shutdown -- and it's families, workers, and small businesses who are being forced to pay the price," Johnson said Wednesday on X. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the upper chamber, said on X that "The government is shut down because Trump and the Republicans are hellbent on taking health care away" from Americans, and that Republicans "won't even come to the table to talk to us about it." Top Republicans are standing firm that there is nothing to negotiate on health care before reopening the government. Roughly 750,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed during this shutdown, according to an analysis by Congressional Budget Office last week. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to terminate the employment of federal workers and cut programs if the shutdown continues. He said Tuesday that some furloughed federal employees may not receive back pay once the government reopens. "I would say it depends on who we're talking about. 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 said at the White House Oval Office while meeting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. "But 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," Trump said. The shutdown has led to flight delays, as essential employees such as air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are working without pay. That has led to staff shortages. One of the core hurdles between the two political parties is a dispute over health care. Democrats are calling for strengthened healthcare benefits, including extending the enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that are set to expire at the end of the year, and restoring ACA coverage for certain immigrants with lawful status. Republicans maintain that Democrats refuse to vote on a funding bill unless it includes what the GOP refers to as "free health care for illegals," or those living in the United States illegally. Democrats have repeatedly called the statement that they are trying to provide healthcare to "undocumented immigrants" a lie. "The shutdown hasn't affected payrolls yet but soon will start to do so. Those who work in the government won't get paid and contractors who rely upon public funding will see their money stop," Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua. "The longer it wears on, the more serious the fiscal ramifications," West said. "Neither side appears close to caving at this point. Each party believes it is doing well, so they have little incentive to compromise." Dean Baker, co-founder of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, told Xinhua: "If workers in various agencies look for other jobs after going unpaid for long periods of time, that could be a big deal." "There was a concern about that with air traffic controllers in the last shutdown. Many agencies, like Social Security and the Internal Revenue Service are already seriously understaffed. If more people leave, they will have a hard time providing services," Baker said. Some analysts believe that both parties could benefit politically from the deadlock. "Democrats benefit because this is a high-profile example of them using what little leverage they have against the Trump administration." Christopher Galdieri, a political science professor at Saint Anselm College in the northeastern state of New Hampshire, told Xinhua. "Trump has been using this to continue his criticisms of Democrats, and the agencies and departments that are core to his deportation agenda are able to function despite the shutdown, so the shutdown doesn't hurt the White House in terms of its immediate policy goals," Galdieri said. "So, as with the Democrats, I don't think there's a ton of urgency to reopen the government among Republicans, either. So resolving this could take a longer time than it has in the past," he said. DAMASCUS, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Syria's defense authorities and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) traded accusations Thursday over renewed clashes east of Aleppo, just two days after both sides agreed to a ceasefire. The defense authorities' media directorate said SDF units "targeted Syrian army positions near the Tishreen Dam," killing one soldier and wounding several others. It said the SDF "breached the ceasefire agreement more than 10 times in less than 48 hours" by attacking army deployment lines in eastern Aleppo. The statement accused the SDF of "continuing fortification and mobilization along all axes," adding that intercepted communications revealed "calls for attacks against army and security positions in Aleppo." In response, the SDF's Media Center denied initiating the hostilities, claiming instead that "a group of Damascus government fighters attempted to infiltrate one of our positions near the Tishreen Dam this morning." The statement said SDF fighters "immediately engaged the attackers," killing one and forcing the rest to flee, leaving a body behind at the scene. "Our forces exercised their legitimate right to self-defense to repel the threat and thwart the infiltration attempt," the SDF said, reaffirming their commitment to protecting local residents and maintaining stability in the area. The renewed hostilities mark the latest test of the fragile ceasefire brokered earlier this week between Syrian defense authorities chief Marhaf Abu Qusra and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi following days of fierce fighting in Aleppo's Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods. No independent confirmation of the casualties or the extent of the new clashes was immediately available. TAIYUAN, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Visiting museums has become a new holiday fashion among young Chinese people, as more travelers got off the beaten track during the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday to enjoy culture and history rather than overcrowded tourist spots. Ahead of the "super golden week," online tickets for popular Chinese museums, such as the National Museum of China and the Palace Museum in Beijing, and the Shanxi Museum in the northern province of Shanxi, sold out quickly. "I feel really lucky to have secured a ticket for the National Day!" said a visitor in her early 30s, surnamed Wang, from the eastern Chinese city of Fuzhou, who visited the Shanxi Museum on Oct. 1. For many young visitors, museums offer not only a cultural enrichment journey that transcends time and space, but also a peaceful and therapeutic retreat from the holiday bustle. "I like to come here for a walk when I feel stressed," said a 30-year-old surnamed Wang, who works for an internet company, when visiting the Jinci Museum in Shanxi's provincial capital of Taiyuan. "Gazing at these millennia-old buildings and reflecting on how ancient people created such marvels with so little help put my own troubles into perspective." Some visitors want to make their museum visits more fun and personal by creating humorous memes based on artifacts in the museums and purchasing creative cultural products from museums. At the Shanxi Museum, stuffed toys shown sleeping cozily in a pouch, were a particular hit with visitors during the holiday. Qiu Ping, deputy director of the Jinci Museum, noticed the changing behaviors of young visitors. "They are no longer satisfied with just walking through exhibits -- they do homework on the museums in advance and are not shy to discuss with the museum guides and ask questions about the exhibits' cultural significance." This shift from passive observation to active participation reflects the growing interest of China's younger generation in traditional culture, Qiu said. On Xiaohongshu, a popular Chinese lifestyle-sharing platform, posts tagged "museum" have exceeded 11 million, as many young people share their museum experiences. Technology is also adding new dimensions to the museum experience. At the Taiyuan Northern Qi Dynasty Mural Museum, visitors can don VR headsets to experience the grandeur of ancient banquets, while interactive projection walls enable them to play music alongside musicians in the murals with a simple wave of the hand. Wang Jiang, the museum's director, said the venue aims to create immersive experiences for visitors using technologies such as digital imaging and 3D animation. The move has helped the Taiyuan Northern Qi Dynasty Mural Museum attract more young visitors, as those under 30 accounted for more than 60 percent of all bookings at the museum during the holiday, according to the museum's data. By Qabil Ashirov Luis Moreno Ocampo, the Argentine lawyer and former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has long been surrounded by controversy. Known for his connections to offshore companies, tax evasion schemes, and questionable lobbying networks, Ocampos name has appeared in multiple scandals. Yet, despite his own ethical baggage, he continues to make bold and unfounded claimsespecially when it comes to Azerbaijan. His latest remarks criticizing the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UN WGAD) over its report on Ruben Vardanyan are a clear example of this pattern. In March 2025, the UN WGAD concluded that Vardanyans arrest in Baku was not arbitrary and rejected Yerevans claims that the criminal case against him was unlawful. Ocampo dismissed the report and called on the UN to invalidate it, accusing the Working Group of bias. He went further by targeting Anna Yudkovska, the current chair of the Working Group. Without evidence, he claimed she was affiliated with a law firm that provides services to Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR and alleged that her husband had ties to corruption and Baku. These accusations were not only baselessthey were deeply ironic. Why ironic? Because Ocampo himself has been linked to unethical behavior. Leaked documents from his time at the ICC revealed that he had close ties to parties involved in major legal cases and earned large sums through consulting deals that raised serious questions. He has been accused of working with offshore entities and lobbying groups while holding one of the most powerful legal positions in the world. Yet now, he accuses others of misconduct without proof. Even more troubling is Ocampos long-standing silence on war crimes committed by Armenian forces in Garabagh. During his time at the ICC, he never spoke out about the ethnic cleansing, mass killings, and displacement of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Meskhetian Turks, and others. But once the region was liberated, he suddenly became vocaldefending figures like Vardanyan and questioning Azerbaijans legal process. This double standard is hard to ignore. The so-called "republic of garabagh" was never recognized by any countrynot even Armenia or Ocampos own Argentina, despite its strong Armenian lobby. The UN passed multiple resolutions demanding the withdrawal of occupying forces from Garabagh. If the regime was illegal, then its leaders must be held accountable for the crimes committed under its rule. Ocampos attempt to discredit Azerbaijans judicial process is not just unfairits dangerous. The trials currently taking place in Baku are similar to the Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi leaders were held accountable for crimes against humanity. Just as the world supported justice then, it must support justice now. These trials send a clear message: no crime goes unpunished. Justice may be delayed, but it will come. So the question remains: whose side is Ocampo really on? Is he defending justice, or protecting impunity? His selective outrage and silence on real atrocities speak volumes. If he truly believes in human rights, he should start by acknowledging the suffering of the victimsnot shielding those responsible. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (2nd R) and visiting Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit (2nd L) witness a signing ceremony in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Oct. 9, 2025. Cambodia and the Commonwealth of Dominica on Thursday agreed to strengthen and expand their bilateral ties and cooperation for mutual benefit. (Photo by Nitola/Xinhua) PHNOM PENH, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and the Commonwealth of Dominica on Thursday agreed to strengthen and expand their bilateral ties and cooperation for mutual benefit. The agreement was made during a bilateral meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and visiting Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in the capital Phnom Penh, said a news release from the Cambodian Prime Minister's Spokesperson Unit. "The two leaders also discussed and exchanged views on promoting cooperation in key sectors, including political-diplomatic affairs, economy, trade, agriculture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges," the news release said. Hun Manet said Skerrit's working visit was an important opportunity to strengthen and expand bilateral relations and cooperation, as this year marked the 15th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. After their talks, the two prime ministers witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of bilateral consultations, which is intended to promote practical cooperation in potential sectors of mutual benefit for both nations. Skerrit arrived in Cambodia on Wednesday for a three-day working visit. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (R) shakes hands with visiting Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Oct. 9, 2025. Cambodia and the Commonwealth of Dominica on Thursday agreed to strengthen and expand their bilateral ties and cooperation for mutual benefit. (Photo by Nitola/Xinhua) In Afghanistan's Wardak, drought is drying up orchards, shrinking harvests, and making self-sufficiency harder to achieve. For farmers who have already lived through years of conflict, the hope of turning hardship into a better life feels far away. #Drought #Farming #WaterCrisis Israeli military vehicles are seen on the Israeli border with Gaza on Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas are preparing to implement a Gaza ceasefire agreement, with an official signing ceremony expected later Thursday in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh following three days of intensive negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye and the United States, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) GAZA/JERUSALEM, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Israel and Hamas are preparing to implement a Gaza ceasefire agreement, with an official signing ceremony expected later Thursday in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh following three days of intensive negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye and the United States, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Qatar's Alaraby Television Network in an interview on Thursday that the ceasefire will take effect immediately upon Israeli government approval. The first phase of the agreement includes Israeli withdrawal from "Gaza City, the north, Rafah, and Khan Younis, and the opening of five crossings for the entry of humanitarian aid," with international agencies overseeing aid distribution, he said. "Drone operations in the Gaza Strip's airspace will cease during the prisoner release process," which will involve "250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 other prisoners," he added. Informed Palestinian sources told Xinhua that Hamas has already provided mediators with prisoner lists "according to agreed criteria," awaiting final approval. Zaher Jabarin, head of Hamas's Martyrs and Prisoners' Affairs Office, confirmed the movement "has fulfilled its part and will announce the names once procedures are completed." A Hamas official told Xinhua that the final negotiation sessions "resolved all pending issues after long discussions on withdrawal maps, prisoner guarantees, and humanitarian aid mechanisms," noting the Rafah crossing will later reopen in both directions for medical transfers. A source close to Hamas, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua on Thursday that the group has begun relocating Israeli hostages to safe locations within the Gaza Strip in preparation for their handover to the International Committee of the Red Cross in the coming days. Meanwhile, an Israeli government official told Xinhua the Security Cabinet will vote on the agreement at 17:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) on Thursday, with the full government expected to meet about an hour later for another round of votes. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the release of the hostages is expected on Sunday or Monday. Israel's state-owned radio station Kan Bet reported that the Israeli army will begin gradual withdrawal from parts of Gaza within 24 hours of the signing ceremony while maintaining forces in about half the enclave until all Israeli detainees are released. The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation specifically noted that three divisions have begun withdrawing from Gaza City since Wednesday night in preparation for redeployment around Khan Younis in the south. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed Thursday in a statement that it has "begun operational preparations" for the first of a three-phase withdrawal from Gaza, adding that "preparations and combat protocols are underway to transition to adjusted deployment lines soon." Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee said in a press statement that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has instructed forces to maintain "defensive deployment in areas adjacent to the Gaza Strip" to ensure stability during implementation of the agreement. Earlier on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on social media that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the "first phase" of his 20-point plan to end the two-year conflict in Gaza, and release Israeli hostages and some Palestinian prisoners. Reports indicated Trump may visit Israel on Sunday to follow up on the implementation of the agreement. The latest round of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, when a large-scale Hamas attack on southern Israel killed roughly 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages. Since then, Israel's response has caused a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with local health authorities reporting more than 67,000 Palestinians killed and nearly 170,000 others injured in Israeli military operations. According to UN estimates, the conflict has also destroyed about 80 percent of Gaza's infrastructure and displaced nearly 2 million residents. Israeli military vehicles are seen on the Israeli border with Gaza on Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas are preparing to implement a Gaza ceasefire agreement, with an official signing ceremony expected later Thursday in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh following three days of intensive negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye and the United States, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) Israeli military vehicles are seen on the Israeli border with Gaza on Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas are preparing to implement a Gaza ceasefire agreement, with an official signing ceremony expected later Thursday in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh following three days of intensive negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye and the United States, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) Israeli military vehicles are seen on the Israeli border with Gaza on Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas are preparing to implement a Gaza ceasefire agreement, with an official signing ceremony expected later Thursday in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh following three days of intensive negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye and the United States, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) Israeli military vehicles are seen on the Israeli border with Gaza on Oct. 9, 2025. Israel and Hamas are preparing to implement a Gaza ceasefire agreement, with an official signing ceremony expected later Thursday in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh following three days of intensive negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye and the United States, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) India banned TikTok, Taiwan cautioned about it, but the US bought it. President Donald Trump lived up to his reputation as a shrewd businessman when he signed an executive order transferring the ownership of TikToks US operations to a group of American investors. Trumps latest move is raising serious questions. Will American investors truly control the algorithm? If they do, could it then become a propaganda tool, wielded this time by the Trump administration? If they dont, will there be a real separation between the Chinese and American versions? In both scenarios, a deeper concern remains for observers worldwide: the US-China deal is a warning sign. It suggests a future where apps, cloud service providers or entire software companies could become bargaining chips for world leaders, justified under the guise of national security. If ownership [of TikTok] can be forced to change due to national security risks, then similar measures could apply in the future to applications, cloud service providers or software companies, says Dr Kenny Huang, chairman of the executive council of the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre. India may have banned TikTok, but Huang cautions that Chinas global programmes, like the Belt and Road Initiative, have enabled companies such as Huawei, ByteDance (TikToks parent company) and China Telecom to build digital infrastructure across many nations. These platforms give Beijing significant leverage, he says. Excerpts: Excerpts: 1. Trump has been negotiating a business deal with China regarding TikTok. From a technological and governance point of view, how do you see this shaping up, and what are your concerns? TikTok is very popular in Taiwan, with a large percentage of users, especially young people. From the governments perspective, we see the need to consider regulation, but at present there is no law prohibiting TikTok. Introducing such legislation would be difficult, as Taiwans ruling and opposition parties hold divergent views, making consensus hard to reach. At the same time, we are exploring technical measures. One option is to block local caching or storage of TikTok data within Taiwan, forcing users to connect outside the jurisdiction. This would make usage slower and less convenient, though not impossible. So, both regulatory and technical options are being studied in parallel. 2. Do you see TikToks ownership shifting to a US company, as a good development for Taiwan? If TikToks ownership changes hands and the new structure is validated by the US government, Taiwan would likely accept that outcome. US verification could serve as a benchmark for us. However, TikTok is not our only concern. The Chinese version, Douyin, is actually more widely used in Taiwan than international TikTok. Even if TikToks ownership changes, Douyin remains a bigger challenge because it originates in China and has localised versions released specifically for Taiwanese users. 3. Can algorithm control or transparency be realistically achieved? If ownership changes, there is potential for greater accountability, such as making the algorithm more transparent. Theoretically, governments could demand algorithmic disclosure but Taiwans government may lack the leverage to enforce such transparency. The real difficulty lies with Douyin, which is Chinese-owned and directly targeted at Taiwanese users. That makes oversight much harder. 4. Do you see the US action on TikTok as setting a precedent for negotiations with other foreign-owned tech companies? Yes. This case establishes a precedent. If ownership can be forced to change due to national security risks, then similar measures could apply in the future to applications, cloud service providers, or software companies. Of course, such deals involve trade-offs, and there are always questions about what is being exchanged behind the scenes. But it shows that governments can intervene decisively when security is at stake. 5. What role do platforms like TikTok or Douyin play in shaping public opinion and elections? The influence is significant. Social media platforms, including TikTok and Douyin, enable rapid creation of targeted content. AI and bots can generate large volumes of posts designed to attract attention and manipulate specific audiences. This is especially dangerous during elections. People in Taiwan are highly engaged on social platforms and often cluster into groups with shared interests. These echo chambers amplify polarisation and make dialogue across divides more difficult. Once perceptions are shaped by repeated exposure, they are very hard to change, even with facts. Disinformation is not a one-time event but a continuous stream. Countering it also has to be continuous--through monitoring, fact-checking, and awareness-building. 6. How can democratic societies like Taiwan or the US counter such influence while respecting free speech? The US government is powerful and resourceful, able to act decisively. In Taiwan, decisions must pass through the Legislative Yuan, which is divided among multiple parties. Building consensus for regulations, especially those touching on China, is very challenging. From a technological standpoint, we are working on tools to identify AI-generated content and to trace the origins of disinformation campaigns. If evidence shows content is linked to pro-China sources, publicising that helps citizens understand the manipulation at play. Balancing free speech with protection against disinformation remains a difficult but necessary task. 7. Some describe US-China competition over the internet as a new Cold War. Do you agree? China has a very clear strategy: it wants to manage the internet within its borders and extend its influence globally. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese companies such as Huawei, ByteDance, and China Telecom have built digital infrastructure in many countries. These platforms give Beijing significant leverage. Democracies like the US, Taiwan, or India cannot match this kind of state-led cyber propaganda because of our commitment to free speech. But freedom of speech is also being exploited through disinformation. The challenge is finding ways to defend open societies while countering deliberate manipulation. 8. In the Indo-Pacific, cyberspace is now a major security concern. How do you see this playing out? Geopolitical tensions in Asia always spill into cyberspace. China and Russia are highly skilled at digital operations and conduct them routinely as part of state strategy. Most countries in the region are less prepared. Taiwan, Australia, India, and others are maritime states and face additional risks under the sea. Submarine cables, power lines, and pipelines are critical but poorly protected. Sharing intelligence, technology, and best practices among partners is vital. Radar imaging, underwater vehicles, and satellite data can help monitor threats. Joint efforts, such as blacklisting suspicious vessels, would strengthen resilience. 9. What role do you see for India in regional cyber and maritime security? India, like Taiwan, is a maritime nation. No country has sufficient protection for underwater infrastructure, so collaboration is essential. India can strengthen regulation, technology, and intelligence-sharing. Learning from each others practices-whether in legislation, monitoring, or capacity building-will be critical for the region. 10. Finally, what lessons has Taiwan drawn from recent global conflicts and hybrid warfare? We must prepare for both physical and cyber dimensions of conflict, often in combination. Critical infrastructure-healthcare, energy, logistics, food supply, and even military systems-depends heavily on the internet. If the internet is disrupted, the impact could be severe. Taiwan must ensure resilience, so that even if the internet collapses, essential systems continue functioning. At the same time, we must quickly adopt emerging technologies like AI to strengthen security and services. Taiwans preparation has to cover every sector, with particular focus on cybersecurity. Geopolitical changes happen fast but technology changes even faster. Barely a day after IndiGo announced its entry into the Scandinavian region with direct flights from Mumbai to Copenhagen, Indias aviation regulator slapped a Rs 20 lakh fine on the carrier over alleged deficiencies in its pilot training practices. According to a regulatory filing, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) informed IndiGo about the fine on September 26. The penalty is specifically related to the alleged failure to use qualified simulators for pilot training at Category C aerodromes, which are airports known for their complex operational conditions and challenging approaches. IndiGo stated in its exchange filing that it is currently contesting the regulators order before the appropriate appellate authority. The airline added that the delay in disclosing the DGCAs penalty was unintentional, attributed to a lag in internal communication about the orders details. The company further clarified that this action from the DGCA does not have any material impact on its financials, operations, or other activities. Meanwhile, shares of IndiGo were trading in the green on Thursday, closing 1.52 per cent higher at Rs 5,720.50 on the NSE. IndiGo begins Mumbai-Copenhagen flights IndiGo on Wednesday launched direct flights from Mumbai to Copenhagen, the airlines 44th international and 138th overall destination. Services on this route will operate three times each week, using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft leased from Norse Atlantic Airways, it said. This latest addition follows recent launches to Amsterdam and Manchester from Mumbai, as IndiGo continues to expand its international reach. Further plans include new flights to London and Athens in the coming months, according to the carrier. IndiGo currently runs a fleet of over 400 planes and operates approximately 2,200 flights daily. India and the UK, on Thursday, announced that the UK will supply lightweight multirole missile systems to the Indian military to boost India's air defence capabilities. The announcement follows the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Keir Starmer. According to the PMO, the two sides announced an agreement to proceed via a government-to-government route on an initial supply of Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) systems. "This will further support Indias air defence capabilities and meet the current and future requirements of the Indian ministry of defence, and support a long-term collaboration on complex weapons between the two countries," the statement from the PM read. India and the UK also agreed to ensure robust maritime security collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, including the setting up of the Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (RMSCE) under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). The prime ministers welcomed progress on an arrangement that will see Indian Air Force Qualified Flying Instructors integrated into UK Royal Air Force training, alongside an agreement that will facilitate our strong training and education relationship. Besides, the two sides agreed to expand bilateral exchanges between the armed forces of India and UK through joint exercises, training and capacity building. The path-breaking India-UK CETA will create new job opportunities for youth, expand trade and benefit both our industries as well as consumers. In this context, PM Starmer and I discussed trade linkages and economic ties between our nations in the times to come. @Keir_Starmer pic.twitter.com/zs5obf7Hh7 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2025 PM Modi also welcomed the port call of UKs Carrier Strike Group and the Royal Navys exercise KONKAN with the Indian Navy. "Both prime ministers are pleased to the intent to finalize an India-UK Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) on cooperation in developing maritime electric propulsion systems for Indian Naval platforms," the statement from the PMO read. UK condemns Pahalgam attack The two sides condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations. The two prime ministers also called for zero tolerance for terrorism and concerted international efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law. Taking a step further, India and the UK committed to enhancing cooperation to take decisive and concerted actions against globally proscribed terrorists, terror entities and their sponsors. "They agreed to counter radicalisation and violent extremism; combat financing of terrorism and the cross-border movement of terrorists; prevent exploitation of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes; tackle terrorist recruitment; enhance cooperation in information sharing, judicial co-operation, capacity building; and strengthen bilateral and multilateral co-operation in these spheres, including at UN and FATF." BEIJING, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- China's commerce ministry announced on Thursday to impose export control measures on technologies related to rare earths, with immediate effect. China also decided that foreign organizations and individuals must obtain dual-use items export licence before exporting certain rare earths related items to countries and regions outside China, the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement. In a move that shouldnt come as a surprise anymore, India's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has reportedly demanded a title change from the makers of Roshan Sethi's gay romantic comedy A Nice Indian Boy, in order to get it released in Indian theatres. The film will now be released with the modified title A Nice Boy, on October 17. Headlined by Mindhunter star Jonathan Groff and Karani Soni, the film revolves around an Indian-American physician (Soni) who takes his partner, a photographer (Groff), to meet his parents. With premieres followed by acclaim on the international festival circuit, the film was scripted by Eric Randall, based on Madhuri Shekars play A Nice Indian Boy. Needless to say, some netizens, serious cineastes, and industry insiders have slammed CBFC for the same. Screenwriter Apurva Asrani, who once encountered problems with his film Aligarh, in which Manoj Bajpayee played a gay professor, tweeted that it reminded him of the time when the mayor of Aligarh wanted the film banned "because she thought a gay protagonist made her city look bad." "Seems like the CBFC now fears that calling a gay man 'A Nice Indian Boy' makes the whole country gay," Asrani further quipped. Remember when the Aligarh mayor wanted #Aligarh banned because she thought a gay protagonist made her city look bad? Seems like the CBFC now fears that calling a gay man A Nice Indian Boy might make the whole country gay. #ANiceBoy #ANiceIndianBoy https://t.co/7IU9dBLnxi Apurva M Asrani (@Apurvasrani) October 9, 2025 Other netizens have called this move "hilarious," while another said, "Whatever stuff CBFC is smoking is too dangerous. Title has some context there but they don't give a f***." Another said, "Oh, CBFC, you never fail to amuse me. You're such a vestigial organisation." Ahead of the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026, a Mollywood film based on the life of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will hit the silver screen, Malayalam media reports said. While veteran actor Balachandra Menon is expected to play Oommen Chandy, Nivin Pauly is likely to be cast as Chandy Oommenthe late Congress leaders son and incumbent MLA representing Puthuppally. Balachandra Menon Noted director B. Unnikrishnan, who last worked with Mammootty in 'Christopher', is said to be at the helm of the project. According to a report by Manorama News, the film will not be presented as a biopic of Oommen Chandy, who is rated among the most popular politicians in Keralas history. Among the details expected to be included in the movie are the various corruption allegations that led to political uproar in the state. Earlier, there were reports that Unnikrishnan was shooting the Secretariat blockade protest organised by the CPI(M)-led LDF workers in 2013. The Opposition workers had surrounded the Kerala Secretariat in August 2013 as a part of the protest against the solar scama major political controversy of the time when Oommen Chandy was in power. A true leader of the people, Oommen Chandy ji spent his life in the service of the people of Kerala with unwavering dedication. His journey and the legacy of the Indian National Congress are intertwined. As a people's representative, a minister, and as Chief Minister, he pic.twitter.com/OEydG4OD4R Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 18, 2024 The longest-serving member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, Oommen Chandy passed away in 2023 and his son Chandy Oommen became the new MLA of Puthuppally. Nivin Pauly is expected to portray the 39-year-old's role in the movie. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP and veteran actor Kamal Haasan is reportedly getting ready for a Mollywood return by being part of a rumoured biopic of incumbent Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Manorama News report said. The way his leadership dealt with the deluge of 2018 and the Covid pandemic will be shown in the movie. The Kerala Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution expressing concern over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list. We urge the Election Commission to ensure transparency, uphold fundamental rights, and prevent any hasty actions that may undermine voters pic.twitter.com/eUgEKyfluf Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) September 29, 2025 A younger Vijayans interventions during the 1971 Thalassery riots is also expected to find a place in the film. However, it was not exactly known if Haasan will be seen as Pinarayi Vijayan in the movie which is also expected to release before the southern state goes to polling booths next year. Mohanlal has announced the release date of his upcoming big-budget multilingual film Vrusshabha. On his social media handles, the actor shared a new poster of the movie, with the caption: "The ground shakes. The sky burns. Destiny has chosen its warrior. #Vrusshabha arrives on 6th November!" The makers had originally planned it as a Diwali release. Early this year, Mohanlal had updated on the shoot completion. In a note, he had thanked the film's director Nanda Kishore for making an "epic action entertainer that will leave you on the edge of your seat" and for his "brilliance" that turned "every challenge into a triumph" and its crew for their efforts. "This isnt just a movieits an EPIC Action Entertainer that will leave you on the edge of your seat! Huge thanks to our visionary writer and director, Nanda Kishore, whose brilliance turned every challenge into a triumph, and to the incredible crew who gave their all to make this happen," the actor wrote then. Aside from Mohanlal, who plays dual roles named Vrusshabha and Viswambhara, the fantasy epic also features Shanaya Kapoor, Ch Chandrakanth, Mahendra Rajput, Ramachandra Raju, Ragini Dwivedi, and Neha Saxena, among others. Santhosh Thundiyil is handling the camera while KM Prakash works on the editing. Devi Sri Prasad is the film's music composer. Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms is one of the producers. Mohanlal was last seen in Sathyan Anthikad's Malayalam entertainer Hridayapoorvam, co-starring Malavika Mohanan. He also made a special appearance in Vishnu Manchu's mythological movie Kannappa. The Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Thiruvananthapuram, has blacklisted the pharmaceutical firm Globela Pharma after discovering that Temozolomidea medicine used to treat brain cancerwas delivered in boxes labelled for Etoposide, a drug intended for lung cancer. Rumours had circulated that patients were administered the wrong medicine because of this packaging mishap. However, the RCC clarified on Thursday that the distribution of Temozolomide was immediately halted once the error was detected in the first batch itself, and no patient had received the incorrect drug. According to the purchase and tender procedures of the Regional Cancer Centre for 202425, Globela Pharma had been awarded the contract to supply Temozolomide 250mg, 100mg, and 20mg to the RCC. The confusion arose in a batch of 92 packets of Temozolomide 100mg (Batch no. GSC24056) delivered to the RCC on March 25. Temozolomide (Temodal) is a chemotherapy drug that can treat certain types of brain tumors, including anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The FDA approved temozolomide as an adjuvant treatment for adults with newly diagnosed AA in September 2023 pic.twitter.com/gamtlczVEd Oz Fox (@SirOzFox) July 17, 2024 Every time a batch of medicine is received, the batch number and related documents are thoroughly verified before stock entry, said Dr R. Rejanish Kumar, Director, RCC. According to the RCC director, since some stock from previous supplies was still available, the new batch was brought to the pharmacy for patient distribution only on June 27, 2025. As per the SOP in the hospital, pharmacy staff dispense medicines to patients only after verifying the stock. During the distribution process on July 12, while taking the first set of ten packets from the problematic batch, the staff noticed that two packets were labelled 'Etoposide 50mg'. Incorporation of etoposide into lymphoma-directed therapy for those deemed OHI+ at diagnosis is associated with improved OS. https://t.co/UE9U3KHy1o #lymphoidneoplasia #immunobiologyandimmunotherapy #phagocytesgranulocytesandmyelopoiesis pic.twitter.com/fwV4pyywWq Blood Journals Portfolio (@BloodPortfolio) September 16, 2025 They immediately opened and checked those packets, finding that the bottles inside were labelled 'Temozolomide 100mg'. Due to this confusion, the distribution of Temozolomide was immediately halted, and the supplier company was promptly informed, according to the RCC. In the aftermath, the RCC Drug Committee met on July 30 and decided to inform the Drugs Controller of Kerala. It was also decided that no further supplies or new contracts would be made with Globela Pharma Pvt Ltd for cancer medicines. Nevertheless, it was only on October 6 that officials representing the Drugs Controller of Kerala visited the hospital and seized all the suspect packets. Drugs Controller Dr Sujith Kumar told THE WEEK that a case had been registered under Section 17B of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which deals with the issue of misbranded drugs. The issue was brought to the attention of the Drugs Controller only in late September, raising questions about why the RCC took so long to report the matter. The Drugs Controller subsequently filed a report before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, Thiruvananthapuram, on October 8. THE WEEK also attempted to contact a Globela Pharma spokesperson for comment and, at the companys request, sent an email with detailed queries. The company has not yet responded to the allegations regarding the mishap, which could have caused serious harm to patients if it had not been identified on time. A powerful blast rocked Mishri Bazaar area in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur on Wednesday. As many as six people suffered injuries in the blast, and Uttar Pradesh police have launched a massive probe to determine the cause of the explosion. According to police, the blast occurred around 7.15pm near Markaz Masjid in the Mishri Bazaar area on Wednesday evening. Two scooters parked in the area went up in flames, injuring six people, including a woman. #WATCH | Kanpur, UP | Police officials inspect the spot where a blast occurred in two parked scooters in the Mishri Bazaar area under the Mulganj police station today. A total of 6 people were injured in the incident. pic.twitter.com/N42VO5Ejmo ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2025 Kanpur Joint Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Ashutosh Kumar said, "This incident took place around 7.15pm and a total of 6 people are injured, including one woman. All are undergoing treatment and are out of danger." The police officer said they have traced the whereabouts of the scooter, and the cause of the blast will be ascertained soon. "Our forensic team is present at the scene, and we are investigating what could be the cause of this. We have traced the scooter, and inquiries will also be made with those who were riding it. Whether this is an accident or a conspiracy will only be known later," Kumar added. The two major political alliances in Bihar, the Mahagathbandhan and National Democratic Alliance (NDA), are facing mounting challenges over seat-sharing arrangements. The smaller partners in ruling camp, HAM and LJP (RV), and VIP in the Opposition camp, are holding their ground and pressing for a fatter share of seats, making it difficult for the main parties to arrive at a consensus. Despite the growing tension, both the BJP-led NDA and the RJD-Congress-led Mahagathbandhan claim they will sort out the matter soon. Two months ago, Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi had told THE WEEK that it has been almost a decade since his party entered Bihars political scene, yet it still has not achieved the status of a recognized state party. It will not be possible for us to accept fewer than 15 seats, Manjhi had said. Only then can we hope to win at least eight, which will qualify us for state party status. Since then, Manjhi has remained firm on his demand, creating a major roadblock in the NDAs seat-sharing negotiations. With elections less than a month away, the delay is adding to the alliances anxiety. Recently, Manjhi posted a cryptic message on X, If there must be justice, then give half. And if even that faces some barrier, Then give just fifteen grams, Keep the rest of your vast land. We shall eat that little with joy, But never raise our hands against our kin. The verse reflects Manjhis assertion of his demands in political bargaining. Another ally complicating NDAs math is the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) led by Chirag Paswan. Paswan is demanding over 30 assembly seats, while the BJP has offered slightly above 20. According to political observers, Paswan is aware of his partys loyal vote bank, which tends to remain steady. For he knows that if his party is not given proportionate importance, any move against the NDA can weaken their prospects of retaining the government. In the previous assembly election, Paswan's party had polled around 6 per cent of total votes polled, significantly hurting the Janata Dal (United) in several constituencies. The BJP leadership, therefore, finds itself in a bind, keen to accommodate Paswan, yet unwilling to cede too many seats. The Mahagathbandhan is not without its share of internal disputes. Although the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Congress, and Left parties have largely agreed on their respective quotas, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani has emerged as a sticking point. Expected to mobilize caste-based support of Mallah (Mallah community), Sahani is reportedly holding out for more seats than the 15 being offered to him. He believes his community influence gives him leverage and is not ready to settle for less yet, a senior RJD leader admitted. For both alliances, the situation is sensitive. Larger parties already have candidates working on the ground, and if those seats are handed over to smaller allies, local resentment may trigger rebellion. Dissident leaders running as independents could spoil the prospects of winning in tightly contested constituencies. At the same time, smaller parties see this as an opportunity to expand their footprint. Their relatively weaker grassroots network makes them eager to ride on the fame and resources of the bigger allies. A political analyst observing the developments said, It is crucial for both camps to iron out their differences now and approach the elections with unity. The alliance that manages to contain internal friction will have smoother coordination. For now, the NDA appears to be facing more pressure and pulls than the Mahagathbandhan. As Bihar moves closer to polling day, both alliances know that every seat, and every ally, will matter in what is seen to be a closely contested election. The Supreme Court on Thursday sought to ensure that no genuine voter in Bihar is left disenfranchised amid the chaos over the Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, even as the courtroom witnessed sharp exchanges between the poll body and petitioners over allegations of false affidavits and large-scale deletions. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, hearing multiple petitions challenging the SIR, passed an interim direction requesting the Bihar State Legal Services Authority (SLSA) to step in and assist those whose names were deleted from the final electoral rolls in filing statutory appeals. The bench asked the SLSA executive chairman to direct all District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) to immediately mobilise paralegal volunteers (PLVs) and free legal aid counsels to help excluded citizens draft and submit their appeals before electoral registration officers. The secretaries of DLSAs shall renotify mobile numbers and full details of PLVs in each village. They will contact booth-level officers (BLOs) and reach out to excluded persons to inform them of their right to appeal, the Court ordered, adding that the SLSA should submit a status report within one week. The directions, it clarified, will also apply to those whose names were missing from the draft rolls itself. EC vs petitioners: The affidavit dispute The hearing began with the Election Commission of India alleging that one of the affidavits produced by the petitioners to show wrongful deletions was false. Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the EC, told the bench that the individual in question was never in the draft roll as he had failed to submit the required enumeration form. Calling the affidavit false and perjurious, Dwivedi accused civil society groups like the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) of spinning narratives without verification. The affidavit they filed is false. The person was not in the draft list. He is giving a wrong story that he was deleted. ADR must satisfy itself before throwing such papers before this court, Dwivedi argued, demanding that an affidavit be filed on how the document reached the court. Justice Kant remarked, Now there is a doubt whether there is a person by this name, and later added that while the Court wanted to help those genuinely excluded, the person should have disclosed correct information we also do not appreciate this. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for ADR and other petitioners, defended himself saying the affidavit had been given by a responsible person and urged that the Legal Services Authority be asked to verify the facts. Your Lordships may ask LSA to enquire into the affidavit and file a report. All facts will come out, he said. Right to appeal: Supreme Courts priority Refusing to get drawn into the factual wrangle, Justice Kant stressed that the Courts focus was on ensuring no eligible voter is left without recourse. If timelines are not there, we can fix them. If appeals are dismissed with cryptic one-line orders, that also will be taken care of. We reassure you on this, he told Bhushan. Dwivedi, for his part, maintained that no elector has come forward to say that the order of deletion has not been served. However, Bhushan countered that lakhs of voters never received any deletion order despite the ECI claiming to have served them. He accused the Commission of violating its own standard operating procedures by requiring voters to file enumeration forms and not treating the earlier list as the base roll. The onus was on BLOs to go house-to-house and ascertain who lives there. Instead, citizens were asked to produce documents again. That is against their own rules, Bhushan submitted, lamenting that the petitioners had been burning the midnight oil to identify the missing names without ECIs cooperation. 'Largest contraction of electoral roll' At the heart of the petitions is the claim that over 47 lakh voters were dropped from Bihars rolls during the SIR, making it the largest contraction of an electoral roll in Indias history. Petitioners, including Yogendra Yadav, have argued that the process led to systemic, structural and targeted exclusion, particularly affecting women and marginalized groups. Appearing in person, Yadav told the bench that the SIR had weaponized a benign administrative exercise. Citing government data, he said that instead of expanding towards Bihars adult population of 8.22 crore, the rolls shrank to below 7 crore, creating a deficit of 81 lakh voters. The problem of excess voters was solved. But instead of stabilising, we gave a shock treatment, now the roll has low blood pressure, Yadav remarked. He also alleged irregularities such as duplicate names, gibberish entries, and implausibly large households on paper. There are 2,200 houses that have 4.5 lakh voters in them. In some places, a blank is going to vote! Names are in Kannada and Tamil in the Bihar rolls. Is this not gibberish? he asked. Yadav said the gender ratio in the rolls, which had been improving for a decade, had worsened again due to the SIR. Ten years of gains have been wiped out. Wherever SIR goes, womens disenfranchisement follows, he asserted. Dwivedi dismissed these claims, saying many of the so-called anomalies were explainable by ground realities and joint family systems. Criticism helps us. Maybe this experience will make us wiser for future SIRs, he conceded. A non-adversarial effort Before concluding, Justice Kant reiterated that the Courts directions were meant to assist, not indict. We thought we could help those who genuinely want to be included. Let us maintain some fairness, he said. The bench then allowed Yadav to continue his submissions, while noting that the EC will be given time to file a comprehensive response and slated the hearing for October 16. Around 40 people have been released on bail in Leh in Ladakh as the situation has improved in the region. The release of detainees is being seen as a confidence-building measure by the Ladakh administration to ensure normalcy and create conditions for the resumption of the stalled talks on the demands of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). Four people were killed and dozens were injured, including police and CRPF personnel, in violent protests over the demand for statehood and the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh. The LAB and KDA, representing political, religious, and social organisations, have put forth a four-point demand for Ladakh with the Centre, including statehood, the Sixth Schedule, reservation in jobs, a separate Public Service Commission and two Parliamentary seats one each for Kargil and Leh. The Centres High Powered Committee (HPC), led by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, has held several rounds of talks with delegates of the LAB and KDA since 2023. However, the demand for statehood and the Sixth Schedule has proved intractable, causing anxiety in Ladakh. #WATCH | Leh | Chief Secretary of Ladakh, Dr Pawan Kotwal says, "...Agitated with the prospects of positive talks with the government, which would lead to the resolution of most of their demands, certain sections worked in a negative manner and sabotaged the process purely for pic.twitter.com/LzdUTYrkdn ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2025 After the September 24 violence, the administration imposed restrictions and arrested 70 protesters and Sonam Wangchuk, a noted climate activist and educator from Ladakh. Wangchuk was arrested for provoking youth by making references to the Arab Spring and Gen Z protest in Nepal. He has been booked under the National Security Act (NSA) and lodged in a jail in Jodhpur. The LAB and KDA, which have pulled out of talks with the HPC, have demanded a judicial probe into the violence in Leh and the release of Wangchuk and all arrested persons for the talks to resume. Mohammad Shafi Lassu, president of the Bar Association, Leh, told THE WEEK that so far 40 persons have been given interim bail. He confirmed that three labourers arrested during the unrest were also released, while injured persons including about 20 who are still in hospital were granted bail as well. Some injured were taken to Srinagar, a Tibetan girl was shifted to AIIMS, and others from Kargil and Doda were taken for specialised treatment, he said. Mobile internet services, however, remain suspended in Leh since the day of the violence. The unrest in Leh marks the most serious breakdown in the regions stability since Ladakh was carved out as a separate Union Territory in 2019. While the release of detainees is seen as a step towards reconciliation, the continued detention of Wangchuk under the NSA remains a key sticking point preventing the resumption of talks between the Centre and the Ladakhi leadership. A day after video calling families of the 41 Karur stampede victims, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has submitted a letter to the Director General of Police (DGP) seeking permission and security arrangements for its party president Vijay to visit Karur in order to meet them. The letter from actor-politician Vijay's team, to the DGPa copy of which is available with THE WEEKhas laid down five conditions for his visit: zero-tolerance crowd control from Trichy airport to the venue and return, security at Trichy airport, venue security in Karur, media and publicity restrictions, and itinerary and cooperation. The letter was sent via email on the evening of October 7 (Tuesday), seeking permission and security arrangements for Vijays visit to Karur next week. As Vijay is already a Y-category security protectee, according to TVK insiders, a copy of the letter was forwarded to the Union Home Ministry. The letter was later submitted to the DGP in person by TVK lawyer S. Arivazhagan. "To achieve a seamless and secure visit, we request to provide for the following comprehensive security arrangements, in compliance with all applicable laws, including the Police Act, 1861, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS)," reads the letter accessed by THE WEEK. Here are the conditions of the TVK letter (verbatim) to the DGP: 1) Zero-tolerance crowd control from Trichy airport to venue and return Deploy police checkpoints and mobile patrols along the entire route (Trichy Airport to Karur venue and return) to prevent any unauthorised vehicles, including two-wheelers, from following or approaching the convoy, as per Section 148 of BNSS (dispersal of assembly by use of civil force). Designate a secured corridor with traffic diversions to ensure uninterrupted movement, minimising public interaction and adhering to Tamil Nadu Police Manual guidelines. 2) Security at Trichy airport Provide armed police escorts at the airport to secure entry and exit points, ensuring no crowd formation or unauthorised access. Coordinate with airport authorities to facilitate swift and secure transit from the aircraft to the convoy. 3) Venue security in Karur Establish a 1km security cordon around the designated venue in Karur district, restricting access to only pre-approved family members of the deceased, programme organisers, TVK presidents Y-security, and escort team. Deploy special protection with zero-tolerance crowd control measures and security arrangements. Ensure controlled entry and exit at the venue through a single access point, with police verification of attendees against a pre-submitted list of participants with ID card provided by the party. 4) Media and publicity restrictions Restricted access for media during the visit at the venue. 5) Itinerary and cooperation Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam presidents itinerary would involve landing at Trichy airport, travelling to the Karur designated venue for private meetings, and returning to the airport for a flight to Chennai. Date, time, venue and duration of the programme details will be shared following consultation with the Karur District Collector and Superintendent of Police. TVK pledges full cooperation with the Tamil Nadu police and district administration regarding coordination of the visit. Highly placed sources in the Tamil Nadu police say that it was the first time the department received such a letter asking it for elaborate arrangements for a celebrity or a political leader in the country. "He will whip up frenzy in his fan base, and its our responsibility to control them?" asked a senior police officer, on conditions of anonymity. In fact, when Vijay reached Namakkal on September 27, the Karur police and the District Collector had informed him and his teamincluding Aadhav Arjuna and Jagadish Palaniswami, who were travelling with Vijay in the campaign busabout the frenzied crowd that was gathering at Velusamypyram in Karur and asked him to reach there at the earliest possible. Apparently, several hundred fans followed his cavalcade in their motorbikes. Some of them even hit his campaign bus. "What is 'zero tolerance crowd control'?" asked the officer. Despite being a state that has seen many politicians rise from the cinema industry, 'zero tolerance crowd control' protection has never been asked for before. "How are we supposed to not tolerate anything?" the senior officer questioned. According to his party office bearers, Vijay has spoken to 33 out of the 41 families of the victims of the fatal accident. He dialled them over a video call and spoke with each of them for 2-10 minutes. The family members were strictly instructed not to record or take screenshots of the video call. While speaking to the mother of Dhruv, a one-and-a-half-year-old who died in the stampede, Vijay is believed to have asked her why she sent her baby to the rally. Tamil Nadu police and Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad confirmed "hoax" a bomb threat received at the residence of actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay's residence in Chennai. The hoax threat comes amid the party and Vijay facing ire over the tragic Karur stampede. Police have nabbed the caller. According to police, the control room in Chennai received a call during the early hours of Thursday about an explosive being planted at actor Vijay's Neelankarai residence. On receiving the call, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) and police rushed to the spot, and checks were carried out checks. However, police did not find any explosives in the premises. According to police, checks were conducted initially outside the house, and they later checked inside the residence after the actor woke up. The search lasted for around four hours. However, police later nabbed the caller. He was identified as Shabik (37). The hoax caller has been arrested, and a probe is underway, police said. A senior police officer told PTI that there has been a recent surge in hoax threats, and city personalities have been receiving bomb hoax threat emails from a Hotmail address. "Last month, actor-politician S.Ve. Shekher also received a bomb threat mail. The content of these emails are similar. We are yet to trace that mail ID," said the official. Earlier this week, a prominent national daily from Chennai, too, received a bomb threat mail claiming three RDX IEDs had been planted in their premises. KINSHASA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains firmly committed to seeking a political and diplomatic solution to the conflict in the country's eastern provinces, a senior official said late Wednesday. Speaking at a press briefing, minister of Communication and Media and government spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, said that, as part of the ongoing peace process, a dialogue between security experts representing the DRC government and representatives of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group will resume "in the coming days" in Doha, the capital of Qatar. "These discussions aim to advance the conclusion of the peace agreement planned in Doha," he said, adding that the talks will focus on ceasefire mechanisms and confidence-building measures, including humanitarian issues and the release of detainees, under the facilitation of the International Committee of the Red Cross. In July, Kinshasa and the M23 signed in Doha the Declaration of Principles, a roadmap calling for the launch of negotiations no later than Aug. 8 and the conclusion of a peace accord before Aug. 18, a timetable that has already lapsed. Since January, the M23 has seized several key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. According to the United Nations, more than 27.8 million people in the DRC face food insecurity, while over 7 million are internally displaced, many of them multiple times. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is set for a display of strength on Thursday on Kanshi Rams parinirvan diwas, even as the Samajwadi Party (SP) has announced its own plans to mark the day, as both parties battle it out to capture the Dalit and backward vote. The BSP has claimed that more than five lakh people will throng the capital on Thursday for the rally as the party considers this a statement of its unwillingness to fade out even after repeated poll debacles. Once considered the sole party that catered to Dalit interests, the BSP has been steadily losing ground since 2017. In the state, that is a space that the Samajwadi Party and caste-based outfits are seeking to capture. In the wider political arena, the Congress is projecting its commitment to the community. Mayawati, though, is calling out all these contenders. She has asserted that the movement for self-respect and dignity of Dalits, adivasis, and the backward Bahujans, started by Bhim Rao Ambedkar, was kept alive and given momentum by Kanshi Ram, who founded the BSP. Opposing parties, especially the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, have always displayed casteist and malicious attitudes towards him. And now to celebrate him is nothing more than blatant deception, she said, while not mentioning the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in her tirade. #WATCH | Lucknow, UP: On the death anniversary of party Founder Kanshi Ram, BSP chief Mayawati says, "We are grateful to the present government because unlike the Samajwadi Party government, the money collected from the people visiting this place has not been suppressed by the pic.twitter.com/ZeWBYlL3YL ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2025 Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: BSP Chief Mayawati says, "I want to ask Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav this: If you truly had so much respect and reverence for the esteemed Shri Kanshi Ram Ji, then when my government was in power in UP, we created a separate district in the Aligarh pic.twitter.com/vyfg9WWRrt IANS (@ians_india) October 9, 2025 As evidence of the Samajwadi Partys casteist mentality, she cited how the party changed the name of the district her government had christened Kanshiram Nagar to Kasganj. The colleges, universities, and hospitals that bore his name were also renamed. The Samajawadi Party government did not even declare a day of mourning on his passing away. Neither did the Congress, which was in power in the centre then, she said. This, Mayawati added, is a reflection of the parties anti-Dalit character. She has called upon people to remain vigilant and cautious towards parties that have displayed such narrow-minded thinking. For the Samajwadi Party, this is an occasion to intensify its Dalit outreach. Past elections have taught it that it has to go beyond its traditional Yadav-Muslim vote base to grab power. The party is pressing ahead with this. The most powerful example being the setting up of its own Dalit-focused wing named the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Vahini. This wing is visibly reaching out to the community in cases of attacks. Its larger goal is to push for greater dialogue on issues of Dalit justice, reservation, and constitutional rights. It organises seminars centered around Ambedkarite thought and felicitation events for Dalit icons. It also marks days such as Valmiki Jayanti. And here is where Mayawatis selective criticism comes into play. This year, the state government announced a holiday on Valmiki Jayanti. Mayawati did not question why the BJP had not thought of it earlier. The Samajwadi Party is also pushing similarities between the ideologies of Ram Manohar Lohia and Dalit icons. This shared symbolism is designed to send the message that the party is as serious about Dalit issues as it is about those of the Other Backward Castes (OBC). Another message draws from political history- the formation of the Samyukt Socialist Party, in which Lohia had called together for a tying together of the interests of the Dalits and the most backwards. Akhilesh Yadav is reframing this narrative to broaden his partys vote bank. He is taking note of and making statements on Dalit atrocities within the state. Party delegations are also being sent to all such places. But today, Mayawati will seek to demonstrate that she is not a spent force and that the interests of Dalits are safest with her. That a dedicated cadre will never desert her. It will thus be of great interest to see what she says today. It is not just about a day or a rally, but a possible indication of what the party is doing for the 2027 Assembly polls. The Bengaluru Police have filed an FIR against lawyer Rakesh Kishore, who allegedly tried to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai in his courtroom in the Supreme Court earlier this week. The FIR was registered against Kishore under sections 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 133 (assault or criminal force with intent to dishonour person, otherwise than on grave provocation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The police action followed a complaint by Bhaktavachala, President of the All India Advocates Association. Bengaluru police register FIR against advocate Rakesh Kishore for trying to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai in Supreme Court. The FIR invokes offences under BNS Sections 132 and 133. The complaint was filed by All India Advocates' Association, Bengaluru. Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) October 9, 2025 Kishore (71) allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe towards CJI Gavai on Monday, but was stopped by alert security personnel. According to police sources, the errant lawyer was unhappy over the CJI's remarks during a hearing last month concerning the restoration of a Vishnu idol in Khajuraho. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Bar Association has terminated the temporary membership of Kishore, saying his conduct amounts to a direct assault on judicial independence, the sanctity of courtroom proceedings and the long-standing relationship of mutual respect and trust between the Bar and the Bench. Supreme Court Bar Association terminates SCBA membership of Advocate Rakesh Kishore with immediate effect after finding him guilty of grave misconduct inside the courtroom of Justice B R Gavai on Oct 6 The SCBA said Kishores reprehensible, disorderly and intemperate pic.twitter.com/cOPRjMrUNN Bar and Bench (@barandbench) October 9, 2025 It also noted that such reprehensible, disorderly and intemperate behaviour is unbecoming of an officer of the court and constitutes a serious breach of professional ethics, decorum and the dignity of the Supreme Court of India. The Bar Council of India (BCI) had earlier acted swiftly on Kishores action, ordering his immediate suspension. BCI chairperson and senior advocate Manan Kumar Mishra said the advocate's act was prima facie inconsistent with the dignity of the court and in clear violation of the professional conduct rules prescribed under the Advocates Act, 1961 and Bar Council of India Rules. The Supreme Court is slated to hear Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's (TVK) plea challenging the SIT probe over the tragic Karur stampede on Friday. The SIT was constituted by the Madras High Court while hearing pleas related to the stampede in Karur on September 27. As per the Supreme Court's cause list, a bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and N.V. Anjaria is scheduled to hear the matter. On Tuesday, a bench led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai agreed to hear a petition moved by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Uma Anandan, seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation over the tragic incident. The Madras High Court had dismissed the plea. As many as 41 people died during TVK leader Vijay's rally in Karur on September 27. Over 50 people suffered injuries in the incident. Vijay-led alleged conspiracy behind the tragedy and demanded an independent probe to unearth the truth. The Tamil Nadu government has formed a one-member judicial commission to probe the incident. Former Madras High Court judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan is expected to submit the probe report within three months. The Commission has also been asked to suggest protocols for the safe conduct of such public meetings in the future. The TVK has expressed doubts over the probe being conducted by the SIT and judicial commission, and sought an independent probe. TVK argued a fair and impartial probe would not be possible if conducted solely by officers of the Tamil Nadu Police. While hearing the matter, the Madras High Court came down heavily on Vijay and the party, and said the party lacked remorse. The Court also dismissed anticipatory bail pleas moved by TVK functionaries Bussy N. Anand and C.T.R. Nirmalkumar in connection with the case. In what could be seen as a further thaw in ties between New Delhi and Washington, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dialled US President Donald Trump to discuss the trade negotiations. PM Modi also congratulated Trump on the success of the Gaza peace deal. This was the second phone call between the two leaders within a month. On September 17, Trump called Modi to wish him on his birthday. Referring to Trump as his 'friend', the prime minister posted on X, "Spoke to my friend, President Trump and congratulated him on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan. Also reviewed the good progress achieved in trade negotiations. Agreed to stay in close touch over the coming weeks." This comes days after Modi welcomed the efforts of Trump and Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to bring an end to the hostilities. "We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trumps peace plan. This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu," the PM posted. "We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace," he said. Hamas announced that it has reached a hostage-ceasefire agreement with Israel during negotiations in Egypt. The hostages and Palestinian prisoners would be exchanged within 72 hours of the truce coming into force. During the first phase, Hamas is expected to exchange 20 surviving hostages for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Trump is likely to arrive in Jerusalem on Sunday when the ceasefire is expected to begin. In the backdrop of the US-brokered peace deal coming into force in the Gaza Strip, Hamas has started moving the surviving Israeli hostages to secure locations ahead of being handed over, reports said. After two years of relentless bombardment, a rare calm has settled over Gaza. As the sun rose over Gaza, Al Jazeeras Hani Mahmoud reflected on the hopes for peace, and said for the first time in years, he felt safe while reporting the news. pic.twitter.com/DsUSWFem90 Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) October 9, 2025 ALSO READ | Trump's Middle East breakthrough: What's next for Gaza after Israel-Hamas peace deal? The Israeli hostages from 7 October 2023 may be released as early as Saturday under a US plan to end the war in Gaza, and the country's military will complete the first part of a partial withdrawal from the enclave within 24 hours of the deal being sealed, Reuters said in a report. How many Israelis are alive in Gaza? According to Hebrew media reports, Israel has reasons to believe that there are around 20 living hostages across Hamas locations. They are all expected to be released at the same time. The Israeli media reports added that they are being kept captive across various locations around northern and central Gaza. Hamas says it has submitted lists of Palestinian prisoners to Israel according to the criteria agreed upon in the ceasefire agreement and is awaiting final agreement on the names before announcing them publicly. LIVE update: https://t.co/QnaJQQ7ry9 pic.twitter.com/Ft2huVBEDZ Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) October 9, 2025 Meanwhile, the list of Palestinians being released as a part of the deal is yet to be finalised. In Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh, the priority of the Israeli delegation has shifted to finalising and completing the details of the agreement with the list of Palestinian "terrorists" to be released as a part of the deal, The Times of Israel said in a report. However, it was not immediately known how many in all were being let go by Tel Aviv. The signing of the agreement is expected to take place at noon Israel time (0900 GMT) on Thursday, Reuters said. Israel's security cabinet and government are due to hold meetings on the agreement at 5 p.m. Israel time (1400 GMT). Israelis and Palestinians rejoiced after Trump announced that a ceasefire and hostage deal was reached under the first phase of his plan to end a war in Gaza that has killed more than 67,000 people and reshaped the Middle East. Syrian-American Henry Hamras neoteric candidacy in Damascus for a seat in the parliament elections represents a dramatic moment in the Syrian political landscape. Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa nixed the nearly six-decade-long ban on Jewish political participation. The efforts and commitment of the transitional government are aimed at promoting pluralism. The exclusion of Syrian Jews from politics was not sudden but began decades earlier, even before it became legal. In 1947, the last known Jewish member was elected to the Syrian parliament and was immediately accompanied by the anti-Jewish violence spurring mass emigration following the formation of the State of Israel. The marginalisation of Jews by subsequent Baathist regimes was institutionalised, barring them from government service, and they were even prohibited from owning necessities like telephones or a drivers license. Their identity as a suspected population within the state was rigidified through mechanisms that legally required their religion to be noted on their passports and national identity cards. Syrian Jews in Damascus after thirty years. Rabbi Joseph Hamra and his son Henry read from the Torah scroll for the first time in thirty years in a synagogue in the heart of the Syrian capital Damascus. pic.twitter.com/nyQbCc6dv9 Clash Report (@clashreport) February 20, 2025 The capture and public execution in Marjeh Square, Damascus,of Israeli spy Eli Cohen in 1965 remains the most consequential impetus for converting systemic discrimination into an absolute political prohibition. This event, coupled with escalating military hostilities, provided the regime with the necessary justification to formally designate the entire Jewish community as an internal security threat. Following the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Jews were explicitly and legally barred from seeking political office in Syria, and the 58-year ban has ended with Hamras candidacy. Mahin Siddiqui Over the years, the Jewish community has become virtually extinct, which Hamra seeks to represent. As of today, only six known Jews are living in Syria, following a devastating demographic collapse after the travel ban was lifted in 1992, when fewer than ten remained in the capital. This number is starkly contrasting with the Syrian Jewish diaspora in the US and Israel. Hamra, the son of the former Chief Rabbi of Syrian Jews in New York, embodies a bridge figure connecting the historical community with the post-conflict Syrian state. His candidacy, and the visit by a Syrian Jewish delegation in February 2025 to pray at the Old Citys Elfarange synagogue (the first such event in decades), confirm the Al-Sharaa regimes new overtures to minorities. By symbolically returning to contest the election from Damascus, the historical capital of Syrian Jewish communal life, Hamra signals an attempt to reclaim the Jewish narrative within the national identity after decades of official repression. Towards a Flourishing, Tolerant and Just Syria was Hamras campaign slogan, focusing on two key pillars of internal reform: the adoption of a modern constitution that guarantees equal rights to everyone, and safeguarding Christian, Islamic, and specifically Jewish traditions as part of the national identity. Since the fall of the Assad regime, the first parliamentary elections were held on 5 October 2025; however, they were designed in such a way that they immediately became subject to scrutiny and were labelled as a controlled experiment. The electoral process was highly centralised, with a 210-seat legislature where local electoral committees select two-thirds(140 members) through indirect polls, while the remaining one-third (70 members) are directly appointed by the interim President. Despite its symbolism, Henry Hamra was not elected to the Syrian parliament. Only six women and 10 members of religious and ethnic minorities were able to win seats in the Peoples Assembly on Sunday. The political drama does not halt at the ballot; in fact, there is still hope for Hamras win, as Sharaa holds the authority to appoint one-third of the members. While ensuring representation remains executive-driven, if Sharaa appoints Hamra, it will reconstruct the defeat into victory, fulfilling the symbolic promise of Jewish inclusion. However, it is a deep paradox that the Jewish voice enters Syrian politics precisely at the moment when the Jewish population has significantly vanished in the country. This highlights the tragedy of Jews in Syria and what will Hamra represent or revive? Even if appointed by the interim president, will Hamra be the phoenix who will make the Jews rise from the ashes? The author is a doctoral candidate at the Centre for West Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Israel and Hamas signed the "first phase of the peace plan" to end the two-year-old war in Gaza, US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said all hostages would be released soon and Israel would withdraw their troops to an agreed-upon line as the" first step toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace". "All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!" he said. According to reports, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio handed US President Donald Trump a handwritten note during a White House event on Wednesday, urging him to approve a social post related to a Middle East deal. "You need to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce the deal first," the note, written on White House stationery, read, as reported by Al Jazeera. Trump later told Fox News's 'Hannity' programme that hostages held in Gaza will probably be released on Monday. According to an Associated Press report, Hamas plans to release all 20 living hostages this weekend, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza. "With God's help, we will bring them all home," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media. Hamas said it had agreed to a deal that will lead to the end of the war in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the entry of aid into Gaza and the exchange of prisoners for hostages. Trump to travel to Middle East Talking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he may travel to the Middle East this weekend, where negotiators are trying to finalise a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. #WATCH | On being asked if he would visit Gaza during his likely visit to the Middle East, US President Donald Trump says, "I might do that. We haven't decided exactly. I will be going to Egypt most likely... I probably will be making the rounds..." (Source: The White House/ https://t.co/DPpD67dXP5 pic.twitter.com/0orNRc3P0m ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2025 "I was just dealing with people from the Middle East on the potential peace deal for the Middle East. 'Peace for the Middle East'. That's a beautiful phrase... I may go there sometime toward the end of the week, maybe on Sunday... Negotiations are going along well, dealing with Hamas and many of the countries," he said. "If that's the case, we'll be leaving probably on Sunday, maybe Saturday, maybe a little later than Saturday evening, but that seems to be our schedule," he added. Israel and Hamas have agreed to a peace deal proposed by President Donald Trump to end the war in Gaza and exchange Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, two years after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Trump confirmed on social media early this morning that both parties had committed to the first phase of his plan, which includes an Israeli troop withdrawal to a mutually agreed line. Israeli officials, however, made no immediate mention of any troop pullback in their initial statements. The initial phase of the agreement is set to bring about a ceasefire and an exchange of hostages and prisoners. Among the key points, Hamas has committed to releasing 48 Israeli hostages, including 20 who are believed to be alive. These individuals could be freed as early as the weekend. The remaining 28 are reported to be deceased, though no further information has been given regarding the return of their remains, leaving families in anguish and without closure. In return, Israel will release at least 1,700 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has submitted a list of detainees, and among the nearly 2,000 names considered as part of Trumps 20-point plan, around 250 are reportedly serving life sentences. Israeli officials have described this aspect of the deal as deeply difficult to accept. The agreement also allows for the supply of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The ceasefire is to begin as the hostages are released, and Israel will begin withdrawing its troops to a specified line that reportedly accounts for 51 percent of the Gaza Strip. Israel currently controls around 80 percent of the territory, so this partial withdrawal indicates that full military disengagement will not occur during this phase. The withdrawal is expected to proceed in tandem with the hostage release. The agreement is due to be formally signed in Sharm el-Sheikh at midday today, with implementation beginning over the weekend. Trumps role in securing the agreement has been widely credited, particularly his close coordination with regional actors and pressure applied on both sides. His administrations efforts were led by Jared Kushner, who was previously involved in the Abraham Accords, and Steve Witkoff, Trumps special envoy. Both Kushner and Witkoff met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to draft the 20-point proposal underpinning the deal. ALL hostages to be released very soon! https://t.co/tmNrNaQwxi pic.twitter.com/XGjfj9Wm65 The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 8, 2025 Trump thanked the leaders of Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for their roles in the mediation process, which culminated in talks hosted by Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi at the Sharm el-Sheikh resort. Qatars Prime Minister and the head of Turkish intelligence were also central figures in the negotiations. Trump hinted at a possible visit to the region in the coming days. Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomed the agreement, describing it as a significant moment for Israel and expressing gratitude to Trump and his team. He also confirmed that the Israeli cabinet would be convened to formally approve the deal. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the deal and called for full compliance from both Israel and Hamas. He also demanded immediate delivery of humanitarian supplies. The next challenges include the disarmament of Hamas and setting up a governance structure for Gaza. Israel is unlikely to permit Hamas to retain its weapons or remain in power in Gaza. Such concerns could hurt the long-term viability of the peace process and any potential political resolution. Israeli air and ground operations in Gaza have not yet stopped completely. Although some reports indicated a slight reduction in intensity, the attacks are going on. Hamas has put the responsibility on Trump and the international mediators to make sure that Israel honoured all clauses of the agreement. Absolute mistrust between the two sides and the historical nature of the conflict would mean that the full implementation of the deal will face significant hurdles in the days ahead. A Pakistan Army major was killed in action during an anti-terrorist operation carried out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Dera Ismail Khan district, reports said on Thursday. Quoting the Pakistan Army's military wing, the country's mainstream media reported that seven "India-backed" terrorists were neutralised in the operation. President Asif Ali Zardari lauded the security forces successful operation in Daraban, D.I. Khan, and paid rich tribute to Major Sibtain Haider for his valour and sacrifice, saying the nations resolve to end terrorism remains unshakable. The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) October 9, 2025 According to the reports, the slain officer was Major Sibtain Haider, who hailed from Quetta district. He was reportedly leading a group of soldiers who led the operation when he was taken out by the enemy. The operation came just a day after 11 security personnel, including a lieutenant colonel and a major, were killed in a gunfight with TTP militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Orakzai district. 19 militants were reportedly neutralised during the fighting. A proud son of Balochistan Major Sibtain Haider embraced martyrdom fighting terrorists. His sacrifice is a shining example of courage and patriotism. May Allah elevate his ranks among the martyrs.#MajorSibtainHaider #Shaheed #PakistanArmy #Balochistan #PrideOfPakistan pic.twitter.com/I54j2PlBEH Senator Danesh Kumar Palyani (@palyani) October 9, 2025 The intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan district was launched after the presence of Fitna al Khwarij or Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists was confirmed, The Dawn said in a report. Pakistan maintains that the banned organisation is an Indian proxy. "The security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave sons further strengthen our resolve," The Dawn quoted an ISPR statement as saying. In a similar statement released earlier, the ISPR had announced the Pak military's resolve to pursue "comprehensive counterterrorism operations across all domains to continue to dismantle the networks of Indian-sponsored terror proxies". Pakistan has seen a surge in militant attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, after the banned TTP called off its ceasefire with the government in November 2022 and vowed to target security forces, police, and law enforcement agencies. Just two days before the Nobel Prize Committee is set to announce the prestigious winner of the Peace Prize, US President Donald Trump rushed to unveil the Israel-Hamas peace deal, which will allow the release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza and some Palestinian prisoners, along with the Israeli withdrawal to an agreed point. The much-awaited peace deal is a monumental decision that was welcomed by both sides, though with cautious optimism. But, Trump didnt waste time trying to brandish it as his own efforts, emphasising his self-proclaimed peacemaker image. This has raised questions about whether it will earn Trump the coveted Nobel Prize. However, his role in Gaza peace talks is unlikely to impact this years award prospects. According to the Nobel Prize Committees norms, nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize are only valid if submitted by 11:59 p.m. CET (Central European Time) on January 31st each year. Any nomination that comes after is generally excluded from that years review process and typically deferred to the following years evaluation. For the same reason, the diplomatic mediation efforts President Donald Trump has achieved since his inauguration on January 20th of this yearor the dramatic Gaza agreement reached just before the Nobel announcement on October 8thare unlikely to be included in the official 2025 Nobel Peace Prize evaluation. That said, even Trump critics believe his efforts to end the Gaza war could work in his favour. The US Presidents earlier efforts, wherein he boasted of having ended seven conflicts, including the India-Pakistan conflict, have been met with mockery, including from the Indian side. Trumps Nobel ambitions That said, Trump wasted no time in announcing to the world about the deal. Though it was his Truth Social post that first told the world about the deal, reporters caught a whiff of it at the roundtable event at the White House. Trump was attending the event when Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave him a hastily handwritten note. Trump is forced to end a roubtable discussion after receiving news from Marco Rubio that a peace deal in Gaza is at our fingertips and they need him to close the deal. Theyre going to need me pretty quickly. Hardest working president in history. pic.twitter.com/EN46ymVJvR johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) October 8, 2025 Attorney General Pam Bondi was talking when Rubio handed Trump the note. After looking at the note, Trump called Rubio over, who was seen whispering something in the Presidents ear. The content of the note was revealed later: We need you to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce the deal first. Trump told the assembled media, OK, I was just given a note by the secretary of state saying, were very close to a deal in the Middle East and theyre gonna need me pretty quickly. Trumps lobbying for the big prize has even caught the attention of Asle Toje, deputy leader of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, who said, Some candidates were pushing for it really hard. We do not like it. We are used to work in a locked room without being attempted to be influenced. It is hard enough as it is to reach an agreement among ourselves, without having more people trying to influence us, Toje told Reuters. Experts believe Trumps track record isnt compatible with the principles of the Nobel Peace Prize. No, it will not be Trump this year, Peter Wallensteen, a Swedish professor of international affairs, told AFP. He added that the impact of Trumps initiatives, including his Gaza proposal, remains highly contested. PYONGYANG, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has called on his country to accelerate efforts toward a comprehensive transformation in the next 10 years, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Thursday. Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, made the remarks at a speech during his visit to the Party Founding Museum on Wednesday ahead of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the WPK. Having etched the socialist ideology in its guiding ideology since its founding, the WPK has remained faithful to its ideals and paved an original way for advancing socialist construction in the arduous and complicated course of history, Kim was quoted as saying by the KCNA. The WPK has formed its own revolutionary traditions through turning adversity and ordeals into victory, the DPRK leader said. The WPK has followed a new trajectory to achieve the comprehensive development of socialism since its eighth Party Congress, Kim said. "We should innovate at a much faster pace than now; we should adopt a bolder approach and make redoubled, devoted efforts to transform all realms, all sectors and all regions in a decade," he said. Militants are giving hell to Pakistan's security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as several soldiers have lost their lives in relentless ambushes in recent days. Not long after an Army Major was killed during an operation against the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Dera Ismail Khan, a police officer on guard at a checkpoint in the same district was also killed in an attack by the group, Pakistan media reports said. The attacks in Dera Ismail Khan district were reported a day after 11 security personnel, including a lieutenant colonel and a major, were killed in a gunfight with TTP militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Orakzai district. BREAKING : Baloch fighters have launched a special operation against Pakistani Punjabi Forces in Garok Dam area of Kharan, Balochistan. 7 groups of fighters attacked 7 positions of Pakistani forces at the same time & eliminated at least 24 occupiers. (Local Sources) pic.twitter.com/mYvGbrF5NX Baba Banaras (@RealBababanaras) October 8, 2025 Police and security personnel have come under fire in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Bannu, Peshawar, Karak, Lakki Marwat and Bajaur region in recent days, Pakistan media reports said. In the latest attack, a police checkpoint in Khutti area was surrounded and attacked by the TTP militia, The Dawn said in a report. Ahmed Nawaz, who was the checkpoint in charge during the attack on Wednesday late evening, was seriously injured during the attack and succumbed to his injuries later in the hospital, the daily added. Major Sibtain Haider was killed during an intelligence-based operation against the TTP that is sometimes called the Fitna al Khwarij. Five terrorists were killed as the gunbattle resumed, reports had said. Pakistan has seen a surge in militant attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, after the banned TTP called off its ceasefire with the government in November 2022 and vowed to target security forces, police, and law enforcement agencies. In another development, at least six people, including drivers of a petroleum company and irrigation department officials, were abducted by unidentified men on Thursday. The abductions were made in two separate incidents in Bannu district, bordering North Waziristan, on Wednesday. Four drivers of a petroleum company were abducted along with four trucks from the Baka Khel area. According to data obtained from the Bannu district administration, 23 people have been kidnapped in the district in the last one and a half months, reported news agency PTI. The gravitational pull of Generation Y the millennials towards fintech sites such as Revolut, Wise, Monzo, Robinhood and Nutmeg (now under the Chase banner) is often attributed to their tech-savvy skills. Maybe. But this fresh band of financial providers, and online banks such as Atom and Shawbrook, also offer a digital alternative to distrusted bigger financial players. Britain has been up to its neck in financial mis-selling scandals for more than a quarter of a century. Among the most prominent have been endowments, wrongfully sold private pensions, payment protection insurance (PPI) and, now, the car finance swindle. All have had corporate and economic consequences. The endowment selling scandal of the 1980s and 1990s cost Britains life insurers up to 40billion. It played a big role in the destruction of an industry, with the demise of Equitable Life, the transformation of the Prudential into an Asian insurer and the roll-up of most of the life providers into Resolution and Phoenix, which recently rebranded itself as Standard Life. Bad deals: Millions of consumers could be eligible for 700 payouts after City watchdog The Financial Conduct Authority set out compensation plans for the car finance scandal As an economic phenomenon the financial sector has effectively been offering its own version of quantitative easing or helicopter money with PPI alone gifting back 53billion to consumers. By these standards, the estimated payout of 11billion to car buyers who suffered an injustice is relatively small. Hidden commissions were paid by financial suppliers, such as Lloyds Bank and Close Brothers, two of the more-recognised offenders, which should have known better. Once the barrel starts rolling one never quite knows where the final bill will end up. Initial reaction from FTSE investors was to mark up the shares of Lloyds, Barclays et al in a minor relief rally. The sums involved do not look existential, as with previous episodes. Yet none of this is risk-free. There is a steady erosion of confidence in our high street banks. Branch closures are a particular irritant. Barely a day passes without a letter or email of complaint from readers fearful of the impact of closures on them personally, local business and high streets. One complainant wrote to Paul Thwaite, the chief executive of NatWest, in August asking for a stay of execution for the historic Abingdon branch. The outlet closed its doors last month with no reply from Thwaite and barely an explanation from a junior executive. A scandal over car finance should not have come as a great shock to anyone. Second-hand car dealers often are shorthand for financial hooliganism. New car buying is fiendishly complex, with leasing deals, deposits that vanish in a cloud of smoke and re-leasing piling up the monthly charges. A clean-up has been long overdue and more vulnerable customers, the uninitiated first-time purchaser, the elderly and the less financially literate, have been easy marks. Even those of us who abhor the compensation culture have reason to be sympathetic to victims who signed up to 14.2m bad deals between 2007 and 2024. We can be thankful that new ways of buying and selling second-hand cars, such as We Buy Any Car owned by Constellation, offer a more transparent way of doing business. If you cannot trust regulated suppliers of credit to be up-front and honest with customers, then the nation is really lost. There will be consequences for the economy. Showering 700 on affected individuals should provide a boost to consumers in much the same way that Trumps cheques to US taxpayers in Covid helped people get through. The banks have been campaigning heavily against the idea of an increase in the current levy on profits from 2 per cent to a higher figure of, say, 5 per cent in the upcoming Budget. Their principal argument is that it could put a crimp in their ability to lend at a time when Chancellor Rachel Reeves is desperate for growth. The riposte to that is the banks, through bad faith with car buyers, have betrayed trust once bestowed on them by the public. If the profits spew out so generously that they can afford to buy back their own shares, then it should be a payback moment for working people. GENEVA, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Experts from the satellite and space industry, along with regulatory professionals, discussed the most pressing challenges at the "Space Sustainability Forum 2025" which concluded on Wednesday in Geneva. They shared innovative solutions for the future of space-based systems and exploration, and called for enhanced coordination, management, and rule-making for spectrum and orbital resources at the two-day forum. At the event hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations agency, key topics included managing satellite constellations, advancing exploration from Low Earth Orbit to the Moon, and achieving effective Space and Spectrum Situational Awareness (S3A) as a critical element for mission success, security, and sustainability of space radiocommunication systems, as well as improving space resilience. "Requests for spectrum and orbit resources have multiplied 5.5 times over the past decade ... with corresponding challenges of space sustainability also growing," said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin in her opening remarks. "Constellations, at scale ... require coordination at scale -- from disciplined submissions and early bilateral work to credible follow-through," she said, calling on all concerned sides to work together to "uphold our responsibility as stewards of spectrum on Earth and in space" and "to keep the process fair and to keep the orbital and spectrum environment usable for all." During a panel discussion, constellation system operators called for effective international rules and mechanisms to promote space sustainability. Jing Chen, senior director of the Spectrum and Orbit Resources Center of China Satellite Network Group Co. Ltd., said that frequent satellite launches, orbit upgrades, orbit maintenance, and deorbiting operations not only require consideration of collision avoidance with space debris constellations, but also collision avoidance between constellations. Chen urged satellite operators to coordinate their orbits with each other, reserve orbit layer isolation, and consider active collision avoidance capability configuration when the system is involved. She said it is urgent to further establish and improve international rules for space traffic management that are adapted to the current situation, so as to better ensure the safety of space asset operations. "This forum has shown that space sustainability is not just a technical issue. It's a global public good, essential for sustainable development, climate action, education, and safety," said ITU Deputy Secretary-General Tomas Lamanauskas at the forum's closing. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, shakes hands with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani before attending the 12th Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee in Rome, Italy, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) ROME, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- China-Italy cooperation is full of highlights and mutually beneficial, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Wednesday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when attending the 12th Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, where he spoke highly of the achievements of China-Italy cooperation across various fields in his concluding remarks. Wang noted that China and Italy have actively implemented the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries since last year. Taking the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy this year as an opportunity, the two countries have steadily expanded practical cooperation in various fields, with numerous highlights. The China-Italy Lin-gang Innovation Cooperation Park has been initially completed, the two sides jointly launched the Zhangheng 1-02 electromagnetic monitoring satellite, the double taxation agreement between China and Italy officially took effect, both sides have supported each other in promoting enterprises, and more than 70 Italian companies will participate in the 8th China International Import Expo, said Wang. The two countries have launched the first batch of four classic literary works for mutual translation, over ten outstanding Chinese and Italian films have been screened in both countries, Shanghai and Shenzhen have respectively held twin-city events with Milan -- the fashion design forum and the lifestyle week. China has implemented a unilateral visa-free policy for Italian citizens and will continue to extend it, welcoming more Italian friends to enjoy a spontaneous "journey to China", he added. Wang said that China and Italy are two major economies that support free trade, two major forces that safeguard multilateralism, and two ancient civilizations that advocate exchanges and mutual learning. In a world facing complex and intertwined changes, Wang called for China and Italy to demonstrate their sense of responsibility and commitment, follow the trend of the times, always trust each other, and achieve mutual success. Both sides should uphold an open spirit to expand and optimize practical cooperation, and make greater contributions to their respective economic development and the well-being of the two peoples with rich cooperation achievements, Wang said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the 12th Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani in Rome, Italy, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) SAO PAULO, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed and eight others injured on Wednesday when an upscale restaurant's roof collapsed in downtown Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city, according to the Fire Department. The fatal victim was a female restaurant employee, who was trapped under the rubble for three hours, said the department. Emergency workers rescued five people from the rubble within two hours of the collapse of the roof and part of the structure of the restaurant. Of the eight injured, four were taken to hospitals for treatment. The Sao Paulo Security Secretariat initially suspected a gas explosion caused the collapse but later ruled it out, saying only a partial mezzanine collapse occurred and the cause remains under investigation. At the time of the collapse, 20 people were inside the eatery, a survivor told local media. VILNIUS, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- After decades of decline, suicides in Lithuania have risen slightly over the past two years, with older adults particularly affected, according to the Hygiene Institute. Last year, 566 people died by suicide, up from 562 the previous year, and 527 in 2022. Suicide rates in Lithuania remain among the highest in the European Union(EU), nearly double the EU average, at 19.6 per 100,000 residents in both 2023 and 2024, Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) reported on Thursday. "Statistics show that suicides have declined in all age groups over the last few decades, but the decrease has been slowest in the 65+ age group," said Paulius Skruibis, director of Vilnius University's Suicidology Research Centre. "This group now has the highest relative number of suicides." Volunteers with Sidabrine Linija (Silver Line), a senior support line, connect with about 8,000 older adults, offering companionship and emotional support. Coordinator Ieva Cerbuleniene said many call simply to form a human connection, often because they live alone, have limited mobility, or have lost family members or friends. More than half of older people have felt lonely at least once, she said. "If a person loses their job due to age, develops an illness, or loses loved ones, it can trigger feelings of despair and uncertainty about life." She added that many older adults choose to endure their pain silently, which can lead to suicidal thoughts. Jekaterina Rojaka, chair of the Parliament's Suicide and Violence Prevention Commission, said financial difficulties, poverty, job loss, and family losses can contribute to suicides among retirees. The Health Ministry has expanded access to mental health services. Individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts can now receive same-day consultations with psychologists at polyclinics. Family members can call 112 if someone is in crisis. Skruibis noted that over the past decade, suicide rates had been steadily falling, but the recent halt is concerning. "It's encouraging that rates dropped over several decades, but the current level remains several times higher than the EU average," he said. Rojaka added that cultural factors, slower implementation of intensive emotional support programs, financial difficulties, and substance abuse contribute to the ongoing risk, emphasising the need for continued attention at both local and national levels. We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please visit my profile to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, disable notifications and hide this message. By Nazrin Abdul The Baku Fintech Forum 2025 has officially opened, bringing together leading voices from the global financial technology ecosystem. Organized by the Azerbaijan Fintech Association (AzFina) in partnership with the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan Banks Association, the forum serves as a key platform for discussing the future of financial technologies. The event has attracted participants from numerous countries, including representatives of international financial institutions, fintech companies, banks, and other financial organizations. Today's agenda focuses on Open Banking a transformative development in the financial services industry that promises to enhance connectivity, transparency, and customer control. In the second panel session, titled "Open Banking A New Era of Financial Connectivity," key industry leaders will share their insights and experiences. The discussion will be moderated by Mustafa Baltaci, CEO of Cuzdan, and will feature speakers including: Yuliya Salekhova, Deputy Chairwoman of the Association of Payment Organizations of Kazakhstan Fidan Tofidi, Head of Fintech and Innovations Department at the Central Bank of Azerbaijan Edgar Abdullayev, Executive Director of United Payment Rasim Khammadov, CEO of Expresspay Nazrin Ismayilova, Chief Product Officer at Epoint Throughout the forum, local and international experts will engage in discussions on recent innovations in the fintech sector. Participants will also share their forecasts for the industry and exchange views on how fintech is shaping the broader financial landscape. The agenda includes panel discussions on a wide range of topics such as digital payments, artificial intelligence, fraud prevention, and cybersecurity. The forum will also feature the signing of new partnerships, further strengthening collaboration in the fintech sphere. WINDHOEK, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Namibia detected more than a million instances of cyber threats in the first half of the year, prompting the government to take steps to strengthen the country's digital security framework, a senior official has said. Speaking to lawmakers late Wednesday, Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus said data from the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team recorded 1,103,784 instances of cyber threats and 1,090,342 vulnerabilities between January and June this year, the highest figures logged since the national cybersecurity body was established. These statistics underscore the urgency of finalizing comprehensive legislative frameworks to protect personal information and national infrastructure, she said. Namibia is finalizing a Cybercrime Bill, drafted with assistance from UNICEF and incorporating provisions from the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime, as well as a Data Protection Bill that has been reviewed by the Cabinet Committee on Legislation. Both are expected to be tabled during the current parliamentary session. According to Theofelus, the government aims to transition from awareness campaigns to enforcement, ensuring that citizens, organizations, and institutions share responsibility for digital safety. "Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility," she said. "Online crimes should be reported just like crimes in the physical world." Theofelus said Namibia's ongoing digital reforms, including electronic signature regulations and the Access to Information Act, are designed to build citizen trust and foster a safer digital economy. The growing internet penetration and mobile-money use have expanded opportunities for cybercriminals, she said. Tributes have poured in following the heartbreaking death of toddler Theo McEnroe who tragically died following a road traffic incident near his home in Dublin on Tuesday. Little Theo, who is believed to be aged under two, was struck by a vehicle near his home in the Rathmintin area of Jobstown, Tallaght, surrounded by his heartbroken parents Ciara and Shane. READ NEXT: Gardai appeal for help tracing missing 12-year-old boy from Whitehall, Dublin Theo was treated at the scene by the emergency services but he sadly passed away after being taken to hospital. Theo is survived by his heartbroken parents Ciara and Shane, his loving sisters Isabelle and Fiadh, loving grandparents Amanda and Jerry, Linda, Stephen, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family & neighbours. Theo's grief-stricken father, Shane, took to social media to express his sadness saying that it "feels like a bad dream". In the post he said, "My son you are my world my boy. Ill forever love you son I love you so much this feels like a bad dream." Hundreds of messages of support and sympathy were left under the post with people saying, "Ive no words my hearts broken for you," and "My heart is shattered for you Shane & Ciara & the girls, life is just not fair! Rest easy beautiful boy you will be greatly missed beyond words." A candlelit vigil will be held in memory of Theo on Thursday evening in the family's home in Rathmintin where people have been asked to come and "light up the sky for beautiful Theo". READ NEXT: REVEALED: The top three companies Irish consumers complain about the most A statement from the Gardai on Tuesday said, "Gardai and emergency services attended the scene of a fatal road traffic incident outside a residence in Rathmintin, Jobstown, Dublin 24 that occurred at approximately 2pm this afternoon, Tuesday, October 7, 2025. "A male infant was transferred from the scene to Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin, where he was subsequently pronounced deceased. "A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has being appointed to support the family at this time." READ NEXT: People acting 'more and more aggressive' towards bar workers since Covid Funeral Arrangements Baby Theo will be reposing in O'Dwyer & Sons, on Friday from 2pm to 6pm, for family & friends. Funeral will take place on Saturday morning, October 11 at 10am, in Saint Thomas' Church, Jobstown, followed by burial to Newland's Cross. Catherine Connolly has clarified her comments about hiring sex offenders at Aras an Uachtarain. She told reporters on Thursday afternoon she would absolutely not employ someone who had spent more than two years in prison for sexual crimes, meaning they were on the sex offenders list. She was asked the question after it emerged she had recruited a woman convicted of a gun crime to work on an Oireachtas committee. Earlier in the day, Heather Humphreys had said she was shocked by Ms Connollys response to a question about whether or not she would employ a convicted rapist at Aras an Uachtarain. The independent candidate said she would have to think about it during an interview on Newstalks The Hard Shoulder podcast on Wednesday. When asked if she would also have to reflect on the issue, Ms Humphreys replied absolutely not. She said does believe in rehabilitation and that people should get a second chance, but there are different levels of convictions, different levels of crime and she would not employ a convicted rapist at the presidents official residence. Ms Humphreys said she wondered what victims of sexual assault would feel if they thought a convicted rapist could be employed at Aras an Uachtarain by the possible next president of Ireland. The Fine Gael candidate met workers on their lunch breaks at the Mespil Road Lunchtime Market on the bank of the Grand Canal on Thursday afternoon. The presidential hopeful spent much of her time at the campaign stop fielding questions about her political rivals campaign. Reacting to reports former Fine Gael minister Ivan Yates had suggested she smear the bejaysus out of the Independent candidate Ms Connolly, Ms Humphries said: Im basing my campaign on what I want to be as president of this country. Speaking on Newstalks Calling It podcast, Mr Yates said if Fine Gael asked for his advice on her campaign he would go bullheaded because there is nothing to lose. Asked whether her campaign is losing momentum, having spent a week being overshadowed by stories about current and former candidates, Ms Humphreys said: Im happy that Im getting out and about. Im meeting people, Im telling the people of Ireland how I want to represent them, how I want to be a president that unites people. From a friend of the www.TonysKansasCity.com blog . . . A passage from his latest missive stands out from our vantage . . . The quote "But Och! I backward cast my e'e on Prospects drear! an' forward tho' I canna see, I guess an' fear" is from Robert Burns's poem To a Mouse. In these lines, the speaker contrasts his own human anxieties about the past and future with the mouse's simple existence in the present moment, noting his own gloom ("drear") and inability to see the future, which leaves him with only guesses and fears. Meanwhile, here's the word from the longtime local petitioner just for TBT . . . Clay Chastain News Release: Everyone owns a universal sense that detects when they are being unfairly treated - like when Mayor Lucas ordered Chastain silenced, arrested, imprisoned & prosecuted without legal justification - just political cause. During yesterday's Oral Arguments the 3 -Judge Appeals Court Panel appeared stacked against Chastain at the on-set. When Chastain said, "Good morning Your Honors", not one Judge replied back - just unfriendly glares. When Chastain followed with, "Thank you for granting Oral Arguments" not one Judge nodded back - just more unwelcoming glares, and things did not get better. When Chastain began his 10 - minute allotted argument two of the Judges began to interrupt immediately. One Judge in particular continually interrupted Chastain's 10-minute argument & his 3-minute rebuttal. This robbed Chastain from his designated time to make his case, as the presiding Judge failed to compensate Chastain any extra time. That same Judge (incredulously) told Chastain lower court judges don't have to provide any legal reasoning behind their rulings. When Chastain questioned the Judge and said such an empty ruling hampered his ability to appeal that lower court decision... the Judge just shrugged his shoulders. By conspicuous contrast, Lucas' Counsel Read her prepared 10-minute argument to the Court (in an inaudible (to the audience) whisper) without any questions from the Judges & without any interruptions from the Judges..Whatsoever. Perhaps the 3 - Appeals Court Judges will be objective and fair in their ruling...."But Och! I backward cast my e'e on Prospects drear! an' forward tho' I canna see, I guess an' fear". Clay Chastain ########### Developing . . . We've been working a couple of days on this story that seems to be gaining steam behind the scenes. At first, we didn't know how to approach it . . . This one was sent our way kinda like a "clean up" Kansas City and protect local jobs . . . But that kinda thing isn't really very captivating given that TKC never had the energy to be a crusader for anything other than the fight for the right to party with chubby women in their mid-to-late 30s. Instead . . . After asking around . . . We present this post merely as relevant local info that scumbags learn first and journalists have to clean up in order to make it presentable for boomer news readers several weeks later. The basics that will benefit readers, cannabis industry watchers and even local hustlers trying to scrape a few bucks out of the current cash crop boom . . . LEGAL WEED DISPENSARIES PUSH BACK AGAINST KANSAS CITY POP-UP SHOPS SELLING UNLICENSED PRODUCT!!! A bit more insight into how this story evolved . . . Sent our way . . . A number of screenshots of local pop-up venues and even branded illicit product and sophisticated marijuana machinery capable of producing a high volume of cigarettes. Here's the problem . . . TKC isn't so dumb that we're gonna call out drug dealers by name on this silly-a$$ blog. Sorry, but we didn't survive this long to make that kind of rookie mistake. Again, this info is a public service for EVERYONE because the conversation going on behind the scenes actually presents an interesting moral dilemma for those of us concerned with public safety for low-end residents: HOW MUCH SHOULD KANSAS CITY CARE ABOUT PROTECTING LEGAL WEED PROFITS?!? It's fun to write about but we're not sure where it ranks on the list of cowtown priorities . . . Probably somewhere behind promoting the next pop diva show coming to town. However . . . In fairness . . . Legal weed purveyors are now arguing to political leaders that the prevalence of pop-up shops not only undermines their biz but also invites a dangerous black market that could threaten consumers and neighborhoods. That's a legit argument but here's the reality . . . With respect to how so many of our local Irish friends garnered their generational wealth by way of crime . . . JUST LIKE THE OLD SCHOOL DAYS OF PROHIBITION: KANSAS CITY NOW SERVES AS AN "OPEN CITY" FOR ALL MANNER OF WEED!!! The current Missouri legal & regulatory debate is fun for journalists whilst street level locals should understand that laws are always "evolving" and there really isn't any political/moral high ground to achieve when government and sanctioned dealers spar with street level purveyors over weed profits. Developing . . . This one is important because the case argues that late-breaking news re-posted by politicos caused the guy a great deal of misery before his demise . . . Surprisingly, the legal argument persists . . . Meanwhile, the case law is kinda vague and we shouldn't forget that X owner Elon Musk won a defamation case not so long ago when he called one of his critics "pedo guy" amid an intense discussion. Here's local TV news update . . . Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and state Sen. Rick Brattin face allegations that they linked Denton Loudermill to the February shooting on social media and falsely called him an illegal immigrant. Loudermill, who has since died, was born in the United States and was never accused of firing any shots during the rally incident. The two Republican officials had sought to have the case dismissed, but a judge ruled Tuesday that the lawsuit can proceed. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Posted if only because Hong Kong blogging has always been one of our goals and dying whilst being being stomped to death by Chinese lady troopers doesn't seem like such a bad way to go. Sadly . . . It seems like the a crackdown on curmudgeons is underway in the Far East as the global economy continues to sputter . . . Check-it: China's Cyberspace Administration launched a two-month campaign to curb social media posts that "excessively exaggerate negative and pessimistic sentiments". The goal, according to authorities, is to "rectify negative emotions" and "create a more civilised and rational online environment". In the crosshairs are narratives like "studying is useless" and "hard work is useless", as well as stories that promote "world-weariness". China has been grappling with an economic slowdown in the wake of a property crisis, high youth unemployment and cut-throat competition for admission to colleges and jobs - all of which have given rise to a sense of disillusionment among its younger generation. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Thank you for signing up! Youll soon be getting your Toronto scoop in your inbox. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. The open court hearing on criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others, who are accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimesincluding the preparation and conduct of aggressive war, genocide, violation of the laws and customs of waras well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure and retention of power, and numerous other crimes resulting from Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan, continued on October 9, Trend reports. During the court session held at the Baku Military Court, presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev with a panel consisting of Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), each of the accused individuals was provided with an interpreter in their native language, as well as legal representatives for their defense. The session was attended by the accused individuals, their defense counsel, a portion of the victims, their legal heirs and representatives, as well as prosecutors defending the state prosecution. During the court proceedings, documents regarding mercenaries recruited for military operations were presented. In particular, documents received from various state institutions of Azerbaijan were announced, and relevant photographs were displayed. According to a document dated October 24, 2020, during the 44-day Patriotic War, Armenia made significant efforts to recruit foreign nationals into the ranks of its armed forces in Azerbaijan's occupied sovereign territories to compensate for the losses suffered in the battles. Specifically, the Armenian government and Armenian diaspora organizations in third countries issued urgent calls to members of the Armenian community to join the fighting in Azerbaijan's then-occupied territories. Special ticket sales campaigns were organized in foreign countries, and assembly points were designated. As a result, foreign mercenaries from France, the United States, Syria, the Russian Federation, and other countries participated in the military operations taking place in Azerbaijan's then-occupied sovereign territories by Armenia. Military operations also involved recruitment by "VoMA" (a military training center operating in Yerevan), ASALA, and other terrorist organizations. According to another document, the "VoMA" organization was established by Vladimir Vartanov, who maintains close friendly ties with former Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and individuals close to him, as well as with Alek Yenikomshyan, an active member of the ASALA terrorist organization. The organization's military trainings were conducted in the mountainous areas of Armenia's Jermuk and Dilijan districts during winter months, and in the summer in the Kesdag village of Azerbaijan's then-occupied Kalbajar district and in Armenia's Bjni village. The military trainings were led by Armenian citizens Vardan Enokyan, Samvel Galstyan, Bagrat Beglaryan, Artak Bagratyan, Levon Gevorgyan, Badal Safaryan, Gor Melkonyan, Garegin Baghdiyan, and Spartak Hovhannisyan. The group leader was Gevorg Grigoryan, responsible for the accommodation of organization members was Edqar Arshakyan, responsible for food matters was Qosh Galstyan, and the general instructor was Vaginak Vartanov (son of Vladimir Vartanov). Coordination of "VoMA" with Armenians living in the Russian Federation was handled by Tananyan Gayane Arturovna, an honorary member of the Russian representation of the "Yerkrapa" organization and a Russian citizen. The financial resources required for "VoMA"'s activities were mainly formed from donations sent from the Russian Federation, as well as from the United States, France, Austria, and Lebanon, along with assistance from entrepreneurs in Armenia and membership fees from participants. Another document notes that the leader of the "VoMA" organization, Vladimir Vartanov, was born in Yerevan in 1965 and served as an advisor to former Armenian Defense Minister Vazgen Sargsyan in 1992. He supports the Nazi Garegin Nzhdeh's ideology of "the duty of self-defense." It is noted that starting from September 27, 2020, Armenian armed forces actively involved citizens from Lebanon, France, and the United States in battles in the Sugovushan direction. The "volunteer" detachments from foreign countries were led by a Lebanese citizen known by the nickname "Baron Norik." Among them was a Lebanese citizen named Hakop and a U.S. citizen with the same name. French citizen Gilbert Minasyan, who has ties to ASALA, reported sending 15 French citizens of Armenian descent to fight in the then-occupied sovereign territories of Azerbaijan. Foreign citizens including Artur Oganesyan (France), Stefan Keshishyan (Syria), Gevorg Khachyan (Lebanon), Armen Knyazyan (Spain), Arushan Badalyan (USA), and others participated in battles against Azerbaijan as part of the volunteer units. According to the presented document, Armen Knyazyan had friendly relations with Arayik Harutyunyan and also participated in the April 2016 clashes. Armen Artavazd Knyazyan was born in 1974, moved to the Federal Republic of Germany for work, and later to the Kingdom of Spain with his family, where he acquired citizenship. He owns three restaurants named "El Italiano Giorgio" in Lloret de Mar (Girona). When the Patriotic War began in 2020, he came to Azerbaijan's then-occupied territories with his nephews Sarkis and Norik and participated in combat operations as part of the Armenian armed forces. After his death, the puppet regime awarded him the title of "hero." Artur Oganesyan, who came from Marseille, France, participated in combat operations in the Hadrut and Jabrayil districts of Azerbaijan as part of the Armenian armed forces during the 2020 Patriotic War. According to another document, in addition to the Armenian armed forces, mercenaries brought from foreign countries (Syria, Russian Federation, Spain, Canada, France, Greece, Lebanon, Middle East, and Latin American countries) and fighters who are members of various terrorist organizations also participated against the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in Azerbaijan's formerly occupied territories. Previously, such mercenaries were invited to train Armenian military personnel in reconnaissance, sabotage, terrorist operations, and object explosions, but later they were directly involved in combat. Subsequently, documents were presented regarding the shelling of residential areas in the Tovuz and Gazakh districts in July 2020, the killing of five people in a GAZ-53 vehicle in Gulistan village of Goranboy district on August 27, 1992, the shelling of Azerbaijani residents in Gulistan village on September 19 of the same year, the killing of Yagubova Aynur Hashtarkhan gizi, Aslanov Firdovsi Bayram oglu and Aslanov Kamran Ramiz oglu on June 26, 1993, as well as other individuals. The court proceedings will continue on October 10. Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state - including the aforementioned criminal association - on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others. The following individuals - Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, David Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan - are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. The open court hearing on criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others, who are accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimesincluding the preparation and conduct of aggressive war, genocide, violation of the laws and customs of waras well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure and retention of power, and numerous other crimes resulting from Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan, continued on October 9. During the court session held at the Baku Military Court, presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev with a panel consisting of Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), each of the accused individuals was provided with an interpreter in their native language, as well as legal representatives for their defense. The session was attended by the accused individuals, their defense counsel, a portion of the victims, their legal heirs and representatives, as well as prosecutors defending the state prosecution. During the court proceedings, documents regarding mercenaries recruited for military operations were presented. In particular, documents received from various state institutions of Azerbaijan were announced, and relevant photographs were displayed. The court proceedings will continue on October 10. Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state - including the aforementioned criminal association - on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others. The following individuals - Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, David Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan - are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attends a reception held at the Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in Beijing, capital of China, to celebrate the 80th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), Oct. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) BEIJING, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Cai Qi on Thursday attended a reception held at the Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in Beijing to celebrate the 80th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). Cai, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, extended congratulations to the WPK on behalf of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the CPC Central Committee. Cai said that the WPK has a glorious, long-standing revolutionary tradition, and that the socialist cause of the DPRK has shown new vitality and vigor under the leadership of General Secretary Kim Jong Un. China firmly supports the WPK and the DPRK people in following a development path suited to their national conditions, Cai said. China is willing to work with the DPRK to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, strengthen strategic communication, deepen exchange and mutual learning, expand practical cooperation, write a new chapter in China-DPRK relations in the new era, and make positive contributions to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity. DPRK Ambassador to China Ri Ryong Nam said that the DPRK is willing to work with China to steadfastly consolidate and strengthen the traditional DPRK-China friendship, and to promote the development of bilateral relations from a new height. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. 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. The 44-day second Karabakh war ended with the liberation of Azerbaijans territories from nearly 30-year Armenian occupation and the restoration of territorial integrity. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has addressed the nation. Trend presents the nationwide address of the head of state. Nationwide address of President Ilham Aliyev: - Dear fellow compatriots. Today, the victorious Azerbaijani Army liberated several settlements. I heartily congratulate all the people of Azerbaijan on this occasion. I would like to bring to your attention the names of the liberated settlements: Hadrut settlement, Chayli village, Yukhari Guzlak village, Gorazilli village, Gishlag village, Garajalli village, Afandilar village, Suleymanli village, Sur village. The liberation of these villages and the settlement of Hadrut is our historic victory. Azerbaijan is liberating the occupied territories. Good news comes from the frontline almost every day. Every day, our soldiers and officers perform their combat missions with dignity. At the same time, they are capturing more and more commanding positions. They are taking over strategic heights. Thus, the operational plan is being fully implemented. The operational plan is based on modern combat principles. Today, the Azerbaijani Army has a complete advantage on the battlefield both in terms of logistics and combat readiness. Many pieces of the enemys military equipment have been destroyed and seized in today's battles. I can say that the Armenian army has suffered a major blow since 27 September. I would simply like to bring to your attention the list of Armenias destroyed and seized military equipment and hardware 16 command posts, 196 tanks, 38 BM-21, one "Hurricane", 10 self-propelled artillery units, including eight "Acacia", two "Qvozdika", 36 infantry fighting vehicles, 24 artillery batteries, 2 RM or air defense installations, two launch facilities of the "S-300" complex, 25 OSA anti-aircraft missile systems, two "Cube" anti-aircraft missile systems, four "Repellent" radio-technical barrier installation, 136 cannons, 56 mortars, one TOS-1A flame thrower, two radar stations, one "Kalchuga" antenna. In addition, 18 tanks, four artillery pieces, 22 infantry fighting vehicles, 12 mortars, four UAZ trucks, one excavators, 27 "Igla" complexes, one ZIL truck and nine GAZ trucks have been seized. I should also say that not a single piece of military equipment belonging to the Azerbaijani Armed Forces is in the hands of the enemy. The enemy tells tales and lies to his people. They falsify facts, want to deceive their own people, want to deceive the international community saying that they are allegedly attacking us, that they have taken back some of our positions. This is a lie. There is an objective observation of the battles, and any military expert can see that the Azerbaijani Army today has beaten Armenia on the battlefield. The Azerbaijani Army is showing its superiority. Azerbaijani soldiers and officers are showing high moral and psychological qualities, showing high spirits. Because we are fighting on our own land, we are liberating our own lands. Armenian soldiers are occupiers. The land where the battles are going on is not theirs. They are abandoning their positions and running away. However, several layers of a deeply echeloned defense system were established along the line of contact over the past 30 years. Engineering and fortification facilities were built. It is very difficult to break them, to cross them. In some cases, we needed a few days to break through some fortifications. At the same time, we are doing everything to minimize losses. Therefore, in some cases, we strengthened our positions in various directions and then prepared for a new operation so that there is a maximum result and minimum loss. Today, the Azerbaijani flag flies in the liberated lands. Today, Azerbaijani soldiers are guarding the trenches dug by Armenians in our occupied lands we are in their trenches, not them in ours, we are in their posts, we are in their tanks. We are now using the military equipment taken as booty 18 tanks. Their tanks are now fighting them on the battlefield. This is the advantage of the Azerbaijani Army, this is our advantage. Today, we show in open media, on the Internet how accurately and precisely the enemy's equipment is being destroyed. The enemy is in panic, the enemy is hysterical. The leadership of the enemy country is completely at a loss. He regularly calls different countries, heads of state and government of different countries, repeatedly asks for help, begs for help, implores several times a day. He is at their feet. He humiliates himself come and rescue us. The only way to save them is to leave our lands. We have said this many times leave our lands of your own accord. Implement UN Security Council resolutions or you will regret it. Do you think that Azerbaijan will put up with this situation? It will not! I have said this many times. Did you think that the Azerbaijani people would put up with these insults? They wont! I have said this many times. But if you sit on our lands, poison our sacred land and then put forward claims against us look at this impudence! We put them in their place. We showed them where they belong. We are chasing them so badly that they will never forget this sprint. Today, battles are taking place along the entire frontline. Azerbaijan is strengthening its positions in all directions and we are forcing the aggressor to make peace. This is the main purpose of this operation. We have shown them that we are winning on the battlefield, internationally and politically. They saw our strength and they saw our determination. They saw that no force in the world can turn us away from the right path. No country in the world can influence our determination. Whoever else you beg, whoever else you kneel before, whoever else you implore no-one can influence us! We are on the right path, we are winning, we are getting the upper hand and we will take back our lands! We will restore our territorial integrity! But we are giving the occupier probably the last chance to leave our lands. Get out, make a commitment, go back to the negotiations, go back to the format of the negotiations. What does the prime minister of Armenia think of himself? Is it possible to talk to us in this way? Now he knows his place. By saying that "Karabakh is Armenia" Karabakh will never become Armenia. Let's see whether he can say that "Karabakh is Armenia" now. He can't even speak now. Their foreign minister has had to go to Moscow for talks now. Let him say "Karabakh is Armenia" there. If he says such a thing, there can be no talks. I said that no-one can force us. He said we should negotiate with the bandit leader of the criminal "Nagorno-Karabakh republic". We can never agree to this and this will never happen. Therefore, the events that took place in the political sphere yesterday and the day before yesterday show that the Armenian leadership has finally begun to realize, after receiving a major blow to the head, that it will only do what we tell them to do. Whatever we say will happen. We are giving him a chance to leave our land through negotiations and peace. We will return to these lands anyway. We will restore our territorial integrity. The whole world saw that, including Armenia. We dont want bloodshed. We dont want martyrs. We want our lands back. Get out of our land! Go and live in your own country. We will get our lands back! Therefore, they should not miss this historic opportunity. I think that today's meeting in Moscow will clarify many things. They must accept the basic principles. However, Pashinyan said he did not accept them. He said that he would not give back an inch of land to Azerbaijan. What happened?! Why cant you hold on to these lands? Why cant you? What happened? Why did you run away? Now you are kneeling before others, humiliating yourself and humiliating your people. You have brought your country to level zero. He said he would not give back these lands. Who is even going to ask you whether you will give it back or not?! We came and took it, and that is all. We will take as much as we need, if we want, we will take more. As we could have done in July. I have talked about that. In July, we could easily move into the territory of Armenia and occupy lands. No-one could have stopped us. These battles are proving that. We didn't do that. I didn't! However, our army was ready for that. I did not let them because there is a political will. We act within the law. We dont set our sights on the lands of other countries but we will not give our land to anyone either. So what happened, Pashinyan? You said that the Nagorno-Karabakh republic" covers all the occupied territories. So come and defend them now. Why are you running to Moscow? Why do you keep calling and annoying world leaders? Who did you not call? Who did you not annoy? I would advise him to call shamans. Let them help him. Or call a chief of a tribe living on a remote island and he will save his life. As they say, he has become a joke character. Open up and scroll through social networks. People are making fun of you and circulating jokes. There has never been anyone in the world who would humiliate his country so much. Why? Because he cannot come and sit on someone else's land and keep it. That is why I turn to the people of Azerbaijan and say that we will take our lands back. I remember the leader of the gang illegally living in Nagorno-Karabakh and soon to be thrown out of there conducting a "swearing-in" ceremony in Shusha. At that time, this reverberated a lot in Azerbaijani society. It had a major impact. We took it as an insult all of us without exception. I remember also receiving calls that we should not allow this to happen, that we should bomb and destroy it. Of course, I could not go for that. Because our war is not against civilians. Unlike Armenia, we do not fire on civilians. But we have not forgotten that. Now let him go and look at the building where he was sworn in. See what state it is in now. We know what to do and when. Therefore, our successful operation today has led to great results. I know what to do, how and when. The Azerbaijani people believe in me. Relying on this trust, I also take all necessary measures, run our country with confidence in all areas, including army building. I want to touch upon another issue. The people of Azerbaijan have repeatedly heard from mediators and leaders of some international organizations that there is no military solution to this conflict. I said that I do not agree with this thesis, and I was right. I was! Negotiations have been going on for about 30 years. Has the issue moved off the ground? Has a centimeter of land been given to us through negotiations? Did they force the aggressor to leave our land and implement the UN Security Council resolutions? No! How is this problem being resolved now? Isn't this a military way? This issue is being resolved by military means. Military and then political. If this operation had not taken place, if we had not inflicted the necessary blows on the aggressor, if we had not taught them a lesson, would they have fled to Moscow to negotiate?! He would be satisfied and keep saying that we will not give back the land. We have forced them. We have brought them to such a state that they are looking for a place to hide but cannot find it. They are sitting tight-lipped like mice, keeping silence. So where is your persistence? Where is your arrogance? Where is your "heroism"? You said that "Karabakh is Armenia". Karabakh is Azerbaijan. Everyone should know this, including those in charge of Armenia today. I tell them again that if they commit fraud again after the Moscow talks, they will regret it. We will take back our lands peacefully or through war. There is no question about that! We want to organize it peacefully, we want to do it peacefully. We give Armenia one last chance, one last chance! They shouldnt rely on anyone. No-one will help them. Armenia is powerless before us. Armenia is on its knees before us. We have brought them to their knees for the souls of our martyrs. The blood of our martyrs did not remain unavenged. I have repeatedly said in meetings with representatives of the families of martyrs and parents of martyrs that we will take revenge. The blood of our martyrs will not remain on the ground. We do not want blood. We want our lands to be given back to us. Let them not delay this issue any longer. There is no such thing as status-quo. It is over. The status quo should be like this or like that. I have changed the status quo, I have changed it! There, on the battlefield. There is no status quo. There is no line of contact. We smashed it. They had been building this line of contact for 30 years. The terrain in that region is a natural fortification. We are going from the bottom up. In fact, they were building concrete fortifications there for 30 years. We broke through. No-one can do anything where there is an Azerbaijani soldier. We have destroyed that line of contact today. There is no line of contact. Now they are saying there will be a new line of contact. It will not happen! We will take back our lands. What line of contact can we talk about now? No, we have destroyed it, we have done that, we have shown determination, we have shown strength, we have relied on the will of our people and today we are winning. We are winning a historic victory! This victory is the brightest victory among the victories of the Azerbaijani people. These victories will be continued in the future. We will liberate our lands and restore our territorial integrity! We will drive the enemy away. I know that the people of Azerbaijan liked my words. We will drive them away to the very end. Our flag will be raised in all occupied territories and the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan will be restored. Long live the Azerbaijani Army! Karabakh is Azerbaijan! BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. 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. The 44-day second Karabakh war ended with the liberation of Azerbaijans territories from nearly 30-year Armenian occupation and the restoration of territorial integrity. "The Connect World" program of CNN International TV channel has broadcast an interview with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. Trend presents the interview. -Sir, I spoke to the President of Armenia, and he told me that this conflict is dramatically different from the previous clashes, because of the open support that Turkey is providing Azerbaijan. Specifically, he told me this. Turkey with its military officials, generals, mercenaries, terroristic jihadists brought in thousands to Azerbaijan to fight Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkey with his military might pretending they are there in order to protect some international logistic structures. Are there any Turkish forces or Turkish equipment in Azerbaijan right now sir? -Turkish equipment yes, Turkish forces no. And frankly speaking, I regret that Armenian president is using this opportunity to address the world through CNN to spread rumors. I cannot call it otherwise, because what he said as you presented to me I didnt see his presentation but what I heard from you is absolutely wrong. It is false information. Turkey is supporting us, but this is a political support. This is a diplomatic support, and if not for this support if not for very open position of the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan saying that Azerbaijan is not alone, Turkey is with Azerbaijan, probably today Armenia would have achieved its goal, which is actually to spread the geography of this conflict and to involve as many countries as possible so these countries help them on the battlefield. And I would also like to remind Armenian president who was behind Armenia when Armenia in the beginning of 90s was occupying our territories We have enough evidences who was helping them to occupy our territories. Therefore, from Armenian side to say that somebody is helping Azerbaijan is absolutely wrong, is false information and we reject it. -You have said that there is Turkish equipment in Azerbaijan. What Turkish equipment sir? -Weapons, Turkish weapons, not only Turkish weapons, Russian weapons, Israeli weapons, Belarusian weapons, Ukrainian weapons, you name it. Because today the geography of our purchases of military equipment is getting broader and broader, and we pay for that. If you look how Armenia gets their weapons and from where, you will see that they could not afford to pay for those weapons which they have, because thats billions of dollars. For a poor country its impossible. They get weapons free of charge from their ally, we get weapons paying for them. -Okay, let me put this to you sir. We have seen satellite imagery that would suggest Turkish F-16s are on at least one of your bases. You havent bought F-16s. So, is that correct? Are there F-16s on the ground that would suggest significant support for Azerbaijan? -I agree with you when you say on the ground. F-16s came to Azerbaijan for military exercise. Last year Azerbaijan and Turkey had ten joint military exercises. Turkey is our ally and it is common here to have military exercises, including air force. By the way this year due to the pandemic we had only two military exercises. One of them was just before the Armenian attack on Azerbaijan happened. So F-16s are on the ground, they are not flying. They are not in any way participating in any kind of battle. And by the way -You are categorical about that. That F-16s are not in use. -I am categorical and even more I want to tell you about one Armenian fake in the first days of the clashes they said that Turkish F-16 shot down Armenian SU-25. This is fake and those who are accusing us of this now should apologize. Because everybody knows that this is a fake. F-16s are here, but they are on the ground as you correctly mentioned. -OSCEs Minsk Group which has sought a solution to this long-standing dispute since the 1990s is co-chaired by France, by the US and by Russia. The French foreign minister has specifically warned that Turkeys backing of Azerbaijan risks fueling the internationalization of this conflict. You say you are supported by Turkey. But what do you say to the French when they say this support risks this conflict getting worse? -I do not agree with that. As I said, Turkey plays a stabilizing role in the region and in particular in the situation with respect to Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Every country can afford to have a partner, and an ally. And Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani people are happy to have such a partner, such an ally and such a brother like Turkey. We do not object when Armenia considers France their ally and France is a country which at this moment supports most of all Armenia. At the same time we see that its up to countries themselves to choose allies. For instance, French foreign minister is not concerned about Russia supporting Armenia with weapons free of charge and he doesnt think that it is internationalization of the conflict. But when Turkey expresses legitimate, political support it becomes a concern and I, frankly speaking, cannot understand that how one NATO country can act in such a way against another NATO country? NATO members are supposed to be allies. But we dont see it. -Can you explicitly lay out the goals of your campaign at present? Our goal is to defend our people, to defend our country and to defend our right to live on our land. It was Armenia who on September 27th launched an artillery attack on Azerbaijani military position and on our villages and cities. During these days of clashes we have 31 victims among civilians, almost 200 wounded, and more than 1,000 houses demolished, or seriously damaged by Armenian army. We had to respond, had to defend ourselves. Our respond was very sensitive to Armenia, was very painful. They suffer very serious defeat, they run away from us, we liberate part of our territory, we install our national flag on the occupied territories, we restore our territorial integrity and we are right. We are fighting on our soil, Armenia is fighting on the soil of another country. -How many military casualties have you sustained sir? -With respect to military casualties I already referred to that, we will disclose this information after the active phase of the clashes is over. Do you intend to retake all of Nagorno-Karabakh, all disputed lands? -We are talking about Nagorno-Karabakh and seven districts which surround former Nagorno-Karabakh autonomous district. Because Armenia not only occupied Nagorno-Karabakh and expelled all Azerbaijanis who were about 25 percent of the population of autonomous district but also occupied seven districts of Azerbaijan with the population of 700,000 people. So, our main objective is to liberate those territories and to allow Azerbaijani refugees and internally displaced persons to go back. As far as Nagorno-Karabakh is concerned we think and that was officially declared many times that after the war is over, after occupational forces are withdrawn, Armenians and Azerbaijanis in Nagorno-Karabakh will live side-by-side as in any other country with a multi-ethnic population, and one day, I am sure, they will again become good neighbors to each other. -The Armenian president told me that your demand that Armenia set a time-table for withdrawing troops should be put to the "Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh" because your dispute is with them. He added though that in Nagorno-Karabakh 95 percent of the population were Armenians, because they are living there for thousands of years. You say that Karabakh is Azerbaijan. But how would you address the fears of ethnic-Armenians there? -First of all -Hold on sir, that they might be ethnically cleansed if the government of Azerbaijan retakes the territory. -I understand, today in Azerbaijan thousands of Armenians live in different cities of our country primarily in the capital city of Baku. One of the Armenian long-range destructive missile, Smerch, which they use to attack our second largest city of Ganja hit the house of native Armenian woman. So, today in Azerbaijan there are thousands of Armenians who live in peace, and dignity. But in Armenia, all Azerbaijanis have been expelled. Armenias population is 99 percent Armenians. They committed ethnic cleansing against us. What Armenian president said, he is lying again. Today it is not 95 percent, today it is 100 percent Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, because 25 percent of Azerbaijanis who lived there were ethnically cleansed by the Armenian regime. I regret that such a person with such an important position is spreading lies. Look in the internet, look at Kurekchay Peace Agreement, which was signed in the beginning of the 19th century, between Azerbaijani khan of Karabakh and Russian general. Nothing is said about Armenian population. Armenian population was resettled to our land by Russian Empire in order to change the religious composition of the region after the Russo-Persian wars. This is a historical fact and what Armenian president says is fake, absolutely fake. -I must point out that as you suggest that the Armenian president is spreading lies and fake information so he has said the same thing about Azerbaijan and yourself. -Look at the internet, look at the documents and you will see who is telling the truth and who is lying. -I have to make the point that each side is trading insults at this point. How would Azerbaijan accept international mediation and stop military action? What are your bottom lines here? -We have international mediation for 28 years. OSCE Minsk Group is in "action", actually is passive form for 28 years since 1992 and this mediation led to nothing. This mediation led to what is happening today. This mediation was not enough in order to press Armenia to leave the territories which do not belong to them. -Have you been in touch with Washington on this? I mean what is the Trump administration telling you? US, of course, is one of the co-chairs of the Minsk Group. -We have very diverse relations with the United States, relations are developing very successfully in many areas. As far as Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is concerned, three countries of the Minsk Group co-chairs have the same right and the same responsibility to mediate and when representatives from these countries come, they come altogether, representatives of three countries. Therefore, there is no distinction in their performance. But of course we understand that some countries are more pro-Armenian some countries are even more pro-Armenian. -So, can I just ask you who are you speaking to in Washington? Is it state or is it the Trump administration? The Armenian president certainly told us that they have spoken to Robert OBrien, for example. -Well, Armenian prime minister I think the only person whom he did not speak during these days is a head of a tribe in some far away you know remote island. He called everyone. He called President Putin five times, he called President Macron, I dont know four times. He called Chancellor Merkel. The only one left is a tribal chief. I advice to call him and to complain on Azerbaijan and to send some people from his tribe to help poor poor Armenia whom Azerbaijan is destroying. -So, that wasnt the question, the question was who are you speaking to in Washington is it the state or is it the Trump administration? -We speak with administration, we speak to State Department. Actually, they contacted us. I gave instructions to our foreign ministry, to my administration to be in touch with all those who call us, who want to express their position and express their view on how to move forward. But it is actually doesnt make any difference whether it is State Department or White House because for us it is US Administration anyway. -Whats the position as you understand it in Washington? -The position in Washington is not different from the position of other co-chairs. They are supporting the principles based on which the solution must be found. It is Armenia who is against those principles. Those principles say that territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh should be returned to Azerbaijan in time and when you were referring to my statement time-table, that is exactly what is in the documents. It is not me who invented them. It is Armenia who is against. -Lets have a look at Russias position then, because it is not clear to me what Washingtons position is from what we have just discussed. But lets have a look at Russias position. Let me play out some sound from the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. He said we remain deeply concerned by the situation in the region and we believe that the sides must stop the fire and come to the negotiating table. They are asking that you go to the negotiating table. The Russian president has described the fighting as a tragedy. You personally spoke to Vladimir Putin as I understand it on Wednesday. What did he tell you? What are Russias red lines here? -I called President Putin in order to congratulate him on the occasion of his birthday on the 7th of October. I do it every year and so does he. So every year we congratulate each other on our birthdays. And that was a coincidence that his birthday is coincided with the events. Therefore, of course, we discussed this issue and our press service has issued a press-release about that, I think it will not be right for me to say something more than it was released in the press. -I wish you would, I mean are you prepared to defy Moscows appeal? For peace talks? -We are for peace talks. If you allow me, I will just give you two examples. Azerbaijan is a constructive partner to negotiation table. We think that the principles which have been elaborated by the United States, Russia and France should be basis for settlement. Armenian President rejects them, I am sorry, Armenian prime minister rejects them. Because the person who is in charge in Armenia is not a president, but prime minister, and with whom I had negotiations. So he said that "Karabakh is Armenia". That makes negotiations senseless. Because how you can say "Karabakh is Armenia" and negotiate to return the territories back? He said Azerbaijan should negotiate not with Armenia, but with Nagorno-Karabakh which is a change of format. So we are ready for negotiations if Armenian prime minister returns back from the skies where he is flying, back to earth. -That is not the position, as I understand it, from the Russians who said both sides must stop the fire and come to the negotiating table. -Those who started fire, should stop first and we will do the same. But to go back to negotiation table. Pashinyan regime did everything to destroy negotiations. They made the statement, they attacked us in July, they attacked us in August, they attacked us in September. They do everything in order to disrupt negotiations. We are ready. But they are not. If you wont stop, and they wont stop. What happens next? Where does this leave the conflict which so many people are now concerned could escalate into much wider, regional war? -It should not escalate wider, I call all the countries to stay away from this situation. It is our bilateral issue with Armenia. Mediators they have, they have their mandate. Their mandate is not to interfere on the ground, their mandate is to facilitate to find the solution. So, they will continue, I am sure within the framework of their mandate. Armenians' attempt to make this conflict international is very counter-productive, destructive and dangerous for many countries. So, Armenia should understand that occupation cannot last forever. Status quo must be changed. And by the way presidents, former presidents of France, former presidents of United States and President of Russia made a statement, when all of them were in charge, status-quo is unacceptable and must be changed. I support it but Armenia is against. -I want to get your response to a new report from Amnesty International claiming they have identified Israeli-made MO-95 DPICM cluster munitions. That appear to have been fired by Azerbaijani forces. Now CNN cannot independently verify those claims nor the apparent video of the explosions. But sir, how do you respond to Amnestys claims? -I would say that we dont have any contact with the organization which you named, because of their pro-Armenian and anti-Azerbaijani position. First, it is wrong, it is false and second, I would recommend them to see how cluster bombs are being used against our civilians. How they use "Smerch", how they use "Elbrus", "Tochka U", ballistic missiles on our cities - Ganja, Goranboy, Naftalan, Yevlakh and other cities are under Armenian bombardment. Why does Amnesty International see or want to see only one side? Why they do not see another side? Thats a question. -Let me just push you on this. Are you categorically saying that cluster munitions have not being used by Azerbaijani forces? And if so, are you prepared to allow independent observers to verify that? -Yes, we are prepared to do it, also we are prepared to see how Armenia will allow independent observers to see what they have been doing. And though it should be not unilateral, it should be bilateral. We defend ourselves and we must do it. But our targets are only military objectives. And almost all of what we have destroyed, we destroyed from the very modern equipment. You can find it on internet. Its Turkish brand new, excellent, marvelous fighter drones. It is other equipment which destroys you know tanks, guns, military positions. So we dont need to use these kind of weapons in order to achieve our goal. Our target are not civilians. Our target are occupants, we must return our land to those whom it belongs to. -Sir, Armenia can and will speak for themselves. I am asking you specifically, you categorically deny do you, that cluster munitions have been used by Azerbaijani forces. -Yes, I deny it and I want to ask you. Did you ask this question to Armenian president? -We didnt have the information at the time. -Thats the point,that's the point. You ask me, ask him, ask him. Let the Amnesty International ask him what they do. -We will certainly ask him for a statement. Im asking you. -Ask him. I already answered. No. Ask him. -I will. Thank you, sir. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. 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. The 44-day second Karabakh war ended with the liberation of Azerbaijans territories from nearly 30-year Armenian occupation and the restoration of territorial integrity. Sky News TV channel has broadcast an interview with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. Trend presents the interview. -Thank you very much President Aliyev for agreeing to do his interview with Sky News. The French President seems confident that the truce will be agreed in the coming days and that you will be able to resume negotiations. How likely is that and on what terms? -It depends on the position of Armenia. Azerbaijan has always been very supportive to negotiation table, and frankly speaking for 28 years since the OSCE Minsk Group was established we are involved in negotiations. We had hopes and still have hopes that negotiations will lead to progress, and will lead to political settlement. But unfortunately Armenias position was opposite. They used negotiation only as a pretext in order to make this process endless. In other words, they wanted always to seal the status quo, to keep status quo unchanged, and not to return the territories back which they have to according to the UN Security Council resolutions and according to the basic principles which are on the table, which were elaborated by the OSCE Minsk Group. Therefore, I hope that after this bitter defeat which Armenia is suffering on the battlefield, they will be more reasonable, and they will listen to the advises of the mediators, and will be sincere on negotiations table. Negotiations should leave to the political settlement, and to the liberation of the occupied territories. -But what territories exactly are we talking about? Are we simply talking about Nagorno-Karabakh or we talking about the seven occupied Azerbaijani territories that they call their security zone? Because clearly you are not getting all of it back. -Our territorial integrity is recognized by the whole world. All the countries recognize territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, which includes Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenians position, actually was also a pretext that we are using these seven regions surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh as an excuse to occupy a security zone. But todays clash shows that there is no security zone in modern world. Modern military equipment does not provide security even for long distance. The security must be provided by political means. Therefore, we were always saying that political settlement will provide security guarantees for all-for Azerbaijanis, for Armenians, for other nationalities who live in the area. And the basic principles which Armenia rejected to support and clearly says how the territories are going to be returned back. In the first stage five regions of Azerbaijan which are situated on the south eastern part of Nagorno-Karabakh. Then two regions of Azerbaijan which are situated between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia. Then Azerbaijanis return to Nagorno-Karabakh. There have been 25 percent of Azerbaijanis in Nagorno-Karabakh their rights must also be provided. And they go back to where they lived in the ancient city of Shusha and other places and we restore normal communications, we restore people-to-people contact, and slowly and slowly I am sure people will reconcile. Thats the plan of the mediators and we support it. -Would you recognize Nagorno-Karabakhs independence if youre allowed to have 25 percent Azerbaijani population there? -No, no, never. And that has never been the issue on negotiation table. Our position was very clear, that Azerbaijan will never recognize Nagorno-Karabakhs independence, because its our ancient land. The history of Nagorno-Karabakh is now well-known. Second, it is an integral part of Azerbaijan and why should we give independence to small number of people? Azerbaijan is a multi-ethnic country as almost all the countries in the world. National minorities live in peace and dignity in Azerbaijan and in many countries in the world. Being national minority does not mean that you have a right for secession, have a right for separatism. Separatism is a big threat to international community and all the countries in the world condemn separatism. What has been done against us was separatism of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh and military aggression of Armenias state against Azerbaijan which led to the situation which we are facing now. Occupation, a million of Azerbaijani refugees, ethnic-cleansing against Azerbaijanis, destroyed cities and villages. Now when we are liberating our territories, there are video about what happened there. Everything is destroyed, its as if like Stalingrad. Its even worth than Stalingrad after World War II. -But that is exactly what you are doing now to the regional capital Stepanakert. That is what you are doing to Shusha which yesterday was targeted not once but twice. A double hit on the cathedral there when it was very clear that civilians and journalists were sheltering inside. -That was first of all a provocation from the Armenian side. We never did that in the past, we have Armenian church in the center of Baku. You can send someone, or when you come -Its not that the Armenians targeted their own cathedral. How can that be? -Thats probably their provocation in order to present us in such a way but I can tell you that they are shelling our cities. Do you know that we have 31 killed civilians as a result of Armenian bombardment? 170 wounded people and more than 1 thousand houses totally demolished or damaged because of Armenian attack on our civilians. And they use ballistic missiles. Ballistic missiles! -With all due respect, that is also what you are doing with your shells on Nagorno-Karabakh and you have very sophisticated drone technology which should allow you to see precisely what you are targeting. So, why the civilian structures are getting hit? -No, no. We never attack civilians. What we did in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, we attacked their tanks, we attacked their guns, we attacked their artillery systems, and also we attacked their military infrastructure. It is not our fault that these military infrastructures sometimes is situated in the city center. But we never on purpose, we never attack civilians. Yes, we have sophisticated weapons but not all of them are sophisticated. There could be some mistakes. Therefore, there was never a deliberate attack on civilians on our side. On the contrary, every day the city of Tartar which is very close to the line of contact is being bombed. We have 2 thousand shells a day on the city. It is almost destroyed and nobody talks about them. So, please lets be fair about that, we didnt start it, and we dont need to attack civilians. We need our territories. Why should we attack civilians with whom we plan to live side by side after the war is over. People of Armenian origin in Nagorno-Karabakh are hostages of a criminal regime which is there. They will, I am sure, live side by side with us in peace and dignity after the war is over. -You have said that you would like to see Armenia withdraw its troops. But you have also said that you are not prepared to accept peacekeepers there. How else can you reassure your counterparts, the Armenians, that you will not then retake the whole lands? -If you can tell me when I said that I dont want to see peacekeepers, I will answer you, but I never said that. Thats wrong information I am sorry, I never said -But you wont accept peacekeepers on that territory. -Peacekeepers is one of the elements which is provided in the basic principles for the settlement, which was elaborated by the OSCE Minsk Group and there is an item about peacekeepers. But we did not come to this item to discuss it properly. Because its premature. Because first, we need to resolve the core issue-the occupation, liberation of territories and then, when Azerbaijanis will return, then of course peacekeepers should come. It is in the framework of agreement, if it is signed by both sides. Then both sides will select who these peacekeepers will be. So we are not against it, but we actually were not in active phase of negotiations on this item. -It doesnt sound as though your terms of negotiations have changed since before this latest vast outbreak of hostilities. So, I am just wondering, why weapons should be placed down now if negotiations have never succeeded before? -You know, negotiations are taking place since 1992. Since that time there have been zero progress on the ground, zero progress. Armenia always was using some manipulation tools in order to disrupt negotiations. This year, starting from July they launched three times a military attack on us. On July, they attacked our civilians and our military positions on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan far away from Karabakh region. That lasted for four days, we pushed back, they could not occupy territories, and we stopped because we dont have any military purpose on Armenian side. On August 23, they send a sabotage group to commit a terror act which was detained and the head of the group gives evidence. At the end of September, they launched the artillery bombardment of our cities and killed immediately innocent people. We had to respond, we had to push back, thats what we did. Therefore, we are in favor of negotiations. I can give you two examples, Armenian prime minister last year announced that "Karabakh is Armenia". What does it mean? It means the end of -I asked him what he meant. -What he meant? -He said that he meant that ever since the 4th century there have been Armenian churches, there has been an Armenian population and there has ever since the beginning of the Soviet Union much larger Armenian population, ethnic Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh than Azerbaijani. -You know, he is telling, mildly speaking, not truth. The Armenians settlement in that area started in the late 18th and early 19th centuries after the treaty of Kurekchay was signed by Azerbaijani Ibrahim Khan, and Russian general. As a result of that treaty Karabakh khanate became part of Russia, and Russia started -I am sorry. -Thats how it was. Thats how Armenians came to Nagorno-Karabakh. Its only two centuries, less. He is telling about 4th century. -You have been in power since the beginning of this century. And yet, there has been no progress made on this issue. It is all very well to blame the Armenians. But do you take some personal responsibility for the fact that your soldiers are now dying on the frontline because you politically have not been able to resolve this? -Our soldiers are dying for our land. Our soldiers are dying on Azerbaijani soil, historical and internationally recognized. On which soil now Armenian soldiers are dying? They are dying now in Fuzuli, they are dying in Jabrayil, they are dying in other Azerbaijani territories. What they are doing there? You should ask Pashinyan what his soldiers is doing there? 90 percent of the so-called "army of Nagorno-Karabakh" consists of Armenian citizens. They are on our land. It is just enough to look at the map. For us it is a patriotic war. We are defending ourselves. We want to restore our territorial integrity to allow one million refugees to go back. Thats what we are doing. For 28 years we were patient to believe that negotiations will lead to progress. As a result, we got what we have got now. When we pushed back and punished the aggressor, you know we are attacked politically. I accepted the basic principles, Pashinyan rejected it. I accept the format of negotiations which is between Armenia-Azerbaijan, Pashinyan says no, Azerbaijan should negotiate with Nagorno-Karabakh. So, he is to blame for what is happening now. -The French and the Russian say that they have intelligence that Syrian mercenaries are being used on your frontlines. Do you categorically deny that? -Absolutely, categorically. So far I havent been provided with a single document which testified this intelligence. Let them show this intelligence to me. Our intelligence representatives had contacts after these accusations have been made. During this contacts with their counterpart no evidence was provided. If there is evidence why is it not on the newspapers? Why is it not on your channel? Where is this evidence? Show it to me. There is no evidence. We dont need mercenaries we have 100 thousand fighters, well-prepared, well-trained. We have modern equipment, we have all the necessary military components in order to liberate our land and thats what we are doing. This is fake news. -One final question, what gesture of good will could you put on the table to try and start negotiation at this stage? -We already did that. By the way, I can tell you one more thing about who is against negotiations. Foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia were invited, even before this outbreak, to Geneva to meet Minsk Group co-chairs. Armenian foreign minister was supposed to go in the beginning of October, our foreign minister was supposed to go on the 8th of October. So, Armenian foreign minister ignored that, he didnt go. Our foreign minister yesterday was in Geneva, met with the co-chairs. And when we received the proposal from Russia to organize the meeting between foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Russia, we agreed. So our foreign minister just an hour ago landed in Moscow, and he will be meeting with his Russian counterpart. And I dont know what will be the program. Will he meet Armenian minister or not? But he is there. We want peaceful settlement, but settlement. We want solution, not imitation, not another 30 years of etceteras, practical steps, time-table. When our people are going back home? What will be the security guarantees for them? And how we will reconcile? Two nations must reconcile. We are neighbors, we cannot live in hostility forever. This must be stopped, but stopped on the basis of historical truth and international law. -And a question about journalists operating in Nagorno-Karabakh. Your presidential spokesman has said that because they are there illegally on what you consider to be Azerbaijani territories, they are effectively fair game. Is that something that you believe also? -Our position is very fair, clear. Nagorno-Karabakh is an integral part of Azerbaijan and our position is that, if any foreign citizen, any-not only journalists- if he wants or she wants to visit Nagorno-Karabakh, please, let us know. We do not expect some kind of special attitude, just inform us that such and such person wants to visit and when we have this information, when we have this sign of respect to our territorial integrity we never object. So, those who go there without this, how to say, procedure, they are being put in the black list of our foreign ministry and the entrance for them to Azerbaijan is forbidden. But if those people write a letter to our foreign minister that we made a mistake, or next time we will inform you, we remove them from the black list. This is fair, the only thing we need is just respect. Therefore, for those journalists who want to go there and cover events, Id like to use this opportunity to deliver messages to them. Please, inform our foreign ministry by e-mail and go there. No problem. -And you will not target them. -We never do it. We never do it. Why should we? We are interested that journalists are coming. I am everyday on TV, everyday I give interviews, because we want to deliver our point. We want to deliver our case, we are not aggressors. We are victims. It is Armenia who is an aggressor. We want the territories back. Thats all. -President Aliyev, thank you so much for talking to us today. -Thank you very much. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. Since gaining independence, all post-Soviet states began under nearly the same conditions - shattered economies, instability, and uncertainty. Yet only a few managed to turn those challenges into opportunities. Azerbaijan stands out as one such example - a country that, despite war, occupation, and the displacement of over a million refugees and internally displaced persons, has achieved remarkable progress and become one of the regions most successful nations. This transformation is the result of the strategic and visionary leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. Azerbaijan has not only strengthened its military capabilities and liberated its occupied territories but has also successfully reintegrated them into the national economy. Peace in the South Caucasus today brings benefits far beyond the region itself: Azerbaijan has secured stability at home while reshaping the political and economic landscape across the region - opening up new opportunities for investment, trade, and prosperity. Immediately after the Victory, Azerbaijan took the initiative in launching a peace process based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Washington meeting on August 8 of this year marked a milestone for peaceful settlement, reflecting Azerbaijans diplomatic maturity and the strategic leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. Azerbaijans economic breakthrough: from investment to leadership in energy and transport Azerbaijans international success is backed not only by diplomatic achievements but also by strong economic performance. Recent decisions by major credit rating agencies have sent a clear signal of the countrys economic resilience. Moodys upgraded Azerbaijans sovereign credit rating from Ba1 to investment grade Baa3, highlighting the countrys progress in transforming itself into a transport and energy hub that supports growth in non-oil sectors such as logistics, construction, and tourism. A major factor in this transformation is the development of the liberated territories of Karabakh and East Zangezur, which is accelerating economic diversification and demonstrating how peace and stability directly enhance Azerbaijans investment appeal. Fitch Ratings has also affirmed Azerbaijans long-term issuer default rating at BBB with a stable outlook, noting reduced currency risks. Meanwhile, unemployment has fallen to a historic low of 5%, a clear reflection of effective economic management and job creation. The energy sector remains the flagship of Azerbaijans economy. The country now exports natural gas to 14 nations, maintaining a leading global position in pipeline gas supplies. At the same time, Azerbaijan is expanding its renewable energy sector, aiming to generate around 40% of its total electricity from renewables by 2030. This approach not only reduces environmental risks but also strengthens Azerbaijans position as an attractive partner for international investment in clean energy. The countrys strategic location and advanced transport infrastructure further enhance its economic potential. Azerbaijan has become a key transit hub linking East and West, North and South. Freight volumes along the Middle Corridor have surged by almost 90% since 2022, while the Caspians largest merchant fleet - with an annual capacity of up to 25 million tons - together with nine international airports and the BakuTbilisiKars railway, ensures uninterrupted logistics flows. These assets make Azerbaijan an indispensable link in global trade and transport networks, creating new opportunities for business and investors. Azerbaijans economic momentum is therefore more than just a set of numbers - it reflects the reintegration of peaceful territories, the strengthening of energy independence, and the creation of a world-class logistics hub. The country has become a model of post-Soviet success and an increasingly attractive platform for international cooperation. Azerbaijan is also deepening cooperation with CIS countries in Central Asia, evolving into a key economic and transport center for the wider region. This direction is part of a long-term strategy that views these countries not only as strategic partners but also as an essential link in building a shared space of stability, energy cooperation, and transport integration - stretching from the Caspian to Europe. For Baku, this region is not just about markets or transit corridors. It is a space of shared history, cultural ties, and common challenges - a foundation for lasting economic partnership. Under the personal leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, joint initiatives have moved from declarations to concrete projects with tangible economic results. Partnership with Uzbekistan is growing particularly rapidly. It now covers industry, the digital economy, green energy, and education. Joint industrial ventures, transport and logistics projects along the Middle Corridor, dual-degree programs, and research cooperation provide a solid foundation for deeper integration. The results are already visible: the number of Azerbaijani companies operating in Uzbekistan rose from 178 in 2019 to 278 by April 2025, while trade continues to expand in sectors such as agribusiness, textiles, petrochemicals, and engineering. Cooperation with Turkmenistan is also developing swiftly, driven primarily by the energy sector. In parallel, projects in transport, logistics, and cultural exchange are reinforcing bilateral ties and making them more sustainable. Regional meetings - such as the trilateral summit in Turkmenbashi on August 22, 2025 - have reaffirmed the strategic importance of transport, energy, and humanitarian initiatives. Memoranda on international air services, transport and logistics cooperation, and cultural exchange were signed, reflecting Azerbaijans comprehensive approach to regional integration. Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan is not only strengthening and diversifying its own economy but is also shaping a new economic reality across the CIS. The country is emerging as a key energy and transit hub for Eurasia, opening fresh opportunities for investment, trade, and sustainable growth across the region. Azerbaijans story is a vivid example of how a nation that has endured war, occupation, and major challenges can become a driver of economic growth, an energy leader, a transport hub, and a reliable regional partner. The strategic leadership of President Ilham Aliyev has turned the countrys geopolitical position into a powerful tool for influence and sustainable development. Today, Azerbaijan is not just a successful state but a model for the CIS - with a strong economy, resilient sovereignty, a clear foreign policy vision, and a growing role in the global system. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has addressed the participants of the international conference on "Uniting efforts and enhancing cooperation for addressing the issue of missing persons", Trend reports. "Dear conference participants, I sincerely greet you on the occasion of the international conference dedicated to the issue of missing persons. The issue of missing persons remains one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges facing the world today. Over the years, this problem has not diminished in relevance; on the contrary, it has become even more acute. According to the United Nations, the past twenty years have witnessed a significant increase in the number of missing persons, with 2024 marking the highest figure nearly 57,000 individuals went missing in conflict zones. This is a tragic consequence of the disregard for international legal norms during armed conflicts. One of the humanitarian tragedies resulting from Armenias aggression against Azerbaijan, which lasted for over 30 years, is the disappearance of approximately 4,000 Azerbaijanis, including children, women, and the elderly. Following the liberation of our territories, 29 mass graves were discovered in these areas. Forensic examinations of the remains found there confirm that the victims were subjected to horrific torture a deeply distressing reality. The mass killing of people under torture, their inhumane burial, and attempts to conceal the traces of these crimes constitute a grave violation of international legal norms. Clarifying the fate of those who went missing during the Karabakh War has always been a priority for us. Since 1993, the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons of the Republic of Azerbaijan has been operating. To date, the identities of 187 individuals who went missing during the war have been confirmed, and they have been laid to rest. The signing of the Joint Declaration and the initialing of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia on August 8, 2025, in Washington, with the participation of the President of the United States, is a significant historic event that opens up new opportunities for ensuring lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus region. The inclusion of a specific clause in the peace agreement concerning persons missing during the conflict demonstrates the importance we attach to this issue. As stipulated in the agreement, clarifying the fate of these individuals is a crucial instrument for fostering reconciliation and building an environment of trust between the parties. In this regard, the Armenian side must provide Azerbaijan with information about the locations of other mass graves where Azerbaijanis were killed and buried. The Azerbaijani state continues to make significant efforts to draw the international communitys attention to the issue of missing persons. For the third time, our country is hosting an international event dedicated to this topic. Since 2002, Azerbaijan has initiated resolutions at the UN General Assembly on missing persons, encouraging states and international organizations to take necessary measures in this regard. In my view, the United Nations should further intensify its efforts in this area. I am confident that the discussions to be held within the framework of this conference will make an important contribution to strengthening international cooperation in addressing the issue of missing persons. Once again, I welcome you all and wish the conference every success," the address reads. Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, October 9. At the invitation of President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in Dushanbe on October 9 to participate in the meeting of the CIS Heads of State Council, Trend reports. A guard of honor was arranged for the Azerbaijani President at Dushanbe International Airport. President Ilham Aliyev was welcomed by Rustam Emomali, Chairman of the National Assembly of the Supreme Assembly of the Republic of Tajikistan, and other officials. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. The open court hearing on the criminal cases of citizens of Armenia on October 9 heard the announcement of documents concerning the mercenaries recruited by the Armenian armed forces in the military operations against Azerbaijan, Trend reports. Moreover, excerpts from confidential letters received from various Azerbaijani public institutions were announced in the court. According to the document dated October 24, 2020, to compensate for losses in the battlefield during the 44-day Patriotic War, Armenia made significant efforts to recruit foreign citizens into the Armenian armed forces stationed in the formerly occupied Azerbaijani territories. Notably, the Armenian government and the Armenian diaspora organizations operating in the third countries urged members of the Armenian community to join the fighting in the formerly occupied Azerbaijani territories. Furthermore, a special ticket-selling campaign, as well as gathering points, was set up in the foreign countries. Thus, members of foreign terrorist groups, namely from France, the U.S., Syria, Russia, and other countries, were involved in the military operations in the formerly occupied Azerbaijani territories. The terrorist organizations, including VoMA (a military training center operation in Yerevan) and ASALA, were also involved in the operations. Artur Oganisyan, arriving from Marseille, France, was fighting in the ranks of the Armenian armed forces in the Hadrut and Jabrayil operations during the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020. Another document revealed that a criminal case was launched against Gilbert Minasyan, a member of the ASALA terrorist organization, and his 15-man-strong military group for the crimes committed in the Azerbaijani territories. Another document confirmed the involvement of mercenaries (namely from Syria, Russia, Spain, Canada, France, Greece, Lebanon, Middle Eastern, and Latin American countries), as well as members of the foreign terrorist organizations fighting together with the Armenian armed forces against the Azerbaijani Army in the formerly occupied Azerbaijani territories. Previously, such mercenaries were invited to train Armenian military personnel, mainly in reconnaissance, sabotage, terrorist provocation, and the explosion of facilities; however, they were directly involved in combat operations. The court proceedings continue against Armenian nationals accused of crimes including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, aggression, terrorism, and violations of the laws of war. The charges also include financing terrorism, the violent seizure and retention of power, and other serious offenses. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. On October 9, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, who is on an official visit to Turkiye, met with Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkiye, Yasar Guler, Trend reports via the Ministry of Defense. During the meeting, both sides underscored the successful development of the fraternal ties and strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and Turkiye across various domains, particularly in the field of defense. The ministers reiterated that the progressive augmentation of defense collaboration continues to be a pivotal focus for the leadership of both nations. The significance of these elevated interactions in bolstering bilateral dynamics was underscored, with both entities articulating assurance in the ongoing progression of collaborative efforts. The discussions also encompassed a broad range of topics, including military, military-technical, and military-educational collaboration. Furthermore, the ministers engaged in a dialogue regarding regional security paradigms, frameworks for the sustenance of enduring peace and stability within the geopolitical landscape, and other pertinent issues of reciprocal significance. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, October 9. President of Russia Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences over the crash of a passenger plane belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL) during a one-on-one meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in Dushanbe, Trend reports. It was noted that the investigation into the incident is ongoing and is expected to be completed soon. Speaking about the incident, the Russian president stated that there had been airspace incursions into Russia on that day, and the Russian Air Force opened fire. Although the aircraft itself was not directly targeted, fragments struck it. In this regard, compensation will be provided, and those responsible will be held accountable. On December 25, 2024, an Embraer 190-100 IGW passenger aircraft, registered in the state register under number 4K-AZ65 and owned by Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL), crashed in the Republic of Kazakhstan near Aktau Airport while performing regular flight J2-8243 from Baku (Republic of Azerbaijan) to Grozny (Russian Federation). Two crew members (the captain and co-pilot), the senior flight attendant, and 35 passengers were lost in the crash. The preliminary report published by the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan confirms the following facts: 1. The Embraer 190-100 IGW passenger aircraft, registered under the number 4K-AZ65 and owned by Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL), operating a regular flight J2-8243 from Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan to Grozny, Russian Federation, has been in a fully operational condition since the start of the flight on the route to Grozny. in good condition for flights. These data on the airworthiness of the aircraft, including the operation of its control systems, were confirmed using FDR data; 2. Both engines of the aircraft were operating without technical problems until the moment of the accident. This information is also confirmed by FDR data; 3. During the flight in the airspace of the Russian Federation, including over Grozny Airport, the aircraft lost GPS signals; 4. Due to adverse weather conditions over Grozny, the aircraft was unable to make a second approach for landing, after which the captain decided to return to Baku. After this decision was made over Grozny, two external sounds were recorded on the CVR at 24-second intervals; 5. A comparison of CVR and FDR data showed that 4 seconds after the first external sound, the third hydraulic system failed, 6 seconds later the first hydraulic system failed, and 21 seconds later the second hydraulic system failed; 6. Numerous blunt and penetrating damages to the fuselage were found and recorded in photographs and video recordings. This damage was found in the rear of the fuselage, the vast majority of which was on the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, as well as the left wing and left engine. 7. Information was provided that the damage found in the aircraft fuselage was caused by external objects. The preliminary report does not contain any information indicating that the aircraft collided with birds. 8. Foreign objects not belonging to the aircraft, found in the blind damage to the fuselage, were removed; their photographs are presented to the public in the preliminary report. To accurately determine the origin of the foreign objects found, additional examinations are planned in the future. 9. At 05:13:32, the aircraft's main control systems failed; at 05:21:42, the liaison officer reported to Grozny that Operation Carpet was underway. 10. No information indicating an oxygen cylinder explosion has been provided. Under the requirements of the ICAO Chicago Convention, a final report on the causes of the crash must be prepared within one year of the incident, following the preliminary report. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, October 9. During a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev, Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined a number of factors that led to the crash of the AZAL aircraft, Trend reports. The head of state said: The first factor is that a Ukrainian drone was present in the airspace. We were tracking three drones that had crossed into Russian Federation territory overnight on the day of the tragedy. The second reason involves technical malfunctions in Russias air defense system itself. According to him, the two missiles that were launched did not directly strike the aircraft if they had, the plane would have crashed immediately. He emphasized that the damage was not caused by the warhead fragments themselves but most likely by debris from the missiles. On December 25, 2024, an Embraer 190-100 IGW passenger aircraft, registered in the state register under number 4K-AZ65 and owned by Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL), crashed in the Republic of Kazakhstan near Aktau Airport while performing regular flight J2-8243 from Baku (Republic of Azerbaijan) to Grozny (Russian Federation). Two crew members (the captain and co-pilot), the senior flight attendant, and 35 passengers were lost in the crash. The preliminary report published by the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan confirms the following facts: 1. The Embraer 190-100 IGW passenger aircraft, registered under the number 4K-AZ65 and owned by Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL), operating a regular flight J2-8243 from Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan to Grozny, Russian Federation, has been in a fully operational condition since the start of the flight on the route to Grozny. in good condition for flights. These data on the airworthiness of the aircraft, including the operation of its control systems, were confirmed using FDR data; 2. Both engines of the aircraft were operating without technical problems until the moment of the accident. This information is also confirmed by FDR data; 3. During the flight in the airspace of the Russian Federation, including over Grozny Airport, the aircraft lost GPS signals; 4. Due to adverse weather conditions over Grozny, the aircraft was unable to make a second approach for landing, after which the captain decided to return to Baku. After this decision was made over Grozny, two external sounds were recorded on the CVR at 24-second intervals; 5. A comparison of CVR and FDR data showed that 4 seconds after the first external sound, the third hydraulic system failed, 6 seconds later the first hydraulic system failed, and 21 seconds later the second hydraulic system failed; 6. Numerous blunt and penetrating damages to the fuselage were found and recorded in photographs and video recordings. This damage was found in the rear of the fuselage, the vast majority of which was on the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, as well as the left wing and left engine. 7. Information was provided that the damage found in the aircraft fuselage was caused by external objects. The preliminary report does not contain any information indicating that the aircraft collided with birds. 8. Foreign objects not belonging to the aircraft, found in the blind damage to the fuselage, were removed; their photographs are presented to the public in the preliminary report. To accurately determine the origin of the foreign objects found, additional examinations are planned in the future. 9. At 05:13:32, the aircraft's main control systems failed; at 05:21:42, the liaison officer reported to Grozny that Operation Carpet was underway. 10. No information indicating an oxygen cylinder explosion has been provided. Under the requirements of the ICAO Chicago Convention, a final report on the causes of the crash must be prepared within one year of the incident, following the preliminary report. PHNOM PENH, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The upcoming Global Women's Summit in Beijing will be a great opportunity for women's leaders from across the globe to reinvigorate their shared commitment to gender equality and inclusive development, said Cambodia's Minister of Women's Affairs Ing Kantha Phavi. "This summit is not only a celebration of 30 years of progress -- it's a renewed momentum to deepen our commitment and a springboard for future collaboration, innovation, and leadership," Phavi, who will attend the summit in Beijing, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview recently. Phavi said China's remarkable progress in advancing women's empowerment over the years has left a deep impression -- not only on Cambodia, but on the entire Global South. "As the saying goes, 'Chinese women hold up half the sky,' and their creativity, resilience, and leadership continue to shape the nation's development," she said. "We are inspired by China's efforts to promote women's leadership in digital technologies, AI, and STEM education -- unlocking their potential as innovators and changemakers," Phavi said. The minister said China's contributions to global gender equality over the past 30 years have been both impactful and far-reaching. Since hosting the Fourth World Conference on Women, China has consistently upheld the spirit of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, she said, adding that China's key global contributions to women's empowerment include capacity building, especially that China has trained over 200,000 female professionals from more than 180 countries and regions, helping to strengthen leadership, technical expertise, and cross-sectoral innovation among women worldwide. However, she said that currently, nearly 10 percent of women remain trapped in extreme poverty globally, limiting their access to education, health, and economic opportunity, and over 600 million women live amid conflict and instability, often without access to safety, services, or justice. Violence against women, discrimination, and economic inequality persist. "These realities call for proactive, pragmatic, and collaborative action," Phavi said. "China's Global Governance Initiative offers a timely framework for inclusive development and strengthened international cooperation." "Through solidarity, innovation, and shared leadership, countries in the Global South can help shape a future where women thrive, lead, and transform their communities," Phavi said. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, October 9. During a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope that relations between Moscow and Baku would continue in the spirit of alliance, Trend reports. The Russian leader stated: I hope that this cooperation will not only be restored but will continue in the spirit of our relations, in the spirit of our alliance. We never forget this; we remember the agreement that was signed not so long ago, and on our part, we will do everything to implement all its main provisions. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. On October 9, the First Deputy Minister of DefenseChief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, met with a delegation led by Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic, General Daniel Zmeko, Trend reports. The delegation first visited the graves of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, and prominent ophthalmologist and academician Zarifa Aliyeva, in the Alley of Honor, where the guests laid wreaths and flowers and paid tribute to their bright memories. Then, the delegation visited Victory Park and laid a wreath in front of the Victory Monument. During the official welcoming ceremony at the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, following the ceremonial passage in front of the guard of honor, the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Slovakia were performed, and the Book of Honor was signed in accordance with the protocol. Welcoming the guests at the meeting between the Chiefs of General Staff of the two countries, Colonel General Valiyev expressed his satisfaction with seeing them in Azerbaijan. He emphasized that there are tremendous opportunities for further development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Slovakia in the military, military-technical, and military-educational fields. Expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him, General Daniel Zmeko emphasized that such visits play a significant role in enhancing military relations between the two countries and contribute to the development of their respective armed forces. The meeting also encompassed a detailed exchange of views on several issues of interest in the field of defense between Azerbaijan and Slovakia. Then, the visitors arrived at the Cybersecurity Center, where they got acquainted with the activities carried out to ensure the cybersecurity of modern weapon systems and information technology equipment adopted into the Azerbaijan Armys armament. Additionally, the delegation was informed in detail about modern cybersecurity tools powered by AI. During the visit, the delegation visited the Air Force Combat Control Center, where they were introduced to the conditions in place. The guests received a comprehensive briefing on the centers organizational structure, operational principles, and key areas of activity. The Slovak military delegation also visited one of the military units of the Azerbaijan Air Force. The guests were given detailed information about the military unit and were shown aviation and technical tools in service. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 10. 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 fourteenth day of the Second Karabakh war: - President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to Russian RBK TV channel. - The meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan, Russia and Armenia was held in Moscow. Azerbaijan and Armenia have agreed on a humanitarian ceasefire in Karabakh. The ceasefire was then roughly violated by Armenia. Armored vehicles of Armenia which violated the ceasefire were destroyed. - Intense battles continued during the night, heavy combat equipment of Armenia was destroyed. The Armenian armed forces intensively fired at Goranboy, Tartar, Aghdam, Aghjabadi and Fuzuli districts. Remains of a ballistic target fired by Armenia at Mingachevir and destroyed in the air have been found. The radar station in Khojaly was destroyed. - The Armenian S-300 and other military equipment and artillery batteries were destroyed in Gubadly. - The Ministry of Emergency Situations reported on fires in Azerbaijani civilian facilities as a result of firing from Armenian armed forces. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, is visiting Ankara to participate in the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkiye Defence Ministers' 12th Trilateral Meeting, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. During the visit, a bilateral meeting was held on October 9 between Colonel General Zakir Hasanov and his Georgian counterpart, Irakli Chikovani. The meeting emphasized that military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia serves peace, stability, and security in the region, as well as that the meetings of the heads of state play a crucial role in the enhancement of relations between the 2 countries. It was noted that regular mutual visits and meetings in various formats are a clear indicator of the high level of relations in the military field, alongside other fields. Discussing the ongoing military-political situation in the region, the Ministers stated that developing cooperation in trilateral and bilateral formats and covering all areas is of great importance in ensuring the prosperous life of both nations in a stable and peaceful environment. Following the meeting, new perspectives for military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia were discussed. The importance of increasing the frequency of joint exercises to facilitate the exchange of experience was emphasized, and a broad exchange of views took place on other issues of mutual interest. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. As reported earlier, a one-on-one meeting between the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, took place in Dushanbe. This meeting clearly demonstrated that bilateral relations are developing in a constructive and positive direction after the tensions observed in recent months. The content of the meeting and the views expressed by Russian President Vladimir Putin demonstrated that the parties intend to continue relations based on the principles of mutual respect, equality, and strategic partnership. During the meeting, Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences over the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) passenger plane. Moreover, it was noted that the investigation into the incident is ongoing and will be completed in the near future. The Russian President stated that Russian airspace had been violated that day and that the Russian Air Force had opened fire. Although the plane was not shot at, it was hit by shrapnel. Compensation will be paid, and those responsible will be punished. The fact that Russia presented the issue of the aircraft incident as a resolved matter indicates that the shadow of tension in diplomatic relations has dissipated. The Azerbaijani side, preferring to assess the incident logically and based on mutual understanding rather than emotionally, continued to defend the strategic nature of the relationship. The meeting also demonstrated that attempts by third parties to undermine Azerbaijani-Russian relations had failed. In particular, some pro-Armenian figures in Russian public and political circles, such as Simonyan, Solovyov, Zatulin, and others, have long tried to cast a shadow on bilateral relations and create artificial tension. However, direct and sincere contacts between the heads of state have shown the futility of these attempts. President Putin's statements to the media sent a clear signal about the need to prevent anti-Azerbaijani rhetoric and information provocations in Russia, which is also a cause for concern for Azerbaijan. This statement demonstrated the desire of official circles in Moscow to move away from destructive propaganda and maintain relations in a spirit of strategic cooperation. In fact, this meeting proved that, against the backdrop of recent developments in the region, Azerbaijan and Russia continue to view each other as important partners and factors of regional stability. Cooperation between Baku and Moscow remains important in terms of promoting the peace process in the South Caucasus, opening transport and communication lines, and coordinating security issues. Ultimately, this meeting can be seen as an important step towards practical cooperation, restoring mutual trust and resuming strategic dialogue in bilateral relations. The political will of the presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia has demonstrated that relations between the two countries are based not on provocations by third parties, but on the principles of mutual interest and cooperation in the name of regional stability. Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, October 9. On October 9, an informal dinner was arranged in Dushanbe for the heads of state of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Trend reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev participated in the event. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. A delegation from the Supreme National Defense University of the Islamic Republic of Iran is visiting Azerbaijan, Trend reports via the Ministry of Defense. First, the Iranian delegation visited the Victory Park and laid a wreath in front of the Victory Monument. Subsequently, the guests visited the Alley of Martyrs and laid wreaths and flowers, paying tribute to the memories of the Martyrs. Rector of the National Defense University, Major General Gunduz Abdulov, met with a delegation led by Deputy Rector for Training and Education of the Supreme National Defense University of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Rear Admiral Javad Dadashzadeh. During the large-format meeting, the guests were briefed on the history of the establishment of the National Defense University, its educational system, and its main areas of activity. Detailed information was provided on the reforms implemented in the field of military education in the Azerbaijan Army and the successful results achieved in this area. Then, the Iranian delegation visited the Military Administration Institute under the NDU. The Rector of the institute, Colonel Elnur Alasgarli, provided extensive information about the activities of the educational institution. As part of the visit, the Iranian guests also visited the Military Lyceum named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski of the NDU. The monuments of the National Leader, Heydar Aliyev, and Jamshid Nakhchivanski were visited. The Iranian delegation got acquainted with the photo booth reflecting the life and political activities of the Great Leader, and signed the Book of Memory. Chief of the Jamshid Nakhchivanski Military Lyceum, Hero of the Patriotic War, Colonel Anar Mirzayev, informed the guests about the lyceum's educational system. During the meetings, views were exchanged on the prospects of cooperation in the field of science and education, issues of mutual interest in further developing military education between Azerbaijan and Iran, and questions of interest to the guests were answered. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, October 9. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov spoke at a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, Trend reports. In his speech, the minister emphasized Azerbaijan's commitment to cultural diplomacy and spoke about the 3rd CIS Games, which were successfully held in Azerbaijan from September 28 to October 8. He also expressed gratitude for the support given to Lachin in declaring it the CIS Cultural Capital of 2025 and noted that, in this context, numerous cultural events have already been held, showcasing the city's unique heritage. Touching on security issues, the minister stressed the importance of coordinated efforts in the fight against terrorism, extremism, and transnational organized crime, and welcomed the adoption of joint documents in these areas. Referring to the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the minister recalled the continuing humanitarian and environmental consequences of the disaster and paid tribute to the victims and those involved in the clean-up operation, including Azerbaijani rescue workers. In his address, the Minister also emphasized the importance Azerbaijan attaches to expanding mutually beneficial economic cooperation with its CIS partners and assessed the growth in trade turnover as an indicator of positive dynamics. In conclusion, the Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Republic of Azerbaijan to strengthening trust and developing constructive dialogue within the CIS. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. Two Azerbaijani citizens, Parvin Azimov and Orkhan Samedzade, were among those detained yesterday on a vessel carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Trend. According to the Ministry, both are crew members employed in Turkiye. Thanks to efforts by our embassy in Israel, they have been released and have returned to Turkiye at their own request, the statement reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. Cyberwarfare simulation in smart cities is the main topic of CIDC 2025Critical Infrastructure Defense Challenge cybersecurity festival, Deputy Head of the Main Department of the Azerbaijan State Service for Special Communications and Information Security Tural Mammadov told media on the sidelines of the festival at the Baku Convention Center, Trend reports. "This event is being held in our country for the second time. In accordance with the relevant instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, a number of steps have been taken to strengthen information security in critical infrastructures. Along with these steps, organizing such events is also one of the main priorities," he explained. The official noted that in accordance with the instructions given by the head of state in this areanamely, to protect critical infrastructures and ensure their information securitya number of changes and new acts have been adopted in the legislation. "This allows us to further strengthen information security both in general critical infrastructure facilities and within the framework of the 'smart city' and 'smart village' concepts," he announced. "On the background stage, 25 teams have already been selected, and they will compete in the final stage. The event consists of four parts. The first part is training. Here, more than 360 specialists will undergo specially targeted cybersecurity training. These trainings cover very specific areas and are not held in other regular courses and trainings. The second part is an exhibitionan information security exhibition. New technologies and innovative solutions in the field of cybersecurity are demonstrated here. The third part is a conference. Interesting topics on smart cities and critical infrastructures will be discussed at the conference. 10 presentations and 5 panel discussions are planned. The fourth part is a cyberwarfare competition. This year's theme'Cyberwarfare Simulation in Smart Cities'wasn't chosen by chance, as it follows from the instructions given by President Ilham Aliyev regarding the security of critical infrastructures and the signed regulatory legal acts. State bodies' and organizations' information security activities are coordinated in this direction," Mammadov also said. He pointed out that the main goal of this cyberwar simulation is awareness and exchange of experience. The technologies used within the framework of the 'smart city' and 'smart village' concepts and threats against them are simulated. "The simulation involves 20 local and five foreign teams. They will fight against cyber threats in a simulated model of Baku city and show their knowledge to analyze and eliminate attacks. The simulation covers very interesting topics, and more detailed information will be provided in the following parts," he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Chinese Ambassador to Senegal Li Zhigang speaks at the Forum on Chinese Enterprises' Investment in Senegal, in Diamniadio, Senegal, Oct. 8, 2025. Senegalese officials and business representatives spoke highly of Chinese enterprises' contributions to Senegal's industrial transformation and economic revitalization at a forum Wednesday. The Forum on Chinese Enterprises' Investment in Senegal took place in Diamniadio, a city about 40 km southeast of the capital, Dakar.(Chinese Embassy in Senegal/Handout via Xinhua) DAKAR, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Senegalese officials and business representatives spoke highly of Chinese enterprises' contributions to Senegal's industrial transformation and economic revitalization at a forum Wednesday. The Forum on Chinese Enterprises' Investment in Senegal took place in Diamniadio, a city about 40 km southeast of the capital, Dakar. More than 300 people, including Senegalese government officials, representatives from over 150 Chinese and Senegalese companies, and representatives of business associations, attended the event, which was part of Invest in Senegal Forum 2025. Abdourahmane Sarr, Senegal's minister of economy, planning and cooperation and special representative of the president, said in his speech that Senegal and China have, over the decades, built a partnership based on South-South cooperation and guided by the goal of common development, yielding fruitful results. "More than 100 Chinese enterprises are now operating in Senegal across sectors such as transportation, energy, agriculture and the digital economy," he said. "They have injected strong momentum into Senegal's industrial transformation and economic revival." "Senegal is ready to work with China to explore new models of economic cooperation and open a new chapter of win-win development," Sarr said. Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock Mabouba Diagne said that Chinese enterprises have long been recognized in Senegal for their professionalism and innovation. "They bring not only investment, but also technology and experience, providing strong support for Senegal's agricultural modernization and food security," he said. Amadou Gueye, director-general of the Agency for the Development and Promotion of Industrial Sites, said that Chinese enterprises have played an important role in the construction of Senegal's industrial parks. The active participation of chambers of commerce from China's Fujian, Zhejiang and Hunan provinces has injected fresh vitality into cooperation in industrial investment, innovative technology and new energy, he added. "Senegal welcomes more Chinese enterprises to join its industrialization process," Gueye said. Chinese Ambassador to Senegal Li Zhigang said that China is a sincere partner and important companion in Senegal's pursuit of development and revitalization. China has become Senegal's largest trading partner, with cumulative investment exceeding 430 million U.S. dollars, creating over 11,000 local jobs, he said. "In the future, China will further align the Belt and Road Initiative with Senegal's Vision 2050 development strategy," Li said. "We will continue to support Senegal's industrialization, digital transformation and agricultural modernization, while expanding openness, deepening technological cooperation and strengthening people-to-people exchanges, so that the fruits of cooperation benefit both peoples." During the forum, China and Senegal signed multiple cooperation agreements in the fields of energy, finance and environmental protection. The Forum on Chinese Enterprises' Investment in Senegal is held in Diamniadio, Senegal, Oct. 8, 2025. Senegalese officials and business representatives spoke highly of Chinese enterprises' contributions to Senegal's industrial transformation and economic revitalization at a forum Wednesday. The Forum on Chinese Enterprises' Investment in Senegal took place in Diamniadio, a city about 40 km southeast of the capital, Dakar.(Chinese Embassy in Senegal/Handout via Xinhua) BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. An international conference on "Joining efforts and expanding cooperation to resolve the problem of missing persons" is being held in Baku within the framework of the Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons, organized by the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Missing Persons, and Hostages of Azerbaijan, Trend reports. First, an address by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to the participants of the international conference was read out, followed by a speech by the Head of the State Security Service (SSS), Chairman of the State Commission, Ali Naghiyev. The head of the Service informed about the goals and importance of the international event on missing persons, which is being held for the third year, and expressed gratitude to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev for his support in holding the conference, noting the decisive and principled position of the head of our state in the matter of clarifying the fate of missing citizens. Stating that 3,990 people are currently listed as missing by the State Commission, and that the remains of 218 people from 29 mass graves discovered during excavations in the liberated territories have been identified and exhumed, Ali Naghiyev, head of the State Security Service, noted that 187 missing persons have already been identified and handed over to their families, and as a result of search and reconnaissance work, another mass grave has been discovered in the village of Balligaya in the Aghdara district. The Chairman of the State Commission reported that Article 9 of the draft Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Inter-State Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia, initialed on August 8, 2025, in Washington, the capital of the US, provides for mutual activities in the field of determining the fate of missing persons, and he expressed hope that recent regular contacts between the relevant state commissions of Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as expanded cooperation with relevant international organizations, will contribute to this work. Afterwards, other participants spoke on the conference topic, panel sessions were held, and a ceremony was held to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation between the State Commission and the Institute for Missing Persons of Bosnia and Herzegovina. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. Some structures in Azerbaijan fail to meet even the minimal requirements for critical information infrastructure, raising concerns over potential cascading effects, Davud Rustamov, head of the National Cybersecurity Center at the State Security Service, said at the A New Playground for Cybercriminals: Smart Cities panel at the CIDC 2025 festival, Trend reports. The impact of attacks is not limited to a single infrastructure; it can trigger a broader cascade effect. Smart cities can influence each other, and even the infrastructure of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can affect that of large corporations, Rustamov explained. He noted that under Europes NIS2 directive, SMEs are already considered part of critical infrastructure. In Azerbaijan, currently only large businesses are classified in this category, but this does not mean that attacks on smaller entities will not impact larger organizations, he said. Rustamov emphasized that Azerbaijan has strong state policies and significant investments related to smart cities, and integration is progressing rapidly. However, measures to counter threats must be established promptly. This year, when evaluating compliance with general requirements for critical information infrastructures, we found that these requirements are minimal, and unfortunately, some structures do not even meet these minimal standards. We also encounter entities without proper specialization or the ability to provide accurate cybersecurity recommendations, he said. Davud Rustamov added that ensuring the security of smart cities requires trained specialists and qualified personnel. I believe the Ministry of Science and Education, as well as relevant academic institutions, should take the initiative in this area. It is encouraging that the private sector is also showing interest, Rustamov said. The official further highlighted that the security of SCADA systems receives insufficient attention. Reports from 2022 and 2023 barely addressed this issue. Analyses show that 35 percent of attacks can affect other infrastructure systems, proving that the cascade effect is real, he concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Azerconnect Group, the countrys leading ICT company, supported Critical Infrastructure Defense Challenge 2025 (CIDC-2025), the regions largest cybersecurity event. The event highlighted artificial intelligence applications in cyber defense, the implementation of innovative technologies, and emerging trends in the information security market, with demonstration of modern solutions designed to meet current challenges. Jointly organized by the Special Communication and Information Security State Service and the State Security Service, the event brought together leaders from public and private sectors, as well as local and international cybersecurity experts. At the events opening ceremony, Emil Masimov, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Azerconnect Group, stressed the key role of safeguarding critical infrastructure in todays rapidly evolving digital economy: Cybersecurity and information security have become core elements of national security. As one of the largest ICT companies in Azerbaijan, Azerconnect Group supports the resilience of the digital ecosystem and advances the nations digital future through innovative cybersecurity solutions. In close collaboration with global telecommunications leader Vodafone Group, we implement security system in line with the latest global standards. During his speech, the CEO highlighted the significance of public-private partnerships in cybersecurity and the need to support the development of young emerging professionals. The event continued with a series of presentations and panel discussions addressing key topics in information security. In a special feature of the event, The Cyberwarfare in Smart Cities Competition is held as part of CIDC-2025. Azerconnect Groups CyberConnect team successfully cleared the selection stage and secured a place in the finals. Supporting the professional development of local cybersecurity specialists and applying the latest technological solutions are central to Azerconnect Groups sustainable development strategy. The company has been actively involved in various projects in this domain, and, notably, had previously supported CIDC-2023, the events inaugural edition in Azerbaijan. About Azerconnect Group As a company operating in the dynamically developing ICT and high technologies fields of our country, Azerconnect Group delivers advanced solutions, including Mobile, Internet, and International leased lines provisioning, alongside cutting-edge digital services in FinTech, AdTech, and Media/TV. Azerconnect Group is part of NEQSOL Holding, an international group of companies operating in various countries across the energy, telecommunications, hi-tech, and construction industries. Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. The Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan Commander of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Namig Islamzade, met with a delegation led by the Commander of the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defence, Major General Rashed Mohamed Al Shamsi, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. First, the guests visited the graves of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, and the prominent ophthalmologist and academician Zarifa Aliyeva at the Alley of Honor, where they laid wreaths and flowers and paid tribute to their cherished memory. The UAE delegation then visited Victory Park and laid a wreath in front of the Victory Monument. Following the official welcoming ceremony at the Air Force Central Command Post, a meeting was held between the Commanders of the Azerbaijani and UAE Air Forces. The sides conducted a broad exchange of views on the activities carried out by the Air Forces of both countries, discussed new prospects, and addressed other matters of mutual interest. Subsequently, the UAE delegation was briefed on the main areas of activity of the command center, which is equipped with modern management systems in accordance with current standards. At the conclusion of the visit, the guests questions were addressed. KHOJALY, Azerbaijan, October 9. Azerbaijan's former internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have returned to the Khojaly district's Ballija village have been allocated land plots for agricultural activities, the Public Relations Department of the Service for Restoration, Construction, and Management of Khankendi, Aghdara, and Khojaly districts told Trend. The Ministry of Agriculture organized training sessions based on electronic applications submitted by the village residents. During the sessions, participants were provided with guidance on effective agricultural practices, and those who demonstrated excellence were awarded certificates. A total of 117 residents applied to participate in the "Land Lease" project in Ballija. Furthermore, eight cooperatives and four family farms have been established in the village, encompassing 78 people, with official agreements expected to be finalized with these farms shortly. In the villages of Ballija and Khanyurdu, 552 hectares of arable land have been allocated, with the plots being introduced in stages, five hectares per family. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. Baku hosted a meeting between representatives of Azerbaijans Ministry of Culture and the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) on October 8, the Ministry of Culture told Trend. The discussions focused on new tasks and the implementation of directives issued at the 12th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), held in Gabala. Minister of Culture Adil Karimli emphasized that Azerbaijan attaches special importance to its growing cooperation with TURKSOY, highlighting the significance of joint projects aimed at preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Turkic world. TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev expressed satisfaction with the partnership and extended his deep gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, for supporting efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. During the meeting, the newly appointed representative of Azerbaijans Ministry of Culture to TURKSOY, Vugar Mammadov, was introduced. It was noted that he will begin his duties in the coming days. The sides exchanged views on the organizations activities over the past year and reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration on joint cultural projects. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria strongly condemns the acts of vandalism against the synagogue in the city of Varna and the Monument of Gratitude in the city of Burgas, which stands as a symbol of recognition for the rescue of Bulgarian Jews during World War II, Trend reports. "It is completely unacceptable for such deliberate crimes to cast a shadow over Bulgarias historical achievements, which the Bulgarian people rightfully take pride in. Such actions are not characteristic of Bulgarian society and clearly aim to create artificial tension and division among Bulgarian citizens; for this reason, they cannot go unpunished," said in a statement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the competent authorities to take all necessary measures promptly to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. On Tuesday, October 7, the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers is gearing up to take a hard look at a proposal from the Ministry of Finance, where it will shake things up with the European Union (EU) Cohesion Policy Program for 20212027, rolling out some hefty investments in national security, resilience, and transport infrastructure, Trend reports. The proposed package of amendments was initially discussed by the government earlier this year and submitted to the European Commission (EC). Following the ECs summer recommendations under the ReArm Europe initiative, which aims to strengthen the EUs overall security and defense framework, Latvia has revised the proposal to align with the initiative and make use of its new funding opportunities. Latvia is taking advantage of the flexibility provided under the European Commissions ReArm Europe regulation by redirecting 10 percent of existing EU program funding toward national security and resilience. This approach allows broader use of EU resources for industrial development and mobility while extending the implementation deadline for all program projects by one yearuntil the end of 2030. This is especially crucial for large-scale infrastructure projects to ensure high-quality completion, said Minister of Finance Arvils Aseradens. The amendments focus on the national priority of strengthening security. In total, 470 million eurosor 10 percent of Latvias current EU funding allocationwill be restructured toward security and resilience objectives under ReArm Europe. Previously approved reallocations remain valid but have been refined to fit within new specific support targets. The breakdown of planned investments includes: 34 million euros for improving industrial capacity in the defense sector; 54.9 million euros for infrastructure supporting renewable energy producers, including the Kundzinsala project; 35 million euros to enhance energy independence; 53.4 million euros for dual-use and civil infrastructure, including projects related to cybersecurity and critical facilities; 245.9 million euros to strengthen mobility and strategic transport infrastructure, including the Rail Baltica link between Riga Airport, Riga Central Station, and Aizkraukle; 46.8 million euros for civil protection improvements, including emergency response and shelter infrastructure. Additionally, in line with European Commission feedback, 10.6 million euros will be allocated for the reconstruction of the Latvian Oncology Centers surgical and intensive care units and nearly 9.5 million euros for regional development along Latvias external borderincluding 5 million euros for business infrastructure and 4.5 million euros for school facilities. Minister Aseradens emphasized that ongoing monitoring and risk management of EU fund implementation remains a top priority. In August, during the thematic committee on EU funds, we agreed with sectoral ministries to re-evaluate implementation progress in October, particularly for measures requiring new Cabinet regulations, he noted. The ReArm Europe initiative, launched by the European Commission, empowers EU member states with enhanced latitude to reallocate current EU financial resourcesin the context of Latvia, this amounts to 4.2 billion euros earmarked for the 20212027 timeframeaimed at bolstering industrial capabilities and fortifying national resilience. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna represented Estonia today at the high-level meeting of the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC), held as part of the Tallinn Digital Summit (TDS), Trend reports. The meeting focused on the global decline of internet freedom and the joint actions member states can take to protect open and secure digital spaces. Estonia currently holds the presidency of the FOC. In his opening remarks, Minister Tsahkna emphasized that global access to the internet and freedom of expression online are facing increasing challenges. He highlighted that many governments are restricting digital access, silencing independent voices, and using the internet as a tool to spread misinformation and state-controlled narratives. Authoritarian tendencies in the digital sphere are on the rise. We are witnessing cases where internet access is weaponized where citizens connection to a free internet is deliberately cut off, and information space is flooded with manipulation and propaganda, said Tsahkna. The foreign minister also stressed the importance of identifying and holding accountable those responsible for cyber and hybrid attacks, including through sanctions or other diplomatic measures. The principles of international law must apply in cyberspace as well, and all violations must face appropriate consequences, he noted. Minister Tsahkna further underlined the need for both public and private digital solution providers to act transparently and inclusively, ensuring they are trustworthy and respect privacy and security. Estonia consistently stands for free and responsible digital governance, he said. The Freedom Online Coalition was established in 2011 to promote and defend internet freedom globally and to shape international policy decisions based on this principle. Estonia is one of the coalitions 15 founding members. Today, the organization includes 42 countries committed to upholding human rights in the digital sphere. In 2025, Estonia will continue its role as the FOC Chair, focusing on sharing its experience in building a digital state and helping to bridge the global digital divide. Estonia also remains a strong advocate for freedom of expression online and for ensuring wider and unrestricted access to the internet. As part of its chairmanship, Estonia has already organized more than 60 related events this year. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 9. From January through August 2025, Uzbekistan produced textile products worth 58.5 trillion soums ($5.32 billion). According to data obtained by Trend from the National Statistics Committee, this indicator increased by 6.3 percent compared to the corresponding period of 2024. Textile production accounted for 8.9 percent of total industrial output during this period. Uzbekistan exported approximately $1.7 billion worth of textile products, representing 7.3 percent of the countrys total exports. Within textile exports, finished products accounted for 50 percent, while yarn made up 30 percent. Uzbekistan maintains trade relations with 200 countries, with the largest foreign trade turnover occurring with China (18.9 percent), Russia (16.1 percent), Kazakhstan (5.9 percent), Turkiye (3.7 percent), and South Korea (2.2 percent). In terms of export structure, goods account for 75.2 percent of total exports, including industrial goods (11.1 percent), food products and live animals (7.8 percent), chemicals and related products (5.9 percent), and mineral fuels, lubricants, and similar materials (4.4 percent). To note, Uzbekistan occupies the 7th position globally in the hierarchy of raw cotton production, yielding over 3.5 million tons of raw cotton, which translates to approximately 1.2 million tons of cotton fiber output. Moreover, the republic generates approximately 533 million square meters of textile, 60 metric tons of stockinet, 319 million apparel units, 117 million hosiery pairs, and 583 thousand metric tons of yarn. TAIYUAN, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- This year's eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday saw a rising trend in travel, with families and young tourists increasingly turning to "red tourism" to connect with history. As this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, many parents brought their children to revolutionary memorial sites and patriotic education bases to experience a profound sense of national pride and historical connection. "This year, we planned a National Day trip centered on the theme of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Over the past few days, we've taken our kid to visit numerous red tourism sites," said Sun Yan, a tourist from north China's Hebei Province. The first stop for Sun's family was the Memorial Hall of the Hundred-Regiment Campaign in Yangquan City, north China's Shanxi Province. In 1940, to counter Japan's aggression, the Eighth Route Army led by the Communist Party of China launched the monumental Hundred-Regiment Campaign, the largest and longest-lasting strategic offensive led by the army during the war in north China, which greatly boosted the morale of the Chinese military and civilians in fighting the war to the end. According to Qin Ru, deputy curator of the memorial hall, the site saw a significant surge in visitors during the holiday, averaging 10,000 daily in the first seven days, more than triple last year's numbers. To handle the increased flow of people, the memorial hall added more guided tours and arranged for volunteer docents to introduce visitors to the historical context. "It's not just our family, but many of our friends also took their children to popular red tourism destinations during the holiday. For children, history is the best textbook," Sun added. The former site of the Huangyadong arsenal in Shanxi's Licheng County saw a similar rise in tourist numbers. The arsenal was the earliest and largest weapon manufacturing base established by the Eighth Route Army in anti-Japanese base areas and was also the site of the historic Huangyadong Defense Battle. Zhang Binquan, an official of the Huangyadong cultural tourism area, said that the site received a total of 36,000 visitors from Oct. 1 to 7, an increase of 11.8 percent year on year. According to experts, China's nationwide commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War have fueled a red tourism boom during the National Day holiday. The recent release of several films depicting wartime stories further inspired public interest in learning about history and visiting related sites. Beyond traditional exhibitions, many revolutionary sites are adopting innovative methods to attract more visitors. "Our red tourism offerings are evolving," said Qin. "We've introduced VR equipment to enhance the visitor experience and developed immersive stage performances." "Through live aquashows, folk performances and on-site lectures, we integrated immersive storytelling into our red tourism programs during the holiday, attracting over 8,000 visitors in a single day," Zhang added. According to managers at several red tourism sites, this year's National Day travel was characterized by family trips, self-driving tours, and an increasing number of younger tourists. Families taking self-driving trips accounted for the majority, while interest among young tourists continues to rise. "For us, red tourism is more than just a travel choice. It's a bridge connecting the past with the present, and a way to carry forward the spirit of perseverance," Sun said. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 9. Kyrgyzstan's High-Tech Park aims to become a bridge for IT companies to enter markets of Kazakhstan, the park's deputy director, Chubak Temirov, told Trend on the sidelines of the Digital Bridge 2025 forum. According to him, the High-Tech Park views Kazakhstan as a key partner in promoting national IT companies and expanding their presence in the regional market. "Digitalization is significantly impacting Central Asia, with significant growth in recent years. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan are closely monitoring their neighbors' progress, studying successful practices, and implementing digital solutions in both the public sector and private businesses," he noted. According to Temirov, the High-Tech Park is building a partnership with Astana Hub and views participation in the Digital Bridge as an opportunity for Kyrgyz companies to find clients, orders, and partners in Kazakhstan. "Our goal is to help Kyrgyz companies tap into the Kazakh market. The High-Tech Park can act as a bridge for Kazakh companies planning to enter the Kyrgyz market," he emphasized. Temirov also said that there has been strong interest in the Kyrgyz stand and the park's residents on the first day of the forum. Discussions on potential partnerships are already underway, although it's too early to talk about specific results, he added. Iranian Bushehr Province tops in nation's product export performance Bushehr Province ranked first among Irans 31 provinces by exporting 15.5 million tons of goods worth $5.7 billion from March 21 to September 22, 2025. Imports totaled 349,000 tons, valued at $1.06 billion during the same period. Major exports included petrochemical products and gas condensate, making up a large share of the $5.7 billion total. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, October 9. Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov gave the green light to the Strategy for the Development of the Financial Market through 2030, as laid out by Deputy Prime Minister Hojamyrat Geldimyradov during the Cabinet of Ministers meeting, Trend reports via the cabinet. The strategic framework delineates a trajectory for the holistic enhancement of Turkmenistans fiscal ecosystem, emphasizing the synchronization of institutional and regulatory paradigms with global benchmarks, optimizing financial resource allocation, and amplifying capital infusion initiatives. It additionally conceptualizes the evolution of the national insurance sector and the amplification of economic interactions grounded in market-driven paradigms. Subsequent to the presentation, President Berdimuhamedov executed a pertinent resolution and directed the deputy prime minister to facilitate the optimal flow of financial resources within the national framework. To note, at present the insurance domain encompasses a quartet of insurance entities that operate under the auspices of the state insurance oversight authority, as delineated by the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, where the operational landscape comprises a singular state-run insurance entity, "Turkmengosstrakh," alongside three private sector firms engaged in the insurance domain. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. The Baku Fintech Forum 2025 took place, Trend reports. The event was organized by the Azerbaijan Fintech Association (AzFina) in conjunction with the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Association of Banks of Azerbaijan. Guests from many countries around the world were invited to the forum. Representatives of international financial institutions, fintech companies, banks, and other financial organizations took part in the event. At the event, local and international experts discussed innovations introduced in the fintech sector in recent years. Participants shared their forecasts for the fintech sector and exchanged views on its impact on the financial sector. The event featured panel discussions on various topics, such as open banking, digital payments, artificial intelligence, fraud prevention, and cybersecurity, as well as the signing of partnership agreements. Vusal Khalilov, Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), gave a speech and reported that the turnover of licensed organizations in the payment sector this year exceeded 38.8 billion manat ($22.8 billion). There are 18 electronic money organizations, 8 payment organizations, and 2 operators operating in Azerbaijan. The turnover of licensed organizations in the payment sector this year exceeded 38.8 billion manats, V. Khalilov emphasized. By the middle of this year, the monthly turnover on cards reached 10 billion manats. This is an example of the country's transition to cashless payments. We are seeing growth in the instant payment system. Over the past year, it has grown by 10%. In addition, work is underway in our country to standardize QR payments, Khalilov noted. Zakir Nuriyev, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Banks Association (ABA), emphasized that we must take international trends in fintech into account in our system. The greatest burden here falls on improving the legislative framework. As an example, he noted that there is a requirement for organizations issuing electronic money to keep funds in several banks: At the same time, this requirement also applies to other participants in the financial sector. In particular, insurance companies are required to keep their funds in different banks. In the future, the introduction of such a requirement may also be relevant for fintech. Yulia Salehova, Deputy Chair of the Association of Payment Organizations of Kazakhstan, in turn, emphasized that Kazakhstan intends to exchange experience with Azerbaijan on the Know Your Customer (E-KYC) system. I would like to see not only banks but also payment service providers join the Know Your Customer (E-KYC) system. I am a little disappointed that this system is not yet fully operational in Kazakhstan. However, I hope that in the future we will be able to share this experience with Azerbaijan on a mutual basis," Salehova emphasized. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is set to provide its first loan for Romanias planned A1 motorway from Bucharest to the western border, Trend reports. The EIB agreed with the Romanian government to offer 500 million euros in financing for a key road section through the Carpathian Mountains. The EIB credit will co-finance the construction of 122 kilometres of highway between the cities of Pitesti and Sibiu a stretch that is part of the priority Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The section will reduce travel times as well as enhance road safety and expand economic connectivity. This is an investment in people, safety and opportunity, said EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris. By making travel faster, safer and more affordable for both people and goods, we are helping strengthen regional competitiveness and connect communities across Europe. This project is a powerful example of how European cohesion translates into lasting prosperity, inclusiveness and shared growth. The A1 motorway is a flagship development project for Romania and is due to cost a total of around 5.5 billion euros. The EIB plans to provide up to 1 billion euros alongside European Union and Romanian government funds. The EIB signed its initial loan today in Bucharest along with the Romanian Ministry of Finance. This is the third Romanian motorway project with EIB financing during 2023-2025, after the A3 and A7 Motorways for which the Bank provided 1.4 billion euros loans. Romania is focused on building a stronger, more resilient economy, said Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare. Our work with the European Investment Bank shows our shared commitment to Romanias long-term growth not just through infrastructure, but by supporting innovation, attracting new investments, and creating opportunities in key areas of our economy. By managing public finances responsibly and making the most of EU funding, were helping businesses grow, boosting regional development, and laying the groundwork for a more prosperous future. The A1 motorway is an example of how European institutions enable tangible improvements in daily life. The project will ease congestion on the existing DN7 national road, which is a conventional single-lane route burdened by heavy traffic and a high number of heavy-goods vehicles. Once completed, the A1 will facilitate faster and more reliable transit across the country and contribute to Romanias broader goal of becoming a key logistics hub in Eastern Europe. The EIB signed the 500 million euros loan during a visit to Romania by Vice-Presidents Tsakiris and Robert de Groot. They met Romanian officials to discuss priorities for future financing and growth-enhancing investments, building on the strategic priorities of both the EIB and Romania. The project benefits from EIB Advisory support through its JASPERS mandate prior to receiving EIB lending and through PASSA during implementation. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, October 9. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has approved the Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for 20262028, which outlines a roadmap for accelerating the countrys digital transformation and enhancing its global competitiveness, Trend reports via the Cabinet of Ministers. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Mammetkhan Chakyev presented the draft concept during a Cabinet meeting, reporting on progress in the development of the national digital economy. The new strategy envisions large-scale modernization across all sectors through the introduction of advanced technologies and digital systems. It focuses on strengthening digital infrastructure, expanding the e-government framework, supporting innovation, and integrating international best practices. Particular emphasis is placed on developing digital education, healthcare, science, and financial technologies, as well as fostering international cooperation and investment in modern communications. To note, the evolution of the digital economy in the country hinges on the optimization of national electronic communication infrastructures, amplifying the bandwidth of Internet traffic domestically to fulfill the burgeoning demand for digital services among the populace. Specialized focus is directed towards creating a digital governance framework, underpinned by the legislative foundation provided by the Turkmenistan Law "On Electronic Government," enacted in 2022. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. Iran has decided to accelerate projects aimed at increasing oil and gas production, capturing associated (flare) gas, and expanding the number of solar power plants, Trend reports. In connection with this decision, a meeting was held in Tehran on October 8, attended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad, Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi, and other officials. During the meeting, it was emphasized that the country plans to increase crude oil production by 250,000 barrels per day, capture flare gas, raise pressure at the South Pars gas field, and speed up the implementation of projects for developing solar power plants, as well as address the obstacles ahead. Under the decision, Irans Plan and Budget Organization will provide financial support for the projects and plans that enable production growth. Following the presentation of project justifications, weekly meetings under the leadership of the Iranian president are planned. Currently, Iran has 74 active oil fields and 22 gas fields. Within the National Iranian South Oil Companys territory, 37 oil fields are operational; within the National Iranian Central Oil Companys territory, 14; in the Arvand Oil and Gas Production Companys area, 5; and in the Offshore Oil Companys territory, 18 oil fields. Additionally, there are 5 gas fields in the South Oil Companys territory, 13 in the Central Oil Company, 1 in Pars Oil and Gas Company, and 3 in the Offshore Oil Companys area. It should be noted that Irans total hydrocarbon reserves amount to 1.2 trillion barrels. With current technological equipment, Iran can extract 340 billion barrels. Approximately 30% of these reserves are currently utilized, while 70% remain untapped underground. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. Fintechs' activity areas should be expanded on a legislative basis, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Banks Association (ABA) Zakir Nuriyev said at the Baku Fintech Forum 2025 event, Trend reports. "We need to incorporate international trends in the fintech sector into our system. The biggest burden here lies on improving the legislative framework," the chairman explained. He noted as an example a requirement for electronic money institutions to store funds in more than one bank. "At the same time, there is such a requirement for other participants in the financial sector. In particular, there is a requirement for insurance companies to store their funds in different banks. For the upcoming period, it may be important to introduce such a requirement to fintechs as well," he also said. Nuriyev pointed out that this strategy will not only bolster the security of payment service users' funds but also pave the way for the long-term viability of e-money institutions. "In terms of developing financial inclusion and more effective application of the financial approach, additional areas of activity of fintechs should be expanded on a legislative basis," the chairman added. Fintech, an abbreviation for financial technology, encompasses the integration of cutting-edge digital innovations to enhance and streamline financial services and products, thereby optimizing accessibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. It encapsulates a diverse array of cutting-edge advancements, encompassing digital banking infrastructures, mobile transaction platforms, crowd-sourced funding mechanisms, algorithm-driven advisory services, virtual lending solutions, and decentralized ledger technologies exemplified by digital currencies. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. During a working visit of the Azerbaijani delegation to the State of Kuwait, Azerbaijans Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov met with Kuwaits Minister of Finance, the Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Resources, the Acting Minister for Economic Affairs and Investments, as well as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Investment Authority, Subaih Abdul Aziz Abdul Mohsen Al-Muhaizim, Trend reports. We presented an overview of Azerbaijans favorable investment climate and highlighted the expanding economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kuwait. During the discussions, we also explored opportunities for collaboration in trade, tourism, traditional and renewable energy, agriculture, transport, and transit, Mikayil Jabbarov wrote on his page on X. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 9. Uzbekistans copper output is set to hit the ground running, aiming for 250,000 tons in the near future and shooting for the stars with a target of 500,000 tons by 2030, Trend reports, citing the Uzbek President's office. This was announced during a meeting where President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on measures to further develop the electrical engineering industry and enhance its export potential. Responsible officials reported on large-scale projects aimed at using the countrys resource base to produce high value-added productsincluding servers, industrial electronics, air conditioners, solar panels, measuring instruments, automation systems, and smart cards. Overall, a portfolio of 157 projects worth a total of $2.1 billion has been formed in the sector. Their implementation is expected to create 14,500 new jobs. In recent years, consistent reforms have been carried out in this field in Uzbekistan, leading to the establishment of modern production facilities and steady growth in both production and export volumes. In the first nine months of this year, industry output increased by 16.3 percent to reach 34 trillion soums (approximately $2.7 billion), while exports amounted to $970 million. Despite these positive dynamics, the sector still holds significant untapped potential. Among the key priorities are increasing the share of high value-added products, expanding copper deep-processing capacities, and diversifying export markets. Currently, about 60 percent of copper exports come from goods with high added value. The presentation included proposals aimed at stimulating deeper raw material processing and supporting domestic manufacturers. In particular, it was proposed to introduce discounts for raw material purchases, provide state compensation for part of loan interest exceeding 5 percent, and grant tax and customs incentives to enterprises in the sector. The meeting also reviewed the activities of electrical engineering technoparks in various regions of the country, emphasizing their growing role in technological innovation and localization of production. Opportunities for promoting Uzbek-made products in international markets are also expanding. The Uzbek Institute of Standards has joined the International Electrotechnical Commissions (IEC) certification scheme, allowing certificates issued to Uzbek manufacturers to be recognized in 53 countries. Additionally, the Agency for Technical Regulation, in cooperation with European partners, is developing a conformity assessment system that will enable Uzbek products to carry the CE mark, confirming compliance with EU standards. This initiative is expected to at least double exports to European markets. President Mirziyoyev issued specific instructions to accelerate the implementation of planned projects, maintain high export growth rates, and strengthen Uzbekistans presence in new foreign markets. Uzbekistan boasts considerable copper reserves, with international assessments placing the figure at around 45 million tons, positioning it among the foremost global copper deposits. The preeminent reserves are located at the Kal'makyr deposit, an extensive porphyry copper system that concurrently harbors substantial gold concentrations and is recognized as one of the most significant globally. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Permanent Secretary of the Swedish Academy Mats Malm announces the laureate of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature in Stockholm, Sweden, Oct. 9, 2025.(Xinhua/Peng Ziyang) STOCKHOLM, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian writer Laszlo Krasznahorkai has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the second Hungarian author ever to receive the honor, the Swedish Academy announced on Thursday. Krasznahorkai was recognized "for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art," the academy said in a statement. Born in 1954 in the small town of Gyula in southeastern Hungary near the Romanian border, Krasznahorkai achieved his literary breakthrough with his debut novel "Satantango" (1985). The book became a sensation in Hungary and established him as one of Central Europe's most distinctive literary voices. The Swedish Academy described him as "a great epic writer in the Central European tradition that extends through Kafka to Thomas Bernhard, and is characterised by absurdism and grotesque excess." It added that the author's later works adopted "a more contemplative, finely calibrated tone," reflecting his deep impressions from journeys to China and Japan, which inspired several of his works. Steve Sem-Sandberg, a member of the Nobel Committee for Literature, said Krasznahorkai has maintained a remarkably consistent and high-quality output throughout his four decades of writing. He noted that few authors manage to sustain such a level of excellence over so long a career. Sem-Sandberg also highlighted that Krasznahorkai's work continues a European tradition of dense, epic novels featuring vivid characters and apocalyptic settings. Permanent Secretary of the Swedish Academy Mats Malm announces the laureate of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature in Stockholm, Sweden, Oct. 9, 2025. Hungarian writer Laszlo Krasznahorkai has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the second Hungarian author ever to receive the honor, the Swedish Academy announced on Thursday. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang) BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. The Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Kingdom of Norway, Hoda Dedic, met with the Mayor of Oslo, Anne Lindboe, at the Oslo City Hall, Trend reports. Ambassador Dedic expressed interest in cooperation between the cities of Sarajevo and Oslo through the exchange of knowledge and experience in the fields of digitalization and environmentally friendly urban transport, noting that Oslo has extensive experience in these areas. Mayor Lindboe welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that Oslo has made significant efforts toward eco-friendly transport and that the citys entire public transport system now runs exclusively on electricity. She added that Oslo can assist Sarajevo by sharing expertise and through other forms of collaboration. It was agreed that the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Oslo would submit a written concept of cooperation to the Oslo City Council. Mayor Lindboe inquired about the Bosnian diaspora in Norway and the number of Bosnian citizens living in Oslo. Ambassador Dedic informed her about the recently held first BiHNordic Forum in Gothenburg on October 45, 2025, highlighting that the Bosnian diaspora is among the best-integrated communities in Norway. According to available data, there are 105 doctors of Bosnian origin living and working in Norway, with the largest part of the diaspora residing in the southern and southwestern regions of the country. At the end of the meeting, Mayor Lindboe expressed a desire to learn more about the culture of one of the largest communities in Oslo and showed interest in activities promoting Bosnian culture. She also stated her wish to attend any cultural events organized by the embassy or the Bosnian diaspora. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. Kazakhstan intends to exchange best practices with Azerbaijan on the Know Your Customer (E-KYC) system, said Yulia Salehova, Deputy Chair of the Kazakhstan Payment Organizations Association, at the Baku Fintech Forum 2025, Trend reports. I would like not only banks but also payment service providers to be part of the Know Your Customer (E-KYC) system. I am a bit disappointed that the system is not yet fully operational in Kazakhstan. However, I hope that in the future we will be able to share this experience mutually with Azerbaijan, Salehova emphasized. She went on to discuss sandbox practices implemented in Kazakhstan: We have a sandbox system. It was supposed to allow us to test various solutions. Currently, neither open banking nor the sandbox system is operating at full capacity. There are objective reasons for this. The main point, however, is that our regulator, particularly the National Bank, shows strong commitment to development and improvement. But every transformation takes time, and implementing it is very challenging, especially when the market is not fully ready. Salehova noted that the sandbox allowed them to test technological solutions: But more importantly, it provided an opportunity to test business models, because it has never been only about technology. The sandbox was a kind of regulated and supervised experience. The positive side is that all tests were conducted under strict control, with a limited number of operations and customers. The downside is that, due to these limitations, it was not possible to evaluate the impact on the global market. But the most important thing is that market participants were able to express their views. Regulators could see market demands, customer reactions, and how rules should evolve. It allowed them to identify gaps and determine which should be addressed, because over-regulation limits development. Currently, some open banking services are functioning in Kazakhstan, but Salehova noted that the main challenge is market readiness: Motivation is very important, and we must not forget that. Large banks have their own infrastructure, which sometimes works better than global open banking solutions in the country. These banks are not interested in joining the open banking system. For smaller players, this system is an opportunity to gain new customers and develop their products. But for the major players, it creates competition they do not want. Therefore, even though a few services are available, the largest banks do not participate, and the system cannot operate at full scale. At the same time, smaller players, such as payment organizations, have not yet been integrated into the system. Large players do not want smaller players to gain unexpected advantages. In short, we can say that the Kazakhstan market is developing and positive steps are being taken, but there are still many areas that need improvement, Salehova added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. A series of major international events is set to begin in the capital of Tajikistan, promising to shape regional policy for the years ahead. Today, October 9, the second RussiaCentral Asia summit is taking place in Dushanbe, followed tomorrow by a meeting of the Council of Heads of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Both forums share a common goal: strengthening trade and investment cooperation, developing transport links, and jointly addressing security challenges. The RussiaCentral Asia format was first tested in October 2022 in Astana, marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Moscow and the five Central Asian countries. At that time, the parties set a course for deeper economic cooperation and the protection of shared interests amid global instability. Three years later, the Dushanbe meeting is unfolding in a very different context, with increased sanctions pressure on Russia, growing competition from external centers of influence, and intensified integration initiatives within the region itself. The summit is attended by the presidents of Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The agenda covers a wide range of issuesfrom trade and industry to energy and migration. Experts note that transport logistics and security will receive particular attention. The main focus of the meeting is the development of trade and economic partnership and the creation of favorable conditions for mutual investments. Discussions include joint industrial projects, production localization, the development of new transport routes, and the digitalization of trade. Russia remains one of the leading trading partners of the Central Asian countries, with total trade exceeding $45 billion in 2024. Projects in mechanical engineering, energy, agriculture, and logistics are also on the agenda. Cooperation in the banking and financial sector is being discussed, including settlements in national currencies and the use of new clearing mechanisms. Labor migration is another key topic. According to Russias Ministry of Economic Development, about four million Central Asian citizens work in Russia. Leaders plan to discuss ways to improve the protection of migrant workers rights and expand educational programs aimed at enhancing the qualifications of regional specialists. Alongside economic issues, security will be a central focus. The situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East, along with the rise in terrorist activity and cross-border crime, poses common risks for the countries of Central Asia. The summit will consider deepening cooperation in counterterrorism, combating drug threats and extremism, including the exchange of operational information and joint exercises. Initiatives to strengthen borders and develop security infrastructure are also on the table. Analysts note that this aspect is particularly important for Russia, as stability along its southern borders directly affects internal security. On October 10, Dushanbe will host a CIS Heads of State Council meeting. The agenda includes over ten key issues, including strengthening economic cooperation, ensuring food and energy security, and developing humanitarian ties and digital transformation. The summit is expected to result in the signing of a broad set of documents, including a concept for CIS military cooperation through 2030, a program of joint measures to counter new threats and challenges, and a package of decisions to develop internal trade and investments. One of the central initiatives will be the discussion of a CIS+ formatan expanded platform for interaction with external partners, including observer countries and associated participants. This move could give the organization a new impetus and enhance its international standing. The scheduling of the two summits within the same period is no coincidence. Moscow seeks to strengthen systemic ties with the countries of the region through various integration formatsfrom the CIS to the SCO and the Eurasian Economic Union. Each platform serves its own purpose: the CIS provides institutional and coordination mechanisms, while the RussiaCentral Asia format addresses strategic and pragmatic objectives. For the countries of the region, participation in these formats provides opportunities to balance foreign policy, attract investments, develop infrastructure, and jointly respond to cross-border challenges. Despite ambitious goals, experts note that implementing the agreed measures will require time and political will. Project execution is complicated by a lack of investment, differing levels of economic development, and cautious attitudes toward increased Russian influence in some countries. On the other hand, sanctions pressures encourage Moscow to seek new growth points and build long-term economic chains within Eurasia. In this context, the Dushanbe summits are seen as an important step toward creating a more resilient and self-sufficient regional space. The outcomes of the two meetings will indicate how ready the CIS and Central Asian countries are to move from declarations to concrete joint actions. If the proposed initiatives are implemented, the region could become one of the most dynamically developing areas in Eurasia. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. The State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) has put its money where its mouth is, investing a cool 50 million pounds sterling in London's Gatwick Airport, and this move is part of a partnership with Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a US-based investment firm that's in the pocket of BlackRock, Trend reports via SOFAZ. This investment is one of the fund's most significant infrastructure deals in the European market, confirming its long-term involvement in global infrastructure projects and commitment to sustainable development. Gatwick Airport, the second-busiest hub in the UK, sees more than 40 million passengers pass through its gates each year and was in the running among the top ten busiest airports in Europe by 2024. For many years, Gatwick was considered the busiest single-runway airport in Europe. Following the UK government's approval of the Northern Runway project, the airport has entered a major expansion phase. Its passenger traffic is projected to reach approximately 75 million people annually by the late 2030s. As one of the UK's key transport hubs, Gatwick Airport supports over 23,000 jobs and contributes billions of pounds to the UK economy annually. In 2019, VINCI Airports acquired a 50.01 percent stake in Gatwick Airport from GIP. The remaining stake continues to be jointly managed by GIP, SOFAZ, and other international institutional investors. This investment is strategically important for diversifying SOFAZ's investment portfolio through investments in sustainable infrastructure assets aligned with the fund's long-term investment strategy. "This important investment project is a prime example of our strategy, which is based on collaborating with leading global partners on assets with sustainable value and strategic importance. Gatwick Airport is not only a key European transportation hub but also a reliable, promising asset that reflects the fund's global and long-term approach to investment," SOFAZ CEO Israfil Mammadov noted. Adebayo Ogunlesi, the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of GIP, expressed significant appreciation for the investment. "We are pleased to continue our partnership with the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan on such a significant asset as Gatwick Airport. This airport is a high-quality infrastructure project that delivers long-term value and sustainable development for both investors and society," he said. Established in 1999 with assets amounting to $271 million at the time, SOFAZ is an extrabudgetary fund that operates as a distinct legal entity, independent of the government or central bank. SOFAZ protects and judiciously administers energy-derived revenues for current and forthcoming generations. A fundamental principle of SOFAZ is transparency. During this era, the Fund has evolved institutionally and attained international recognition as an asset management organization. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. Prospects for trade and investment cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kuwait were discussed, Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov wrote on his X page, Trend reports. The discussion, which also included increasing trade turnover, promoting mutual investments, and strengthening dialogue between business circles, was held during the minister's meeting with Director General of the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry Rabah Abdulrahman Al-Rabah as a part of his working visit to the country. Jabbarov further underscored the criticality of expanding the economic cooperation framework and enhancing synergies in the energy sector, industrial clusters, and collaborative production ventures. Referring to figures, the primary items Kuwait shipped to Azerbaijan were acyclic alcohol derivatives (halogenated, sulphonated, and nitrated) ($197,000), industrial fatty acids, oils, and alcohols ($159,000), and clays ($957,000). Kuwaiti exports to Azerbaijan fell 29.5 percent annually from $1.28 million in 2018 to $223,000 in 2023. While Azerbaijan exported $1.21 million to Kuwait in 2023. The primary Azerbaijani exports to Kuwait were apples and pears ($553,000), refined petroleum ($212,000), and tea ($95,300). Azerbaijani exports to Kuwait rose 14.2 percent annually from $622,000 in 2018 to $1.21 million in 2023. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. Open Banking is a direction that can give certain advantages to the market and can give a serious impetus to the development of market participants, not only banks, but primarily small fintech companies, Deputy Chair of the Kazakhstan Association of Payment Organizations Yulia Salehova told the media on the sidelines of the Baku Fintech Forum 2025, Trend reports. According to her, the development of regional markets and the possibility of some integration between fintech systems are important. "Of course, its implementation will require a lot of resources and time. But I think it should not only be possible, but also a priority," Salehova emphasized. She also spoke about the advantages of open banking, the experience of Kazakhstan, and the possible opportunities for cooperation with Azerbaijan in this direction. "Open Banking represents a strategic direction that holds the potential to offer substantial advantages within the market, providing significant momentum for the growth and development of market participantsnot only for traditional banking institutions but also for smaller fintech enterprises. To nurture the emergence of 'unicorn' companies, it is essential to cultivate an environment that fosters their growth. Facilitating access to Open Banking opportunities for these players could be a crucial avenue in the creation of such high-growth firms. When examining the potential benefits of Open Banking for the banking sector, particularly within the context of Azerbaijan, several key advantages emerge. The facilitation of data sharing between banks and across various customer accounts can substantially enhance the speed and efficiency of transactions. At its core, Open Banking offers clients the ability to consolidate and manage their various accounts in a single interface, thus enhancing the user experience. This would allow customers of one bank to seamlessly access services offered by another, streamlining both service delivery and access. If successfully implemented, the primary beneficiary of this system would undeniably be the end customer. Moreover, extending Open Banking capabilities to fintech companies would not only stimulate their growth but also promote the creation of innovative interfaces and products. This, in turn, would contribute to the overall development of the market, potentially revealing new opportunities and avenues for growth that may not yet be fully visible," Salehova emphasized. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. FinTech, or financial technology, is one of the top three venture capital (VC) investment priorities worldwide, including in Turkiye and Azerbaijan, Gunce Onur, General Partner at the European Startup Wise Guys venture fund, said at the Baku Fintech Forum 2025, Trend reports. We invest in early-stage startups, and FinTech is one of our main focus areas. It is even a pleasure to see the Azerbaijani startup ePoint, one of our investment projects, participating as a partner in this event, Onur noted. He explained that FinTech is not limited to a single sector, encompassing over 20 subfields that touch many aspects of daily life. When we look at FinTech globally, it ranks among the top three venture capital investment areas, not only for Turkiye or Azerbaijan but worldwide, he added. Gunce Onur also stressed that FinTech is more than an investment area; it influences the entire ecosystem it touches. Because it is directly linked to money and finance, regulation is inevitable, and rules are stricter due to the inherent risks. For startups aiming to establish new FinTech companies, these rules, permits, and licenses can be challenging. However, once these barriers are overcome, they provide a protective framework because trust and credibility are essential in FinTech, Onur explained. When evaluating FinTech startups, the fund first looks at the quality of the team. Strong, knowledgeable, and experienced teams are our most important criterion. Next, we assess whether the startup is working with the right partners and building ecosystem connections, even if the product has not yet been launched. We check if they have conducted proper research and analysis, and whether they understand competition and regulatory requirements. These factors are very important for us, he said. Onur concluded that for venture capital investors, FinTech is a highly strategic sector, and the fund actively invests in it. There is even a saying in the world: every startup will eventually become a FinTech startup. FinTech is attractive not only for companies operating directly in financial technology but also for startups in other sectors. The biggest venture capital funds in the world invest in FinTech. Yes, there are certain challenges, but these exist to protect the sector. Therefore, it is more important for entrepreneurs to understand the reasons behind the regulatory environment and learn how to navigate it, which is one of the most valuable skills, he said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a $52 million sovereign-backed loan to support Sri Lankas efforts to strengthen its power infrastructure and advance renewable energy development through the KerawalapitiyaPort L Second Transmission Line Project, Trend reports. The loan agreement was signed by Rajat Misra, AIIBs Director General for Public Sector Clients (Region 1), and Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Treasury and Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development of Sri Lanka. The signing ceremony was attended by Energy Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando, and AIIB President Jin Liqun. The project includes the design, supply, and construction of a 220kV single-circuit underground cable system linking the Kerawalapitiya Switching Station with the Colombo Port L Grid Substation. It will serve as the second transmission line along this route, complementing the first one commissioned in 2019, which will soon be insufficient to meet rising electricity demand in the Greater Colombo area. This marks AIIBs first energy sector project in Sri Lanka, reflecting our strong commitment to supporting the countrys power infrastructure and energy transition, said Misra. By enhancing grid stability and ensuring reliable electricity supply, the project will deliver lasting economic and social benefits for Sri Lanka, while reinforcing its path toward sustainable growth and resilience. Once completed, the project will help stabilize power supply across the Greater Colombo region, support the development of a new special economic zone, and improve reliability for businesses and households. It will also facilitate the integration of renewable energy from the northern and eastern regions into the national grid. Sri Lanka, a founding member of AIIB, has so far partnered with the Bank on five major infrastructure projects totaling $534 million in financing, spanning the energy, transport, and urban sectors. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, October 9. President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon met with President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov in Dushanbe and discussed strengthening cooperation through regional councils, Trend reports via the press service of the President of Tajikistan. The two leaders emphasized the importance of the Interstate Coordination Council and the Intergovernmental Council for the Realization of Trade and Economic Potential as effective mechanisms for advancing bilateral relations. Emomali Rahmon noted that, thanks to mutual understanding and joint efforts, all outstanding issues between the two countries had been resolved. The presidents also highlighted the need to deepen cultural and humanitarian exchanges, strengthen coordination within regional and international organizations, and support each others initiatives on the international stage. The discussions encompassed a productive dialogue on optimizing regional security frameworks and addressing contemporary challenges and threats in a strategic manner. The good news for both nations is that the bilateral trade dynamics between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have experienced an exponential escalation in 2025, exhibiting a remarkable increase exceeding fifteenfold relative to the corresponding timeframe of the previous year, as reported by the Customs Service of Tajikistan. From January through May, the aggregate bilateral trade volume surged to $6.35 million, a substantial increase from a mere $405,100 recorded during the corresponding timeframe in 2024. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel MACAO, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) said on Thursday that the 30th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) will feature innovation, with over 20 new products and technologies making their debut. With robots appearing in community flash roadshows, the fair will be held Oct. 22 to 25 at Macao's Cotai Expo, the IPIM noted, attracting participants from over 40 countries and regions. More than 50 economic and trade conferences and forums were said to take place during the event. This year's MIF introduces a number of specialized exhibition areas, the institute underlined, such as the "robotics industry pavilion" and the "Macao big health brand global promotion pavilion," aligning with Macao's industrial diversification strategy. Since its inception in 1996, the MIF has grown into Macao's foremost annual event in international economy and trade, and is the first professional exhibition in the city accredited by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, the IPIM said. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 9. Uzbekistan Airways is launching new flights from Andijan to Istanbul, Trend reports. Commencing on October 27, 2025, the national airline will initiate direct scheduled operations on the AndijanIstanbulAndijan corridor, with a biweekly frequency, specifically on Mondays and Thursdays. At present, Andijan is connected through a network of scheduled air services to key destinations including Saint Petersburg, Moscow (Vnukovo Airport), Novosibirsk (operated by S7 Airlines), Irkutsk (also serviced by S7 Airlines), and Tashkent. Established in 1992 and strategically positioned at Tashkent International Airport, Uzbekistan Airways boasts a robust fleet comprising 47 aircraft as of June 2025. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 9. Uzbekistans Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, held a meeting with Nenad Popovic, Minister for International Economic Cooperation of Serbia, to discuss the current state and prospects for trade, economic, and investment cooperation between the two countries, Trend reports. During the talks, special attention was given to expanding collaboration in areas such as industrial cooperation, pharmaceuticals, energy, agriculture, transport, and technology. Earlier, in Belgrade, Uzbekistans Ambassador to Serbia, Oybek Shakhavdinov, met with Nikola Stojanovic, State Secretary of the Serbian Ministry of Domestic and Foreign Trade. The discussions focused on the launch of the Intergovernmental Commission and explored potential avenues for cooperation in the field of labor migration. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, October 9. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon to discuss ways to further expand and strengthen Uzbek-Tajik relations, Trend reports, citing the Uzbek President's office. The leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive dynamics of bilateral cooperation, noting growth in trade turnover, cargo transportation, and the frequency of air connections between the two countries. Special attention was given to coordinated measures to boost mutual trade and promote joint projects in industry, energy, agriculture, and other priority sectors. Both presidents emphasized the importance of continuing active cultural and humanitarian exchanges, as well as fostering productive interregional contacts. The meeting also included a thorough exchange of views on key international and regional issues, including preparations for the upcoming Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State scheduled to take place in Tashkent in November 2025. Meanwhile, Tajikistan has ascended as a pivotal regional collaborator for Uzbekistan, positioning itself within the upper echelons of the nations trade alliances, specifically among the top 20 trade partners. In 2024, the bilateral trade turnover escalated to $702.7 million, indicative of a substantial uptick and underscoring the burgeoning dynamics of economic synergy and transnational collaboration between the two sovereign entities. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 9. Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan, Ilzat Kasimov, held a meeting with Mr. Liu Yu, Chairman of the Association of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan, to discuss key investment and industrial cooperation initiatives, Trend reports. The association unites over 100 Chinese companies successfully operating in Uzbekistan across sectors including construction, engineering, agriculture, energy, and telecommunications. During the talks, both sides discussed initiatives aimed at deepening industrial cooperation and investment. Key proposals included the establishment of a Comprehensive Support Center for UzbekChinese Joint Ventures, the creation of an Investment Promotion Center for Uzbekistans Industrial Parks, the organization of investment roadshows in China, and the formation of an UzbekChinese Investment Alliance. The execution of these strategic initiatives is anticipated to catalyze novel pathways for foreign direct investment, enhance the transference of cutting-edge technologies, and fortify industrial synergies between the two nations. Bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and China continues to expand rapidly. In the previous fiscal year, trade exceeded $14 billion, marking a 23 percent increase since the beginning of 2025. This robust growth underscores the strengthening economic ties and highlights Chinas role as one of Uzbekistans most important and reliable partners. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 9. Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov held a meeting with a delegation of American companies visiting Uzbekistan at the initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to discuss opportunities for collaboration, Trend reports. The event brought together representatives of leading U.S. technology and innovation companies, including Apple, Amazon Project Kuiper, Mastercard, Meta, Plug & Play Tech Center, Illumina, and several other major firms and organizations. During the dialogue, the parties thoroughly explored prospects for cooperation in developing the digital economy, ensuring information security, implementing artificial intelligence in public administration and business processes, supporting startups and the innovation ecosystem, as well as improving IT education and digital infrastructure. The American companies highly praised the large-scale reforms in the digital economy and innovation sectors being implemented in Uzbekistan, expressing strong interest in the countrys investment climate and the new opportunities emerging there. As a result of the meeting, both sides agreed to launch practical cooperation in digital technologies, startups, and information security, as well as jointly develop new initiatives. Concurrently, by the conclusion of 2024, the bilateral trade turnover between the two nations experienced a 15 percent escalation, culminating in a total of $881.7 million, whereas direct investment from the U.S. into Uzbekistan reached a substantial $612.6 million. In excess of 300 enterprises with American capital are currently operational within the nation, comprising 167 that are wholly owned by U.S. investors. Established in 1997 by stakeholders from the expatriate business sector in Uzbekistan, the American Chamber of Uzbekistan functions as a voluntary, autonomous consortium of entrepreneurs and corporate entities, primarily aggregating foreign enterprises hailing from the United States, Europe, and the South Pacific region. At present, our organization boasts a membership exceeding 100 individuals. AmCham operates as an affiliate and holds full accreditation within the framework of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, thereby qualifying for the utilization of the organizations informational resources and ancillary facilities. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Uzbek visits to Saudi Arabia gain ground, paving way for economic growth Travel from Uzbekistan to Saudi Arabia surged in the first eight months of 2025, with the number of visitors rising nearly 50% compared to last year. Most travelers went for tourism, while others visited relatives, sought medical treatment, or traveled for official and study purposes. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, October 9. Turkmenistan and Malaysia discussed expanding cooperation in the oil and gas sector, with Turkmenistans long-standing partnership with Malaysian company Petronas taking center stage, Trend reports via Turkmen MFA. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Akhmed Gurbanov met with a Malaysian delegation led by Senior Political Secretary to the Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ashgabat. The talks also covered broader political, trade, economic, and cultural cooperation, with investment identified as a key priority. The parties highlighted the success of the International Forum on Attracting Foreign Investment in Turkmenistan, held in Kuala Lumpur, and discussed ways to strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties, particularly in education and tourism. Petronas, officially known as Petroliam Nasional Berhad, serves as Malaysia's national oil and gas entity, operating as a fully integrated multinational corporation. It engages comprehensively across the oil and gas value chain, encompassing upstream exploration and production, as well as downstream activities including petrochemicals, refining, and marketing. Completely under the aegis of the Malaysian government, Petronas boasts an extensive global footprint and is tasked with the stewardship and advancement of the country's hydrocarbon assets, aiming for the attainment of net zero carbon emissions by the year 2050. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, October 9. On October 9, the second "Central Asia-Russia" Summit was held in Dushanbe under the chairmanship of Tajikistans President Emomali Rahmon, Trend reports. The summit brought together the leaders of Central Asian countries and Russia, including Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyzstans President Sadyr Japarov, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkmenistans President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, and Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. During the summit, participants discussed key areas of regional cooperation, including the development of trade and economic ties, investment promotion, the expansion of humanitarian connections, and the strengthening of security across Central Asia. President Rahmon emphasized that the active participation of all heads of state reflects a strong commitment to deepening dialogue and strategic collaboration. Leaders delivered speeches outlining their positions on pressing regional issues, after which the summit adopted a final Communique and a Joint Action Plan for 2025-2027. President Rahmon thanked participants for their constructive engagement and highlighted the importance of the agreements reached in fostering solidarity and mutual understanding throughout the region. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. The priorities of Azerbaijans chairmanship in the International Transport Forum (ITF) were discussed during a meeting of the Road Transport Group of the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) held in Malta, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport told Trend. In his remarks, ITF Secretary-General Young Tae Kim highlighted the priorities set by Azerbaijan for its chairmanship, noting that expanding the ECMTs geographical reach is among the key objectives. He added that the Road Transport Group meeting provides a platform for constructive dialogue, contributing to progress in digitalization, sustainable development, and the strengthening of interregional transport connections. The meeting resulted in several important outcomes, including the planned expansion of ECMTs digital system functionality, which will be launched on January 1, 2026. It also emphasized more effective integration between national authorities and carriers, as well as a short grace period for transitioning to the new system. Additionally, a decision was made to include zero-emission vehicles in the ECMT quota system starting from 2027. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, October 9. Russia is firmly committed to strengthening its strategic partnership and alliance with the countries of Central Asia while deepening mutually beneficial political, economic, and humanitarian ties, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin said at the Central Asia-Russia summit in Dushanbe, Trend reports. We have already achieved tangible results in all these areas, Putin noted, emphasizing that by the end of last year, Russias trade turnover with the five Central Asian states exceeded $45 billion. This is a solid outcome, but given the regions population and economic potential, the growth opportunities remain vast, he added, comparing it to Russias trade with Belarus, which stands at more than $50 billion despite a smaller population of 10 million. The Russian president also underlined that mutual trade grew by about 4 percent from January through July 2025 and pointed to the ongoing transition toward greater use of national currencies in settlements. For contract payments, the Russian System for Transfer of Financial Messages (SPFS) and similar mechanisms in your countries are being widely used. The practice of opening direct correspondent accounts between our countries credit institutions has also become widespread, Putin stated. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BEIJING, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- China will continue working with all sides to help promote the sound development of the international human rights cause, said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Thursday. According to media reports, the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted by consensus the resolution tabled by China on economic, social and cultural rights. When answering a related query at a daily news briefing, Guo said that the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council has adopted by consensus the resolution on "Promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities" submitted by China on behalf of nearly 70 countries, including Bolivia, Egypt, Pakistan, and South Africa. The resolution calls for stronger multilateralism and international cooperation, and efforts of fully leveraging the role of the knowledge hub for economic, social and cultural rights, which was established under China's proposal, to better provide technical assistance and capacity-building support for countries in need, Guo said. "Representatives of various countries extended their congratulations to China. Developing countries said that the resolution reflects the real needs of people around the world, and serves as a strong response to the developing countries' call for greater input into economic, social and cultural rights," noted the spokesperson. China will continue upholding true multilateralism, enhancing dialogue and cooperation with all sides based on equality and mutual respect, and helping to promote the sound development of the international human rights cause, Guo said. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 9. Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed creating joint grain processing clusters between Kazakhstan and Russia, Trend reports. The head of state made the remark at the Central Asia-Russia summit in Dushanbe. According to him, the agricultural sector opens up wide opportunities for joint activities between the countries of the region and Russia. He noted that, despite the results already achieved, the potential for cooperation in this area could be significantly enhanced through the introduction of innovations. We are talking about the creation of agrotechnological start-ups, the widespread use of precision farming technologies, the development of modern agrologistics platforms, and the formation of centres of excellence, including those using artificial intelligence, the president stressed. Kazakh Leader recalled that Russia is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of grain, and Kazakhstan is also among the leaders in this indicator. Given our potential, we propose considering a project to create joint clusters for deep grain processing. This will allow us to produce not only wheat and flour, but also products with high added value, Tokayev noted. The president emphasized the importance of moving from competition to cooperation in foreign markets, as well as the strategic vision of transforming the agro-industrial complex into a high-tech industry. The synergy of the potential of Central Asian countries with the economic opportunities of Russia can qualitatively enrich the content of our multifaceted cooperation, he concluded. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 9. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed to establish a Regional Council of Competencies in the field of nuclear fuel cycle and radioactive waste management in the country, Trend reports. The head of state made the announcement at the Central Asia-Russia summit in Dushanbe. According to him, cooperation with Russia in the field of nuclear energy has gained significant momentum in recent years. The construction of the first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan with the participation of Rosatom opens a new page in the strategic partnership between the two countries. Cooperation in the nuclear industry will ensure the development of several related industries. This is critically important for us, Tokayev stressed. The president noted that the creation of a Regional Competence Council will strengthen the research base and the system for training qualified personnel. The first step has already been taken: a branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI has been opened in Almaty. Tokayev added that further work will be carried out with the involvement of research institutes in Kazakhstan and Russia, and that the potential for cooperation in the field of nuclear energy remains intact and is operational. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. The United StatesAzerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC), in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan, will organize the U.S. Digital Technologies Trade Mission to Azerbaijan from November 1721, 2025, in conjunction with the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) in Baku, Trend reports via USACC. Reportedly, this mission will connect leading U.S. digital and ICT companies with government and private sector leaders in Azerbaijan and the wider Caucasus and Central Asia region to explore business, investment, and partnership opportunities in the rapidly expanding digital economy. The World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) is a flagship event of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), convened every four years. The conference focuses on accelerating digital transformation, bridging the digital divide, and promoting universal connectivity. In 2025, Azerbaijan will host the WTDC from November 1728, bringing together over 1,000 global leaders from governments, the private sector, and academia. The event will provide a high-level platform for participants to shape global ICT and telecommunication development strategies. In collaboration with Azerbaijans Ministry of Digital Development and Transport and other government stakeholders, the USACC will highlight American companies and their innovative technologies at this landmark international event. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 9. Uzbekistan is seeking to substantially expand the regions economic partnership with the Russian Federation, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated at the "Central Asia-Russia" summit in Tajikistan's Dushanbe, Trend reports. The head of state noted that despite challenging global market conditions and increasing external pressures, Uzbekistan has managed to maintain positive growth in mutual trade. Based on last year and this year's results, the trade turnover between Uzbekistan, Russia, and other countries in the region has grown by about 15 percent, he said. Mirziyoyev emphasized the need to continue work within the Council to develop comprehensive measures aimed at boosting trade volumes. Among the key initiatives are facilitating mutual access to commodity markets, simplifying procedures, and launching the "Central Asia-Russia Agro-Express" project. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 9. Uzbekistan sees strengthening industrial ties with Russia and building sustainable production chains as one of its priorities, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said at the Central Asia-Russia summit in Dushanbe, Trend reports. As reported by Trend on Thursday, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev made this statement at the Central Asia-Russia summit in Dushanbe. According to him, Uzbekistan is actively expanding industrial cooperation with leading Russian companies. Among the strategic projects being implemented, he noted initiatives in the gas chemical industry and the creation of a modern copper enrichment hub. There is enormous potential for expanding cooperation in mechanical engineering, precision instrument making, chemical, electrical engineering, mining, and other industries on a cluster basis, Mirziyoyev emphasized. To stimulate innovative industrial cooperation between leading enterprises and the private sector, the president proposed the creation of a Central Asia-Russia Industrial Engineering Hub in Bukhara, which will serve as a platform for joint projects and the introduction of modern technologies. I am confident that this project can become a unique technological platform for the development, implementation, and replication of advanced engineering solutions, he noted. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 9. Uzbekistan proposes the establishment of a regional competence center for nuclear energy, the country's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated at the "Central Asia-Russia" summit in Tajikistan's Dushanbe, Trend reports. These days will witness a historic event as we begin implementing joint projects for the first reactor unit of the upcoming nuclear power plant and a multifunctional Nuclear Medicine Center in Uzbekistan, he said. Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of broad scientific and practical cooperation, noting the need for the creation of a Regional Competence Center for Nuclear Energy in Uzbekistan and the development of a training program at the Tashkent branch of the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute. The president also highlighted plans to expand cooperation with Russia in hydrocarbon exploration and processing, modernization of the power sector, and the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. To facilitate the transfer of advanced knowledge and technologies and to prepare and promote joint projects, it is advisable to develop a comprehensive Central Asia-Russia Energy Partnership program, he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, October 9. Russia is a key partner for us in the trade and economic sphere, the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Zhaparov, said at the Central Asia-Russia summit in Dushanbe, Trend reports. The head of state emphasized that the countries of the region are demonstrating steady economic growth, improving living standards, and expanding domestic markets. Zhaparov noted the great prospects for implementing major infrastructure projects jointly with Russia. The President of Kyrgyzstan also drew attention to the importance of cooperation in the transport and logistics sector. The countries of Central Asia are becoming part of international transport corridors that open up access to world markets. It is necessary to strengthen joint work on launching projects aimed at realizing the transport potential of the region and ensuring Russia's connectivity with China, Iran, and other countries, he said. According to him, special attention should be paid to removing existing restrictions and barriers between countries that hinder the development of trade, freight transportation, and the free movement of workers. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, October 9. Turkmenistan views strengthening economic ties between Central Asia and Russia as a top priority, the country's President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated at the "Central Asia-Russia" summit in Tajikistan's Dushanbe, Trend reports. He noted that while the countries have completed several major joint projects in recent years, the transport component of cooperation has become particularly significant. The main goal of these efforts is to establish a reliable, resilient, and efficient logistics system spanning Central Asian states and Russia. President Berdimuhamedov emphasized the strategic importance of developing the international "North-South" transport corridor along the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea, highlighting its value both for regional participants and as part of the broader Eurasian transport project. "Special attention should be paid to the Caspian transport and logistics hub to establish direct transport links between Central Asian countries and Russia via the Caspian Sea. Turkmenistan is ready for detailed discussions on utilizing the capacities of the Turkmenbashi international seaport," he added. The head of state stressed that the successful implementation of these transport projects will create new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic growth across the region. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 9. Russia's Gazprom, mostly in the hands of the state, and Kazakhstan have put pen to paper on a memorandum of cooperation to get the ball rolling on the construction of a new gas pipeline linking the two nations. Trend reports via Gazprom. The signing took place following a meeting between Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee Alexey Miller and First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Roman Sklyar on the sidelines of the 14th St. Petersburg International Gas Forum (SPIGF-2025). During the discussions, the stakeholders engaged in a comprehensive dialogue regarding the potential for enhancing synergies within the gas sector and reiterated their dedication to sustained collaboration in light of Kazakhstan's escalating demand for natural gas resources. Furthermore, a contractual framework was established delineating the principal parameters for the extended processing of Kazakh gas within the Russian Federation. In accordance with the agreement, hydrocarbons extracted from the Karachaganak reservoir will be subjected to refinement at the Orenburg gas processing facility, which is slated for an upgrade to enhance operational efficiency. To recall, in 2023, Gazprom and the Government of Kazakhstan signed an Agreement on Strategic Cooperation. The 14th St. Petersburg International Gas Forum (SPIGF) is a major annual event held in St. Petersburg, Russia, that serves as a platform for discussing the global gas industry's development, showcasing industry innovations, and facilitating business negotiations between top managers from oil and gas companies, government officials, and the scientific community. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 9. Kazakhstan has kicked the can down the road, extending the ban on the export of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by road and rail for another six months, Trend reports via the Kazakh government. The decision was approved by the Interdepartmental Commission on Foreign Trade and Participation in International Economic Organizations of Kazakhstan during a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin. According to the government, the measure aims to ensure sufficient domestic supply amid the growing number of vehicles using LPG as fuel and the products social importance. The commission also extended for six months the ban on the export of live cattle, including to the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), while maintaining the existing quota for the export of up to 120,000 head of small cattle. In addition, at the initiative of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the commission approved a six-month permit-based procedure for the import of gaming machines into Kazakhstan. The import will be allowed only for entities holding a state license for gambling activities, as part of the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan to combat illegal gambling and gambling addiction. The Eurasian Economic Union is an economic alliance including five post-Soviet nations situated in Eurasia. The EAEU possesses a unified integrated market. As of 2023, it comprises 183 million individuals and a gross domestic product of over $2.4 trillion. The EAEU promotes the unrestricted flow of goods and services and establishes unified policies in macroeconomics, transportation, industry, agriculture, energy, international trade and investment, customs, technical regulation, competition, and antitrust legislation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BEIJING/GUANGZHOU, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- China's inbound tourism witnessed significant growth during the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, fueled by visa facilitation policies and a rich array of cultural and tourism activities. Beijing received 25 million visitors during the holiday, generating a tourism revenue of 31.65 billion yuan (about 4.45 billion U.S. dollars), with those figures up 3.6 percent and 4.7 percent year on year, according to the city's culture and tourism authority. Notably, Beijing hosted some 119,000 overseas arrivals -- a remarkable increase of 48 percent compared to the same period last year. Their spending totaled 1.23 billion yuan, up 54.1 percent year on year. Popular destinations among overseas visitors included the Beijing Universal Resort, the Palace Museum, the Mutianyu and Badaling sections of the Great Wall, and the famed commercial districts of Sanlitun and Wangfujing. The city's duty-free shops saw sales exceed 22 million yuan during the holiday, more than doubling last year's figure. Foreign tourists also immersed themselves in a rich variety of cultural activities during the holiday. Beijing alone organized over 4,200 cultural and tourism events, as well as nearly 100 travel routes for the holiday, featuring diverse themes such as the Great Wall, the Grand Canal and the city's Central Axis, which proved popular among residents and tourists alike. South China's Guangdong Province -- a major economic hub -- also experienced a substantial rise in international travelers during the holiday, thanks to the country's ever-improving visa-free travel policies. At Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, the total number of travelers leaving and entering China exceeded 350,000 by Wednesday noon, marking an increase of over 13 percent year on year. Russian traveler Anna Ivanova expressed her surprise at the swift immigration process upon arriving in Guangzhou, the provincial capital. "It only took me about 20 minutes from getting off the plane to clearing immigration," she said. "Traveling to China has become very convenient under the visa-free policy." Her quick immigration process was the result of China's visa-free travel policy for Russian nationals holding ordinary passports, which took effect on Sept. 15. More than 4,800 Russian travelers have since entered China visa-free through Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, with that figure accounting for approximately 66 percent of all Russian arrivals the airport has handled in that time. "We maintain round-the-clock staffing, open all inspection channels, and do our utmost to provide safe, efficient and convenient clearance for travelers," said Liu Huifang, who works at the airport's border inspection station. According to China's National Immigration Administration (NIA), tourists from 76 countries are now able to benefit from unilateral or mutual visa-free entry, with transit exemptions expanded to 55 countries. Citizens of 55 countries can visit China in transit visa-free for up to 10 days, before traveling on to a third destination. The NIA previously estimated that an average of 2 million daily border crossings would be recorded during the holiday. To facilitate the travel of foreign tourists, China is working to remove payment barriers and rolling out AI-powered translation tools at airports and tourist attractions nationwide. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 9. Kazakhstans Senate has given the green light to an agreement with Qatar that lays the groundwork for Kazakh workers to find their feet in the Gulf state, creating a solid legal framework for official labor migration, Trend reports via the upper house of the Kazakh parliament. The agreement sets out mutual obligations between the two countries, under which Qatari employers will cover travel and repatriation costs and provide workers with accommodation, transportation, medical care, and paid leave. It also introduces a standard employment contract to govern the hiring process and establishes a Joint Committee to coordinate actions and resolve any issues arising from the implementation of the agreement. The agreement between the governments of Kazakhstan and Qatar was signed on February 15, 2024, following talks between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The pact also provides for the creation of a Joint Committee to coordinate efforts, attract qualified workers, and address labor disputes. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 9. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan has expressed support for the recently reached agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages, achieved through indirect negotiations in Egypt, Ruslan Zheldibay, Press Secretary to the President of Kazakhstan, said, Trend reports. "The head of state highlighted the effectiveness of mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye, as well as the special contribution of the United States, led by President Donald Trump, to the negotiation process aimed at achieving lasting peace in the Middle East," the statement reads. The ceasefire and planned release of hostages mark a significant step in reducing tensions in Gaza and represent a broader effort by international partners to foster a sustainable peace process in the Middle East. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 9. Kazakhstan is supporting an initiative to create a Joint Logistics Strategy with Uzbekistan, Trend reports via the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan. The announcement was made during a meeting between Kazakhstans Vice Minister of Trade and Integration, Aidar Abildabekov, and Uzbekistans Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade, Khurram Teshabayev. Discussions included the development of transit routes through Afghanistan, the removal of remaining trade barriers, and the creation of favorable conditions for mutual market access. From January through August 2025, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan reached $3 billion, representing significant growth compared to the same period last year. Kazakhstans exports rose substantially, maintaining a positive trade balance. Both countries are steadily working toward achieving a mutual trade target of $10 billion. The 22nd session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Bilateral Cooperation is scheduled to take place in Khiva, Uzbekistan, on October 2223, 2025. The agenda will cover the approval of new initiatives, the status of ongoing projects, and the identification of new growth opportunities. Central Asia, under the collaborative leadership of the presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, is transforming into a geostrategic nexus, a vital interface among major countries and regions, positioned centrally at the convergence of global geopolitical and economic dynamics. Kazakhstan's infrastructure and energy exports connect Russia, China, and Europe, whereas Uzbekistan's engagement with South Asia and the Middle East enhances regional connectivity. The bridging function is not solely geographic; it is both political and economic. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as nonaligned entities in a polarized globe, offer venues for communication and collaboration, acting as intermediates that enable engagement among conflicting global interests. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 9. Tajikistan is interested in further increasing trade turnover with Kazakhstan, President Emomali Rahmon said during talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Dushanbe, Trend reports via the press service of the Tajik president. Moreover, it was noted that bilateral trade reached $670 million in the first half of 2025, highlighting Kazakhstans leading position among Tajikistans trading partners. The sides expressed interest in expanding the range of export and import products and activating the work of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. During their meeting, the leaders reviewed the progress of key agreements reached at the highest level and exchanged views on current regional and international issues. President Rahmon emphasized that Kazakhstan is one of Tajikistans key partners and expressed readiness to further develop strategic and allied cooperation between the countries. The significance of the Treaty on Alliance was underlined, as it opens new opportunities for the comprehensive development of KazakhstanTajikistan cooperation. Special attention was given to developing collaboration in energy, industry, investment, and the adoption of new, including green technologies. The meeting also addressed bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, including education and culture, and the leaders exchanged views on further engagement within regional and international organizations. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 9. Talgat Shaldanbay, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, presented his letters of credence to Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, accrediting him as Kazakhstans non-resident Ambassador to Iraq, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan. During a post-ceremony meeting, the sides discussed ways to strengthen Kazakh-Iraqi relations. Ambassador Shaldanbay conveyed greetings and best wishes from Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and reaffirmed the countrys commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation. President Rashid expressed confidence in further developing friendly ties between the two countries and wished the ambassador success in his diplomatic work. Ahead of the credentialing ceremony, Ambassador Shaldanbay met with Iraqs Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein, where they discussed practical steps to expand cooperation and highlighted the importance of political dialogue as well as trade, economic, and humanitarian collaboration. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, October 9. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov arrived in the Republic of Tajikistan for a working visit at the invitation of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Trend reports via the press service of the Kyrgyz president. Upon landing at Dushanbe International Airport, President Zhaparov was welcomed with a red carpet, a guard of honor, and the display of CIS member states flags. He was greeted by Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda and other senior officials. During the visit, the President is scheduled to participate in the second Central Asia-Russia Summit, as well as a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Several joint documents are expected to be considered and adopted to further strengthen practical cooperation within the CIS and the Central Asia-Russia framework. Photo: Official website of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, October 9. During the first seven months of this year, Tajikistans trade turnover with Russia grew by over 17 percent, President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe, Trend reports, citing the Kremlin. "Last year, the trade turnover grew by more than 7 percent, which is a positive trend, and we must certainly maintain it, he said. Putin added that while some aspects of the relationship are formal or ceremonial, the substance and depth of bilateral relations fully correspond to these formalities. We are fulfilling all agreements and all the fundamental objectives set out in the 1993 Friendship Treaty. Indeed, I fully agree with you that our relations are developing very positively across all areas, as you have just outlined, he articulated. He emphasized that trade and economic cooperation continue to advance steadily. During this visit, we have planned a series of significant steps. We intend to issue a joint statement that is substantive, not merely declarative. We need to outline our future actions across all areas and set concrete plans. This will undoubtedly be done, as our teams on both sides have prepared thoroughly for this meeting, the Russian president stressed. Putin also underscored the imperative of security and defense collaboration, emphasizing the continuous efforts in addressing the multifaceted dynamics within the regional landscape. In the realm of humanitarian collaboration, Putin articulated a distinct acknowledgment of Tajikistan's engagement with the Russian cultural and linguistic paradigm. He articulated that any contingencies that emerge will be escalated to the apex tier to guarantee the continuous advancement of RussianTajik relations across all pivotal domains. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, October 9. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in the Republic of Tajikistan on a working visit, Trend reports via the press service of the Turkmen president. Upon the arrival of the presidential aircraft at Dushanbe International Airport, adorned with the flags of the participating countries, President Berdimuhamedov was greeted by senior Tajik officials and members of the Turkmen delegation. During the visit, the Turkmen leader will participate in the key sessions of the Central AsiaRussia Summit and the CIS Council of Heads of State, which are expected to focus on expanding regional cooperation and strengthening political and economic dialogue. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. Cooperation between Iran and Russia in various nuclear fields will be expanded, including the production of small modular reactors (SMRs) and 1,250-megawatt reactors, Trend reports. The decision was made during a meeting in Tehran between Irans Vice President and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, and Nikolay Spasski, Deputy Director for International Affairs at Russias Rosatom. During Eslamis visit to Russia last week, a cooperation agreement was signed between the two countries on small modular reactors (SMRs), the Iran-Hormuz Nuclear Power Plants, and the construction of four 1,250-megawatt reactors worth $25 billion. These projects are considered to have special economic and strategic significance within the framework of bilateral cooperation. During the Tehran visit of the delegation led by Rosatoms Deputy Director for International Affairs, discussions were held on further developing cooperation. It was noted that the new agreements create conditions to enhance joint collaboration. Both sides emphasized the importance of accelerating the implementation of joint projects while reviewing the current process of nuclear cooperation. Additionally, a visit to Iran by Aleksey Likhachev, CEO of Rosatom, has been scheduled in the near future. During this visit, attention will focus not only on implementing the agreements but also on the construction of Units 2 and 3 of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. Unit 1 of Irans Bushehr NPP began operating in 2011. In 2013, the operation of the unit was handed over by Rosatom to the Iranian company. Since 2013, the unit has produced a maximum of 1,000 megawatts of electricity. Over the past 10 years, electricity production at Bushehr NPP has exceeded 65 billion kilowatt-hours. Construction of Units 2 and 3 at Bushehr NPP began in 2017 on a 50-hectare site. Once operational, each unit will have a potential output of 1,057 megawatts of electricity. Commissioning these two units is expected to save 10 million barrels of crude oil or 1.6 billion cubic meters of gas annually and prevent the release of 7 million tons of pollutant gases into the environment. PHNOM PENH, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The upcoming Global Leaders' Meeting on Women will be an important opportunity for the world to renew its shared commitment to gender equality and inclusive development, said Cambodian Minister of Women's Affairs Ing Kantha Phavi. Scheduled to take place in Beijing on Oct. 13-14, the summit will be convened on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the 1995 World Conference on Women, held in the same city. "This landmark event is an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to gender equality and inclusive development -- especially across the Global South," she told Xinhua in a recent interview. The summit is not only a celebration of three decades of progress, but also a springboard for future collaboration and innovation in women's empowerment, Phavi said. Over the past 30 years, China has consistently upheld the spirit of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, making significant and far-reaching global contributions to women's empowerment, including capacity building, maternal and child health, financial support and digital inclusion, among others, she said. Phavi pointed out that nearly 10 percent of women and girls worldwide still live in extreme poverty, which limits their access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, while more than 600 million women and girls face conflict and instability. "Violence against women, discrimination, and economic inequality remain widespread, especially in informal labor markets and underserved communities," the minister said. "Through solidarity, innovation, and shared leadership, countries in the Global South can help shape a future where women thrive, lead and transform their communities," she said. Chinese women's creativity, resilience and leadership continue to drive the nation's development, she said. "We are inspired by China's efforts to promote women's leadership in digital technologies, AI, and STEM education -- unlocking their potential as innovators and changemakers," Phavi said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan brokered with American mediation, marking what he described as "a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, all surrounding nations, and the United States", Trend reports. "I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our Peace Plan," Trump said in a statement. "This means that all of the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace". According to the president, the agreement represents a significant step toward ending hostilities and lays the foundation for long-term stability in the region. Trump underscored that "all parties will be treated fairly" under the terms of the deal. He expressed gratitude to mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye for their efforts in helping facilitate the accord, calling the outcome "a historic and unprecedented event". Articles Sorry, there are no recent results for popular articles. Biologist to discuss Alaska's bats in free webinar Photo by Dani Owens Bats, such as this little brown bat, Myotis lucifugus, are widespread in Alaska. An Alaska wildlife biologist will lead a free lunch-and-learn webinar on bats in Alaska hosted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service. Arin Underwood, who works with the Threatened, Endangered and Diversity Program with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, will discuss Alaskas tiny flying mammals, how they survive the winter and what to do if you find one. Underwood conducts research and outreach on boreal birds and small mammals. The webinar is from noon-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22. Register using the online form or visit https://bit.ly/AlaskaBats. For more information, contact Molly Johansson at 907-786-6313 or mjohansson@alaska.edu. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Alda Norris at amnorris2@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. 079-26 By Nazrin Abdul As part of an official business visit by an Azerbaijani delegation to Kuwait, Azerbaijans Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov held a high-level meeting with Subaih Abdul Aziz Abdul Muhsen Al-Mukhaizeem, Kuwaits Minister of Finance, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Acting Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment, and Chairman of the Board of the Kuwait Investment Authority. Azernews reports that Minister Jabbarov shared details of the meeting via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. We highlighted Azerbaijans favorable investment climate and the steady growth of economic ties between our two countries, Jabbarov noted in the post. The ministers discussed potential areas for deepening cooperation, including trade, tourism, traditional and renewable energy, agriculture, transport, and transit logistics. The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by both nations to strengthen bilateral economic relations and explore new avenues for investment and strategic partnership. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani in Rome, Italy, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) ROME, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The history of exchanges between China and Italy has fully demonstrated that openness, cooperation, and shared development are the right choices based on both countries' cultural heritage and practical needs, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Wednesday. These choices serve the fundamental and long-term interests of both sides and reflect the shared aspirations of the two peoples, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, when meeting with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy. Wang said that for more than half a century, the two countries have carried out high-level and pragmatic cooperation, promoted high-quality cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and built a fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership. China is willing to work with Italy to strengthen confidence, eliminate interference, actively implement the action plan on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership, promote more achievements in bilateral cooperation and boost the economic development of the two countries, Wang added. Wang noted that as comprehensive strategic partners, China and Italy should maintain close exchanges, trust and support each other, and address each other's major concerns. China hopes and believes that Italy will continue to faithfully adhere to the one-China principle and consolidate the political foundation for the sound and steady growth of bilateral relations. He called on the two countries to continue to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries through concrete actions, and transform the good political will into the driving force for the development of China-Italy relations. Wang said that China is willing to actively explore cooperation potential with Italy in green, digital, aerospace, artificial intelligence and other fields, and provide a fair, transparent, non-discriminatory and predictable business environment to encourage enterprises of the two countries to increase two-way investments. Wang stressed that in a world undergoing both changes and turmoil, China and Italy, as outstanding representatives of the ancient civilizations of the East and the West, should and are well placed to draw wisdom and inspiration from their rich histories, provide rational and practical solutions to global pressing challenges, join hands as a force for world peace and stability, and make unremitting efforts to promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system. Tajani said Italy attaches great importance to its relations with China. The two sides have achieved remarkable cooperation results in various fields within the framework of the strategic partnership and have built a constructive and mutually beneficial relationship, he added. He noted that economic and trade cooperation serves as a key driving force for the development of bilateral ties. He expressed the hope that both sides will enhance dialogue and exchanges through bilateral mechanisms such as the China-Italy Government Committee and the two countries' Joint Commission for Economic and Trade Cooperation, deepen practical cooperation, implement the three-year action plan well, and promote the continuous in-depth development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Italy is willing to expand mutual investment with China in both traditional and innovative sectors, expand exchanges and cooperation in science and technology, healthcare, tourism, culture and other fields, open more direct flights, and make good use of the opportunity of Italy hosting the Winter Olympics next year to strengthen mutual support, he said. Italy welcomes more Chinese enterprises to increase investment in Italy and is willing to create a favorable environment for this purpose, he added. Tajani said that Italy firmly adheres to the one-China policy and will never waver in this position. He noted that China, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding world peace and development. Italy stands ready to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China and to work together to promote the peaceful resolution of issues such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Ukraine crisis, he said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani in Rome, Italy, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets the press together with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani in Rome, Italy, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen Talks Due Process with Maryland Carey Law Students A standing-room-only crowd welcomed U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) for a community conversation at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law on Sept. 29. (L-R) Professor Aadhithi Padmanabhan and Sen. Chris Van Hollen Part of the law schools Anchor Events series, the occasion featured a lunchtime discussion between the Maryland senator and associate professor Aadhithi Padmanabhan, JD, director of the Federal Appellate Immigration Clinic, which is part of the Chacon Center for Immigrant Justice at Maryland Carey Law. Van Hollen shared his perspective on the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador this year. Drawing international attention to the Beltsville, Md., residents plight, Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador in April to advocate for Abrego Garcias constitutional right to due process and return to the United States. The senator described his encounter with Salvadoran military officers when he attempted to visit the notorious Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) where, at one point, Abrego Garcia was being held, and his eventual meeting with the incarcerated Marylander. Abrego Garcias deportation without due process was a gross violation of his rights, Van Hollen said. An in-depth discussion on immigration policy, the rule of law, checks and balances, and free speech ensued between Padmanabhan and Van Hollen. Students were then given the opportunity to pose their own questions. A second-year law student took the opportunity to ask the senator what law students could do to protect peoples constitutional rights. In answer, Van Hollen called on the assemblage to seek justice for clients through Maryland Carey Laws Clinical Law Program, to make their voices heard as private citizens, and to never miss an opportunity to vote. The only way to defeat fear is to stand up against it, he said. After the official program, the senator graciously spent a few minutes posing for photos and chatting with participants individually. Van Hollen was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016. His committee assignments include the Appropriations Committee; the Foreign Relations Committee; the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee; and the Budget Committee. Previously, he represented Marylands Eighth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Gaza Ceasefire after 733 Days of Genocide: How World Reacts The Palestinians in Gaza, relatives of the captives and hostages in Israel, and people across the world are celebrating the announcement of ceasefire between Hamas and Israel after 733 days of brutal war Thursday October 9, 2025 4:44 PM , ummid.com News Network [Qatar Prime Ministr Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani shaking hands with Israeli negotiator Ret. Maj. Gen. Nitzan Alon, signaling a breakthrough in ceasefire talks.] The Palestinians in Gaza, relatives of the captives and hostages in Israel, and people across the world are celebrating the announcement of ceasefire between Hamas and Israel after 733 days of brutal war. The announcement of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel first came from U.S. President Donald Trump. I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan... BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS, Trump wrote on X. Trump called the day a historic and great day for everyone especially in Israel, and the Arab and Muslim world. It has really been an amazing period of time so great for Israel, so great for Muslims, for the Arab countries, and so great for this country... that we could be involved in making a deal like this happen, Trump said. Talking to Fox News, Trump cited a coalition he formed with the same Arab nations that were reluctant for decades to be part of a solution for peace in Gaza. "I develop relationships with people and sometimes those relationships lead to great things...", he told the American broadcaster. The first phase of Gaza Peace Plan involves prisoners exchange. Some 20 living captives with Hamas and other Resistance groups will be released in exchange of over 2,000 Palestinians in Israeli jails. The figure includes 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 others detained since the start of the war in 2023. Hamas has also agreed to handover the dead bodies of the remaining captives but it has now turned out tracing all dead bodies will take time. After 733 days of genocide [Hamas delegation led by Chief Negotiator Khalil Al Hayya (second from left) in Sharm al Shiekh, Egypt during the peace talks] After 733 days of genocide , ethnic cleansing, destruction, mass killings, bombings, starvation, forced displacement, and over 70,000 killed with tens of thousands injured and missing, Gaza ceasefire agreement has been reached, Quds News Network which keeps track of the happenings in Gaza and West Bank since Oct 7, 2023 announced the development in these words. The signing of the agreement on the first stage of the Gaza Ceasefire deal is expected to take place in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh today at 12 p.m. Egypt time. The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) said that "an agreement had been reached" to end the war on the Gaza Strip, allow the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces, the entry of aid, and a prisoner exchange. In a statement, Hamas said the Palestinian resistance factions have reached an agreement to: End the war on Gaza Ensure the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces Allow the entry of humanitarian aid Implement a prisoner exchange The Deal Guarantees In the statement, Hamas further said that the deal guarantees an end to the genocidal war against our Palestinian people, the withdrawal of the occupation from the Gaza Strip, the entry of humanitarian aid, and a prisoner exchange. Hamas also praised the efforts of the mediators and US Trump saying his role as a guarantor will be crucial for the ceasefire to hold. Hamas highly values the efforts of mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, and acknowledges U.S. President Donald Trumps role in pursuing a complete ceasefire and full withdrawal from Gaza. Hamas calls on President Trump, the guarantor states, and all Arab, Islamic, and international parties to ensure Israel fully implements the agreement without evasion or delay, Hamas said. Hamas also saluted the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem, and the diaspora, praising their unparalleled courage and sacrifice in confronting the occupations fascist schemes. The sacrifices of our people will not go in vain. We remain committed to our national rights until freedom, independence, and self-determination are achieved, Hamas affirmed. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in a statement also welcomed Trumps announcement of the agreement to stop the war on the Gaza Strip. We hope these efforts will be a step toward achieving a lasting political solution, as President Trump stated, he said. Reacting to the deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement released by his Jerusalem office, said, A big day for Israel. Tomorrow I will convene the government to approve the agreement and bring all our dear hostages home, he said and thanked Israeli soldiers for their courage and sacrifice. Cheers, Celebrations Meanwhile, cheers of celebrations filled the streets in Gaza as news broke of a ceasefire after two years of devastating Israeli war. Celebrations also erupted outside Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis after the ceasefire agreement was announced late last night. Relatives of the Israeli captives are also seen celebrating the ceasefire announcement despite rains at the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. Some of the families and former captives gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, where mass weekly rallies have been held to call for the hostages return, as they cheered the news and chanted Nobel Prize to Trump while vowing to continue demonstrating until the slain hostages in the Gaza Strip are brought back to Israel. In a video shared by Quds News Network, Palestinian Journalists in Gaza City are seen walking through the streets to inform families about the ceasefire agreement, amid widespread power and internet outages. Palestinian Journalists in Gaza City are walking through the streets to inform families about the ceasefire agreement, amid widespread power and internet outages. pic.twitter.com/OVrSCPqSSP Quds News Network (@QudsNen) October 9, 2025 The fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel comes after two years of war which started on October 07, 2023 following the Operation al Aqsa Flood . Over 1,100 were killed in the Operation Al Aqsa Flood by the Palestinian Resistance Fighters, tired of continuation of the illegal Israeli occupation, humiliation, harassment and targeting. The Palestinian fighters had taken 251 others as prisoners and hostages. Some 203 have been earlier exchanged in previous deals , broken by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IDF). In the pretext of taking revenge of Oct 7 attack, far right Zionist regime in Israel killed more than 67,000 Palestinians majority of them women and children, and turned into debris about 83% of Gaza Strip. Two State Solution Saudi Arabia has welcomed the agreement reached on Gaza, expressing appreciation for the role played by US Donald President Donald Trump and the mediating countries. The Kingdom appreciates the effective role of US President Donald Trump and the mediation efforts made by our brothers in the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Republic of Turkey to reach this agreement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said. Saudi Arabia said the end of war in Gaza will lead to urgent action to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, achieve a complete Israeli withdrawal, restore security and stability, and initiate practical steps to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the New York Statement on a peaceful solution to the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution. [Gaza after two years of war.] While welcoming the establishment of the ceasefire in Gaza, Turkiye said it hoped that the deal will bring an end to the genocide that has continued for the past two years. We expect the ceasefire agreement to be fully implemented. With the ceasefire in place, it is imperative that humanitarian aid be delivered to Gaza - where a humanitarian catastrophe has been unfolding, and that efforts for the reconstruction of Gaza be launched without delay, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Turkiye said in a statement. Turkiye also said that lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through a just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian question and with the establishment of a Palestinian State. We hope that the momentum achieved in the ceasefire negotiations will also contribute to the realization of a two-state solution in the coming period, it said. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres also welcomed the Hamas and Israel peace deal. In a statement on social media platform X, Guterres said, I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire & hostage release in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by [US President Donald Trump]. I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt & Turkiye in brokering this desperately needed breakthrough. He urged all parties to "seize this momentous opportunity" and "abide fully by the terms of the agreement." He stressed the need to ensure immediate and unhindered access for humanitarian supplies and essential commercial goods into Gaza. I urge all stakeholders to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward towards ending the occupation, recognizing the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, leading to a two-state solution to enable Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security, Guterres said. Macron pushes for State of Palestine Reacting to the deal, French President Emmanuel Macron said France will continue to hold talks with international partners on ending fighting in Gaza and establishing a Palestinian state. This agreement must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution, Macron wrote in a post on social media platform X. France stands ready to contribute to this goal. We will discuss it this afternoon in Paris with our international partners, Macron, who in an unprecedented diplomatic efforts with Saudi Arabia succeeded in convincing a number of countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada and Austalia to recognize the State of Palestine , added. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also welcomed the Gaza Peace Deal and urged that the agreement on the first stage of Trumps plan for Gaza must be implemented in full without delay. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters also welcomed the deal, and urged Israel and Hamas both to continue working towards a complete resolution. On the other hand, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said his far-right Religious Zionism party will not vote in support of a Gaza ceasefire deal that will see hostages freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a halt to fighting in Gaza. The Israeli cabinet is likely to vote on the deal at 05:00 pm today. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Hamas, Israel sign off on 1st phase of Gaza Peace Plan: Trump Palestinian Resistance fighters led by Hamas and Israel have agreed on the implementation of the first phase of Gaza Ceasefire Plan, U.S. President Donald Trump announced after the third day of talks at Sharm al Sheikh in Egypt Thursday October 9, 2025 11:35 AM , ummid.com News Network Washington/Sharm al Sheikh: Palestinian Resistance fighters led by Hamas and Israel have agreed on the implementation of the first phase of Gaza Ceasefire Plan, U.S. President Donald Trump announced after the third day of talks at Sharm al Sheikh in Egypt. I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan... BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS, Trump wrote on TruthSocial. Trumps announcement came after the rival factions engaged in hectic negotiations at Egypts coastal city Sharm al Sheikh for three days since Monday October 06, 2025. The complete terms of the peace plan is yet to come. However, the first phase of Gaza Peace Plan involved prisoners exchange. Some 20 living captives with Hamas and other Resistance groups will be exchanged with over 2,000 Palestinians in Israeli jails. The figure includes 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 others detained since the start of the war in 2023. Hamas has also agreed to handover the dead bodies of the remaining captives but it has now turned out tracing all dead bodies will take time. The Peace President [US President Trump in Oval Office, White House last night. (Image Source: White House)] "It has really been an amazing period of time and so great for Israel, so great for Muslims, for the Arab countries, and so great for this country... that we could be involved in making a deal like this happen", Trump said in a message posted by the White House. On Wednesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had invited Trump to Sharm al Sheikh for the signing event of the peace deal. Responding to this, Trump said he would visit the region over the weekend. Besides Hamas and Israeli delegations, the negotiating teams included Qatar Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, US Secretary of State Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Corey Kushner, and inteillgence chiefs of Egypt, Qatar and Turkey. The Peace President, White House has proclaimed in another message posted on X following the announcement by Trump. Gaza Peace Deal: Some Details Besides prisoners' exchange, the Gaza peace deal stipulates scheduled withdrawals of Israeli troops from Gaza, a top Hamas official told AFP, and includes guarantees from President Trump and the mediators" that Israel will not re-start bombing Gaza after hostages are released. The Palestinian source cited by Saudi channel Al-Sharq said that under the agreement, Israeli forces will withdraw from the Rafah crossing and its vicinity, and the deal also includes the transfer of Palestinian patients and wounded to Egypt for treatment and Rafah crossing will be opened in both directions once the agreement goes into effect. A daily minimum of 400 trucks of aid will enter the Gaza Strip for the first five days of the ceasefire, to be increased in following days, according to the second Hamas source speaking to AFP. It also provides for the return of displaced persons from the south of the Gaza Strip to Gaza (City) and the north immediately, they added. The fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel comes after two years of war which started on October 07, 2023 following the Operation al Aqsa Flood . Over 1,100 were killed in the Operation Al Aqsa Flood by the Palestinian Resistance Fighters, tired of continuation of the illegal Israeli occupation, humiliation, harassment and targeting. The Palestinian fighters had taken 251 others as prisoners and hostages. Some 203 have been earlier exchanged in previous deals, broken by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IDF). In the pretext of taking revenge of Oct 7 attack, far right Zionist regime in Israel killed more than 67,000 Palestinians majority of them women and children, and turned into debris about 83% of Gaza Strip. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic People visit the booth of a pharmaceutical company at the African Healthcare Manufacturing Trade Exhibition and Conference in Accra, Ghana, Oct. 8, 2025. The African Healthcare Manufacturing Trade Exhibition and Conference kicked off here on Tuesday. The three-day event has drawn delegates from 111 organizations across 26 African countries. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- One UN staff member, who was detained in Yemen on Tuesday, has been released, leaving the number of detained UN staff in the country at 53, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on Wednesday. "I told you yesterday that an additional UN staff member was confirmed detained. Our coworkers in Yemen today tell us that the additional person who was detained yesterday was released today," Dujarric told reporters at a daily briefing. Some of the UN staff have been detained by the Houthis since 2021, he said, urging the group to immediately and unconditionally release all UN and humanitarian workers who are supporting the most vulnerable people in Yemen. UW student Jack McKinley, of Oxford, Ohio, works in a Crop King controlled environment agriculture facility during his summer internship in Ohio. (Crop King Photo) This fall, the University of Wyoming is launching the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Network, a transformative initiative to accelerate workforce development, research and innovation in one of agricultures fastest-growing sectors. The CEA Network connects people, ideas and resources to build a thriving ecosystem for innovation and workforce development in Wyoming and beyond, says Parag Chitnis, UW vice president for research and economic development. By fostering collaboration among industry, academia and communities, were preparing students for the jobs of the future while advancing CEA technology. CEA is a modern approach to food production in which crops are grown in controlled environments to optimize growth and yield year-round. Leveraging UWs Plant Growth and Phenotyping Facility, the network will provide hands-on training, industry partnerships and a place to test new technologies. The CEA Network is part of the Wyoming Innovation Partnership, a state-led initiative to diversify and modernize Wyomings economy, and aligns with UWs Center for CEA within the Science Initiative. Although other CEA groups have been launched around the United States, the UW networks focus on workforce development and active collaboration among all members is novel. The network connects industry partners and other CEA stakeholders so that they can collaborate on projects, share knowledge and engage in joint research and discussions. Participants will help drive CEA workforce development by exposing students to CEA technologies and providing hands-on experiences and internships. Participants can collaborate on grant-writing efforts and use UWs Plant Growth and Phenotyping Facility as a testbed for research and development. The initiative was created and coordinated by Carmela Rosaria Guadagno, director of the facility and newly appointed director of UWs Center for CEA. The CEA Network emerged organically from the growing momentum around CEA at UW, around the state and across collaborating states, Guadagno says. It has been fueled by significant state investments, which have been instrumental in advancing infrastructure, research and workforce development in this rapidly expanding field. UWs focus on workforce development and active collaboration between companies is unique among other CEA groups. Michael Baldwin, assistant research scientist and facility manager of UWs Plant Growth and Phenotyping Facility, has been instrumental for industry recruitment, bringing a valuable business perspective that complements academic expertise. Early partners include Vertical Harvest, in collaboration with Central Wyoming College, as well as Wyoming-based farms Papa Joes Produce and Ten Galon; established CEA companies such as Crop King and RAYN Growing Systems; and startups, including Harvest Today, Rooted Robotics and PAGE Technologies. International companies, including European Photon Systems Instruments and Bluelab from New Zealand, also have joined the network. This represents a true win-win, where companies not only provide valuable exposure and hands-on opportunities for our students, but they also connect with one another to address the pressing challenges in this rapidly evolving industry, Guadagno says. The enthusiasm from industry partners has been truly inspiring. The CEA Network welcomes participation from businesses, academic institutions and other organizations. To join or learn more, email Guadagno at cguadagn@uwyo.edu. This undated monitoring image shows the AI-powered "bird facial recognition" system recognizing black-headed gulls and other birds in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Kunming Dianchi Plateau Lake Research Institute/Handout via Xinhua) KUNMING, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Every winter, tens of thousands of black-headed gulls complete their long journey from as far away as Siberia to Kunming, a city renowned as the "Spring City" in southwest China's Yunnan Province. This year, awaiting these regular visitors are not just welcoming Kunming residents, but also high-definition cameras and drones stationed at the city's Dianchi Lake, ready to be activated in AI-powered "bird facial recognition" monitoring mode. The enduring bond between the people and these gulls is a distinctive ecological and cultural feature of Kunming. Now, this relationship is being redefined by technology, as research teams collaborate with institutes and tech firms to integrate artificial intelligence deeply into bird protection -- creating an intelligent observation system centered on this novel identification method. Since October 2022, Kunming Dianchi Plateau Lake Research Institute has used an intelligent observation program for gulls at a monitoring station near Haigeng Dam. After two years of continuous tracking, this system revealed that the main flock's arrival in Kunming in 2024 was about 10 days later compared to 2022 and 2023. The system will continue monitoring arrival times and population numbers this year, accumulating crucial data for migratory bird research, according to the institute. Unlike traditional manual observation, the system utilizes high-definition cameras, drones, microphones and deep neural network algorithms to identify birds. Distinctive features such as plumage, body size and beak shape serve as unique "identity markers," enabling real-time species identification, population counting, tracking of migration routes and the creation of a dynamic Dianchi bird archive. "Previously, manual monitoring of the same area required at least two professional birders for a full day. Now, the AI system accomplishes this in just hours with 90-percent accuracy, while simultaneously recording behavioral data like feeding and roosting," said Pan Min, deputy director of the institute. Traditional methods, reliant on human observation, were labor-intensive, demanded high expertise and struggled to ensure consistent accuracy. The integration of AI is now driving a digital transformation in bird surveys across China. Employed at several demonstration sites in Kunming, the AI system has identified 17 bird species, building a database containing hundreds of thousands of images, videos and audio recordings. The team has also deployed acoustic recognition systems that identify species like the night heron and magpie via their unique call signatures. According to Zhang Zhizhong, an engineer at the institute, the AI system allows researchers to not only monitor long-term changes in bird communities but also to study activity patterns, breeding habits and migration routes. This provides vital data for assessing wetland ecological health and biodiversity levels. The reliability of this "bird facial recognition" technology was validated in a paper published by the research team in the Journal of Environmental Management in May 2025 -- offering new perspectives for future biodiversity investigations. Notably, the application of AI monitoring of birds is expanding beyond Kunming. In Shuangguihu National Wetland Park in Chongqing, also in southwest China, a big data platform uses ultra-high-definition cameras for real-time multi-target bird capture and identification. Similarly, at the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in east China's Shandong Province, an AI system operational since 2022 has recorded over 1,200 birds, including oriental white storks and whooper swans, thereby providing robust data support for reserve management. "The use of technological means allows us to understand and protect nature more scientifically and gently," Zhang said. Zhang added that while minimizing human disturbance, the introduction of AI and intelligent monitoring systems also addresses the shortcomings of incomplete and inaccurate data inherent in traditional methods -- thus creating new possibilities for biodiversity conservation. This monitoring image taken on Oct. 9, 2025 shows the AI-powered "bird facial recognition" system recognizing seven herons in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Kunming Dianchi Plateau Lake Research Institute/Handout via Xinhua) AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Show Me Shorts, New Zealand's top international short film festival, opened on Tuesday evening in Auckland, New Zealand. This year's festival features eight Chinese films from some of the most talented Chinese filmmakers, and marks the first time China has been chosen as the festival's honorary guest country. The lineup includes fantasy films The Wanderer and The Dream of Death and Life, sci-fi film The Leftovers, drama Friends, comedy Representative, Please, and animated works Door Gods, Untitled, and Help Me Tom. Notably, Help Me Tom, directed by Yang Jiahang, will screen in The Sampler collection at Show Me Shorts, which travels to 40 cinemas nationwide in New Zealand. There are Chinese Focus screening sessions in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch during the festival. "We are delighted to help audiences discover unique films that reflect a modern Chinese experience," Festival Director Gina Dellabarca said, noting that modern ideas are presented alongside those steeped in tradition. "As a cross-border art form, film plays many roles in international cultural exchange. The same goes for short films; they help open up dialogues between cultures and bring people closer through visual storytelling," said Wang Jianwen, director of the China Cultural Center in Auckland, in a speech at the Auckland opening night. He said he is looking forward to the featured Chinese shorts and how these films might offer the New Zealand audiences a vivid window into modern China and its people. The Show Me Shorts Film Festival screens top short films from New Zealand and around the world every October in 40 cinemas nationwide. The film Representative, Please was featured at the Auckland opening night, where it made its world premiere and was introduced by director Hanlin Liu. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (R) and Syria's foreign affairs chief Asaad Hassan al-Shibani attend a joint press conference in Ankara, Turkiye, Oct. 8, 2025. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) ANKARA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Syria's foreign affairs chief Asaad Hassan al-Shibani on Wednesday urged the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to implement the March 10 agreement "without delay," one day after the group's leader and Syrian authorities announced a ceasefire. Al-Shibani made the remarks during his visit to Turkiye. During a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, al-Shibani called on the SDF to "commit to the March 10 agreement and make every effort to implement it." He added that the March 10 agreement "remains only ink on paper" due to the SDF's reluctance to take necessary steps. For his part, Fidan said the SDF must abandon separatist agendas, reiterating Turkiye's position regarding the matter. On Tuesday, Syria's chief of defense authorities Marhaf Abu Qasra met with SDF commander Mazloum Abdi in Damascus and agreed to an immediate ceasefire across all fronts in northern and northeastern Syria, following a day of fierce clashes between the two sides. Tensions between the SDF and Syria's authorities have been simmering for months, threatening the fragile stability that followed the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. On March 10, the Syrian interim government and the SDF reached an agreement on merging all civil and military institutions in the Kurdish-controlled region under state institutions. According to Syria's state news agency SANA, the integration involves institutions on border crossings, airports, as well as oil and gas fields. The agreement also includes provisions to guarantee the rights of all Syrians, the official recognition of the Kurdish community as an integral part of Syria, a nationwide ceasefire, and the protection for returning displaced Syrians, SANA reported. The SDF is made up predominantly of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) forces. Turkiye views the YPG as the Syrian arm of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which it designates as a terrorist group. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (R) and Syria's foreign affairs chief Asaad Hassan al-Shibani attend a joint press conference in Ankara, Turkiye, Oct. 8, 2025. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) Verdone to mark his 75th birthday on Monday by following in the footsteps of Alberto Sordi. The much-loved Italian actor, comedian and director Carlo Verdone is to be mayor of Rome for one day, an honour bestowed on him by the city for his 75th birthday. The move will see Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri cede his seat on the Capitoline Hill to Verdone for 24 hours on Monday 17 November. The day will begin at 10.30 when Gualtieri will greet Verdone at Palazzo Senatorio after which the mayor-for-a-day will preside over the council meeting at city hall. Tour of Rome Verdone has expressed a desire to visit the suburbs during his honorary day-long tenure as the city's first citizen. The tour will begin with a visit to Villa Gordiani, in the Prenestino-Labicano area, for the inauguration of a new children's playground, followed by a trip to Centocelle Park where a redevelopment project is under way. After lunch at a senior centre in La Storta in the northern outskirts of the city, Gualtieri and Verdone will travel to the northwest suburb of Tragliatella to inspect long-awaited work on a sewer system. Verdone's special day will conclude at city hall in the late afternoon where he will be awarded the Lupa Capitoina, Rome's highest honour. Precedent Announcing the news last month, Gualtieri recalled that another hugely popular Roman actor and comedian - Alberto Sordi - was mayor for a day on his 80th birthday. This occurred in 2000, during the tenure of former mayor Francesco Rutelli, less than three years before Sordi's death. Verdone has a strong bond with the Italian capital and, as a major figure in Italian comedy, is widely considered to be Sordi's heir. Who is Carlo Verdone? Born in Rome on 17 November 1950, Verdone began his award-winning professional career on stage and then gained prominence on television in the late 1970s with the popular comedy series Non Stop! where he showcased his varied comic style and characters. His feature film directorial debut came in 1980 with Un Sacco Bello where he starred as multiple comical characters - a formula he repeated successfully in his 1981 film Bianco, Rosso e Verdone, produced by his mentor Sergio Leone and featuring a soundtrack by Ennio Morricone. Other notable films include the critically acclaimed romantic comedy Borotalco (1982), Compagni di scuola (1988), and later works like Maledetto il giorno che t'ho incontrato (1992) and Il mio miglior nemico (2006). Article first published on 9 October 2025, republished 17 November 2025. Locks changed at Caffe Greco as long-running eviction battle comes to an end. Antico Caffe Greco, Rome's oldest coffee house, was sealed up by police on Wednesday following a lengthy legal battle between the property's owners and the managers of the historic bar. The court of cassation upheld the termination of the lease, returning the keys of the premises to its owners, the Israelite Hospital, bringing an end to their long-running attempts to evict the bar's licence holders. The legal dispute dates back to 2017 when the lease ended, but the tenants - Flavia Iozzi and her husband Carlo Pellegrini - repeatedly resisted efforts to have them evicted. Locks changed A locksmith, accompanied by a bailiff and Carabinieri police officers, changed the locks at the iconic watering hole which opened at its prime location near the Spanish Steps in 1760. In addition to the eviction order, police recently seized around 300 precious furnishings from the bar which prosecutors allege were removed by Pellegrini in violation of heritage laws prohibiting their removal. Caffe Greco interior. Photo credit: Julie Mayfeng / Shutterstock.com. The paintings, memorabilia and antique furniture - reportedly valued at 8 million - were confiscated from a warehouse by the cultural heritage unit of the Carabinieri. What happens now? There is much speculation about the future of the bar, located of Via dei Condotti, an exclusive shopping street home to the world's top fashion brands. Will it return to being a cafe? Or will it be taken over by a designer label? There are reports of "informal proposals" from neighbouring houses that wish to expand their space, according to newspaper Corriere della Sera. "The absolute priority will be to reopen Caffe Greco" - the extraordinary commissioner of the Israelite Hospital, Antonio Maria Leozappa, told reporters on Wednesday - "We will now work intensely to reopen the establishment." A brief history of Caffe Greco Founded by Nicola della Maddalena, Caffe Greco is the second-oldest coffee house in Italy, after Caffe Florian which opened in Venice in 1720. Over the centuries, Caffe Greco has provided refuge for a host of illustrious cultural figures including Hans Christian Anderson, Lord Byron, Baudelaire, Buffalo Bill, Casanova, Goethe, Gogol, Ibsen, Henry James, Keats, Sophia Loren, Pasolini, Shelley, Stendhal, Mark Twain and Orson Welles. Photo credit: Julie Mayfeng / Shutterstock.com. DAMASCUS, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Some schools and universities in several towns across Syria's coastal province of Latakia have reportedly gone on strike on Thursday, a day after the abduction of a 13-year-old boy outside his school, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported. The Britain-based war monitor said that anger and tension gripped Latakia and neighboring provinces of Tartous, Homs, and Hama after a string of violent incidents, including the killing of a teacher outside her school and the assault of a university student in the southwestern Syrian city of Daraa. The latest unrest erupted after four armed men in a blue vehicle kidnapped Mohammad Qais Haider, an eighth-grade student, from outside Jamal Daoud School on Wednesday morning. Witnesses told the observatory that the assailants fired warning shots to disperse bystanders before fleeing to an unknown destination. Haider, a resident of Latakia's Tenth Project neighborhood, was abducted in full view of students and pedestrians, the report said. Local emergency groups have since declared a state of alert, urging residents to provide any information that could help locate the child. The observatory said residents and activists have called for a general strike across multiple provinces, urging families to keep their children home and shop owners to close businesses in protest against deteriorating security. The extent of the strikes remained unverified independently, as schools in Damascus continued their regular operations. No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction or the reasons behind it, but the observatory's report suggested it was sectarian-driven as the boy is from the Alawite minority, which has been subjected to numerous violations in the wake of the downfall of former President Bashar al-Assad, who belongs to the Alawite minority. The Internal Security Directorate in Latakia province announced that it is closely following the abduction case. In a statement posted on its official Telegram channel, the interior authorities said the security leadership has instructed relevant authorities to act immediately, launch an investigation, and gather all necessary information to uncover the circumstances of the incident and identify the perpetrators. It added that "field efforts are ongoing around the clock, in coordination with various security units, to ensure the safe recovery of the child, the arrest of those involved, and their referral to justice." As part of ongoing investigations targeting an organised crime group operating in the eastern and southern regions, Gardai from the Waterford County Drug Unit and the Cork City Drug Unit conducted a number of searches on yesterday. A vehicle and two residences were searched in Co. Cork and Co. Waterford, resulting in the seizure of suspected cannabis herb to the value of 114,200. A male in his 50s was arrested and conveyed to a Garda Station in Cork City. He is currently being detained under the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996. The drugs seized will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis. Investigations are ongoing. South East Technological University (SETU) has announced the official accreditation of its new five-year Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) programme by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI). The announcement is a significant milestone for the University and supports the future of pharmacy education in Ireland. Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, welcomed the news, saying: Accreditation of our MPharm programme represents a major step for SETU in expanding healthcare education and training in Ireland. Our provision of the programme will ensure that students across the southeast can pursue their studies regionally." "More broadly, it allows our University to have a direct impact on the development of pharmacy in healthcare, community, and industry settings.," she said, before adding: SETUs MPharm supports the need for expansion of the national pharmacy workforce, as highlighted in reports by the PSI and the Irish Pharmacy Union. "The establishment of our new Department of Pharmacy directly responds to these national, regional, and university imperatives. It also builds on SETUs existing strengths in pharmaceutical science, bioscience, nursing and healthcare, teaching and research." "I look forward seeing this great work come to life as we welcome students in the next academic year, said Prof. Campbell, who acknowledged the HEA and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science (DHERIS) for their support in bringing the MPharm programme to fruition. SETUs Department of Pharmacy is located within the Faculty of Science and Computing, and its MPharm programme, course code SE525, was developed as part of the Higher Education Authoritys (HEA) capacity building programme, endorsed by Government, to directly act to address the national need for expansion in healthcare training. Dr Claire Lennon, Head of Department of Pharmacy at SETU Speaking on the announcement, Dr Claire Lennon, Head of Department of Pharmacy at SETU, said: Our multidisciplinary cross-campus MPharm development team at SETU is very proud to have received Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland accreditation. "The team has worked extremely hard to develop an innovative and impactful, future-focused MPharm programme." "Pivotal to programme development has also been the collaborative input and support of our pharmacy professional advisory committee, and stakeholders from community, hospital, and industry pharmacy settings across the southeast," she said. "This will ensure graduates meet the requirements of modern pharmacy practice and the skills needs of the sector, all the while maintaining a patient-centred focus," she added. "We look forward to welcoming our first group of 40 students to the programme in 2026. The MPharm curriculum integrates science, professional practice, and research, and experiential placements throughout the programme, providing hands-on learning in real-world settings. Designed through extensive collaboration with academic, professional, and community stakeholders, graduates will be patient-centred, competent, and ready to meet the needs of an evolving profession. They will also develop their research capabilities, bolstering the research capacity of the Department to cross-collaborate with other disciplines, driving innovation in the region. For more information, visit https://www.setu.ie/courses/master-of-pharmacy-mpharm Related courses: Eight founders graduated recently from Phase 2 of the New Frontiers programme at South East Technological University (SETU) in Waterford. The showcase event marked the end of an intensive six months for the startup founders, during which they received a number of supports, including mentoring and a tax-free allowance of 15,000, while they built a solid foundation for their business. Showcase day is an opportunity to recognise the stand-out participants from the programme. This year, the Most Innovative Business Idea award for the concept that was most innovative or one that used innovative technology, went to Tom Weldon of Lagertha. Among the other award recipients was Brian Cusack of Supp Genie AI, who won the Best Business Opportunity award for the concept that had best prospect for early adoption in the market and strong growth potential. Meanwhile, the Best Business Plan award for the best researched business plan went to Clare Mansfield of Flowering Fertility Support. New Frontiers Programme Director in Waterford, Dr Eugene Crehan pictured with Clare Mansfield of Flowering Fertility Support Services, which helps people emotionally and practically on their path to parenthood The showcase ceremony event was held at SETUs Cork Road Campus and was attended by various stakeholders from the startup community including Dr Patricia Bowe, Head of the Department of Management and Organisation at SETU; Dr Thomas OToole, Dean of Faculty of Business at SETU; and Ciara Concannon, National New Frontiers Programme Manager at Enterprise Ireland. A spokesperson for SETU told Waterford News & Star that the audience in attendance heard insights from speaker Paul Savage, a programme alumnus and COO of Brightbeam. "Paul, an experienced technology entrepreneur who has led a range of early-stage startups through significant growth, shared his perspectives on leveraging agile thinking and action to identify and overcome challenges," said the spokesperson. She went on to highlight how Mr Savage encouraged New Frontiers founders to engage with their target market to understand the lived experiences of prospective customers. "He also discussed the capabilities of AI and gave advice on how early-stage businesses can harness it to, for example, analyse customer insights, iterate product design, test product-market fit, and manage resources," said the spokesperson. In her welcome speech, Dr Patricia Bowe said: These entrepreneurs have worked diligently on Phase 2 of New Frontiers, over the past six months, to increase the knowledge of their target markets." "As part of their market research, they have engaged with target customers to gain deep understandings of the customers pain points in order to develop desirable solutions, in pursuit of achieving the best possible Product-Market Fit solutions for their prospective customers problems," she added. New Frontiers Programme Director in Waterford, Dr Eugene Crehan pictured with Brian Cusack of Supp Genie AI, an AI-driven platform that drastically reduces supplement research time for freelance formulators, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and synergy In his address to the crowd in attendance, Dr Thomas OToole remarked: SETU is more than a place of learning; we are an anchor university for the South East, working to ensure our region is vibrant, competitive, and forward-looking." "The New Frontiers programme is a leading example of how SETU delivers on this vision," he said. He went on comment: "Through the New Frontiers programme, SETU is building the skills, confidence, and networks that founders need to succeed, and in doing so is directly supporting Enterprise Irelands strategy to increase the number of new startups and scaling businesses in line with their Strategic Plan 2025-2029. New Frontiers Programme Director in Waterford, Dr Eugene Crehan, praised the cohort for their engagement throughout the programme and addressing them directly said: I would like to commend you on your dedication in staying focused on the market opportunity, increasing your knowledge of your market and developing solutions for your target market customers." "I hope that you can continue on your growth trajectories and that many of you will follow in the footsteps of former Waterford New Frontiers participants who scaled their businesses securing investments and Enterprise Irelands PSSF and HPSU funding," he said. The graduates from the programme in Waterford were composed of: Brian Cusack - Supp Genie AI; Thomas Weldon - Lagertha; Dave Minogue - HyperConnect; Denis Queally - Awaken Botanical; Clare Mansfield - Flowering Fertility Support Services; Joseph Casey - Water Wall; Deirdre McCarthy - FLIT Financial; Jennifer OConnell - ReMe Wellness. About New Frontiers Enterprise Irelands New Frontiers programme equips ambitious founders with the right connections, the right skills, and the right route to capital. It empowers them to take an idea or early-stage business through the initial development phases and prepare for their first phases of fundraising and growth. Delivered across 18 locations nationally, New Frontiers is the right way to build a successful and sustainable startup. Phase 2 is a full-time six-month intensive commitment, with places offered following a competitive selection process. Founders learn how to develop and validate their business proposition as they work on their capacities as a founder. The support package, worth over 30,000, includes a 15,000 tax-free allowance, one-to-one mentoring, expert-led workshops, advice and guidance, free coworking space, introduction to the startup ecosystem, and access to third-level R&D facilities and expertise. About New Frontiers in Waterford The New Frontiers programme in Waterford is based in the ArcLabs Research & Innovation Centre, located on the West Campus of South East Technological University (SETU) has welcomed the approval of a capital programme to support the establishment of two new veterinary schools. SETU in Waterford will establish one of the schools, while Atlantic Technological University (ATU) will have the other. The establishment of the schools will be supported by the Veterinary Places Activation Programme (VPAP) and the capital programme announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless. Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, described the decision as a landmark development for the University and the South East. The new school will attract fresh talent to the region, foster stronger collaboration across industries, and drive growth in the vital One Health domain, while ensuring Ireland can meet the pressing demand for highly skilled veterinary professionals. I would like to acknowledge the dedication of the Veterinary Medicine team at SETU and to thank the HEA, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for their support, said Prof Campbell. Education Supplement, SETU Pictured is Prof. Veronica Campbell President, South East Technological University. Photograph: Patrick Browne. The announcement of the capital programme allows SETU and ATU to appoint design teams and to progress plans for their facilities to the planning stage. The veterinary school will be the first major development on the Glassworks site in Waterford City by the University. The facility will house state-of-the-art laboratories, teaching spaces and specialist resources to support the delivery of SETUs new Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (MVB) programme and other health-related disciplines. Head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at SETU, Dr Mary-Kate Burke, emphasised the importance of the new facilities for future students. At SETUs Glassworks campus, clinical skills labs will incorporate simulated surgical and consultation suites, allowing students to gain practical experience supported by the latest technology. "The use of clinical tools such as ultrasound and X-ray, as well as 3D printing, throughout all aspects of the programme will also enhance students learning experience. Purpose-built anatomy facilities will complement the existing animal handling resources at Teagasc Kildalton College. "Both campuses will have technology enhanced teaching spaces to enable students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts, while also developing team work and communication skills essential for the industry, said Dr Burke. The school is set to take in 40 students in September 2026. The five-year MVB programme will provide students with focused scientific, clinical and professional training in the practice of veterinary medicine. SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE Waterford TD, Government Chief Whip and Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler, welcomed the announcement of capital funding. She thanked her colleagues in Government, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD in collaboration with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Martin Heydon, for their work in bringing this to fruition. This approval marks a significant milestone in the expansion of Irelands veterinary education capacity and will facilitate the creation of 80 additional student places annually from 2026. This announcement is a game-changer for the expansion of Irelands veterinary education footprint and in addressing a national need for skilled veterinary professionals. This expansion will provide students in Waterford and the South East with more opportunities to pursue veterinary studies without having to seek their education in Dublin or abroad. "This is an exciting step forward for animal health and welfare, rural development and Irish agriculture. "It is a huge vote of confidence by the government in the South East and SETU, which is an ideal location for an important initiative to help respond to an established and growing need for veterinary practitioners, said Minister Butler. Advertisement BusinessWorkplaceHouse of Merivale Merivale dropped from Good Food Guide Erina Starkey October 8, 2025 12:59pm 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 Merivale, Australias largest hospitality company, has been excluded from the Good Food Guide following claims it exploited workers, prioritised VIP treatment over staff safety and ignored claims of sexual harassment as it built a multibillion-dollar empire. Sarah Norris, head of Good Food, said as a result of recent investigations by this masthead, Good Food and 60 Minutes, Merivale venues including Tottis, Mr Wong, Mimis and Uccello had excluded themselves from being eligible for the upcoming edition of the Good Food Guide. Allegations against the billion-dollar company, which operates about 90 venues across NSW and Victoria, include, but are not limited to, putting staff in dangerous situations; not protecting the wellbeing of its staff; prioritising VIP treatment over staff safety, and abuse of power, said Norris. Merivale chief executive Justin Hemmes at his restaurant MuMu. Edwina Pickles Good Food stands by the reporting of this masthead and the statements of former and current staff. Merivale employs more than 5000 staff, and we acknowledge our response may impact those who strive towards a Good Food Guide hat as a benchmark of quality. Advertisement Good Food is owned by Nine Entertainment, owner of this masthead. Related Article Exclusive House of Merivale The criminals, MPs and VIPs: How Justin Hemmes went from party-boy billionaire to political operator The investigation revealed claims that Merivale underpaid staff, exploited women, encouraged them to have sex with customers, perpetuated sexual harassment and facilitated frequent drug use. The goal of the Guide is not to tell readers whether they should eat at a restaurant or not, but to provide them with more information to make their own decision, said Norris. In 2025, for a business and its owner to be awarded a Good Food Guide hat and score, that discretion has broadened to exclude restaurants where there are serious and credible allegations that management is not providing a workspace for all staff free from harm and sexual harassment. Advertisement Merivale, owned by billionaire Justin Hemmes, has denied the allegations. In a statement, Merivale said for decades it had consistently delivered impressive venues. The company said it was proud of the thousands of staff who strive to offer the best to its customers. We do not require the validation of the Good Food Guide to continue to do so and thrive, the company said. Merivale accused this masthead and Good Food of making vexatious assertions which it claimed were investigated by Kate Eastman, SC, and were found to be unsubstantiated. The company said there have been no other adverse findings regarding those allegations. Merivale has declined to publicly release the Eastman report and said it was subject to legal professional privilege. Advertisement In contrast, SMH and Good Foods publisher, Nine Entertainment, has been found by an independent report to have a workplace with systemic issues with abuse of power and authority, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment, Merivale said in a statement. Related Article Exclusive Sex, sleaze and hospitality One step from being a brothel: Sex, drugs, harassment alleged in Ivy penthouse Nine publicly released its report into inappropriate workplace behaviour at the company last year. Merivale previously had four restaurants with two hats in the guide, including Berts Bar & Brasserie, Freds, Mr. Wong and Mimis. It also had six establishments with one hat, including Bar Tottis, Good Luck, Hotel Centennial, Ms.Gs, MuMu, Uccello, and Tottis in Lorne, Victoria. The company is also under investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman. Advertisement Eight former Merivale chefs recruited from Mexico, including Rodrigo Zavaleta and Rodrigo Santos, claim they were overworked, underpaid and racially discriminated against while working for the hospitality group, which owns property worth an estimated $3 billion. Last November, Merivale agreed to pay $19.25 million to more than 2800 current and former staff who alleged they were underpaid under an invalid employee enterprise agreement between December 2013 and December 2019. Loading The payment settled a five-year class action lawsuit launched by Adero Law in 2019 which alleged Merivale underpaid as many as 14,000 staff up to $129 million over six years. The hospitality group did not admit any wrongdoing. In June, this masthead revealed allegations Merivale was still effectively forcing staff to work at least one day per week free under a company-wide policy initiated from at least July 2024 and threatened to pull lists of staff members who were not hitting those hours. Advertisement In response, Merivales lawyers said its employees receive pay that meets or exceeds the relevant award entitlements. Related Article Opinion Good Food Guide The Good Food Guide drops Swillhouse venues, introduces workplace culture award Sarah Norris Head of Good Food Merivale is the second major hospitality company to be dropped from the Good Food Guide. The Swillhouse group, which runs high-profile restaurants including Caterpillar Club, Le Foote and Restaurant Hubert, was excluded last year after this masthead revealed claims of sexual harassment, widespread drug use and employees being marginalised for reporting sexual assaults. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement LifestyleFashionFashion designers The good, the bad and the brave: Aje and Christopher Esber in Paris Damien Woolnough October 8, 2025 7:18am 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 Giorgio Armani and Gianni Versace; Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks. For every good boy or girl in fashion theres a reputedly bad designer or model, scowling at the end of another runway, preparing to start a fashion feud. For a moment, it looked like that might be the case with Australian designers on the last day of Paris Fashion Week. Christopher Esber is at the top of the class when it comes to local talent, having been accepted on the official schedule of Paris Fashion Week two years ago. However hours before his show, Aje designers Edwina Forest and Adrian Norris gatecrashed the calendar with their appropriately named off-schedule show Rebel Rebel. Rather than a schoolyard brawl, the result was a win for Australian fashion. Designer Christopher Esber with a model wearing his new Specsavers glasses. Louise Kennerley The reserved Esber, looking more brooding and bookish than usual with stylish spectacles, courtesy of a deal with Specsavers that sees his name join those of Alex Perry, Collette Dinnigan and Vivienne Westwood on a range of eyewear, delivered a sophisticated collection bristling with barely repressed sexiness. Advertisement Theres a rawness, a lot of kind of disarray in the fabric developments, and things are a bit more messed up, Esber said following the show. Christopher Esber at Paris Fashion Week. Getty Images Christopher Esber at Paris Fashion Week Getty Images Christopher Esber at Paris Fashion Week. Getty Images Its difficult to imagine the always immaculately dressed Esber in a Speedo or board shorts, but he says that the starting point for this collection was the beach. Advertisement Its how a woman would tuck a T-shirt or a towel into her bikini or into her briefs, and the play of clothing and undergarments. Were guessing the tops that looked like twisted wind-chimes drew inspiration from a beach near Byron Bay, but Esber has always marched to the beat of his own bongo drum. For his Specsavers range, featured on the runway and arriving in stores next week, Esber took a break from watching waves to look at his core collection. I was with the team in Milan doing sourcing, the acetates and the lenses, and it is quite similar to picking fabrics, buttons and trims and finding a way to make them work together. More importantly, the collection allows Esber to connect with customers intimidated by coats with soaring thigh slits and barely there mustard briefs. Advertisement Being with Specsavers is cool in the sense like that theyre iconic and can reach customers that might not even know about my brand, or afford to buy into other pieces of the brand, Esber says. Its pretty cool to be part of that stable and that legacy of the brands still working with them. Not surprisingly, the sunny beach credentials of Queenslanders Edwina Forest and Adrian Norris were more obvious. There was very little rebellion in the pretty pink flower dresses with sheer skirts, on-trend double denim and pastel lace trim party dresses. A leather jacket on top of a maxi-dress was less a raised middle finger to conservatism and more a come hither gesture to the cash registers. Among the potent mix of denim, lace and exaggerated silhouettes, there were nods to the well-honed design language of Zimmermann, who showed yesterday. Zimmermann has walked so Australian labels can run their own race on the Paris catwalk. Advertisement Aje at Paris Fashion Week. Getty Images Aje at Paris Fashion Week. Getty Images Aje at Paris Fashion Week. Getty Images The sequin floral dresses that closed the show were 100 per cent Aje. Paris has pushed the partnership of Norris and Forest even further than their standout show at Australian Fashion Week in May. I think that Eddie and I pushed ourselves with the craftsmanship and the designs and the details to make sure that we could stand next to everyone else over here at Paris Fashion Week, Norris said. I hope that we do it justice. Advertisement Related Article Zimmermann Nicole Kidman at Chanel and koalas on the runway in Paris We feel like weve been working on techniques over the past 20 years and the team and the experience we have got us to a place where I feel very, very proud of what we showed. It felt natural and evolved, says Forest. With a sprawling retail empire in Australia, Aje has its eyes on developing international markets. Expect Aje to enter the official schedule and drop any pretense of rebellion. We have definitely cracked the Australian market and our next target is international and showing up in the same way that we show up in Australia, internationally and especially in Europe, Norris says. Thats why Paris was our focus. Its always been part of the journey. Ive met with the Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode many times and we just had the president, Pascal Morand, at the parade come backstage to congratulate us on such a beautiful collection. Thats the way it works over here in Paris. You take small steps towards proving yourself. Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday. Advertisement LifestyleLife & relationshipsSunday Life I never understood the reality of internet pile-ons until I was the target of one Clare Stephens October 9, 2025 2:00am 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 This story is part of the October 12 edition of Sunday Life. See all stories . Im standing in the living room of my parents house, the sound of scraping plates and vigorous dinnertime conversation floating in through the doorway. My siblings are all here, a rare weeknight visit, and my sister shouts at me from the other room to come sit down and eat. But Im distracted. Alone with my phone, I press play on a voice note Ive just been sent by a stranger. Its the latest in a string of messages that keep pouring in, each one landing like a stone on my chest. A disembodied voice suddenly emerges from my hands, and it comes out like a hiss. This woman whose social media profile has no identifiable name or photo says Im sick, that she doesnt know whats wrong with me, that Im actually f---ed. She wants me to retract a story Ive written, one that has unexpectedly offended a small but loud group of people online. The nuances of the article are so tied to that specific moment that it would make no sense to explain them here, but there are women who feel the piece was tone-deaf. In hindsight, it probably was. Author Clare Stephens researched online pile-ons for a new book after being the target of one. The next day Ill delete it one of the benefits of publishing on the internet. The downside, however, is this: when you make a mistake, the scale of feedback is enormous. Anger metastasises. Theres disinhibition in an online space, so people are crueller, more prone to summary judgment, more frenzied than theyd ever be in real life. Advertisement That evening, I get messages and comments that burn themselves into my memory. Youre a joke. Ugly twat. This person is gross. Someone scrolls through old photos on my Instagram and repeatedly comments that I need Botox, which feels counterproductive to their feminist cause, but it hurts all the same. Im embarrassed and Im ashamed and I feel profoundly alone, even here, under the same roof as my family, who dont think Im any of the things Im being called online. Advertisement When I finally take a seat at the dinner table, no one understands my distress. My parents are both teachers, my brothers are early childhood educators, and they see absolutely no reason I cant just turn off my phone and ignore it. Theoretically, of course, I could. But theres a niggling sense that perhaps if I could simply explain myself better, if I could connect with these people who think Im some sort of monster, this would all go away. Almost six years later, I know thats a futile goal. The internet is not the forum for nuanced, thoughtful conversation, where both sides consider each others humanity and accept that were all flawed, vulnerable individuals who, for the most part, are just trying to do our best. The tone of debate has slipped into one of utter contempt, where anyone we disagree with is fundamentally morally inferior to us, deserving of name-calling, mockery and humiliation. It doesnt matter if our words hurt them, if their mental health is impacted, or if theyre suffering. Online pile-ons often start with the notion of seeking justice, but end up causing untold harm. Listening to that angry voice note in my parents house was one of the moments that inspired my fascination with online pile-ons. I wanted to know why a strangers criticism felt so bad. Was I particularly sensitive? Did I just need to toughen up, or is it a completely normal human instinct to seek to be understood? To be horrified by the thought of being hated by others? In researching my novel, The Worst Thing Ive Ever Done, I spoke to public figures who had experienced the kind of social media backlash most of us cant even imagine. Journalists, television personalities, actors, comedians, podcast hosts people whose reputations had been irreparably damaged by online outrage. In some cases, theyd made identifiable mistakes. Theyd posted an offensive picture or used the wrong language or laughed along with a joke they probably shouldve challenged. In others, the genesis for the pile-on was less clear-cut. They were perceived to have profited off a part of their identity when they didnt deserve it. Or a joke theyd told a decade earlier had been unearthed, judged in a context that didnt exist when they originally told it. Advertisement Regardless of what triggered the outrage, the emotional experience of being publicly shamed was eerily similar. They told me they hated themselves more than any of the people condemning them. They were humiliated, wanting to disappear, questioning every part of who they were and what value they possibly had to offer. They stayed inside, sometimes for days or weeks on end, sometimes months. One woman told me that when she eventually did go outside, a man in the street approached her to scream at her. She was with her son, who afterwards was inconsolable. Their mental health plunged to depths theyd never experienced. One woman told me her parents had taken turns sleeping outside her bedroom. They lost jobs. Even years later, theyd be booked for a paid opportunity and get a call last minute to say it couldnt go ahead. There had been complaints from the same, small group of people who had started the pile-on in the first place. These individuals kept tabs on their career. They contacted brands and clients and charity organisations. There was no indication of when theyd stop, of when theyd decide the target of their outrage had appropriately paid the price for their sins. The people I spoke to were angry. How perhaps they, as a woman, had been destroyed for a thoughtless mistake, shafted from the kinds of media roles that are offered to famous men with a history of domestic violence. They were indignant about the distortion of scale. How a social media post is deemed more harmful than almost anything else. They were bewildered by the online voices who use social justice as an excuse for cruelty. Advertisement Their mental health plunged to depths theyd never experienced. One woman told me her parents had taken turns sleeping outside her bedroom door, terrified about her risk of suicide. Another said she was suicidal and reached out to the high-profile person who was relentlessly posting about her. She asked for grace, she said she wasnt OK, could this all please stop. She never received a reply, and the posts continued. Overwhelmingly, the people who suffer the most from online pile-ons are women, people of colour and other marginalised communities. We seem to hold them to a particularly high standard because their identities make them inherently political; we expect them to practise limitless compassion, to live by the kind of pure moral virtues we dont expect from a straight, white man. Many of these public figures told me they would never go on the record to talk about the long-term impacts of their pile-on. They were terrified it would reignite the spectacle. But recently, something changed. Several have been willing to share their stories, to have a conversation about the way we engage with each other online, and where it leaves us. They spoke to me for The Pile-On, a podcast about what happens when the internet turns on you. Now that we live online, we have to confront the very real ways the internet has eroded our capacity for civil discourse. How social media platforms are designed to make us self-righteous and angry, how were primed to watch for transgressions, how rage sometimes seems like the only uniting force in a time of bewildering division. Contempt, we know, makes progress impossible in relationships, in reaching consensus, in finding solutions. When we treat the people we disagree with as fundamentally morally inferior or unworthy of respect, and with complete indifference for their hurt or hardships, we cannot expect to change their minds. And is that not the goal if a cause is truly important? Advertisement People are not interchangeable with ideas or ideologies, however convenient it would be if they were. And when we flatten them, trying to compress identity into a thing we can hold and destroy in the palms of our hands, the consequences are brutally, psychically painful. Yet we have created an environment where a person at the centre of outrage has no right to suffer, and no chance at redemption. Where it feels, in the thick of it, like there is no escape. Empathy is often what fuels our moral righteousness, what starts the avalanche of a pile-on. But would our conversations not be more productive, more meaningful, if we extended that empathy towards the people we engage with online, too? Lifeline: 13 11 14 The Worst Thing Ive Ever Done (Atlantic Books) by Clare Stephens, out now. Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter. Advertisement The states top court has blocked a planned pro-Palestine march that was expected to result in tens of thousands of people descending on the Opera House forecourt on Sunday, after police warned the proposal had disaster written all over it. In an urgent decision on Thursday, the Court of Appeal issued a prohibition order over the proposed march following an application by NSW Police to halt the rally, and delivered a warning that flouting the order might expose participants to punishment for contempt of court. Loading In co-operation with police, protesters are now expected to march on Sunday from Hyde Park in the Sydney CBD along George Street to Belmore Park near Central Station. There would be a visible police presence at the Opera House to ensure compliance with the courts order, Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said. The Opera House would also have its own security in place. Advertisement The lead organiser of the protest, the Palestine Action Group, said it was disappointed in this outcome but we have an agreed march route through the heart of the city. Respect the umpires call Premier Chris Minns welcomed the courts decision, and warned that demonstrators who defied the order by gathering at the Opera House could face the full force of the law. If you litigate it in front of the Court of Appeal and they make a decision, then youve got to respect the umpires call, Minns said. The decision of the police and the government to [oppose the planned protest] on public safety grounds has been validated by the decision. Advertisement Minns backed protest organisers to deliver a safe demonstration with an alternative route, noting that the vast majority of pro-Palestine marches over the past two years have occurred without incident. The court said in its decision that the public safety risk to participants and other members of the public is extreme in light of the likely number of protesters and the capacity and physical constraints of the Opera House forecourt. Pro-Palestine protesters outside the NSW Supreme Court in Sydney earlier this week. Janie Barrett It would be irresponsible to allow the public assembly to proceed, irrespective of the political significance of the event, Chief Justice Andrew Bell and Justices Ian Harrison and Stephen Free said. The judges said there was a real risk organisers estimate of 40,000 protesters will be exceeded, particularly having regard to the timing of the march, on approximately the second anniversary of the bombing of Gaza, the iconic nature of the proposed destination and the heightened attention the march would receive as a result of the court case. Advertisement The prohibition order would expose protesters to potential criminal sanctions if they forged ahead with the march to the Opera House. [The] public safety risk to participants and other members of the public is extreme. NSW Court of Appeal McKenna said police sought the prohibition order because of concerns about a crowd crush at the Opera House. He told the court on Wednesday the plan had disaster written all over it, and between 40,000 to 100,000 people congregating at the site was impractical. Contempt warning The court warned in its decision that anyone who participated in a rally while knowing it was covered by a prohibition order might be in contempt of court. Advertisement It appears to mark a significant departure from previous decisions of single judges of the NSW Supreme Court, including Justice Belinda Rigg earlier this year. Those decisions had been regarded as distinguishing a prohibition order from an outright ban on protesting. Related Article Updated Courts Disaster written all over it: Police urge court to block Opera House protest Lawyers for the protest organisers, Palestine Action Group and Jews Against the Occupation, had argued a prohibition order was not a ban but simply removed a relatively narrow immunity from criminal liability for acts such as blocking traffic, which is given to protesters in authorised marches. In the protest organisers view, this would mean it was not a contempt of court to participate in a march because the prohibition order did not prevent that. In her decision in August refusing a police application for a prohibition order over the historic pro-Palestine march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Rigg said the effect of a prohibition order is not that the assembly would be prevented from taking place but that the immunity would not apply. Advertisement Banning order But the Court of Appeal said in its unanimous decision on Thursday that a prohibition order operates to do precisely what the terms of the order suggest, namely to prohibit the holding of the proposed public assembly. It said that a breach of that order may render a person in contempt of court if they had knowledge of the order, and this might extend in some cases to persons who were not parties to the proceedings in which the order was made. It would be highly incongruous for the legislature to empower the court to make an order prohibiting the holding of a public assembly, if the terms of that order did not accurately reflect the legal consequence of the order, the court said. Solicitor Nick Hanna, acting for the protest organisers, said outside court that many, many groups will have an interest in seeking to take that to the High Court to challenge those findings. Advertisement He said the decision had very important ramifications for the right to protest in Australia. It would be understandable for many Australians to be very concerned about that aspect of the judgment, Hanna said. The court did not deal with separate legal questions about Opera House by-laws banning protests at the site because it was not necessary. Timing of protest The original protest plan stoked outrage among sections of the Jewish community because of its timing within days of the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, in which 1200 people were killed and a further 250 were taken hostage. Advertisement The proposed route was also regarded as inflammatory because a pro-Palestine protest outside the Opera House on October 9, 2023, sparked months of controversy. Israels invasion of Gaza following October 7 has resulted in the deaths of more than 67,000 Palestinians, and was labelled a genocide in a landmark United Nations report last month. When is a protest authorised? A protest is an authorised public assembly if organisers serve a notice on NSW Police at least seven days before the protest and: The police commissioner doesnt oppose the protest; or It is not prohibited by a court. In this case, notice was given of the protest on Friday. The court has now issued a prohibition order over the march to the Opera House, but not the revised march from Hyde Park to Belmore Park. When a protest is authorised, participants have a relatively narrow immunity from criminal liability for certain acts related to the protest, such as blocking traffic. This is not a licence to engage in criminal activity. That immunity wouldnt be available to protesters if they marched to the Opera House. The court also warned that protesters with knowledge of the order who participated in that march might be in contempt of court. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. ISLAMABAD, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- A police officer was killed in an attack on a security check post in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, officials said Thursday. The assailants targeted the Khutti check post in Dera Ismail Khan district from two directions late Wednesday night, within the jurisdiction of Dera Town Police Station, according to local police. Check post in-charge Ahmad Nawaz sustained critical injuries in the assault and later died at a local hospital, a police spokesperson confirmed to Xinhua. Security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace the attackers. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share Emma Pegrum doesnt see herself as a victim and she doesnt like cancel culture either. But an unsettling experience with celebrity chef Guy Grossi from 2018 left her wondering about the narratives promoted, and hidden, by Australias hospitality industry. The media is so stuck on this narrative of the legendary family name that has these big grand restaurants, she said. I understand thats an important story and theres a desire to want that facade to be real. But are we going to engage with reality or keep telling the romantic story while sidelining the problems? Guy Grossi has sold his Bourke Street empire. Pegrum was a 24-year-old food reviewer when she was asked to cover an exclusive event at Grossis newly opened restaurant in Perth, Garum, on September 13, 2018. The evening was promoted as one of Roman inspired food and fine wines under Grossis watchful eye that was sure to be a sell-out. Advertisement After the meals were served, Pegrum said she introduced herself to Grossi as a journalist and asked to take his photograph for her works social media page. He was clearly very drunk by this point, Pegrum said. He said to me, Im not having a photo unless youre in it. Pegrum said she repeatedly declined, but was ignored. Related Article Exclusive Grossi Florentino Guy Grossi sells Melbourne Italian institution, buyer revealed He grabbed me in a forced hug, picked me up off the ground, started spinning me around, she said. I just remember feeling totally humiliated. This masthead corroborated Pegrums account with two sources who were told about the incident. Grossi denied the claims through lawyers. The behaviour you have described is not only unsubstantiated but is calculated to cause harm to Mr Grossis impeccable and well-deserved reputation as an icon of the Australian food and dining industry, he said. Advertisement This week, Grossi confirmed plans to sell his famous Grossi Florentino restaurant, and a string of other venues on Bourke Street, that have been managed by his family for 26 years. This masthead reported earlier this week the Bourke Street restaurants will be sold to the hospitality group run by Rebecca Yazbek, who owns Nomad restaurant and Reine & La Rue in Melbourne and other venues in Sydney. The news has reverberated around Melbournes hospitality industry a significant change of hands for an institution central to the citys history and identity since the doors opened in 1928. Pegrum said amid the fanfare, the industry needed to tackle important conversations about the next generation of hospitality leaders. How do we create an industry that is not celebrating people over and over who are exploiting people? What are we missing? Who are we not championing? Family business Grossis parents migrated to Australia from Italy in 1960, after an invitation from Mario Vigano, the owner of Australias earliest Italian restaurant, Marios, to work in his kitchen as a chef. Advertisement The restaurant was then located on Exhibition Street, where guests dined on authentic Italian food for the first time to live music played by men wearing bowties and sparkling jackets. Grossi didnt always want to follow his fathers footsteps as a chef, and told journalists over the years of how he resented his childhood spent helping his father in the kitchen peeling potatoes and scrubbing floors. But something changed and Grossi trained under notable chef Hermann Schneider, who he described in food podcast The Luminaries as a hard taskmaster who gave him a level of discipline I never experienced before. Grossi excelled quickly, working in restaurants around Melbourne with his father and sister Tolarno, Cafe Grossi, Massoni, Two Faces, the list goes on. He was 25 years old when he opened his first restaurant Quadri with his wife Melissa, serving Italian food to a suburban crowd. Guy Grossi in the Florentino dining room in 1999. Luis Enrique Ascui His greatest achievement was signing the lease to Florentino in 1999 regarded as the citys oldest restaurant that was long admired by his father. The heritage-listed, white-tablecloth venue hosted everyone from prime ministers to gangland figures. Mick Gattos book launch was held there in 2009. Food commentator Cam Smith said Grossi Florentino had been in the familys blood for a very, very long time. Advertisement That restaurant in a way is a little bit like the Patek Philippe watch you dont own it, you look after it for the next generatio, Smith said. Running the venue alongside his sister and son, Grossi treated customers like family too, hosting Christmas lunches at Florentino each year serving festive menus on long tables of bon bons. Grossis Bourke Street restaurant empire has been sold to Rebecca Yazbek. Photographic Under his stewardship, Grossi retained the restaurants multiple hats for most of its life, invested in a massive new oven and opened more diverse dining options downstairs, including Grossi Grill, Cellar Bar and Arlechin bar. He grew a celebrity profile, authoring award-winning cookbooks, appearing on MasterChef and headlining major events like the Australian Open. However, beneath the glossy magazine features and rolling public praise was another story. This masthead published an investigation earlier this year revealing allegations of Grossis inappropriate behaviour towards female staff stretching back more than a decade. Grossi emerged as a divisive culinary leader during interviews with dozens of current and former staff. Some said he was a great mentor, while others said he sexualised young waitresses he employed, commenting on their appearances and touching their bodies without consent. Others described a sexist culture where complaints about staff harassment were brushed aside. Grossi issued a public apology to one senior industry leader who accused him of groping her breast at an industry event in 2022, but denied all wrongdoing and defended his conduct and his restaurants workplace culture. Advertisement Advertisement Exclusive NationalWACourts Perth doctor narrowly avoids jail for a second time after forging GP letter Rebecca Peppiatt October 9, 2025 6:09am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A Perth doctor narrowly escaped jail for a second time on Wednesday after he was released on a good behaviour bond despite being handed a six-month prison term. Phillip Murrell Meyerkort, 48, pleaded guilty in the same court last month to fraud charges after he was found to have forged a letter from his GP to help his daughter to get a passport. Dr Phillip Meyerkort (inset) faces a jail term after pleading guilty to a second fraud charge in Perth Magistrates Court last month. The highly trained doctor was, at the time, already on a suspended prison sentence for similar offending. Meyerkort is a fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, which sees him provide high-level medical expertise to prevent and manage work-related illnesses and injuries. Advertisement Last year, he pleaded guilty in the District Court to forging a record and attempting to defraud, which included creating a fake email account and sending a fake email from his ex-wife. He was sentenced to 18 months behind bars, but that sentence was conditionally suspended for two years, with the sentencing judge telling him at the time that, if at all, during the next two years, you commit any offence that carries with it a potential term of imprisonment youll be in breach of the conditional suspended imprisonment order that I have imposed today. Twelve months later, Meyerkort was back before the courts charged with producing a false or misleading document in, or in connection with, an Australian travel document. The court was told Meyerkort drafted a fraudulent letter by his usual GP, with the magistrate stating that in doing so he had abused his position as a medical practitioner. He should have been well aware of the potential repercussions for [the GP] or to his reputation, the magistrate said. Advertisement During his sentencing on Wednesday, the court heard Meyerkorts reason for faking the GP letter was to minimise the delay with applying for a passport but that he abused his skills to draft the letter. Related Article Exclusive Courts Perth doctor faces jail after pleading guilty to fraud for a second time The court Meyerkort was no longer practicing as a doctor due to a recent diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and bipolar disorder and was instead studying Chinese medicine and working as a fitness instructor. Meyerkort is registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency as a nonpracticing medical practitioner, which also states he graduated the University of Sydney in 2004 with a bachelor of medicine and surgery. At his sentencing last year, the court was told Meyerkort claimed his offending was as a result of acute stress and mental instability he suffered after the breakdown of his marriage. Advertisement On Wednesday, the court heard he was receiving treatment for his offending and while he was handed a six-month term of imprisonment, it was still released on a good behaviour bond - called a recognisance order - for the duration of the prison term with a $500 bond. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement WorldEuropeFrance Macron appears set to name new PM within days to avert snap election David Crowe Updated October 9, 2025 3:39am ,first published October 9, 2025 3:11am 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 6 View all comments London: French President Emmanuel Macron could appoint a new prime minister within days in a bid to break a deadlock in parliament over the national budget, amid hopes for an agreement to avoid forcing the nation to an election. Former prime minister Sebastien Lecornu, who stunned the nation by quitting on Monday morning, claimed progress in his negotiations with parliament to avert an election, after he was given 48 hours to seek a deal before his departure. French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Wednesday. Bloomberg Lecornu said on Wednesday night 5:30am on Thursday, AEDT that Macron could be in a position to nominate a new prime minister within 48 hours and that the prospect of a snap parliamentary election was receding. I told the president of the republic that the prospects of dissolution were receding and that I believe the situation allows for the president to name a prime minister in the next 48 hours, he told French television in a closely watched interview. Advertisement The moves appear unlikely to satisfy the right-wing National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, as it declares it will oppose any budget deal from Macron or his allies. Ill censure everything. Enough now the joke has gone on long enough, Le Pen told the media earlier on Wednesday, making it clear she wanted parliament to be dissolved so the French people could settle the crisis at the ballot box. Outgoing French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu speaks at the Hotel Matignon, the prime ministers residence, on Wednesday. AP Macron has not taken questions from the media since Lecornu announced his resignation on Monday morning, but he appears set on finding a new prime minister to lead the government in a negotiation with parliament. While his critics are demanding Macron resign or hold a parliamentary election, the third option is to select a new prime minister who could build a majority in parliament for the national budget. Advertisement There is a willingness to have a budget for France before December 31 of this year, Lecornu told reporters earlier on Wednesday, after talks with conservatives and centre-right parties and before meeting the parties on the left. Related Article Updated World politics Circus: Macron scrambles to salvage government as French PM quits after 27 days And this willingness creates momentum and convergence, obviously, which reduces the prospects of dissolution. With the National Rally taking a hard line against Macron in the hope of toppling him at the next presidential election due in 2027 the president and his allies appear likely to turn to the parties on the left to form a new government that can hold support in parliament. Socialist Party chief Olivier Faure has offered to resolve the crisis in parliament, but declared that the left should run the next government. Advertisement The Socialists want a 2 per cent wealth tax on Frances richest 0.01 per cent, a measure that appears to have strong public support but would force Macron to accept a policy that is deeply opposed by the conservatives. The National Rally and its allied parties hold 138 seats in the National Assembly, making them the largest bloc, while the Ensemble coalition loyal to Macron has only 91 seats. France Unbowed holds 71 seats and the Socialists hold 66, while the Greens have 38. French Greens leader Marine Tondelier talks to reporters on Wednesday. AP Greens leader Marine Tondelier said there was progress in her talks with Lecornu on Wednesday and that the country had never been closer to having a new left-wing prime minister. Appointing yet again a prime minister from the presidents camp would be a final provocation, they wouldnt last a minute, she told reporters. Advertisement Lecornu has spent the past three weeks trying to negotiate new policies and a new cabinet that could survive the deadlock in parliament, but the cabinet he named on Sunday included most of the ministers in the previous government, outraging his critics. Related Article Analysis Emmanuel Macron Macron wanders alone by the Seine as his grip on power slips away One of his first moves as prime minister was to scrap an unpopular attempt by his predecessor, Francois Bayrou, to abolish two public holidays in a proposal to lift productivity and cut government costs. With this dropped, Lecornu sought to negotiate the passage of a budget that could bring welfare spending under control. Another dispute is about whether to scale back the cost of the pension after the government raised the retirement age from 62 to 64 two years ago still a source of criticism from those who will have to wait longer to receive government benefits. The French economy has slowed over the past four years, and government spending has increased, putting federal debt on track to reach nearly 120 per cent of GDP next year, according to the OECD. Advertisement There is no consensus on how to bring the budget under control and the divisions in parliament reflect the rift in French society over cuts to government spending or increases in taxation. Macron called a snap parliamentary election in June last year in the hope of turning political momentum against National Rally after it gained support in elections for the European Parliament. The tactic failed, however, when National Rally performed well and the parliamentary election resulted in a national assembly that was even more divided. With Reuters Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Advertisement WorldEuropeTrade wars Opinion Trumps trade war is in full swing, and ripples are spreading across the globe Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist Updated October 9, 2025 10:22am , first published October 9, 2025 9:04am Updated October 9, 2025 10:22am ,first published October 9, 2025 9:04am 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 157 View all comments Donald Trumps protectionist trade wars are now spawning protectionism around the globe as countries try to defend themselves against a flood of cheap imports from China, diverted by the tariff wall that he has built around America. On Wednesday the European Commission signed off on a proposal to nearly halve the quota for tariff-free steel imports, and double the tariff on imports beyond that level, in response to a surge in cheap goods from Asia, mainly from China. Trumps trade war is creating ripples across the globe. Marija Ercegovac The quota will be reduced from 28 million tonnes of steel a year to 18.35 million tonnes, and the tariff will rise from 25 per cent to 50 per cent the same rate the US slapped on steel imports earlier this year if the European Union endorses the proposal. If implemented the measures would be devastating for the UK steel industry, where about half its annual production and 80 per cent of its exports are going to the EU which stands to show how the ripples from Trumps trade wars could cascade through other economies. Advertisement The EU isnt the only region responding to the second-round effects of the combination of Americas tariff on steel imports and the excess capacity in Chinas steel industry. China is the dominant global steel producer, with a market share above 50 per cent. Last month Mexico announced its plan for tariffs of up to 50 per cent on products from China, including steel. Canada has a 25 per cent tariff on Chinese steel imports, and Brazil has said it is considering its own tariffs to protect a domestic steel industry that is teetering under an assault from Chinese imports. The increasingly gloomy outlook for global trade will become even darker if countries continue to respond to Trumps trade war by erecting barriers of their own. In Australia the Albanese government in July shifted the entire responsibility for investigating and responding to cheap imports, which had been split between the Productivity Commission and the Anti-Dumping Commission, to the traditionally more protectionist Anti-Dumping Commission. Earlier this month the government boosted the Anti-Dumping Commissions funding and issued it with a new statement of expectations, making it clear it wanted a tougher stance to protect the countrys smelters, steel production and critical minerals companies from artificially cheap imports. Advertisement US President Donald Trumps trade war is triggering protectionist moves around the world. AP While steel has particular national-interest implications the European Commission has cited its importance to the planned expansion of Europes armaments production, for instance there are other sectors where tensions have increased. Electric car exports from a Chinese industry marked by huge excess capacity and only a couple of profitable companies is another high-profile sector, but even clothing and textile markets are being hit by a diversion of exports from China, and Asia more broadly, away from the US. Chinas electric car industry is flooding the world with its cars. Bloomberg EU imports of clothing and textiles, for instance, were up 20 per cent in value and volume in the first half of this year, threatening an EU industry that employs about 1.3 million people and generates about $300 billion a year of annual sales. Advertisement The EU is now proposing to emulate the US by scrapping its tax-free threshold of about $265 for small parcel imports and charging a flat fee instead. Thats in response to the impact that the scrapping of Americas $US800 ($1200) exemption from duties for small parcels is having, with Chinese online retailers like Shein and Temu searching for new markets to compensate for their lost competitiveness in America. With European companies not only facing competition from Asian competitors but also experiencing lower sales in the US because of Trumps 15 per cent tariff on most of their imports, theres growing pressure from the clothing and textile sectors for tariff protection of their own. Related Article Exclusive Electric vehicles As Chinese cars flood the market, Australia backs global crackdown on price war It is notable that there hasnt been the expected tit-for-tat international retaliation that could have occurred in response to Trumps trade wars. All countries that trade with the US have had tariffs at varying levels imposed on their exports to the US but, other than China, few have hit back. Thats part of the explanation for why global trade has held up better than might have been expected. Advertisement On Tuesday the World Trade Organisation said in a report that global merchandise trade had outperformed expectations in the first half of this year. Where it had previously forecast growth this year of only 0.9 per cent, it now expects growth of 2.4 per cent. At the same time, though, it has slashed its forecast for next year from 1.8 per cent to 0.5 per cent. There are a couple of factors to why there has been such a big shift in expectations between the WTOs estimates made in August and its revised forecasts. The biggest and broadest of Trump tariffs were announced on Liberation Day (April 2) but their introduction was delayed as the administration tried to negotiate individual deals with its bigger trading partners and only went live in early August. The biggest and broadest of Trump tariffs were announced on Liberation Day in April. AP Advertisement In the meantime US companies seized the opportunity to front-load their purchases, building up their inventories of tariff-free imports to defer the tariffs eventual impact on their costs, prices and sales. Thats why the first-half growth in trade was significantly stronger than the WTO expected. Now that the US tariff wall is in place (although Trump keeps adding to it), the impact of the levies will progressively increase and become more visible as those bloated inventories are run off. Hence the bleak outlook for trade next year. Its not only the trade in goods that will be affected. The WTO says services export growth is also expected to slow, from last years 6.8 per cent to 4.6 per cent this year and 4.4 per cent next year. Although services arent (yet) exposed to tariffs, the WTO says services trade can be affected indirectly by links to the goods trade. Related Series Trump's White House The world in a time of Trump explained A silver lining in the otherwise bleak outlook painted by the WTO is that goods related to artificial intelligence semiconductors, servers and telecommunications equipment provided almost half of the growth in first-half trade, with the value of that rising 20 per cent year-on-year. Advertisement Some economists have calculated that AI-related spending is generating almost all of Americas economic growth this year. AI-related investment in data centres, chips and power generation has accelerated through the year and is expected to reach, if not surpass, $US400 billion this year in the US alone. Its the one bright note in a still-emerging but increasingly gloomy outlook for global trade that will become even darker and more complex if countries continue to respond to Trumps trade war by erecting barriers of their own to slow the growth of imports re-routed from the US. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Advertisement Updated WorldMiddle EastIsraeli-Palestinian conflict Israel approves Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas David Crowe Updated October 10, 2025 6:40am ,first published October 10, 2025 2:00am 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 London: Israels government ratified a ceasefire with the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Friday, clearing the way to suspend hostilities in Gaza within 24 hours and free Israeli hostages held in Gaza within 72 hours after that. The Israeli cabinet agreed to the deal early on Friday morning, roughly 24 hours after mediators announced an agreement to free Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, in the first phase of US President Donald Trumps initiative to end the two-year war in Gaza. View post on X The government has just now approved the framework for the release of all of the hostages the living and the deceased, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus English-language X account said. Trump said the hostages would likely be released on Monday or Tuesday. The US will also deploy 200 troops as part of a joint task force for Gaza stability, but no Americans will be on the ground in the Palestinian enclave. Advertisement The cabinet approval was largely expected but served as a capstone on the first phase of the deal after Hamas chief negotiator announced it had agreed to end the war. But the broader ceasefire plan includes many unanswered questions, such as whether and how Hamas will disarm and who will govern Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, centre, at the Israeli cabinet meeting with US President Donald Trumps Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, left, and son-in-law Jared Kushner. @IsraeliPM/X US President Donald Trump said the remaining hostages held in Gaza should be released on Monday or Tuesday. Bloomberg Earlier, Trump who plans to travel to Israel to be on hand for the release of the hostages forecast a lasting peace in Gaza in the deal to end the war that has killed tens of thousands over the past two years, raising hopes that the outcome will go beyond a fragile ceasefire that might collapse into further fighting. Advertisement However, there is no public guarantee that Hamas will relinquish its weapons despite clear demands from Israel for steps towards disarmament in order to justify its commitment to withdraw from almost half of Gaza. While the full terms of the peace deal are yet to be revealed, Trump spoke in Washington on Friday (AEST) as if the outcome were assured and said he expected to head to the Middle East to seal the agreement this weekend. A boy holds an American flag as Israelis react to the news of the Gaza peace deal at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. Getty Images Palestinians rejoice following the announcement of a peace plan. However, celebrations remain limited, as relief is mixed with mourning and concern for what comes next. AP Last night we reached a momentous breakthrough in the Middle East, something that people said was never going to be done, the president said during a cabinet meeting in the US capital. Advertisement We ended the war in Gaza and, really, on a much bigger basis, created peace. And I think its going to be a lasting peace, hopefully an everlasting peace. We secured the release of all of the remaining hostages, and they should be released on Monday or Tuesday. Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip hold posters with portraits of their loved ones in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. AP Palestinians celebrate following the peace plan announcement outside Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on Thursday. AP Getting them is a complicated process. Id rather not tell you what theyve got to do to get them. Theyre in places you dont want to be. Advertisement After the news broke, families and supporters of the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas flocked to the Tel Aviv square thats become the focal point of two years of campaigning for their release. In Hostages Square, as the central plaza outside the Tel Aviv Museum of Art has become known, the mood was celebratory rather than solemn. There were spontaneous outbreaks of singing and dancing and many people arrived wrapped in the Israeli flag. The American Stars and Stripes was also highly visible. Loading I feel sublime this morning, something that cant be put into words, said Danny Miran, the father of Omri, who was taken from a kibbutz during the October 7 Hamas attacks in 2023. We know nothing of Omris condition, he added, having last seen his son in a video released by the Palestinian militant group about six months ago. We just know he was suffering. Advertisement Sharon Kalderon, a relative of three hostages released in earlier exchanges, said: Its a good morning! Its the first time in two years that we can say good morning. Related Article Israeli-Palestinian conflict What we know about the next steps in the deal to pause the Gaza war Gili Tagori, from Tel Aviv, drew plenty of attention by arriving at the square dressed as Trump. She praised the US president as the only one who came to work to cut a deal and make peace. He has the compassion and leadership that our leadership lacks, Tagori said. I cant give credit to the Israeli government. Meanwhile, in the Gaza refugee camp in al-Mawasi, children began dancing at 2am, Londons Telegraph reported. Advertisement Enas Baraka, a mother-of-five, said: This is a great achievement. We did not expect this war to stop after two years of bombing that did not cease for a moment. Now I can feel comfortable and reassured about my children. We are happy with this agreement to stop the bombing, displacement and suffering, she said. I am tired of trying to tell [my children] that there is no food as they want. Einav Zangauker (blue shirt), the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, celebrates. Getty Images Trump spoke after several days of negotiations at the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where his envoys joined representatives from Israel, Hamas, Qatar, Turkey and Egypt. Asked whether Hamas would disarm, Trump said that would be part of phase two of the peace plan and was not specific. There will be disarming, he told reporters. Hamas is designated a terrorist group in Australia and many other countries. Advertisement Meanwhile, two senior US officials said the US would deploy 200 troops as part of a joint task force for Gaza stability but no Americans would enter the Palestinian enclave. The officials, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity, said the 200 would be the core of a task force that would include representatives from Egypts military, Qatar, Turkey and probably the United Arab Emirates. A couple embraces in Hostages Square. Getty Images The officials said the US troops exact location had yet to be decided. But they would develop a joint control centre and integrate other security forces that will work in Gaza to co-ordinate with Israeli forces to avoid clashes. No US troops are intended to go into Gaza, said one of the officials. Advertisement Trump provoked strong criticism in some quarters in February when he described Gaza as a big real estate site and suggested it could be developed after Palestinians were sent elsewhere, but now he said that nobody would be forced to leave Gaza under the peace plan. Exiled Hamas Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya said the group has received guarantees from the United States, Arab mediators and Turkey that the war in Gaza had permanently ended. Palestinians celebrate in Khan Younis following the announcement. AP Israelis raise glasses in celebration. Getty Images He said that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement to end the war and the aggression against our people and that he had received confirmation that the initial pause would lead to a sustained ceasefire. Advertisement Another Hamas official, Osama Hamdan told Qatari broadcaster Al Araby that Hamas rejected the US proposal for a board of peace, including former British prime minister Tony Blair, to run Gaza, a key element of a 20-point plan Trump unveiled on September 30. Related Article Analysis Israeli-Palestinian conflict A moment of hope breaks the despair of the Gaza war thanks to Donald Trump Netanyahu had signalled high hopes for an agreement before he convened the cabinet meetings. We have hit a critical point in this war, his spokeswoman, Shosh Bedrosian, said in a televised statement. From day one in this war, the prime minister laid out three objectives: the return of all of our hostages, the defeat and dismantling of Hamas and ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. Advertisement All of the prime ministers objectives have now been achieved. Bedrosian said Netanyahu had approved the first stage of the peace plan and expected the release of all 48 hostages, some of whom have died in captivity after being taken in the Hamas terror attack on Israel. People in Tel Aviv celebrating the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting. AP A ceasefire is expected to begin within 24 hours following the Israeli cabinet approval. Bedrosian described the terms as the approved first phase of the peace plan, however, and made it clear that other agreements would be required for a permanent end to the hostilities. Advertisement Hospitals were ready to accept the hostages from Monday, she said, and there would be no tolerance for Hamas parading the Israeli prisoners as it had done in the past. Related Article Analysis Israeli-Palestinian conflict Trumps Gaza deal is a welcome ceasefire. Now for the tricky bit The families of the hostages acclaimed the peace negotiations and praised Trump for the results so far, although former hostage Omer Shem Tov warned it was too soon to assume the outcome. With all the joy and happiness, I have to say this isnt over yet, said Shem Tov, who was held by Hamas for 505 days after being kidnapped at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. Lets keep praying, sending positive energy, keep fighting until they all come back. Advertisement While most people had left Hostages Square by midnight in Tel Aviv, dozens remained as they awaited news from the cabinet meeting, the BBC reported. Related Article Israeli-Palestinian conflict Why Trump is unlikely to win Nobel Peace Prize, even after Gaza breakthrough Israel will not release the bodies of Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and his brother Mohammed, CNN reported. It also said Israel would not release a high-profile Palestinian prisoner, Marwan Barghouti, who has been held for more than two decades for his role in the killings of Israeli civilians. Trump has repeatedly claimed he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on securing the peace, just as Norwegian authorities prepare to announce the recipient for this years prize in Oslo on Friday. The rapid developments in the Gaza talks appear unlikely to influence the award, however, because the Norwegian Nobel Committee said the decision on this years winner had already been made. Advertisement The last meeting of the Nobel Committee took place on Monday, Erik Aasheim, spokesman for the Norwegian Nobel Institute, told Agence France-Presse. Netanyahus office backed Trump for the award on social media, saying: Give Donald Trump the Nobel Peace Prize he deserves it! Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi also said Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for the peace deal, according to a statement reported by news service Anadolu Agency. Trump said he had been asked to speak to the Knesset, the parliament of Israel, when he visits the Middle East. French President Emmanuel Macron backed the Trump 20-point plan when he emerged from a meeting in Paris with foreign ministers from France, Egypt, Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain. Advertisement In a sign of the divisions in Israel over the war, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said his Otzma Yehudit party, also known as Jewish Strength, would vote against the ceasefire deal. Ben Gvir, who has been sanctioned by Australia and other countries for inciting violence, said he would continue to support Netanyahus ruling coalition but would bring down the government if Hamas was not dismantled under the peace plan. Another right-wing minister, Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionism party, also said he would oppose the ceasefire terms. With Reuters, Bloomberg Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Advertisement Updated WorldMiddle EastIsraeli-Palestinian conflict Celebrations in the streets after Trump announces Gaza peace deal Matthew Knott Updated October 9, 2025 5:34pm ,first published October 9, 2025 6:32am 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 remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza will be released within days and Israels military presence wound back under a breakthrough agreement aimed at halting the fighting after two years of bloody conflict. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined other world leaders in applauding the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which was announced by US President Donald Trump and drew Israelis and Palestinians onto the streets to celebrate. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio with President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday (US time). Bloomberg Trump said the 20 estimated surviving Israeli hostages who have been held in captivity since being abducted on October 7, 2023 would probably be freed on Monday (AEDT), but other reports suggested they could be released as early as Saturday. The remains of the estimated 28 hostages who have died in captivity would then be handed over in phases soon after. Some 400 aid trucks a day will enter Gaza, where civilians have suffered dire food shortages and starvation, and almost 2000 Palestinians are set to be released from Israeli jails. Advertisement I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan, Trump wrote on his Truth Social media platform as he declared: Blessed Are The Peacemakers. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace, he wrote. Loading Gaza authorities say more than 67,000 people have been killed and much of the enclave has been flattened since Israel began its military response to the Hamas cross-border attack on October 7. About 1200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage back to Gaza, according to Israeli officials. Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong hailed the agreement as a much-needed step to peace as they urged both parties to respect the plans terms. Advertisement Australia welcomes President Trumps announcement that Israel and Hamas have signed off the first phase of the plan to bring peace to Gaza, they said in a statement. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the agreement should inspire hope in Australia and around the world, as she urged Australians to suspend protests about the war as a ceasefire goes into effect. People in Tel Aviv celebrate after waking to the news that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a peace plan. AP Today is the start of the end of the war, and the beginning of enduring peace, she said. Speaking to this masthead from southern Gaza, where he works as a doctor, Mohammad Alastal said the announcement had brought a profound sense of relief and cautious optimism to the people of Gaza. Advertisement The people here have learnt to celebrate with restraint, knowing how fragile peace can be, he said. Still, we choose to believe that this time can be different, that humanity and conscience will prevail, and that the world will stand with us as we rebuild our lives in peace. The relatives of hostages held in Gaza celebrate in Washington upon hearing that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement that will bring all the hostages home. Liri Agami and Alon Kaplun Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a great day for Israel and that he would convene the government on Thursday (Israel time) to approve the deal, which was signed in Egypt. With Gods help we will bring them all home, he posted on social media. Advertisement I thank President Trump and his team from the bottom of my heart for their commitment to this sacred mission of freeing our hostages. Israeli media outlets reported that Israel would remain in control of over half of Gaza under the deal, but the Associated Press reported that the Israeli military could withdraw from as much as 70 per cent of Gaza. Related Article Israeli-Palestinian conflict What we know so far about the Gaza deal and what needs to happen next The Israeli military said Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir had instructed forces to prepare strong defences, to be ready for any scenario and to prepare to lead the operation for the hostages return with sensitivity and professionalism. Confirming the agreement on its Telegram channel, Hamas called on Trump and guarantor states to ensure that Israel fully implements the ceasefire, saying the group would never relinquish our peoples national rights until freedom, independence, and self-determination are achieved. Advertisement The statement said Hamas appreciated the efforts of mediators Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, and in an extraordinary shift in tone, added that the group valued the efforts of US President Donald Trump. The Hostages Families Forum, a grassroots group representing many of the families of Israeli hostages, said it had received the news of a ceasefire with excitement, anticipation, and apprehension. It called on the Israeli government to immediately convene to approve the deal and praised Trump for his commitment and determination that led to this historic breakthrough. Relatives of Israeli hostages held by Hamas celebrate on the streets of Tel Aviv. AP As Israelis flocked to Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to celebrate, returned hostage Aviva Siegel said the news was truly amazing and that she and husband Keith, who was also freed from captivity, were finally able to smile. Many questions remain, and subsequent phases of a peace agreement will likely prove more difficult to negotiate. Advertisement It was not immediately clear whether the parties made any progress on the trickier questions about the future of the conflict, including whether Hamas will demilitarise, as Trump has demanded, and eventual governance of the war-torn territory. Related Article Analysis Israeli-Palestinian conflict A moment of hope breaks the despair of the Gaza war thanks to Donald Trump It was also unclear which Palestinian prisoners would be released, but the list of people that Hamas wanted freed is believed to include some of the most prominent prisoners ever jailed by Israel, prisoners whose release has been off limits in previous ceasefires. But Israel and Hamas appear to be closer than they have been since at least March to ending a war that has killed an estimated 67,200 Palestinians, flattened most of Gaza and frayed social cohesion around the world, including in Australia. The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network welcomed a reprieve to the war, but said it feared Israel would breach the ceasefire as it did in March. Advertisement While this plan is a recognition that Israels current position is untenable, it does not lift the criminal siege, dismantle the apartheid system or end the occupation, the group said. Alon Cassuto, chief executive of the Zionist Federation of Australia, said that for the Australian Jewish community, the hope of seeing the hostages finally return after two agonising years brings both deep emotion and profound relief. Katya Emelianova kneels beside a portrait of Eden Gez, who was killed at the Nova Festival on October 7, 2023. David Guttenfelder/The New York Times This day may yet close one of the most painful chapters in living memory, he said. A report by a United Nations commission of inquiry released last month found that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza and accused Israeli authorities of intending to kill as many Palestinians as possible. Advertisement Israel has denied the charge of genocide, saying it continued the war to secure the release of the hostages and ensure Hamas, a listed terror group, could never again govern Gaza or threaten Israels security. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the agreement as a momentous opportunity while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it a moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world. The Hamas wish list for prisoner releases reportedly includes Marwan Barghouti, a leader of the Fatah movement, and Ahmad Saadat, head of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Both are serving multiple life sentences for involvement in attacks that killed Israelis. Marwan Barghouti appears in court in Jerusalem in 2012. AP In the lead-up to the announcement, Israeli officials were pushing back on inclusion of Barghouti the most prominent Palestinian prisoner, who is serving five life sentences in an Israeli jail according to a person briefed on the negotiations, who spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. Advertisement Israeli officials had made clear to the United States that the release of Barghouti would set off the far-right members of Netanyahus coalition, the person said. In his post announcing the deal, Trump said the development marked a historic and unprecedented event that ensured all parties would be treated fairly. Photo: Matt Golding Earlier on Wednesday (US time) Trump said he might travel to Egypt this weekend. His envoys joined talks in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh after two days of indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel, to try to seal the ceasefire and hostage-release agreement, based on a 20-point plan Trump had presented to the parties. Advertisement I was just given a note by the secretary of state [Marco Rubio] saying that were very close to a deal in the Middle East, and theyre going to need me pretty quickly, Trump said during an unrelated White House event. The war in Gaza evolved into a regional conflict after it began in response to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, drawing in countries such as Iran, Yemen and Lebanon, and reshaping the Middle East. Just a day after the second anniversary of Hamas attack, negotiators handed over their lists of hostages and Palestinian prisoners to be freed in a swap with Israel. Loading Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close confidant of Netanyahu, arrived and began participating in the negotiations overnight, Israeli and Palestinian sources said. Advertisement Also joining the discussions was the prime minister of longstanding mediator Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, according to Egyptian sources. In parallel with the Sharm el-Sheikh talks, Arab and other states will meet in Paris on Thursday to discuss Gazas postwar transition, with Washington likely to be represented, diplomatic sources said. Hamas said the first couple of days of indirect negotiations had been focused on three issues: halting the conflict, withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza, and the swap deal. Related Article Israeli-Palestinian conflict Tony Blair tried and failed to bring peace to the Middle East before. Can he succeed this time? The group has so far refused to discuss Israels demand that Hamas give up its arms, which the Palestinian source said Hamas would reject as long as Israeli troops occupied Palestinian land. Advertisement Two sources familiar with the talks confirmed that sticking points included the mechanism for the Israeli withdrawal, with Hamas seeking a clear timeline linked to the release of hostages and guarantees of a complete withdrawal by Israeli forces. Within Gaza, Israel has dialled down its military campaign at Trumps behest, but it has not halted strikes altogether. The Israeli military said on Wednesday that its forces had killed several militants in Gaza City who it said were on their way to attack Israeli soldiers. Trumps plan calls for an international body led by Trump and including former British prime minister Tony Blair to play a role in Gazas postwar administration. Arab countries that back the plan say it must lead to eventual independence for a Palestinian state, which Netanyahu says will never happen. Related Article Israeli-Palestinian conflict In both Israel and Gaza, the message is the same: Talks must end this war There is no clear indication who will rule Gaza when the war ends. Netanyahu, Trump, Western and Arab states have ruled out a role for Hamas, which has run Gaza since driving out Palestinian rivals in 2007. Advertisement Hamas has said it would relinquish Gaza governance only to a Palestinian technocrat government supervised by the Palestinian Authority and backed by Arab and Muslim countries. It rejects any role for Blair, or foreign rule of Gaza. With Reuters, AP, Bloomberg Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaCalifornia bushfires Man charged over deadly LA blaze asked ChatGPT to create image of burning city Christopher Weber , Jaimie Ding and John Seewer October 9, 2025 8:36am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Los Angeles: A 29-year-old man has been charged with sparking Californias deadly Palisades fire, one of the most destructive bushfires in its history, authorities said. Federal officials said Jonathan Rinderknecht, who lived in the area, started a small fire on New Years Day that smouldered underground before reigniting nearly a week later and roaring through Pacific Palisades, home to many of Los Angeles rich and famous. Jonathan Rinderknecht has been charged over the lighting of the deadly Palisades fire in Los Angeles in January. AP The fire that left 12 dead in the hillside neighbourhoods across Pacific Palisades and Malibu was one of two blazes that broke out on January 7. Together, they killed at least 30 people and destroyed more than 17,000 homes and buildings while burning for days in Los Angeles County. Rinderknecht was arrested in Florida and made his first court appearance on Wednesday (Thursday AEDT) in Orlando, facing charges including malicious destruction by means of a fire, which carries a minimum sentence of five years in prison. Advertisement Wearing shorts and a T-shirt while shackled at the ankles, he told a federal magistrate in a soft-spoken voice that he was not under the influence and did not have mental issues. The judge set a hearing for the next day to consider bond and extradition proceedings, but prosecutors later requested that the hearing be postponed by more than a week. Loading Aziza Hawthorne, the federal assistant public defender assigned to represent Rinderknecht, didnt object to the change, prosecutors said. Messages seeking comment were left for Hawthorne and the public defenders office. Investigators said that Rinderknecht had been working as an Uber driver. After dropping off a passenger in Pacific Palisades, he parked and walked up a trail. Advertisement He then used his iPhone to take videos at a nearby hilltop area and listen to a rap song with a music video showing objects being lit on fire, prosecutors said. Rinderknecht fled the scene after starting the fire, but returned to the same trail to watch it burn, acting US Attorney Bill Essayli said during a news conference. He left as soon as he saw the fire trucks were headed to the location. He turned around and went back up there. And he took some video and watched them fight the fire, Essayli said. Uber said in a statement that it worked with the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to determine the drivers whereabouts around the time of the fire. Advertisement Rinderknecht also made several 911 calls to report the fire, according to a criminal complaint. During an interview on January 24, Rinderknecht told investigators where the fire began, information not yet public and that he would not have known if he hadnt witnessed it, according to the criminal complaint. A person walks on the beach next to homes destroyed by the Palisades fire. AP He lied about his location, claiming he was near the bottom of the hiking trail, Essayli said. The suspect was visibly anxious during that interview, according to the complaint. His efforts to call 911 and his question to ChatGPT about a cigarette lighting a fire indicated he wanted to preserve evidence of himself trying to assist in the suppression of the fire, and he wanted to create evidence regarding a more innocent explanation for the cause of the fire, the complaint said. Advertisement According to The Washington Post, investigators found a ChatGPT prompt by Rinderknecht asking the chatbot to make a dystopian painting showing a crowd fleeing from a burning forest and poor people trying to get past a gate with a big dollar sign on it. Related Article Opinion California bushfires How it feels to watch your city burn from the other side of the planet Michael Idato Culture editor-at-large On the other side of the gate and the entire wall is a conglomerate of the richest people, the prompt allegedly read. They are chilling, watching the world burn down, and watching the people struggle. Investigators determined the January 1 fire was intentionally lit, likely by a lighter taken to vegetation or paper, according to the criminal complaint. They excluded other possibilities, including fireworks, lightning and power lines. Authorities also looked into whether a cigarette may have caused the fire, but concluded that it was not the cause, the complaint says. Advertisement Investigators found a barbecue-style lighter inside the glove box of Rinderknechts car on January 24. It appeared to be the same lighter as the one that was in his apartment on December 31, based on a photo on his phone. He admitted to bringing a lighter with him when he walked up the hill. Federal prosecutors will need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the Palisades Fire grew from that blaze that broke out six days earlier, said Jerod Gunsberg, a California criminal defence lawyer with experience in arson cases. Homes ablaze in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles on January 7., Philip Cheung/The New York Times But he said that was something defence lawyers are likely to question. The defence is going to say, How do we know it was the same guy? Theres a lot of time that went on in between these two fires, said Gunsberg, who is not involved in the Palisades case. So the prosecutors will have to show that evidence. Advertisement Even if firefighters thought the original fire was extinguished, he said, that does not absolve someone from being held accountable. Youre not off the hook, Gunsberg said. Related Article California bushfires Some homes werent designed with fire in mind: Is timber to blame for LA wildfires? Investigators still havent determined the cause of a second blaze, the Eaton Fire, which broke out the same day in the community of Altadena and killed 19 people. Both fires reduced block after block of entire neighbourhoods to grey and black debris, destroying homes, schools, businesses and churches. While rebuilding is underway in some neighbourhoods, it will take years. Many home owners will not be able to afford it, even those with insurance. An outside review released in September found that a lack of resources and outdated policies for sending emergency alerts led to delayed evacuation warnings. Advertisement The report commissioned by Los Angeles County supervisors said a series of weaknesses, including outdated policies, inconsistent practices and communications vulnerabilities, hampered the countys response. AP Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: California bushfires Uber USA Bushfires Tragedy Crime THE HAGUE, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will issue its advisory opinion on Israel's obligations in the occupied Palestinian territories on Oct. 22, the UN's top court said on Thursday. A public sitting will be held at the Peace Palace in The Hague, where ICJ President Judge Iwasawa Yuji will read the opinion. The advisory opinion stems from a December 2024 request by the UN General Assembly (UNGA), which asked the world court to clarify Israel's duties as an occupying power under international law. The request, made through a UNGA resolution, sought guidance on Israel's responsibilities toward ensuring unhindered humanitarian access and the operations of the UN and other actors in the Palestinian territories. Public hearings on the case were held between April 28 and May 2, 2025, during which 39 states, the UN and regional organizations including the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the African Union, presented oral statements. While the ICJ's advisory opinions are not legally binding, they carry significant political and moral weight and often influence UN actions and international debate. The ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the UN, is based at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands. CAIRO, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- An agreement was reached on Thursday to establish a ceasefire and end the war in Gaza after two years of suffering and woes, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said. "The world is witnessing a historic moment that embodies the triumph of the will for peace over the logic of war," al-Sisi wrote on his Facebook page. The agreement was reached in accordance with the peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and under the auspices of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, he added. Indirect talks between Hamas and Israel began Monday in Egypt's resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh to negotiate a peace plan. After several days of negotiations, the two sides agreed on the "first phase" of the Trump-backed peace plan, which includes a ceasefire and the release of some hostages and prisoners, marking a major breakthrough in the two-year conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the agreement on the release of hostages would take effect only after cabinet approval. The Israeli Security Cabinet is scheduled to convene late Thursday to approve the ceasefire. Egypt on Thursday sent a humanitarian aid convoy through the Rafah crossing, the only link between the Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip, marking the first delivery since the agreement on the initial phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan was reached, Egypt's Al-Qahera News TV reported. The convoy carried food supplies including rice, pasta, flour, and baby formula, along with medicines and medical equipment, according to the report. By Laman Ismayilova In the latest edition of its "Around Azerbaijan" series, Euronews has aired a report highlighting the transformation of Ismayilli district, Azerbaijan, as it embraces change while preserving its traditional charm. The district is embracing new residents and artisans while maintaining its traditional rural charm. The segment, presented by reporter Anca Ulea, took viewers on a journey through Ismayilli to discover its tranquil lifestyle and enduring customs. The reportage, titled " Disconnect in Azerbaijan's Ismayilli district, where farm-to-table is just standard living" states the following: "Easily reached from Baku, Azerbaijan's Ismayilli District has long been a pastoral getaway for city dwellers seeking a slower pace of life. Today, a rural renaissance is underway as newcomers bring new energy and skills, creating a charming cultural blend. In Ivanovka village, formerly the last kolkhoz in the Caucasus, visitors can explore local history at the Molokan Cultural Centre and buy honey and cheese from farmers like Andrey Antifeev, whose honey is internationally recognised. Damir Art Gallery showcases the village's creative revival, welcoming artists from Baku, while guest houses like Ohio Inn & Cafe host international visitors. Wine lovers can visit nearby Chabiant Winery, where Italian winemaker Marco Catelani uses his expertise to highlight the country's heritage grape varieties like Madrasa and Bayan Shira." ALMATY, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Six people were killed in a fire at a farmhouse in the Pavlodar Region of northern Kazakhstan, the Kazinform news agency reported on Thursday. The blaze completely engulfed the residential building of the farmhouse -- located 7 km from the village of Solnechny -- causing a partial collapse of the roof and spreading to nearby outbuildings to cover a total area of 920 square meters, according to the regional Department of Emergency Situations. Seven people were inside the house when the fire broke out, and only one of them managed to escape and was subsequently hospitalized. Rescuers have removed eight 27-liter gas cylinders from the premises. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivers remarks to Airmen at RAF Fairford, England, Aug. 13, 2025. The speech highlighted the importance of the United States partnership with the United Kingdom and the role of forward-based forces in European security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Adam Enbal) MANILA, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Western Pacific have condemned the medicalization of female genital mutilation (FGM), saying it is "one of the most profound violations of human rights and ethical principles" that underpin healthcare practice. "Alarmingly, around 1 in 4 acts of FGM are carried out by professional health workers, in clinics or homes," read the joint statement posted on WHO Western Pacific social media on Wednesday. "Let us be clear: FGM is never safe. It is a deeply harmful practice that inflicts both physical and psychological harm, violating the right to health, well-being, and bodily autonomy of women and girls, and should not be practiced or condoned by anyone, including health workers," said the statement. Other agencies, including the International Confederation of Midwives, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and the Asia Network to End FGM/C, also joined the call to action, standing united in condemning the medicalization of FGM. Data showed that in 2024 over 230 million women and girls globally had undergone FGM, with 80 million of them living in Asia. BEIJING, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The life of Wang Haoze, who is the third Chinese woman to embark on a manned space mission, has been marked by grueling training: desert survival drills with extreme temperature swings, claustrophobic psychological adaptability tests, and maritime exercises involving sea spray that she described as "cutting my ears like knives." In her words, what drives her forward is the urge to contribute more to the cause of Chinese science, and to help the world see more of the brilliance of women. "The universe is filled with stars, each one a tiny point, like the flames in my heart," Wang wrote in a poem upon her return from a 183-day stay in orbit during the Shenzhou-19 spaceflight mission. Wang holds a master's degree and joined the aerospace industry a decade ago, working on rocket engine research before volunteering and being selected as the sole woman in China's third group of astronauts. She is a pioneer among the approximately 40 million female science and technology workers in the country, whose footprints can be seen across major national projects and cutting-edge fields, from the fields of space, high-speed rail and commercial aircraft to the biomedicine and artificial intelligence industries. Together, they account for nearly half of China's total sci-tech workforce. Liang Jianying is a chief scientist at CRRC -- the world's largest supplier of rail transit equipment -- and has been a driving force behind China's breakthroughs in rail. Under her leadership, generations of high-speed trains have been developed, including a 600-km/h high-speed maglev system, as well as the CRH380A with a test speed of 486.1 km/h, and the Fuxing, which has a commercial operational speed of 350 km/h. "Living in a vast country with complex terrain and enormous passenger flow volumes, there is no reason we should not strive to be the best in the world, particularly with the strong support from the government," Liang said. Like Liang, an increasing number of China's female science and technology workers are venturing into uncharted territories, adding unique wisdom to propel global advancement. In the field of cryptography, Wang Xiaoyun, who is a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a professor at Tsinghua University, was honored as one of five global laureates at the 2025 L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards in May. UNESCO's announcement highlighted that Wang's transformative research has inspired numerous women to pursue careers in mathematics and cybersecurity. Focusing on hash functions, which are a cornerstone of cryptographic systems, Wang spent her first nine years in the field producing few publications. Her dedication culminated in global sensation when she broke two major international hash algorithms -- MD5 and SHA-1 -- in 2004 and 2005. Rather than resting on these laurels, Wang has since led her team to the new frontier of post-quantum cryptography, working to build stronger digital security defenses for the future. In the health care sector, Zhang Wen, who is deputy director of rheumatology and immunology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, has been tackling research on a rare condition known as IgG4-related disease for over a decade. She led the formulation of China's first expert consensus and diagnostic guideline for the disease, and was the sole Chinese representative to contribute to its first international treatment guide, integrating China's clinical experience into global understanding. "We must not only manage individual trees but also contribute to the entire forest," Zhang said. By Bairbre Holmes, PA A masked mob turned up at the home of Alliance Party leader Naomi Long on Wednesday night, the MLA has said. Posting on social media site X, the representative for East Belfast said a line was crossed, adding: It isnt engagement and it isnt legitimate protest to turn up at my home, disrupt my neighbours, my family and place pressure on police. She said during her 25 years in frontline politics, she has engaged with people from all backgrounds and perspectives, and has been open to debating and discussing issues, whether we agreed or not. She described what happened outside her house as bullying and intimidation. She added: Its threatening and wholly unacceptable. Over the last 25 years I've been in front-line politics, I've engaged with people from all backgrounds and perspectives. I've been open to debating and discussing issues, whether we agreed or not, including on here. Turning up as a mob, some in masks, at my home just isn't on. > Naomi Long MLA (@naomi_long) October 9, 2025 It needs to stop. Responding to her post, Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill described the incident as absolutely disgusting. The Sinn Fein vice-president added: Turning up at someones home is intimidation, not protest. It is never acceptable. Speaking on BBC Radio Ulsters Nolan Show, Alliance Party deputy leader Eoin Tennyson said the incident had been live-streamed by those involved. What is completely unacceptable is to seek to harass and intimidate politicians in their homes, and that is exactly what happened last night Eoin Tennyson, Alliance deputy leader He said Mrs Long and her husband Michael, who is an Alliance councillor, have never shied away from being held to account. He added: But what is completely unacceptable is to seek to harass and intimidate politicians in their homes, and that is exactly what happened last night. He blamed a toxic atmosphere which he said has been whipped up online and in Northern Irelands Assembly chamber. He said much of it has targeted Mrs Long, describing the discourse as mostly misinformation, disinformation and a misrepresentation of Naomis position. Mr Tennyson added: There is a difference between robust political debate and what has been, I think, a targeted and personalised attack on Naomi in particular. In a statement on Thursday, the PSNI said they attended a protest outside a property in east Belfast on Wednesday evening. They said they have begun an investigation and an evidence-gathering operation is now in place. They will review footage and consider if any potential offences were committed. A councillor has claimed that improvement works on the N59 from Newport to Mulranny could take up to eight years to complete. Motorists along the road are currently subject to traffic restrictions to incorporate the safety enhancement works as part of the N59 Derradda to Newport Road project, a 31.5 million scheme awarded to Fox Building & Engineering earlier this year and funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). Mayo County Council is advising the public that works on the first of three phases of the project, which commenced in March 2025, will last approximately two and a half years and that temporary traffic lights with short delays are expected, while a 50km per hour speed limit in place. The project comprises both on-line road widening and off-line road construction and will include enhancement to sections of the Great Western Greenway including a 1km off-road stretch as well as a greenway bridge structure over the N59 carriageway realignment at Kiltarnaght. A delegation of engineers from the council attended last week's meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District and informed councillors that the contract duration for the project is approximately 32 months with works currently at a progress rate of 5%. It was explained that it takes time to mobilise the area, set up the roadworks and the service diversions for providers such as ESB, in addition to preparing documents and working on different sections at a time, such as between Newfield and Derrada and Newfield and Mulranny. A number of issues were raised by councillors, with Cllr John OMalley noting that local people were adamant that an embankment of trees just outside Newport town that acts as a buffer and sound barrier should not be removed. He also mentioned a local farmer who would be impacted by plans to move an access road 20ft further back that he uses for cattle to cross the main road. Cllr Paul McNamara queried whether it would be possible to shorten the three-phase approach to the project to two by combining the last two five-kilometre phases into one. It should be taken into consideration the destruction that is going to be caused over the next four to five years to people on that road over a daily basis. Over in Frenchpark the bypass is all happening in one go so why not this also, because we are looking at eight years with disruptions here and that is a long time. The engineering staff said the timeline was a matter for TII. They also confirmed that Burrishoole Bridge itself will not be changed but it will be widened at its extremities to improve visibility. A South Mayo renewable energy project has been praised for the manner in which it has progressed. Construction got underway in recent weeks on Ireland's largest agri-based biomethane plant near Ballinrobe. The facility is the first commercial-scale plant of its kind in the country. At a meeting of Mayo Co Councils Planning and Corporate Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) last week, committee chair Michael Burke lauded the development. You get a lot of people coming along saying, Id love to do this and Ill do that, but just dont go about it. This didnt go to An Coimisiun Pleanala, it was dealt with by Mayo County Council 100% and there was no issue. I dont think there was one objection, and maybe an observation or two. The work they have done to date is just fantastic. I have not had one complaint, said the Ballinrobe councillor. He said a solar farm project in Claremorris has had similar success. Again it was dealt with by Mayo County Council. No appeal to An Coimisiun Pleanala because the people went out there and explained their message." Cllr Burke said these type of projects are great for South Mayo. Cllr John Caulfield said the Ballinrobe project can also have benefits for agriculture in the county. Nephin Energy, the developers of the facility, say it will generate over 85 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of sustainable, Irish-produced biomethane. The company said the project will also create more than 100 direct and indirect jobs over its lifetime, along with "providing farmers with long-term, reliable income streams". Public representatives need to park parish politics in order to progress vital infrastructure in Mayo, a local councillor has stated. Fianna Fail Cllr Damien Ryan made his comments at last weeks meeting of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District where councillors heard an update from EirGrid on the North Connacht 110KV project, a new underground electricity cable from the Moy substation in Ballina to Tonroe substation in Ballaghaderreen. Eoghan OSullivan, Community Liaison Officer with EirGrid, told the meeting that Phase 1 works were completed last May with Phase 2 works commencing two weeks ago. He said 41 landowners will be impacted by the project, including 37 in Mayo. There is an agreement in principle with 97% of these landowners, he added. Mr Sullivan said a Community Benefit Fund of 1.53 million will be invested in communities within 2km of a proposed cable line and will be delivered in three phases. Independent Cllr Richard Finn welcomed the update and said these kinds of projects need to be fast tracked where possible. We need power in the west of Ireland. If we dont have power, we wont get industry or jobs. We wont have money or people and that will lead to emigration, he remarked. We have to fast forward work when it can deliver more power. Cllr Ryan said it was the responsibility of councillors to help deliver these projects. We need to have the capacity to welcome industry. Mayo has the capacity to do more. We have to park parish politics and populism. This project is not in my own area but it is important to show leadership and welcome critical infrastructure which needs to be on a super highway in terms of planning. People are entitled to object but shouldnt frustrate processes. Fianna Fail Cllr John Caulfield said it is important to see the bigger picture when it comes to these projects, adding that the North Connacht cable is crucial for development in Mayo. JAKARTA, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in Indonesia's Southwest Papua province have foiled an attempt to smuggle eight black-capped lories, a protected bird species endemic to Papua, officials said on Thursday. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when officers from the Southwest Papua Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) conducted a routine inspection on board the passenger ship KM Dobonsolo, which was docked at Sorong Public Port. "During the inspection on deck three, our team found one black-capped lory, and upon further search, we discovered seven more. In total, eight birds were found, one of which was already dead," said BBKSDA head Genman Suhefti Hasibuan. The confiscated birds were taken to the BBKSDA office in Sorong for further documentation and medical treatment. Hasibuan noted that the black-capped lory, also known as the black-capped chattering lory, is a species native to Papua and is protected under Indonesian law. "These animals were suspected to be smuggled out of Papua to be kept as pets by certain parties outside the region," he said. Hasibuan added that no arrests have been made, as no passengers have claimed ownership of the birds. "We hope this smuggling practice will be stopped immediately. If left unchecked, the population of endemic Papuan animals such as the black-capped lory could face extinction," he said. Reading, PA (19601) Today A few evening snow showers and flurries, mostly in the Poconos; otherwise, partly cloudy, cold, and brisk overnight. Wind chills in the teens. . Tonight A few evening snow showers and flurries, mostly in the Poconos; otherwise, partly cloudy, cold, and brisk overnight. Wind chills in the teens. JERUSALEM, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli official said late Wednesday that Israel and Hamas are "very close" to reaching a Gaza ceasefire deal, Israel's state-owned Kan TV reported. "Israel is preparing for a possible announcement on the deal in the next few hours," the official told Kan TV. Israeli and Hamas delegations have been holding indirect negotiations in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh since Monday, discussing a 20-point plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the war in Gaza. Since the war erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli airstrikes have devastated the Gaza Strip, causing widespread famine and displacement, and killing at least 67,183 people and injuring 169,841 others, according to Gaza's health authorities. BERLIN, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Germany's exports to the United States took another hit in August, falling for the fifth consecutive month as U.S. tariffs on cars and other goods piled pressure on Europe's largest exporter, official data showed Thursday. Shipments to the United States dropped 2.5 percent from July and were down 20.1 percent year-on-year at 10.9 billion euros (12.7 billion U.S. dollars), the lowest level since November 2021, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). "The outlook for Germany's foreign trade remains gloomy," said Dirk Jandura, president of the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services, noting that overall trade had been stagnating with a slight downward trend for months. Jandura said in a statement that while exports to China rose in August, the increase could only partly offset the tariff-driven slump in trade with the United States. Destatis data showed exports to China climbed 5.4 percent month-on-month in August, but total exports still edged down 0.5 percent. The figures underlined how U.S. tariff hikes are hitting German exporters directly while also weighing on global demand, adding further strain to the export-driven economy. Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, in its autumn projection released on Wednesday, also warned that after two years of contraction, the current recovery will be driven by domestic demand rather than foreign trade, marking a departure from the country's typical rebound pattern. The ministry expects the economy to grow by 0.2 percent this year and 1.3 percent in 2026, but cautioned that the anticipated recovery faces potential risks from the U.S. unpredictable trade and security policies. The United States is Germany's biggest export market, with cars and car parts accounting for a major share of its trade surplus with Washington. Early this year, the U.S. administration announced steep tariff hikes on automobiles, car components and other products from the European Union. The measures took effect gradually from April, triggering a steady fall in German shipments to the United States. Data from Destatis showed that in the first seven months of the year, German exports to the United States fell 5.3 percent from a year earlier. While in April and May alone, 23.5 percent fewer German cars were shipped to the American market. (1 euro = 1.16 U.S. dollar) MEXICO CITY, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday that the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is legally binding in all three countries, and any attempt to modify it will require a "very thorough review." The president's comment came after U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the trade treaty could be "renegotiated ... or we can simply make different agreements ... We are allowed to make different agreements if we want to. We could make agreements that are better for each country." Mexico has "no additional information on how the revisions" to the trilateral agreement "will be carried out," Sheinbaum said at her daily morning press conference. "The 50 points raised by the United States regarding what they consider to be Mexico's problems with the trade agreement" are being analyzed, she said. The USMCA, which is up for a periodic review, could see bilateral meetings take place between the signatories. Sheinbaum said she will request "a call with President Trump" if need be. The three USMCA partners began public consultations on the agreement last month, with an eye to starting the deal's review process in January 2026. Extremist Mythologies - 11th annual WiCDS conference When: Tuesday, 14 October 2025 - Thursday, 16 October 2025 Where: South West Engineering Building Braamfontein Campus East Start time: 9:00 Enquiries: Contact Ditebogo.Kalauba@wits.ac.za or see https://extremistmythologies.com/ for further information. The Wits Centre for Diversity Studies is pleased to annouce its 11th annual conference, 'Extremist Mythologies' Please join us at the Humanities Graduate Centre from 14-16 October 2025, alongside featured speakers Achille Mbembe, Ryan Bishop, Atiqa Hachimi and Haley McEwen. Much contemporary scholarship and public conversation are concerned with the rise of populism and extremism, their causes as well as their consequences. Less attention has been paid to the particular ways in which extremist political positions support and mainstream themselves, and how they activate sameness and difference as part of their symbolic arsenal. Even those extremisms which appear more rational or humane, or more in line with our personal belief systems, utilise a conceptual scaffolding to maintain their appeal. This interdisciplinary conference is interested in the narratives, discourses, symbols, myths and images that are pervasive throughout contemporary cultural and political polarisation. It aims to ask not just why but also, from a granular perspective, how extremism is formed, marketed and transmitted, how it attains virality, how it uses myth to foster emotion. Drawing on the concerns of Diversity Studies, which critically interrogates difference and power, this conference will discuss issues including, but not limited to: War, dictatorship and violence Scapegoating processes, from poverty to migration Racialisation and race talk Identity politics at extremes The demystification of liberation movements Desirable/undesirable disability Tradwives, slay queens and new femininities The incelisation of big politics Polygamy, homophobia and conservative family values in Africa Extremist religion, from settler Zionism to prosperity gospels AI, algorithms and the rise of predatory media Dystopian and utopian visions of post/extremist futures Partners in this event include the Innovation Foundation for Democracy, the Wits Research Office and the DST-NRF Bilateral Chair in Digital Humanities. ISLAMABAD, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- A railway worker was killed in an explosion that partially damaged a track in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, officials said Thursday. The blast occurred near a railway gate close to the Pat Feeder Canal Bridge in Dera Murad Jamali area of Nasirabad district, according to the police. Imdad Khokhar, a railway trackman, was killed in the incident, Gulam Sarwar Bheo, senior superintendent of police for Nasirabad, told Xinhua. He said an improvised explosive device (IED) was used in the attack, which damaged a portion of the track. The Rawalpindi-to-Quetta-bound Jaffar Express, which was scheduled to pass through the section soon, was halted at Jacobabad Railway Station as a precaution. Security forces, including Frontier Corps personnel, cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the blast. No group has claimed the attack yet. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in Pyongyang, the DPRK, Oct. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) PYONGYANG, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Thursday that China stands ready to strengthen high-level exchanges and strategic communication with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during his meeting with Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK. Li conveyed General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping's cordial greetings and best wishes to General Secretary Kim, as well as his warm congratulations on the 80th anniversary of the founding of the WPK. Li noted that last month, General Secretary Kim came to China to attend the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. During his meeting with Xi, they pointed out the direction and drew a blueprint for further deepening China-DPRK relations. The CPC and the Chinese government have always regarded ties with the DPRK from a strategic height and a long-term perspective, Li said, adding that maintaining, consolidating and developing the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries is China's unwavering policy. China, he said, is willing to work with the DPRK side to follow the joint guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries and promote new progress in bilateral ties. The premier said China is ready to work with the DPRK to further carry forward their traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation, and closely coordinate and cooperate in international and regional affairs. Li also called on the two sides to strengthen multilateral collaboration, firmly safeguard and practice multilateralism, and promote the development of the international order in a more just and equitable direction. Kim asked Li to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to General Secretary Xi, and warmly welcomed the Chinese party and government delegation to the DPRK for the celebratory event, noting that under General Secretary Xi's wise leadership, China has achieved tremendous accomplishments in socialist construction. Noting that DPRK-China relations are unbreakable, Kim said that consolidating and developing the friendly cooperative ties between the two countries remains the unwavering stance of the party and government of the DPRK, regardless of changes in the international situation. This serves the common interests of both sides and contributes to regional peace, stability and development, he added. The DPRK, Kim said, firmly supports the one-China principle, resolutely opposes separatist acts of "Taiwan independence" and any external interference, and supports China's position on issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Xizang. Pyongyang is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with Beijing, promote cooperation in various fields, strengthen multilateral collaboration, advance the development of their respective socialist causes, and bring more benefits to the people of the two countries, he added. Anti genocide protestors in Amsterdam, October 5, 2025 As the Israeli military intensifies its genocide deep into Gaza, plunging millions of Palestinians into conditions of unimaginable suffering, outrage among workers and youth over the catastrophe has sparked another massive wave of protests across the globe this past weekend. On October 5, 2025, in Amsterdam, the third Red Line demonstration took place, marking the largest anti-war protest in the Netherlands since the antinuclear protests in 1981. What began as a protest of 100,000 people in The Hague on May 18 grew in less than four weeks to 150,000 at the second Red Line demonstration on June 15followed by the fall of the Dutch governmentsurging to an estimated 250,000 demonstrators in Amsterdam last weekend. The anti-war protests and strikes that have swept across the country over the past two years have transformed the Netherlands major cities into centers of global resistance against war, genocide, austerity, and authoritarian rule. Hundreds of thousands of Dutch and immigrant workers and youth across all ages, industries, and walks of life filled Amsterdams canal-lined streets and squares in solidarity with the defenseless Palestinians. Homemade placards and hand-sewn banners and flags demonstrated widespread anger toward the Netanyahu regime and the far-right Dutch caretaker minority government. The largest anti-war demonstration came just three weeks before the Dutch snap elections scheduled for October 29, in which, according to a recent poll, as many as 42 percent consider the war in Gaza a decisive political issue. The Dutch ruling elite has a long history of political complicity with the Zionist state, from its inception on stolen Palestinian land to the present Netanyahu administration, with which it maintains close economic and military collaboration. These ties have made both regimes a focus of intense opposition among Dutch workers and youth. Dutch exports licenses for fighter-jet components and other military hardware to Israel, with total arms-exports to Israel reported as US $33 million in 2024. Recent court rulings have challenged but not halted any of these licencesone of the central demands of university students engaged in years-long sit-in protests across campuses. The radicalization of thousands of workers and young people across the Netherlands by two years of barbaric slaughter of Palestinians has sharply exposed the gulf separating the sentiments of the vast majority of the population and the establishment parties. At the Amsterdam rally, WSWS reporters distributed leaflets featuring two articles: Global Protests Continue Over Israels Seizure of Sumud Flotilla and Netherlands Set for October Snap Election Amid Crisis of Bourgeois Rule. The questions raised in both articles engaged participants in extensive discussions. A significant segment of Amsterdams Jewish community also joined the protest with placards condemning the genocide. Many drew parallels between Netanyahus regime and the Nazi Third Reich, highlighting both the historical trauma their families endured during the Holocaust and the suffering now faced by Palestinians. Jewish protestors in front of the Van Gogh Museum at the Museumplein in Amsterdam Before the Holocaust, Amsterdam had the largest Jewish community in the Netherlands and was a leading centre of Jewish cultural life in Europe. Under Nazi occupation, within five years, more than 80 percent of the citys Jewish population was exterminated. Zyanya Breuer Zyanya Breuer told the WSWS: Im an anti-Zionist Jew, and I recognise Zionism as a system of Jewish supremacy trying to take the land and keep Palestinian people with fewer rights. The lack of the right to return is really a huge problem. And that it is an apartheid state. So, I think that the world needs to wake up to this and be able to handle it in the ways that weve tried to fight injustice in the past. I think its really important that our Jewish bloc is here today, to say that our name as a Jewish community wont be used to validate this. I think its a huge lie that Israel is saying always that its the only safe place for Jews in the world. In fact, I think its the most dangerous place for Jews in the world, and I think the fact that they conflate Judaism and Zionism makes me unsafe, makes a lot of us unsafe, because then were automatically assumed to support these injustices, which is really unfair. Ultimately, Jewish history has taught us to stand up against injustices. Its not to just remember what happened to us and protect only us, but to protect everyone thats oppressed. Among Amsterdams Jewish population, opinions on the genocide of Palestinians are divided. I mean, like any group of people, were not a monolith. We are all free to have our own views and opinions. So, theres a divide. And it makes it difficult for Jews to speak out because theyre afraid. Maybe they feel really critical of Israel or against the genocide, but they feel that theyll be alienated from their friends or family if they speak out. Definitely, in Jewish communities theres a big requirement to be very loyal to Israel because Israel has done a really good job with the propaganda to support that. Ive been watching my father unpack this for the last two years, and its been really painful for him. But also quite beautiful to see him wake up to the reality and realise that everything hes been taughtthe history of that regionwas missing information. On Dutch government complicity in the genocide, she added: Yeah, absolutely. The Dutch government continues to send fighter-jet parts and other types of weapons, dogs, and other training connected to the Dutch economy through tech companies. Quoting Einstein University students formed a significant portion of the demonstrators. Nico, from the University of Amsterdam, requesting to keep her identity hidden from prosecution by the state, held a placard quoting Albert Einstein: Yes, Albert Einstein wrote an open letter to the New York Times in 1948. It was signed by him and by Hannah Arendt and about ten other Jewish intellectuals. I think Im holding up one line. He describes Israeli politics as, closely akin to the Nazi and fascist parties steeped in ultra-nationalism, religious mysticism, and racial superiority. And obviously nothings changed, and it just goes to show that people warned us 80 years ago. Obviously, Zionism and ethno-supremacy in Israel-Palestine were not stopped, so its only grown to be this bigger cancer thats been this slow genocide for close to 100 years. I like showing that to people because everyone knows Albert Einstein, but they dont necessarily know that he spoke out on many social issues, also on racism in the US. Having him say these strong words is important. I would suggest everyone read the entire letter sent to the New York Times. Its like a page long. The language is very clear. And hopefully nowevery generation has probably at some point thought, okay, now theres enough mobilisation to end this apartheid regime. In that respect, the saying is: No ones free until Palestine is free. Id love to see more, like the ports closing, the things you see in Italy, Spain, Morocco. Oh yeah, I would love to see that type of class solidarity here as well. When asked whether she wanted to add anything more for WSWS readers across the world, she added: Study the history of the conflict! These sentiments and demands voiced in the city of Amsterdam must be linked with the broader movement already developing in the working class internationally against austerity, war, and the destruction of the livelihoods and living conditions of workers and youth. The same imperialist governments, including the criminal and bellicose Dutch bourgeoisie, that funnel weapons of death to the Zionist regime are erecting dictatorial forms of rule at home to suppress popular opposition to austerity, military rearmament, and world war. There can be no lasting solution for either the Jewish or Palestinian people within the framework of capitalism, which is based on private property of the means of production and the reactionary framework of the nation-state. The struggle against genocide in Gaza is inseparable from the struggle for socialism in the Netherlands and internationally. Only the International Committee of the Fourth International, armed with its vast historical experience, is positioned to meet this challenge. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player President Donald Trump addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis) President Donald Trump is poised to invoke the Insurrection Act, a measure that would give him sweeping powers to deploy the military across the United States under his personal control. The plan is a critical escalation in the ongoing conspiracy to establish a presidential dictatorship. NBC News reported Wednesdayunder the headline, Trump administration officials seriously considering invoking Insurrection Act, sources saythat, according to unnamed senior White House officials, debate within the administration has shifted recently to more deeply exploring how and when the act might be invoked. According to two White House sources, administration officials have gone so far as to draft legal defenses and various options for invoking the act. The claim that the administration is merely exploring the invocation of the act is a transparent lie. In reality, the decision has already been made. NBC News quoted one White House official as saying that the move is not imminentan effort to sow complacency. In fact, the administration is preparing to invoke the act in connection with definite actions, which may include mass arrests, the violent suppression of opposition and the deployment of federal troops in cities throughout the United States. A White House statement provided further evidence that the decision to invoke the Insurrection Act has been taken: The Trump administration is committed to restoring law and order in American cities that are plagued by violence due to Democrat mismanagement. And President Trump will not stand by while violent rioters attack federal law enforcement officers. The administration will work to protect federal assets and officers while making American cities safe again. The chronology of events makes clear that Trump is working off a schedule. On Monday, Trump said he would invoke the act if it was necessary, saying, if courts were holding us up or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure, Id do that. White House aide Stephen Miller then called federal court rulings against the deployment of the National Guard to Oregon an insurrection. Yesterday, Trump hosted an extraordinary roundtable meeting at the White House with far-right and fascist media personalities to discuss the necessary actions to crush Antifa, a catch-all term used to refer to opposition to the fascistic actions of the administration. Trump repeated his threat to arrest Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. The fascist spectacle, which was barely reported in the media, reached new depths when far-right propagandist Jack Posobiec praised Trump for confronting Antifa, tracing its various iterations back almost 100 years to the Weimar Republic in Germany. By referencing Weimar, Posobiec drew a direct historical parallel between antifascist resistance to Hitler and current opposition to Trumps dictatorship, lamenting that resistance to fascism had ever existed. Right-wing media figures invited to the White House went so far as to label the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), a faction of the Democratic Party, as part of a vast Antifa network. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem equated Antifa with ISIS, Hezbollah, and Hamas, while Attorney General Pam Bondi vowed to destroy the entire organization from top to bottom. That is, whoever is declared part of Antifa is to be arrested or killed. The invocation of the Insurrection Act will be used to implement these plans. The 1807 act authorizes the president to deploy the military inside the United States to suppress insurrections and rebellions. Under the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, the use of the military in domestic law enforcement is generally prohibited. The Insurrection Act stands as the principal exception. In American history, the use of the Insurrection Act, aside from its invocation by Abraham Lincoln following the Confederacys attack on Fort Sumter in 1861, has been associated with instances of reactionary oppression. President Andrew Jackson used it in 1831 to crush Nat Turners slave rebellion. In the aftermath of the Civil War, the Insurrection Act became a weapon against the labor movement: deployed against the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, the Pullman Strike of 1894, the coal miners struggles in Colorado and West Virginia, and the 1932 Bonus Army march of unemployed veterans on Washington. Now, the Insurrection Act is being invoked on an unlimited national scale to preempt popular opposition and as a pretext for establishing a presidential dictatorship. Beyond suspending habeas corpus, there is no legal authority more sweeping than the Insurrection Act in the entirety of American law. Invoking the Act would mean the president would effectively assume de facto and de jure control over urban areas or entire states, essentially replacing the authority of local and state governments. By invoking the Act in Portland and Chicago, Trump would be placing them under the control of the military, over which he is commander-in-chief. As a practical matter, if the Act is invoked in Portland or Chicago, the military would conduct arrests, set up checkpoints and organize the detention of perceived enemies of the state. While the Insurrection Act itself does not provide the president with authority to override the federal judicial system, Trump will not observe legal formalities. The response of the corporate media to Trumps preparations is one of silence and complicity. As of Wednesday evening, more than 24 hours after the NBC report that the White House is drafting legal justifications to invoke the Insurrection Act, there was no reference to the threat on the New York Times front page. The Washington Post and CNN likewise buried or ignored the story, even as 500 National Guard soldiers arrived in Chicago under federal command. Among Democratic officials, the response has been no less evasive or cowardly. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, whose state is at the center of the federal military deployments, warned that Trumps actions are aimed at stealing the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential elections, and compared the administrations tactics to those of the Nazis. Yet even these statements have been ignored. The congressional leadership, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have said nothing about the moves to establish a dictatorship, maintaining a complete silence as Trump threatens and targets Democratic officials themselves. Senator Bernie Sanders has also said as little as possible. On Wednesday, he posted a perfunctory statement acknowledging that Trump is threatening to arrest elected officials and is moving this country to authoritarianism, adding, We wont let you destroy our way of life. But what will Sanders, or the Democrats as a whole, actually do to stop the destruction of democratic rights? He proposed nothing. The deliberate downplaying of these developments is itself a political act. Within the political establishment and from the Democratic Party, there is broad acceptance of Trumps course, either because they support it outright as a means of defending capitalist rule, or because they recognize that any serious opposition would require the mass mobilization of the working class, a prospect they fear far more than dictatorship itself. As for the trade union apparatus, as hundreds of thousands of federal workers are being furloughed and the administration carries out a massive assault on jobs and social programs, it proposes nothing. Do your damn job, and pass a budget thats going to require a little compromise, declared Randy Erwin, president of the National Federation of Federal Employees, reducing the historic attack on the working class to a plea for bipartisan cooperation with the coup regime. There is broad and growing opposition to Trumps actions within the American population. Polls show that substantial majorities reject the deployment of troops to US cities and the criminalization of political dissent. Millions are preparing to take part in the upcoming No Kings demonstrations on October 18, with more than 2,100 protests already scheduled in cities and towns across the country. Trump is clearly horrified by the scale of this emerging mass opposition, and it is a major factor accelerating his timetable for dictatorship. The time has come to pull off the blinders. Every warning issued by the Socialist Equality Party about the preparations for dictatorship is being confirmed. Every day of this administration demolishes the pretense that the United States remains a functioning democracy. Capitalism can only be maintained through dictatorship. If this continues unchecked, it will be said that American democracy did not die with a bang, but with a whimper. Trump is not acting on his own. He is the personification of the breakdown of capitalism under the weight of insoluble contradictions. His government represents the capitalist oligarchy in its most unvarnished form. The criminal underworld is now in control of the US government. To halt this descent into dictatorship, the working class must intervene as an independent political and organizational force. Workers must begin forming rank-and-file committees in every workplace, school and neighborhood to defend their coworkers, resist layoffs and cuts and organize opposition to the military occupation of American cities. These committees must become centers of resistance, uniting all sections of the working class and linking their struggles into a coordinated offensive against dictatorship and social inequality. The Socialist Equality Party fights to build and expand the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) to coordinate these efforts across industries and across borders. This global alliance provides the framework for uniting workers internationally against the common enemythe capitalist oligarchy that is driving humanity toward dictatorship, war and poverty. The growing anger over layoffs, the destruction of social programs and the militarization of society must be transformed into a conscious political movement against the entire system that produced Trump. The working class must advance its own program: the expropriation of the billionaires, the dismantling of the corporate and financial oligarchy and the reorganization of economic life on the basis of social need, not private profit. The defense of democratic rights is inseparable from the fight for socialism. Chicago Ford workers Last Friday, October 3, Ford Motor Companys Global Security Task Force began police-state style searches of employees at the Chicago Assembly Plant. The blatant violation of basic constitutional protections against unreasonable search and seizure coincided with and was encouraged by Trumps deployment of military troops to wage war on Chicago. In recent weeks, hundreds of immigrant workers in the countrys third largest city have been snatched up by Trumps ICE gestapo. Using Blackhawk helicopters and military vehicles, masked ICE thugs dragged adults and children out of a Southside apartment building last week and zip-tied them, regardless of their immigration status. Federal agents have fired tear gas, pepper balls, rubber bullets, and, in an at least one incident, real bullets against peaceful protesters outside of the ICE detention center in the Chicago suburb of Broadview, 30 miles from the Ford plant. Fords surprise searches, first conducted by undercover police and tracking dogs, began in Michigan just 11 days after Trumps inauguration. From the first word of the searches, rank-and-file workers have expressed outrage at the complicity of United Auto Workers officials who echoed managements lies that the searches were to protect workers. UAW Local 551 officials at Chicago Assembly are doing the same. A post on the UAW551 Strong Facebook page simply stated: Random bag checks at turnstiles!!! You have been informed!!! Far from representing workers and defending workers rights, the UAW bureaucracy is making it clear it will sanction the suspension or firing of any worker who refuses to be treated like a prison inmate. The local union leadership includes trustee and former vice president Scott Houldieson a leading member of the now-defunct Unite All Workers for Democracy (UAWD) faction of the UAW bureaucracy, which backed Shawn Fains election and sellout of the 2023 contract fight. Houldiesons collusion with Fords searches shows his real attitude to workers democracy. On the national level, Fain, who has been silent on the searches, has embraced Trumps tariffs and nationalist Make America Great Again economic policies. In so doing, he is lining up with Trumps corporate oligarchs and dividing UAW members from their class brothers and sisters throughout the world, including Ford workers fighting plant closures and mass layoffs in Germany. The same day as the searches in Chicago, workers at the sprawling Ford Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Michigan just west of Detroit, denounced the suspension and firing of workers who refused to be searched at their plant. Supporters of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) distributed the Socialist Equality Party statement Trumps fascist conspiracy and how to fight it: A socialist strategy, with the IWA-RFC statement, entitled Halt the police-state searches at Ford factories! Reinstate every victimized worker! The latter statement includes the following call by Mack Trucks worker and leader of the IWA-RFC Will Lehman: Rank-and-file workers in the auto industry and every sector must oppose the attack on Ford workers. That means upholding the principle that an injury to one is an injury to all! and demanding the immediate reinstatement of all victimized workers, with full back pay, and a halt to these police-state style searches... Fords executives have been emboldened to trample over the rights of workers by Trumps deployment of ICE Gestapo agents to raid workplaces, including Hyundais EV battery plant in Georgia, and the military occupations of Los Angeles and Washington D.C. [and now Chicago and Portland.] They have also been encouraged by the craven cowardice and complicity of UAW President Shawn Fain and the rest of the UAW apparatus with the Trump administration. In every factory and workplace, workers must build rank-and-file committees, controlled democratically by workers themselves, to discuss a strategy and prepare for collective action to defend democratic rights. A critical fight against dictatorship involves the fight to expand the democratic control of the workplace and end the corporate dictatorship enforced by both corporate-controlled parties and their cronies in the UAW bureaucracy. A worker heading into the plant commented, We knew Trump was going to be a dictator when he got elected. He and several co-workers fumed at the cowardice and complicity of the Democratic Party and union apparatus. The Democrats havent done anything to stop him, and the union hasnt either, one said. We all know the union is corrupt. They are part of management. Even the new hires know that. He strongly agreed with the call to form committees of rank-and-file workers to transfer power from the UAW apparatus to workers on the shop floor. Referring to Trumps comments to the top military brass in Virginia last week, he said, He told the generals they will be conducting military operations in cities across America in preparation for civil war against the American people and anybody who doesnt like it should resign. Now thats a dictator, he repeated. The same thing is happening here in the plant, and were going to have to put a stop to it. Workers have reported that searches are being conducted by non-Ford employees who wear masks and do not identify themselves, demanding that workers empty out their personal belongings. They do not produce a warrant and have not shown any probable cause of a violation of the law. Workers who fail to comply face discipline or even termination. A co-worker referred to the democratic rights established in the American Revolution against the King of England and the Civil War against the slave-owning aristocracy. This is no longer a government of the people, by the people and for the people, he said. No, it is government of the rich, by the rich and for the rich. Workers with 10 years seniority and more, perfect attendance and not a blemish on their records are being written up for the least little thing and sent home for 30 days without pay. Ever since that contract, they have been trying to find any reason to fire people, he said. All the union says is, Were going to file a grievance. But Ive seen a grievance last for years. That is no answer. At the same time, new hires are assigned to operate robots with no training. If somebody is injured, they will sweep it under the rug, and the union does nothing, he said. Fill out the form below to join the fight for rank-and-file committees to defend the right to safe, secure and good-paying jobs and put an end to dictatorship, inside and outside the plants. Australias first National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA), published last month, warned of the accelerating danger of continued climate change. Drawing on research and analysis by the countrys leading official scientific bodies, the report predicted extreme heat and heatwaves, significant sea level rise and increased coastal hazards affecting millions of people. Issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Geoscience Australia, the assessments warnings included that over half a million homes would be at risk as a result of sea level rise by 2030. Citing a very high confidence levelindicating high agreement and robust evidencethe NCRA said 7.5 percent of all residential buildings were already in high-risk areas for extreme weather events. By 2050, sea level rise could put 1.5 million more people in high-risk coastal areas, and as many as 3 million by 2090. By 2050, the report said that 18 of the top 20 most at-risk regions nationally would be in Queensland, particularly the states southeast and its capital city Brisbane. At 1.5 degrees above current temperatures, Brisbane would experience coastal floods for 86 days a yearalmost three months of flooding. At +3C, Brisbane would have floods 314 days a year. With a high confidence level, there was an increased risk of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, as temperatures, rainfall and floods increased, all causing further strain on the healthcare system. Such conditions were expected to disproportionately affect infants and the elderly, as well as those with pre-existing medical conditions or heightened susceptibility to abnormal environmental conditions. The report said annual heat-related deaths would go up by 190 percent in Sydney and 126 percent in Melbourne compared with todays levels. If global heating were allowed to reach +3C, heat-related mortality would rise by 444 percent in Sydney and 259 percent in Melbourne. Ecosystems are also under threat. By 2050, up to 70 percent of native plant species could face conditions outside their current climate range, risking widespread species loss and ecosystem collapse. At +1.5C, the oceans would become more acidic, preventing corals, phytoplankton and zooplankton from forming hard skeletons, so that coral reefs would cease to exist. Many of these negative outcomes have already begun: coral bleaching events, wildfires, droughts, floods and epidemics are being exacerbated by climate change. Critical infrastructure is at risk, with telecommunication services among the most vulnerable to damage. The annual cost of climate-driven disasters could be $40 billion by 2050, even under modest levels of global heating. The worsening outlook had already led insurance companies internationally to draw back coverage, primarily affecting already disadvantaged communities. Overall, according to the report, individuals and households already disadvantaged are the most vulnerable to the impacts of a changing climate. In other words, as with all social maladies, the working class is the hardest hit. Summary of how the priority hazards are projected to change across Australia for each global warming level (+1.5C, +2.0C and +3.0C) compared with the current climate (+1.2C above the preindustrial average). [Photo: Australian Climate Service] However, the NCRAs assessment of impacts to the Defence and National Security system ranked second only to the Natural Environment system in the evaluation of immediate vulnerabilities. That underscores the prominence of military and intelligence implications in government concerns. They are of more immediate official anxiety than those threatening the broader community, primary industry, food production and the health system, among others. As part of the Defence system, the NCRA included state and local disaster response bodies like the emergency and fire services. However, chief among the reports concerns with this system was the overreliance on military personnel in assisting in disaster relief, a situation projected to worsen as the already declining volunteer workforces face increased demands. The NCRA cited the Defence Strategic Review 2023, which stated that such reliance would detract from Defences primary objective of defending Australia. Thus, the problem was presented primarily from the standpoint of military capacity. In evaluating risks to the Economy, Trade and Finance system, the report notably cited increased health and social costs, higher insurance premiums and a reduction in productivity and real wages. Climate risks to Australias key systems [Photo: Australian Climate Service] The NCRA alluded to the potential for Black Swan eventssignificant unpredictable events, typically financialand the risk of maladaptation as caused by flawed government and private business decisions. Despite these projections, the Albanese Labor government has continued to set emissions targets in line with the Business Council of Australiawhich represents the largest corporations operating in the countryin contravention even of the limited goals of the Paris 2015 agreement. Last month, the Australian Labor government released its totally inadequate 2035 target of a 62-70 percent reduction in domestic greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2005 levels. In 2021, the Climate Council estimated that Australia would need to commit to a 75 percent reduction in emissions by 2030. Labors previous 2022 climate target of a 43 percent reduction by 2030, adopted with the backing of the Greens and Teal independent members of parliament, also disregarded the scientific evidence. Moreover, Labor previously claimed that the government was on track to meet the insufficient 43 percent target, despite mounting evidence to the contrary published by independent climate scientists. Labor has ensured fossil fuel corporation profits with a Future Gas Strategy and new coal mine and gas project approvals, directly contributing to the dangerous outcomes. In fact, far from representing an alternative to the previous Liberal-National government, Labor has doubled down in its support for fossil fuels. Since taking office in 2022, the Albanese government has approved at least 31 new coal, oil and gas developments, which add up to a cumulative emissions total of 6.5 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent over their lifetimes. Most recently, Labor approved an extension until 2070 of the giant North West Shelf (NWS) gas project, operated by Woodside Energy Group Ltd. Nevertheless, the NCRA endorsed the governments National Adaptation Plan, which aims at adjusting to current and future worsening of climate conditions. Those most at risk of climate disasterthe working class and young peoplemust reject this criminal refusal to take the necessary measures to halt the climate disaster. The issue of climate change, as with those of war, genocide, austerity and pandemic prevention, cannot be solved by nationally-based capitalist governments. Only through the overturn of the capitalist profit system and its replacement with socialism, led by the international working class, can the climate catastrophe be averted. President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable meeting on antifa in the State Dining Room at the White House, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Washington, as Attorney General Pam Bondi listens. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci] In an extraordinary public press conference held Wednesday in the White House, fascist President Donald Trump declared the full force of the US government will be brought down on alleged antifa elements. Antifa, short for antifacism, is not an organized political group but a broad set of beliefs generally centered on defense of democratic rights against right-wing state oppression. During his press conference, Trump again claimed the previous two presidential elections were rigged and suggested that the 2026 midterm elections would also be slanted against him. Answering a question by a fascist reporter if antifa infiltrated on January 6 dressed up like Trump supporters and incited violence, Trump reaffirmed the bogus conspiracy theory. Well I have heard that, they are fresh out of MAGA but they have nothing to do with MAGA and they make trouble and they try and blame. Yeah, we know some of that and we will be acting on some of that. Trump, backed by numerous cabinet officials, neo-Nazis and white supremacists, characterized all opposition to ongoing federal immigration kidnapping operations as illegal and claimed that a well-financed and vast network of left-wing terror was behind the protests against his administration. Protests attended by millions of people this year, including the massive June 14 No Kings demonstrations, were not expressions of popular opposition to dictatorship but paid protests funded by domestic and foreign organizations, the administration claims. Organizations and groups that were named as major antifa allies or accomplices by right-wing reporters invited to the White House included the Democratic Socialists of America, antiwar protest group CODEPINK, and Stop the Sweeps, a group that organizes against police sweeps of unhoused people. The latter was branded by a Turning Point USA lackey as an arm of the homeless industrial complex. As was the case with his September 22 executive order, which declared antifa a domestic terrorist organization, Trump claimed in Wednesdays event that all instances of violence against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, police and the killing of Charlie Kirk were the result of antifa. He claimed antifa anarchists were paid provocateurs, who were being paid by people I dine with. Trump repeatedly thanked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for cooperating with the administration in uncovering alleged antifa funding networks. Defending rampant ICE violence across the country, Trump claimed, Everything we are doing is very lawful, what they are doing is not lawful. Threatening not only antifa but Democratic elected officials who do not fully embrace his mass deportation operation and military occupations, Trump added, What the governor and mayor of ... Portland, and you can certainly say of Chicago, is not lawful what they are doing. The mafioso president added, They have to be very careful. Belching out his, and the US ruling classs, contempt for democratic rights, Trump admitted, We took the freedom of speech away because thats been through the courts and the courts said you have freedom of speech ... but when you burn a flag it agitates ... so we are going on that basis. Trump was flanked at the conference by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, senior White House adviser Stephen Miller and a platoon of fascist agitators, many from Turning Point USA, including neo-Nazi Jack Posobiec. Following his remarks, Trump invited each of the fascist media propagandists to supplicate themselves before him while regaling him with alleged instances of antifa terror and violence. Secretary Noem, without providing a shred of evidence, claimed that antifa had infiltrated the country and that the antifa network was just as sophisticated as MS-13, as [Tren de Aragua], as ISIS, as Hezbollah, as Hamas, as all of them. They are just as dangerous. They have an agenda to destroy us just like the other terrorists we have dealt with for many, many years, and today is the day we have a president that wont tolerate it. Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed Noems comments, We are not going to stop at just arresting the violent criminals we can see in the streets. Fighting crime is more than just getting the bad guys off the streets, its breaking down the organization brick by brick, just like we did with cartels, we are going to take the same approach, President Trump with antifa. Destroy the entire organization from top to bottom. We are going to take them apart. The comments of Noem and Bondi equating domestic opposition to Trumps regime to foreign terrorist organizations is aimed at criminalizing all opposition to the regime and potentially using military force against Americans exercising their constitutional rights. Fighting against reality, each of the fascist propagandists in and out of the administration repeatedly claimed that antifa was real. Solidarizing himself with Hitler, Posobiec informed Trump, Antifa is real, its been around in various iterations for almost 100 years, in some instances going back to the Weimar Republic in Germany. After lamenting that there was antifascist resistance to Hitlers coming to power, Posobiec was forced to acknowledge that ruling class efforts to deify the racist mouthpiece for billionaires, Charlie Kirk, have failed among broad sections of the population. And now its been about one month since we saw a far leftist murder Charlie Kirk and we saw thousands upon thousands of other people, other far leftists and people in positions of authority, people like nurses, pilots and doctors and [Human Resource] departments celebrating the death and the murder of Charlie Kirk. Trump took a series of questions during the press conference. Asked by another fascist reporter if Trump would designate antifa a foreign terror organization, Trump replied, Well has that been done? Looking at neo-Nazi Jack Posobiec Trump asked, Would you like to see it done? Posobiec replied, Yes, Mr. President. Trump: Do you think it would help? Posobiec: They have foreign links all across Western Europe. Trump: Id be glad to do it, its the kind of thing Id like to do. Posobiec: And the Middle East. Looking around the room to the assembled neo-Nazis, Christian nationalists and reactionaries, Trump asked, Do you agree? If you agree, I agree. Lets get it done. Turning to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump added, Marco, lets get it done. Thats international you mean, Trump added, sounds good to me. Turning to Hitler-lover Stephen Miller, Trump asked, Steve, are you ok with it? Miller eagerly replied, Yes, its true there are extensive foreign ties, and I think that would be a very valid step to take. Trump: Good, I think so too. Under the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) the president is allowed to kill alleged members of FTOs (Foreign Terrorist Organizations) without due process. On September 30, 2011, US citizen Anwar al-Awlaki was murdered in a US drone strike in Yemen that was authorized by President Barack Obama. Since this extrajudicial killing, every US president has conducted similar strikes against alleged terrorists without providing a shred of evidence or legal justification. In the last several weeks, the Trump administration has carried out repeated military strikes on small boats off the coast of Venezuela, killing dozens of people the administration has alleged are gang members or drug runners, without providing any proof. The Democrats, the Republicans partners in crime, have responded to Trumps threats to imprison them with their typical cowardice and fecklessness. They remain far more terrified of a mass movement from below against both parties and the system they defend than of the coming to power of a fascist government. Asked in a CNN interview to reply to Trumps threats to arrest him, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said Trump was unstable, unhinged, a double-minded individual that quite frankly is a threat to our democracy. He added that this was not the first time Trump has called for the arrest of a black man unjustly. He said he was not going anywhere, but did not propose any action to stop Trumps attacks, from impeachment to appeals to the working class for a general strike to take down the regime. As was the case with Johnson, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker proposed no concrete action to oppose Trumps drive towards dictatorship, even as 500 troops from Texas and the Illinois National Guard arrived at the Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood, Illinois in the last 48 hours. In a tweet thread Wednesday, Pritzker, who has already deployed Illinois State Police to protect the ICE gestapo, advised residents to stand up and speak out. In Broadview, Illinois, where ICE agents have repeatedly assaulted peaceful protesters and innocent bystanders, independent Mayor Katrina Thompson responded to ICE lawlessness by instituting a curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., blocking protests outside the ICE facility. Asked by CNN to respond to Trumps threats to arrest Democratic Party politicians, Thompson said Trump has his right to his opinions, and I severely disagree with that. Thompson was then asked to respond to a clip from an interview Tuesday featuring Oregon Democratic Representative Maxine Dexter. In the clip, Dexter urged protesters to restrict their First Amendment right to assembly and speech by not protesting near the ICE facility. By going to that facility people are not being strategic, you know at this moment in time, she said. As to what stratagem protesters should advance, Dexter said, Protesting on the streets is absolutely important. Just dont protest right there because then youre playing into their story that is not the reality as you can see looking around here. When you become part of a war zone narrative, if they decide that thats the time theyre going to go out there and provoke. Asked by CNN if she agreed with Dexters advice to restrict protests, Thompson replied, Oh, absolutely ... By going out to that facility its just going to incite other things that can take place and will. We just want people to be safe and to be able to exercise their freedom of speech. She added, (L)ocal leaders have protocols in place to keep people safe. Its not to restrain or put a ban on anything, its in the best interests of them. And sometimes people just dont know whats best for them because of the anger that they are facing or the challenges that they want to see change, from their lens. But I agree with them that, you know, were asking you all to stay away from the facility because its going to create more problems. Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. [Photo: White House] Nearly a month has passed since Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena advised Donald Trump on which American cities should be targeted for National Guard deployment. Yet the rail unions have maintained complete silence. The meeting, formally convened to discuss the proposed merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern (UP-NS), revealed the naked alliance between the corporate elite and the Trump administration. If approved, the merger (since endorsed by the SMART-TD union, whose members include conductors) would create the first transcontinental railroad under a single ownership, accelerating monopolization and attacks on jobs, conditions and safety. But in the course of the meeting, the discussion turned to Trumps strategy to establish a dictatorship. The would-be dictator asked Vena which American cities he should send troops into next. According to Trump, Vena named Memphis, St. Louis and Chicago. Vena was identifying critical chokepoints in the rail system as targets for military repression. These are all key rail hubs where Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern lines converge. Chicago alone has seven major terminals and 12 more in the surrounding area. Significantly, since this meeting troops have been deployed to Chicago and are expected to be sent to Memphis in the next few days. Like his White House dinners with tech billionaires, such as Microsofts Satya Nadella, this meeting showed Trump is acting as a political instrument of the financial oligarchy. Faced with mounting opposition to inequality, the ruling class is turning ever more directly to brute force. In Chicago, ICE agents are already conducting militarized raids against immigrants. With the arrival of the National Guard, rail workers will be among the next targets. Since then, Trumps plans have advanced considerably. On Wednesday, NBC carried a report that the White House is deep in discussions about invoking the Insurrection Act, a wartime measure for conditions of civil war. But while Lincoln used the Act in the furtherance of the war to abolish slavery, Trump aims to use it as the equivalent of Hitlers Enabling Act of 1933, giving a pseudo-legal pretext for ruling with unlimited powers. The situation is urgent. Not a single established political institution, including above all the Democratic Party, has proven capable or even willing to stop Trump. Unless stopped by the working class, Trumps campaign to set up a fascist dictatorship in America will succeed. This is only possible through a rebellion against the union apparatus. Not a single rail union, including SMART-TD and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), has warned its members about this open collusion between Trump and the railroads. They are burying the danger under a veil of silence. Rail workers have a long and bitter experience with state repression. The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and the Pullman Strike of 1894 were both crushed by federal troops. This was combined with legal repression. Eugene Debs, the leader of the Pullman Strike who later became a leading socialist, spoke in the early 20th century of the capitalist class ruling through government by injunction. Decades of repression culminated with the Railway Labor Act (RLA) of 1926, in which the state created a permanent legal mechanism to suppress strikes through endless mandatory mediation. It amounts to a permanent injunction against railroaders. Across the US, and in fact the world, the trade union bureaucracy long ago threw in its lot with management. Not a single union in America is alerting its members to the danger of dictatorship, and many, including the Teamsters (of which the engineers and maintenance of way workers unions are part) are openly siding with Trump. But the RLA became the means through which the rail union officialdom was integrated with management and the government to an extraordinarily close degree. They openly defend the RLA, falsely claiming that its provisions are to protect workers rights without the need for a strike. They have appealed to successive administrations to demand they appoint mediation boards, effectively demanding strike injunctions against their own members. The most infamous of these was in 2022, when they worked hand in glove with Congress and President Biden to block a national rail strike. When workers rejected a White House-sponsored deal, the unions played for time to give Congress the space it needed to impose the deal. A major role in the fight against this sellout was played by the Railroad Workers Rank-and-File Committee. The union bureaucrats see themselves as an industrial police force. In 2022, SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson argued that the US Constitution effectively barred workers from striking. This was a lie which not even management was prepared to make. In a Labor Day message in 2024, Ferguson warned against the resurgence of class warfare. While denouncing opposition as the work of outside agitators, the union bureaucrats treat railroad CEOs in the friendliest terms. Their betrayals are continuous. The BLET recently ratified a contract with Union Pacific granting only a 17.5 percent raise over five years, even less than the 24 percent imposed by Congress in 2022. Barely half of the membership bothered to vote, a measure of workers contempt for the bureaucracy. The Brotherhood of Railway Signalmen (BRS) rail workers meanwhile rejected their deal last month. Significantly, the BLET did not even mention the UP-NS merger in its public statements on the contract. Not only has SMART-TD not said anything about Venas meeting with Trump, it has announced a deal swapping support for the merger for dubious job protections. In the statement announcing the deal, SMART-TD hailed Vena for thinking outside of the box. Meanwhile, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees (BMWED) publicly defended former CSX CEO Joe Hinrichs, because he conceded a handful of sick days to a minority of workers. Our union has committed to being truthful and transparent with BMWED members, and that means giving credit where it is due, said the union, which threatened any workers in 2022 who might defy its refusal to call a strike. The groveling statement came only a few weeks after union President Tony Cardwells Labor Day statement, where, quoting from the Gospel to invoke divine wrath against corporate America, he spouted hot air about greedy executives throwing pizza parties and other empty gestures. The unions silence over Venas meeting with Trump takes their role as industrial policemen role to a new level. They are proving their loyalty not only to the corporations but to the capitalist state and the dictatorship Trump is building. Like all dictatorships, it must crush workers rights in order to surviveand the unions are determined to help. The low turnout in the BLET ratification and the rejection by BRS members show mass opposition bubbling below the surface. Rail workers want better pay, humane schedules and safe railroads. This struggle cannot be waged through unions that collaborate with the companies and conceal plans for military repression. It is vital that this underground opposition find viable forms of expression, which will never come through the existing apparatus. Rank-and-file committees must be built to combine the fight against Trump with a rebellion against the union bureaucracy. Rejecting toxic America First nationalism, they must appeal for unity with workers all over the world. The vehicle for such a fighting unity has already been founded with the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC). These committees must take up a political fight against the capitalist system itself, which subordinates everything to profit and is now preparing dictatorship. The alternative is workers power and socialism. A banner from the demonstration in front of the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin on October 6, 2025. Following the criminal interception of the Sumud flotilla carrying aid supplies, there has been a wave of major protests around the world. In Rome alone, 1 million people protested on Saturday, following a nationwide general strike the day before. In Amsterdam, 250,000 people demonstrated, and in Barcelona, 70,000. In Germany, rallies have been announced to take place in numerous cities throughout the week, with a national demonstration planned in Berlin for Saturday. A rally marking the anniversary of October 7 was banned in Berlin, and demonstrators who gathered anyway were kettled in by police. The day before, around 500 participants gathered for a rally at the Foreign Office in central Berlin. Reporters from the World Socialist Web Site were on site and discussed with participants a socialist perspective to end the genocide, which met with lively interest. By the end of the rally, almost everyone had a copy of the WSWS statement The interception of the Sumud flotilla and the fight against genocide in Gaza. Christian One rally participant, Christian, vehemently disputed the false equation of criticism of genocide with antisemitism. He stated: I have to say: the greatest threat to Judaism is equating the nation-state project of Israel with the religion of Judaism. No other religion or state would be allowed to appropriate an entire religion and religious community for itself. Israels nation-state project is a settler colony, at the end of the day a Western project that uses and abuses religion as a shield. This constant conflation of Zionism with Judaism also jeopardises the lives of Jews here in Germany. On Trumps announced peace plan, he said, The Palestinians still have no self-determination, and in the end it is just a plan forged in Washington and Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, with Tony Blair as colonial governor. The Palestinians right to self-determination, which is enshrined in the UN Charter, continues to be trampled underfoot. Therefore, this plan is at best a fig leaf or a distraction, but never a final solution. When asked about the nominally left-wing parties in Germany that also support genocide, he explained, I would no longer describe the SPD as a workers party. The SPD will only make capitalism or imperialism a little more bearable, but it will not overcome it. And the Left Party is also a disappointment when it comes to solidarity with Palestine. ... The Left Party cannot really be seen as a socialist or workers party either. Unfortunately, the German parliamentary left can be forgotten. Another participant, Barcina also spoke out strongly against Trumps peace plan: Trumps plan is window dressing. They have slowly realised that the world is waking up, that the world sees what is actually going on behind the scenes. People have woken up, they are taking to the streets, blocking infrastructure. They now want to work against this resistance by proposing an utterly false peace plan. ... The point is: what they are doing today is hypocritical. They are not telling the truth. If they were serious about it, they would have done something against the war. But they are not serious, and they are turning a blind eye just like Germany and the Allied states that support this war. But people are not stupid, they have woken up, and that is why we are here today, that is why people in Barcelona, in Spain, in Italy are on the streetsand there are more and more of them. You cant fool all the people. When asked about the prospect of building a movement among the working class against genocide, he said, Thats great! Thats very good. Blocking infrastructure is very good. If you stop supplying Israel with weapons systems that can be used to kill children and innocent people, then it will no longer work. Israel can only do this because America and Germany finance Israel with billions every year and promote this war. This exploitative hypocrisykilling innocent peopleonly works because of the industrialised countries that help them. Mika explained that the genocide in the Gaza Strip is the same thing that happened under the Nazis. Its exactly the same, and were letting it happen. She describes October 7 as a construct to have an excuse to attack Gaza and control it completely. It has always been about the rich making even more money and taking as much as possible from the poor, she explained. Regarding the role of the left-wing parties, she said, What is happening right now is that essentially the SPD and all the other major parties are the same, and they are acting like the Nazi party. Essentially, its the same thing. Regarding the prospect of developing a movement among the working class against genocide, she emphasised, Whenever there is an action like the one in Gaza, there is resistance. And it comes from the workers. I hope it spreads across the world. The fire has been lit. CAIRO, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh on Thursday discussed the recently reached Gaza ceasefire agreement, Egypt's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. During a phone conversation, the two officials discussed the provisions of the deal and its related arrangements, including the role of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the coming phase. Abdelatty emphasized the need for the international community to support the PA as the legitimate governing body, enabling it to carry out its responsibilities. He expressed hope that the agreement "would help alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and pave the way for early recovery and reconstruction." For his part, the Palestinian Vice President expressed appreciation for Egypt's role in facilitating the agreement. The agreement, announced early Thursday, marks the first phase of a peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The plan includes a ceasefire, a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave. The announcement came after three days of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Egypt's Red Sea resort city of Sharm El Sheikh, with the participation of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye. Several Arab countries have expressed support for the deal. In a statement issued later in the day, the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the deal, while stressing that the ceasefire should not divert attention from holding accountable those responsible for "crimes committed against civilians" in Gaza. Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians and injured nearly 170,000 others, while causing extensive destruction of infrastructure and worsening humanitarian conditions, according to Gaza's health authorities. Countless pupils have read George Orwells novel 1984 in secondary school. What took place yesterday in Germany, however, surpasses Orwells dystopian vision. The second anniversary of the start of the Israeli genocide in Gaza was the occasion for a propaganda campaign in which one omission, distortion and lie was trumped by the next. Hardly a word was spoken, hardly a line published that did not turn reality on its head. Flags flew at half-mast throughout Germany, and memorial services were held everywhere for the 1,200 Israeli victims of the Hamas attack. At the same time, there was barely a mention of the murder of at least 67,000 Palestinians, the displacement of another 2 million, the use of hunger as a weapon, the destruction of hospitals, schools and almost all residential buildings in Gaza, as well as all other documented war crimes committed by the Israeli government and army. Palestinians in the remains of Gaza City on Jan. 3, 2024. [AP Photo/Mohammed Hajjar] Silence means consent. The German government is deeply complicit in the crimes of the Netanyahu regime. It supports it with weapons, defends it politically and cracks down on anyone who protests against the genocide of the Palestinians. The reason is notand never has beenmaking amends for the Holocaust. The German government uses the Zionist state to pursue its own imperialist interests in the resource-rich and strategically important region of the Middle East. It supports Israel because, as Chancellor Friedrich Merz admitted in a rare moment of honesty, it is doing the dirty work for all of us. The Palestinians stand in the way of complete imperialist control over the Middle East. That is why they must be destroyed. Washington, Berlin, Tel Aviv and the reactionary Arab rulers all agree on this. This is why they all cheer US President Trumps peace plan, which leaves the Palestinians the option of either renouncing all their rights or being exterminated. The commemorative events on October 7 were a cynical attempt to obscure these facts. They were not aimed at showing solidarity with the victims of October 7whose relatives have been protesting against Netanyahu for two yearsbut to intimidate everyone, including the numerous Jews who reject the genocide in Gaza. The highest representatives of the German state all took part. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited a synagogue in Leipzig. Bundestag President Julia Klockner opened an exhibition at Tempelhof Airport that reconstructs the attack on the Nova music festival. And Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned in a video address of growing antisemitism in Germany. At the Brandenburg Gate, the names of the victims of the Hamas attack were read out and the words Bring them home now projected. In the course of all this, the entire historical and political background was denied and the Hamas attack portrayed as an act of terrorism that came out of the blue to strike a peaceful Israelinstead of as a reaction to the 75-year history of the brutal oppression of the Palestinians and the transformation of Gaza into an open-air prison. Hamas itself, an Islamist, nationalist organisation with no viable perspective, was long promoted by Israel as a counterweight to the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization), whose transformation into a compliant instrument of Israel ultimately led to the rise of the seemingly more radical Islamists. The claim that Israel was taken by surprise by the Hamas attack has also long been refuted. In fact, Israeli intelligence had known about the plans for months. Nevertheless, all Israeli troops were withdrawn from the border, allowing the lightly armed Hamas fighters to enter Israel unhindered. When Israeli troops finally arrived several hours later, they proceeded so aggressively with combat helicopters and tanks that numerous Israelis, an estimated 360 out of 1,140, were killed by Israeli soldiers and not by Hamas. There has never been an independent investigation into this. The so-called Hannibal Directive, according to which soldiers are killed to prevent them from being taken hostage, is also said to have been implemented. The widespread claim that Israeli women were raped by Hamas fighters has also proven to be pure propaganda. After 14 months, Israeli prosecutor Moran Gaz had to admit that there was no evidence to support such claims. The Netanyahu government, beset by corruption trials and massive opposition, saw the Hamas attack as a welcome opportunity to put its long worked out murderous plans into action. In the West Bank, which had nothing to do with the Hamas attack, fascist settlers intensified their terror with the support of the government. Nearly a thousand Palestinians have been killed there in the last two years and 10,000 injured. Israel has also murdered numerous political leaders and scientists in Lebanon and Iran. All these crimes are supported and covered up by the German government and all parties in the Bundestag. The Left Party (Die Linke) is no exception, even if it supports some of the protests against the Gaza war pro forma. Left Party leaders Ines Schwerdtner and Jan van Aken published a statement on October 7 that hardly differs from the line taken by the federal government. They too condemn the terrorist attack by Hamas, which they say destroyed the fundamental idea of the state of Israel, which is to provide security for Jews. And they, too, describe it as their duty to combat antisemitism in Germany. The rise of antisemitism in Germany, which both Chancellor Merz and the Left Party invoke, is another Orwellian distortion. There is no doubt that antisemitism exists in Germany, but its main source is the ranks and milieu of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), whose leaders have described the Holocaust as a piece of fly shit in an otherwise glorious German history (Alexander Gauland) and the Holocaust Memorial as a disgrace for Germany (Bjorn Hocke). At the same time, the AfD stands firmly behind the Israeli government, whose actions against the Palestinians are fully in line with the AfDs own hostility towards Muslims and migrants. The figures released describing a rapid increase in antisemitic incidents cited by Merz, the Left Party and numerous press reports indiscriminately mixes genuine antisemitism with criticism of the Israeli government. Thus, every poster, slogan and protest directed against the genocide becomes an antisemitic incident. The figures come from the Federal Association of Research and Information Centres on Anti-Semitism (RIAS), which counts 8,627 antisemitic incidents nationwide for the year 202477 percent more than in the previous year. According to its own information, RIAS records incidents above and below the threshold of criminal liability from the perspective of those affected. A reportor denunciationis sufficient for an incident to be included in the statistics. Most of the documented incidents with a clear political and ideological background were related to anti-Israel activism, writes RIAS. A total of 5,857 cases could be classified accordingly. Any protest against the Israeli government is thus registered as an antisemitic incident. As examples of relativising the Shoah, RIAS cites, among other things, the following antisemitic slogans: One Holocaust does not justify another or Nothing learned from the Holocaust. This means that, according to RIAS, any comparison of the genocide in Gaza with the Shoah is, by definition, antisemitic and thus included in its statistics on antisemitic incidents. Support for the genocide in Gaza and the slander and suppression of opposition to it must be understood in the context of the massive rearmament and attacks on social services and the living standards of the working class. Faced with the growing crisis of global capitalism, the ruling class, starting with Trump in the United States, is turning once again towards war and fascism. Only an independent, socialist movement of the working class can stop this development. The potential splits wracking the opposition Liberal-National Coalition have hardened since one of its most right-wing Liberal Party leaders, Andrew Hastie, quit the shadow cabinet last Friday. Andrew Hastie in 2024 [Photo: Facebook/Andrew Hastie] The survival of the Coalition, a mainstay of capitalist rule since World War II, alongside the Labor Party, is being thrown into doubt following the further collapse of its middle-class urban base in its devastating defeat in the May federal election. Hastie, a former Special Air Service (SAS) military officer, is openly pitching for far-right support on a Trump-like platform, similar to Nigel Farages Reform UK Party, of seeking to divert growing social and political discontent in a reactionary, anti-immigrant direction. Hastie resigned as the shadow home affairs minister, demanding a far greater cut in immigration, on top of a previous threat to quit unless the Coalition dropped its previous support for the policy of supposedly seeking to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. An avowed Christian, Hastie also used his social media platform to pay tribute to the far-right US commentator Charlie Kirk and claim his murder was part of a left-wing attack on Western civilisation. Hasties resignation is a further blow to the efforts of the current Liberal Party leader, Sussan Ley, to hold the Coalition together and win back electoral support in the Liberals former heartland seats in affluent areas of the main cities. This is a political crisis of historic dimensions. In the May election, the Coalition was reduced to a parliamentary rump, especially in the capital cities, holding just nine out of 88 metropolitan seats. The Liberal vote fell to its lowest level since it was formed in 1944. The rural-based Nationals vote stagnated, but the Nationals gained greater relative numbers inside the Coalitions shrunken parliamentary bloc. The Liberals lost morenow nearly allof their once blue-ribbon city seats in wealthy areas to green industry-backed Teal independents. Well-resourced by corporate donors, the Teals support net zero and promote the underlying myth, together with Labor, that catastrophic climate change can be reversed by the capitalist profit system itself. The Liberals rout permitted the Albanese Labor government to win a commanding majority of seats in the House of Representatives, despite obtaining only about a third of the primary voteits second-lowest support since the 1930s. Far from a sign of political strength or stability, this was a win by default. Labor benefited from the widespread opposition to the Trump-style policies espoused by then Liberal leader Peter Dutton, which featured the establishment of an Elon Musk-type Department of Government Efficiency and the sacking of thousands of public servants. Even after last-minute backpedalling, as the popular hostility to Trumps fascistic agenda became obvious, Dutton lost his own seat. That triggered a fractious Liberal Party parliamentary ballot for a new leader. Ley, a member of the Liberals small Centre Right faction who had been Duttons deputy party leader, narrowly won the leadership with the backing of the supposed moderate wing, against the formerly Dutton-led most right-wing faction. Generally seen in ruling circles as a stopgap leader, Ley has tried to hold the opposed party factions together and maintain the coalition with the Nationals, while seeking to moderate the partys image to appeal to urban voters. But this political crisis goes deeper. It reflects the disintegration of the Liberals post-World War II social base among middle-class layers, including professionals and small business operators, who are under mounting financial pressure, while billionaires fortunes soar. Hasties resignation has brought the resulting party rifts to a new level. It came less than a month after Ley was compelled to sack from the shadow ministry another hard right figure, Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. An open advocate of a Trump-style Make Australia Great Again agenda, backed by billionaire iron ore magnate Gina Rinehart, Price had railed against Indian immigrants in particular. The extent of Hasties base of support within the corporate elite is less clear at present, but he holds a seat in Western Australia, the state that is most heavily dependent on iron ore, gas and other mining revenues. For months before his resignation, Hastie sought to carve out a right-wing platform, repeatedly declaring his ambition to one day be Liberal leader. Reflecting the interests of the mining conglomerates and Trumps rejection of all climate change policies, he denounced his partys support for the net zero target. Prominent Nationals are also agitating for this shift, including former party leaders Barnaby Joyce and Michael McCormack, and resolutions to ditch net zero have been adopted by Liberal Party state branches. Hastie then posted a social media video criticising past Labor and Coalition governments for the demise of manufacturing. He vowed to fight for the return of a domestic car industry, which was finally shut down a decade ago. Above all, Hasties messages virulently blame immigrants for the intensifying housing affordability and cost-of-living crisis that is devastating millions of working-class households. In one post, Hastie insisted that the Liberals would die if the party did not slash immigration. Echoing the inflammatory rhetoric of the UKs Farage and others, he declared: Were starting to feel like strangers in our own home. Our infrastructure is under pressure, essential services from schools and hospitals are stretched thin, he stated in another post. Australians are locked out of the housing market. Many are house poor, spending most of their income on rent or mortgages. According to Hastie, this was all driven by unsustainable immigration. Its that simple. This is political poison, intended to split the working class along national and ethnic lines and divert away from the actual causes of the social crisis, which lie in the control of the housing market and every other aspect of the economy by the developers, big business and the billionaires. Far from immigrants being the cause of the housing crisis, it is the domination of the market by speculative investment which has resulted in housing prices skyrocketing by 483 percent over 27 years, with wages increasing by only 125 percent. Labor and the Coalition vie with each other on their anti-immigrant credentials and policies. During the May election, both parties competed with each other on cuts to overseas student enrolments and net overseas migration, providing fodder to the anti-immigrant demagogy of the far right. At a media conference last Saturday, Hastie flatly declared the need to regain the votes of supporters of right-wing Senator Pauline Hansons anti-immigrant One Nation party. Hastie is also an ardent advocate of greater spending to prepare for war, particularly a US-led war against China. During the campaign for the May election, he reportedly had a falling-out with Dutton over the latters attempt to meet the Trump administrations demand for much higher military spending, without specifying the weaponry that would be acquired. Backers of Hastie have told various media sources that he is not making an immediate challenge to Leys leadership. Instead, he would wait for her train wreck to worsen. In response, Leys closest supporters are making public thinly-veiled attacks on Hastie. In a newspaper column, shadow housing minister Andrew Bragg said isolationist tendencies that sometimes drive US politics would be poisonous for Australia. That reflects nervousness within the corporate, media and political establishment that the breakup of the Coalition could destabilise the political system on which they have relied for decades. In the Murdoch medias Australian, national editor Dennis Shanahan warned on Sunday: Hasties actions are undoubtedly a threat to the Opposition Leader whether directly or indirectly, imminently or later but, also, a threat to the wider institutionalised political system which includes all the major and minor parties and independents. Shanahan voiced fears that Hasties moves could fuel the widespread disaffection with the capitalist parties and trigger deeper opposition. Hastie could be a figurehead or titular leader to an organic movement that he does not or cannot control but which weakens even further the hold of the Liberals, Nationals and ALP on disillusioned sections of the public. The ruling class now depends more than ever on the Labor government and its trade union enforcers, already distrusted by many workers, to impose their corporate agenda, which includes scapegoating immigrants, slashing disability and other social services, aiding the US-backed Israeli genocide in Gaza and ramping up military spending to support the AUKUS pact for war against China. As the World Socialist Web Site has explained, the militarist, anti-immigrant and rightward plunge of the Labor government and the entire political establishment, paralleling the political processes in the United States and Europe, can be answered only by building a socialist movement of the working class, in Australia and internationally. Tony Harrison, who has died aged 88, was one of the most compelling English poetic voices of the last 60 years. He was always faithful to his vocation. I hate being called poet/dramatist/translator/director, he said. Poet covers it all for me. Harrison was determined that the quest for a public poetry should not abandon the artistic accomplishments of the past. His commitment to accessible cultural achievement gave him a political fire. Yes, Ive got inwardness and tenderness, but I also get angry and vituperative, and you have to honour that as well. Tony Harrison in 2015 [Photo by summonedbyfells / CC BY 2.0 He wrote classically informed verse in the working class language of his native Leeds, and there was nothing patronising or embarrassed about it. He was committed to high art being accessible and popular. Harrison embodied a striving for more than has been afforded the working class. His father was a baker, and after his death Harrison called him The bakers man that no one will see rise and England made to feel like some dull oaf (Marked with D) He won a scholarship to Leeds Grammar School, then studied classics at Leeds university. The School of Eloquence (1978) and Continuous (1981), published after the death of his parents, are powerful on the gaps he felt from his background because of these opportunities. Hearing his gangs whistled invite to go off laikin, he curses Ah bloody cant ahve gorra Latin prose (Me Tarzan). Sitting with his father after his mothers death, he found that whats still betweens not the thirty or so years, but books, books, books. (Book Ends) Part of his drive came from hearing the working class voice and language of home belittled by middle class educators. Them & [uz] recounts a teacher mocking his accent as he reads Keats: 4 words only of mi art aches and Mines broken, you barbarian, T.W.! He was nicely spoken. The attempt to nullify working class accents also neuters the very classics these middle class guardians of literature think they are defending: All poetry (even Cockney Keats?) you see s been dubbed by [s] into RP, Received Pronunciation You can tell the Receivers where to go (and not aspirate it) once you know Wordsworths matter/water are full rhymes Harrison can be heard reading this here. He appeared in student revues with the comedian Barry Cryer and the Nigerian writer Wole Soyinka, later Nobel Laureate. That friendship led to him taking a job at Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria in 1962. His first poetry pamphlet was published in Leeds in 1964, while he was producing his first play in Nigeria. Aikin Mata was a version of Aristophanes anti-war comedy Lysistrata, a play he would return to repeatedly, both in the Cold War anxiety of the 1980s and at the time of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. After a year teaching in Czechoslovakia, he returned to England in 1967. His debut collection The Loiners (residents of Leeds), in 1970, won the Geoffrey Faber Memorial prize. It placed him back in the working class community of Leeds, while reflecting his experiences abroad. Its sexual frankness offended many but reflected his classical reading. More significant was his opposition to political oppression. This rubbed against the petty bourgeois sensibilities he would identify, and resist, in The School of Eloquence and Continuous. He looked to the nascent working class political movements of the early 19th century, including the Leeds-made hammers used by the Luddites against the shearframes: Each swung cast-iron Enoch of Leeds stress clangs a forged music on the frames of Art, the looms of owned language smashed apart! (On Not Being Milton) He also found another medium for his writing. National Theatre (NT) director John Dexter challenged Harrison to address why French classical drama rarely worked on the English stage, without abandoning its form. Harrison worked at Moliere and Racines alexandrine rhymed couplets until he could produce his own poetry in them. His couplets translated the comic anger of Molieres The Misanthrope (1973) brilliantly, beginning a productive association with the NT. Harrison later described himself as the man who came to read the metre. In 1975, Harrison transplanted Racines tragedy Phedre to the British Raj. This was using the classics to probe social malaise more widely, which would become more marked over the next decade. He also worked with music, producing a new libretto translation of Bedrich Smetanas The Bartered Bride (1978) for New Yorks Metropolitan Opera. The previous year, the NT staged Bow Down, the first of several collaborations with composer Harrison Birtwistle. His two biggest NT productions were also translation/adaptations. The Mysteries was begun in 1977, but the full trilogy was only presented complete in 1985. Based on the mediaeval mystery plays performed by craft guilds over the course of a whole day, its alliteration-rich language gave Harrison full scope to explore and celebrate demotic life and language. The atheist Harrison found in the mediaeval religious drama and in the pagan classical theatre a richness of language and a poetic way of expressing a contemporary social cohesion. One of his early television pieces, music-drama The Big H (1986), revisited the biblical Herod story with Leeds schoolchildren. Harrison had a strong visual and theatrical sense, based on historical models. Theatre designer Jocelyn Herbert commented approvingly that Some writers just write and have little idea what it will look like, but Tony always knows exactly what he wants. Director Peter Hall challenged Harrison to translate Greek tragedy into verse to be heard, rather than read. The resultant NT version of Aeschyluss The Oresteia was a landmark. Attention may have focused on the technical qualities of the textHarrison insisted he was not writing a Yorkshire Oresteia, but that Aeschylus and he both wrote flat vowelsbut more important was its triumphant conclusion in social cohesion. He was frustrated that theatre productions in translation were rarely revived, with managements preferring to commission new translations. This contributed to his producing new pieces of his own. The Trackers of Oxyrhynchus (1988) flowed from Harrisons Greek translation. It was a play about the papyrologists Grenfell and Hunt, who discovered a lost Satyr play by Sophocles. It merged the papyrologists themselves with Sophocles text in a theatrical mix of clog-dancing and earthy poetry. In Greek theatre, a trilogy of tragedies would be followed by a satyr play, a rambunctious mix of comedy and tragedy with strong physical, sexual, scatological components. This was ideal for Harrison, who wrote that the essential catholicity of Greek drama, the unity of tragedy and satyr play, has been betrayed into divided and divisive categories, high and low. It was possible, Harrison demonstrated, to overcome this division. He never invoked the classics from pretension, but because they were still vital. He introduced Them & [uz] saying I know more Latin and Greek than TS Eliot and Ezra Pound put together, but I dont put it in my poetry. Except for this word The word was , used in Greek tragedy for grief. It also sounds like a music hall shout. The demotic impulse led Harrison to television, and some groundbreaking film-poems. V (1985) was denounced as filth by the Daily Mail. In 1987, Tory MPs attacked a proposal to broadcast it. It is a remarkable work, written during the miners strike, about visiting his parents grave and finding the cemetery vandalised by obscene graffiti. In his imagined dialogue with an unemployed skinhead, Harrison ties the poetry that took him from this landscape with the coal beneath his feet and the social devastation of the Thatcher era. (He returned to the strike in 1999 through Greek myth, with Prometheus showing the theft of fire as an act of class war against the gods). Yet V remains optimistic: If love of art, or love, gives you affront that the grave Im in s graffitied then, maybe, erase the more offensive FUCK and CUNT but leave, with the worn UNITED, one small v. Richard Eyre, Vs director, called Harrison popular without being populist thoroughly accessible, and thoroughly and unapologetically elitistif that means believing in the absolute values of good and bad art and refusing to talk down to people from the class you were born into. Harrison had become a public poet, and a political one. The television films marked the best of this work and continue to attract hostility. The Blasphemers Banquet (1989) was written after the fatwa against Salman Rushdie. The Archbishop of Canterbury called on the BBC to withdraw it. War was increasingly central to his work. The film-poem The Gaze of the Gorgon (1992) tracks the exile of a statue of poet Heinrich Heine over a century. The gorgons petrifying stare is a metaphor for the horrors unleashed by those moving the statue, with the gorgons long shadow still cast across the late 20th century. Harrison was invited to contribute poems on the first Gulf War to the Guardian. A Cold Coming, its title taken from Eliot, was a response to Kenneth Jareckes iconic photograph of an Iraqi soldier burned to death. Rainbows seven shades of black curved from Kuwait back to Iraq, and instead of gold the frozen crocks crammed with Mankind on the rocks, the concealed geni who wont thaw until the World renounces War The Guardian also sent him to Bosnia, publishing his The Cycles of Donji Vakuf as a news article. The paper published the text of his film-poem The Shadow of Hiroshima (1995) on the 50th anniversary of the atomic bombing. Harrisons turn to occasional verse was a response to the global developments. His anger demanded an outlet. Its immediacy may have made some of this less durablealthough there is much to admire in the republican who denounced monarchy in his scabrous dismissal of the post of Poet Laureatebut it burns the more ferociously because of that. One of his demands was to be free to write what I think should be written free to scatter scorn in Number 10 free to blast and bollock Blairite Britain. (Laureates Block, 1999) In 2009, accepting the inaugural PEN Harold Pinter Prize, he called for continued vigilance against censorship and injustice, saying some regimes put their poets in prison, while we put ours in Poets Corner! I sincerely hope to be spared both. He continued to explore big issues. His 2008 play Fram, back at the NT, explored environmental disaster and the imagination through the Greek scholar Gilbert Murray, actress Sybil Thorndike and explorer Fridtjof Nansen. Acknowledging his range and the fallow periods in his writing, he said Its all one work. You know, maybe the life is really about dodging about to achieve moments where the work can happen. In 2009, Harrison insisted that A poets rage has as much place in his poetry as [Wordsworths] emotion recalled in tranquillity. He spoke of being recalled from delight in his apple trees by the horrors from Blair, Bush and their coalition cohorts, and the illegal occupation of Iraq. As he put it, The contemplation of the apple blossom is continually broken by rage at political events. It was a healthy instinct, and his artistic seriousness and integrity should be celebrated. By Laman Ismayilova A meeting has been held between the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), Azernews reports. The meeting focused on the implementation of the new tasks and assignments determined during the 12th Summit of the Heads of State of the Turkic Council, which was held in Gabala, Azerbaijan. Culture Minister Adil Karimli emphasized the importance of cooperation with TURKSOY, noting that this partnership has been expanding and gaining new dimensions over the years. He highlighted the significance of joint projects aimed at preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Turkic world. TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev expressed satisfaction with the collaboration with Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture and extended his deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the support in strengthening the ties. During the meeting, Vugar Mammadov, the newly appointed representative of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry to TURKSOY, was introduced to the Secretary General. It was noted that he would begin his duties in the coming days. The parties exchanged views on the organization's activities for the current year and emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation in the implementation of joint projects. Over the past years, TURKSOY has made significant contributions to promoting Turkic cultural heritage through different initiatives. Most of these projects have become a tradition and are continued every year. Since its establishment, TURKSOY has been carrying out activities to strengthen the ties of brotherhood and solidarity among Turkic peoples, transmit the common Turkic culture to future generations and introduce it to the world. The organisation actively collaborates with international bodies like UNESCO and maintains partnerships with institutions such as the Organisation of Turkic States and the International Turkish Academy. Azerbaijan actively participates in TURKSOY's initiatives, hosting events like the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World project in Shusha city. Many events of cultural significance, including the Kharibulbul International Folklore Festival, the Korkut Ata Turkic World Film Festival, the Cultural Days of the Turkic People, the Vagif Poetry Days, the International Festival of Children's Creativity, Wonderland Shusha 2023 International Scout Camp, and other events were organized in Azerbaijan's cultural center in accordance with the Action Plan. U.S. President Donald Trump (2nd L) waits to welcome Finnish President Alexander Stubb at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct 9, 2025. Trump said Thursday that he will try to attend a signing ceremony on the Gaza ceasefire deal in Egypt. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he will try to attend a signing ceremony on the Gaza ceasefire deal in Egypt. "I'm going to try and make a trip over. We're going to try and get over there, and we're working on the timing, the exact timing," Trump said at a White House cabinet meeting. Trump added that the Gaza hostages would be released "on Monday or Tuesday." Israel and Hamas began indirect negotiations over a Gaza ceasefire in Egypt's Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday. Trump said Wednesday on Truth Social that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of a Gaza peace plan. U.S. President Donald Trump (R) waits to welcome Finnish President Alexander Stubb at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct 9, 2025. Trump said Thursday that he will try to attend a signing ceremony on the Gaza ceasefire deal in Egypt. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) JERUSALEM, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military on Thursday struck a building in the northern Gaza Strip, killing at least four people and wounding dozens. Many were still missing under the rubble, raising fears that the death toll could rise, according to Gaza's health authorities. An Israeli military spokesperson said that Hamas militants were operating "in close proximity" to Israeli troops and posed an immediate threat to the forces in the area. The strike came as the Israeli government met to vote on a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the war. U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner arrived in Israel ahead of the meeting and met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his office said. Later, the two also joined the government meeting. The ceasefire agreement was announced earlier on Thursday after three days of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Egypt's Red Sea resort city of Sharm El Sheikh, with the participation of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye. An Israeli official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity that the truce in Gaza will take effect once the votes are completed. GAZA, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Hamas said on Thursday that it has received guarantees from mediators and the U.S. administration confirming the complete end of the war in the Gaza Strip. Khalil al-Hayya, chief of the Hamas negotiating delegation, said in a televised statement that the guarantees pave the way for the implementation of the first phase of the U.S. plan for a permanent ceasefire. "We have received guarantees from the mediators and the U.S. administration confirming that the war has ended completely," al-Hayya said. He added that Hamas would continue working with Palestinian national and Islamic factions to complete the remaining steps of the agreement, safeguard the interests of the Palestinian people, and achieve their legitimate rights until the establishment of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. Al-Hayya reaffirmed Hamas' approval of the agreement reached during the three-day negotiations held in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El Sheikh. He said the agreement includes a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, the entry of humanitarian aid, the reopening of the Rafah crossing in both directions, and a prisoner swap. Under the deal, 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 detainees from Gaza arrested after Oct. 7, 2023, will be released, in addition to all women and children, according to al-Hayya. The announcement came after three days of indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Sharm El Sheikh, with the participation of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye, aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement to end the war in Gaza. People wait for the arrival of six South African activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, Oct. 8, 2025. Six South African activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, detained by Israeli authorities while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, returned home on Wednesday in Johannesburg. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua) JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Six South African activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, detained by Israeli authorities while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, returned home on Wednesday in Johannesburg. The group, which included Mandla Mandela, grandson of late former President Nelson Mandela, was greeted by hundreds of supporters waving Palestinian flags and holding placards reading "Children need love, not bombs." They arrived in Jordan on Tuesday before returning home. Addressing a press briefing at OR Tambo International Airport, Mandela appeared emotional as he recounted their long and difficult journey, saying that the focus should remain on the people of Palestine, who have endured atrocities under the Israeli government for years. "Ours was a humanitarian mission to break the blockade and end the siege and get aid to Gaza," he said, noting that there was no violence accompanying their actions. Mandela said that the Israeli government intercepted dozens of their boats in international waters, calling it a violation of international law and human rights During six days of detention, Mandela said they were subjected to dehumanizing conditions, including being denied food and the opportunity to shower. Following their arrest, he said they were handcuffed with wires tied tightly behind their backs and "paraded." "We were taken to detention and denied food, but it's nothing compared to what Palestinians have been subjected to," Mandela noted. Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas seized control of the enclave. The restrictions were further tightened following Hamas's cross-border assault into southern Israel in October 2023. In response to the blockade, activists from around the world established the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver humanitarian aid and medical supplies to the people of Gaza. The flotilla, made up of nearly 50 civilian boats carrying about 500 activists from multiple countries, had spent time in the waters before being detained by the Israeli authorities. Mandla Mandela (L), grandson of late former President Nelson Mandela, and other South African activists attend a press conference following their arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, Oct. 8, 2025. Six South African activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, detained by Israeli authorities while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, returned home on Wednesday in Johannesburg. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua) Mandla Mandela (2nd L, front), grandson of late former President Nelson Mandela, and his wife leave after a press conference at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, Oct. 8, 2025. Six South African activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, detained by Israeli authorities while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, returned home on Wednesday in Johannesburg. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua) Before a royal bride says "I do" to her partner, she needs to say "yes" to the proposal. Depending on the couple's relationship, this sentimental moment may unfold on vacation at a spot that's meaningful to the duo or in the comfort of their living room following an at-home date night. However, in addition to the place, the soon-to-be newlywed will need to purchase an engagement ring. While some brides, such as Princess Diana, played a role in the selection of this important jewel, others were completely surprised by the piece their significant other chose for them. Even though many royals wanted a classic engagement ring in a timeless cut, others gravitated toward a more unique design. For example, Wallis Simpson, the wife of Prince Edwardand the reason why he abdicated the British throne, selected an emerald sparkler in lieu of a white diamond. This trend of colored jewels continued with other royals; Princess Anne, Sarah Ferguson, and Princess Eugenie all debuted baubles featuring pink-colored gems. Other brides, including Queen Mary of Denmark and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, took a different approach, integrating the hues of their country's flag into their sparkler. Here, we've rounded up the 22 most iconic royal engagement rings from the last 100 years. From Grace Kelly's emerald-cut diamond to Kate Middleton's heirloom piece, read on to see all of these stunning baubles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: 14 Royal Wedding Etiquette Rules and Traditions to Steal for Your Own Big Day Heritage Images / Contributor / Getty Images Wallis Simpson Wallis Simpson was the first royal bride in modern history to turn to a colorful stone. When Prince Edward proposed to the American, he did so with an emerald sparkler from Cartier that was almost 20 carats. The piece featured a sentimental message on the interior, "We are ours now 27 x 36," a nod to the date of the duo's engagement: October 27, 1936. Tim Graham / Contributor / Getty Images Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother When King George VI first proposed to the Queen Mother, he gave her a sapphire sparkler with diamond accents. However, years later, the royal swapped the piece out for a showstopping ring that featured a large pearl surrounded by a collar of diamonds. Max Mumby/Indigo / Contributor / Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth's engagement ringgiven to her by Prince Philip in 1947is a timeless and classic pick. Sourced from a tiara, the diamonds originally belonged to Philip's mother, Princess Alice of Greece. The piece featured a three-carat round-cut stone flanked by clusters of smaller gems, all set in timeless platinum. At the time, the sparkler was estimated to be worth $15,000, equivalent to approximately $250,000 today. After saying "I do," the monarch paired the ring with her Welsh gold band, a tradition in the British royal family. Archive Photos / Stringer / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grace Kelly The actress-turned-princess was known for her style choicesand her two engagement rings were no exception. When Prince Rainier III originally proposed to Grace Kelly, he did so with a Cartier band of diamonds and rubies. However, the couple later swapped the piece for a 10-carat emerald-cut diamond flanked by baguette stones and set in platinum. The second sparkler is one of the most expensive sparklers of all time; in 1956, it was listed at $4.06 million, equivalent to approximately $38.8 million. Getty Images/ Design by Tiana Crispino Princess Margaret After a failed engagement to Captain Peter Townsend, Princess Margaret accepted a ring from photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones. The sparkler featured a ruby surrounded by diamonds designed to look like a rosebud. Her partner crafted the piece as a nod to the royal's middle name, Rose. Pascal Le Segretain / Staff / Getty Images Queen Margrethe of Denmark Queen Margrethe's engagement ring is one of the most unique royal sparklers. When Prince Henrik proposed to her in 1967, he presented her with a toi et moi ring. Experts estimate that the piece is worth approximately $750,000. Although her husband of fifty years passed away in 2018, she still wears the bauble he gave her. Tim Graham / Contributor / Getty Images Princess Diana When Prince Charles proposed to Princess Diana, he did so with a ring of the bride's choosing, a sapphire piece from Garrard, the crown jeweler. The 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire was set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds. At the time, the bauble was estimated to cost $37,500 to $60,000, equivalent to approximately $520,000 today. However, since the sparkler was featured in the jeweler's catalog, anyone could have purchased it, a fact that was not well-received by the British royal family. Tim Graham / Contributor / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sarah Ferguson Keeping in line with tradition, Sarah Ferguson's sparkler was from Garrard, the royal jeweler. The piece featured an oval-cut Burmese ruby surrounded by 10 diamonds and set on a gold band. At the time of the engagement, some reports indicated that that the bright stone was designed to match the author's red hair. Max Mumby/Indigo / Contributor / Getty Images Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh When Prince Edward proposed to Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, he did so with a three-stone diamond sparkler. The piece features an oval-cut center stone, flanked by two heart-shaped diamonds, and set in white gold. The classic silhouette of the Garrard design was the perfect choice for the royal. Patrick van Katwijk / Contributor / Getty Images Queen Maxima of the Netherlands Even though Queen Maxima was born in Argentina, her engagement ring pays homage to her husband's nation: The Netherlands. The sparkler, which was crafted by Steltman, a Dutch jewelry firm, features an orange oval diamond flanked by two emerald-cut diamonds nestled between three separate bands. The colored jewel was designed to nod to the House of Orange-Nassau, the Dutch royal dynasty, according to The Court Jeweller. Martin Sylvest Andersen / Stringer / Getty Images Queen Mary of Denmark When King Frederik X proposed to Queen Mary in 2003, he presented her with a ring inspired by Denmark's flag. The stepped design features an emerald-cut diamond in the center with emerald-cut rubies on either side. In recent years, the royal updated the piece to include two diamond baguettes in honor of the couple's children. Getty Images/ Design by Tiana Crispino Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Queen Letizia of Spain Instead of the usual center stone on a band, Queen Letizia's engagement ring, which was crafted by Suarez Jewellery, is a modern eternity band featuring a series of baguette-cut diamonds. Like Queen Elizabeth and Kate Middleton, she has often paired the piece with a yellow gold wedding band, leaning into the mixed metal trend. Max Mumby/Indigo / Contributor / Getty Images Camilla Parker Bowles King Charles III turned to a five-carat emerald-cut diamond with three diamond baguettes on either side to propose to Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005. The piece, which was originally a present to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, from King George VI, features an Art Deco design. Today, the heirloom sparkler is estimated to be worth $288,000. KHALIL MAZRAAWI / Contributor / Getty Images Princess Victoria of Sweden When Prince Daniel proposed to Princess Victoria of Sweden in 2009, the diamond engagement ring he selected broke with tradition. In the Nordic country, it was considered customary for the bride and groom to exchange gold bands upon their engagement and then purchase a diamond ring for the bride on their wedding day. By proposing with the round brilliant-cut diamond, Daniel bucked with the custom. Max Mumby/Indigo / Contributor / Getty Images Zara Phillips Zara Phillips, the daughter of Princess Anne, married rugby player Mike Tindall on July 30, 2011, at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland. When the rugby player proposed in 2010, he presented the royal with a timeless sparkler. The ring features a center diamond set above a split-shank band with channel-set diamonds. Pool Interagences / Contributor / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Princess Charlene of Monaco When Prince Albert II, Grace Kelly's son, proposed to Princess Charlene, he sought out a stunning engagement ring for the Olympian. He ultimately selected just that: a three-carat pear-cut diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds. The piece was crafted by Repossi, a Parisian jeweler who specializes in bespoke pieces. Patrick van Katwijk / Contributor / Getty Images Princess Madeleine of Sweden In 2013, Princess Madeleine, the youngest child of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, married Christopher O'Neill. When he proposed, the financier gave his partner an engagement ring with a large Asscher-cut stone in a minimalist setting set atop a simple pave shank. Today, the royal pairs the piece with a matching delicate pave band, complementing the Art Deco facets of the center jewel. Max Mumby/Indigo / Contributor / Getty Images Kate Middleton Rather than turn to a new piece for his proposal to Kate Middleton, Prince William popped the question with an heirloom jewel: Princess Diana's engagement ring. In recent years, the royal has paired her 12-carat sapphire with other sentimental pieces, including her gold wedding band, a white gold and diamond Annoushka ring, a thin band with smaller diamonds, and a band featuring dark gems and diamonds. Michael Campanella / Contributor / Getty Images Princess Sofia of Sweden In 2014, Prince Carl Phillip of Sweden proposed to Princess Sofia with a round diamond surrounded by a ring of smaller diamonds set on a pave band. Today, the royal often pairs her engagement ring with her diamond-encrusted wedding band. Chris Jackson / Staff / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meghan Markle When it came time to propose to Meghan Markle, Prince Harry opted to design the sparkler himself, crafting a three-stone piece that features a center diamond from Botswana, as well as diamonds from Princess Diana's collection on either side of the main jewel. Over the past few years, the former actress has upgraded the bauble a number of times. Most recently, it appears that she may have swapped the original cushion-cut diamond for an emerald cut. JONATHAN BRADY / Contributor / Getty Images Princess Eugenie Taking a cue from the engagement rings of Princess Anne and Sarah Ferguson, Princess Eugenie's sparkler from Jack Brooksbank features a colored jewel. The piece, which the British marketing executive gave to the royal in 2018 while the two were vacationing in Nicaragua, includes an oval pink-orange padparadscha sapphire surrounded by diamonds. Getty Images / John Walton - PA Images / Contributor Princess Beatrice Princess Beatrice's ring materially differs from the jewels of her sister, Princess Eugenie, and her mother, Sarah Ferguson. Her fiance, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, proposed with a three-stone engagement ring featuring a round-cut center diamond flanked by a pair of baguette diamonds. The bauble was designed by jeweler Shaun Lane. Up Next: 39 Royal Wedding Bouquets Throughout History Read the original article on Brides The New York Yankees may have suffered a devastating season-ending loss to the Toronto Blue Jaysbut team captain Aaron Judge's fight to be named the American League's MVP remains alive and well, thanks to his rousing performance in the playoff battle. Judge, 33, from California, was one of just a few bright spots in the Yankees' embarrassing defeat, helping to lead the team to a Game 3 victory with a three-run home run, according to ESPN, proving himself more than worthy of his $360 million contract, at least in the eyes of many fans. The MLB legend, who was named as the American League MVP in 2024, signed the blockbuster deal with the team in 2022committing to another nine years with the Yankees, to the tune of about $40 million a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not long after the ink had dried on that contract, Judge, who welcomed his first child, daughter Nora Rose, with wife Samantha in January, celebrated by snapping up a new property in Tampa Bay, FL, where he has been building an extraordinary custom megmansion for his family. However, his dream of creating a sanctuary in the Sunshine State hit a significant hurdle, when he and his spouse filed a lawsuit against interior designer Amanda Drew of Drew Designs LLC, claiming that she had swindled them out of $750,000 through hidden charges on bills for renovations to both the Tampa property and their New York City apartment. Aaron Judge's MLB season may well be over after the Yankees' loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, but the team captain's legal battle against an interior design is raging on. (MLB Photos via Getty Images) The lawsuit, which was filed with the Hillsborough County Circuit Court on Jan. 28, notes that signing the contract with the Yankees was the fulfillment of a "lifelong dream" for Judge, who was "eager to establish a family home" in the wake of such a milestone occasion. It then states that Drewwho has vehemently denied the allegations"offered to assist the Judges" in "designing renovations and selecting furnishings for a new home in Tampa, where they planned to raise a family." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Claiming that she "presented herself as a trusted resource," the filing notes that Drew was also enlisted to help the Judges with "furnishing a new apartment in New York City, where they would spend much of the year," which seems to refer to the extravagant Chelsea dwelling the couple purchased in 2023. While it's unclear exactly how much the Judges paid for the unit, which is located inside a luxurious condo building, two 22nd-floor units sold for a combined $40 million in the same year that the Yankees star was reported to have snapped up his property. The Judges allege that Drew offered them "special 'cut-and-dry' pricing that she typically did not extend to others, but was willing to provide because they had become 'friends.'" "She persuaded the Judges to choose her company over other more established designers in New York and Tampa by making specific representations, including that for the Tampa home, she would 'loop everything into one charge' at $10 per square foot and would not charge any additional '% over contractor cost,'" the suit goes on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drew is also alleged to have told Judge and his wife that any furniture purchased for both properties would be charged to them at the retail purchase price "with no additional markup." However, the Judges claim that this was not the caseaccusing Drew of upcharging them on multiple costs, including a $33,000 couch, which they say could be purchased for as little as $18,100. Judge and his wife, Samantha, allege that they were duped out of $750,000 by Amanda Drew, a designer who offered to help them renovate their Florida home and furnish their New York City apartment. (Realtor.com) Judge is understood to have purchased two units in a luxury apartment building in Chelsea back in 2023and claims that Drew was meant to help refresh its decor. (Realtor.com) The couple said that they were unaware of the full amount they were overcharged, because Drew had refused to provide them with receipts from her purchases, but that they estimate the sum to be around $750,000. They accused Drew of taking advantage of their busy schedules, alleging that she assumed they would be "too busy to notice" the additional charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of May, the Tampa Bay Business Journal stated that 60 subpoenas had been issued to vendors and contractors who were involved in the renovation process. Drew filed a countersuit against the Judges in March, accusing the couple of wrongful termination and claiming that they had refused to pay outstanding bills for work that she had already completed. While both of the lawsuits are still understood to be in progress, the Judges will likely want to return to their Florida property now that the Yankees' season has come to an endparticularly with the Yankees captain now contemplating undergoing offseason surgery on his right elbow, according to ESPN. Judge suffered a flexor strain to the elbow in July and told media after the team's loss to the Blue Jays that he would "definitely do some work on it" during the offseason, but noted that he "doesn't know" whether that will require going under the knife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear whether any recommended procedure would take place in New York or Florida. Still, the MLB legend will have plenty of time to rehab his arm, with the Yankees not expected to start spring training until February 2026, giving Judge a four-month stint to rest and relaxeven as his lawsuit continues. Should he wish to escape all reminders of his ongoing legal battle, property records indicate that Judge does have another home available to him in Florida, having previously purchased a sprawling three-bedroom, three-bathroom waterfront Tampa condo for $825,000 back in 2018. It is no secret that Angelina Jolie has been toying with the idea of moving out of the USA for a while now, and a recent question during a press conference only reinforced the idea that the veteran actress is indeed considering it. Sources further confirmed that Jolie is now ready to move on to her next chapter after the long-drawn divorce with Brad Pitt concluded last year. Sources say Angelina Jolie is ready to move out of US During a press conference for her new movie, Couture, at the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain, Angelina Jolie was asked how she felt as an artist staying in the USA. Jolie responded, It is a very difficult question, after a substantial pause. She added, I love my country, but at this time, I dont recognize my country. The actress had previously expressed her desire to leave after her children turned at least 18. She shares five children with Brad Pitt, the youngest twins being 17 right now. A source further confirmed to US Weekly that Jolies plans to move abroad are very much on the cards, and she has an array of options to choose from as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can really feel a shift in Angelina recently; shes lighter and more at ease, a source said. Shell always love L.A., but she feels it has served its purpose. Shes ready for her next chapter. The source added, Shes very excited for this next phase of her life. With her humanitarian work, Jolie has strong ties to many countries abroad. A second source confirmed that Jolie could stay in Cambodia, where she owns property, France, or Africa. Theyre all very special places, the second source added. As of now, Jolie is working on Anxious People for Netflix. She is in London. While she plans to continue coming back for work, she does not plan on calling Los Angeles her home anymore. The second source explained, Angelina will be back and forth to L.A. for work but wont call L.A. her home. She also reportedly plans to list her $24.5 million Los Feliz mansion next September. Jolie will also focus more on her humanitarian work going forward. The second source added about this, She plans on giving back to communities in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Africa, and shes open to exploring more of the world and raising awareness and continuing her work with the U.N.Shes looking forward to being around like-minded people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the sources also confirmed that Jolie will continue to support and care for her children, as they will be the priority. All her children are going in different directions at the moment and are reportedly estranged from Brad Pitt. So, fans can expect to soon hear about Angelina Jolie moving on to a new path in her life. The post Angelia Jolie Ready For Her Next Chapter As Shes Preparing to Move Out of US, Sources Say appeared first on Mandatory. NEED TO KNOW A groom got an unexpected bloody nose during his wedding photo shoot when he "accidentally bonked heads" with the bride Despite the blood getting on the bride's face and hair, she took it in stride "It couldnt have happened to a more easygoing couple they laughed it off and had a great attitude," the wedding videographer tells PEOPLE One couple's wedding photos were interrupted by the groom's sudden nosebleed. Brylee and Ethan ONeill's sunset wedding photo shoot on May 31 at Kacena Farms in Vinton, Iowa, took an unexpected turn when the couple "accidentally bonked heads," resulting in the groom's nose to instantly start bleeding on the bride's face and hair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A now-viral clip of the ordeal was posted by the wedding videographers on Instagram on Sept. 22. "Nothing like a bloody nose to start your married life together ," husband and wife duo Madelyn and Tyler Vande Lune, owners of Vande Lune Films, wrote in the caption. Vande Lune Films Brylee ONeill Brylee ONeill In the video, Ethan suddenly leans back and releases his embrace of Brylee. Brylee immediately points out that he has a bloody nose, unaware that the evidence was on her. "Did you head butt him?" someone asks off camera. In response, the bride turns to Ethan and says, "I didn't head butt you that bad!" At that moment, she must have felt the blood on her face because she points at herself and asks if any is on her, then gasps as she tries to wipe the bright red blood off her face and front strand of hair. "Thankfully, it didnt get on her dress!" Tyler tells PEOPLE. "She noticed pretty quickly when she saw it dripping from the grooms nose." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one had any tissues on hand, so Tyler set his cameras down and ran back to the bathroom at the venue to grab paper towels for the couple. "The photographer and I helped clean everything up," he says. Luckily, the couple didn't let the approximately five-minute-long nosebleed ruin their photo shoot. "It couldnt have happened to a more easygoing couple they laughed it off and had a great attitude," Tyler says. "After cleaning up, we finished sunset photos/videos, and they were total champs." Commenters on Instagram thought the situation was hilarious. 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. Vande Lune Films Ethan ONeill Ethan ONeill "Natural blush," one person joked, with another user writing, "Thats a big oh no ." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brylee and Ethan met in January 2023 at Deringer's, a bar in Cedar Falls, Iowa, according to their wedding website. The following month, the pair started officially dating. Just over a year later, Ethan popped the question on Feb. 25, 2024. The couple got legally married at a courthouse on May 31, 2024 one year before their wedding reception. Read the original article on People Heidi Klum dropped jaws in a show-stopping look with a plunging neckline at a red carpet event. On Wednesday, Oct 8, the former America's Got Talent host, 52, stepped out at the Blinded By Delight Grand Show Premiere at the Friedrichstadt-Palast theater in Berlin, Germany. SIGN UP for Parades Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox Heidi Klum Put on a Leggy Display During the Red Carpet Event For the event, Klum rocked a black mini-dress featuring dramatic, wavy sleeves. The outfit also included a large cutout at the bust and longer fabric on the right side. She finished the look with a pair of black, pointed-toe heels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Klum wore her long blond hair in loose waves and accessorized with a statement ring and small earrings, making the dress the main character of her red carpet look. Heidi Klum attends the 'Blinded By Delight' Grand Show Premiere at Friedrichstadt-Palast on Oct. 8, 2025, in Berlin, Germany. (Matthias Nareyek/Getty Images) On Instagram, fashion designer and the brains behind the show, Jeremy Scott, shared photos from the premiere. The featured imaged showed Scott and Klum posing together. "So happy to have the hottest date last night to my premier @friedrichstadt.palast!!!" he captioned the update in all-caps. My darling @heidiklum . I hope that each and everyone of you has a friend as loyal and loving as I do in Heidi..' Heidi Klum Is No Stranger to Eye-Popping Fashion Statements In April, Klum turned heads with a sultry photo propping up her toned leg on a desk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Happy Monday , she captioned the update, explaining she was recording voiceovers for Germanys Next Top Model. In the snapshow, Klum rocked a black halter-top dress as she leaned back in an office chair. She donned black headphones and brown glasses while holding a sheet of paper. In August, the fashion maven experienced a bikini wardrobe malfunction, which she laughed off on Instagram. Woopsy, she wrote alongside a photo of her wearing a two-piece swimsuit that featured colorful bottoms and a top made of seashells, which accidentally slipped out of place. Klum also flaunted her toned body in an itty-bitty bikini in July, declaring in the caption, Every day and ." Fans Are Looking Forward to Heidi Klum's 2025 Halloween Costume In a few weeks, Klum will hold her annual Halloween bash, during which she'll unveil her highly anticipated costume for 2025. The Project Runway star teased her costume in an Oct. 1 post, writing, "This is just the beginning ," next to photos of a a sculpture of a head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During an Aug. 6 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Klum confirmed that she would "of course" go all out for her costume again this year. Im hard at work already, she shared, explaining she started planning for it months ago. Klum also revealed her 2025 Halloween costume would be extra ugly and super scary. Whether it's a gruesome look for Halloween for a glamorous outfit for the red carpet, we can't wait to see what Klum thinks of next! Next: Kim Kardashian Divides Fans While Channeling Bianca Censori in Daring Look This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. During an interview in Switzerland, Kai Cenat and his girlfriend, Gigi, concealed their identities. Last month, Cenat held his Mafiathon 3, an event where he invited celebrities and hosted events, with a goal of increasing the follower count on Twitch. Now that the Mafiathon has ended, the streamer decided to take a break. But recently, he and his girlfriend went incognito during a very public interview during Zurich Fashion Week. Kai Cenat and his girlfriend go undercover for an interview in Switzerland Kai Cenat and his girlfriend, Gigi, went into private mode, introducing themselves as Jamal and Mary during Zurichs 20 Minuten. At the time, they were asked about their time in Zurich, Switzerland, where Cenat revealed that they come from Arkansas and that theyre spending days as Forex traders. He further added about this job, Pokemon Cards. Very, very, very valuable. Sharing his experience on his time in Switzerland, he added, Two people just going to Switzerland and trying to enjoy the environment. He also mentioned that hes enjoying shopping. This public interview of Cenat and Gigi is currently making rounds on the internet, with fans having funny reactions to it. One fan said, They just lying this whole interview Im crying. Another said, Kai never serious in his life. A third user wrote, Omg, theyre living their best life now, so happy for them. Lying final boss Rakais influence, a fourth mentioned. Cenat secured one million subscribers on Twitch on Sunday, September 28, 2025. He celebrated his hard work and milestone on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a heartfelt message. He tweeted, STARTING 2025 I WAS A LITTLE LOST AND DIDNT KNOW HOW IT WAS GONNA GO BUT FAST FORWARD AND NOW IM HERE 1,000,000 SUBS THANK YOU GOD GOAL IS OFFICIALLY COMPLETE. This time, Cenats aim was not only to increase his subscriber count but also to raise funds for constructing a school in Nigeria. The post Kai Cenat Goes Undercover With Girlfriend in Switzerland appeared first on Mandatory. Originally appeared on E! Online King Charles III and Prince William are clearing the air. The monarch and his eldest son stepped out for a rare official engagement together for the Countdown to COP30 event at the Natural History Museum in London Oct. 9. For the outing, Charles and Williamwhose wives Queen Camilla and Kate Middleton did not join themboth sported navy suits as they posed outside of the museum, before heading inside to meet with government leaders and advocates working to combat climate change. The event comes ahead of the COP30 World Leaders Summit in Belem, Brazil, on Nov. 6, which William will attend on behalf of his father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The king and Prince of Wales last publicly appeared together during President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trumps Sept. 17 State visit at Windsor Castle. The day before, the royal family attended the memorial service for the late Queen Elizabeth IIs first cousin Katharine, Duchess of Kent. More from E! Online Amid the rare string of public appearances, William has shared insight into how difficult the past year has been for the royal family, alluding to how he managed his royal duties as his dad and wife each faced cancer diagnoses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Id say 2024 was the hardest year Ive ever had," the 43-year-old said on the Oct. 3 episode of the Apple TV+ show The Reluctant Traveler. "You know, life is sent to test us as well, and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are." He also emphasized the toll of raising his and Kates three young children Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. Samir Hussein/WireImage "Sleep," William told host Eugene Levy about his favorite activity while home. "When you've got three small children, sleep is an important part of my life." The heir apparent also made a brief reference to his brother Prince Harryfrom whom he has been estranged in recent yearswhile discussing his son Georges future role as king. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are lots of things to think about with that, William continued in the episode. But obviously, I want to create a world in which my son is proud of what we do, a world and a job that actually does impact peoples lives for the better. He added, That is caveated with, I hope we dont go back to some of the practices in the past, that Harry and I had to grow up in and Ill do everything I can to make sure we dont regress in that situation. Read on to see more of the latest news about the royal family. King Charles III and Prince William Make Rare Appearance Together The monarch and his eldest son stepped out in October 2025 for the Countdown to COP30 event at London's Natural History Museum. The pair posed outside of the museum, before heading inside to meet with government leaders and advocates working to combat climate change. The event preceded the COP30 World Leaders Summit in Belem, Brazil, in November, which William is set to attend on his father's behalf. Sarah Ferguson Dropped From Charity for Epstein Email In September 2025, the Duchess of York was dropped as a patron to Julia's House for a resurfaced 2011 email to Jeffrey Epstein in which she called him a friend. Following the information shared this weekend on the Duchess of Yorks correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein, Julias House has taken the decision that it would be inappropriate for her to continue as a patron of the charity, the charity wrote in a statement per The Guardian. We have advised the Duchess of York of this decision and thank her for her past support. A spokesperson for Ferguson said the virtual correspondence was written after a threat made to her by Epstein. Prince Harry and King Charles III Reunite For the first time in 19 months, the Duke of Sussex was seen arriving by car to Clarence Housethe Kings London residenceto seemingly meet with his father before heading to another engagement in the city. While Harry pulled into the residence around 5:20 p.m. local time on Sept. 10, Charles returned to the home just hours before. Peter Phillips Announces Engagement The son of Princess Anne and her ex-husband Mark Phillips shared that he was engaged to his girlfriend Harriet Sperling on Aug. 1 after more than a year of dating. "Both families were informed jointly of the announcement," the couple's spokesperson said in a statement to Hello! at the time, "and were delighted with the wonderful news of their engagement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Queen Camilla Makes History with New Royal Title One day before her 78th birthday, the royal received the title of Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom from the Royal Navy. Camilla is the first woman to hold the honorary title, which can only be appointed by the sovereignin this case, her husband King Charles IIIon the nomination of the First Sea Lord, who is currently Sir Gwyn Jenkins. Kate Middleton Pulls Out of Royal Ascot The Princess of Wales pulled out of a planned appearance at the Royal Ascot hours before she was set to return to the annual horse race alongside, Kensington Palace confirmed to NBC News. According to the palace, Kate was disappointed to have to miss the event but is still figuring out the right balance for herself when it comes to completing public engagements following her cancer battle. Prince Harry Loses Appeal to Dismiss Decision in His Security Protection Case Over one year after the High Court denied additional security protection through the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, Prince Harrys legal fight ended when the courts dismissed the case May 2. His and Meghan Markles security was lessened after they stepped back as working members of the royal family in 2021 and moved to the United States. However, in the years that followed, Harry had requested security while visiting the U.K. The Duke of Sussex told the BBC May 2 that he was devastated about losing his legal battle. He emphasized, I cant see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point. Prince Harry and King Charles III Are Not Speaking Harry told the BBC May 2 that his father King Charles III wont speak to him because of this security stuff, but added that it would be nice to reconcile. The Duke of Sussex, who shares kids Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet with Meghan, said that he would love to reconnect with his family. But the ball is in his dads court. I cant see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the U.K. at this point, he said. Its really quite sad that I wont be able to show my children my homeland. There is a lot of control and ability in my fathers hands, ultimately this whole thing could be resolved through him, Harry added. Not necessarily by intervening but by stepping aside and allowing the experts to do what is necessary and to carry on. Despite the years of conflict, hes waving the white flag in hopes of reconciliation. He added, Life is precious, I dont know how much longer my father has. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King Charles III Shares Insight Into His Cancer Diagnosis Over one year after King Charles shared his cancer diagnosis, he wrote April 29 that his health journey and cancer treatment are experiences that bring into sharp focus the very best of humanity." "Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones," Charles wrote in the booklet for the reception to provide resources for those with cancer. But as one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity." He also thanked healthcare workers who helped him amid his journey, adding, It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years. Prince William and Kate Middletons Family Skips Royal Familys Easter Service Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis did not attend the royal familys annual Easter service at St George's Chapel in Windsor April 20. While King Charles III and Queen Camilla celebrated with the rest of the royal family, William and Kate decided to spend the weekend at their Norfolk country home with their kids, multiple outlets reported. Their absence marked the second Easter they skipped, with the 2024 holiday taking place a week after the Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis. Royal Aide Who Accused Meghan Markle Of Bullying Receives a Promotion Jason Knauf was announced as the new CEO of Prince Williams organization, The Earthshot Prize, April 15. He shared a statement on the website that he was looking forward to working with our exceptional team and incredible Earthshot community to advance our mission of urgent optimism for our planet. His promotion came nearly seven years after he made a complaint against Meghan Markle, accusing her of bullying two personal assistants and seeking to undermine a third staff member. A spokesperson for the Sussexes denied the allegations and told The Times that the rumors were part of a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation. Buckingham Palace investigated the allegations and the case was wrapped up in 2022 without any findings made public. Prince George Makes His First Public Appearance of 2025 William and Kates eldest son George attended a soccer match in Paris alongside his dad April 7. The father-son duo were all smiles at the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final game as the Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa FC faced off at the Parc des Princes stadium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Bodyguard to Prince Harry and Prince William Dies Graham Crakerwho acted as a bodyguard for the royal family, including Prince Harry and Prince Williamdied at the age of 77 in April. Craker was notably with the boys when they learned their mother, Princess Diana, had died and he participated in her funeral services. On the latter, Craker told The New York Post in 2017, "I was standing at the rear of the hearse and William looked up and acknowledged me. I looked toward him and nodded. William was comforted that I was with his mum on her final journey. The Duke and Duchess of Westminster Expecting Their First Baby Hugh Grosvenor, who is King Charles IIIs godson, and his wife Olivia Grosvenor announced March 12 that she is pregnant with their first baby. The duchess is expecting a baby in the summer, a spokesperson told The Telegraph. The couple are delighted with the news and are very much looking forward to starting a family together. Luxembourg's Prince Fredrik Dies at 22 Prince Frederikthe son of Prince Robert and his wife Princess Juliedied March 1 at 22 years old after a battle with PolG mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic disorder. "Frederik knows that he is my Superhero, as he is to all of our family, and to so very many good friends and now in great part thanks to his PolG Foundation, to so very many people the world over," Robert said in a statement. "Part of his superpower was his ability to inspire and to lead by example." Prince Harry Reaches Settlement in U.K. Tabloids Lawsuit The Duke of Sussex reached a settlement with News Group Newspaperswhich is responsible for The Sun as well as the now defunct News of the Worldon Jan. 22 after suing the organization in 2019 over alleged unlawful actions on the part of journalists and private investigators working for the newspapers to obtain information on the royal family. The deal included the company paying "substantial damages," as well as issuing a "full and unequivocal apology" to Harry and public acknowledgement of "the extensive coverage and serious intrusion into his private life as well as the private life of Diana, Princess of Wales, per NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kate Middleton Is in Remission After Finishing Chemotherapy for Cancer The Princess of Wales announced on Jan. 14 that she's in remission after complete cancer treatments. "It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery," she wrote in a message on X, formerly Twitter, Jan. 14. "As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal." "I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead," she continued. "There is much to look forward to." Meghan Markle's Longtime Dog Guy Dies The Duchess of Sussex mourned the death of her beloved rescue beagle, who she adopted in 2015 before meeting husband Prince Harry. She wrote on Instagram Jan. 7, "I have cried too many tears to count - the type of tears that make you get in the shower with the absurd hope that the running water on your face will somehow make you not feel them, or pretend theyre not there. But they are. And thats okay too." "Thank you for so many years of unconditional love, my sweet Guy," Meghan added. "You filled my life in ways youll never know." Prince William Mourns Death of Former Nanny's Stepson Edward "Ed" Pettiferstepson of Prince William and Prince Harry's former nanny Alexandra Pettifer, also known as Tiggy Legge-Bourkewas one of the victims of the New Year's Day terrorist attack in New Orleans. "Catherine and I have been shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ed Pettifer," William said in a message posted on Kate Middleton's Instagram Stories Jan. 4. "Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people who have been tragically impacted by this horrific attack." Meghan Markle Rejoins Instagram to Reveal New Netflix Show The Suits alumwho shut down her personal social media accounts shortly before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harrydebuted a solo Instagram page on Jan. 1. A day later, she announced a new Netflix series titled With Love, Meghan, which "reimagines the genre of lifestyle programming, blending practical how-tos and candid conversation with friends, new and old," according to a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kate Middleton, Prince William and Kids Attend Wimbledon Kate and William stepped out for a rare outing with kids Prince George and Princess Charlotte in honor of Wimbledon in June 2025. "A pleasure to be back in SW19 for the finals of this years @wimbledon Championships this weekend," the family wrote in an Instagram post at the time. "Congratulations again to @iga.swiatek and @janniksin on your wins! And a huge thank you to everybody involved in making the tournament so special." For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Prince Harry is facing fresh criticism after his unannounced appearance at the Burma Star Memorial on VJ Day was branded a calculated PR stunt by palace insiders. The Duke of Sussex placed a handwritten note at the site following the official ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum. Some within royal circles claim the gesture was a deliberate attempt to upstage senior members of the family. Prince Harrys recent moves considered problematic by palace insiders, says source Harry, who has remained estranged from the royal household, reportedly arrived shortly after the King and Queen departed from the event commemorating the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, honoring the Forgotten Army, who served in the Pacific during World War II. While the Dukes message paid tribute to his late grandfather, Prince Philip, observers say the timing and presentation of the gesture raised eyebrows inside Buckingham Palace. According to one palace insider, Harrys appearance was no accident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arriving after the King had gone made it seem respectful on the surface, the insider told RadarOnline.com. But the timing, the note, and the perfectly staged photos made it obvious it was a PR play. People in the palace were livid. It was meant to be the Kings moment of remembrance, yet Harry managed to turn the spotlight back on himself, they added. One insider remarked that the gesture seemed far too polished to be genuine. Sources inside the royal household say no one had been informed of Harrys plans to attend the memorial. The event had been planned for months, with the King and Camilla front and center. For Harry to appear afterwards, conveniently with cameras waiting, felt very deliberate and carefully orchestrated. The insider continued, If this wasnt a PR stunt, Harry could have laid the note quietly and walked away. But the fact it was captured and shared so neatly tells you everything you need to know. A former royal aide described the moment as deeply frustrating for the monarch, who had hoped the commemoration would remain focused on honoring veterans. Charles intended the day to honor the veterans and the nations remembrance, the aide said. But once again, it turned into a story about family tensions. It was exactly the kind of distraction he doesnt need, they concluded. The post Prince Harrys Recent Actions in UK Is the Distraction King Charles Didnt Need, Says Source appeared first on Reality Tea. The health of basically all the members of the British royal family has been scrutinized as of late. King Charles is not that young anymore, and hes still battling cancer. Queen Camilla is around his age. And Kate Middleton just battled cancer last year, so its no wonder people are interested in how shes doing. Thats perhaps why, every time theres an update about any of them, people are really paying attention. The latest sad update, however, doesnt have anything to do with the health of anyone in the British royal family, but someone Queen Camilla was close to. The Queen posted a tribute to her close friend Dame Jilly Cooper, who passed away at 88 during a fall. The two women were close friends, sharing a love for both literature and dogs. More from StyleCaster Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Heres what each royal inherited from Queen Elizabeth I was deeply saddened to learn of Dame Jillys death last night, Camilla said in a statement. Very few writers get to be a legend in their own lifetime, but Jilly was one, creating a whole new genre of literature and making it her own through a career that spanned over five decades. The Queen and Dame Jilly Cooper recently saw each other at The Queens Reading Room Festival in September. In person, she was a wonderfully witty and compassionate friend to me and so many and it was a particular pleasure to see her at my Queens Reading Room Festival, where she was, as ever, a star of the show, the statement continued. I join my husband The King in sending our thoughts and sympathies to all her family. And may her hereafter be filled with impossibly handsome men and devoted dogs. Ironically, Coopers famous hero, Rupert Campbell Black, was reportedly partly based on Queen Camillas ex-husband, Andrew Parker Bowles. Whether that ever came up between the two or not, Cooper also reminisced on their friendship, telling MailOnline: We chatted about how much we love each other. Ive been very lucky Weve known each other a long time. We live near each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This sad news comes after the King recently discussed the perils of aging. During a visit to the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick, the BBC reported that after a woman remarked to the King that she was wearing out, King Charles responded: Thats the terrible thing Im discovering. Bits dont work so well when you get past 70. King Charles cancer is reportedly not curable, but it is the kind of cancer that can be managed. Writer and associate editor of the Daily Telegraph, Camilla Tominey, recently said. The talk now is that he may die with cancer, but not of cancer following a rigorous treatment program. But the Kings health is reportedly also getting worse. RadarOnline recently reported about Charles, He is now shuffling around with a cane and hitting the bottle, and in particular whisky, to numb the pain and despair he feels, adding that his health has deteriorated significantly in recent months. Age catches up to us all, even the royals. Best of StyleCaster Sign up for Stylecaster's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. KHARTOUM, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least 12 people were killed and 17 others injured on Wednesday when the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeted a major hospital in El Fasher, western Sudan, with artillery shelling, volunteer groups reported. The Sudan Doctors Network said in a statement that the direct shelling of El Fasher Hospital killed medical staff performing duties, calling the attack "a full-fledged war crime." The group held the RSF "fully responsible," and urged global intervention to protect El Fasher's healthcare facilities. Meanwhile, the Coordination of Resistance Committees in El Fasher said the Saudi Specialized Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology, the city's only functioning medical facility, was heavily shelled, "resulting in deaths and injuries among civilians, including children and the elderly." According to local sources, the hospital has been routinely targeted by the RSF in recent attacks. The RSF has not yet commented on the latest incident. Violent clashes have been ongoing in El Fasher since May 2024, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (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. Former "Real Housewives of New York City" star and "Skinnygirl" founder Bethenny Frankel called Connecticut "a prison" on a recent episode of her podcast. Frankel compared her life in Miami to Connecticut during an episode of "Just B with Bethenny Frankel" that released on Oct. 1. The reality star sold her Greenwich estate for $7.825 million in June to live with her daughter in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For my personality at that point of my life, Connecticut was a burden. It was a trap, it was a prison," Frankel said in the podcast episode. "It was stifling, depressing, soul crushing. Not because of the state of Connecticut, which is beautiful; because of my life there." Frankel said that while she would go on "nice" nature walks in Connecticut, she prefers being able to go to the beach and be in the ocean in Florida. She also said that now when she goes to New York for work she's "leaping." "When I was living in Connecticut, I was dragging into New York. It was only an hour," Frankel said. "Everything feels like an adventure and a vacation and an experience, where before it all felt like a drag. I wasn't in the right place and the right base, I really wasn't." The former "Real Housewives" star told US Weekly in June that living in Greenwich was "extremely shackling" for her. She also told the publication that she felt "guilty about the things (she) didn't do" with the house and that it was "bogging (her) down." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My friends aren't there. So it was feeling forced. I was going to have to force the life to go with the house," Frankel told US Weekly. Contains previous reporting by Andrew DaRosa. This article originally published at 'Real Housewives' star Bethenny Frankel says living in CT was 'a prison' on podcast. A source told Page Six that Sydney Sweeneys priority is her career amid the growing romance rumors of her and Scooter Braun. Their dating rumors surfaced when the duo was spotted hanging out in Italy, following Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchezs wedding. Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun relationship updates The Euphoria actress recently attended the Hamptons International Film Festival, where she was honored with the Achievement in Acting award for her role in Christy. Although Braun didnt attend the festival, the sources reveal to Page Six that she praised his business skills. The source said, She enjoys having someone to ask advice from about her career. It also mentioned that she enjoys spending time with her new beau. Dont expect any wedding bells Her number one priority is her career, the source added. After the duos clip of hanging out in Italy went viral, a source claimed that theyre allegedly dating. At the time, a source revealed to Page Six that Braun was obsessed with Sweeney after he crossed paths and connected with her at the Bezos wedding. From that time, he has been pursuing her, said the source. None of the parties has confirmed the dating rumors yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously, Sweeney has been engaged to Jonathan Davino since 2022. However, the duo broke up earlier this year, ending their 3-year engagement. Last month, TMZ shared an update on Sweeney and Brauns relationship. It revealed that the duo is casually dating. Moreover, it added, Sydney has just ended a relationship, and shes doing what women in their 20s doshes dating. They have been spotted on multiple occasions, including at their Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights in Los Angeles last month. In the circulated images, they sported a casual look, with Sweeney wearing a jumper and baggy jeans, whereas Braun opted for shorts and a hoodie, pairing it up with a cap. Originally reported by Shazmeen Navrange for Mandatory. The post Sydney Sweeney Asks Scooter Braun For Career Advice, Sources Say appeared first on Reality Tea. Halloween is just around the corner, and many Illinois residents are still brainstorming costume ideas. Unsurprisingly, costumes influenced by the hit Netflix movie "KPop Demon Hunters" are making a big splash this spooky season, with nearly a dozen quirky main characters to choose from. But some other new trends are popping up in the costume section this year, along with classic fan-favorites. Google Frightgeist, an annual ranking of what costumes people are searching for every Halloween, made a list of the most popular costumes in Illinois, from Rockford to Chicago to Peoria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what it found. Top Halloween costumes in the US 2025 The following costumes are trending across the country: Rumi (from KPop Demon Hunters) Zoey (from KPop Demon Hunters) Mira (from KPop Demon Hunters) Jinu (from KPop Demon Hunters) Baby Saja (from KPop Demon Hunters) Chicken Jockey (from Minecraft) Labubu Derpy the Tiger (from KPop Demon Hunters) Elphaba (from Wicked) The Lorax Top Halloween costumes in Chicago area Labubu Mira (from KPop Demon Hunters) Rumi (from KPop Demon Hunters) Zoey (from KPop Demon Hunters) Baby Saja (from KPop Demon Hunters) Top Halloween costumes in Rockford area Rumi (from KPop Demon Hunters) Lilo (from Lilo & Stitch) Hot Dog Bride of Frankenstein Dungeon Master (from Dungeons & Dragons) Top Halloween costumes in Peoria area Rumi (from KPop Demon Hunters) Lola Bunny Snow White Starfire (from Teen Titans) Purple Minion Top Halloween costumes in Quincy area Cher Grinch Soulja Boy Zoey (from KPop Demon Hunters) Labubu Top Halloween costumes in Springfield area Ladybug Edward Scissorhands Mira (from KPop Demon Hunters) Ricky Bobby (from Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby) The Lorax This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Top Halloween costumes 2025: Most popular in Rockford, Chicago, more Eladio Carrions Latin American tour got off to a rocky start when a fans behavior brought the show to a halt. During his concert in Guatemala City on Oct. 2, the 30-year-old rapper suddenly stopped the show after someone in the crowd reportedly threw a can at him on stage, as seen in a video circulating on social media. COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turn off that shit, Carrion said in Spanish as he instructed his DJ to cut the music before turning his attention back to the audience, Who was it? Someone had to be beside that person and saw, who the hell was it? Was it you? Carrion shouted while pointing to an unknown individual in the crowd. Where did he come from? As seen in a video circulating on social media, fans near the stage can be heard yelling Kick him out and later chanting Son of a bitch at the supposed can-slinging person. Though he suspected a few people, the rapper was unable to determine who the culprit was. After attempting to continue the performance, Carrion appeared to be antagonized by a fan and once again stopped the show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont laugh too much because Im watching. Was it really you guys? he added. Anoche, en el concierto del rapero estadounidense Eladio Carrion Morales, un espectador lanzo una lata de cerveza. El cantante le dijo: "Si quieres, nos vamos uno a uno y nos rompemos la cara..."@eladiocarry_on pic.twitter.com/uurzowJ0tz Manuel Alejandro (@manuelale69) October 3, 2025 In a separate video, Carrion is heard saying, If you want, we can go one on one backstage and Ill break your face, you hear? He also advised security not to remove an individual from the crowd unless they were absolutely sure that they did it. In fact, please do it again, he said. Im begging you to do it again. Im asking you from the heart to do it again. Please. Eladio Carrion details his mood music pic.twitter.com/pHgechiv4k Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) May 22, 2024 The incident came shortly after the Latin trap artist wrapped up the North American leg of his Don Kbrn Tour in Los Angeles last month, where he brought out Big Sean as a surprise guest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Latin American leg began in Guatemala City and has since continued through San Jose, Costa Rica, and Panama City. Upcoming stops include countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Argentina, with the tour set to conclude in Mexico City on Feb. 14, 2026. ComplexCon returns to Las Vegas on October 2526, 2025, with over 300 brands and live performances by Young Thug, YEAT & Friends, Peso Pluma, Central Cee, Ken Carson, and more. Get your tickets now. Related News Whoopi Goldberg Jokes People Going to Super Bowl Should Adopt Latin Accent to Mess With Kristi Noem , Rauw Alejandro Says Hes Aiming for 2028 Super Bowl Halftime Show: Our Culture Is Global , Tomi Lahren Falsely Says Bad Bunny Isnt American While Criticizing NFL for Halftime Show Choice Related News Latto Appears to Address Pregnancy Speculation by Saying She Ate Tew Much Wagyu & Ramen' Cause of Death Revealed for Tina Turners Son, Ike Turner Jr., 67 COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess. Making Culture Pop. Find the latest entertainment news and the best in music, pop culture, sneakers, style and original shows. Earlier this month, Jimmy Fallon affirmed that The Tonight Show has never really been that political, in an effort to distance his show from the conversation about late-nights recent rupture. While he might keep his monologues clean, his musical guests bear no similar obligation. Hayley Williams took the Tonight Show stage on Thursday for the first live performance of True Believer, a chilling record about the sins that haunt the South and the ghosts that arent geographically contained. They put up chain-link fences underneath the biggest bridges/They pose in Christmas cards with guns as big as all their children/They say that Jesus is the way, but then they gave him a white face/So they dont have to pray to someone they deem lesser than them, Williams sang. She performed at a piano draped with a canvas that read Mississippi G-d Damn, a nod to Nina Simones 1964 protest anthem. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the start of Mississippi Goddamn, Simone makes clear, I mean every word of it. She feels the weight of Alabama and Tennessee, and of course, Mississippi, as she pleads, Lord have mercy on this land of mine. True Believer is born from a similar sentiment. Im the one who still loves your ghost/I reanimate your bones/With my belief, Williams sang. Her critiques of the South and particularly Nashville, where her roots run deep serve more as a warning than a complete condemnation. But hard truths arent always easy to swallow. The South will not rise again/Til its paid for every sin, Williams continued. Strange fruit, hard bargain/Till the roots, Southern Gotham. The depth of the record was amplified in its live form by a 12-piece band, including a string section that brought a deeper intensity to Williams harmonies. True Believer appears on the Paramore frontwomans latest solo album, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party. I mean, Im never not ready to scream at the top of my lungs about racial issues, Williams recently told The New York Times about the song. I dont know why that became the thing that gets me the most angry. I think because its so intersectional that it overlaps with everything from climate change to like LGBTQIA+ issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added: I reference this neighborhood in Franklin, really close to where I grew up, called Hard Bargain, that this formerly enslaved man bought from his former enslaver. Its still there, predominantly Black families, and its protected now. But of course, Franklin and Nashville are being gentrified all the time. The reason I was writing about Nashville a lot is that we came home from tour and I thought, Well, Im gonna go to L.A. get me outta here. Trump just got elected again, and I dont wanna be in a red state.' She stuck around Nashville, anyway. There was more work to do there. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Photo by Iris Dogg Einarsdottir Mounted high on the wall in Elin Halls Reykjavik kitchen is a pair of white horns, picked up from a Red Cross thrift store in the city. Theyre a nod to her grandfather, who once shot a reindeer by accident while on a hunting trip with his lawyer colleagues; they made him turn it into a piece of art, haunting him in his home. Hall pretends its the same pair even though her grandmother threw them away years ago. The 20-something Icelandic actress and musician enjoys incorporating some macabre items into the apartment she shares with her partner, their style a mix of modern and vintage. She points out a skull, taken from a production of Hamlet she was in while in school, wedged into a bookcase. Antique green velvet and real wood floors. A candelabrum of three lit candles on the large wood dining table, sandalwood incense smoking quietly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hall gives the impression that she is someone who has crafted her life purposely. She sits in her apartment in early September, drinking coffee in a black textured sweater set, with embellished jewelry and mismatched earrings, reflecting on what it means to aspire to a certain level of success. Her first two albums, heyrist i mer? (Can you hear me?) and Me orum orum (In other words), earned her critical acclaim and awards in Iceland and festival performances around Europe. Simultaneously, shes built an acting career that has made her well-known in the country; Hall recently played a young version of Icelands first woman president, Vigdis Finnbogadottir, in a The Crown-esque mini-series, and her 2024 film When the Light Breaks premiered at Cannes. Photo by [Iris Dogg Einarsdottir](https://www.irisdoggeinars.com/) Now, shes working with Swedish producer Martin Terefe at a studio in London and releasing her alt-pop music in English for the first time. Shes also gearing up for the countrys annual music festival, Iceland Airwaves, which shell play for the third year in a row this November. Theres a sense that she could take this career anywhere she might want. In my head, it's very two different things, making music in Iceland and then making music internationally, and it kind of messes with your head sometimes, Hall muses. I had this unique decision to make to stay in my own cultural context or leave it. And when I decided to leave it, because I decided to work with an international team, there have been so many things that have snuck back on me, these questions of how ambitious am I, and do I want fame, or things that just were never a part of, I think, how I saw myself as an artist. I'm just in awe, still, that I'm able to be a musician. My biggest fear isn't not making it. It's to lose the things that I already have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hall grew up a middle child, with two sisters, about 10 minutes away from her current place in Reykjaviks city center. She describes it as boring in large part because her parents wanted her to stay inside; theyre Icelandic, but they had lived for years in New Jersey and Montreal, where kids couldnt necessarily always roam where they wanted. Iceland is a very safe country, but my parents weren't really used to giving their kids that same freedom, she says. I sometimes felt really trapped inside, but that was actually cool, because I learned how to operate GarageBand and iMovie and create things inside my room. Those creations ended up on big stages even when Hall was just starting out. At 15 or 16, she performed with her guitar at Icelands Eurovision qualification competition, placing third. That appearance was seen by a director who hired her for her first professional acting gig, in the TV series Case. She describes herself as an ambitious child. Hall wanted to be everything: a hairstylist, a doctor, a filmmaker, a musician, a dancer, a weather news person. She never really grew out of that desire. I grew up, and I'm still trying to do three different careers at the same time, she says with a smile. Music was everywhere as a kid, woven into the schools she attended and the community of musicians and artists in Iceland. The country has become known for punching above its weight in terms of musicians who achieve international success across genres Bjork, Sigur Ros, Of Monsters and Men, GusGus, and most recently Laufey, to name a few. Iceland Airwaves has been held since 1999, featuring a combination of on- and off-venue shows that completely take over the city, bringing performers into museums, churches, bars, and even volcanic caves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We really, I think, are open to people experimenting and just listening to what other people are creating. It's a very open atmosphere, and there are lots of opportunities for new emerging artists, Hall says. Icelandic people are just a very music-loving country, which also just creates a lot of good energy around it. It trickles down to the music schools, and even just our normal schools. My elementary school wasn't specifically artsy or anything, but there was still a lot of encouragement from teachers to experiment. Photo by [Iris Dogg Einarsdottir](https://www.irisdoggeinars.com/).com During my visit to Reykjavik to experience the citys music scene with Iceland Music, I witnessed some of that energy firsthand. The Laufey songs trickling through the speakers on my Icelandair flight, the Sigur Ros music permeating the familys perfumerie Fischersund as we closed our eyes and smelled the kerfill of founder Jonsis childhood summers, the sweaty dancing during Inspector Spacetimes gig at the bar Priki and Bjorks DJ set at record shop Smekkleysa, the deteriorating piano saved after the storm that flooded local label and artistic space Marvaa. Even our visits to non-music spaces, like the Sky Lagoon spa and sauna, where we looked out over the ocean, or the pizza place BakaBaka, felt imbued with some sort of collective energy. Iceland Airwaves, which runs from November 6-8, brings together the local community. Hall used to sneak into shows as a teenager, and she performed adjacent Airwaves sets at venues not directly tied to the festival for seven or eight years before the festival officially added her to its lineup. Two years ago, she opened the festival at the Frikirkjan church. Last year, she played at Art Museum, one of the festivals biggest stages. This year, shell close the festival on Saturday in a full-circle moment. I love how it just completely changes this part of the city. There's music everywhere, people everywhere, and you can just kind of go from the church to the concert hall and there's gigs, Hall says. You can go from seeing Aurora to seeing Eva, to seeing Monsters and Men. There are so many artists that I have read about and then discovered that they played Airwaves right before they blew up. Photo by [Iris Dogg Einarsdottir](https://www.irisdoggeinars.com/) Will Elin Hall blow up even more than she has already? Next March, shell open for Laufey at Korinn in Reykjavik's suburb of Kopavogur. But shes not sure where this will all go, only that she wants to keep making music and telling stories on screen and on stage. Fame in and of itself is less of a concern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do not aspire to be too famous at all, Hall says. I'm famous enough in Iceland, and it's just, I know the pros and cons of that, so I kind of like being able to go to London and nobody knows who I am. That's really cool to me. (On my trip home, Ill see her bright blue eyes and red hair magnified on a giant Blue Lagoon advertisement at the airport.) Her pivot to singing in English, most recently on songs like Wolf Boy and Heaven to a Heathen, isnt necessarily because she wants more international success. However, she grew tired of having to over-explain the meanings behind her songs to non-Icelandic audiences. Still, both languages come with their freedoms and restrictions. It's very fun to write in Icelandic because there are a lot of things that haven't been said, and I feel like there aren't a lot of people writing from the perspective of my generation, she says. But English is just different because it's a way more forgiving language. There are so many wrong ways to say things in Icelandic. You just speak more generally in English, which sometimes can be more fun to write poetry that way, [because] it has more meanings. English can sometimes be a bit more ambiguous, but in Icelandic, for that same sentence, there are five ways to say it, and they all mean different things, and you have to choose. She thinks maybe shed move abroad one day, but it feels far away at this moment. She has her community here. The tiny underground music venue next door, her studio downstairs, the National Theater and Concert Hall just a few minutes away, her friends close by and coming over for dinner parties at the big wooden table. We look out her large picture window onto the city, rain drizzling down the pane. I just really think, Hall says, this is the most beautiful part of Reykjavik. Photo by [Iris Dogg Einarsdottir](https://www.irisdoggeinars.com/) Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue Want more great Culture stories from Teen Vogue? Check these out: The new season of "Monster" focuses on Ed Gein, a 20th century killer known for his gruesome house of horrors. Gein, who lived in a small town in Wisconsin his entire life, admitted to killing two women. He also admitted to robbing multiple graves and adorned his house with items created from body parts. In the Netflix show, Gein played by actor Charlie Hunnam attempts to dig up his mother, Augusta Gein's, grave. Augusta (Laurie Metcalf) is said to have had a strong influence on her son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Fanatically religious," according to the Gein biography by the true crime write Harold Schechter, Augusta Gein raised her two sons in near isolation, preaching the immorality of modern women. While Ed Gein's brother Henry attempted to pull away, Ed Gein remained devoted to his mother until her death in 1945. Did Ed Gein Dig Up His Mother's Grave? Earl Kileen, the district attorney of Washaura County, said in a press conference in 1957 that Ed Gein had denied robbing his mothers grave, according to the biography Deviant by Harold Schechter. But according to Scott Bowser, an Ed Gein expert who gives tours in the killer's hometown of Plainfield, Wisconsin, the killer tried and failed to find his mother. He tried, on numerous occasions, to go dig her up, but she was on a cement vault and he couldnt get to her, Boswer tells TODAY.com. (Bowser adds, however, the series isn't entirely accurate, focusing "heavily on gore and shock value rather than truth or history.") Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to "Deviant," Kileen said the same in the press conference: "His mother's coffin was encased in a concrete vault." Kileen also confirmed Ed Gein robbed the grave of a woman buried in a wooden box next to his parents' burial plot. Schechter, speaking to Rolling Stone, shares the theory that Ed Gein was attempting to retrieve his mother. The earliest bodies (he) exhumed formed a semi-circle around his mothers grave, Schechter said. As for whether Augusta Gein's influence had to do with what her son became? A 1957 summary from the chief of medical services at Wisconsin's Central State Hospital concluded that Ed Gein was "overly attached to his mother." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report said that it seems probable that this activity was the result of his desire to re-create the existence of his own mother. After the death of his mother, he felt that he had a special power whereby he could raise the dead to life by an act of his will power; and when he found that this was not successful, his emotional needs influenced him to attempt the re-creation of his mother by using the parts of bodies from other graves, the report said. Ed Gein also lambasted the moral standards of the two women he killed. His comments had a "strong religious connotation," per a social service report from in 1957, and he had learned "religious training from his mother." This article was originally published on TODAY.com Emmy award-winning comedian and former late night television host Jay Leno has two upcoming performances in Connecticut this year. Leno will bring his stand-up show to Warner Theatre in Torrington on Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. The show will be held inside the theater's Oneglia Auditorium. Tickets for Leno's comedy show at Warner Theatre start at $50. There are no orchestra pit tickets available for the show, according to the Warner Theatre's website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to his Torrington show, Leno also will perform at Ridgefield Playhouse at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9. Tickets start at $126, according to Ridgefield Playhouse's website. The New Rochelle, New York, native is best known for his work on "The Tonight Show." Leno started being a substitute host in place of Johnny Carson on the show in 1986. He then took over as host of the late night show in 1992 until 2009, then he hosted it again from 2010 to 2014. After leaving "The Tonight Show," Leno hosted a reality series from 2014 to 2022 on CNBC called "Jay Leno's Garage." The comedian, who collects cars as a hobby, gave car reviews, motorcycle reviews, compared cars and explored the history of automobile brands. Leno continues to make car-related videos on his YouTube channel, "Jay Leno's Garage." Leno previously has performed at Connecticut venues including The Palace Theatre in Stamford and Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville. This article originally published at Former 'The Tonight Show' host Jay Leno to perform stand-up shows in CT. General Hospital spoilers for Friday, October 10, 2025, reveal Michael opens up to Monicas sister, and the new owner of the Quartermaine mansion. Meanwhile, Jordan is threatened. Does this mean shes in danger, or is she facing a verbal attack? Key Takeaways: Michael confides in Ronnie, raising questions about what secrets he shares. Jordan faces an ominous threatcould Sidwell or Portia be involved? Lucas surprises everyone by channeling his inner Cupid. Next on General Hospital Michael and Ronnie Currently, the only person who is furious over Monica giving the Q mansion to Ronnie (Erika Slezak) in her will is Tracy (Jane Elliot). Everybody else has taken the news fairly well (although was the will tampered with?). They have basically rolled out the red carpet and are moving her in. In fact, Michael (Rory Gibson) has already told her hes not going to contest the will, even though everybody thought Monica would leave him the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ronnie has learned a great deal about the Quartermaine family in a very short time, thanks to the search warrant Anna (Finola Hughes) and Chase (Josh Swickard) served. She is up to speed on Michael being a primary person of interest in Drews shooting. On Friday, look for Michael to open up to Ronnie. What does he tell her? And will there be a need for her to keep what he tells her to herself? Jordan is Threatened In other news, Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is threatened. Its unclear whether she will be threatened in a dangerous manner or face some sort of verbal threat. While we havent seen Sidwell (Carlo Rota) in a minute, he could be back on the scene, and the threat could come from something having to do with him. As far as we know, shes still undercover even though shes enjoying life in the corporate world. However, we also know that there is someone who detests Jordan and has thrown a drink at her before, and has no time for her or her attraction to Curtis (Donnell Turner). Are we in for another Portia (Brook Kerr)-Jordan showdown? Elsewhere in Port Charles While Sonny (Maurice Benard) is busy questioning Lulu (Alexa Havins), Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) briefs Drew (Cameron Mathison). She just had an interesting conversation with Michael in which he told her that he wanted her to see the kids. Drew will probably tell Willow to forget everything that Michael said and that hes the only person she can trust. Meanwhile, what was the real reason Michael went to see Willow at Elizabeths (Rebecca Herbst)? Theres something shady there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, it appears that Lucas (Van Hansis) is about to play matchmaker. This is interesting considering that when Lucas isnt busy trying to save lives or hanging out at home with Ava (Maura West), he has been raging about something or another, most recently Carly (Laura Wright) threatening to kill Drew. For now, Lucas is about to choose light over darkness. So, who becomes the target of his sudden urge to play Cupid? READ NEXT This story was originally reported on Soap Hub on October 9, 2025. Add Soap Hub as a Preferred Source by clicking here. If there's one thing Starbucks knows how to do, it's spark seasonal nostalgia. Every September, the Pumpkin Spice Latte struts back onto the stage like the Mariah Carey of fall beverages, and we all line up with scarves flying. But this year, the annual cozy caffeine rush feels a little different. Starbucks recently announced it would be shuttering stores and "simplifying" menus a corporate phrase that often translates to "say goodbye to your favorite thing." And, for longtime fans, it's not the first fall goodbye. Old-school Starbucks had a way of making fall feel indulgent, a little quirky, and sometimes downright surprising. Remember the fleeting Caramel Apple Spice? Canada's elusive Maple Cinnamon Macchiato? Or, if you're really lucky, the very limited Thanksgiving Blend that paired with your mom's pumpkin pie like it was born for the job? These were more than just drinks; they were rituals, little sips of comfort that made standing in line under fluorescent lights feel like part of the autumn magic. Now, as we sip PSLs in a pared-down Starbucks universe, it's hard not to pine for the drinks that made fall special in their own offbeat ways. With the brand tightening up its offerings, we can't help but wonder: which cozy concoction could be next to vanish? So, grab your chunky sweater, because we're about to revisit the discontinued Starbucks fall drinks we miss the most, while still holding out hope they'll come back for one last swirl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The 9 Best Coffee Bean Brands For All Of Your Brewing Needs Chai Creme Frappuccino Chai creme frappuccino in a takeout cup on the counter in a Starbucks - Ranma/X The Chai Creme Frappuccino was an under-the-radar gem of Starbucks' blended lineup; a creamy, coffee-free spiced escape that somehow managed to taste like fall even in the middle of July. Recently discontinued as part of the brand's "menu simplification" initiative (corporate speak for "we're breaking hearts one Frappuccino at a time"), the Chai Creme Frappuccino was a long-running, year-round menu item that capitalized on chai's coffee culture moment. And it quickly earned its place among those who preferred spice over sweetness in their cold drinks. Flavor-wise, it was everything you'd want from a chilled chai sweet treat: smooth, frothy, and tingling with cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and black pepper, all softened by a generous swirl of vanilla and milk. Somehow, it managed to feel indulgent without being cloying a rarity in the world of blended beverages. Fans are still reeling from its sudden disappearance in early 2025, especially those who considered it their year-round go-to for fall flavor. Sure, you can try to recreate it by hacking the menu, but it never quite lands the same. The original Chai Creme Frappuccino had a nostalgic, just-right spice that turned an ordinary coffee run into a tiny seasonal celebration and proved that not every fall favorite needs pumpkin to feel like home. Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato Apple crisp oatmilk macchiato in Starbucks cup surrounded by fall leaves - Madison Watts / Facebook The Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato was Starbucks' attempt to bottle up the cozy essence of apple pie and make it sip-able think a love letter to fall without the squash. Introduced in 2021, it was initially crafted with dairy milk, then reintroduced with oat milk the following year, making it the brand's first official dairy-free fall drink. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flavor-wise, it was warm and nostalgic in a different way from its pumpkin-spiced counterparts. The espresso mingled with notes of baked apple, brown sugar, and spiced oat crumble creating a taste reminiscent of the gooey filling in an old-school apple crisp. The drizzle on top (sweet and buttery, with just the right hit of cinnamon) sealed the deal. It was sweet, yes, but layered, with that toasty oat flavor grounding it all in a subtle sophistication. Fans embraced the drink as a lighter, more balanced fall option, but as Starbucks began trimming its menu this year, the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato didn't make the cut. In fact, it seemed that apple flavors (with the exception of the Baked Apple Croissant) wouldn't make a comeback at all this year, and fans were upset. So much so, that Starbucks recently announced a limited-time apple menu launching October 14, though the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato won't be among the returning favorites. Toasted Graham Latte A fall Starbucks takeout cup on a table filled with toasted Graham latte - Starbucks News/X One of those Starbucks creations that felt like a warm hug wrapped in nostalgia, the Toasted Graham Latte was a special sip that smelled like Saturday morning cereal and tasted like fall in a cup. Debuting in 2015, it was Starbucks' first brand-new fall beverage in over a decade, joining the Pumpkin Spice Latte and Salted Caramel Mocha lineup with its own distinctly cozy personality. Inspired by the comforting flavors of cereal milk and honey-kissed graham crackers, it featured espresso, steamed milk, and a lightly sweet graham syrup, all topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon-graham crumble. Flavor-wise, it hit that perfect midpoint between dessert and daily caffeine fix. It wasn't as sugary as the PSL, nor as intense as the mocha. It was mellow, toasty, and just nostalgic enough to make you feel like you were drinking childhood memories from an adult-approved cup. The cereal milk-inspired flavor was subtle, buttery, and beautifully balanced by warm spice, which made it a sleeper hit among those who prefer their fall drinks on the less cloying side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite its cult following, the Toasted Graham Latte quietly vanished from menus after just a couple of seasons. Starbucks never gave an official reason, but like many niche favorites, it likely fell victim to the brand's ever-rotating seasonal lineup. Fans still remember it fondly, especially during PSL season, when a little part of them misses that soft, toasty sweetness that made autumn mornings feel extra special. Zombie Frappuccino A zombie frappuccino from Starbucks on a car dashboard in a parking lot - Airing My Laundry/Facebook Think less cozy autumn treat, more haunted sugar rush and you'll land somewhere in the creepy (and undead) realm of Starbucks' Zombie Frappuccino. Released just in time for Halloween 2017, it was available for only a few ghoulish days, from October 26 to 31, and instantly became a hit with anyone who loved a gimmick with their caffeine. Unlike the brand's usual "crunchy leaves and sweater weather" fall drinks, this one leaned fully into spooky season. Its look alone could stop traffic: a swampy green creme base streaked with "blood-red" mocha drizzle and topped with a swirl of pink whipped cream meant to resemble brains. Flavor-wise, it was a weirdly wonderful mash-up of tart green apple blended with caramel and vanilla, striking a balance somewhere between sour candy and caramel apple. It wasn't subtle, but that was kind of the charm. Fans treated it less like a coffee order and more like a Halloween collectible. Some loved the novelty, while others were horrified in the best way. It was divisive, sure, but it got people talking, and snapping photos before their whipped "brains" melted. The Zombie Frappuccino was always meant to be short-lived, part of Starbucks' tradition of limited-run Halloween drinks like the Franken and Frappula Frappuccinos. But in the years since, it's become a fondly remembered oddity a reminder of when Starbucks let itself get a little wild and weird. In a sea of pumpkin spice, the Zombie stood out for daring to play dress-up. Teavana Oprah Cinnamon Chai Tea Latte Oprah Winfrey and head of Teavana standing in front of a Teavana display holding glass mugs of Starbucks coffee - Kevin Mazur/Getty Images The Teavana Oprah Cinnamon Chai Tea Latte was Starbucks' attempt to bring a little extra spice, purpose, and celebrity flair to the chai lineup. It was first launched in 2014 as part of Starbucks' post-Teavana acquisition offerings, built around a signature Oprah Chai blend part black tea, part rooibos, and infused with bold cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves and designed in collaboration with Teavana and Oprah Winfrey, with a portion of proceeds intended for her educational foundation. But by early 2017, Starbucks stores stopped carrying the Oprah Chai latte in their cafes, though the chai blend continued to appear in retail Teavana offerings for a bit longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for flavor, this chai was pronounced, cinnamon-forward, with warmth from the ginger and depth from the cloves and cardamom tying into the black tea base. Some fans on Reddit appreciated that it was spicier and more assertive than Starbucks' standard chai, seeing it as a chai with backbone, not just sweetness. Others felt the cinnamon intensity veered close to overpowering, or that it lacked balance when prepared loosely by baristas. In the context of discontinued fall drinks, the Oprah Chai offered a different seasonal pitch: not pumpkin, not apple, but spice and warmth with a hint of star power. Its departure underscores how Starbucks has gradually pared back its more experimental seasonal teas, leaving us nostalgically paging through old menus, wishing for that chai that dared to channel Oprah more than any PSL ever could. Maple Pecan Latte A Maple Pecan Latte in a Starbucks mug next to a peacan muffin on a plate - Cinema Wolverhampton/Facebook The Maple Pecan Latte was pumpkin-free fall in a cup with sweet, nutty notes that added just the right amount of festive flavor to your morning routine. First spotted in Starbucks stores in 2017, it arrived like the cool cousin of the Pumpkin Spice Latte: still seasonal, still cozy, but with its own swagger. This latte was all about balance. The quality maple syrup gave it a warm, caramelized sweetness, while the pecan flavor added that nutty, almost bakery-fresh depth. A robust shot of classic coffee shop espresso cut through the sweetness, making it feel indulgent but not over-the-top. And those little yellow and orange sugar crystals sprinkled on top were pure autumn sparkle perfect for Instagram, but even better for sipping on a crisp morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alas, the Maple Pecan Latte was fleeting, vanishing after its debut season. Starbucks never spelled out exactly why it disappeared, but rumor has it sales didn't quite rival the PSL. For those still craving it, there's a non-dairy Maple Pecan Latte-inspired creamer you can hack at home, but it's not quite the same as sipping the real-deal in all its fall glory. Frappula Frappuccino A Starbucks employee holding a Frappula Frappuccino surrounded by pumpkins and Halloween decorations - Starbucks Australia/ Facebook Ah, the Frappula Frappuccino. Another relic of Starbucks' quirky foray into limited-run Halloween horror-based concoctions. Introduced in October 2015, this frightful frap was part of the brand's spooky-season line-up, following in the ghastly footsteps of the Franken Frappucino. This one leaned into the gore with raspberry syrup dripped through a white chocolate creme base, with an extra layer of grave dirt-colored mocha sauce for good measure. Its appearance was dramatic and theatrical, but the white chocolate-raspberry combo was nothing short of classic the recipe for a Halloween horror icon if there ever was one. Taste-wise, this vampire's delight was as sweet as a sack of candy. The creamy white chocolate base was saccharine, made even more indulgent with that puddle of rich mocha sauce, though the tartness of the raspberry syrup helped to cut through some of that sweetness. While some found it a delightful treat, others felt it was toothachingly sweet. Despite its initial popularity (the drink was reincarnated for the 2016 Halloween lineup), the Frappula Frappuccino was discontinued after just two years. And since Starbucks has streamlined its menu to remove all of the creme-based Frappuccino options, you can't even Frankenstein this one back to life. In the grand tapestry of discontinued fall Starbucks creations, the Frappula stands out as a bold, albeit brief, experiment in seasonal flavor and theatrical presentation. Smoked Butterscotch Latte A close up of two black Starbucks mugs filled with creamy butterscotch latte with foam art on top - MAHATHIR MOHD YASIN/Shutterstock A blend of smoky sophistication and sweet nostalgia, the Smoked Butterscotch Latte was a hard left turn from the uber colorful, Insta-famous Frappuccinos Starbucks was famous for in the mid-2010s. Debuting in 2016, this underappreciated gem took espresso and steamed milk and gave them a butterscotch twist kissed with a hint of smokiness. The result was a grown-up drink that felt like sipping dessert by a fireplace in some impossibly chic cabin: sweet, salty, and just mysterious enough to make you raise an eyebrow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latte hit at the height of Starbucks' experimental era, when the brand was toying with ways to go beyond the pumpkin-spice-everything playbook. Fans who discovered it loved the velvety texture and caramelized richness, but it never quite hit the mainstream hype machine like its PSL sibling. Some found it too subtle; others called it downright addictive. Either way, it quietly disappeared after a few seasonal runs, one of those "blink and you'll miss it" fall moments we still talk about like an old flame. Though Starbucks hasn't brought it back, you can still find hints of that flavor in its seasonal coffee blends proof that smoky-sweet magic isn't entirely gone, just lingering in the haunted graveyard of discontinued fall drinks. Witch's Brew Frappuccino Purple Witch's Brew Frappuccino from Starbucks - nkotb soldiers/X Like its vampire and zombie-inspired cousins, the Witch's Brew Frappuccino was designed to shock rather than satisfy a caffeine craving. It rests among Starbucks' more adventurous (and Instagram-ready) forays into seasonal whimsy a drink that leaned full-on Halloween rather than Taylor Swift-coded autumn coziness. It surfaced briefly in 2018 as a limited-time specialty, making more of a splash for its aesthetics than its longevity. Visually, the Witch's Brew Frappuccino was a wicked winner. Looking like something that might bubble up from a cauldron, the lavender-hued orange creme base was garnished with a green chia seed pudding and sprinkled with green "lizard scale" accents that gave it a slightly slimy texture. The flavor was the most unexpected aspect, rooted more in citrus and cream than in color theatrics. It leaned towards an orange creme taste with a lighter, brighter palette than the witch's potion of bedtime lore. As with many of Starbucks' Halloween experiments, the Witch's Brew was never meant to stick around. It disappeared after a short window, never to be seen again. Fan reaction to it was mixed but intrigued: some praised its creativity and bold presentation, while others questioned whether the flavor lived up to its visual chops and if the chia seed texture really belonged in a Frappuccino. The general consensus was that it was more of a Halloween trick than a year-round treat. Chile Mocha A chile mocha in a takeout cup next to a bagel from Starbucks - Macaulay Sulkin CRBN/X Dia de los Muertos received due but fleeting representation in the Starbucks repertoire with the Chile Mocha. First released in the fall of 2016, this daring seasonal selection aimed to push Starbucks' flavor boundaries, pairing the sweetness of chocolate and espresso with a dash of chile spice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drink's creators took inspiration from traditional Mexican chocolate recipes mole sauces, horchata, and warm spiced beverages to guide the experiment. Ancho chile (for its fruity, less punishing heat) and a bit of cayenne kick things up just enough for milder palettes. When brewed, the drink combines espresso and steamed milk, fused with rich cocoa, accentuated by cinnamon, sea salt, and that subtle chile punch. A whipped cream topping was dusted with a spice blend of paprika, cinnamon, sugar, and chile powders. Unfortunately, Starbucks quietly shelved the Chile Mocha after its first season; it did not return in fall 2017 and has since lingered among the drink ghosts fans still remember fondly. Within the constellation of discontinued fall Starbucks drinks, Chile Mocha stands as a bold experiment, willing to flirt with warming autumnal heat, even if its run was fleeting. Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. Read the original article on Chowhound. KAMPALA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Uganda and Somalia on Wednesday signed three new memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key sectors. The agreements were signed in Kampala, Uganda's capital, during the second Joint Permanent Commission meeting between the two countries, covering security, education and sports, immigration, and labor. Officials said the new pacts are expected to bolster regional trade, mobility, and stability. According to government officials, the MoUs will create new opportunities in education, migration, and labor, alongside future collaboration in security, health, and refugee affairs. One of the agreements focuses on protecting the rights of Ugandan citizens working in Somalia and establishing legal employment pathways for Ugandan teachers, health professionals, and other skilled workers. Uganda currently has more than 20,000 citizens employed in Somalia. The two-day meeting was co-chaired by John Mulimba, Uganda's minister of state for foreign affairs in charge of regional cooperation, and Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, Somalia's minister of education. In a joint communique, the ministers commended the "fraternal relations" between the two countries and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, and the free movement of people to improve livelihoods. "The two sides expressed satisfaction with the existing bilateral relations and agreed to further strengthen cooperation to facilitate trade, investment, and people-to-people connections," the communique read. The meeting brought together senior government officials, business leaders, and private sector representatives from both countries to review progress in bilateral cooperation and explore new opportunities. Held under the theme "Promoting Uganda-Somalia Partnership through Investment, Trade and Tourism and Harnessing Opportunities in Both Countries," the two-day summit underscored both countries' commitment to fostering mutual growth and regional development. Theres a special kind of magic that lingers in the Caribbean, a place where the sunsets blush in shades of gold and rose, where waves whisper secrets to the shore, and where time itself seems to soften. The islands here are not just destinations; they are living, breathing works of art, each with a rhythm, a scent, and a story all its own. From volcanic peaks to hidden coves, from reggae nights to coconut mornings, the Caribbean is a dream that doesnt fade when you wake up. For travelers in search of places that stay with you long after your plane takes off, these islands deliver something deeper than luxury. They give you warmth, soul, and moments that make you wish your vacation could last forever. These are 11 Caribbean destinations so beautiful, so full of heart, that youll find yourself scheming for ways never to leave. St. Lucia Image Credit: Shutterstock. Few places capture the imagination quite like St. Lucia. The twin Pitons rise dramatically from the Caribbean Sea, covered in lush rainforest that seems to shimmer in the morning light. Beaches here are framed by volcanic cliffs and palms that sway like theyve known the rhythm of the island forever. The island feels alive, not just with nature, but with music, color, and joy that fills every moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adventure seekers will find endless thrills, from ziplining through the forest canopy to diving into crystal waters near Anse Chastanet. Meanwhile, hot springs bubble gently near Soufriere, where visitors can bathe in mineral-rich mud believed to rejuvenate both skin and soul. But St. Lucias real magic lies in its people, warm, witty, and welcoming, with a culture that blends African, French, and Caribbean influences in the most graceful way. When night falls, the island glows under starlit skies, and the air hums with laughter, drums, and the scent of spiced rum. Whether youre watching the sunset from a cliffside infinity pool or dancing barefoot on the sand, St. Lucia has a way of making the world fade away until all thats left is the pure joy of being. Barbados Image Credit: Shutterstock. Barbados is where elegance meets energy. This coral island glitters with white sands and turquoise seas, but its the islands soul, its rhythm and hospitality, that truly captures hearts. Bridgetowns colonial charm and lively markets tell stories of history and resilience, while the countryside is dotted with sugarcane fields that whisper of centuries past. Days in Barbados can begin with a sunrise swim at Carlisle Bay and end with the laughter of locals sharing rum and stories under the stars. The islands cuisine is an adventure of its own, flying fish, macaroni pie, and spicy pepper sauce served with the kind of warmth that feels like family. And the music never stops: calypso, soca, and reggae float through the air, inviting you to join the dance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What makes Barbados unforgettable is how it blends sophistication and simplicity. You can spend the morning in a luxury resort and the afternoon at a beach shack eating fried plantains with your feet in the sand. Every corner feels alive, and every moment feels like a celebration of the good life. Turks and Caicos Image Credit: Shutterstock. Turks and Caicos is where luxury meets untouched beauty. Grace Bay, with its sugar-white sand and crystal-clear water, is often ranked the worlds best beach, and once you see it, youll understand why. The colors here defy logic: turquoise so bright it glows, sunsets that look painted by gods, and coral reefs bursting with life beneath the waves. Snorkelers and divers explore a kaleidoscope of marine wonders, while couples stroll along endless shores with only the sound of the ocean for company. Yet for all its upscale resorts and private villas, Turks and Caicos never loses its charm. Its peaceful, personal, and unhurried, an island chain that feels designed for those who crave serenity more than spectacle. At night, the stars feel impossibly close. Beach bonfires flicker, and soft island music drifts across the breeze. Theres no rush here, only the deep, contented sigh of a place that reminds you what true paradise feels like. Jamaica Image Credit: Shutterstock. Jamaica doesnt just invite you in, it wraps you in warmth, rhythm, and soul. The island pulses with energy, from the reggae beats echoing in Montego Bay to the laughter spilling from street food stalls in Kingston. Its beaches, mountains, and waterfalls are just the backdrop to something far richer: a spirit of resilience and joy that lives in every smile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adventure lovers can climb Dunns River Falls or raft down the Martha Brae, while culture seekers explore Bob Marleys home or visit Rastafarian villages that celebrate peace and unity. The air smells of jerk seasoning, the colors are as bright as the people, and the sunsets paint the horizon in shades of freedom. Jamaicas greatest treasure is its people, proud, passionate, and endlessly creative. Every encounter feels personal, every story worth listening to. By the time you leave, youll realize Jamaica isnt just a destination. Its a state of mind, a rhythm that stays with you long after your plane takes off. Aruba Image Credit: Shutterstock. If sunshine had an address, it would be Aruba. With near-perfect weather year-round, this One Happy Island is a blend of endless beaches, rugged desert landscapes, and smiling faces at every turn. The islands pastel buildings and gentle trade winds make it feel both exotic and familiar, the kind of place where you immediately feel at home. Days are filled with snorkeling in turquoise waters, exploring the rocky beauty of Arikok National Park, or simply relaxing on Eagle Beach, one of the Caribbeans finest. The sand is powdery soft, the sea calm and welcoming, and the sunsets are works of art. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What makes Aruba special is its carefree, happy spirit. Locals genuinely love sharing their island, and their kindness feels contagious. You leave Aruba not just tanned, but transformed, lighter, freer, and already planning your return. The Bahamas Image Credit: Shutterstock. The Bahamas is an archipelago of dreams, more than 700 islands scattered across the bluest water on Earth. Some islands, like Nassau, are bustling with life, while others, like the Exumas, offer pure tranquility. Everywhere you look, the sea shimmers in impossible shades of blue and green. Visitors swim with pigs, dive into underwater caves, and walk along pink-sand beaches that seem to stretch into infinity. The culture here is as colorful as the water, vibrant music, flavorful food, and festivals that celebrate life itself. But its the Bahamian warmth that leaves a lasting mark. Whether youre buying conch salad from a beach shack or sharing a laugh with a local fisherman, theres a kindness here that makes you feel part of something real. Its beauty you can see, and love you can feel. Curacao Image Credit: Shutterstock. Curacao is where color meets culture. The pastel-hued architecture of Willemstad looks like a watercolor painting come to life, while hidden beaches and diving spots call to explorers. This Dutch-Caribbean island is vibrant, creative, and unapologetically itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visitors spend mornings wandering cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, then afternoons snorkeling in turquoise coves. The food is an eclectic mix, Dutch pastries, Caribbean spices, and Latin flair all on one plate. Curacaos nightlife, fueled by music and joy, is as lively as its daytime charm. What makes Curacao truly stand out is its authenticity. Its less touristy than many Caribbean destinations, offering a genuine taste of island life. You feel connected, not just to the place, but to its heartbeat. Dominica Image Credit: Shutterstock. Dominica is the Caribbeans wild soul. Known as The Nature Island, its a paradise for adventurers who crave waterfalls over beach bars and jungle trails over crowds. Its rugged landscapes, boiling lakes, and misty mountains give it a raw beauty that feels otherworldly. You can snorkel in Champagne Reef, where bubbles rise from volcanic vents beneath the sea, or trek through rainforest to find secret waterfalls hidden behind thick greenery. Every step feels like discovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dominica is less about luxury and more about connection, with nature, with yourself, with something ancient and untamed. Its the Caribbean stripped to its essence, and thats what makes it unforgettable. St. Kitts and Nevis Image Credit: Shutterstock. St. Kitts and Nevis are small, twin jewels of the Caribbean. St. Kitts boasts lush rainforests and historical charm, while Nevis offers tranquility and old-world elegance. Together, they create a perfect balance between exploration and peace. Ride the scenic railway that circles St. Kitts, visit old sugar plantations, or hike up Nevis Peak for sweeping views. Life here moves slowly, by design. Locals greet you with genuine warmth, and its easy to lose track of time as you sip rum punch under the palms. These islands are places to exhale, to disconnect from the noise of modern life. Visitors come for a few days, and often dream of never leaving. Anguilla Image Credit: Shutterstock. Anguilla whispers where other islands shout. With no high-rises and few crowds, its a sanctuary of pure calm and beauty. The beaches, like Shoal Bay and Rendezvous Bay, are so pristine they look unreal, and the sea glows in a dozen shades of blue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here, luxury is subtle and soulful. Boutique hotels and beachfront villas offer privacy without pretense. The islands food scene is world-class, with hidden seaside restaurants serving lobster, grilled snapper, and fresh mango cocktails under the stars. What keeps people coming back is Anguillas soul, the kindness of its people, the rhythm of its waves, the peace that seeps into your bones. Its not just beautiful. Its healing. Grenada Image Credit: Shutterstock. Grenada, the Spice Island, is intoxicating in every sense. The scent of nutmeg and cinnamon fills the air, tropical flowers bloom everywhere, and the beaches shimmer like gold dust. Grand Anse Beach is postcard perfection, but its the islands culture that truly dazzles. Markets overflow with color, fruits, spices, crafts, and smiles. Music drifts through the streets, and every festival feels like a celebration of life. Beyond the beaches, youll find waterfalls, plantations, and hiking trails that reveal Grenadas lush heart. Grenada isnt about showing off; its about feeling alive. Its the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after youve left, warm, fragrant, and full of heart. The first Black woman chef to lead a restaurant in France to a Michelin Star leaves her signature fedoras at home when she packs her bags to travel the world. Her beloved hats stay safe and protected, but Georgiana Viou takes her culinary brilliance into kitchens from Africa to America. I continue to cook around the world wherever I am invited. Thats how Im here at Dakar NOLA today. This is my way of carrying the message forward, sharing and shining a light on this cuisine that is within me, says Chef Viou. In early August, the chefs culinary adventures took her to New Orleans for an exciting collaboration with Serigne Mbaye, the co-owner of Dakar NOLA. The Senegalese restaurant in New Orleans was named the Best New Restaurant at the 2024 James Beard Awards, No. 6 in North Americas 50 Best Restaurants 2025 and The Best Restaurant in South USA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Viou met the Eater New Orleans 2021 Chef of the Year when Mbaye went to Marseille, and she recalls what he said to her. He came to Rouge to have lunch. He was like, Wow, I really appreciate this time. This food inspires me, and I want you to come to my place. Connecting Culinary Crossroads They connected again at Dakar NOLAs Food, Friends & Heritage on Every Plate event held in partnership with Open Table. The sold out, $300 a person dinner on August 5, brought together the talents of two chefs who have blended their cultural crossroads to create exceptional cuisine. I moved to France when I was 22. I made my adult life in France, mostly in Marseille. I also have those African and French roots. For Serigne, it is the same thing, but he is from Senegal and I am from Benin, Chef Viou says. New Orleans, with its French and African roots made the Benin-born chef feel at home. Mbaye chose the city after being born in Harlem and raised in Senegal. His award-winning tasting menu reflects his fondest memories of cooking in Dakar with his mother. Pictured (L-R): Georgiana Viou, Serigne Mbaye and Dr. Afua Effie Richardson | Photo credit: Jeremy Tauriac Chef Viou arrived at the restaurant Mbaye co-owns with Dr. Afua Effie Richardson, carrying her own recollections of favorite foods from Benin and France. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cooking here, along with Chef Serigne, was like laying the first stone on this bridge that connects our histories, our land and our memories. Thats why it means so much for me to cook here, to come and discover this city and cook with this team, continues Viou. They welcomed me with such warmth and generosity. I have some tears in my eyes because it seems like we knew each other for a long time, you know? The chefs discussed the menu before deciding to serve dishes from each of their culinary collections. Mbaye began the dinner by welcoming guests with the Senegalese tradition of serving hot mint tea. Next, Viou presented her ata from Benin, a fritter made with black-eyed peas which is called akara in Senegal, Nigeria and other West African countries. Dakar NOLA specializes in Senegalese cuisine made with fresh seafood and local produce, so the guests dined on a crab and caviar dish before sampling a bouillabaisse famous in Marseille. Viou and Mbaye collaborated on the next offering, a Senegalese main dish of braised chicken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We made the traditional yassa and decided to mix it up. We cooked the chicken whole, made the skin very crispy and added a whole onion. We served the chicken with carrots, rice and condiments from Senegal. You have the flavors of the real yassa, but the presentation is different, says Viou. The highlight of cooking with Mbaye and his team came after the French dessert of chocolate cake and ice cream. My joy came from seeing the smiles on peoples faces. They were like wow for everything. And they understood this story about bridges, about connecting Africa to America to France, shares the highly regarded award-winning chef. Pictured: Dish served during Chef Serigne & Friends featuring Chef Georgiana Viou event held in partnership with Open Table in August | Photo credit: Jeremy Tauriac Viou applauds the Dakar NOLA team for an unforgettable experience that brought two voices together and introduced guests to new flavors. And to hear them say some flavors they didnt know before and appreciate, and some flavors they know but are discovering another way, it was incredible. Everybody was a part of the success of this moment. Georgiana Viou Takes Her Culinary Talents Back to Benin It was Chef Georgiana Vious mastery of Mediterranean cuisine accented with Beninese flavors and ingredients that drew the interest of the Michelin Guide. The dishes she served at Rouge in Nimes, France, won a coveted Michelin Star in 2023, grabbing the worlds attention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, she left the restaurant where she had excelled for four years. The two-time winner of Gault Millau guide toques and the 2021 recipient of the Grand de Demain trophy decided to temporarily take her culinary talents back to Benin. Ive been focused on European cuisine. I want now to be focused on cuisine that draws from French techniques, but not exclusively, while embracing the bold, deep flavors of West Africa. Im very proud today to represent a contemporary African cuisine with a female voice, says Chef Viou. Pictured: A dish by Georgiana Viou | Photo courtesy of Georgiana Viou Viou grew up in Cotonou, where her mother owned a popular restaurant. She is knowledgeable about city markets, Benin cuisine and her moms cooking techniques. That gave the chef a unique approach to designing the menu for LAmi at the Sofitel Marina Hotel & Spa. In Benin, it is still the same idea of developing a cuisine that bridges West African and French influences. At LAmi, I cook French but with local ingredients. Also on the menu, I have some recipes typical for Benin, where I add something from France, she says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team Viou trained handles the day-to-day cooking at the fine-dining brasserie . The self-taught chef, respected for Rouges Michelin Star, devotes much of her time to encouraging young Africans in Cotonou. The thing is to showcase this star, not only by doing some event where I get a check. It is to transmit knowledge in Benin, where I came from, and to push up all the youth that are interested in cooking, confirms Viou. Building Bridges with a Michelin Star Chef Vious work at Sofitel in Benin is part of a much larger ambition to build bridges between culinary cultures. She began moving more in that direction as she considered what she wanted her food to represent in the future. You need to know where you are coming from to know where you are going. I used to say Im making soul cuisine. But if I just say it with my mouth, it doesnt matter. What does soul cuisine mean? My soul is my story and history, the Benin native explains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June of last year, Viou went to a former firehouse in Oakland, California, to tell her story at Bombera, a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Mexican restaurant. She cooked alongside chef Dominica Rice Cisneros at an event celebrating the diversity of cuisines in Oakland and Marseille. Pictured: Georgiana Viou serving a guest during Chef Serigne & Friends Featuring Chef Georgiana Viou | Photo credit: Jeremy Tauriac Rouges former chef describes her approach at Bombera. I cooked bouillabaisse for 150 people. It is not just taking ingredients and putting them together to make something. It is why I am doing this, where does it come from and what does it mean? I try to connect people to that story. The renowned chef has also traveled to Scotland, Brazil and Colombia. Her U.S. trips included a return to the 5th Family Reunion at Sheila Johnsons Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Virginia. Chef Kwame Onwuachi presented the event through a partnership with Food & Wines publisher Dotdash Meredith. The August reunion brings together top culinary talent to promote and support racial and ethnic diversity in the hospitality industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vious participation in the Middleburg gathering and her recent collaboration with James Beard semifinalist Mawa McQueen demonstrate her commitment to connecting people from different cultures. Aspen, Colorados Mawa Kitchen is a Michelin Guide restaurant serving Afro-Mediterranean cuisine with French American touches. Food is a universal language. Maybe it is the way today to reconnect people to themselves, to stop wars, misunderstandings and sorry for the word, but the BS happening all over the world, suggests Viou. Recognizing Black Womens Michelin Magic In 1926, the Michelin Guide began awarding stars to restaurants, not individual chefs. Today, Michelin inspectors consider the quality of ingredients, flavor harmony, technique mastery, chefs cuisine expressions, and menu consistency when awarding restaurants up to three stars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Restaurants led by three Black women chefs have earned one-star recognition from Michelin. They are Mariya Moore-Russell, Viou and Adjejoke Bakare.The star awarded to Londons Chishuru restaurant made Nigerian chef Bakare the first Black woman in the U.K. to receive such an honor. Were going to cook together at the end of August. Shes coming to Benin. My father was from Nigeria. I didnt know my father a lot, so it means a lot for me to cook with this lady and create bridges with another country, adds Viou. Ironically, neither Michelin stars nor her celebrity as a Black female chef mattered much to Viou before Rouges recognition. I never thought I would have a Michelin, so it was a special day. It is one of the days I will never forget in my life. I was not thinking about having a gastronomic or fancy restaurant. I was just about having a place where people could come and eat in a comfortable place. Pictured: Guests at Chef Serigne & Friends Featuring Chef Georgiana Viou event | Photo credit: Jeremy Tauriac At first, Viou disliked people mentioning that she is the first Black African woman chef to receive Michelin recognition in France. You have so many people looking for this recognition, and they dont have it. In the beginning, I was always saying, Why do you want me to talk about my skin color? Why do you want me to talk about where I am from? Its just about cuisine and cooking, the chef admits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That viewpoint changed as Viou realized that she and other Black chefs in Michelin-starred restaurants had achieved breakthroughs that mattered. Now, I understand that it is important because when I changed my job to become a cook, no chefs in France looked like me. So, today, its a simple thing to say, Hey girl. You have people like you. Viou now embraces the magic of being a Michelin first and the powerful light it shines on Black chefs and their culinary contributions. However, her passion for cooking was her primary motivation for leaving a career as a foreign language interpreter for on-the-job training in professional kitchens. I love everything in cooking. I love the beginning, the middle and the end, says the Michelin chef. Cooking is not just a pan with some ingredients. Our job is something larger. It is a real experience. Pictured: Oyster dish by Georgiana Viou | Photo courtesy Georgiana Viou The Nimes resident expresses how the love of cooking compels her to greet restaurant guests at the beginning of service, so she can see who she is preparing a meal for and say hello. When it is about cooking, I forget everything. I forget my knee pain, the timing and everything. It is very special. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 48-year-old chef compares her vocation to acting in a stage play night after night. Even if you are cooking the same plate every day, each day you have to be focused because some things can happen, and it will be a nightmare. Every day is a new experience, Viou states. RELATED: Adejoke Bakares Vision for Chishuru in London Lands Michelin Stardom Spotlighting Africas Culinary Gems In between her travels to build culinary bridges, the chef is also pursuing a new venture. She plans to open a restaurant in Marseille. This will be a cuisine combining French technique with African flavors. I hope to only use local products. We have some products that you couldnt find in France until now. Chef Viou favors the use of innovation to improve traditional recipes. She likes to use modern techniques and equipment to reduce cooking time and increase options, without erasing the spirit of the original dish. For example, she might use a food dehydrator to dry fruits and vegetables or add a natural thickener to freeze ice cream faster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everything for me is common sense. I am not the kind of cook that needs to make a smoke that tastes like a pizza, Viou declares. I cannot say that I am trying to spread a message and then destroy everything so that people are lost. No, I have to keep the essence of the cuisine Im fighting for. Chasing Michelin recognition is not part of the chefs strategy for winning over more fans with cuisine celebrating flavors from West Africa. Although she would welcome the respected guides approval of her new restaurant, Viou hopes her cooking in France and Benin will put a spotlight on Africas culinary gems. In two or three years, I hope to make so much noise that they have to come and visit. I hope the people at Michelin will be interested in what we are doing there and come and visit us, she says. Chef Viou is not alone in noticing the absence of Michelin stars or other prestigious awards for restaurants on the African continent. Mastercook Africa producer Abigail Mbuze wrote about it in a 2023 article for Amazons Watch Magazine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From Cape to Cairo, all across Africa, our local cuisine is fresh, organic and deliciously served in the most ingenious ways. What needs to be done to get the global foodies community interested in our local cuisine? said Mbuze. Outside of the continent, six African chefs are at the helm of Michelin-rated restaurants. In 2021, Mory Sackos Mosuke became the first African-owned establishment in France to win a Michelin Star for West African-influenced cuisine. The other chefs in France are Viou and South African Jan Hendrik van Westhuizen. Pictured: Georgiana Viou (middle) with the team for Dakar NOLA in New Orleans | Photo credit: Jeremy Tauriac In London, managing director Ire Hassan-Odunkales Ikoye has two Michelin Stars. Michelins London inspectors gave one star to Adejoke Bakares Chishuru and to Aji Akokomi and Ayo Adeyemis Akoko restaurant. This year, three South African restaurants made the Worlds Best list. The International Restaurant Awards placed Tanzanias Neela Collection and South Africas Level Seven among the worlds top places to eat. Still, Chef Viou and others argue that Africa is long overdue for being included in Michelin Guide recognition and other prominent culinary competitions. We need that visibility. We need some folks who understand that we also have a story and a history to tell. A Michelin Star Story Told Chef Vious Michelin Star book, Oui, Cheffe ! Du Benin a letoile Michelin, itineraire dune battante, was published in March. An English translation of Yes, Chef! From Benin to the Michelin Star: Journey of a Fighter will be released in the coming months. The chef is also the author of two cookbooks, Ma cuisine de Marseille and Le gout de Cotonou Ma cuisine du Benin. Whatever attention and accolades Viou receives today are part of the arsenal she will use to help others shine. For me today, how I can showcase and celebrate this star is this work to create bridges between France, Africa and other countries. That is the importance that I am giving this star today, says Viou. The mother of three dreams of opening a Beninese pastry shop with her daughter and two sons someday. She knows that idea and her new Marseille restaurant will demand the same determination and culinary excellence that earned Rouge a Michelin Star. You just have to follow your dreams. When you fall down, you just have to find the energy, push on your legs and breathe again, Chef Viou advises. But you have to be focused, smart and work hard. If you are not a hard worker, nothing will happen for you. A small town in Fairfield County, home to fewer than 10,000 residents, is a prime spot for fall adventuring, at least according to one national publication. Easton, tucked in the southeast corner of the state, was highlighted last week in Business Insider, as a fall "gem," filled with farms, trails and fall cuisine for visitors to sample. Foliage along Hemlock Reservoir in Easton on Oct. 28, 2021. (Patrick Sikes / Hearst Connecticut Media) "Though many travelers head to Vermont or New Hampshire for a fall escape, I say there's nothing quite like autumn in Connecticut," author Alexa Mellardo wrote. "Growing up in the state allowed me to explore the quaintest towns most tourists miss, and one of my favorites is Easton. In my opinion, it's the most magical when its streets are lined with crimson and gold leaves, and endless fall adventures await." Mark Guinta helps customers Kim O'Reilly, with her son James, of Redding, as they select a Christmas tree at Maple Row Farm, in Easton Dec. 6, 2023. The Town of Easton has official been named the Christmas tree capitol on Connecticut. (Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media) Among those fall attractions, Mellardo focused primarily on the farm's in the region, recommending visitors secure a tub of gelato from the farm store at Shaggy Coos Farm and Creamery, visit the baby goats of Blue Button Farm and sipping hot chocolate - before taking a Christmas tree to go - at Maple Row Farm. Easton was named the "Christmas Tree Capitol of Connecticut" in 2023. Silverman's Farm in Easton is open for apple picking. (Autumn Driscoll / Hearst Connecticut Media) But for those not yet ready for the winter holidays, Business Insider keeps the guide fall-focused, with a tip to snag a pumpkin-spice latte and sample pastries from Greiser's Coffee & Market, before sampling the fresh-pressed cider at Silverman's Farm for a full flight of fall-flavored drinks. Foliage along Hemlock Reservoir in Easton on Oct. 28, 2021. (Patrick Sikes / Hearst Connecticut Media) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And for travelers looking to feel the crisp air on their skin, Mellardo directs them to the trails around Crow Hill Preserve. "There's something invigorating about exploring a new trail while immersed in quintessential New England foliage, with autumn leaves crunching beneath your feet," she wrote. This article originally published at This small town in Connecticut was named the best 'fall escape' for travelers. Are you into terrifying, dark, and creepy stories? Subscribe to the That Got Dark newsletter to get your weekly dopamine fix of the macabre delivered RIGHT to your inbox! BuzzFeed We asked members of the BuzzFeed Community who live outside the United States to share the most disturbing crime case from their country. Here are their chilling responses: 1. China The violent murder of Hong Kong model and influencer Abby Choi PETER PARKS / AFP via Getty Images "Her given name was (Cai Tianfeng). Nearly two years ago, in 2023, Chois decapitated body was found in an apartment. Various parts of her body were found around the kitchen. Some in the fridge, and her skull was found in a soup pot. Searches for her body parts are ongoing, and several people have been arrested on reasonable suspicion for her murder. However, the case has still not been resolved." chillgoblin3381 What happened: Abby Choi was a 28-year-old Hong Kong model who disappeared on February 21, 2023. Days later, her body was discovered brutally dismembered. Her ex-husband Alex Kwong, his brother, and their father were charged with her murder, while her ex-mother-in-law was accused of obstructing justice. Authorities believe the killing stemmed from a bitter dispute over property and money, particularly a luxury apartment Choi had purchased but registered under the Kwong familys name. The case, still ongoing in court, is regarded as one of Hong Kongs most shocking murders due to its gruesome details and involvement of close family members. THOMAS COEX / AFP via Getty Images "A man killed his wife and four kids in their home in 2011 and disappeared from the surface of the earth. From time to time, people claim they have found him. In 2018, it was in a monastery in a French village. In 2019, they even arrested a poor man in Scotland. Even recently, some French streamers said they found him in China. But still no one knows where this man is today." sokkola Related: 37 School Scandals That Are So Wild, They Should Be Optioned For A Documentary What happened: In April 2011, the bodies of Agnes Dupont de Ligonnes and her four children were found buried under the terrace of their home in Nantes. They had been drugged and shot, and the family dogs were also killed. The father, Xavier Dupont de Ligonnes, vanished at the same time and became the prime suspect. He left behind strange letters claiming he was a secret agent being relocated, but investigators believe it was a cover-up. Despite a massive manhunt and reported sightings, he has never been found. The case remains one of Frances most infamous mysteries. 3. Portugal The widely publicized Madeleine McCann case about a 3-year-old British girl who went missing from her bed in 2007 while her family was on vacation in Portugal. Handout / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I watched the documentary that came out not too long ago and it shook me to my core because they were so close but so far to finding her and it still bothers me since she probably wont be found." kathryn9300 What happened: Madeleine McCann was a three-year-old British girl who disappeared from her familys holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3, 2007, while her parents dined nearby. Despite years of investigation, she has never been found, and no one has been convicted. In 2020, German prosecutors identified Christian Bruckner as the prime suspect, but lacked sufficient evidence to charge him. In June 2025, police conducted a new search in Portugal linked to Bruckner, though nothing conclusive was found, and in September, he was released from a German prison after serving time for an unrelated rape conviction, with the case still unresolved. 4. Finland The unsolved Tulilahti double murder case that had a wild twist. "This is about the double homicide of two young women in 1959 in Tulilahti, Finland. The women, who had been travelling across the country via their bicycles, had been killed on a camping ground and were buried in a bog. A habitual offender was arrested, but he died by suicide in 1961 before trial, leaving the case unresolved." Naomi Rahim / Getty Images Anonymous What happened: In July 1959, 21-year-old Eine Nyyssonen and 23-year-old Riitta Pakkanen vanished while camping in Heinavesi, Finland. Weeks later, their bodies were found in a shallow grave in a swamp near their tent one had been stabbed, the other fatally struck with a blunt object. Their bicycles and belongings were also hidden nearby. The main suspect, ex-convict Runar Holmstrom, was arrested after witnesses placed him in the area, but he denied guilt and died by suicide in 1961 before the trial. The case remains one of Finlands most infamous unsolved murders, and as of 2025, no breakthrough has been made. 5. Luxembourg The Bommeleeer Affair (bomber affair), a mysterious series of bomb attacks in the '80s. Isitsharp / Getty Images "The bomb attacks on infrastructure installations and public buildings happened between 1984 and 1986. Nobody knows who did it, but conspiracy theories are rife: perhaps somebody working for the government or even somebody from the Grand-Ducal family?!" Anonymous, 44, Luxembourg What happened: The Bommeleeer Affair was a series of 20 unsolved bombings in Luxembourg targeting power lines, police stations, and public infrastructure, which caused damage but no deaths. Long suspected to be linked to state security forces or Cold War strategy of tension operations, the attacks sparked one of the countrys biggest political scandals. Two former elite police officers were tried decades later but acquitted in 2017, leaving the case unresolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 2025, it has resurfaced with eight former law-enforcement officials facing trial for false testimony related to earlier proceedings, though no one has ever been convicted for the bombings themselves. 6. Australia The disappearance of the Beaumont children Keystone / Getty Images "It happened near Adelaide in 1966, and it's believed they were abducted and murdered." markporter1 Related: People Are Sharing The Moment They Realized They Were Dating One Of The Dumbest People Alive, And It's Way Funnier Than It Should Be What happened: Jane, Grant, and Arnna Beaumont disappeared on Jan. 26, 1966, after taking a bus to a nearby beach. According to their mother, they were supposed to return home at noon, but did not. Their father, Jim (pictured in the photo above on the left), drove to the beach to find them but was unable to do so. He returned to the beach again with his wife and both looked for them there, around the streets, and at friends' houses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities spoke with a number of witnesses, who had apparently seen the children at a nearby reserve with a "tall man." Other witnesses also reported seeing the children at a shop and then walking away from the beach. There have been a number of suspects over the years, and, as late as 2018, there was still a $1 million reward offered for information related to the cold case. Andrew Lichtenstein / Corbis via Getty Images "I used to live where the 'Highway of Tears' is in Canada. Over 120 First Nations women have been murdered in 40 years (the government and cops only count 40+ women). There have been three convicted serial killers (possibly more), cops suspected of raping some women, and the government of 15 years ago caught destroying evidence and documents about the crimes. It's shameful and an atrocity." anniemosity "In Canada, it's absolutely horrifying how many Indigenous women go missing. They make up 11% of missing women yet Indigenous people as a whole are only 4.3% of the population. To make matters worse, most victims' families have said they're just met with indifference by police." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement zoegomez101 What happened: The "Highway of Tears" is a 450-mile corridor of Highway 16 in British Columbia, and a location where many Indigenous women have gone missing and/or been murdered since at least 1986. According to the Highway of Tears Governing Body from 1989 to 2006, nine young women went missing or were found murdered there. All but one of these victims were Indigenous women. However, many people believe that the number is over 30. 8. Norway The truly bizarre Isdal woman case Heritage Images / Getty Images "The Isdalskvinnen (the woman in Ice Valley) or the 'Isdal woman case.' In 1970, a family hiking in the mountains near Bergen stumbled across the partially burned body of a woman. Anything that could identify who she was or where she had come from had been removed, down to cutting the tags out of her clothing. When police shared a picture of the woman's face, a number of people around the country remembered seeing her, and a suitcase believed to be hers was found in a left-luggage locker at Bergen's main railway station, but again, nothing that could identify her was found." "It's possible she was from Belgium she checked into hotels with cleverly faked addresses from different Belgian cities but she didn't match any description of a missing person in Belgium or elsewhere in Europe. Police have kept her lower jaw because she had some unusual dental work, but to this day, no one knows who she was, what she was doing in Norway, or even if she was murdered or ended her own life." flodnak What happened: As mentioned above, "the Isdal woman" is a made-up name that was assigned to an unidentified woman whose burned body was discovered in a remote part of Norway's Isdalen valley on Nov. 29, 1970. Although many clues were found by authorities, her identity and mysterious death remain unsolved. 9. Canada The highly suspicious death of Madison "Maddy" Scott in British Columbia. "Maddy went to a party with a friend, intending to camp overnight, the friend ended up going home, and Maddy vanished without a trace. Her remains were found 12 years later on a rural property. Its been almost 14 years now since the night she disappeared and no one has ever been charged in her death." savorycomet662 Related: 17 Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Dark And Tragic Things I Just Learned About That Should Honestly Be Illegal To Know What happened: Madison Maddy Scott was a 20-year-old from Vanderhoof, B.C., who vanished after attending a party at Hogsback Lake on May 28, 2011, when her tent and truck were found abandoned, but she was missing. Despite years of searches, her case remained unsolved until May 2023, when her remains were discovered on a rural property east of Vanderhoof. The RCMP continues to treat her death as suspicious, though no cause of death or suspects have been confirmed, and the investigation remains active. 10. England The shocking murder of Jill Dando that is somehow still unsolved. Paul Buller/TV Times via Getty Images, Avalon / Getty Images "She was a well-known British TV presenter who was shot dead on her London doorstep in broad daylight, and 24 years later, it remains an unsolved case." vix_da_vixen What happened: Jill Dando was 37 years old when she was shot dead outside her home in Fulham, an area of London, on April 26, 1999. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A man named Barry George was eventually arrested for murder, found guilty, and sentenced to life in prison in 2001. However, in 2007 his conviction was overturned, and in 2008 he was cleared of the crime after a retrial. Although many other theories exist, including ones involving various hitmen, the case remains unsolved. 11. Belgium The Bende van Nijvel , also called the Nijvel Gang or the Brabant Killers, and their series of violent crimes. - / BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images "It was a group of criminals that committed a bunch of crimes (murders, robberies, etc.) in the '80s. They were never found nor was their motive ever discovered. Their last attack was in a popular grocery store chain, which they robbed, and eight people were killed in the process. Their total number of victims racks up to 28 dead and 40 injured. It's believed that at least one of the gang members was a police officer or something like that because of the weird coincidences and information they had." Anonymous, Belgium, 33 What happened: The Bende van Nijvel, or Brabant Killers, were a violent gang that terrorized Belgium between 1982 and 1985 with a series of supermarket and restaurant robberies marked by extreme brutality, leaving 28 people dead. The small amounts of money stolen compared to the scale of violence led to suspicions of political motives, links to far-right groups, rogue police, or Cold War networks. Despite decades of investigation, mismanagement, and alleged cover-ups, no one has ever been convicted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, Belgium controversially closed the official investigation, but the case remains one of the countrys most infamous unsolved mysteries. 12. Australia The suspicious disappearance of 3-year-old William Tyrrell "He disappeared in NSW on September 12, 2014. He was at his foster grandmother's house, where he just... disappeared. It scares me how he hasn't been found." Anonymous What happened: William Tyrrell vanished in 2014 while playing at his foster grandmothers home in Kendall, NSW, Australia. Despite a massive search and a $1 million reward, he has never been found. Police now suspect he may have died in an accident at the foster home, though his foster mother, who has never been charged, denies involvement. Her conviction for assaulting and intimidating a different child (unrelated to William) was recently overturned. As of 2025, the case remains unsolved, but a coronial inquest is nearing its conclusion. In recent months, a podcast has aired new allegations implicating convicted child sex offender Frank Abbott in knowing where William might be buried. 13. Japan The horrifying Setagaya family murder, aka the "Goldilocks Murder" Francesco Bonino / Alamy "The husband, wife, and their two kids were murdered during a home invasion by an unknown assailant who then remained in the family's house for several hours before disappearing. He ate their food, used their toilet, and computer, and napped on their couch. There was so much DNA evidence left behind, but the killer was never caught. I lived in the same area when I was young, so thinking about it still gives me chills." Anonymous What happened: In 2000, all four members of the Miyazawa family were murdered in their home in Setagaya, Tokyo. The killer entered, committed the killings (three by stabbing, one by strangulation), then lingered in their house for hours, eating, using the computer, and leaving behind DNA, fingerprints, and footprints. Decades later, no suspect has ever been arrested. Recent calls from the victims relatives and others urge Japan to expand legal use of advanced DNA techniques to generate fresh leads, as investigators hope such methods may finally break the cold case. Related: If You Can Answer 82/92 Of These Random Knowledge Questions, You're An Absolute Genius 14. Bulgaria The mysterious and confusing disappearance of Lars Mittank , a young German man on vacation in Bulgaria who was last seen on security footage running out of an airport and into a nearby forest. "I am neither Bulgarian nor German, but Lars Mittank's disappearance has always fascinated (and scared) me. Mittank went to Bulgaria on holiday with some friends, but never made it back home. Shortly before he was scheduled to board a flight home, he was overheard saying, 'I dont want to die here. I have to get out of here.' He then fled the airport, running to the forest. He left his wallet, passport, and luggage behind. The video of him fleeing the airport and being seen possibly alive for the last time is haunting." bravesgirl21 What happened: In 2014, 28-year-old Lars Mittank vanished in Bulgaria under mysterious circumstances. After suffering a minor ear injury on holiday, he stayed behind when friends returned home. He began showing signs of paranoia, telling his mother people wanted to kill him. At Varna Airport, he abruptly fled the terminal without his luggage, sprinted into nearby woods, and was never seen again. Despite searches and international coverage his CCTV footage going viral Mittanks fate remains unknown as of 2025, making it one of Europes most baffling missing person cases. 15. England The suspicious death of Gareth Williams , a British intelligence employee who was possibly assassinated. Steve Parsons - PA Images / PA Images via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The spy in the duffel bag. His naked remains were found in a duffel bag, padlocked from the outside, in the bath of a safe house. No forensic evidence was found that pointed towards it being an accident, and the key to the padlock was found underneath his body. The official cause of death was probably an accident but a KGB agent claims he was killed by the Russian SVR." lucyfiona What happened: Gareth Williams, a British intelligence expert who worked for GCHQ (the UKs cyber-intelligence agency) and was temporarily assigned to MI6 (the foreign spy service), was found dead in 2010 inside a padlocked bag in his London flat. An inquest ruled his death likely involved someone else, but police later suggested it could have been an accident. As of 2025, no suspect has been identified, and a 2024 forensic review found no new DNA evidence or proof of foul play. 16. Egypt The case of Gaddafi Farag , aka the "Giza Butcher." @ Didier Marti / Getty Images "He violently killed at least four people, including his wife, in an attempt to cover up fraud." Anonymous What happened: Gaddafi Farag, known as the Butcher of Giza, was an Egyptian serial killer who murdered at least four people between 2015 and 2017 to cover up fraud and identity theft. Arrested in 2020, he was sentenced to death multiple times. As of 2025, Egypts highest court has confirmed his death sentences, and the case has gained new attention through the popular TV drama Safah El Giza (Butcher of Giza). 17. Finally, Argentina The case of Carlos Eduardo Robledo Puch , aka "The Angel of Death." "He's a convicted serial killer who came from a wealthy family and murdered 11 people in the greater Buenos Aires area in the early '70s." Anonymous What happened: Between 1971 and 1972, Carlos Eduardo Robledo Puch, who was between 19 and 20 years old at the time, killed at least 11 people and committed multiple robberies, kidnappings, and sexual crimes. Arrested in 1972 and sentenced to life, he has spent 53 years in prison, making him Argentinas longest-serving inmate. In 2025, despite being offered a move to a looser regime, he refused and instead asked for euthanasia due to poor health a request impossible under Argentine law. Love this kind of content? Subscribe to the That Got Dark newsletter to get more like it delivered RIGHT to your inbox! BuzzFeed Also in BuzzFeed: I'm Positive You Won't Recognize More Than 22 Of These Things Unless You're Gen Z (Or A Really, Really Cool Millennial) Also in BuzzFeed: Create Your Perfect Dating Profile And We'll Reveal Exactly How You'll Find Your Soulmate Also in BuzzFeed: 75 Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Dark Unsolved Mysteries That Are Burned Into People's Memories Read it on BuzzFeed.com A Pennsylvania state trooper remained hospitalized in serious condition Thursday and another was treated and released after they were shot by a man suspected of stealing clothing from a store and leading police on a high-speed chase, investigators said. The suspect, identified in a court affidavit as Lamar Lorenzo Foy, 31, was shot and killed when troopers returned fire Wednesday evening, Pennsylvania State Police said. Police were called to a sporting goods store near Chambersburg just after 6 p.m. when suspects fled in a van with Maryland plates, authorities said. Troopers caught up with the vehicle and pursued it for more than 10 miles (16 kilometers) southbound on Interstate 81 before spike strips stopped it. Two women came out of the van and were arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charging documents filed against the two women said Foy shot two troopers with a handgun. The troopers returned fire and Foy died as a result, according to the probable cause affidavit. The two women, Amir Loren Swift, 21, and Giani Jaida McGowan, 21, both of Baltimore, were charged with retail theft and drug offenses. They are accused of stealing more than $1,000 worth of clothing from the store. Investigators said a search of the van turned up a THC, plastic bags filled with powder, money and scales. A Franklin County Jail supervisor said Thursday that the two women were being held there. Bail was denied for them both. Neither had lawyers listed on court documents. A phone number for Swift would not accept messages. Gov. Josh Shapiro said he and his wife, Lori, were praying for the officers and asked others to join them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvanias law enforcement officers are the very best of us running towards danger every day to keep our communities safe, Shapiro said in a post on the social platform X. The shooting took place just north of the Maryland state line near Chambersburg, about 85 miles (135 kilometers) northwest of Baltimore. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Been there for 26+ years: Family items removed from gravesites at Barnstable cemetery Trinkets, teddy bears, and memories were all removed from the gravestones at Beechwood Cemetery in Barnstable this week. The move by the town, which was fueled by complaints and concerns of safety, left many frustrated, including Walter Sylvia. My whole family is here. My mom, my dad, my aunt, my grandma, and my uncle, Sylvia said. This is where I come to say hi to them. Sylvia has regularly visited the burial sites of his family members at Beechwood Cemetery for decades, including his father who was a Barnstable police officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sometimes I sit here and have lunch with him, Sylvia said. Sylvia explained that his nieces and nephews had left little trinkets on their grandpas gravestone to remember his life and legacy, and they stayed there for many years, until last week, when he got a call from his sister. She said, go look at dads grave, see if everything was there., Sylvia remembered. I came here, noticed everything was gone. They went over to Mosswood Cemetery in Cotuit, looked out back and found my fathers stuff that was on the graves, thats been there for 26+ years, on the ground, outside in the elements. I was angry. Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 272, Section 75 prohibit anyone from removing items from a burial lot without authority. However, since Beechwood Cemetery is run by Barnstable, the town has every right to remove the items, especially since their rules and regulations state that items like wind chimes, toys, pin wheels, and stuffed animals are not permitted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sept. 27, the town posted on Facebook, letting the community know what was happening, but for people like Sylvia who dont use Facebook or regularly check the towns pages, he said it was a surprise. We had no idea they were doing this, and we dont know why, we were never told why and we just want some answers as to why they did this, Sylvia said. Even more so, Syliva wants to know why these rules are only just now being enforced, after these items had served as a representation of the love his family had for his father for more than 25-years. I dont know why, and I just want an answer, Sylvia pleaded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Communications Manager for the Barnstable Department of Public Works, Kelly Collopy, provided the following statement: The Town of Barnstable communicated the planned cemetery code enforcement via multiple channels, including official Town social media accounts, weekly Town newsletter, and the Towns mobile app to ensure broad accessibility. We understand the sentimental value of decorative items placed by families, but the cemetery regulations are in place to ensure safety and maintain the integrity of the grounds. Over the years weve made a conscious effort to accommodate residents and visitors efforts, but recent complaints and concerns related to visitor and staff safety have required more diligent enforcement. We appreciate residents understanding as we work to balance tradition with responsible cemetery management. Kelly Collopy This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW For the second time in 10 days, millions of pounds of corn dogs and corn dog-like products have been recalled because they may have wood in the batter. And again, the recall hits some of the nations leading grocers, including Walmart, Kroger, Publix and Target. This not-food-in-your-food recall pulls 3.8 million pounds of Foster Farms Corn Dogs and turkey on a stick products. Most of these stores also got hit in September when Hillshire Foods recalled corn dogs and sausage on a stick products sold under the Jimmy Dean and State Fair brands. MORE: 58 million pounds of recalled corn dogs might have wood where you dont want it The recall wasnt made by Texas-based Hillshire Foods, but by Foster Farms Poultry of Livingston, California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem was discovered after FSIS received a consumer complaint involving an injury from consumption of these products, the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service recall notice said. Additionally, (Foster Farms Poultry) received multiple consumer complaints, five of which involved injuries. A box of 36 Foster Farms Corn Dogs Seven recalled corn dog varieties were sold in retail stores. Among the major chains that listed the recall on their sites: Publix said it sold only 16-count Foster Farms Corn Dogs boxes with an 8/4/2026 best by date. Kroger said it sold those 16-count boxes, but with best by dates of 11/21/2025, 3/18/2026, 5/15/2026, 7/21/2026 and 8/4/2026; and 12-count boxes with an 8/12/2025 best by date. Target said it also sold the 16-count boxes of Chicken Corn Dogs and 12-count boxes of Foster Farms Gluten Free Corn Dogs. Walmart didnt list which corn dogs it sold, but said they went to stores in Puerto Rico, Florida, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Missouri, Kentucky, Mississippi Pennsylvania, Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming. Walmart said this also involves Sams Club stores in Puerto Rico, Florida, California, South Carolina, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Foster Farms Gluten Free Corn Dogs Six products are in cases or packaged to go to USDA Commodity Foods places, the Department of Defense and some schools as part of commercial sales, not the National School Lunch Program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Return recalled food products to the store for a refund or throw them out. If you have questions about the recall, call Foster Farms at 800-338-8051, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time, or email info@fosterfarms.com. Its Thursday, which means the newest drought monitor has been released by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Data is valid as of Tuesday, October 7, at 7 a.m. C.D.T., and the drought monitor was released on Thursday, October 9, at 7 a.m. C.D.T. More great progress has been made in alleviating the ongoing drought in Arkansas. However, any rain that fell after Tuesday at 7 a.m. is not included in this drought monitor. On Monday into Tuesday, a nontropical area of low pressure brought showers to parts of eastern Arkansas, and a cold front brought spotty showers across the state. Some of this rain will show in next weeks drought monitor. As of October 9, 19.4% of Arkansas is not experiencing any drought-related conditions. Areas in western and southwestern Arkansas arent in any drought monitor category as of the latest update. In the abnormally dry category (yellow), 80.5% of the state falls under this classification. Since last week, the biggest leeway was made in the severe drought category (orange/dark tan). As of October 9, 14.3% of the state is in severe drought. Compared to last week, 20.1% of Arkansas was in the severe drought classification. That means 5.75% of the state saw improvements. Last weeks drought monitor, with data through September 30 at 7 a.m. C.D.T. and released on October 2, had a larger area of severe drought and moderate drought (light tan). On the October 2 drought monitor, 48.4% of the state was in at least moderate drought. As of October 9, 45.1% of Arkansas is in moderate drought. Thats an improvement of 3.26%, which is small, but any progress is good progress. The October 2 drought monitor showed that 80.3% of Arkansas was in at least the abnormally dry category, or the category right before drought begins. On the October 9 drought monitor, 80.5% of the state is in at least abnormally dry conditions. This means that Arkansas saw a very small increase in those experiencing abnormally dry conditions (an addition of 0.29% of the state). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. NEW ORLEANS, La. (KLFY) Escaped inmate Derrick Groves was apprehended after a tip to Crimestoppers led police to his location, ending a months-long search. Groves was the last of ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail in May. His arrest was the result of a coordinated effort by state police, who used gas canisters and a K-9 unit to locate him in a crawlspace in the basement of a house. The operation to capture Groves took approximately three hours, during which multiple gas canisters were deployed into the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, a pistol and 15 pounds of marijuana were discovered at the scene, and Groves was not alone, suggesting that more arrests are anticipated. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Groves will be arraigned once he is returned to Louisiana and will be taken to Angola, where the other nine escapees are currently held. Murrill made after a news conference on capture of Groves. Tonight, I stood united with Louisiana State Police, along with our State, local, and federal partners to detail the arrest of Derrick Groves, said Murril. Groves was the most violent of all the inmates who escaped the Orleans Justice Center back in May, with at least four bodies to his name. He will spend the rest of his life in the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. Anyone who may have helped him will also be arrested and prosecuted. A lot of people will sleep much better tonight knowing this convicted murderer is finally back in custody. Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. KIGALI, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- More Rwandan refugees returned home from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Wednesday with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), authorities said. A total of 382 Rwandans were repatriated through the La Corniche border post in Rubavu District, the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management said in a statement. The returnees were transported to the Nyarushishi Transit Center in western Rusizi District, where they will be sheltered while undergoing repatriation procedures. The ministry said all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a safe and dignified return. "The government has established comprehensive reintegration programs to support the sustainable settlement of returnees, including access to education for children, healthcare coverage, and other services that foster social cohesion with other communities," it said. It added that through close cooperation, the government and UNHCR are working to facilitate the reintegration process, helping returnees rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. The repatriation is in line with an agreement signed in July between Rwanda, DRC, and the UNHCR, which reaffirmed the parties' commitment to upholding refugees' right to voluntary return. Data from the ministry released in September showed that more than 4,000 Rwandans had returned from DRC since January this year. SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia and India will strengthen maritime security and defence industrial cooperation, signing an agreement on mutual submarine rescue during the first annual defence ministers dialogue in Canberra, a joint statement said. Indian Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh made the first visit by an Indian defence minister to Australia in more than a decade on Thursday. A statement released by Australia after his meeting with Defence Minister Richard Marles said they agreed to pursue collaboration in defence technology, and India had offered to maintain and repair Royal Australian Navy ships in Indian shipyards during deployment in the Indian Ocean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In opening remarks, Marles said the two defence forces would increase information sharing. "All of that is taking our high-level strategic alignment and taking this to a much deeper operational level," he said, according to a transcript. The meeting also noted progress in defence cooperation between Australia, India, Japan and the United States. Australia and India are members of the Quad group, which also includes the United States and Japan, seen as a counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific. Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS defence partnership with Britain and the United States, to be based in Western Australia on the northeastern edge of the Indian Ocean. (Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney. Editing by Mark Potter) The outlet referred to the Hamas massacre as an 'escalation' in an email update sent to staff, which led to an article commemorating the second anniversary of the attack. The BBC has apologized for a staff email that referred to the massacre of October 7 as an escalation, according to a report by The Telegraph on Tuesday. The email was sent to BBC staff in recognition of the second anniversary of the terror attacks. It was addressed after staff members who received it raised concerns about the phrasing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The email was part of a regular series of updates sent by the BBC Audiences, which is responsible for audience research and advising staff on viewer feedback. The email read, As we reach the two-year anniversary of the escalations in the Israel-Gaza conflict, we asked UK audiences what they want and need from news coverage moving forward. The report went on to say that the email, in place of a picture of Israeli victims of the Hamas attack, included an image of Palestinian women and children standing amongst the rubble of fallen Gaza buildings. The Telegraph reported that a senior BBC news presenter stated it was a junior member of staff who wrote the email. He said, I dont think the people who wrote that are evil; I think they just dont understand anything about the modern world. A \'\'BBC Audiences\'\' email referring to the October 7 Hamas massacre as an ''escalation'' in the Israel-Gaza conflict. (credit: SCREENSHOT/X, SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT) To use a picture of Palestinian suffering when you are marking the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks: how does that get signed off? It just epitomises everything the BBC is having to grapple with internally, he concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Danny Cohen, former director of BBC television, commented to The Telegraph, This is shocking but not surprising. It is another example of the everyday institutional bias at the BBC. To call the 7 October terrorist massacre an escalation isdeeply offensive. It is the kind of language Hamas might use, he added. One might also assume that on this day, the picture used by the BBC would focus on Jewish victims of the October 7 pogrom. But the BBCs instinctive bias meant that this was not the case, even on this day of mourning. A BBC source defended the choice of photo accompanying the email to The Telegraph, saying it was illustrated with a picture of Gaza because it covered current audience attitudes to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the email included a link to a more detailed piece discussing the attacks. What did the email say? The email read, On October 7, 2023, the conflict between Palestine and Israel reached a new escalation when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 and taking over 200 hostages. In response, Israel launched a prolonged military campaign in Gaza, resulting in widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis. Over the following months, ceasefire efforts stalled, global pressure intensified, and civilian casualties continued to rise, sparking worldwide protests and diplomatic tensions. The letter continued, saying, In September 2025, the UK government announced its formal recognition of the State of Palestine, shortly before the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This moment presents both a challenge and an opportunity for BBC journalists in how they cover the conflict for our audiences. After the email was sent, several staff members complained about the particular wording and picture choice. A BBC insider to The Telegraph said: It is shocking that such a description of a one-sided atrocity is used in, of all things, a briefing about audience expectations from the BBC. It demonstrates - again - unconscious bias and terrible insensitivity towards Jewish staff. The BBC then issued the apology following the internal complaints, and a spokesman for the broadcaster said: This internal staff email should have been worded differently and were sorry for any offence caused. We are editing it and will replace the text on our intranet. The email is the latest controversy amid a growing list of accusations against the BBC network of anti-Israel bias. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2025, the BBC issued an apology after news anchor Nicky Schiller incorrectly referred to the three Israeli hostages who were released as "prisoners" on the air. Also, in July, the network was widely criticized for its documentary Gaza: How to Survive A War Zone when they failed to disclose that the narrator held a strong connection to Hamas, which breached editorial guidelines on accuracy. Belarusian opposition activist Maria Kalesnikava, imprisoned since 2020, has been allowed to write a long letter to her family for the first time in two and a half years. "The time of our meeting is drawing inexorably closer and it will be the happiest day," she wrote in a letter to her father, excerpts of which were published by the opposition on Instagram on Thursday. "Every morning I look at the morning sky, and every evening at the starry sky, think of you, and embrace you all tightly in my thoughts! And I always feel your love and care, which protect me and give me the confidence that we will overcome everything." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her father was allowed to visit the 43-year-old last year in a hospital at a penal colony in Gomel, following reports of her deteriorating health. In 2020, the musician was a prominent leader of protests against long-time President Alexander Lukashenko following an election widely criticized as fraudulent. She was detained in September of that year and tore up her passport in an attempt to prevent her forced deportation. She was sentenced to 11 years in prison for attempting an illegal seizure of power. According to her family, the letter is the first to be received since February 2023. More than 1,000 critics of Lukashenko remain imprisoned in Belarus. Belgium has set out its red lines regarding the use of Russian assets to finance a 140 billion reparations loan for Ukraine, including an agreement that EU countries must share all current and future risks linked to the plan, amounting to more than 170 billion. Source: Politico, a Brussels-based politics and policy news organisation Quote from Politico: "EU capitals are racing to quell Belgium's concerns around the loan ahead of a crucial summit of EU leaders on 23 October. Securing a political agreement at the summit would pave the way for the bloc to put forward a legal proposal shortly after." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Among the 27 EU member states, Belgium has the greatest stake in the matter, as the financial depository Euroclear which holds the bulk of Russia's state assets frozen after the country's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 is based on its territory. The Belgian government fears it could be held liable for any legal or financial claims filed by Russia and therefore insists that all EU countries provide guarantees for the loan, which would effectively mean using taxpayers' money to cover any potential costs. Quote from Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever at an informal European Council meeting in Copenhagen last week: "These guarantees cannot be limited to the 170 billion in cash that the Commission proposes to mobilise. The potential exposure could be much higher than the nominal amount." Details: De Wever added another condition: "The guarantees do not automatically end when sanctions are lifted. Arbitration procedures could still emerge years later." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, Belgium has set out a detailed list of red lines. Among them are the refusal to support any measures that could be interpreted as confiscation of assets; a legal commitment with clear guarantees that EU countries will share all current and future risks for both Euroclear and Belgium; and an agreement for immediate financial compensation if Euroclear is ever required to return the assets to Russia, for instance following a peace agreement. In his statement to EU leaders, De Wever argued that the Commission's plan effectively constitutes confiscation, contradicting the Commission's claim that its loan proposal does not entail the seizure of Russian state assets. "The distinction between a reparation loan and confiscation is, in reality, extremely narrow. If these assets remain immobilised for an extended period, the arrangement could be seen as a quasi-confiscation," he said. He also suggested that the Commission's plan might violate Belgium's and Luxembourg's bilateral investment treaties with Russia, which were signed at the end of the Cold War in 1989. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement De Wever further argued that the operation could prompt, among others, Chinese investors to withdraw their deposits from Euroclear out of concern that their reserves might also be seized in the future. According to a senior EU diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity, the Belgian prime minister's statement raised many complex questions that are still under consideration. However, the diplomat added that "the guarantees must be sound at the end of the day". Background: The European Commission has proposed using 175 billion in cash generated from frozen Russian state assets invested in Western government bonds to finance a 140 billion reparations loan for Ukraine and to repay a previous G7 loan to Kyiv. At present, these funds are held on deposit at the European Central Bank under Euroclear's management. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Belgian government wants other EU members to share any potential risks associated with a reparations loan for Ukraine funded by frozen Russian assets, Politico reported on Oct. 9, citing a document it had obtained. The EU has proposed a 140-billion-euro (about $160 billion) loan for Ukraine funded by cash balances associated with Russian sovereign assets, most of which are held by the Belgium-based company Euroclear. EU partners have sought to convince Belgium to sign off on the plan, while the Western European country fears it will bear all financial and legal risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talking to EU leaders during a recent summit in Copenhagen, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said that "guarantees cannot be limited to the 170 billion euros (nearly $200 billion) in cash that the Commission proposes to mobilize," according to Politico. The European Commission has proposed using more than 170 billion euros generated by Russian assets invested in state bonds to fund the reparations loan and repay an earlier G7 loan for Ukraine. Belgium also opposes outright confiscation and seeks an agreement to cover the money if Euroclear is forced to return the assets in the event of a peace deal, according to a statement reportedly delivered to European leaders on Oct. 1. Read also: The EUs ambitious plan for frozen Russian assets, explained Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EU members will likely hope to secure Belgium's consent ahead of the upcoming summit on Oct. 23, allowing them to draft a legal proposal soon after. Kyiv's Western allies and other partners immobilized around $300 billion in Russian sovereign assets at the outbreak of the full-scale war, with roughly two-thirds held in Europe. As Ukraine faces a budget shortfall amid mounting war-related costs and as other sources of funding dry up, there have been growing calls for the EU to explore more radical ways of utilizing Russian assets. The $160 billion interest-free loan would be a major boon for Kyiv, which would, nevertheless, not require outright confiscation of Russian sovereign funds, a step opposed by Belgium, France, and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine would need to repay the loan only if Russia agrees to pay war reparations as part of a potential peace deal. Read also: In Estonias border town, Russian-speaking majority enjoys NATOs shield, remains mute on Russias threat Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. California National Guard members stand guard at an entrance to the Wilshire Federal Building on June 13, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is joining Democratic state officials in a legal action against President Donald Trumps deployment of National Guard troops in U.S. cities and calling on Republican governors to also speak out against what Beshear called political stunts. Gov. Andy Beshear (Official photo) I wish I could say its silly, but its scary and its dangerous, Beshear said Thursday. You dont just get to order the National Guard into some place because you think the crime is too high or to pick a fight with a blue mayor or a blue governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is something that no other president has ever done. And theres a reason. Its unlawful and its wrong. And Im going to do everything I can to stand up to it. Beshear is part of a coalition of Democratic governors and attorneys general from 23 states and the District of Columbia who on Wednesday filed an amicus brief supporting Oregons court challenge to Trumps deployment of National Guard troops in Portland. Beshear also said hes disappointed in the bipartisan National Governors Association for its official silence on Trumps deployment of troops into places where the governors and mayors dont want them. If this organization is meant to stand up for governors, it needs to, Beshear said Thursday during his regular media briefing. Democratic Govs. Gavin Newsom of California and JB Pritzker of Illinois earlier this week threatened to leave the National Governors Association unless it takes a stand against what Newsom called an unprecedented assault on states rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beshear also said he is really disappointed in my fellow Republican governors that know how wrong this is. It is un-American and every governor should be standing up against it. Beshear, who is vice chair and chair-elect of the Democratic Governors Association, said the Trump administration is falsely claiming troops are needed to quell insurrections and that National Guard members are endangered when they are ordered into situations for which they are not trained. Its one of the hallmarks of our country that we dont have military running around on our streets. You dont get off an airplane and see military standing there with a machine gun. This is not who we are. We dont militarize our communities. Its one of the tenets of our very founding. Over the summer, Trump ordered National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles in response to immigration protests. A federal judge in September ruled that deployment violated a federal law against military members conducting domestic law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Trump has also sent National Guard troops to Chicago, Memphis, Tennessee, and Portland, Oregon, in what he says is an effort to combat crime. However, elected officials in Illinois and Oregon have argued against this move and have filed legal challenges over it. Tennessees Republican Gov. Bill Lee has welcomed the deployment. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star contributed to this report. A growing trend of injecting the blood of other drug users to get a quick high, a practice called bluetoothing, has been contributing to a surge in HIV cases across global hotspots, including South Africa and Fiji, reports suggest. The cheap method of getting a high has become popular among drug users in poverty-stricken areas of Africa and the Pacific islands. For instance, the UN has warned that the practice could be linked to a nearly 10-fold rise in HIV infections in Fiji in the decade between 2014 and 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A growing body of studies warns that heroin, or nyaope, users in South Africa are increasingly following this dangerous method. In this drug-taking method, after one user injects the drug, they withdraw blood from their veins for another user to inject it voluntarily for a less-potent, secondary high. Photograph shows syringes used by drug addicts and boxes containing HIV and hepatitis prevention tool, thrown on a mattress (AFP via Getty Images) The practice, also known as flashblood has been well documented in South Africa, where one study published in the journal PLOS One in 2023 found that as many as nearly two in five people injecting drugs could be following bluetoothing. It has also been documented as early as 2010 among heroin users in Tanzania, where researchers found that vulnerable women, who are heavy drug users and also living in shorter term housing, were following the practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people following this method to get a high are also generally poor and unable to afford or continue antiretroviral treatment for HIV, research suggests. It has been described mainly in areas of poverty with limited access to needle exchanges. Despite over a third of such users living with HIV, only 40 per cent accessed antiretroviral therapy within the past year, and one accessed pre-exposure prophylactics, the 2023 study found. Eamonn Murphy, the UNAids Regional Director to Asia Pacific, called the bluetoothing trend among Meth users in the region "extremely alarming. Last week, Fijis assistant health minister Penioni Ravunawa warned that by the end of 2025, the country could record over 3,000 new HIV cases compared to 2014 when the island nation had fewer than 500 people living with the viral infection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers warn that the practice coupled with the low uptake of treatment and preventative medicines, including HIV testing, could negate efforts to prevent and treat HIV across the globe. Scientists call for routine interviews with frequent drug users to screen for this practice and reduce stigma to allow for better harm reduction services. Boston is exploring the option of government-owned grocery stores to help people who are struggling with rising food prices. City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune and Councilor Liz Breadon requested a hearing to further discuss the concept on Wednesday. The conversation follows a proposal from New York Democratic socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani to open a network of city-owned grocery stores there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani wants to use public funds to create five city-owned supermarkets that wouldnt have to pay rent or property taxes. The two Boston city councilors pitching further discussions about the topic said their idea was not inspired by Mamdanis proposal in New York. The role of government is to step in when the market is failing our residents, Louijeune told Boston 25 News. The idea of government sponsored government subsidized grocers is not a novel idea. Louijeune referenced a grocery store on city-owned property in Madison, WI, and a city-supported grocery store that recently opened its doors in Atlanta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hearing order states cities and towns across the country have proposed or piloted publicly owned grocery stores as a means to stabilize access to affordable, nutritious and culturally appropriate food, particularly in communities where private chains have withdrawn or declined to invest. Theres a certain level of urgency because of a federal policy thats cutting SNAP benefits, said Breadon. Those of us who dont have any food insecurity sometimes forget the struggles that ordinary working families may have. Some councilors said federal funding cuts to the countrys food stamp program and rising food prices are adding to concerns. Theres an emphasis on Boston residents living in so-called food deserts of the city, including Mattapan, Roxbury, and Dorchester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The non-profit grocery store chain Daily Table closed in those three neighborhoods earlier this year. Even when you try to not use the whole check, its very gotten expensive, said Mattapan resident Raiza Benitez. Being a single mom of three girls, its hard. Food insecurity is on the rise in Massachusetts. The most recent report from the Greater Boston Food Bank found that 37% of Massachusetts households faced food insecurity this year. Thats up from 19% in 2019. You have to keep budgeting. Only the necessary things, said Mattapan resident Joy Mills. I didnt know it would ever come to this in America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some industry experts fear city-owned grocery stores would backfire on existing businesses in Boston. Peter Brennan, executive director of the New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association, sent the following statement to Boston 25 News: Using tax dollars to create unfair competition is an attack on small businesses and will be a job killer in our communities. Our mom and pop stores operate on very thin profit margins as it is. They are constantly facing rising costs, stricter regulations, and relentless economic pressure. The City of Boston should be doing more to support these small businesses that create jobs, support our communities, and provide healthy meals, goods and services to our neighborhoods. Supporting small businesses by cutting taxes and fees and creating programs to help businesses become self-sustaining is a much better use of tax dollars. Peter Brennan, executive director of the New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association Councilors Enrique Pepen, Henry Santana, Julia Mejia, Brian Worrell, and Ben Weber added their names to the hearing order. The council sent it to committee for further consideration, and a hearing could potentially follow by the end of the year. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW SAO PAULO (AP) A Brazilian Supreme Court justice said he is retiring eight years before his mandatory exit, opening a path for President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to nominate a replacement before next year's general elections. The 67-year-old Luis Roberto Barroso, who was Brazil's chief justice until September, said at the end of Thursday's session he is leaving the court to follow other directions. The announcement comes after the court recently convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro on coup charges in a high-profile case that has caused backlash from the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brazilian Supreme Court justices, who need Senate approval to assume their role, can remain in their position until age 75. I would like to live a little more the life I have left, without the awareness, obligations and public demands of the job, with more literature and poetry, said Barroso. Brazil's 11-member Supreme Court has been under heavy pressure since 2023, the same year that Bolsonaro supporters trashed its building in the capital Brasilia on Jan. 8. The far-right leader was soon afterwards put under investigation and then on trial, often with Barroso's votes in key decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September, with Barroso as chief justice, a Brazilian Supreme Court panel sentenced Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison for a coup attempt plot, which included the riots inside the court's building. The 70-year-old former president is currently under house arrest and appealing to avoid prison due to his health problems. This has nothing to do with the current environment. About two years ago I informed the president (Lula) about my intentions, Barroso added to his colleagues on Thursday. Barroso was nominated in 2013 by then President Dilma Rousseff, a close ally of Lula's from the same leftist Workers' Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2023, Lula made his justice minister Flavio Dino his latest nominee to the court. He also nominated his lawyer Cristiano Zanin to the court earlier that year. During his first terms in the presidency, between 2003 and 2010, he also named Justices Carmen Lucia and Jose Dias Toffoli, who remain on the court. ____ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america NEED TO KNOW The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge became the worlds tallest bridge when it officially opened to traffic on Sunday, Sept. 28, It towers above the Beipan River and gorge in Southern China, standing at approximately 2,050 feet A safety worker for bungee jumps and rope swings, whose new job is on the bridge, described the thrilling feeling of standing on the bridge in an interview with The Guardian The worlds tallest bridge has officially opened and the sweeping views from the skyscraping new landmark are breathtaking in more ways than one. A safety worker named Mr. Fu, who specializes in bungee jumps and rope swings, described what it's like to stand on Chinas record-breaking Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge while speaking to The Guardian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The view from the bridge is fantastic, he told the outlet of the marvel, which is located in the Guizhou province of Southern China and towers at approximately 2,050 feet. Beneath the bridge flows the Beipan River, with Huajiang Village nearby and a waterfall as well. It is very exciting the bridge is very high, and many visitors come. He adds that standing on it yourself is a thrilling feeling as well due to the dizzying height of the bridge. Liu Chaofu/VCG via Getty The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in China The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in China The bridge doesnt just boast stunning views of the landscape theres also a number of activities offered for thrill-seeking tourists. Visitors will be able to try out bungee jumping on the bridge, in addition to walking along a glass walkway 1,900 feet in the air. They can also take a high-speed elevator up to the lookout point atop one of the towers to enjoy more impressive views. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the highest points of the bridge is also home to a glass cafe called Interstellar Coffee that stands approximately 2,600 feet above the river, per NBC News. Ou Dongqu/Xinhua via Getty View from inside the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in China View from inside the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in China The bridge officially opened to the public on Sunday, Sept. 28. It took the worlds tallest record from another bridge in the Guizhou province, the Beipanjiang Bridge, which crosses over the same river. At 4,600 feet in length, it also reportedly sets the record for the worlds longest bridge in a mountainous region. Xinhua/Shutterstock The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in China The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in China Visitors can now travel much faster between two major tourist spots that the bridge connects in the region, as it cuts travel time across the canyon from two hours to two minutes, NBC News previously reported, citing local officials. 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. In addition to the faster commute across the canyon, the bridge which took three years and eight months to construct was also built as a means to increase tourism and economic growth in the region. Read the original article on People ABUJA, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria has exited its phase of economic instability and is now poised for greater investment growth, Vice President Kashim Shettima said Wednesday, crediting recent government reforms for the turnaround. "Nigeria has exited its phase of economic instability ... I assure investors that there is no better time to choose Nigeria," Shettima said in a statement following the opening of an investment summit in the northeastern state of Bauchi. He said that when President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, the economy was on the brink of a financial crisis, with the debt service-to-revenue ratio nearing 100 percent. The figure has since fallen to below 50 percent, while the country's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4.23 percent as of September. "Our non-oil revenues grew by 411 percent year-on-year in the same month. Our tax-to-GDP ratio now stands at 13.5 percent, up from barely 7 percent a few years ago. Our debt-to-GDP ratio remains at 38.8 percent, far below the limits set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act at 60 percent, and those of the Economic Community of West African States, and the World Bank at 70 percent," Shettima noted. In addition, the country's external reserves had grown to 43 billion U.S. dollars as of September, he said, maintaining that there cannot be a more potent treatment for "a bad economy" than a stable economic stimulus. Popular cruise line Celebrity Cruises will skip stops in Haiti on several of its sailings throughout 2025 and 2026. In total, Celebrity has updated 11 different itineraries to skip the Caribbean destination of Labadee, Haiti, on the northern coast of the country. This mostly affects sailings on the Celebrity Apex and the Celebrity Beyond. "To provide you with a better experience, we have made the decision to cancel our visit to Labadee, Haiti," the cruise line wrote on one updated itinerary for a February 2026 sailing on the Celebrity Apex. That stop will instead be replaced with a visit to Turks and Caicos. Other cruises will replace the stop with visits to Grand Cayman or Cozumel in Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Celebrity Cruises has communicated the changes with passengers set to board the upcoming sailings. A full listing of itinerary updates is available on Celebritys website. Before the cancellation, Celebrity Cruises offered 28 different shore excursions in Labadee ranging from snorkeling to coastal cruises, fishing, ziplining, and more. Labadee was a common stop on many of Celebrity's cruises that also stopped in Key West and in the Bahamas, including trips that stopped at Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day At CocoCay. Labadee is a private destination owned by Royal Caribbean and is only reachable by ship, according to the cruise line. Both Celebrity and Royal Caribbean are owned by the larger umbrella company the Royal Caribbean Group. The country of Haiti is currently under a Level Four travel advisory issued by the United States Department of State. The advisory, which was re-issued in July with additional guidance, is the highest level available, warning Americans to "not travel" there. Haiti has been under a State of Emergency since March 2024," the State Department wrote in its advisory. "Crimes involving firearms are common in Haiti. They include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom. Do not travel to Haiti for any reason. The agency warned kidnapping was "widespread," and said gunfire exchanges have occurred in the neighborhood just outside Port-au-Prince's international airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Celebrity's itinerary changes come weeks after Royal Caribbean similarly canceled upcoming visits to Labadee, Haiti, through April 2026. The company had initially paused visits to the destination before extending that pause. At the time, Royal Caribbean told Travel + Leisure in a statement the decision was made "out of an abundance of caution" and said the company was communicating with our guests directly." Read the original article on Travel & Leisure ROME/BEJING (Reuters) -Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi backed an Italian plan to propose a global ceasefire to the United Nations ahead of next year's Milano-Cortina winter Olympics, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Wednesday. Tajani spoke to reporters after a meeting between the two ministers in Rome. Statements from the Chinese foreign ministry on the meeting did not address the global ceasefire plan but quoted Wang as saying China is ready to work with Italy as a constructive force in maintaining peace, stability and development, and building a more equitable and reasonable global governance system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wang on Thursday met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The two sides "agreed to maintain communication on the political resolution of the Ukraine crisis," according to a separate Chinese readout of the meeting. China is willing to work with Italy to shoulder due responsibility for world peace, Wang told the Italian president. China was also willing to provide a fair, transparent, non-discriminatory and predictable business environment to encourage more two-way investment among enterprises from both countries, one of the ministry statements said. (Reporting by Gianluca Semeraro in Rome and Liz Lee in Beijing; Editing by Christopher Cushing) Chinese Premier Li Qiang promised closer cooperation with North Korea as he began a three-day visit to the country on Thursday following a recent flurry of diplomatic exchanges that signalled a thaw in relations. Li is the most senior Chinese official to visit the country since 2019. During his visit he will attend a series of events to celebrate the 80th anniversary of North Korea's ruling party. Li said Beijing was ready to work with Pyongyang to "strengthen strategic communication, maintain close exchanges and advance friendly cooperation to make greater contributions to regional and global peace, stability, development and prosperity", Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Li was welcomed on arrival in Pyongyang by his counterpart, Pak Thae-song, and a delegation of senior officials, Xinhua said. The visit is expected to coincide with a military parade on Friday commemorating the foundation of the Workers' Party of Korea, according to the South Korean news agency Yonhap. Relations between the two countries have continued to warm following North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's trip to China last month, where he attended a military parade to mark the end of World War II and held talks with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, the Chinese premier said the two leaders had "charted the course" for the future relationship between the two countries. In an article published the previous day, Chinese ambassador to North Korea Wang Yajun described the meeting as "an important opportunity to further develop friendly and cooperative relations" between the two countries. Beijing is ready to work with Pyongyang to "enhance high-level exchanges and strategic communication ... expand practical cooperation in various fields, and jointly open a new chapter in the socialist cause" of the two nations, he wrote in the piece in Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea's ruling party. A few days after Kim's visit to Beijing, Xi sent a message of congratulations to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of North Korea, pledging stronger strategic coordination with Pyongyang. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wang wrote that the message "underscored the deep mutual trust and sincere friendship between China and North Korea as good neighbours, good friends and good comrades who share a common destiny and stand by each other in times of need". Relations between the two countries would "continue to forge ahead and sail bravely through the waves", he wrote. Li, China's No 2 official, is the most senior Beijing official to attend a North Korean military parade this century, while Wen Jiabao was the last Chinese premier to visit the country back in 2009. Last month, Li met the North's foreign minister, Choe Son-hui, in Beijing, where he promised closer exchanges "at all levels" and practical cooperation in "every field". 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The city of Sioux Falls appealed its case against Johnson Properties, LLC to the South Dakota Supreme Court Thursday morning. The appeal has to do with an eminent domain payment between it and Johnson Properties, the previous owner of the land that housed Alibi Bar and Grill in eastern Sioux Falls. The city had acquired the land to finish construction near Arrowhead Parkway, but Johnson disagreed on the $250,000 compensation offered by the city. The property company then filed and won a lawsuit, which awarded Johnson nearly $140,000 in attorney fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city argued this is a court error. Its erroneous in the sense that the failure to adhere to the lodestar resulted in an error. That error prejudiced us as a consequence of resulting in the higher fee, attorney Drew Driesen said. The city said that $61,740 is a reasonable amount, based on a calculation called the lodestar figure: the number of hours expended by a legal team multiplied by their hourly rate. Johnsons attorney argued its an abuse of discretion. My position is just using an hourly rate, as was proposed by the city in this case, leaves out several of the factors, attorney Clint Sargent said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnsons legal team said the awarded amount is based off previous case law. City of Sioux Falls appealed to SD Supreme Court Now, it will be up to the Justices to decide if the lower court erred by giving Johnson its requested amount. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SUCCESS, Ark. Officials with the Arkansas State Police said on Thursday that the agency is investigating after three people were killed in a Wednesday night SUV crash in Clay County. Officials said troopers were called out at 10:30 p.m. to a reported single-vehicle wreck on Arkansas Highway 211, north of Success. Arkansas State Police urge online safety conversations ahead of school year Arriving troopers found a 2001 Xterra that had veered off the road, entered a ditch, hit a tree and caught fire, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver, 19-year-old Izabella Brasfield of Marmaduke, and passengers 19-year-old Tara Calhoun and 45-year-old Michelle Braman, both of Corning, were pronounced deceased at the scene, according to officials. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day are celebrated Monday, Oct. 13, and many government offices will be closed in observance in Michigan. On Oct. 13, Columbus Day, a federal holiday, is celebrated across the country with parades and other events that highlight Italian-American heritage and pride, according to the Smithsonian Magazine. However, the holiday has been criticized because of the way the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus treated Indigenous people. In 2021, former President Joe Biden issued the first presidential proclamation in honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day, on the same date as Columbus Day. While Indigenous Peoples' Day is not recognized as a federal holiday, it is recognized in cities and states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Michigan, Indigenous Peoples' Day is observed via proclamation. The state is home to 12 federally recognized Native American tribes, according to the state of Michigan's website. Banks will be closed and mail won't be delivered as workers have the day off on Oct. 13. Grocery and retail stores will remain open. Here's what to know ahead of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day 2025. When is Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day 2025? Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day both fall on Monday, Oct. 13. Columbus Day is a federal holiday, but Indigenous Peoples' Day is not. Is Columbus Day a federal holiday? Yes, Columbus Day is one of 11 federal holidays in 2025, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Who was Christopher Columbus? Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer and navigator from Genoa. In 1492, he sailed across the Atlantic Ocean from Spain in the Santa Maria, with the Pinta and the Nina ships alongside, hoping to find a new route to Asia. Instead, he and his crew landed on an island in present-day Bahamas claiming it for Spain and mistakenly discovering the Americas, according to Biography.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between 1493 and 1504, he made three more voyages to the Caribbean and South America, believing until his death that he had found a shorter route to Asia. Columbus has been credited and blamed for opening up the Americas to European colonization. What is Indigenous Peoples' Day? Since the time of Columbus, mostly White Europeans colonized the Americas, bringing disease and enslaving many native peoples. "Celebrating Columbus and other explorers like him dismisses the devastating losses experienced by Indigenous Peoples of the Western Hemisphere in the past and the ongoing effects of colonialism today," the National Museum of the American Indian said. "Indigenous Peoples' Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October and recognizes the resilience and diversity of Indigenous Peoples in the United States." Is Indigenous Peoples' Day observed in Michigan? Yes, the state of Michigan observes Indigenous Peoples' Day on the second Monday of October through a proclamation from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The statewide recognition has been made since 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 30 states and Washington, D.C., do not celebrate Columbus Day, according to Renamecolumbusday.org. About 221 cities have renamed it or replaced it with Indigenous Peoples' Day, and some states recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day through a proclamation, while others treat it as an official holiday. Although not a federal holiday, former President Joe Biden issued presidential proclamations in support of Indigenous Peoples' Day in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Is the post office open on Columbus Day? No, retail locations for the U.S. Post Office will be closed in observance of Columbus Day, and there will be no mail delivery to homes or offices. Are banks open on Columbus Day? A demonstrator takes part in a protest against Columbus Day in Santiago, Chile, October 13, 2024. All banks will be closed on the federal holiday or will operate on a federal holiday schedule. Are Michigan schools open on Columbus Day? Whether or not Michigan schools are open or closed on Columbus Day depends on the district. Residents may look at their district's 2025-26 calendar. Is Meijer open on Columbus Day? Yes, Meijer will remain open on Columbus Day. Is Costco open on Columbus Day? Yes, Costco warehouses will be open on Columbus Day. Is Sam's Club open on Columbus Day? Yes, Sam's Club will operate at regular hours on Columbus Day. Will Target be open on Columbus Day? Yes, Target will be open on Columbus Day. Are McDonald's, Taco Bell and Starbucks open on Columbus Day? Yes, McDonald's, Taco Bell and Starbucks will remain open on Columbus Day. Are CVS, Walgreens open on Columbus Day? Yes, CVS and Walgreens will be operate regular hours on Columbus Day. Contributing: Kinsey Crowley, Clare Mulroy; USA TODAY This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Columbus and Indigenous Peoples' Day 2025. What's open and closed The U.S. State Department clarified that Cuban citizens have been excluded from a popular visa program that also offers a path to a U.S. permanent resident card, or green card. In an update on the matter, the agency said some applicants from the island may have received incorrect information about the selection process. READ MORE: Trumps order shakes up IRS refunds What taxpayers must know The United States had previously determined that nationals of the island were ineligible to participate in the visa program, as more than 50,000 Cubans had emigrated to the country in the previous five years, partly due to Biden administration policies such as the humanitarian parole program. Some bad news about the 2026 visa lottery The State Department explained that a review was conducted of the participant selection system for the popular visa lottery, formally known as the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV-2026). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This program, which allows thousands of foreigners to obtain a green card in the United States, opened its registration at no cost, but Cuban nationals were excluded from the lottery, which is designed to benefit countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. According to the State Departments Oct. 3 update, a review of the system determined that a small number of participants from Cuba may have received incorrect information about their selection status. The DV-2026 instructions specify that Cuban citizens are not eligible to participate in the 2026 program, as more than 50,000 Cuban citizens emigrated to the United States in the previous five-year period. Accordingly, the Department has notified individuals who selected Cuba as their foreign state of chargeability that they will be ineligible for the 2026 program year, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Participants can apply for the DV program each fiscal year, between October 1 and September 30. The State Department also noted that visas may run out before that date if all visa numbers authorized by Congress for that fiscal year are issued. With a limit of up to 55,000 visas annually, the program has several requirements, including educational level and work experience, among others. Selection does not guarantee an interview or visa approval. Registration for the visa lottery is free each year. However, those selected for an interview must pay a fee when they appear before a consular officer. In October 2024, the United States opened registration for the DV-2026 program. The program operates through a computerized lottery that selects visa candidates after they submit their applications. A popular option closing doors amid a migration crisis In recent years, Cuban citizens have been among the groups that have benefited most from the visa program popularly known on the island as the Bombo according to official records from the State Departments Bureau of Consular Affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, under the Trump administrations new measures and restrictions, which also affect family reunifications, Cubans are seeing their options to migrate to the United States increasingly limited. The process has also become more complicated for Cubans applying for nonimmigrant visas, such as those for tourism, business, student programs and temporary workers. A recent U.S. government policy now requires them to apply trough the U.S. consulate in Georgetown, Guyana. U.S. launches tourist visa bond of up to $15,000: who is affected Total uncertainty: Cuban migrants left in legal limbo under Trumps new policies How Miami drivers can fix suspended licenses faster and save money The likely future prime minister of the Czech Republic, Andrej Babis, has reaffirmed his stance on not sending arms money to Ukraine as it fights off Russia's invasion. "We will not give Ukraine a single crown from our budget for weapons," the right-wing populist and billionaire announced in Prague on Wednesday. He said the government doesn't even have money for the Czech Republic. The EU and NATO member state continues to use its own currency the crown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Babis, previously prime minister from 2017 to 2021, pointed out that Kiev already receives billions in financial aid through the EU. But he clarified that Czech arms companies could continue exporting to Ukraine. "We have no problem with that," the 71-year-old said. At the same time, he called on NATO to adopt a Czech ammunitions initiative. Approximately 3.5 million rounds of large-calibre ammunition have been provided to Ukraine as part of the project, which was a flagship idea of the centre-right coalition led by outgoing Prime Minister Petr Fiala, which lost the recent election. The ammunition comes from unnamed third countries, with Germany among the financial contributors. Babis is holding initial talks with two far-right parties, Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) and the Motorists' Party, about forming a future government. LUSAKA, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema announced Thursday that the country has attracted over 12 billion U.S. dollars in mining investment over the past four years. Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka (ZAMII), Hichilema credited the surge to reforms introduced by his administration to foster a more conducive investment climate. "Zambia is ripe for business. Zambia is now attractive due to the reforms and policies we have implemented. The growth experienced in the mining sector is a direct result of these reforms, and we will continue on this path," he said. While welcoming the progress, Hichilema called for increased investment across a broader range of minerals beyond copper. He said the government is committed to ensuring that mining revenues stimulate growth in other sectors and deliver tangible benefits to citizens nationwide. He urged investors to introduce world-class technologies to boost production, citing the water-pumping equipment at Shaft 28 of the China Nonferrous Mining Corporation Limited Luanshya Copper Mines as an example of best practice. Although acknowledging mining as a key driver of Zambia's economy, Hichilema voiced concern that the sector's contribution to development remains below its potential. He said the government expects higher revenues and a stronger role for mining in supporting social and economic programs that uplift local communities. Hichilema added that ongoing aerial geological mapping will be pivotal in unlocking Zambia's full mineral potential. He reaffirmed his administration's target of achieving 3 million metric tons of copper production annually by 2031, expressing optimism that 1 million tons could be reached this year alone. Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe echoed the president's remarks, noting that Zambia's economy has stabilized and that consistent mining policies over the past four years have strengthened investor confidence. This year's ZAMII, running from Oct. 6 to 10 under the theme "Unlocking Africa's Wealth: Advancing Sustainable Mining, Beneficiation, and Value Addition," features exhibitions by Chinese enterprises showcasing cutting-edge mining technologies. The likely future prime minister of the Czech Republic, Andrej Babis, has reaffirmed his stance on not sending arms money to Ukraine as it fights off Russia's invasion. "We will not give Ukraine a single crown from our budget for weapons," the right-wing populist and billionaire announced in Prague on Wednesday. "We have no money for the Czech Republic." The EU and NATO member state continues to use its own currency the crown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Babis, previously prime minister 2017-2021, pointed out that Kiev already receives billions in financial aid through the EU. He clarified that Czech arms companies could continue exporting to Ukraine. "We have no problem with that," the 71-year-old said. At the same time, he called on NATO to adopt a Czech ammunitions initiative. Approximately 3.5 million rounds of large-calibre ammunition have been provided to Ukraine as part of the project, which was a flagship idea of the centre-right coalition led by outgoing Prime Minister Petr Fiala, which lost the recent election. The ammunition comes from unnamed third countries, with Germany among the financial contributors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Babis is holding initial talks with two far-right parties, Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) and the Motorists' Party, about forming a future government. SPD leader Tomio Okamura has already caused outrage by demanding the replacement of the country's police chief. This comes after law enforcement authorities requested the lifting of Okamura's parliamentary immunity over allegations of incitement to hatred in connection with an anti-EU migration poster campaign. President Petr Pavel has announced that the newly elected lower house of parliament will convene for its first session on November 3. Babis's ANO movement will hold 80 of the 200 seats and, with the support of SPD and the Motorists' Party, would secure a majority of 108. Oct. 9 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1888, 40 years after construction began, the Washington Monument opens to the public. Work on the obelisk was halted from 1854 to 1877 due to a lack of funds, internal squabbling within the Washington National Monument Society, and the American Civil War. In 1919, the Cincinnati Reds won the World Series defeating the Chicago White Sox. Eight members of the White Sox would be accused of intentionally losing games in exchange for money from gamblers in what would become known as the Black Sox Scandal. The players were later found not guilty, though all were banned from the sport for life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1931, gangster Al Capone's Florida spending told at tax evasion trial. The government's contention was that if Mr. Capone was "rich enough to be a moviesque Florida Play-boy, then he certainly must have an income worthy of taxation." File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI U.S. President Barack Obama makes a statement after he was announced as the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington on October 9, 2009. File Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI In 1931, the Japanese government endorsed military action against Manchuria. The invasion was one of a series of battles and skirmishes which took place in the run-up to the Second Sino-Japanese War. In 1934, King Alexander of Yugoslavia was assassinated by a Croatian terrorist during a state visit to France. Former Secretary of the Interior, James Watt, wearing a cowboy hat, smiles and waves at the Santa Barbara Airport on boarding an airliner on October 16, 1983, to leave after a week and a half stay at a private ranch near here. During his stay, on October 9, Watt resigned as secretary of the interior. File Photo by Mike Hill/UPI In 1967, one day after being captured in the jungles of Bolivia where he was waging a guerrilla war, Marxist revolutionary Ernesto Che Guevara, a leading figure in the 1959 Cuban revolution, is executed by the Bolivian military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1975, Andrei Sakharov, father of the Soviet hydrogen bomb, became the first Soviet citizen to win the Nobel Peace Prize. On October 9, 2012, Malala Yousafzai, an advocate for girls' education in Pakistan, survived being shot three times as she attempted to board a bus to school. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI In 1983, James Watt, facing U.S. Senate condemnation for a racially insensitive remark, resigned as U.S. President Ronald Reagan's interior secretary. In 1992, NASA announced that the unmanned Pioneer spacecraft was apparently lost after orbiting Venus for 14 years. Ernesto "Che" Guevara's body is prepared for public display following his capture and execution by Bolivian troops in 1967. File Photo by Freddy Alborta/UPI File Image courtesy of NASA In 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." On October 9, 1888, 40 years after construction began, the Washington Monument opens to the public. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2012, Malala Yousafzai, an advocate for girls' education in Pakistan and future Nobel Peace Prize winner, survived being shot three times as she attempted to board a bus to school. In 2015, the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet won the Nobel Peace Prize for its role in building up democracy in Tunisia after the Jasmine Revolution of 2011. In 2020, the United Nations' World Food Program won the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to fight hunger and bring peace to parts of the world affected by violence. In 2024, Hurricane Milton made landfall near Sarasota, Fla., knocking out power for nearly 3 million people. The storm led to dozens of deaths and caused nearly $35 million in damage. NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) Derrick Groves, the last New Orleans escapee still on the run after breaking out of the Orleans Justice Center nearly five months ago, has been captured, authorities confirmed Wednesday. Groves was taken into custody in Atlanta following a brief standoff, according to Louisiana State Police. A SWAT team spent multiple hours searching house for Groves after obtaining a search warrant, Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair said. They couldnt find him, they had to deploy gas multiple times into the house and basement, Fair said. Based on how long it took a seasoned, well-trained SWAT team to get him out, he had planned to hide for a while. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Groves was eventually located by a police dog that was sent in to get him, Atlanta police Deputy Chief Kelley Collier said. Shirtless, shoeless and shackled at his wrists and ankles, Groves blew a kiss then grinned at someone filming him being led into a police car, in video provided by the Atlanta Police Department (APD). The tip leading to his capture came in via New Orleans Crimestoppers, an anonymous tip program, Fair said. Groves was the only person in the house and no one else was arrested. The homes garage door could be seen collapsed inward Wednesday afternoon, as officers and vehicles blocked off access to the scene. Atop a sloping lawn and surrounded by trees, the brick house is in a neighborhood beside Tyler Perry Studios, one of the countrys largest movie production facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 28-year-old was one of 10 inmates who escaped the facility on the morning of May 16, through a hole cut in the wall behind the toilet in a first-floor cell. Groves had been convicted of murder and was facing a possible life sentence. He had the most violent criminal record of the escapees and authorities offered a $50,000 reward for tips leading to his recapture. Convicted murderer Derrick Groves has finally been recaptured in Atlanta after a brief stand-off, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a statement. He now faces charges for his role in the escape and I will ensure that he is prosecuted to the full extent of the law. It was not immediately known whether Groves has a lawyer who could be reached for comment Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said the arrest followed a joint effort involving numerous Louisiana enforcement agencies, APD, the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The nine other recaptured escapees, Jermaine Donald, Antoine Massey, Robert Moody, Kendell Myles, Gary Price, Dkenan Dennis, Lenton Vanburen, Leo Tate, and Corey Boyd, have been transported to Angola Prison, Nexstars WGNO reports. Many of the men were originally in the New Orleans jail, awaiting sentences or trials, for alleged violent crimes including murder. Groves had been convicted of second-degree murder in 2024 for opening fire on a family block party on Mardi Gras day, killing two people and injuring others. He faces life imprisonment without parole. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A new push begins tonight on Dhaulagiri, despite loads of fresh snow that could pose a danger on the higher sections. Vitaly Lazo and Anton Pugovkin of Russia will attempt to summit and ski down the mountain tomorrow, while David Klein and Marci Nagy are scheduled to leave Base Camp in a few hours, five days after Nagy was reportedly flown to the hospital with a kidney stone. Similar conditions, with half a meter of fresh snow, might prove too big a challenge for the only two climbers on Makalu, who are now pondering their options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From excellent conditions... The long weather window last week facilitated a significant number of summits on Dhaulagiri. After the rope-fixing team opened the route to the top on September 26, groups of climbers followed on September 20, 29, and 30. Yet, two pairs of climbers using no supplementary oxygen and no personal Sherpas were not fully acclimatized at the time. Skiers Vitali Lazo and Anton Pugovkin were in Camp 2. David Klein and Marci Nagy of Hungary were also in preparation mode on October 3 when Nagy fell ill and required immediate evacuation. Klein accompanied him to the hospital in Kathmandu, acting as interpreter. Meanwhile, the Russians launched their summit attempt, but they were warned of the approaching storm just in time. They turned around at 7,900m and quickly descended. ... to snow overload On October 4, the weather changed, and an intense storm developed over a large part of Nepal, and high winds and heavy snowfall hit the peaks. The sun returned to the mountain by October 6, although winds have continued to blow hard at altitude. Forecasts predict the winds should decrease by the weekend, giving way to another beautiful window next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what will the conditions on the mountain be like, especially the avalanche risk? Even at the best of times, Dhaulagiri can be avalanche-prone. Weather forecasts for Dhaulagiri at summit altitude for the next several days, by Meteoexploration.com When describing the Dhaulagiri route for ExplorersWeb's Climber's Guide, 14x8,000m summiter Ralf Dujmovits singled out the avalanche hazard, especially above Camp 2 and on the traverse between Camp 3 and the summit ridge. Last year, five Russian climbers died in an avalanche at around 7,100m during their summit push. Current conditions will need careful assessment. The high winds may sweep away a lot of loose snow, but they may also create big wind slabs prone to sliding as climbers step on them. Summit push tonight One of the Russian skiers progresses on Dhaulagiri yesterday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lazo and Pugovkin seem to consider the conditions safe enough, as they started their summit push yesterday. They are carrying their gear, supplies, skis, and a tent. After a night in Camp 2, they continued up today and have pitched their tent at 7,300m. From here, they will launch their summit push, starting tonight at 8 pm Nepal time. "The place for the camp at 7,300m is uncomfortable, a steep slope of under 40 degrees," Lazo reported today. "We had to dig out one-and-a-half meters of snow. Below us are the Sherpas' tents. You can't just dump the snow downwards, you'd bury them, so we had to throw it far out to the side." In their earlier partial ascent to 6,200m, the Russians had left the normal route and climbed a couloir that they realized was quite avalanche-prone but doable in last week's conditions. It is not known which line the climbers followed on the current push, or which they will choose for the ski descent. From the hospital to 8,000m "After a scary medical evacuation due to a kidney stone -- a renal colic -- and a short hospital stay and rest, Marci Nagy decided to return to the mountain with David Klein to attempt the summit," Laszlo Pinter reported on Hohatar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He quoted Klein as admitting they are "not in the best of shape" and their acclimatization was "roughly the minimum to climb the mountain." Moreover, if the reported diagnosis of a kidney stone is correct, Nagy would hardly be ready to venture up an 8,000m peak. Yet, they have decided to try nevertheless, leaving Base Camp tomorrow or Friday and summiting on October 12-13. In addition to the Russian and Hungarian pairs, a small group of guided climbers are planning to edge their way from camp to camp and summit early next week. Meanwhile on Makalu Denis Aleksenko and Artem Tsentsevitsky are the only two climbers on Makalu this fall, and the recent blizzard has created scary conditions, as seen in the video below: "We set up a camp at 6,600m and immediately headed down, making it back before dark, totally exhausted," they reported. "Next, we will monitor the weather and make a decision." President Trumps moment of truth as a global peacemaker will come early Friday morning when the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded. Trump has made no secret of his desire to win the prize. In a period of just seven months, I have ended seven un-endable wars, he claimed during his address to the United Nations General Assembly last month. No president or prime minister and for that matter, no other country has ever done anything close to that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to reporters on Thursday, he raised the count to eight, adding the Gaza ceasefire announced Wednesday to his list. Heres our brief breakdown of each of the seven conflicts, along with analysis on how much credit Trump can claim for ending the conflict. A building that was struck by an Iranian missile during the 12-day Israel-Iran war last month is demolished in Bat Yam, Israel, July 10, 2025. (Ohad Zwigenberg, Associated Press) Israel vs. Iran Its fairly clear that Trump helped end a war between Israel and Iran, though conflict in the wider region rages on and Irans nuclear ambitions are still a long-term threat even after U.S. strikes damaged Tehrans capabilities. Though Iran and Israel had carried out isolated strikes against each other over a series of months, the conflict heated up on June 13 when Israel launched strikes against Iranian military and nuclear targets, marking the first sustained state-to-state conflict between the two sides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump joined Israels attack against Iran on June 22, striking Irans nuclear facilities. After Iran launched largely symbolic retaliatory attacks on the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which hosts U.S. troops, Trump called for an end to fighting. Two days later on June 24, Trump announced in a Truth Social post that a ceasefire had been reached, a day after he demanded Israel turn around fighter jets it had dispatched to strike Iran. Trump is not the only party that deserves some credit for peacemaking. While Trump exercised pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the U.S. relied on Persian Gulf-ally Qatar to get the Iranians to a truce, according to The New York Times. Indian army soldiers stand guard after loud explosions were heard in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, May 10, 2025. (Mukhtar Khan, Associated Press) India vs. Pakistan India and Pakistan dont agree on much, and that includes whether Trump deserves credit for ending fighting. But theres no disputing that the Trump administration played some role in mediating the ceasefire talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most recent fighting between the two countries, which have been embroiled in multiple wars and countless border skirmishes, took place in May and centered on the disputed territory of Kashmir. India conducted missile strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir following a terror attack in India-administered Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. Pakistan said 31 people were killed in Indias attacks, while Indian officials say 12 people were killed on the Indian side of the administrative line in Kashmir. It was the most severe military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed countries in almost two decades. The conflict came to an abrupt end on May 10 and was announced by Trump on Truth Social before either the governments of India or Pakistan could publicize the news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He posted that India and Pakistan had agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE, adding this was the result of a long night of talks mediated by the United States. Ashley J. Tellis, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said the Trump administration gets some credit for bringing the conflict to an end because in carrying messages from one side to the other, they played an important role for both sides to de-escalate. India, however, has refused to give Trump credit, contributing to tensions between the countries over trade. India says fighting ended following direct talks between the two militaries. Pakistan, for its part, said it would nominate Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize while praising his contributions to global peace. A Rwandan border officer stands guard as displaced persons, presumed to be Rwandan nationals, stand in line for a check after being dropped off at the border, between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, in Goma on May 19, 2025. (Jospin Mwisha, AFP via Getty Images) Democratic Republic of Congo vs. Rwanda Fighting centered in eastern Congo between rival militias, some of them backed by Rwanda, is still raging, despite Trumps claims that he ended it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conflict stretches back to Rwandas 1994 genocide, which spilled over into eastern Congo. The conflict has claimed 6 million lives and is considered one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises. Qatar is mediating peace talks involving militias, while a separate Congo-Rwanda peace process mediated by the U.S. is aimed at resolving conflict in Congo and Rwanda. Peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is still mostly a promise, Bintou Keita, the top United Nations official for the conflict, said during a Security Council meeting last week. Trump is credited with pushing forward peace talks, alongside the Qatar-mediated talks. He brought together foreign ministers from Congo and Rwanda to sign a peace agreement, and both urged the president to stay engaged and help the deal succeed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But killings and atrocities continue. The M23 rebel group is accused of being behind a July massacre of at least 319 civilians. In September, the U.N. warned that violence on the ground is completely divorced from peace talks. [Trump] has absolutely not ended anything at all, said Richard Moncrieff, project director for the Great Lakes with the International Crisis Group. Theres no doubt about that. Thai residents who fled homes following the clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers rest at an evacuation center in Surin province, Thailand, on July 30, 2025. (Sakchai Lalit, Associated Press) Cambodia vs. Thailand Theres little dispute that Trump played a pivotal role in ending deadly border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, which broke out in late July and ended four days later after the president threatened to withhold trade deals if the fighting continued. Cambodia and Thailand agreed to an unconditional ceasefire after talks in Malaysia on July 28. Both sides have accused the other of ceasefire violations in the ensuing months, but it has remained largely in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abdul Rahman Yaacob, a research fellow in the Southeast Asia Program at the Lowy Institute, said the ceasefire remains under pressure, with Cambodians accusing Thailand of slow-walking on finalizing a deal to ensure hostilities dont resume. So while Trump played a central role to stop the immediate fighting, his administration is not a key actor in the ongoing negotiations to sustain the ceasefire, but also to resolve the border dispute in the long run, Yaacob said. The White House has reportedly said Trump is willing to attend the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia later this month, but only if he can preside over the signing of a peace deal between Cambodia and Thailand while there. A view of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in Benishangul-Gumuz, Ethiopia, Sept. 9, 2025. (Jackson Njehia, Associated Press file) Egypt vs. Ethiopia While Egypt and Ethiopia have long argued over access to Nile River waterways, they have not engaged in armed conflict, making Trumps claim of ending a war between the countries a real stretch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Egypt and Ethiopia have long been at loggerheads over Ethiopias construction of a massive hydroelectric dam on a Nile tributary, which began in 2011 and was completed this year. I think up until this point, you would say Egypt and Ethiopia have been involved in bitter war of words, said Moses Chrispus Okello, senior researcher on the Horn of Africa at the Institute for Security Studies. However, apart from claims of an Egyptian cyberattack years ago, threats have not materialized into a kinetic conflict, he said. Samir Bhattacharya, an associate fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, said Trumps brief foray into the diplomatic conflict during his first term was not helpful and may have made things worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While he did initiate talks in 2019, mainly at the urging of Egypts President el-Sisi, no agreement was reached. As a matter of fact, in 2020, after a few rounds of failed negotiations, Trump suggested that Egypt might blow up the dama comment that alarmed Ethiopia and hardened its stance, Bhattacharya said. Trump raised the dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt again in July, saying, It is a problem but it is going to get solved. However, Okello said theres nothing to negotiate. Even if they came back on the table, what would they be doing? The dam is up; its a fait accompli. President Trump, center, joined by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, right, and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev hold a signed trilateral agreement during a ceremony in the State Dining Room of the White House, Aug. 8, 2025, in Washington. (Mark Schiefelbein, Associated Press) Armenia vs. Azerbaijan Trump succeeded where various international actors, including Russia and European nations, have failed in trying to bring Armenia and Azerbaijan together for serious peace talks, although a detailed agreement remains a work in progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a meeting in Washington in August to sign a peace framework, both Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev praised the presidents efforts to normalize relations between the two former Soviet republics. Armenia and Azerbaijan have been entangled in a nearly four-decade conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, housed in the Caucasus Mountains. After Azerbaijans offensive and occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh on Sept. 19, 2023, more than a hundred thousand residents fled to Armenia and the breakaway government was dissolved. Tinatin Japaridze, an analyst at Eurasia Group and an expert on domestic and foreign policies of Georgia and Azerbaijan, said there have been numerous skirmishes and tensions along the border since the 2023 military offensive. Japaridze said the chances of an imminent conflict were now low, largely because both sides are still talking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What ultimately made the difference were the opportunities presented by Washington, particularly the prospect of deeper bilateral ties between the U.S. and Azerbaijan, which were hard to turn down, Japaridze said. Kosovo police officers search a restaurant and building in the northern Serb-dominated part of ethnically divided town of Mitrovica on Sept. 29, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images) Serbia vs. Kosovo Kosovo and Serbia were not at war before Trump helped broker an economic agreement between the countries in 2020. So there wasnt a war for the president to end, said Larry Haas, a senior fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council. Serbia and Kosovo have been in a state of high tension, with each side distrusting the other for quite some time now, he added. Serbia, along with its allies Russia and China, does not recognize Kosovos independence, which it declared in 2008, while the U.S. and some European countries do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tensions have soared since 2021, with Kosovos government turning up the heat on the four northern municipalities where the majority of the people are ethnic Serbs. In early September, the Trump administration suspended its strategic dialogue with Kosovo, saying recent statements and actions by acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti have posed challenges to progress made over many years. Trump helped broker an agreement between Serbia and Kosovo in 2020, inviting both delegations to sign a framework deal to normalize economic relations and increase bilateral trade. Pristina and Belgrade have continued discussions on the details in talks facilitated by European nations. I think that 2020 was a good move. It was a way to give positive incentives for both sides to, you know, to avoid the temptation to go back to war, and to avoid boiling things up in a way that could be counterproductive for their economic growth, Michael OHanlon, senior foreign policy fellow at the Brookings Institution think tank, told The Hill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Through months of quiet diplomacy and a short window of bold, public pressure, Trump secured an Israel-Hamas agreement on the first phase of the peace plan, vowing hostage releases and calm. US President Donald Trump posted overnight between Wednesday and Thursday that he was proud to announce that Israel and Hamas had both signed off on the first phase of his peace plan. This means that all of the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed-upon line. These are the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace, he said. He thanks Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their role as mediators. Blessed are the peacemakers, he concluded with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The push for peace and Trumps devotion to the hostages have been key foundation stones of the second term of the US President. Trump has shown a deep emotional attachment to the hostages, inviting them and their families to the White House. This stems from Trumps drive to bring American hostages home from abroad. His administration made freeing Edan Alexander, the last living UShostage in Gaza, a priority. He also freed Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli with Russian citizenship who was held in Iraq. As the peace deal came into view, he hosted Edan Alexander and the family of hostage Omer Neutra at the White House. The US president also believes that he has a unique role to play as a historic peacemaker in the Middle East. He has sought to do this via the Abraham Accords and now the peace deal. He achieves this through his unique blend of personal diplomacy and a keen sense of history. Here is how it happened. Palestinians celebrate, after US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip October 9, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/Ramadan Abed) Trump rolled out his peace plan on September 29. Days later, on Friday, October 3, Trump said that Hamas had accepted the deal and that Israel should stop bombing Gaza so that both sides could work out the details. Over the next days, teams from Israel, the US, Qatar, Turkey, and Hamas all arrived in Egypt for talks. A critical 10 days for peace The pressure was on to get an agreement, and rumors swirled that Trump could come to the region if a deal was signed. By the evening of October 8, a deal was done. It had all happened in around 240 hours between the time that Trump had welcomed Israels Prime Minister at the White House on September 29 and when the sides agreed to the deal in the hours overnight between October 8 and 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump was able to bring this deal together after almost a year of focus on the Middle East. Trump didnt come into office expecting to spend so much time on the region. He wanted to focus on domestic policy. In fact, after the election in November 2024, the Trump team spent a lot of time preparing for the first 100 days in office. Unlike in 2020 when Trump was first elected and had to prepare at the last minute to take office in January of 2021, this time the team had a lot of time to prepare. This is because they likely knew they could beat Kamal Harris after the disastrous debate performance of Joe Biden. For Trump, the main message has always been about making America great again. However, domestic policy has always had hurdles because there are many challenges to the Trump doctrine at home. For instance, from immigration to law enforcement, he has always had to contend with local courts that are not obliging. Where Trump has always had the easiest time making decisions is in foreign policy. This is because it is one area that is largely reserved to the president. In addition he has been able to order airstrikes and use the military abroad. This means that the place that comes easiest to the administration is not always necessarily where it wants to put its focus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That doesnt mean Trump does not have a doctrine when it comes to foreign policy. His doctrine formed over the last decade is rooted in several key beliefs. He wants to see the US be effective abroad and not be taken advantage of. He thinks the US has squandered blood and treasure abroad and that it usually hasnt paid off. Foreign policy for the US is often a sunk cost of diminishing returns. The US is involved in trying to deal with the whole world, after having assumed the mantle of global hegemon in the 1990s after the Cold War. However, years of being a global policeman and nation building, came with a price. Trump wants to stop paying that price. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump embrace in the White House in Washington, September 29, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/JONATHAN ERNST) In the past, he has asked pointed questions about the US-led world order and the alliance system that came about due to US commitments from the Cold War. For instance, what is the US doing in South Korea? Is the US pulling too much of the weight behind NATO? What is the role of the US in Africa? Trump has wanted the US foreign and military policy to be effective. He has also tended to favor a more transactional form of policy. What that means is that countries need to step up to the plate and show what they will bring to the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For instance, in the Gulf the Trump administration has wanted to see buy-in for US industries. This usually means arms deals or deals for aircraft. The same is true with Turkey. The Trump administration wants US allies and partners to step up and show that they are willing to pay into his belief in the US economy and making America strong through bringing industries home. In terms of Middle East peace the Trump doctrine, he believes that he can bring peace to the region. He believes this will be good for the countries in the region and good for America. If peace can increase in the Middle East, then the US can focus on other parts of the world. The US can also focus more domestically and on trade. Trump has close personal relations with the president of Turkey as well as leaders in the Gulf. He has used the credibility he has on the ground to get these countries to come to the peace table. Trump worked the phones with Turkey, Egypt, and the Gulf to get them in the room with Israel in Sharm el-Sheikh. Trump also knows that he can strong-arm Israels leader. He knows that he has deep support in Israel. Israelis like Trump and the hostage families believe he is the only hope of their loved ones. Trump knows he is more popular in Israel than Israels politicians. As such, he feels confident he could tell Israel to stop bombing Gaza, and he could get Israel to finally accept peace. Israels leaders had tried to go back to fighting throughout the year, letting the first Trump ceasefire deal expire in March. Now, Trump has shown that, via his willpower, he can begin to bring peace to the region. A aerial view of an algae bloom in the Big Hole River on July 6, 2025, near Pennington Bridge in Madison County. (Courtesy photo, Upper Missouri Waterkeeper and Dan Armstrong) The Environmental Protection Agency has signed off on Montanas plan to discard numeric water quality standards and adopt a measure that was passed by the 2025 Legislature allowing state officials to revert back to an older system, which many groups criticize as being insufficient to protect the Treasure States already struggling waterways. In 2014, Montana adopted numeric water quality standards, which has been hailed by scientists and conservation organizations as the scientific gold standard which is most likely to ensure clean water throughout the state. In summary, its a system where nutrients, pollutants and other water quality issues are measured by sampling results reflected numerically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Montana Legislature had been thwarted by federal authorities for years as it tried to overturn the numeric standards in favor of something less rigorous. But with a change in presidential administration, state officials through the Montana Department of Environmental Quality have convinced the Trump administration to revert to narrative standards, which doesnt require the same standards of water testing, making it more challenging to gauge or compare the health of the waterways. Conservation groups and scientists said this marks a step backwards for Montanas waterways at an already critical time. This summer, rivers in the Big Hole Basin faced hot temperatures, low water flows and a critically low number of fish. Meanwhile, development in nearby Gallatin County has caused repeated algae blooms and pollution. Groups like the Upper Missouri Waterkeeper said these new regulations will allow polluters to skirt water quality laws in the absence of clear measurable, objective scientific testing. Several different environmental groups said theyre considering the next steps in legal action, but regional EPA administrator Cyrus Western said that the EPA does not prohibit narrative standards, and that House Bill 664 satisfies federal clean water standards. Rep. Bill Mercer, R-Billings, was the lead sponsor of the bill. The Montana House of Representatives passed the legislation, 69-to-30, with 12 Democrats joining all the Republicans in support of the bill. In the Montana Senate, only two Democrats jointed with all Republicans to support the measure, 32-18. Derek Harvey of Butte and Sara Novak of Deer Lodge were the only Democratic support in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By most accounts, narrative standards are considered more lenient and flexible, while critics of numeric standards say that the measurements are too rigid and may not pinpoint the source of the pollution. Upper Missouri Waterkeeper said it is reviewing the decision by the EPA and has vowed to take necessary actions to defend Montanas vital clean water resources against unscientific decision-making thats both contrary to federal law and will risk the future health of our valued waterways. The Waterkeeper also alleges that Montanas DEQ has ignored or stalled implementation of the Clean Water Act, a federal law governing clean water as its issuing discharge permits without numeric standards so that large industrial and municipal entities could discharge pollution without consequence. A cursory look of that provision in state law shows few remedies for those companies or individuals who pollute. The Waterkeeper also said the penalty provision of the new law has never been meaningfully implemented or enforced, raising fears that even if pollution rises, the state will struggle to punish bad actors. The Waterkeeper also referred to a recent study which showed that the states fisheries, streams and rivers generate around $1.3 billion annually for Montanas economy. This is another gift to polluters and developers at the publics and environments expense. There is no scientific or legal basis for abandoning numeric nutrient standards that prevent nutrient pollutions in our rivers and streams. The State of Montana and Gov. Greg Gianforte are throwing away the measuring stick used to determine when water quality is being degraded, said Guy Alsentzer, Executive Director of Upper Missouri Waterkeeper. Estonian President Alar Karis on Thursday praised Germany's military and security assistance to his country and other eastern NATO countries. "I have commended Germany for its contribution to the defence of NATO's eastern flank, its support for Ukraine and its leading role in European security," Karis was quoted as saying after a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Tallinn. At a reception at the German embassy, the Estonian president also thanked his German counterpart for his personal commitment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You are the German head of state who has visited Estonia most often," Karis said. For his part, Steinmeier emphasized that Germany and Estonia are partners in the EU and allies in NATO, and referred to the recent Russian violations of Estonian airspace. "We stand together for freedom, for Europe, for our common values," he said. During his two-day visit to Estonia, Steinmeier is attending the annual meeting of the so-called Arraiolos Group. This is an informal association of heads of state from 16 EU countries, most of whom have a ceremonial rather than a major political role. He also gave a speech at the Tallinn Digital Summit. EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova has said that European leaders are currently discussing ways to bypass Hungary's veto on further progress of Ukraine's EU accession while Denmark holds the presidency. Source: Mathernova in an interview with European Pravda Details: In this context, Mathernova emphasised that EU leaders are trying to "move the process" forward. "At some point, you will have to reach unanimity, but that should not stop the reforms going forward I think that a lot of work can be done without having a formal vote," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commenting on the possibility of "changing the rules" to advance Ukraine's accession talks, the ambassador noted that "what is fixed in the treaties cannot be changed". "And another thing is internal rules. There is quite a bit of scope and that's what we are playing with now. And we hope to exploit as much as possible during the Danish presidency," she said. Background: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier stated that Ukraine would join the European Union regardless of the position of Hungary's PM Viktor Orban. At the same time, Viktor Orban recently reiterated that Hungarians do not want to be in the same union with Ukrainians so as "not to share their fate" which, according to Orban, is to be next to Russia. The Hungarian prime minister also claimed that Ukraine is not a sovereign state, as its bills are paid by the European Union countries. Read the full interview with Mathernova soon on European Pravda's website or watch the video. Read also: Getting round Orban: how to unblock Ukraine's road to the EU Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The European Union has stated that Tajikistan failed to fulfil its obligations as a state party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) by not arresting Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. Source: European External Action Service, as reported by European Pravda Details: The EU pointed out that the Kremlin leader is currently in Tajikistan, despite the arrest warrant issued for him by the International Criminal Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Tajikistan is a State Party to the Rome Statute of the ICC and failed to comply with its obligations under the Statute to execute the arrest warrant," the statement added. The European Union expressed its "strongest support" for efforts to ensure accountability for all crimes under international law. "In this regard, the EU continues to support the investigations by the Prosecutor of the ICC in Ukraine and calls for cooperation by all States. The EU reiterates its unwavering support to the ICC and for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders," the statement concluded. Background: Tajikistan, a member of the International Criminal Court since 2002, is currently hosting Putin at the Russia-Central Asia summit and a meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Tajikistan has become the second ICC member state to refuse to execute the arrest warrant for Putin: in 2024, he was given a red carpet welcome in Mongolia. Meanwhile, the Kremlin leader did not attend the BRICS summit in Brazil also an ICC member in July. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! This photo taken on Oct. 9, 2025 shows Professor Richard Robson and the model of metal-organic frameworks in Melbourne, Australia. Richard Robson was awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry together with two other scientists for developing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). (University of Melbourne/Handout via Xinhua) MELBOURNE, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Scientists in Australia have hailed University of Melbourne (UniMelb) chemist Richard Robson's Nobel Prize win as a landmark recognition for fundamental research that laid the foundation for modern materials chemistry. The 88-year-old Australian chemist shared the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Japan's Susumu Kitagawa and American-Jordanian Omar Yaghi for pioneering the development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a class of porous crystalline materials with real-world applications from greenhouse gas capture and catalysis to drug delivery and medical imaging. Robson has been a lecturer and researcher at UniMelb since 1966. He produced the first MOFs in the early 1990s and has continued to explore different forms of MOFs ever since, a UniMelb statement said on Thursday. "Some people thought it was a whole load of rubbish" when he started developing the concept while building models for teaching in the 1970s, Robson recalled after finding out he had won the Nobel Prize. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told federal parliament, "The nature of Professor Robson's work is molecular, but the scale of its significance is absolutely enormous." Professor Stuart Batten from the School of Chemistry at Australia's Monash University said this field of MOFs was invented by Robson in the late 1980s, "with his seminal paper outlining and demonstrating the concepts we still use today published in 1989." This work was later built upon by Kitagawa and Yaghi to create a new type of chemistry that now sees thousands of publications a year and has applications from capturing carbon dioxide and water out of the atmosphere to new types of catalysts for cleaner chemical synthesis, Batten said. "These new types of materials, which often function like molecular sponges or molecular sieves, are cleverly yet simply designed to consist of metal ions connected by organic molecules which assemble themselves together under the right conditions into scaffolding-like infinite frameworks," he said. Monash University materials scientist Matthew Hill said, "By changing the combination of ingredients, hundreds of thousands of different MOFs can be made, and tailored to applications such as separating carbon dioxide from the air, harvesting water, or protecting people from harmful gases." Robson's pioneering discoveries had inspired a generation of Australian researchers, Hill said. (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump says the deal agreed between Israel and Hamas marks the first steps toward a "strong, durable, and everlasting peace" that will end the two-year-old Gaza war. Yet Wednesday's agreement reached in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, a favoured location for Middle East peace conferences over the decades with a patchy record of success, is only an initial phase covering handing over hostages held in Gaza, exchanging them with Palestinian prisoners inside Israel and a partial withdrawal of Israel from the enclave. Plenty of pitfalls remain after negotiators left for later discussions about some of the thornier issues on which previous initiatives have foundered, such as the full extent of an Israeli withdrawal, the disarmament of Hamas and who and how to guarantee that war will not resume after this phase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HAVE THE GUNS FALLEN SILENT? Not yet. Trump demanded Israel halt its bombing when Hamas first indicated partial acceptance for his 20-point plan on Friday. That has not happened. Scores of Palestinians have been killed since then in airstrikes and shelling, particularly in and around Gaza City, the focus of a recent Israeli offensive. However, the bombardment has been more sporadic since Trump declared a deal had been secured on Wednesday, prompting celebrations in Israel, where families of hostages were jubilant in Tel Aviv's so-called hostages square, and in Gaza, where people gathered among the ruins even as blasts could be heard. HOW DOES THIS DIFFER FROM CEASEFIRES THAT COLLAPSED? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this is a partial deal, a notable difference from previous ceasefire arrangements is that there is no deadline for reaching a full deal. It does not set a deadline of a few weeks, after which hostilities could resume if talks falter. The jury is still out on whether that makes this deal more durable. There are those among Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's religious nationalist coalition who are already talking of more war. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a staunch opponent of any concession to Palestinians, has called for Hamas to be destroyed after the hostages are returned. But on this occasion, Trump has been far more vocal in his determination to hold feet to the fire on both sides, leaving less room for Israel to relaunch its offensive or Hamas to delay, even if past experience counsels caution over too much optimism. Trump announced his plan standing next to Netanyahu in Washington last week with what seemed a "take-it-or-leave-it" offer for Hamas. Yet when Hamas gave only a partial acceptance, Trump immediately demanded Israel stop bombing. And as the days ticked by in Sharm el-Sheikh talks, he warned Hamas "all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out" if it did not sign up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By stamping his authority, Trump may have gone some way to answering the key question of who will guarantee this deal does not collapse at the next hurdle. SO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? The timeline is emerging but still seems fluid. A ceasefire is expected to come into force once Israel's cabinet approves the deal at a meeting expected on Thursday. Israel will withdraw to predetermined lines within 24 hours after that. Once the shooting stops, Hamas is set to release hostages within 72 hours, which could possibly be on Monday. Humanitarian aid to Palestinians should then start to flow. Trump's plan also calls for an international stabilisation force, which could start taking shape when European ministers and top officials from Arab states meet in Paris on Thursday. They will also discuss issues such as future governance of Gaza, aid, reconstruction and demilitarisation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is expected to travel to the region in coming days. The White House said he was considering heading there on Friday. WHAT ARE THE POLITICAL CALCULATIONS FACING HAMAS AND ISRAEL? Both Israel and Hamas have shown a readiness to respond positively to pressure from Trump and others, but each side faces their own political calculations. For Netanyahu, agreeing to the plan seems based on a calculation he stay on the right side of the United States, Israel's vital ally, and win over an Israeli public desperate to see an end to the war, while conceding as little as possible to avoid alienating his religious nationalist coalition partners. The 20-point plan, for example, offers a possible pathway, albeit highly conditional, to a Palestinian state although Netanyahu has said that will never happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas has dropped its opposition to any that was only partial because of the risk of war resuming once hostages were handed over. It has also signed up to deal calling for demilitarisation, which it has repeatedly rejected. Under pressure from Arab states and Turkey, alongside Trump, Hamas may have had little choice but to accept. But it may be calculating Trump's determination is the best guarantee that war will not resume for now, while the talks in Sharm el-Sheikh have put the militant group at the negotiating table to shape the future for Palestinians even though the deal seeks to sideline it. (Reporting by Reuters correspondents; Editing by Edmund Blair and Timothy Heritage) By David Brunnstrom and Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza, a ceasefire and hostage deal that could be a first step toward ending a two-year-old war that has roiled the Middle East. Here are some details of what is known and not known so far: WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE DEAL? The agreement on the initial stage of Trumps 20-point framework resulted from indirect talks in Egypt, a day after the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel that triggered Israel's assault on Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump announced that both Israel and Hamas had signed off on the first phase of the plan and this would bring the release of all hostages, alive and dead, "very soon" and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to the so-called yellow line in Gaza. According to a senior Israeli security source, that is a boundary for an initial Israeli pullback under the Trump plan. Hamas confirmed it had reached an agreement to end the war, that includes an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a hostage-prisoner exchange, but the group called on Trump and guarantor states to ensure Israel fully implements the ceasefire. WHAT ARE THE MAIN UNKNOWNS? Despite the hopes raised for ending the war, crucial details are yet to be spelled out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These include the timing, a post-war administration for the Gaza Strip and the fate of Hamas. There is no clear indication who will rule Gaza when the war ends. Netanyahu, Trump, Western and Arab states have ruled out a role for Hamas, which has run Gaza since driving out Palestinian rivals in 2007. Trump's original plan envisions a role for the Palestinian Authority but only after it has undergone major reforms. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would convene his government on Thursday to approve the agreement. A source familiar with the matter said doing so was largely procedural, given that Israel had already agreed to it. But some details still need be worked out, so the timings could change, sources familiar with the talks said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas is to release the 20 living hostages together, 72 hours after the ceasefire begins, the sources said. An Israeli official said the hostages could be freed on Sunday or Monday. Palestinian sources said the bodies of dead hostages would be released gradually as Israel's military withdraws. Gal Hirsch, Israel's hostage coordinator, said an international force would be established to help find any dead hostages whom Hamas cannot locate. Israel is expected to release about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including over 200 who are serving life sentences, the Palestinian sources said. Hamas said on Wednesday it had handed over its lists of the hostages being held and the Palestinian prisoners it wanted freed and exchanged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli official said that once Israel approves the deal, it must withdraw to the agreed line within 24 hours, after which the 72-hour clock would begin. The White House expects the hostages will start being released on Monday. Under Trump's plan, humanitarian aid entering Gaza is to increase. The Israeli official said 600 trucks per day would soon start entering Gaza. Two Palestinian sources said the number would be a minimum of 400 trucks a day and gradually increase. Trump is expected to travel to Egypt in the coming days. The White House said he was considering going to the region on Friday. Netanyahu has invited Trump to address Israel's parliament, and Trump told Axios he would be willing to do so. The next phase of Trump's plan calls for an international body - the "Board of Peace" - to play a role in Gaza's post-war administration. Under the plan, it would be led by Trump and include former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST RISKS TO THE DEAL? Successful completion of the deal would be Trump's biggest foreign policy achievement to date. Hamas has so far refused to discuss Israel's demand that the militant group give up its arms. A Palestinian source said Hamas would reject this as long as Israeli troops occupy Palestinian land. Two sources familiar with the talks confirmed that sticking points included the mechanism for the Israeli withdrawal, with Hamas seeking a clear timeline linked to the release of hostages and guarantees of a complete pullout by Israeli forces. Within Gaza, Israel has dialed down its military campaign at Trump's behest, but it has not halted strikes altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arab countries say the plan must lead to eventual independence for a Palestinian state. Netanyahu says this will never happen. Hamas has said it would relinquish Gaza governance only to a Palestinian technocrat government supervised by the Palestinian Authority and backed by Arab and Muslim countries. It rejects any role for Blair or foreign rule of Gaza. The list of Palestinians that Hamas wants freed was expected to include some of the most prominent prisoners ever jailed by Israel, whose release had been off limits in previous ceasefires. According to a Palestinian source close to the talks, the list includes Marwan al-Barghouti, a leader of the Fatah movement, and Ahmed Saadat, head of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Both are serving multiple life sentences for involvement in attacks that killed Israelis. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom, Steve Holland and Jerusalem bureau, Editing by Humeyra Pamuk, Don Durfee, Raju Gopalakrishnan and Timothy Heritage) By David Shepardson BALTIMORE (Reuters) -The Federal Aviation Administration delayed flights for a third straight day on Wednesday at airports including Reagan Washington National and Newark Liberty International Airport as the agency continued to face higher-than-normal staffing shortages. There were nearly 3,000 flight delays by 5:30 p.m. ET (2130 GMT) after 10,000 delays in total on Monday and Tuesday with thousands tied to the FAA slowing flights because of air traffic controller absences at facilities across the country as the government shutdown reached its eighth day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some flights at Reagan were being forced to hold in the air due to a slowdown in air traffic, the FAA said. "Historically, there's about 5% of delays that is attributed to staffing issues in our towers. Last couple days it has been 53%," U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said on Fox News' "Will Cain Show." "My message to the air traffic controllers who work for DOT is show up for work -- you have a job to do." Air traffic control staffing issues during this shutdown have emerged earlier than the last major halt to government funding in 2019, during U.S. President Donald Trump's first term, leading to unexpected shortages in cities around the country. "The bottom line is these controllers are stressed out, and they're rebelling on this shutdown because they may not get paid," Duffy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland Governor Wes Moore and congressional Democrats called for the shutdown to end at Baltimore-Washington International Airport on Wednesday, noting that air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officers are working without pay. Moore, a Democrat, said President Trump "could not close a deal" to keep the government open. Representative Kwiesi Mfume, a Democrat, called for supplemental legislation that would continue to pay air traffic controllers during a shutdown. "People are beginning to worry now about flying and we should as a nation never get to that point," he said. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. "Our BWI workers are still here," Moore said. "They're doing it because they're patriots. They're doing it because they know that this work matters." Separately, Duffy said USDOT had secured $41 million to keep the Essential Air Service program funded into early November. Some carriers including Alaska Airlines had vowed to continue government-subsided flights to rural or remote areas even after USDOT warned they might not get reimbursed starting next week. The U.S. has faced air traffic control shortages for more than a decade, and many controllers had been working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks even before the shutdown. The FAA is about 3,500 air traffic controllers short of targeted staffing levels. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Mark Porter and Diane Craft) TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan President Lai Ching-te will stress the need for strong defences to preserve peace through strength when he gives his keynote national day speech on Friday, according to an official briefed on the matter. Democratically-governed Taiwan has faced increased military and political pressure from China, which views the island as its own territory over the strong objections of the government in Taipei. Lai will talk about increasing defence spending and strengthening social resilience, to protect peace through strength and demonstrate determination to safeguard Taiwan with concrete actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That involves building a strong line of defence for freedom and democracy, Lai will say, according to the official. Lai will also say he will "responsibly maintain the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait", the official added. China, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, says Lai is a "separatist" and has rebuffed repeated offers of talks from him. Lai says only Taiwan's people can decide their future. Lai, in a speech at a national day concert on Thursday night in the central city of Taichung, said: "We absolutely must not give up our sovereignty." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China this week accused Lai of "prostituting" himself to foreigners, after he gave an interview lauding U.S. President Donald Trump. China staged a day of war games around the island last year shortly after Lai's national day speech in what it said was a warning to "separatist acts", and Taiwan is tracking Chinese activities for any early warning signs of a repeat of last year's drills. China's foreign ministry told Reuters on Thursday, when asked if there would be war games in response to Lai's speech, that China would "firmly defend national sovereignty, reunification and territorial integrity". It did not elaborate. Five Taipei-based officials - three Taiwanese and two foreign - told Reuters on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the matter, that China would probably have to factor in broader geopolitical developments when considering whether to hold new war games. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those factors would include an expected meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a regional summit in South Korea later this month, the officials said. Taiwan's national day is held on the anniversary of a 1911 uprising that led to the overthrow of China's last imperial dynasty and establishment of the Republic of China. The republican government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists, and Republic of China remains the island's formal name. (Reporting by Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard; additional reporting by Ryan Woo in Beijing; editing by Mark Heinrich) By Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan President Lai Ching-te is expected to announce a new advanced "all-domain" air defence system to better defend against China when he gives his keynote national day speech on Friday, four sources familiar with the matter said. Democratically-governed Taiwan has faced increased military and political pressure from China, which views the island as its own territory over the strong objections of the government in Taipei. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taiwan is ramping up defence spending and modernising its armed forces, but faces a China that has a far larger military and is adding its own advanced new weapons like stealth fighter jets, aircraft carriers and a huge array of missiles. NEW AIR DEFENCE SYSTEM DUBBED 'TAIWAN DOME' Lai is expected to announce the air defence system dubbed "Taiwan Dome" in his Friday morning speech, one of the sources said. The system will integrate domestically produced and foreign equipment, utilising smart technology for "comprehensive system integration", according to the source. It will help address increasingly complex threats, such as dealing with a combination of drones, rockets, missiles and military aircraft, the source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just like in Israel, whose Iron Dome network of missile defences has been employed against attacks from Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iran, Taiwan society can operate more "resiliently and normally" with the new system, the first source added. Plans for the new system are currently being drafted and "initial integration" will start soon, the source went on to say, without elaboration. All four sources spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the matter. Taiwan's presidential office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. BOOSTING DEFENCE SPENDING AND SOCIAL RESILIENCE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A separate source, not connected with the information about the new defence system, told Reuters that Lai's speech will talk about increasing defence spending and strengthening social resilience, to protect peace through strength and demonstrate determination to safeguard Taiwan with concrete actions. That involves building a strong line of defence for freedom and democracy, Lai will say, according to the official. Lai will also say he will "responsibly maintain the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait", the official added. China, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, says Lai is a "separatist" and has rebuffed repeated offers of talks from him. Lai says only Taiwan's people can decide their future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China this week accused Lai of "prostituting" himself to foreigners, after he gave an interview lauding U.S. President Donald Trump. China staged a day of war games around the island last year shortly after Lai's national day speech in what it said was a warning to "separatist acts", and Taiwan is tracking Chinese activities for any early warning signs of a repeat of last year's drills. China's foreign ministry told Reuters on Thursday, when asked if there would be war games in response to Lai's speech, that China would "firmly defend national sovereignty, reunification and territorial integrity". It did not elaborate. Taiwan's national day is held on the anniversary of a 1911 uprising that led to the overthrow of China's last imperial dynasty and establishment of the Republic of China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The republican government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists, and Republic of China remains the island's formal name. (Reporting by Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard; additional reporting by Ryan Woo in Beijing; editing by Mark Heinrich) Claim: An image authentically shows a vandalized Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway sign in Lake County, Florida. Rating: Rating: Fake A rumor that circulated online in October 2025 claimed an image showed a vandalized Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway sign in Lake County, Florida. According to a oft-shared image, the photo showed black and red spray-painted writing on a genuine sign reading, "Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway. Designated by: 2025 Lake Board of County Commissioners." The sign referenced slain conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, who died at age 31 on Sept. 10 after being shot in the neck during an event at Utah Valley University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, on Oct. 7, conservative commentator and comedian Terrence K. Williams who has supported U.S. President Donald Trump and shared stories about his friendship with Kirk posted (archived), "It is being reported that after just 48 hours since the sign went up for the Charlie Kirk memorial highway, vandals have already gotten to and spray painted over the sign" The post featured an image allegedly showing the vandalized sign, as well as a small image of a purported X post from a user named @Joannepatriotx. That supposed post read, "Less than 48 hours after the install of the Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway sign, it has already been vandalised. What on earth has this world come too" The word "Cassy" appeared in very small, cursive writing just above the @Joannepatriotx post image. (Terrence K. Williams/Facebook) Other users also shared this same rumor and image on Facebook (archived), Instagram (archived), Reddit (archived), Threads (archived) and X (archived). An investigation of the image found the photo did not authentically depict a vandalized Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway sign. A reverse-image search for the small "Cassy" logo located an Oct. 3 post (archived) on the Cassy Legaspi Facebook page. That Facebook page, displaying the handle @GlobalMemeFeed, featured a bio alleging its content constituted satire. The bio read, "News page, not affiliated with any company, celebrity, or sportsperson. Posts are satire." (Cassy Legaspi/Facebook) A user altering the image added fake spray-painted graffiti on top of a genuine photo, either with Adobe Photoshop or other image-editing tools. Also, an X search for the @Joannepatriotx user found no such user, suggesting the user who doctored the sign also created the fake X post screenshot. This animated image file compares the original picture with the doctored fake: (Snopes Illustration) A user managing the Cassy Legaspi Facebook page told us via Messenger that another user sent the image to them, and that they did not create the doctored image. They told us, "We are under the belief that the image was correct." They also said they changed the handle of the user mentioned in the supposed X post for "privacy reasons." A search for an X post with the same words yielded no results. The Cassy Legaspi post disappeared shortly after our discussion. (The page displayed as its purpose the words "media/news company," indicating their content shared no relationship with an actor named Cassy Legaspi.) The real Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway sign On Oct. 1, Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini posted the original sign photo on his official Facebook (archived) and X (archived) pages, two days prior to the Cassy Legaspi post displaying the fake addition of spray-painted messages. The post displayed a text caption reading, "IT'S OFFICIALOur Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway signs are up! Lake County, FL is now the 1st local government in the nation to name a road after the great Charlie Kirkevery city & county in America should follow our lead." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A popular post (archived) on the official Turning Point USA Facebook page featured a screenshot of Sabatini's post and picture, as did a post (archived) appearing on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' X feed. Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway has been approved by the Lake County Commission. The road is a section of Wellness Way from US 27 to the Orange County line. Lake Countys dedication of the highway represents the first county to memorialize Kirk in the aftermath of his pic.twitter.com/VZyNDxIcq5 Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) October 2, 2025 Days later, TV news station WKMG in nearby Orlando reported about the Florida Department of Transportation's plans to install cameras to help protect the signs from vandals. The article referenced an Oct. 6 Facebook post (archived) from Sabatini, in which he alleged officials received word of threats regarding the signs and said the Florida Department of Transportation planned to install security cameras for protection. Sabatini also shared the message on X (archived), where he received a response (archived) from a user who captured a selfie in front of one of the signs. We contacted Sabatini via email to ask about the rumor, as well as to inquire whether he received word of any genuine acts of vandalism regarding the signs, and will update this article if we receive more information. For further reading, we previously reported about a claim alleging Kirk once stopped his car on a dark highway to help change a transgender man's tire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snopes reporter Rae Deng contributed to this story. Sources: "Animated Gif Tools." EZGIF.com, https://ezgif.com. McLeod, Emily. "Security Measures Planned for Lake County's Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway Signs." WKMG, 8 Oct. 2025, https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2025/10/08/security-measures-planned-for-lake-countys-charlie-kirk-memorial-highway-signs/. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A man has been accused of making a false bomb threat at a hotel in Greece. On Monday night, before 8 p.m., officers arrived at Woodspring Suites on Bellwood Drive in Greece for reports of a bomb in the garbage. No evidence of a bomb or suspicious item was found. During the investigation, police were able to trace the call back to another hotel Extended Stay America. They identified the caller as 41-year-old Vincent Roselli. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Roselli, his spouse, and children were asked to leave the Woodspring Suites, which led to the false bomb call. It was alleged that Roselli admitted to the call. Roselli was arrested and charged with first-degree falsely reporting an incident. He was taken to the Monroe County Jail to await arraignment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. A view of the Charles River in Wellesley, where new housing is proposed. (Photo by Jordan Wolman/Commonwealth Beacon) It didnt take long for the calls to start flowing into Peabody City Hall. Just a week or two after the Federal Emergency Management Agency updated flood maps across the Charles, Nashua, and Merrimack watersheds this past July, residents who found their homes newly included in the updated flood zones complained to city officials that they would likely need to pay for flood insurance for the first time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, those concerns reached Curt Bellavance, Peabodys director of planning and community development. For the 100 or so households in Peabody now in FEMAs special flood hazard area and an untold number of others across the three watersheds, the bill for increased flooding in Massachusetts is literally coming due. They all got a notice from their mortgage company that said, Oh by the way, you owe this premium, Bellavance told CommonWealth Beacon in an interview. People were like, What? Im not in the floodplain. Is this new? The frequency and severity of heavy precipitation events and flooding is increasing in Massachusetts and is projected to continue to grow over time. While coastal communities are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise, inland communities located near rivers and streams are also at risk and have experienced some of the most devastating flooding and corresponding property damage in recent years. In Massachusetts, where housing markets are already strained, FEMAs recent expansion of its flood maps is butting up against the states drive to supercharge new construction. In February, the Healey administration released a plan to add 222,000 housing units by 2035, but the increase in flooding and the fact that its not clear how many existing houses are now encompassed by the new maps introduce more risk into the process, as more parcels fall into flood plains and require additional insurance to qualify for mortgages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a home or business is placed in a FEMA flood zone a government-backed mortgage lender will have to require flood insurance for the property. About 55,000 homes in Massachusetts already have flood insurance, two-thirds of which have their flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, according to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs When someone says, I grew up in this house, and I bought it from my parents and we never had water in 65 years, its hard to argue with that and say, Well, youre in the floodplain now, Bellavance said. The financial impact of these new maps on Massachusetts property owners is far from clear. FEMA doesnt track how many new households or properties are added to a flood zone when new maps are created, according to an agency spokesperson. The state doesnt have that information, either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That leaves it up to municipalities to figure out how to translate FEMAs maps into tangible, actionable information for their residents to know their risks and to identify which households could be required to purchase flood insurance before their lender comes knocking on the door. Some communities, like Peabody, have calculated the new number. In Wellesley, an additional 150 parcels of land are now in the FEMA flood zone compared with the prior map, said Eric Arbeene, the towns planning director. And in Brookline, there are 33 additional properties in the flood zone under FEMAs new maps, with five properties previously in the flood zone removed from the map, according to Maria Rose, an environmental engineer at Brookline. Others, like Middleton and Boxford, dont have a sense of the scale of how the new changes impact their municipalitys residents, though in general more people are at risk of flooding. The process was broken, in terms of getting the information out to people that were impacted, Bellavance said. Curt Bellavance, Peabodys director of planning and community development, reviews his citys new FEMA flood maps. (Photo by Jordan Wolman/Commonwealth Beacon) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those data gaps and thorny flood risk questions involved in the map-making process are only bound to generate more scrutiny in Massachusetts. New FEMA flood maps for the Blackstone, Hudson-Hoosic, and Housatonic watersheds and in Worcester, Franklin, and Hampshire counties are all expected to move forward by the end of 2027, according to FEMA. The state estimates that some of those areas will be getting their first flood zone updates since the early 1980s. The new maps that FEMA rolled out for the Nashua, Merrimack, and Charles watersheds earlier this summer better incorporate data around inland flooding a process that first started a decade ago, the agency said. Healey is using the new maps to further justify her environmental bond bill, which is sitting before the Legislature and would direct about $400 million to upgrading inland dams, flood control projects, and coastal infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation also ensures experts in disaster prevention and housing production shape the building code and requires flood risk disclosures to protect homeowners and renters, said Maria Hardiman, a spokesperson for the state energy and environmental affairs office. These changes will help prepare Massachusetts for the future. Pricing in flood risk over time could lead to smarter decisions about where people choose to live, where the state should invest in new housing and spur property owners to protect themselves with flood insurance to minimize costly damages. The vast majority of U.S. homeowners arent prepared for that risk: Just 4% of homeowners nationwide have flood insurance despite 99 percent of counties being impacted by flooding since 1996. But policymakers, advocates, and homeowners are sifting through FEMAs updates skeptical of how best to make use of the new federal data. By law, the agency only takes historical flood data into account when establishing the flood zones used to set insurance rates, not forward-looking projections that model future conditions and incorporate the effects of climate change. Thats created large disparities between FEMAs flood maps and the actual risk experienced by residents. A 2023 report from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council found that 96% of flood damage claims filed after the historic 2010 downpours were in areas outside of FEMAs special flood hazard areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, an analysis by First Street, a climate risk financial modeling company that does incorporate future projections, says that there are tens of thousands more properties in flood zones in several Massachusetts counties than FEMAs flood maps show. For example, there are 42,447 properties in the flood zone in Middlesex County compared to the 9,093 properties identified by FEMA, according to First Streets estimates. We dont use FEMA maps that much, and we encourage communities to also not use them for planning purposes, said Julie Wood, climate resilience director at the Charles River Watershed Association. I know theres a regulatory structure around the National Flood Insurance Program that these maps are central to, and thats, of course, critically important. But our focus is on climate resilience planning and planning for the future that we know is coming, and these FEMA maps are not a good tool for that. Massachusetts communities are navigating how best to build housing given their flood risks at a time in which the state is confronting a large-scale housing shortage. Peabody is preparing for a new 128-unit affordable housing building in its downtown section thats fully permitted, Bellavance said. That section, near North River, has historically had flooding issues and the city has worked to improve stormwater management there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Wellesley, where the median home sold for $2.4 millon in August, the town is weighing a proposal from a developer to knock down several office buildings in a flood plain on the bank of the Charles River to construct a 28-unit, four-story multi-family housing building with two parking spots per unit, Arbeene said. There is a housing crisis. Everybody is aware of that, Arbeene said. I do think you can develop housing in a responsible manner. Development pressure in Wellesley is intense. But you dont want to build in a risky area. That doesnt work for anybody. I think theres a way you can do both, and thats why we have a flood plain bylaw and review process to ensure any development adheres to proper protocol. In order for communities to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, municipalities must adopt the new maps and minimum zoning and building code standards for structures within the flood zones, like adequate draining requirements and additional permitting for development in the floodplain, as the state model bylaw recommends. On the other side of town from the proposed housing project, Wellesley is confronting the fact that the towns high school is now, according to FEMAs new maps, in the flood zone. FEMA previously designated the high school in the flood zone during the agencys last update of the towns flood maps in 2012, Arbeene said, but the town successfully challenged that designation a process any property owner can go through to contest FEMAs determination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think most people find it burdensome, to be newly placed in the flood zone, said Theresa Hatton, CEO of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors. But we live in New England, and theres so much land that is in the floodplain, therefore anyone buying a home should investigate the flood maps. If individuals opt not to buy flood insurance, if a flood event occurs and they have no insurance to help them rebuild, theyre very frustrated by that, as well. The release of the latest maps put Wellesleys high school right back in the flood zone. The town decided not to challenge that decision this time and instead pay the $3,200 annual flood insurance cost, Arbeene said. Sometimes, its a cost-benefit decision to determine the cost of challenging the maps and hiring the engineers and consultants versus just paying the flood insurance, he added. Those types of choices are likely playing out across the state, with more still to come as FEMA finalizes more maps. To better plan for a warmer and wetter world, state and local officials and nonprofit groups are building more predictive and comprehensive flood tools to inform development decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Peabody, for instance, Bellavance said the city is reviewing a draft resiliency plan that includes models for projected conditions decades down the line. The city aims to adopt new zoning regulations around that plan early next year. The Charles River Watershed Association, in partnership with 20 municipalities, has developed its own flood modeling to support planning and necessary infrastructure upgrades along the river. The state, too, has developed its own coastal sea level rise projections and is working on similar efforts for inland flooding. People are concerned, Arbeene said. They dont want to be in a flood zone. We have been getting calls from people who said, Hey, my mortgage lender said that Im in the flood zone, can I get out of it? How do I get out of it? This article first appeared on CommonWealth Beacon and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A man accused of starting the deadly and destructive Pacific Palisades wildfire earlier this year was arrested in central Florida on Wednesday. Officials with the U.S. Department of Justice and California law enforcement announced the arrest in a news conference. Authorities allege Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, ignited the January blaze that would go on to become one of the most destructive in the history of the Los Angeles area. Jonathan Rinderknecht (DOJ) The fire killed a dozen people and destroyed more than 6,000 homes and other structures in the wealthy coastal neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOJ said an image he generated on ChatGPT depicting a burning city was among the evidence found on Rinderknechts devices. He was accused of taking videos of the fire as it burned. As part of the investigation, the DOJ released the above image, which was generated by ChatGPT, claiming the suspect instructed the AI to depict a burning city Rinderknecht was an Uber driver who resided in the neighborhood at the time of the fire, but he has since relocated to Florida, officials said. He was charged with destruction of property by means of fire and was taken into custody at his home in Melbourne. He is expected to make his first court appearance in Orlando on Wednesday afternoon. Officials said Rinderknecht does not have a prior criminal 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 WFLA. VILLAGE OF HANCOCK, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) Forest rangers were able to rescue a vulnerable 90-year-old who went missing overnight last week. On October 4 at 7:50 p.m., Delaware County requested Forest Ranger assistance in the search for a missing 90-year-old with early signs of dementia. The subject was last seen at 3 p.m. Rangers joined search crews from the Delaware County Sheriffs Office, the Delaware County Tech Team, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, and the Cooks Falls, Downsville, East Branch, Hancock, Roscoe Rockland, and Trout Creek Fire Departments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On October 5 at 9 a.m., a search group found the 90-year-old in a ravine on Dry Brook Ridge Road. The subject was conscious and alert but dehydrated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. It has been 5 years since the liberation of the village of Hadrut in the Khojavend region from occupation. In an address to the people on October 9, 2020, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, stated that the liberation of the village of Hadrut from occupation is our historic victory. "Azerbaijan is liberating the occupied lands. We can say that good news comes from the front every day. Every day, our soldiers and officers carry out combat missions with honor. At the same time, they are taking strategic heights and entering more favorable positions. Thus, the operational plan is fully implemented, it is based on modern combat principles. Both in terms of logistical equipment and combat training, the Azerbaijani army has a complete advantage on the battlefield today," the Azerbaijani President said. Hadrut was liberated from the Armenian occupation as a result of the counter-offensive operation launched by the Azerbaijani army on September 27. The liberation of Hadrut is considered one of the major turning points of the 44-day war. As a result of the operation, a significant amount of enemy manpower and equipment was destroyed. The liberation of Hadrut was not only a severe defeat for the Armenian army, but also a great blow to the occupiers from a psychological point of view. On March 16, 2021, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev raised the national flag of Azerbaijan in the village of Hadrut. On the first anniversary of the liberation of the village, in October 2021, the President of the country met with representatives of the public of the Khojavend district in Hadrut. At the meeting, he stressed that the Hadrut operation occupies a special place among the operations carried out during the Second Karabakh War. "This operation was of great importance both from a military and strategic point of view. The successful completion of this operation allowed us to achieve our goal of liberating Karabakh. The location of Hadrout has a special strategic significance in this region because it is a mountainous area. The heights surrounding the village allow you to control a vast area. It was very difficult to take Hadrut from a military point of view... The significance of the Hadrut operation lies in the fact that the Armenian leadership and the Armenian army did not expect that after Jabrayil we would go in the Hadrut direction. They believed that we would move in the Fuzuli direction. Although their large manpower was stationed in Hadrut, they did not expect us, because from a military point of view, taking Hadrut really required a lot of dedication and professionalism. By carrying out this operation, we have once again demonstrated our strength to Armenia and the whole world. We have shown that no one and nothing can resist us, that we will liberate all our lands at any cost," the head of state said. In December 2021, a military commando unit was opened in Hadrut. The opening of the commando military unit in Hadrut was a very important event, because the village has strategic importance and during the 44-day war its liberation played a significant role in the final victory. This fact was emphasized by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, in his speech at the opening ceremony. He stressed that it was not by chance that Hadrut became the second settlement liberated from occupation after Jabrayil. "Everyone who is here, seeing the mountains surrounding this village, can understand what a big, difficult and honorable mission it was, because the hated enemy built powerful fortifications on all the lands that had been under occupation for 30 years, created several lines of defensive fortifications. In addition, the natural terrain of the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions was favorable for the enemy, because they gained a great military advantage by being located in these mountains, on these hills," the head of state said. Military experts confirm the President's words. Military expert, reserve Colonel Shair Ramaldanov, the direction to Hadrut was not chosen by chance. After the liberation of Jabrayil, the roads leading to this settlement were taken under control by our attacking units. Then the Azerbaijani special forces conducted a successful operation and entered Hadrut, which opened the road to Shusha. The enemy did not expect that we would go to Hadrut after Jabrayil, the military expert noted. The Armenians were waiting for us in the direction of Fuzuli, but it was decided to go to Hadrut. Ramaldanov stressed that in the 44-day war, operational and tactical work was structured in such a way that the most promising areas were chosen for the counteroffensive, in which the enemy did not expect us in any way. Hadrut was the center of active hostilities, and after its liberation from the invaders, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces set a course for the liberation of Shusha. It should be noted that during the Hadrut operation, as well as in general during the liberation war, the Azerbaijani Army showed great humanity towards the Armenian population. Hadrut was inhabited mainly by Armenians before the conflict, so it was not destroyed during the occupation and people continued to live there. With the outbreak of the Second Karabakh War, residents had to leave Hadrut, which found itself in the epicenter of the fighting. There were many cases when Armenians left their homes, leaving the sick and elderly there, who were then rescued by Azerbaijani servicemen. The Hadrut operation proved the words of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief that the Azerbaijani army is fighting the armed forces, not the civilian population. The military command didn't just care about civilians. The life of every soldier was priceless, and the operations were designed and carried out in such a way that the losses of the Azerbaijani army were minimal. In contrast, for the Supreme Command of the Armenian Armed Forces, the personnel were nothing more than cannon fodder. Two years ago, the story of 76 Armenian soldiers killed during the battle for Hadrut surfaced. They were gathered from Armenia and sent to the battle zone without any training. As a result, everyone was eliminated, and the mothers of the victims are trying to punish the military officials responsible. Hadrut was very important for the occupiers. For a long time they could not believe in his release and hoped that they would be able to win back the situation. An ugly disinformation campaign has been launched around the liberation of Hadrut. Everyone probably remembers the fake reports of propagandist Pegov, who claimed that he was in Hadrut and the village had not been liberated. When the liberation of Hadrut could no longer be concealed, the Armenian propaganda set out to denigrate the Azerbaijani soldiers, accusing them of alleged atrocities against the villagers, vandalism, and the like. Later, separatist David Babayan, who is now sitting in the dock in Baku, loudly accused the Azerbaijani side of allegedly using tombstones from destroyed Armenian graves during the construction of the road through the liberated Hadrut. The fake was easily refuted - the road was built bypassing the Armenian cemetery. Life is returning to Hadrut today. In September 2025, the President of Azerbaijan visited Hadrut to get acquainted with the progress of the reconstruction works and infrastructure projects carried out here. As of today, the Hadrut hub substation and the Digital Control Center, a new military unit, the Fuzuli-Hadrut highway with a total length of 12.5 kilometers have been commissioned, a transformer station has been built, existing power lines have been restored, 8 water reservoirs have been repaired, new water, sewer and gas pipeline lines have been laid, and intra-village roads have been repaired. The necessary social infrastructure has been created in the village, including a hotel, retail and catering facilities. Due to the continuation of reconstruction work, there is no mass return of people to Hadrut yet. So far, 10 families have returned to their ancestral lands. 79 families are planned to be resettled by the end of the year. The housing stock of the village includes 541 houses, of which 462 are in unusable condition. 79 houses are partially habitable, and 10 of them are already ready. And by the end of the year, all houses from the latter category will be restored. In addition, a new residential block of 28 two-storey private houses is being built in Hadrut. On September 14, the head of state opened the Hadrout mosque, the foundation of which was laid with his participation in October 2021. Hadrut became the second major settlement after Jabrayil, liberated by the Azerbaijani army in the first weeks of the war. The 44-day Patriotic War was full of brilliant victories and testimonies of great courage. The main victory was Shusha, and let's not forget that the Hadrut operation opened the way to it. SINGAPORE, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese travelers are now "a system-level driver of Singapore's visitor economy," Subramania Bhatt, a veteran tourism analyst based in the city-state, told Xinhua in a recent interview, noting that their travel patterns are increasingly extending beyond iconic landmarks, spilling over into smaller, niche itineraries and experiences. According to the Singapore Tourism Board, since the introduction of visa-free travel between Singapore and China in February 2024, China has become Singapore's largest tourist source market. In the first eight months of 2025, Singapore recorded nearly 2.3 million visitor arrivals from China. A China Outbound Travel Sentiment Survey in the third quarter of 2025 showed that Singapore was the most popular future travel destination among over 15,000 potential travelers in China. The survey was conducted by China Trading Desk, a marketing and research firm specializing in Chinese consumers. Bhatt, the founder and CEO of China Trading Desk, noted that beyond visa-free travel, two other factors are key to attracting Chinese tourists: seamless payments and targeted marketing in China. Alipay and WeChat Pay are now widely accepted across hawkers, small merchants, malls, attractions, and retail outlets in Singapore, reducing friction and simplifying purchases. "This is confidence-building for first-timers and convenient for repeaters," Bhatt said. Singapore's largest retailer, FairPrice Group, has expanded Alipay+ acceptance to more than 500 outlets, including supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, and local food courts. Grab, a popular ride-hailing and delivery platform in Southeast Asia, has also become available through Alipay+ Voyager, allowing Alipay users to book rides directly from their digital wallets. Bhatt also noted changes in social and cultural aspects. "On the social side, operators have quietly normalized Mandarin-forward service, menus and after-sales, lifting satisfaction without changing the city's character," he said. Discovery on Chinese social platforms such as Xiaohongshu and Douyin is encouraging travelers to go beyond the main attractions, highlighting local culture in Peranakan neighborhoods, independent cafes, and nature trails, he added. Bhatt said the trend remained evident in the third quarter, with Chinese travelers extending their itineraries beyond iconic landmarks to include smaller, niche experiences such as bookshops, traditional shophouses, cultural cooking classes, and street-art walks. "We see spillover from icons to micro-itineraries," he said. Thursdays Top Stories Thursdays Five Facts [1] Kelly McEachran facing new claim of sexual abuse and charges for patronizing prostitutes A former Hope Christian School teacher accused of inappropriately touching two of his students is facing a new accusation dating back to the 1990s. And hes also accused of a new crime, patronizing prostitutes. The Bernalillo County District Attorneys Office said during the initial investigation, investigators found evidence he was frequenting a house of prostitution, which led them to add eleven more charges. A new claim comes in the form of a lawsuit against McEachran and Hope Christian Schools. The lawsuit says in 1994, the plaintiff was in sixth grade when McEachran locked her inside a classroom and touched her inappropriately. [2] Teen accused of bringing gun to Albuquerque High School will stay out of custody A teen accused of bringing a gun to school will remain out of custody. The Bernalillo County District Attorneys Office said the 14-year-old tried to hide a gun loaded with 19 rounds of ammunition in a locker at Albuquerque High School last week. The teen was released to his parents on Tuesday. The judge ordered that guns would not be allowed in the familys home. The parents must also report any violations of the teens conditions of release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [3] Clouds moving in, mild, & mostly calm Weather will allow for another perfect Mass Ascension Thursday morning! We will likely run into some cloud cover again though a few thousand feet of the ground, but a box effect is possible. Afternoon thunderstorms will again pop up over the mountains and northwest New Mexico. Drier weather is expected in Albuquerque for the Glowdeo and evening events at Balloon Fiesta, but an isolated quick rain shower cannot be ruled out. [4] NM introduces new pay grade regulation and new portal for state employees The state is adopting a new online portal for job applications that they hope will promote transparency, recruitment and retention. For years the state did not offer clear cut rules regarding job titles and pay scales. This addition will re-label some of its employees and determine how much someone can be paid based on their position. The rules will also include what qualification someone must have and what their pay range is. [5] Albuquerque man grows giant 1,000+ pound pumpkin An Albuquerque man has taken pumpkins to a new level by growing a massive 1,010-pound gourd right in his city backyard. Allen Clark began by starting a seed at the beginning of April. He gave the pumpkin new soil, water, pesticides, shade, and even a fan. Allens 1,010-pound pumpkin is on display at Jericho Nursery, located at Jericho Nursery, until Oct. 25. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. A South Bend-based food distribution business with decades-old operations in Bloomington and ties to local entrepreneur Charles Beasley is shutting down and eliminating 200 jobs. Filings with the state indicate that Raydia Food Group plans to close the Bloomington plant, at 4863 W. Vernal Pike, on Nov. 26, along with plants in Mishawaka and South Bend. The plants combined employed 200, but a breakdown wasnt immediately available. Pam Zarazee, the companys vice president of human resources, did not reply to a voicemail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State filings show the South Bend operations employed at least 135, while the Bloomington plant employed at least 35. Some of the Bloomington employees were represented by the Teamsters union in Indianapolis, but the local president was traveling and not available for an interview. Jerod Warnock, vice president of Teamsters Local 364, which represented some of the South Bend workers, said some of the workers had left their jobs already, though about 20 remained on the job in South Bend as of late last week to load and unload trucks as well as drive products to local customers. Warnock said the business primarily delivered food supplies to smaller grocery stores and restaurants as well as some institutional clients such as schools or jails. The Bloomington plant formerly supplied the Monroe County Jail, but has not done so in about five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to HT archives, the local plant formerly was part of Beasley Food Service, which Charles A. Beasley started in the 1960s, initially using one truck to service such Bloomington restaurants as Ladyman's and the Hour House. According to local property records, Beasley and his Wife, Marjorie, had owned the 12-acre Vernal Pike property since 1997. It was assessed this year at $3.8 million. Beasley sold the business in 2002 to Florida-based Syndicated Food Service for $7.5 million. At the time, the local business generated about $19 million in annual sales and employed 75, distributing food in Bloomington, Indianapolis, Evansville and Terre Haute. Beasley stayed on as general manager and, according to a West Lafayette High School website entry by his wife, retired in 2008. According to that page, Marjorie Beasley also worked for the business and had retired in 2006 after a 35-year career working as the Food, Nutrition & Environmental Services Director at Bloomington Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syndicated Food Service sold the Bloomington business to Troyer Foods in 2007, which, according to the Goshen News, was founded as Troyers Poultry in Vandalia, Michigan in 1948 and acquired by Case Farms in 1988. Goshen-based Troyer merged with South Bend-based Stanz Foodservice in 2022, becoming the Midwests largest and most respected independent foodservice distribution company, according to a new release from 2024, when Stanz-Troyer announced it would operate under a new name: Raydia Food Group. That same year, Raydia bought B&B Foods in Terre Haute, but closed those operations early this year to consolidate them with facilities in northern Indiana, according to the Terre Haute Tribune-Star. The demise of Raydia surprised customer Tracy Bruce, who co-owns Bloomingtons Scholars Inn Bakehouse. Very puzzling, said Bruce, who worked for Beasley and Troyer for about 25 years, including as director of sales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The merger of Stanz and Troyer made sense, he said, because Troyer supplied primarily independent grocery stores while Stanz supplied mostly restaurants. The idea, Bruce said, was that during an economic downturn, the combined companies restaurant business might decline, but the grocery store business would improve, whereas during an economic boom, higher sales to restaurants would be more than enough to offset declining sales to grocery stores. However, Bruce said, the food distribution business has slim margins and is especially susceptible to rising prices for electricity needed to refrigerate the foods and fuel, needed to deliver the food. Bruce said Raydia recently also made a software change and had some significant challenges doing even simple things such as invoicing. He said he sometimes would go to the facility to pick up an order of carrots or milk, and Raydia would not even have an invoice available when he arrived. Bruce said Raydia did not provide a lot of the Scholars Inn ingredients, and he has switched to another one of his suppliers, but he said having a local distributor provided easy access, especially in a crunch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will miss the convenience, he said. Boris Ladwig can be reached at bladwig@heraldt.com. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Former Beasley Food Service plant in Monroe County to close in November The Army civilian employee charged in an alleged embezzlement scheme is suspected of misappropriating even more money than what was revealed in a criminal complaint last week. The investigation into Laurent Lant, 55, chief of banking, investments and insurance for the Installation Management Command at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, has "so far" determined that he's bilked the Army of $860,000, a special agent with the Defense Criminal Investigative Service testified during a Wednesday court hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We still don't know how much money he has taken and has got squirreled away," Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Yuen later told U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry Bemporad. Lant was charged with theft of government money or property in a Sept. 26 criminal complaint. READ MORE: Another Fort Sam Houston official charged with stealing from Army program The complaint stated that Lant had made 18 transfers totaling $510,000 meant for the Army's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs to a business account for Zurich Consulting LLC - a company he formed three days before the transfers on Feb. 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities arrested Lant on Sept. 25 at his Cibolo home after he had purchased a $2,222 airline ticket for a flight that evening from Atlanta to Paris. He was planning to travel later to Benin, his native country in West Africa, but he also had scheduled a return flight for Oct. 15. During Wednesday's detention hearing, Bemporad set conditions for Lant's pretrial release on home detention. But Lant remains in custody for now pending a possible appeal by prosecutors. Lant was placed on leave from his job on Sept. 24. A 19-year government employee, he was making $190,000 a year. Army officials aren't saying much about Lant's case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We take these allegations very seriously and are working with the investigators," an Installation Management Command spokeswoman said in an email. She referred a request for additional information to the Army's Criminal Investigation Division, which cited the ongoing investigation for not disclosing any information beyond confirming that Lant has been taken into custody. On Sept. 23, Army CID agents approached the command's leadership about Lant's alleged embezzlement, according to the testimony of Jonathan Redding, special agent for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, which is part of the Defense Department. All but about $1,000 of the $510,000 received into Zurich's bank account was quickly transferred to a joint checking account held by Lant and his wife, the agent said. The money was used to pay for restaurant and coffee shop visits, among other expenditures, he added. MELLO CASE: 'Why does she need $4,400 per month in prison?' Judge rules against Janet Mello in pension fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yuen told the judge that Lant had created Zurich to evade detection. It's similar in name to Zurich Insurance Group, a global insurer that was paying claims related to damage caused last year by Hurricane Helene at the Army's Fort Eisenhower - now known by its original name, Fort Gordon - in Georgia. The prosecutor added that the high likelihood of conviction is motivation for Lant to flee the country, so he should remain jailed until his trial. Lant moved $150,000 to an account in his wife's name the same day he was placed on leave, Yuen said. Lant also withdrew more than $20,000 in cash and bought the plane ticket, Yuen added. "He was literally hours away from being over the Atlantic Ocean when he was taken into custody," the prosecutor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Shearer, one of Lant's defense lawyers, countered that if he is convicted he faces anywhere from 30 months to 46 months in prison based on the sentencing guidelines. Fleeing is "not worth ruining the rest of your life," Shearer said, adding that Lant is the father of a 10-year-old and a newborn whom he has no intention of leaving. Bemporad set conditions for Lant's home detention, which includes making a $7,500 deposit on bail of $75,000, surrendering his U.S. and Benin passports and being fitted with an electronic monitor. "There is a significant risk of flight in this case," the judge said. "I think these conditions reasonably assure that you're going to appear in court and reasonably assure that you're not going to flee." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lant's case comes about 14 months after another civilian defense worker at Fort Sam Houston was sentenced to 15 years in prison for stealing nearly $109 million. Janet Yamanaka Mello is locked up at a correctional facility in Tallahassee, Fla., and is scheduled to be released in late 2036. This article originally published at Fort Sam employee suspected of embezzling even larger sum from Army program. France on Thursday hosts foreign ministers from Arab and European countries for talks on helping the Palestinians once the Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas ends, a meeting that comes hours after the two sides agreed a ceasefire deal. Israel and Hamas earlier agreed a Gaza ceasefire deal to free the remaining living Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian militant group. It is a major step towards ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of people and unleashed a humanitarian catastrophe. The deal brokered through indirect talks in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh came two years after the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel. That was followed by a relentless Israeli assault on Hamas-ruled Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Europe has strongly supported the ceasefire efforts spearheaded by President Donald Trump, Washington and several European countries are at odds over whether it is the right moment to recognise a Palestinian state. Macron, in a 22 September speech at the United Nations, recognised a Palestinian state on the heels of similar announcements by Canada, Portugal and the United Kingdom. The Paris meeting brings together the top diplomats of five key Arab states Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates with European counterparts from France, Italy, Germany, Spain and the UK. Turkey and the European Union will also be represented. "This meeting will enable work on the implementation of the peace plan and the framework for the 'day after' by specifying the aspects of a collective commitment," said a French foreign ministry statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would focus on security, governance and reconstruction of the Palestinian territories after the war, it said. Top US envoy Rubio in Paris as diplomats renew drive for peace deal in Gaza 'Unnecessary and harmful' Before the ceasefire deal was announced, the Paris meeting had angered Israel, further straining French-Israeli relations in the wake of President Emmanuel Macron's recognition of a Palestinian state, which infuriated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar had in a message on X denounced the "unnecessary and harmful" meeting "concocted behind Israel's back" at the sensitive moment of the negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agenda includes the International Stabilisation Force evoked by Trump as part of his peace plan and support for the Palestinian Authority which runs the occupied West Bank, a French diplomatic source said this week, asking not to be named. "It is essential to act together and get down to work," said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. Berlin has repeatedly said it disagrees with the move by France and other European countries to recognise a Palestinian state now. The meeting is due to get underway at 5pm followed by a news conference by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. It was not immediately clear if Macron, who on Wednesday met Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein and has hailed the ceasefire deal as providing "great hope" for the region, would attend. With summer officially over, it's time to get ready for the cold and fall storms. The National Weather Service issued a freeze warning for this week in parts of the region while a storm could bring coastal flooding to Delaware into early next week. Here's a look at the Delaware and regional weather forecast: Freeze warning Freeze warnings and frost advisories are in effect the night of Oct. 9 through the morning of Oct. 10 in parts of the area, according the National Weather Service. Low temperatures in the 30s to low 40s tonight into Friday morning. This will lead to areas of frost and freezing conditions across portions of PA and NJ. Freeze Warnings and Frost Advisories are in effect. Protect any sensitive outdoor plants tonight! #PAwx #NJwx #DEwx #MDwx pic.twitter.com/el99S213Cl NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) October 9, 2025 Delaware is forecasted to stay out of the zone projected to freeze, but parts of the Philadelphia suburbs in Pennsylvania and South Jersey could be impacted. These areas could see temperatures in the lows 30s or 40s during that time span. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Delaware, New Castle and Kent counties will see temperatures dip into the mid-40s while much of Sussex County will be in the 50s. Coastal flood watch A strong coastal storm is forecast to bring potentially significant impacts to the region at the end of the weekend, according to the weather service. A strong coastal low will develop off the Carolinas, strengthening over the weekend into a storm that could bring moderate to major coastal flooding, strong to damaging winds, beach erosion and dangerous marine conditions are forecast, forecasters said. Potentially significantly impacts appear increasing likely for our coastal areas Sunday through Monday. Moderate to major coastal flooding, strong to damaging winds, beach erosion, and very dangerous marine conditions are possible. #PAwx #NJwx #DEwx #MDwx pic.twitter.com/MNJQLxTBQF NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) October 9, 2025 A coastal flood watch was issued for portions of Delaware and New Jersey while a storm watch was issued for the Atlantic coastal waters and lower Delaware Bay between Oct. 12 and 13. A strong coastal low will develop off the Carolinas, strengthening over the weekend into a storm that could bring moderate to major coastal flooding, strong to damaging winds, beach erosion and dangerous marine conditions are forecast, forecasters said. Significant coastal flooding is possible due to strong onshore winds, high surf and astronomical tides. Meanwhile, high surf will generate strong rip currents and potential beach erosion, the NWS said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what the storm could bring, according to the NWS: Coastal flooding potential Moderate to major coastal flooding is possible from Oct. 12 through Oct. 13. The extent of flooding will depend on the storm's track and intensity. Wind gust probabilities 50 to 80 percent chance of wind gusts greater than 45 mph along the Atlantic coast. 40% to 60% chance of wind gusts exceeding 55 mph along the immediate coast. Actual wind magnitudes will depend on the storm's track and intensity. Heavy rain and flooding possible Probability of 2 inches or more of rain is high. Heavy rainfall could lead to flooding, especially in urban areas. Actual rainfall amounts will depend on the storm's track. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Freeze warning, coastal flooding watch as storm nears Delaware Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Federal authorities in Germany were granted permission to shoot down drones following a series of recent sightings of unknown drones spotted near Munich. The German government's cabinet on Wednesday signed-off on the new reform package that now awaits approval of the Bundestag, the country's parliament. The move came after drones were seen at Munich Airport last week, which led to air traffic control suspensions and thousands of flights impacted directly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Drone incidents threaten our safety," said Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Germany now joins Britain, France, Romania and Lithuania in extending police powers to down the flying objects. "We will not allow that," Merz, leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union party, said Wednesday on social media. "We are strengthening the powers of the federal police so that drones can be detected and intercepted more quickly in future," he added. In addition, other rogue drones have been detected in Denmark, Lithuania, Finland, Estonia, Poland and Romania that have interrupted air traffic on the continent in recent weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials in Denmark purport it to be a "professional" act by an unknown actor but other European Union leaders, including Merz, have pointed to Russia as the culprit. Moscow, however, has denied the allegations. It followed a similar pattern of unexplained drone flights earlier this year in the United States. Meanwhile, authorities announced Wednesday that Russian drones attacked and seriously damaged a Ukrainian thermal power plant overnight in Russia's escalating war in Ukraine and eastern Europe. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul sees a "window of opportunity" for Western Balkan states to join the European Union. Speaking at a conference in Belfast on Thursday, Wadephul said the candidates for EU accession have great hopes of progress, but that "there is also great fear that in the end it will be an endless process that will not lead to any results." The Berlin Process, launched in 2014 by former German chancellor Angela Merkel, aims to promote cooperation with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia and Kosovo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current chair is the United Kingdom, which left the EU following the Brexit vote in 2016. Wadephul said the accession of the Western Balkan countries into the bloc "must not take place at some point, but must take place in the foreseeable future." The countries are being encouraged to implement necessary reforms before they can join, Wadephul said. He suggested the current term of the European Commission and Parliament, which runs until 2029, provides an opportunity that "must be utilized." The accession process for Western Balkan countries has been at a standstill in recent years, causing growing concern in the EU that countries in the region are increasingly opening up to Russia and China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the Western Balkan countries, Montenegro is considered to be the furthest along in the process, with negotiations ongoing since 2012. Serbia has been in talks over accession since 2014, while Albania and North Macedonia began negotiations in 2022. Bosnia-Herzegovina is official a candidate country, but accession talks have not begun, while Kosovo is a potential candidate. Gov. Kim Reynolds has called a special election for Dec. 30 to fill the Iowa Senate seat of the late Sen. Claire Celsi, who died at age 59 after dealing with undisclosed health challenges. Celsi, a Democrat from West Des Moines, died Tuesday, Oct. 7. Her family announced on Sept. 18 that she had entered hospice care. More: Iowa Sen. Claire Celsi, remembered as 'an absolute force,' dies at 59 She represented Iowa Senate District 16, which includes parts of West Des Moines, Clive and Windsor Heights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Celsi won her first election in 2018 with nearly 66% of the vote and won reelection in 2022 with 58%, defeating Republicans each time. Following redistricting, she won again in 2024 with 70% of the vote, defeating a Libertarian candidate after no Republican filed to run. Sen. Claire Celsi speaks with another lawmakers on the first day of the Legislative session, Monday, Jan. 9, 2023. The election will be the sixth special election for an Iowa lawmaker this year. In January, Democrat Mike Zimmer pulled off a surprise victory over Republican Kate Whittington in an eastern Iowa Senate seat that Chris Cournoyer vacated when she became lieutenant governor. Republicans narrowly held a House seat that became vacant after former Rep. Martin Graber died unexpectedly of a heart attack. Republican Blaine Watkins defeated Democrat Nannette Griffin in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in April, Democrat Angelina Ramirez won a special election to the Iowa House to replace Sami Scheetz, who resigned after being appointed to fill a vacancy on the Linn County Board of Supervisors. Ramirez defeated Republican Bernie Hayes. Democrat Catelin Drey in August won a special election for the Iowa Senate seat previously held by Rocky De Witt, who died of pancreatic cancer. She defeated Republican Christopher Prosch, breaking Senate Republicans' supermajority in the 50-member chamber. And Reynolds has set a special election for Dec. 9 to fill the Iowa House seat of Rep. Mike Sexton, R-Rockwell City, who resigned on Sept. 19 to serve as the state director for U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development. Reporter Marissa Payne contributed to this story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on X at @sgrubermiller. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Special election set for Claire Celsi's Senate seat in West Des Moines SOUTH DAKOTA (KCAU) South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed an executive order doing away with more than 100 previous executive orders. This action is mostly a housekeeping measure, but it rescinds 151 old orders that were either no longer essential to everyday operations in the executive branch, codified into state law, or used to establish committees and task forces that are no longer active. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It all comes because most executive orders dont have an expiration date, and remain on the books even after they are no longer needed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Republican South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden speaks to the media on Aug. 26, 2025, at the Tri-State Governors' Conference in Dakota Dunes. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) Larry Rhoden spent his first eight months as governor steering South Dakota onto the high ground of civil discourse, only to follow Kristi Noem back into the gutter last week. Noem, the head of the federal Department of Homeland Security, was in Broadview, Illinois. Protesters have been amassing for weeks at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility there to express disapproval with the Trump administration, resulting in clashes with authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following her usual impulse to provoke rather than problem-solve, Noem inserted herself into the tense situation with YouTuber and podcaster Benny Johnson in tow, filming her every confrontational move. That included a stroll up to the door of the Village of Broadview Municipal Building with her entourage to ask if she could use the restroom. Somebody standing on the inside of the door kept it shut and said no you cannot. Noem swiveled and stormed off. Thats what Governor Pritzker says is cooperation and keeping people safe, she blurted on her way past Johnson as he filmed the encounter. Indeed, how could JB Pritzker, the Democratic governor of Illinois, forget his solemn oath to support the constitution, faithfully discharge his duties, and facilitate bathroom breaks for presidential Cabinet secretaries? Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at a news conference in Chicago on Oct. 6, 2025. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson stands at right. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Rhoden, a Republican who succeeded Noem as South Dakotas governor in January, was similarly offended. He shared the footage of Noems bathroom brouhaha on X (formerly Twitter) and added his own written comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kristi is the toughest woman I know, Rhoden said. If Pritzker thinks a locked door will stop her from enforcing the LAW, then he is severely underestimating my friend. But Rhoden wasnt finished. He followed Noem onto the low road and went even lower in his attack on Pritzker. Maybe he should clean up Chicago, Rhoden said. Or at least eat a salad. Thats apparently supposed to be a joke about Pritzkers well-chronicled efforts to lose weight. Not laughing? Neither am I. Its disappointing that Rhoden would write those words or allow them to be written on his behalf. Its also hypocritical coming from a hat-wearing cowboy whos been on a high horse lecturing South Dakotans about civility ever since he pledged, upon becoming governor, that it would be one of the pillars of my administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As recently as Sept. 12, Rhoden philosophized about the importance of civil discourse in the weekly column he distributes to the media. He said civility is the best way to honor Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and commentator who was fatally shot a couple of days earlier in Utah. This screenshot taken on Oct. 6, 2025, shows an Oct. 4 post to Gov. Larry Rhodens account on X (formerly Twitter). On the same day he released that column, Rhoden used his official Facebook account to advocate unsuccessfully, as it turned out for the firing of a University of South Dakota professor who posted insensitive comments about Kirk in the hours after the shooting. We must not send the message to our kids that this is acceptable public discourse, Rhoden said. That effort to tear down a USD professors career for ill-advised but constitutionally protected free speech stands in contrast to Pritzkers past efforts to build up the same university. In 2007, Pritzkers family foundation donated $5 million to help build the Theodore R. and Karen K. Muenster University Center, named in honor of the parents of Pritzkers wife, Mary Kathryn MK Pritzker, who was raised in South Dakota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhoden, meanwhile, is fixated on more recent contributions totaling $790,000 from Pritzkers issue-based nonprofit, Think Big America, to support a ballot question last fall that would have added abortion rights to the South Dakota constitution. Voters rejected the measure, as Rhoden noted in his X post about Noems bathroom video. The last time JB Pritzker picked a fight with Noem and South Dakota, Rhoden said, it didnt go well for him. Perhaps Rhoden needs a reminder that contributing to a ballot question committee does not equate to picking a fight, and a disagreement over immigration policy does not justify a demeaning comment about a fellow governor. If he doesnt know that, he should spend more time reflecting on his own words from last month, when he admonished everyone to honor Charlie Kirks legacy by continuing to talk to each other and focusing on reason and principle, rather than personal attacks. WELLINGTON, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand welcomes the first phase of the peace deal between Israel and Hamas, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said on Thursday. "Over the past two years, both Israelis and Palestinians have suffered immensely ... Today is a positive first step in bringing that suffering to an end," Peters said, commending the efforts of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye in the negotiations. Peters emphasized the importance of the parties delivering on their promises, adding that Hamas needs to release all the hostages and Israel must withdraw troops to the agreed line. "This is an essential first step towards achieving lasting peace," he said, urging continued negotiations for a complete resolution. Noting protests in New Zealand over the Gaza situation in the past two years, Peters called on protestors and political allies in the parliament to join the government in supporting the peace deal. Senate Democrats are warming up to an upstart oyster farmer in the crucial Maine Senate race. Now theyll have to decide if they are willing to snub their partys dream recruit to support him. So far, Graham Platner only has one public endorsement from a sitting senator, Vermont independent Bernie Sanders. But more than a half-dozen Democratic senators sang his praises in interviews this week, even as Minority Leader Chuck Schumer grows closer to landing his top recruiting target to run against Sen. Susan Collins not Platner, but Gov. Janet Mills. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), who praised Platner in a recent X post, said in an interview that he has written Platners campaign a check. Hes also showing Platners viral social media videos to colleagues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really appreciate people who are good communicators, Heinrich said. Graham is somebody who can go anywhere in Maine and genuinely connect with people. We need more candidates like that. Other Senate Democrats, including Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, have privately spoken to Platner. Hes off to a really strong start and has a wonderfully appealing local background and story, said Whitehouse. The question many of them are avoiding for the time being is whether Platner, a 41-year-old Marine Corps and Army veteran who has built undeniable grassroots buzz, is the better choice to take on Collins than Mills, the 77-year-old two-term governor who was in elected office when Platner was born. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mills has said she is seriously considering a run and has interviewed potential campaign managers. She expects to make a formal announcement by next month, with Democrats widely expecting her to jump in. Whitehouse, for instance, called Platner a qualified candidate but demurred when asked if Platner was more formidable than Mills, saying he would not step into that conversation. The Maine race is at the heart of Democrats uphill path back to the Senate majority, needing to flip a net of four seats in next years midterms. Democrats have perennially tried to oust Collins, the only blue-state Senate Republican left, and fallen short, including in a contentious 2020 race where they were confident they had her beat. But the 2026 contest is also set to be another high-profile test of where the power lies within Democrats competing factions, with the popular, establishment-aligned Mills facing off with Platner, who has earned fans on the left with his populist message, and a host of other contenders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early indications are that Platner is a legitimate contender. He has drawn large crowds and an enthusiastic online response that has helped fuel his campaign, which announced Wednesday that it has raised $4 million since its launch, with nearly $1 million raised in the past week. Sanders, who has split with Schumer in a number of primaries, said he believed Platner stands an excellent chance to beat Senator Collins. There is a growing understanding that we need candidates from the working class who understand what working families are going through, who are prepared to stand up to the billionaire class and fight for an agenda that works for all, not just the people on top, he said. Mills has plenty of fans inside the Senate Democratic Caucus, who view her entrance into the Senate race as a game-changing recruiting coup on the same level as netting Sherrod Browns entry in Ohio or Roy Cooper in North Carolina. National Democrats believe Mills is the strongest candidate, given her history of winning statewide. But unlike Brown or Cooper, Mills expected candidacy isnt clearing the primary field at this point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Senate Democrat, hasn't endorsed in the race but said in a brief interview Wednesday that he believes Mills will be a strong candidate. And Schumer has made no secret that he wants Mills to run against Collins. He and other top party leaders believe Mills name recognition and popularity in Maine would give her a better chance against Collins, who has proven difficult to beat despite being a prime target for Democrats for years. Mills won her last race by roughly 13 percentage points. Neither Schumer nor Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), the Senate Democratic campaign chair, has reached out to Platner, according to a person granted anonymity to describe private conversations. Platner, for his part, has said he wont support Schumer for party leader if he wins the election. Maine hasnt elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1988, the last time former Majority Leader George Mitchell ran. The states other sitting senator, Angus King, is an independent who, like Sanders, caucuses with Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King said Wednesday that his general practice is not to campaign against colleagues, and he expects to stick with that next year including not endorsing in the primary. Platner has caught the attention, though, of two key groups within the Senate Democratic Caucus younger members and progressives. Still, several in those cadres say that while his message has put him on their radar, theyre stopping short of backing him over a potential Mills candidacy for the time being. Ive seen a bunch of his stuff, and its killer, said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), adding that Platner seems pretty impressive. But asked if Platner was being overlooked by party leaders, Murphy said only that he looks forward to meeting the candidate and learning more about him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) declined to discuss private discussions about the Maine race but offered support for candidates like Platner jumping into the fray. Im excited to see new people enter the race for the Senate, she said, particularly those who have a strong voice theyre willing to use on behalf of people who are often ignored in the U.S. Senate. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A man and woman allegedly found in a stolen car face theft and drug charges after a struggle with Greece police. On Monday, officers said they found 30-year-old Luis Sosa and his passenger, 32-year-old Asia Hassenhauer, in a stolen red Toyota on Greece Ridge Center Drive. They were accused of refusing to follow commands, which resulted in their arrests after a brief struggle. Officers said they searched the suspects and found drugs consistent with personal use. After field sobriety tests and a blood draw, Sosa was arrested for DWAI by Drugs. Hassenhauer also allegedly gave police a fake name of Alexis Kenyon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both have been arrested and charged with criminal possession of stolen property (3rd), unauthorized use of a motor vehicle (3rd), and criminal possession of a controlled substance (7th). Sosa received additional charges of DWAI and aggravated unlicensed operation (3rd), and Hassenhauer faces additional charges of criminal impersonation (2nd) and forgery (2nd). At the time of his arrest, Sosa was on parole for second-degree robbery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. By Marianna Parraga GEORGETOWN (Reuters) -Guyanese businessman and politician Azruddin Mohamed and his father Nazar Mohamed will be extradited to the United States to face fraud and corruption charges, once U.S. authorities formally make the request, Guyana's attorney general said. The businessmen, who own the gold-exporting firm Mohamed's Enterprise, were indicted in a Florida court last week on charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering to enrich themselves and defraud the government of Guyana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Azruddin Mohamed is positioned to be sworn in as Guyana's opposition leader by November, after his political party - We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), founded four months ago - won 16 parliamentary seats in Guyana's general election last month. "The next step is for the government of the United States of America to request the government of Guyana the extradition of the two persons," Attorney General Anil Nandlall said late on Tuesday in a show he regularly broadcasts on social media. "This process, which will be embarked upon, is a legal one and is contained in an extradition framework between the government of the U.S. and the government of Guyana," he added. Neither Azruddin nor Nazar Mohamed replied to a request for comment on the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If an extradition request is granted, the businessmen would have the right to challenge it in Guyanese courts, former speaker of Guyana's Parliament Ralph Ramkarran told Reuters. For Guyana and some of its neighbors, the court of last resort is the Caribbean Court of Justice. Azruddin Mohamed told local media this week he was assembling a legal team to challenge the U.S. charges and that Guyana's tax agency notified him and his father last week that they owe the government some $917 million in taxes and penalties. He also accused Guyana's ruling People's Progressive Party of persecuting him due to his foray into politics. "Fearing the momentum seen at the last election and the cry of the Guyanese people for change, they are doing everything possible to stop me," he said in a statement on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Azruddin Mohamed is not expected to be legally barred from serving as opposition leader while facing the U.S. indictment, Ramkarran added. But one of Guyana's opposition parties called on Wednesday to reach a consensus on who should serve as their leader. GOLD EXPORTS ON THE RADAR The mining businessmen are accused of entering into agreements to sell and transport Guyanese gold to buyers in Miami and Dubai by fraudulently reusing Guyana customs declarations and seals, the court for the Southern District of Florida said on Thursday. They also are accused of paying bribes to Guyanese officials in one of a total of 11 charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 10,000 kilograms of gold were exported through Miami since 2017 without payment of Guyanese taxes and royalties, causing a loss to the Guyanese authorities of some $50 million, prosecutors said in the indictment. The prosecutors are seeking to have the businessmen forfeit property, including a $5.3 million shipment of gold bars seized at a Miami airport last year. The U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions last year on the businessmen over fraud allegations. A company owned by the family was formerly part of a consortium building a $300 million oil logistics base in Guyana for Exxon Mobil. (Reporting by Kemol King and Marianna Parraga; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise, Nia Williams and Marguerita Choy) Hamas and Israel have agreed to the first phase of Donald Trumps peace plan. The terror group has pledged to release all Israeli hostages and Israel will withdraw its troops to an agreed-upon line. The US president hailed the historic and unprecedented event in a late-night announcement, adding that it was the first step towards peace in the Middle East. Mr Trump could fly to the region as soon as Friday, his press secretary said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News of an agreement drew celebratory gatherings from hostage families in Tel Aviv and cautious optimism from some in Gaza. Hamas intends to release all 20 living hostages in a matter of days, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza. Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, joined celebrations in Tel Aviv - Ronen Zvulun Uncertainty remains about some of the thornier aspects of Mr Trumps proposal. These include whether and how Hamas will disarm, and who will govern Gaza. However, both sides appear closer than they have been in several months to ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, destroyed most of Gaza and triggered other armed conflicts across the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The whole world has come together on this one, Israel, every country has come together, Mr Trump told the Reuters news agency. This has been a fantastic day. This is a great day for the world. This is a wonderful day, a wonderful day for everybody. Sir Keir Starmer expressed profound relief and called on both sides to keep their promises. He added: This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza. The deal announcement was made hours after the extraordinary moment Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, interrupted a roundtable on Antifa to hand the president a note. Credit: Floridas Voice Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was just given a note by the secretary of state saying that were very close to a deal in the Middle East, and theyll need me pretty quickly, Mr Trump announced. The hand-written note read: We need you to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first. Mr Trump had a very warm and emotional conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, shortly after announcing the agreement. The pair congratulated each other on the historic achievement, with Mr Netanyahu inviting his American counterpart to address the Israeli Knesset. In an official statement released by the Israeli leaders office, Mr Netanyahu said he would not rest until all the hostages were home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement God Bless Israel. God Bless America. God Bless our great alliance, he added. Meanwhile, Hamas urged Mr Trump to ensure Israel enacts its side of the agreement without delay. The terror group said in a statement that the US and other mediating countries, including Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, should compel it to implement the agreements requirements fully and not allow it to evade or delay the implementation of what has been agreed upon. Hamas said it agreed to the first phase proposal to end the war of extermination against our Palestinian people and the occupations withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. In Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egyptian delegates were seen smiling and hugging moments before Mr Trump announced the deal. Egyptian delegates shake hands moments before Mr Trumps announcement - Barak Ravid In Israel, it was reported that the government had begun drafting a formal proposal for ministers to vote on on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday began with leaks that Hamas was making difficult demands, including the return of the bodies of symbolic figures such as Yahya Sinwar and his brother Mohammed, both former leaders of the terror group. There were also reportedly unresolved differences on the issues of Hamass disarmament and the IDFs withdrawal timetable from Gaza. These two sticking points remain, as the deal agreed on Wednesday night, described as the first phase by Mr Trump, only mentions the hostages return and Israels withdrawal. Other officials suggested earlier on Wednesday that all hostages could be returned while the details on disarmament remained to be negotiated, contrary to expectations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas is believed to hold 48 hostages, 20 of whom Israel believes to be alive. The terror group has asked the IDF to stop operating in some areas, to allow them to collect the bodies. Fears for the health of the living hostages grow as each month passes. The next phases of Mr Trumps 20-point plan should see a permanent end to the war, aid flooding into the region, the disarmament of Hamas, the complete withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza and the rebuilding of the enclave under Palestinian authority. According to the plan, the US president will eventually oversee a transitional government in the Strip as the head of a new body called the Board of Peace, which Sir Tony Blair, the former British prime minister, would also sit on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, all sides will engage in new talks on Palestinian self-determination and statehood, if Mr Trumps plan goes ahead. Mr Trump had told reporters on Wednesday afternoon that talks with Hamas seem to be going well and that a deal was very close. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said in a statement that Mr Trump was considering heading to the Middle East on Friday. After the deal was announced on Truth Social, reports suggested he may head to Israel on Sunday. Mr Trump announced the news on Truth Social - Truth Social Israel to release 2,000 prisoners According to the outline of the deal set out by Mr Trump last week, Israel has pledged to release just under 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It remains to be seen how many will be totemic figures of traditional Palestinian armed resistance, such as Marwan Barghouti, whom Israel is known to want to retain. Hamas said on Wednesday morning it had submitted a list of prisoners it wants released from Israel, as stated under the peace deal. While Hamas had agreed to some points in Mr Trumps 20-point plan, it had stopped short of agreeing to others, such as the demand to disarm. Steve Witkoff, Mr Trumps Middle East envoy, and Jared Kushner, the presidents son in law, arrived in Egypt to join the talks on Wednesday morning. A ministerial meeting will be held in Paris on Thursday, when European, Arab and other states will discuss Gazas post-war transition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Israeli forces intercepted a new Gaza-bound aid flotilla, days after stopping Greta Thunbergs boats from reaching the territory. The International Committee to Break the Siege of Gaza, a network of pro-Palestine activists, said three vessels had been attacked and illegally intercepted early on Tuesday morning around 130 miles off the coast. The group said a fourth was under attack. The Israeli military has no legal jurisdiction over international waters... our flotilla poses no harm, the organisers added, claiming that the flotillas signals had been jammed. Israels foreign ministry dismissed the incident as a publicity stunt. 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. (Reuters) -Harvard University said on Wednesday that its graduate medical school has entered a licensing agreement with Microsoft, granting the tech company access to its consumer health content on specific diseases and wellness topics. Microsoft will pay Harvard a licensing fee, a university spokesperson said in a statement, adding that the agreement was made through Harvard Health Publishing, the consumer health division of Harvard Medical School. The agreement comes as part of the company's broader strategy to reduce its dependence on ChatGPT-maker OpenAI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the news earlier in the day, said the partnership will help enhance Microsoft's Copilot AI assistant with health-related content. The latest version of Copilot, expected to launch as early as this month, will utilize content from Harvard Health Publishing to provide answers to user questions on medical and wellness topics, the university said. Copilot has so far relied primarily on OpenAI's models to power tools across its productivity suite, including Word and Outlook. Microsoft has recently begun integrating Anthropic's Claude and is also developing its own AI models, as it looks to diversify its artificial intelligence strategy. (Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal and Rajveer Singh Pardesi in Bengaluru; Additional reported by Mrinmay Dey; Editing by Shailesh Kuber, Alan Barona and Sherry Jacob-Phillips) A rendering of Holtec Internationals proposed nuclear waste storage site, which the company announced this week wont happen in New Mexico. (Courtesy of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission) A company that has for years sought to store nuclear waste in New Mexico announced this week that it was withdrawing that plan, citing an untenable path forward for used fuel storage in New Mexico, according to a spokesperson. Florida-based company Holtec, in partnership with the local Eddy-Lea Energy Alliance, has been seeking state and federal permission since at least 2018 to store spent nuclear fuel in Southeastern New Mexico. In May 2023, it received a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to receive, possess, transfer and store 500 canisters holding approximately 8,680 metric tons of commercial spent nuclear fuel for 40 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But earlier that year, the Legislature had passed Senate Bill 53 banning state agencies from granting permits, contracts or leases to build a high-level nuclear waste storage facility, including the New Mexico Department of Transportation and New Mexico Environment from issuing permits for construction and operations. In a statement Thursday to Source New Mexico, Holtec spokesperson Patrick OBrien suggested the statewide pushback was behind the decision to abandon its plans, known as the HI-STORE project, in the state. After discussions with our longtime partner in the HI-STORE project, the Eddy-Lea Energy Alliance, and due to the untenable path forward for used fuel storage in New Mexico, we mutually agreed upon cancelling the agreement, OBrien said in an email. This allows for ELEA to work to redevelop the property in a manner that fits their needs and allows Holtec to work with other states who are amenable to used fuel storage. Some New Mexico elected officials cheered the announcement, including Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Rep. Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo), who sponsored SB53. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement Thursday to Source, the governor said she is glad Holtec heard the states strenuous objections, citing the state law, and withdrew its plans. We stand firm in our resolve to protect our state from becoming a nuclear dumping ground, she said. In a statement on social media late Wednesday, her office noted New Mexico is already doing its part regarding nuclear waste storage at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. The announcement comes despite a June United States Supreme Court ruling favorable to companies like Holtec. The court ruled 6-3 that Texas and other parties lacked standing to challenge the Nuclear Regulatory Commissions decision to provide a permit to another company with a proposed facility about 40 miles away in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, local environmental groups, including the states chapter of the Sierra Club, decried the ruling because it removed their legal capacity to intervene in the NRCs permitting process. Holtec, at the time, called the ruling a significant win for the nuclear industry that reaffirms our license in NM. Still, longtime anti-nuclear advocate Don Hancock told Source in June that the states anti-waste protections, as well as what he described as bad economics for the company, made him skeptical New Mexicans would see truckloads of radioactive material anytime soon. I think they know they cannot proceed with the site in New Mexico, he said June 18. Oct. 9A request for a conditional use permit to operate a three-story hotel in Bigfork is going back before the Board of Adjustment on Oct. 14 after being tabled last year. Located at 1247 Cala Way, the application for the 64-room Miroctel Inn and Suites by Wyndham was submitted in February 2024 by Bigfork Hotel Group LLC. The property is zoned B-3 Community Business, according to a staff report from Flathead County Planning and Zoning. The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee voted to recommend denial of the proposal last year over concerns of increased traffic, and water and sewer capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Flathead County Board of Adjustment tabled the vote after a May 4, 2024 public hearing. In addition to BLUAC's recommendation to deny the application, the Board of Adjustment heard several public comments from Bigfork residents about the development. On Sept. 11, 2025, the applicant submitted supplemental information addressing water and sewer capacity, and traffic. In the amended staff report, Flathead County Planning and Zoning staff outline adequate access to utilities, as well as the impacts on traffic. The applicant's traffic study found that no turn lanes are warranted, however, the Montana Department of Transportation reviewed the study and recommended installation of a left-turn lane along Montana 83 at the eastern Cala Way approach. Traffic generated by the hotel could have an impact on the surrounding road network, according to the staff report. The 64-room hotel is projected to generate approximately 511 average daily trips, resulting in a total of about 813 daily trips within the subdivision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a letter from the district's engineer, the Bigfork County Water and Sewer District determined that adequate capacity exists to serve the proposed hotel. However, a formal will-serve letter will be issued only after engineering review, board approval and execution of a service agreement, the staff report said. The conditional use permit goes before the Flathead County Board of Adjustments on Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. in the South Campus Conference Room, located on the second floor of 40 11th St. W. in Kalispell. Taylor Inman may be reached at 758-4440 or [email protected]. Hungary has likely maintained spies in Brussels for years and even attempted to recruit staff from EU institutions, according to a joint investigation by German newspaper Der Spiegel, Belgian newspaper De Tijd and the Hungarian outlet Direkt36. Source: European Pravda Details: The journalists say they have found the first evidence that Hungarian agents in Brussels tried to recruit a European Commission employee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An unnamed source who worked at the European Commission at the time said that a sociable man known as "V" attempted to recruit him to work for Hungary's foreign intelligence service in exchange for money. The source refused. "V" was officially based in Brussels as a diplomat between 2015 and 2017. The same source added that "V" showed keen interest in internal affairs within the European Commission and in various rumours, while suggesting ways to get more Hungarians appointed to key positions in EU institutions. Officials from informed state institutions confirmed these claims to the journalists. The investigation also uncovered a document from the Hungarian representation to the EU indicating that "V" was officially listed as an employee of the Cohesion Policy Department, working under Oliver Varhelyi, then-ambassador to the EU, now Hungary's long-serving European Commissioner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2017, "V" had become too conspicuous due to reported pressure from Budapest to deliver faster results. The journalists inquired about his current whereabouts and discovered that he now holds the rank of lieutenant colonel and works at the National Information Centre, an agency that consolidates information from all Hungarian intelligence agencies. Varhelyi declined to comment, while his spokesperson stated that there was "no evidence" of any wrongdoing. "V" also ignored the journalists' requests for comment. Der Spiegel claims that journalists identified two more suspected Hungarian spies who drew attention during the same period. Background: In late 2024, Direkt36 and De Tijd published an investigation revealing that Hungarian intelligence services had spied on EU officials. Earlier reports indicated that concerns over Hungary's position towards the North Atlantic Alliance have led NATO to restrict information sharing, particularly intelligence, with Budapest. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! MELBOURNE, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- University of Melbourne Professor Richard Robson, who was just awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry a day earlier, appeared on campus on Thursday to give a tutorial class to the first-year chemistry students and was interviewed by the school media team. "It's a great honor and it's a pleasure, but there are upsides and downsides." He stressed that collaboration with fellow scientists helped his study. "In the early days I was working alone, but it was only when I had collaboration with people like (colleagues) Bernard Hoskins and Brendon Abrahams that the whole thing became viable. They provided the real science. I was just a hand waver." Robson, 88, said he received the news "remarkably calmly." "Every Tuesday I get fish for Tuesday and Wednesday dinners. (On Wednesday) I had cooked the fish and we were sitting out to have it, my wife and I and then all this commotion started but I did finish my fish, it's a bit cold and then I had to do the washing up. So that's how it went us." "I thought it would have been much better 30 years ago than when I was able to appreciate it ... your emotional response to things like this changes with the years. So I took it remarkably calmly." Robson started to work in the University of Melbourne in 1966. In 1974, he was asked by his boss to make some models to "brighten up the teaching". "I headed to the workshop. They had to drill holes into the balls to represent the atoms in this structure." "As I was putting them together, it became sort of automatic. Once you'd started putting them together, it became an automatic process." Asked to sum up his study in 30 seconds, he said, "Basically we're trying to make organic units generally with specific, geometrical and chemical functional properties that are designed to interact with metal lines and give infinite structures of targeted connectivity and geometry. That was the basic idea." Robson, together with Susumu Kitagawa, a professor at Kyoto University in Japan and Omar M. Yaghi, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley in the United States, was awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry on Wednesday for developing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced. India has set out how it plans to improve tourism across the country. The focus is moving from building themed travel routes to upgrading individual places with a stronger emphasis on sustainability. A separate programme is improving important pilgrimage and heritage sites, and rail stations that act as main entry points for visitors. Building better, more sustainable places Over the past decade, the government funded dozens of projects to make travel easier along popular routes. Most of those jobs are now finished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next phase puts money into specific destinations so they work better for visitors and for local communities. Typical work includes short road links to reach the site, clean and accessible toilets, small visitor centres that explain the place, paths and ramps, and simple services such as parking and lighting. Support for pilgrimage and heritage locations Another programme focuses on religious and historic sites that attract large numbers of people. It pays for basics such as safe access, signage, waste and water facilities, and public spaces around temples, shrines and old towns. Many projects are complete, others are under way, and more sites have been chosen for future upgrades. A shortlist of places chosen through a challenge To spread investment fairly, the government is using a challenge system where states submit plans and the strongest proposals are funded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current shortlist covers 42 places across four themes: culture and heritage, spiritual sites, nature and wetlands, and remote border villages. Projects mix physical works with training and service improvements so the visitor experience is better from end to end. Improving rail gateways and travel access Tourism plans also include upgrades at major railway stations that serve popular destinations. The tourism ministry and Indian Railways are sharing costs to add practical amenities, improve wayfinding and, in some cases, restore historic station features. The aim is to reduce bottlenecks at the point where many visitors first arrive and to make onward travel smoother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To see how Indias place-focused upgrades can turn into real visitor demand, register for GlobalDatas free virtual session Destination Advantage: Turning Development into Tourism Demand a clear, practical discussion about syncing building plans, transport links and destination marketing so projects bring visitors while protecting communities and the environment. Register now to get simple, data-backed steps and straight answers to your questions, helping you turn new openings into bookings and higher local income. "Inside Indias destination development drive" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. An Iowa middle school teacher has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after admitting to sexually exploiting one of her students. Samantha Meyer-Davis, 32, of Rutland, worked at Humboldt Middle School in northern Iowa at the time of the illicit contact, which took place between May 2022 and November 2023. Federal prosecutors said she had sexual contact with and exchanged sexually explicit photos and videos with the youth, who turned 16 in 2023. Prosecutors said that until school administrators were able to confront Meyer-Davis with the photographic evidence, she repeatedly denied she had any inappropriate relationship with the student. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Former Ankeny teacher arrested after allegedly inappropriately touching a student Meyer-Davis agreed in April to plead guilty to a single charge of sexual exploitation of a child, with additional charges of enticement and child pornography dismissed as part of the deal. On Monday, Oct. 6, she was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Leonard Strand, who in addition to the 20-year sentence, followed by five years of supervised release, ordered her to pay more than $13,000 in restitution. Court records show Meyer-Davis also was charged by state prosecutors with sexual abuse of a child and sexual exploitation by a school employee. That case remains pending and set for trial later this month, but Monday's sentence notes that she will serve her federal prison time concurrent with any sentence she receives from the state. Meyer-Davis' defense attorney did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com or 715-573-8166. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Humboldt teacher sentenced for sexual misconduct with minor student Iran has welcomed the agreement to end the Gaza conflict, but at the same time warned of a possible breach of Israeli commitments. "Tehran supports any initiative that stops the genocide, ensures the complete withdrawal of the occupying forces, and enables humanitarian aid," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday. However, all parties involved should remain vigilant against Israel's deception and unreliability, the ministry said, according to the ISNA news agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tehran also emphasized that it is the responsibility of the international community to hold Israel accountable for what it sees as war crimes and end what it views as decades of impunity. Support for the Palestinians and militant groups such as Hamas is a central component of Iran's foreign policy doctrine. Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Tehran has not recognized Israel as a state and avoids mentioning it by name, instead always referring to it as the "Zionist regime." By Matt Spetalnick, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Trevor Hunnicutt WASHINGTON/CAIRO (Reuters) -Israel and Hamas agreed on Wednesday to the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza, a ceasefire and hostage deal that could open the way to ending a bloody two-year-old war that has upended the Middle East. Just a day after the second anniversary of Hamas militants' cross-border attack that triggered Israel's devastating assault on Gaza, indirect talks in Egypt yielded an agreement on the initial stage of Trumps 20-point framework to bring peace to the Palestinian enclave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The accord, if fully implemented, would bring the two sides closer than any previous effort to halt a war that had evolved into a regional conflict, drawing in countries such as Iran, Yemen and Lebanon, deepened Israel's international isolation and reshaped the Middle East. But the deal announced by Trump late on Wednesday was short on detail and left many unresolved questions that could still lead to its collapse, as has happened with previous peace efforts. Successful completion of the deal would mark a significant foreign policy achievement for the Republican president, who had campaigned on bringing peace to major world conflicts but has struggled to swiftly deliver, both in Gaza and on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan," Trump said on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace," Trump added. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a written statement, referring to the hostages held by Hamas: "With God's help we will bring them all home." He said he would convene his government on Thursday to approve the agreement. Hamas confirmed it had reached an agreement to end the war, saying the deal includes an Israeli withdrawal from the enclave and a hostage-prisoner exchange. But the group called on Trump and guarantor states to ensure Israel fully implements the ceasefire, it added in a statement. Trump said earlier that a deal was almost done and that he may travel to Egypt this weekend, possibly leaving as soon as Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All Parties will be treated fairly!" he said on Truth Social. "This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen." Senior envoys from the U.S., Qatar and Turkey had joined the talks, apparently adding momentum to discussions launched on Monday in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh. Trump sent his son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Israel was represented by Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close confidant of Netanyahu. Despite the hopes raised for ending the war, crucial details are yet to be spelled out, including the timing, a post-war administration for the Gaza Strip and the fate of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaza authorities say more than 67,000 people have been killed and much of the enclave has been flattened since Israel began its military response to the Hamas cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023. Around 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage back to Gaza, according to Israeli officials, with 20 of the 48 hostages still held believed to be alive. HOSTAGE RELEASE EXPECTED IN DAYS A Hamas source said the living hostages would be handed over within 72 hours of the Israeli government approving the deal. Hamas officials have insisted it will take longer to recover the bodies of dead hostages, believed to number about 28, from Gazas rubble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Israeli government spokesperson said the hostage release was expected to begin on Saturday. Netanyahu and Trump spoke by phone and congratulated each other on an "historic achievement," and the Israeli prime minister invited the U.S president to address Israels parliament, according to Netanyahu's office. Trump had pushed Netanyahu, to whom he had largely given free rein in Gaza until recently, to make concessions. The conservative Israeli leader has also been under growing pressure from hostage families and, according to opinion polls, a war-weary public. But Netanyahu has also faced threats from far-right members of his governing coalition to quit the government if he gives up too much to the Palestinians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for all sides to abide fully by the terms on the hostage agreement. Immediate and unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies and essential commercial materials into Gaza must be ensured. The suffering must end, he said in a statement. Hamas said earlier on Wednesday it had handed over its lists of the hostages it held and the Palestinian prisoners held by Israel that it wanted to be exchanged. The list of Palestinians Hamas wants freed was expected to include some of the most prominent prisoners ever jailed by Israel, whose release had been off limits in previous ceasefires. According to a Palestinian source close to the talks, the list includes Marwan al-Barghouti, a leader of the Fatah movement, and Ahmed Saadat, head of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Both are serving multiple life sentences for involvement in attacks that killed Israelis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas has so far refused to discuss Israel's demand that Hamas give up its arms, which the Palestinian source said Hamas would reject as long as Israeli troops occupy Palestinian land. Two sources familiar with the talks confirmed that sticking points included the mechanism for the Israeli withdrawal, with Hamas seeking a clear timeline linked to the release of hostages and guarantees of a complete pullout by Israeli forces. Within Gaza, Israel has dialled down its military campaign at Trump's behest, but it has not halted strikes altogether. Gaza medical authorities reported eight people killed in Israeli strikes in the last 24 hours, the lowest toll for weeks. Daily death tolls had been around 10 times as high over the past month as Israeli forces advance on Gaza City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ARAB COUNTRIES SAY PLAN MUST LEAD TO PALESTINIAN STATE The next phase of Trump's plan calls for an international body led by Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to play a role in Gaza's post-war administration. Arab countries which back the plan say it must lead to eventual independence for a Palestinian state, which Netanyahu says will never happen. There is no clear indication who will rule Gaza when the war ends. Netanyahu, Trump, Western and Arab states have ruled out a role for Hamas, which has run Gaza since driving out Palestinian rivals in 2007. Hamas has said it would relinquish Gaza governance only to a Palestinian technocrat government supervised by the Palestinian Authority and backed by Arab and Muslim countries. It rejects any role for Blair or foreign rule of Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Global outrage has mounted against Israel's assault. Multiple rights experts, scholars and a U.N. inquiry say it amounts to genocide. Israel calls its actions self-defence after the 2023 Hamas attack. (Reporting by Dawoud Abu Elkas, Tuvan Gumrukcu and Daren Butler in Ankara, Jana Choukeir and Tala Ramadan in Dubai, Maayan Lubell and Alexander Cornwell in Jerusalem, John Irish in Paris, Angelo Amante in Rome, Trevor Hunnicutt Steve Holland and David Morgan in Washington; Writing by Michael Georgy, Peter Graff, and Timothy Heritage and Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Alex Richardson, Philippa Fletcher, Nick Zieminski, Diane Craft and Raju Gopalakrishnan) By Matt Spetalnick, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Trevor Hunnicutt WASHINGTON/CAIRO (Reuters) -Israel and Hamas agreed on Wednesday to the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza, a ceasefire and hostage deal that could open the way to ending a bloody two-year-old war that has upended the Middle East. Just a day after the second anniversary of the cross-border attack by Hamas militants that triggered Israel's devastating assault on Gaza, indirect talks in Egypt yielded an agreement on the initial stage of Trumps 20-point framework to bring peace to the Palestinian enclave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The accord, if fully implemented, would bring the two sides closer than any previous effort to halt a war that had evolved into a regional conflict, drawing in countries such as Iran, Yemen and Lebanon, deepened Israel's international isolation and reshaped the Middle East. But the deal announced by Trump late on Wednesday was short on detail and left many unresolved questions that could still lead to its collapse, as has happened with previous peace efforts. Successful completion of the deal would mark a significant foreign policy achievement for the Republican president, who had campaigned on bringing peace to major world conflicts but has struggled to swiftly deliver, both in Gaza and on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan," Trump said on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace," Trump added. Trump said earlier that a deal was almost done and that he may travel to Egypt this weekend, possibly leaving as soon as Saturday. Axios reported that he may go to Israel as well. There was no immediate comment from the White House. The agreement could pave the way for desperately needed humanitarian aid to be immediately sent to Gaza Strip, where a global hunger monitor said in August over half a million people were experiencing famine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaza authorities say more than 67,000 people have been killed and much of the enclave has been flattened since Israel began its military response to the Hamas cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023. Around 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage back to Gaza, according to Israeli officials, with 20 of the 48 hostages still held believed to be alive. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a written statement, referring to the hostages held by Hamas: "With God's help we will bring them all home." He said he would convene his government on Thursday to approve the agreement. Hamas confirmed it had reached an agreement to end the war, saying the deal includes an Israeli withdrawal from the enclave and a hostage-prisoner exchange. But the group called on Trump and guarantor states to ensure Israel fully implements the ceasefire, it added in a statement. HOSTAGE RELEASE EXPECTED IN DAYS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All Parties will be treated fairly!" Trump said on Truth Social. "This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen." Senior envoys from the U.S., Qatar and Turkey had joined the talks, apparently adding momentum to discussions launched on Monday in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh. Trump sent his son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Israel was represented by Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close confidant of Netanyahu. Despite the hopes raised for ending the war, crucial details are yet to be spelled out, including the timing, a post-war administration for the Gaza Strip and the fate of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Hamas source said the living hostages would be handed over within 72 hours of the Israeli government approving the deal. Hamas officials have insisted it will take longer to recover the bodies of dead hostages, believed to number about 28, from Gazas rubble. An Israeli government spokesperson said the hostage release was expected to begin on Saturday. Trump told Fox News' 'Hannity' program on Wednesday that hostages held in Gaza will probably be released on Monday. Netanyahu and Trump spoke by phone and congratulated each other on an "historic achievement," and the Israeli prime minister invited the U.S president to address Israels parliament, according to Netanyahu's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump had pushed Netanyahu, to whom he had largely given free rein in Gaza until recently, to make concessions. The conservative Israeli leader has also been under growing pressure from hostage families and, according to opinion polls, a war-weary public. But Netanyahu has also faced threats from far-right members of his governing coalition to quit the government if he gives up too much to the Palestinians. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for all sides to abide fully by the terms on the hostage agreement. Immediate and unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies and essential commercial materials into Gaza must be ensured. The suffering must end, he said in a statement. HAMAS SEEKS RELEASE OF PALESTINIAN PRISONERS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas said earlier on Wednesday it had handed over its lists of the hostages it held and the Palestinian prisoners held by Israel that it wanted to be exchanged. The list of Palestinians Hamas wants freed was expected to include some of the most prominent prisoners ever jailed by Israel, whose release had been off limits in previous ceasefires. According to a Palestinian source close to the talks, the list includes Marwan al-Barghouti, a leader of the Fatah movement, and Ahmed Saadat, head of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Both are serving multiple life sentences for involvement in attacks that killed Israelis. Hamas has so far refused to discuss Israel's demand that Hamas give up its arms, which the Palestinian source said Hamas would reject as long as Israeli troops occupy Palestinian land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two sources familiar with the talks confirmed that sticking points included the mechanism for the Israeli withdrawal, with Hamas seeking a clear timeline linked to the release of hostages and guarantees of a complete pullout by Israeli forces. Within Gaza, Israel has dialled down its military campaign at Trump's behest, but it has not halted strikes altogether. Gaza medical authorities reported eight people killed in Israeli strikes in the last 24 hours, the lowest toll for weeks. Daily death tolls had been around 10 times as high over the past month as Israeli forces advance on Gaza City. ARAB COUNTRIES SAY PLAN MUST LEAD TO PALESTINIAN STATE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next phase of Trump's plan calls for an international body led by Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to play a role in Gaza's post-war administration. Arab countries which back the plan say it must lead to eventual independence for a Palestinian state, which Netanyahu says will never happen. There is no clear indication who will rule Gaza when the war ends. Netanyahu, Trump, Western and Arab states have ruled out a role for Hamas, which has run Gaza since driving out Palestinian rivals in 2007. Hamas has said it would relinquish Gaza governance only to a Palestinian technocrat government supervised by the Palestinian Authority and backed by Arab and Muslim countries. It rejects any role for Blair or foreign rule of Gaza. Global outrage has mounted against Israel's assault. Multiple rights experts, scholars and a U.N. inquiry say it amounts to genocide. Israel calls its actions self-defence after the 2023 Hamas attack. (Reporting by Dawoud Abu Elkas, Tuvan Gumrukcu and Daren Butler in Ankara, Jana Choukeir and Tala Ramadan in Dubai, Maayan Lubell and Alexander Cornwell in Jerusalem, John Irish in Paris, Angelo Amante in Rome, Trevor Hunnicutt Steve Holland and David Morgan in Washington; Writing by Michael Georgy, Peter Graff, and Timothy Heritage and Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Alex Richardson, Philippa Fletcher, Nick Zieminski, Diane Craft, Lincoln Feast and Raju Gopalakrishnan) President Donald Trump announced on Oct. 8 that Israel and Hamas have agreed to implement the first phase of a peace deal aimed at ending the two-year conflict. "This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America," Trump said in a Truth Social post. Leaders from Israel, Hamas and mediator Qatar subsequently confirmed the deal. Palestinian children celebrate at a camp for displaced people in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. President Donald Trump announced Oct. 8 that Israel and Hamas have agreed to implement the first phase of a peace deal aimed to end the two-year conflict. The agreement comes after multiple failed attempts to defuse the two-year-old war that began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel and killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 people hostage. Israel's response to the attack has drawn increasing criticism worldwide, including a United Nations report issued in September that concluded that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Israel's military campaign in response has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israelis react to the news of the Gaza peace deal at Hostage Square on October 9, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Palestinians celebrate outside Deir al-Balah's Shuhada al-Aqsa hospital in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinian children celebrate in Khan Yunis on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. People celebrate at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinians celebrate in Khan Yunis on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. People react at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinians celebrate in Khan Yunis on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinians celebrate in Khan Yunis on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinian children celebrate outside Deir al-Balah's Shuhada al-Aqsa hospital in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. A man distributes sweets at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinian youths celebrate outside Deir al-Balah's Shuhada al-Aqsa hospital in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Israelis celebrate as they react to the news of the Gaza peace deal at Hostages Square on October 9, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel. = A man distributes sweets at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. A man distributes sweets at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. A man distributes sweets at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinian youths celebrate near Deir al-Balah's Shuhada al-Aqsa hospital in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinians celebrate in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinian children celebrate at a camp for displaced people in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinians and Israelis celebrate peace deal: See the emotional moment 1 of 19 Palestinian children celebrate at a camp for displaced people in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. President Donald Trump announced Oct. 8 that Israel and Hamas have agreed to implement the first phase of a peace deal aimed to end the two-year conflict. The agreement comes after multiple failed attempts to defuse the two-year-old war that began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel and killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 people hostage. Israel's response to the attack has drawn increasing criticism worldwide, including a United Nations report issued in September that concluded that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Israel's military campaign in response has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. "An agreement was reached on all the provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid," Qatars Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Majed al-Ansari wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agreement comes after multiple failed attempts to defuse the two-year-old war that began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 people hostage. Israel's response to the attack has increasingly drawn criticism worldwide, including a United Nations report issued in September that concluded that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Israel's military campaign in response has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 9, 2025. Here's what we know about the apparent peace deal between Israel and Hamas: Israel and Hamas agree on peace deal: Trump says hostages will be released 'very soon' What are the details of the deal? Al-Ansari, of Qatar, wrote on X Oct. 8 that the details of the deal would be announced at a later date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first phase of Trump's plan called for the release of Israeli hostages within 72 hours of an agreement in exchange for the release of Palestinians jailed in Israel. Once every hostage has been released, Trump's plan said Hamas members who agree to give up their weapons would receive amnesty. It also called for the immediate restoration of humanitarian aid. Warning: This gallery contains graphic images Smoke rises following explosions during the Israeli military offensive in Gaza City, as seen from the central Gaza Strip, Oct. 6, 2025. Children search for salvage items in a dumpster at the Qatari-built and now-damaged Hamad City residential complex in northwestern Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Oct. 6, 2025. Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on Saturday, on a house in the Tuffah neighborhood in Gaza City Oct. 5, 2025. This picture taken during a media tour organized by the Israeli army on Oct. 3, 2025, shows Israeli army tanks in front of war-damaged buildings in the vicinity of the Jordanian Field Hospital in Gaza City. Displaced Palestinians fleeing northern Gaza due to an Israeli military operation, move southward after Israeli forces ordered residents of Gaza City to evacuate to the south, in the central Gaza Strip Oct. 1, 2025. A Palestinian girl sits amid debris at a United Nations school where displaced people were taking shelter, after it was hit in overnight Israeli strikes, amid an Israeli military operation, at Zeitoun neighbourhood in Gaza City, Oct. 1, 2025. Displaced Palestinians fleeing northern Gaza move southward after Israeli forces ordered residents of Gaza City to evacuate, during an Israeli military operation, in the central Gaza Strip, Sept. 30, 2025. A Palestinian man carries his belongings during an Israeli military operation, after residents were ordered to evacuate Gaza City, Sept. 29, 2025. Palestinians children react, at the site of Israeli strikes on a house, in Gaza City, Sept. 26, 2025. Displaced Palestinians, fleeing northern Gaza due to an Israeli military operation, move southward after Israeli forces ordered residents of Gaza City to evacuate to the south, in the central Gaza Strip, Sept. 24, 2025. Palestinian father Dawoud Sukar embraces the body of his son Saker, 3, who was killed in Israeli strikes on houses at Shati (Beach) refugee camp, amid an Israeli military operation, in Gaza City Sept. 23, 2025. A woman reacts as Palestinians inspect the site of an overnight Israeli strike on a house in Gaza City, Sept. 16, 2025. A United Nations Commission of Inquiry concluded on Sept. 16 that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, according to Reuters. The U.N. report, issued as Israel announced the start of a ground operation in Gaza City, cites examples of the scale of the killings, aid blockages, forced displacement and the destruction of a fertility clinic to back up its genocide finding, adding its voice to a scholars' association and rights groups that have reached the same conclusion. Tanks stand on the Israeli side of the border, as destruction in Gaza is seen in the background, in Israel September 16, 2025. Displaced Palestinians, fleeing northern Gaza due to an Israeli military operation, move southward after Israeli forces ordered residents of Gaza City to evacuate to the south, in the central Gaza Strip September 16, 2025. This picture taken from a position at Israel's border with the Gaza Strip shows Israeli military vehicles by the border fence in the besieged Palestinian territory on September 16, 2025. Israel unleashed a massive new bombing campaign on Gaza City on September 16 after visiting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio backed the ally's goal of eradicating the Palestinian Hamas movement and warned that only days may be left for a diplomatic solution. The 15-story Mushtaha Tower collapses after being hit by an Israeli air strike, in Gaza City, Sept. 5, 2025. See the toll in Gaza after two years of war 1 of 17 Warning: This gallery contains graphic images Al Jazeera quoted a statement from Hamas saying that the organization had "submitted lists of Palestinian prisoners to Israel," according to the criteria agreed upon in the (ceasefire) agreement." Hostages are likely to begin to be released on Monday, Oct. 13, although they could be returned sooner, U.S. officials have said. Trump said he expected their release to come on Monday or Tuesday. Of the 48 remaining hostages in Gaza, 20 are believed to be alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. knows where most of the living hostages are, Trump said at an Oct. 9 Cabinet meeting. "The bodies are a bigger problem, because some of the bodies are going to be a little bit hard to find," the president said of the roughly 28 who are assumed to be deceased. Trump did not spell out what the next phase of the Middle East deal would look like. But he indicated it would follow the 20-point plan he released at the end of September. "There will be disarming, there will be pullbacks, there will be a lot of things that are happening," Trump said. "I think you could end up with peace in the Middle East." He also said the U.S. would be working with "immensely wealthy countries" to rebuild Gaza. He declined to take a stance on an independent Palestinian state, telling journalists during his Cabinet meeting, "I don't have a view, I'm going to go with what they agree to." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: What to know about Trump's Gaza peace plan after Hamas' partial acceptance Will the Trump-brokered deal end the war? Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, reacts, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, at the "Hostages square", in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 9, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun The deal appears to be a step toward ending the brutal conflict. However, a previous ceasefire during negotiations to end the conflict fell apart in March. Israel conducted airstrikes into the battered enclave on March 18 that ended a truce that began in January. Al Jazeera reported that Israel continued operations following the announcement, including fighter jets that have bombed western areas of Gaza City, striking at least one house in al-Shati camp and an armored vehicle laden with explosives near homes south of Gaza City. No casualties have been reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli military Arabic Spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned Gaza residents in an X post that "the area north of the Gaza Valley is still considered a dangerous combat zone" shortly after 5 a.m. in Jerusalem on Oct. 9. Response in Israel President Donald Trump gives a thumbs up as he welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 29, 2025. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on X that he would convene the government to approve the deal on Oct. 9, calling it "a great day for Israel." The Israeli Defense Forces said in a statement to the Jerusalem Post that it welcomed the agreement but remained ready for "any scenario." "During a situation assessment held last night, the Chief of Staff instructed all forces on all fronts to prepare strong defensive measures," the Israeli military said in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families and supporters in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square celebrated news of Hamas' acceptance of Trump's deal. Dozens of people and TV cameras flooded the square at 4 a.m. local time. The plaza has been occupied for 734 days since Hamas' brutal attack, during which militants kidnapped 251 people. Among those in the crowd were former hostages Emily Damari and Omer Shem Tov. "You feel happiness and pressure, because until you have reached your mother and hugged her, it hasn't happened," Shem Tov told I24 News. Hamas' response Palestinians celebrate on a street following the news that Israel and Hamas have agreed on Wednesday to the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, in this screengrab obtained from a video released on October 9, 2025. Hamas has appeared willing to hand over governance of Gaza to a coalition of Palestinian technocrats as part of the plan. It has been less willing to completely disarm and commit to playing no future role in the governance of Gaza. In a statement, the group thanked Trump for his efforts to end the war and bring about a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our people's sacrifices will not be in vain, and that we will remain faithful to our pledge and will not abandon our peoples national rights: to achieve freedom, independence, and self-determination," a statement posted to Telegram said, according to Reuters. Israeli news outlet Walla reported that four prisoners demanded by Hamas Marwan Barghouti, Ahmed Sa'adat, Hassan Salameh and Abbas al-Sayed will not be released as part of the deal. U.N. Secretary General praises peace agreement U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres speaks during a High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., July 28, 2025. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a statement on X that he welcomed the deal and commended the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey. He pledged that the U.N. would support the implementation of the deal and ramp up humanitarian aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The stakes have never been higher," Guterres wrote. American voices praise deal with varying enthusiasm House Speaker Mike Johnson and fellow congressional Republicans speak to reporters at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, as the government shutdown continues on Oct. 7, 2025. House Speaker Mike Johnson credited Trump for the peace deal. "Through strength and conviction, hes accomplished what others have only talked about: bringing hostages home, security for Israel, and laying the groundwork for lasting peace in the Middle East," Johnson wrote on X. More: How Speaker Mike Johnsons bond with Trump shapes GOP future House Foreign Affairs Chairman Brian Mast, R-Florida, said in a statement on Oct. 8 that Trump had brought the world closer than its ever been to peace in Gaza. "This deal only works if Hamas follows through," he added. "We dont trust terrorists, we trust results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the agreement brings a huge sigh of relief to the hostages' families. "We must begin the even harder work of closing negotiations: to end the war, to start building the day after in Gaza without Hamas, to surge humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza, and to build a lasting peace that ensures security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike," Schumer said in a statement. Pro-Israel Democratic Sen. John Fetterman praised the deal on X, calling it historic. "Now, enduring peace in the region is possible," the Pennsylvania senator wrote. Secretary of State Marco Rubio updates President Donald Trump on the Gaza proposal during a roundtable on antifa, an anti-fascist movement Trump designated a domestic "terrorist organization" via executive order on September 22, at the White House on October 8, 2025. Jewish anti-Zionist organization Jewish Voice for Peace said in a statement that it looks forward to the release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, but it noted that the deal does not address what it called the "root cause of injustice." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While a ceasefire does not bring an end to the genocide, right now we are holding tightly to the hope that Israel will, in fact, finally be compelled to the first elements of this agreement: halting the mass killing of Palestinians through bombardment, and stopping its blockade of food and medicine," the organization wrote. Requests for comment to Democratic representatives Rashida Tlaib and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, each of whom has been critical of Israel and supportive of the Palestinian cause, did not give a response by the late evening of Oct. 8. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel and Hamas agreed to peace deal. Here's what we know. CAIRO (AP) Israels Cabinet early Friday approved President Donald Trumps plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of all the remaining hostages held by Hamas, a key step toward ending a ruinous two-year war that has destabilized the Middle East. A brief statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said the Cabinet approved the outline of a deal to release the hostages, without mentioning other aspects of the plan that are more controversial. An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said that, according to the agreement, the ceasefire should begin immediately after government approval. The Israeli military now has 24 hours to pull back its forces to an agreed-upon line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The broader ceasefire plan includes many unanswered questions, such as whether and how Hamas will disarm and who will govern Gaza. But the sides appeared closer than they have been in months to ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, reduced much of Gaza to rubble, brought famine to parts of the territory and left dozens of hostages, living and dead, in Gaza. The war, which began with Hamas deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, has also triggered other conflicts in the region, sparked worldwide protests and led to allegations of genocide that Israel denies. Some 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas-led assault, and 251 were taken hostage. In Israels ensuing offensive, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and nearly 170,000 wounded, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants but says around half of the deaths were women and children. In the hours leading up to the Israeli Cabinet's vote, Israeli strikes continued. Explosions were seen Thursday in northern Gaza, and a strike on a building in Gaza City killed at least two people and left more than 40 trapped under rubble, according to the Palestinian Civil Defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior Hamas official and lead negotiator made a speech Thursday laying out what he says are the core elements of the ceasefire deal: Israel releasing around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, opening the border crossing with Egypt, allowing aid to flow and withdrawing from Gaza. Khalil al-Hayya said all women and children held in Israeli jails will also be freed. He did not offer details on the extent of the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Al-Hayya said the Trump administration and mediators had given assurances that the war is over, and that Hamas and other Palestinian factions will now focus on achieving self-determination and establishing a Palestinian state. We declare today that we have reached an agreement to end the war and the aggression against our people, Al-Hayya said in a televised speech Thursday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To help support and monitor the ceasefire deal, U.S. officials said that they would send about 200 troops to Israel as part of a broader, international team. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not authorized for release. Cautious celebrations In the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, reactions to the announcement of a ceasefire were relatively muted and often colored by grief. I am happy and unhappy. We have lost a lot of people and lost loved ones, friends and family. We lost our homes," said Mohammad Al-Farra. "Despite our happiness, we cannot help but think of what is to come. ... The areas we are going back to, or intending to return to, are uninhabitable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Tel Aviv, families of the remaining hostages popped champagne and cried tears of joy after Trump announced the deal. In Jerusalem on Thursday, Sharon Canot celebrated with some others. We are so excited this morning. We cried all morning," she said. Its been two years that we are in horror. Under the terms, Hamas intends to release all living hostages in a matter of days, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza, people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details of an agreement that has not fully been made public. Some 20 of the 48 hostages still in captivity are believed to be alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a short video posted by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trump was seen speaking by phone to a group of elated hostage families. They are all coming back on Monday, said Trump, who is expected to visit the region in the coming days. How the deal will unfold The deal, which was expected to be signed in Egypt, will include a list of prisoners to be released and maps for the first phase of an Israeli withdrawal to new positions in Gaza, according to two Egyptian officials briefed on the talks, a Hamas official and another official. Israel will publish the list of the prisoners, and victims of their attacks will have 24 hours to lodge objections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The withdrawal could start as soon as Thursday evening, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to be publicly named speaking about the negotiations. The hostage and prisoner releases are expected to begin Monday, the officials from Egypt and Hamas said, though the other official said they could occur as early as Sunday night. Five border crossings would reopen, including the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, the Egyptian and Hamas officials said. Tom Fletcher, the U.N. humanitarian chief, told reporters Thursday that officials have 170,000 metric tons of medicine, aid and other supplies at ready for transport into Gaza when they are given a green light. The Trump plan calls for Israel to maintain an open-ended military presence inside Gaza, along its border with Israel. An international force, comprised largely of troops from Arab and Muslim countries, would be responsible for security inside Gaza. The U.S. would lead a massive internationally funded reconstruction effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan also envisions an eventual role for the Palestinian Authority something Netanyahu has long opposed. But it requires the authority, which administers parts of the West Bank, to undergo a sweeping reform program that could take years. The Trump plan is even more vague about a future Palestinian state, which Netanyahu firmly rejects. ___ Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel, and Shurafa reported from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip. Associated Press writers Eric Tucker, Aamer Madhani and Seung Min Kim in Washington; Sarah El Deeb, Bassem Mroue and Abby Sewell in Beirut; David Rising in Bangkok; Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv, Israel; Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey; Fay Abuelgasim in Cairo; and Giovanna DellOrto in Jerusalem contributed to this report. JAKARTA, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia plans to stop importing diesel fuel starting in the second half of 2026 following the implementation of the country's 50 percent biodiesel (B50) mandate, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said on Thursday. Bahlil confirmed that the government is currently conducting the fourth and final phase of road tests for B50 biodiesel, which are expected to be completed within six to eight months. The trials involve ship engines, trains, heavy machinery, and others. "If everything goes smoothly and we decide to use B50, we will no longer import diesel fuel in the second half of 2026," Bahlil told reporters in Jakarta. The B50 program, a blend of 50 percent crude palm oil-based biofuel and 50 percent conventional diesel, is part of Indonesia's long-term strategy to boost energy independence and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The policy aligns with the current B40 mandate, which has reached 10 million kiloliters, representing 64.7 percent of the 2025 target of 15.6 million kiloliters. According to the ministry, the nationwide implementation of B40 has already saved the country about 9.3 billion U.S. dollars in foreign exchange. The "Art of the Deal" president might have just secured his most significant agreement yet a peace deal between Israel and Hamas that few believed was possible. Whether Trump's critics will acknowledge its importance remains to be seen. Presuming the peace accord that President Donald Trump announced on Oct. 8 holds, I predict two things will happen: Democrats and pro-Palestine activists who've advocated tirelessly for a ceasefire will fail to acknowledge that Trump facilitated one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which announces its peace prize recipient on Oct. 10, will not ultimately honor Trump with the prize. But it should. Trump's Israel, Hamas agreement is extraordinary and worthy of Nobel Peace Prize A demonstrator holds a sign with an image depicting President Donald Trump and the word "Nobel" as family members of hostages who were kidnapped during the deadly attack on Israel by Hamas rally on Sept. 2, 2025, outside the U.S. Consulate in Tel Aviv, Israel. It's almost impossible to overstate the gravity of Trump's accomplishment in brokering an agreement between Israel and Hamas to enter the first phase of a ceasefire. According to Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, it will result in "ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid." Trump celebrated the deal in the most Trumpian way possible, posting on Truth Social. "This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America. ... BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!" the president concluded, a nod to the Gospel of Matthew, in his signature all-cap style. Opinion: Hamas must relent and release hostages. It's our one chance at peace in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump might sound dramatic, but the deal almost seems biblical in its proportion. It's been two years since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The terrorist organization slaughtered about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 people hostage, including Americans, forcing Israel to defend itself. Opinion newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter on conservative values, family and religion from columnist Nicole Russell. Get it delivered to your inbox. As a result of the ongoing war, according to Hamas, Israeli forces have killed more than 67,000 people in Gaza. The cost of this war has been grievous and seemed eternal. This conflict should never have started, but it certainly needs to end and now, Trump has helped end it. Norwegian Nobel Committee will ignore Trump's achievements I understand why the Norwegian Nobel Committee would hesitate to award Trump its peace prize. I will point out that the deadline to nominate Trump for this specific achievement has passed, but neglecting this opportunity in the future would reek of bias. The committee members would miss their chance to honor his peacemaking efforts around the globe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's already been nominated by Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-New York, who also nominated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for their collective work on the Abraham Accords. Trump also helped end an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Though he has not yet been successful, Trump has tried to bring Russia and Ukraine to the peacekeeping table. 2024 Shigemitsu Tanaka. Tanaka, a member of Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo), who survived the 1945 atomic bombing of Nagasaki, was the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize winner for the work done at Nihon Hidankyo, which uses testimony from those who survived the 1945 Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings to campaign for nuclear disarmament and the abolition of nuclear weapons. 2023 Narges Mohammadi. Mohammadi, and imprisoned Iranian women's rights campaigner, won the Nobel Peace Prize "for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all," said Berit Reiss-Andersen, the head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee in Oslo. 2022 Ales Bialiatski. Bialiatski, a Belarus rights activist who was jailed, won the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize for the Russian group Memorial and the Ukrainian organization Center for Civil Liberties to honor "outstanding champions of human rights, democracy and peaceful coexistence in the neighbor countries Belarus, Russia and Ukraine." 2021 Journalists Maria Ressa of the Philippines, left, and Dmitry Muratov. They were the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize winners and were cited for their fight for freedom of expression. 2020 The World Food Programme. The World Food Programme won the prize "for its efforts to combat hunger, for its contribution to bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and for acting as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict." 2019 Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. Ali won the prize "for his efforts to achieve peace and international cooperation, and in particular for his decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighboring Eritrea." 2018 Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad. Mukwege and Murad were jointly awarded the prize for "their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict." Mukwage is a gynecologist who has treated thousands of women with extreme sexual injuries perpetrated by rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Murad is a Kurdish human rights activist from Iraq. She is one of an estimated 3,000 Yazidi girls and women who were victims of gang rape and other abuses by the Islamic State group. 2013 Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The watchdog group that was overseeing the destruction of Syria's chemical arsenal won the Nobel Peace Prize for "its efforts to rid the world of the devastating weapons" and for "its extensive efforts" in banishing the scourge of chemical arms. Director-general Ahmet Uzumcu is pictured here during a press conference. 2012 The European Union. From left, the President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso and the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz accepted the prize on behalf of the European Union "for over six decades contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe." 2011 From left, former President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, founder and president of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Leymah Gbowee, and Yemini "Arab Spring" activist Tawakkol Karman. The trio won "for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women's rights to full participation in peace-building work." 2009 44th President of the United States Barack Obama. Obama won "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." 2008 Former President of Finland Martti Ahtisaari. Ahtisaari won "for his important efforts, on several continents and over more than three decades, to resolve international conflicts." 2006 From right, Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank. Micro-credit pioneer Yunus of Bangladesh and Grameen Bank, who sent representative Mosammat Taslima Begum to accept the award, won "for their efforts to create economic and social development from below." Nobel Peace Prize winners who have spearheaded change in the last 20 years 1 of 13 2024 Shigemitsu Tanaka. Tanaka, a member of Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo), who survived the 1945 atomic bombing of Nagasaki, was the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize winner for the work done at Nihon Hidankyo, which uses testimony from those who survived the 1945 Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings to campaign for nuclear disarmament and the abolition of nuclear weapons. If there's another person or organization who has brokered more peace this year, I'm ready to give them an enthusiastic nod. But this isn't the only reason the Nobel Committee should give it to Trump. He has reached a level of achievement close to that of previous presidential winners. President Barack Obama, anyone? Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Jimmy Carter were also awarded the prize. If Trump's accomplishments with foreign policy in 2025 alone have not surpassed those of these recipients, they are at least on par with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even the 2024 recipient, the Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo, received the peace prize for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons." Trump's calculated strike on Iran in June, which the administration said "obliterated" that country's nuclear arsenal, accomplished that. Previously: Trump deserves Nobel Peace Prize. He's achieved more than those who've won before. | Opinion The first phase of Trump's Hamas plan called for the release of Israeli hostages within 72 hours of an agreement being reached in exchange for Palestinians jailed in Israel. There are 48 remaining hostages in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. The world is safer, countries are at peace and families may finally begin to heal. Trump should eventually win the Nobel Peace Prize, but if he doesn't, the peace he brokered between Israel and Hamas if it lasts will be legacy enough. Families of Israeli hostages celebrated news of the ceasefire agreement from Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump said announced Oct. 8, 2025 that Israel and Hamas had agreed to implement the first phased of a White House peace plan that would release the remaining 28 hostages. Families of Israeli hostages celebrated news of the ceasefire agreement from Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump said announced Oct. 8, 2025 that Israel and Hamas had agreed to implement the first phased of a White House peace plan that would release the remaining 28 hostages. Families of Israeli hostages celebrated news of the ceasefire agreement from Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump said announced Oct. 8, 2025 that Israel and Hamas had agreed to implement the first phased of a White House peace plan that would release the remaining 28 hostages. Families of Israeli hostages celebrated news of the ceasefire agreement from Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump said announced Oct. 8, 2025 that Israel and Hamas had agreed to implement the first phased of a White House peace plan that would release the remaining 28 hostages. Families of Israeli hostages celebrated news of the ceasefire agreement from Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump said announced Oct. 8, 2025 that Israel and Hamas had agreed to implement the first phased of a White House peace plan that would release the remaining 28 hostages. Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, reacts following news that Israel and Hamas have agreed on Wednesday to the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza, at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 9, 2025, in this still image taken from video. Families of Israeli hostages celebrate news of ceasefire between Israel and Hamas 1 of 6 Families of Israeli hostages celebrated news of the ceasefire agreement from Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump said announced Oct. 8, 2025 that Israel and Hamas had agreed to implement the first phased of a White House peace plan that would release the remaining 28 hostages. Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist with USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four kids. Sign up for her newsletter, The Right Track, and get it delivered to your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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: Trump should get the Nobel Peace Prize. They'll ignore him | Opinion By Maayan Lubell and Nidal al-Mughrabi JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas signed an agreement on Thursday to cease fire and free Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's initiative to end the war in Gaza. Israelis and Palestinians alike rejoiced after the deal was announced, the biggest step yet to end two years of war in which over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, and return the last hostages seized by Hamas in the deadly attacks that started it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials on both sides confirmed they had signed the deal following indirect talks in the Egyptian beach resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Under the deal fighting will cease, Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza and Hamas will free all remaining hostages it captured in the attack that precipitated the war, in exchange for hundreds of prisoners held by Israel. Fleets of trucks carrying food and medical aid would be allowed to surge into Gaza to relieve civilians, hundreds of thousands of whom have been sheltering in tents after Israeli forces destroyed their homes and razed entire cities to dust. CEASEFIRE TO TAKE EFFECT AFTER ISRAELI RATIFICATION Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the ceasefire would take effect once the agreement is ratified by his government, which would convene after a security cabinet meeting later on Thursday. Much could still go wrong. Even after the deal was signed, a Palestinian source said the list of Palestinians to be freed had yet to be finalised. The group is seeking freedom for some of the most prominent Palestinian convicts held in Israeli jails as well as hundreds of people detained during Israel's assault. Further steps in Trump's 20-point plan have yet even to be discussed by the sides - including how the shattered Gaza Strip is to be ruled when the fighting ends, and the ultimate fate of Hamas, which has so far rejected Israel's demands it disarm. But the announcement of an end to fighting and return of hostages was greeted with jubilation in both Gaza and Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'ALL OF THE GAZA STRIP IS HAPPY' "Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing," said Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo in Khan Younis in southern Gaza. "I am not the only one happy, all of the Gaza Strip is happy, all the Arab people, all of the world is happy with the ceasefire and the end of bloodshed." Einav Zaugauker, whose son Matan is one of the last hostages, rejoiced in Tel Aviv's so-called Hostages Square, where families of those seized in the Hamas attack that triggered the war two years ago have gathered to demand their return. "I can't breathe, I can't breathe, I can't explain what I'm feeling ... it's crazy," she said, speaking in the red glow of a celebratory flare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Israeli government spokeswoman, confirming the deal had been signed, said the ceasefire would go into force within 24 hours of the cabinet meeting. After that 24-hour period, the hostages held in Gaza will be freed within 72 hours, she said. A source briefed on details of the agreement said earlier that Israeli troops would begin pulling back within 24 hours. An Israeli official said all 20 Israeli hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza after being seized by Hamas in Israel in October 2023 would be freed within days. Twenty-six other hostages have been declared dead in absentia, and the fate of two others is unknown. Hamas has indicated that recovering their bodies may take longer. Trump appeared likely to head to Israel around the time the hostages are due to come home, with a note from Israeli President Isaac Herzog's office saying his agenda for Sunday had been cleared in anticipation of a visit by the U.S. leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement STRIKES CONTINUE With the ceasefire yet to take effect, Israeli strikes on Gaza continued, although at a slower tempo than before the talks began at the start of this week. The Gaza health ministry said at least nine Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire in the past 24 hours, far below the scores killed daily in recent weeks during one of the war's biggest Israeli offensives, an all-out assault on Gaza City. The deal received a support from Arab and Western countries and was widely portrayed as a major diplomatic achievement for Trump, who cast it as a first step towards reconciliation in the wider Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen," he wrote on social media. "BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!" Western and Arab countries were meeting in Paris on Thursday to discuss an international peacekeeping force and reconstruction assistance for Gaza once the fighting stops. Netanyahu called the deal "a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel". Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel has an interest in expanding the circle of peace and normalisation in the Middle East. But far-right members of Netanyahu's coalition have long opposed any deal with Hamas. One, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, said Hamas must be destroyed once the hostages are returned. He would not vote in favour of the deal, although he stopped short of threatening to bring down the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's assault on Gaza, launched after Hamas-led militants stormed through Israeli towns and a music festival on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages. (Additional reporting Pesha Magid and Alexander Cornwell in Jerusalem, and Jana Choukeir and Tala Ramadan in Dubai; Writing by Michael Georgy and Peter Graff, Editing by Timothy Heritage) Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a U.S.-brokered peace plan, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Oct. 8. "I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our peace plan," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "This means that all of the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw its troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a strong, durable and everlasting peace," he said. Trump added that "all parties will be treated fairly," and thanked mediators from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey "who worked with us to make this historic and unprecedented event happen." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 20-step comprehensive plan calls for an immediate end of hostilities, the release of hostages, and humanitarian support for war-torn Gaza, while excluding Hamas from the governance of the strip. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry reacted to the peace plan last week, calling it an "important contribution" toward a just and lasting settlement. Trump's announcement comes as U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine have largely stalled. Over the summer, Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, welcoming him to the United States to discuss a potential peace settlement and broader cooperation their first meeting since Trump returned to office. After the Alaska summit, Trump pledged to continue discussions with both Putin and President Volodymyr Zelensky, and to arrange direct talks between the two leaders. No agreement was reached. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The summit, initially expected to include sessions on bilateral cooperation, ended abruptly after those segments were canceled. Two months later, no tangible progress has been made toward peace. Meanwhile, Russia has once again intensified assaults on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, including launching a large-scale attack on Oct. 3 that targeted the country's oil and gas facilities. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Kyiv denies involvement in case of Ukrainian detained in Poland over Nord Stream sabotage Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Israeli Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir has warned troops in the Gaza Strip against becoming complacent ahead of an impending ceasefire. I ask you, while all of Israel watches the screens and celebrates the release of the hostages, to remain alert. The enemy is here - they have not disappeared," he said in a statement on Thursday. "Our work is not yet finished; we will not rest until we see our last hostage returned, the fallen given burial, and we ensure the security of the State of Israel." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zamir described the current situation as "historic days" and praised the military pressure and ground operations that contributed to the conditions for the planned return of the remaining 48 hostages and the initial end to the conflict. "We must manage the transition to a ceasefire in a measured, professional and orderly manner. The safety of our troops is at the top of the operational priority list," he said. Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas reached an initial agreement earlier on Thursday as part of efforts to end the Gaza conflict. By Maayan Lubell JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israeli hostages may be released as early as Saturday under a U.S. plan to end the war in Gaza and the country's military will complete the first part of a partial withdrawal from the enclave within 24 hours of the deal being signed, said a source briefed on details of the agreement. The signing of the agreement on the first stage of U.S. President Donald Trump's initiative for Gaza is expected to take place at noon Israel time (0900 GMT) on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israelis and Palestinians rejoiced after Trump announced that a ceasefire and hostage deal was reached under the first phase of his plan to end a war in Gaza that has killed more than 67,000 people and reshaped the Middle East. Just a day after the second anniversary of Hamas militants' cross-border attack that triggered Israel's devastating assault on Gaza, indirect talks in Egypt yielded an agreement on the initial stage of Trumps 20-point framework to bring peace to the Palestinian enclave. The signing of the ceasefire is expected at 12 p.m. Israel time (0900 GMT), said the source briefed on the details of the agreement. The accord, if fully implemented, would bring the two sides closer than any previous effort to halt a war that had evolved into a regional conflict, drawing in countries such as Iran, Yemen and Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing," said Abdul Majeed abd Rabbo, a man in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. "I am not the only one happy, all of the Gaza Strip is happy, all the Arab people, all of the world is happy with the ceasefire and the end of bloodshed." But the agreement announced by Trump late on Wednesday was short on detail and left many unresolved questions that could yet lead to its collapse, as has happened with previous peace efforts. "I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan," Trump said on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace," Trump added. Successful completion of the deal would mark a significant foreign policy achievement for the Republican president, who had campaigned on bringing peace to major world conflicts but has struggled to swiftly deliver, both in Gaza and on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would convene his government on Thursday to approve the agreement. "With the approval of the first phase of the plan, ALL our hostages will be brought home," he said in a statement. "This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conflict upended the Middle East in Israel's favour after it assassinated the leaders of Tehran-backed Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah and killed top Iranian commanders and pounded Yemen's Houthis. But global outrage has mounted against Israel's assault. Multiple rights experts, scholars and a U.N. inquiry say it amounts to genocide. Israel calls its actions self-defence after the 2023 Hamas attack. Hamas confirmed it had reached an agreement to end the war, saying the deal includes an Israeli withdrawal from the enclave and a hostage-prisoner exchange. "We affirm that the sacrifices of our people will not be in vain, and that we will remain true to our pledge - never abandoning our peoples national rights until freedom, independence, and self-determination are achieved," Hamas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaza authorities say more than 67,000 people have been killed and much of the enclave has been flattened since Israel began its military response to the Hamas cross-border attack on October 7, 2023. Around 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage back to Gaza, according to Israeli officials, with 20 of the 48 hostages still held believed to be alive. "These are moments that are considered historic moments, long awaited by Palestinian citizens after two years of killing and genocide that was committed with arrogance against the Palestinian people," said Palestinian Khaled Shaat in the city of Khan Younis in Gaza. Despite the hopes raised for ending the war, crucial details are yet to be spelled out, including the timing, a post-war administration for the Gaza Strip and the fate of Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HOSTAGE RELEASE EXPECTED IN DAYS Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza gathered in what has come to be known as Hostages Square in Tel Aviv after the announcement. "President Trump, thank you very much. We thank him, our children will not have returned home without him," said Hatan Angrest, whose son Matan is among the hostages. A Hamas source said the living hostages would be handed over within 72 hours of the Israeli government approving the deal. Hamas officials have insisted it will take longer to recover the bodies of dead hostages, believed to number about 28, from Gazas rubble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump told Fox News' 'Hannity' program on Wednesday that the hostages will probably be released on Monday. Netanyahu and Trump spoke by phone and congratulated each other on an "historic achievement," and the Israeli prime minister invited the U.S. president to address Israels parliament, according to Netanyahu's office. Hamas said earlier on Wednesday it had handed over its lists of the hostages it held and the Palestinian prisoners held by Israel that it wanted to be exchanged. The Islamist group has so far refused to discuss Israel's demand that Hamas give up its arms, which the Palestinian source said Hamas would reject as long as Israeli troops occupy Palestinian land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ARAB COUNTRIES SAY PLAN MUST LEAD TO PALESTINIAN STATE Oil prices fell as the prospects of a ceasefire lessened one potential disruption to world supplies. The next phase of Trump's plan calls for an international body led by Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to play a role in Gaza's post-war administration. Arab countries which back the plan say it must lead to eventual independence for a Palestinian state, which Netanyahu says will never happen. There is no clear indication who will rule Gaza when the war ends. Netanyahu, Trump, Western and Arab states have ruled out a role for Hamas, which has run Gaza since driving out Palestinian rivals in 2007. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas has said it would relinquish Gaza governance only to a Palestinian technocrat government supervised by the Palestinian Authority and backed by Arab and Muslim countries. It rejects any role for Blair or foreign rule of Gaza. (Reporting by Dawoud Abu Elkas, Tuvan Gumrukcu and Daren Butler in Ankara, Jana Choukeir and Tala Ramadan in Dubai, Maayan Lubell and Alexander Cornwell in Jerusalem, John Irish in Paris, Angelo Amante in Rome, Trevor Hunnicutt, Steve Holland and David Morgan in Washington; Writing by Lincoln Feast and Michael Georgy; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) Japan continues to work toward enhancing its long-range cruise missile capability, with contracts issued for a new standoff capability for its submarine fleet, as well as improved anti-ship missiles for its destroyers. Contracts have now been issued for the mass production of both those weapons, which come as the country bolsters its abilities to attack both land targets and enemy surface warships, to counter the growing threats from China and North Korea, in particular. Japans Ministry of Defense announced the new contracts for the upgraded ship-launched Type 12 anti-ship missile and the unnamed torpedo-tube-launched cruise missile for submarines on Tuesday. Both contracts were awarded to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). Test-firing of a Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces baseline Type 12 anti-ship missile. JGSDF In a statement, Japans Ministry of Defense said the contracts were part of strengthening [] standoff defense capabilities in order to intercept and eliminate invading forces against Japan at an early stage and at a long distance. The ministry said it was currently working to acquire domestically produced standoff missiles as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministry today published its defense white paper, which further outlined its standoff defense capability, which is one of the core pillars of its modernization program. According to the white paper, Japan will acquire capabilities to deal with vessels and landing forces invading Japan, including its remote islands, from locations outside of threat zones. As part of this, the paper calls for continued development of the upgraded Type 12, aiming to complete development of the ship-launched version of the missile by the end of Japans fiscal year 2026. Japanese fiscal years run from April 1 to March 31. The defense white paper also specifies the Buildup [of] submarine-type standoff defense capabilities that can be launched from submarines that can operate in a highly covert manner. Details about the submarine-launched missile remain strictly limited, but reports that Japan was considering introducing such a capability to its existing submarine fleet, or future submarines, emerged back in 2021, as we discussed at the time. Back then, it was reported that the missile would have a range of over 620 miles and would be fielded from the latter half of the 2020s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In terms of its mission, the submarine-launched missile will provide the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) with a new standoff capability to attack both targets on land and as well as enemy surface warships. While the type of missile and even its name remain unknown, previous reports suggested it would be based on the Type 12. This is a subsonic anti-ship missile, the first version of which entered service with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), and which has a range of around 124 miles. The Type 12 ground-launched anti-ship missile: The fact that the contract was issued to MHI, at the same time as a contract for an improved ship-launched version of the Type 12, suggests that the sub-launched weapon may be a Type 12 derivative, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There had been previous discussions about the JMSDF considering firing the sub-launched missile from either a vertical launch system (VLS) or torpedo tubes. Based on the requirement to get the missile into service as soon as possible, the tube-launched version makes sense, since the JMSDF does not currently have any submarine-based VLS in service. An earlier report from the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper said that the JMSDF would first arm its submarines with an anti-ship version of the missile, before introducing a version with a land-attack capability. The JMSDF submarine Soryu is pulled away from the submarine tender USS Frank Cable while operating in Guam. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randall W. Ramaswamy/Released Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Ramaswamy Currently, JMSDF submarines are armed with Harpoon anti-ship missiles that are launched from standard torpedo tubes. However, they have a much shorter range than the new weapon and dont have a land-attack capability. The latest UGM-84L Harpoon Block II in JMSDF service can hit targets at a distance of around 80 miles. With that in mind, a long-range cruise missile for its submarine fleet will be a big deal for the JMSDF and one that can rapidly add to the countrys broader strike capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, the JMSDF operates a frontline fleet of 23 conventionally powered submarines, and with at least four more of the advanced Taigei class boats to be added in the future. The first of Japans most advanced class of submarine, the Taigei is launched in October 2020 in the city of Kobe. Japanese Ministry of Defense At this point, we dont know the relationship between the sub-launched missile and the Type 12. However, work on an extended-range version of the Type 12 began back in the 2018 fiscal year. The redesigned missile has enlarged flying surfaces, a more efficient powerplant, and additional fuel. In this way, the 124-mile range of the baseline Type 12 will be extended to 560 miles, and, later, up to 930 miles. Even the first version of these would roughly correspond to the requirements for the sub-launched missile. Other changes in the improved Type 12 include a land-attack capability and radar cross-section reduction measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taken together, all these developments also reflect Japans concerns about the threat it faces from a rapidly growing fleet of Chinese surface warships. Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) activity in the waters around Japan and in the South China Sea and the East China Sea has steadily increased. A Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Navy Type 055 destroyer. via Chinese internet Chinese Navy The East China Sea is also the scene of a long-running dispute over ownership of an uninhabited island chain. Tensions here have also grown in recent years, including patrols by PLAN aircraft carriers. The area is referenced in the latest defense white paper: The existing order of world peace is being seriously challenged, and Japan finds itself in the most severe and complex security environment of the postwar era. China has been swiftly increasing its national defense expenditures, thereby extensively and rapidly enhancing its military capability in a qualitative and quantitative manner and intensifying its activities in the East China Sea, including around the Senkaku Islands, and the Pacific. When it comes to land-attack capabilities, this is also a very significant development for the JMSDFs submarine fleet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sub-launched land-attack cruise missile would be suitable for striking critical ground targets, including the proliferating ballistic missile and nuclear capabilities in North Korea. Pyongyang has repeatedly launched ballistic missiles capable of reaching Japan into waters off that country. At the same time, a long-range cruise missile of this kind would be able to strike critical military and leadership infrastructure, as well as airbases and air-defense sites, during a conflict. Compared to other means of delivering strikes on critical land targets at great distances, a sub-launched cruise missile is much more survivable. It would provide Japan with a counterstrike capability, even if many of its aircraft and surface combatants had already been knocked out by an enemys first strike. A diagram entitled Future Operation of Stand-off Defense Capabilities from the 2025 Defense White Paper. Japanese Ministry of Defense The efficiency of such a weapon would be enhanced by the advanced nature of the JMSDFs most recent submarines, including a propulsion system based on lithium-ion batteries in the newest examples. This ensures that the submarines are notably quiet and hard for an adversary to track. Until this new capability is fielded, JMSDF will have an interim long-range missile capability, in the shape of the U.S.-supplied Tomahawk cruise missile. A first purchase of Tomahawk cruise missiles is something we reported on back in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Japans Ministry of Defense has described the Tomahawk plan as a crash program to supplement its efforts to locally develop new standoff missiles. Once fielded, the Tomahawks will enhance standoff defense capabilities in order to intercept and eliminate invading forces against Japan at a rapid pace and at long range. A total of 200 Tomahawk Block IV and 200 Tomahawk Block V missiles are planned to be delivered between Japans fiscal years 2025 and 2027. A diagram showing the capabilities of JMSDF Aegis destroyers, including future Tomahawk and upgraded Type 12 missiles. Japanese Ministry of Defense The Block IV Tomahawk can strike targets at a range of almost 1,000 miles, carrying a 1,000-pound unitary warhead. Meanwhile, the Block V Tomahawk is an improved version that can also be used to hit moving targets, including enemy warships. The first Japanese warship destined to receive a Tomahawk capability recently sailed to the United States for the required modifications, as you read about here. The JMSDF destroyer Chokai departs Yokosuka Base on September 27, 2025, headed to the United States for Tomahawk modifications. JMSDF Ultimately, the JMSDF will field the Tomahawk on all eight of its currently fielded Aegis destroyers and its two Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEV), but there are no plans to put it on its submarines as of yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It should also be noted that Japan is acquiring air-launched cruise missiles for land-attack missions, too. Clearly, expanding its standoff missile capabilities, for both land-attack and anti-ship missions, is a priority for Japan right now. The latest contracts ensure that its submarines and surface warships will be very much at the spearhead of this new-look, more offensive posture. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com The Trump administration's attempt to deploy members of the California National Guard to Portland was in "direct contravention" of a court order issued on Saturday, U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut said during a highly unusual late-night emergency hearing. Immergut, a Trump appointee, said she was "troubled" by the Trump administration's attempt to work around her earlier court order prohibiting the deployment of the Oregon National Guard to Portland. Spencer Platt/Getty Images - PHOTO: *** BESTPIX *** National Guard To Be Deployed In Portland, Oregon "It seems to me that based on the conduct of the defendants and the now seeking National Guard from Texas to go to Oregon again, I see those as direct contravention of the order that this were issued yesterday," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protester shot in Chicago by border patrol agents who claim they were 'ambushed' by convoy Her order on Saturday concluded that conditions in Portland were "not significantly violent or disruptive" to justify a federal takeover of the National Guard, and that the president's claims about the city were "simply untethered to the facts." Spencer Platt/Getty Images - PHOTO: National Guard To Be Deployed In Portland, Oregon With DOJ lawyers unable to identify anything that has changed since her order Saturday, Immergut said her same reasoning would apply to prohibit the deployment of the National Guard from any other state. The federalization, she said, would violate the federal law that allows the federal takeover of the National Guard in response to an invasion or rebellion, as well as the Tenth Amendment, encroaching on the sovereign rights of Oregon. "I have demonstrated that it is not appropriate to put in military into Oregon," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She denied a request to issue a stay of her order pending appeal. The Trump administration has already appealed her order from Saturday to the Ninth Circuit, which has not responded yet. Some 200 National Guard personnel arrived this weekend from California on orders from the White House and were prepared to begin protecting federal buildings on Monday, a U.S. official told ABC News. Katie Porter gave a master class in how to blow a lead in a major election when she melted down and nearly walked out of an interview with CBS journalist Julie Watts. The exchange between Watts and Porter, the Democratic frontrunner for governor, could not have been more painful to watch, especially for those who support the former Orange County congresswoman. Opponents of Porter should send her a thank you note, because this is the gift that will keep on giving throughout this crowded campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Also, if Sen. Alex Padilla is still on the fence about entering the race, this may be just the nudge he needs.) Its all because Porter antagonistically responded to a (slightly loaded) question in an interview that was focused on the Proposition 50 redistricting measure one of several interviews Watts conducted with gubernatorial candidates. Her demeanor spoke volumes Heres the question that set Porter off: What do you say (about Prop. 50) to the 40% of California voters, who youll need in order to win, who voted for Trump? Watts asked. Porter furrowed her brow. How would I need them in order to win, maam? she asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unless you think youll get 60% off the vote ... Watts responded. In a general election, yes, Porter answered. It went downhill from there, with the candidate calling the interviewer unnecessarily argumentative, instructing Watts to ask the question as you have it written and accusing her of asking seven follow-ups for every single question you ask. I dont want to keep doing this. Im going to call it, Porter said at one point. She started to remove her microphone, though she ultimately remained for the rest of the session. It wasnt just her words that were inappropriate. It was her demeanor. The smirks. The raised palms. The petulant looks. The condescending tone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Porters defense, Watts question could have been more artfully worded. Claiming outright that Porter would need Trump voters in order to win the election is highly debatable and Porter chose to debate it. In questioning some of the other candidates, Watts phrased that particular question differently. 40% of Californians voted for President Trump. What do you say to those 6 million voters who you also represent as governor? she asked Democrat Xavier Becrra. She posed this question to Democrat Ian Calderon: What do you say to those 40% you may need in a top two California primary? And to Democrat Betty Yee: 40% of Californians voted for Trump. What do you say to those voters who say, Im not aligned with this narrative? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, there were at least dozen ways Porter could have answered the question without coming across like a bully. Is she capable of diplomacy? Weve already seen this combative side of Katie Porter. Armed with her whiteboard, she is expert at confronting representatives of Big Oil and Big Pharma and Big Banking, grilling them until they squirm. But we have not often seen her practice diplomacy, and thats a critical skill for governors who often must broker compromises for the good of the state. This campaign is Porters opportunity to show that side of herself, and in this instance, she failed in spectacular fashion. The question is, can Porter regain enough ground to survive the primary and make it to the general election? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others have pulled it off, including the late, great Sen. John McCain, who was known for letting his temper get the better of him, as this 2008 McClatchy article describes: Theres a lengthy list of ... outbursts over the years. McCain pushing a woman in a wheelchair, trying to get an Arizona Republican aide fired from three different jobs, berating a young GOP activist on the night of his own 1986 Senate election and many more. Yet that didnt stop him from securing the Republican nomination for president. Porter could stage a similar comeback, but a lot will depend on her reaction, as well as on the performances of the other candidates, who have yet to make many inroads with voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Porter should offer an explanation, along with an apology, sooner rather than later. It can be short but it must be humble. No more of this Im the smartest person in the room stuff (though she actually may be). And absolutely no more outbursts not even little ones. There is no doubt that Katie Porters regrettable performance has shaken many voters who are now questioning whether she is capable of governing the state of California, especially in the current political climate. Fortunately for her, she has nine months to show that she does. Lets see if she pulls it off. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Thursday reasserted the unproven link between the pain reliever Tylenol and autism, and suggested people who opposed the theory were motivated by hatred for President Donald Trump. During a meeting with Trump and the Cabinet, Kennedy reiterated the connection, even while noting there was no medical proof to substantiate the claim. He also mistakenly described a pregnant woman's anatomy and linked autism to circumcision. Anybody who takes the stuff during pregnancy unless they have to is, is irresponsible, Kennedy told Trump and fellow Cabinet members. It is not proof. We're doing the studies to make the proof. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy has long espoused unconventional beliefs about public health, which have prompted concern among medical experts that, as health secretary, he could upend the countrys evidence-based health policies. Kennedy noted during the meeting that he had seen a TikTok video on Thursday, which he said featured a pregnant woman gobbling Tylenol and cursing Trump. The level of Trump derangement syndrome has now left the political landscape and now in the realm of pathology, he said. Kennedy also said the woman was taking Tylenol with a baby in her placenta. A fetus develops in the uterus, not the placenta. The placenta is a temporary organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy and provides oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to the growing fetus. Kennedy's statement came two weeks after he stood with Trump in the White House as the president used his office to promote unproven and, in some cases, discredited ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy also said Thursday that infant boys who are circumcised have double the rate of autism because they are given Tylenol after the procedure. This claim seems to refer to a study in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine from 2015, which looked at ritual circumcision and the risk of autism spectrum disorder in boys under the age of 10 in Denmark. It found that those who had undergone the procedure, which involves the removal of the foreskin from the penis, were more likely to develop autism than other boys in the study. Researchers suggested a potential link might be due to the pain of the procedure. Researchers noted that they had no data on painkillers or anesthetics used, and thus couldnt address whether Tylenol was linked to autism. Other researchers pointed out that the Denmark study looked at correlation, not causation. They also point to other studies that found no evidence to support a link between circumcision and autism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. CANBERRA, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong on Thursday welcomed the first phase of the peace plan for Gaza, urging all parties to respect the terms. In a joint statement on Thursday, Albanese and Wong said Australia welcomes the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of the plan to bring peace to Gaza, describing it as a "much needed step towards peace." They said that Australia has consistently been a part of international calls for a ceasefire, the return of all hostages and the unimpeded flow of aid into Gaza. "We urge all parties to respect the terms of the plan," Albanese and Wong said. "Together with our partners, Australia will continue to do what we can to contribute to a just and enduring two-state solution." Albanese and Wong announced from New York last month that Australia has formally recognized the independent and sovereign State of Palestine. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is threatening to initiate proceedings to remove Robertson County Sheriff Terry Gray from office if he does not resign after Gray was arrested for his third DUI in less than two years on Oct. 7. Gray was arrested after law enforcement in neighboring Mason County observed the sheriff who was in uniform, armed and in a department vehicle driving recklessly at a high rate of speed. He had a blood alcohol content of nearly three times the legal limit according to an arrest citation. "We value the sanctity of law enforcement and the duty to uphold the law and serve and protect the communities that put their trust in their peace officers," Beshear's general counsel, S. Travis Mayo, wrote in a letter to Gray on Oct. 8. The letter was provided to The Courier Journal by the governor's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter said if Gray did not step down within five business days, the governor would move to initiate removal proceedings against him for neglect of duty. Gray, 48, avoided jail time on two previous DUIs, including one in 2023 that also came while he was in uniform and had been operating his department vehicle. According to court records, Gray was arrested by the Mason County Sheriffs Office on Tuesday night on charges of DUI, reckless driving, first degree wanton endangerment and first degree official misconduct. First degree wanton endangerment is a felony that carries between one and five years in prison if Gray is convicted. First degree official misconduct is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail. Third offense DUI also carries a potential year in jail and reckless driving is a traffic offense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an arrest citation, Mason County Sheriff Ryan Swolsky wrote that one of his deputies "called me stating the Robertson County Sheriff was either in a pursuit in Mason County or being pursued by KSP" on Tuesday evening. As Swolsky pulled out of his driveway, he wrote, he was "nearly struck" by a "white pickup truck with lights and sirens activated traveling at an extremely high rate of speed" on an otherwise empty road. Swolsky said he attempted to stop the vehicle and observed it cross the center line several times and nearly overturn. Gray's vehicle, the pickup, eventually pulled into a private driveway "almost overturning again into a field before coming to a rest," Swolsky wrote. The Mason County Sheriff wrote he could "immediately" smell alcohol on Gray and that Gray told one of Swolsky's deputies he was searching for a vehicle he had "lost" near the county line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the arrest citation, a miniature bottle of Fireball whiskey was found on Gray, who reportedly told Swolsky he was "not that drunk." No attorney for Gray was listed in court records as of midday Wednesday. He previously declined to comment on his previous DUIs when contacted by The Courier Journal. According to online jail records, Gray is currently being held at the Mason County Detention Center. More: 'Beholden to no one': Kentucky sheriffs remain in office despite criminal charges, convictions Gray was featured in a recent Courier Journal investigation examining Kentucky sheriffs who remained in office despite charges or convictions. That investigation found that one in six Kentucky counties has had a sheriff criminally charged since 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gray is the top lawman in the state's least populous county, north-central Kentucky's Robertson County. In sentencing for his previous DUIs, he avoided serving a 90-day jail sentence so long as he completed a rehab program and committed no new offenses through 2026. Speaking to The Courier Journal for an earlier story, the special prosecutor in Gray's previous DUI cases told the paper she had second thoughts about not pushing harder for him to resign. Tell us what you think. Submit your letter to the editor. While Robertson County's seat, Mt. Olivet, hired a police chief in recent months, Gray was believed to previously have been the 2,200-person county's sole law enforcement officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Numerous residents of Roberston County, including all five of the countys magistrates, had written to Gov. Andy Beshear asking for Gray to be removed from office. However, until Wednesday, Beshear had not taken action to remove Gray or other Kentucky sheriffs who have been criminally convicted while in office. Responding to a question from The Courier Journal during a press conference in late September, Beshear defended his inaction over removing Gray or Aaron Acree, the convicted sheriff of western Kentuckys Trigg County, by saying a governor-initiated removal process has only been successfully completed once in Kentuckys history. The boss of sheriffs are the people that elect them, and can ultimately refuse to vote for them the next time, Beshear said at the time. More: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has the power to remove convicted sheriffs. Why hasn't he? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Josh Wood is an investigative reporter who focuses on public safety and government. He can be reached at jwood@courier-journal.com or on X at @JWoodJourno. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Robertson County, Kentucky Sheriff Terry Gray arrested for third DUI When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images The US state of Kentucky has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, which Kentucky attorney general Russell Coleman says "has become a playground for predators who seek to harm our children." Roblox has denied the allegations, telling PC Gamer that it "has taken an industry-leading stance on age-based communication" and rolled out more than 100 safety features on the platform in 2025 alone. The complaint alleges that Roblox Corporation "repeatedly assure[s] parents and the public that Roblox is safe for its user base of minors," but that it is in fact "a hunting ground for child predators," who are able to operate with near impunity because of company's refusal to implement "basic safety controls" or even accurately inform users and parents of the dangers on the platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These dangers are not trivial," the complaint states. "They range from child predators acting along to international organizationslined with terrorist groupsthat are dedicated to child sexual exploitation and self-harm." "Our children are not safe on Roblox," Coleman said in a press release. "Predators and criminals aren't just lurking in the platform's shadows; they've been allowed to commit their crimes out in the open. 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." The Kentucky lawsuit was filed two months after a similar action taken by the state of Louisiana. Liz Murrill, the attorney general for Louisiana, said "it's basically open season for sex predators on this platform" when announcing her state's lawsuit against Roblox, and she expressed support for the Kentucky suit in a message posted on X. "Glad to see my friend, Russell Coleman, join me in recognizing what I've been saying all along: Roblox is dangerous for children," Murrill wrote. "We will not stand idly by while this company exploits children to make billions in profit." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Roblox spokesperson denied Kentucky's allegations in a statement provided to PC Gamer, saying that it is "constantly innovating and investing in safety." "We welcome the opportunity for a direct conversation with the Attorney General, as we do with other policymakers," the rep said. "The attorney general's lawsuit is based on outdated and out-of-context information. We believe together we can increase safety not just on Roblox, but on all platforms used by kids and teens. The AG's office is partnering with plaintiff's attorneys, who we believe have misrepresented matters to seek financial gain. "Roblox has taken an industry-leading stance on age-based communication and will require facial age estimation for all Roblox users who access our communications features by the end of this year. Roblox does not allow image sharing via chat, and most chat on Roblox is subject to filters designed to block the sharing of personal information. We constantly monitor all communication for critical harms and swiftly remove violative content when detected and work closely with law enforcement." Roblox is massively popularthe platform recently put up more concurrent players over a weekend than the entirety of Steambut, spurred by high-profile failures to address the presence of abusers, it's also come under increasing pressure over the past year to step up its child safety guardrails. Roblox has taken a number of steps to address those complaints more recently, including the use of "facial age estimation technology," new limits on communications between users, and a crackdown on "unrated games," but some of its proposed policies have resulted in pushback from advocacy groups who say that new restrictions on so-called "sensitive issues" risks teaching its users "that issues of justice and equality are controversial opinions rather than universal values, thereby reinforcing the very divisions it claims to guard against." WASHINGTON (AP) After months of gridlock, President Donald Trump finally landed a long-sought Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza an agreement that only came together after a weekslong diplomacy blitz and a whole lot of help from some Arab and Muslim allies. The breakthrough is designed to bring about a pause in the fighting unleashed by Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The group is expected to release 48 hostages about 20 of them believed to be alive in the coming days. The brutal war finally reached a turning point because a badly battered Hamas recognized the hostages had become more of a liability than an asset, according to two senior U.S. officials who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss internal deliberations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the officials said negotiators, led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, believed they finally had an opening when they sensed that Hamas had enough. Still, the way to an agreement had remained complicated, leaving the U.S. administration in the difficult position of negotiating through a thicket of distrust between Israel and its Middle East neighbors that was in danger of further metastasizing. Major questions remain, including over governance and reconstruction of a territory that largely has been destroyed as well as whether Hamas will disarm a key Israeli demand that the militants have not yet publicly accepted. But for now Trump appears to be headed toward a delicate truce and making good on his campaign promise to bring home all remaining hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Israeli strike on a U.S. ally In early September, long-running ceasefire talks mediated by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar were at a standstill. Witkoff had walked away weeks earlier, blaming Hamas. The militant group then accepted a proposal that mediators said was almost identical to one approved by Israel, but there was no public response from Israel or the U.S. Hamas stuck to its position that it would only release the remaining hostages in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected those terms, saying the war would only end with Hamas surrender and the return of all the captives, with Israel maintaining open-ended security control over Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sept. 9, explosions rocked Doha. Israel had carried out an airstrike on Hamas leaders and negotiators as they had gathered to consider the latest ceasefire proposal in Qatar, a close U.S. ally and mediator. The strike killed five lower-ranking Hamas members and a Qatari security forces member. It infuriated Gulf Arab leaders and angered the White House. Trump quickly went into damage control, seeking to reassure Qatar. The strike alarmed U.S. allies across the region, including countries like Turkey and Egypt that have hosted Hamas political leaders. The war that Trump had pledged to end was at risk of spiraling across the Middle East once again. But the Qataris remained engaged with Witkoff and Kushner, helping Trumps chief negotiators tailor what would become the president's 20-point peace plan before he would ultimately present it to other Arab and Muslim countries for support, the U.S. officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two weeks after the Doha strike, Trump met with the leaders of eight Arab and Muslim nations on the sidelines of an annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations that highlighted Israels growing isolation. The president said it was his most important meeting. The president returned to Washington while Witkoff checked into the luxury Regency New York, staying near Kushner's New York apartment so the two could continue coordinating as they fine-tuned the document. All the while, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, they continued to meet and hold calls with Arab and Muslim country leaders to try to build support. A ceasefire plan and an ultimatum Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than a week later, Witkoff and Kushner were back in Washington with the finalized plan, as the president was set to meet with Netanyahu for the Israeli leader's fourth visit to the White House this year. Witkoff and Kushner had come up with the idea of nudging Netanyahu to make a visible gesture toward reconciliation with the Qataris for the strike. Trump dialed up Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and spoke to him before handing the phone to Netanyahu. The prime minister read from a written apology, expressing his regret for Israel violating Qatari sovereignty with the strike. The White House later published photos of a grim-faced Trump with the phone awkwardly perched in his lap as Netanyahu delivered the apology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a press conference in Washington after the Sept. 29 meeting, Netanyahu said he had accepted Trump's plan. Rubio said Trumps negotiators then stepped up their efforts through intermediaries in Qatar and Egypt to get Hamas on board, while Trump held phone calls and meetings with world leaders. The U.S. plan calls for Hamas to release all the remaining hostages within 72 hours of the ceasefire in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, to give up power in Gaza and to disarm. A crucial move by Trump Hamas during negotiations made clear its willingness to release all hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and to give up power to other Palestinians. But it said other elements of Trump's plan required more negotiation and offered nothing about disarming, a key Israeli demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The response was clearly a yes, but. The U.S. and Israel could have taken it as a no and blamed Hamas for the failure to reach a ceasefire on Israel's terms, as they had in the past. Israel could have vowed to press ahead with its invasion of Gaza City or even expand it. But when the Hamas response landed late Friday, Israel was largely shut down for the Sabbath, and Trump was first to respond, concluding he believed Hamas was ready for peace. In a brief statement later that night, Netanyahu said Israel was preparing for the implementation of the first stage of Trumps plan the release of hostages and was still committed to ending the war according to its own principles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It made no mention of the fact that Hamas had not accepted some key demands. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Fox News on Thursday that he and many other Israeli officials were skeptical about Hamas' heavily qualified acceptance. But he said Trump's decision to frame it as a sign of momentum created opportunity. In an interview with Fox News host and ally Sean Hannity after announcing the agreement, the president said he hoped it would help repair Israel's international standing. I spoke to Bibi Netanyahu just a little while ago, Trump told Hannity, using the Israeli prime minister's nickname. I said, Israel cannot fight the world, Bibi.' They cant fight the world. And he understands that very well. ___ Krauss reported from Ottawa, Ontario. AP writers Michelle Price and Will Weissert contributed reporting. US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan that aims to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. This plan seeks to end Israels war that has dragged on for two years, killing more than 67,000 Palestinians, including 20,000 children, with thousands more lost under the rubble and presumed dead. During the initial phase, Palestinian prisoners and Israeli captives will be released by each side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are the key moments that led to Trumps announcement. September 9: Israel attacks Hamas leadership in Qatar At about 12:00 GMT on September 9, Israel fired missiles into a residential area of Qatars capital, Doha, where negotiators from Hamas were meeting to discuss a ceasefire plan for Gaza put forth by the United States. Senior Hamas leaders Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Meshaal both survived. Six people were killed, including al-Hayyas son, Humam; one of al-Hayyas office directors; three bodyguards; and a Qatari security official. Trumps reaction to the attack was muted the US president initially said he was not thrilled by what Israel had done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani condemned the attack, calling it a flagrant violation of its sovereignty and security, and a clear violation of the rules and principles of international law, Trump said he felt very badly about the location of the attack and promised it would not happen again. However, on the night of the attack, Israeli ambassador Yechiel Leiter appeared to suggest on Fox News that Israel would continue to target Hamas leaders in Qatar or elsewhere, stating, If we didnt get them this time, well get them next time. September 22-23: Wave of nations recognise Palestinian state: During the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, France, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Andorra and Belgium all formally recognised a Palestinian state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, 81 percent of the international community, or 157 of 193 UN member states have formally recognised the sovereign state of Palestine. These recognitions have added to the mounting pressure on Israel and its principal ally, the US to agree to a ceasefire. Speaking at UNGA, Trump called these recognitions a reward for Hamas. As if to encourage continued conflict, some of this body is seeking to unilaterally recognise the Palestinian state. The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists, for their atrocities, Trump said. However, he also stated: We have to stop the war in Gaza immediately. September 29: Netanyahu visits White House, apologises to Qatar Netanyahu apologised to Qatar for the killing of a Qatari citizen during an Israeli attack in Doha, during his visit to the White House to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The apology was delivered on a trilateral call from Trump and Netanyahu at the White House to Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. September 29: Trumps 20-point proposal Trump unveiled his 20-point proposal for Gaza during a White House news conference on September 29 after his meeting with Netanyahu, who was also present at the event. He said that if both Israel and Hamas accepted the proposal, the war would end immediately, military operations would halt and Israeli captives would be returned within 72 hours. In exchange for the freed captives, Israel is to release Palestinian prisoners, including life-sentence inmates and all women and children detained since October 7, 2023. Remains of Palestinians are to be exchanged for remains of Israelis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the proposal, Gaza is to be provisionally governed by a technocratic Palestinian committee with oversight from an international Board of Peace chaired by Trump, pending reforms by the Palestinian Authority. Hamas is to be excluded from government, but its members will receive amnesty if they disarm, or be provided with safe passage if they wish to leave. The proposal additionally seeks to dismantle Gazas military infrastructure, while launching immediate, United Nations-managed aid and reconstruction of essential facilities. The plan was welcomed by the Palestinian Authority. The foreign ministers of Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates released a joint statement welcoming the plan. (Al Jazeera) October 3: Hamas accepts parts of the 20-point proposal Trump had given Hamas until October 5 to accept the proposal, and Hamas gave its formal acceptance of parts of it on October 3. Trump reiterated that if Hamas rejected the plan, he would fully support Israel to do what it has to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamass response stated that the group has agreed to to release all occupation captives both living and the remains according to the exchange formula outlined in President Trumps proposal, with the provision of field conditions necessary for the exchange. It added that it was ready to immediately enter negotiations through mediators to discuss the details. Hamas also said that it was ready to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents [technocrats] based on Palestinian national consensus and with Arab and Islamic support. October 6 and 7: Negotiations in Egypt Indirect negotiations over the conditions for a ceasefire deal took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt on October 6 and October 7. October 8: Trumps Truth Social announcement On the third day of negotiations in Egypt, US officials including Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and former Middle East adviser Jared Kushner (also Trumps son-in-law), Netanyahus top adviser, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and the Qatari prime minister arrived in Egypt for negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late in the evening, Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of the peace plan, in a post on his Truth Social platform at 23:17 GMT on Wednesday. Trump wrote: This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. All Parties will be treated fairly! When Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, it took 250 people captive. Many of these have since been released in various prisoner-exchange deals with Israel. Israel says that approximately 20 hostages are still alive in Gaza, and that the bodies of 28 others are also being held there. How have previous ceasefire attempts in Gaza fared? Over the past two years, there have been several attempts to halt hostilities and end the war in Gaza. After more than six decades, authorities in Albany, New York, have identified the man they say raped, stabbed and bludgeoned to death a woman inside her home. Officials linked DNA from Joseph Nowakowski, who died in 1998, to the killing of 50-year-old Catherine Blackburn in September 1964, Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox said during a news conference Wednesday. The identification was made through a joint effort by the Criminal Investigation Resource Center at Russell Sage College and other forensic and investigative agencies, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's no such thing as a cold case," Cox said, crediting people at the Criminal Investigation Resource Center for trying new technology and seeing what could be done differently. "There's all kind[s] of innovative things you can do with DNA." At the news conference, Albany Police Commander Melissa Morey recalled hearing about the violent details of the case for the first time in 2018. She was working as a detective in the forensic investigative unit at the time, and said she found that all the physical evidence collected at Blackburn's crime scene was "preserved and intact." The evidence eventually allowed authorities to match DNA from the crime scene with DNA from Nowakowski, whose body was recently exhumed as part of the investigation, Morey said. Nowakowski's relatives cooperated with the investigation. Nowakowski had a lengthy criminal record, including an attack on an elderly woman in 1973 in Schenectady and several burglaries, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We wanted to make sure that we took every step possible to be 100% positive that he was, in fact, tied to this and that we have his DNA on file," Cox said. Nowakowski was in his early 30s when Blackburn was attacked and was not a suspect at the time. Authorities said Wednesday that there is no indication that Blackburn and Nowakowski knew each other. Blackburn was found by a niece, Sandy Carmichael, who went to the home after one of Blackburn's co-workers went to pick Blackburn up for work but could not locate her. "Sixty-one years ago, evil entered my aunt's house and changed our lives forever," the now-81-year-old Carmichael said Wednesday. "We prayed for this day. To all who made this possible, God bless you." Sneak peek: A Death in the Stairwell Cell where Jeffrey Epstein died never underwent proper inspection, experts say Autonomous Vehicles for the Global Supply Chain Within just 24 hours, senior Russian officials have made contradictory statements on whether the "momentum" for settling Russia's war against Ukraine has been exhausted since the Alaska summit. Source: Russian media outlet RBC, as reported by European Pravda Details: Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said yesterday that the momentum generated by the Alaska meeting between Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump had been exhausted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sadly, it must be stated that the strong momentum of Anchorage in favour of agreements has been largely exhausted due to the efforts of opponents and those who advocate 'war to the last Ukrainian', primarily among the Europeans," Ryabkov said. Yet the following day, Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov said that US-Russia cooperation based on the Alaska summit agreements is ongoing. "Any statements that the momentum from Anchorage is fading or has been exhausted are completely false," Ushakov said. He claimed that contact between Russian and US representatives continues, "based on the agreements and understandings formulated immediately before and during the Alaska meeting". Background: Since the Putin-Trump meeting in Alaska on 15 August, the US president has been increasingly critical of Russia for its unwillingness to seek a settlement of the war in Ukraine. After meeting Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump even said he believed Ukraine would be able to reclaim the territories occupied by Russia. Recently, the US president also expressed confidence that he will end up settling the war Russia has unleashed against Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Japans ancient capital, Kyoto, is poised to take a significant step toward combating overtourism in 2026. Japanese newspaper The Asahi Shimbun reported that hotel taxes will increase for most Kyoto stays starting March 1, 2026. According to the publication, the citys Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications signed off on a revision to the hotel tax increase proposal on October 3. The highest increase is an eyebrow-raising 900% jump over the hotel tax currently charged. However, the hefty increase will only be applied to Kyoto hotel room reservations that cost 100,000 or more per night. For those rooms the most luxurious in Kyoto the hotel tax will go from 1,000 to 10,000 per person, per night. If youre curious how much the latter number is in USD, its around $65 at the time of this reporting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyotos hotel tax for stays priced between 50,000 and 99,000 per night will increase from 1,000 to 4,000. Those costing between 20,000 and 49,999 per night will see their levy rise from 500 to 1,000. Meanwhile, stays of 6,000 to 19,999 per night will see their hotel tax increased from 200 to 400. Budget travelers staying at accommodations under 6,000 a night (around $39) wont face an increase in the hotel tax. For those travelers, Kyotos hotel tax will remain 200. The hotel tax charges will be applied per person, per night, for the luxe stays. What Else Is There To Know About Overtourism In Kyoto And The Increased Hotel Tax? Taxes on Kyotos hotel rooms were first established in 2018. The city is known for being rich in history, tradition, spiritual sites, and things to do. Over 1.4 million people live in Kyoto, making it one of Japans 10 most populous cities. However, overtourism has taken a toll on local transportation and attractions. Back in March, city officials reportedly said of the hotel tax increase proposal, Tourists also must bear the cost of countermeasures against overtourism. Based on estimates, Kyotos hotel tax revenue is expected to double in revenue from 5.91 billion this fiscal year to a whopping 12.6 billion the next. Officials supporting the measure reportedly plan to put the extra money toward bettering the citys infrastructure and reducing its congestion. The post Kyotos Most Luxurious Hotels Face Up To 900% Tax Increase Next Year appeared first on Travel Noire. CONNECTICUT (WTNH) Wednesday marked the eighth day of the government shutdown, which means the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, commonly known as WIC benefits, may be in jeopardy for millions of Americans. Thats not the case in Connecticut. On Wednesday, Gov. Ned Lamont said he is committed to keeping women, infants, and children fed while the federal government is shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How a government shutdown could impact Connecticut If youre a new mom, got kids under 5, an infant, were taking care of you, Lamont said. The WIC program will continue. Well make sure it will continue until the federal government gets its act together. The Governor made the announcement Wednesday morning during a press conference at the WIC Center in Hartford. He was joined by other state and city leaders, including Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam. The Governor committed to keeping WIC benefits accessible to those in need. WIC is a federal program that provides nutritious food, education and breastfeeding support to low-income pregnant, expectant and postpartum women, infants, and children under the age of 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Connecticut Foodshare approves $1M in emergency funding amid government shutdown The reality is, if we did not have the backing of the state, we would have to issue staff work orders at some point, Connecticut Health Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani said. Lamont said Connecticut will pull money from its reserves to fund the program which costs $200,000 a day. We anticipate the federal government will reimburse us but youre never quite sure, he said. According to state leaders, WIC benefits currently help about 52,000 people in Connecticut, including 30,000 children, 11,000 infants and 11,000 mothers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This program is essential to helping some of the most vulnerable in our state, Juthani said. Local churches and community groups say theyve seen an increase in the number of people looking for a meal, with food insecurity already a huge problem in Connecticut. State funding heading to Connecticut food pantries According to data from Connecticut FoodShare, estimates from Feeding America show more than 516,000 Connecticut residents struggle with hunger. Thats roughly one in seven people The need is increasing, the numbers are increasing. The line is just getting longer and longer, Rev. Heidi Thorsen of Trinity on the Green Episcopal Church in New Haven said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thorsen said during their weekly meal drive, theres often anywhere from 80-150 people looking for a meal. We are trying to find ways to get more food to the people who need it and be creative for possible solutions, Jennifer Heath, president & CEO of United Way of Greater New Haven, said. Heath said if youre experiencing food insecurity you can always call 211 to be connected to the resources you need. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, both Democrats, should be jailed as they oppose his deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago. The officials said they would not be deterred. National Guard troops from Texas are now positioned outside Chicago, despite a lawsuit by the state and city to block their deployment. The troops mission is not clear but the Trump administration has undertaken an aggressive immigration enforcement operation in the nations third largest city, and the president, contrary to statistics, has repeatedly claimed big cities run by Democrats are overwhelmed with crime. Trumps comments are the latest example of his brazen calls for his opponents to be prosecuted or locked up. The comments come as Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty Wednesday in a criminal case that highlights the Justice Departments efforts to target adversaries of Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, a debate between the House Speaker Mike Johnson and two Democratic senators spilled over to the hallways over the government shutdown fight and Johnsons refusal to swear in an Arizona congresswoman-elect who won a special election two weeks ago. The IRS also announced it will furlough nearly half of its workforce as part of the shutdown. Here's the latest: President Donald Trump announces first phase of Israel-Hamas peace deal Trump announced on his social media site Wednesday night that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first Phase of his peace plan. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace, Trump wrote. All Parties will be treated fairly! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California governor criticized Trump, Speaker Johnson over disaster aid Newsom said its shameful that the Republican-controlled Congress hasnt approved disaster aid to help thousands of people who are displaced after devastating wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year. Its been months, not a peep from the president of the United States, Newsom said at an unrelated press conference. Not a word from Speaker Johnson. Federal officials earlier today charged a 29-year-old man for sparking the Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in the states history. The fire killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more about the Palisades Fire Trump to get routine yearly checkup on Friday The president will get what the White House is describing as a routine yearly checkup at Walter Reed Medical Center on Friday morning. While press secretary Karoline Leavitt described it as a yearly exam, Trump actually got an annual physical at Walter Reed earlier in April, about six months ago. A physicians note at the time says the president remains in excellent health. On Friday, hell return to the White House afterward but may go to the Middle East, where negotiators are trying to finalize an Israel-Hamas ceasefire, shortly thereafter, Leavitt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubios note asks Trump to approve social post so you can announce deal first The note that Rubio handed Trump during an unrelated meeting at the White House implores the president to give his OK to a social post related to a Middle East deal. You need to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first, the hand-scrawled note read, on White House stationary. Rubio wasnt part of Trumps roundtable discussion with conservative influencers but walked into the room, handed Trump the note and whispered something to him. As Trump fielded some questions from gathered reporters, Rubio stood off to the side, seemingly anxious for the president to come with him to turn toward the Middle East negotiations. Trump told the room were very close to a deal in the Middle East before he left but gave no other details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump says were very close to a deal in the Middle East Trump made that comment after Rubio handed him a note during an event at the White House on Wednesday. Rubio entered the room where Trump had been holding a roundtable discussion with conservative influencers about anti-immigration enforcement protests in various U.S. cities. Trump said earlier in that discussion that he might go to the region sometime toward the end of the week. His top Middle East adviser, the prime minister of Qatar and other senior officials joined a third day of peace talks between Israel and Hamas at an Egyptian resort on Wednesday, a sign that negotiators aim to dive deeply into the toughest issues of an American plan to end the war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago judge says ICE violated 2022 consent decree on warrantless arrests A federal judge in Chicago says immigration agents have repeatedly violated a 2022 consent decree outlining how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement can make so-called warrantless arrests. The ruling comes amid the Trump administrations National Guard deployment and immigration crackdown in the Chicago area. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings has extended the consent decree until February. It comes out of an agreement between Chicago groups and the federal government. Among other things, it requires ICE to show documentation for each arrest it makes for people besides those being targeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order applies nationwide, but remedies for individual cases have been focused in six Midwest states covered by the ICE field office in Chicago, where the lawsuit was filed. Immigrant advocacy groups believe hundreds of people recently arrested around Chicago could qualify for reduced bond or have ankle monitors removed. This is likely the tip of the iceberg, said Mark Fleming with the National Immigrant Justice Center. Lawmakers clash in Capitol hallways The House may be out of session, but that hasnt stopped its members from clashing in the Capitols hallways. On Wednesday, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries had a heated back and forth with Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, hours after House Speaker Mike Johnson sparred with two Democratic senators over the government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre making a show of this to make yourself relevant, Jeffries told Lawler both New Yorkers as Lawler held a bipartisan bill temporarily extending ACA tax credits and urged Jeffries to sign it. Jeffries called Lawler an embarrassment. Jeffries previously called a one-year extension of ACA tax credits laughable. Little of substance was resolved in the exchange, as the two talked over each other. Why dont you just keep your mouth shut, Jeffries said. Is that the way to talk? Lawler shot back. Noem says Democrats are covering up violence in Portland Democratic leaders have said they dont want National Guard on their streets because its not necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noem rejected their assertion after meeting with the Oregon governor and Portland mayor. They are absolutely covering up the terrorism that is hitting their streets, she said. She said antifa wants to destroy the American people and their way of life. Trump floats trip to the Middle East The president said Wednesday afternoon that he may travel to the Middle East if a Gaza peace deal comes together. I may go there sometime toward the end of the week, Trump said as he opened a roundtable event on a different matter. Trump said he could go there on Sunday, adding that negotiations are going along very well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House hosts roundtable on antifa The president is spending part of Wednesday afternoon hosting a roundtable that highlights the impact of antifa protesters. Antifa is short for anti-fascists and is used to describe far-left-leaning militant groups. They include groups that resists fascists and neo-Nazis, especially at demonstrations. The roundtable is set to include administration officials and conservative influencers who have been on the ground in Portland and other cities with demonstrations US data shows a drop in arrivals of foreign students The preliminary data from the National Travel and Tourism Office shows the number of international visitors arriving to the U.S. on student visas declined 19% in August compared with the same month in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The numbers declined also in June and July, but August is the summer month that typically sees the most foreign student arrivals 313,138 this year. The dip is the latest sign of a hit to international enrollment at American colleges and universities as the Trump administration clamps down on student visas. Read more about foreign students CBO says federal budget deficit was $1.8 trillion in FY 2025 The Congressional Budget Office says the federal budget deficit was $8 billion less than the shortfall recorded during fiscal year 2024. The agency says revenues increased by an estimated $308 billion compared to this time last year and a boost in individual income tax collections and tariff income partly offset the decline in corporate tax receipts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, said in a statement that the nations debt is about the size of the entire U.S. economy and will exceed its highest ever record as a share of the economy soon. We are on track to borrow nearly $2 trillion per year for the next decade. How can anyone think this is sustainable? Illinois governor says feds havent communicated on National Guard plans Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday reiterated that the federal government has not communicated with us in any way about their troop movements. I cant believe I have to say troop movements in an American city, but that is what were talking about here, he told reporters. When asked what he would do if a federal court rules in his favor to block National Guard deployment in Chicago yet they continue operations, Pritzker said he would do what is needed to enforce the ruling. We would enforce a judicial ruling, he said. You should hope that the federal government, the state government, the local government would be able to enforce a federal courts order. Thats why we went to court. Democratic congressmen lead letter to GOP House Speaker on troop pay Reps. Derek Tran and Gabe Vasquez co-led a letter signed by 53 other Democrats calling for Johnson to bring a bill that would ensure that military service members, as well as civilian personnel and contractors, will continue to receive pay during a government shutdown to the House floor. We urge you to bring legislation to pay Americas service members to the House floor for a vote in time to ensure military personnel get paid on October 15th, the letter reads. If Congress does not act by October 15th, nearly three million military families will miss their next paycheck. Thats unacceptable our military families and troops deserve better. Debate unfolds in the Capitol halls Frustration is running high in the Capitol, spilling over in a hallway debate between House Speaker Mike Johnson and two Democratic senators. Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego gathered reporters in front of the speakers office Wednesday afternoon to call on Johnson to swear in an Arizona congresswoman-elect who won a special election two weeks ago. But Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, was not about to let them stand outside his office without a challenge. After quickly shaking their hands, Johnson said he would swear in Adelita Grijalva after the government shutdown: We need the lights turned back on, so we encourage both of you to go open the government. Gallego argued that Johnson was trying to keep Grijalva from providing crucial support to force a vote on a bill to release the Epstein files. Get your people in and stop covering up for the pedophiles, Gallego snapped at Johnson. Do your damn job: Federal worker union leaders slam Congress, Trump Top union leaders representing federal employees, along with allied labor groups, on Wednesday pressured both parties to reach a solution to end the shutdown. No American should ever have to choose between serving their country and feeding their family, said Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees. Union leaders criticized both parties in Congress but also targeted Trump, accusing him of using federal workers as political pawns after warnings Tuesday that back pay is not guaranteed. He intends to either violate the law, or degrade, frighten, antagonize hardworking federal employees whose only crime is caring and wanting to work for the American people, said Randy Erwin, president of the National Federation of Federal Employees. Congress, do your damn job, added Erwin. And president, you better start obeying the Constitution. Indictment was the latest chapter in a long-broken relationship between Trump and Comey Trump arrived in office in January 2017 as Comey, appointed to the FBI director job by President Barack Obama, was overseeing an investigation into ties between Russia and Trumps 2016 presidential campaign. The dynamic was fraught from the start, with Comey briefing Trump weeks before he took office on the existence of uncorroborated and sexually salacious gossip in a dossier of opposition research compiled by a former British spy. In their first several private interactions, Comey would later reveal, Trump asked his FBI director to pledge his loyalty to him and to drop an FBI investigation into his administrations first national security adviser, Michael Flynn. Comey said Trump also asked him to announce that Trump himself wasnt under investigation as part of the broader inquiry into Russian election interference, something Comey didnt do. Comey was abruptly fired in May 2017 with Trump later saying he was thinking about this Russia thing when he decided to terminate him. The firing was investigated by Justice Department special counsel Robert Mueller as an act of potential obstruction of justice. Comey in 2018 published a memoir, A Higher Loyalty, that painted Trump in deeply unflattering ways. Judge rules federal immigration agents illegally arrested more than two dozen people in January The federal judge ruled Tuesday on the arrests that happened during the early days of President Trumps second term. The ACLU of Illinois and other Chicago immigration advocates sued DHS and ICE in March, alleging the January arrests of 26 people in the Midwest violated a 2022 consent decree that bans ICE from arresting people without warrants or probable cause. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings ordered ICE to start making monthly disclosures of how many warrantless arrests agents make each month. Todays decision makes clear that DHS and ICE like everyone else must follow the Constitution and the law, Michelle Garcia, deputy legal director at the ACLU of Illinois and co-counsel in the case, said in a statement. The federal governments reckless practice of stopping, harassing and detaining people and then finding a justification for the action must end. Johnson says no show votes on troop pay House Speaker Mike Johnson is rejecting calls from some lawmakers for Congress to hold a stand-alone vote on paying military service members, who will potentially miss a paycheck next week if the shutdown isnt resolved soon. Johnson said the House already had that vote as part of a stop-gap spending bill that would have funded the federal government through Nov. 21. Every Republican and at least one Democrat had the common sense to say of course we want the government to stay in operation, of course we want to pay our troops and our air traffic controllers and our border patrol agents, TSA and everybody else, Johnson said. We did have that vote. The House is done, he added. The ball is now in the Senates court. It does us no good to be here dithering on show votes. House Speaker says furloughed government workers should get backpay once shutdown ends House Speaker Mike Johnson's comments during a news conference at the Capitol on Wednesday follow the Trump administrations warning of no guaranteed back pay for federal workers during a shutdown, potentially reversing what has been long-standing policy for some 750,000 furloughed employees. Johnson said he had yet to dig into legal analysis that is the basis for the administrations warning. But he said it is tradition and I think it is statutory law that federal workers be paid. And I think they should be, Johnson said. Comeys trial date is tentatively set for Jan. 5 The criminal case has thrown a spotlight on the Justice Departments efforts to target adversaries of President Trump. Comey pleaded not guilty through his lawyer to allegations that he lied to Congress five years go. Former FBI Director James Comey has pleaded not guilty Comey entered the not guilty plea through his lawyer at the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, to allegations that he lied to Congress five years ago, kick-starting a process of legal wrangling in which defense lawyers will almost certainly move to get the indictment dismissed before trial, possibly by arguing the case amounts to a selective or vindictive prosecution. Trump plans to hold a roundtable on antifa The White House hasnt released details about the meeting scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. Trump has said he plans to designate antifa, an umbrella term for far-left-leaning militant groups, as a major terrorist organization but its not clear how that would work against the decentralized movement. Trump calls for jailing Illinois governor and Chicago mayor as leaders oppose Guard deployment The president said in a Wednesday morning social media post that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritkzer, both Democrats, should be in jail for failing to protect Ice Officers!. It wasnt immediately clear what Trump was specifically objecting to with his post, but it was the latest example of his brazen calls for his opponents to be prosecuted or locked up, a break from longtime norms as the Justice Department traditionally sought to maintain its independence. Authorities said a woman was shot over the weekend in Chicago when Border Patrol vehicles were boxed in and struck by other vehicles. Outside Chicago, in the village of Broadview, there have been skirmishes between protesters and agents outside a detention center. Israel and Hamas have agreed to a pause in their devastating two-year war and the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Under the plan, which is expected to be approved by Israel's Cabinet and parliament Thursday, Hamas will release all 20 living hostages in the coming days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza. Uncertainty remains about some of the thornier aspects of U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed plan to pause fighting, such as whether and how Hamas will disarm, and who will govern Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's the latest: UN pledges full support to Gaza ceasefire agreement and is ready to move on aid Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the U.N. and its partners can move now to scale up the delivery of food, water, medical assistance and shelter supplies. But the U.N. chief said to turn this ceasefire into real progress, we need more than the silencing of the guns. Guterres called for safe access for humanitarian workers, the removal of red tape and other impediments, the rebuilding of Gazas shattered infrastructure and funding to meet the immense needs. The secretary-general told U.N. reporters in New York that the glimmer of relief for Israelis and Palestinians must be seized to establish a political path toward ending Israels occupation and achieving a two-state solution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US envoy Witkoff, Jared Kushner met with Egypt's president Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi met with U.S. President Donald Trumps Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner in Cairo Thursday. Witkoff and Kushner arrived from Sharm el Sheikh where a ceasefire deal was brokered. In a statement after the meeting, the presidents office welcomed the ceasefire agreement. The statement also said that ending the war is in the wills of all countries. It added that Egypt will continue to work with the United States to implement the plan. The president also reiterated his invitation President Trump to visit Egypt to witness the signing of this historic agreement in a ceremony befitting the occasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel says it wont free prominent Palestinian prisoner Marwan Barghouti Barghouti, the most popular and unifying Palestinian political figure, has spent more than two decades In Israeli detention and is widely seen as a potential successor to President Mahmoud Abbas, the current leader of the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority. On Thursday, an Israeli government spokeswoman said Israel does not intend to release Barghouti as part of the agreement reached with Hamas. I can tell you at this point in time that he will not be part of this release, Shosh Bedrosian said. Barghouti was arrested in 2002 and later given five life sentences by an Israeli court over deadly attacks during the 2000 intifada, or Palestinian uprising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas leaders have in the past demanded that Israel release Barghouti, a leader of the militant groups main political rival, Fatah, as part of any deal to end the fighting in Gaza. Israel has repeatedly refused. Turkey may take part in task force overseeing ceasefire implementation Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey will hopefully take part in a task force that will monitor the implementation of the (ceasefire) agreement on the ground. Erdogan did not provide further details Thursday. He said getting humanitarian aid into Gaza urgently, ensuring the exchange of hostages and prisoners, and pressing Israel to stop its military actions and retreat to the designated lines are of utmost importance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkey, which has close ties to Hamas, helped broker the agreement, along with the United States, Egypt and Qatar. Thousands streaming into Tel Aviv square Thousands of people have streamed into a square in Tel Aviv that has turned into the epicenter of the movement to bring home the hostages. Many sang and danced as they waved Israeli and American flags. It feels like we can finally see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel we have all been walking through, said Einav Kahila, a 25-year-old student who came from Jerusalem. Theres a lot of anxiety, also, because were always feeling unsure or insecure about the situation. But the people that came here today chose to be on the side of optimism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The celebrations appeared more muted than previous public reactions to ceasefires, reflecting the despair that has settled over the country as the war ground on for two years. Of course, its not over until its over, but today is a today we can have a little bit more hope, said Avi Duek, who came to Hostages Square with his 14-month-old son. Hamas official says some 2,000 prisoners to be released A senior Hamas official has said five border crossings will be opened for aid to flow into the Gaza Strip, some 2,000 prisoners will be released and Israeli troops will withdraw from heavily populated areas as part of the U.S.-mediated deal to end the two-year war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Osama Hamdan told the pan-Arab Al-Araby TV that 250 prisoners serving long sentences will be released in addition to 1,700 who were taken prisoner during the war in Gaza. We have put the names of all the commanders that we want released, Hamdan said. The Israelis should withdraw from all heavily populated areas especially Gaza City, Khan Younis, Rafah and north Gaza, he added. The Israeli army is expected to start withdrawing on Friday but it could start as early as late Thursday, Hamdan said. Gaza paramedic: Peace plan is a moment of joy The head of paramedics in northern Gaza says the agreement between Israel and Hamas is a moment of joy because it means an end to the relentless bloodshed and killings that have claimed tens of thousands of lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fares Afana said his teams priority is to remove bodies from under the rubble and on the roads which were inaccessible during intense bombings. After two years of this genocide, injustice and oppression, we are physically and psychologically tired, he added. Only now after the ceasefire announcement, we can cry for our colleagues who were killed. Israeli tanks fire to push back crowds of Palestinians hoping to go home Israeli tanks deployed on the main coastal road in Gaza have fired several rounds to push back a crowd of displaced Palestinians gathering there in hopes of returning to their homes in the north of the territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has not yet been ratified by the Israeli government and is yet to take effect. But hundreds of Palestinians have gathered on the coastal road at the intersection between north and south Gaza, in an apparent rush to return to their homes north. Israeli military operations that began in late August in north Gaza has forced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to flee south. The military had warned Palestinians against returning north, calling it a dangerous combat zone. It urged Gaza residents to wait until further notice. In an Associated Press video, smoke was seen rising over the wide coastal al-Rashid road, as two tanks deployed to block access to the north. People fled to avoid what appeared to be gunfire over their heads. The next steps expected in Israel Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to convene his Security Cabinet late Thursday to approve the ceasefire. The entire parliament will then meet to approve the release of Palestinian prisoners. Both the ceasefire deal and the release of prisoners are expected to pass with wide margins, even if far right ministers vote against it. After the approval, Israel will publish a list of the prisoners expected to be released. Victims of attacks carried out by the prisoners will have 24 hours to petition the Israeli Supreme Court to halt the releases if they object. Thousands of observant Jews rejoice in Jerusalem Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of observant Jews have streamed into Jerusalems old city to mark the holiday of Sukkot at the Wall, with extra rejoicing for the upcoming release of the hostages in Gaza. God is making miracles, we know from the past. But today we saw it, said Avi Kozman, who was holding Sukkots traditional palm branch after receiving the Priestly Blessing, or Birkat Kohanim. Sukkot explicitly encourages Jews to rejoice, and many in the jubilant crowds that broke into spontaneous dancing by Jerusalems old walls saw divine intervention in the timing of the announcement. We always see his hand in the salvation he gives us, said Hindel Berman as she returned from prayer with her son. The New Jersey resident had come to Jerusalem to mark Sukkot. She called the announcement an answer to the prayers shed been fervently making since Oct. 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were screaming and singing last night, she said. Egypts president says the plan opens the door of hope President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt is hailing the deal between Israel and Hamas as a historic moment. This agreement does not only close the chapter of war; it also opens the door of hope for the peoples of the region for a future defined by justice and stability, el-Sissi wrote in a social media post. Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun said he hoped the plan would constitute a first step toward a permanent ceasefire and an end to the humanitarian suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people in Gaza. The United Arab Emirates, which struck a diplomatic recognition deal with Israel in 2020, also praised the move toward a ceasefire. Saudi Arabia welcomes possible start of a ceasefire The kingdom said in a foreign ministry statement that it hoped the peace deal will lead to urgent action to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and a complete Israeli withdrawal. Saudi Arabia also expressed hope that the peace plan would lead to the initiation of practical steps to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders. European leaders praise peace deal European leaders have praised the peace deal reached between Israel and Hamas, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressing relief Thursday. Starmer, who is on a two-day visit to India, said at a joint news conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the agreement must now be implemented in full without delay and be accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on lifesaving humanitarian aid to Gaza. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for all parties to uphold the agreements terms, while the EUs policy chief, Kaja Kallas, wrote on X that The EU will do what it can to support its implementation. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the deal as extraordinary news and urged its swift implementation, while Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel expressed hope for wider peace in the region. In France, President Emmanuel Macron said the ceasefire agreement brings hope for hostages, Palestinians in Gaza, and the entire region. He added the agreement will be discussed in Paris later Thursday. This agreement must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution, he said. Exhausted Palestinians welcome peace deal with mix of hope and skepticism Exhausted and hardened by months of brutal bombings, some Palestinians were skeptical yet impatient to see the first phase of the Trump peace plan come into effect, just hours after the agreement between Israel and Hamas was announced. Paramedic Saeed Awad said he was first skeptical about the possibility of a ceasefire because of previous failed attempts to end the war. They all ended in failure. So we didnt really pay attention to this (round), he said. We have been in this war and in this suffering for two years. Alaa Abd Rabbo, displaced from northern Gaza to Deir al-Balah, said the ceasefire deal is a Godsend day of relief. He said he has been displaced from his home several times, to different parts of Gaza. We are tired. We have been displaced and this is the day we have been waiting for, Abd Rabbo said. We want to go home, to tend to our affairs, to check on our homes. Even though there are no more homes, but we still want to go home." World leaders are praising peace deal World leaders have praised the peace agreement in Gaza brokered by Donald Trump. Argentine President Javier Milei applauded the deal Wednesday, calling it historic, and said he would nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed relief that hostages will soon be reunited with their families and called on all parties to implement the agreed terms swiftly. New Zealands Foreign Minister Winston Peters said Israelis and Palestinians have suffered immensely and that Today is a positive first step in bringing that suffering to an end. Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi also welcomed the agreement as a major step toward calming the situation and achieving a two-state settlement. Israeli military says northern Gaza remains a dangerous combat zone The Israeli military warned Palestinians in Gaza against returning north to Gaza City or approaching areas where troops are stationed until further notice. Israels Arabic language spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued the warning on X, hours after Hamas and Israel agreed to the first phase of the Trump plan to pause the fighting and release hostages and prisoners. For your safety, refrain from returning north or approaching areas where (troops) are stationed or operating throughout Gaza, he said. Adraee said northern Gaza is still considered a dangerous combat zone. UNGA president says ceasefire agreement must lead to immediate aid deliveries Annalena Baerbock said the agreement announced by Trump finally offers a ray of hope after more than 700 days of death, destruction and despair. She said the moment must be seized to fully implement the agreement, end the war in Gaza, release all hostages and ensure the immediate and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid. Baerbock said many world leaders at their recent meeting in the United Nations General Assembly stressed that a permanent ceasefire can open a path to peace, end Hamas rule in Gaza and Israels occupation, and lead to a two-state solution, the only way Israelis and Palestinians can live in lasting peace and security. The former German foreign minister commended the U.S., Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and the many others involved for their efforts to bring the suffering of Israeli hostages and Palestinian civilians to an end. Hostage families chant Nobel prize to Trump in Tel Aviv Families of hostages and their supporters started chanting Nobel prize to Trump as they gathered in the early hours of the morning in Tel Aviv's hostages square. People gathered there after the agreement was announced, with freed hostages and families of those still captive cheering, singing and crying at the news. Israeli ambassador says end of hostilities in Gaza depends on first-stage implementation Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter told CNN that living hostages held by Hamas would be released on Sunday or Monday with a 72-hour clock for Hamas to make the release beginning once the Israeli Cabinet meets, Thursday afternoon or evening, to approve the list of Palestinian prisoners to be released in the agreement. Leiter said that Israel hopes the deal will lead to an end to the war, but that will depend on how well it is implemented. We hope it leads to a complete cessation of hostilities and a rebuilding of Gaza for the sake of the Gazans and for the sake of Israel, he said. But its the first stage, and weve got to see the first stage implemented completely in the next few days. Leiter, whose eldest son was killed in the war while serving in the Israeli forces, credited Israeli military pressure with bringing Hamas to the negotiating table after two years of conflict. Hostages to be probably released Monday, Trump says In an interview on Fox News, Trump said that Hamas will begin releasing hostages probably on Monday. This is more than Gaza, Trump told host Sean Hannity in a telephone interview. This is peace in the Middle East. Trump also said a future Gaza will be a peaceful, much safer place and that the U.S. would remain involved to ensure its safety and prosperity. Other countries in the area will help it reconstruct because they have tremendous wealth, Trump said, adding: Well be involved in helping them make it successful and helping it stay peaceful. Trump confirmed that he spoke to Netanyahu earlier Wednesday night. The prime minister told him, I cant believe it, according to the presidents retelling. I said, Israel cannot fight the world, Bibi, they cant fight the world, and he understands that very well, Trump said. Father of hostage says deal could have come earlier Yehuda Cohen, father of hostage Nimrod said this moment is what theyd been waiting for. It could have come much earlier. Let these next three days pass with no one trying to sabotage it, he said. Israeli hostage families welcome Gaza breakthrough Einav Zangauker, the mother of captive Matan and a prominent advocate for the hostages freedom, told reporters she wants to tell her son she loves him. I want to smell his smell, she said through tears. If I have one dream it is seeing Matan sleep in his own bed. A forum of hostage families said they met the news with excitement, anticipation and apprehension. "This represents important and meaningful progress toward bringing everyone home, but our struggle is not over and will not end until the last hostage returns, it said in a statement. Netanyahu, Trump talked about historic achievement, Israeli leaders office says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump, and they congratulated each other on an agreement to release all the hostages which Netanyahus office described as a historic achievement According to a statement from the prime ministers office, the conversation was warm and moving. Netanyahu thanked Trump for his efforts and global leadership, while Trump praised Netanyahus determined leadership and the actions he led. Deal to head to Israeli Cabinet for approval The agreement will head to the Israeli Cabinet on Thursday for its approval, and once that occurs, Israeli forces will begin withdrawing to the agreed upon boundary, according to a senior White House official. That should take less than 24 hours, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss planning. Hamas then has 72 hours to release hostages, and the White House believes they will begin being released on Monday, the official said. Hamas to release all 20 living hostages this weekend Hamas plans to release all 20 living hostages this weekend, people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. The deceased hostages will come out in a later stage in phases. The Israel army will move out of 70% of the area, they said. It was not immediately clear whether the parties had made any progress on thornier questions about the future of the conflict, including whether Hamas will demilitarize, as Trump has demanded, and eventual governance of the war-torn territory. Hamas says deal reached to end war in Gaza Hamas says a deal has been reached to end the war in Gaza that will ensure the withdrawal of Israeli troops as well as the entry of aid and the exchange of hostages and prisoners. The group said in a statement the deal came after responsible and serious negotiations over the proposal by Trump. Hamas called on Trump and the mediators to ensure that Israel implements all the provisions agreed upon without delay or changes. BELGRADE, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic confirmed that the United States has fully imposed sanctions on Serbia's oil company Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS) on Thursday, citing its majority Russian ownership. He warned in a live national address that it would "affect every citizen" and bring difficult months ahead. "These are extremely tough sanctions in every sense," Vucic said, calling the decision "a very bad and difficult development for Serbia," stressing that the sanctions would have broad consequences for the country's energy security and economy. The sanctions took effect after the U.S. Treasury declined to renew a temporary license that had allowed NIS to operate under exemptions. The company said in a statement it is adapting to new conditions while ensuring regular fuel supply and stability for its 5,000 employees, adding that all fuel stations are fully stocked. NIS, Serbia's largest energy company, operates the country's only oil refinery in Pancevo and a nationwide network of fuel stations. The company is majority-owned by Russia's state-controlled Gazprom Neft (44.85 percent), with the Serbian state holding around 30 percent, Russia's JSC Intelligence 11.3 percent, and small shareholders about 14 percent. The United States first imposed sanctions on NIS in January, describing it as part of Moscow's strategic energy network in Europe. Since being placed on the U.S. Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, NIS had operated under eight temporary waivers from the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the last of which expired on Wednesday. Vucic said the Pancevo refinery could continue operating without new oil imports until Nov. 1, adding that Serbia has sufficient reserves -- about 342,000 tons of diesel, 66,000 tons of gasoline, and 120 days' worth of fuel oil -- to cover short-term needs. He announced an extraordinary meeting of NIS shareholders, including Russian representatives, to discuss alternative supply routes and the refinery's capacity to process non-Russian crude. The president also warned that Croatia's JANAF pipeline is expected to halt oil deliveries, which could complicate Serbia's logistics. "We will have no shortages before the New Year, but the months ahead will be difficult," he said. An Indiana woman who pleaded guilty after her 9-day-old infant died has been sentenced to prison, according to prosecutors. Raeleigh Phillips-Steelsmith, 24, of Lawrenceburg, admitted to reckless homicide in September in connection with the death of her 9-day-old son, Emmett Phillips, who was found cold, blue and limp in March 2024, Dearborn County Prosecutor Lynn Deddens said. Phillips-Steelsmith was sentenced to the maximum under Indiana law for a level 5 felony of six years at the Indiana Department of Corrections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records state that on March 3, 2024, Lawrenceburg police and EMS personnel received a report of an unresponsive infant at an apartment on Bellaire Drive at approximately 2:30 p.m. An investigation determined that Phillips-Steelsmith left the infant strapped in a car seat for nearly 14 hours without feeding him. Records state that Phillips-Steelsmith went to a friends house in Aurora on March 1. The next day, she put Emmett in his car seat at 1 p.m.. As they were leaving Aurora, she stopped at Kroger and got to the apartment at 2 p.m. She noticed that her son was asleep and left the baby in the car seat. She told investigators she hung out and watched TV while her infant son was in the car seat. When Phillips-Steelsmith woke up Sunday, she noticed her son was cold and limp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mothers friends took Phillips to the hospital, where they determined he was dead. Deddens said that Emmet was dead for an extended period before first responders arrived. An autopsy was performed on Emmett Phillips, and the cause of death was determined to likely be positional asphyxia. The death of an infant is horrible and certainly tragic. However, the circumstances of the death and the recklessness exhibited by Phillips-Steelsmith constitute Reckless Homicide, Deddens said. Enquirer media partner Fox19 provided this report. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Indiana woman sentenced in baby's death after she left him in car seat (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had reached a long-sought deal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release under his plan for ending the two-year-old war in the Palestinian enclave. Following are reactions from leaders to the development: BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER "I welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of President Trumps peace plan for Gaza," Starmer said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza, who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years. "This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza. "We call on all parties to meet the commitments they have made, to end the war, and to build the foundations for a just and lasting end to the conflict and a sustainable path to a long-term peace. GOVERNMENT OF CANADA'S GLOBAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Canada welcomes the agreement of Israel and Hamas to implement the first phase of the peace plan put forward by President Trump, and facilitated by Qatar, Egypt and Turkey," Global Affairs Canada, which manages the country's diplomatic and consular relations, said on X. "After two long years, hostages will finally be reunited with their families - and that Israeli troops will withdraw to behind agreed upon lines. Immediate and unimpeded humanitarian aid must be provided to the many people in dire need across Gaza. "Canada will support all efforts to turn this positive step into lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians." U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan," Trump said on Truth Social. "This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. "All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!" ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A big day for Israel," Netanyahu said in a statement. "Tomorrow I will convene the government to approve the agreement and bring all our dear hostages home. I thank the heroic IDF soldiers and all the security forces thanks to their courage and sacrifice, we have reached this day. "I thank from the bottom of my heart President Trump and his team for their dedication to this sacred mission of freeing our hostages. "With Gods help, together we will continue to achieve all our goals and expand peace with our neighbors." THE ISLAMIC RESISTANCE MOVEMENT (HAMAS) "We highly appreciate the efforts of our brothers and mediators in Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, and we also value the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the war completely and achieving a full withdrawal of the occupation from the Gaza Strip," Hamas said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We call on President Trump, the guarantor states of the agreement, and all Arab, Islamic, and international parties to compel the occupation government to fully implement its obligations under the agreement and to prevent it from evading or delaying the implementation of what has been agreed upon. "We salute our great people in the Gaza Strip, in Jerusalem and the West Bank, and throughout our homeland and the diaspora, who have demonstrated unparalleled honor, courage, and heroism confronting the fascist occupation projects that targeted them and their national rights. These sacrifices and steadfast positions have thwarted the Israeli occupations schemes of subjugation and displacement. "We affirm that the sacrifices of our people will not be in vain, and that we will remain true to our pledge never abandoning our peoples national rights until freedom, independence, and self-determination are achieved." U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by President Donald J. Trump. I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey in brokering this desperately needed breakthrough," Guterres said in a statement. "I urge all concerned to abide fully by the terms of the agreement. All hostages must be released in a dignified manner. A permanent ceasefire must be secured. The fighting must stop once and for all. Immediate and unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies and essential commercial materials into Gaza must be ensured. The suffering must end. "The United Nations will support the full implementation of the agreement and will scale up the delivery of sustained and principled humanitarian relief, and we will advance recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. "I urge all stakeholders to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward towards ending the occupation, recognizing the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and achieving a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The stakes have never been higher." NEW ZEALAND FOREIGN MINISTER WINSTON PETERS "Hamas needs to release all of the hostages and Israel must withdraw their troops to the agreed-upon line," Peters said in a statement. "This is an essential first step towards achieving lasting peace. We urge Israel and Hamas to continue working towards a complete resolution." (Compiled by Lincoln Feast in Sydney; Editing by Jamie Freed) The Lebanon City Police Department is asking residents to use caution after officers received numerous reports of unauthorized EBT card transactions. The department called on residents to be vigilant when using debit/credit or EBT Cards and to be on the lookout for card skimming devices, officials said in a release Oct. 8. Skimming happens when illegal devices are installed on point-of-sale machines and are designed to steal consumers financial information, money or benefits. "They are small discreet devices criminals attach to legitimate card readers to illegally obtain your DEBIT/CREDIT or EBT information," police said. "They can be placed over the card reader slot or inserted into the machine. They are commonly placed on ATMs, Gas Pumps and at Point of Sales Terminals inside a store." Lebanon City Police urge residents be cautious after receiving numerous reports of unauthorized EBT card transactions. Officials said this often occurs as a result of data gathered through card skimming devices. Police recommendations for how to spot a skimmer include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Physically inspect the card reader before use. Check for misalignment or odd protrusions. If the reader wiggles or looks different from other nearby card readers, it may be compromised. Keypad Examination: look for inconsistencies in the keypad appearance. The thickness and color difference may indicate an overlay. Security Features: If security tape or stickers on gas pumps have been broken or tampered with use another pump and notify an employee. Police recommendations to protect residents from skimming include: Use contactless payments: If possible, use Tap-to-Pay options. They are generally more secure than swiping or inserting your card. Pay inside if using a gas pump. Staff can monitor for suspicious activity. The Office of State Inspector General's website advises that skimming incidents tend to occur at the beginning of the month when funds are first deposited. Officials said SNAP benefits are appealing to criminals because EBT cards are not chip-enabled, which make them an easy target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials recommend EBT users lock their cards when not in use and frequently change their PIN. Residents can download the free ConnectEBTmobile app or visit connectebt.com to prevent unauthorized use. Residents can report public benefits theft to the Office of the State Inspector General by calling 1-800-932-0582. Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on X at @DAMattToth. This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Lebanon city police urge caution after rise in EBT card fraud reports By Sarah N. Lynch and Luc Cohen October 9 (Reuters) -New York Attorney General Letitia James, a longtime foe of President Donald Trump, was indicted for bank fraud on Thursday, a person familiar with the matter said, as the administration seeks to use government power against those who have pursued investigations into him or publicly resisted his agenda. The details of the indictment, returned by a grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia, were not immediately clear. The Justice Department has been probing mortgage fraud allegations against her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither James' lawyers nor representatives of her office immediately responded to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the Justice Department could not be immediately reached for comment. Trump, a Republican who campaigned for reelection in part on a vow of retribution after facing a slew of legal woes since his first term in the White House ended in 2021, has repeatedly assailed James on social media and at political rallies as a partisan enemy. INDICTMENT FOLLOWS CHARGES AGAINST COMEY The indictment of James comes after a grand jury in Virginia on September 25 indicted former FBI Director James Comey on charges of making false statements and obstructing a congressional investigation. Comey pleaded not guilty on Wednesday. Trump has regularly assailed Comey's handling of the FBI investigation that detailed contacts between Russia and Trump's 2016 campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James is one of several Democratic state attorneys general who have sued to block Trump administration actions. She is best known for bringing a civil fraud case against Trump and his family real estate company in 2022. The case resulted in a $454.2 million penalty against Trump after a judge found he fraudulently overstated his net worth to dupe lenders. A New York state appeals court in August threw out the penalty, which had grown to more than a half-billion dollars with interest, but upheld the trial judge's finding that Trump was liable for fraud. Both Trump and James' office are appealing to the state's highest court. Trump denied wrongdoing. He has accused James' office of bringing the case against him for political reasons. JAMES' LAWYER HAS DENIED ALLEGATIONS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department's mortgage fraud probe into James was opened after Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte, a Trump appointee, sent a letter to the U.S. Justice Department alleging James "falsified records" to obtain favorable loans on homes she purchased in Virginia and Brooklyn. James' lawyer Abbe Lowell said in May those accusations were "baseless and long-discredited." The Justice Department, after receiving referrals from Pulte, has also opened mortgage fraud probes into U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, a Democrat who led the House of Representatives' inquiry that led to Trump's impeachment in 2019, and Lisa Cook, a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden. Neither Schiff nor Cook has been charged with a crime, and they both deny wrongdoing. (Reporting by Sarah Lynch in Washington and Luc Cohen in New York; Additional reporting by Andrew Goudsward in Washington; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Rod Nickel) A national organization with a local affiliate was the recipient of this weeks Loving Giving Local donation. The American Civil Liberty Union (ACLU) was established in 1920 by a group of activists to protect the rights of political dissenters during and after World War 1. Its mission has expanded to include freedom of speech, labor rights, and fighting censorship and a variety of criminal justice issues. It is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that works to protect, expand and defend the civil rights and civil liberties guaranteed to all under the U.S. Constitution and the Pennsylvania Constitution, as well and all state, local and federal civil rights laws, said Marisa Kolarosky of the ACLU of PA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ACLU has a national office and affiliates in all 50 states. We use an integrated advocacy approach, so that means using our litigation, using our legislative and policy advocacy and using communication to make sure the community is educated and empowered to not only know their rights but know how these rights affect them, Kolarosky said. The ACLU receives no government funding, so it welcomes donations like this one, from loving giving local Were going to use this to continue to have resources we need to respond to civil rights and civil liberties issues as they arise here in Erie and across the Commonwealth, Kolarosky explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ACLU has been protecting citizens rights for over a hundred years. So for us to be able to deliver them loving giving local today and learn about all their programs and how they really help citizens, thats what loving giving local is all about, said Joe Askins of Auto Express Resale Center. This week, it was the American Civil Liberties Union. Join us again next week to find out which local non-profit gets a visit from Auto Express. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Heres a look at this mornings top stories for your KELOLAND On the Go. The city of Sioux Falls will appeal its case against Johnson Properties LLC to the South Dakota Supreme Court Thursday morning. KELOLAND News will livestream the oral argument at 9 a.m. CST from the Knudson School of Law courtroom in Vermillion. WATCH: City of Sioux Falls to appeal to SD Supreme Court A Sioux Falls murder trial remains on track to start later this month in Lincoln County. Jury selection will still begin October 23rd. Following that decision, the state called multiple witnesses who are familiar with the relationship between the suspect and the victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses testify on Ledbetter murder case A new $2 million facility for programs and animal education is coming to the Great Plains Zoo. Joe H. Floyd, the son of the founder of KELO-TV, is a former Midco president and served on the board of the Great Plains Zoo for nearly 30 years. Midco is making the $2 million gift in Floyds honor. Joe H. Floyd Education Center announced at Great Plains Zoo After a week of cooler fall temperatures, we are going to warm up slightly as temperatures rise to the 70s this weekend with scattered rain chances. Warm day ahead for KELOLAND; Scattered rain this weekend Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. The world's northernmost town is Longyearbyen in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. The town is 800 miles from the North Pole and one of the most remote human settlements on Earth. Longyearbyen has all the amenities of a modern town, including a school, restaurants, and a cinema. From the driest deserts to remote settlements on volcanic islands, human communities can be found anywhere on Earth. One such community is Longyearbyen, where 2,400 residents live in the northernmost town in the world, approximately 818 miles from the North Pole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Located in Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole, the town has regular modern amenities like schools, restaurants, and stores. However, it's unlike anywhere else on Earth. For starters, it's dark four months a year and perpetually light for another four months. Secondly, it's suggested residents carry a rifle when traveling outside the town borders in case they run into a polar bear. Like many of the settlements in this part of the world, Longyearbyen was established as a mining town, though mining operations have since been phased out of the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the town is a place of scientific research and adventure tourism it welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year. The town is also the home of the famous doomsday seed vault, which houses seeds for every known crop on the planet, and yet Longyearbyen is so cold, it is unable to grow any trees of its own. See what life is like for the people who live in this town. Welcome to Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world. Ana Flasker/Shutterstock Longyearbyen is located in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, which is a three-hour flight from Oslo and about 650 miles from the North Pole. The town is the largest settlement in its vicinity. The town of Longyearbyen, home to the Global Seed Vault, is seen in this handout photo taken June 19, 2006. REUTERS / Peter Vermeij / Global Crop Diversity Trust / Handout While there are a couple of tiny settlements further in the north, Longyearbyen is the first of any significant size. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The town has a population of around 2,400 residents, per Visit Svalbard. Svalbard was founded as a hunting and fishing base. Johannes Rigg/Shutterstock After its discovery by Dutch explorer Willem Barents in 1596, Svalbard became a base from which to hunt and fish the large fauna that inhabited the archipelago. English, Danish, Dutch, and French companies fought over the hunting grounds, which were rich in walrus and bowhead whales. It's estimated that the Dutch alone killed 60,000 whales between the 17th and 18th centuries. Longyearbyen was established as a mining town. iwciagr/Shutterstock At the turn of the 20th century, Longyearbyen was established as a coal mining town, though mining operations have since shuttered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mining has been phased out of the entire area, with Svalbard's final mine, the Norwegian-run Mine 7, closing in June 2025. Today, the town attracts tourism and scientific research. AP Photo/John McConnico As mining phased out, Longyearbyen has become a destination for adventurous tourists and scientific researchers. More than 150,000 people visited Svalbard as a whole in 2018, per the most recent data available. It is the host of the doomsday seed vault, which stores every known crop on the planet. The doomsday seed vault is home to over a million different seeds. In this photo taken Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015, a view of the Global Seed Vault in Svalbard, Norway. In the first withdrawal from a doomsday seed vault in the Arctic, thousands of seeds that were originally kept in war-stricken Syria have been safely delivered to Morocco and Lebanon, officials said Monday. Gene banks and organizations around the world have deposited about 860,000 samples of seeds at the Global Seed Vault in Norways Svalbard archipelago to back up their own collections in case of man-made or natural calamities. AP Photo/David Keyton The Svalbard Global Seed Vault delves 400 feet inside a mountain near Longyearbyen and is home to over one million different seeds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also looks like it would make a spectacular lair for a Bond villain. The seed vault is meant to withstand natural and man-made calamities. In this photo taken Sunday, Oct.18, 2015, rows of boxes containing seed samples sit inside the Global Seed Vault in Svalbard, Norway. In the first withdrawal from a doomsday seed vault in the Arctic, thousands of seeds that were originally kept in war-stricken Syria have been safely delivered to Morocco and Lebanon, officials said Monday. Gene banks and organizations around the world have deposited about 860,000 samples of seeds at the Global Seed Vault in Norways Svalbard archipelago to back up their own collections in case of man-made or natural calamities. AP Photo/David Keyton Buried in permafrost, the vault is supposed to stay frozen for at least 200 years, even if the electricity fails. Due to rapidly rising temperatures in the Arctic, the vault already requires expensive upgrades to protect it from melting permafrost. It can protect the seeds from climate change, natural disasters, and wars. An armed guard stands in the entrance tunnel to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault Monday Feb. 25, 2008 in Longyearbyen, Norway. A "doomsday" vault built to withstand an earthquake or nuclear strike is ready to open deep in the permafrost of an Arctic mountain, where it will protect millions of agriculture seeds from man-made and natural disasters. The vault is to be officially inaugurated on Tuesday, less than year after crews started drilling in Norway's Svalbard archipelago, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from the North Pole. The vault has the capacity to store 4.5 million seed samples from around the globe, shielding them from climate change, wars, natural disasters and other threats. AP Photo/John McConnico This tunnel became "like a glacier" when the meltwater froze, The Guardian reported in 2017. There are five doors with coded locks that anyone looking to get into the vault has to pass through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polar bears act as extra protectors of the world's seeds. A road sign warning about the presence of polar bears stands on a main street in Longyearbyen February 25, 2008. The warning sign means "Applies to all of Svalbard territory". REUTERS/Bob Strong The native polar bears provide an extra layer of security to the vault. There are believed to be around 300 polar bears on Svalbard year-round, according to Visit Svalbard. Local populations are wary of the roaming polar bears. JoannaPerchaluk/Shutterstock Wandering polar bears pose a very real threat to the population of Longyearbyen. While the bears mainly live north of Longyearbyen on the pack ice, they can occasionally venture into town in search of food. In 2018, a polar bear was killed on Svalbard after it attacked a cruise ship guard, the BBC reported. In 2011, a 17-year-old student from the UK was killed by an emaciated polar bear that approached a group on Spitsbergen as they camped, The Guardian reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although polar bear encounters are rare, residents and visitors are instructed to carry a firearm with them when traveling outside the town borders. The Governor of Svalbard actually has a six-page report detailing the best weapons to ward off polar bears. The region is also vulnerable to natural threats. Lights are left on inside a car which was jammed between two houses pushed together by the force of Saturday's avalanche which hit the Norwegian town of Longyearbyen, the biggest settlement on the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, roughly midway between the North Pole and the northernmost tip of Europe, December 20, 2015. REUTERS/Tore Meek/NTB Scanpix Residents also have natural disasters to contend with. Two people died in an avalanche in Longyearbyen in 2015 that destroyed 11 apartment buildings. In 2017, another avalanche caused further damage to the town. Burials are banned and births are nearly impossible, so the town has nearly no deaths or births. iwciagr/Shutterstock While there is a small graveyard the northernmost one in the world burials were banned in the 1950s after the deceased started to resurface due to melting permafrost, the Financial Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The island also lacks the facilities to care for the seriously ill or for pregnancies. If you're nearing the end of life or about to give birth, you have to go back to the mainland to receive appropriate care. Despite its harsh conditions, Longyearbyen has a diverse international community. Fredric Froeberg poses for a picture in Longyearbyen, the biggest settlement on the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, Norway, September 22, 2016. Picture taken September 22, 2016. REUTERS / Gwladys Fouche Longyearbyen brands itself as a "tiny metropolis" as its over 2,500 residents hail from almost 50 different countries. As of 2025, a total of 113 Thai people and 127 Filipinos inhabit Longyearbyen and Ny-Alesund, an even smaller town, combined. Filipinos only recently overtook Thai people as the second largest nationality group after Norwegians, per the Spitsbergen-Svalbard website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The town has a Thai restaurant, a Thai supermarket, and celebrates an annual festival showcasing Thai customs. Immigrants to Svalbard can skip a lot of the legal paperwork of migrating elsewhere. Tetyana Dotsenko/Shutterstock Immigrants in Svalbard benefit from a unique treaty, which allows people to come to the archipelago without a visa or work permit, as long as they can financially support themselves. Hans-Henrik Hartmann, then head of the legal unit at the Norwegian government's immigration department, told Al-Jazeera in 2006: "If an asylum seeker is refused residence in Norway he can settle in Svalbard so long as he can get there and is able to pay for himself." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent data, however, suggests more people leave Svalbard annually than move there, and a 2022 study reported that 64% of the town's residents stay less than five years. Although the remote location poses challenges, residents can enjoy public institutions. Anton_Ivanov/Shutterstock While the cost of living in Longyearbyen is unsurprisingly high due to its remote location, residents can benefit from the town's institutions like the school, which reportedly serves around 270 pupils aged between 6 and 18. It is also unsurprisingly the northernmost school in the world. Students in the region don't get an average city education. Children hold sticks to protect from Arctic Terns attcking next to a bonfire at the sailing club at a party to celebrate Midsummer on June 21, 2008 in Longyearbyen, Norway. Longyearbyen is the seat of Norwegian local administration in Svalbard, 620 miles south of the North Pole. It was founded in 1906 by the American John Munroe Longyear who started coal mining here, something that has been an important part of the history ever since. Three important mines currently work on Svalbard. Longyearbyen was only opened for general tourism in 1990 and is a haven for eco-tourists who come to see the abundant polar bears, seals and whales. Svalbard consists of a group of islands ranging from 74? to 81? North, and 10? to 35? East, thus making it the northernmost part of Norway. It boasts the world's northernmost Church, Museum and higher education facilities. Chris Jackson / Getty Images Students at the school won't just learn maths and literature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They will learn how to behave in nature, how to behave with polar bears, how to survive in winter, how to find a safe place to camp or how to deal with avalanches," a teacher told The Guardian in 2007. The town even has a public free university. Lillian Tveit/Shutterstock The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) is, you guessed it, the northernmost tertiary school in the world. Many of the 700 students that take courses there each year don't have to pay any tuition fees they only pay an administration "semester fee" of 710 Norwegian Krone, which is about $70. They are offered courses in Arctic biology, Arctic geology, Arctic geophysics and Arctic technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All students must learn how to use a firearm, per Visit Svalbard. There's plenty of activities to enjoy in the world's northernmost town. People relax by a bonfire at the sailing club party to celebrate Midsummer on June 21, 2008 in Longyearbyen, Norway. Longyearbyen is the seat of Norwegian local administration in Svalbard, 620 miles south of the North Pole, and was founded in 1906 by the American John Munroe Longyear who started coal mining here, an important part of the local history ever since. Longyearbyen was only opened for general tourism in 1990 and is a haven for eco-tourists who come to see the abundant polar bears, seals and whales. Svalbard consists of a group of islands ranging from 74? to 81? North, and 10? to 35? East, thus making it the northernmost part of Norway. Chris Jackson / Getty Images Aside from the Thai restaurant, residents of Longyearbyen can also pass time in the art gallery, cinema, or museum. There's even a few pubs and a nightclub also the northernmost in the world. Besides, they can also explore their extreme nature surroundings. KV Svalbard's crew, formed by Norwegian Navy privates and scientists from Norwegian Institute of Marine Research, play soccer as they are protected from polar bears by armed guards in the arctic environment in the sea around Greenland, March 22, 2018. Picture taken March 22, 2018. Marius Vagenes Villanger / Kystvakten / Sjoforsvaret / NTB Scanpix via REUTERS You can have a kick about on the pack ice just make sure to bring armed guards in case of polar bears. Following almost four months of darkness each year, residents celebrate the return of the sun with a Sun Festival Week. : Two men play instruments at the sailing club party to celebrate Midsummer on June 21, 2008 in Longyearbyen, Norway. Longyearbyen is the seat of Norwegian local administration in Svalbard, 620 miles south of the North Pole, and was founded in 1906 by the American John Munroe Longyear who started coal mining here, an important part of the local history ever since. Longyearbyen was only opened for general tourism in 1990 and is a haven for eco-tourists who come to see the abundant polar bears, seals and whales. Svalbard consists of a group of islands ranging from 74? to 81? North, and 10? to 35? East, thus making it the northernmost part of Norway. Chris Jackson / Getty Images Due to Longyearbyen's extreme northern location, it experiences "polar night" each year, when the sun doesn't rise above the horizon from early November through January. Every year, Longyearbyen celebrates the end of the dark season with Sun Festival Week, per Visit Svalbard. The town gathers on the old hospital steps to celebrate the sun's return. The saying goes that "the sun is declared back in Longyearbyen when its rays reach the steps." Although living in months-long darkness isn't for everyone, it also comes with perks. ginger_polina_bublik/Shutterstock Longyearbyen is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis. The town is a great location for watching lunar events. A super blue blood moon is seen from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway, January 31, 2018. NTB Scanpix / Heiko Junge / via REUTERS It was also one of the best places in the world to take in the "super blue blood moon" that occurred in 2018 (pictured). One of the most reliable methods of transportation is the snowmobile. ginger_polina_bublik/Shutterstock Many people in Longyearbyen get around by snowmobile. In Svalbard, there are more snowmobiles than there are people to use them (3,000 as of 2024), per The Norwegian Polar Institute. Others rely on four-legged neighbors for transportation. A cyclist gets pulled by two dogs through the streets of the Norwegian Arctic town of Longyearbyen April 25, 2007. REUTERS / Francois Lenoir Some prefer more traditional methods of travel, though. The archipelago is home to more than 1,000 polar dogs, which are basically elite athletes sometimes consecutively running over 100 kilometers, or 62 miles, per day for weeks at a time, per Visit Svalbard. Grocery shopping might look a bit different, too. A local resident rides a push sled home with her shopping in Longyearbyen February 25, 2008. REUTERS / Bob Strong Shopping at the town's one grocery store might be a bit of a hassle, but residents know how to get around it. The town is also home to the world's northernmost hotel. Anton_Ivanov/Shutterstock Longyearbyen visitors can stay in the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel (the northernmost hotel in the world, as recognized by the Guinness World Records), where rooms start at $205 per night, per the hotel's website. Read the original article on Business Insider Oct. 8Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday signed into law the last of five bills passed during the special session, allowing state health officials to set their own guidelines for vaccinations without input from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Senate Bill 3, passed in the Legislature last week, grants the New Mexico Department of Health the authority to use vaccine recommendations from physician groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics instead of federal agencies. The current CDC guidelines are set by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, staffed entirely by appointees of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill gives the NMDOH the ability to purchase vaccines other than the ones recommended by the CDC, requires that the immunizations be covered in full by state health insurance plans, and allows state vaccine requirements for children to enroll in school or child care that diverge from federal standards. The changes go into effect Dec. 31 and last until July 1, 2026, though the Legislature could extend them during its next session. Under the bill, medical and religious exemptions from vaccines are still available for children as they were in the past. The measure passed along party lines, receiving no support from Republicans, who argued the law was unnecessary and confusing for parents. Lujan Grisham signed SB3 almost a week after the other four bills that passed during last week's special session. The legislation was originally intended to guarantee New Mexicans access to the COVID-19 vaccine booster despite federal guidelines that required a prescription, though the CDC changed its position on the COVID booster Monday, allowing those seeking the vaccine to use their own "individual-based decision making." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The changes in SB3 are vital to safeguarding the health and safety of New Mexicans in light of the United States Department of Health and Human Services' failure to follow science and make timely and necessary vaccine recommendations," Lujan Grisham said in a message to the Senate Wednesday. Twenty-two states, including New Mexico, use nonfederal entities to establish vaccine guidelines, either in addition to or instead of the CDC, as of Sept. 22, according to health policy nonprofit KFF. "I'm deeply disappointed in Republicans for voting to restrict vaccines, but our Department of Health remains committed to vaccine access," Lujan Grisham said in a statement last week. French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday welcomed the agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on the release of hostages and an end to the fighting in the Gaza Strip. "This agreement must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution," Macron said. "France is ready to contribute to this goal. We will discuss this with our international partners this afternoon in Paris," Macron said, referring to a conference on the implementation of the US peace plan for Gaza and support after the end of the war. "I call on all parties to strictly adhere to the terms" of the agreements, Macron said, adding that it was a source of "great hope" for the hostages and their families, for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and for the entire region. LONDON, Oct.9 (Xinhua) -- The number of hate crimes in England and Wales has risen for the first time in three years, including increases in race and religiously motivated offenses, Britain's Home Office figures showed on Thursday. There were nearly 116,000 hate crime offenses in the year ending March, up 2 percent from more than 113,100 the previous year, according to the Home Office. Notably, religious hate crimes targeted at Muslims rose by 19 percent, with an increase following the Southport attacks and riots last summer, the data showed. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said Muslim and Jewish communities "continue to experience unacceptable levels of often violent hate crime." "Today's hate crime statistics show that too many people are living in fear because of who they are, what they believe, or where they come from," she said. Last week, two Jewish people were killed in the Manchester synagogue attack. The suspect, believed to be a British citizen of Syrian descent, drove a car into worshippers, then attacked with a knife while wearing a fake suicide vest. He was shot dead at the scene by the police. By Makini Brice and Leigh Thomas PARIS (Reuters) -French President Emmanuel Macron was on Thursday searching for his sixth prime minister in under two years, hoping his next pick can steer a budget through a legislature riven by crisis. Macron's office said late on Wednesday he would appoint a new prime minister within 48 hours, after outgoing Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu held two days of talks to seek a way out of France's worst political crisis in decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The political paralysis has made it deeply challenging to pass a belt-tightening budget, demanded by investors increasingly worried by France's yawning deficit. "The question that is posed today is whether there are enough people who are responsible," government spokesperson Aurore Berge told RTL radio. "I think this is the last chance." Lecornu said he had told Macron the next prime minister must not be associated with the president's political movement and hold no ambitions for presidential elections scheduled for 2027. Several names were being floated in political circles, including former socialist prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve, head of the public auditor Pierre Moscovici, and veteran centrist Jean-Louis Borloo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LECORNU SAYS A BUDGET DEAL IS POSSIBLE Lecornu tendered his and his government's resignation on Monday, hours after announcing the cabinet line-up, making it the shortest-lived administration in modern France. Following further consultations with mainstream party leaders at Macron's behest, Lecornu said a majority of lawmakers opposed holding a snap parliamentary election and that there was a path, even if a tough one, to passing a budget by year-end. Another stumbling block is Macron's 2023 pension overhaul, which gradually raises the retirement age from 62 to 64. Members of the left have called for the law to be repealed or suspended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHAT'S NEXT? Republicans chief Bruno Retailleau, the outgoing interior minister, said he talked with Borloo on Thursday morning. He praised the 74-year-old for being "disruptive" and not left-wing. Nor is Borloo perceived as being close to Macron. Retailleau added that it was important that Macron's party, which suffered heavy losses at last year's election, not be over-represented in a future government. "In this political crisis, we must not exacerbate the democratic malaise," Retailleau told a Politico summit. Meanwhile, Jordan Bardella, president of Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally, reiterated his party's demand for a new parliamentary election. Manuel Bompard, of the hard-left France Unbowed, repeated his calls for Macron to resign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the streets of Paris, people said they hoped for more stability. "Well, having a prime minister who stays in office would be a good start, I think," said Mathilde Marcel, 40. "And then, obviously, things need to move forward and reforms need to be implemented." The crisis has caused jitters on financial markets but bonds held onto gains from the day before on optimism that France can avoid a snap parliamentary election and agree on a budget. (Reporting by Makini Brice, Inti Landauro, Elissa Darwish and Marco Trujillo; Editing by Gabriel Stargardter, Ingrid Melander, Timothy Heritage, Ros Russell) Congresswoman Lauren Boebert wants her constituents to know that she will finally get to the bottom of the whole Are aliens real? question. In a campaign email sent to her constituents Monday, the firebrand Colorado Republican wrote: For decades, our government has shrouded the truth about UFOs in a veil of secrecy. Strange crafts have been spotted soaring through our skies, defying the laws of physics, and yet the bureaucrats in Washington act like were too NAIVE to handle the facts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They tell us were crazy like we cant see these things flying through the air with our own eyes. I SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! The American people arent children to be spoon-fed half-truths or dismissed with vague excuses. We deserve to know whats really going on up there. Boebert has vowed she will The email includes a donation link and another link asking, Are aliens real?! The story was covered by Fox 31, a local Colorado affiliate. The networks Democratic analyst Andy Boian described the campaign as a cry for help. Boian said candidates will usually send out outlandish ads when theyre desperate for money or support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither of which Im seeing right now, so Im not really sure why this would go out to conservatives in her district, Boian said. And she may raise a few thousand dollars, but shes also going to get a lot of really weird looks. Boebert is infamous for being one of the most outspoken and conspiracy-minded members of Congress. / Jacquelyn Martin/Pool/AFP via Getty Images Boebert, 38, has been hands-on in her hunt for aliens throughout her three years in Congress. In November 2024, she asked experts on UFOs about a rumor that the United States government is combining human and alien DNA to create super-humans. There are rumors that have come up to the Hill of a secretive project within the Department of Defense involving the manipulation of human genetics with what is described as non-human genetic material for the enhancement of human capabilities, hybrids, said Boebert in the hearing titled, Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: Exposing the Truth. Are any of you familiar with that? Yes, or no? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of the experts said no, they were not familiar with this rumor. Boebert also asked the panel about rumors of aliens potentially having a secret base underwater, to which she also did not receive a satisfying answer. However, her resolve was not shaken, and she said she will not relent until we get those answers to the American people. Boebert is up for re-election in November 2026. The Daily Beast reached out to Boebert for comment. A Caesar Rodney School District constable has been indicted after an "inappropriate physical confrontation with a student," according to a statement from Superintendent Corey Miklus. The Delaware Department of Justice confirmed Kevin Hughes is the constable in question. He was indicted Oct. 6 on charges of official misconduct and offensive touching related to an incident that took place Feb. 26, court documents say. The indictment provided few details about the incident, saying only that Hughes committed "an unauthorized exercise of his official functions ... with the intent to cause harm" and that he intentionally touched the victim "knowing that he was likely to cause offense or alarm." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delaware schools: Gun found in staff bathroom of Harrington middle school The incident occurred at Magnolia Middle School, Miklus said. The constable was placed on paid leave "immediately after the incident" and has not returned to any school building since, he said. "While we cannot comment further due to the ongoing criminal investigation, we want to be clear: the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority," Miklus said. "We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and remain committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff. Thank you for your continued support and trust." Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Facebook. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: DE school constable charged with offensive touching, misconduct WASHINGTON (KELO) 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, and a group of Vietnam vets were honored on the latest Midwest Honor Flight. It is a day of remembrance for more than 80 veterans in our nations capital as part of Midwest Honor Flights 28th mission. Going from one memorial to the next, they remembered those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Daniel Lapka of Eureka, SD is a Vietnam era veteran who spent 18 months in Guam. He was involved in 32 rescue missions as part of the Navy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was always good to be able to get someone and get them safe, Lapka said. Bill Rhode of Rapid City served in the Army and was in Vietnam for a year. For him, interacting with other veterans is humbling. Riveting for me because Im seeing and talking with folks that perhaps have seen much, much more action than I ever did. Im complimented and honored to be a part of them, Rhode said. Both Lapka and Rhode spent time looking at the names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorials wall: people killed or unaccounted for. At first, I thought it was going to be okay, but then, the further along I went and saw how many more names were on there, especially around the tall ones, choked me up a little bit knowing that there was so many people that were my age back then that never got to come home. It really hurt, Lapka said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its unfortunate we have lost lives, and going forward, I would do anything and everything to avoid conflict, Rhode said. The story for many Vietnam vets is that they were not warmly welcomed when they originally returned home. This week, they received a much different reception at Reagan National Airport, the World War II Memorial and especially when they landed back in Sioux Falls. When I first came back from overseas, when I was in the service and how people treated me then, it really hurt now its just the complete opposite. It makes a difference, Lapka said. KELOLAND News three more stories planned from Tuesdays Midwest Honor Flight Tuesday. You can expect those in the coming days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. TAMPA The same jury that found Angel Cuz Choc guilty of stabbing to death his girlfriend and her 4-year-old daughter decided Thursday that he should die for his crimes. Six women and six men deliberated for about 2 hours before returning a verdict favoring the death penalty by a vote of 10-2. Cuz Choc rocked in his seat, then began to wail as he listened to a reading of the decision through earbuds. Sheriffs deputies escorted him out of the courtroom. He could be heard crying loudly in a nearby holding cell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the first death penalty case in Hillsborough to proceed to trial under Floridas new capital sentencing law, which lowered the minimum threshold for juries to recommend a death sentence to an 8-4 vote. Previously, the law required juries to be unanimous to recommend death. Hillsborough Circuit Judge Michelle Sisco will impose the final sentence. Defense attorneys will be able to present evidence at a future court hearing to try to persuade the judge to instead order Cuz Choc to serve life in prison. This is not a cause for celebration, Hillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez told reporters afterward. This was one of the most horrific crimes weve ever seen in Hillsborough County. And were grateful that the jurors took their jobs as seriously as they did. Cuz Choc, 33, was found guilty Tuesday of first-degree murder, kidnapping and aggravated child abuse related to the deaths of Amalia Coc Choc de Pec, 36, and her daughter Estrella Anastasia Pec Coc. Cuz Choc and the victims had lived together in a mobile home along Sumner Road, in the rural community of Dover in eastern Hillsborough County. It was there on April 22, 2024, that the killings occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors argued Cuz Choc became enraged when his girlfriend did not return home quickly enough after shed left to help a friend move. They said he was driven by jealousy and desire to control her. He later met up with the woman and her daughter at a convenience store and rode a bus home with them. Shortly after the bus dropped them off, Cuz Choc took a kitchen knife and began to stab Coc Choc. Assistant State Attorney Scott Harmon started his closing argument Thursday by playing a surveillance video recorded from a neighboring home that captured Coc Chocs screams and her panicked run out of the trailer as Cuz Choc chased and grabbed her. Could you hear the fear in that voice? Harmon said. The sheer terror in that voice as that woman was running for her life? ... Thats fear driving that. Fear for herself. Fear for her daughter. The woman was forced into a shed behind the home, where the stabbing continued. Throughout the trial, the jury saw graphic photos of deep wounds to her face, head, neck and body. After shed been killed, Cuz Choc returned inside and attacked the girl, who stood in a tub readying for a bath. He stabbed her in the neck and head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Afterward,he cleaned up, changed clothes, packed a bag, and left on foot through a nearby cow pasture. A 17-hour manhunt ensued, ending when deputies yanked him from a patch of thick brush more than a mile away. Cuz Choc sat silently through most of the trial, which spanned two weeks. But he took the witness stand before the jury deliberated his guilt. Through an interpreter,he said he had no memory of the stabbings, but spoke of an evil spirit and a sickness that overtook him just before the killings. In the trials two-day penalty phase, the state emphasized the severity of the wounds the mother and daughter suffered and the extreme pain they would have felt as they died. Coc Chocs sister, Dolores, offered words spoken through a Spanish interpreter that brought the mother and daughter to life. She described her sister as dependable and caring, a woman who cared for her when she was sick. Estrella, she said, was precocious and smart, a girl who enjoyed outings to restaurants and stores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coc Choc came to the U.S. with the aim of earning enough money to buy land in Guatemala for her family, her sister said. She sent funds back to her children there, an adult son and daughter and a boy who is 12. The boys peers make fun of him for not having a mom anymore, she said. Our family doesnt speak of Amalia and Estrella, Dolores Coc Choc said. For us its like Amalia and Estrella are still alive. We pretend that theyre in the United States working. ... We will miss them always. The defense presented testimony to illuminate Cuz Chocs background, upbringing and family, to support arguments that the totality of his life weighed against capital punishment. His brother, a sister and a professor in Latin American studies described what its like to come of age among the Indigenous communities in Guatemala. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuz Choc has nine siblings. They grew up in a rural area outside San Luis, in a house made of palm fronds that had no electricity or running water. He started working as young as 7, spending his days cultivating corn. The family lived in poverty in a place where many people get by with less than $2 a day. He attended school until he was 19, his lawyers said, yet he only has a third-grade education. He got married at 17. He has five children of his own, who still live in Guatemala. His siblings said he was a good father. His brother said he built a house for his kids. The defense played a recorded interview with his 13-year-old daughter, Cindy. She spoke through a translator in Kiche, the Indigenous language Cuz Choc knows best. Life has been hard since her father left, she said. She and her siblings miss him. Hearing her voice, Cuz Choc broke into heavy sobs. Several jurors glanced his way as he wept. Judge Sisco paused the trial, and the panel was led out to allow him to compose himself. Assistant Public Defender Donna Perry told the jury that regardless of their vote, their finding of guilt ensured that Cuz Choc will never leave prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no excuse, Perry said. Absolutely not. What there is are reasons for you to consider that in this case the death penalty isnt appropriate. But Harmon, the prosecutor, argued that the cases aggravating factors stand tall and strong. They included Estrellas age, the multiple killings and the fact that the murders were especially heinous atrocious and cruel. He called those absolute pillars justifying a death sentence. Addressing the jury for about 90 minutes, Harmon punctuated his arguments with a quotation often attributed to the 19th-century writer Robert Louis Stevenson: Eventually everyone sits down to a banquet of consequences. The state suggests to you that it is this defendants banquet this afternoon, Harmon said. NEW BERLIN, Wis. (WFRV) More than 60 Wisconsin workers will lose their jobs after a manufacturing company announced plans to close its facility later this year. According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) letter submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Wausau Equipment LLC will permanently close its facility at 1905 South Moorland Road in New Berlin, resulting in the layoff of 67 employees. Driver arrested after leading multi-county chase that ended in Lake Winnebago Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Company officials say the closure will affect both salaried and hourly positions. The New Berlin plant is expected to shut down on or about December 7, 2025, with all layoffs taking place that same day. 2 from Brown County pinned inside truck after crash into pole & tree, 21-year-old killed The company confirmed there is no union representing affected employees and that no bumping rights will be available, meaning displaced employees will not be able to move into other roles within the organization. This marks Wisconsins first layoff notice filed in October 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. After a particularly dry start to 2025, the summer rains brought a small ounce of hope to a drought-stricken part of the Texas Hill Country. For years, Medina Lake, located in both Bandera and Medina counties and 40 miles northwest of San Antonio, suffered through lackluster rainy seasons, with water levels dropping to historic lows. In April - and then again in May - the lake hit "dead pool" status, with reservoirs plummeting to lows of 2.1% and 1.9% of its capacity, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when the rains that caused the deadly floods hit Kerr County on July 4, water flowed from the Guadalupe River into Medina Lake, filling up the lake land beds to 5% of their capacity in the days following the flooding and then to 6.1% in August, according to WaterdataforTexas.org. Though, reporting from the San Antonio Express-News estimates the lake's water levels rose by as much as 6.5% as the summer season peaked. But by October, the much-needed water recharge now seems to have been dissipating. On October 1, lake levels fell below 6% capacity for the first time since the early aftermath of the flood, reigniting uncertainty over how the lake will fare in the fall and winter months. In April, Medina Lake's elevation was 970.05 feet above sea level, which is more than 94 feet below its capacity, according to the Texas Water Development Board. At the time, Dave Mauck, general manager of the Bandera County River Authority & Groundwater District, told MySA that one of the lake's surrounding aquifers is also under strain due to increasing population demand, resulting in wells in the area drying up and recharge potential reaching record lows. Mauck said then that the situation had far-reaching effects on various stakeholders, including businesses that depend on the lake's tourist appeal, farmers relying on water for irrigation, and homeowners and newcomers in need of this vital resource as the Hill Country's population continues to grow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Water surface elevation at the Medina is now currently estimated at 982.6 feet, more than 80 feet below its conservation pool of 1,064.2 feet. For lakeside residents, water users, and those who depend on the lake as a source of recreation and ecotourism, the numbers signal an unsettling shift back to reality. MySA reached out to both the Bexar-Medina-Atascosa Counties Water Control Improvement District #1 and the Bandera County River Authority & Groundwater District for a comment, but neither responded to a request for comment. This article originally published at Hope for dying Texas lake near San Antonio fades as water levels drop again. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) More than 17,000 people work for the state of New Mexico, but for years, those jobs and their pay scales have been a wild west of hiring, without many rules. But that is about to change. After years of no clear definition on pay scales and job titles for state workers, the state now has new, clear-cut rules and an online portal. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hope is to help with transparency, recruitment, and retention. The Director of the State Personnel Office has introduced a new structure for compensation for state employees. It relabels some employees and changes how much someone can be paid based on their position. So what are some of the challenges identified in this 2024 study is that we lack job categorization. We didnt have job families, subfamilies. We had some and they werent categorized in grouping, said Dylan Lange, director of state personnel. The new state architecture changes the job classifications for public employees. This means that positions with words like manager or investigator, for example, have a stricter definition in the states eyes. The state personnel officer met with lawmakers today to discuss the new system. This is the first time since 2001 that New Mexico has had something like this, something many other states either have or are trying to adopt. The state now has set rules for what qualifications someone must have for a job and what their pay range is, hopefully preventing unqualified hires. Right, this will also limit improper movement or wrong movement. If you are not an investigator, you should not be in a classification that uses that word. Youll have to find another location for you. Are you in compliance? Are you in program management? said Lange. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states personnel office says this will also allow for career planning and improve retention within the states workforce. But any pay changes for current employees being upgraded to a new pay grade need to be discussed with their HR representative. For more information on the state employment architecture, you can follow the link here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Montana: weve got snow. Red Lodge Mountain, a ski area just about 70 miles southwest of Billings, saw fresh snowfall blanket its slopes late last week. Several inches of snow covered the Beartooth Highway, which was closed to traffic on October 6, 2025. Also in Montana, Bridger Bowl was covered in nearly 6 of the fresh stuff. And so it begins the ski area said on its Instagram page. Showdown Mountain, located 110 miles east of Helena and just north of White Sulphur Springs, also received about 6 of snow. Some parts of Montana received between 8 and 16 of snow. The Beartooth Highway closed at noon last Friday, before any snow had touched the pavement. Come Monday, there was nearly 1 of snow being plowed. Several parts of the Yellowstone National Park were closed due to hazardous road conditions. The National Park Service told Cowboy State Daily that the closures wouldnt be season-ending, however. The hard closure dates for the Beartooth Highway have been scheduled for October 15, just like last year, Cody Beers, spokesperson for the Wyoming Department of Transportation, told the publication. The National Park Service is up there assessing things, and Montana will be up there doing their thing, but the goal is to reopen before we close it. Photo: Josh Sullivan/Snowboarder Much of that snow is set to melt in the ongoing weeks, due to rising temperatures. Showdown is one of the oldest ski areas in Montana, as it was opened in 1936. Its woman-owned, and features a natural hot springs at the bottom of the mountain. Red Lodge is nestled in the Beartooth Mountains, and with a summit that sits at 9,416 feet, offers some big mountain fun with fewer crowds and more affordable lift tickets. It has 2,400 feet of vertical drop, an average of 280 inches of annual snowfall, eight lifts, 70 trails, and is on the Indy Pass. Bridger Bowl is personally, one of my favorite mountains to ride. Its home to the best bang-for-your-buck lift ticket price around: $84 a day when purchased online for adults, and $53 a day for children. Its easy to beat the price of Big Sky a single day on the mountain there can routinely run you more than $200, with tickets on December 26 right now going for $271 per person but Bridger offers a shorter drive time from Bozeman, and a more grassroots vibe. Related: Everything We Know About X Games League (So Far) This story was originally reported by Snowboarder on Oct 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Snowboarder as a Preferred Source by clicking here. BRUSSELS, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission said on Thursday that it will launch an investigation into allegations that Hungary has been conducting spy activities in Brussels, according to multiple media reports. A joint investigative report by media outlets from Hungary, Germany, and Belgium claimed that Hungary was suspected of establishing a spy network in Brussels to monitor the European Union's (EU) decision-making. According to the report, the agents allegedly operated under the cover of Hungary's Permanent Representation to the EU, targeting Hungarian staff members within the European Commission, as sensitive documents related to Hungary are prepared and discussed there. According to Hungarian media outlet Index, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Thursday that he had no knowledge of the alleged Brussels espionage case and dismissed the claims as baseless. LONG ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11) On Wednesday, a Long Island woman is reuniting with her birth mother after being separated at birth and placed for adoption without her mothers consent. Her mother lives in Chile, and the two waited over four decades to see each other. More Local News For over 40 years, Kate Saar has been apart from her birth mother, Maria Paulina Gonzalez. From what I was told, she gave me up for adoption because she wanted me to have a better life, so I was happy with that, said Saar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in February 2024, during a trip to Chile, Kate was left perplexed by a comment made by a tour guide. I wonder if you were part of the stolen children out of Chile, Saar said, recounting his words. During the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet Ugarte in Chile between the 1970s and 1990s, thousands of babies and children were stolen from their parents and illegally put up for adoption, often overseas. Fast forward to this year, and Saar says she checked a message she got on social media from someone named Carlos. The message claimed that her biological mother is looking for her. Thats when Kate got in touch with Connecting Roots, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reuniting Chilean adoptees with their biological families. The organization facilitated DNA tests between both Kate and Maria, and within days, it was confirmed they were related. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Maria arrived in New York City on Wednesday morning from Chile, traveling over 5,000 miles. A warm embrace between the two was a culmination of the relentless search Paulina started 25 years ago. The mother says in Spanish that she feels like shes living in a dream, but she always loved her daughter and never forgot about her. She says she cant believe the meeting has finally happened. The two wanted to share their story to bring awareness and encourage others who may have been in the same situation to take action. For now, they said their bond will be divided between the United States and Chile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. DENVER (KDVR) A motorcyclist was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries via helicopter after a crash on Wednesday afternoon near Idaho Springs. The Clear Creek Sheriffs Office said a Flight for Life helicopter landed on Highway 103 about seven miles south of Idaho Springs around 1 p.m. The highway goes through Idaho Springs, Blue Valley and Pine Valley. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office said a motorcycle crashed on Chicago Creek Road, and the driver suffered life-threatening injuries. No further information was immediately available. This article will be updated as FOX31 learns more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. It was a great honor to be present at a session of general conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, wearing the Islamic imamah among this huge gathering, said Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade on Sunday. I consider that as a sign of respect to my country, to my people, to our beliefs, he added. Pashazade is a prominent Muslim leader from the Republic of Azerbaijan and spoke to the Deseret News through an interpreter after attending the conference for the global faith on Sunday in Salt Lake City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board and the chairman of the Qazi Council, he works to support unity of all the traditional madhhabs of Islam. He encourages Shia and Sunni Muslims to come together and pray together in the same mosque and has worked to promote peace all around the world. His Virtue is a doctor of historical sciences and professor of theology and is known as the first historian of Islamic studies in Azerbaijan. He traveled to Salt Lake City with members of his family as well as other representatives from his country: Azerbaijan Parliament member Javanshir Pashazade and the executive director of Bakus multiculturalism Centre, Ravan Hasanov. His Virture Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade shares highlights from his visit to Salt Lake City Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade gives an interview after attending the 195th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News As a part of his visit to Salt Lake City, His Virtue met with President Dallin H. Oaks, president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, on Thursday and he also met with other leaders in Utah including Utah Senate President Stuart Adams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was our great honor to have this rare opportunity to be received by President Oaks, and to offer condolences on the passing away of the President Nelson, Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur said. The delegation visit aligned with his work of strengthening interfaith and international relationships around the world. The main aim of our coming here, after cutting so big distance is to strengthen and to develop, improve our good relations of cooperation, His Virtue said. He also highlighted his experience attending a session of general conference. Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade gives an attends the 195th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2025. | Sam Penrod I still feel very impressed after the session where President Oaks and Elder (David A.) Bednar and others gave very meaningful speeches, and that made me trust more than ever that we have very many common thoughts, common ideas and common principles between the Church of Jesus Christ and the Muslims, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was not His Virtues first visit to Salt Lake City. He came once in 2023 and emphasized that it was snowing at the time, which he enjoyed. I still remember, because that was outstanding, he said. The autumn is also a very beautiful season in Utah but witnessing the snow was different for me, so I hope I will come again in the wintertime. Azerbaijan delegation emphasizes how welcome they have felt in Utah Javanshir Pashazade praised Utah, saying how beautiful Salt Lake City is and emphasized how good the people are and how great the hospitality has been. After the end of session, we were going through the lines to the exit, and I saw faces of people who were standing (on) both sides, all were smiling, and its obvious that His Virtue is wearing an Imamah and hes Muslim, and their positive attitude to us was very remarkable, said Javanshir Pashazade, through an interpreter. Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade attends the 195th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2025. | Sam Penrod An Imamah is a specific type of traditional Islamic headwear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parliament member also shared that the general conference was outstanding. Nobody forced those people to come, to attend, to listen, but they came by the call of their hearts, Hummat said. Hasanov has also traveled to Utah before and worked with church leaders. As he spoke he thanked my friends living here, Elder (Jack N.) Gerard, Elder Bednar and others. They are not like a friend, but like family members. He also emphasized that the people of Azerbaijan share many values with the people of Utah and added that it is so important to bring together people of different cultures and beliefs. A stormy few days are on tap for much of the East Coast and the Southwest United States as a pair of storms bring a variety of nasty weather. Along the Atlantic Coast, a developing nor'easter is forecast to wreak havoc from the Southeast to the Mid-Atlantic, and likely the Northeast, over the weekend and into early next week. Confidence is increasing the east coast storm will have significant coastal impacts, bringing "a myriad of hazards," especially from the Carolinas northward, the National Weather Service said in Oct. 10 forecasts. Coastal flooding and high surf, compounded by seasonal high tides, with dangerous rip currents and gusty winds are all expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in the Southwest, tropical moisture from former Hurricane Priscilla will contribute to a multi-day thunderstorm, widespread heavy rainfall and flash flooding event across the region. Flash flooding will be particular concern in burn scars, slot canyons and urban areas, according to the weather service. Western Alaska could also experience coastal flooding and high winds as yet another tropical system winds up in the region. Nor'easter for East Coast A major coastal storm known as a nor'easter will produce heavy rain, gusty winds, severe beach erosion and potentially major coastal flooding along the Eastern Seaboard this weekend and early next week, said Houston-based meteorologist Matt Lanza in his Substack "The Eyewall." "The threat of a coastal storm this weekend with significant impacts in the Mid-Atlantic and perhaps as far north as New England continues to increase," Lanza said Oct. 9. "We now have various watches and advisories posted along the coast from the Carolinas through New Jersey." The Weather Prediction Service of the National Weather Service has released updated images for the storm along the U.S. East Coast on the weekend of Oct. 11 - 12. Meteorologists say the developing nor'easter is forecast to interact with a second storm that's drifting southeastward across the Great Lakes. In the Southeast, the noreaster could bring as much as 6 inches of rain in isolated locations along Floridas east coast and up to 4 inches along North Carolinas Outer Banks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uncertainty remains in the forecast further north along the Atlantic Coast, meteorologist Roger Martin of the Morehead City, North Carolina, weather office wrote in a morning forecast Oct. 9. By the weekend, the nor'easter has the potential to bring moderate flooding with major coastal flooding in some isolated locations. The effects of the coastal flooding from the noreaster along the Atlantic coast is forecast to be exacerbated by the king tides occurring along the coast in conjunction with the full moon and seasonal high tides. October moon brings king tides, flood risk to East Coast The "combo flood threat" from freshwater and saltwater flooding will extend across Florida on Friday, Oct. 10 and peak across the coast of the Carolinas through Saturday, Oct. 11, Ashton Robinson Cook, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center wrote in a morning forecast. A nor'easter is forecast to develop off the Southeastern coast of the United States and get pulled northward along the mid-Atlantic coast through Sunday, Oct. 12, bringing a dangerous combination of both saltwater and freshwater flooding in addition to gusty winds and rain, according to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center. A 1- to 3-foot storm surge also is possible along the coast from North Carolina to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, according to AccuWeather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other areas of the eastern seaboard already have seen coastal flooding this week from those higher tides, including portions of Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties in Southeast Florida. Southwest faces flood threat A heavy rain event is forecast to unfold across the Southwest into Saturday, Oct. 11 as a large-scale weather system just off the California coast moves slowly eastward, the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center forecast early Oct. 9. The system is expected to pull up what remains of former Hurricane Priscilla, and combined with moisture streaming into the region, widespread flash flooding is possible, the weather service said. The five-day rainfall forecast across the United States from the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center. "The pattern has parallels to early October 2018, when remnants of Hurricane Rosa moved into the Great Basin and prompted extensive flash flood impacts across central Arizona," Cook wrote in the morning forecast from the weather prediction center. A moderate risk of excessive rainfall more than 40% chance is possible across portions of central and northeastern Arizona, with multiple hours of repeating thunderstorm potential, Cook wrote in an advanced forecast for Friday Oct. 10 and into Saturday Oct. 11. Widespread 1-2 inch rainfall amounts can be expected, with locally higher totals. Tropical Storm Priscilla is seen in a composite satellite image on the morning of Oct. 9 off the Baja California Sur, Mexico peninsula. The fading storms remnants are expected to contribute to a potentially heavy rain event across central and northeastern Arizona. "Significant impacts are possible given the prolonged heavy rainfall potential," Cook wrote. By Saturday morning, some of the heaviest rainfall totals might reach the region along the Arizona/New Mexico border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scattered thunderstorms also are also expected to occur over the next couple of days from southeastern California into eastern Utah and southwestern Colorado, with a few instances of flash flooding where the heaviest rain falls, including near urban areas, burn scars and slot canyons, the weather service said. Western Alaska also seeing flooding Another former tropical system is forecast to bring high winds and heavy rain into western Alaska over the weekend. The extratropical cyclone that was Typhoon Halong is spinning into the region and will bring strong winds and heavy rainfall by Sunday, Oct. 12 with high coastal waters and possible coastal flooding, said the weather service in Fairbanks, Alaska. The storm will bring high winds over the coastal waters through the northeastern Bering Sea and along the Seward Peninsula Coast and into the Chukchi Sea that could lead to "significant rises in water." Major flooding is forecast by the morning of Oct. 13 at Unalakleet, Alaska, according to the National Water Prediction Service. The tide is forecast to rise by more than 16 feet overnight starting on the afternoon of Oct. 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere, major flooding occurred at a tide gauge in Kotzebue, Alaska on the morning of Oct. 9. Local forecasts Among the many advisories, watches and warnings this week, here are a few notable local forecasts from the weather service regions: Jacksonville A coastal flood watch is expected to become a coastal flood warning. Strong onshore winds will help push the ocean into the upper reaches of the St. Johns River, holding back the flow which could cause higher than normal water levels inland along the river. If some of the forecast flood values are realized, they would be the highest along the Southeastern Georgia and Northeastern Florida coast since Hurricane Nicole in November 2022, and along the St. Johns River it could be the highest flooding since Hurricane Milton in October 2024, said weather service meteorologist Jason Hess. Charleston High tides on the morning of Oct. 9 fell just shy of the forecast, but nearly a dozen road closures were reported in Charleston and downed trees were reported in Colleton County, the weather service said. In Charleston Harbor, major coastal flooding could occur through the morning of Oct. 10. Wilmington In northeastern South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina, the greatest coastal flood threat is expected late on Friday morning through midday. Minor to moderate tidal inundation is forecast along the entire coast with beach erosion and flooded roads possible. Up to 2 inches of rain is possible, but in a worst-case scenario, up to 6 inches could fall along portions of the southeastern North Carolina coast. The high seas and flooding raise concerns for areas of the Outer Banks, where nine houses have collapsed into the surf since Sept. 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See Outer Banks houses collapse: Washed into surf by a pair of hurricanes Philadelphia/Mount Holly, NJ High surf is expected with a potential for significant coastal flooding, and gusts in excess of 45 mph along the coast, with periods of heavy rain. Phoenix, Arizona Rainfall is forecast to peak in the Phoenix region overnight Friday as Priscilla's remnants move across Arizona from southeast to northeast, with wind gusts of up to 57 mph. A double rainbow appears in the sky over Sun Lakes, Arizona. This story has been updated to add new information. Doyle Rice and Dinah Voyles Pulver are national correspondents for USA TODAY, with decades of experience covering hurricanes, weather and climate. Reach them at drice@usatoday.com and dpulver@usatoday.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colliding storms doom weekend weather forecast for much of the US Bridgewater State University is hosting National Night Out from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Tinsley Center, 325 Plymouth St. The event aims to strengthen relationships between residents and public safety officials, according to a community announcement. Attendees can expect to see police, fire and SEMLEC SWAT vehicles on display, K9 demonstrations and a landing by the Massachusetts State Police helicopter. There will also be interactive games, resources and giveaways from the District Attorneys Office and local organizations, food trucks and live music. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This event gives our community the chance to meet and mingle with the people who keep us safe, BSU Police Officer Joe Locke said. National Night Out is about connection, its a chance for residents, students and families to learn about available resources and enjoy a fun evening together. A Massachusetts State Police helicopter comes in for a landing on the football field at North Quincy High on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. The event is free and open to the public, with special invitations extended to families in the Bridgewater-Raynham schools. For more information, contact Heather Harris at 508-531-2192 or follow updates on the BSU Police Department Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/BSUPD. This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: National Night Out at BSU: meet local police, K9s and see SWAT gear Oct. 9In the past eight years, Tim Keller has wrestled with problems currently plaguing many American cities: crime, homelessness, the fentanyl crisis. But while Keller believes progress has been made over his past two terms as mayor of New Mexico's largest city, he is keenly aware that his bid for a third term in the Nov. 4 election is not a cakewalk. A recent Journal Poll found more voters disapproved of his job performance than approved, down from a 50% approval rating four years ago. Though he has a sizable lead in a field of six candidates, some 37% of voters were still undecided during the Journal polling in late September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's certainly frustrating," Keller told the Journal. "You've worked really hard, and people don't always see it, but that's OK. I don't question that they're frustrated in that they may disapprove, because these are tough times. I see the same thing everyone else sees in parking lots, up and down Central, so I agree with them, in a sense that that doesn't feel good, doesn't make me proud of our city, right? "So I respect that. The frustrating thing is, I believe we are doing more than most cities to actually deal with those issues in a real way. That's not just a press release. It's not just a one-off thing, and that's why it's hard and that's why it takes a long time." As a native son born and raised in Albuquerque, Keller had a Harvard Business School MBA and was working for Katzenbach Partners, a business consulting firm in Houston, when he "dropped everything," broke up with his then-girlfriend and moved back home in 2007 even though it meant living with his parents while he "figured things out." "For me, I missed Albuquerque the longer I was gone. I was only gone for 10 years, and in the end, I transformed my life." He had spent his vacation days in Houston to intern as a policy analyst in the New Mexico Senate. A year after he returned to Albuquerque, Keller was elected to the state Senate in 2008 representing a southeast Albuquerque district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on to win a statewide office, state auditor, which launched him into the high-profile job as mayor of the New Mexico's largest city in 2017. At the time, issues with the new problematic corridor transit system, Albuquerque Rapid Transit, or ART, and rising crime dominated headlines. While the complaints around ART have softened, crime remains top of mind for residents and remains higher than the national average. Meanwhile, homelessness has come to the forefront and is now considered a crisis in Albuquerque, "like much of the West," according to the Institute of Justice, based in Virginia. In just one year, from 2023 to 2024, homelessness in the city increased 14%. The institute, citing 2024 data, stated, "A staggering 2,740 Albuquerqueans are homeless, and nearly half are unsheltered." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his first term, Keller spearheaded the creation of the city's 24/7 homeless shelter system called Gateway. The city acquired the former Lovelace hospital on Gibson to initially shelter up to 100 individuals and 25 families. It has expanded into a network of shelters and resources spread across the city. "We take care of 1,000 people every night. Imagine if we had another 1,000 people on our streets. That's what we would have had if I had not pushed this far on the Gateway system," Keller said. Keller's administration also created the civilian Albuquerque Community Safety department to handle mental health, substance abuse and homelessness calls. The aim of the department was to reroute such calls from the Albuquerque Police Department an initiative brought about in the wake of the George Floyd protests. Keller said ACS has handled more than 120,000 calls since its start in August 2021. He added, "Those are calls that the Albuquerque Police Department and (firefighters) don't have to take." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With national trends showing how "fentanyl is destroying America," and the housing crisis "is absolutely a driver of the homeless challenge," Keller said "you also have Albuquerque's own problems." "We never had a system or network for the unhoused. We never invested in it," he said. The city, which he said clears hundreds of encampments a week, does issue citations for illegal activity and drug use, Keller said. Tents are not allowed, he said, "and we enforce that. But that person can walk down the sidewalk. They are allowed to do that. People have the right to exist, but we have to exist together." Keller has estimated the homeless population at 4,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a housing shortage estimated at 20,000 units, Keller said the city has built 2,500 affordable housing units, with 2,000 more in the queue. "I do believe Albuquerque has turned in the right direction, but we're coming up from the bottom so we've got a long ways to go," he said. Keller has big plans for the future, including remaking the face of Downtown, but is focused on finishing what he started, adding more security cameras around the city to help fight crime; revitalizing the Railyards and completing the next phase of the Gateway for unhoused young adults. But there will be at least one major leadership change, Keller said, in hiring a new police chief after Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina retires next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medina has been chief for nearly five years, ushering in U.S. Department of Justice policing reforms aimed at improving the APD's Internal Affairs process and eliminating use of excessive force by its officers. "He's accomplished what I've asked him to do," Keller said, "which was to get out of the DOJ for the right reasons, in the right way." At the same time, Medina has transitioned the APD to more reliance on civilians for some enforcement duties, "and moving to a technology based department (to fight crime) and to restore morale in the department." Not insignificantly, Keller said, Medina "has all the crime numbers going down." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Keller's first term, the number of reported property crimes saw double-digit decreases between 2018 and 2022 but have since leveled off. Violent crime of which Albuquerque was once ranked worst in the nation has proved more stubborn, going up and down marginally during his time in office but, according to APD records, has decreased over the last three years. Of Medina's leadership, Keller said, "He has saved the department from falling off a cliff." During Keller's tenure, a decades-long criminal racketeering scheme involving a group of officers assigned to the APD's DWI unit came to light with the federal prosecution of criminal defense lawyer Thomas Clear III. Clear and his legal assistant, Ricardo Mendez, have pleaded guilty to bribery and extortion, and so far seven former APD officers and a Bernalillo County Sheriff's deputy have entered guilty pleas to accepting money and gifts from Clear and Mendez in exchange for intentionally missing court dates for DWI suspects the officers arrested. The non-appearances enabled Clear to get the cases dismissed. Numerous other officers have lost their jobs after being implicated in the scheme, which Medina said he knew nothing about but began looking into in 2023 after receiving several tips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With 17 years in politics, Keller isn't lacking name recognition, nor campaign funds, given that he was the only mayoral candidate to qualify for public financing. His latest campaign finance reports filed Sept. 8 show a total of $757,147 in contributions, including $733,968 from the city of Albuquerque funding. "My hope is that (voters) say, 'OK, out of these candidates who actually has some answers?' We do. People may not like them, they may think they're the wrong answers, but I've been very clear about what we need to do as a city to work on these issues. If I get a few more years, people will see and feel that progress." "That goes back to my decision to run. It's my hometown. To me, the best thing I could ever do in terms of public service is to lift up my hometown." Federal agents are temporarily blocked from firing rubber bullets, tear gas and other chemical munitions at protesters and journalists in Chicago following a lawsuit from press associations and faith leaders accusing Donald Trumps administration of a pattern of extreme brutality. A restraining order from District Judge Sara Ellis blocks federal officers from using riot control weapons and other force against clearly identified members of the press as well as protesters and faith leaders who arent posing any immediate threat to law enforcement. Ellis also specifically blocked officers from firing munitions that strike the head, neck, groin, spine, or female breast, or striking any person with a vehicle, as well as pulling or shoving a person to the ground, tackling, or body slamming demonstrators who arent harming others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order follows testimony from reporters and demonstrators that federal agents indiscriminately fired on protesters, including an incident captured on video where officers defending an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility struck the head of a Presbyterian minister with pepper bullets that knocked him to the ground. Thursdays order arrived as another federal judge in Illinois considers whether to ban the presidents deployment of National Guard troops to the state, as the administration surges federal agents and sends the military into other Democratic-led states and cities after a wave of protests against Trumps anti-immigration agenda. A federal judge has temporarily blocked federal agents deployed to Chicago from using riot control weapons without warning (Getty Images) Illinois District Judge April Perry is considering a lawsuit from state and city officials who accused the administration of relying on flimsy pretext to send troops into Chicago, where protests erupted after federal agents repeatedly shot chemical munitions at groups that included media and legal observers while dozens of masked, armed federal agents paraded through downtown Chicago in a show of force and control. Last week, Oregon officials similarly sued the administration, arguing that the presidents threats to send in the troops are wholly pretextual and designed to stir up unrest to justify boots on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, a Trump-appointed judge argued that relatively small protests in Portland did not justify the use of federalized forces that imperil Oregons sovereignty But a three-judge federal appeals court panel including two judges appointed by Trump appeared prepared Thursday to strike down the order, teeing up a potential Supreme Court battle over the presidents authority to federalize troops. These are violent people, Department of Justice attorney Eric MacArthur told the panel Thursday. This is unsustainable The president is entitled to say enough is enough and bring in the National Guard. The order follows Trumps deployment of National Guard troops to Illinois as judges are considering mounting legal challenges to block the president from sending the military into Democratic-led states and cities (REUTERS) The lawsuit from Chicago reporters, protesters and faith leaders accuses the Trump administration of unconstitutional threats to their First Amendment rights and religious freedoms with so-called less lethal weapons causing serious injuries, while some are being randomly singled out for arrest and detained inside an ICE facility where they are detained incommunicado for hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No legitimate purpose exists for this brutality or for these arrests, lawyers for the plaintiffs wrote this week. The officers are not physically threatened. No government property is threatened. Defendants are acting to intimidate and silence the press and civilians engaged in protected First Amendment activities. A lawsuit from reporters, protesters and faith leaders accused the Trump administration of deploying federal agents who exercised a pattern of extreme brutality with indiscriminate use of riot control weapons, arrests and use of force cuasing serious injuries to civilians (REUTERS) Last month, the Rev. David Black dressed in black and wearing a clerical collar while standing with demonstrators was hit with chemical agents while praying in front of the ICE facility in Broadview, a Chicago suburb that has emerged as a flashpoint for protests against the administration. The order from Judge Ellis prevents federal agents from using any riot control weapon without at least two separate warnings. Her order also blocks officers from seizing or arresting any non-violent protester who is not resisting a lawful crowd dispersal order, unless there is specific probable cause to believe that the individual has committed a crime for which an arrest is warranted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All federal agents must also have visible identification that is affixed to their uniforms or helmets and prominently displayed, including when wearing riot gear, unless they are undercover. Ellis directed Homeland Security officials to widely disseminate her order to federal agents. In a statement to The Independent, Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the agency is taking reasonable and constitutional measures to uphold the rule of law and protect our officers. We remind members of the media to exercise caution as they cover these violent riots and remind journalists that covering unlawful activities in the field does come with risks though our officers take every reasonable precaution to mitigate those dangers to those exercising protected First Amendment rights, she added. Anyone who actively obstructs law enforcement in the performance of their sworn duties will face consequences, which could include arrest, she said. Islamabad, Pakistan Seated next to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a visit to the United Kingdom in September, United States President Donald Trump made clear he was eyeing a plot of land his countrys military once controlled nearly 8,000km (4,970 miles) away: Bagram airbase in Afghanistan. We gave it to [the Taliban] for nothing. We want that base back, he said. Two days later, this time opting to express his views on social media, Trump wrote: If Afghanistan doesnt give Bagram air base back to those that built it, the United States of America, bad things are going to happen! The Taliban, predictably, bristled at the demand and stressed that under no circumstances will Afghans hand over the base to any third country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, the Taliban, who have ruled Afghanistan since their takeover of Kabul in August 2021, won a remarkable show of support for their opposition to any US military return to the country, from a broad swath of neighbours who otherwise rarely see eye-to-eye geopolitically. At a meeting in Moscow, officials from Russia, India, Pakistan, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan joined their Taliban counterparts in coming down hard on any attempt to set up foreign military bases in Afghanistan. They did not name the US, but the target was clear, say experts. They called 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, said the joint statement (PDF) published by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 7 at the conclusion of the seventh edition of what are known as the Moscow Format Consultations between Afghanistans neighbours. Pakistan, China, Russia and Iran had opposed the reestablishment of military bases in a similar declaration last month on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. But the Moscow communique brought together a much wider range of nations some with competing interests on a single page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India and Pakistan have long vied for influence over Afghanistan. India also worries about Chinas growing investments in that country. Iran has often viewed any Pakistani presence in Afghanistan with suspicion. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have long feared violence in Afghanistan spilling over into their territory. And in recent years, Pakistan has had tense relations with the Taliban a group that it supported and sheltered for decades previously. The confluence of these countries, despite these differences, into a unanimous position to keep the US out of the region reflects a shared regional view that Afghan affairs are a regional responsibility, not a matter to be externally managed, said Taimur Khan, a researcher at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI). Despite their differences, regional countries share a common position that Afghanistan should not once again host a foreign military presence, Khan told Al Jazeera. That shared position, articulated in Moscow, also strengthens the Talibans hands as it seeks to push back against pressure from Trump over Bagram, while giving Afghanistans rulers regional legitimacy. Most of their neighbours are deepening engagements with them, even though Russia is the only country that has formally recognised them diplomatically as the Afghan government. A symbolic, strategic prize The groundwork for the Afghan Talibans return to power was laid in Doha in January 2020, under Trumps first administration; they ultimately took over the country in August 2021, during the tenure of the administration of former President Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet in February this year, a month after taking the oath for his second term, Trump insisted: We were going to keep Bagram. We were going to keep a small force on Bagram. Bagram, 44km (27 miles) north of Kabul, was originally built by the Soviet Union in the 1950s. The base has two concrete runways one 3.6km long (2.2 miles), the other 3km (1.9 miles) and is one of the few places in Afghanistan suitable for landing large military planes and weapons carriers. It became a strategic base for the many powers that have occupied, controlled and fought over Afghanistan over the past half-century. Taken over by US-led NATO forces after the invasion of Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks, Bagram was a central facility in Washingtons so-called war on terror. Afghanistans rugged, mountainous terrain means there are limited sites capable of serving as large military logistics hubs. That scarcity is why Bagram retains its strategic significance, four years after the US withdrew from the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kamran Bokhari, senior director at the Washington, DC-based New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy, said he was sceptical about the US seriously planning any redeployment of forces to Afghanistan, despite Trumps comments. The new US geostrategy is about military retrenchment. There is no appetite in Washington for any such military commitment, which would be a major logistical undertaking, Bokhari told Al Jazeera. Even if the Taliban were to agree to allow the Americans to regain Bagram, the cost of maintaining such a facility far outstrips its utility. At the same time, Bokhari said that the Moscow meet worked as an opportunity for Russia to show that it retains influence in Central Asia, a region in which its footprint has been eroded by the war in Ukraine and by Chinas rising geoeconomic presence. But the concerns about any renewed US footprint in Afghanistan arent limited to Russia, or even China, Americas biggest long-term rival. Amid heightened tensions with the US and Israel, Iran will not want an American military presence in Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blast walls and a few buildings can be seen at the Bagram airbase after the US military left the base, in Parwan province, north of Kabul, Afghanistan, in 2021 [File: Rahmat Gul/AP Photo] But the concerns about any renewed US footprint in Afghanistan arent limited to Russia, or even China, Americas biggest long-term rival. Amid heightened tensions with the US and Israel, Iran will not want an American military presence in Afghanistan. Other regional nations India and Pakistan among them are also eager to show that the neighbourhood can manage the vacuum created in Afghanistan by the withdrawal of US security forces, Bokhari said. Though a close partner of the US, Indias ties with Washington have frayed during Trumps second term, with the American president imposing 50 percent tariffs on imports from India, in part because of New Delhis continued purchase of oil from Russia. And then there are the Central Asian countries that share long, porous borders with Afghanistan and fear their soil might be used by violent groups energised by any return of the US, militarily, to Bagram. Central Asias security calculus The four Central Asian countries that were part of the Moscow Format Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan together with Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, form a bloc of six landlocked nations whose geography gives them a unique vantage point in regional politics, while also compelling them to seek access to warmer waters for trade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analysts argue an American presence in the region would be undesirable for many of these nations. This is not knee-jerk anti-Americanism, Kuat Akizhanov, a Kazakh analyst and deputy director of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Institute (CAREC) said. A US base would put host states on the front line of US-Russia-China rivalry. Moscow and Beijing have both signalled opposition to any renewed US presence, and aligning with that consensus reduces coercive pressure and economic or security retaliation on our much smaller economies, Akizhanov told Al Jazeera. He added that regional actors now prefer regional groupings such as the Moscow Format, or even the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) led by Moscow and Beijing, for cooperation on security and the neighbourhoods stability, to any US presence. What do the Taliban and Afghanistans other neighbours fear? Many of Afghanistans bigger neighbours have their own concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They fear that a revived US military presence could potentially reintroduce intelligence operations, fuel instability, and once again turn Afghanistan into a proxy battleground, Khan from the Islamabad-based ISSI said. This is the lens from which regional countries now view Afghanistan: a space that must be stabilised through regional cooperation and economic integration, and not through renewed Western intervention or strategic containment efforts, he added. For the Taliban, meanwhile, Trumps Bagram demands pose a dilemma, say experts. Ibraheem Bahiss, a Kabul-based senior analyst for Crisis Group, said he believed that Trumps Bagram demand was primarily driven by the US presidents personal inclination rather than any consensus within the US strategic establishment. There might be a sense that Afghanistan remains an unfinished business for him, the analyst told Al Jazeera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the Taliban, surrendering Bagram is unthinkable. Kabul cannot offer Bagram as it would antagonise their own support base and might lead to resistance against their own government if [the] US comes here, Bahiss said. At the same time, Bokhari, of the New Lines Institute, said that the Taliban know international sanctions are a major obstacle to governance and economic recovery, and for that, they will need to engage the West, and especially the US. The Taliban are asking for sanctions relief, but the question is, what do they offer? Washington is more interested in Central Asia, to which it does not have easy access to. The region is otherwise blocked by Russia, China and Iran, he said. Trump has cited Bagrams proximity to China and its missile factories as a reason for wanting to take back control of the base. Bagram is about 800km (about 500 miles) from the Chinese border, and about 2,400km (about 1,500 miles) from a missile facility in Xinjiang. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not in the US interest in allowing China to monopolise the region, Bokhari said. Against that backdrop, the Bagram demand might be a signal from the US that it is eager to explore new ways to do business with the Taliban, Bokhari and Bahiss agreed. Washington isnt the only one reaching out to the group, which until a few years ago was largely a global pariah. In fact, the US is late the Taliban have already been making major headways, diplomatically, in its neighbourhood. Interactive_MoscowFormatConsultations_Oct9_2025-1759992786 Engagement, not recognition Since taking control of a country of more than 40 million people in August 2021, the Taliban have faced international scepticism over their style of governance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Afghanistans rulers have imposed a hardline interpretation of Islam and have placed several restrictions on women, including limits on working and education. International sanctions have further weakened an already fragile economy, while the presence of multiple armed groups including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) continues to alarm neighbouring states. The Taliban insist that they do not support the use of Afghan soil to attack neighbours. Pakistan, once seen as the primary benefactor of the Taliban, says it has grown increasingly frustrated over the past four years at what it sees as the Afghan governments inability to clamp down on militants. The year 2024 was one of the deadliest for Pakistan in nearly a decade, with more than 2,500 casualties from violence, many of which Islamabad attributes to groups that it says operate from Afghan soil, allegations rejected by Kabul. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, several soldiers were killed in an ambush by the TTP near the Afghan border in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Still, Pakistan upgraded diplomatic ties with the Taliban in May. That month, Afghanistans acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi hosted his counterpart from Pakistan, spoke on the phone with Indias foreign minister, and flew to Iran and China for summits. Muttaqi was in Moscow for the recent regional consultations that produced the criticism of Trumps Bagram plans, and on Thursday is due to arrive in New Delhi for a historic, weeklong visit to India, a country that viewed the Taliban as a Pakistan proxy and an enemy until a few years ago. Bahiss said the compulsion for regional nations to deal with the Taliban is driven by shared, pragmatic goals, which include keeping borders calm, guaranteeing counterterrorism assurances, and securing trade routes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Akizhanov, the CAREC analyst, meanwhile, said that the wider regional interaction with Afghan officials normalise working channels [with the Taliban] and reinforces their narrative that regional futures will be decided locally, not by outside militaries. However, legitimacy remains conditional in capitals of each country, hinging on counterterrorism guarantees, cross-border security, economic connectivity, and basic rights, especially for women and girls, said the analyst, who is based in Urumqi, China. ISSIs Khan agreed. What we are witnessing is not formal recognition, but a functional understanding that Afghanistans isolation serves no ones interests, he said. STOCKHOLM (AP) Hungarian writer Laszlo Krasznahorkai, whose surreal and anarchic novels combine a bleak world view with mordant humor, won the Nobel Prize in literature Thursday for work the judges said upholds the power of art in the midst of apocalyptic terror. The Nobel judges said the 71-year-old author, whose novels sometimes consist of just one long sentence, is a great epic writer whose work is characterized by absurdism and grotesque excess. Hes the first Nobel literature winner from Hungary since Imre Kertesz in 2002 and joins a list of laureates that includes Ernest Hemingway, Toni Morrison and Kazuo Ishiguro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am calm and very nervous, Krasznahorkai told Radio Sweden after getting news of the prize, which comes with an award of more than $1 million. This is the first day in my life when I got a Nobel Prize. I don't know what's coming in the future. The work that won the Nobel Prize in literature The American writer and critic Susan Sontag once described Krasznahorkai as the contemporary master of the Apocalypse. His work has echoes of other European writers who explored the absurd tragicomedy of existence, including Franz Kafka and Samuel Beckett. Zsuzsanna Varga, a Hungarian literature expert at the University of Glasgow, said Krasznahorkais novels probe the utter hopelessness of human existence, while also being incredibly funny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Krasznahorkais near-endless sentences made his work the Hotel California of literature once readers get into it, you can never leave, she said. Varga suggested readers new to Krasznahorkais work start with Satantango, his 1985 debut, which centered around the few remaining residents of a dying collective farm and set the tone for what was to follow. Krasznahorkai has since written more than 20 books, including The Melancholy of Resistance, a surreal, disturbing tale involving a traveling circus and a stuffed whale, and Baron Wenckheims Homecoming, the sprawling saga of a gambling-addicted aristocrat. Herscht 07769, from 2021, is set in a German town riven with unrest. Written as a series of letters to then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel, it has just one period in its 400 pages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several works, including Satantango, and The Melancholy of Resistance were turned into films by Hungarian director Bela Tarr. Krasznahorkai also wrote several books inspired by his travels to China and Japan, including A Mountain to the North, a Lake to the South, Paths to the West, a River to the East, published in Hungarian in 2003. How Krasznahorkai came to win Krasznahorkai had been on the Nobel radar for some time, committee member Steve Sem-Sandberg said, calling his literary output almost half a century of pure excellence. The writer was born in the southeastern Hungarian city of Gyula, near the border with Romania, and studied law at universities in Szeged and Budapest before shifting his focus to literature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Varga, the academic, said Krasznahorkai developed a cult following among young Hungarians during the twilight of Communism in the 1980s, when authors were pretty much like pop stars. Janos Szego, Krasznahorkais editor at the Budapest-based Magveto publishing house, said that the authors works deal with life on the periphery, and are interested in the techniques of power. All the populist tendencies of our time can also be found in his novels from barbarism to the manipulation of the masses, Szego said. Krasznahorkai has been a critic of autocratic Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, especially his government's lack of support for Ukraine after the Russian invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet earlier this year, Krasznahorkai expressed criticism both of Orbans political system and the nationalism present in Hungarian society. There is no hope left in Hungary today and it is not only because of the Orban regime, he told the paper. The problem is not only political, but also social. Orban nonetheless congratulated the writer in a Facebook post, saying: The pride of Hungary, the first Nobel Prize winner from Gyula, Laszlo Krasznahorkai. How Krasznahorkai and others reacted Krasznahorkai received the 2015 Man Booker International Prize for his body of work and the National Book Award for Translated Literature in the U.S. in 2019 for Baron Wenckheims Homecoming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said none of his career was planned. I wanted at first to write only one book. And I didnt want to be a writer, he told Swedish radio, but rereading his first novel he discovered it wasnt perfect. I started to write another one because I wanted to correct Satantango, he said, and later I tried to write a new book to correct the first two. ... My life is a permanent correction. The literature prize has been awarded by the Nobel committee of the Swedish Academy 117 times to a total of 121 winners. Last year's winner was South Korean author Han Kang. The 2023 winner was Norwegian writer Jon Fosse, whose work includes a seven-book epic made up of a single sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The literature prize is the fourth to be announced this week, following the 2025 Nobels in medicine, physics and chemistry. The winner of the Nobel Peace Prize will be announced Friday. The final Nobel, the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, will be announced Monday. Nobel Prize award ceremonies are held on Dec. 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobels death in 1896. Nobel was a wealthy Swedish industrialist and the inventor of dynamite who founded the prizes. Each prize carries an award of 11 million Swedish kronor (nearly $1.2 million). Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and a diploma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ This version removes a comment attributed to Krasznahorkais X account, which could not be verified. ___ Mike Corder reported from The Hague, Netherlands, and Jill Lawless from London. Justin Spike in Budapest, Hungary and Balint Domotor in London contributed. BRUSSELS, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The world has just experienced its third warmest September on record, with land and sea surface temperatures remaining persistently high, the EU's climate monitoring network reported on Thursday. The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said that the global average surface temperature in September this year was 16.11 degrees Celsius, down by 0.27 degrees and 0.07 degrees from the same month in 2023 and 2024, respectively, but still 1.47 degrees above pre-industrial level. According to the C3S, the global average sea surface temperature in September was 20.72 degrees Celsius, marking the third highest for this month on record. Sea surface temperatures in most of the North Pacific remained significantly above the long-term average, reaching historical highs in some areas. In contrast, sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific were near or below the 1991-2020 average, indicating a neutral phase of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation. In addition, the monthly sea ice extent in the Arctic was 12 percent below the long-term average for the period, while the monthly sea ice extent in the Antarctic was 5 percent below the long-term average. Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate in the C3S at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, said that September 2025 ranked as the third warmest September on record, only less than 0.1 degrees Celsius cooler than September 2024. "A year on, the global temperature context remains much the same, with persistently high land and sea surface temperatures reflecting the continuing influence of greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere," she said. Fighting for democracy in Venezuela. A one-sentence novel. Molecular structures used to contain toxic gases. Physics experiments that helped lay the groundwork for the cellphone. Groundbreaking discoveries about the immune system. These are some of the contributions made by this years Nobel Prize winners. Every year, six prizes are awarded to individuals or groups for outstanding contributions across fields including physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, peace, and economic sciences. So far, five of the 2025 prizes have been announced, with only the economics prize remaining. It will be announced on Oct. 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trumpopenly campaigned for the peace prize but did not receive it. I deserve it, but they would never give it to me, said Trump, who was nominated for the prize both this year and in the past, while at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in February. Netanyahu was one of several people who nominated the President for the prize this year. He also received nominations from the Pakistani government, for his role in de-escalating conflict between the country and India, and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, for helping to broker a ceasefire deal between his country and Thailand, among others. Read more: Trump Loses Nobel Peace Prize He Shamelessly Campaigned For There were 338 candidates for the peace prize this year, including 244 individuals and 94 organizations, the Nobel committee said. Past winners of the prize include President Barack Obama in 2009, Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk in 1993, and Mother Teresa in 1979. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prizes are awarded out of Stockholm, Sweden, in December. The laureates, or winners, receive a diploma, a medal, and a cash award, the last of which is worth 11 million Swedish kronor this year, or roughly $1.17 million. The word laureate refers to laurel wreaths, which were awarded to victors in Ancient Greece as a sign of honor. Heres what you should know about the 2025 Nobel Prize winners. Peace Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader, was awarded the prize for fighting dictatorship and promoting democracy in her country for nearly 25 years. As the leader of the democracy movement in Venezuela, Maria Corina Machado is one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times, the Nobel Committee said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Machado has led the movement against Venezuela's authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro, whose last two victories have not been recognized by foreign governments such as the U.S. amid accusations of widespread fraud and voter suppression. During Maduros 12-year tenure, the countrys government has been widely accused of human-rights abuses and corruption, with the increasing political repression and an economic crisis leading to the exodus of an estimated eight million people across the region. Machado similarly fought to preserve Venezuela's fragile democracy while Maduros predecessor, Hugo Chavez, was in office from 1999 until his death in 2013. She co-founded the vote-monitoring group Sumate in the early 2000s and later ran for and won a seat in Venezuelas National Assembly in 2010, where she served until she was stripped of her seat 2014 for what critics have said were political reasons. Read more: Venezuelan Democracy Advocate Maria Corina Machado Receives 2025 Nobel Peace Prize Machado won 92% of the vote in the oppositions 2023 primary elections, but she was disqualified by the governments comptroller, which barred her from holding public office for 15 years. That has not deterred her from her political activism, however. In 2024, she received both the Sakharov Prize and the Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize for her opposition to authoritarianism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am just part of a huge movement. Im humbled, Im grateful and Im honoured, Machado said in an interview with the Nobel Institute after receiving the award. I accept this is as a recognition to our people, to the millions of Venezuelans that are anonymous and are risking everything they have for freedom, justice and peace and Im absolutely convinced that we will achieve it. Physics John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis, all professors at American universities, were awarded for groundbreaking work in quantum mechanics that the chairman of the Nobel Committee for Physics said paved the way for devices like the cellphone and camera. The committee cited a series of experiments the physicists conducted in 1984 and 1985 that proved two principles of quantum mechanics on a scale visible to the human eye: quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quantum tunneling describes the phenomenon of particles penetrating a barrier when they dont appear to have enough energy to do so. The committee noted that while an everyday object like a ballwhich is macroscopic in scalewill bounce back every time it hits a wall, this tunneling is sometimes observed with single particles in their microscopic world. Clarke, Devoret, and Martinis, the committee said, were able to demonstrate the phenomenon on a macroscopic scale in their experiments, building a superconducting electrical system that could tunnel from one state to another, as if it were passing straight through a wall. The physicists also showed that the system was quantized, or only gained or lost energy in specific amounts, the committee saiddemonstrating another principle macroscopically. Clarke, who is a professor emeritus at the University of California, Berkeleys graduate school, said in an interview following the announcement of the prize that he, Devoret and Martinis recognized the significance of their work demonstrating quantum tunneling to an extent at the time, but didnt have the remotest idea how continually significant it would prove to be over the ensuing 40 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im still stunned, he said of his feelings following the announcement, noting that he was so happy and so pleased to win along with Devoret and Martinis. I could not imagine accepting the prize without the two of them, he said. Chemistry Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi were awarded the prize for developing molecular structures that the committee said have been used by researchers to harvest water from desert air, extract pollutants from water, capture carbon dioxide and store hydrogen. In experiments that began in the 1980s and developed over the ensuing 15 years, the scientists developed frameworks using metals and organic molecules that contained cavities large enough for gases and other materials to flow through. One commercial application of their work, according to a summary posted by the committee, is containing the toxic gases needed to produce semiconductors using such metalorganic frameworks, which can contain more gas than traditional materials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kitagawa teaches in Japan at Kyoto University, Robinson is a professor at the University of Melbourne in Australia, and Yaghi teaches at the University of California, Berkeley. In an interview after the awards announcement, Yaghi acknowledged that his life and work in chemistry have been quite a journey, noting that he was born into a family of refugees and grew up in a humble home in which a dozen people shared a single room with cattle they raised. Science is the greatest equalizing force in the world, he said. Science allows us to talk to each other, and I dont think you can stop that. I think that thats something that will continue to be important, and enlightened societies will encourage it, he said during a later news conference hosted by Berkeley. Physiology or Medicine Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi won for work the committee said was fundamental to understanding how the immune system functions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They discovered how the immune system is kept in check, the committee said. The laureates identified the immune systems security guards, regulatory T cells, which prevent immune cells from attacking our own body. There are more than 200 clinical trials in process that are informed by their research, according to the committee. Sakaguchi is an expert in immunology at the University of Osaka, Brunkow is a senior program manager at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle, and Ramsdell is a co-founder of Sonoma Biotherapeutics, a biotechnology company based in San Francisco. Brunkow said she wasnt expecting to win. My phone rang, and I saw a number from Sweden and thought, well thats just spam of some sort, so I disabled the phone and went back to sleep, she said in an interview following the awards announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramsdell, meanwhile, learned that he had won the prize only belatedly. He couldnt immediately be reached by the committee because he was living his best life and was off the grid on a preplanned hiking trip at the time the prize was announced, according to his company; it was his wife that ultimately informed him, Ramsdell told the New York Times, after she regained cell phone service and received a wave of text messages. Literature The Hungarian author Laszlo Krasznahorkai, known for his dystopian novels and lengthy sentences, was awarded for what the committee described as his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art. Krasznahorkai is a great epic writer in the Central European tradition that extends through Kafka to Thomas Bernhard, and is characterised by absurdism and grotesque excess. But there are more strings to his bow, and he also looks to the East in adopting a more contemplative, finely calibrated tone, the committee said. Krasznahorkai, who was born in southeast Hungary in 1954, was hailed as a master of the apocalypse by Susan Sontag. His latest novel to appear in English comprises a single sentence, including just one period in its 400 pages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I thank, first of all, the readers. I wish for everybody to get back the ability to use their fantasy, because without fantasy its an absolute different life, he said in an interview after the announcement. To read books gives us more power to survive these very difficult times on Earth. Contact us at letters@time.com. Gov. Kelly Armstrong, left, speaks Oct. 8, 2025, during a press conference after launching a loan program for federal workers during the government shutdown with Attorney General Drew Wrigley, center, and Rick Clayburgh, president of the North Dakota Bankers Association. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) North Dakota is offering an estimated 9,200 federal workers a lifeline through a loan program approved Wednesday to help military and other families affected by the government shutdown. The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved the Furloughed Federal Employee Relief Program, which leverages the state-owned Bank of North Dakota to offer low-interest loans to cover lost wages. The short-term loans can be repaid after the federal government reopens and employees receive back pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Kelly Armstrong, who recently served in Congress, said the idea for the relief program started in his head in 2018 when he was flying to Washington, D.C., during a shutdown and was read the riot act by a Transportation Security Administration agent who was working without pay. And rightfully so. We ask those guys to go to work every single day in the middle of these shutdowns, regardless if theyre getting paid or not, said Armstrong, a Republican who chairs the three-member Industrial Commission. Federal employees who arent getting paid will be able to apply for 2% loans through a North Dakota bank or credit union for up to three months of their take-home pay. Applications will be accepted starting Friday. Information on how to apply is available at the Bank of North Dakotas website. Borrowers will have five months to repay the loans. Industrial Commission officials estimate the total number of eligible North Dakota federal employees, including those stationed on two Air Force bases, is about 9,200 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ones that are going to work every day protecting our country, the ones that go to work every day making sure we get on airplanes, are actually the people most likely to be living paycheck to paycheck, Armstrong said. Gov. Kelly Armstrong, center, speaks to Don Morgan, left, president of the Bank of North Dakota, during a special meeting of the Industrial Commission with Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, center-left, and Attorney General Drew Wrigley, right, on Oct. 8, 2025. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski, who participated in the announcement of the program, said his city is home to a lot of federal workers in addition to those at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. This is really going to help the rank and file, Bochenski said. Grand Forks is so grateful, and this is truly North Dakota at its finest. Rick Clayburgh, president of the North Dakota Bankers Association, encouraged federal employees to reach out to their local banks. The program is also available to new customers of North Dakota banks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Don Morgan, president and CEO of the Bank of North Dakota, said the program is modeled after disaster relief programs the bank has done in the past. The Bank of North Dakota will buy the loans and pay each lender a service fee of $250. The federal government shutdown entered its eighth day on Wednesday with neither Republican or Democrat funding plans receiving the 60 votes necessary to advance. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projected 750,000 federal workers would be furloughed during the shutdown. Phil Davis, Workforce Services director for North Dakota Job Service, said as of Friday, 10 federal employees had filed for unemployment since the start of the shutdown. He said federal employees may be holding back on filing because the unemployment benefits would have to be repaid if the workers are awarded back pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump floated the idea this week that furloughed employees would not be entitled to receive back pay after the government shutdown ends. The North Dakota loans do not require collateral, but are guaranteed by the back pay owed to federal workers. Armstrong said there is a law that guarantees the back pay of furloughed federal employees, noting he voted to support it in 2019 as a member of Congress. The law says they get it, he said. There will be a tremendous amount of bipartisan support to protect the law that passed. North Dakota Monitor reporter Michael Achterling can be reached at machterling@northdakotamonitor.com. North Dakota Monitor Editor Amy Dalrymple can be reached at adalrymple@northdakotamonitor.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Foreign dignitaries have started arriving in North Korea ahead of celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of its ruling Workers Party. Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, has kept Fridays commemoration plans under wraps, but South Korean officials have said they expect there will be a parade featuring the countrys latest military equipment. The isolated nation, governed by the Kim family for the past three generations, counts Beijing and Moscow as its two closest allies, with Chinese Premier Li Qiang among those who arrived in the North Korean capital Pyongyang on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The celebrations will also be attended by Russia's former President Dmitry Medvedev, Vietnams Communist Party General Secretary To Lam and Laos' President Thongloun Sisoulith. Li, who is one of the seven members of China's Politburo, is the most senior Chinese official to visit North Korea since 2019. His trip comes after a series of high-level meetings between the two countries. The Chinese and North Korean foreign ministers met in Beijing in late September, vowing to deepen bilateral ties and to push back against hegemonism, in what was a likely reference to the US. At the start of September, Kim appeared beside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing at an enormous military parade to mark China's victory over Japan and the end of World War II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a bilateral meeting with Kim in the Chinese capital, Xi stressed the great importance of the two nations traditional friendship. In a separate meeting between Kim and Putin in Beijing, the Russian leader thanked his North Korean ally for sending thousands of troops to help with its war against Ukraine. We will never forget the sacrifices made by your armed forces and the families of your military personnel, Putin told Kim. The Asian hermit state, which has been under significant international sanctions for years, has acted as one of Russia's biggest backers along with Iran in its ongoing all-out war against Ukraine, now in its fourth year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has lost at least 2,000 soldiers fighting for Moscow, according to South Korean intelligence reports from September. Related Ahead of the 80th anniversary celebrations, Kim gave a speech on Wednesday at the Party Founding Museum in Pyongyang, in which he celebrated his grandfather and the states founder, Kim Il-sung, according to the state-run KCNA media agency. BEIJING (AP) North Korea is celebrating Friday the 80th anniversary of the ruling party and different foreign dignitaries and leaders will be part of the commemoration. The Workers Party celebrations will serve to show once again how North Korea is trying to shore up its relations with some key global players and allies, such as China and Russia, who are sending high-level representatives. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has had in China his most important ally, and in recent years he has also built ties with Russia, a country North Korea has helped by sending troops to participate in its war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September, Kim Jong Un stood next to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of a visit to Beijing to attend a massive military parade marking the end of the World War II. The plans of what will happen during the commemoration have not been revealed, but some foreign leaders have started arriving. Heres a view of some of the leaders and high-level representatives that are expected to attend: China's Premier Li Qiang Premier Li Qiang arrived Thursday in Pyongyang, North Korea's capital, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. Li's presence is the highest-level visit by a Chinese leader since 2019. He is one of seven members of the Standing Committee of the Communist Partys Politburo, the apex of power in China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As premier, he is generally considered the No. 2 leader in China after President Xi Jinping. Li has been representing China on more foreign trips and high-level events recently, including the United Nations General Assembly in September. Russia's former President Dmitry Medvedev Russia is sending Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president who serves as deputy head of the Security Council chaired by Putin, to this weeks anniversary celebrations, North Koreas official KCNA news agency said Monday. North Korea has been expanding cooperation with Russia, another neighbor to China. It has supplied combat troops and ammunitions to support Russia's war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vietnam's top leader To Lam Communist Party General Secretary To Lam, Vietnam's top leader, also arrived Thursday in North Korea for the celebrations, Vietnamese state media reported. As general secretary of the Communist Party in Vietnam, he holds the same leadership position held by Kim Jong Un in the North Korean Workers Party. To Lam who was welcomed by Kim Jong Un in a ceremony in Pyongyang, reported the Vietnamese state media. The visit happens as both countries also celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Laos' President Thongloun Sisoulith The president of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, will also attend, KCNA said last week. He is general secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party. Norway is bracing for Donald Trumps reaction should he not be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Norway simply hosts the prestigious award ceremonyits government has no involvement in deciding who wins. But with hours on the clock before the Nobel Peace Prize recipient is named, Norways politicians are sweating that Trump may not know the difference. Kirsti Bergst, the leader of Norways Socialist Left Party, told The Guardian that Oslo must be prepared for anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump is taking the U.S. in an extreme direction, attacking freedom of speech, having masked secret police kidnapping people in broad daylight and cracking down on institutions and the courts. When the president is this volatile and authoritarian, of course we have to be prepared for anything, Bergst told the international newspaper. The Nobel Committee is an independent body and the Norwegian government has no involvement in determining the prizes, she continued. But Im not sure Trump knows that. We have to be prepared for anything from him. The Nobel Prize Committee announced Thursday that it had decided the prize winner at the beginning of the week, before the Trump administration brokered a ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Gaza. Timeframe considered, most Nobel experts and Norwegian observers believe it is highly unlikely that Trump will be awarded the prize, The Guardian reported. Its no secret that Trump has pined for the international honor: The U.S. president phoned Norways Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg out of the blue back in July to inquire about the possibility of acquiring the prize, using tariffs as a cover for their discussion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has complained for years that his name has not yet been added to the ranks of prize recipients, who span some of the greatest figures of the last century, including Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Theresa, and Malala Yousafzai. Part of the contention could be that Trumps supposed political nemesis, former President Barack Obama, received the award in 2009 for extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. Three other U.S. presidents have also won a Nobel Peace Prize. They gave it to Obama for absolutely destroying our country, Trump said, during an Oval Office meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb Thursday. My election was much more important. Trumps obsession with obtaining the prize has led to some odd boasts over the last several months, including that he has resolved eight wars around the globe in his second term alone. Trump has so far claimed responsibility for peace between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, between Cambodia and Thailand, between Israel and Iran, between India and Pakistan, between Serbia and Kosovo, between Egypt and Ethiopia, between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and for doing the Abraham Accords, all while complaining about a lack of recognition by the Norway-based judges panel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Zeteos Mehdi Hasan pointed out last month, all of Trumps war-solving braggadocio is demonstrably untrue, to the extent that several of the listed examples were never even at war. Nobody in history has solved eight wars in a period of nine months. And Ive stopped eight wars, so thats never happened before. But theyll have to do what they do. Whatever they do is fine. I know this: I didnt do it for that, I did it because I saved a lot of lives, Trump said Thursday while answering a barrage of questions about the prize. But nobodys done eight wars. Vilnius Airport in Lithuania, a Baltic EU member country close to Ukraine and Russia, was shut down on Saturday due to an incursion of small flying objects. But this time it wasn't Vladimir Putin sending swarms of drones to disrupt European airspace. It was... balloons. Yes, balloons. Balloons that were smuggling cigarettes. I did not know that balloons could smuggle cigarettes and neither did you, but now we do. Indeed, the BBC says that 14 weather balloons invaded Lithuania from neighboring Belarus, intent on making a quick buck off of cheap nicotine. Lithuanian authorities have recovered 11 of the illegal alien balloons, and 18,000 illicit packs with them. Believe it or not, this isn't even that weird! It's just that this time, a few of them flew into the airport's space, forcing it to shut down for a little while. In other words, the criminal balloons accidentally committed a more serious crime on the way to committing their normal crime. Read more: 3.0L Duramax Problems: Here's What Owners Report Most Often Dangerous men armed with big balloons A major balloon bust in Lithuania from 2023 - VSAT If you've ever been to Europe, you know they love to smoke over there. Obviously, this isn't great for public health, which is why most European countries level steep taxes on packs. That's an opportunity for smugglers to get cigarettes, made on the cheap in Belarus, into smokers' hands sans tax. This keeps the overall smoking rate higher and, for a small country like Lithuania, starves the state of important revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, Belarusian tobacco fiends have been using Lithuania as a staging area for the rest of the EU for decades. One study found that nearly 30% of all cigarette packs in the Baltic country were illegal, and that 90% of those came from Belarus (87% from one specific factory). And how are the smugglers doing their smuggling? You guessed it: by balloon. In 2024, we know that fully 966 criminal balloons flew from Belarus to Lithuania. And, of course, that's not counting however many balloons Lithuanian officials didn't find. Now, you may be thinking to yourself that, if you were a Belarusian criminal mastermind, you would bring your enterprise into the 21st century and use drones. Drones are getting pretty cheap, after all! But you know what's cheaper than drones? Balloons. And balloons can carry more weight than drones, too. So don't expect the balloons to stop flying anytime soon. Hopefully, they'll just steer clear of the airports next time. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik. Ohio State University named one of its own as the university's next senior vice president for research, as the school and others around the country navigate a changing federal-funding landscape. John Horack, Ohio State's Neil Armstrong Chair in Aerospace Policy and a tenured professor in the College of Engineering and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, was appointed to the position in late September. He officially began his new role on Oct. 1, replacing Peter Mohler, who took over as president of the University of Alabama in July. Horack has more than 30 years of experience in the spaceflight industry. He previously spent nearly two decades at NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center, where he conducted research in astrophysics and cosmology. He later served as vice president for research at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and as vice president of space systems at Teledyne Brown Engineering, a Huntsville-based company focused on engineered systems and advanced manufacturing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Horack came to Ohio State in 2016 to hold the inaugural Neil A. Armstrong Chair in Aerospace Policy. John Horack, Ohio State's Neil Armstrong Chair in Aerospace Policy and a tenured professor in the College of Engineering and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, was appointed as the university's next senior vice president for research. He officially began in his new role on Oct. 1, replacing Peter Mohler, who took over as president of the University of Alabama in July. "John is a preeminent scholar, collaborator and visionary leader who shares our aspirations for research excellence at Ohio State," OSU Provost Ravi Bellamkonda said. "With deep experience in academia, industry and the public sector, he will be instrumental in helping us achieve our ambitious research goals and solidify Ohio States position as a national leader in life-changing and life-saving research." Horack will lead the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) and will report directly to Bellamkonda. ERIK includes the universitys strategic functions for research operations, innovation and partnerships, and knowledge development and discovery, in addition to the university's west campus Innovation District, Carmenton. Horack told The Dispatch that he is excited for the "tremendous opportunity" to steward Ohio State's research enterprise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're poised, as (Ohio State President Ted Carter) said, to move forward and create even greater change for the people of Ohio, the people of the United States and the people of the world," Horack said. "Research is a big part of making that happen." His appointment comes as Ohio State embarks on a new 10-year strategic plan, Education for Citizenship 2035. Research is a core facet of the strategic plan, which includes a goal to grow its research enterprise to $2 billion by 2035. "Research is the very first link in the value chain of prosperity," Horack said. "I think everyone looks forward to greater prosperity in the future. And I don't just mean monetary prosperity. That's health, that's wellbeing, that's life satisfaction, that's relationships. "Prosperity isn't just measured in dollars, and research is the very first link in that." John Horack, Neil Armstrong Chair in Aerospace Policy at Ohio State, explains the Starlab research project at the university in August 2024. University research and the federal dollars that fund it have come under a microscope this year as the Trump administration put higher education in its sights. The administration canceled thousands of research grants through the National Science Foundation and National Institute of Health earlier this year, totaling billions of dollars in lost funding to university research centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Horack said universities will always play a major role in the nation's research ecosystem. The modality may change, he said, but the work will continue. "(Universities) are the research powerhouse of the United States. Historically, our research universities have driven a lot of progress," Horack said. "In some sense, there are things that we have always been dealing with, and we will deal with them, and we will work through them, and we will create a better future through research and partnerships with all of our stakeholders in the government, private sector and elsewhere." Perhaps it is his background in astronomy, but Horack said he is excited to "constellate" all of the stars that make up Ohio State's research enterprise, including its more than 1,500 principal researchers. "A constellation with a coherency and a narrative, that is more than just the individual stars," he said. "When you connect the dots, it is an outcome that's greater than the sum of its parts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So it is with the results of the university's research, he said. "The consequences of the research we do and the impacts that we make social, economic, educational, quality of life all become more amplified through the integration and alignment of the strengths that we have," he said. In addition to appointing Horack to his new post, Ohio State will also begin a national search for a chief scientific officer for the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. The position will oversee research and innovation strategy for the Wexner Medical Center, in addition to providing executive-level leadership for biomedical research across the university. Higher education reporter Sheridan Hendrix can be reached at shendrix@dispatch.com and on Signal at @sheridan.120. You can follow her on Instagram at @sheridanwrites. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: OSU names spaceflight expert John Horack as its next VP of research One person is dead following an apparent head-on collision in Muscatine County. According to a release from the Muscatine Sheriffs Department, on October 9 at approximately 5:53 a.m., a motor vehicle crash was reported in the 2700 block of Highway 70 in southwest Muscatine County. Initial reports showed two vehicles were involved, multiple occupants were trapped and one of the vehicles was on fire. When law enforcement arrived, one vehicle was in the east ditch, and the other was in the west ditch. Evidence showed the vehicles met nearly head-on. The vehicle in the west ditch burst into flames. Three of the four occupants were able to escape. The driver and sole occupant of the other vehicle was able to exit without assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time, one fatality has been confirmed. The remaining drivers and occupants were transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals by Aircare or ambulance. The Muscatine County Sheriffs Office was assisted by the Iowa State Patrol, Conesville Fire Department, Nichols Fire Department, Columbus Junction Fire, Louisa County Ambulance and the Muscatine County Medical Examiners Office. The names of those involved are not being released at this time, pending notification of family. The investigation is still ongoing, and more information may be released when it becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, located at the foot of the Acropolis and one of Greece's most famous ancient theatres, will close for restoration work after the end of this year's season, the Ministry of Culture has announced. The ministry said on Wednesday that the Athens site will be inaccessible from mid-October for approximately three years. The final performance will take place on October 16, featuring Greek composer Evanthia Reboutsika alongside a symphony orchestra from Istanbul, which specializes in performing film scores and popular works. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nearly 1,900-year-old structure will then close to address damage caused by ageing, moisture and earlier repairs. Built around 160 AD by the Athenian-Roman aristocrat Herodes Atticus in honour of his wife Regilla, who died young, the so-called Herodeion is suffering especially from the effects of microorganisms. Among other tasks, the stability of certain wall sections will be examined and improved. The backstage areas will also be modernized. The restoration work is to be overseen by a team from the National Technical University of Athens. Since 1955, the theatre has served as the main venue for the Athens Festival and has hosted numerous international productions. Artists ranging from Maria Callas and Frank Sinatra to the Berlin Philharmonic, Luciano Pavarotti, Sting and the Foo Fighters have performed there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The restored theatre is expected to reopen in 2028. It's not the only loss for tourists in Greece in October, and a landmark waterway is also being closed in October for repairs. The Corinth Canal, which divides the Peloponnese Peninsula from the Greek mainland, is used primarily for tourism. The waterway will be completely closed to shipping from October 14 to enable the final phase of a slope restoration. The exact date for the reopening has not yet been determined. The 6.3-kilometre waterway is a popular tourist attraction. The canal, which was cut 140 years ago, also significantly shortens the sea route between the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea, though it can only be used by ships less than 17 metres wide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even in ancient times, there was a desire to overcome the narrow land bridge, or isthmus, which connects the Peloponnese Peninsula to mainland Greece for shipping traffic. At that time, a stone trackway with embedded grooves was developed so that boats could be pulled across the isthmus on carts. The so-called Diolkos ran for around 6 kilometres and connected the Gulf of Corinth in the west to the Saronic Gulf in the east. For decades, pregnant workers have been told to push through. To lift when their backs ache. To skip water breaks. To stand for hours in jobs that make their feet swell and their blood pressure rise. But a new study from the University of WisconsinMadison reveals what many women have known all along: when workplaces make small accommodations, pregnancy outcomes improve dramatically. Researchers found that after the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) took effect, miscarriage rates fell by 9.6% in newly covered states. The data, drawn from more than 20 years of birth records, show a measurable increase in healthy births following the policys rollout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That finding reframes what workplace fairness really means for expectant parentsits not just about equity or compliance. Its about safety, stability, and a mothers ability to bring her baby into the world under healthier conditions. Related: Why standing up for breastfeeding in the workplace forces so many moms out of it What the study found and why it matters The study, led by economists at the University of WisconsinMadison, examined states that adopted pregnancy accommodation laws before the federal PWFA went into effect in 2023. The researchers compared data on pregnancy outcomes before and after the laws were passed. The results were striking. Across the states studied, there was a 3.2% increase in live births and a 9.6% decrease in miscarriages following the introduction of workplace accommodations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The findings go beyond numbers, reflecting the real moments of rest, hydration, and reduced strain that shaped healthier pregnancies for thousands of women. Accommodations covered by the PWFA include things like: Access to water and food during shifts Short rest breaks or opportunities to sit Flexible scheduling for medical appointments Temporary reassignment away from heavy lifting or exposure to harmful substances How workplace support shapes healthy pregnancies The research gives voice to what many working parents experience firsthand. When employees feel safe asking for accommodations, stress hormones drop, sleep improves, and prenatal appointments arent skipped. Each of these factors directly influences pregnancy outcomes. Imagine a warehouse worker whos no longer expected to lift heavy boxes in her second trimesteror a nurse who can sit down for a few minutes between rounds. For some, these adjustments mean fewer contractions or reduced swelling. For others, theyre the difference between staying employed and staying healthy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years, many pregnant employees feared retaliation or job loss if they requested support. Now, under the PWFA, workers have a clear legal right to reasonable accommodations unless it would cause undue hardship for the employer. These protections have been especially meaningful in industries where physical labor is common and paid leave is scarce. Retail, healthcare, and manufacturing jobsall heavily staffed by womenhave seen some of the most visible improvements since states began enacting pregnancy accommodation laws. Related: 6 common myths about workplace flexibilitydebunked A bigger picture: Maternal health and the workplace gap The implications of the University of WisconsinMadison study extend far beyond HR policies. The U.S. continues to face one of the highest maternal mortality rates among wealthy nations, and the crisis hits hardest for Black, Indigenous, and low-income mothers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Access to supportive workplaces can be a lifeline. When employees can stay on the job safely, theyre more likely to maintain steady income, access healthcare, and reduce chronic stressall crucial contributors to healthy pregnancies. In this context, the PWFA functions as a public health intervention as much as an employment law. It acknowledges that pregnancy isnt an inconvenience to be managed; its a stage of life that deserves care and protection across every environmentincluding work. Related: The U.S. maternal mortality rate is shockingly highcan improved midwife accessibility help? Hope through evidenceand what comes next The PWFA became law in 2023, but its impact will continue to unfold as more workers and employers learn about its provisions. Some states are still working to expand enforcement and awareness, and advocates emphasize the need for ongoing education to ensure every pregnant worker knows her rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, this new data marks an undeniable step forward. It shows that compassion and policy can coexistand that when women are supported, their babies benefit too. For working parents, the takeaway is simple but powerful: systemic support improves outcomes. Pregnancy shouldnt rely on luck or leniency from a managerit should be protected by design. The next time a pregnant employee asks for an extra break, a chair, or a lighter shift, science now backs her up. Those accommodations arent small favorstheyre part of a growing movement to build workplaces where families can truly thrive from day one. Related: 3 things women should know about infertility + the workplace Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani in Rome, Italy, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) ROME, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- China and Italy, drawing on the wisdom of their rich ancient civilizations, can both strengthen bilateral ties and offer practical pathways for the international community to respond to today's global challenges, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Wednesday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said this while meeting the press together with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani. Mutual respect, openness, cooperation, and mutual learning are the shared principles of China and Italy, embodying the wisdom of two ancient civilizations, said Wang. They not only provide a solid guarantee for the development of bilateral relations but also offer practical pathways for the international community to address the changes of our times. Wang noted that the 12th Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee was a complete success, with both sides reaching an important consensus on building a more stable and fruitful China-Italy relationship. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy. Over the past 55 years, the steady development of China-Italy relations has been based both on historical exchanges and on the need for mutually beneficial cooperation, Wang said. Wang emphasized that mutual respect is the right way for countries to get along with each other. Those who share similar ideals and values are friends, and those who seek common ground while reserving differences can also be friends. Cultural and institutional differences should not become obstacles to dialogue and cooperation. The key is to understand and support each other's core interests and legitimate concerns. China has always maintained that all countries, regardless of their size or strength, are equal members of the international community. Unilateral bullying should not be the dominant color of this era, and the international community can not repeat the mistakes of the law of the jungle. Treating each other as equals and engaging in dialogue and consultation are the only ways to resolve conflicts and differences, Wang said. Wang noted that open and mutually beneficial cooperation is the successful model of bilateral relations. Both China and Italy support free trade and an open world economy. Bilateral trade volume has exceeded 70 billion U.S. dollars for consecutive years. Italy is a "kingdom of small and medium-sized enterprises", while China provides the most suitable and broad platform for Italian enterprises to leverage their intelligence and talents. For 13 consecutive years, the two sides have jointly held the Science, Technology and Innovation Week, providing sustained momentum for strengthening trade, investment, and technological cooperation. China will soon hold the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, launching the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for National Economic and Social Development. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China will accelerate industrial transformation and upgrading toward high-end, intelligent and green development, and promote high-level opening-up of its super-large market, which is expected to provide new opportunities for cooperation with countries, including Italy, Wang said. Wang also stressed that exchanges and mutual learning are important bonds that bring peoples together. The cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and Italy are vibrant and fruitful, Wang said, citing that the two sides pioneered a friendship model between World Heritage sites, and Italy has twice returned Chinese lost cultural relics. The first China-Italy University Presidents' Forum will be held this year. The consecutive hosting of the Winter Olympic Games by Beijing and Milan has fostered closer cooperation between China and Italy in the ice and snow industry. Italy has now become one of the European countries with the largest number of direct flights to China. Since China implemented a visa-free policy for Italy, the number of Italian visitors to China has doubled last year. China will continue to extend the visa-free policy for Italy, enabling more Marco Polos in the new era to embark on a journey to China whenever they wish, Wang added. Wang noted that China and Italy, as representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, have made significant contributions to the development and progress of human society. The current international situation is complex, volatile, fraught with crises, but also opportunities. China and Italy should draw on and carry forward the successful experience of their exchanges to provide useful insights for the development of international relations. Chinese President Xi Jinping recently proposed the Global Governance Initiative and announced a new round of nationally determined contributions to addressing climate change, reflecting China's responsibility as a major country with a global perspective, its commitment to mutual benefits, and firm support for multilateralism and the United Nations, Wang said. Wang expressed China's willingness to work with Italy to continue to be a constructive force for maintaining peace, stability, development and prosperity, to promote international unity in addressing global challenges, build a more just and equitable global governance system, and jointly advance toward a community with a shared future for mankind. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani in Rome, Italy, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets the press together with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani in Rome, Italy, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) When President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet later this month at the APEC summit in South Korea, they should attempt to reach a new Taiwan consensus. The current One China framework has been a stunning success. It has kept the peace in Asia for half a century and is the political bedrock of U.S.-China relations. But it is threatened by a pervasive sense in both Washington and Beijing that its terms are routinely violated. One China is trending toward obsolescence, and that eventuality is the likeliest path to war between the U.S. and China. President Trump said in his inaugural address that his administrations success would be judged by the wars we never get into. Although Xi calls Taiwan reunification an inevitable requirement of Chinas great rejuvenation, his legacy will be judged primarily by his ability to provide better economic outcomes for Chinese on his side of the Strait. Facing the specter of great power war, the two leaders should reopen substantive talks on Taiwan for the first time since 1982. This need not entail American capitulation or abandonment of Taiwan. Instead, it could revitalize the original understanding, keep the peace and protect Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One China is founded on ambiguity, beginning with the term itself. The U.S. recognizes the Peoples Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, but merely acknowledges the Peoples Republic of China position that there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China. The U.S. declares it has no intention of pursuing a policy of two Chinas or one China, one Taiwan. The U.S. maintains exclusively unofficial relations with Taiwan but still sells it weapons with the objective to gradually reduce such sales. It promises to maintain the capacity to defend Taiwan but does not commit to doing so. China agrees to strive for a peaceful solution to the Taiwan question, but does not foreswear the use of force. Every pillar of this structure rests on the coexistence of potentially incompatible expectations. Today, reconciling those expectations has become an unmanageable task. China has an overwhelming military capacity to intimidate Taiwan and perhaps also to launch a successful invasion. It conducts increasingly aggressive military exercises near and inside Taiwanese airspace and in 2022 staged a simulated naval and air quarantine. On Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te has called China a foreign hostile force and Taiwan an independent country. Meanwhile, U.S. actions often signal support for such statements. In 2023 the U.S. resumed direct military subsidies to Taiwan for the first time since 1979. U.S. officials have admitted to stationing 500 troops on the island and increasingly identify Taiwans defense as critical to Americas broader Asia strategy. Diplomatically, Cabinet-level visits to Taiwan and successive House Speakers meeting with Taiwans president stretch the definition of an unofficial relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These developments undermine the key assurances of One China that China will strive for peaceful reunification and that America will not pursue Taiwan independence. Today, diplomatic statements about a One China consensus sustain more the pretense than the reality of an understanding. That matters because Taiwan cuts to the heart of Chinese national interests. Xi calls it the core of Chinas core interests. The abrogation of One China would destroy the foundation of U.S.-China relations and incentivize escalatory measures that could lead to war. Even if war were averted, U.S.-China relations would deteriorate to levels of enmity not seen since the Cold War. Agreements on technology, regional security, narcotics and trade issues would be off the table. Chinese officials regularly ask the U.S. to change its formal non-support for Taiwan independence to opposition. Xi is reportedly pushing Trump to adopt this language at their upcoming meeting. He should consider making that change as part of a larger bargain. Trump could also offer to cease freedom of navigation exercises by U.S. military vessels through the Taiwan Strait or permanently withdraw U.S. troops from Taiwan. In return, the U.S. should ask China to renounce the threat or use of force against Taiwan, conditional on Taiwan refraining from declaring independence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This commitment or others, such as ending Chinese military exercises in the Strait and incursions of Taiwanese airspace would reduce the primary source of U.S. strategic mistrust towards China: that China intends to invade Taiwan. A deal would say nothing about Americas willingness to defend Taiwan in the event of an invasion or its commitment to robust, unofficial relations with the Taiwanese government. Xi may not be willing to offer satisfactory concessions. But given how central Taiwan is to Chinas foreign policy agenda, U.S. leaders should test the waters. There are precedents for revising the terms of One China. When the third U.S.-China communique was signed in 1982, President Reagan interpreted Americas commitment to reduce military support to Taiwan as conditioned entirely on the threat posed by the PRC, which was not explicit in the actual agreement. In 1998, President Clinton broke precedent to declare that the U.S. does not support Taiwan independence. He was pilloried for selling out Taiwan. But today, that language is a core feature of One China. Similarly, China has expanded the conditions under which it may use force against Taiwan to include refusal of Taiwan to reach peaceful reunification and the possibility of peaceful reunification being completely exhausted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The core pillars of One China remain sound: U.S. recognition of Beijing as the sole authority in China, mutual aspiration to a peaceful resolution to cross-Strait relations, robust unofficial U.S. ties with Taiwan, and U.S. refusal to commit for or against the defense of Taiwan. A successful revision would reassure China that its interests in Taiwan are not under threat and America that a Chinese invasion is not on the horizon. That trade would be an excellent basis for a more stable regional order. One China as it exists today is past its shelf life, but a renegotiation of terms could save it. Joshua Henderson is a doctoral student and lead China policy researcher at Harvard Kennedy Schools Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Evan Sankey is a Policy Analyst at the Cato Institute focusing on U.S. foreign policy toward China and East Asia. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. My family and I were gathered with our fellow members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints two Sundays ago when we heard the news that a 40-year-old veteran of the Iraq War with an apparent vendetta against the church had rammed his truck through the front doors of a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse in Grand Blanc, Michigan, begun firing an assault rifle at the worshippers and then set the building ablaze. Four people were killed and eight others, ranging in age from 6 to 78, were injured, two critically. We may never fully understand what led the assailant to commit such an unspeakable act. He must have carried deep wounds within his soul and suffered immense pain. Our hearts ache for all who were impacted, including the attackers widow and young son, who were also victims of this horrendous deed. We are deeply grateful to those who serve in the military for our country. They are brave protectors and exemplary citizens. Tragically, our veterans, particularly those who served in combat zones, suffer from a disproportionately high percentage of mental health problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a 2021 report of the United States Sentencing Commission, 40.7% of veteran offenders (military veterans who have been charged with an offense for which a term of imprisonment may be imposed) who served in a combat zone reported having PTSD, and two-thirds of offenders whose military service was cited by a court indicated that they had some sort of history of mental health problems. An article published in 2017 in Social Psychiatry + Psychiatric Epidemiology asserts that evidence indicates that a substantial proportion of military personnel are involved in high-risk and antisocial behaviors that place them at jeopardy for criminal justice system involvement. Given all this, the recent proposed cuts to resources that could impact health care and other benefits for veterans seem particularly ill-advised. Also ill-advised is the rhetoric of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. His recent speech to hundreds of senior military officers on Sept. 30 just two days after the horrific attack on the congregation in Michigan was shockingly tone-deaf. When the Secretary of Defense says things like, You kill people and break things for a living. You are not politically correct and dont necessarily belong always in polite society is it any wonder that some of our veterans struggle when they try to integrate back into civilian life? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The night before the heinous shooting in Michigan and three days before Secretary Hegseths speech, Russell M. Nelson, the beloved 101-year-old president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a world-renowned heart surgeon, passed away. It is instructive, I believe, to compare the words of this humble religious leader to those of Secretary Hegseth, a man who openly professes to be a disciple of Jesus. Certainly, the responsibilities of a global faith leader and the Secretary of Defense (or War, as Hegseth would prefer) differ in some important ways, but the contrast in both substance and tone is striking. Secretary Hegseth declared: Were going to go on offense, not just on defense. Maximum lethality, not tepid legality. Violent effect, not politically correct. Were going to raise up warriors, not just defenders. President Nelson taught: The Saviors message is clear: His true disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade, and inspire no matter how difficult the situation. True disciples of Jesus Christ are peacemakers. In his acceptance speech upon receiving the Morehouse College Peace Prize award in 2023, President Nelson said: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During my earlier career as a heart surgeon, I stood in an operating room thousands of times. I even cared for wounded soldiers in MASH units during the Korean War. I have literally touched the hearts of men and women of many races and nationalities around the world ... In those operating rooms where life hung in the balance I came to know that our Heavenly Father cares deeply for every one of His children. Thats because we are His children. Differences in nationality, color and culture do not change the fact that we are truly sons and daughters of God. What if we all saw those who sacrifice so much to serve our country as human beings, as sons and daughters of God, as our cherished brothers and sisters, rather than as expendable war machines? How might that change things for them, for all of us? Ours is a deeply fractured and troubled world. Terrible things happen on a daily basis. Innocent children are gunned down in cold blood. There is much we cant control. But we can try to care for one another. We can tend to the wounds of our brothers and sisters. We can forgive each other. And we can strive to be makers of peace. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments on Thursday in the case of The State of Oregon vs Donald J. Trump, a high-stakes case that tests whether the president can federalize the National Guard to respond to protests outside of Portlands U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility. Inside a San Francisco federal courtroom, a panel of three judges pressed both sides on the limits of executive power as they heard arguments on whether to uphold or lift a temporary restraining order issued by a federal judge in Portland over the weekend, blocking Trumps order. Over the weekend, U.S. Judge Karin Immergut found the presidents reasons for federalizing National Guard troops were untethered to the facts, while granting Oregons request for a temporary restraining order. The Trump administrations appeal to the Ninth Circuit is to stay that order while the appeal plays out. The government argued the president had acted lawfully, but the panel of judges, including two Trump-appointees, questioned whether the evidence was current enough to support federalizing the Guard, noting the president relied on reports from June to justify actions in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The panel of judges also asked whether the supposed unrest in Portland met the standard of rebellion under the law. For months, the ICE facility in Portland and the federal law enforcement officers who work there have faced a steady stream of violence, threats of violence and harassment from violent agitators bent on impeding federal immigration enforcement, Eric McArthur, an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, said. VIDEO: ICE detains, threatens Oregon man despite U.S. citizenship The state of Oregon, which filed the lawsuit, argued protests in September were small and peaceful, and that the president overstepped his authority. The judges pushed back, challenging the states interpretation of the facts outside the ICE facility in South Portland as well as the limits of presidential discretion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Portland-area legal expert speculated that while the facts of the case are stronger for the State of Oregon, in his opinion, the Trump administrations argument about the ICE building being forced to shut down in June supports the presidents motives. Therefore, Lewis and Clark Law School Professor Tung Yin predicts a 2-1 vote that sides with Trump. If the appellate court decides I think this appeal might turn out in favor of the government, Yin said. When asked what precedent this could set, should the three-judge panel side in Trumps favor, Yin said: I guess the slippery slope is, if the president could do it in LA, whats to stop the president from doing it in another place? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administrative stay issued on Wednesday keeps National Guard members federalized, but still bars them from deployment, as judges weigh in on the matter. The judges did not indicate when that decision could come down. This is a developing story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. After nearly five months on the run, New Orleans jail escapee Derrick Groves has been captured, bringing an end to one of the citys most alarming manhunts in recent years. According to CNN, Groves, who fled the Orleans Justice Center in May alongside nine other inmates, was apprehended at an Atlanta residence in a coordinated operation involving the Atlanta Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service. Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair confirmed that Groves was taken into custody on Wednesday (Oct. 8), following weeks of intelligence work and interagency cooperation. At the time of his escape, Groves had already been found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder for the 2018 Mardi Gras killings of two men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was awaiting sentencing when he and several others managed to breach security and flee the New Orleans facility an incident that drew national scrutiny to the jails oversight and conditions. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill addressed the media following the capture, emphasizing the danger Groves posed to the public. This was a very dangerous individual. He is going to face jail time for a very, very long time, Murrill said at a news conference. Groves is scheduled for a Georgia court hearing today (Oct. 9), where authorities will begin the process of returning him to Louisiana to face sentencing and additional charges related to his escape. New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams called Groves jailbreak a serious breach of public safety and a historic failure of custodial security. In a follow-up statement, Williams praised law enforcement for bringing Groves back into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His capture brings long-awaited calm to victims, their families, the witnesses who testified, the assistant district attorneys who prosecuted him and the people of New Orleans who were rightly concerned that a convicted violent offender had escaped so easily and evaded justice for so long, Williams said. He concluded firmly: We will pursue every available legal avenue to ensure that Derrick Groves answers for every crime he has committed and every consequence he has sought to avoid. More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) Panama Citys Charter Review Advisory Board is engaged in a review of its City Charter and is asking for public input. While the City says the current charter remains compliant with state and federal laws, the governing document hasnt reportedly seen a full revision since 1963, and City leaders agree it no longer fully reflects Panama Citys modern functions, needs, and growth. The Charter Review Advisory Board is made up of five members: Brandon Burg (Chairman), Ron Danzey, Cecile Scoon, Brandon Henderson-Hansenius, and JP Ferreira all of whom were appointed by the City Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The advisory board says its aim is not just to tweak language, but to develop a full-scale revision of the charter that better aligns with the Citys present-day operations and long-term vision. The Charter Review Advisory Board is scheduled to meet regularly until mid-spring 2026, with a flexible agenda that allows for in-depth discussion of various charter topics. All meetings will be held in Room 236 at City Hall and will begin at 12:00 p.m. On Oct. 23, 2025, the city will review Article VII, which covers their City Manager; Article III, which covers their City Attorney; and Article XIII, which includes the City Clerk and Collector. On Dec. 4, 2025, they will review Article III, which covers Powers; and Article V, which covers City Officers, Employees, and Departments generally. On Jan. 22, 2026, the city will cover Article XIV, which covers Finance generally; Article XV, which covers Taxation; and Article XVI, which covers Bonds. On Mar. 5, 2026, the city will cover Article XI, which covers Police Protection; and Article XII, which covers Fire Protection., On Mar. 26, 2026, the city will cover Article XVII, which covers Public Utilities; and Article XVIII, which covers Streets and Public Grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the board completes its review, it will present its recommended charter revisions to the Panama City Commission in Spring 2026. If approved, they say the new proposed charter will be placed on the ballot for a public vote in the November 2026 election. Citizens are strongly encouraged to attend public meetings, share suggestions, or voice concerns throughout this process. Public input can also be submitted via email to charterreview@panamacity.gov. For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. NEED TO KNOW A passenger jet traveling from Italy to Scotland reportedly had to make an emergency landing on Friday, Oct. 3 after coming within minutes of running out of fuel The flight, operated by Malta Air on behalf of Ryanair, issued a "fuel Mayday" before making an emergency landing in Manchester, England, per Scottish newspaper The Herald The plane had twice tried to land at its original destination but bad weather prevented a safe landing and it was diverted A passenger jet traveling from Italy to Scotland reportedly had to make an emergency landing after being just minutes away from running out of fuel. The flight had departed Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport and was headed towards Glasgow Prestwick Airport when it had to divert from its route on Friday, Oct. 3, according to local Scottish newspaper The Herald. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Operated by Malta Air on behalf of Ryanair, the outlet reported that flight FR3418 issued a "fuel Mayday" before making an emergency landing at Manchester International Airport in England. Before its emergency landing, the pilot had twice attempted to land the plane at Prestwick but was unable to do so due to the weather. According to the outlet, the jet faced winds of 100 mph as Storm Amy hit the U.K. The plane was then diverted to Edinburgh, Scotland, but it was also unable to land there and was finally diverted to Manchester where it landed, almost two hours on from its first landing attempt at Prestwick. Giannis Alexopoulos/NurPhoto via Getty A Ryanair plane at Manchester Airport A Ryanair plane at Manchester Airport "We were told we would try one more time or we'd have to go to Manchester, passenger Alexander Marchi told local outlet the Ayr Advertiser. The second time it was a very bumpy ride and we almost reached the tarmac, but at the last minute we pulled up very sharply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Everyone was calm until the descent; we were being buffeted around a lot and jumping. There were a few worried people on the second descent as we could feel the plane was struggling, he continued. Marchi added, "Then the pilot surprised us by saying he was going to attempt Edinburgh. This was just as bad, though, as the second time at Prestwick. Flight tracker FlightRadar24 showed how the aircraft broadcasted the emergency code Squawking 7700, during the diversion, which was likely due to declaring a fuel emergency, per a post on X. PEOPLE has contacted Ryanair and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) for comment. Manchester Airport declined to comment. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. When the plane landed it reportedly had 220kg fuel, which is below the minimum fuel level, according to The Aviation Herald. Getty A Ryanair plane at Manchester Airport in April 2023 A Ryanair plane at Manchester Airport in April 2023 This is enough fuel for an aircraft to fly for five to six minutes, The Herald reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A jet like Ryanair must have at least 30 minutes of fuel, according to the outlet. Ryanair reported this to the relevant authorities on Friday (3 Oct). As this is now subject of an ongoing investigation, which we are cooperating fully with, we are unable to comment, Ryanair told the outlet in a statement. The AAIB also told The Herald, The AAIB has commenced an investigation into a serious incident involving an aircraft which was diverted from Prestwick to Manchester Airport on Friday 3 October. AAIB Inspectors have begun making enquiries and gathering evidence. Read the original article on People Victoria Choo, of Hingham, is beginning her journey as a Peace Corps volunteer in Vietnam, where she is scheduled to serve as an English teacher, according to a community announcement. Choo departed Oct. 2 for three months of pre-service training, which includes language instruction, cultural immersion, and technical preparation. Once training is complete, she will co-teach English in a Vietnamese secondary school, collaborating with local educators to strengthen students language skills. I admire the Peace Corps values of service and friendship, Choo said. I would like to make a positive impact on a community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Choo is a 2025 graduate of the University of Chicago, where she earned a joint masters degree in political science and a bachelors degree in global studies. She is the daughter of Theresa and Arthur Choo of Hingham. Peace Corps service and impact Choo joins 102 Massachusetts residents currently serving in the Peace Corps. Since 1961, more than 8,653 volunteers from Massachusetts have served in countries around the world, according to the announcement. Peace Corps volunteers serve for two years following three months of training. They receive housing, a living stipend, medical and dental coverage, and access to graduate school fellowships and student loan assistance after service. The Peace Corps launched its Vietnam program in 2022, with a focus on English education. Volunteers co-teach alongside Vietnamese teachers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, supporting national priorities for language instruction and educational development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information or to apply, visit peacecorps.gov. This story was created by David DeMille, ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Hingham resident joins Peace Corps in Vietnam (WHTM) A Pennsylvania lawmaker is proposing legislation that would require American flags purchased and displayed by the Commonwealth to be made in America. The legislation, proposed by State Rep. Frank Burns (D-72), would require American flags made by the commonwealth to be domestically manufactured to support American workers and ensure the symbol of the nation is created in accordance with the principles it represents. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Morning Weather Forecast According to the memo, the principles include fair labor, freedom, and quality. Rep. Burns said purchasing flags made in the U.S. supports manufacturing jobs and helps sustain local economies. Publicly flying the American flag is not just a patriotic gesture, but a powerful expression of the core values that define America and a sign of respect for all those who have fought for freedom and justice, the memo says. The bill has not yet been submitted for introduction. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Pete Hegseth is investigating hundreds of Pentagon employees for comments they made about the death of Charlie Kirk. Almost 300 military members, civil workers, and contractors are suspected of mocking the fatal shooting of the conservative influencer on Sept 10, The Washington Post reported. The Pentagon, which employs some 950,000 civilians and more than one million active-duty personnel, said staff who make fun of Kirks death would be sacked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, the hundreds of investigations have only resulted in several disciplinary actions. Mr Hegseth has presided over a department in turmoil since taking the reins as US defence secretary 10 months ago, clearing out members of the top brass while senior aides depart en masse. Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesman, told The Washington Post: Those in our ranks who rejoice at an act of domestic terrorism are unfit to serve the military people. Mr Parnell previously said mocking Kirks death was a violation of the oath and dangerously incompatible with military service. Charlie Kirk was shot to death during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in September - JOSH EDELSON Following the 31-year-olds assassination in September, Donald Trump announced a crackdown on radical Left-wing terrorists, whom he accused of fanning the flames of political violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics, including prominent conservatives, warned the policy could be exploited to clamp down on free speech under the guise of hate speech. On Thursday, critics of Mr Hegseth accused the defence secretary of creating a culture of fear inside the Pentagon following the dismissal of Jon Harrison, the US Navy chief of staff, who was appointed to the post by Mr Trump in January. In a statement following his departure, the department thanked Mr Harrison for his work, but remained tight-lipped on the reasons for his sacking. There is an emerging culture of fear; theres a culture of intimidation and retaliation, a senior defence official told Politico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its better just to keep your head down and not necessarily try to do anything to the advantage of the organisation, because its very much run from the top down. We all serve at the pleasure of the president, the Pentagon said in a statement. The White House said Mr Trump had full confidence in Mr Hegseth. The Pentagon has been approached for comment by The Telegraph. 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. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered every member of the U.S. armed forces to watch or read his September 30 address to top generals at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, The Advocate has learned. The directive, confirmed by the Pentagon, blurs the line between military leadership and political indoctrination. Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter. An internal email sent on Wednesday to the 1st Fighter Wing at Joint Base LangleyEustis, a key Air Force installation in Hampton, Virginia, obtained by The Advocate, confirms the order. In it, Col. Brad S. Huebinger, the wings commander, wrote that the Secretary of War has directed that all personnel will either watch the full recording or read the official transcript of his speech and review the policy changes no later than 31 October 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. military is home to roughly 2.1 million personnel as of June 2025, according to USAFacts. About half a million are uniformed Air Force personnel. Related: Hegseth attacks transgender service members in speech: 'No more dudes in dresses. We're done with that s**t' Huebinger added that we are still awaiting the USAF implementation guidance for the new Department of War policies. The email included links to government websites where the content is being stored, as well as 23 pages of memoranda. The Secretarys speech was for the whole force, and this memo just reinforces that guidance, a Pentagon official told The Advocate, but he did not address why all generals and admirals had to come to the U.S. for the speech if it was being widely distributed anyway. US Secretary of Defense War Pete Hegseth at Marine Corps Base Quantico U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico on September 30, 2025 in Quantico, Virginia. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The message, distributed across the wing, shows that Hegseths directives, issued in late September, are already being treated as binding orders. Those policies reinstate pre-2015 combat-fitness standards, impose twice-yearly physical testing, and eliminate facial-hair and gender-expression accommodations that had previously covered medical and religious needs. In the Quantico speech, Hegseth declared the Department of Defense over and announced a return to the Department of War, a rebranding he said would restore clarity of mission. He accused prior administrations of weakening the military through diversity and inclusion efforts, which he described as toxic distractions. No more identity months, DEI offices, dudes in dresses, or climate-change worship, he told the assembled generals and admirals. We are done with that shit. The 45-minute speech blended moral revivalism with combat rhetoric, invoking peace through strength while condemning equality efforts as a cancer. The era of politically correct, overly sensitive, dont hurt anyones feelings leadership ends right now, Hegseth said. Standards must be uniform, gender neutral, and high. If not, theyre not standards theyre just suggestions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He announced new grooming and fitness mandates, declaring, The era of unprofessional appearance is over no more beardos. His directives require every member of the armed forces, from privates to four-stars, to perform daily physical training and meet rigid body-composition requirements. If the Secretary of War can do regular hard PT, so can every member of our joint force, he said. If you want a beard, you can join Special Forces. If not, then shave. Many Black men previously received medical exemptions from shaving because the structure of their hair causes ingrown bumps, irritation, and infection when shaved. Related: This week, Pete Hegseth and Kash Patel started the frightening return of the Lavender Scare A former Fox News host and Iraq War veteran, Hegseth has long positioned himself as an ideological warrior against what he calls woke decay. In Quantico, he framed his reforms as moral reclamation. Personnel is policy, he said, urging officers unwilling to enforce the new standards to do the honorable thing and resign. Senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico Senior military leaders listen as U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks at Marine Corps Base Quantico on September 30, 2025 in Quantico, Virginia. Alex WongGetty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An enlisted person currently serving on active duty told The Advocate that the directive feels like propaganda being forced down our throats. The airman, who spoke under condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said the order is widely seen as a loyalty test. It was an abhorrent speech one even the generals didnt seem thrilled with, the airman said. Youd think hed want to move on, but he wants this kind of speech normalized. He wants us to hate our fellow service members for not being strong enough. The airman, who identifies as transgender, said the sex-neutral standards and grooming rules will punish capable troops while rewarding conformity. Ive scored over 90 on PT tests before and after my transition, and even I know these new standards will force good mechanics, good nurses, and good people out, they said. They dont care if youre good at your job. They want a frat of white dudes. Brenda S. Sue Fulton, executive director of the Women in the Service Coalition and a West Point graduate, told The Advocate that Hegseths rhetoric distorts both history and the purpose of standards. Since women were allowed to fly fighter jets, since women were allowed in infantry and armor units, they have met the exact same standards as men, she said. But where is the evidence that our military suffers from a lack of physical fitness? All of our learning from Iraq and Afghanistan is that anytime we fail in battle, it is because of poor leadership and bad judgment. Why are we focusing on his prejudices beards? instead of what really matters in war? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fulton said Hegseths campaign is not about raising standards but dismantling accountability. Because we should be clear: He is lowering standards, she said. Standards of conduct and leadership are being relaxed. Hes firing lawyers, gutting IG investigations, allowing those credibly charged with misconduct to get promoted and take commands, revising rules of engagement so war crimes wont be punished. Character matters. Discipline and integrity matter. These are the difference between a mob and an army. The new order arrives amid an escalation in President Donald Trumps use of military rhetoric at home. Trump told the generals in Quantico that the U.S. military must be ready to confront the enemy within a phrase he used to describe domestic critics, federal employees, and political activists. Related: Who Is Pete Hegseth, the Fox News host who doesnt wash his hands that Trump nominated for Defense Secretary? Trump and Hegseth have overseen a series of lethal U.S. strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats off Venezuela, with conflicting accounts about how many operations took place. The White House claimed at least six drug boat strikes, while Pentagon officials said they could confirm only four, Reuters reports. The attacks, which have killed at least 21 people, were conducted without publicly disclosed evidence that the vessels were carrying narcotics. Legal experts told Reuters the operations appear to test the limits of the law and expand presidential authority to use military force in international waters unilaterally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseths order for every service member to consume his speech carries ominous overtones, especially as Trump blurs the boundary between military readiness and ideological loyalty. Its scary how many of these higher-ups are following blatantly illegal orders, the airman said. These are loyalty tests for the officers and soldiers more than it is a legal test for courts. Its a test to see if these commanders will follow illegal orders when the president needs them to and they have every time. With the trans ban, with the national guard deployments, and with the strikes in international waters on drug ships. [Trump] doesnt care about the courts and never has; he cares that people are willing to follow his orders, no matter what the law says. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Pete Hegseth mandates that all military service members watch his fratty Virginia speech to generals RELATED By Akbar Novruz The Baku Military Court has revealed new documents detailing the involvement of foreign mercenaries in military operations alongside Armenian armed forces during the 44-day war. Excerpts from classified letters submitted by various Azerbaijani state agencies were presented in court as part of the criminal case against citizens of Armenia accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity. A document dated October 24, 2020, stated that Armenia undertook active efforts to recruit foreign nationals into its armed forces in the then-occupied territories of Azerbaijan to compensate for battlefield losses. Armenian authorities and diaspora organizations in several countries reportedly called on members of the Armenian community to join the fighting, while special campaigns were launched to facilitate travel and mobilization. As a result, foreign fighters from France, the United States, Syria, Russia, and other countries participated in combat operations on Azerbaijani territory. Groups such as VoMA a military training center in Yerevan as well as the ASALA terrorist organization and other extremist entities, were also involved. One of the disclosed documents identified French citizen Arthur Hovhannisyan from Marseille, who took part in the fighting in Hadrut and Jabrayil alongside Armenian forces in 2020. Another document revealed that Gilbert Minasyan, a member of ASALA, led a group of 15 armed individuals engaged in criminal activities in Azerbaijani territories. Further evidence confirmed that, apart from the Armenian army, mercenaries from countries including Syria, Russia, Spain, Canada, France, Greece, Lebanon, and several states in the Middle East and Latin America fought against Azerbaijani forces. Initially brought in to train Armenian troops in reconnaissance, sabotage, and terrorist tactics, these mercenaries were later deployed directly to the front lines. The trial continues for Armenian citizens accused of a wide range of grave offenses including crimes against peace and humanity, terrorism, the financing of terrorism, genocide, and violations of the laws and customs of war committed during Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan. PARIS, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Outgoing French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Wednesday night that President Emmanuel Macron is expected to appoint a new prime minister within the next 48 hours. "I feel that a path forward is possible," Lecornu told TV channel France 2, adding that the current situation allows the president to proceed with the appointment. "It's up to him to conduct the final consultations," Lecornu said. Amid calls from opposition parties for Macron to call early presidential elections to end political deadlock, Lecornu said it was "not the time to change the president." He added that Macron would address the nation "in due course." Lecornu also addressed several major policy issues, saying that a "path should be found" to resume debate on pension reform. He warned that suspending the reform would cost at least 3 billion euros (3.5 billion U.S. dollars) in 2027. Speaking about the draft budget for 2026, Lecornu said it could be presented to the cabinet next Monday. He noted that the plan "will not be perfect" and would require extensive debate. Lecornu resigned on Monday, less than a month after being appointed by Macron, and one day after unveiling part of his cabinet lineup. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) Argh you looking for a good time? Visit Panama City Beach is set to host a Pirates of the High Seas and Renaissance Festival all weekend. The event will reportedly feature fireworks, live mermaid shows, a fire circus, parades, a treasure drop, and more. Gates will open at 4:00 p.m. on Friday at Aaron Bessant Park, and the celebration will continue on Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information on the festival, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. At least 1,000 anti-government protesters have marched in Madagascars capital to demand that the president resign, as police used tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. The demonstration on Thursday comes in the third week of the most significant unrest to hit the Indian Ocean island nation in years. Organised by Gen Z Madagascar, which describes itself as a peaceful, civic movement, the protests were first sparked by frustration over water and power cuts but soon expanded to include anger over allegations of corruption and nepotism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rally on Thursday came after protest organisers called for a general strike and rejected President Andry Rajoelinas attempts to defuse the tensions rocking the country. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at some of the demonstrators, who responded by throwing stones. Tear gas fired near a maternity ward forced nursing staff to move premature babies to the back of the building, the AFP news agency reported. At least four people were injured by rubber bullets and two by projectiles from stun grenades, according to AFP, citing two of its reporters on the scene and two local medical organisations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protests, which began on September 25, led to President Andry Rajoelina, 51, firing his entire cabinet. Earlier this week, he appointed Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo, a military general, as prime minister. Rajoelina has ignored protesters calls for his resignation, accusing those calling for him to step down of wanting to destroy our country. Protesters rejected an invitation on Wednesday to meet with Rajoelina. Rajoelina came to power in a 2009 military coup, having himself campaigned for reform. He briefly stepped down in 2014 but was elected in 2018. Problem is the system Only about a third of Madagascars 30 million people have access to electricity, according to the International Monetary Fund. Daily power cuts often exceed eight hours, and Jirama, the state energy company, has been accused of corruption and mismanagement, fuelling public anger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite rich natural resources, nearly three-quarters of Madagascars population of 32 million lived below the poverty line in 2022, according to World Bank figures. The Indian Ocean islands per capita gross domestic product (GDP) fell from $812 in 1960 to $461 in 2025, according to the World Bank. Were still struggling, Heritiana Rafanomezantsoa, one of the marchers in Antananarivo, told AFP on Thusday. The problem is the system. Our lives havent improved since we gained independence from France. The country gained full independence from France in 1960. Though the protests started peacefully on their first day on September 25, they turned chaotic as unrest spread through Antananarivo after police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators. The United Nations has said that at least 22 people have been killed since protests began, either by security forces or by violence in the wake of demonstrations. Rajoelina disputed that figure on Wednesday. Twenty-eight protesters have been referred to the prosecutors office for formal charges, their lawyers said on Wednesday. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Police have arrested a 16-year-old boy who was reportedly caught with a loaded gun at The Met School Monday morning. Kristy dosReis, a spokesperson for the Providence Police Department, told 12 News officers were called to the Public Street school around 11 a.m. dosReis said staff informed the officers that a student was found to be in possession of a firearm on school property. Its unclear exactly where the student was keeping the firearm or how it was discovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALSO READ: 2 Woonsocket elementary students accused of bringing replica gun to school The student was taken into custody and the weapon was secured. Hes since been charged with possession of a firearm without a license and possession of a firearm on school grounds. dosReis said the student is currently being held at the Rhode Island Training School. The incident remains under investigation at this time. 12 News reached out to The Met School regarding the incident but has not yet heard back. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Pope Leo has escalated his growing feud with the Trump administration, instructing U.S. bishops to take a stronger public stand against the presidents hardline immigration policies, according to Reuters. Meeting a delegation of bishops and social workers from the U.S.-Mexico border at the Vatican on Wednesday, the first American-born pope urged them to speak strongly on behalf of migrants and refugees affected by Trumps deportation drive. El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz, who attended the meeting, said Leo, who was born and raised in Chicago, was visibly moved after being handed dozens of letters from immigrants describing their fears of arrest and separation under the administrations enforcement policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our Holy Father is very personally concerned about these matters, Seitz told Reuters. He expressed his desire that the U.S. Bishops Conference would speak strongly on this issue. Leos reported remarks mark the latestand most directintervention by the pontiff in U.S. domestic politics since his election in May to replace the late Pope Francis. While initially cautious, the pontiff has recently sharpened his criticism of President Donald Trumps agenda, particularly on immigration and social policy. Just last week, Leo, 70, publicly questioned whether the Trump administrations anti-immigration measures were compatible with the Catholic Churchs pro-life principlesa comment that triggered sharp backlash from conservative U.S. Catholics and the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who was raised and educated in the faith but has more recently been seen worshipping at a non-denominational church. Pope Leo XIV also criticized President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance before he was appointed pope. / Vatican Media/Vatican Pool - Corbis/Getty Leavitt said she would reject there was inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants in the United States under this administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Leos latest move underscores a shift in tone from his early papacy. Initially viewed as more restrained than Francis, Leo has increasingly positioned himself as a moral counterweight to Trumps hardline policies. One of the letters given to Leo on Wednesday, shared with Reuters, came from a family living in fear of deportation. I believe the Pope should speak out openly against the raids and the unfair treatment the community is experiencing, the note, written in Spanish, read. Federal agents descended on the Pope's native Chicago earlier this month. / AP The pope also met privately Tuesday with about 100 American Catholics involved in migrant ministry, thanking them for their work. Leo has previously distanced himself from his older brother, Louis Prevosts MAGA views and privately urged Vice President JD Vance to respect the dignity of all people wherever theyre born. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has also voiced his support for Gaza and Ukraine, and called for an end to the kind of aggressive rhetoric favored by the Trump administration. A number of high-profile Trump administration officials are Catholic, including Leavitt, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who joined Vance for a sit-down with Leo soon after his inaugural Mass in May, and border czar Tom Homan, who is one of the architects of Trumps deportation policy. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson responded to the Popes reported critique by saying, President Trump was elected as the president of the United States based on the many promises he made to the American people, including his promise to deport criminal illegal aliens. He is keeping his promise to the American people. The Holy See press office was also contacted for comment. Oct. 8A furry, four-legged friend with a special ability to sniff out hidden electronic storage devices will join the Post Falls Police Department, the only North Idaho law enforcement agency to welcome such a detection dog. The department was chosen to receive an electronic detection K-9 through a U.S. Secret Service National Computer Forensics Institute program. Post Falls police is the first agency in the Pacific Northwest to be awarded that type of detection dog by the federal agency, according to Post Falls Acting Police Chief Jason Mealer. The dog will be trained to detect electronic devices, like memory cards and hard drives, that potentially store illegal materials, such as child pornography. The dog can be used in a number of investigations, but Mealer said child porn will be the most common case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a prevalent problem that we have across the United States and something we dedicate resources to, to try to prevent that and hold people accountable that do that here," Mealer said of child sex offenders. "So the dog was just one more component that we felt would be a benefit to our agency to be successful in taking these people off the street and getting good convictions by finding their evidence that they have hidden." Post Falls police has a detective dedicated to investigating crimes exploiting children. Det. Jeremy McMillen is assigned to the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, one of many task forces across the country dedicated to investigating and prosecuting people who use the Internet and other technology to exploit children. McMillen's investigations spread beyond Post Falls, as he helps agencies throughout North Idaho solve child sex crimes, Mealer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just like McMillen, the department's new detection dog will assist other agencies in the region, Mealer said. Jason Cope, a Post Falls police digital forensics detective, will be the dog's handler. He said he's been in law enforcement a long time and has seen how disturbing some of the ICAC investigations can be. "It's one of those things that just solving one of these cases makes it completely worth it," Cope said of the detection dog. A dog has not been selected for the department, but Cope will meet and train the K-9 for a two-week period in January at the National Computer Forensics Institute in Hoover, Alabama. He will return to Post Falls, where the dog and its nose will be ready to sniff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mealer said they plan to introduce the dog to the mayor, City Council and community at a council meeting after Cope and the dog return from the South. Mealer said the Secret Service will fund the dog, its training and equipment as well as the travel, lodging and other expenses for Cope while he's in Alabama. Mealer said those costs typically run about $34,000. Mealer said Post Falls police has sent detectives, including Cope, over the years to the Alabama training center to undergo high-level computer forensic training. Cope said that's where he noticed the benefits of the electronic detection dog. He was there in March for a roughly five-week course and spoke to an officer with an electronic detection dog with him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the support of Post Falls police, Cope applied for the opportunity to acquire a Secret Service dog. "It really sounded like an interesting program that could bring a lot of good things to our area," Cope said. Electronic detection dogs are trained to detect a chemical that keeps electronic storage devices from overheating, according to a story about the dogs on the Secret Service's website. That training keeps dogs from showing interest in electronic devices like alarm clocks, microwave ovens or lamps without a storage component. Mealer said criminals often store memory cards and hard drives in hidden compartments in their house or car where detectives cannot easily find them. That's when the agency's highly trained dog will come into play. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This dog allows us when we do a search warrant to be able to go through and find those devices sooner and faster," Mealer said. Cope said detection dogs have been used to locate people in the wilderness, picking up the scent of their phone or watch that ran out of battery. One handler he met at the Alabama training center said he used his dog to locate a cellphone buried in one foot of soil in someone's backyard. Cope used another example where a dog found a cellphone in 20 minutes after detectives investigating a homicide in another part of the country spent a week looking for it in vegetation. Cope and Mealer said the dog could also be used as an emotional support dog for crime victims and/or officers, but Mealer said the details of how its dog will support in those areas have not been finalized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Post Falls police has two dogs. One is a "dual-purpose" dog trained in apprehending suspects and detecting drugs, and the other is a "single-purpose" dog that only detects drugs, Mealer said. While a dog has not been selected, Cope said it will likely be a Labrador retriever. Like most police dog handlers, Cope will take the dog home with him. While he's never been a police dog handler, Cope said he's owned four or five Labrador retrievers throughout his life and has one now. "I'm a lab person, anyway," he said. LEMMON, S.D. (KELO) Plans to bring a major fireworks show back to Mount Rushmore National Monument on July 3 next year are moving ahead and coming together better than they did the most recent time in 2020, according to one of South Dakota state governments leaders. Tourism Deputy Secretary Wanda Goodman briefed members of the South Dakota Tourism Board during their meeting on Wednesday. Goodman said Secretary Jim Hagen, public relations director Katlyn Svendsen and she have been meeting with officials from other state government agencies such as the Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety and the Wildland Fire Division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goodman said the night of July 3 was chosen so as not to interfere with other Independence Day celebrations taking place out in the Hills and across the state. The incident management team for the event has been meeting, too, according to Goodman. That group includes Mount Rushmores chief ranger, local law enforcement and others involved in security and transportation issues. Of course, weve also been meeting with our partners at the National Park Service and the (U.S.) Department of the Interior, discussing all manner of things. But theyve been really incredible to work with. I just want to make that public, Goodman said. They were in 2020 as well. And theyve just been been very responsive. I would say that overall were in a great position relative to where we were at this time in 2020. Having gone through it once, we kind of know a little bit more of what to expect and what we need to be working on at certain times, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hagen in 2020 estimated the event that year cost the state of South Dakota about $1.5 million. Then-Gov. Kristi Noem hosted President Donald Trump, who spoke at length while attending the July 4 event. After President Joe Biden was elected, Noem applied three times to hold another show but was turned down each time. Noem now serves as federal Homeland Security secretary in President Trumps second administration. Gov. Larry Rhoden has invited President Trump to attend the 2026 event. Rhodens office announced in June that he and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who is the former governor of North Dakota, signed a memorandum of agreement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. President Donald Trump thanked former Arkansas governor and current ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Thursday morning on the social platform X. The thanks came on the heels of an announcement of an Israel-Hamas peace deal. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee sworn in as ambassador to Israel United States Ambassador Mike Huckabee is AMAZING! the president posted. He worked so hard, and did so much, to bring about Peace in the Middle East. He has very quickly become a Great Man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you Mike! the post ended. Huckabee served as the Governor of Arkansas from 2008 to 2015 and was appointed to the Israeli ambassadorship in 2025. His daughter, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, is the current Governor of Arkansas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday he may travel to the Middle East this weekend as a Gaza deal is "very close." "Negotiations are going along very well," Trump said at the White House. "I may go there sometime toward the end of the week." Negotiations between Israel and Hamas entered their third day on Wednesday in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Senior officials from Egypt, Qatar and Turkiye joined the indirect talks, which also included U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Wednesday invited Trump to attend a signing ceremony for a potential agreement, should ongoing negotiations succeed. For now, the talks have entered a critical phase, even as fighting continues in Gaza. Russian President Vladimir Putin has for the first time acknowledged that the crash of an Azerbaijani passenger plane last December was caused by Russian air defence mistakes and promised compensation. "Of course, in such tragic cases, Russia will do everything necessary regarding compensation, and there will be a legal assessment of the actions of all those responsible," Putin said at a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Tajikistan. The crash in Kazakhstan killed 38 people. There were 29 survivors at the crash site near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on the Caspian Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Kremlin statements, Putin said the investigation had concluded that two factors led to the accident: the presence of a Ukrainian drone in the air and a technical malfunction in Russia's missile defence system. Two missiles exploded close to the aircraft, showering it with fragments but without a direct hit, he said. The Azerbaijan Airlines flight from Baku was bound for Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, where Russian air defence units were active amid Ukrainian drone attacks. Despite sustaining damage, the plane continued over the Caspian Sea but crashed while attempting an emergency landing in Aktau, Kazakhstan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after the incident, the Kremlin said Putin had apologized to Aliyev in a phone call. Aliyev had demanded an admission of guilt and warned that Azerbaijan could bring the case before international courts. Putin is in Tajikistan on a multi-day state visit. A summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States, which includes Azerbaijan, is scheduled to take place in Dushanbe on Friday. Russias President Vladimir Putin has told his Azerbaijani counterpart that Moscow will compensate Azerbaijan for its part in accidentally downing an Azerbaijani passenger plane last year, which had damaged relations between the two countries. The Russian leader made the commitment on Thursday while meeting with Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 10 months after the Azerbaijani Airlines crash that killed 38 of the 67 people on board and strained ties between the neighbours. Azerbaijani authorities had said the jet, en route from Baku to the Chechen capital Grozny, on December 25, 2024, was mistakenly hit by Russian air defence fire. The pilots then attempted an emergency landing in western Kazakhstan, but the plane crashed near Aktau, across the Caspian Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baku authorities also accused Moscow of denying the distressed aircraft permission to land in Russian territory, forcing the failed landing attempt in Kazakhstan. Putin apologised for the tragic incident at the time but did not directly take responsibility on Russias behalf. On Thursday, however, he acknowledged Russias role more explicitly, saying Russian air defence missiles had detonated several metres from the plane after Ukrainian drones entered Russian airspace. He said Russia would provide Azerbaijan with appropriate compensation and ensure an objective assessment of the incident. Of course, everything that is required in such tragic cases will be done by the Russian side on compensation and a legal assessment of all official things will be given, Putin told Aliyev in their first face-to-face meeting in a year. It is our duty, I repeat once again to give an objective assessment of everything that happened and to identify the true causes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aliyev thanked Putin for monitoring the progress of an investigation into the deadly incident. I would like to express my gratitude once again for the fact that you deemed it necessary to highlight this issue at our meeting, Aliyev told the Russian president. The jet crash had contributed to months of strained relations between the two former Soviet Republics. But on Thursday, Putin described Baku as a reliable ally with which Moscow is constantly working on security and defence. MOSCOW (AP) Russian President Vladimir Putin began a state visit Wednesday in Tajikistan, a three-day trip that includes a series of meetings with leaders of other nations that once were part of the Soviet Union. Trade and other ties with Tajikistan and other countries in Central Asia are increasingly important for Russia amid sweeping Western sanctions over its military action in Ukraine. Putin arrived in the capital of Dushanbe and will hold talks with Tajikistans President Emomali Rakhmon, followed by a Russia-Central Asia summit involving leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. On Friday, they will be joined by leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus for a broader meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States, a loose alliance of other former Soviet nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rakhmon, in power for nearly 33 years, is the longest-serving of all ex-Soviet leaders. The 73-year-old former collective farm head came to power in 1992 following a devastating civil war that engulfed the country after the demise of the USSR. He crushed or cowed all opposition to his rule soon after coming to power, and he later pushed constitutional changes that allow him to rule for life. Putin turned 73 on Tuesday, but has only been in power in Russia for a quarter century. Russia has maintained a military base in Tajikistan, which shares a porous 1,300-kilometer (810-mile) border with Afghanistan. Tajikistan is a member of the International Criminal Court that in 2023 issued a warrant for Putin for alleged war crimes stemming from Moscows actions in Ukraine, but he faces no risk of arrest in the country that relies on close political, economic and military ties with Russia. The ICC has no police force and relies on members to assist in arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September 2024, Putin made an official visit to Mongolia, another court member that ignored calls to arrest him. Human Rights Watch on Wednesday urged Tajikistan to arrest Putin, warning that its failure to do so will show utter disregard for the suffering of victims of Russian forces crimes in Ukraine. Russia rejects the ICC's authority, but the arrest warrant has limited Putin's foreign trips, prompting him to avoid visits to countries that recognize the courts rulings. An August summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska marked his first trip to the West since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. Because the U.S. isnt a member of the ICC, it wasn't under any obligation to arrest him. Naming the slave trade humanitys greatest crime, African leaders at the UN are pushing for reparations, a debt long denied to Black people. For centuries, the transatlantic slave trade has been treated as history a horrific chapter to be memorialized but not rectified. Last week at the United Nations General Assembly, Ghanas president, John Dramani Mahama, forced the world to confront that fiction, calling the trade the greatest crime against humanity and demanding reparations on behalf of Africans and their descendants worldwide. Mahama announced plans to submit the first formal motion calling for reparative justice through a global body. The proposal challenges the international community to back a framework of U.N.-endorsed compensation for the centuries of stolen labor, wealth extraction, and generational harm inflicted on Africans and their descendants. For Black Americans, it could become a watershed moment, amplifying calls for recognition and material redress in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reparatory justice is not about pity, Mahama said as reported by Capital B News. It is about recognition, responsibility, and restitution. The descendants of Africa deserve the dignity of acknowledgement and the fairness of redress. Mahamas address underscored a united front, with support from the Central African Republic and allies in Latin America such as Bolivia, which has advocated for financial restitution, environmental restoration, and the return of stolen cultural heritage. We demand reparations for the enslavement of our people and the colonization of our land that resulted in the theft of natural resources, as well as the looting of artifacts and other items of cultural heritage that have yet to be returned in total, Mahama added. Mahama pointed to a deep historical hypocrisy: Western governments compensated enslavers for their so-called losses after abolition, but never provided reparations to the enslaved or their descendants. That injustice has compounded over generations, shaping todays racial wealth gap and fueling systemic inequities across housing, education, and health care. On social media, Black folks made clear how overdue this conversation is. The fact that the transatlantic slave trade, which saw millions of Africans ripped from their homes, forced into slavery, and subjected to unimaginable atrocities across the Americas and the Caribbean, is still not formally recognized as a crime against humanity is ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/krkcP8kMV2 The Cake Lady (@got_cake) September 30, 2025 Its past time the world delivers true justice for our stolen ancestors, Attorney Ben Crump wote on threads. Others noted how Black people across the diaspora from enslaved people in the motherland to enslaved people in America are united by struggle. Ghanas motion outlines three pillars: direct financial compensation, the restoration of exploited environments in Black communities, and the return of cultural property stolen during colonization. These demands challenge the narrative that slavery is a closed chapter, insisting instead that its consequences are alive in the structural realities Black people face today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We must demand reparations for the enslavement of our people and the colonization of our land that resulted in the theft of natural resources, Mahama underscored. Western nations, especially the U.S., have historically blocked reparations measures at the U.N. To succeed, Ghanas proposal would have to gain the support of more non-African nations. Ultimately, Ghanas leadership, supported by allies in Africa and Latin America, reframes the issue as a universal human rights concern, forcing the world to consider: if the greatest crime against humanity has never been repaired, what does that say about the systems we rely on to deliver justice? More must-reads: Family and friends of the Redding-based nurse who was among the three injured in a medical helicopter crash are asking for prayers for someone they said has dedicated her life to caring for others. Susan Suzie Smith was on the REACH Air Medical Services helicopter that crashed on Highway 50 in Sacramento around 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6. A pilot and paramedic were also on board. There were no patients on the helicopter. Friends and family identified Smith on Tuesday, Oct. 7 as one of the crash victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Oct. 8, REACH Air Medical Services identified the pilot as Chad Millward and the flight paramedic as Margaret "DeDe" Davis. Millward lives in Palo Cedro, and Davis is a resident of Sutter County. All three victims are in critical condition, the company said. Suzie Smith, left, in Nicaragua where she has for years helped provide medical care to an orphanage in the Central American country. "On behalf of our crew, their families and REACH, we extend heartfelt thanks to the bystanders who helped during their rescue. We deeply appreciate those who became first responders by supporting our flight crews during their time of need and showed exceptional courage during this crucial moment," the Facebook post said. Travis Osborne is Smiths pastor at Valley Christian Family Church in Redding. Osborne and Smiths friend, David Van Dyke, who is a church elder, were driving to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento on Wednesday to be with her family and provide support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Osborne said he spoke to Smiths husband, Rick RJ Smith, earlier Wednesday by phone. She is really banged up, there is a lot of broken bones, Osborne said. The primary area of concern and why prayers are needed is her brain is swelled. So the next 24 to 36 hours is just the most important. We need to see a serious reduction of that swelling. Osborne said the church hosted a prayer gathering for Smith on Tuesday afternoon and more than 400 people showed up. She has just had a major impact, he said. She has helped people in the most tragic of circumstances. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash that happened on the eastbound lanes of Highway 50 west of 59th Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News reports say the crash happened after the medical flight crew had taken a patient to UC Davis Medical Center and the helicopter was flying back to Redding. USA TODAY reported that motorists helped emergency crews lift part of the helicopter to free one of the victims. Shasta County Supervisor Corkey Harmon mentioned the crash at Tuesdays Board of Supervisors meeting. He said the Smiths are his neighbors and are good friends. What a rough deal. So keep them in your prayers, Harmon said. Van Dyke said the Smiths have been going to Nicaragua for years to help an orphanage in the Central American country. Both Van Dyke and Osborne have gone to Nicaragua to help, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know, Suzie being a nurse, we started getting the medical needs down there, and she took the initiative to put together the medical team to go down there at least once a year to serve people down there, Van Dyke said. They have really poured their heart and lives into that place, and peoples lives are changing because of them. David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly "Buzz on the Street" column. Hes part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 1-530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Redding nurse in helicopter crash fighting for life; prayers asked GLOCESTER, R.I. (WPRI) A local dentist played an important role in saving a peregrine falcon that was recently injured after hitting the side of Rhode Island Hospital. I got a call from [the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management], and they told me that they had just found a peregrine falcon, explained Sheida Soleimani, the executive director of Congress of the Birds. Soleimani told 12 News she and her team of volunteers acted quickly once they arrived at the scene and observed that the birds beak was split down the middle. Rachael Gilardetti, a volunteer who works as a dental surgeon, stepped up to help perform a painless procedure on the falcons beak. Courtesy: Rachael Gilardetti The keratin from the base thats damaged is going to grow back, Soleimani said. So we did a kind of bridge with dental epoxy and acrylic to bind the beak back together to start the process of healing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The keratins already starting to bind, she added. This specific falcon is a Rhode Island native. According to a post Congress of the Birds made on social media, it was one of the four eggs that hatched on top of the Superman Building in Providence three years ago. Soleimani says the falcon is getting the proper food and minerals it needs while recovering. She said the bird will also enter a flight enclosure, which is key to making sure it can one day hunt and survive on its own again. In the meantime, the Congress of Birds expects the bird will live in its sanctuary for at least another year. READ NEXT: RI bird sanctuary caring for rare Atlantic puffin Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. As U.S. President Donald Trump dreams of receiving the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, his track record as a peacemaker in the world's largest ongoing war remains questionable. Despite high-profile meetings and Trump's flamboyant rhetoric, progress in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine has been scarce. Trump has been increasingly frustrated with Russia's refusal to stop the war, and his rhetoric has shifted in Ukraine's favor after being kind to Russian President Vladimir Putin for months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an apparent effort to push Russia towards talks, Trump has been considering supplying Tomahawk long-range missiles to Ukraine and pushing other countries to stop buying Russian oil and gas. But in most cases, the U.S. president has not gone beyond rhetoric, and no action followed his statements. Jenny Mathers, a lecturer in international politics at the U.K.'s Aberystwyth University, said that the talks "are dead unless something dramatic happens that might be Trump turning his attention back to Ukraine, or things changing on the ground that change the calculations by either Russia or Ukraine or both." "At the moment, Moscow believes it has more to gain from continuing its attacks on Ukraine than from peace talks, and while Kyiv has agreed to restart talks on numerous occasions, Ukraine cannot afford to stop resisting Russian attacks or indeed to give in to any and all Russian demands just for the sake of a cessation of hostilities that would probably prove to be short-lived and perhaps entirely meaningless," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukrainian, European leaders push Trump to change tone on Russia. Will actions follow? Are peace talks dead? After breaking Russia's diplomatic isolation in Alaska on Aug. 15, Trump claimed that a breakthrough in peace talks was imminent. Since then, the U.S. and Europe have discussed potential security guarantees for Ukraine. The negotiations on security guarantees seem to have reached a dead end. The meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to have stalled rather than advanced the peace talks. Emboldened by Trump's red carpet treatment and his decision to delay sanctions once again, Putin has not demonstrated any desire to stop the war or achieve a compromise with Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Putin has been clear that he is not ready for peace talks, so currently nothing is happening on this front," Daniel Hamilton, a foreign policy expert at the Brookings Institution, told the Kyiv Independent. Trump's frustration has not yet led to any concrete action. He has kept setting deadlines after which no action was taken. Despite Trump's assurances that President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin would soon meet, the plans have since been forgotten. Instead of engaging in peace talks, Russia has kept escalating the war against Ukraine and launched attacks against European NATO states, violating their airspace with drones and aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to Russia's reluctance to negotiate a ceasefire or peace deal, Trump's frustration has apparently been growing. On Sept. 23, Trump made his most pro-Ukrainian statements so far, saying that Kyiv can "fight and win all of Ukraine back in its original form." U.S. President Donald Trump (R) speaks with President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, U.S. on Sept. 23, 2025. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) Trump added that Russia was a "paper tiger" with a crumbling economy unable to win the war against Ukraine. He also agreed that NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft violating the bloc's airspace. However, Trump's frustration has not yet led to any concrete action. He has kept setting deadlines after which no action was taken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked by reporters on Sept. 23 if he still trusted Putin, Trump responded: "I'll let you know in about a month from now." "I sense that policy is stuck," Michael O'Hanlon, director of research at the Brookings Institution's Foreign Policy program, told the Kyiv Independent. "We aren't applying enough collective pressure on Russia to push Putin to offer any real concessions, including a ceasefire." Ruth Deyermond, senior lecturer in post-Soviet security at King's College London, also argued that "the idea of Russia-Ukraine peace talks was always unrealistic while Russia had no interest in stopping its war and Ukraine was unwilling to capitulate." "That's been true all year and is still true, so I don't see any change in the chances of peace talks," she added. "Trump certainly seems less interested in a Russia-Ukraine' deal' than he was a few months ago." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Deadlines, delusions, and ballistic missiles: Trumps theater of peace talks with Putin Russian oil and gas One of the tools Trump has used to push Russia towards peace is the threat of tariffs against countries that buy Russian oil and gas. In August, he imposed a 25% tariff on India over its purchases of Russian oil. However, the tariff appears to have been ineffective. "The introduction of elevated U.S. tariffs on Indian exports has so far not led to a change in India's energy policy," the Kyiv School of Economics' KSE Institute told the Kyiv Independent. "The government has made it clear that it does not intend to reduce imports of Russian crude, citing the need for energy security and a commitment to maintaining a diversified supply balance." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Trump has failed to impose a tariff on China, another big buyer of Russian oil, and effectively scrapped a congressional bill that would impose 100% tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil and other products. Serhiy Fursa, an economic expert at Ukrainian investment bank Dragon Capital, said that U.S. tariffs against China due to Russian oil imports are unlikely. "Trump has already tried to impose tariffs (unrelated to Russia) on China but did not succeed," Fursa told the Kyiv Independent. "He backed down... because China has major leverage." When Trump tried to impose tariffs on Chinese imports, Beijing retaliated with its own tariffs. Eventually, the two countries agreed to pause the import duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sept. 13, Trump said he would hit Russia with "major" sanctions if all NATO members unite and stop buying Russian oil. He said on Sept. 23 that he would meet with European officials to persuade them to stop buying Russian oil and gas. Mathers argued that Trump's statements amounted to an excuse for not imposing U.S. tariffs on buyers of Russian oil and gas. However, the KSE Institute reported that Trump's "signal had a notable impact on the internal EU debate over further reducing dependence on Russian energy sources." The EU is currently considering accelerating its phase-out of Russian oil and gas imports from the end of 2027 to the end of 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it is not clear if Washington and Brussels will manage to persuade Hungary and Slovakia to halt their imports. "The difficulty lies primarily with (Hungarian Prime Minister) Viktor Orban," Hamilton said. "If Trump seriously wanted to push the EU, he would simply call Orban and make it happen." Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks to the press during an informal meeting of EU heads of state and government at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Oct. 1, 2025. (Ludovic Marin / AFP via Getty Images) However, even if Europe stops buying Russian oil and gas, this will not be soon, and the effect will be negligible, according to Fursa. Hungary and Slovakia account for about 3% of Russia's total oil exports, and Europe also imports Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG). If Turkey halted imports of Russian oil and gas, that would be more significant, Fursa said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Imports of Russian oil to Turkey have fallen due to competition from other suppliers, sanctions, and pressure from the U.S., Reuters reported on Sept. 26. But the KSE Institute said the latest data contradicts this trend. At the same time, the U.S. Senate is considering a bill to sanction Russia's shadow oil tanker fleet but no progress on it has been made so far. Read also: Security guarantees for Ukraine explained: Whats on the table and whats realistic? Long-range strikes A new variable in the calculus around the peace talks is Ukraine's ability to carry out long-range strikes deep into Russian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian attacks have become more effective in recent months, with drones venturing deeper into Russia, damaging about a third of the country's oil refining capacity and triggering a fuel crisis. However, the effect has been limited due to Ukraine's lack of long-range missiles. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said in September that the U.S. was "looking at" providing Kyiv with Tomahawk cruise missiles, which have an operational range between 1,600 and 2,500 kilometers. Ukraine currently relies on Western-supplied Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of 250 kilometers (155 miles), far shorter than Tomahawks. A Tactical Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile conducts a flight test over Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), China Lake, California, U.S., on Nov. 10, 2002. (U.S. Navy / Wikimedia) The U.S. will also begin providing Ukraine with intelligence to support long-range missile strikes on Russia's energy infrastructure, the Wall Street Journal reported on Oct. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peter Rough, a senior fellow at Hudson Institute, argued that "all of these moves, from public utterances on Tomahawks to intelligence support, are intended to push Russia toward talks." Other analysts were more skeptical. Mathers said that "if the U.S. were to provide Ukraine with Tomahawks, then a lot would depend on how many and whether there would be strings attached to how Kyiv could use them." "Unless the Trump administration actually commits to supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine, we should assume that reports they're considering it are just spin like the talk of sanctions intended to give the impression they are helping Ukraine without actually helping Ukraine," Deyermond said. Read also: Why Tomahawks for Ukraine would be a real headache for Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. An Antifa expert at Rutgers University says that he was forced to flee the US after receiving death threats from Turning Point USA activists. The assistant teaching professor was branded Dr Antifa on a petition, which also claimed he was a financier for the left-wing movement while calling for him to be removed from the faculty at the New Jersey school. Bray wrote a bestselling book named Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook, which the petition on Change.org described as being heavily regarded in communist and anarchist groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The petition was launched in the weeks following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Mark Bray says that he was forced to leave the country after receiving death threats following a Turning Point USA petition (YouTube/@Dartmouth) Shortly after the shooting, Brays home address was revealed on social media, with the New York Times reporting that a flurry of death threats aimed at the Antifa expert flooded in thereafter. One threat, seen by the Washington Post, included a vow to kill him in front of his students. The prompt led Bray to take his wife and two children to Spain. He says he will continue to teach his students remotely from Europe. My role in this is as a professor, Bray said in an interview. Ive never been part of an antifa group, and Im not currently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres an effort underway to paint me as someone who is doing the things that Ive researched, but that couldnt be further from the truth. The assistant teaching professor has worked at Rutgers since 2019 and says that he feels so bummed about not being able to spend time with his students. There has been a surge in support for Turning Point USA following Charlie Kirks assassination (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Meanwhile, right-wing activists have cheered his flight from America. One described it as a total patriot victory on X. However, many of Brays colleagues have slammed the petition launched by the Rutgers chapter of Turning Point USA as an effort to suppress the speech, teaching and scholarship of faculty who do not conform to their movements politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement released by the American Association of University Professors, Brays colleagues also described the petitions description of him as an affront to both academic freedom and Turning Points self-proclaimed commitment to a culture of open debate. Antifa is a decentralized movement, with no distinguishable leadership or structure. Turning Points founder Charlie Kirk was a vocal supporter of Donald Trump (Getty Images) Included in the petition filed against Bray was a post made by the Antifa expert on the social media app Bluesky. I could say that antifa is neither terrorist nor an organization, but MAGA does not care about factsthis is just about mobilizing a broad label to expand repression and accelerate the march to fascism, the post read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite this, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to designate the left-wing movement as a domestic terrorist organization. He claims that radical left rhetoric has led to a spike in political violence. Critics have branded the presidents order a witch hunt against Trumps political adversaries and have pointed to the president's own comments about feeling hate for his enemies. The Independent has contacted Mark Bray, Rutgers University and Turning Point USA for further comment. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Theres just one week left in Hispanic Heritage Month, and in tonights Your Money Matters, were celebrating Latino businesses while also taking a look at how things are feeling differently for them this year. From food trucks to brick-and-mortar restaurants and even a grocery store, there have been many new additions to the Hispanic business community in Sioux Falls recently. 2 life sentenced inmates take steps toward parole Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, there is a big rise in entrepreneurship in our community, Luz Selene Zamorano, Founder and CEO of the South Dakota Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said. But the food and retail world isnt the only place youll find representation. I always say that were more than just delicious foods, Zamorano said. We are big in the construction industry, a lot of our Latino men work in construction for themselves and they help our community, you know, rise up with new developments. Theres also a lot of cleaning businesses and also non-profits now more than ever. Luz Selene Zamorano is the founder and CEO of the South Dakota Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which came to life in 2021. She says they now have 55 members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would love for everybody to know that even though were Latinos, we are very successful, Zamorano said. We open up our own businesses sometimes because it is a dream coming true and sometimes its survival. When youre Latino, first-gen, Latino Americano, we always have dreams of being financially stable and also being able to own our businesses is the way to provide that stability for our family and for our future generations. Amongst the rise in Hispanic entrepreneurship, though, theres also a struggle. Zamorano says business owners worry about the current political climate and also may see fewer people coming in to support them. Nevertheless, they persist. We always use the phrase that is si se puede, which means yes we can. Thats what helps us every day to keep going and our faith as well, Zamorano said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. This photo shows the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct. 8, 2025. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance funding bills for a sixth time, continuing the federal government shutdown stalemate. (Xinhua/Li Rui) WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance funding bills for a sixth time, continuing the federal government shutdown stalemate. The Senate voted 54-45 to advance the Republican-backed measure that had already cleared the House, falling short of the 60 votes required to overcome a filibuster. Three Democrats joined most Republicans in the vote, as in the previous instances, but the Republicans failed to gain support from any additional Democrats. The Senate also failed to advance a measure supported by Democrats, which included provisions related to health care. The two parties continued to trade blame for the impasse. "Washington Democrats voted for this government shutdown -- and it's families, workers, and small businesses who are being forced to pay the price," House Speaker Mike Johnson, the top Republican in the lower chamber, said Wednesday on the social platform X. "The government is shut down because (U.S. President Donald) Trump and the Republicans are hellbent on taking health care away from you. And they won't even come to the table to talk to us about it," Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the upper chamber, said on X, addressing the U.S. people. Meanwhile, top Republicans are standing firm that there is nothing to negotiate on the enhanced subsidies of the Affordable Care Act before reopening the government. The GOP-led stopgap bill will fund the government through Nov. 21. The U.S. federal government entered a shutdown on Oct. 1, marking the first shutdown in nearly seven years. Roughly 750,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed during this shutdown, according to an analysis by the Congressional Budget Office last week. The Internal Revenue Service announced on its website Wednesday that it will furlough nearly half of its workforce -- or roughly 34,000 employees -- as part of the contingency plan in light of the ongoing federal government shutdown. This photo shows the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct. 8, 2025. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance funding bills for a sixth time, continuing the federal government shutdown stalemate. (Xinhua/Li Rui) This photo shows the U.S. Capitol building at sunset in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct. 8, 2025. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance funding bills for a sixth time, continuing the federal government shutdown stalemate. (Xinhua/Li Rui) This photo shows the U.S. Capitol building at sunset in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct. 8, 2025. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance funding bills for a sixth time, continuing the federal government shutdown stalemate. (Xinhua/Li Rui) This photo shows the U.S. Capitol building at sunset in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct. 8, 2025. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance funding bills for a sixth time, continuing the federal government shutdown stalemate. (Xinhua/Li Rui) People gather in front of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct. 8, 2025. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance funding bills for a sixth time, continuing the federal government shutdown stalemate. (Xinhua/Li Rui) People gather in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct. 8, 2025. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance funding bills for a sixth time, continuing the federal government shutdown stalemate. (Xinhua/Li Rui) People are seen in front of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct. 8, 2025. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance funding bills for a sixth time, continuing the federal government shutdown stalemate. (Xinhua/Li Rui) This photo shows the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct. 8, 2025. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance funding bills for a sixth time, continuing the federal government shutdown stalemate. (Xinhua/Li Rui) A man walks past the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct. 8, 2025. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance funding bills for a sixth time, continuing the federal government shutdown stalemate. (Xinhua/Li Rui) People pose for photos with the U.S. Capitol building in the background in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct. 8, 2025. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance funding bills for a sixth time, continuing the federal government shutdown stalemate. (Xinhua/Li Rui) A man walks past the reflection of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct. 8, 2025. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance funding bills for a sixth time, continuing the federal government shutdown stalemate. (Xinhua/Li Rui) People are seen around the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct. 8, 2025. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance funding bills for a sixth time, continuing the federal government shutdown stalemate. (Xinhua/Li Rui) This photo shows the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct. 8, 2025. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance funding bills for a sixth time, continuing the federal government shutdown stalemate. (Xinhua/Li Rui) This photo shows the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct. 8, 2025. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance funding bills for a sixth time, continuing the federal government shutdown stalemate. (Xinhua/Li Rui) A duck swims in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct. 8, 2025. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance funding bills for a sixth time, continuing the federal government shutdown stalemate. (Xinhua/Li Rui) A duck preens its feathers on the reflection of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct. 8, 2025. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance funding bills for a sixth time, continuing the federal government shutdown stalemate. (Xinhua/Li Rui) People gather in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct. 8, 2025. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance funding bills for a sixth time, continuing the federal government shutdown stalemate. (Xinhua/Li Rui) Between 800,000 and 430,000 years ago, Earth went through a series of fairly gentle warm-ups that scientists are now calling lukewarm interglacials. The air over Antarctica was chilly during these interglacials, and carbon dioxide levels were 30 to 40 parts per million lower than they became in later interglacials. Why these earlier warmings were so muted has puzzled climate scientists for decades. And now, new studies look back far under the Southern Ocean as the key to unlocking Earths ancient climate beat. A Window Into Ancient Waters The international research team, headed by Dr. Huang Huang, who received his Ph.D. at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Germany and today serves as an assistant researcher at the Laoshan Laboratory in Qingdao, China, used a new technique for gazing into the past. Meridional distributions of oxygen levels (colour shading) overlain by neutral density (n) contours (white curves). (CREDIT: Nature Communications) Scientists studied a ferromanganese crust collected at Haxby Seamount off the Antarctic margin of the Pacific. Buried nearly a mile under the seafloor, the slowly accreting mineral crust is like an oceanic time capsule, documenting changes in seawater chemistry in layer upon layer over hundreds of thousands of years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By using a two-dimensional laser ablation technique, researchers examined tiny fragments of the crust to measure the isotopic composition of lead in milligrams. The method involves vaporizing minute pieces of material and analyzing the vapor for its elemental and isotopic structure. This new laser technology opens completely new possibilities for climate reconstruction, said physicist Dr. Jan Fietzke, head of the laboratory for laser measurements at GEOMAR. It will allow us to better understand the role of the Southern Ocean in the global carbon cycle and future climate trends. Reading the Oceans Chemical Diary By tracking some lead isotope ratiosnamely ^208Pb/^206Pb and ^206Pb/^204Pbthe scientists were able to reconstruct ocean mixing and water mass transport across the last 800,000 years. They are fingerprints for different sources of water. Antarctic Bottom Water, formed close to the icy continent, possesses a distinctive isotopic signature compared to the deeper waters moving in from the Pacific. Schematic illustration of Southern Ocean circulation changes before and after the Mid-Brunhes Event (MBE). (CREDIT: Nature Communications) The evidence was conclusive. In the warm interglacials, the ^208Pb/^206Pb ratios were higher than in later, more modern interglacials, suggesting less Antarctic Bottom Water entering the deep ocean. The discovery points towards a more compartmentalized, or stratified, ocean with deep waters separated from those in the surface. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To the contrary, colder glacial periods witnessed greater mixing, as reflected by lower isotope values. Since lead in the sea has a relatively short half-life of a few hundred years at most, changes preserved in the crust replicate instantaneous nearby changes, not the more glacial global processes that have a tendency to mask climate signals in sediments. The Carbon Connection Why would a more stratified ocean chill the world? It is a matter of the manner in which carbon is exchanged between the ocean and atmosphere. Deep waters within the ocean hold enormous reserves of dissolved carbon dioxide. As vertical mixing decreases, that carbon remains trapped below, keeping to a minimum that gets lost to the air. The researchers estimates have the reduced mixing during warm interglacial periods maintaining atmospheric CO roughly 3040 ppm lower than that of later warm periods. Model experiments suggest that all combined, greater stratification, a thicker Antarctic cover of sea ice, and reduced upwelling would reduce CO levels by some 36 ppma amount that closely approximates that which the isotope record indicates. This pattern reversed after the Mid-Brunhes Event, approximately 430,000 years ago, when interglacials became increasingly longer and warmer. The Earths climate has since tended to have higher CO concentrations and more vigorous ocean mixing, which is a fundamental change in the way the Southern Ocean helps keep global temperatures stable. Mn/Fe composition and age of the studied ferromanganese crust. (CREDIT: Nature Communications) After the Cause of Stratification Several factors may have made the deep Southern Ocean more stratified in those ancient warm periods. Lower temperatures of the Antarctic air and the expansion of extensive sea ice most likely formed denser bottom waters that produced a steep density contrast that opposed vertical mixing. In contrast, slower upwelling reduced the circulation that would otherwise bring in nutrient-rich deep water towards the surface. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reduced biological productivityless sea life fixing carbon through photosynthesis and sinking to the ocean floormay have also played a role. Together, these shifts helped to lock in carbon in the deep ocean, taking it out of the atmosphere and retarding global warming. Strengths and Outstanding Questions What is unusual in this study is the precision of its data and the consistency of its sampling site. Because the ferromanganese crust formed in open ocean with limited sediment contamination, it provides a clean record of seawater chemistry. The researchers even crossdated two distinct portions of the same crust and obtained nearly identical isotopic histories, which added to the confidence in their findings. Nonetheless, a few things remain uncertain. Its hard to date the crust so old, particularly more than 450,000 years ago, since the rate of growth is slightonly about a millimeter every million years. Researchers have to use uranium and thorium isotopes to date it, but those isotopes have natural variations that can lead to slight errors. Nevertheless, the general trends match independent observations from the sediment cores as well as other isotope records in the Southern Ocean. Elemental and isotope compositions of a selected area of crust Haxby. (CREDIT: Nature Communications) The results lend support to an increasingly held belief that the Southern Ocean, rather than the Atlantic, was largely responsible for CO change during the lukewarm interglacials. While the Atlantic overturning circulation itself remained fixed, modifications in waters surrounding Antarctica appear to have recast the map of how much carbon deep waters could store. Lessons From an Ancient Climate Shift The discovery slots into todays anxieties about global warming. While the global temperature rises and the Antarctic sea ice melts, the Southern Ocean can reduce its ability to take up carbon. The ocean would become less stratified and have more deep carbon overflow to the surface, increasing the greenhouse effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our data show for the first time that more intense stratification of the Southern Ocean was a major factor in the relatively cold interglacials leading up to the Mid-Brunhes Event, said Dr. Huang. Discovering these processes helps us value the influence ocean structure change can have on long-term climate. The study not only dispels a long-standing mystery in paleoclimate science but also illustrates just how interconnected Earths oceans and atmosphere are. Modest shifts in water mixing thousands of meters below the surface can resonate deep into the entire climate system. Practical Implications of the Research These findings offer a chilling reminder for today. If the warming of the past few centuries continues to shatter sea ice and interfere with the layering of the Southern Ocean, the deep ocean will have its ability taken away to store carbon. That would speed up climate change by allowing more CO to recycle into the atmosphere. Apart from climate forecasting, Huangs new laser method could transform the process of scientists reconstructing ancient habitats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By reading the chemical pages within mineral crusts, researchers can explore how ocean circulation patterns evolved over hundreds of thousands of yearsknowledge that could assist in creating improved climate models and guide global carbon management strategies. Research findings are available online in the journal Nature Communications. Related Stories Like these kind of feel good stories? Get The Brighter Side of News newsletter. DAKAR (Reuters) -Senegal has recorded 17 deaths from Rift Valley Fever (RVF), a health ministry official said on Thursday, apparently the deadliest outbreak in decades. The 119 cases were concentrated in northern Senegal, a major livestock-producing region, heightening concern about further spread, said Dr Boly Diop, the ministry's head of RVF surveillance. RVF, a viral disease that primarily affects livestock, is largely spread to animals via mosquitoes, according to the World Health Organization, which says no human-to-human transmission has been documented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Humans typically become infected through mosquito bites or contact with blood, body fluids or tissues of infected animals, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. RVF has been endemic in northern Senegal since the 1980s, Dr Merawi Aragaw Tegegne, an epidemiologist at Africa CDC, told a weekly press briefing on Thursday. "It has been becoming more frequent these days across Africa, and these various diseases are closely related with climate change and extreme weather events," Tegegne said. "If you see torrential rain with quick floods, then sunny days, expect RVF in the coming days with favourable conditions for the vectors," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current outbreak was declared on September 21, according to Africa CDC, noting the response has been hampered by low community awareness, a weak early warning system and late detection of cases. An RVF epidemic in 1987-88 killed more than 200 people in Senegal and Mauritania. Since then, Senegal has reported only minor outbreaks. "This is the first time Senegal has counted so many people affected," Diop said. RVF can spread to humans during slaughter and butchering, animal births, veterinary procedures and disposal of carcasses or fetuses, putting herders, farmers, slaughterhouse workers and veterinarians at higher risk, according to the WHO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most human infections are mild and cause few or no symptoms, the WHO said. It said severe cases take several forms, including an ocular form that can cause loss of vision and a haemorrhagic form that has a 50% case fatality rate. (Reporting by Diadie Ba; Writing by Ayen Deng Bior; Editing by Robbie Corey-Boulet and David Gregorio) The editors-in-chief of Ukrainska Pravda and the Kyiv Independent, Sevgil Musaieva and Olga Rudenko, have been honoured with Freedom Fighter Awards by the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA). Source: Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) Details: The awards ceremony took place on 8 October in Washington. Musaieva was given the award in recognition of her "courageous and unwavering reporting on Ukraine's struggle for freedom". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from CEPA: "Sevgil's commitment to journalism not only informs the public but also amplifies the voices of those affected by the ongoing, brutal war. This award also pays tribute to all the heroic journalists on the frontlines of Russia's war against Ukraine, whose dedication to uncovering the truth inspires us all." More details: In her speech, Musaieva highlighted the daily struggle of Ukrainians to defend democracy and remembered journalist Viktoriia Roshchina, who died in Russian detention. Sevgil Musaieva at the CEPA Leadership Awards ceremony. Photo: Sevgil Musaieva Sevgil Musaieva at the CEPA Leadership Awards ceremony Photo: Sevgil Musaieva Quote from Musaieva: "Democracy is not given once and forever. It doesn't exist by itself. Democracy is daily work. A daily act of responsibility, of love, of support, of solidarity. A daily reminder of what truly matters even when there are so many reasons to forget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because democracy is not born in a day, and it does not die in a moment. It lives as long as we are willing to carry it with us like a simple symbol of love, a simple symbol of care like that handkerchief that is always near. And at the same time as the greatest duty of our generation." More details: Rudenko received her award for her "steadfast dedication to advancing independent journalism amidst Russia's invasion". Quote from CEPA: "Olha's efforts have not only illuminated the realities of the ongoing war but have also reinforced the importance of free and independent media in times of crisis. This award also pays tribute to all the heroic journalists who continue to report in the face of adversity." Other CEPA awards recipients include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Businessman and philanthropist Howard G. Buffett Impact Award for his support for critical humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Brian Moynihan, CEO of Bank of America Impact Award General Christopher G. Cavoli, former Supreme Allied Commander Europe, NATO and former commander of US European Command Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to a stronger and more resilient NATO. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson Global Leadership Award in recognition of Sweden's remarkable leadership on defence in the Nordic region and in the NATO alliance. CEPA is a non-profit organisation focused on strengthening the transatlantic alliance. The CEPA Leadership Awards recognise individuals who make key decisions and influence developments in North America and Europe. Background: In 2023, Ukrainska Pravda editor-in-chief Sevgil Musaieva, Hromadske co-founder Nataliia Humeniuk, and Kyiv Independent editor-in-chief and co-founder Olha Rudenko received the German Hanns Joachim Friedrichs award in Germany. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Pentagon is deploying the world's largest and most advanced aircraft carrier to the Caribbean. Trump has increased the US military presence in the region amid "armed conflict" with drug cartels. The Venezuelan and Colombian presidents have denounced the military move. The US is continuing to ramp up its military presence in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific with the recent announcement of the deployment of its largest and most advanced aircraft carrier. The deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, comes amid the United States' escalating tensions with Venezuela. which the Trump administration has accused of engaging in drug trafficking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the beginning of September, the US has ramped up its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying US warships and aircraft amid what the Trump administration is calling "an armed conflict" with drug cartels. The deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford follows an increase in US military posturing in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific and a series of deadly strikes on boats in the region, which have killed over 40 people. The boats, according to the Trump administration, were trafficking drugs to the US. The administration has not provided evidence supporting the claims, leading US lawmakers and Venezuelan officials to question the attacks' legal justification. In September, Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro who faces charges of narcoterrorism in the US, which he has denied called the US military buildup "an extravagant, immoral, and bloody threat." The country has also begun mobilizing troops and enlisting militia members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More recently, tensions have expanded beyond Venezuelan coasts. Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused the US of murdering a Colombian fisherman during one of the strikes in September and recalled the Colombian ambassador to the US. In response, Trump announced he would increase tariffs and cut aid to the South American country. Republican senators recently blocked a resolution that would have required the president to seek congressional approval for future strikes in the region. "Every American should be alarmed that their president has decided he can wage secret wars against anyone he calls an enemy," said Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Jack Reed, an Army veteran who retired as a major, and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Associated Press reported. Col. Chris Devine, a senior spokesman for the Department of Defense, told Business Insider in a statement that the deployed warships are part of an effort to support the president's "directive to dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs), Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), and counter narco-terrorism to defend the homeland." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From destroyers packed with missiles to ships carrying Marines and aircraft, see the 18 US Navy ships that have been deployed in the region. USS Gerald R. Ford Jonathan KLEIN / AFP On October 24, the Department of Defense announced it would deploy the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and its strike group to the US Southern Command's area of responsibility, which covers South America and the Caribbean. The lead ship of its class, the USS Gerald R. Ford was launched in 2017 and can accommodate over 75 aircraft aboard. The aircraft carrier, which is the largest in the world and the Navy's most advanced, has an electromagnetic aircraft launch system, advanced electromagnetic weapons elevators, and two nuclear reactors with enough power to sustain the ship's systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is over 1,000 feet long in size, three times the size of a football field. Although the strike group's composition was not mentioned in the announcement, the USS Gerald R. Ford has previously traveled with the recently decommissioned USS Normandy cruiser and the destroyers USS Ramage, USS Carney, USS Roosevelt, and USS Thomas Hudner in past deployments, per the Department of Defense. In 2023, it was deployed to the eastern Mediterranean after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and stayed in the region until January 2024. The aircraft carrier was spotted near the coasts of Spain in early October and was reported to be traveling near the Strait of Gibraltar and in Europe in recent days by Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of November 3, the ship is transiting through the Mediterranean on its way to the Southern Command's area of responsibility, a Navy official confirmed to Business Insider. USS Jason Dunham NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, was in the region as of October 28, a Navy official confirmed to Business Insider. The 510-foot-long, 9,500-ton destroyer was named after Cpl. Jason Dunham, a 22-year-old Marine who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his selfless actions in a 2004 attack in Iraq. It was built by Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, and was launched in 2009. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vessel is equipped with a 5-inch/62 caliber naval gun, missile cells able to carry anti-ship and air-defense missiles, torpedo tubes, close-in weapons systems, and other defenses. The vessel can carry a deployed helicopter. After a nearly nine-month-long deployment to the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, the ship returned to its home port of Mayport, Florida, on June 8. On August 27, The Washington Post reported that the destroyer was in the Eastern Caribbean. A week later, two Venezuelan F-16 fighter jets conducted a flyover of the ship as a "show of force" as tensions in the region grew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USS Gravely Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/Getty Images USS Gravely (DDG-107), another Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer built at the Ingalls Shipbuilding shipyard in Mississippi, was also operating in the area as of October 28, a Navy official confirmed. On March 15, it was deployed to the Pacific coasts near the US southern border and areas of the Caribbean, US Northern Command said. The action followed Trump's declaration of a national emergency on the US-Mexico border. The deployment of the Gravely which previously spent nine months in active combat during the armed conflict with the Houthis in the Red Sea to the border was unusual, as the region is typically secured by US border authorities and Coast Guard missions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On August 27, The Washington Post reported that the destroyer was operating in the Eastern Caribbean. USS Iwo Jima JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), an Ingalls-built Wasp-class amphibious assault vessel and helicopter landing deck that serves as the flagship of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, was also operating in the region as of October 28. The USS Iwo Jima amphibious ready group is composed of two support transport dock ships, the USS San Antonio and USS Fort Lauderdale. Together, they can house up to 4,500 sailors and Marines. On August 27, The Washington Post reported that the Iwo Jima ARG had departed its home port of Norfolk, Virginia, and was en route to the Caribbean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On September 29, photos released by the Navy showed the ship carrying the MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor transport craft and AV-8B Harrier II fighters as it traveled. Local US Virgin Islands outlet The Virgin Island Daily News reported on October 6 that the ship had been spotted in St. Thomas. USS San Antonio AFP/AFP via Getty Images USS San Antonio (LPD-17) is the lead ship of its class and an amphibious transport dock built by what was then Northrop Grumman Ship Systems at the Ingalls yard. It has been in service since 2006, most recently traveling with USS Iwo Jima as part of an amphibious ready group. The ship can house over 300 sailors and 600 enlisted troops and is designed with certain stealthy features. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Navy official confirmed to Business Insider that the ship was operating in the region as of October 28. USS Lake Erie Mauricio VALENZUELA / AFP USS Lake Erie (CG-70), a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser built by Bath Iron Works, returned to San Diego from a deployment in the Indo-Pacific region in January. During its deployment, the ship sailed over 40,000 nautical miles and worked with the embarked Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 35 (HSM-35) Detachment 1 in operations "promoting regional stability and security, and protecting free flow of commerce" in the region, US Pacific Fleet said. On August 27, The Washington Post reported the cruiser was in the Pacific off the coast of Mexico, and by August 30, the ship had crossed the Panama Canal, entering the Caribbean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Navy official confirmed to Business Insider that the ship was operating in the region as of October 28. USS Stockdale MARTIN BERNETTI / AFP USS Stockdale (DDG-106), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, was deployed to the US Northern Command area of responsibility on April 11, US Pacific Fleet's Naval Surface Forces said. The ship has been described by some outlets as the most battle-tested postwar naval vessel, due to its role in the Houthi conflict, which was the largest naval conflict faced by the US since World War II. It "successfully repelled multiple Iranian-backed Houthi attacks" in the Arabian Peninsula near Yemen in its previous deployment, Naval Surface Forces said. It returned to its home port of San Diego in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the ship's current deployment, it "will respond to national priorities and a Presidential declaration emphasizing the military's role in securing US borders," per the announcement. In September, USNI News reported that the destroyer was operating in the Eastern Pacific off the coast of Central America, and by September 23, the vessel had traveled across the Panama Canal and was operating in the Caribbean. A Navy official confirmed to Business Insider that the ship was operating in the region as of October 28. USS Gettysburg U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Derek Cole USS Gettysburg (CG-64), a 567-foot Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser that has been serving in the US Navy since 1991, was also operating in the region as of November 3, a Navy official confirmed to Business Insider. The ship built by Bath Iron Works is equipped with the Aegis Combat System, two vertical launch systems capable of firing Standard and Tomahawk missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, a 5-inch lightweight gun, and torpedo launchers, among other combat features. During a deployment to the Red Sea in 2024, the Gettysburg mistakenly shot down a US Navy F/A-18 jet in a "friendly fire" incident while targeting Houthi rebels, per the Associated Press. On November 1, the Washington Post reported that the ship was operating in the region. USS Wichita U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin/Released USS Wichita (LCS-13), a littoral combat ship built by Marinette Marine, was also confirmed to be in the region as of November 3, a Navy official told Business Insider. The 378-foot ship was commissioned in 2019 and is equipped with a 57mm naval gun, Rolling Airframe Missile launchers, and surface warfare and anti-submarine capabilities. Its flight deck can carry a MH-60 Seahawk helicopter, among other features. During its maiden deployment in 2021, the ship supported counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea and conducted maritime exercises with the Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Antigua and Barbuda navies, per the US Navy. USS Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel/TNS The second of two transport docks traveling as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, the USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) is an Ingalls-built San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship with capabilities in aiding troop landing operations, among others. Like the USS San Antonio, the USS Fort Lauderdale can launch hovercraft to assist amphibious operations. A Navy official confirmed to Business Insider that the ship, which is operating in the Caribbean, was in Mayport as of October 28. On November 3, the ship was reported by The War Room to be returning to the Caribbean for redeployment. USS Minneapolis-St. Paul JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images Another ship that was confirmed in the region as of October 7 was the USS Minneapolis-St. Paul, a Freedom-class littoral combat ship designed by Lockheed Martin and built at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard in Wisconsin. In March, the US Navy announced the ship's first-ever deployment as it traveled from its home port of Mayport, Florida, to the Caribbean to support US 4th Fleet operations. It traveled with the "Valkyries" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 50 (HSM-50) Detachment 3, as well as an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, which would serve as "the ship's eyes in the sky," per the Navy's announcement. The accompanying helicopter's capabilities include anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and others. By May 13, US Southern Command had announced the ship's "third successful interdiction" in operations targeting suspected drug smuggling in the Caribbean Sea. "The USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul is delivering decisive blows against transnational criminal organizations," Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of US Naval Forces Southern Command/US 4th Fleet, said in the announcement. "These interdictions send a clear message: We are vigilant, and illicit trafficking will be interdicted to protect our homeland as well as our regional partners from this threat." On October 13, the Navy announced the ship's return from its seven-month maiden deployment to its homeport in Mayport, Florida. USS Sampson Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images On June 3, USS Sampson (DDG-102) was deployed to the US Northern Command area of responsibility as part of the Department of Defense's increased presence along the Southern border, US Fleet Forces Command said. By June 26, the Arleigh Burke-class (Flight IIA) guided missile destroyer had intercepted a suspected drug trafficking operation in the Eastern Pacific along with the US Coast Guard, US NORTHCOM said. On August 27, the Washington Post reported that the destroyer was in the Pacific off the coast of Panama. A Navy official told Business Insider that the ship had since left the Caribbean and been replaced by USS Stockdale. MV Ocean Trader VCG/VCG via Getty Images Often called a "ghost ship" due to its lack of naval markings or public tracking, the MV Ocean Trader is designed to go unnoticed while supporting covert operations. The ship provides barracks and a command center for special operations forces, as well as a helicopter base. It's described as a Special Warfare Support vessel. On September 25, Task & Purpose reported that the ship, which resembles a commercial cargo vessel, was operating in the Caribbean. A Navy official did not comment on the MV Ocean Trader's operation. USS Mahan Jonathan KLEIN / AFP The USS Mahan (DDG-72), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer built by Bath Iron Works, has been in service since 1998. The 509-foot ship is named after Rear Adm. Alfred Thayer Mahan, a pioneer of naval strategy, and is armed with Tomahawk and Standard missiles, torpedoes, a 5-inch gun, and can carry a SH-60 Seahawk helicopter, among other features. In June, the USS Mahan was deployed to the European High North as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, per the Navy. On November 1, the Washington Post reported that the ship had been deployed from Norway to travel to the Caribbean alongside the USS Gerald R. Ford. A Navy official told Business Insider on November 3 that the ship was in the Mediterranean, but couldn't confirm its future operations. USS Winston S. Churchill Gerard Bottino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images The USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG-81) is a 509-foot Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer commissioned in 2001. The Bath Iron Works-built ship named after the British prime minister is armed with the Aegis Combat System, Tomahawk cruise missiles, anti-submarine torpedoes, and air-defense weapons, among other features. In recent years, the ship has been involved in NATO exercises and Middle East operations, as well as anti-piracy efforts near Yemen. On November 1, the Washington Post reported that the ship had been deployed from Norway to travel to the Caribbean alongside the USS Gerald R. Ford. A Navy official told Business Insider on November 3 that the ship was in the Mediterranean, but couldn't confirm its future operations. USS Bainbridge Andy Katz/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images USS Bainbridge (DDG-96) is a 510-foot Arleigh Burke-class destroyer built by Bath Iron Works and commissioned in 2005. The warship, best known for its 2009 rescue of Capt. Richard Phillips from Somali pirates, is equipped with the Aegis Combat System, Standard and Tomahawk missiles, and a 5-inch naval gun, among other combat features. In July, the USS Bainbridge was deployed to the US 6th Fleet area of operations, which covers Europe and Africa, as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, per the US Navy. On November 1, the Washington Post reported that the ship had been deployed from Norway to travel to the Caribbean alongside the USS Gerald R. Ford. A Navy official told Business Insider on November 3 that the ship was in the Mediterranean, but couldn't confirm its future operations. USS Mitscher U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Clay M. Whaley The USS Mitscher (DDG-57), one of the earlier Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, was built by Ingalls Shipbuilding and was commissioned in 1994. The 505-foot ship is armed with the Aegis Combat System and is equipped for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare with missile cells, torpedo tubes, and close-in defense systems, and can carry a Sea Hawk helicopter. In June, the Mitscher deployed to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility as a part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, per the Navy. On November 1, the Washington Post reported that the ship had been deployed from Norway to travel to the Caribbean alongside the USS Gerald R. Ford. A Navy official told Business Insider on November 3 that the ship was in the Red Sea, but couldn't confirm its future operations. USS Forrest Sherman U.S. Navy photo/video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Porsha Thompson USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer built by Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, has been in US Navy service since 2006. The destroyer has participated in numerous deployments across Europe and the Middle East, including anti-piracy operations and joint drills with NATO partners. In May, the ship was deployed from Norfolk as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group for operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, which covers part of the Middle East, per the Navy. On November 1, the Washington Post reported that the ship had been deployed from Norway to travel to the Caribbean alongside the USS Gerald R. Ford. A Navy official told Business Insider on November 3 that the ship was in the Red Sea, but couldn't confirm its future operations. Read the original article on Business Insider A spring 2020 view of a sinkhole in Black Hawk that opened near homes built atop a former gypsum mine. (Courtesy of Dan Austin) Landowners forced from their homes five years ago by a sinkhole asked the South Dakota Supreme Court on Wednesday to hold the state accountable. The Hideaway Hills development in Black Hawk was built atop a former gypsum mine first used more than a century ago on the eastern edge of the Black Hills. For more than 50 years, that work involved a network of underground tunnels. The mine was dormant until the mid-1980s, when the state purchased it to mine gypsum on the lands surface for use in a Rapid City cement plant the state owned at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state reclaimed about 16 acres of mined land, then reseeded it for use as rangeland before selling it in 1994. The man who bought it later sold it to the developers who turned it into Hideaway Hills in the early 2000s. The state maintained subsurface mineral rights to the land in the sale. Homeowners first reported cracking in their homes foundations in 2008, about three years after the Meade County development welcomed its first residents. Twelve years later, a sinkhole yawned open near a cluster of homes, forcing evacuations and spawning a lawsuit. The plaintiffs, representing 164 properties, say the state put them at risk when it failed to properly backfill the land. They also claim the state reopened tunnels in search of more gypsum, a claim the state denies. A lower court ruled against the families. The judge agreed with the state, which argued it has immunity from tort lawsuits that seek to assign liability and collect monetary damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The landowners appealed to the state Supreme Court. They say their claim is not a tort, but is rather about a taking of their land that was akin to eminent domain. Their inverse condemnation claim says the state robbed them of their full property rights by failing to backfill the mine correctly and using the mined material in a cement plant whose proceeds were used for a public purpose. Proceeds from the 2001 sale of the cement plant were used to establish a trust whose returns now help fund state government. Landowners: State stole property rights Arguments in the case took place Wednesday morning at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law in Vermillion. Matthew Hughes, one of the landowners lawyers, said the state had a duty to reclaim and backfill its mined areas with material that would hold up as time passed, rather than with gypsum. That material sank in over time, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That backfill is under every place that the state mined, Hughes said, and all the problems the homeowners have are related to the reclamation. What the homebuilders or real estate agents may or may not have said to homebuyers about the land is immaterial, he argued, because the sole cause of the subsidence and the collapse is the states use of problematic backfill. Because the surface land was sold in the public interest, he said, and because the state retained the mining rights to the area beneath it, the state owes the homeowners for their losses. That reclamation was undertaken for the purpose of selling the surface for money, Hughes said. State: Buyer responsible for issues Terra Larson, an attorney representing the state, disputed that the states actions caused the sinkhole to appear. But she also said it doesnt matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The landowners have a tort claim, she said, and the states immune to those. The claim of taking by inverse condemnation doesnt fit, she said. The state constitution says that private land cant be taken for a public purpose without just compensation. No one took land from the current landowners without just compensation, Larson said. All of the damage that occurred here occurred when the state owned this property, Larson said, referring to the reclamation. Then, when it sold that property, it sold it for approximately $50,000 less than it had purchased the property for, to people who absolutely knew that the state had mined it for gypsum, Larson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Mark Salter wanted to know about the contemporaneous aspect of the landowners claim. Does the state have a duty to landowners because it kept the mineral rights to the area below the surface? Theres a present day resonance to this, Salter said. The lands 1994 buyers knew about the underground tunnels, Larson said, and the agents who later sold the land fraudulently concealed the issue. When a new owner discovers a danger on a property and doesnt disclose it, Larson said, the responsibility has shifted to that third party for lawsuits by subsequent property owners. Matthew Leerberg, another attorney for the homeowners, said in his rebuttal the state cant both maintain the right to mine the land far beneath the homes and escape its responsibility to those who built them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At some point, hopefully we will be before a jury, and we will get to show that these clients are suffering, that they cant live in their homes anymore, and that its the states actions, both in the past and the present, that have caused that, Leerberg said. The court will issue a ruling on the Hideaway Hills case at a later date. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Authorities tracking invasive species at New Hampshires famous Newfound Lake, a spring-fed waterway known for its pristine surrounding landscape, recently received an unwanted surprise. A new report by the New Hampshire Bulletin says in September, the Newfound Lake Association logged a photo of a small, spiky invader. The image had been taken by an angler and posted to social media, the bulletin says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newfound Lake Region Association Conservation Program Manager Paul Pellissier confirmed the creature was a spiny waterflea, which made its way into the state two years ago. Authorities had hoped the tiny invasive creature wouldnt make its way into Newfound Lake, because once it arrives, it is extremely hard to eliminate. This is something Canadian conservationists know all too well: Currently, the spiny waterflea inhabits all of the Great Lakes, as well as around 100 other waterways in Ontario, including several in Algonquin Park and the Ottawa Rivers Lake McConnell area. Elsewhere in Canada, it is detectable in Manitobas Winnipeg River and Lake Manitoba, and in Quebecs St. Lawrence and Richelieu Rivers. spiny waterflea The spiny waterfelea is about 1.5 cm in length. (Emily DeBolt/New York Department of Environmental Conservation) What is the spiny waterflea? The spiny waterflea (Bythotrephes longimanus) made its North American appearance in 1982 in Lake Ontario. Experts believe it migrated through the ballast water of Asian and European ocean liners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are small measuring about 1.5 centimetres in length but they can clump together and form large, jelly-like masses that can move to other waterbodies with greater ease. Why are spiny waterfleas harmful to the environment? Spiny waterfleas have no natural predators in Canada, which can allow their populations to expand rapidly, and they consume large amounts of the zooplankton that supports Canadas food chain, The Government of Manitoba says. waterfleas - invading species awareness program Spiny waterfleas can join together to form clumps that allow them to migrate easier. (Invading Species Awareness Program) Weather-hardy eggs Spiny waterfleas will not dry out in drought-like conditions and can remain dormant for decades, until environmental conditions improve. If eaten, the eggs can survive a fishs digestive system and be moved into new lakes. The eggs are also extremely cold-resistant and can ride out the chilliest months at the bottom of a lake, hatching when temperatures climb above four degrees Celsius. Preventing the spread of the spiny waterflea An individual waterflea can be hard to see, so sometimes they are unknowingly transferred to other locations. The Government of Manitoba says the best way to stop the spread of the spiny waterflea is to prevent human-caused movement. This can be achieved by: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cleaning all equipment thoroughly to remove any traces of invasive species before entering a waterway, making sure nothing remains attached. Not transporting live bait from one location to another to avoid accidentally spreading spiny waterfleas. Making sure all equipment is cleaned and properly drained after being in the water, and is dried for at least five days. Members of the public are encouraged to report spiny waterflea sightings to local conservation authorities. Invasive species are a big drain on Canadas economy The spiny waterflea represents just one of the more than 1440 invasive species being tracked in Canada, all of which are taking an economic toll. A recent report by The Weather Networks Lauren ONeil says invasive species subtract around $35 billion from Canadas economy each year, adding pressure to our forest, agricultural, and fishing industries. This week and next week were going to feature two significant events in the slow march to justice in the Louisiana staged accident scam. Two key figures were finally going to be sentenced. And then once again, they werent. First, a scheduled sentencing Thursday of Danny Keating, the only lawyer with a guilty plea in the case that prosecutors call Operation Sideswipe, was postponed until April. It would take some research to determine how many times Keatings sentencing has been postponed. But he pleaded guilty in June 2021, and more than four years later, after what is likely to be at least a half-dozen postponements, he still has not faced sentencing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Damian Labeaud, who was actually on the ground involved in the staging of collisions where a car carrying several passengers was purposely run into a truck (and in at least one case a bus) in pursuit of a big insurance payout, also has had numerous postponements. His sentencing was to be October 16. And yet again, this Thursday's sentencing of Danny Keating, the one lawyer who pleaded guilty in the Louisiana staged #trucking accident scam, has been postponed. It's now April 2026. He pleaded guilty in June 2021. You do the math. I long ago lost count of the postponements. pic.twitter.com/OmhDkXAzg1 John Kingston (@JohnHKingston) October 6, 2025 In a Wednesday filing with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Labeauds attorney Steven Lemoine asked for a postponement in his sentencing until May. But in the court filing, Lemoine revealed several developments in the criminal cases that are ongoing against multiple defendants. Filing reveals other developments One was not shocking: Lebeaud is cooperating with prosecutors. The numerous delays for both the Lebeaud and Keating sentencings led numerous observers to conclude that cooperation was the reason why such kingpins of the staged accident scheme had not been sentenced yet, even as many lower-level participants who had pleaded guilty in the past received sentences that ranged from home confinement to at least two four-year terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second revelation in the filing by Lemoine is that one of the trials in what was originally called United States vs. Harris (Harris has since pleaded guilty), the big case that involved several lawyers and accused participants in the murder of a witness, is set to begin trial on March 2, according to the Lemoine request. It is expected to run three weeks, he said in the filing. There were several indictments and superseding indictments in that case, with the latest set of charges handed down in April by the U.S. Attorneys office. In the Wednesday document, Lemoine said the U.S. Attorney prosecuting the original U.S. vs. Harris case where Lebeaud is cooperating, Brian Klebba, supports the delay. The delay is requested, according to Lemoines filing, in order that (Labeaud) can provide pertinent information to the Court related to Mr. Labeauds participation in the upcoming trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the U.S. Attorneys office for several years had regularly announced guilty pleas from various participants in the staged accident scam, a search of its news releases data base shows no new reports of guilty pleas for almost one year, dating back to October 31 when Antoine Clark pleaded guilty. Clark was to be sentenced in January. But the docket on his case now shows a January date for sentencing. At the time of the April superseding indictment, the U.S. Attorneys office said it had indicted 63 defendants as part of Operation Sideswipe. When the Clark guilty plea was announced about a year ago, the number of pleas obtained by the office was listed as 49. No defendant has gone to trial in Operation Sideswipe. They either pleaded guilty or are awaiting trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The March 2 trial is not expected to be the only one coming out of the superseding indictment. When it got bloody In a separate document filed earlier this week by District Court Judge Wendy Vitter, she said a trial involving defendants Sean Alfortish, an attorney, and Leon M. Parker, known as Chunky, will begin on August 10, ten months away. That trial will be on several counts from the April superseding indictment, and those are the ones where the staged accident scam turned violent. The charges in those counts involve the murder of Cornelius Garrison in September 2020, who had pleaded guilty in connection with Operation Sideswipe and was participating with federal prosecutors (which the government conceded in the wake of his death). Alfortish and Parker are charged with being involved in Garrisons murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There already has been one guilty plea in the Garrison murder: Ryan Harris, who pleaded guilty in January. The U.S. Attorneys office at the time of the plea deal said Harris would be sentenced to 35 years in jail. That sentencing was to be in late September but recently was postponed to October 20. A female acquaintance of Harris, Jovanna Gardner, was originally indicted with Harris in connection with the murder. But prosecutors ultimately concluded she had a minor role in the Garrison killing, and her charges were knocked down to a count of witness tampering. March trial to focus on indicted lawyers The trial beginning March 2 will involve the charges against several attorneys involved in the case. Keating, now looking at an April sentencing, so far is the only attorney who has pleaded guilty. The defendants in the March 2 case will include attorney Vanessa Motta, 43 of New Orleans; the Motta law firm; and Jason Giles, 46, of New Orleans, an attorney and partner at the King Firm, a New Orleans law firm that also was indicted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to various recaps of the ways that Operation Sideswipe unfolded, it was the attorneys who had the key role in directing the activities of the slammers and spotters who looked for trucks to collide with, then feigned injuries and sought insurance payouts. Some of the defendants were small. Some were not: a payout by C.R. England and its insurer topped $4 million. More articles by John Kingston ATBS: how a driver can make it in a tough trucking market SCOTUS grants review on broker liability case; fate of 2nd unclear Demurrage dilemma: court overturns FMCs trucking rule The post Staged accident scam: key sentencings pushed back again appeared first on FreightWaves. Afghanistans United Nations-sanctioned foreign minister has arrived in India, the first visit by a top Taliban leader since they returned to power in 2021, following the withdrawal of United States-led forces and the fall of Kabul. Amir Khan Muttaqis trip on Thursday was made possible after the UN Security Council granted him a travel waiver and is expected to be closely watched by Indias regional foe Pakistan, as New Delhi deepens its engagement with the Taliban government. We look forward to engaging discussions with him on bilateral relations and regional issues, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement, offering Muttaqi a warm welcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Muttaqi, who met with Indias foreign secretary Vikram Misri in January in Dubai, is set to hold talks with its external affairs minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Neither side has disclosed the agenda, but trade and security are likely to be at the forefront, although India has not extended its formal recognition to the Taliban government yet. Moscows recognition The trip highlights Taliban efforts to expand engagement with regional powers in a quest for economic ties and eventual diplomatic recognition. Muttaqis visit follows meetings in Russia the only country so far to have officially recognised the Taliban administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India has long hosted tens of thousands of Afghans, many who fled the country after the Taliban returned to power. Afghanistans embassy in New Delhi shut in 2023, although consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad still operate limited services. India says its mission in Kabul is limited to coordinating humanitarian aid. On Tuesday, Muttaqi attended a regional meeting in Moscow where Afghanistans neighbours, including India, Pakistan, Iran, China and several Central Asian countries, issued a joint statement opposing the deployment of foreign military infrastructure in the region. The statement, a rare showing of a unified front, was regarded as a signal of opposition to US President Donald Trumps stated objective to retake control of the Bagram military base near Kabul. Key Points The Vanguard High Dividend ETF invests in stocks that pay higher-yielding dividends. Dividend stocks have historically outperformed non-payers with less volatility. Higher-yielding dividend stocks have also been above-average performers over the long haul. 10 stocks we like better than Vanguard Whitehall Funds - Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF Vanguard has made it easy for anyone to passively invest for the long term. The investment manager offers a broad range of low-cost funds. The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (NYSEMKT: VYM) is one of its many excellent long-term holdings. This fund stands out due to its focus on higher-yielding dividend stocks. These companies offer investors income and typically deliver solid total returns with less volatility than the broader market. This combination makes the fund one that you could buy this October, and then hold for the rest of your life. Image source: Getty Images. A look at the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF aims to track the performance of the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, which measures the investment returns of companies that pay high-yielding dividends. Nearly 580 companies currently comprise this index, all of which the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF holds. The fund charges a very modest 0.06% ETF expense ratio to provide investors with broad exposure to high-yielding dividend stocks. That would cost an investor about $0.60 per year for every $1,000 invested in the fund, a small price to pay for passive exposure to higher-yielding dividend stocks. The fund collects dividends from its holdings and distributes this income to investors quarterly. The ETF has a 2.5% dividend yield based on annualizing its most recent payment. This yield is over twice that of the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC), which is near a record low, currently less than 1.2%. To put that into perspective, at a 2.5% yield, every $1,000 invested in the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF would produce about $25 of dividend income each year. That compares to less than $12 on a similar investment in an S&P 500 index fund due to its lower yield. That additional dividend income will really add up over the years. The power of investing in high-yielding dividend stocks The ETF's focus on dividend stocks is worth highlighting because they have proven to be powerful wealth creators over the long term. For example, if a hypothetical investor put $10,000 into an S&P 500 index fund in 1960, the value of their investment would have grown to more than $980,000 by the end of last year on price appreciation alone. However, when we add in reinvested dividends, the value of their account would have ballooned to nearly $6.4 million. A scam text message claims that consumers must submit personal and banking information to receive a tax refund. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue is reporting that scammers are targeting consumers across the U.S. targeted with a tax refund scam. In recent weeks, consumers have received text messages from international phone numbers stating that their "tax refund request" was processed and approved. The message states that individuals must provide bank account information in order to initiate the payment process, and promises that the tax refund will be deposited into the bank account or mailed as a paper check within one to two business days. The message also claims that if individuals fail to submit the required payment information, their refund will be forfeited, citing Wisconsin's tax refund law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recipients of the message are asked to respond "Y" and click the link included in the message. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue posted about the scam on X detailing that the message is part of a nationwide scam. The DOR said consumers should not reply to the text or click on the link, and stated that the department would never send unsolicited text messages to consumers requesting personal information. The scam is being pushed outside of the normal tax season, which commonly begins in January and runs until Tax Day on April 15. There are multiple ways to file taxes, including Direct File, a free online service from the IRS; tax filing software like TurboTax, TaxSlayer or TaxAct; hiring a professional tax preparer; or getting assistance from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Revenue's Where's My Refund tool is the quickest and most accurate way to check your refund status, the agency says. If you receive a text message from someone claiming to represent the Department of Revenue, it is a scam, the agency said. Tip for protecting yourself from scams Ask yourself if the information being presented seems legitimate. Did you recently submit your taxes? If not, block the number and report the message. Confirm whether the company contacting you is real. Search for the company's name online, check if it has been mentioned in any recent news articles or on social media. Never share your bank information, address or Social Security number online or over the phone . If you have not verified who will be receiving your information and for what reason, avoid sharing these personal details. Avoid clicking links sent by individuals you do not know via text message or email. Websites with unusually long browser names or a lack of searchable company representatives or contact information could be fraudulent. Report any suspicious messages . Confirm whether or not the organization or person soliciting money or personal information is tied to the official agencies or businesses that they claim to be affiliated with. Search the phone number, email or name of potential scammers online. Other consumers often report or post about receiving similar messages on platforms like Facebook, Reddit and X. Block unknown numbers. If a scammer makes several attempts at contacting you via email or phone, block the sender and them it to scam tracking agencies like the Better Business Bureau or Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Other resources for reporting or checking on potential scams BBB Scam Prevention Guide : The BBB provides a variety of quizzes and videos about how to identify red flags. The guide includes a Risk Calculator that identifies the top scams that users should recognize and the potential financial implications of being targeted. BBB Scam Tracker : The BBB Scam Tracker allows people to report scams and read about reported scams locally and nationally. Users are able to search URLs, emails and phone numbers to determine if the person contacting them was flagged as a scammer. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Hotline: (800) 422-7128 or DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scam Survival Toolkit: The Scam Survival Toolkit provides a personalized recovery plan and to restore a persons financial and mental well-being after being targeted by a scam. Tamia Fowlkes is a Public Investigator reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at tfowlkes@gannett.com. Questions? Tips? Contact Public Investigator Government corruption. Corporate wrongdoing. Consumer complaints. Medical scams. Public Investigator is a new initiative of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and its sister newsrooms across Wisconsin. Our team wants to hear your tips, chase the leads and uncover the truth. We'll investigate anywhere in Wisconsin. Send your tips to publicinvestigator@gannett.com or call 414-319-9061. You can also submit tips at jsonline.com/tips. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Department of Revenue 'tax refund request' texts are a scam The demand for natural fibers is on the rise, but for agricultural inputs like cotton, there is a limit to how much the crops can keep up with demand. There is only so much land that can be allocated to cotton growing. Grown fibers are also subject to pricing volatility, which has an impact not only on sourcing and buying, but also on what farmers choose to plant in their rotations. Man-made cellulosic fibers can help to close this gap, and a new launch from Lenzing Group aims to expand lyocells applications by more closely mirroring natural fibers. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although wood-based fibers share certain characteristics with their cellulosic cousins like cotton and hemp, there has traditionally been one key difference between them: fiber length variability versus uniformity. When cotton bolls are cleaned and prepped for spinning, the individual fibers that result are different lengths, diameters and shapes. In contrast, since man-made cellulosics are produced in a factory, they are all consistent and cut to one staple length. When these fibers are spun, these properties affect the yarn outcome. Helping to better mimic the texture and irregularity of natural fibers, Lenzing Group is introducing a new variety of its TENCEL Lyocell fibers. Dubbed TENCEL Lyocell HV100with the HV standing for high variationthe fibers are cut in lengths ranging from 10 millimeters to 28 millimeters. This patent-pending process has configured a cutting machine to produce all the fiber lengths at the same time, rather than cutting them separately and blending them afterward. Florian Heubrandner, executive vice president global business management textiles at Lenzing, said it has been in development for some time as the company had customers often asking for a more cotton-like lyocell. TENCEL Lyocell HV100 is already commercially available; Lenzings Austria headquarters has the capacity to produce significantly high volumes of the fiber to meet demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TENCEL Lyocell HV100 redefines what regenerated cellulosic fibers can achieve, said Rohit Aggarwal, CEO of Lenzing Group. It comes at a crucial time as the industry faces a widening gap between fiber demand and supply. As the textile industry adapts to meet increasing demand for natural aesthetics and more sustainable solutions, TENCEL Lyocell HV100 provides a unique answer to both. As with conventional TENCEL Lyocell, HV100 comes with a sustainability story. It is produced in Austria using low impact, closed-loop processes.1, 2 Sustainability conversations with our partners consistently return to a central question: How can we reduce environmental impact while fostering design possibilities? said Krishna Manda, vice president corporate sustainability at Lenzing. TENCEL Lyocell HV100 provides one solution by combining the resource efficiency of our closed-loop production,1 which results in at least 50 percent less water consumption2 and carbon emissions than generic lyocell, with the aesthetic versatility our partners need to differentiate their products. In denim, TENCEL Lyocell applications have typically been focused on the weft or inside weave of the jean, allowing for softness in the hand (or in this case, leg) feel. This is partly because aspects such as the dye uptake and washdown varied in appearance from cotton to TENCEL Lyocell-containing warps, or the exterior side of the denim weave. Compared to cottons highs and lows and texturized appearance, TENCEL created a shinier look, drapey hand and grayish shade. While this might be what some customers were after for dressier jeans, it wasnt everyones cup of tea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With TENCEL Lyocell HV100, more jeans can contain TENCEL Lyocell in the warp, opening up broader use of the fiber in denim. The fabric has more body, less shine and more texture than the same blend would have had with conventional TENCEL Lyocell. With TENCEL Lyocell HV100, were pushing denim design furtherachieving bright blue indigo washdowns without off-shades, a matte authentic look and that natural softness weve always aimed for, said Tuncay Kilickan, head of global business development, denim at Lenzing. Typically, TENCEL Lyocell HV100 will still be blended with some cotton to give more heft to bottom weight fabrics. It can also be blended with recycled cotton to be used as a carrier fiber. To demonstrate the design potential of TENCEL Lyocell HV100 for denim, Lenzing initially partnered with four global denim mills: Advance Denim in China, Textil Santanderina in Spain, Orta Anadolu in Turkey and AGI Denim in Pakistan. The mills were sent bales of TENCEL Lyocell HV100 to test drive the fiber under non-disclosure agreements. Over the summer, it expanded its bale sharing to more mills around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amy Wang, general manager of Advance Denim, explained, I have long sought a fiber that combines all the benefits of TENCEL with the natural feel of cottonpreviously a major challenge for Lenzing. Now, they have delivered TENCEL Lyocell HV100, which perfectly achieves the effect I envisioned. Juan Pares, president of Textil Santanderina Group, noted, TENCEL Lyocell HV100 is more than a fiber; it is a step forward in performance, sustainability and innovation. At Santanderina Group, we are excited for whats next, because of the future of textiles well build together. Oktay Okuroglu, head of sales, marketing and product development director at Orta, shared, When I saw the TENCEL Lyocell HV100 results, I said, We did it. It wasnt gray, it wasnt shiny, and it reacted to the indigo dyeing and washing exactly like cotton. To the eye you cannot tell the difference, to the touch you feel the softness and the comfort which you cannot get from a 14 oz. cotton fabric. Hasan Javed, executive director of AGI Denim, added, TENCEL Lyocell HV100 means striking the right balance between authenticity, comfort and sustainability. Its helping us meet the evolving customer needs, whilst pushing the boundaries of conscious fashion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While denim is a key focus for TENCEL Lyocell HV100, the fiber also has use cases for categories like knits, home textiles and woven apparel like chino pants, creating a more texturized look. The controlled variation opens up possibilities for yarns and fabrics that werent previously achievable with lyocell, said Heubrandner. Were already seeing innovative approaches from different markets that suggest significant potential for product differentiation. Click here to visit Lenzing Pro to learn more about HV100. And see denim samples made with TENCEL Lyocell HV100 at Kingpins Show Amsterdam Oct. 15-16 by visiting TENCEL by Lenzing at booth 12 in the Blue Area. Hours before announcing an agreement between Israel and Hamas, President Donald Trump repeated his belief that he will not receive the Nobel Peace Prize. During an Oct. 8 roundtable event on Antifa, Trump was handed a note from Secretary of State Marco Rubio that indicated a deal was close. On Truth Social that evening, Trump announced the leaders in Israel and Hamas had agreed to implement the first phase of a peace deal aimed at ending the two-year conflict in Gaza. Answering his final questions after the note, USA TODAY asked Trump whether he thought he would win the Nobel Peace Prize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have no idea ... Marco would tell you we settled seven wars. We're close to settling an eighth," Trump said. He frequently claims to have settled six or seven wars. Since taking office in January, he has been involved in five peace agreements or ceasefires, though not all parties involved in those arrangements credit the U.S. "I don't think anybody in history settled that many, but perhaps they'll find a reason not to give it to me," Trump said of the prize. More: Nobel Prize, Mideast peace, and heaven. Trump's lame-duck musings have legacy on his mind Palestinian children celebrate at a camp for displaced people in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. President Donald Trump announced Oct. 8 that Israel and Hamas have agreed to implement the first phase of a peace deal aimed to end the two-year conflict. The agreement comes after multiple failed attempts to defuse the two-year-old war that began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel and killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 people hostage. Israel's response to the attack has drawn increasing criticism worldwide, including a United Nations report issued in September that concluded that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Israel's military campaign in response has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israelis react to the news of the Gaza peace deal at Hostage Square on October 9, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Palestinians celebrate outside Deir al-Balah's Shuhada al-Aqsa hospital in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinian children celebrate in Khan Yunis on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. People celebrate at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinians celebrate in Khan Yunis on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. People react at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinians celebrate in Khan Yunis on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinians celebrate in Khan Yunis on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinian children celebrate outside Deir al-Balah's Shuhada al-Aqsa hospital in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. A man distributes sweets at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinian youths celebrate outside Deir al-Balah's Shuhada al-Aqsa hospital in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Israelis celebrate as they react to the news of the Gaza peace deal at Hostages Square on October 9, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel. = A man distributes sweets at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. A man distributes sweets at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. A man distributes sweets at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinian youths celebrate near Deir al-Balah's Shuhada al-Aqsa hospital in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinians celebrate in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinian children celebrate at a camp for displaced people in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Palestinians and Israelis celebrate peace deal: See the emotional moment 1 of 19 Palestinian children celebrate at a camp for displaced people in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on October 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal. President Donald Trump announced Oct. 8 that Israel and Hamas have agreed to implement the first phase of a peace deal aimed to end the two-year conflict. The agreement comes after multiple failed attempts to defuse the two-year-old war that began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel and killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 people hostage. Israel's response to the attack has drawn increasing criticism worldwide, including a United Nations report issued in September that concluded that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Israel's military campaign in response has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Was Trump nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize? The Nobel Committee does not reveal who was nominated for an award until 50 years later. Nominations can be submitted by anyone who meets the requirements, including members of national governments. The deadline for consideration for the 2025 prize was Jan. 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least one congressperson has come forward to say she nominated Trump ahead of the 2025 deadline. On Dec. 11, Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-New York, announced she nominated Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister of Israel Yoav Gallant for the peace prize for their work on the Abraham Accords. The Abraham Accords were signed in 2020 and established normalized diplomatic relationships between Israel and Arab nations. There are 338 candidates for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, according to the organization. Of those, 244 are individuals and 94 are organizations. The winner will be announced on Friday, Oct. 10. Trump has been nominated for Nobel Prize several other times Trump has long coveted the Nobel Peace Prize, and his friends, including lawmakers, have nominated him for the honor numerous times. He has mocked former President Barack Obama, who won the award in 2009 one year into his first term, saying he didn't know "what the hell he got it for." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 20, Pakistan leaders announced they would recommend Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize for his "decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership during the recent India-Pakistan crisis." India did not give the U.S. credit for the ceasefire. A Republican congressman nominated Trump for the Iran-Israel ceasefire in a June 24 letter, after the U.S. had joined Israel in bombing Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said he nominated Trump for the prize in July. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he would support Trump winning the prize at the August White House ceremony. In a letter posted on social media in August, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the ceasefire with Thailand. The nomination was supported by thousands of Cambodian Buddhist monks who took part in a peace march shortly after. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump appeared to complain in a Truth Social post on June 20 about not being awarded a prize for his foreign policy work. "No, I wont get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do, including Russia/Ukraine, and Israel/Iran, whatever those outcomes may be," Trump wrote. "But the people know, and thats all that matters to me!" Contributing: Fernando Cervantes Jr., Riley Beggin, Kathryn Palmer, Melina Khan, USA TODAY Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kcrowley@gannett.com. Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky at @kinseycrowley.bsky.social. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House correspondent for USA TODAY. You can follow her on X @SwapnaVenugopal This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump talks odds of Nobel Peace Prize ahead of Gaza deal announcement PLANTSVILLE, Conn. (WTNH) News 8s Ann Nyberg, Joe Furey and Klarn DePalma were inducted into the Connecticut Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame on Tuesday evening. The three of them were honored on Oct. 7 at the CBA award ceremony at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. News 8 wins five 2025 Connecticut Broadcasters Association awards Nyberg has spent more than 40 years in television news and is the longest-serving female news anchor/reporter in Connecticut television history. She is also News 8s longest-serving anchor/reporter in station history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furey, co-chief meteorologist at News 8, began working in television news in the mid-80s and has worked for television and radio stations across the state. He recently celebrated 40 years of forecasting weather. DePalma has had a storied career in Connecticut Broadcasting for more than three decades, according to the CBA. DePalma is now the senior vice president of group sales and sponsorships for Nexstar Media Group, News 8s parent company. The Connecticut Broadcasters Association is proud to celebrate the outstanding work happening in broadcasting across our state, said Kristin Okesson, Chair of the Connecticut Broadcasters Association and Senior Vice President/Market Manager for Connoisseur Media. The Hall of Fame shines a light on those who have devoted the majority, if not all, of their careers to Connecticut broadcasting, making a lasting difference for our industry and our communities. The CBAs honor the broadcasters who are shaping the future through their work every day and awards aside, this night is about coming together to celebrate the hard work and dedication of everyone in our industry. Congratulations to Ann, Joe and Klarn! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. VIENNA It can be a maddening experience, living in America and not supporting Donald J. Trump. In what has been billed as the greatest country on Earth, democracy is being unraveled because a majority of the nations white inhabitants voted for a 79-year-old man who is temperamentally unfit for any public office, much less one that comes with nuclear weapons. A once-proud nation of immigrants is being subject to military occupations because a man, in a marriage to an immigrant, says that foreigners are poisoning the blood of the nation, and that they are to blame for all that one finds wanting in life. Perhaps the end of the flawed American project comes as no surprise, but even the most jaded observer one aware that the land of the free was also the home of the slave has had to marvel that the collapse could be brought about by this, of all guys; not by some charismatic general, skilled at feigning empathy for the common people, but an elderly conman whos only selling them crypto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Take some solace, then, in that you are not crazy for thinking this is insulting, in all of its dystopian absurdity. Those who study and teach about America, abroad, also think the country has become a frightening shell of its past, imperfect glory. At a packed Oct. 4 forum in Vienna, Austria, academics who have taught thousands of students about the culture and history of the United States expressed shock and dismay at how quickly the liberal future imagined, if not realized, with the election of Barack Obama has given way to the ugliest form of American reaction. Were all also overwhelmed by the situation, said Alexandra Ganser, a professor of American Studies at the University of Vienna. A former Fulbright Scholar who studied in the U.S., she lamented that the countrys descent into authoritarianism was all pretty new and required rethinking how academics approach their work. We need to prepare ourselves better, maybe also on a departmental level [and] prepare students who are traveling to the U.S., she said, the forum coming as part of a conference dubbed Ruptures, Fractures, Discontinuities: Troubled American Studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Already, she noted, those thinking of heading to Trumps America are being warned not to bring their own phones and to get other computers when you travel. That guidance comes amid the Trump administrations crackdown on academia and, in particular, foreign-born students. Rumeysa Ozturk, a Ph.D. student at Tufts University and a former Fulbright Scholar, did nothing more than lend her name to an op-ed urging her school to take seriously students concerns about its relations with Israel. For that offense, she was grabbed off the street by a half-dozen plainclothes federal agents and detained for weeks in a decrepit ICE facility, thousands of miles away. Yunseo Chung, a legal permanent resident, attended a sit-in at Barnard College over Gaza. For that non-crime, the Trump administration sought to deport her to South Korea, a country that she left at the age of 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are now countless such stories of students and tourists being arrested and detained over perceived slights to MAGA America. And top U.S. officials have promised there will be more. Visiting America is not an entitlement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has lectured those who wish to study at the universities that have accepted them. It is a privilege extended to those who respect our laws and values. Now, even academics whose specialty is America well aware of its virtues and flaws, even before its recent authoritarian turn are afraid to visit the object of their studies, at least so long as the present regime is in power. I thought to myself, If I were 10 years, 15 years younger, and I have no kids, I would absolutely do it, because I want to, Ganser said of her own security assessment. I want to feel it. I want to see it I want to see whats happening to you With two kids, I cannot. Its too risky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November, the American Studies Association is hosting its annual conference. Its in Puerto Rico, a fact that organizers seem apologetic about. The conference website, seeking to address safety concerns, explains that the organization is contractually bound to host events in the U.S. for the next couple of years. We have inherited a conference model based on mid- to late-20th century assumptions about higher education and about the world, the group states, one that does not account for politically motivated attacks on academia and efforts to outlaw critical analysis of American political, social, and cultural institutions, ideologies, and practices. But its not as if the post-war liberal order in Europe can be taken for granted, either. Thats another lesson from developments in American politics, observed Ingrid Gessner, a professor at the University of Education Vorarlberg in Austria. As president of the European Association for American Studies, she plans on attending that conference in Puerto Rico (this years topic: Late-Stage American Empire?). But living in Austria, where a far-right party out-polled all its rivals in the last election and where illiberal hegemons are now to both its East and West the threat to democracy and intellectual inquiry cannot be dismissed as just an American thing, Gessner noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even so, the MAGA brand is no doubt a contributor to an unsettling trend in politics, everywhere. I was probably not as much aware as I am now that I do have students, especially young male students, who would actually give anything to attend a Trump rally, Gessner said. That is very real in the classroom. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Confronting right-wing populism, American-style, is one thing when its a European classroom. Most European academics appear less willing to risk a confrontation with its manifestation on American soil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heike Paul, chair of American Studies at Germanys Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nurnberg, was blunt about whether she planned to attend any more conferences in the land of the free. Im not going to the United States, Paul said with a laugh. She noted that a conference hosted by the Bavarian American Academy, previously held in Berkeley, California, has now been moved to Montreal. Thank God for Canada, she said, because I think that also many other associations have done the same thing and [decided] not to come to the United States. That the country these academics have devoted their professional careers to studying and teaching about is no longer safe to visit is a sad and unexpected development. In 2015, most European scholars like most American liberals could not have imagined a budding dictatorship led by a guy from The Apprentice. Since Trumps rise and return to office, Paul said, the U.S. has fallen into the same category as countries like Russia and China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, when I think about going to the U.S., I talk to a lot of my colleagues in Sinology. I talk to a lot of my colleagues who travel to Egypt and many other [authoritarian] places, she said. And she, like others who have witnessed the loss of what was once assumed to be stable democracy, must ask: What does it mean to travel to a place where certain things can no longer be taken for granted? The post Too risky: Scholars who study America say they wont visit appeared first on Salon.com. Plans for TriStar Summits Free Standing Emergency Department (FSED) were voted down by the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission last month in a 2-5 vote. Earlier this year, TriStar Summit announced its intention to build an emergency department on a 2.5-acre tract of land near South Hartmann Drive in Lebanon. The estimated cost was just more than $18 million. The plan included 11 exam rooms, one trauma room, a lab, imaging department, nursing station and associated support spaces. During the Sept. 24 HFC meeting, Attorney Clark Spoden, representing TriStar Summit, said the application met all of the commissions criteria and that Wilson County is in need of more emergency treatment rooms. TriStar Summit claims ERs across the county are over capacity, leading to longer times of service to patients. Representatives of Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital disagreed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both ERs in the county, the Vanderbilt Hospital in the center of Lebanon, as well as the TriStar Mt. Juliet FSED are over capacity, Spoden said. The Vanderbilt emergency department is 26% over [standards] and the Mt. Juliet FSED is 49% over. Thirty-five% of TriStars patients that come to the Mt. Juliet FSED today live closer to the proposed [Lebanon facility]. Sumner Regional Medical Center also applied for a FSED on State Route 109 north of Interstate 40, with an estimated cost of $21.6 million. Vanderbilt only opposed TriStars FSED application. For over 30 years, TriStar Summit has been proudly providing comprehensive care to both Davidson and Wilson County, Cindy Bergmeier, TriStar Summit CEO said. Our commitment to care shows up in the scale of services that we deliver. In 2024 alone, we saw nearly 47,000 emergency room visits on our main campus [in Hermitage], and almost 23,000 visits at our Mt. Juliet freestanding ED. More than 42% of the ED visits in Wilson County are cared for by either TriStar Summit or out Mt. Juliet ED, Bergmeier added. Thats nearly 27,000 patients and more than Vanderbilt Wilson County, which is centrally located in the [37087] zip code. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City leaders, including Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell, Ward 4 Commissioner Chris Crowell and county officials such as the Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan voiced support for the Lebanon FSED, and also for the Sumner Regional Medical Center FSED, citing the countys need for more emergency rooms with a growing population. Travis Swearingen, attorney representing Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital at the HFC meeting, led the opposing argument. It should be denied for four primary reasons, he said. First, Vanderbilt Wilson is serving the emergency needs of Lebanon today, and make no mistake about it this project is about Lebanon. The question before you is whether theres a need for three emergency departments in Lebanon. Second, the capacity concerns raised by TriStar are, frankly, an illusion. Vanderbilt Wilson is nowhere near capacity, and while the Mt. Juliet FSED is busy, they are actually seeing patients very rapidly and with good patient satisfaction, Swearingen continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Swearingen, the other two reasons are that TriStars FSED will not improve geographic convenience for patients because of the proposed locations proximity to Vanderbilt Wilson Countys facility. Vanderbilt claims TriStar will send patients from the FSED to a TriStar owned hospital rather than the closest facility. That, in turn, would result in patients being treated further from their homes, not closer. Swearingen showed the commission data Vanderbilt Wilson County compiled indicating patient wait times at each of Wilson Countys already existing emergency departments are low and that not all patients require admission into the hospital. Data was also shown indicating that Vanderbilt Wilson Countys ER is not overcapacity. Eric Claus, paramedic and Director of the EMS Center of Excellence at Vanderbilt, said TriStars FSED in Lebanon would place a burden on local EMS, seemingly in contrast to county officials welcoming the additional emergency departments. The Health Facilities Commission approved Sumner Regional Medical Centers FSED application for Lebanon; however, several minutes passed before the final vote on TriStar Summits Lebanon FSED. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A motion to approve was made, but no second was received. At one point, it was said a motion to deny and a reason would need to be given if there was no second. Eventually, the motion to approve was seconded and denied 2-5. Reasons given include the proximity to Vanderbilt Wilson and potential overlap of service providing no consumer advantage; however, one board member said it could be revisited in the future after more data is collected. A spokesperson for TriStar Summit gave a statement on Sept. 30 regarding the HFC decision. TriStar Summit has invested more than $20 million in Lebanon since 2024. While were disappointed the Health Facilities Commission denied our $18 million proposal for expanded emergency care, our commitment to the community remains unwavering. More than 1,000 residents, physicians, and local leaders voiced their support, and were deeply grateful for the enthusiasm surrounding the project. As Wilson Countys leading emergency care provider, we believe Lebanon deserves greater access to ER services and remain fully committed to bringing TriStar Lebanon ER to Wilson County. We are actively evaluating next steps. President Donald Trump has praised the looks of a female reporter who says she used to suffer from Trump Derangement Syndrome but is now healed. In a bizarre roundtable at the White House on Wednesday, the president invited conservative influencers and commentators who have been on the ground in Portland to discuss Antifa, the anti-fascist movement that the administration has branded a domestic terrorist organization. The session began like many of Trumps Dear Leader-style cabinet meetings, with Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI director Kash Patel and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem praising the presidents efforts in trying to dismantle radical left-wing networks. President Donald Trump (C) delivers remarks alongside U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi (L) and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem during a roundtable discussion on Antifa. / Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images Trump then asked his guests to share their stories of being attacked by Antifa. Among them was Brandi Kruse, a former mainstream TV journalist turned conservative commentator who said her experience changed her view about left-wing violenceand the president himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im living proof that you can recover from TDS, the 37-year-old said, referencing Trump Derangement Syndromethe term used by MAGA world to describe liberals negative reactions to the president. I had strong Trump Derangement Syndrome for about eight years. This is one of the reasons Ive recovered from it. And by the way, its much better to not have TDSIm happier, healthier, more successful. I even think I got a little more attractive after I got rid of my Trump derangement. Very attractive, the 79-year-old president replied. Im glad you no longer have TDS, he later added. I feel very good about that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unusual exchange capped off a 90-minute roundtable in which attendees oscillated between praising Trump, offering suggestions to take down left-wing militants, and attacking the mainstream media in the room. At one point, the president referred to the White House press as the garbage standing over here and polled his MAGA guests about which mainstream TV networks were the worst. At another point, independent journalist Nick Sortor, who was arrested last week during a demonstration at the ICE building in Portland, produced an American flag that he said was burned by a protester in Portland. Nick Sortor. / Nick Sortor/X Trump asked him to give it to Attorney General Bondi so the protesters who burned it could be prosecuted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kruse, who hosts an anti-woke show called unDivided with Brandi Kruse also lashed out at the White House correspondents in the room. Im a reporter in Seattle, and frankly, I could not care any less what any of you have to say about this meeting, she told them. Were not here for you. Im not here to convince you that Antifa is a real thing, because if you have not come to that conclusion by now you are never going to come to that conclusion because you dont want to see it. And youre going to say its just a bunch of right-wing conservative influencers who are spinning a tale. Federal agents, including members of the Department of Homeland Security, Border Patrol, and the police, arrest a protester outside a downtown U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility on October 05, 2025 in Portland, Oregon where the facility has become a focal point of nightly protests against the Trump administration. / Spencer Platt/Getty Images The meeting came as tensions escalated over Trumps push to use the military to quell violence in Democratic-controlled cities, a crackdown on crime, and support for his mass deportation strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Portland, a federal judge has temporarily blocked his plan to send troops into Portland after finding there was no violent insurgency to justify it. In Chicago, hundreds of National Guards from Texas and Illinois are being deployed ahead of a court case on Thursday, in which the states leaders hope to thwart the presidents attempts. However, Trump has said he would consider using the Insurrection Act of 1807 to get his waya federal law that allows the president to deploy the U.S. military or federalize state National Guard troops to quell what he deems as an insurrection against the United States. We have an Insurrection Act for a reason; if I had to enact it, Id do that, he told reporters on Monday. If people were being killed and courts were holding us up, or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure Id do that. United States President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a peace framework that aims at a Gaza ceasefire, and the release of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners. The announcement follows from Trumps 20-point plan to end the war on Gaza, which he announced last week, and which Israel, Hamas and most of the world broadly welcomed. More than 67,000 people have been killed in Israels war on Gaza, described by many international rights organisations and a United Nations commission as a genocide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is what we know about the ceasefire agreement: What happened? Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first step of his Gaza ceasefire plan. In a post on Truth Social at 23:17 GMT, he wrote that all captives would be released very soon and that Israel would pull its troops back to an agreed line as part of the deal. He had first unveiled his 20-point proposal on September 29, following a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, framing it as a roadmap to end the war in Gaza. That possibility grew more concrete during a White House event on Wednesday, when Secretary of State Marco Rubio entered the room and handed him a note. Secretary of State Marco Rubio writes a note before handing it to President Donald Trump during a roundtable meeting [Evan Vucci/AP Photo] After reading it, Trump told reporters: I was just given a note by the secretary of state saying that were very close to a deal in the Middle East, and theyre going to need me pretty quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concluding the event, Trump said, I have to go now to try and solve some problems in the Middle East. According to a photograph, the note urged the president to sign off on a Truth Social post so he could be the first to announce the deal. What exactly did Trump say they agreed to? Trump, in his Truth Social post, said: Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of the peace plan. All of the captives will be released very soon. Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed-upon line. That will be the first step towards a strong and durable peace. All parties will be treated fairly. Trump also thanked mediators from Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement represents the most significant breakthrough Trump has achieved regarding the war, after eight months of attempts at brokering an end to the conflict. During his re-election campaign, he had described ending the war in Gaza as one of his foreign policy priorities. "I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!" President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/lAUxi1UPYh The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 8, 2025 What remains uncertain? The deal has raised hopes of ending the war, but crucial details are still unclear. Al Jazeeras senior political analyst Marwan Bishara said some serious disagreements remain between Israel and Hamas, and crucial details are yet to be hammered out. They include the timing and the extent of an Israeli withdrawal, the makeup of the post-war administration for the Gaza Strip and the fate of Hamas. You could say that the initial phase of the initial phase is working out, Bishara said. According to him, both sides appeared to agree on some sort of parameters for a captive-prisoner exchange. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the [Trump] plan after Hamas hands over the captives, then the war should be over, Bishara said. But, he added, Israel says no, the war will be over only after Hamas disarms. How soon could the captives be released? Trump said that the captives, including the bodies of those who have died, could be released on Monday or Tuesday. A Hamas source said the surviving captives would be released within 72 hours of the Israeli governments approval of the deal. Israeli officials indicated the process could be expected to start on Saturday. Trump said he believed Iran would be part of the whole peace situation. About 20 Israeli captives are believed to be alive in Gaza. Hamas and other Palestinian factions had taken about 250 captives on October 7, 2023, when they attacked Israel. More than 1,100 people died during that attack. How did Israel and Hamas respond? Netanyahu called it a great day for Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I offer my heartfelt thanks to President Trump and his team for their dedication to this sacred mission of freeing our hostages, Netanyahu said in a statement late on Wednesday night. Hamas released a statement, saying the agreement stipulated an end to the war on Gaza, the occupations withdrawal from it, the entry of aid and a prisoner exchange. On Thursday, Hamass exiled Gaza chief, Khalil Al-Hayya, said in a televised speech: We announce that we have reached an agreement to begin implementing a permanent ceasefire. The agreement includes opening the Rafah crossing in both directions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exchange of prisoners, including: 250 Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment, 1,700 prisoners from the Gaza Strip arrested after October 7, all children and women in detention. What happens next? Israels government confirmed early on Thursday that it had signed the final draft of an agreement on the first phase of a ceasefire deal in Egypts Sharm el-Sheikh. Later on Thursday, the cabinet voted to ratify the agreement, clearing the way for the ceasefire to take effect within 24 hours, and for Israeli captives held in Gaza to be released within 72 hours after that. Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian, speaking to reporters, said that Israel does not plan to release the imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti a prominent figure in the Fatah movement who is serving multiple life sentences in Israel for his role in the Second Intifada as part of the exchange. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bedrosian also claimed Israel would still control more than half of Gaza after moving its forces back as required under the deal. Trump is expected to travel to Egypt in the coming days. Netanyahu has also invited him to address Israels parliament, and Trump told Axios he is likely to make the trip to deliver that address. In his remarks, Trump said that the disarmament of Hamas would be part of the second phase of the deal, with Israel maintaining that Hamas must give up its weapons. But experts warn that what comes next could prove far more difficult. Hamas has been offering all the hostages in exchange for an end to the war almost since the beginning, said Michael Schaeffer Omer-Man, director of Israel-Palestine at the US-based rights group Dawn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has deliberately, openly and brazenly broken every ceasefire that was achieved up until this point, Omer-Man added. Ensuring that they comply by the terms, that they dont go back to the fighting and reimpose the siege that they actually allow not only aid but commercial goods and people to flow across the border is going to be something that I think we are not quite there yet, he added. The deal is expected to be signed in Egypt on Thursday afternoon, sources in the Hamas terrorist organization told Lebanese outlet Al Mayadeen. Negotiators in Egypt reached a deal to free the remaining hostages in Gaza and eventually end the Israel-Hamas War, US President Donald Trump announced early Thursday morning. "I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan," Trump wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he will bring the cabinet for a vote on the deal Thursday. N12, citing a senior American official, stated that the hostages will be released 72 hours after the cabinet approves the deal. "The whole world has come together on this one, Israel, every country has come together. This has been a fantastic day," Trump told Reuters in a brief telephone interview. "This is a great day for the world. This is a wonderful day, a wonderful day for everybody," he said. Trump, Netanyahu congratulate each other on Gaza deal Netanyahu and Trump spoke shortly after the president announced the deal on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A press release from the Prime Minister's Office said the two "held a very emotional and warm conversation, congratulating each other on the historic achievement of signing the agreement for the release of all the hostages." "The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for all his efforts and for his global leadership, and President Trump congratulated the Prime Minister for his determined leadership and the actions he led," the release added. Israeli officials are preparing for a visit by President Trump on Sunday. He will reportedly address the Knesset. In a later Fox News interview, Trump said that he believed Iran would be part of the Middle East peace he brokered after he ended the war in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president said Iran was "one month, maybe two months away from having a nuclear weapon" before he acted, claiming "if I allowed that to happen, this deal would not have been possible." Trump said Iran "blessed the deal" and he's had "very good conversations" with the country. He told Netanyahu, "Israel cannot fight the world," and credited taking out Iran's nuclear capability as key to the agreement. "It's brought the whole world together. I've never seen anything. It's so good for Israel," Trump said. Living hostages to be released in a single batch The agreement means that Hamas will release all of the remaining 20 living hostages within the next 72 hours. A Hamas source told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that all of them will be released in a single batch during the first phase of the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deal is expected to be signed in Egypt on Thursday afternoon, sources in the Hamas terrorist organization told Lebanese outlet al-Mayadeen. However, the release of the remaining deceased hostages might be delayed, as Israel has doubts that Hamas can locate all of them. The Israel-Hamas War began over two years ago after the Palestinian terror group killed over 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped 250 men, women, and children to the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023. Eight AI companies have gained a combined $4.3 trillion in market value this year. Nvidia alone has added $1.2 trillion as high hopes for its microchips have sent its stock up 38%. Microsoft, Alphabet, Oracle, AMD, Palantir, Broadcom, and Meta have also surged in the AI bull run. It took Warren Buffett nearly 60 years to build Berkshire Hathaway into a $1 trillion conglomerate. Eight AI companies have together gained quadruple that in market value in just over nine months. Whether you think AI stocks will keep booming or burst like the dot-com bubble, the growth of these companies has been unprecedented. Their year-to-date gains alone dwarf the total value of some of America's biggest and best-known companies. Nvidia has added $1.2 trillion to its market value to reach an unprecedented $4.5 trillion, as investors have sent its stock up 38% this year on hopes that its microchips will power the AI revolution. Two years ago, it was worth less than a quarter of that, about $1 trillion. Shares of Microsoft, an early investor in ChatGPT maker OpenAI, and Alphabet, which makes the Gemini family of AI models, have each jumped more than 25% this year, adding around $800 billion and $740 billion to the tech titans' respective market values. These three companies together are worth $2.8 trillion more this year more than the combined $2.7 trillion market value of Berkshire, JPMorgan, and Walmart. Other major AI companies surging include Palantir, which has soared 137%. Oracle and AMD have leaped about 70% each, Broadcom has shot up 45%, and Meta has climbed 22%. These five companies have had a $1.5 trillion rise in their joint market value since January. That's roughly as much as Mastercard, Netflix, and Exxon Mobil combined. Put together, these eight high-flying AI stocks have grown in market value by $4.3 trillion this year roughly equivalent to six Eli Lillys, 15 Coca-Colas, or 20 McDonald's. A steady stream of AI deals has driven some stocks higher this year. Nvidia, Oracle, and AMD have all struck high-profile agreements with OpenAI recently that have excited Wall Street and underpinned forecasts of rapid growth. Steve Hanke, a professor of applied economics at Johns Hopkins University, recently told Business Insider that it's not yet clear whether the buzz around AI is rational, and the answer will "largely depend on whether the AI firms' spectacular revenue forecasts hold water." Read the original article on Business Insider New York Attorney General Letitia James has been indicted on charges of alleged fraud, becoming the second political figure in a span of two weeks to face prosecution after President Donald Trump's public demand that the Justice Department move "now" to charge his political enemies. James, who successfully brought a civil fraud case against Trump last year and leads multiple lawsuits challenging his administration's policies, was indicted on a federal charge of bank fraud and a charge of making false statements to a financial institution. Newly appointed U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Lindsey Halligan announced the charges Thursday. James was ordered to appear in court on Oct. 24 in Norfolk, Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's a list of the individuals, including Letitia James, targeted so far by the Trump administration Halligan was named U.S. attorney by Trump after Trump ousted her predecessor, Erik Siebert, who sources say had expressed doubts internally about bringing cases against James and former FBI Director James Comey. As ABC News first reported, sources said Siebert and other career prosecutors in Virginia determined there was no clear evidence James had knowingly committed mortgage fraud, but Trump officials nevertheless pushed Siebert to bring criminal charges against her. "It looks to me like [James] is very guilty of something, but I really don't know," Trump said to reporters in the Oval Office in September when he confirmed he wanted Siebert "out" of the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is nothing more than a continuation of the president's desperate weaponization of our justice system," James in a statement following the indictment. "He is forcing federal law enforcement agencies to do his bidding, all because I did my job as the New York State Attorney General." Charles Sykes/Invision/AP - PHOTO: Letitia James attends the Planned Parenthood of Greater New York Spring into Action gala at Cipriani South Street, April 24, 2025, in New York. "These charges are baseless, and the president's own public statements make clear that his only goal is political retribution at any cost," she said. Prosecutors allege that James misled a bank in order to get more favorable terms on a loan, specifically claiming that a property was going to be a residence, when, according to prosecutors, it was going to be rented out for profit. However, following a five-month investigation and interviews with more than a dozen witnesses, federal prosecutors uncovered no clear evidence against James, sources told ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No one is above the law. The charges as alleged in this case represent intentional, criminal acts and tremendous breaches of the public's trust," Halligan said in a statement Thursday announcing the charges. "The facts and the law in this case are clear, and we will continue following them to ensure that justice is served." Halligan last month brought an indictment against Comey on charges of making a false statement and obstruction related to his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2020, just days after Trump issued a public demand for his Justice Department to act "now" to bring prosecutions against Comey, James, and California Sen. Adam Schiff. Trump officials pressuring federal prosecutors to bring criminal charges against NY AG Letitia James: Sources "Nothing is being done. What about Comey, Adam 'Shifty' Schiff, and Leticia???" Trump wrote in a social media post directly addressing Attorney General Pam Bondi. "We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" Comey pleaded not guilty on Wednesday and will seek to have his case dismissed for vindictive prosecution. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday promised "very threatening" steps against antifa and asked right-wing media allies for help identifying backers of the movement he has asked the federal government to treat as a "terrorist organization." Nearly a month after the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, Trump has threatened action against left-wing groups and donors with no demonstrated ties to the killing. The Republican president has also moved to push federal law enforcement and troops into Democratic-run cities from Chicago to Portland, Oregon, over the objections of local officials and despite ongoing judicial review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump welcomed supportive media personalities to a White House event on Wednesday to discuss their experiences with what they described as a rash of violence targeting conservatives in recent years, including by antifa adherents. The event included no discussion of violence aimed at left-wing or Democratic individuals. "They have been very threatening to people, but we're going to be very threatening to them, far more threatening to them than they ever were with us, and that includes the people that fund them," Trump said. Antifa appears to be a decentralized movement lacking a unifying organizational structure or detailed ideology, according to the U.S. Congressional Research Service, a government body. Trump threatened to pursue antifa during his 2017-2021 term in office, and in September called it a terrorist organization in an executive order. Since then, U.S. law enforcement officials have not identified any antifa members or sources of funding, or laid out any related criminal charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump requested participants at the Wednesday event to name groups they say carry out violence, as well as their funders. Guests included right-wing social media personalities Jack Posobiec, Savannah Hernandez and Andy Ngo. Trump and members of his cabinet, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who were in attendance at the event, said they would look into the groups named and solicit more information if needed. Trump has ordered National Guard troops to Chicago and Portland, Oregon, citing threats to federal officials, following earlier deployments to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. He has also said he will send troops to Memphis. Those orders are under an ongoing judicial review and have been opposed by Democratic mayors and governors, who say Trump's claims of lawlessness in those cities do not reflect reality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has threatened to invoke an anti-insurrection law last invoked during the Los Angeles riots of 1992 to sidestep any court orders blocking him. On Wednesday, Trump scolded reporters for giving insufficient coverage to left-wing violence before leaving the event "to go now to try and solve some problems in the Middle East." (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Jasper Ward and Nandita Bose; Editing by Alistair Bell and Tom Hogue) LONDON -- World leaders on Thursday issued a wave of statements commending Israel and Hamas for agreeing to the first phase of a ceasefire deal, with many also praising U.S. President Donald Trump for his administrations role in brokering the deal. "I welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of President Trumps peace plan for Gaza," British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement. "This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza, who have endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years." French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued statements with wording closely matching Starmers. Each praised Trump, then also included an appeal to Israel and Hamas to abide by the terms of the agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those statements and many others like them followed Trumps announcement on Wednesday evening that the warring parties had "both signed off" on the first phase of a ceasefire plan. Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters - PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump holds a note that was handed to him by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a roundtable at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., Oct. 8, 2025. "This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. All Parties will be treated fairly!" Trump said in a statement posted on social media. The full details of that deal were still coming into focus on Thursday, but the broad outline included a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release by Hamas of the remaining hostages, according to Trump. An as-yet unknown number of Palestinian prisoners are also expected to be released from Israeli jails. Nearly 2,000 prisoners are believed to be under discussion for release. Israeli officials were preparing on Thursday to ratify the deal. The details of the agreed-to deal had not been released as of Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What to know about proposed deal and next steps White House Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner were in Egypt on Wednesday for the final negotiations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in Washington, where he interrupted a White House roundtable to notify Trump that an agreement to the deal was near. Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters - PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio updates U.S. President Donald Trump on the Gaza proposal at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., Oct. 8, 2025. The administration's efforts drew applause from Trumps allies in Washington, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, who in a statement hailed it as "a truly historic achievement," as well as from leaders and aid organisations farther afield. Israeli President Isaac Herzog said in a statement posted on social media he wanted to thank "all those involved in this vital effort." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I wish to extend my deepest thanks to POTUS Donald Trump for his incredible leadership toward securing the release of the hostages, bringing an end to the war, and creating hope for a new reality in the Middle East," Herzog said. "There is no doubt that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for this. Should he visit us in the coming days, he will be received with immense respect, affection, and gratitude by the people of Israel." Praise for the deal also came from the Palestinian Authority, which governed the Gaza Strip until a violent 2007 seizure by Hamas, the terror organization that at that time executed or expelled many of the Authority's civil leaders. The Authority, which currently controls civil operations in parts of the West Bank, said in a statement that President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the deal, calling it a "prelude to reaching a permanent political solution." "He also commended President Trump and all mediators for their significant efforts in reaching the agreement, affirming the State of Palestine's readiness to work with relevant mediators and international partners to ensure its success, in order to achieve stability and a lasting and just peace in accordance with international law," the Authoritys statement said. Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: A smoke plume billows following Israeli bombardment on the Gaza Strip as pictured from across the border in southern Israel on Oct. 9, 2025. Guterres, of the U.N., said on social media he welcomed the agreement, praising the "diplomatic efforts" of the United States and the others who moved the deal forward, including Qatar, Egypt and Turkey. He called it a "desperately needed breakthrough." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The UN will support the full implementation of the agreement & will scale up the delivery of sustained & principled humanitarian relief, and we will advance recovery & reconstruction efforts in Gaza," Guterres added. European Council President Antonio Costa said the deal amounted to a "foundation for a lasting peace, grounded in a two-state solution." "Its implementation paves the way for the long-awaited release of all Israeli hostages, a ceasefire in Gaza, and an end to the severe humanitarian crisis on the ground," Costa said on Thursday. The Catholic Churchs local patriarchate also issued a statement praising the deal, saying it "welcomes the joy" of the announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel says it 'deeply regrets' strike on Catholic church in Gaza that killed 3 "It is good news, and we are very happy. It is a first step, the first phase. Of course, there are many others, and surely there will be other obstacles," Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, said in a statement. He added, "But now we have to rejoice about this important step that will bring a little more trust for the future and also bring new hope, especially to the people, both Israeli and Palestinians." By Jeff Mason and Trevor Hunnicutt WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Thursday the NATO alliance should weigh throwing Spain out of its membership ranks over a dispute about the Western European nation's lagging military spending. Members of the U.S.-backed security alliance agreed in June to sharply increase their military spending to 5% of gross domestic product, delivering on a major priority for Trump, who wants Europeans to spend more on their own defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said at the time that he would not commit to the 5% target, calling it "incompatible with our welfare state and our world vision." At an Oval Office meeting with the leader of NATO's second-newest member, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Trump said European leaders need to prevail upon Spain to boost its commitments to the alliance. "You people are gonna have to start speaking to Spain," Trump said. "You have to call them and find why are they a laggard." He added: "They have no excuse not to do this, but that's alright. Maybe you should throw 'em out of NATO frankly." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spain joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 1982. The 32-member collective-defense alliance has been in focus since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and launched the deadliest land war in Europe since World War Two. (Reporting by Jeff Mason and Trevor Hunnicutt; editing by Diane Craft and Alistair Bell) Donald Trump is hopeful his Gaza record will deliver him international acclaim and even a Nobel Peace Prize. Illustration: Kelly Caminero/HuffPost; Photo: Getty Images The last two years have brought unprecedented horrors in Israel-Palestine: first, the gruesome Oct. 7, 2023, assault on Israelis led by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, then Israels sweeping and U.S.-enabled devastation of the Gaza Strip. Daily reports of deaths and apparent war crimes have been so overwhelming as to sometimes obscure the reality that the continued conflict and tragedy are a result of choices by individuals often, choices at the White House. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced the beginnings of a U.S.-brokered peace deal, under which Israel and Hamas will begin freeing Israeli hostages kidnapped on Oct. 7 and detained Palestinians, while Israel will halt its attacks on Gaza. The two parties signed the agreement on Thursday. Hamas is expected to soon release 20 surviving hostages as the Israel Defense Forces withdraw from much of Gaza; celebrations among exhausted victims of the war and others have already begun. Global: Son Of Late Boxing Legend Dies By Suicide At Age 17 But now, the chance of continued peace depends on bigger and more complex decisions by Trump that there is no guarantee he will pursue. Six months ago, Israel broke the last ceasefire he brokered, escalating the killing of Palestinians and initiating a man-made famine without consequences from the U.S. and with heavy American support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the two sides have accepted is the first step of a larger proposition. Beyond releasing captives, the presidents plan envisions beginning the reconstruction of the Palestinian territory, with Israeli operations ending, Hamas disarming and Gaza receiving humanitarian aid at a level it has not seen for months. The vision is widely understood as prioritizing a political win for Trump, but he argued on Truth Social on Wednesday that it benefits all involved: All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT day. Its a tall order, however. And it could be doomed if the U.S. persists in policy patterns initiated by President Joe Biden, then sustained or even intensified by Trump for close to a year: deference to Netanyahu, disregard for Palestinians and dismissing skeptics of the war strategy in Washington and beyond. A Blank Check From The U.S. The United States has unparalleled leverage over Israels war effort and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israels chief source of funding, weapons and diplomatic backing. U.S. officials have debated how to use that influence throughout the war, and current expectations that a deal can succeed are rooted in the sense that Trump has pressured Netanyahu for peace more than Biden did. Global: And The Nobel Peace Prize Doesn't Go To... Trump The Biden administration began demanding a truce as the war hit the six-month mark in March 2024 and unveiled its own ceasefire plan that May. Yet U.S. officials repeatedly showed Netanyahu he did not need to fear losing their support. They abandoned their own red line for his conduct in the war, ignored recommendations from U.S. government experts and fellow Democrats to limit U.S. arms for Israel, and declined to amplify Israelis own calls for Netanyahu to end the war, instead greenlighting another devastating Israeli offensive in Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then Trump won the election. Demanding a ceasefire before his inauguration and hinting at big repercussions otherwise, he secured a deal. Multiple Western officials working on the war since its beginning told HuffPost they see Trumps recent nudges to Netanyahu as another key break with Bidens failed policy. One said Israels leader was surprised when Trump celebrated Hamas conditional acceptance of his plan on Friday, breaking with the U.S. habit of, alongside Israel, treating the Palestinian group as a spoiler unwilling to cut a deal. The lack of coordination of a response with Israel is different, said Maha Nassar, a professor at the University of Arizona who specializes in Palestinian history, pointing to an Axios report that when Netanyahu downplayed Hamas response in a private call, Trump snapped back that he was always so fucking negative. (Trump publicly denied making the remark.) Global: Israeli Military Says Ceasefire Takes Effect In Gaza, Raising Hopes For Ending The War President Trump has his own political calculations changing as well, and theres the personal desire for a Nobel Peace Prize, Nassar continued. She noted some conservatives increased wariness of Israel and that a peace agreement in Gaza seems closer than one in, for instance, the Ukraine war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many observers suspected that, between Trumps urgency for an agreement and their own interests, Netanyahu and Hamas were both keen on the first stage of his plan that is now beginning: exchanging prisoners. However, what comes next is much harder, because Trumps outline ties ending the war to resolving a range of questions about the future of Gaza, Hamas and Western and Arab enforcement of a ceasefire contentious matters that could take months to compromise on. The Arabs are seemingly more united and putting pressure, one Western official who was not authorized to speak on the record told HuffPost, a reference to calls from Arab states, traditional allies of the Palestinian cause, for Hamas to accept disarmament and the end of its rule in Gaza. Sustaining a truce beyond a prisoner release while those questions remain under discussion will likely require the U.S. to hold firm against any attempt by Netanyahu to abandon the negotiations and once again say the only way to deal with Hamas is through continued fighting. (The Israeli leader partially limited the Gaza campaign after Trump issued his plan, although U.S.-backed Israeli bombing then continued, killing dozens of Palestinians.) Politics: 150 U.S. Health Workers Demand Trump End Support For Israel's Destruction Of Gaza You cant link ending the war to Hamas disarming or to future governance, because we just dont know how thats going to play out, said Khaled Elgindy, a visiting scholar at Georgetown University and the author of Blind Spot, a history of U.S.-Palestinian relations. Thats just a recipe for Netanyahu to continue his forever war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he and others described uncertainty about Trump using U.S. leverage to prolong a ceasefire. Withholding, or threatening to withhold, U.S. military equipment for Israel is the strongest possible tactic, yet it is one that could spark strong rebukes from pro-Israel voices and has been largely ignored by the two U.S. presidents overseeing Americas involvement in Gaza. Its the equivalent of questioning the authority of the pope in the 13th century, and its not on the table for Trump any more than it was for Biden, Elgindy said. Inheriting and expanding Bidens culture of impunity for Israel, Trump has made the use of that tactic even less likely. U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Sept. 29, 2025. Hu Yousong/Xinhua via Getty Images One route to halting weapons transfers is for U.S. officials to say Israel used them in violation of American and international law. But Biden repeatedly avoided such conclusions about Gaza, defying extensive evidence cited by his own advisers and independent watchdog groups. His administration rendered U.S. government processes to investigate alleged Israeli human rights abuses and war crimes impotent and condemned global institutions questioning Israeli conduct, like the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the United Nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has since slashed teams of American officials doing that work and placed U.S. sanctions on ICC and U.N. personnel. The undermining of investigations makes it far more difficult and unlikely to build a clear legal basis for American pressure on Netanyahu, even if the administration decided it wanted to do so. Global: Perus Congress Removes President Boluarte As A Crime Wave Grips The Country Fuzzy interpretations of Trumps plan could further undermine its survival, particularly because the proposal itself is so vague. Its a hodgepodge, Elgindy said, pointing to ideas like a so-called Peace Board for Gaza chaired by Trump and involving former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. There isnt a line that runs through everything that makes it make sense [and] it has no concrete steps or sequencing or benchmarks for Israel to do anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noting many ambiguities in the framework, the Western official described a persistent tussle for influence over Trump between Netanyahu and his hard-line U.S. allies versus other players eager for a ceasefire. Israels best bet is Trump loses patience at some point and greenlights the resumption of the war, the official said. Some suspect the chance for the ceasefire to ensure its own doom is by design, noting Trumps embrace of extreme ideas like displacing Palestinians en masse and cutting off aid as a war tactic, which Biden called unacceptable. The brutality of Trumps policies is open and transparent, whereas the Biden policies were dishonest and just as brutal, said a career U.S. official who was not authorized to speak on the record. They cast Trumps limited nudging of Netanyahu as fake and largely theater. A State Department spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on the criticism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Humanitarian groups have welcomed the initial deals provision for an uptick in aid for Gaza, but say truly addressing the crisis will require big further steps. Every day, Palestinians are dying needlessly, the majority of which are from preventable causes. Whats needed now is immediate, unrestricted humanitarian access, including the rapid distribution of food, clean water, medication, baby formula, and shelter, hygiene, and medical supplies throughout Gaza, Rabih Torbay, the president and CEO of the charity Project HOPE, said in a statement, calling for Israel to open all crossings into the strip and ensure aid workers can enter freely. Ignoring Palestinians In the years before the Oct. 7 attack, the Biden administration continued policies from the first Trump presidency that showed little interest in relations with Palestinians, like keeping the previous U.S. consulate serving them closed and declining to reopen the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) office in Washington. Instead of pursuing Israeli-Palestinian negotiations Biden became the first U.S. president in four decades to not even offer a roadmap for such talks U.S. officials prioritized ties between Israel and other Arab nations, most significantly the regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia. Biden himself and manyanalysts have said that approach helped drive Hamas to start a war recognizing that treating Palestinians as irrelevant or forgotten drove dangerous desperation. But the Biden administration continued prioritizing a U.S.-Israel-Saudi deal throughout the conflict, suggesting that it might produce a ceasefire, while doing little to address Palestinian concerns. U.S. officials acknowledged the Gaza war showed a need for a lasting Israeli-Palestinian compromise, yet did little to challenge hard-right Israelis seeking long-term Israeli control of Gaza or to demonstrate support for meaningful Palestinian autonomy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administrations new ceasefire push suggests continued even greater American blindness toward Palestinian views and aspirations. Last month, an internal administration cable told U.S. officials they cannot meet with the U.S.-backed Palestinian Authority (PA), which partially governs the occupied West Bank, without prior approval from the office of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the career U.S. official told HuffPost. (The State Department spokesperson did not respond to a query about the policy.) And the new Gaza peace plans references to a governing board and to foreign troops controlling the strip reflect a stubborn belief that Palestinians are somehow less capable of managing their own affairs, Nassar said. Its a very colonial attitude and its a very outdated one, but its one that still seems to hold sway in American policy-making circles. She suggested the new diplomacy would not produce Palestinian self-governance but endless rounds of negotiations [and] in the meantime the Israeli grasp and chokehold on Palestinian life continues to tighten. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has said he will not permit Israeli annexation of the West Bank, the area envisioned as the heart of a future Palestinian state, and his proposal hints at Palestinians hopes for such an entity. Still, his administration will likely only prioritize those matters to the extent Arab governments close to the U.S. want to do so which means the attention could be fickle, sowing the seeds for future frustration and strife. Those governments could, for instance, urge the U.S. to ensure the ceasefire diplomacy includes discussions of reconciliation among Palestinian factions, from Hamas to the Fatah group, which controls the PA. But that is not out of empathy or altruism or value in Palestinian lives just a recognition that too much Palestinian suffering can be destabilizing, Elgindy said. Yet he also highlighted that Trumps approach could be influenced by his teams demonstrated intense views on Palestine, which have extended beyond foreign policy to a domestic crackdown on supporters of Palestinian rights in the U.S. This administration is the most anti-Palestinian in every conceivable way that we have ever seen in the United States, Elgindy said. They are totally bought into the philosophy that the key to peace is to defeat Palestinian aspirations. Going It Alone In mostly providing Israel with unchecked support, Trump has also reflected Biden by largely keeping his policy separate from other international players who could help pressure Tel Aviv. Failing to harness American, Israeli and international calls for greater flexibility from Netanyahu has been a missed opportunity and if the president is serious about advancing his ceasefire, he will likely need all the help he can get. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Capitol Hill, opposition to unlimited U.S. support for the Israeli war grew significantly throughout 2024, but the Biden administration helped shield Netanyahu from lawmakers rather than work with the latter to rein in the former. In 2025, the pushback has grown, with increasing numbers of Democrats accusing Israel of committing a genocide (a charge it denies) and even some of Trumps fellow Republicans suggesting U.S. involvement in the war is unwise. So far, the administration has not collaborated with those critics or indicated it sees their influence as relevant to discussions with Netanyahu. The increasing concerns in Congress are not translating to legislation passing, said Lara Friedman, president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, noting that the administration seems unconcerned with Democrats recommendations on Israel-Palestine while GOP skepticism of Israel has yet to seem strong enough to sway Trump. On the global stage, the Trump administration has, to a degree, coordinated with other influential nations on Israel-Palestine in recent months, but it has not endorsed steps that fellow governments and many experts see as necessary, like accountability for abuses during the war and tangible progress toward Palestinian statehood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The so-called Trump peace plan... fails to demand justice and reparations, Agnes Callamard of Amnesty International said in a Wednesday night statement. Stopping the cycle of suffering and atrocities requires an end to longstanding impunity States must uphold their obligations under international law to bring to justice those responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide. She highlighted the pattern under both Trump and Biden of the U.S. using its veto power at the U.N. Security Council to block criticism of Israel. Meanwhile, in dealing with frustrated Israelis most of whom want the war to end and many of whom seek a new leader Trump has, like Biden, expressed sympathy for hostage families but stopped far short of allying himself with Netanyahus opponents at home. Publicly identifying the Israeli prime minister as a problem represents another form of leverage, Elgindy said. He noted Biden avoided ever doing so as part of his administrations overarching policy of permitting no daylight, or no public differences, between Israel and the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When theres no daylight between the U.S. and Israel, thats when you have war and crisis were just rubberstamping everything Israel does and pretending this somehow also aligns with our interests, he continued. When American leaders finally draw a distinction between our interests and Israels, thats when progress can be made. Related... Read the original on HuffPost This story was originally published on Higher Ed Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Higher Ed Dive newsletter. Faculty groups and employee unions are urging universities to reject a proposed compact from the Trump administration that would trade control over their policies for preferential access to federal research funding. Of the nine colleges that received the offer, at least two faculty senates the University of Virginia and the University of Arizona voted to oppose the deal and pushed their institution's leadership to reject it. Other instructors and employee groups have also decried the compact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders at the colleges have thus far issued mostly noncommittal responses, with none publicly announcing they would decline the deal as of Wednesday afternoon. Along with UVA and the University of Arizona, the Trump administration sent the compact to Brown University, Dartmouth College, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Southern California and Vanderbilt University. It gave the institutions until Oct. 20 to respond with feedback and up to Nov. 21 to sign. Faculty groups weigh in At a Monday meeting, the University of Arizona's faculty senate approved a resolution opposing the compact in a 40-8 vote, with one member abstaining. The resolution called the compact a danger to the independence, excellence, and integrity" of the institution and the constitutional rights of the campus community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others wiser than I have called it recently a trap, a poisoned apple," Faculty Chair Leila Hudson said before the vote. "Federal funds are not a drug that we need a quick fix of to be forever extortable." Hundreds of miles east, faculty at the University of Virginia similarly rebuked the Trump administration's proposal. The UVA faculty senate on Friday, in a 60-2 vote with 4 abstentions, approved a resolution whose preamble called the compact a danger to the university that runs antithetical to its mission and traditions. It also said the deal "likely violates state and federal law." At least one law firm, Ropes & Gray, has said the compact raises legal questions, adding that it "does not explain the statutory or other basis that authorizes the Administration to give preferential access to federal programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law firm also said the compact used vague and broad language and doesnt explain key elements of the proposal. For instance, it threatens to strip federal funding from institutions that sign and then violate its terms but it doesn't explain which dollars could be revoked. "Would all federal benefits research dollars and beyond be affected by an instance of non-compliance, or would only those additional or new federal benefits that have accrued as a result of the institution having signed onto this Compact (the scope of which is unclear as well) be affected?" it posited in a Wednesday analysis. A second round of deals? Two of the institutions that received the offer Penn and Brown have previously struck deals with the Trump administration. Penn President J. Larry Jameson said Sunday that he would seek input on the compact from the campus community, including Penns trustees and faculty senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The long-standing partnership with the federal government in both education and research has yielded tremendous benefits for our nation. Penn seeks no special consideration," he said in a statement. Jameson added that he would keep five factors front of mind: "freedom of inquiry and thought, free expression, non-discrimination, adherence to American laws and the Constitution of the United States, and our own governance." In March, the Trump administration suspended $175 million of Penn's research funding over its prior policy permitting transgender women to compete in womens sports. The U.S. Department of Education formally alleged in April that the university's policies had violated Title IX, a law banning sex-based discrimination at federally funded institutions. In July, Penn struck a deal with the Trump administration. The university agreed to follow the administrations new interpretation of Title IX, revoke swimming titles and awards that had previously been won by transgender women, and write personalized apology letters to impacted cisgender athletes who were on the womens swimming team. Among other things, agreeing to this compact would restrict university employees from speaking out on political issues, limit the enrollment of foreign students, and once again require the university to essentially deny the existence of transgender students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steven Brown Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island Following Jameson's response this week, a petition opposing the compact organized by two Penn employee unions garnered some 1,300 signatures as of Wednesday afternoon. The university's American Association of University Professors chapter is also promoting an Oct. 17 campus rally to protest the compact. Brown has thus far not issued a public statement on the proposed deal and did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday. But the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island urged Brown President Christine Paxson to stand against the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Among other things, agreeing to this compact would restrict university employees from speaking out on political issues, limit the enrollment of foreign students, and once again require the university to essentially deny the existence of transgender students," Steven Brown, executive director of the group, said in an Oct. 3 letter. "The compact makes no serious attempt to hide its real intent." The civil rights organization drew parallels between the Trump administration's latest proposal and Brown University's settlement with the federal government in July. The university agreed to pay $50 million to state workforce development organizations and give the White House oversight of its admissions in exchange for a restoration of federal funding frozen over claims related to antisemitism and other civil rights violations. "We believe that your universitys previous capitulation has simply empowered and emboldened the Trump administration to demand more," it said. "It is only by sending a clear, strong, and visible message that these attacks on the mission of higher education will not be tolerated that one can ever hope to stop them." A devils bargain Dartmouth President Sian Beilock issued a short statement about the compact on Oct. 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am deeply committed to Dartmouths academic mission and values and will always defend our fierce independence," she said. "You have often heard me say that higher education is not perfect and that we can do better. At the same time, we will never compromise our academic freedom and our ability to govern ourselves." In a joint op-ed, two faculty members from Dartmouth and Vanderbilt called the compact a devils bargain." "Any institution that yields to these broad and intrusive demands would give up its legal rights and would forever be subservient to the whims of the government," wrote Vanderbilt professor Lisa Fazio and Dartmouth professor Brendan Nyhan. "If the Justice Department decides that a signatory violated the vague terms of the agreement, that university would be forced to return all federal money it received in that year along with any private donations at donor request." Vanderbilt has not commented on the compact publicly, but President Daniel Diermeier told the student newspaper that the university is reviewing the offer. Diermeier has also previously aligned with some of the Trump administrations higher education positions, such as supporting institutional neutrality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An anti-compact petition organized by Vanderbilt Graduate Workers United had over 920 signatures, including from students, active and former employees, alumni and community members, as of Wednesday afternoon. "This compact represents nothing other than a fascist takeover of higher education in the United States," the petition said. "And we will not allow it to happen." The graduate workers union said it intends to deliver the petition in-person to the administration. Recommended Reading By Matt Spetalnick, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Trevor Hunnicutt WASHINGTON/CAIRO (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had reached a long-sought deal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release under his plan for ending the two-year-old war in the Palestinian enclave. Just a day after the second anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel that triggered Israel's devastating assault on Gaza, indirect talks in Egypt yielded an agreement on the initial stage of Trumps 20-point framework. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deal, if implemented, would bring the two sides closer than any previous effort to halt a war that had evolved into a regional conflict, drawing in countries such as Iran, Yemen and Lebanon, and reshaping the Middle East. "I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan," Trump said on Truth Social. "This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace," Trump added. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a written statement, referring to the hostages held by Hamas: "With God's help we will bring them all home." He said he would convene his government on Thursday to approve the agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas confirmed it had reached an agreement to end the war, saying the deal includes an Israeli withdrawal from the enclave and a hostage-prisoner exchange. But the group called on Trump and guarantor states to ensure Israel fully implements the ceasefire, it added in a statement. Trump said earlier that a deal was almost done and that he may travel to Egypt this weekend, possibly leaving as soon as Saturday. "All Parties will be treated fairly!" he said on Truth Social. "This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. Successful completion of the deal would mark the biggest foreign policy achievement so far for a president who took office in January promising to quickly end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, only to be confronted with obstacles and complexities he had apparently not foreseen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior envoys from the U.S., Qatar and Turkey had joined the talks, apparently adding momentum to discussions launched on Monday in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh. Trump sent his son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Israel was represented by Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close confidant of Netanyahu. Despite the hopes raised for ending the war, crucial details are yet to be spelled out, including the timing, a post-war administration for the Gaza Strip and the fate of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Gaza authorities say more than 67,000 people have been killed and much of the enclave has been flattened since Israel began its military response to the Hamas cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023. Around 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage back to Gaza, according to Israeli officials, with 20 of the 48 hostages still held believed to be alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HOSTAGE RELEASE EXPECTED IN DAYS A Hamas source said the living hostages would be handed over within 72 hours of the Israeli government approving the deal. An Israeli government spokesperson said the hostage release was expected to begin on Saturday. Netanyahu and Trump spoke by phone and congratulated each other on the agreement, and the Israeli prime minister invited the U.S president to address Israels parliament, according to Netanyahu's office. Hamas said earlier on Wednesday it had handed over its lists of the hostages it held and the Palestinian prisoners held by Israel that it wanted to be exchanged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The list of Palestinians Hamas wants freed was expected to include some of the most prominent prisoners ever jailed by Israel, whose release had been off limits in previous ceasefires. According to a Palestinian source close to the talks, the list includes Marwan al-Barghouti, a leader of the Fatah movement, and Ahmed Saadat, head of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Both are serving multiple life sentences for involvement in attacks that killed Israelis. Hamas has so far refused to discuss Israel's demand that Hamas give up its arms, which the Palestinian source said Hamas would reject as long as Israeli troops occupy Palestinian land. Two sources familiar with the talks confirmed that sticking points included the mechanism for the Israeli withdrawal, with Hamas seeking a clear timeline linked to the release of hostages and guarantees of a complete pullout by Israeli forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within Gaza, Israel has dialled down its military campaign at Trump's behest, but it has not halted strikes altogether. The Israeli military said its forces had killed several militants in Gaza City, Gaza's main urban hub, who it said were on their way to attack Israeli soldiers. Gaza medical authorities reported eight people killed in Israeli strikes in the last 24 hours, the lowest toll for weeks. Daily death tolls had been around 10 times as high over the past month as Israeli forces advance on Gaza City. ARAB COUNTRIES SAY PLAN MUST LEAD TO PALESTINIAN STATE The next phase of Trump's plan calls for an international body led by Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to play a role in Gaza's post-war administration. Arab countries which back the plan say it must lead to eventual independence for a Palestinian state, which Netanyahu says will never happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no clear indication who will rule Gaza when the war ends. Netanyahu, Trump, Western and Arab states have ruled out a role for Hamas, which has run Gaza since driving out Palestinian rivals in 2007. Hamas has said it would relinquish Gaza governance only to a Palestinian technocrat government supervised by the Palestinian Authority and backed by Arab and Muslim countries. It rejects any role for Blair or foreign rule of Gaza. Global outrage has mounted against Israel's assault. Multiple rights experts, scholars and a U.N. inquiry say it amounts to genocide. Israel calls its actions self-defence after the 2023 Hamas attack. (Reporting by Dawoud Abu Elkas, Tuvan Gumrukcu and Daren Butler in Ankara, Jana Choukeir and Tala Ramadan in Dubai, Maayan Lubell and Alexander Cornwell in Jerusalem, John Irish in Paris, Angelo Amante in Rome, Trevor Hunnicutt Steve Holland and David Morgan in Washington; Writing by Michael Georgy, Peter Graff, and Timothy Heritage and Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Alex Richardson, Philippa Fletcher, Nick Zieminski and Diane Craft) By Julia Payne BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Sanctions are clearly hurting the Russian economy but U.S. President Donald Trump is keeping his allies guessing whether he will sign off on more measures, despite Washington being party to the G7's deal to coordinate steps against the Kremlin, the EU's sanctions chief told Reuters. Last week the Group of Seven (G7) nations - the U.S., Japan, Canada, Britain, France, Germany and Italy - agreed to coordinate and intensify sanctions against Moscow over its war in Ukraine by targeting countries that buy Russian oil and thereby enable sanctions circumvention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those countries were not named but India, China, NATO-member Turkey and others have significantly increased their Russian crude purchases since Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The U.S. has imposed an extra 25% tariff on imports from India to pressure New Delhi to halt its purchases of discounted Russian crude oil, bringing total punitive duties on Indian goods to 50%. But Washington made no such move towards other Russian crude importers. It is also not clear if Washington would support any further sanctions against the Kremlin. "That's sort of the great unknown of the situation," EU sanctions envoy David O'Sullivan told Reuters in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are signs he (Trump) is losing patience with President Putin but whether that will lead him to conclude that America should put additional sanctions on Russia is an open question," he said, adding the U.S. needed to catch up to the rest of the G7 on sanctions after its earlier focus on peace between Russia and Ukraine. For example, the EU, Britain, and Canada lowered the G7 price cap on Russian crude oil to $47.60 a barrel as of early September from $60 previously, but the U.S. did not join, a move O'Sullivan called "regrettable". Trump has been pushing for tariffs on major importers of Russian crude, but O'Sullivan said many countries in the EU, as well as Canada and Britain, are "less convinced" they would work and believe pressure on ports, the shadow fleet, and refineries would be more effective. Western powers want to capitalise on Russia's slowing economy by cutting off more of Moscow's still significant revenues from oil and gas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement O'Sullivan said he would welcome more U.S. pressure on EU members Slovakia and Hungary to end their oil and pipeline gas purchases - a sticky issue for the bloc. Meanwhile, the EU wants to accelerate the phase-out of its Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports in its proposed 19th package of sanctions. O'Sullivan said western sanctions against Russia were clearly working. "All the indicators in the Russian economy are flashing red," he said. "All of this is indicative of the extent of the pressure Russia is under as a result of our sanctions. But of course, they are constantly creating new means of circumvention and new ideas about how to get around these sanctions, and we have to close those loopholes." TOUGHER ON CHINA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With U.S. commitment to additional sanctions uncertain, the EU is pursuing a parallel strategy by targeting Russia's key enabler: China. The EU, Ukraine and its allies view China as a central node in Moscow's sanctions evasion network by facilitating the flow of battlefield goods and advanced microelectronics used in drones and missiles. Efforts to engage Beijing have stalled as China denies doing anything other than "normal trade" with Russia three years into the Ukraine war. "For example drones, which maybe are technically speaking non-military until they're made military - but ... they don't accept that this is circumvention," O'Sullivan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are slowly starting to address the issue of bad actors in China." Brussels began listing more significant entities in third countries in its recent sanctions. Its 18th package added two Chinese banks and India's second-largest refining complex while the 19th package, which is still being negotiated, is expected to list independent Chinese refineries and central Asian banks. "We do see evidence that China is a platform for the import and re-export to Russia of quite significant numbers of battlefield goods ... We would infinitely prefer to have a more constructive, systemic dialogue with China, but so far they seem unwilling," he added. (Reporting by Julia Payne; Editing by Hugh Lawson) A federal judge in Chicago on Thursday blocked the Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops to the city and state as part of its ongoing immigration enforcement push, saying she had no faith in the governments claims of out-of-control violence and that it was federal agents who started it by aggressively targeting protesters with tear gas and militaristic tactics. The ruling by U.S. District Judge April Perry is the latest setback for President Donald Trump, who has claimed ongoing violence and clashes between protesters and immigration agents in Chicago and other U.S. cities justified sending federalized troops onto the streets as a security force, even as local and state officials accused the president of manufacturing a crisis to justify unnecessary and unprecedented force. The temporary restraining order issued by Perry, which took effect immediately, bars the president from deploying federalized National Guard troops from any state to any location in Illinois. A written ruling would be issued Friday, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. JB Pritzker cheered the ruling in a statement on social media, writing, Donald Trump is not a king and his administration is not above the law. Perrys ruling confirmed what we all know: there is no credible evidence of a rebellion in the state of Illinois. And no place for the National Guard in the streets of American cities like Chicago, Pritzker wrote. A spokesperson for Trump, meanwhile, said the judge got it wrong and there will be an appeal. 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, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson wrote in an emailed statement. President Trump will not turn a blind eye to the lawlessness plaguing American cities and we expect to be vindicated by a higher court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not immediately clear what would happen with National Guard troops already working at sites around Chicago, including Broadview. In her oral ruling from the bench, Perry, a Biden appointee, said National Guard troops are not trained in de-escalation or other extremely important law enforcement functions that would help to quell these problems, and that allowing troops to come into Chicago will only add fuel to the fire that the defendants themselves have started. The judge also said the Trump administrations attempts to cast protesters as violent rebels cannot be aligned with the view of local officials. Perry said she had no faith in the declarations of federal officials submitted to the court due in large part of a growing body of evidence that the Department of Homeland Securitys views are simply unreliable. Perry cited several assault cases that had been dismissed against protesters and other orders from federal judges in Chicago entered against DHS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the last 48 hours in four separate unrelated legal decisions from different neutral parties, they all cast significant doubt on DHS assessment of what is happening on the streets of Chicago, Perry said. Perry also said a rebellion is defined as a deliberate organized resistance openly opposing the laws and government as a whole by means of armed violence. I have found no credible evidence that there is a danger of rebellion in the state of Illinois. Standing in front of a bevy of cameras Thursday evening in the federal court lobby a building he noted that doesnt need the protection of the National Guard right now Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raouls voice broke as he praised prosecutors he called true American heroes. The judges ruling, Raoul said, is an important decision not just for the state of Illinois but for the entire country. The question of state sovereignty was addressed in this decision. The question of whether or not the president of the United States should have unfettered authority to militarize our cities was answered today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling came down after hours of arguments in court that came to an emotional end Thursday with a lawyer for the Illinois attorney general choking up as he talked about the American tradition of public virtue that puts the common good of the republic ahead of self-interest. This case is replete with evidence of bad faith, of an abandonment of public virtue, of a lack of honest devotion to the public interest and a grave risk of usurpation or wanton tyranny, attorney Christopher Wells said in his closing argument in a shaky and halting voice. Wells argued that Trumps plan to put federalized National Guard troops in the Chicago area, ostensibly to protect federal personnel and property during his Operation Midway Blitz immigration enforcement push, was a dangerous prelude to his real endgame: a federal takeover of Democrat-led cities like Chicago that have long been among his favorite political targets. A Trump administration lawyer, meanwhile, argued strenuously that the president was well within his constitutional authority to mobilize troops given the violence perpetrated against federal immigration officers by protesters that he characterized as rioters and criminals bent on rebellion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This federalization happened to respond to an urgent and serious ongoing threat to officer safety and to the protection of property, said Eric Hamilton, a civil litigation attorney for the Department of Justice, citing the boxing in of vehicles, assaults and even an alleged bounty put on a border patrol officials head by a reputed gang member. Hamilton said the operation was limited in scope and entirely within the presidents powers to ensure the ability to execute federal laws, and that the states motion for an injunction blocking the National Guard deployment entirely meritless. There is no possible irreparable injury from 500 members of the National Guard protecting federal property in a state of 13 million people, Hamilton said. The extraordinary back-and-forth between the lawyers capped a landmark day at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, where Perrys 17th floor courtroom quickly filled to capacity in advance of the hearing, as did an overflow courtroom three floors below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hearing also featured a remarkably detailed question-and-answer session between Perry and Hamilton, with the judge trying to pin him down on everything from what the troops would be doing in Chicago to the presidents own public statements about sending the military to the city to end crime. National Guard members walk around outside of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 9, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Members of the Texas National Guard at the Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood, Oct. 8, 2025,. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Members of the Texas National Guard carry shields while running run drills on Oct. 8, 2025, at the Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Members of the Texas National Guard stand at an entrance Oct. 8, 2025, at the Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Members of the Texas National Guard arrive Oct. 7, 2025, at the Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Members of the Texas National Guard carry luggage after arriving Oct. 7, 2025, at the Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Members of the Texas National Guard arrive Oct. 7, 2025, at the Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Members of the Texas National Guard assemble at the Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood, a far southwest suburb of Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2025. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Erin Gallagher, from Will County, protests the arrival of members of the Texas National Guard on Oct. 7. 2025, at the Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune) Members of the Texas National Guard arrive Oct. 7, 2025, at the Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Members of the Texas National Guard walk around the Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood, Oct. 7. 2025. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune) Members of the Texas National Guard assemble in Elwood at the Army Reserve Training Center in the southwest suburb of Chicago on Oct. 7, 2025. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Members of the Texas National Guard assemble at the Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood, a far southwest suburb of Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2025. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Members of the Texas National Guard assemble at the Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood, a far southwest suburb of Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2025. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Members of the Texas National Guard assemble in Elwood at the Army Reserve Training Center in the southwest suburb of Chicago on Oct. 7, 2025. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Members of the Texas National Guard assemble at the Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood, a far southwest suburb of Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2025. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Members of the Texas National Guard assemble at the Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood, a far southwest suburb of Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2025. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Members of the Texas National Guard assemble at the Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood on Oct. 7, 2025, southwest of Chicago. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Members of the Texas National Guard assemble at the Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood, a far southwest suburb of Chicago, on Oct. 7, 2025. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Members of the Texas National Guard assemble at the Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood on Oct. 7, 2025, southwest of Chicago. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Show Caption1 of 21Texas National Guard members patrol outside of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 9, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)Expand Near the end of his remarks, Hamilton said that if the judge was inclined to issue an injunction it should be limited and narrowly tailored. He also asked that she put an administrative stay on any injunction so that it can be appealed quickly to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Arguments got underway shortly after 11 a.m. with the lawyers sparring over what constitutes a rebellion that such troops might be sent to quell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wells, the attorney for Illinois, said the countrys founders did not use words such as rebellion, insurrection, or war lightly. The president of the United States believes there is a rebellion brewing in the United States? That is such an audacious claim, Wells argued. Who are the rebels? Are the rebels well armed? There is no rebellion in Illinois. There doesnt have to be an actual rebeller, Hamilton said. It is enough that there is a danger of a rebellion here. Which there is. In requesting the emergency restraining order, Kwame Raouls office asked the federal court on Monday to find the federalization and deployment of National Guard troops unconstitutional and to block Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from deploying troops to the state over the objections of Pritzker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administrations illegal actions already have subjected and are subjecting Illinois to serious and irreparable harm. The deployment of federalized National Guard, including from another state, infringes on Illinois sovereignty and right to self-governance, the AG filing stated. But Department of Justice lawyers argued in a filing late Wednesday that escalating violence against immigration officials during Operation Midway Blitz justify the deployment of National Guard troops to protect against a danger of a rebellion against federal authority that impedes the ability of federal officials to enforce federal law. Protesters recite the rosary outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Oct. 9, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) Protesters and journalists wait at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Oct. 9, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) A Broadview police officer moves protesters away from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility, Oct. 8, 2025, in Broadview. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Protesters gather outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility, Oct. 8, 2025, in Broadview. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Protesters gather outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility on Oct. 8, 2025, in Broadview. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) State police troopers stand outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility, Oct. 8, 2025, in Broadview. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A large bus arrives at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility, Oct. 8, 2025, in Broadview. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers join Cook County Sheriffs deputies to monitor an entrance, Oct. 6, 2025, outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) A protester sits outside, Oct. 6, 2025, at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Illinois State Police move protesters back near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview on Oct. 4, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Illinois State Police move protesters off the road near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility, Oct. 4, 2025, in Broadview. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility Activists yell at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility on Oct. 4, 2025, in Broadview. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Illinois State Police hold a line near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 4, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Illinois State Police move protesters off the road while they protest recent immigration enforcement actions near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 4, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Protesters embrace near the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Oct. 3, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) Illinois State Police move protesters off the road near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, Oct. 4, 2025, in Broadview. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Illinois State Police and Cook County Sheriffs keep protesters from 25th Avenue near the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) Illinois State Police troopers detain a protester who refused to back up as a vehicle passed along Harvard Street near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Illinois State Police troopers detain a protester who refused to back up along Harvard near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Illinois State Police troopers detain a protester who refused to back up near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Protesters confront Illinois State Police troopers outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Federal agents ride an armored vehicle as protesters clash with federal agents and Illinois State Police troopers near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) People sing and recite prayers during a Jewish prayer service near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Dozens participate in Jewish prayer service near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Protesters confront federal agents and Illinois State Police troopers near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) A protester is detained near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Ald. Maria Hadden, 49th, records as protesters face off with federal agents and Illinois State Police troopers near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) U.S. Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino, right, warns protesters near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Protesters clash with federal agents and Illinois State Police troopers near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) A federal agent watches from an armored vehicle near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Illinois State Police troopers line up to prevent protesters from blocking traffic from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Illinois State Police troopers line up along Harvard Street and prevent protesters from standing on the street and blocking federal vehicles moving to and from from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Illinois State Police troopers line up along Harvard Street and prevent protesters from blocking federal vehicles moving to and from from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Federal agents stand on the roof of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Illinois State Police troopers line up along Harvard Street near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Illinois State Police troopers line up along Harvard Street and prevent protesters from standing on the street and blocking federal vehicles near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. Some troopers were armed with additional clubs, rifles, and shielded helmets. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Broadview police hold back protesters from stopping vehicles at Harvard Street and 25th Avenue near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview on Oct. 3, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) A protester recovers after being sprayed in the face by a federal agent along the fence on Sept. 28, 2025, at the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) People pray on Sept. 28, 2025, near the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Federal agents stand inside the fence on Sept. 28, 2025, at the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Federal agents escort a detainee into the facility on Sept. 28, 2025, at the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Protesters rally on Sept. 28, 2025, near the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) A protester wipes his eyes after being sprayed by a federal agent through a fence at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview on Sept. 27, 2025. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune) U.S. Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino leads detainees into the ICE facility in Broadview on Sept. 27, 2025. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune) A protester yells at a federal agent attempting to enter the ICE facility in Broadview on Sept. 27, 2025. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune) A protester gets treated after being sprayed by a federal agent through a fence at the ICE facility in Broadview on Sept. 27, 2025. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune) A detainee is unloaded from a vehicle before being brought into the ICE facility in Broadview on Sept. 27, 2025. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune) Logan Woodrum, of Pontiac, protests from the top of his car outside of the ICE facility in Broadview on Sept. 27, 2025. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune) A protester and veteran who served in Iraq flies the American flag upside down during a protest at the ICE facility in Broadview on Sept. 27, 2025. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator adjusts a flag draped over her back depicting a combined U.S. and Mexico flag while standing outside a fenced-in ICE facility on Sept. 26, 2025, in Broadview. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) A protester is detained by ICE agents outside the ICE facility in Broadview, Sept. 26, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) Protesters clash with federal agents outside the ICE facility in Broadview, Sept. 26, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) Protesters clash with ICE agents outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview, Sept. 26, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) Protesters clash with ICE agents outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview, Sept. 26, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) ICE agents move back into the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility while facing off with protesters in Broadview, Sept. 26, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) Federal agents escort a vehicle from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview, Sept. 26, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fires rounds at protesters on 25th Avenue near the holding facility in Broadview, Sept. 26, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) Protesters flinch as ICE agents fire rounds at them in traffic on 25th Avenue near the holding facility in Broadview, Sept. 26, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) An ICE agent chases a protester into residential yard near the ICE holding facility in Broadview, Sept. 26, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) ICE agents help an injured colleague after chasing a protester through traffic on 25th Avenue and into a residential yard near the ICE holding facility in Broadview, Sept. 26, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents help an injured colleague after chasing a protester through traffic on 25th Avenue and into a residential yard near the ICE holding facility in Broadview, Sept. 26, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) A federal agent points his rifle of pepper balls at a protester near Harvard Street and 25th Avenue a block from the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility on Sept. 26, 2025, in Broadview. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Protesters chant as they walk across Harvard Street near the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement holding facility on Sept. 26, 2025, in Broadview. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) A protester holds a sign as federal agents move toward demonstrators near the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Sept. 26, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Federal agents fire baton rounds at demonstrators near the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Sept. 26, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) A protester runs away from federal agents firing chemical gas at him along Harvard Street near the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility on Sept. 26, 2025, in Broadview. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Baton rounds fired toward protesters outside the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview are seen Sept. 26, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) A protester covers his face as chemical gas surrounds him along Harvard Street near the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility on Sept. 26, 2025, in Broadview. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Federal agents move toward protesters at 25th Street near the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Sept. 26, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Levi Rolles is seen with several bruises from baton shots outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview, Sept. 26, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Protesters surround the SUV of a federal agent and try and prevent him from driving down Harvard Street to the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility on Sept. 26, 2025, in Broadview. Protesters and federal agents faced off throughout the morning. Federal agents used several kinds of chemical gas, baton rounds, and arrested at least two people while protesters refused to clear the street. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) People pray outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview, Sept. 26, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) A federal agent points his rifle full of pepper balls at protesters along Harvard Street near the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility on Sept. 26, 2025, in Broadview. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) A protester holds up her phone and backs away from federal agents shooting chemical gas at protesters along Harvard Street near the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility on Sept. 26, 2025, in Broadview. Federal agents used several kinds of chemical gas, baton rounds and arrested at least two people after protesters refused to clear the street. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Federal agents surround and arrest two protesters along Harvard Street near the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility on Sept. 26, 2025, in Broadview. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Protesters lock arms and block Harvard Street while federal agents stand guard at a gate leading to the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility on Sept. 26, 2025, in Broadview. Protesters and federal agents faced off throughout the morning. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Protesters gather outside the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Sept. 26, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Broadview police officers move protesters as they try and clear a path for federal agents to exit Harvard Street near the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility on Sept. 26, 2025, in Broadview. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) A protester holds up a sign in the early hours of the morning before the start of confrontations with federal agents along Harvard Street near the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement facility on Sept. 26, 2025, in Broadview. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Curtis Evans, of Evanston, carries a U.S. flag through gas deployed by federal officers as they clear protesters from the entrance of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview on Sept. 19, 2025. Evans said he was a Marine during President Ronald Reagans term. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) A chemical agent canister sits on the ground after being used on protesters outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building on Sept. 19, 2025, in Broadview. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A protester is shot with a pepper ball outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building on Sept. 19, 2025, in Broadview. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Federal law enforcement officers detain a protester outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building on Sept. 19, 2025, in Broadview. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A protester who was shot with pepper balls while blocking a federal law enforcement vehicle leans against a fence outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building on Sept. 19, 2025, in Broadview. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Federal agents stand on the roof of the Broadview Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility and watch protesters below on Sept. 19, 2025, in Broadview. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Federal officers clear protesters from the entrance of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Sept. 19, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Federal agents attempt to clear protesters from the street to make way for vehicles and officers to enter an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, Sept. 12, 2025, in Broadview. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Show Caption1 of 88A "No Troops in Our Streets" protest sign is posted as agents watch protesters at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Oct. 9, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)Expand In their 59-page filing, the Justice Department cited the recent protests at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, charges against people accused of ramming Border Patrol vehicles on the citys Southwest Side that led to a woman being shot by agents, and a case brought against an alleged Chicago gang member accusing him of putting a $10,000 bounty on the head of Bovino, the Border Patrol boss in charge of the Chicago operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defendant in the Bovino case is scheduled to have a detention hearing Friday apparently one of the cases that the Trump administration claims the National Guard was called in for. The violent actions and threats by large numbers of protesters, directed at those enforcing of federal immigration laws and at federal property, constitute at least a danger of a rebellion against federal authority and significantly impede the ability of federal officials to enforce federal law, the Justice Department said in the filing. Controversy was brewing before the hearing began Thursday. The Trump administrations late-night filing included a declaration from a U.S. Army official claiming the National Guard had been requested to help secure the courthouse for two high-profile cases involving Department of Homeland Security personnel on Friday. But in an apparent response, U.S. District Chief Judge Virginia Kendall said in a letter Thursday morning that the U.S. Marshals Service has jurisdiction over courthouse security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At no point did I, nor the Building Security Committee, authorize or request the National Guards assistance to secure the Dirksen Courthouse, Kendall wrote. During the hearing Thursday, Perry grilled Hamilton, the Justice Department lawyer, about the claim, saying shed been assured that it was not an accurate statement. She told Hamilton to go back to the Army official and either provide further details for the factual basis or withdraw it. Before Perry came back to the bench to issue her ruling, the defense filed an updated declaration from the Army official clarifying that it was Federal Plaza, not the courthouse, that was at issue. To date, there are no requests from the U.S. Marshals Service, and there are no plans for the National Guard to be at the courthouse, the declaration read. Perry spent well over an hour pressing Hamilton for specifics on the administrations plans for the deployment. Would armed patrols be sent to neighborhood streets, she asked, or inside hospitals and schools? Would troops be able to search people or chase vehicles? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre the ones who are deploying them, she replied. What are they being trained and deployed to do? Hamilton said it was too early to say exactly what Guard members would be asked to do and where they might be sent. Still, he said the mission would center on protecting federal buildings and federal agents who have been subjected to very tragic and serious acts of violence, including what he classified as coordinated attempts to block and ram DHS vehicles and an improvised explosive device described in court documents as a round, green ball with a wick found last month outside the ICE detention facility in Broadview. But Perry noted at least some of that violence appeared to be instigated by federal agents. The judge referenced evidence of ICE agents indiscriminately gassing peaceful protestors outside the Broadview center as well as several recent cases in which citizens had been charged with assaulting immigration agents only to have a grand jury later find no probable cause that a crime had been committed. She also pushed Hamilton to reconcile the administrations legal arguments for the deployment with public statements made by Trump, who in the past has said Guard troops would be asked to tackle Chicagos endemic crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frankly, she said, theres a very large disconnect between those two bodies of evidence. As with much of the questioning, Hamilton fell back on the position that the presidents authority to federalize the National Guard is not for a judge to decide. And even when the question has been put to judicial review, the president has been given great deference to determine when the Guard should be deployed. In this case, he told Perry, Trump has decided the Guard is needed to protect federal property in Illinois and to ensure that DHS agents are able to enforce federal immigration laws. I am very much struggling to figure out where this would ever stop, Perry said. The plaintiffs really believe its not going to stop with that. You havent told me its going to stop after that. Perry later questioned whether the level of violence reportedly faced by federal agents was enough to deter ICE agents from making arrests, which have dramatically spiked this year. Acts of vandalism slashed tires and keyed cars sounded a bit like a Carrie Underwood song, she joked, eliciting a brief chuckle in a packed court room that, until that moment, had been silently tense. I struggle to say you cant execute laws because you cant do it as quickly as youd like, Perry said. Ahead of Perrys expected ruling, Mayor Brandon Johnson appeared outside Funston Elementary School, near the scene of ICEs tear gas deployment last week, and affirmed that Chicago police will protect protesters rights outside the Dirksen Courthouse and citywide. It is the local police departments responsibility to ensure that we keep the peace, and thats what theyll do, and thats what their assignment is, Johnson told reporters. He also took a jab at how National Guard members stationed in Washington, D.C., ended up cleaning litter. I mean, you saw them in D.C. They were streets and sanitation workers, Johnson said. Heres the thing, that you dont need a uniform to volunteer to pick up trash. Johnson watched much of the hearing in a back pew. He sat quietly, leaning forward as he intently watched Perry question the sparring attorneys. He left before closing arguments, praising the judge to reporters in the courthouse lobby, but adding concerns that even with an order from her Trump might still break rules. This administration has made it very clear that its sole intent is to be an authoritarian government, versus a democracy, he said. I believe that we all should be concerned about that. The Defense Department has moved in recent days to federalize 300 members of the Illinois National Guard as well as 400 Guard members from Texas. Approximately half of the Guard members from Texas ultimately are expected to be sent to Illinois, with the support of Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump suggested he could invoke the Insurrection Act if needed to sidestep court orders or uncooperative officials. 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, he said. A White House spokeswoman repeated that Trump was exercising his lawful authority to protect federal officers and assets. Given Trumps weekslong flirtation with sending troops to Chicago and his shifting rationale, which at first was ostensibly about combating violent crime in the city but has since turned to protecting immigration enforcement operations amid Operation Midway Blitz, the manufactured nature of the crisis is clear, the state argued in its filing. 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 Illinois attorney generals office wrote. The states filing noted Trumps long history of threatening and derogatory statements toward Illinois and Chicago, as well as city and state leaders, dating to even before he entered the 2016 presidential race. The supposed current emergency is belied by the fact that Trumps Chicago troop deployment threats began more than ten years ago, the state argued. In a social media post from 2013 Trump writes we need our troops on the streets of Chicago, not in Syria. The state lawsuit also turned the Trump administrations braggadocio to undermine its argument that troops are necessary, citing statements touting the successes of recent immigration enforcement activities and a confident show of force on Sept. 28, during which dozens of DHS agents dressed in tactical gear and carrying semi-automatic rifles walked the streets of downtown, as evidence that no emergency exists that would require the deployment of federalized troops. In a show of unity, U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, a veteran wounded in combat in Iraq, and all 14 Democratic members of the states congressional delegation sent a letter to Trump that urged the president to reverse course. Chicago Tribunes Tess Kenny contributed. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com dpetrella@chicagotribune.com By John Revill and Anton Bridge ZURICH/TOKYO (Reuters) -SoftBank Group has agreed to buy the robotics business of Swiss engineering group ABB in a $5.4 billion deal, as the Japanese investor forges ahead with a strategy to fuse robotics and artificial intelligence. The acquisition, announced on Wednesday, is the latest by founder and CEO Masayoshi Son to establish Softbank as a core player in the development of artificial intelligence. SoftBank pushed into humanoid robotics a decade ago with its Pepper robot but later scaled back its ambitions. Its recent investments in the sector include Berkshire Grey and AutoStore, and it also led a $40 billion funding round in ChatGPT-maker OpenAI and in March bought chip design company Ampere for $6.5 billion. SOFTBANK'S STRATEGY: MERGING AI WITH ROBOTICS "SoftBank's next frontier is Physical AI," Son said in a statement. The deal means ABB has abandoned its original decision to spin off and separately list the industrial automation business, which competes with Japan's Fanuc and Yaskawa, as well as Germany's Kuka in making factory robots. The decision is the first major move under ABB CEO Morten Wierod, who took charge last year, and follows years of struggling sales and falling profitability for the robots business. ABB's robotics division, which employs 7,000 people, generated sales of $2.3 billion last year, equivalent to 7% of ABB's total revenues. But the company saw limited crossover with the rest of its business, which focuses primarily on electrification and automation. ABB announced to shareholders in April its decision to spin off robotics but decided to sell instead because the SoftBank deal provided money immediately, Wierod told Reuters. Following the deal's announcement, Switzerland's Zuercher Kantonalbank said it had expected a valuation of slightly less than $4 billion for the robotics business under the planned spin-off. ABB shares opened 2% higher in Zurich after the sale announcement, while SoftBank's shares did not move significantly, ending the day down 2%. ABB TO FOCUS ON ELECTRIFICATION, AUTOMATION, ACQUISITIONS "We always said that robotics is a market with much higher volatility. And that's what we've seen over the years, both when it comes to growth, but also margins," Wierod said. "So it is a bit of a different market than, say, the rest of ABB today, which is focusing on electrification and automation." The transaction is expected to close in mid- to late-2026 and will generate cash proceeds of roughly $5.3 billion, ABB said. It was the sort of dramatic moment on which Donald Trump thrives. The US president was presiding over a meeting about Left-wing Antifa violence, cameras trained on his every move, when Marco Rubio, his secretary of state, passed him a handwritten message. I was just given a note by the secretary of state, announced the president, hushing his audience, saying that were very close to a deal in the Middle East, and theyre going to need me pretty quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A photographer captured the text with a long lens (see below). Very close, read the scrawl, with the two words underlined. We need you to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first, it added. Some have likened the image of Mr Rubio and Mr Trump to that of George W Bush and his chief of staff Andy Card on the morning of September 11 2001, when Mr Card whispered into the presidents ear as he read a story called The Pet Goat to children at Emma Booker Elementary School in Sarasota, Florida. Mr Card told Mr Bush that a second plane had hit the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and America is under attack. Andy Card and George W Bush - Reuters/Win McNamee This is how history is made in this White House. Not with a press conference or an Oval Office address, but with a post on the presidents own social media platform. A few hours later, it dropped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am very proud that Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of our peace plan, it said. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS, the post concluded. The statement capped a frenetic period of diplomatic activity in which Mr Trump has applied the full heft of the White House towards reaching a deal. Truth Social/via REUTERS If it holds and it is a big if the president would have a good case to achieve his long-held dream of being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Insiders said the latest round of negotiations kicked off in earnest exactly a month ago, on Sept 9, when Israel carried out its failed air strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, the capital of Qatar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missiles crashed into the terror groups headquarters, killing the son of chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, just as its political bureau was weighing up the latest US proposal. Mr Trump was furious. The strike had embarrassed the United States, sparked fury among the Arab and Gulf allies crucial to any deal, and achieved none of its military goals. Israels strike against Hamas in Qatar infuriated Mr Trump - Jacqueline Penney/AFP The presidents impatience with Mr Netanyahu hardened. He delivered via backchannels and, later, in person a message: if you do not go along with us on this path to peace, the US will withdraw from its position as Israels chief ally. At the same time, Mr Trump tightened his alliance with Qatar, ensuring its leaders would do everything in their power to bring Hamas to heel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon afterwards, Al Jazeera, the state-owned broadcaster, began to promote calls for the Islamist terror group to lay down arms, while watering down anti-Israel coverage. Another breakthrough came in a meeting between Mr Trump and leaders from Arab and Muslim countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The US president said he would not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. But diplomats from those countries were surprised when the presidents 20-point plan dropped the following week. They felt it reflected Israeli interests much more strongly than the recommendations they had made to Mr Trump and his officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A diplomatic source familiar with discussions told The Telegraph: The output didnt quite add up to the inputs shall we say. But Mr Trump and Qatar were now at the head of a process with growing momentum. The source said Arab and Muslim leaders were still discussing how best to raise their worries about the peace plan when Hamas announced they would accept it. A credible pathway to statehood Mr Trump then invited Mr Netanyahu to the White House on Sept 29 and presented a draft of the peace plan pulled together with input from Sir Tony Blair. Some of it was hard to swallow for the Israeli prime minister. Point 12 stated that Gazans would not be forcibly displaced from the Strip. Point 19 outlined how the deal would help create a credible pathway to a Palestinian state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli team managed to make last-minute tweaks, but Mr Trumps team rejected an amendment that would allow it to restart the war if it deemed Hamas had broken clauses of the agreement. To cap off Mr Netanyahus sudden reversal of fortunes, he was brought into another of the presidents Made For TV moments in the Oval Office. Handed a phone by the president, he was forced to call up the Qatari prime minister and personally apologise, more like a naughty schoolboy than the political colossus who has devastated Gaza and humiliated Iran and its proxies. Mr Netanyahu was persuaded to call up the Qatari PM and apologise personally - The White House Next, the plan was presented to Hamas. The group, Mr Trump warned, had three or four days to respond and, if it refused, Israel would be let off the leash to destroy it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the night of Oct 3, Hamas issued a full-throated agreement to release the 48 hostages it holds (20 alive, 28 dead). But it skirted the demand to disarm, and remove itself from post-war governance in Gaza. Analysts characterised it as a carefully calibrated Yes, but. Mr Netanyahu saw it as a flat-out rejection and phoned Mr Trump to persuade him of that view. A key dividing line between the two men appears to be their approach to the Israeli hostages. Mr Netanyahu spends little time with the hostage families, many of whom accuse him of continuing the war for personal political gain. By contrast, Mr Trump knows some hostages by name and keeps tabs on their recovery, while Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy to the Middle East, regularly texts with the families praying for the release of their loved ones. Hamas took a gamble: the clear win for Mr Trump would be enough for him to overlook its murky views on other parts of the 20-point plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It paid off. When Mr Netanyahu phoned the president in an attempt to torpedo the deal, he replied: Why are you always so f---ing negative? Axios reported. The president told the news website he had given Mr Netanyahu no choice but to move towards peace. I said, Bibi, this is your chance for victory. He was fine with it, Mr Trump said. Hes got to be fine with it. He has no choice. With me, youve got to be fine. Instead of nitpicking the Hamas reply, the president ordered Israel to stop bombing in Gaza City, where its troops had begun a full-scale offensive. Mr Netanyahu accepted, this time. He could not outmuscle the commander-in-chief, as he had with both Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The Israel Defense Forces halted offensive operations and began to prepare to receive the hostages. Israelis in Tel Aviv celebrate news of the ceasefire and hostages deal - Chris McGrath/ Getty Images On Saturday, the Israeli prime minister gave a brief, televised address to the nation. He said Israel had achieved its war goals and cast the move towards diplomacy as his decision, rather than one taken at the behest of the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hostage families protested in Tel Aviv and other cities, warning against any attempt to sabotage the deal by Mr Netanyahu or his far-Right coalition partners, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who abhor the prospect of an agreement with Hamas. By Monday, delegations from Israel and Hamas had arrived in the Egyptian resort of Sharm-el-Sheikh. Following reports of progress, Mr Witkoff and the presidents son-in-law, Jared Kushner, joined the talks on Wednesday morning. An Egyptian news crew captured the moment Mr Witkoff and Mr Kushner arrived for the talks on Wednesday - Khaled Desouki/AFP via Getty Images However, there were several sticking points to iron out before the 72-hour window in which Hamas would release the hostages opened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel objected to some of the individuals the terror group wanted to be among the 250 life prisoners freed, including Marwan Barghouti, who was jailed for his role in the Palestinian uprising in the early 2000s. In a rare interview, Khalil al-Hayya, the Hamas leader who dodged the missile strike in Qatar, said his group was seeking real guarantees that the war would not resume after the release of the hostages, as it had after two earlier ceasefires. The terror group also demanded the body of its former leader, Yahya Sinwar. Children in Khan Yunis, Gaza, celebrate the peace deal - Omar al-Qattaa/AFP By Wednesday night, it appeared that enough progress had been made behind closed doors. In the White House, Mr Trump was handed the note. True to his style, the president went on to take a further 11 questions, spanning the government shutdown, sanctioning Antifa and on his Nobel Peace Prize hopes, before departing the state dining room to address the matter of ending the war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the new cadre of softball reporters who are now routinely admitted to such events pointed out that several nations had nominated Mr Trump for the prize. By many by many, many countries, he agreed. Thats right. Mr Trump had, by his own count, ended seven wars and was on the brink of an eighth, he continued. The claims are greatly exaggerated, critics contest. I dont think anybody in history has settled that many, but perhaps theyll find a reason not to give it to me, he said. Minutes later, he was gone, heading back to the Oval Office, flanked by JD Vance and Mr Rubio. Then a Truth Social post dropped, buzzing on journalists phones all across Washington and beyond. Thumbs scrambled to see if it meant peace in the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats, intoned the sombre narrator of a political video, the party of open borders, transgender for everybody, lawlessness in our streets, are shutting down the government in an effort to appease the radical Left. A false alarm, as it turned out. But the world was listening, and it did not take long for the big announcement to drop. Some 50 minutes passed before the president finally declared: I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our peace plan. All hostages would be released and the IDF would withdraw to an agreed-upon line, his post said. That leaves most of the rest of the 20-point peace plan, including a stabilisation force, aid and a future Palestinian state, to be negotiated. But that is a problem for another day. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. By Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump will undergo what the White House described as his "routine yearly checkup" on Friday at Walter Reed medical center, six months after he had an extensive physical examination. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement on Wednesday Trump would travel to the medical facility outside of Washington for a meeting and to speak with U.S. troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While there, President Trump will stop by for his routine yearly check up," Leavitt said, adding that he may then travel to the Middle East where Israeli, Hamas and American negotiators are working on a Gaza hostage-for-ceasefire deal. Trump, 79, is the oldest person to assume the U.S. presidency. His health is closely watched, not only due to his age, but also because of questions about his predecessor Joe Biden's physical decline and fitness for the job while in office. In July, the White House disclosed that Trump was experiencing swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his right hand, after photographs showed the president with swollen ankles and makeup covering the afflicted part of his hand. His physician, Sean Barbabella, said in a letter released by the White House at the time that tests confirmed the leg issue was due to "chronic venous insufficiency," a benign and common condition, especially in people over 70. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The doctor said the bruising on Trump's hand was consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and aspirin use, which Trump takes as part of a "standard cardiovascular prevention regimen." Since then, the White House has played down concerns about Trump's health, without detailing how the leg issue is being treated. In April, Trump, who likes fast food and works long hours, visited Walter Reed for his first physical exam since he took over the presidency in January. Tests showed Trump had a normal heart rhythm and no major health problems, according to official results released by the White House. (Reporting by Steve Holland and Costas Pitas; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Tom Hogue) By Jeff Mason and Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the Gaza hostages should be released on Monday or Tuesday and that he hopes to attend a signing ceremony in Egypt. Trump opened a White House Cabinet meeting by discussing a deal reached on Wednesday under which the hostages held by Hamas militants are to be released in the first phase of a broader Gaza plan. He said he believed it will lead to "lasting peace." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said under the plan Gaza is going to be "slowly redone," a reference to plans to rebuild the Palestinian enclave. He did not provide details. Hamas is expected to release the 20 living hostages together, 72 hours after the ceasefire begins. "We are getting the hostages back on Tuesday, Monday or Tuesday, and that'll be a day of joy," Trump said. He said he was going to try to make the trip there to attend a signing ceremony in Egypt. The White House has been scrambling to work out the details of the hastily arranged trip. While questions remain about what happens in the region in the long term, Trump said he hoped it would lead to "an everlasting peace." (Reporting by Jeff Mason and Steve Holland; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama ) President Donald Trump has said an agreement to end Israels two-year-old war in Gaza has been signed off by Israel and Hamas and will allow the release of all hostages very soon. The president made the announcement in a post to Truth Social Wednesday evening. I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace, the president said. All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after Trumps post, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, With God's help, we will bring them all home. A spokesperson for Qatars foreign ministry has affirmed that both parties have reached an agreement in the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan. The president claimed on Truth Social that Israel and Hamas have signed off on a deal to allow the release of hostages very soon (AFP/Getty) Earlier Wednesday, Trump was handed a note by Secretary of State Marco Rubio during an event at the White House. Trump was taking questions from reporters during a roundtable with right-wing influencers when Rubio entered the room. After Trump invited him to sit at the table alongside several other White House staff, the ex-Florida senator approached the president and whispered something in his ear. He then sat down and wrote a note which he had passed to the president. Marco Rubio whispers in Trumps ear during a roundtable about Antifa (AFP/Getty) Trump read the note, then told the assembled journalists and influencers that Rubio had informed him of new progress in talks that have been taking place in Egypt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was just given a note by the Secretary of State saying that were very close to a deal in the Middle East, and theyre going to need me pretty quickly, Trump said. According to a photograph of the note, it read: We need you to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce the deal first. Trump had said an earlier delay in starting the event was caused by him dealing with people from the Middle East regarding talks over the 20-point proposal which Hamas had partly accepted on Friday, just days after he unveiled it alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week. Rubio wrote a note for the president which he then handed over (AP) He said the peace talks, which are being attended by representatives of Israel, Hamas, Egypt, and other Arab states as well as Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law and former adviser Jared Kushner, were very close to resulting in a deal sometime towards the end of the week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witkoff and Kushner both arrived in Egypt on Wednesday as Israel and Hamas exchanged lists of prisoners and hostages to be released as part of a potential agreement. We have a great team over there, great negotiators, and theyre, unfortunately, great negotiators on the other side also, but its something I think that will happen, Trump said. I may go there sometime toward the end of the week, maybe on Sunday, actually, and well see. But theres a very good chance negotiations are going along very well. Trump reacts as he reads the note (Getty) The president later teased the possibility of traveling to Gaza to view the damage wrought there by two years of Israeli bombardment. Yeah, I would. I might do that. I may do that. We havent decided exactly, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ill be going to Egypt ... thats where everybody is gathered right now ... but Ill be making the rounds as the expression goes. I probably will, he added. Shortly afterwards, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt put out a statement reading: On Friday morning, President Trump will visit Walter Reed [Army] Medical Center for a planned meeting and remarks with the troops. While there, President Trump will stop by for his routine yearly check-up. He will then return to the White House. President Trump is considering going to the Middle East shortly thereafter. Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner are attending the talks (AFP/Getty) Israel launched its military attack on Gaza two years ago this week, following the Hamas terror attacks on October 7 2023, which left nearly 1,200 Israelis dead and some 250 kidnapped. Since then, the Israeli military has killed more than 67,000 people, including at least 19,000 children, according to local officials, and destroyed much of the enclave. According to Hamas representatives, the indirect talks thus far have been focused on their demands for halting the conflict, withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza and the proposed prisoner swap with Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group has so far refused to discuss one of the biggest sticking points: Israels demand that Hamas give up its weapons, which the Palestinian source said Hamas would reject as long as Israeli troops occupy Palestinian land. Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City on 7 October (AP) The list of Palestinians Hamas wants freed is expected to include some of the most prominent prisoners jailed by Israel, whose release had been off limits in previous ceasefires. According to a Palestinian source close to the talks, the list includes Marwan al-Barghouti, a leader of the Fatah movement, and Ahmed Saadat, head of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Both are serving multiple life sentences for attacks that killed Israelis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Trumps demand that Israel stop bombing Gaza last week, Israeli Defense Forces have only turned up the intensity of their campaign. Gaza medical authorities reported eight people killed in Israeli strikes in the last 24 hours, the lowest toll for weeks. Samantha Beech and Sam Rkaina contributed reporting President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday that he would vigorously defend Finland if Russia were to invade the NATO ally. Trump was in the Oval with Finnish President Alexander Stubb discussing a range of issues when the topic of Russia came up. Mr. President, you are buying icebreakers from Finland, but what if Russia and Vladimir Putin attack Finland? Would you defend Finland? a Finnish reporter asked. I would, yes, I would. Theyre a member of NATO, theyre great people, but I dont think thats going to happen. I dont think hes going to do that. I think the chances of that are very, very small, but its very interesting because you have a very big military relative to your size. You have a very powerful military, one of the best. And certainly we will be there to help. Thank you. Okay, please, Trump replied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. President, thank you. We have a big border, as our president said. How would you exactly defend Finland? And yeah, thank you, asked another reporter. How would you defend Finland? The question was repeated by someone else in the room as Trump appeared to miss it. Vigorously, Trump replied. Stubb then jumped in, Can I just add on that, were very pleased with the fact that we have so much training going on with American soldiers right now, so theyre getting experience from our Arctic conditions, and were integrating our militaries together, working not only through the DCA agreement but other ways as well. We see that day to day in the work that we do, and its working well. Watch the clip above via Fox News. The post Trump Vows to Vigorously Defend Finland From a Russian Attack first appeared on Mediaite. Of all the golden glories that Donald Trump has accumulated - the statues, sneakers, even a golden pager - one gleaming medallion has eluded the 79-year-old president: the Nobel Peace Prize. The annual award, set to be announced Friday, has occupied Trump for months, along with a recurring complaint that hell be overlooked despite his global peacemaking efforts. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We settled seven wars. Were close to settling an eighth. And I think well end up settling the Russia situation, which is horrible, Trump said Wednesday, when asked whether he expected to claim the prize when the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee steps solemnly up to a microphone in his grand Oslo headquarters. I dont think anybody in history settled that many. But perhaps theyll find a reason not to give it to me. If he doesnt win, Trump said last week, itll be a big insult to our country, I will tell you that. I dont want it. I want the country to get it, Trump added, touting the many conflicts he says he has resolved in his first months in office and his efforts to broker peace in the Middle East. Trump maintains he is not politicking for the prize, which he has mentioned publicly every few weeks since reclaiming the Oval Office - a habit people familiar with the award warned could hurt his chances. But his naked hunger to win has shifted foreign diplomacy. It may have helped spur Hamas and Israeli officials to strike a bargain this week, one former top Israeli negotiator said, in hopes of being able to announce a buzzer-beating peace after two years of war so that Trump can take home the gold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Friday morning deadline is shaping the timeline, the announcement of the Nobel Committee in Oslo, Col. Doron Hadar, a reservist officer who until last year commanded the Israel Defense Forces negotiation unit, said before Trump announced a Gaza ceasefire deal Wednesday. Everyone understands this timeline, and thats why I believe that by [Thursday] evening, there will already be a declaration that the sides have reached agreements. Trumps quest to match an honor handed to then-President Barack Obama has been noted by lawmakers and world leaders eager to curry favor. Several have nominated him for the prize. Others, including Trumps deputies and even a pharmaceutical company CEO, have publicly campaigned for his victory. And Trump, eager to boost his odds, phoned an influential Norwegian friend, former NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg, to float the topic as Stoltenberg, now Norways finance minister, walked along an Oslo street this summer, according to two officials familiar with the call. Like others interviewed for this article, they spoke on the condition of anonymity to talk frankly about what some fear could be a sticky diplomatic situation should Trump not win the prize. Pakistans government kicked Trump a nomination in June. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered one up in July. Cambodias came in August. Taiwan, meanwhile, dangled Nobel bait this week, as President Lai Ching-te told The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show that if Trump persuades Chinese President Xi Jinping to permanently abandon military designs on Taiwan, the U.S. leader would undoubtedly win the prize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps not-a-campaign campaign has little precedent in the subdued world of Nobel peace picks, where five Norwegians appointed by their countrys parliament meet in conclave for months of studious deliberation. Winners almost never campaign publicly - and few lobby privately, according to people familiar with Nobel history. His public interest in the award could backfire, according to a person familiar with the operations of the prize. The pressure from Trump is rather extraordinary and comes across not least as remarkably self-centered. That rhetoric and his whole approach must be said to collide quite dramatically with the traditions of the prize, even if that in itself may not be disqualifying, the person said. Its unprecedented, and its very unusual, said Nina Graeger, the director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, who compiles an annual shortlist of possible winners that often successfully identifies a candidate. This year, Trump isnt on the list - although a number of organizations with which he has clashed are. The International Criminal Court, The Hague-based body that Trump placed sanctions on in February because of its pursuit of Israeli leaders over their conduct in Gaza, is on the shortlist. So is the Committee to Protect Journalists, a watchdog for global press freedom that has raised concerns about Trumps threats to reporters inside the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Betting markets favor Sudans Emergency Response Rooms, a community initiative that delivers humanitarian aid in the middle of that countrys civil war, another entry on Graegers list. The Peace Prize sends a very strong message to the world, and its a very important political symbol, Graeger said. She said that if Trump actually does deliver sustainable peace in Gaza, if this all goes the way in which we all hope it will go, the committee would consider him for the peace prize, Im quite sure. They would also, however, look at whatever else hes doing in the world, but at least they would have to consider him. This year, she said, I dont find it likely, not least because the cutoff for nominations is Jan. 31 - although that technical challenge didnt hold Obama back from winning the prize in 2009, his first year in office, a decision many in the Nobel world now say was a mistake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has remarked on the standard applied to his predecessor. If I were named Obama, I would have had the Nobel Prize given to me in 10 seconds, Trump said in remarks in October 2024, when he was still on the campaign trail and touting his first-term efforts to broker peace in the Middle East. A White House spokeswoman said Trumps efforts to end global conflicts are not about awards. While the President deserves the Nobel Peace Prize many times over, he doesnt care about recognition - only saving lives, spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement. Trump has said he resolved seven conflicts, including between India and Pakistan, Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda (the list does not include Israel and Hamas). The president in some cases has exaggerated the depth of the conflict and in others overstated the degree to which the conflict is over. In at least one case, involving Serbia and Kosovo, fighting ended decades ago and officials say it wasnt about to start again. Congos leaders say the fighting with Rwanda continues. White House officials say the president is proud of his record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others who need to curry favor with Trump have zeroed in on the Nobel as a way to do so, including Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, who lauded Trump for his coronavirus vaccine program on an investor call in April. I told him that he should have received the Nobel Prize and that it was unfair he didnt, Bourla said. Some advocates say the presidents contributions are noble, and Nobel-worthy. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum held a mock Nobel Prize ceremony outside the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv last month, praising Trump for his efforts to return dozens of hostages taken by Hamas and end the war in Gaza. The group this week renewed its call for Trump to receive a Nobel Peace Prize - before he announced the first phase of a peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout this entire ordeal, we have believed that President Trump deserves this recognition, the group said in a statement to The Washington Post, adding that the idea came from family members affected by the hostage crisis and that it was not prompted by the White House. His personal commitment has given us hope after two years of darkness. Others have interjected the global prize into domestic politics. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), the chairman of the Senates health committee, has seized on the idea in social media posts, Senate hearings and even a National Review essay last month, insisting that Trump deserves a peace prize for his Operation Warp Speed initiative to accelerate coronavirus vaccine development in 2020. Cassidys efforts reflect an effort to draw a distinction between Trumps work to advance coronavirus vaccines and his health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has claimed that Operation Warp Speed helped produce the deadliest vaccine ever made. Kennedy and Mehmet Oz, who leads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, have also said that Trump deserves a Nobel for his coronavirus vaccine work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Republicans are already making plans to recognize Trump if he is passed over for a Nobel Prize this week. Rep. Claudia Tenney (New York), who has said that Trump deserves a Nobel for his work on the Abraham Accords, a set of treaties that normalized relationships between Israel and several Arab countries, has pledged to nominate him for a third time. Cassidy, meanwhile, is making plans to honor Trump for his coronavirus work. President Trumps Operation Warp Speed was a historic success that saved millions of lives, the senator told The Post. I cant think of anyone more deserving of a Nobel Peace Prize, and Im proud to be nominating him. - - - Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maham Javaid and Lior Soroka contributed to this report. --- Video Embed Code Video: President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. This year's winner will be announced by the Nobel Committee on October 10.(c) 2025 , The Washington Post Embed code: Related Content How a small Chicago suburb became a flash point in ICEs crackdown Melania Trump says she has open channel to Putin on family reunification She left the medical mainstream and rose to be RFK Jr.s surgeon general pick By Nandita Bose, Jana Winter, Jeff Mason, Tim Reid and Ted Hesson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump's threatened crackdown on the finances and activities of liberal non-profits and groups opposed to his agenda is a multi-agency effort with top White House aide Stephen Miller playing a central role, according to officials. The Trump administration plans to deploy America's counter-terrorism apparatus - including the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department - as well as the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department against certain left-wing groups it accuses of funding and organizing political violence, the officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effort marks an escalation in the administration's efforts to target domestic opponents, raising alarm among civil rights groups and Democratic leaders about the use of executive power. Reuters spoke to three White House officials, four Department of Homeland Security officials and one Justice Department official to produce the first comprehensive account of how decisions are being made, forces deployed, and operations coordinated in the crackdown. All of the administration officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations more freely. Miller is deeply involved in reviewing government agencies' investigations into the financial networks behind what the administration labels "domestic terror networks," which include nonprofits and even educational institutions, a White House official said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has released some examples of what it alleges are incidents of left-wing violence, but it has provided little evidence of a coordinated effort. "Left-wing organizations have fueled violent riots, organized attacks against law enforcement officers, coordinated illegal doxing campaigns, arranged drop points for weapons and riot materials, and more," the White House said in a statement to Reuters. Miller did not respond to a request for comment. 'ANTI-AMERICANISM, ANTI-CAPITALISM AND ANTI-CHRISTIANITY' Two weeks after the September 10 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Trump issued a presidential memorandum directing the National Joint Terrorism Task Force to focus on "domestic terrorists" whose common ideologies include "anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, and anti-Christianity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's opponents say the focus on liberal and left-wing groups ignores violence by right-wing organizations. They point to the January 6, 2021, violence by Trump supporters at the U.S. Capitol who sought to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Trump has pardoned most of those convicted of violence that day. While Trump has frequently blamed violence on left-wing groups, a second White House official noted that the president's directive does not mention them specifically and is aimed at disrupting organized political violence before it occurs. The official said the "focus remains on violence and illegal activity," and that left-wing groups are free to protest within the bounds of the law. Trump's sweeping crackdown on migrants has triggered confrontations in U.S. cities between Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and protesters, including Los Angeles and Chicago. Trump and Miller have claimed protests in which sporadic violence occurs are evidence of domestic terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to reporters on Monday, Miller asserted that protesters were engaged in a "continuum of violence" that was part of a larger conspiracy to disrupt federal operations. WHICH GROUPS ARE TARGETED? When pressed by a Reuters reporter in the Oval Office on September 25 about potential targets of a domestic terrorism probe, Trump mentioned George Soros - a Democratic donor whose charitable network supports civil rights, education, democracy and other causes - and Reid Hoffman, co-founder of the online professional networking platform LinkedIn and another Democratic mega-donor. The president did not present evidence of wrongdoing. "If they are funding these things, they're going to have some problems. Because they're agitators and they're anarchists," Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoffman, through a spokesperson, declined to comment. A spokesperson for Soros' network of charitable foundations pushed back against the president's assertions. "Neither George Soros nor the Open Society Foundations fund protests, condone violence, or foment it in any way. Claims to the contrary are false," the spokesperson said. In response to a separate request, the White House highlighted seven political protests in 2023 and 2025 that included acts of violence directed against law enforcement officials, and two incidents of vandalism at Tesla dealerships this year as well as half a dozen social media posts celebrating the damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It named nine liberal groups, donors or fundraising organizations that it said helped finance or plan protests where the violent incidents occurred. While the second White House official stressed that the organizations were not necessarily potential targets, the material provides insight into the administration's thinking. The list includes Soros' Open Society Foundations; ActBlue, the funding arm of the Democratic Party; Indivisible, a grassroots coalition opposed to Trump policies and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, a Los Angeles-based group. "The goal is to destabilize Soros network," a third White House official said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ezra Levin, a spokesperson for Indivisible, said the group has never organized or called for violence. "These smears are designed to delegitimize our movement," he said. Carter Christensen, an ActBlue spokesperson, said Trump's crackdown was an attempt to silence dissent. "We take our legal and civic responsibilities seriously," he said. Angelica Salas, the executive director of CHIRLA, said the group advocates peaceful engagement. The Trump Administration continues to spread misinformation and false allegations," she said in a statement. "But it will not work." Other groups on the list include two Jewish nonprofits that oppose Israel's war in Gaza - IfNotNow and Jewish Voice for Peace. IfNotNow declined to comment, while Jewish Voice for Peace did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TRUMP'S DIRECTIVES CAUSE CONFUSION Miller is taking a "hands-on" role in investigating the funding of nonprofits and educational institutions and is sharing recommendations from Attorney General Pam Bondi and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent with Trump and other top advisers, the first White House official said. The official said Miller is Trump's chief adviser on the issue and is receiving regular updates from the joint terrorism task force - a coalition of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies tasked with investigating terrorism. A DOJ official declined to elaborate on task force plans but said the FBI's role includes analyzing financial networks for funding of activities involving violent crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Potential tools to defund or shut down these groups include IRS investigations to strip them of tax-exempt status; criminal probes by the Justice Department and FBI; surveillance by federal law enforcement agencies; the use of RICO statutes typically used for organized crime and financial investigations under anti-terror laws to identify donors and funders, according to people familiar with investigations and public statements by officials. "We will continue to get to the bottom of who is funding these organizations," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday. Investigating the groups' funding and potentially stripping them of tax-exempt status could force some of them to close down, civil liberty groups say. Trump last month also signed an executive order designating the anti-fascist movement antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, despite the group's decentralized nature and lack of formal structure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At an event with conservative commentators and influencers on Wednesday, Trump requested participants to name groups and funders they claim carry out violence, effectively crowdsourcing potential targets in real time. He then vowed to pursue these groups. The White House also released a list of more than a dozen incidents dating back to 2016 that it alleged were perpetrated by antifa. A Justice Department spokesperson said the agency will prosecute "those who participate in antifa's criminal acts - including those who fund, supply, and enable these criminals to commit violence and destruction." Trump's twin directives on domestic political violence have caused confusion; lawyers for the Department of Homeland Security are scrambling to figure out how to implement them legally, according to two DHS officials not authorized to speak publicly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said the agency was "fully and faithfully" implementing Trump's directive. Unlike with international terror groups, there is no legal mechanism to designate a U.S. group with no foreign ties a terrorist organization, legal experts told Reuters. One of the two DHS officials said many intelligence analysts who used to work on domestic terrorism investigations have taken buyouts as part of Trump's push to cut the size and cost of government, further complicating efforts to target left-wing groups. Still, ICE in recent weeks directed some investigative agents to focus on domestic terrorism, two ICE officials said. One of the officials said it was part of a broader push to redirect resources to focus on domestic terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The push against domestic groups and their donors comes amid Trump's attacks on law firms, universities and the media, and his deployment of National Guard troops to some Democratic-run cities. Democrats and civil society watchdogs say the move is intended to silence opposition, in addition to seeking retribution against his perceived personal political enemies. Timothy Naftali, a presidential historian and former director of the Richard Nixon presidential library, said Trump and Nixon were similar in their desire to punish political enemies and silence critics, but a pliant Republican-controlled Congress and a cabinet packed with loyalists are enabling Trump to go further. "That's why this particular moment is more dangerous for the rule of law in the United States than the 1970s were," Naftali said. (Reporting by Nandita Bose, Jana Winter, Jeff Mason, Tim Reid, and Ted Hesson in Washington. Additional reporting by Andrew Goudsward and Marisa Taylor. Editing by Ross Colvin and Suzanne Goldenberg) SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazilian internet provider Desktop confirmed on Tuesday that it had held preliminary talks about a transaction with telecom operator Claro, following a media report that it could soon be acquired by Claro. Desktop, which specializes in fiber optic internet, said in a securities filing the discussions for a "potential transaction" were non-binding and no agreement had been reached on price, structure or other key terms so far. News outlet Brazil Journal reported earlier in the day that Claro was in "advanced talks" for a full takeover that would take Desktop private. News of the potential acquisition sent Desktop shares surging as much as 16% in Sao Paulo on Tuesday, before they settled 10% higher. In contrast, Brazil's benchmark Bovespa stock index fell 1.6%. Brazil Journal reported, citing two sources, that Claro was conducting due diligence but had not yet submitted a binding offer. Claro is owned by Mexican telecommunications firm America Movil, which declined to comment. This is not the first time Desktop has been an acquisition target. In 2024, Claro rival Telefonica Brasil also held talks with the internet provider about a potential purchase. Meanwhile, America Movil and Chilean firm Entel are weighing a joint offer for Telefonica's operations in Chile, they said on Monday. (Reporting by Andre Romani; additional reporting by Luciana Magalhaes in Sao Paulo and Cassandra Garrison in Mexico City; Editing by Kylie Madry, Natalia Siniawski and Jamie Freed) Donald Trump and the White House have been accused of lying to the American public after being caught shamelessly passing off old clips of ICE raids in Florida in a video about chaos in Chicago. On Wednesday, as Trump prepared to deploy the National Guard into Illinois, the White House posted a high-octane video to its official X account showing masked and armed goons kicking down doors and making arrests. White House tweet promoting their deceptive Chicago ICE raids videonote the palm trees on the left of shot, which dont generally grow in Chicago. / X An incompetent Mayor, the White House captioned the post. A delusional Governor. Chicago is in chaos, and the American people are paying the price. Chicago doesnt need political spinit needs HELP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clip includes a voiceover from Trump himself calling Chicago a mess and attacking local Democratic leaders. The video shows Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker alongside the words: ILLEGAL CRIMINAL ALIENS, CARTELS, AND GANGS ARE POISONING OUR KIDS. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker was attacked in the White House video that featured footage of arrests that did not take place in his state, but near the home of Donald Trump, whose voiceover is subtitled at the bottom of this image. / The White House / X The president was clearly so pleased with the video that he posted it onto his own Truth Social account. However, the Daily Beast can reveal that much of the footage was actually filmed in April in Florida, the state home to Trumps Mar-a-Lago residencewith a big giveaway being that it features palm trees, which are not known to grow in Chicago. White House/DHS Footage from the Department of Homeland Securitys Operation Tidal Wavewhich it described in May as the largest joint immigration operation in Florida history, and which it said had led to 1,120 criminal alien arrestscan be freely viewed online by the public. It is even captioned Media B-Roll... State of Florida. The White House/DHS Pritzkers team slammed the administrations apparent deception. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governors spokesman, Matt Hill, told the Daily Beast: We are proud that Chicago was just ranked the best big city in the United States. We are proud of its beautiful beaches, booming businesses, and decent people. However, we cannot claim credit for many palm trees here. Accusing the Trump administration of lying to the American public, Hill added: We know the lies dont just come out of their mouth. So its not surprising that the Trump team spends more time producing videos purporting images of Florida as Illinoisrather than spending any time to lower prices or protect healthcare for hardworking Americans. Trump has set Chicago in his sights for a National Guard deployment tied to his broader immigration-and-crime offensive, escalating with public threats and saying that Pritzker and Johnson should be in jail. Pritzker shot back: Come and get me. J.B. Pritzker speaks at a news conference on October 6 in Chicago, Illinois, with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (right) to address Trumps threat to deploy the National Guard to the city. Pritzker accused the president of using the troops as political props and of trying to incite violence in the city for political gain. / Scott Olson / Scott Olson/Getty Images Illinois sued to block the deployment of federalized National Guard troops in Chicago, as well as the importation of out-of-state troops, arguing that the move violates the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the use of the military for domestic law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint, filed by the Illinois attorney general on Monday, calls Trumps campaign an unlawful and dangerous... war on the state and challenges both a federalization order and a Texas mobilization sending several hundred soldiers into Chicago. A federal judge declined to grant an immediate block, setting up expedited arguments. The legal landscape remains unclear. Last month, a federal judge ruled unlwaful Trumps earlier Guard use in Los Angeles because it pushed soldiers into domestic policing, a ruling Illinois cites as persuasive authority. Trumps team counters that he can invoke the Insurrection Act if courts or state officials hold us up, a threat he has aired while mulling similar action in Portland. Trump, who called for Pritzker and Johnson to be jailed, has been accusing Democratic leaders around the country of failing in their duties while pushing his case for National Guard deployments. / Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images Pritzker has framed the standoff as an authoritarian overreach and a reality game show-style takeover, vowing to fight it in court and warning that troops wont fix public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In return, Trump has taunted him online and at events, comparing Chicago to a war zone and accusing Democratic leaders of tying the administrations handsrhetoric that has further inflamed the clash. With a hearing on Illinois bid for an injunction pending, the White House insists the Guard is needed to protect federal officers and assets. The Daily Beast has contacted the White House and DHS for comment. President Donald Trump and the White House apparently shared footage of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Florida taken months ago while claiming the chaos was taking place in Chicago, according to a report. As Trump deployed some 500 National Guard troops to Illinois Wednesday, the White House shared footage of masked and armed ICE officers knocking down doors and making arrests. An incompetent Mayor. A delusional Governor. Chicago is in chaos, and the American people are paying the price, the White House wrote on its official X account. Chicago doesnt need a political spin it needs HELP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clip includes a voiceover of the president calling Chicago a mess along with images of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, whom Trump has called for the jailing of, despite neither being accused of criminal wrongdoing. As the Democratic leaders faces appeared on the screen, so did the words: ILLEGAL CRIMINAL ALIENS, CARTELS, AND GANGS ARE POISONING OUR KIDS. Footage shared by the White House showed ICE raids in Florida, though officials attributed the scnene to Chicago, report say. Some of the footage even shows palm trees, which are not common in Chicago. (White House / X) However, much of the footage featured in the video, which Trump also shared on his Truth Social account, was filmed in April in Florida, according toThe Daily Beast. Some of the footage even shows palm trees, which are common in Florida, but not so much in Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security has shared footage of its Operation Tidal Wave, which took place earlier this year in Florida, online and the clips can be viewed by the public, per the report. The agency described the operation in May as the largest joint immigration operation in Florida history, leading to 1,120 criminal alien arrests. Pritzker, who has been a repeated target of Trumps taunts and threats in recent weeks, slammed the administrations efforts to mislead the American public. We are proud that Chicago was just ranked the best big city in the United States. We are proud of its beautiful beaches, booming businesses, and decent people. However, we cannot claim credit for many palm trees here, the governors spokesperson, Matt Hill, told The Daily Beast. Accusing the president and his team of knowingly deceiving Americans, Hill said, We know the lies dont just come out of their mouth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So its not surprising that the Trump team spends more time producing videos purporting images of Florida as Illinois rather than spending any time to lower prices or protect healthcare for hardworking Americans, Hill added. The Trump administration has continued to portray Democratic cities as war-ravaged and lawless amid its crackdown on illegal immigration, with the president targeting Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., before setting his sights on Chicago. The video includes a voiceover of the president calling Chicago a mess along with images of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (White House / X) In recent public comments, Trump went as far as saying that Pritzker and Johnson, Chicagos mayor, should be in jail. Pritzker fired off in response: Come and get me. A lawsuit was filed Monday by Illinois and Chicago challenging the deployment of National Guard troops, which would be coming from Illinois and Texas. Even though a federal judge gave the Trump administration two days to respond, troops arrived in the city Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Guard said Wednesday that roughly 200 soldiers from Texas and 300 from Illinois had gathered in the Chicago area, and were ready to protect federal personnel, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, and federal property in the city. A federal judge also said Thuersday that federal agents are temporarily blocked from firing rubber bullets, tear gas and other chemical munitions at protesters and journalists in Chicago. While Trump and other MAGA officials have raged over what they have tried to play off as lawless and violent protests in cities, including Chicago, most of the protests against Trumps immigration policies have been peaceful and smaller scale. Several hundred people marched in downtown Chicago Wednesday night protesting the deployment a reflection of the increasing anger against Trumps aggressive immigration enforcement in the area. The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment. President Donald Trump's call this week for an investigation into Sen. Richard Blumenthal has revived the controversy over the Connecticut Democrat's past statements about his military service, reopening an old wound in the state's veteran community. Trump claimed in a social media post that Blumenthal was a "fraud" who "should be allowed to speak no longer" after U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, facing questions from Blumenthal during a Department of Justice oversight hearing, said the senator had lied about his service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Blumenthal ran to become a senator in 2010, the New York Times reported that he had made misleading statements about his military experience, including saying he "served in Vietnam" and that service members were not greeted with support "when we returned." The Stamford Advocate also reported that Blumenthal once said he "wore the uniform in Vietnam." After several deferments, Blumenthal served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in the 1970s but never went overseas, the Times reported. Trump, who received multiple deferments himself, also attacked Blumenthal over the issue during his first term as president. "I'm proud of my military service. I served," Blumenthal said in a statement this week. "The people of Connecticut have always known my record and they know me, which is why they've elected me to the Senate three times." U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) points to a photo of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi at a dinner with U.S. President Donald Trump while questioning Bondi as she testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on October 07, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) In response to a post by CT Insider to Connecticut Veterans Bulletin's Facebook group page, Tai Cordier, a former combat medic who was deployed to Iraq during her service in the U.S. Army, weighed Blumenthal's admitted misstatements against the work he has done for veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's an insult," she wrote. "But this is old news and (Blumenthal) has been a strong advocate for veterans in this state." "I can acknowledge that he royally messed up," Cordier, a Branford resident, continued. "I can also acknowledge that he's done a lot for us, so this is a complex issue with not a simple answer. How do you hold someone to account while still holding gratitude for the things they stood up for on your behalf? Is this worthy of rehashing and picking old wounds or do we move on?" Other commenters criticized Blumenthal more harshly, accusing him of "stolen valor" and agreeing with the president that he should face some consequence. According to military history website Home of Heroes, stolen valor refers to "people falsely claiming military awards or medals they did not earn, service they did not perform, Prisoner of War experiences that never happened, and other tales of military actions that exist only in their minds." The federal Stolen Valor Act prohibits people from fraudulently claiming that they received certain military awards in an attempt to gain money, property or "other tangible benefit." U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) questions U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi as she testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on October 07, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Adele Hodges, a member of the Connecticut Veterans Affairs board of trustees, said she doesn't consider Blumenthal's past comments to be an example of stolen valor. While Blumenthal never saw combat, she said he is still a veteran who served during the Vietnam War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the key quotes from the Times' story came from a 2008 event during which Blumenthal said: "We have learned something important since the days that I served in Vietnam." Earlier in his remarks, Blumenthal described himself as "someone who served in the military during the Vietnam-era in the Marine Corps." "To bring this up now - He's apologized for it," Hodges said. "He's not a fraud. He is a veteran. And I just think to bring it up now is ludicrous ... He should be investigated for what? I mean, he came clean." After the Times' story and calls for him to apologize, Blumenthal said he had "made mistakes," was sorry and regretted "offending anyone." "At times when I have sought to honor veterans, I have not been as clear or precise as I should have been about my service in the Marine Corps Reserves," Blumenthal said in a statement to the Hartford Courant at the time. "I have firmly and clearly expressed regret and taken responsibility for my words." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alison Weir, the executive director of the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center and a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, said Blumenthal's statements about his military experience could have been a slip of the tongue or an overstatement, but making them does not seem to be a prosecutable offense. "Because I don't think he made the comment under oath or anything along those lines," Weir said. "I think it's ultimately immaterial to his job as a senator and what he's done for veterans." Last month, the Vietnam Veterans of America presented Blumenthal with the organization's "Legislator of the Year" award for 2024 - which was at least the second time he had received the honor. In a press release, VVA praised Blumenthal, who serves as the top Democrat on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, for working with the group to "make the benefits and oversight systems more fair, transparent, and veteran-centered." Bill O'Brien, a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam during the war, said some veterans hold Blumenthal's past comments against him, but he is not one of them. He suggested that Blumenthal's efforts to support veterans are perhaps "his way of making up for what he did." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement O'Brien, a Republican member of Stratford's Board of Education, who said he is not a fan of national Republicans, called Trump's attack "typical" for the president. "He goes after so many people for any reason he can think of," O'Brien said. Norwalk resident John Murphy, who was deployed to Vietnam in 1970 after being drafted into the Army, recalled how he and fellow Vietnam veterans were brutally criticized when they came back to the United States. A Purple Heart recipient, Murphy was injured by a land mine during his service. "Sometimes I think people that really didn't go have guilt for not going," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said it wasn't his place to judge or throw stones at Blumenthal. "I don't condone what he did," Murphy added. "He has to live with his statements." Includes prior reporting by Staff Writer Brian Lockhart. This article originally published at Trump's latest attack on Blumenthal reopens old wound among CT veterans: Stolen valor' or immaterial'?. Misuse of troops dishonors their service President Trumps use of the National Guard as a political tool is a betrayal of the men and women who swore to defend this nation. Guardsmen and women did not sign up to police their neighbors, bag trash in Washington, or serve as props in a presidents photo op. They signed up to fight our wars abroad and to help their communities recover from floods, fires and hurricanes at home. Anything less dishonors their service and erodes the trust they and their families place in our leaders. The waste of taxpayer dollars is obscene. As retired Maj. Gen. William Enyart testified to Congress on Sept. 30, deploying 4,000 Guardsmen in Los Angeles for just 60 days cost $120 million. That money could have been spent hiring real police officers, trained to build long-term safety in our communities. Instead, it was squandered on a stop-gap show of force that left the Guard less ready to respond when the next disaster strikes. The danger is not hypothetical. The Guard is not trained to perform arrests or act as law enforcement. Placing them in that role risks tragedy just as we saw at Kent State, where untrained soldiers facing civilian protest ended in bloodshed. As Gen. Enyart warned, we are one trigger pull away from repeating that shameful history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This reckless misuse of our troops is an insult to their honor and to the Constitution itself. Congress must act to stop it. Our Guard volunteers are not pawns in a political game. They deserve respect, not exploitation. George Jones, Edmond More: OU's decision to host Russell Brand, Turning Point USA is reckless | Letters Trump's misinformation needs to be called out Thank you for the news media such as The Oklahoman that have the courage to accurately report data in deference to the social media trying to misinform the public. Many people are too busy in their daily life to review all the news being reported and may be influenced by whatever outlet they review.I appreciate the courage of The Oklahoman to use the front page on 10/1/25 to share the information about the president's speech to the military on 9/30/25. It was a speech that had insults, threats and misinformation. This was against our top military and our citizens. On week earlier on 9/23/25 he insulted and threatened other country's leaders at the UN with statements that "your countries are going to hell" if they don't follow his immigration policies, while making false accusations about sabotage on escalator and teleprompter failures. Later investigation showed it was his own staff that created those problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These speeches and the messages the president writes on his Truth Social should raise questions to those who are able to review. His recent messages include an offer of a nonexistent "MedBed" with certificates for usage, stories how "pot" can cure nearly all elderly physical problems, and derogatory AI generated pictures of elected opposition leaders. These are rather infantile for a president. I hope more mainstream outlets can have The Oklahoman's bravery so that there may be an informed electorate before coming elections. Roy Carlson, Newalla Who's to blame for Oklahoma's education ranking? Which is worse? The damage that Ryan Walters has done to Oklahoma education OR the numerous legislators and other elected officials that allowed it to continue to happen? Seems reasonable that BOTH are responsible for our 50th ranking in education. Janis Blevins, Oklahoma City Article on caregiving hit home (The article titled) "Work experience: Care giving" (Sept. 28, Weekend Exclusive) reached into my heart because I have been going through this myself. Late in January 2025, my wife of 53 years was diagnosed with cancer. I became her full-time caregiver. I saved that article because it hit me hard. I wanted to share my story with you, but I'm not a writer. I would tend to wander, not be specific enough to be coherent to readers. On Sept. 13, 2025, my wife died. I was with her, holding her, and heard the last thing she said: my name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For 8 and a half months I watched over her, tended to her, fed her, cleaned up for her to no avail. Nothing was found that could kill the cancer without killing her in the process. By her request, I bought her home, to see her children, grandchildren and die at home, in her own bed. Not in a hospital. Two days after bringing her home, she died ... "September 13, 2025." It's tattooed on my arm.I would like to share this story of our journey through hell, but I can't. I doubt you could help me tell it, but perhaps this letter might help someone else facing a similar situation. Anthony Rapson, Sand Springs Drummond should elaborate on how Morris case is different from Trump case Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond just went after an adult male on charges of sexual assault some 40 years after the fact. He championed the cause, and he called the victims eventual path to justice a redemption overdue. The irony is that he was not describing President Donald J. Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All reporters should begin to ask at every AG Drummond campaign stop to elaborate on the differences he sees between the case of Trump vs. E. Jean Carroll and that of Pastor (Robert) Morris. Does he believe the sitting president should resign or be impeached for his losing not one, but two civil cases related to sexual assault allegations made by an adult woman decades after the fact. The Republican candidate should be not allowed to steer clear of the case comparison on any level. He is a sitting attorney general and he understands the law. He is familiar with sexual assault cases because surely, he looked for precedent before preceding with the one he just successfully oversaw against Pastor Morris. AG Drummonds sense of justice wavers depending on who he is attempting to sway. In shoring up his appeal among law enforcement, he willfully ignores when a policeman attacks an elderly man. If there is a prominent case that could garner him appeal among women and the socially conscious, he pursues a pastor who immediately admits his sin and accepts punishment. It is reasonable to ask who AG Drummond sides with between the president versus the E. Jean Caroll? Does he believe the civil actions were warranted and properly adjudicated? Would he have pursued any criminal charges were there an applicable statue in regards to the accusations much like he did against Pastor Morris? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such are the questions a law-enforcement leader must answer before they are elected governor. Wayne Hull, Oklahoma City More: Texas megachurch founder Robert Morris pleads guilty to child sex crimes in Oklahoma Thunder Dome should be arena name I was sitting here thinking why have they not come up with a name for the new (Thunder arena). Then I thought well the best name would have to be THE THUNDER DOME, even though it is (an arena). The name fits for several reasons. But the first is the most obvious. Please accept my submission for the official name for the new OKC Thunder (arena). ... Thunder up, baby! Thomas Robbins, McLoud This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Trump's misuse of troops dishonors their service | Letters By Tuvan Gumrukcu and Jonathan Spicer ANKARA (Reuters) -Turkey aims to take part in a "task force" overseeing the newly-agreed ceasefire in Gaza and the implementation of its articles, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday, as Ankara appeared to have emerged as a key player in both the negotiations and execution of the deal. A senior Turkish official separately told Reuters that the regional power will take part in a joint task force - alongside Israel, the United States, Qatar and Egypt - established to locate the bodies of deceased hostages in Gaza whose locations are unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkey, which participated in the ceasefire negotiations in Egypt, has been one of the harshest critics of Israel's assault on Gaza, calling it a genocide. Since Israel launched its attack on Gaza two years ago, the NATO ally has been involved in a largely indirect capacity in peace efforts but took a heightened role in recent weeks. "God willing, we as Turkey will take part in the task force that will monitor the agreement's implementation in the field," Erdogan said in a speech in Ankara, adding that Turkey will also contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza. He also highlighted Turkey's role in the process, describing events leading up to the agreement - from the Gaza meeting at the United Nations General Assembly to his discussions on the issue with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House last month and a subsequent phone call last week. It was not immediately clear whether Erdogan and the senior official were referring to the same task force or whether it was a reference to a "stabilisation force" per Trump's plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkey's intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin attended the talks in Egypt, where he conveyed Ankara's views and guidance to Hamas on how to move forward, according to a security official, who added Kalin also held separate talks with all parties except the Israeli side. Turkey deems Hamas a resistance group. Erdogan has said that he explained to Trump how peace can be achieved in Gaza and that the U.S. president requested Ankara's help in convincing Hamas to accept his plan. TURKEY SAYS WON'T REST UNTIL PALESTINIAN STATE SET UP "I am very pleased that the Hamas-Israel talks taking place in Sharm el-Sheikh, with contributions from us as Turkey, have resulted in a ceasefire in Gaza," Erdogan posted on X earlier on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He thanked Trump "who demonstrated the necessary political will to encourage the Israeli government towards the ceasefire", as well as Qatar and Egypt, adding Ankara would not stop until a sovereign Palestinian state was established. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said ahead of the truce announcement that after the sides declare a ceasefire as a first step in Trump's plan, they would work on "heavier" issues like ensuring security in Gaza and post-war scenarios. In a statement, Turkey's foreign ministry said it hoped the momentum in these talks could lead to a two-state solution, and added Ankara would monitor its strict implementation so it could "bring an end to the genocide" in Gaza. "With the ceasefire in place, it is imperative that humanitarian aid be delivered to Gaza ... and that efforts for the reconstruction of Gaza be launched without delay," it added, saying Ankara would continue providing humanitarian aid. (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu in Ankara and Jonathan Spicer in Istanbul, Writing by Daren Butler, Editing by Sharon Singleton, Mark Potter and Deepa Babington) Military personnel aboard the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Alaska perform a ceremonial greeting for U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who flew to the aircraft carrier in August to observe large-scale exercises called Northern Edge. Members of the greeting crew are referred to as "sideboys," a reference to the age of sail, when guests were hoisted over the side of a ship. (Shepard Fosdyke-Jackson/U.S. Navy) Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance grew up outside the city during the Cold War. And the specter of nuclear conflict and an attack on the areas military infrastructure loomed over her childhood. The Soviet Union felt pretty close, she said. I remember feeling a sense of fear, like: Were going to be the first ones in the line of fire. Were this target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cold War ended and the Soviet Union collapsed without an attack on Alaska. And for the next three decades, the states elected leaders grasped for arguments to justify continued federal investment in the major military installations in Anchorage and the Fairbanks area. But now, amid twin, allied threats from Russia and an ascendant China, Alaska is again becoming a priority for U.S. military leadership. They see the state not just as a base from which to send out American forces to overseas conflicts, but also a place that could be the site of actual warfare. Members of a U.S. navy bomb disposal unit unload a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during exercises earlier this year. (Jonathan McElderry/U.S. Air Force) The new focus on Alaska was underscored by the August summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as by visits to the state the same month by top military officials who came to observe large-scale drills, including one called Northern Edge. The Northern Edge exercises take place every two years. But this years version was reimagined to simulate a conflict taking place specifically in Alaska a change from prior iterations that had not contained as much of a geographic focus, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past, the exercises were high-end training that occurred in Alaska, said Rick Goodman, the U.S. Air Force brigadier general who directed this years edition of Northern Edge. Now, this is high-end training that is occurring that is about Alaska, from Alaska. U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Rick Goodman (Nathaniel Herz/Northern Journal) Goodmaan added: The threats are growing. Two critical regions The Northern Edge exercises have been taking place for decades. But this year, the military aligned with a second set of drills called Arctic Edge. The two exercises brought together more than 5,000 troops to train not just in Anchorage but in rugged and remote sites across the state from the Aleutian Island port of Dutch Harbor to the Bering Strait hub town of Nome to a high-altitude lake, where a naval unit practiced diving scenarios. The guided-missile destroyer U.S.S. Frank E. Petersen Jr. sails out of Dutch Harbor, Alaska after a scheduled port visit as part of this years Northern Edge exercises. (Christian Kibler/U.S. Navy) Among the top brass in Alaska to observe were Adm. Christopher Grady, who was then vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Adm. Samuel Paparo, the Navys top Indo-Pacific leader; and Adm. Kevin Lunday, who leads the U.S. Coast Guard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What policymakers and experts describe as the militarys renewed focus on Alaska marks a sharp change from the immediate post-Cold War era. In an interview, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski noted that two decades ago, the U.S. Department of Defense was threatening to close the major, Fairbanks-area Eielson Air Force Base sending its 2,800 troops to Nevada, Louisiana and Georgia and placing the installation in warm storage. Today, Eielson hosts two squadrons of cutting-edge F-35 fighter jets, with a recent federal investment of some $600 million in infrastructure supporting the planes. The military is also now exploring whether it could reopen a naval base on the remote Aleutian island of Adak, which was closed in 1997. Military aircraft fly in formation over the North Pacific Ocean during this years Northern Edge exercises. (U.S. Navy) We just kind of melted into the landscape, and everybody thinks about Alaska as remote and far away, Murkowski said. Now, things like the Chinese spy balloon a couple of years ago, things like the Trump-Putin visit people were like, Wow, I had no idea Alaska and Russia were so close. I had no idea of the geostrategic significance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added: They dont think about the fact that we bridge two pretty critical regions. The designs of the recent exercises show how the military is thinking about Alaska amid Americas growing tensions with China and Russia. And that thinking also ties into the states unique and tricky position in the militarys command structure. Geographically, the protection of Alaska falls under the responsibility of U.S. Northern Command, or Northcom, a military unit headquartered in Colorado thats charged with homeland defense. But most of the specific forces stationed at Alaska bases the fighter jets, the cargo planes and the thousands of soldiers technically report to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, or Indopacom, a Hawaii-based unit expected to play a key role in any conflict with China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The overlapping commands have long fueled concern among defense experts about competing priorities: How will the military manage to maintain and defend Alaskas essential infrastructure if, for example, many of the jets and other assets based in the state are ordered to report to a Pacific conflict by Hawaii-based leaders? Sailors maintain an EA-18G Growler aircraft aboard the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln in the North Pacific Ocean during the Northern Edge exercises this year. (Daniel Kimmelman/U.S. Navy) This years drills were geared toward that exact type of scenario, as they brought together forces under both the Indopacom and Northcom umbrellas, according to Goodman, the general running Northern Edge. The military, he said, needs to make sure there is no such thing as a seam between Northcom and Indopacom in a realistic scenario, that were able to both defend the homeland in this key geographic location in Alaska, in the Arctic, as well as project power. Alaska as next-best alternative One element of the Arctic Edge drills hinted at the potential for a conflict in the Pacific to involve not just Anchorage- or Fairbanks-based resources dispatched to a far-off location, but for fighting to actually transpire within the states borders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the exercise, members of multiple military branches simulated the quick construction of a backup port near Anchorage working from the assumption that Anchorages main port, which handles both military and civilian cargo, was unavailable. The scenario didnt specifically envision why the port was unusable, officials said. Members of the U.S. Coast Guard and Marine Corps train at Port Mackenzie, across the Knik Arm from Anchorage, during this years Arctic Edge exercises.(Jonathan McElderry/U.S. Air Force) But its clear that Alaskas military infrastructure would hold strategic significance in a Pacific conflict in a way that would likely make it a target for China, according to David Ochmanek, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense whos now a senior researcher at the RAND think tank. In the event of a conflict over the contested island of Taiwan or elsewhere in the Pacific, the states bases are effectively part of Americas second line of attack against China, Ochmanek said. Thats because closer U.S. bases in Japan and Guam would likely be overwhelmed by Chinas initial attacks leaving the Alaska bases, and installations in Hawaii, as the likely origin of surviving bombers and jets that could hit Chinese assets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Chinas current capacity to reach Alaska with missiles is not well understood, its fairly clear that Chinas military is increasingly interested in finding ways to put Alaskas bases at risk and that theyre capable of achieving that over time, Ochmanek added. It would be a mistake to assume that those bases will be in sanctuary for the indefinite future, Ochmanek said. The Chinese are going to make darn sure that we cant make effective use of those closer-in bases. But they understand that were posturing Alaska and Hawaii as the next-best alternative to generate bomber missions. And theyre increasingly interested in finding ways to suppress that. Murkowski, the U.S. senator, said she prefers to see her home state not as a potential target but as a region thats well-defended, thanks to the presence of so many fighter jets and troops. Alaskans can regularly witness those jets conducting practice maneuvers above Anchorage and Fairbanks. But Murkowski said that Alaskans who live and work outside the states military bases can miss the huge numbers of people and complex choreography that goes into large-scale troop and aircraft movements and exercises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most people have no idea that its happening, she said. Murkowski got a close look at that capacity when she flew out from Anchorages Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier during the Northern Edge drills. U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski stands with Adm. Christopher Grady, then the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, aboard the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier during this years Northern Edge exercises. (Shepard Fosdyke-Jackson/U.S. Navy) Murkowski donned a helmet, life preserver and goggles to fly, she said, 200 miles across the Gulf of Alaska in a twin-rotored Osprey aircraft peering out over an open ramp that looked onto the wide ocean. She was greeted on deck by an honor guard, then watched as Navy personnel coordinated the takeoff of a dozen fighter jets, communicating solely through hand signals because of the roar of the engines. In Anchorage and around Fairbanks, we get used to seeing the jets when theres exercises. You hear them overhead. But you have no appreciation of what youre seeing, she said. The heat and the fire and the noise and just everything that resonates from the power of those jets taking off is nothing short of incredible. Nathaniel Herz welcomes tips at natherz@gmail.com or (907) 793-0312. This article was originally published in Northern Journal, a newsletter from Herz. Subscribe at this link. Jay Jones wants to be the attorney general of Virginia. Its a job he should never get. The former Democratic state lawmaker is running as the nominee for the post, hoping to oust incumbent Republican AG Jason Miyares. Dont take my word for why Jones doesnt have any business being Virginias top law enforcement officer. Take his words. Disturbing and violent texts with a former legislative colleague, first reported by National Review, recently came to light. The exchange is from 2022 but remains relevant with the hotly contested election just weeks away. Early voting has already started. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have had high hopes that they could regain top statewide posts in Virginia, which have been under Republican control, showing strength ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Jones poor judgment could upend those chances and should. Jay Jones' texts threatened GOP lawmaker and his family Democratic nominee for Virginia attorney general Jay Jones, shown here during a campaign stop in Petersburg on Oct. 2, 2025, said in a statement that he has reached out to former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert over text messages he sent three years ago about shooting him. In August 2022, Jones, who had recently resigned the state house, was perturbed about how state GOP lawmakers, including then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert, were honoring a former moderate Democratic state lawmaker who had recently died. The deceased Democrat was too centrist for Jones' taste, apparently. So he started venting about Gilbert and other Republicans to a former colleague, Republican House Delegate Carrie Coyner at first, apparently, by accident. Yet, even after Jones realized whom hed sent the messages to, he doubled down disturbingly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If those guys die before me, Jones wrote in regard to the Republican lawmakers, I will go to their funerals to piss on their graves to send them out awash in something. Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. He didnt stop there, even when he got pushback from Coyner. Jones offered a hypothetical situation that if he had only two bullets and had to choose between killing Gilbert or two dictators, hed choose the Virginia House speaker. Here is some of the exchange, according to the texts obtained by National Review: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones Three people, two bullets; Gilbert, hitler, and pol pot; 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 Coyner Jay Please stop Jones Lol Ok, ok Coyner It really bothers me when you talk about hurting people or wishing death on them. It isnt ok. No matter who they are At that point, according to National Review, Jones called Coyner to explain his position. He took things to an even darker place by bringing Gilberts family into it. Jones said he hoped Gilberts wife could watch her child die in her arms so that Gilbert would change his political views. Coyner then hung up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones then followed up with some additional texts, calling the Gilberts evil and saying they were breeding little fascists. Opinion: Can a Christian counselor help youth with gender dysphoria? SCOTUS will decide. Should 'SICK' comments force Jones out of race? Democrats don't think so. The resurfacing of the texts has led to bipartisan pushback, yet Democrats arent calling for Jones to step aside and seem to be standing by him. Republicans want him out. Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, the GOP gubernatorial nominee, has released an ad criticizing her Democratic opponent, former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, for not calling on Jones to drop out. Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, Republican nominee for governor, campaigns on Sept. 1, 2025, in Buena Vista. Conservatives are the target of real-life violence. The country is still reeling from the assassination of Charlie Kirk less than a month ago. President Donald Trump nearly faced the same fate in 2024 on the campaign trail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a social media post, Trump called the comments SICK and DEMENTED. Hes right about that. We're a Republican and a Democrat. After Charlie Kirk's death, we agree on this. | Opinion Jones has responded by saying, Like all people, Ive sent text messages that I regret and I believe that violent rhetoric has no place in our politics. I dont know about you, but Ive never texted anyone fantasizing about murdering someone or wishing harm on their children. Americans have the right to say disgusting and disturbing things, thanks to our First Amendment protections. However, we should hold our elected officials to a higher standard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Jones has fallen far short. Ingrid Jacques is a columnist at USA TODAY. Contact her at ijacques@usatoday.com or on X: @Ingrid_Jacques 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: Jay Jones' texts should cost him Virginia AG election | Opinion Typhoon Halong is battering Japan with intense rain and winds, prompting emergency warnings and fears of flooding and landslides as meteorologists say its remnants could soon fuel an unusually strong rain and snow system across California. The typhoon reached Japans Izu Islands on Thursday morning, prompting special warnings for windstorms, high waves and heavy rainfall across the island chain, including Hachijo and Aogashima, where residents have been urged to evacuate. By noon local time, the storm was moving at around 30kmph with a central pressure of 950 hectopascals. Maximum sustained winds near the centre reached 162kmph, with maximum instantaneous wind speeds of 234kmph, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Japan's weather agency issued a special heavy rain warning for the Izu island chain south of Tokyo. Forecasters said rainfall totals could reach up to 300mm in 24 hours, with gusts exceeding 250kmph and sustained winds of around 180kmph. According to the agency, rainfall on Hachijo in the three hours through 7am local time reached 207mm, the highest ever for the area. The weather forced hundreds of residents in the region to take refuge at evacuation centers. Map from Japan Meteorological Agency shows path of Typhoon Halong (Japan Meteorological Agency) Strong winds are also expected to lash other islands in the chain, including Toshima, Niijima, Kozushima, Miyakejima and Mikurajima, raising fears of widespread power outages and transport disruptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local authorities have warned of the potential for landslides and linear rainbands narrow corridors of intense rainfall that can rapidly worsen flooding. Halong is expected to pass near the Izu Islands before curving eastward over the Pacific late on Thursday, sparing mainland Japan from a direct hit but leaving severe weather conditions in its wake. The Japan Coast Guard has urged ships to steer clear of the typhoons projected path, while flights and ferries to the islands have been suspended. Emergency crews remain on standby to respond to power failures and blocked roads. But as Japan braces for the storm, the remnants of Typhoon Halong are forecast to merge with a weather system over the Pacific, intensifying the jet stream and sending a surge of moisture toward North America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In California, that could translate into a multi-day storm bringing heavy rain to coastal and inland areas, and early-season snowfall in the Sierra Nevada. Spectacular imagery of Typhoon Halong, churning to the south of Japan. pic.twitter.com/9YKAD4THmb CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) October 8, 2025 Some models suggest the Bay Area could experience its strongest rainfall since last winter, with mountain snow reaching lower elevations than usual for October. This type of cross-ocean weather link, known as atmospheric teleconnection, happens when the energy and moisture of a western Pacific typhoon feed into the jet stream, amplifying downstream weather patterns thousands of kilometres away. The storm will first move towards Western Alaska, which is bracing for impact this weekend as the remnants of the typhoon are expected to move into the Bering Sea late Sunday into Monday. NOAAs 48-hour precipitation forecast shows heavy rainfall in California and the Southwest between 12 and 14 October, as remnants of Typhoon Halong feed into a Pacific storm system (NOAA) The storm's energy will strengthen the jet stream, pushing a high-pressure system into Canada and causing subarctic air to flow toward Washington state, Oregon and California on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This cold air interacting with a coastal storm system may bring substantial rainfall to Northern California, particularly around the Bay Area, and significant snowfall to the Sierra Nevada mountains. Depending on the storm's trajectory, the Bay Area could receive its heaviest rainfall since last winter, while Lake Tahoe and the Sierras may see several feet of new snow. By Danilo Masoni MILAN (Reuters) -A return of fund inflows into renewable energy stocks is helping to breath new life into these companies' shares, powering their strongest quarterly rise since the sustainability boom early this decade. After two years of bearish sentiment and relentless redemptions that made the sector a short-sellers' hotspot, a fundamental shift in the U.S. power demand outlook and greater policy certainty are luring investors back. U.S. President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" and the subsequent move to direct the U.S. Treasury to restrict tax credit rules have hit the renewables industry. But money managers say the outcome was not as bad as many feared, and offers enough certainty for investors to engage and companies to resume projects. "Valuations were so disconnected from the fundamentals that even confirmation of negative news became a positive catalyst, said BlackRock portfolio manager Alastair Bishop. "It allowed investors to start focusing on the fundamentals." With the outlook improving, Bishop said outflows from BlackRock's active clean-energy strategies had slowed. Robeco portfolio manager Roman Boner said flows into the company's Smart Energy strategy had recently turned positive after sustained outflows. Lipper data shows alternative energy funds had their first net monthly inflow in June, after 25 straight months of outflows totalling around $24 billion. Investors pulled out money again in July before inflows returned in August and neared $800 million in September, the largest since April 2022. Quarterly data from Morningstar shows outflows from Clean Energy/Tech have shrunk to their lowest since the last recorded inflow in Q2 2023. These green shoots coincide with double-digit gains in clean energy indices, ETFs, and a surge in individual stocks across the sector from producers to infrastructure plays. Bloom Energy is a prime example, teaming up with Oracle to deploy fuel cells at data centres. Its shares have rallied 300% in four months to become the biggest weight in the iShares Clean Energy ETF, a jump some investors view as over-exuberant. The Federal Reserve's dovish tone has also helped. Capital-intensive renewable projects benefit from lower borrowing costs, though rates remain well above the ultra-low levels seen during ESG's heyday. PRIVATE EQUITY MOVES IN LOOKING FOR VALUE Private equity is also moving in, ignoring political noise to focus on long-term value. Global Infrastructure Partners is reportedly in talks to buy AES, potentially one of the largest deals involving a Wall Street power company. Ukraine and Norway have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on the development of defence innovations and are launching a joint programme, Brave-Norway, with a budget of 20 million. Source: Mykhailo Fedorov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Details: The Brave-Norway programme will fund innovative solutions for the front line and strengthen the defence and technological capabilities of both countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Fedorov, the programme will include grant support for startups working on unmanned systems and other defence technologies. Joint hackathons will also be held to identify practical solutions capable of changing the battlefield situation, and platforms will be created to integrate research institutions. In Ukraine, the programme will be implemented by the Brave1 defence innovation cluster. Norway will provide 10 million in grants through the Innovation Development Fund for technology developers whose work could have a decisive impact on the course of the war. These solutions will be tested in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Recently, Norway officially opened a training camp for Ukrainian soldiers in Poland. It is considered one of the largest camps Norway has ever deployed abroad. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Key developments on Oct. 9: Russian strikes reportedly destroy over half of Ukraine's gas output before winter Ukraine strikes Russian gas and oil facilities in Volgograd Oblast, military says Europe faces 'significant risk' of major war if Russia starts mobilization, Zelensky says EU parliament calls for readiness to down of Russian aircraft, drones over member states' territory Serbia sends humanitarian aid to Russias Kursk Oblast worth around $6 million, Moscow claims Russian strikes have destroyed more than half of Ukraine's natural gas production capacity ahead of winter, Bloomberg reported on Oct. 9, citing its undisclosed sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's gas network, which met the country's needs before the full-scale war, has been repeatedly hit by missiles and drones, endangering millions of households that depend on gas for heating in winter. Russian forces launched one of the largest barrages yet on Oct. 3, firing 35 missiles and 60 drones at gas facilities in Kharkiv and Poltava oblasts, according to state-owned energy company Naftogaz. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us The strikes destroyed around 60% of Ukraine's gas production, Bloomberg's sources said. Naftogaz called the attack "the most massive" assault on gas infrastructure since the war began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's largest private energy firm, DTEK, said it was forced to halt operations at its Poltava facilities following the strikes. Two days later, Russia launched another attack targeting infrastructure critical for residential heating, causing further destruction, Naftogaz said. The strikes show Moscow's strategy of targeting energy infrastructure to weaken civilian morale. Since 2022, Russia has repeatedly aimed to disrupt Ukraine's heating and power systems with attacks. According to Bloomberg, Kyiv appealed to its G7 partners for urgent equipment to repair damaged facilities and reiterated its requests for additional air defense systems to protect energy infrastructure. Read also: The EUs ambitious plan for frozen Russian assets, explained Ukraine strikes Russian gas and oil facilities in Volgograd Oblast, military says Ukrainian forces struck a Russian gas plant and an oil pipeline station in Russia's Volgograd Oblast overnight on Oct. 9, Ukraine's General Staff reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Explosions and fires were reported at both the Korobkovsky Gas Processing Plant in Kotovo and the Yefimovka Linear-Production Dispatch Station, the military said. The news comes as Ukraine escalates strikes against Russian energy facilities, aiming to undermine Moscow's state revenues fueling its all-out invasion. The latest strikes were reportedly carried out by Ukraine's Special Operations Forces. The Telegram channel Astra previously reported a fire at the Lukoil gas plant in Kotovo following a drone attack. Volgograd Governor Andrei Bocharov said that "fires at fuel and energy facilities" were being addressed after attacks in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The extent of damage is being determined, the Ukrainian military said in a statement. The Kotovo gas plant is one of the largest facilities of its kind in southern Russia. It has a capacity of 450 million cubic meters of natural and associated gas per year, as well as 186,000 tons of a wide light hydrocarbon fraction annually. The plant, which began operations in September 1966, plays a key role in the region's energy infrastructure. "This facility is critical for Russia's oil and gas infrastructure: it provides processing and transportation of gas condensate, as well as the production of raw materials for the chemical industry," said Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Satellite images from NASA's Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) confirmed a fire at the gas processing plant. Read also: Why Tomahawks for Ukraine would be a real headache for Russia Europe faces 'significant risk' of major war if Russia starts mobilization, Zelensky says If Russian President Vladimir Putin launches a new mobilization in Russia, it could pose a grave threat to Europe and spark a world war, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Oct. 8. The president's warning comes as Russia steps up provocations against NATO countries, including a surge of mysterious drone sightings across Europe that have raised fears of hybrid warfare. "Wherever there is quick success, that is where (Putin) will go if there is mobilization," Zelensky said during a meeting with journalists. "There is a significant risk that Putin will actually go to a world war." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Ukrainian president, the danger stems from Putin's political need to demonstrate "success" after almost four years of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. "Mobilization means a definite loss of popularity for the Russian leader. That is the only reason he has not done it," he said. "If there is mobilization, it will be a challenge to Europe. He will start a major war." Russia's mobilization in 2022 the first since World War II followed military setbacks on the front lines and triggered mass protests and emigration, with more than 261,000 Russians fleeing. While the Kremlin later declared mobilization "completed," no presidential decree officially ended it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of launching another draft campaign, Moscow has depended on financial incentives and recruitment campaigns, offering lucrative contracts to volunteers willing to serve in the army. "Believe me, they definitely didn't want to pay big money for contracts. Such big money as they have been paying all these years. Imagine the price of protecting his personal rating," Zelensky said. Read also: Russia-Ukraine peace talks are dead, for now. But were they ever alive? EU parliament calls for readiness to down of Russian aircraft, drones over member states' territory The European Parliament on Oct. 9 adopted a resolution condemning Russia's ongoing "escalatory actions," calling for tougher responses to violations of EU airspace, including shooting down unauthorized drones and aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement comes amid heightened concerns across Europe over the presence of unauthorized drones near critical infrastructure, particularly in the wake of increased geopolitical tensions and frequent airspace violations involving Russia. The resolution passed with 469 votes in favor, 97 against, and 38 abstentions, according to an official statement on the parliament's website. Lawmakers placed full responsibility on Russia for recent airspace violations involving EU and NATO members, particularly Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania. The resolution also denounced unauthorized drone incursions over critical infrastructure in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, and accused Russia of engaging in sabotage and hybrid warfare that amounts to "state terrorism." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parliament called for coordinated defense measures, enhanced military cooperation with Ukraine, especially in drone technology and countermeasures, and stricter sanctions. It also urged the EU to impose additional restrictions on third countries aiding Russia's war efforts, specifically citing China's role in supplying dual-use goods. MEPs voiced support for the proposed "drone wall" along the EU's eastern border and backed initiatives aimed at bolstering surveillance and defense capabilities on the eastern flank. "Encouraging any initiative which enables the EU and its member states to take 'coordinated, united and proportionate action against all violations of their airspace, including shooting down airborne threats,' MEPs welcome the concept of an EU drone wall and the Eastern Flank Watch initiatives," the resolution stated. The parliament also reiterated its support for establishing a European Defense Union and called for closer civil-military coordination in protecting EU airspace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraines message to Europe: You are under threat from Russia. We can help Serbia sends humanitarian aid to Russias Kursk Oblast worth around $6 million, Moscow claims Serbia provided financial humanitarian aid worth 472 million rubles ($5.8 million) to Russia's war-affected Kursk Oblast, Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Oct. 9. While Moscow framed the assistance as "centuries-old brotherhood" and praised "the close ties between our countries and peoples," the move underscores Serbia's ongoing balancing act between its EU aspirations and longstanding ties with Russia. Ukraine launched the unprecedented offensive into the Russian border in August 2024, taking Russia by surprise and seizing 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) in the first few months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The operation was designed to divert Russian troops from the front in eastern Ukraine and to disrupt Russia's alleged plans to invade Sumy Oblast, a northeastern region bordering Kursk Oblast. Bolstered by 12,000 North Korean troops, Russia counterattacked this spring, regaining most of the lost territory and advancing into border areas of Sumy Oblast. According to Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Russia has suffered 80,000 soldierskilled and injured during the Kursk operation as of July 2025. Russia also continues to use Kursk Oblast to launch regular drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Serbian funds were transferred to the Kursk Oblast Development Fund on Oct. 8, the foreign ministry said. Belgrade has yet to comment on the statement. Note from the author: Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called on all parties to adhere to the agreement reached between Israel and the Palestinian militant organization Hamas on the first phase of a US-backed Gaza peace plan. "All hostages must be released in a dignified manner. A permanent ceasefire must be secured," Guterres said in a statement on X, urging an end to fighting and immediate, unhindered access for humanitarian aid into Gaza. "The suffering must end," he added. Guterres praised diplomatic efforts by the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, which helped broker the deal at talks in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. The United Nations would support full implementation of the agreement, expand humanitarian aid and assist reconstruction efforts in Gaza, Guterres said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN chief also encouraged both sides to seize "this momentous opportunity" to advance a two-state solution that would allow Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. "The stakes have never been higher," he said. The two-state solution envisages an independent Palestinian state coexisting peacefully alongside Israel. Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas currently reject such an outcome. UN relief chief calls for swift Gaza access The UN's emergency relief coordinator, Tom Fletcher, called for immediate access to Gaza following the breakthrough in negotiations. "Let's get the hostages out and surge aid in fast," he wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our teams are fully mobilised to get the trucks moving at scale and save lives," he added, noting that safe access was needed to carry out the operation. US President Donald Trump announced earlier that Israel and Hamas had reached agreement on the first phase of his peace plan during indirect talks in Egypt. Under the deal, all hostages held in Gaza are to be released, while Israel will withdraw its troops to a mutually agreed line. Hamas confirmed the agreement. By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -The United Nations will cut a quarter of peacekeepers in 11 operations around the world in the coming months due to a lack of money, senior U.N. officials said on Wednesday, and as future funding from the United States remains uncertain. "Overall, we will have to repatriate... around 25% of our total peacekeeping troops and police, as well as their equipment, and a large number of civilian staff in missions will also be affected," said a senior U.N. official, speaking on condition of anonymity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That would amount to between 13,000 and 14,000 troops and police, the official said. Washington is the U.N.'s largest peacekeeping contributor, accounting for more than 26% of funding, followed by China which pays nearly 24%. These payments are not voluntary. The U.S. was already $1.5 billion in arrears before the new financial year began on July 1, said a second U.N. official. Washington now also owes an additional $1.3 billion, taking its total outstanding bill to more than $2.8 billion. The U.S. has told the U.N. it will make a payment shortly of $680 million, the first U.N. official said. The U.S. mission to the U.N. did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. President Donald Trump in August unilaterally canceled some $800 million in peacekeeping funding appropriated for 2024 and 2025, according to a Trump administration message to Congress. The White House budget office has also proposed eliminating funding for U.N. peacekeeping missions in 2026, citing failures of operations in Mali, Lebanon and Democratic Republic of Congo. The U.N. has peacekeeping operations in the Middle East, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lebanon, Kosovo, Cyprus, Central African Republic, Western Sahara, the Golan Heights demilitarized zone between Israel and Syria, Abyei - an administrative area jointly run by South Sudan and Sudan - and on a ceasefire line dividing Kashmir between India and Pakistan. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is also more broadly seeking ways to improve efficiency and cut costs as the world body turns 80 this year amid a cash crisis. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Jasper Ward and Bill Berkrot) The death of a University of South Carolina student caused an immediate firestorm when it emerged that the driver of the truck involved in the hit and run was an undocumented immigrant. Within 20 minutes of each other, candidates for governor Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace and Attorney General Alan Wilson all posted on X about Rosali Fernandez Cruz being in the country illegally. Wilson announced that as attorney general he was taking over the prosecution of Cruzs case from Fifth Circuit Solicitor Byron Gipson. The people of this state expect action, and this office will ensure the rule of law is respected and enforced, Wilson said in a statement at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in August, with no press release or announcement, three of the four charges against Cruz were dropped and he was sentenced to one year in prison for a hit-and-run resulting in death. Cruz was also given credit for 131 days of time served. Cruz will likely be deported back to El Salvador once he has served his sentence. According to records from the South Carolina Department of Corrections, Cruz is incarcerated at the Kirkland Correctional Institution. South Carolina sentencing guidelines set the range of prison time for a fatal hit-and-run between one and 25 years. The fatal collision took place on April 2 at the busy intersection of Blossom and Assembly Streets near the heart of USCs campus. Cruz, who was driving a pickup truck, made a left turn and struck USC student Nathaniel Nate Baker, 21, who was riding a motorcycle. The outgoing and friendly business student was killed and Cruz fled the scene. He was apprehended nearby on Greene Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dropped charges against Cruz were failure to render aid, failure to yield right of way and driving without a license, first offence. Court records indicate that they were dismissed as not indicted. While Cruzs actions drew anger from some in Republican politics, at Bakers memorial service, his mother offered a message of grace. Mr. Cruz, my family and I know this was an accident, we are praying for you, said Leslie Baker Why did Wilson take the case? In a letter to Gipson, Wilson said that taking over Cruzs case was part of the attorney generals ongoing review of various matters involving the presence of illegal immigrants in South Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illegal immigration is one of the top priorities for the state of South Carolina, said Wilson in a statement at the time. Law and order, border security, and the safety of South Carolina and the nations families are of utmost importance to me and my office. The people of this state expect action, and this office will ensure the rule of law is respected and enforced. Over the past several years, Wilson has made immigration a centerpiece of his politics. The attorney general has travelled to the southern border and has focused his offices efforts on combatting drug trafficking linked to Mexican cartels. It was the first time this year that Wilsons office has involved itself in a case from Gipsons office. Last week, Wilson sent Gipson a letter telling the solicitor that the attorney generals office stood ready to take over the prosecution of Alex Dickey, a South Carolina man accused of killing 19-year-old Logan Federico during a robbery in Columbia. Federicos case has received national attention as part of a renewed push among Republican lawmakers to crack down on violent crime. By Timothy Gardner WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. imposed sanctions on about 100 individuals, entities and vessels, including a Chinese independent refinery and terminal, that helped Iran's oil and petrochemicals trade, the administration of President Donald Trump said on Thursday. The Treasury Department sanctioned the Shandong Jincheng Petrochemical Group Co, which it said is an independent teapot refinery in Shandong Province that has purchased millions of barrels of Iranian oil since 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also sanctioned China-based Rizhao Shihua Crude Oil Terminal Co, which operates a terminal at Lanshan Port. Treasury said it has accepted more than a dozen of Iran's so-called shadow fleet vessels that evade the sanctions. The tankers included Kongm, Big Mag, and Voy. Treasury said the tankers transported several million barrels of Iranian oil to Rizhao. The U.S. believes Iran's oil networks help Tehran fund its nuclear and missile programs and support militant proxies throughout the Middle East. Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. The sanctions came even as Israel and Hamas signed a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, which if fully implemented, would bring the two sides closer than any previous effort to halt a war that had evolved into a regional conflict, drawing in countries such as Iran, Yemen and Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Treasury said it was the fourth round of sanctions in which the administration targeted China-based refineries that continue to purchase Iranian oil. "The Treasury Department is degrading Irans cash flow by dismantling key elements of Irans energy export machine, said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The State Department said the U.S. also designated the first China-based terminal, Jiangyin Foreversun Chemical Logistics, for receiving Iranian-origin petrochemical products. The Chinese embassy in Washington and Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Reporting by Timothy Gardner, Bhargav Acharya, Katharine JacksonEditing by Marguerita Choy) ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) Michael Nachmanoff has built a quiet reputation in the federal courthouse in northern Virginia a onetime public defender turned judge known for methodical preparation and a cool temperament. On Wednesday, he found himself at the center of a political storm: presiding over the Justice Departments prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey. Nominated to the bench by President Joe Biden, a Democrat, in 2021, Nachmanoff was randomly assigned to the case after a Virginia grand jury indicted Comey last month on charges including obstruction of a congressional proceeding. The assignment instantly drew President Donald Trumps attention. President Donald Trump, a Republican long fixated on Comey, blasted him as a Dirty Cop and derided Nachmanoff as a Crooked Joe Biden appointed Judge while celebrating the charges as JUSTICE FOR AMERICA! Despite the political noise, lawyers who know Nachmanoff say he is unlikely to be swayed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whatever his personal politics are, I do not think that they will enter the courtroom, said longtime Virginia defense attorney Nina Ginsberg, who has tried cases before him. Hes confident enough in his ability to judge fairly that I dont think hes going to be influenced by politics or the media coverage. Nachmanoff, 57, came to the bench after more than a decade as the Eastern District of Virginias top federal public defender, where he argued and won a Supreme Court case that helped reduce racial disparities in crack cocaine sentencing. He served six years as a magistrate judge, handling some politically tinged cases. In 2019 he oversaw the first appearances of Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, associates of Trump ally Rudy Giuliani, releasing them on $1 million bonds. More recently, he refused to block the CIA from firing Dr. Terry Adirim, a Pentagon physician targeted by Trump allies over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. He was an aggressive advocate, the kind of lawyer who left no stones unturned, Ginsberg said of the judge. She said he conducts his courtroom in an even-handed, respectful manner. Timothy Belevetz, a defense lawyer and former federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia, said Nachmanoff was always a worthy adversary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes been around the courthouse for years and years and years, Belevetz said. Hes very well-respected. Hes very smart, hell give parties a fair shake, he listens to the arguments. Comey was charged late last month with lying to Congress. Days earlier, Trump appeared to urge Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute the former FBI director and other political enemies. Comey, who pleaded not guilty on Wednesday, has acknowledged the political backdrop but expressed confidence in the court system. In a video after his indictment, he said: My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system, and Im innocent. So lets have a trial. The clash between Trump and Comey has been building for years. Trump fired the FBI director in 2017, just months into his first term, as the bureau investigated Russian interference in the 2016 election. Since then, Trump has repeatedly called for Comeys prosecution and, in the days before the indictment, publicly pressed Bondi to act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For lawyers whove worked with Nachmanoff, that kind of political noise is unlikely to matter. They point to his long record of independence and constitutional rigor. Federal public defenders are renowned for their fidelity to the Constitution and due process, said Lisa Wayne, executive director of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. She said the White House should welcome Nachmanoffs involvement as a safeguard against the appearance of partisan political attacks. ___ Associated Press writers Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Eric Tucker and Gary Fields in Washington contributed to this report. A former Royal Marine suing the Ministry of Defence (MoD) over hearing loss suffered during his service has admitted that he and other members of his unit cheated military hearing tests to be deployed. Christopher Lambie, 45, is one of around 10,000 former personnel suing the MoD for compensation over noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). His is one of four test cases being tried at the High Court, the result of which will impact how much compensation others could receive, after two servicemen received a 700k payout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Davies, a retired lieutenant colonel, who served in the Royal Engineers for almost 40 years, announced settlement in his case for 182,250 on Wednesday, while Stephen Hambridge, a former serviceman, settled for 550k. Andrew Davies, a retired lieutenant colonel, says he has been left with a permanent injury that could have been prevented - Family handout/PA Wire Mr Lambie is claiming more than 400,000 in damages, including around 307,000 in future earnings that will allegedly be lost from his NIHL. But the former Royal Marine admitted he and his colleagues faked results in military hearing tests to ensure they could be deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. The MoD accepts some form of duty of care and has offered him around 58,000, with its barristers claiming that his NIHL has not had, and will not have, any impact on his future income but this figure has been rejected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The result of Mr Lambies case could potentially affect the compensation claims of thousands of former servicemen for tens of thousands each. In a witness statement, Mr Lambie said he was first exposed to loud military noise without hearing protection on firing ranges as a cadet from the age of 13, before joining the Royal Marines in 1998. He was diagnosed with NIHL in 2002, but said nothing was put in place to prevent me from being exposed to loud noise. Medics helped us pass our medicals Ahead of a deployment to Afghanistan in 2011, members of his unit underwent a pre-medical screening, including a hearing test, which Mr Lambie said he was very conscious about as his entire career was spent training for deployment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He failed one test but passed a retake as he watched the medic doing the hearing test press the button for the tone and then I pressed my clicker straight away. Mr Lambie confessed that the medic conducting the tests was completely aware of this and was happy for me to do this to allow me to get a good grading and be deployed. He said: We all knew that the emphasis on the staff was to ensure that Marines passed all the tests they needed to pass for deployment, as the MoD needed as many people as possible to deploy. This is why the medics helped us pass our medicals. Many members of my unit joked about how they were cheating the hearing tests to ensure they passed them and how they could go on deployment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After I did it, I spoke to a lot of my unit and I realised that many of them had done what I did to ensure they passed, regardless of whether they actually needed to. Soldiers can be exposed to high levels of noise during their military careers - PA Mr Lambie is now a defence and security consultant after being discharged in 2021, but his barrister, Harry Steinberg KC, said that the NIHL has affected his career prospects, including preventing him from joining the police and fire service. The MoD has accepted primary causation in Mr Lambies case, but disputes how much he should receive. David Platt KC, for the department, said in written submissions that the sums Mr Lambie had claimed for were wholly unrealistic, adding: Mr Lambies NIHL has not impeded his career progress so far and is unlikely to do so in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Lambies case is being heard alongside those of Jack Craggs, a former infantryman, David Lloyd, a former signaller and Michael Evans, a former rifleman and signaller, who suffer from NIHL and tinnitus. At a hearing in July last year, the MoD admitted that it had a duty of care to former personnel, having disputed this in earlier legal action. It also accepted that noise exposure during service caused hearing loss among former personnel, but disputes the extent to which this happened in some individual cases. An MoD spokesman said: We take the health and wellbeing of our personnel seriously and work to reduce noise levels in their working environment wherever possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is alongside providing training, protective equipment and regular hearing tests to detect any early signs of hearing loss, so action can be taken if necessary. To ensure value for money for the taxpayer, we are defending against a range of claims or limiting costs. Many of these claims are historic, and in the years since, we have substantially improved protective measures around hearing to prevent noise-related issues amongst our people. The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme provides no-fault compensation to Service Personnel and veterans for injuries, illness and death caused by service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority of the 10,000 claimants are represented by one law firm, Hugh James, which has previously agreed on a matrix with the MoD to determine compensation claims. The trial before Mr Justice Garnham is due to last nine weeks. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The right-wing information sphere on social media is shaped by large, often anonymous influencer accounts that are then amplified to even wider audiences by prominent conservatives. Two such accounts are Defiant Ls and Resist the Mainstream, both offering takes on American politics, often alleging corruption and election fraud by Democrats, to a combined over 2 million followers. Republican lawmakers like Mike Lee, Nancy Mace, Andy Biggs, Eli Crane, and Dan Crenshaw, along with major political figures like Elon Musk, share the accounts posts on X, some claiming that illegals or undocumented immigrants are fraudulently voting in American elections. The owner and operator of both accounts, however, is not only a man who has by his own admission never stepped foot in the United States but has donated over $3,000 in an American election. Donating to American political campaigns as a foreign national is a federal crime, according to the Federal Election Commission. Rumen Naumovski donated to Ron Watkins congressional campaign in Arizona in 2022 while living in Macedonia as a Macedonian national, according to FEC documents listing his name and a Florida media company that he owns, along with a review of his own statements detailing his attempts to immigrate to America. He runs Defiant Ls and Resist the Mainstream via that same Florida company, according to court documents and his statements, and someone with knowledge of his company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watkins later returned the donations, and Naumovski has said he was unaware he was prohibited from donating. Defiant Ls and Resist the Mainstream are two major players in the right-wing influencer space on X and cover American politics almost exclusively. Defiant Ls in particular enjoys a major reach on the platform thanks to elected officials and Musk, who called Defiant Ls one of the best accounts on X last year. South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace has shared multiple posts from the account, and even replied to Defiant Ls last month, on a post about Congresswoman Ilhan Omar that asked, Whats the first thought that comes to mind when you see Ilhan Omar? Censure, Mace replied. Utah Sen. Mike Lee often shares Defiant Ls posts, and in March tagged FBI Director Kash Patel and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino in one reshare. Lee also interacts with Resist the Mainstream, at least five times this year based on a review by Rolling Stone. Naumovski has been managing Defiant Ls via a Florida company since 2023, according to a source with knowledge of the account. Naumovski wrote this year that Defiant Ls is one of our accounts in an opinion piece for The Daily Wire. He uses that same Florida company to run Resist the Mainstreams website and accounts, according to court documents. The two accounts are listed as affiliates of each other on X, a paid feature that allows a business to link more than one account with verified affiliate badges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A year before obtaining Defiant Ls, Naumovski donated $3,127 in two donations to so-called QAnon candidate Ron Watkins congressional primary race in Arizona. Naumovski was reported at the time as being Watkins largest single donor that quarter but that was years before it became known that Naumovski wasnt just of Macedonian origin, but has never had residential status in the U.S., or even been to the U.S., according to his Daily Wire op-ed. I run a growing media company with 11 American employees. Ive invested over $145,000 in the U.S. economy. I pay American corporate taxes. Yet Ive never set foot in the United States and government bureaucrats seem determined to keep it that way, Naumovski wrote in February. He explained that he attempted to get a tourist visa in 2018 but was rejected, and then his reapplication was approved in 2021. But Naumovski said he refused to show proof of Covid vaccination as required in 2021: As a healthy young person, I hesitated. Friends here offered an easy solution fake vaccination cards cost less than $50 in Macedonia. But I refused to begin my American journey with a lie. How long could waiting honestly really take? He then tried for an E-2 business visa, but was rejected after repeated interviews by embassy staff, he claims in the piece, and to this day has never even been to the U.S. In a podcast interview in October 2022, a few months after he donated to Watkins, he explained he was currently running his media company that he started in his bedroom in his parents home from my own apartment in Macedonia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foreign nationals are categorically barred from spending money in our elections, whether its directly, via PACs or even SuperPACs, Saurav Ghosh, director of federal campaign finance reform at the Campaign Legal Center and former counsel at the FEC, tells Rolling Stone. Ghosh says that foreign donation schemes often happen via straw donors, or fake names, which are also prohibited, and that a foreign national donating under their own name is rare. Filings from a 2024 copyright lawsuit brought by a photojournalist who alleged Resist the Mainstream repeatedly stole his work show that Naumovski claims 100 percent ownership of the Florida company that operates the two X accounts, Raww Digital LLC. The two Watkins donations both list the St. Petersburg, Florida, registered agents office where Raww Digital Inc. is located and Raww Digital LLC as Naumovskis employer. The company was first registered in 2021, with Naumovski as sole owner with an address in Veles, North Macedonia. A month later, an amendment with a new principal address was filed, at the registered agents office in St. Petersburg. Watkins is often speculated to be a source for the writings of Q the mysterious figure fueling QAnon conspiracies for years. Watkins has long denied being Q. Watkins lost the Arizona Republican primary to Eli Crane, who has himself since amplified Naumovskis content at least seven times. After Naumovski donated to Watkins, Watkins boosted Resist the Mainstreams Telegram channel a week later, according to a screenshot obtained by Media Matters. There is no indication of wrongdoing by Watkins or that he was aware of Naumovskis location at the time. Watkins refunded Naumovskis two donations in April 2022, as campaign finance law requires if a candidate unknowingly receives a donation from a foreign national. The FEC sent Watkins a letter in March 2022, a month after Naumovskis donations, asking for more information about donors, after the campaign submitted a report with incomplete donor information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naumovski told Rolling Stone he was unaware that it was illegal to donate to an American campaign without a green card. He posted a statement in April 2022 on his Telegram channel about the incident: Yesterday I learned I made a mistake. I gave an online contribution to a U.S. political campaign, not realizing that was forbidden to me as someone who had a U.S. visa, but not a green card. Within minutes of learning that I contacted the campaign, which is immediately refunding my payment. I love America and would never intentionally violate any measure. Live and learn! Watkins told Rolling Stone in an email that he does not recall Naumovskis donations. My 2022 Arizona campaign was very busy and ended more than three years ago. According to the FEC guidelines, federal campaign records have a three year retention period. It has been more than three years since the campaign ended, the three year retention period for campaign records has passed, and I do not personally remember details about specific donations. As far as I know there was no FEC investigation into this specific issue that you are alleging. The Media Matters 2023 review found that Watkins was only one of several QAnon-linked influencers to share Resist the Mainstreams content, and the content appeared nearly identical. Some X users have alleged that they were approached by Naumovski to post his content for payment. Naumovski did not respond to follow-up questions from Rolling Stone about whether he offered Watkins or other influencers payments to promote his companys content, nor did he respond to questions about how he learned his donations were illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A major booster of Naumovskis career is former Fox News executive Ken LaCorte. LaCorte admitted to The New York Times in 2019 that he hired Macedonian teenagers from Veles, Naumovskis Macedonian hometown, to write for several conservative content sites he ran beginning in 2017. Veles is known as the home to a collection of writers who churned out disinformation during the 2016 presidential election in the United States, the Times reported. LaCorte has also written about Naumovskis struggles to emigrate. I met Rumen when I was running a startup, and I needed help with social media. When we first spoke on Zoom, I was surprised to learn he was still a teenager, living in Macedonia, a country I couldnt find without a good map, working out of a bedroom covered in L.A. Lakers posters. Since then, Ive been both a friend and an adviser, helping him build his business and encouraging him through the U.S. immigration system, he wrote on his Substack in February, a few days after Naumovski himself admitted hes never been to the U.S. If he had simply walked across the border illegally, he would have received a work permit within months. He could have easily gamed the system faked paperwork, overstayed a tourist visa, or lost his passport. But because he played by the rules, hes been stuck in limbo for years, LaCorte wrote. Naumovski has enjoyed connections with other Republican activists, such as Roger Stone, who endorsed him in 2023 on X: I highly recommend that you follow @RumenNaumovski, the founder of Resist the Mainstream on Twitter. Hes a great guy! He was born outside the US but he loves America and hes working hard to bring trusted news to everyday people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before this years revelations, Naumovski himself repeated a similarly vague biography: I was born overseas but have devoted my life to spreading the virtues of American freedom, he wrote on X. The issue of foreign interests influencing American politics through anonymous X influencer accounts is an ongoing one. Last year, federal prosecutors alleged that the conservative media company Tenet, which pays a network of major right-wing influencers like Benny Johnson and Tim Pool, was secretly being paid by Russian state operatives to disseminate propaganda to a large American audience. Johnson, Pool, and other Tenet content creators maintain they were unaware of the alleged Russian influence campaign and were victims of deceptions. Interfering in American elections financially, however, is still one of the campaign finance violations thats taken seriously and prosecuted, Ghosh says. This is one of our bedrock campaign finance laws, to keep American elections working toward the goals of American public welfare, and not the opposite. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Anthropic co-founder and CEO Dario Amodei is in India this week, with plans to set up an office in Bengaluru and explore a partnership with Mukesh Ambanis Reliance Industries, TechCrunch has learned. The move signals the AI startups push to deepen its presence in its second-largest market after the U.S. Amodei is expected to visit Mumbai to meet Ambani and other senior executives at Reliance Industries, Indias most valuable company and the parent of the nations top telecom operator, Reliance Jio, people familiar with the matter told TechCrunch. Anthropic has been in discussions with Reliance for some time over a potential partnership to expand access to its Claude AI assistant in India, the people said. India the worlds second-largest online market after China, with more than a billion internet subscribers has emerged as an important growth region for Anthropic. Several Indian AI startups already use its Claude models in their products for both domestic and U.S. clients. India also accounts for the second-highest share of traffic to Claudes website after the U.S., according to digital intelligence firm Similarweb. Image Credits:Jagmeet Singh / TechCrunch In August, Reliance Industries partnered with major technology companies, including its existing investors Google and Meta, to build AI infrastructure and enterprise solutions through its new unit, Reliance Intelligence. The Mumbai-headquartered conglomerate had also explored a potential collaboration with OpenAI, which rolled out its under-$5 ChatGPT plan in India earlier this year and announced plans to open an office in New Delhi later in 2025. That Reliance-OpenAI partnership was expected to be announced during OpenAI CEO Sam Altmans planned visit to India last month, but Altman ultimately postponed the trip. Reliance Industries did not respond to a request for comment. TechCrunch has also reached out to OpenAI for comment. Alongside Mumbai, Amodei is visiting New Delhi to meet top lawmakers and senior federal government officials, sources said. He is also expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, two people familiar with his trip plans told TechCrunch. Later in the week, Amodei will be in Bengaluru to announce Anthropics office opening on Thursday, sources told TechCrunch. Anthropic EMEA head Guillaume Princen and startups chief Daniel Delaney are also accompanying him. Prominent venture funds, including Accel and Lightspeed, are also hosting dedicated sessions with Anthropic executives this week to share insights on how developers and startups can leverage Claude for their offerings. Ten years. That was the amount of time Rick Davis told Aly Richards they would need to create a permanent child care infrastructure in the state of Vermont back in 2015. At the time, Davis had recently founded Lets Grow Kids, a statewide advocacy organization focused on improving access to high-quality child care, and his first goal was to bring a leader like Richards on board. Part of the way he sold it to her, he explained, was by focusing on the time-limited nature of Lets Grow Kids and the plan to sunset the group in 2025. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Davis, a longtime philanthropist focused on supporting children and families, believed that investing in early interventions geared toward children ages 0 to 5 would make the biggest impact on creating opportunities for kids in his state. Lets Grow Kids homed in on an ambitious goal to provide quality child care for every child in Vermont, and Davis created an aggressive timeline to get the job done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richards wasnt convinced right away, she explained, but after persuasive calls from former Vermont Govs. Peter Shumlin and Howard Dean, she came aboard and built a team that would drive the state to become the first in the nation to have a near-universal child care system. Over the last decade, Lets Grow Kids raised over $70 million in private philanthropy and grew to a team of 40 staffers. Their efforts built momentum around child care issues and drove progress that supported Act 76, the bill that created Vermonts near-universal child care program, which was signed into law in 2023 after a veto override. In the two years since Act 76 passed, more than 100 new child care programs have opened, creating over 1,000 spaces for children and 230 new early childhood educator jobs and an additional 4,000 children in Vermont now qualify for tuition assistance. Lets Grow Kids was heavily involved with implementing these changes. On Oct. 3, the organization officially sunset its operations, just as Davis and Richards had planned. The time-limited nature of the organization has been critical to its success supporting and implementing legislation, both leaders said, and the wind-down process signals that the state is ready to sustain the changes. The Behind-the-Scenes Process of Sunsetting the Organization In September, Richards addressed a room filled with more than 200 child care advocates in Burlington Vermont to highlight the progress made by Lets Grow Kids, surface the gaps that remain and to discuss the roll out of the next phase of work, which will be carried out by a group of permanent organizations focused on child care financing, workforce, data and advocacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the organization began planning for this transition years before it was fully dismantled, building partnerships with the organizations that would move implementation forward, and creating a phase-out plan for the staff. Nothing works without a deadline, its human nature, said Richards. It sharpens focus and adds accountability. We would always ask, are we on track to win? There wasnt enough time to pat ourselves on the back. Nothing works without a deadline, it's human nature. Aly Richards Because Lets Grow Kids was never intended to be permanent, the team was able to operate at a faster pace, raise money more effectively, and attract top tier talent explained Erin Roche, who worked at Lets Grow Kids for six years before heading up First Childrens Finance, a nonprofit focused on the business development needs of child care centers and providers in Vermont, and one of the organizations picking up the baton from Lets Grow Kids now. [Lets Grow Kids] was inclined to build more infrastructure because they knew they were leaving. They knew they would need support in place for child care businesses they were supporting once they were gone, said Roche. Related Family Child Care Providers See Gains Under Vermonts New Child Care Law The organizations expiration date also spurred more philanthropic investment. We never could have sustained the level of philanthropy [as a permanent group], said Richards. Part of the reason we were successful is we could ask for a one year capital gift. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, the timeline helped the team stay focused on their mission, even as they pivoted to working with child care organizations to receive personal protective equipment supplies and American Rescue Plan Act funds, she said. When the states legislative session resumed in 2021, Richards explained that theyd gained a stronger network and the trust of elected officials and child care providers alike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Staff, too, have been part of the sunset strategy. By having a declared end date, the staff, including Roche, were inclined to find new roles at various organizations throughout the state. Some former staffers from Lets Grow Kids now lead Vermonts National Association of the Education of Young Children. Others work with Roche at First Childrens Finance. One former staff member, Janet McLaughlin, is now the Deputy Commissioner for Vermonts Department of Children and Families, leading the Child Development Division, which oversees child care policy and implementation in Vermont. The final remaining staffers are transitioning to the Lets Grow Kids Action Network, a 501(c)(4) group tasked with doing the political work necessary to protect the funding provisions in Act 76. Right now we dont really know the lobbying needs, said Jerusa Contee, managing director at the Lets Grow Kids Action Network. Implementation is still new, so we know we are going to need some help, but we could find out that in a couple of years people have accepted that child care is a core part of the budget. While Act 76 brought major changes to the states child care infrastructure and increased access to subsidies for many families, the state still doesnt have what would be considered universal child care. Between 80% to 90% of Vermont families with children in child care programs are eligible for subsidies, according to an internal analysis conducted by First Childrens Finance using 2024 Census data, said Roche. The families it doesnt capture are spending a lot on child care, and thats a hardship, said Roche, who is working on figuring out who is left out of the subsidies and why. At a certain point, she said, it takes more effort to run a program that leaves only a handful of people out than it would to make it fully universal and eliminate the paperwork required to prove eligibility a step New Mexico recently took. Could This Happen Elsewhere? Child care remains a widely popular issue among voters across party lines. Polling indicates that younger generations are prioritizing child care that many consider child care a leading workplace benefit. While efforts to improve child care infrastructure at the national level have stalled, advocates are closely watching states that have developed policy and funding solutions, and many are asking what aspects of Vermonts child care program could be replicated elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richards said shes been contacted by people who work on child care policy in other states, including Colorado, Nebraska, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Arkansas, looking to hear about what helped the state pass the landmark bill. In these conversations, Richards holds fast to the idea that the sunset provision is key to running an effective campaign and setting up the necessary infrastructure to carry on implementation and protect the bill. She also points to the trove of data Vermont has gathered about how increasing access to child care has impacted the states workforce participation and increased tax revenue, and how quality child care has contributed to education factors like kindergarten preparedness. After the September event in Burlington, the alumni and remaining Lets Grow Kids staff gathered outside for a group photo, noting the symbolic pun of the sun setting behind them over Lake Champlain. No one is brazen enough to say mission accomplished out loud, Richards said, but both she and Davis acknowledge a deep satisfaction with what they have built. As for the immediate future, Richards is taking a month off, then will stay on as the chair of the board for the Lets Grow Kids Action Network. Im tired, she said, while smiling. Ive been running nonstop for the past ten years. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will arrive in Israel Thursday night after helping mediate Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks in Egypt. US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Israel from Egypt on Thursday night. Witkoff and Kushner were in Egypt to facilitate ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Negotiators in Egypt reached a deal to free the remaining hostages in Gaza and eventually end the Israel-Hamas War, US President Donald Trump announced early Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump will head to the Middle East over the weekend, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said early on Thursday, after Trump announced a deal had been reached between Israel and Hamas to end the Gaza war and release all hostages. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip is set to begin shortly after 12:00 p.m. on Thursday. Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, holds a sign with a poem about calling for the return of all the hostages, at the ''Hostages square'', after US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire. October 9, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun) This is based on an informal agreement between both parties without a signed document. Cabinet to vote to approve ceasefire deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he will bring the cabinet for a vote on the deal on Thursday. Corinne Baum and Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report. A former library director in Wyoming has won $700,000 in a settlement after she was fired for refusing to remove books containing content about sexual health and LGBTQ+ identities. Terri Lesley, director of Campbell County Public Library, was removed from her position in July, 2023 after 27 years of service when the Campbell County library board voted four to one to fire her. The board had pushed for two years to convince Lesley to remove the collection of books, which some had claimed were inappropriate for minors. Related: Longtime Wyoming Library Director Fired For Refusing to Scrap Shelves of LGBTQ+ Books Under the settlement, Lesley has agreed to drop her lawsuit against the state, though a separate lawsuit she has filed against the three individuals who challenged the books will move foward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do feel vindicated. Its been a rough road, but I will never regret standing up for the First Amendment, Lesley said, via The Associated Press. Some of the books Lesley refused to remove included Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison, This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson, How Do You Make a Baby by Anna Fiske, Doing It by Hannah Witton, Sex is a Funny Word by Corey Silverberg, and Dating and Sex: A Guide for the 21st Century Teen Boy by Andrew P. Smiler. Lesley's firing came not long after the library board voted in October, 2022 to leave the American Library Association, a group that promotes libraries, and the Wyoming Library Association, its state chapter. Related: Book bans in schools are more widespread than ever. Which states have had the most? Books bans were at a record high two years ago when Lesley was fired a record that has since been broken. During the 2024-2025 school year, PEN America recorded 6,870 instances of book bans across 23 states and 87 public school districts, affecting 3,752 titles. They represented the work of 2,308 authors, 243 illustrators, and 38 translators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We hope at least that it sends a message to other library districts, other states, other counties, that the First Amendment is alive and strong and that our values against discrimination also remain alive and strong, said Lesleys attorney, Iris Halpern. These are public entities, theyre government officials, they need to keep in mind their constitutional obligations. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Wyoming library director wins $700,000 after being fired for defending LGBTQ+ books RELATED Miko Vergun, a plaintiff in the landmark 2015 federal youth climate lawsuit Juliana v. United States, which questioned the constitutionality of 50 years of government support for fossil fuels, wasnt surprised on the first day of President Donald Trumps second term when he issued three executive orders meant to clear the way for the drilling of more oil and gas and the mining of more coal in the name of energy security. She was nevertheless disheartened that her government planned to redouble its support of fossil fuels even in light of the harm climate change was causing. Then three months later, she learned that the U.S. Supreme Court would not reconsider its 2020 dismissal of Juliana after a decade, her case was over. After Juliana, truthfully, I had given up hope, she told Grist. The Juliana case was the first in a series of lawsuits brought by the nonprofit law firm Our Childrens Trust on behalf of youth plaintiffs. In August 2023, they won their case against Montana, which argued for a fundamental constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment, and now the state must consider greenhouse gas emissions and their impacts in its permitting process. In 2024, the state of Hawaii settled a case brought by Our Childrens Trust, agreeing to decarbonize its transportation system and reach zero emissions by 2045. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In spring of this year, Our Childrens Trust invited Vergun to join another lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Trumps three executive orders, Unleashing American Energy, Declaring a National Energy Emergency and Reinvigorating Americas Beautiful Clean Coal Industry. Vergun had her doubts. Its really easy to take a nihilistic view, especially in these uncertain times, she told Grist. But I woke up one day, and I was like, Yeah, I want to join. In September, after the initial court proceedings, Vergun, her lawyers, and 21 other plaintiffs, ages 7 to 25, met in a Missoula, Montana, courthouse for the evidentiary hearing in a new case, Lighthiser v. Trump. The hearing was a sort of mini-trial in which both sides were given a chance to present their arguments and to question witnesses. The testimony was both emblematic of Our Childrens Trusts approach and indicative of their evolving strategy. On the first day of the hearing, gray fog cloaked downtown Missoula, but the young plaintiffs bubbled with excitement as they strode toward the red-brick courthouse through a pathway festooned with marigolds. About 100 supporters carrying signs cheered as they entered the courthouse and filed up to the second floor. Once everyone settled into the long wooden rows facing the judges bench, Julia Olson, the lead attorney for the plaintiffs, rose for her opening statement. This case asks a fundamental question, she said. Does the United States Constitution guard against abuses of power by executive order that deprive children and youth of their fundamental rights to life and to their liberties? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a question that, according to Mary Wood, professor of law at the University of Oregon, distinguishes the legal strategy in Lighthiser from Juliana. The earlier case asked the court to order the government to prepare and implement a plan to fix climate change. This time, plaintiffs are seeking a narrower remedy an injunction to stop implementation of the three specific executive orders. Its a discrete request in the here and now designed to prevent further, ongoing harm, Wood said. But it wasnt a difference the government lawyers conceded. Here we are back again, attempting to deal with fundamentally the same legal claim all over again, Department of Justice attorney Michael Sawyer said in his opening argument. The plaintiffs, he said, want the courts to step in and exercise general supervision over the nations energy policy. Since the defendants declined to call any witnesses, Our Childrens Trust had two days to make their case. They began with young plaintiffs. First Olson called to the stand Joseph Lee of Fullerton, California, a wiry 19-year-old with long bangs and glasses wearing a dark suit and sneakers. He raised his right hand and became the first youth in history to testify in a federal youth climate case against the U.S. something that Our Childrens Trust had been working toward for more than a decade. Sitting in the witness stand, Lee recounted growing up near an oil refinery and developing asthma; how heat, humidity, and wildfire smoke made it feel like his lungs were filled with water; how he has been hospitalized multiple times, once even surgically intubated during a heat wave. Im not sure if I can go on, he said. Olson asked him: Will stopping the EOs end climate change? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No, he replied. But it will stop it from getting worse. In cross-examination, DOJ attorney Erik Van de Stouwe noted the lack of air conditioning in Lees dorm at UC San Diego and how that must aggravate his asthma. But you didnt take legal action against the State of California, right? To categorize the years of struggles Ive had into a mere issue of air conditioning is something thats hurtful, Lee replied. The second witness, Jorja M., 17, told the court about grabbing her stuffed animals when a wildfire threatened her home in Livingston, Montana. She testified about a 2022 flood that crept up to the door of her familys vet clinic, even though we are not on a floodplain. She described black coal dust from trains coating her home and irritating her nose, throat, and lungs. The coal came from Colstrip, a plant that was scheduled to close and will now remain open following the Trump executive orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the governments attorney Miranda Jensen approached the witness stand, Jorja shifted nervously in her seat. You testified that you have three horses, right? Jensen asked. Yes, Jorja answered. And youre aware that raising horses contributes to global warming? I am aware of that, yes. Are you concerned by the emissions that your horses contribute to the problem? Gasps of exasperation arose from the audience. I think that having three horses has minimal emissions, Jorja said. After answering more questions, Jorja returned to her seat in the gallery and caught eyes with Avery McRae, the next plaintiff to testify. They smiled knowingly at each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After she was sworn in as the next witness, Olson asked McRae, 20, to describe struggling to care for her horse and other farm animals during wildfires and heat waves that have been plaguing Oregon. McRae remembered coughing and feeling awful. As she continued on with her testimony, McRae described moving to Florida for college, only to walk right into a different sort of climate disaster: In her first three years, she had to evacuate for three massive hurricanes. The whole campus was inundated with sea water, she said, her voice calm but tinged with anger. She had to pay for an Airbnb, huddle in a closet during a tornado warning, and fly home to attend class on Zoom for five weeks. In the cross-examination, the government lawyer clarified which climate disasters happened before Trump signed the executive orders and which happened after. Olson had a chance to redirect. Are you bringing this case to remedy past injuries? she asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Avery answered, No. Are you asking the court to provide the remedy of stopping the EOs? Yes. With those testimonies, Our Childrens Trust had begun to lay out its basic argument that its clients are suffering from climate change and Trumps executive orders will make it worse, a violation of their constitutional rights to life and liberty. Their legal strategy for the rest of the hearing depended heavily on what Wood, the professor at the University of Oregon, called an all-star cast of fact witnesses. The afternoon testimony opened with Steve Running, a white-haired man in a gray suit who joked he might be the oldest person in the courtroom. Running, who shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for his work with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, testified that science has established that the burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, which warm the planet and harm the plaintiffs. Every additional tonne of CO2 matters to the whole world and definitely matters to these plaintiffs, he said. When asked if the executive orders would make the youths injuries worse, Running answered, Unquestionably. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Excitement was palpable in the courtroom as Olson called John Podesta to the stand. Podesta was an adviser for former president Joe Biden on clean energy and climate policy when Juliana was in pretrial motions. He and the Biden administration took the position that the argument in Juliana was too broad to implement, so his appearance here was striking. Olson asked Podesta to explain how executive orders were created and administered. Then she said: Mr. Podesta, is it fair to say that if an executive order is enjoined, that [government officials] could ensure implementation of that court-ordered injunction? she asked. It would be incumbent on every agent of the federal government who has taken an oath of office to abide by that order, up to and including the president, he answered. In cross-examination, Sawyer, of the DOJ, worked to get to the heart of the governments defense that the plaintiffs are asking the court to weigh into a policy debate. President Biden also issued day one executive orders, right? he asked. Podesta nodded. Yes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sawyer led Podesta through a series of questions about Bidens executive order, which compelled the executive branch agencies to take actions geared toward addressing climate change and which one of Trumps orders revoked. Sawyers main point was to make the case that signing executive orders that revoke a prior administrations policies and establish new ones is just something that presidents do. When court recessed for the day, the young plaintiffs chatted warmly with the experts as they exited, thanking them for their support. All the experts had testified for free. On the second day of the hearing, dawn broke brightly, the sun rising over the golden hills surrounding Missoula. In the court room, the young plaintiffs stood in the rows of wooden benches, chatting and laughing quietly as the lawyers hustled to take their seats. The witnesses included an energy economist, a pediatrician, and one more young person. In her closing arguments, Olson attempted again to draw distinctions between Lighthiser and Juliana, and underscore the injuries that her clients are experiencing, which, she argues, are being worsened by the governments actions. The judge jumped in. What is it that you want me to do? The remedy is a simple one, Olson answered. Its enjoining the government from implementing the three executive orders and the specific provisions within them that we have alleged are infringing the plaintiffs rights. The judge expressed concern that a ruling in their favor would lead to an ongoing judicial monitoring of the administrations actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your Honor, its not about policy choices, Olson countered. The Supreme Court has said, in case after case after case, that the fundamental rights to life and liberty dont get put to a vote. If policymakers could decide to threaten childrens lives, then the Bill of Rights would mean nothing. In the governments closing arguments, Sawyer said the judge was correct to be concerned about wading into a policy issue that should be addressed by Congress and the executive branch. Linking government actions to the rights to life and liberty is, he warned, a one-way ratchet for safety-ism. Judge Christensen has not indicated when he will rule on the plaintiffs motion for a preliminary injunction, which would put the executive orders on hold until there is a trial to decide the case. The defendants have also filed a motion to dismiss that is before the court. According to Mat Dos Santos, co-director of Our Childrens Trust, all the youth climate cases, including Lighthiser, aim to place bumpers on government action like in a bowling alley so governments are nudged into taking greenhouse gases and kids lives and health into account whenever they set policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The key question facing the judge, according to Michael Gerrard, the director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University, is whether there is a constitutional basis for the court to act. Striking down executive orders can be done in a proper case if there is a legal basis for it, Gerrard said. Miko Vergun, for one, is still hopeful. Im just waiting for good news, to be honest, she said. This story was originally published by Grist with the headline Youth plaintiffs test out a new legal strategy to counter Trumps support for fossil fuels on Oct 9, 2025. (Reuters) -President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that Ukrainian forces were inflicting heavy losses in a counteroffensive in eastern Donetsk region, the main theatre of the more than 3-1/2 years of war in Ukraine. Zelenskiy's account, based on a report by Ukraine's top commander, contrasted with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's address to senior Russian officers a day earlier in which he said Moscow's forces held the strategic initiative in all frontline sectors. Zelenskiy, speaking in his nightly video address, said he spoke for almost an hour to top commander Oleksandr Syrskyi, with "particular attention on the Dobropillia operation, our counteroffensive". He described heavy casualties in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has pointed to successes in Dobropillia, just north of the logistics hub of Pokrovsk, one of the key targets in Russia's slow advance westward through Donetsk region. Ukrainian forces, Zelenskiy said, were "defending ourselves along all other directions," referring specifically to Kupiansk, a largely destroyed town in northeastern Ukraine under heavy Russian assaults for months. He also described conditions as "difficult" around Novopavlivka, farther south in Zaporizhzhia region, but said "our active defensive actions there are showing good results". Reuters could not independently verify battlefield accounts from either side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin told senior officers on Tuesday in northwestern Russia, near the country's second-largest city of St. Petersburg, that Russia had recaptured almost 5,000 square km (1,930 square miles) of land in Ukraine in 2025. He said Ukrainian forces were retreating in all sectors of the front and that while Kyiv was trying to strike deep into Russian territory, it would not help. Russia's Defence Ministry said on Wednesday that it had taken control of the village of Novohryhorivka in southern Zaporizhzhia region, the latest in a series of nearly daily announcements of newly captured settlements. The regional governor in Ukraine's southern region of Kherson said Russian attacks on Wednesday had killed three people in and around the city of the same name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the governor of Sumy region, on the northern border with Russia, said three people died in Russian drone attacks in different districts. (Reporting by Ron Popeski and Oleksandr Kozhukhar; Editing by Matthew Lewis) President Trump on Monday threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to obtain the legal authority to deploy troops into American cities led by Democrats.. The act, which was signed into law more than 200 years ago, grants presidents the power to use the military to quash rebellions on U.S. soil. 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 on Monday. The president has vowed to send federal troops into Portland, Ore., and Chicago in order to confront what he has described as the NEVER-ENDING DISASTER within those cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mondays comments about invoking the Insurrection Act came after a federal court blocked the Trump administration from sending National Guard troops into Portland. Democratic officials in Chicago and the state of Illinois have filed a similar lawsuit to stop federal troops from being deployed there. 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," Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said Monday. Why? To create the pretext for invoking the Insurrection Act so that he can send military troops to our city. He wants to justify and normalize the presence of armed soldiers under his direct command. This isn't the first time that Trump has openly considered invoking the act. He discussed using it to deal with anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles in June. He previously described it as one of the tools available for handling widespread racial justice marches in the summer of 2020. What is the Insurrection Act? In the U.S., it is generally illegal for the government to use the military to enforce domestic law. The Insurrection Act allows presidents to get around those restrictions under certain circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although it was originally written to counter the classic definition of an insurrection meaning an explicit and violent uprising against the U.S. government it has been used in the past to deal with other types of unrest. The last time it was invoked was in 1992, when then-President George H.W. Bush authorized the National Guard to help contain mass riots in Los Angeles following the Rodney King verdict. The Insurrection Act is almost always invoked at the request of governors, but there have been a few instances where its been used against the wishes of local officials. For example, it was invoked three times between 1957 and 1963 in order to force schools in the South to integrate their public schools in defiance of governors who wanted to keep them segregated. Why Trump says he might invoke the Insurrection Act The president wants to send federal troops to Democrat-led cities, but the legal reasoning hes been relying on to do it has come up short repeatedly in the courts. He was able to deploy the National Guard to Washington, D.C., where he has more authority because of the citys unique position as the nations capital. But he has faced roadblocks when trying to do the same thing in other parts of the country. The Insurrection Act could give him a way to get around those legal barriers. While there have been regular protests and some scattered violence in Portland and Chicago, the current situation in those cities is not reflective of the kind of widespread unrest or rebellion seen in past uses of the act. However, the law itself appears to give the president significant leeway to interpret what qualifies as an insurrection based on the acts language. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most important passage states that the act can be invoked whenever the President considers that unlawful activities in a state make it impracticable to enforce the laws of the United States. The president and his top surrogates have begun using the word "insurrection" regularly to describe whats happening in blue cities. 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 on Monday. The president's deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, has referred to court orders blocking the deployment of troops as a legal insurrection. Whether that is enough to give Trump the footing to invoke the Insurrection Act would be up to the courts to decide if he follows through on his threat. Its also unclear if a presidents declaration of an insurrection can even be challenged, constitutional lawyer Bruce Fein told Al Jazeera. Trumps potential use of the Insurrection Act would be consistent with his reliance on other types of declarations, specifically emergencies, to get around legal barriers that would otherwise prevent him from doing what he wants. He declared an economic emergency to give himself the power to impose widespread tariffs on imported goods. His declaration of an emergency at the southern border served as the legal justification of his sweeping immigration crackdown. He also used an energy emergency declaration to spur more fossil fuel production on federal lands. Looking for a break? Test your knowledge of this week's news from the Yakima Valley. Support Local News Reporting Journalists at the Yakima Herald-Republic bring you timely, in-depth and credible local news. Your generous donation supports their work. British Car Auctions (BCA) has reported an increase in the average values of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in September 2025, marking the highest monthly average since March 2024. The average selling price was recorded at 8,460 ($11,338), indicating a month-on-month increase of 7.2% and a year-on-year (YoY) rise of 13.6%. BCA witnessed a surge in buyer engagement with 2,600 unique buyers in September, leading to a 3% rise in performance against guide price expectations, the highest for the year. The month also saw the sale of more than 9,000 LCVs, the largest monthly volume since early 2025. The consistent performance throughout the year has resulted in the average used LCV value at BCA surpassing 8,000 for the first time in 2025. This figure is equivalent to over 104% of the initial price guide expectations, with a diverse buyer base of more than 8,200 individuals. BCA UK COO Stuart Pearson said: Buyer numbers increased throughout the month, with new customers continuing to be drawn to BCAs seamless buying experience - attracted by our seven-day-a-week online sales programme and the industrys widest selection of stock. As demand rises, used stock volumes have come under pressure across all LCV sectors and values for good condition, sensible mileage vehicles have risen significantly, while in recent weeks, we have also seen renewed interest in higher mileage, older examples, providing their condition is acceptable. Pearson discussed the prevailing market trends, highlighting a 2.1% decline in new LCV sales YoY in September according to Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders data. The used vehicle sector is compensating for the shortfall. The LCV market had already showed signs of growth, with BCA reporting an average value of 7,892 in August 2025, which was an increase of 955 from the same period the previous year. "BCA LCV average values rise in September 2025 " was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made an important call at the Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), proposing that in 2026, member countries of the OTS hold a joint military exercise under Azerbaijans chairmanship. President Aliyev emphasized that the OTS has gone beyond being merely a cooperation platform and has now become an influential geopolitical center on a global scale. He noted that the strategic importance of the OTS stands out thanks to its young and dynamic population, as well as its logistical and energy potential, while also placing special emphasis on security issues. Aliyev stated that current global security challenges demonstrate the need for Turkic States to act together, saying: In the face of the threats the world is confronting, it is of great importance for the Turkic States to act as a single power. Drawing attention to the strong military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, Aliyev recalled that more than 25 joint exercises had been held between the two countries over the past year. In this context, he noted that the time had come to establish broader cooperation among OTS members in the fields of defense and security, adding: I propose that in 2026, a joint military exercise be held in Azerbaijan with the participation of member countries of the Organization of Turkic States. Aliyev stated that the world is living in a period when the fundamental principles of international law are increasingly being violated, and in such an environment, defense and military-technical cooperation have become vital for countries. He emphasized that without security, regional stability and development would not be possible. President Aliyevs call is being viewed as a step that could pave the way for more comprehensive military integration among OTS member states. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said, The European Union should today consider the OTS and Central Asia as strategic partners. Hungary has done this. Central Europe is also aware of this. In his speech at the summit, Orban stated that there is mutual understanding within the Organization of Turkic States, saying: We have energy security, growth, and at the same time, strong leaders. There is also a promising future for the further strengthening of Central Asia. I would like to congratulate you all. Saying, We Hungarians are great supporters of the Turkic world in this regard, Orban added: I would also like to express my gratitude to President Erdo?an. We thank Turkiye very much for being a reliable transit country for energy supplies. We also thank President Aliyev for ensuring safe energy delivery to Hungary. He made it possible to invest in the most important natural gas and oil fields. Thanks to this, Hungarians are entering the market in this field, and I am very grateful. You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. Beacon Pointe Advisors, BIP Wealth and Raymond James all unveiled deals purchasing advisory teams each managing over $850 million in client assets. Beacon Pointe to Add $857M RIA Beacon Pointe Advisors announced it would buy The Family Firm, a female-led $857 million RIA based in Bethesda, Md., which will boost Beacon Pointes assets to approximately $49 billion. It is the firms 10th deal this year. The Family Firm was founded in 1983 and is led by Kate Fries and Stacy Bakri, along with a team of 10 (who will be joining the firms leaders at Beacon Pointe). According to Bakri, the firm opted for Beacon Pointe based on its understanding of the unique challenges independent advisory firms face. Their creative problem-solving abilities, collaborative nature and firm commitment to putting clients first give Kate and me great confidence that this partnership will only deepen the personalized care and support our clients have always counted on, trusted, and appreciated, she said. The deal boosts Beacon Pointes presence in Washington, D.C. and Maryland, following its entry into the state (and the mid-Atlantic region) when it bought the Columbia, Md.-based $560 million Keeney Financial Group in March of last year. Last month, Beacon Pointe added three firms, totaling $1.1 billion, across three states, including Alderfer Bergen & Co. in Warsaw, Ind., Moser Wealth Advisors in Bellevue, Wash., and Amore Ambro in Jericho, N.Y. Beacon Pointe is the countrys largest female-led RIA, with Shannon Eusey at the helm as CEO. The firm is also backed by private equity giant KKR, which announced its investment in November 2021. With the Family Firm deal, Beacon Pointe now has more than 600 employees across over 75 offices nationwide. The M&A firm Alaris Acquisitions advised The Family Firm during the deal, which closed on Sept. 15. BIP Wealth Buys $900M Georgia Firm In Atlanta, BIP Wealth agreed to buy Prehmus Financial Partners, a $900 million RIA also based in Georgia. The deal will boost BIP Wealths assets under management above $5 billion. BIP Wealth offers investment management and wealth planning for high-net-worth individuals, families, institutional clients and corporate retirement plans, and is buying Prehmus in a blended cash and equity deal (further terms were not disclosed). BIP Wealth was founded in 2007 and also specializes in giving accredited investors curated access to private equity, venture capital and private credit. It has offices in Georgia, located in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Columbus, and Peachtree Corners. In 2022, the firm expanded into the Nashville market. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US ended the fiscal year of 2025 with a lower deficit-to-GDP ratio than the year before and sounded an optimistic note for 2026, noting that the US is on its way to lowering deficits without causing a recession. The Treasury has not been able to release the exact fiscal 2025 deficit-to-GDP figure due to the government shutdown. Bessent cited the Congressional Budget Office when making his claim Thursday that the key ratio was lower in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30 than the year prior. He said that the deficit as a percentage of GDP will fall from 6.5% which he said was the highest ever during periods when the US was not at war or in a recession to 5.9%. "The deficit to GDP now has a five in front of it," he said during an appearance at a Federal Reserve banking conference. Bessent on Thursday also referenced the tax bill that passed over the summer, noting that most taxpayers have not changed their withholding stance to reflect no tax and tips, no tax on overtime, low tax on Social Security, and interest deductibility if you buy an American car. As a result, Bessent said he expects to see "substantial tax refunds" at the beginning of next year, which he believes will primarily benefit lower-income consumers in the bottom 50% who need the relief. "They will change their withholding schedule, so their real take-home pay will be higher next year," he said. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. (Reuters/Violeta Santos Moura/File Photo) Reuters / Reuters Referencing the individual tax side as well as full expensing for businesses on property, plant and equipment, and factories, he said, "I'm very optimistic that 2026 could be a very good year across the corporate and the consumer economy." Bessent also spent part of Thursday discussing how the Trump administration is approaching the banking industry with a focus on Main Street, emphasizing a priority to reduce capital requirements for mortgages and corporate credit so that lending can shift back to banks from nonbanks. Read more: Mortgage rates are falling: Is it a good time to buy a house? "Treasury is focused on ensuring that modernization of our capital framework ends the capital arbitrage that drives bank lending to nonbanks," Bessent said. "This will likely entail reduced capital requirements for large bank loans, investment-grade corporate loans, and some other important exposures." Bessent noted that the post-2008 financial crisis regulatory framework, known as Dodd-Frank, has become a threat to the community bank model. The share of outstanding bank loans held by community banks has decreased from 27% to 20%, while the number of new community banks created annually has dropped to an average of six per year since 2010, compared with 100 or more per year prior to the financial crisis. Since 2010, 3,600 community banks have been lost, a reduction of over 45%. A striking iron statue commemorating the 100th anniversary of Margaret Thatchers birth was unveiled at the Millenaris complex in Budapest, near the National Dance Theater on Kis Rokus Street. It's officially said that this sculpture celebrates the enduring legacy of the Iron Lady. At the unveiling ceremony, Gergely Gulyas, Minister of the Prime Ministers Office, highlighted Thatchers pivotal role in the Cold War and Hungarys fight for freedom. Thatcher understood freedoms true value and fought tirelessly against communism, ultimately helping secure liberty for the Hungarian people, he said. The Minister praised Thatchers transformative leadership in overcoming Britains economic difficulties and driving national prosperity. He described her as a formidable political fighter, famously known as the only man in government, who challenged trade unions, European centralization, and championed free market principles based on merit. Gulyas also recalled Thatchers deep respect for Hungary, pointing out her 1993 visit where she bowed her head before the coffin of Hungarian Prime Minister Jozsef Antall, reflecting a bond many Hungarian contemporaries shared. Sir William Cash, former British MP and Conservative Party member, spoke at the ceremony, emphasizing that history remembers great politicians. Referring to Thatchers memoirs, he noted how the Soviet invasion of 1956 profoundly affected her. He added that Thatcher would have supported Hungarys prime minister in defending Christian identity and protecting the nation from illegal migration, asserting that strong nations maintain robust national identities. Lord MacKinlay of Richborough, a House of Lords member, praised Thatcher for transforming Britain into a dynamic nation with sustained economic growth, quoting her famous line: The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples money. He emphasized that some battles must be won repeatedly to achieve lasting success. Margaret Thatchers son, Sir Mark Thatcher, highlighted Hungarys remarkable economic progress, affirming that his mother believed in a free economy where the state serves the people rather than rules them. The Danube Institute recently hosted an international conference in Budapest to discuss Thatchers legacy, featuring prominent figures like former Hungarian Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi, former Czech President Vaclav Klaus, former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, and others closely associated with Thatchers leadership. Born in 1925 and passing away in 2013, Margaret Thatcher made history as the first woman to lead Britains Conservative Party and served as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990. Her strong-willed leadership and economic reforms left an enduring mark on British politics and beyond. ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. Hungarian universities have moved up in the most recently released global rankings, Balazs Hanko, the minister of culture and innovation, said on Thursday. The medical Semmelweis University has moved up into 272nd place, which places it among the top 1 percent of the 30,000 universities worldwide, Hanko told public news channel M1. This ranking also makes the institution the top-ranked university among the Visegrad Group countries, he added. Altogether 12 Hungarian universities are among the worlds top 5 percent, seven of which are based outside the capital, the minister said. Hanko said the rankings proved that Hungarys reformed universities have been successful, pointing out that in 2009, only six Hungarian institutions were ranked among the worlds best. He vowed that Semmelweis University would be among the 100 best universities in the world by 2030, adding that in five years time, Hungarian higher education institutions would also be ranked among Europes top 100. Besides Semmelweis University, Obuda University, Eotvos Lorand University and the University of Debrecen can be found among the top 1,000 institutions in the latest global ranking, Hanko said. Meanwhile, the minister noted that he had recently returned from the United States, where he had signed agreements on university and research cooperation. Under the agreements, Pazmany Peter Catholic University and its partner institutions in the US will launch a research group focused on the ethical use of artificial intelligence, he added. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. The Delhi High Court on Friday hit out at the Delhi government and civic authorities over the spread of dengue and chikungunya in the national capital. Asking the two bodies to fulfil their duties, the court said: 'can't you work together? Please do your duties'. At least 21 children from various districts of Madhya Pradesh died after consuming a cough syrup branded as 'Coldrif', manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, a unit based in Tamil Nadu's Kanchipuram district. Why Trump Reached Out to Lukashenko ZN.UA Author Volodymyr Kim International journalist with 20 years of experience Like Moscow, Minsk has now considerably warmed its relations with Washington. But the self-proclaimed president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has achieved what Putin could not: the partial lifting of US sanctions. After a series of visits to the Belarusian capital by representatives of the US administration and a telephone conversation between Donald Trump and Lukashenko, the White House decided to remove restrictions on the Belarusian airline Belavia and to resume the work of the US embassy in Minsk. In return, Lukashenko released 52 political prisoners. The release of political prisoners is always good news. The problem is that there are still more than a thousand of them in Belarusian prisons, and the authorities have no intention of ending the repression of opponents of the regime. One of the latest sentences was handed down to ZN.UA author and political scientist Igor Ilyash: in September, the Minsk City Court sentenced him to four years in a strict-regime colony on charges of discrediting Belarus and promoting extremist activity. Lukashenkos motives for developing relations with the Trump administration are more or less clear. Will Ukraine Get Anything More than Ersatz Guarantees? First, he seeks to expand his room for manoeuvre in a situation where Minsk is politically and economically dependent on Moscow, while Belaruss cooperation with China cannot offset Russias influence. This personally gives Lukashenko greater political latitude, including when discussing his own future. At the same time, as a representative of the Ukrainian special services noted in a conversation with ZN.UA, these contacts are not related to Lukashenkos plans for his younger son, Nikolai. Second, Lukashenko is interested in easing regional tensions, lifting sanctions against Belarus, and reopening the European market to Belarusian goods. Although Minsk is pursuing an active campaign to penetrate the markets of Asia, Africa and Latin America, it is Europe that remains the main consumer of Belarusian products. Yet this market closed in 2022, and the Russian market is unable to compensate fully for the loss of the European one. However, the European Union has taken a firm stance against Belarus and has no intention of lifting sanctions for now. In particular, Brussels does not plan to lift the ban on Belavia flights to European countries. The same applies to the sanctions imposed on the Belaruskali fertilizer company in 2022. Before that, Minsk earned up to $2.5 billion a year from fertilizer exports. The sanctions also affected freight transit through Belarus as deliveries of goods from Russia to Europe ceased. Those deliveries had brought substantial revenue to the state budget. Minsk has managed to address this problem only partially by increasing Chinese freight traffic: 90 percent of rail shipments between the EU and China now pass through Belarusian territory. Poland and the Baltic states have been the main drivers of the EUs tough policy. Lukashenko has been unable to undermine the EUs united position, even with Hungarys help. But unlike the EU, the United States is showing greater flexibility towards Belarus, even though Lukashenko has no intention of taking any steps to liberalize his regime. Why Do They Want the Whole World? So what are Trumps goals in throwing Lukashenko a lifeline and bringing his regime out of international semi-isolation? This is primarily linked to the personality of the American president: Trump, with his blurred ethical boundaries, is by nature willing to engage with any regime and takes steps radically different from the policies of previous US administrations. Trump is a collection of unjustified illusions and wheeling-and-dealing diplomacy, says Bohdan Yaremenko, a member of Ukraines parliament who has dealt with Belarusian issues for the past decade, in a comment to ZN.UA. Apparently, Washington no longer trusts its old communication channels and is unsure whether Putin is actually receiving the messages the Trump administration seeks to convey. Not long ago, US Special Presidential Envoy Keith Kellogg explained that the goal of dialogue with the Belarusian authorities was to ensure an open channel of communication through which our messages can be conveyed to President Putin. Kellogg openly admitted that thisand not the release of political prisoners in Belaruswas the main task of the American envoys visiting Minsk. ZN.UA sources in the Ukrainian special services note that Lukashenko has repeatedly signalled his readiness to mediate between the West and Russia and to advise Western politicians in their dialogue with Putin by explaining the Russian presidents words and actions. Most likely, one of these signals was heard in the White House, and they decided to transmit information to Putin through Lukashenko. If Lukashenko is his confidant, why not use this contact? says a representative of the Ukrainian special services, explaining the motives of the Trump administration. According to him, Moscow is responding positively to this dialogue between Washington and Minsk, as it provides an additional communication channel not directly linked to Russia. This channel is effectiveinformation is not distorted. Overall, the dialogue between Lukashenko and Trump is one of the elements in the process of forming a certain regional arrangement: the Belarusians are representing Russian interests in the context of ending the war, our interlocutor believes. Washingtons new course is dividing the once-unified Western position and weakening the already fragile Belarusian opposition. Naturally, Lukashenko will try to exploit this situation in his domestic propaganda, presenting it as a sign of easing international pressure. In addition, Minsk will use Washingtons move to demonstrate that it is capable of conducting separate dialogues with various Western actors. What the Belarusian-American thaw will lead to remains unclear, as it depends on many factors. At the same time, Artyom Shraibman, an expert at the Berlin-based Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, noted in his comments to ZN.UA that if relations between Russia and the United States deteriorate again to their pre-Trump level, at some point Putin may say: Sasha, youve gone too farenough of you building relations with our main enemy. And Sasha will have to obey because that would pose an entirely different level of risk for Lukashenkos regime. In turn, our interlocutor from the Ukrainian special services noted that although Minsk is Moscows ally, it has always maintained contacts with the West: without them, Lukashenko would have no leverage in his relations with Putin. How far Washington is prepared to go will largely depend on how far Minsk itself is willing to go. Belarus will, of course, continue releasing political prisoners: Lukashenko seeks to stabilize the regional situation, as this would allow Belarusian products to return to the European market. And although illegal migrants are crossing the border from Belarus into Poland, Latvia and Lithuania, Minskaccording to ZN.UA sources in the Ukrainian special servicesis trying not to provoke Warsaw, Vilnius or Riga. Lukashenkos further actions will determine the EUs response. It is possible that the easing of EU sanctions is the subject of negotiations between Minsk and Washington. It is unlikely that Brussels will soften its policy toward Belarus in advance. Nor will European countries be satisfied if Lukashenko releases political prisoners only in small groups. For his part, Lukashenko fears selling himself short in the bargaining over political prisoners. Artyom Shraibman believes that Washingtons current course toward warmer relations with Minsk largely depends on how long Trump remains focused on achieving a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia: this largely defines the White Houses interest in Eastern Europe in general and Belarus in particular. It is possible that at some stage Trump will lose interest and shift his attention to other issues. Without his engagement, it is hard to imagine the thaw continuing. The present thaw between Washington and Minsk looks extremely fragile. Ultimately, everything will depend on the course of Russias war against Ukraine. For now, Lukashenko remains under Putins thumb, and any attempt to break out of Russias sphere of influence would be extremely risky for him and his family. Read this article in ukrainian and russian. Share Noticed an error? Please select it with the mouse and press Ctrl+Enter or Submit a bug Meanwhile, the first life insurance company to offer policies denominated entirely in Bitcoin , has raised $82 million in a new funding round led by Bain Capital and Haun Ventures. According to an Oct. 7 post on X, this brings Meanwhiles 2025 funding to $122 million following a successful Series A that raised $40 million in April. Its initial funding was led by OpenAI CEO and World co-founder Sam Altman. Bain Capital and Haun Ventures were joined in this latest round by Apollo, Framework Ventures, Fulgar Ventures, Northwestern Mutual, Pantera Capital and Stillmark. How Meanwhiles Bitcoin Life Insurance Works The Bermuda-based firm operates as a fully licensed and regulated life insurance carrier under local law. Unlike traditional insurance firms, Meanwhiles payouts are denominated in Bitcoin, meaning policyholders beneficiaries would receive a specified amount of Bitcoin instead of fiat money upon execution of a policy. According to Meanwhiles website, the company also serves as one of the worlds largest Bitcoin lenders. It offers both institutional and policyholder lending services. Individuals with policies older than two years can borrow against their policies to receive Bitcoin at fair market value. Per the website, if Bitcoin appreciates in the future, qualified policyholders can borrow against their policy and sell the new Bitcoin immediately. They would then have the option to either repay the loan or leave it to be covered by their policys death benefit. Bitcoin Reaches New Heights Amid Market Uncertainty As Coinspeaker recently reported, Bitcoin reached a new all-time high on Oct. 6, while US spot Bitcoin ETFs saw record inflows, reaching their second highest mark since inception. After starting the month around the $117,000 mark, Bitcoin peaked at $126,198 in the late hours on Oct. 6 before pulling back slightly on Oct. 7. Many analysts have attributed the coins steady rise over the previous week to investors seeking safe haven as global uncertainty unfolds surrounding the US government shutdown. Read original story Bitcoin Life Insurance Firm Meanwhile Raises $82M Led by Bain Capital, Haun Ventures by Tristan Greene at Coinspeaker.com Inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs have shot up significantly, with BlackRock iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) leading more of the flows. BlackRocks IBIT is also competing with the S&P 500 ETFs, with its weekly inflows shooting to $3.5 billion. This accounts for a total of 10% of the total net ETF flows over the period. BlackRock Bitcoin ETF Grabs the Top Spot With a strong surge in the net inflows over the past week, BlackRocks IBIT topped the chart in terms of net inflows. In fact, it outperformed top S&P 500 ETFs like SPLG and VOO by a wide margin, as reported by Bloomberg strategist Eric Balchunas. Balchunas also noted another shift in the trend, with all 11 original spot Bitcoin ETFs also recorded inflows last week, including GBTC. This highlights strong institutional demand for Bitcoin exposure. On Oct. 7, BlackRocks iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) recorded a net inflow of 7,401 BTC, valued at approximately $899.47 million. This marks the fourth-highest single-day inflow in the ETFs history. Furthermore, IBITs daily trading volume has surged to $5.7 billion. According to the official iShares data, BlackRocks IBIT holds close to 800,000 Bitcoin, with its net assets under management now approaching close to $100 billion. Eric Balchunas stated that IBIT is on track to become the fastest ETH to hit this AUm milestone. Balchunas noted that while the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) hit this milestone in 2,011 days, IBIT is on track to approach this with just 435 trading days. Bitcoin ETFs Could See Stronger Q4 Market analysts note that spot Bitcoin ETFs closely follow the Bitcoin price trajectory, which touched all-time highs of $126,000 earlier this week. As experts see a strong BTC upside in Q4, the inflows might follow as well. Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan projected that US Bitcoin ETFs would surpass their $36 billion debut-year inflows in 2025. To date, the ETFs have accumulated approximately $22.5 billion, putting them on track for roughly $30 billion by year-end. In the debut year 2024, the BTC ETFs clocked $36 billion in total inflows. However, Hougan is confident that this years inflows will surpass last years numbers. In the first four trading days of the quarter, weve already had $3.5 billion in net flows, bringing total YTD flows to $25.9 billion. We have 64 more days to get another $10 billion. I think well do that and then some, added he. Read original story BlackRock Bitcoin ETF Ranks No. 1 with $3.5B Inflows, Beating S&P 500 ETFs by Bhushan Akolkar at Coinspeaker.com BP has started up the Murlach oil and gas field in the UK North Sea, the sixth major project the supermajor has launched so far this year, as part of its goal to have ten new oil and gas fields operational by 2027. Murlach adds a peak net production of around 15,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed) to the BP-operated Eastern Trough Area Project (ETAP) in the central North Sea, a hub that has been operating for 27 years, the supermajor said on Thursday. The Murlach project received government and regulatory approvals in 2023 and involved the redevelopment of a field originally in operation in the early 2000s. BP has acquired the field license after it was relinquished by the previous operator. The six projects that BP has launched this year add around 150,000 boed combined peak net production and will help BP reach its target to deliver an additional 250,000 boed combined peak net production by the end of 2027. These projects reflect bp's strength in safely increasing production to supply energy to meet global demand, while maintaining a relentless focus on shareholder returns. They also highlight our focus on efficient delivery, with four starting up ahead of schedule, said Ewan Drummond, BPs senior vice president of projects. In the North Sea, BP looks to identify opportunities that can be developed using existing infrastructure to effectively manage established oil and gas hubs for the entirety of their lifespan, said Doris Reiter, senior vice president of BP North Sea. Earlier this year, BP announced a major strategy reset to slash investments in renewables and focus on its core business of producing oil and gas, pressured by investors to boost returns to shareholders. Under the new strategy, BP will aim for 10 new major upstream projects to start up by the end of 2027, and a further 810 projects by the end of 2030. Production is also expected to grow to 2.32.5 million boed in 2030, with capacity to increase to 2035. Last week, BP decided to proceed with its estimated $5 billion Tiber-Guadalupe project in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, as part of its strategy to grow upstream production and boost its U.S. output to more than 1 million boed by 2030. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Oilprice Intelligence brings you the signals before they become front-page news. This is the same expert analysis read by veteran traders and political advisors. Get it free, twice a week, and you'll always know why the market is moving before everyone else. You get the geopolitical intelligence, the hidden inventory data, and the market whispers that move billions - and we'll send you $389 in premium energy intelligence, on us, just for subscribing. Join 400,000+ readers today. Get access immediately by clicking here. BEIJING (Reuters) -China tightened its rare earth export controls on Thursday, expanding restrictions on processing technology, unauthorised overseas cooperation and spelling out its intention to limit exports to overseas defence and semiconductor users. Exports of technology used to mine and process rare earths or make the associated magnets is barred without permission, the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement. Many of these technologies are already restricted and it was not immediately clear what the new rules will add. China added several rare earths and related material to its export control list in April, however Thursday's announcement explicitly said licenses are unlikely to be granted for defence companies as well as certain users in the semiconductor sector. Chinese companies are also barred from working with companies overseas on rare earths without permission from the ministry. (Reporting by Liz Lee in Beijing; Editing by Christian Schmollinger) 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. Lily and her husband decided to leave Brooklyn after they had their first child. Their apartment was too cramped and her brother had a vacation home in a town two hours north of New York. They closed the sale of their property in late summer 2024, and Lilys work told her they were fine with her commuting to their Midtown office twice a week. Must Read But the mood shifted in 2025. Suddenly, management started talking about the value of in-person office attendance. Lily says she knew in the back of her mind that remote work which was largely adopted during the pandemic wouldnt last forever. But when the signs started to appear that she would have to spend four hours a day, at least four days a week commuting, she started to panic. Should Lily quit preemptively or try to negotiate? Heres how to set your money and your plan before the memo hits your inbox. The backdrop: RTO is gaining steam As early as 2021, many large companies particularly in tech and banking began asking employees to come into the office at least two days a week. In 2025, those calls are getting louder. Major employers, including Microsoft, NBCUniversal, Paramount and JPMorgan Chase, have all ordered workers back to the office. Paramount and JPMorgan have even implemented five-day-a-week mandates. According to a report from Jones Lang LaSalle, 54% of Fortune 100 employees are already required to be in the office five days a week a sharp jump from just 5% reported in 2022, and the number is expected to keep rising, even among smaller companies. (1) One survey of 849 managers found that 80% of companies are tightening return to office (RTO) enforcement, and 30% plan to phase out remote working by the end of the year (2). The federal government has also taken a stand on in-office work since the beginning of the Trump administration. In January 2025, the White House ordered executive agencies to end remote work and bring employees back full-time, with limited exemptions. (3) Follow-up guidance from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) outlined how agencies should implement the order. Oil prices rose early on Wednesday after an industry report showed on Tuesday that the crude stocks at the key Cushing hub fell further and OPEC+ somewhat eased fears of an imminent glut with a planned modest increase in output. As of 8:05 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, WTI Crude prices were up by 1.44% at $62.62, while the front-month Brent Crude futures traded 1.42% higher at $66.38. Cushing, Oklahoma, is the physical delivery spot for oil bought and sold in West Texas Intermediate futures contracts. The American Petroleum Institute (API) estimated on Tuesday that stocks at the WTI delivery hub, Cushing, fell by 1.2 million barrels in the week ending October 3. EIA data for week ending September 26 showed Cushing inventories at 23.467 million barrelsa figure that is unusually low. Levels this thin leave the market more vulnerable to regional supply disruptions and amplify price swings when pipeline flows shift. The disconnect continues between paper pricing and the predicted glut in global balances, Keshav Lohiya, founder of consultant Oilytics, told Bloomberg. We are back to an oil trading world where flat price is firmly in the $65 to $70 world. The modest monthly production increases from the OPEC+ alliance have also eased some of the oversupply fears, especially as estimates suggest that the group will not be returning all the barrels indicated in the headline figures of the deal. Some producers are compensating for previous overproduction, while many others simply lack the production capacity to raise output much further. The price move higher is also supported by short-covering after last weeks sell-off, even as rising OPEC+ output and a fresh EIA upgrade to U.S. production stoke fears of a growing glut into 2026, Saxo Bank analysts said on Wednesday. Until the physical market shows signs of softening via rising inventories, investors are likely to discount the impact of the production increases, analysts at ANZ commented on Wednesday. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Oilprice Intelligence brings you the signals before they become front-page news. This is the same expert analysis read by veteran traders and political advisors. Get it free, twice a week, and you'll always know why the market is moving before everyone else. You get the geopolitical intelligence, the hidden inventory data, and the market whispers that move billions - and we'll send you $389 in premium energy intelligence, on us, just for subscribing. Join 400,000+ readers today. Get access immediately by clicking here. While the commercial outlook for AI among business leaders was enthusiastic, there were significant pockets of concern, extending beyond safety fears, to question the frenzied paths of investment. Sure, 60% of CEOs polled didnt believe that AI hype had led to overinvestment; however, the other 40% raised significant concerns about the direction of AI exuberance, believing a correction to be imminent. At our Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute CEO Summit in June, we heard similar admonitions from over 150 top CEOs, including seasoned venture capitalists, renowned technology founders, and global partners from leading consulting firms. Major players in the industry have begun to call out the AI euphoria. Just last Friday alone, three of them spoke out, hedging hard on whats to come. Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon said he expects there to be a lot of capital that was deployed that [doesnt] deliver returns. Amazon founder and executive chairman Jeff Bezos called the current environment kind of an industrial bubble. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, warned that people will overinvest and lose money during this phase of the AI boom. And of course, there are the frequent comparisons to the run-up to the dot-com bubble. When a dramatic technological change occurs, people are often unsure exactly what to do, but they frequently act as if they do confidently know the best path forward. We have seen this story before, back during the cable cowboy days. Programmers paid the distributors. Or waitdistributors paid the programmers. Su has defended AMDs deal with OpenAI, asserting that market bears are thinking too small. The chief executive describes AIs potential as sparking a new decade-long Supercycle that will transform industries, from finance to healthcare and research. You cannot help but ask, Is this like the Wild West, where anything goes to get the deal done? One company grants a chip supplier equity for financing data-center buildouts but takes an ownership stake in another manufacturer for the eventual development of a similar product. It is hard to imagine that Jensen Huang outsmarted his equally talented cousin, the AMD CEO, Lisa Su. The lines between revenue and equity are blurring among a small group of highly influential technology companies, to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars. So lets get this straight: OpenAI is now taking a 10% stake in AMD, while Nvidia is investing $100 billion in OpenAI; and OpenAI also counts Microsoft as one of its major shareholders, but Microsoft is also a major customer of AI cloud computing company CoreWeave, which is another company in which Nvidia holds a significant equity stake; and by the way, Microsoft accounted for almost 20% of Nvidias revenue on an annualized basis, as of Nvidias 2025 fiscal fourth quarter. In less than three years, OpenAI has gone from a parlor game to a pillar of the global economy. Story continues Reports estimate that AI-related capital expenditures surpassed the U.S. consumer as the primary driver of economic growth in the first half of 2025, accounting for 1.1% of GDP growth. JP Morgan Asset Managements Michael Cembalest notes that AI-related stocks have accounted for 75% of S&P 500 returns, 80% of earnings growth and 90% of capital spending growth since ChatGPT launched in November 2022. More concerning, RBCs Kelly Bogdanova points out that after the massive earnings growth of 2023 and 2024, growth rates between the Magnificent Seven and the rest of the S&P 500 are expected to converge next year. Notably, she recognizes that the gap between the Tech sectors share of market cap and net income has widened significantly since late 2022. At our June CEO Summit, David Siegel, a computer scientist and an early student of AI at MIT, and later a Co-Founder of quantitative hedge fund Two Sigma, candidly advised, [AI technologies are] transforming business but I also believe that the current wave of AI hype continues to mix fact with speculation freely. Siegel continued, Rarely does anyone speak about the limitations of current AI technologies. The renowned investor and technologist has long held these beliefs but was emboldened by the groundbreaking report from Apple suggesting that the reasoning capabilities of AI models may not be as sophisticated as many assume. Siegel explained in simple language what the findings may mean: AI researchers have long worried that the impressive benchmarking results [of AI models] may be due to data contamination, where the AI training data contains the answers to the problems used in benchmarking. Its like giving a student the answers to a test before they take the exam. That would lead to exaggerations in the models abilities to learn and generalize. A recent study from MITreleased after the June CEO Summitbacked Siegels claims. Their research revealed that 95% of the 52 organizations considered had achieved zero return on investment, despite spending $30 billion to $40 billion on GenAI across more than 300 initiatives. With uncommon public candor from the consulting world, AlixPartners Co-CEO Rob Hornby, recognized among business leaders for his expertise in the technology industry, shared a similar view, telling the CEO Summit group, I dont think [AI models are] ready for sustaining long chains of activity in ways that displace people AGI is just not close I dont think artificial intelligence and humans have that much in common, right now. Hornbys comments starkly contrast with the supposed reckoning of mass layoffs that the founders of leading AI companies believe will soon come to the labor force. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei made headlines recently after telling Axios, AI could wipe out half of all entry-level white-collar jobsand spike unemployment to 10%-20% in the next one to five years. Another candid consulting leader, Asutosh Padhi, Senior Partner and Global Leader of Firm Strategy at McKinsey & Company, took a more balanced view of AI in the workforce. He framed the technology as a source of enhanced productivity, not necessarily a mass replacement for people. McKinsey will continue to hire extraordinary people, [with AI] helping them be even better at what they do, said Padhi. Greycroft founder Alan Patricof, the venture capital pioneer with over 60 years of experience, extended a more nuanced view of AI to the investment community: The AI revolution is a true revolution [but] I am cautious about valuations and what people think can be accomplished in the short term A lot of people have run into this field, and just because AI is attached to the name, or they incorporate it into their business plan [it] gets a lot of people excited. Pitchbook reported that nearly two-thirds of deal value in the U.S. went to AI and Machine Learning startups in the first half of 2025, up from 23% in 2023. The meteoric rise can be primarily explained by the increased focus of venture organizations, such as Andreessen Horowitz and Y Combinator, on AI startups and the mindboggling valuations of those emerging companies. Under such exuberant conditions, Patricof reflected, There will be winners and losers, and the losses will be pretty significant. The warnings of exuberance may be mounting, but how the bubble pops is a question that has gone unanswered. The possibilities are endless, but three stand out as having a higher likelihood of occurring. 1 Concentration leads to contagion A small group of companies is securing most of the major deals. News about multibillion-dollar investments from familiar companies such as OpenAI, Nvidia, CoreWeave, Microsoft, Google, and a few others is reported almost daily. Should the bold promises of AI fall short, the dependence among these major AI players could trigger a devastating chain reaction, causing a widespread collapse similar to the 2008 Great Financial Crisis. Worse yet, the ambitions are numerous and compounding, with large energy and grid infrastructure buildouts, highly advanced agentic capabilities, and widespread commercial and consumer adoption all anticipated over the next five years. Take one example. OpenAI is committed to investing $300 billion in computing power with Oracle over the next five years, which averages $60 billion per year. Besides losing billions of dollars annually, OpenAIs projected revenues are expected to reach $13 billion in 2025, requiring even larger amounts to cover future shortfalls. The announcement of the deal caused Oracle shares to soar by over 40%, adding nearly one-third of a trillion dollars to the companys market value in a single day. OpenAIs valuation has almost doubled from $300 billion to $500 billion in less than a year. Notably, recent reporting by CNBC suggests that the deal for Oracle may be costly, with the company expecting to lose considerable sums of money on its rental of data centers, primarily to OpenAI, and already incurring a $100 million loss in the most recent quarter. Another report says the loss may be a simple timing issue. 2 Governance conflict exposes AI shortcomings Not long ago, Sam Bankman-Fried promised to revolutionize financial market operations with cryptocurrency exchange FTX and trading firm Alameda Research. However, poor governance and limited regulatory oversight proved disastrous for Bankman-Fried and his backers when his fraudulent activities were exposed. Nefarious actors using Binance for money laundering shortly after the collapse of Alameda Research set the industry further back. Blockchain technologies do offer promising advances to antiquated sectors and practices, but they must be in the right hands and have the proper guardrails. AI is in a similar position to the cryptocurrency exchanges of the early 2020s, with much to offer but disparate governance practices and minimal regulatory oversight. But back then, the cryptocurrency market was still relatively small and viewed as risky by the average investor, which limited the fallout. The perceived value of AI is exponentially larger, and the potential damage from bad or even questionable actors is, therefore, much greater. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and xAI CEO Elon Musk have each raised concerns about the probability of doom from AI misuse. Amodei estimates there is a 25% chance that AI will go really, really badly. Ironically, Musks Grok, xAIs large language model, provided a recent example of what happens when tampering with the inner workings of AI models goes awry. It is not difficult to imagine a major, publicly available AI model going rogue and inflicting significant damage to financial markets or national security systems. Such an action would require a national moratorium on comparable AI models until the damage is contained and the risk mitigated. 3 Emerging innovators disruptive substitutions In a powerful Washington Post op-ed, Bethany McLean poignantly recalls the overbuilding of fiber-optic cable infrastructure during the 1990s dot-com bubble. Part of the problem was due to circular financial engineering, but the other factor was due to a [technological] breakthrough that made each line exponentially more powerful, multiplying existing capacity, rendering much of the infrastructure unnecessary for decades. For AI, further innovation in semiconductor chip design or major advances in quantum computing, as hundreds of billions of dollars in data center infrastructure are being deployed, would immediately leave much of that investment useless in the medium to long term. That is not to say that the spare compute will not be needed in the future, but as McLean notes, just like the fiber-optic cable infrastructure, it could be years before those data center investments start generating a return for their backers. In the business classic Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds, Charles Mackay examined the psychology of crowd behavior and mass hysteria throughout history, from the Dutch Tulip Mania of the 1630s to humanitys historical obsession with transmuting base metals into gold. While Mackay wrote his book in 1841, the AI mania continues to validate his conclusion: Men, it has been well said, think in herds; it will be seen that they go mad in herds, while they only recover their senses slowly, one by one. The opinions expressed in Fortune.com commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) is a leading American telecommunications company that provides a broad portfolio of services, including wireless communications, broadband, fiber networks, and enterprise solutions. Headquartered in New York City, the company plays a critical role in both consumer and business connectivity across the U.S. Verizons market capitalization currently stands at around $174.7 billion. With strong infrastructure assets and a diversified service offering, Verizon continues to invest heavily in next-generation networking and emerging technologies to maintain its competitive edge in the telecom sector. The company is expected to announce its fiscal Q3 earnings for 2025 before the market opens on Wednesday, Oct. 29. More News from Barchart Ahead of this event, analysts project this telecom giant to report a profit of $1.20 per share, up marginally from $1.19 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has exceeded Wall Streets bottom-line estimates in each of the last four quarters. For the full year, analysts expect Verizon to report EPS of $4.70, up 2.4% from $4.59 in fiscal 2024. Furthermore, its EPS is expected to grow 4.9% year-over-year (YoY) to $4.93 in fiscal 2026. www.barchart.com VZ stock has declined 5.6% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming both the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 17.9% return and the Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETFs (XLC) 29.4% uptick over the same time frame. www.barchart.com Verizons shares have been under pressure lately for several reasons. One of the most immediate triggers was the abrupt CEO change. The announcement that former PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL) CEO Dan Schulman would succeed Hans Vestberg rattled investors, who viewed the shift as signaling potential strategic upheaval and increased uncertainty. Beyond leadership, investors are concerned about Verizons heavy debt burden and the ongoing high capital demands associated with maintaining competitiveness in 5G and fiber infrastructure. Wall Street analysts are moderately optimistic about VZ stock, with a Moderate Buy rating overall. Among 30 analysts covering the stock, nine recommend a Strong Buy, three suggest a Moderate Buy, and the remaining 16 analysts are playing it safe with a Hold. Elon Musk's long-running battle with the executive team that ran Twitter before his purchase of the social media site may finally be over. Musk and four former executives of the site have agreed to settle a lawsuit by the former leaders that claimed they were not paid $128 million in promised severance pay. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Former Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal, CFO Ned Segal, chief legal officer Vijaya Gadde and general counsel Sean Edgett sued Musk in 2024 after they said they were not paid promised severance benefits. Musk and the company (which he has since renamed X) settled a separate, but similar, lawsuit in August from lower-level employees who were dismissed during a swath of layoffs after Musk took over. Those workers argued they were owed $500 million in unpaid severance. In their suit, the executives alleged Musk had falsely accused them of misconduct and forced them out of Twitter. The plaintiffs said they were each owed one years salary and hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of stock options as part of deals that were promised before Musk's takeover. The suit has its origins in Musk's initial bid for the site. After offering to buy Twitter, Musk then changed his mind and tried to back out of the $44 billion deal. That led to a legal battle where he finally blinked and closed the deal . Walter Isaacson's biography of Musk, however, included a segment saying Musk finalized the purchase early and laid off the executive team to avoid paying their severance and stock options. Musk allegedly told Isaacson he would hunt every single one of the company's executives and directors till the day they die. The settlement agreement is dependent on Musk meeting unspecified certain conditions in the near term. Should he fail to do so, the lawsuit will continue. By Helen Reid LONDON (Reuters) -Online fast-fashion retailer Shein is strengthening its controls after a string of fines over data privacy breaches, fake discounts and greenwashing, according to a letter to investors, internal memos and two sources with direct knowledge of the plan. Shein, which ships cheap clothes and accessories direct from factories in China to more than 150 countries, has grown to become the world's biggest fast fashion retailer by sales. But its rapid expansion has been accompanied by regulatory breaches in multiple markets. In a letter to investors reviewed by Reuters, executive chairman Donald Tang said the company has created a "Business Integrity Group" that connects compliance, governance and external affairs teams, and has also expanded its internal audit capabilities to strengthen "discipline". In the past three months Shein has faced mounting penalties: a 150 million euro ($174.53 million) fine from France over website cookies collecting consumer data without consent, a 40 million euro penalty from France's antitrust agency for misleading discounts, and a 1 million euro fine from Italy over greenwashing. Shein is contesting the 150 million euro fine. Further fines could follow if a European consumer protection probe finds that products sold on its website fail to meet EU safety standards. Founded in China and headquartered in Singapore, Shein has filed for a stock market listing in Hong Kong, after failed attempts to list in New York and London. According to the letter, Shein has piloted enhanced internal controls in the United States, Canada, Brazil and Mexico. The company declined to comment on the letter's contents. It is currently hiring for two governance, risk and compliance policy analysts and one internal audit manager in Los Angeles, according to its career website and LinkedIn. It was not clear if the jobs being advertised are additional roles. The internal overhaul focuses on areas where Shein faces legal risk, like breaches of copyright and product safety laws, a separate source with direct knowledge of the matter said. As Shein's global profile has grown, so too have its risks, prompting senior management to allocate more resources to address persistent compliance problems, the source said. MOUNTING FINES AND SLOWING GROWTH Tang acknowledged "heightened challenges" in the second quarter, citing U.S. tariffs and "intensifying political and regulatory headwinds" in Europe. The letter, which has not been previously reported, was sent on August 25, according to a second source. With a market cap of $31.5 billion, Brown & Brown, Inc. (BRO) is a leading provider of insurance products and services operating in the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Retail; Programs; Wholesale Brokerage; and Services, offering a wide range of insurance, risk management, and claims administration solutions to commercial, public, and individual clients. The Daytona Beach, Florida-based company is expected to announce its fiscal Q3 2025 results after the market closes on Monday, Oct. 27. Ahead of this event, analysts expect Brown & Brown to report an adjusted EPS of $0.90, down 1.1% from $0.91 in the year-ago quarter. It has surpassed Wall Street's earnings estimates in three of the last four quarters while missing on another occasion. More News from Barchart For fiscal 2025, analysts expect the insurance company to report an adjusted EPS of $4.16, an 8.3% increase from $3.84 in fiscal 2024. In addition, adjusted EPS is anticipated to grow 15.6% year-over-year to $4.81 in fiscal 2026. www.barchart.com Shares of Brown & Brown have dropped 9.4% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 16.9% gain and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLF) 18.4% return over the period. www.barchart.com Despite beating estimates with Q2 2025 adjusted EPS of $1.03 and revenue of $1.29 billion on Jul. 28, Brown & Browns shares tumbled 10.4% the next day. Investors focused on the 10.1% year-over-year decline in income before income taxes to $311 million and margin compression, as margins dropped sharply to 24.2% from 29.4% in the prior-year quarter. Analysts' consensus view on BRO stock is cautiously optimistic, with an overall "Moderate Buy" rating. Among 18 analysts covering the stock, five recommend "Strong Buy," one suggests "Moderate Buy," 11 indicate Hold, and one has a "Moderate Sell." The average analyst price target for Brown & Brown is $111.93, indicating a potential upside of 17.1% from the current levels. On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Exxon is considering a return to Iraq after leaving the country two years ago, Bloomberg reported, citing an unnamed source who said Exxon was interested in developing the massive Majnoon field. The Majnoon field has estimated reserves of 38 billion barrels, which makes it one of the biggest in the world. According to the companies currently involved in work in the field, additional seismic surveys could uncover more reserves at the field. Exxon confirmed the information in general, telling Bloomberg in a statement that Exxon Mobil is in discussions with the Iraqi Oil Ministry as we routinely look at opportunities to optimize our advantaged portfolio. Per the report, a deal could be sealed within days and involve, besides field development, construction of export infrastructure and potential oil marketing projects. Reports that the U.S. supermajors were willing to return to OPECs number-two producer emerged earlier this year, with officials from the Iraqi oil ministry saying the companies were in talks with the government on the details of that return. Related: New Quantum Breakthrough Could Lead to Super-Efficient Electronics ExxonMobil has conveyed its willingness to return to Iraq, one undersecretary from the oil ministry said in July. The Company is currently in a stage of negotiations with Iraq for a new opportunity in the countrys oilfields. These moves are a positive indication of growing interest in Iraqs oil industry by the US and other companies, Bassim Khudair said at the time. The U.S. supermajors potential return follows the returnor expansionof European Big Oil, including BP and TotalEnergies. A more recent report, from Bloomberg again, said Exxon was in negotiations with Iraqi SOMO for the construction of crude oil storage facilities closer to demand hubs in Asia, the U.S., and Europe. The Iraqi oil marketing company has been looking for opportunities to set up overseas storage capacity for years. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Oilprice Intelligence brings you the signals before they become front-page news. This is the same expert analysis read by veteran traders and political advisors. Get it free, twice a week, and you'll always know why the market is moving before everyone else. You get the geopolitical intelligence, the hidden inventory data, and the market whispers that move billions - and we'll send you $389 in premium energy intelligence, on us, just for subscribing. Join 400,000+ readers today. Get access immediately by clicking here. US-based oil and gas company ExxonMobil is reportedly looking to re-enter Iraq after an absence of almost two years. The company is moving towards agreements that could open the way to operations in the Majnoon oilfield, reported Bloomberg, citing sources. A source with knowledge of the discussions said the oil giant intends to enter into heads of agreement (HoA) with Basra Oil and the Iraq-based State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO) in the upcoming days. The proposed HoA is said to cover discussions on export infrastructure and potential oil marketing arrangements for projects in southern Iraq. In an emailed statement to the media outlet, an ExxonMobil spokesperson said: ExxonMobil is in discussions with the Iraqi Oil Ministry as we routinely look at opportunities to optimise our advantaged portfolio. Exxon was one of the earliest Western oil companies permitted to operate in Iraq after the fall of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, gaining access in 2010 as the country rebuilt its petroleum industry. The company withdrew from its main holding in Iraq, a stake in the West Qurna1 field, in early 2024, citing unfavourable contract terms, broader OPEC supply constraints and political instability. Located in southern Iraq, Majnoon is one of the largest fields in the country and has long been of interest to oil companies globally. Profitsharing arrangements with the Iraqi Government have previously been contentious; Shell left Majnoon in 2017 after disagreements over such terms. Any Exxon involvement at Majnoon would require completion of commercial and technical studies and the negotiation of a productionsharing contract before production could commence, a procedure that might take several years. Water availability has also been a recurring operational concern in Iraq, as many reservoirs depend on fluid injection to maintain pressure. Last month, ExxonMobil took a final investment decision on the Hammerhead development, the seventh project on the Stabroek block offshore Guyana. "ExxonMobil considers returning to Iraq, eyes Majnoon field" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Seattle-based F5, Inc. (FFIV) provides multi-cloud application security and delivery solutions. Its application, delivery, and networking products improve the performance, availability, and security of applications running on networks that use the Internet Protocol. With a market cap of $18.9 billion, F5s operations span the United States, Indo-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and internationally. The tech major is expected to announce its fourth-quarter results after the markets close on Monday, Oct. 27. Ahead of the event, analysts expect F5 to deliver an adjusted profit of $3.19 per share, up 7.8% from $2.96 per share reported in the year-ago quarter. The company has a solid earnings surprise history. It has surpassed the Streets bottom-line estimates in each of the past four quarters. More News from Barchart For the full fiscal 2025, F5s adjusted EPS is expected to come in at $12.15, up 16.3% from $10.45 reported in 2024. While in fiscal 2026, its earnings are expected to grow 5.1% year-over-year to $12.77 per share. www.barchart.com F5s stock prices have soared 51.7% over the past 52 weeks, significantly outpacing the Technology Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLK) 27.7% gains and the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 17.9% returns during the same time frame. www.barchart.com F5s stock prices surged 4.8% in the trading session following the release of its impressive Q3 results on Jul. 30. Driven by a 39% surge in systems revenues and 16% growth in software revenues, the companys product revenues shot up 26% year-over-year to $388.8 million. Meanwhile, its overall topline came in at $780.4 million, up 12.2% year-over-year and 3.6% above the Streets expectations. Further, driven by solid margin expansion, F5s adjusted net income soared 22.3% year-over-year to $243.2 million, beating the consensus estimates by a large margin. Nevertheless, analysts remain cautious about the stocks prospects. FFIV maintains a consensus Hold rating overall. Of the 13 analysts covering the stock, opinions include two Strong Buys, one Moderate Buy, nine Holds, and one Moderate Sell. As of writing, F5 is trading above its mean price target of $326.40. On the date of publication, Aditya Sarawgi 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 The FCAs proposed motor finance redress scheme has landed, and with it, a hefty price tag. The regulator estimates 8.2 billion in compensation for customers, plus an additional 2.8 billion in implementation costs, bringing the total industry bill to around 11 billion. The Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) isnt convinced. Chief executive Shanika Amarasekara said the figures remain too high with the FLA's Adrian Dally also calling for transparency on how the FCA arrived at them. The consultation document hints at modelling based on participation rates and assumed losses, but firms are already questioning whether those assumptions hold up across a diverse market, particularly for non-prime and smaller lenders. Who pays and how? Beyond the numbers, implementation looms as the tougher test. The FCA wants lenders (not brokers) to administer redress, aiming for consistency and to prevent further complaints reaching the FoS or the courts. But that places the operational burden squarely on lenders shoulders. Firms will need to identify eligible customers, determine whether unfairness occurred, and calculate payouts, often by reconstructing data going back to 2007. For some, that will mean trawling through legacy systems and incomplete records to assess exposure and prove what level of disclosure actually occurred. For smaller players, the task could be overwhelming. Even the FCA acknowledges that data gaps, system limitations and resource constraints will challenge firms ability to deliver timely, accurate outcomes. Automation could help, but only if the underlying data is clean. Balancing fairness and feasibility The FCA says its scheme strikes a balance between fair compensation and market stability. But firms will be watching closely to see whether the costs and operational demands are truly proportionate, and whether the regulators confidence that the market will remain orderly proves justified. The consultation runs until 18 November 2025, with final rules expected early 2026. For now, the industrys focus is clear: how realistic are the FCAs numbers and how workable is its plan? "FCAs 11bn redress plan: the big questions for motor finance firms" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Reuters reported in September that U.K. banks are pressing on with tokenized deposits in 2026 despite the Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey issuing a warning on stablecoins. It's another reminder of how quickly innovations in decentralized finance are starting to make their way into the traditional landscape. That's great news for stablecoins, as they are a type of tokenized asset. However, U.K. banks' efforts to tokenize deposits can ripple into other assets, such as stocks and real estate. Don't Miss: What Is Tokenization? Tokenization is the process of creating a digital asset that represents a real asset. Stablecoins are a good example. They're a type of tokenized asset that holds stable values and are usually pegged to a fiat currency. A stablecoin tied to the U.S. dollar gives you exposure to $1. While holding tokenized assets may not seem like a big deal compared to holding the actual asset, there are notable advantages of tokenization. Tokenized assets are on the blockchain, which enables more transparent and efficient transactions that reduce costs. Tokenization is also more convenient for people who regularly exchange currencies and want to avoid fees from each of those swaps. Trending: Microsoft's Climate Innovation Fund Just Backed This Farmland Manager And Accredited Investors Can Join the Same Fund Europe's Push Into Stablecoins And Tokenization The U.S. has made great strides in tokenized assets due to the GENIUS Act, and Europe is also charging ahead. European banks recently joined forces to launch a Euro stablecoin to counter U.S. efforts to gain market share in the growing tokenized asset industry. Bailey told The Times of London in a July interview that he is against stablecoins and prefers a focus on tokenized deposits. He said he was worried that wider stablecoin adoption would take "money out of the banks," which could lead to issues for financial institutions. However, with the U.S. and other countries embracing stablecoins and other tokenized assets, Europe can't risk falling behind. That's the general consensus as the race to build decentralized finance infrastructure continues. See Also: In terms of getting money back, these bank accounts put traditional checking and savings accounts to shame. Riding The Tailwinds Of A Changing Financial Landscape Bitcoin was the first crypto, and it generated plenty of buzz in the 2010s as a speculative investment. However, the asset's limited supply, momentum, and decentralized nature won over many investors. A similar stablecoin boom may be in its early stages as countries and financial institutions scramble to get ahead of the competition. A group of U.S. officials want to know why Londons FTSE Russell, a top financial services firm, chose to include the underperforming Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) in one of its most high-profile indexes. Most Read from Fast Company Their concern stems, in part, from the fact that analysts generally do not view TMTG, which owns the presidents social media platform Truth, as particularly stable. Trading under the symbol DJT, shares are down 38% year to date and currently trade at about $17.50. Last fiscal year, the company reported a net loss of $400.9 million And in the most recent quarter, it reported a loss of $20 million. The Russell 3000 tracks the performance of the 3,000-largest publicly traded companies in the United States. While investors cant buy the index directly, several ETFs or index funds include the Russell 3000. Signed by Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak, fiscal leaders from New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Maryland, as well as the comptroller of New York City, the letter expresses concern about TMTGs inclusion in the Russell 3000, which occurred last year. The drop in the companys share price, negligible revenues and risks that come with the stock are among the issues they raise. The Russell 3000 is one of the most influential benchmarks in U.S. capital markets, with approximately $10.6 trillion in assets, the officials write. Its credibility depends on consistent, transparent, and rigorous standards that ensure its companies reflect the U.S. equity market and meet the expectations of institutional investors and public stewards alike. The continued presence of TMTG in the index raises troubling questions on both financial and governance grounds, as well as on the integrity of the benchmark itself. FTSE Russell declined to comment. TMTG did not respond to a request for comment. Pieciaks signature on the letter is notable. Vermonts Republican Gov. Phil Scott has urged leaders in his state to take a less confrontational posture with the White House. (Notably, Scott rejected two requests this summer to send the Vermont national guard to Washington, D.C., as part of Trumps federal takeover of the nations capital.) In their letter, the officials have asked FTSE Russell to explain TMTGs inclusion in the Russell 3000. Theyve also asked for an assessment of how the group accounts for the companys risks and detail on any safeguards in place to ensure that future index picks demonstrate sound market fundamentals. France has urged the European Union to give its top markets regulator, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), direct authority over major cryptocurrency firms operating across the bloc. Key Takeaways: France wants the EUs top markets regulator, ESMA, to directly oversee major crypto firms. Bank of France Governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau called for tighter control over stablecoins. The proposal comes amid EU efforts to centralize supervision and strengthen financial stability. Speaking Thursday, Bank of France Governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau said the move would ensure consistent supervision and enforcement of crypto regulations under the EUs Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. He warned that the current system, which allows companies to obtain licenses from individual member states and passport them across the EU, risks regulatory loopholes and uneven oversight. France Urges Stricter EU Rules on Cross-Border Stablecoin Issuance This framework would benefit from much stricter regulation of the multi-issuance of the same stablecoin within and outside the European Union, to reduce arbitrage risks in times of stress, he said. The comments come as the European Central Bank gains support for restricting cross-border stablecoin issuance, potentially setting up a clash with issuers such as Circle and Paxos, which currently operate under MiCAs multi-issuance provisions. Circle, the issuer of USDC, Europes largest dollar-pegged stablecoin, relies on this model to manage both EU-based and overseas tokens. The firm received an electronic money license in France last year, positioning the country as a hub for its European operations. Stablecoins are seen as crucial to digital finance but also pose systemic risks if not properly backed. Under MiCA, licensed issuers must hold reserves in at least one EU country, yet can simultaneously issue equivalent tokens abroad, a structure France now argues needs stricter supervision to protect financial stability and prevent market fragmentation. As reported, the European Commission is preparing sweeping changes that could hand over direct supervisory authority of stock exchanges, cryptocurrency firms, and clearing houses to the EUs markets watchdog, the ESMA. Verena Ross, chair of ESMA, told the Financial Times that the proposed changes aim to resolve persistent fragmentation across the EUs financial sector and create a more unified capital market. This would provide a key impetus towards having a capital market in Europe that is more integrated and globally competitive, she said. The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has sanctioned KPMG and audit engagement partner Anthony Sykes, following serious breaches in their audit of N Brown Group. These breaches, acknowledged by both parties, relate to the financial statements for the year ending 26 February 2022. KPMG and Sykes have admitted to the breaches, which pertain to the audit work on impairment of non-current assets, a financial reporting aspect that ensures a company's assets are not overstated. The sanctions include a financial penalty of 710,937.50 ($955,550) for KPMG, after adjustments for cooperation and early admissions, and 51,187.50 ($68,799) for Sykes under similar considerations. Both KPMG and Sykes have also received a severe reprimand, and a declaration that the auditors report for FY22 did not meet the relevant requirements. The FRC's investigation found several aspects of the audit work on impairment to be lacking, including the carrying value of the cash-generating unit, cash flow forecasts, impairment model methodology, discount rate, sensitivity analysis, reconciliation to market capitalisation. N Brown, a major UK online retailer of clothing and footwear, was listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange at the time of the audit. An indicator of impairment was present during FY22, as the group's market capitalisation was significantly lower than its net assets. FRC deputy executive counsel Jamie Symington said: In this case, there were numerous failings in relation to the audit work on impairment, despite it having been identified as a significant risk. This case demonstrates that the audit of impairment requires a substantial level of diligence, forethought, and careful exercise of judgement. In September 2025, KPMG announced of a new suite of AI Assurance services designed to help organisations manage risks associated with scaling GenAI technologies. "FRC imposes sanctions on KPMG and audit partner over N Brown" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand. (Reuters) -Alphabet's Google on Thursday launched a new AI platform for business customers called Gemini Enterprise, as the tech giant ramps up efforts to capture more corporate clients with its artificial intelligence tools. Gemini Enterprise will be powered by the company's most advanced artificial intelligence models, and will act as a conversational platform where employees can chat with their companies' data, documents and applications, Google said. Tech companies, including Microsoft, ChatGPT maker OpenAI and AI startup Anthropic, have all focused on products for enterprises to boost returns on their AI efforts. Gemini Enterprise's offerings will be similar to its rivals, providing a suite of pre-built Google AI agents to help with tasks such as deep research and data insights. They will also provide companies tools to build and deploy their own custom AI agents, the company said. The technology giant has signed new customers for the platform, including apparel retailer Gap, design software company Figma and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) lender Klarna. The new platform builds on the company's existing offering for enterprise clients, Google Workspace, which already offers businesses a range of AI features powered by Gemini. (Reporting by Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo) Key Points The U.S. government is in the midst of a "shutdown" as lawmakers fail to reach agreement. But the government isn't fully shut down, and the effects of this event are likely to be short-lived. Don't dump your long-term investment plan, but owning some gold or crypto isn't necessarily bad. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires The media headlines are screaming that "the government is shut down!" But that's not entirely true. Essential services are still being provided, and there's no expectation that they will stop even if the shutdown drags on. Here's why the shutdown isn't a great reason to dump your long-term investment plan and buy gold or other alternative investments, like crypto. However, owning some of those investments might not be such a bad idea if you think long term. How "shut down" is the U.S. government? Prior to the shutdown, the Social Security Administration (SSA) created a contingency plan. The SSA employs 51,825 people. In the event of a shutdown, the SSA intended to furlough just 6,197, leaving it with 45,628 employees still working on making sure Social Security checks get mailed each month. That is far from being completely shut down. Image source: Getty Images. Yes, many government jobs will be affected, and some employees will have to temporarily work without pay (they'll get retroactive pay when the budget impasse is resolved). But, for the most part, this isn't going to materially affect most peoples' lives, even though the media is covering the issue non-stop. In fact, the worst U.S. government shutdown in history lasted 35 days. That's about one month. You shouldn't make long-term investment decisions based on events that are probably only going to be an issue for a single month. The shutdown just isn't likely to be a long-term problem. So buying gold or some other alternative asset to "protect yourself" from this specific event could turn out to be a mistake. There is a value to gold and alternatives Look at the S&P 500 chart below, which starts in 1974, when the Congressional Budget Act was passed and government shutdowns became a thing. The S&P 500 has continued heading steadily higher over time, despite government shutdowns. That's one reason why materially changing your portfolio because of a shutdown is probably a bad idea. But there's another factor to examine as well. The S&P 500 index has not headed uniformly higher. It has gone through periods of good and bad performance, as it always has. These bull and bear market swings are normal, but they can be hard to live through. That's why long-term investors often focus on crafting diversified portfolios. Greece was admitted to developed markets in 2001, then booted out in 2013. Its comeback will be complete when it is re-admitted effective Sept 1st 2026. - Getty Images Greeces upgrade back to developed-market status, by the global index provider FTSE Russell, represents an undeniable triumph for a country that barely a decade ago was in the midst of a sovereign default. While the change becomes effective in Sept. 2026 and technical factors may limit passive investment flows U.S. brokerage house Cowen actually thinks index tracker funds will be net sellers of $112 million on the day of inclusion it will undoubtedly boost active investment into Greek stocks GR:GD and bonds. Most Read from MarketWatch The MSCI Greece index XX:930000 has vastly outperformed not just the U.S. but virtually every market this year, having already regained investment-grade status for its bonds from Moodys in March, and reclassified as a developed equity market by S&P in July. Already, the cost of capital for Greece is more favorable than it once, whose 10-year bonds BX:TMBMKGR-10Y now yield 3.35% compared to 3.49% for Italy BX:TMBMKIT-10Y and 3.53% for France BX:TMBMKFR-10Y. The FTSE Russell move will also reduce the equity risk premium that analysts apply to Greek shares. JPMorgan separately has overweights on all the Greek banks including Eurobank Ergasias Services & Holding GR:EUROB National Bank of Greece GR:ETE with the cost of equity reset from 12% to 11.5% in their models. Greeces checkered financial history has included as many as five defaults going back as early as the nineteenth century but the turbulence has been especially pronounced this millennium. Greece was actually promoted to developed market status once before, when in 2001 it joined the eurozone and replaced the drachma with the euro EURUSD as its currency. Government spending was unrealistic and irresponsible in the years that followed with the expenditure on the Athens Olympics of 2004 in particular exacerbating public finances. After the global financial crisis of 2008-2009, Greece found itself submerged in debt and unable to access capital markets. Public debt at 210% of GDP in 2010 necessitated repeated bailouts and provoked a crisis that threatened to blow up the whole European Union experiment in the years that followed. GDP fell by a fifth. Severe recessions were endured. Greece suffered the humiliation of being demoted back down into the emerging-markets bucket in 2013. Sometimes all it takes is a phone call. The iShares MSCI Brazil ETF took in $285 million in investor assets in the week leading up to President Trumps call on Monday with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to reportedly discuss the possibility of lowering tariffs. According to figures from Bloomberg, it marked the first net inflows into the funds since the 50% tariffs on goods from Brazil were announced in July. It didnt hurt that the ETF is up over 37% year to date, data from VettaFi show, illustrating that while the tariffs may have affected ETF sales, they didnt necessarily hurt performance. In Brazils case, its exports to countries other than the US increased, offsetting the effects of the tariffs, Bloomberg reported. Youve had a pretty strong rally in risk assets over the last six months. Indias been the outlier in what has not worked, said Todd Sohn, senior ETF and technical strategist at Strategies Securities. The tariffs havent necessarily been a factor for a lot of these single countries. SUBSCRIBE: Receive more of our free ETF Upside newsletter. READ ALSO: 3 Ways to Build an Inflation-Adjusted Pension. Yes, Theres Even an ETF for That and Morgan Stanley Opens Up to Crypto ETFs. Whos Next? International Affairs India, also facing steep tariffs on US-bound goods, has not been a strong performer this year in the ETF category. The $9 billion iShares MSCI India ETF, for example, has returned 0.23% year to date, VettaFi data show. While there was a short-term negative reaction, the benchmark Nifty-50 index is up marginally (2%) in local currency terms since the 50% [tariff] rate went into effect, said Aniket Ullal, head of ETF research and analytics at CFRA Research. This muted reaction is likely due to the large cap Nifty-50 index being more driven by domestic oriented sectors like financials (36% of the index) and consumer discretionary (12% of the index). Also, critical export-oriented sectors like IT and pharmaceuticals are not subject to the 50% tariffs. Meanwhile, China, which has avoided much of the larger tariff rates, has done better. The $10 billion KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF has returned nearly 46%, while the $8.6 billion iShares MSCI China ETF returned 43%. Those figures come as some institutional funds, namely state pension programs, have moved to divest from China, despite the growth prospects. Nonetheless, investors in single-country funds should be cautious, particularly in emerging markets, Sohn said. The US has always been a set-it-and-forget-it market, but with other countries, in the emerging space, you have to watch more frequently, he said. The pricing dispute between BHP Group and Chinas state-run iron ore buyer, China Mineral Resources Group (CMRG), may extend into early 2026, reported Bloomberg, citing sources with knowledge of the matter. Negotiations between the two parties have stalled, leading to concerns about the impact on one of BHP's key trading relationships. Despite the ongoing dispute, BHP has faced minimal disruption to its shipments to China as the company has already fulfilled most of its iron ore allocation for November and December. Following CMRG's order to halt purchases at the end of last month, BHP offered approximately 50 cargoes to international traders and at least one Chinese company. The true effects of CMRG's restrictions on BHP's cargoes may not be evident until the company begins selling ore for January delivery next month. This time frame may provide the Australian mining company with some flexibility during negotiations, the sources told the media outlet. University of Technology Sydneys Australia-China Relations Institute researcher Marina Zhang was quoted as saying: China wants to assert control over pricing after years of frustration at being the worlds biggest buyer, but still having little say over the price. It is also a signal to the rest of the world that China intends to play by new rules. China, the largest global consumer of iron ore, relies heavily on BHP, one of three major suppliers to the country's steelmakers. Last week, CMRG was reported to have asked major steelmakers and traders to halt purchases of all new dollar-denominated seaborne cargoes from BHP. This move reflects a more aggressive approach to negotiations. Established three years ago, the state-run iron ore buyer aims to enhance Chinas bargaining power with BHP, Rio Tinto Group and Vale to secure long-term contracts. Although CMRG does not have formal control over the operations of individual mills or traders, its suggestions hold weight based on its political influence. Last month, BHP reached a settlement agreement to resolve the Australian Samarco shareholder class action, which is pending approval by the Federal Court of Australia. "Iron ore talks between BHP and CMRG may extend into 2026" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has restarted manufacturing and is working with suppliers to keep them in business as the U.K. automaker works to recover from a cyberattack that crippled production for more than a month. The company announced that its phased manufacturing restart will begin Wednesday, when a pair of plants in the West Midlands the Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Center, where JLR builds engines, and the Battery Assembly Center come back online. Employees will also return to work at the company's stamping operations in Castle Bromwich, Halewood and Solihull. The company is also recalling workers to its body shop and paint shop in Solihull, as well as its Logistics Operations Center, which distributes parts to global manufacturing sites. The company hopes to next restart vehicle manufacturing in Nitra, Slovakia, where it makes the Land Rover Discovery and Land Rover Defender. JLR also plans to reopen its Range Rover and Range Rover Sport lines in Solihull this week. JLR's Halewood plant in Merseyside is next in line. Most Read on IEN: The attack has been costly for JLR. Some estimates suggest the company could be losing nearly $7 million in profits every day. The cyber incident has also pushed some suppliers to near collapse ; however, JLR has also announced a new financing scheme to pay some suppliers upfront. While JLR has been making manual payments to settle outstanding invoices, its automated supplier payment systems are expected to come back online this week. JLR's temporary plan will pay suppliers faster than its standard payment terms, improving near-term cash flow. The shortterm financing initiative means that qualified suppliers will receive a majority prepayment shortly after the point of order and a final trueup payment upon invoice receipt. JLR's typical terms are 60 days post-invoice, so this deal accelerates supplier payments by as much as 120 days, according to the company. JLR will also reimburse the financing costs for suppliers who opt in to the payment program during the restart phase. The company will start the program with suppliers deemed critical to the production restart and eventually expand to nonproduction suppliers. After the restart announcement, JLR, a subsidiary of Tata Motors Limited, published its Q2 FY26 sales figures. The company reported that Q2 wholesales are down 24.2% from the same period last year and retail figures are down 17.1%. JLR said volumes have been impacted since the start of September, when the cyber incident shut down production and hit wholesales particularly hard. The planned wind down of legacy Jaguar models is also impacting the company's bottom line, along with U.S. tariffs, which continued to hurt sales throughout the quarter. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos told young entrepreneurs that building real-world experience before starting a company can dramatically improve the odds of success. Bezos Highlights The Importance Of Work Experience For Startup Success Last week, during an interview at Italian Tech Week, Bezos emphasized that college dropouts like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates are the "exception" rather than the rule for startup success. "I always advise young people: Go work at a best-practices company somewhere where you can learn a lot of basic fundamental things [like] how to hire really well, how to interview, etc.," Bezos said. Trending: Jeff Bezos-Backed Arrived Homes Hits A Big Sale On Charlotte Property Investors Earning A 34.7% Return Amazon Founder Uses Personal Experience To Advise Young Entrepreneurs He pointed out that gaining practical experience first helped him launch Amazon at age 30. "That extra 10 years of experience actually improved the odds that Amazon would succeed," he added. Bezos graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University and later founded his aerospace company Blue Origin, which he described as "the most important work" he does. See Also: An EA Co-Founder Shapes This VC Backed MarketplaceNow You Can Invest in Gaming's Next Big Platform AI, Work Ethic And Job Market Shifts: Insights From Bezos, Cuban And Goodwill Earlier this month, Bezos warned that AI was in "a kind of industrial bubble" but stressed its real potential to transform industries. He noted that both successful and failed AI experiments were attracting funding, making it hard for investors to pick winners, yet the technology remained revolutionary. Billionaire Mark Cuban highlighted that his success came from outworking others. He said that even after selling the majority of the Dallas Mavericks and leaving "Shark Tank," he continued competing in business, describing it as the "ultimate sport." He credited his edge to the time and dedication he invested, encouraging young people to commit fully to what they love. Last month, Goodwill Industries prepared for a surge of unemployed Gen Z workers, CEO Steve Preston said, as AI made entry-level and low-wage jobs harder to secure. He noted that young adults without college degrees were most affected, with automation displacing workers in call centers and sales, and predicted a rise in demand for Goodwill's job services. Read Next: The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer put under the spotlight. A caller asked if they should buy, sell, or hold the stock, and Cramer replied: Buy. The stock is selling at a ridiculously low multiple still. Its hovering around this level. People are getting nervous at this level. Its going to blow through this level, and youre going to wish that you got in right now. Roman Tiraspolsky/Shutterstock.com The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS) provides financial advisory, investment banking, and wealth management services for corporations, institutions, governments, and individuals. The firm offers asset management, lending, trading, credit cards, and transaction banking solutions. During the September 29 episode, Cramer mentioned the company in light of Electronic Arts going private, as he commented: This morning, EA, the old Electronic Arts, got a $55 billion bid, the largest all-cash sponsored take-private deal in history. Silver Lakes the prominent name among the buyers, but its PIF, the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, thats putting up most of the money. Well, theres a buyer for you. Although I dont own EA for the Charitable Trust, Im still gratified to see Goldman Sachs as the companys advisor for this deal These are huge tickets Almost big enough to hit the M&A line in fine form for Goldman Sachs, which is a big position for my Charitable Trust Goldmans up over 40% What makes me think theres still room to run? Because the big banks are still cheap on earnings Goldmans at 17 times earnings. While we acknowledge the potential of GS as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Electric air mobility is rapidly transforming from science fiction into a tangible industry, and Joby Aviation (JOBY) is leading the charge. The companys stock has surged more than 40% in the past month and over 130% year-to-date as investors grow increasingly confident in its progress toward FAA certification and commercial readiness. Following successful demonstration flights in the U.S., Japan, and Dubai, Jobys eVTOL technology is gaining credibility as a viable new transport platform. The broader aerospace innovation boom, driven by decarbonization goals and rising investor interest in advanced air mobility, continues to push the sector forward. As capital and government support flow into electrified aviation, Joby stands out as one of the most advanced and well-capitalized players entering the final stretch toward commercialization. More News from Barchart About Joby Aviation Stock Joby Aviation is a California-based aerospace firm designing all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban air mobility. It is headquartered in Santa Cruz and is focused on creating an aerial ridesharing network of clean, quiet, and efficient air transport. With a market capitalization of about $14 billion, Joby ranks among the giants of next-generation aviation along with its peers, including Archer Aviation (ACHR) and Lilium (LILMF). Following a trade as low as $4.80 during the last twelve months, stock prices have soared by more than 295% to around $19.59, having reached a 52-week high of $20.95 in August. JOBY stock's price rose by a whopping 40% during the past month, significantly beating the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) meager advances. Investors have warmly welcomed both the firm's swift moves towards FAA certification and increased acceleration of its international commercialization strategy. www.barchart.com Despite its traction, Joby is a pre-money, pre-revenue company, as is evident by extreme valuation multiples. The stock sells for a price-to-book (P/B) of 17.29, numbers that reflect speculative objects of early-stage aerospace companies. With a -71% return on equity and no profitability on the horizon, the company's valuation is heavily dependent upon future hopes instead of fundamentals. Nevertheless, Joby's $991 million cash and Toyota's (TOYOF) $250 million strategic investment provide respectable liquidity and endorsement by a world-class industrial partner. Charlotte, North Carolina-based Nucor Corporation (NUE) is a leading producer of structural steel, steel bars, steel joists, steel deck, and cold finished bars. With a market cap of $31.1 billion, Nucor operates through steel mills, steel products, and raw materials segments. The steel manufacturer is gearing up to announce its Q3 earnings after the market closes on Monday, Oct. 27. Ahead of the event, analysts expect Nucor to report a profit of $2.16 per share, up 45% from $1.49 per share reported in the year-ago quarter. The company has a mixed earnings surprise history. While it missed the Streets bottom-line estimates once over the past four quarters, it surpassed the projections on three other occasions. More News from Barchart For the full fiscal 2025, Nucor is expected to report an EPS of $7.80, down 12.4% from $8.90 reported in 2024. While in fiscal 2026, its earnings are expected to surge 39.2% year-over-year to $10.86 per share. www.barchart.com NUE stock prices have declined 11.1% over the past 52 weeks, notably underperforming the Materials Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLB) 5.8% drop and the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 17.9% surge during the same time frame. www.barchart.com Nucors stock prices declined 2.7% in the trading session following the release of its disappointing Q2 results on Jul. 28. Despite the favorable tax and trade policies of the current federal administration, including the high tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, the companys results remain underwhelming due to its inefficiencies. Nucors topline for the quarter grew 4.7% year-over-year to $8.5 billion, which came mostly in line with the Streets expectations. However, due to an increase in cost of goods sold and high marketing, admin, and other expenses, the companys bottom-line dropped 6.5% year-over-year to $603 million, missing the consensus estimates. The consensus opinion on the NUE stock remains optimistic, with an overall Strong Buy rating. Out of the 14 analysts covering the stock, 10 recommend Strong Buy, one advises Moderate Buy, and three suggest a Hold rating. Its mean price target of $158.67 suggests a 16.8% upside potential from current price levels. On the date of publication, Aditya Sarawgi 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 Luxembourgs Intergenerational Sovereign Wealth Fund (FSIL) has become the first state-level fund in the Eurozone to invest in Bitcoin, allocating 1% of its holdings to Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Bob Kieffer, Luxembourgs Director of the Treasury and Secretary General, announced the move in an October 8 LinkedIn post. Kieffer noted that Finance Minister Gilles Roth had revealed the decision earlier during the presentation of the 2026 Budget at the Chambre des Deputes, Luxembourgs legislature. (L-R) Romain Heischbourg, Head of the Consignment Office; Gilles Roth, Luxembourgs Minister of Finance; Bob Kieffer, Director of the State Treasury; Credit: MFIN Under the revised framework, the FSIL will continue to invest in equity and debt markets, while now also being authorized to allocate up to 15% of its assets to alternative investments, Kieffer explained. These include private equity, real estate, and crypto assets. Conservative or Bold? Inside Luxembourgs 1% Bitcoin Allocation To minimize operational risks, the funds Bitcoin exposure will be managed through regulated ETFs rather than direct holdings. With total assets under management of approximately 764 million (about $888 million) as of June 30, the 1% allocation puts roughly $9 million into Bitcoin ETFs. Kieffer addressed the mixed reactions to the move, acknowledging that opinions vary on both timing and scale. Some might argue that were committing too little too late; others will point out the volatility and speculative nature of the investment, he wrote. However, he stressed that the FSIL management board views the 1% allocation as a sensible balance between innovation and stability. The decision, according to Kieffer, reflects confidence in Bitcoins long-term potential while staying consistent with the funds conservative investment approach. Luxembourg Flagged Crypto as High-RiskThen Invested Anyway The announcement may surprise those familiar with Luxembourgs traditionally cautious stance toward cryptocurrencies. It follows earlier reports from late May indicating that the countrys 2025 National Risk Assessment had classified crypto-related businesses as high-risk for money laundering. The report noted that Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) often operate in decentralized environments, which complicates oversight and makes tracing illicit financial activities more challenging. Yet Luxembourg continues to attract major crypto players seeking regulatory approval. A leading manufacturer of windows and doors is suing a provider of industrial automation systems for allegedly failing to deliver the equipment needed for a multi-million dollar factory overhaul. Andersen Corp., the Minnesota Star Tribune reports , reached an agreement five years ago with ATS Corp., under which it would build automated equipment for an Andersen factory in Iowa. Andersen said that it poured millions into the Dubuque facility to produce more of its E-Series windows, a high-end line aimed at the custom homebuilding market. But ATS, Andersen argued in a complaint filed in Washington County, Minn., court, missed its deadlines, demanded millions in additional payments, and halted work on the project altogether. Its work, the filing continued, also suffered from design and quality control issues, as well as poor project management. The equipment, in total, was 860 days late, according to the suit. Most Read on IEN: Andersen sued ATS for breach of contract, and said that the delay has resulted in unspecific financial damages and postponed the launch of its new E-Series product. ATS told the paper in a statement that it would defend itself through appropriate channels, and would not make further comments on the matter. The Ontario-based company, the Star Tribune noted, has also been sued by two other major manufacturers in recent months over assembly systems for electric vehicle batteries and components: ATS and General Motors settled a lawsuit filed by the automaker, but another complaint, filed by Illinois Tool Works, remains pending. Molson Coors' chief commercial officer is to leave the business, a move which appears to be part of wider changes at the top of the company. A SEC filing from Molson Coors yesterday (6 October) confirmed Michelle St Jacques will step down from the company as of 14 November. "In connection with her departure, the company expects it will enter into a severance agreement with Ms St Jaques," the filing read. In a post on LinkedIn yesterday, CEO Rahul Goyal said that "starting today", the business was to begin "realigning [its] leadership team at Molson Coors and in some cases, our organisational structure to drive accountability and set us on the path toward future growth". He added: "The changes include removing layers and providing marketing, sales and commercial capabilities in the Americas with a direct line to me." Just Drinks has asked Molson Coors to confirm whether the CCO position is being dissolved. Last month, Goyal was promoted from chief strategy officer, a role he had held since 2019, to CEO. He has worked at the group for 24 years, starting at the then Coors Brewing Company in a managerial post. Goyal also said in his LinkedIn post yesterday: "I believe we have the right priorities growing our iconic core brands, premiumising our portfolio and scaling our beyond beer business. "The reality is, our progress against those priorities, though meaningful, is not enough. We must transform faster and make changes that acknowledge the real challenges facing our business and the beer industry, and we must move with urgency. "This means enabling bolder, quicker decision making through a consumer-first, customer-first mindset, with every person in our company playing their part to drive tangible results." "Molson Coors rejigs exec structure as CCO departs" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. A growing sense of economic pessimism is taking hold in the U.S., as new Fannie Mae survey data reveals nearly 70% of Americans believe the economy is headed in the wrong direction. An even higher percentage (73%) say its a bad time to buy a house. Coupled with mounting concerns about the housing market, the findings underscore the challenges facing would-be homebuyers, and paint an increasingly bleak picture for consumer sentiment as autumn begins. According to Fannie Maes September 2025 Home Purchase Sentiment Index, using data from the National Housing Survey, only 32% of respondents said the economy is on the right track, compared to a striking 67% who believe its going the wrong track. These numbers have shifted little during the past year, signaling a stubborn lack of faith in the nations economic trajectory, and the wrong track percentage ticked up from 64% in August. The steady majority express pessimism about the economy reflects ongoing turbulence from inflation, high borrowing costs, and the continued impacts of global events on U.S. households. This broad-based skepticism transcends the headline figures. Just 32% of consumers expect their personal finances to improve over the next year, while 23% anticipate things will get worse. Most people45%expect little change, which aligns with a record high share (77%) saying their household income has remained about the same as it was a year ago. Only 14% report significantlyhigher income, suggesting that wage gains are failing to keep pace with higher living costs and financial pressures, and yet only 8% report significantly lower income, indicating stability. Apollo Global Management Chief Economist Torsten Slk weighed in on another explanation of the economys stagnancy on Tuesday, noting both the hiring rate and the quits rate are low, even at recessionary levels, with a declining number of job openings, rising unemployment, and slower job growth, to boot. The bottom line is that the labor market is at a standstill, where workers are not getting hired or voluntarily changing jobs, Slk wrote. A bad time to buy For aspiring homeowners, the outlook is especially grim. When asked whether its a good time to buy a home, just 27% said yes, while a resounding 73% think its a bad time. The net share of respondents who view buying conditions as favorable fell two percentage points month-over-month to negative 46%a level that has persisted since the summer. Homebuyers attitudes toward the housing market today stem from stubbornly high mortgage rates and home prices. During the pandemic, buyers enjoyed sub-3% mortgage rates, which ushered in a wave of first-time homeowners. But by late 2023, mortgage rates had peaked at 8%, and today still remain near in the 6% range. And even a 0% mortgage rate wouldnt make housing affordable for Americans in several major metro areas. Nordex Group has secured orders from wpd, a global developer and operator of wind and solar farms, for 21 turbines across six projects in Germany. The orders, totalling 125.7MW, include a 15-year premium service contract for turbine maintenance. The orders secured are for six N163/6.X turbines, 11 N149/5.X turbines, two N163/5.X turbines, and two N133/4.8 turbines. These turbines will be installed at wind farms located in Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Brandenburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Saxony-Anhalt. The delivery and installation of the turbines for the respective projects are scheduled for 2026 and 2027. Nordex Group region central vice-president Karsten Bruggemann said: For many years, wpd and Nordex have been working together successfully, thus advancing wind energy projects across Europe. "We are pleased to expand and continue this successful partnership with the project bundle of over 125MW in Germany. These orders are a sign of trust in our technology and our team. Founded in 1996, wpd has operations in 33 countries. The company plans, finances, builds, and operates wind farms and solar parks. Nordex Group, meanwhile, has installed approximately 57GW of wind power capacity in over 40 markets, with consolidated sales of about 7.3bn ($8.51bn) in 2024. The company employs more than 10,400 people and has a manufacturing facilities in Germany, Spain, Brazil, India, and the US. Last month, Nordex Group announced its entry into Ecuador with a turbine order. Under this contract, it has been tasked to supply 19 N149/5.X turbines for a wind farm in southern Ecuador, totalling 112MW capacity. "Nordex secures wind turbine orders from wpd in Germany" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. By Maggie Fick and Mariam Sunny (Reuters) -Novo Nordisk said on Thursday it would buy U.S.-based Akero Therapeutics for up to $5.2 billion to gain access to a promising liver disease drug candidate, in the first major deal by the Danish drugmaker's new CEO to spur growth. Mike Doustdar, who took the helm at the Wegovy maker in July, has signaled a focus on new, highly effective obesity and diabetes drugs that can also treat related cardiometabolic conditions such as MASH, rather than expanding into other areas. Akero's drug candidate, efruxifermin, is currently in late-stage trials for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). "We view this deal, coupled with recent internal restructuring at Novo, positively as Doustdar works to bring the ship back on course," said BMO Capital analyst Evan Seigerman. Under Doustdar, tasked with stemming market share losses to U.S. rival Eli Lilly, the company last month said it would cut 9,000 jobs. HIGH GROWTH POTENTIAL Efruxifermin has shown potential in reversing liver scarring in MASH patients in earlier studies. Doustdar called it "an important building block" for future growth, especially as Novo prepares for the loss of exclusivity on semaglutide, the active ingredient in blockbuster drug Wegovy, starting next year in regions like India and China. Lukas Leu, a portfolio manager at Novo Nordisk shareholder ATG Healthcare, said it was encouraging to see Novo seal a major deal and expand in a high-growth area, where rivals such as Roche and GSK have also made recent moves. In August, Wegovy became the first GLP-1 drug to receive accelerated approval for MASH in the U.S., where the disease affects around 5% of adults. Novo has discontinued its MASH candidate, zalfermin, which belonged to the same class of treatments as efruxifermin. DEALS GETTING BIGGER Akero marks a significant increase in deal size for Novo, as its recent biotech acquisitions in metabolic diseases typically ranged between $1 billion and $2 billion. "They need to start acquiring assets and expanding their pipeline," Leu said, adding that he remains cautious given the stock is "still in the doghouse". Novo shares have risen 11% since Doustdar's appointment, but remain down nearly 40% for the year, reflecting investor concerns over Wegovy's U.S. prescription trends. The Akero deal includes an upfront cash payment of $54 per share held, totaling about $4.7 billion, a 16.2% premium over Akero's last closing price. An additional $6 per share will be paid if efruxifermin secures full U.S. approval by June 2031. (Corrects to remove reference to Nvidia being a lead investor in the funding round in paragraph 2) (Reuters) -Reflection AI, a startup backed by Nvidia, said on Thursday it has raised $2 billion in a new funding round that values the company at $8 billion, as investor interest in artificial intelligence remains unabated. The funding round saw participation from prominent investors, including former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, Citi and Donald Trump Jr.-backed private equity firm 1789 Capital, as well as existing investors Lightspeed and Sequoia. Founded in 2024 by former DeepMind researchers Misha Laskin and Ioannis Antonoglou, Reflection develops tools that automate software development, a fast-growing use case for AI. The investment comes as the AI sector continues to attract significant interest from venture capital firms and investors. Global venture funding in the third quarter of 2025 rose 38% from a year earlier to $97 billion, with around 46% of the total invested in AI firms. Reflection's new valuation marks a sharp step up from its previous round, when it raised $130 million at a $545 million valuation, according to PitchBook data. The company's peers in the AI market include OpenAI and China's DeepSeek, among others. (Reporting by Pritam Biswas in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid) Nvidia (NVDA) stock rose to a record high Thursday, up around 1.8%, after Bloomberg reported that the US government has approved for export several billion dollars' worth of the tech giant's chips to the United Arab Emirates. The Commerce Department issued Nvidia its export license to the UAE after the federation solidified earlier commitments to making reciprocal investments in the US, Bloomberg reported, citing an unnamed US official. This marks the first time Nvidia has been allowed to ship its AI chips to the country since Trump became president. The move follows the announcement of a massive AI infrastructure project called Stargate UAE during President Trump's visit to the country earlier this year. The project, unveiled in May, included a proposed 5 gigawatt data center hub in Abu Dhabi managed in part by OpenAI (OPAI.PVT) and Oracle (ORCL), with infrastructure supplied by Cisco (CSCO) and Nvidia. Trump's AI deals with the UAE and Saudi Arabia have opened up new potential international markets for Nvidia as geopolitical tensions cloud its prospects in the Chinese AI market. Although the US government lifted a short-lived surprise export ban on sales of Nvidia's chips to China in exchange for a cut of its revenue from the region a highly unusual arrangement that has yet to be finalized China has now reportedly banned tech companies from buying Nvidia's chips. Read more about Nvidia's stock moves and today's market action In another boost to Nvidia stock on Thursday, Cantor Fitzgerald analyst C.J. Muse published a note raising his price target on the company to a Wall Street high of $300 from $240, dismissing the recent growing fears of an AI bubble. "We are still in the early innings of a multi-trillion AI Infrastructure build-out with just the Hyperscalers providing significant line-of-sight into hundreds of billions of dollars worth of demand for the next handful of years," Muse wrote. Hyperscalers are Big Tech cloud providers, such as Microsoft (MSFT) and Alphabet-owned Google (GOOGL, GOOG). Muse's view highlights the bull side of the AI bubble debate, which sees Big Tech as justifiably rushing to build data centers to meet unprecedented AI demand. "Thus, this is not a bubble, and we are still in the early innings of this investment cycle," Muse wrote. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang also added to optimism over the company in comments to CNBC on Wednesday, saying that demand for the company's technology is showing no signs of slowing down. "Demand for Blackwell is really, really high," Huang said on CNBC. "I think we're at the beginning of a new buildout, beginning of a new industrial revolution." By Arathy Somasekhar HOUSTON (Reuters) -Oil prices edged slightly lower on Thursday after Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas signed an agreement to cease fire in Gaza. Brent crude futures were down 36 cents, or 0.6%, at $65.88 a barrel at 11:42 a.m. ET (1542 GMT). U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was down 30 cents, or 0.5%, at $62.25. Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas signed an agreement on Thursday to cease fire and free Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, in the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's initiative to end the war in Gaza. Under the ceasefire deal, fighting will cease, Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza, and Hamas will free all remaining hostages it captured in the attack that precipitated the war, in exchange for hundreds of prisoners held by Israel. "Crude futures are in a corrective phase as the Israel/Hamas conflict looks to be ending," said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at BOK Financial. 'WIDE-RANGING' IMPLICATIONS FOR OIL MARKETS "The peace agreement is a major breakthrough in recent Middle Eastern history its implications for oil markets could be wide-ranging, from the possibility of a decrease in the Houthis' attacks in the Red Sea to an increase in the likelihood of a nuclear deal with Iran..." Rystad Energy's Chief Economist Claudio Galimberti said in a note. The OPEC+ group, made up of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, agreed on Sunday to a November output hike that was smaller than market expectations, easing oversupply concerns. Prices had gained around 1% on Wednesday to reach a one-week high after investors viewed stalled progress on a Ukraine peace deal as a sign that sanctions against Russia, the world's second-largest oil exporter, would continue for some time. Meanwhile, total weekly U.S. petroleum products supplied, a proxy for U.S. oil consumption, rose last week to 21.99 million barrels per day, the most since December 2022, according to a report from the Energy Information Administration on Wednesday. (Reporting by Stephanie Kelly in London, Florence Tan in Singapore and Georgina McCartney in Houston. Editing by Mark Potter, Jane Merriman, Nick Zieminski, William Maclean) By Stephanie Kelly LONDON (Reuters) -Oil prices were little changed on Thursday as investors weighed a ceasefire deal in Gaza that could ease tensions in the Middle East against stalled peace talks in Ukraine that could sustain sanctions on Russia and curb its exports. Brent crude futures were down 16 cents to $66.09 a barrel at 1146 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was down 18 cents to $62.37. Israel and Hamas both publicly endorsed the ceasefire deal and were expected to sign it around noon in the Egyptian beach resort of Sharm el-Sheikh (0900 GMT), though there was no immediate confirmation that the signing had taken place. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the ceasefire would take effect once ratified by the Israeli government, which would convene after a security cabinet meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. (1300 GMT). Under the deal, fighting will cease, Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza and Hamas will free hostages it captured in the attack that precipitated the war, in exchange for prisoners held by Israel. 'WIDE-RANGING' IMPLICATIONS FOR OIL MARKETS "The peace agreement is a major breakthrough in recent Middle Eastern history its implications for oil markets could be wide-ranging, from the possibility of a decrease in the Houthis' attacks in the Red Sea to an increase in the likelihood of a nuclear deal with Iran and, eventually, the possibility for Iran to increase its crude and product exports," Rystad Energy's chief economist Claudio Galimberti said in a note. Galimberti also said attempts at a ceasefire deal have fallen apart previously. The war in Gaza has supported oil prices due to the potential risk to global supply if the fighting developed into a wider regional conflict. Michael McCarthy, CEO of investor platform Moomoo Australia and New Zealand, said the Gaza ceasefire was unlikely to change oil supply in the Middle East as the OPEC+ producer group has not hit its increased production targets. The group, made up of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, agreed on Sunday to a November output hike that was smaller than market expectations, easing oversupply concerns. Prices had gained around 1% on Wednesday to reach a one-week high after investors viewed stalled progress on a Ukraine peace deal as a sign that sanctions against Russia, the world's second-largest oil exporter, would continue for some time. Meanwhile, total weekly U.S. petroleum products supplied, a proxy for U.S. oil consumption, rose last week to 21.99 million barrels per day, the most since December 2022, according to a report from the Energy Information Administration on Wednesday. (Reuters) -OpenAI (OPAI.PVT) and Anthropic (ANTH.PVT) are exploring the use of investor funds to settle potential multibillion-dollar lawsuits, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday. Copyright owners have launched a series of high-stakes lawsuits against tech firms, including OpenAI, Microsoft (MSFT), and Meta Platforms (META), alleging unauthorized use of their material to train AI systems. OpenAI, which has tapped Aon, has secured coverage of up to $300 million for emerging AI risks, the report said, citing people familiar with the company's policy. However, another person disputed this figure, claiming it was significantly lower, the newspaper said, adding that all agreed the coverage falls far short of what is needed to protect against potential losses from a series of multibillion-dollar legal claims. Kevin Kalinich, head of cyber risk at Aon, told the newspaper that the insurance sector broadly lacks "enough capacity for (model) providers." OpenAI has considered "self-insurance" by setting aside investor funding, with discussions about establishing a "captive," a ringfenced insurance vehicle used by large companies to manage emerging risks, the report said. OpenAI, Anthropic and Aon did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Last month, a federal judge in California preliminarily approved a landmark $1.5 billion settlement of a copyright class action brought by a group of authors against Anthropic. Anthropic is partly using its own funds to cover potential settlements, the FT report said, citing a person with knowledge of the matter. (Reporting by Bipasha Dey in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala) Kevin Carter / Getty Images PepsiCo shares were down almost 9% for 2025 entering Thursday's session. KEY TAKEAWAYS PepsiCo posted quarterly earnings ahead of estimates and announced a new chief financial officer Thursday. The beverage maker said Steve Schmitt, chief financial officer for Walmart's U.S. unit, will take over as CFO from Jamie Caulfield effective Nov. 10. PepsiCo (PEP) posted quarterly earnings slightly ahead of analysts' expectations and announced a new chief financial officer Thursday. The maker of Pepsi soda and Doritos chips posted adjusted earnings per share of $2.29 on revenue that rose 2.7% year-over-year to $23.94 billion for the third quarter. Both figures topped analysts' projections compiled by Visible Alpha, thanks in part to strength in the snack giant's international business and improvements in its North American beverage operations. PepsiCo also said that Steve Schmitt, chief financial officer for Walmart's (WMT) U.S. unit, will take over as chief financial officer from Jamie Caulfield effective Nov. 10. Caulfield decided to retire next year after more than 30 years with the company, PepsiCo said. He became CFO in December 2023. The management shift comes as activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which has taken a $4 billion stake in the company, called for changes to boost PepsiCo's lagging stock price. Why This Matters The move by PepsiCo, which has been under pressure from activist investors to make operational and strategic changes, could help boost confidence in its path forward. Our reported net revenue growth accelerated and reflects the resilience of our international business, improved momentum within North America Beverages and the benefits of our portfolio reshaping actions, CEO Ramon Laguarta said Thursday. As we look ahead to the balance of this year and beyond, our top priorities are to accelerate growth and aggressively optimize our cost structure." For the year, PepsiCo said it was maintaining its forecast of a low single-digit increase in organic revenue, and expects earnings to be flat from last year. PepsiCo shares, which entered Thursday down almost 9% for 2025, were up 3% in recent trading. This article has been updated since it was first published to reflect more recent stock prices. Read the original article on Investopedia PepsiCo (PEP) beat Wall Street projections on both the top and bottom lines in the third quarter, but its US snacking business continues to experience turbulence. PepsiCo stock rose more than 1% in trading on Thursday. Revenue came in at $23.94 billion, slightly beating Wall Street's expectations of $23.85 billion, per Bloomberg consensus data. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $2.29, beating the expectations of $2.27. In North America, its beverage business offset an ongoing slowdown in its food business. Revenue for beverages in the quarter grew 2%. Chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta said that "net revenue growth accelerated and reflects the resilience of our international business, improved momentum within North America Beverages, and the benefits of our portfolio reshaping actions." The trademark Pepsi brand grew both volume and net revenue, and the company said its hydration offerings, such as Propel, delivered strong volume too. The company also said the acquisition of Poppi for $1.95 billion is paying off, with a more than 50% increase in retail sales for that brand from a year ago. As of early September, it's now a part of PepsiCo's distribution system. The company said it is "excited about its growth potential." As the snacking slowdown continues in the US, Pepsi's food business remains under pressure. Food revenue fell 3% as Pepsi "continues to work toward improving its performance trajectory with a high sense of urgency." That was offset by 5.5% revenue growth in its Europe, Middle East, and Africa business and 4% growth in Latin America. Meanwhile, activist pressure is building in the background. In September, investor Elliott Management disclosed a $4 billion stake in the company, calling for a turnaround. The company also faces pressure from RFK Jr.'s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiatives. Pepsi stock is down nearly 8% year to date, while rival Coca-Cola (KO) is up roughly 6%. Bottles of Pepsi and Coca-Cola are seen on sale in a discount supermarket in Union, New Jersey, on Sept. 22, 2025. (CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images) CHARLY TRIBALLEAU via Getty Images The company reiterated its fiscal 2025 guidance. It still expects low-single-digit organic revenue growth with core constant currency earnings per share to be approximately even with the prior year. The company also announced that CFO Jamie Caulfield will retire and Steve Schmitt will take the role, effective Nov. 10. Schmitt most recently served as CFO for Walmart US. Board member Darren Walker, who is president of the Ford Foundation, also plans to leave the board on Nov. 19. StockStory aims to help individual investors beat the market. Brooke DiPalma is a senior reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X at @BrookeDiPalma or email her at bdipalma@yahoofinance.com. With a market cap of $18.8 billion, Principal Financial Group, Inc. (PFG) is a leading global investment management company providing retirement, asset management, and insurance products and services to businesses, individuals, and institutional clients. The company focuses on delivering comprehensive financial solutions through its diverse segments, with a strong emphasis on serving small and medium-sized businesses in the United States. The Des Moines, Iowa-based company is set to release its fiscal Q3 2025 results after the market closes on Monday, Oct. 27. Analysts expect PFG to report an adjusted EPS of $2.17 for the quarter, a 23.3% growth from $1.76 in the prior year's quarter. It has surpassed Wall Street's bottom-line estimates in one of the past four quarters while missing on three other occasions. More News from Barchart For fiscal 2025, analysts forecast the financial services company to post adjusted EPS of $8.28, reflecting an 18.8% increase from $6.97 in fiscal 2024. www.barchart.com Shares of Principal Financial have decreased 3.6% over the past 52 weeks, lagging behind both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 17.2% gain and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLF) 19.2% increase over the period. www.barchart.com Despite reporting better-than-expected Q2 2025 adjusted EPS of $2.16 on Jul. 28, Principal Financial Groups stock fell slightly the next day as adjusted revenue of $3.69 billion, missing estimates. Investors were also concerned about the 21.7% drop in Retirement and Income Solution revenues, the companys largest segment, along with weaker-than-expected results in Life Insurance, where pre-tax earnings fell 15%. Analysts' consensus view on PFG stock is cautious, with an overall "Hold" rating. Among 15 analysts covering the stock, four recommend "Strong Buy," eight suggest "Hold," one indicates Moderate Sell, and two have a Strong Sell rating. The average analyst price target for Principal Financial is $86.23, indicating a potential upside of 2.4% from the current levels. On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com National Bank of Greeces fair value target has recently inched higher, now rising from 12.97 to 13.41 as analysts refresh their outlooks. This shift reflects a combination of improved financial performance and evolving views on the banks potential for revenue growth. Stay tuned to see how you can track further developments and keep up with emerging trends in the stocks evolving narrative. What Wall Street Has Been Saying Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts, such as those at Alpha Finance and Eurobank Equities, have raised their price targets in consecutive updates. Alpha Finance most recently lifted its target to 14.00, attributing their optimism to consistent operating performance and robust revenue momentum. Prominent firms continue to rate National Bank of Greece as Overweight, pointing to disciplined cost control, greater business transparency, and the successful delivery of strategic milestones as drivers of the banks growth story. Ongoing improvements in profitability have drawn praise. Analysts note that managements focus on execution has underpinned the upward share price movement and growing investor confidence. While bullish sentiment dominates, some analysts note that the pace of valuation increases warrants careful monitoring. They highlight the importance of continued strong results to support elevated expectations. Bearish Takeaways Cautious voices, such as research from Pantelakis Securities, have revised their outlook from Buy to Hold. They argue that recent share price gains have brought valuation nearer to fair value and have trimmed their price targets accordingly. Several firms express concern that the rally has priced in much of the short-term upside and that further gains will hinge on consistent delivery against earnings forecasts and strategic objectives. Some analysts emphasize potential headwinds in the coming quarters, particularly if revenue growth slows or costs rise. This could challenge the current positive narrative. Reservations remain around the sustainability of share price momentum, with a consensus that execution risks and changing market conditions could test the validity of recent target upgrades. Do your thoughts align with the Bull or Bear Analysts? Perhaps you think there's more to the story. Head to the Simply Wall St Community to discover more perspectives or begin writing your own Narrative! ATSE:ETE Community Fair Values as at Oct 2025 What's in the News We came across a bullish thesis on Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. on Emil Hartela Investings Substack by Emil. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on RXRX. Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s share was trading at $4.6300 as of September 25th. Best Biotech ETFs To Buy Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash Recursion Pharmaceuticals (RXRX) is emerging as a pioneer at the intersection of biology, chemistry, and AI, with a mission to industrialize drug discovery through the creation of a digital cell. This revolutionary approach allows researchers to simulate and test thousands of genetic and chemical interventions computationally before touching a real human cell, dramatically reducing the time, cost, and risk of developing new therapies. By leveraging massive datasets and machine learning, Recursion can predict outcomes, identify side effects, and iterate potential cures at a scale previously unimaginable, positioning the company to address major unmet medical needs in areas like cancer, Alzheimers, and heart disease. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, RXRX combines automated laboratories, proprietary high-content cellular imaging, and advanced AI to create a feedback loop that accelerates discovery. The company has built a biotech supercomputer in partnership with NVIDIA, which also holds an equity stake, providing both computing scale and external validation. With over 500 employees, a growing drug candidate pipeline, and partnerships with leading pharma companies, Recursion is strategically positioned to capitalize on the nascent techbio boom. The companys strengths lie in its unique dataset, unparalleled compute power, and visionary leadership capable of attracting sustained capital investment. While uncertainty remainsgiven the early stage of the industry, operational execution challenges, and competition from other data-rich playersthe potential upside is substantial. If Recursion successfully commercializes a functioning digital cell, it could transform drug discovery economics, enable personalized, scalable cures, and capture extraordinary value in a massive, fast-growing market, offering investors a high-risk, high-reward opportunity at the forefront of the biotech revolution. Previously we covered a bullish thesis on CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP) by MADD-Scientis in March 2025, which highlighted the commercial potential of Casgevy, strong institutional ownership, and a robust pipeline including in vivo liver editing and CAR-T programs. The company's stock price has appreciated approximately by 47.22% since our coverage. The thesis still stands. Emil shares a similar focus on transformative biotech but emphasizes Recursion Pharmaceuticals AI-driven digital cell platform, highlighting scalability, compute power, and dataset advantages. Crocs Inc.s alleged misleading patent statement is resurfacing again. Competing clog makers Crocs and USA Dawgs Inc. have been battling each other for nearly two decades. In 2006, Crocs sued Dawgs, Double Diamond Distribution and Mojave Holdings (Dawgs) alleging patent infringement. The initial claims between the two parties have since been resolved. More from WWD Still outstanding is Dawgs counterclaim alleging false advertising claims against Crocs over assertions it made that its molded Croslite resin was made with patented, proprietary, or exclusive materials. Dawgs claimed that the misrepresentation allowed customers to think that the Croslite resin was different from what was used by other shoe manufacturers. After making its way through the federal court system on appeal, Crocs requested a review by the U.S. Supreme Court, which was denied on Monday. That means a federal district court in Colorado, where the case was initially filed, will again have oversight on whether Crocs alleged false or misleading statements in commercial advertising could indirectly cause consumers to be misled. While we are disappointed that the Supreme Court has declined to hear this case, their decision does not impact our view that the district court correctly disposed of a meritless claim. We remain confident that, on remand, the district court will ultimately dismiss Dawgs unsupported claim through the various other mechanisms available to it, a Crocs spokesperson said. The case has taken twists and turns over the years. In September 2021, a federal district court judge in Colorado dismissed allegations that Crocs had falsely marketed its shoes in violation of the Lanham Act, a federal law that governs trademark protection in the U.S. and provides legal remedies for infringement, dilution and false advertising. Dawgs appealed the ruling. One year ago, the Federal Circuit court reviewed whether the district court had erred in dismissing false advertising claims against Crocs for its alleged misleading statements over the patent status of the resin used in its clogs. The appellate court ruled in favor of Dawgs, concluding that a claim could be brought under the Lanham Act for the alleged patent misrepresentation, so long as the claim could indirectly cause consumers to be misled. The district courts decision was reversed and the appeals court sent the case back to the lower court for further review. Crocs asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case due to conflicting interpretations of applicable law among the federal appellate courts in different circuits. Three circuits take the position that causes of action for false advertising claims under the Lanham Act are allowed only in connection with the characteristics of a products properties and capabilities. One circuit and the Federal Circuit took the position that Crocs described as a more expansive view to include actions over intangible attributes such as patents, which address the source of ideas for a particular invention. It was because of that split among the federal appellate court circuits that Crocs was hoping it could get the Supreme Court to review the case and set a uniform interpretation for the federal courts. The U.S. Supreme Courts denial of Crocs petition for review ended any further appeal by the Broomfield, Colo.-based shoe firm. That means that the federal appellate courts decision stands, and that a federal district court in Colorado will again have oversight over the legality of Dawgs counterclaim. According to Philip Nulud, a shareholder in Buchalters intellectual property law group who has an expertise in the fashion sector, the decision means that there is more litigation in the future for Crocs should they not seek to settle the matter. [Dawgs] would most likely now try to seek damages from Crocs. Thats because the federal appeals court has already ruled that Crocs marking of their material as patented may be viewed as a false marketing claim, the attorney said. He expects that Dawgs would try to seek all of Crocs profits, whereas Crocs would try to argue that the profits from their claims that the material was patented was negligible and that consumers bought Crocs not for the patented claims, but for their appearance, brand name, and style.' Under the Lanham Act, if Dawgs is successful in its counterclaim, it could recover damages that may be significant, but thats not a guarantee depending on the circumstances and judicial discretion. I believe that rather than litigate this matter further and potentially be subject to a court award in terms of damages, Crocs may seek to settle this, Nulud said. Crocs in August posted a second quarter net loss of $492.3 million on a 3.4 percent revenue increase to $1.15 billion. And in July, the shoe firm opened its new Crocs Icon store concept that showcases an experiential retail format featuring immersive storytelling in New Yorks SoHo neighborhood at 543 Broadway. The footwear firm has also been busy this year with new products and collaborations. Word surfaced last month that Crocs has a new Gallery Shoe thats part-moccasin and part-sneaker, while this past summer Crocs said it is collaborating with Aries again on an urban-inspired collection, which follows its 2023 partnership. Best of WWD Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. On Tuesday, Tesla announced a lower-cost version of its Model Y electric vehicle. So why now? What finally convinced the company to bring its long-rumored, and possibly once-canceled, mass market vehicle to fruition? We can think of 1,000,000,007,500 reasons. Thats the size of Elon Musks new pay-for-performance pay package (plus an insignificant-by-comparison number long prized by EV buyers). SUBSCRIBE: Receive more of our free The Daily Upside newsletter. READ ALSO: TSMC Shrugs Off Shrinking Chinese Market Share and Umbrella Weather: Investors Rain on Travelers Despite Insurers Disaster Savings No Tax Credit? No Problem At the end of September, the cost of a Tesla effectively rose $7,500 after the expiration of the federal governments EV tax credit. The expiration, presumably, was a blow for Tesla (though it did create a short-term surge in demand). The new lower-cost Model Y, dubbed the Model Y Standard, essentially fills the void left by the tax credit, with a starting price of $39,990. Thats almost $7,000 cheaper than the previous base Model Y offered by the company (Tesla also announced a $36,990 Model 3 sedan on Tuesday, marking a modest discount from previous iterations). But its also above the $30,000 price tag that Musk called a key threshold when discussing a low-cost Tesla last year, and well above a planned $25,000 EV that Musk reportedly canceled last year, per sources who spoke with Reuters. Still, it could be enough to keep Tesla sales juiced for the foreseeable future, which is also good news for Musk: In one of several milestones necessary to secure his recently negotiated $1 trillion pay package, Tesla must deliver 20 million cars within a decade. Hitting that mark will require significant sales growth. The company delivered 497,099 vehicles in its recent record quarter, following sales of just 336,681 and 384,122 cars in the first and second quarters of the year, respectively, both of which marked double-digit declines from the same period in 2024. Sales have tumbled 6% year-over-year through September. Sky High Expectations: Still, the new lower-cost models are a healthy tick above the cheapest EVs in the US. The baseline Kia Leaf, for instance, runs just $26,000, while a Chevrolet Equinox EV comes in at just under $35,000. And in China, where EV makers are locked in a bitter price war, BYD is selling cars for as little as $10,000. Tesla shares fell 4.4% on Tuesday, after popping 5.5% on Monday following a teaser video for the announcement event. There may be a lesson in there: Buy the hype, sell the news. This post first appeared on The Daily Upside. To receive delivering razor sharp analysis and perspective on all things finance, economics, and markets, subscribe to our free The Daily Upside newsletter. By Abhirup Roy (Reuters) -Tesla unveiled a more affordable version of its best-selling Model Y SUV on Tuesday starting at $39,990, as the electric-vehicle maker seeks to reverse falling sales and waning market share amid rising global competition. Chief Executive Elon Musk has for years promised mass-market vehicles, though last year he canceled plans to build an all-new $25,000 EV, Reuters first reported. Late last year, Musk said the vehicle would be priced below the "key threshold" of $30,000 including U.S. EV tax credits. In the United States, prices effectively rose by $7,500 at the end of last month, when the credit ended. That helped goose quarterly sales to a record, but expectations are that they will slow down for the rest of the year, unless the affordable car comes to the rescue. "The desire to buy the car is very high. (It's) just (that) people don't have enough money in the bank account to buy it," Musk said in July during Tesla's second-quarter earnings call. "So the more affordable we can make the car, the better." Tesla had posted two clips on X over the weekend, igniting excitement among fans. One video shows headlights peering out of the dark and another shows what looks like a wheel spinning for a few seconds, followed by "10/7" the U.S. format for the date October 7. CRUCIAL TO $1 TRILLION PAY PLAN Musk initially promised that production of the vehicle would start by the end of June. But Tesla only made what it called "first builds" of the car, it said in July, adding that it would be available for customers sometime in the last three months of the year. Tesla has already been grappling with slowing sales of its aging lineup as competition has grown rapidly, especially in China and Europe, where Musk's far-right political views have also undermined brand loyalty. Earlier this year, Tesla launched a refreshed version of the Model Y with improvements including new light bars and a rear touchscreen. Musk has been pivoting the company toward artificial intelligence, focusing on robotaxis and humanoid robots. Tesla has said it will launch more affordable vehicles in its lineup but has not provided details. Sources have told Reuters the EV maker also plans to roll out a stripped-down version of its Model 3 midsize sedan. Affordable cars will also be key to Tesla delivering 20 million vehicles over the next decade - one of the several operational and valuation milestones set by the company's board as part of its proposed $1 trillion pay package for Musk. (Reporting by Abhirup Roy in San Francisco and Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Henderson, Richard Chang, Sriraj Kalluvila and Alan Barona) The U.S. securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently expanded access to private funds, according to the organizations website. In a post on X, Tony Robbins praised the expanded access to private funds for regular people. Robbins said access to distinctive alternative investments, which tend to have less connection to public market trends, is now more widely available. Thanks to recent SEC rule changes, investors of all income levels can take part in a broader range of private funds like this. See Next: Why You Should Start Investing Now (Even If You Only Have $10) Read This: 6 Hybrid Vehicles To Stay Away From in Retirement In an InvestmentNews article, Christopher Zook, founder of CAZ Investments, shared a similar enthusiastic outlook about the SECs regulatory changes. Since investors wont have to be accredited to invest in private funds, Zook said this will open the door for regular people to own some of the most iconic assets in the world. When it comes to the new SEC update, GOBankingRates spoke with financial experts to determine it means for the average investor. What the SEC Changes Mean for Regular Investors Tony is referring to the recent SEC rule changes on accredited investor requirements to invest in alternative assets, said Kian Sarreshteh, co-founder and CEO of InvestiFi. Historically, in order to legally have the ability to invest in closed-end funds, the SEC has required individuals to have a net worth of over $1 million (excluding your primary residence) or have annual income of $200,000 or combined household income of $300,000. The SEC recently loosened this requirement to allow regular individuals who arent high net worth to be able to invest in closed-end funds, such as Private Equity or Venture Capital. Rebecca Kacaba, the co-founder and CEO of DealMaker, believes that this is a milestone in capital markets reform. Check Out: 12 Best Safe Investments To Grow Your Money in 2025 As someone who recently testified before Congress about modernizing capital markets, I see this as a clear step toward the future we outlined: broader participation in private markets through registered vehicles with clear disclosures, she added. She also stressed that by removing outdated restrictions, regulators are opening private markets to everyday investors, not just institutions and the ultra-wealthy. It signifies a recognition that retail investors deserve the same opportunity to diversify and participate in wealth creation. The largest endowments and family wealth have been using alternative investments for centuries, explained Fred Hubler, founder of Creative Capital Wealth Management Group. Private equity can have the same return profile with less risk than most public equity and the same can be said for quality private debt. After four years on the sidelines, the UKs Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has finally lifted its ban on crypto ETNs, reopening access for retail investors to Bitcoin and Ethereum Exchange-Traded Notes (ETNs) as of October 8, 2025. While the move is celebrated as a long-overdue nod toward financial innovation, critics argue its a symbolic half-measure. One that arrives years too late to capture the explosive early momentum of global crypto adoption. The reversal follows years of regulatory hesitation that left the UK Crypto market lagging behind the USD and EU, where spot Bitcoin ETFs and ETNs have already become mainstream investment vehicles. Many now view this as the FCAs attempt to reassert its relevance in a financial landscape rapidly transforming around digital assets, but for some, its a case of too little, too late. What Was the UKs ETN Ban and Why Did It Last for Four Years? Back in January 2021, the FCA imposed a sweeping ban on the sale, marketing, and distribution of crypto-backed derivatives and crypto ETNs to retail investors. The regulator cited concerns over volatility, market manipulation, and the potential for consumer losses. Retail traders were barred from accessing ETNs referencing Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other cryptocurrency, although institutions remained exempt. The ban came in the wake of the 2018 crypto crash and mounting fears that speculative mania could trigger large-scale retail losses. However, in hindsight, critics argue the move was overly paternalistic, pushing UK investors toward unregulated offshore platforms or direct crypto purchases without proper safeguards. During the ban, Europe and the US surged ahead. The EU approved crypto ETNs as early as 2021, and the US greenlit spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024, leading to billions in inflows and legitimising digital assets on Wall Street. Meanwhile, UK investors missed out on years of regulated exposure to Bitcoins record-breaking runs and Ethereums institutional integration. DISCOVER: 10+ Next Crypto to 100X In 2025 The Ban Is Lifted But Is It Too Late? On June 6, 2025, the FCA officially announced that it would lift the ETN ban, effective October 8, 2025, following a public consultation launched in June. The change allows retail investors to access crypto ETNs listed on FCA-recognised exchanges such as the London Stock Exchange or Cboe UK. These ETNs, unlike ETFs, do not hold the underlying crypto; theyre debt instruments that track the performance of an asset, exposing holders to issuer credit risk rather than blockchain-based ownership. The FCA emphasised that this model offers regulated inclusion while ensuring consumer protection through clear marketing, risk disclosure, and the Consumer Duty framework. Shaletts comments centered on several recent multibillion-dollar deals to scale up data-center infrastructure. As notable substacker and former Atlantic writer Derek Thompson recently noted in a post titled This is how the AI bubble will pop , so much money is being spent to support AIs energy-consumption needs that its the equivalent of a new Apollo space mission every 10 months. (Tech companies are spending roughly $400 billion this year alone on data-center infrastructure, while the Apollo program allocated about $300 billion in todays dollars to get to the moon from the 1960s to the 70s.) Shalett said shes worried about a Cisco moment like when the dotcom bubble burst in 2000, referring to the company that was briefly the most valuable company in the world before an 80% stock plunge . When asked how close we are to such a moment, Shalett said probably not in the next nine months, but very possibly in the next 24. When you look at the actual spending and the amount of capital coming into the space, were a lot closer to the seventh inning than the first or second inning, she said. In an interview with Fortune, Shalett said she was very concerned about this theme in markets, saying her office had broadened from a belief that the market would only bid up seven or 10 stocks to roughly 40. At the end of the day this is not going to be pretty if and when the generative AI capital expenditure story falters, she said. The commentary on September 29 by Morgan Stanley Wealth Managements chief investment officer, Lisa Shalett , frames the current market boom as a one-note narrative almost entirely dependent on massive capital expenditures in generative AI, raising questions about its durability as economic and competitive risks start to mount. Shaletts critique came squarely in the middle of some people in the AI field and many financial commentators around Wall Street fretting at market exuberance and beginning to talk openly about a bubble . A top Wall Street analyst has sounded an alarm over the U.S. equity bull market, warning that its remarkable run is built on a precariously narrow foundation: a surge in spending on, and optimistic assumptions about, infrastructure for artificial intelligence (AI). This spending has fueled a boom in the shares of most of the so-called Magnificent 7 and a few dozen related businesses, which have now come to account for roughly 75% of the S&P 500s returns since the rally of the last few years began. Story Continues Whats more than a little concerning to Shalett is that one company alone, Nvidiathe most valuable company in the history of the world, with an over $4.5 trillion market capis at the center of a significant number of these deals. In September alone, Nvidia invested $100 billion in OpenAI in a massive deal, just days after pledging $5 billion to Intel (the Intel agreement was tied to chips, not data-center infrastructure, per se). Fortunes Jeremy Kahn reported in late September on significant concerns about circular financing, or Nvidias cash essentially being recycled throughout the AI industry. Shalett sees this as a major concern and a major sign that the business cycle is headed toward some kind of endgame. The guy at the epicenter, Nvidia, is basically starting to do what all ultimate bad actors do in the final inning, which is extending financing, theyre buying their investors. Shalett expanded on her concerns by saying that companies around Nvidia are starting to become interwoven. She noted that OpenAI is partially owned by Microsoft, but now Nvidia has also made an investment in the startup, while Oracle and AMD each have their own purchasing agreements with OpenAI. But OpenAI also has a data-center deal with tech giant Oracle, with the bad news, Shalett notes, that this deal is totally debt-financed. OpenAI also struck a deal in October with chip-maker AMD that allows OpenAI to buy up to 10% of AMD. Essentially, Nvidias main competitor is going to be partially owned by OpenAI, which is partially owned by Nvidia. So, Nvidia can own a piece of its largest competitor. It is totally circular and increases systemic risk. When reached for comment, a spokesperson for Nvidia said, We do not require any of the companies we invest in to use Nvidia technology. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang discussed the OpenAI investment in an appearance on the Bg2 podcast with Brad Gerstner and Clark Tang on September 25, calling it an opportunity to invest and part of a partnership geared toward helping OpenAI build their own AI infrastructure. When asked about the allegation of circular financing in general and the Cisco precedent in particular, Huang talked about how OpenAI will fund the deal, arguing that it will have to be funded by OpenAIs future revenues, or offtake, which he pointed out are growing exponentially, and by its future capital, whether its raised by a sale of equity or debt. That will depend on investors confidence in OpenAI, he said, and beyond that, its their company, its not my business. And of course, we have to stay very close to them to make sure that we build in support of their continued growth. Shalett said that she and her team were starting to watch for signs of a bubble popping, highlighting the deal announced roughly a week before OpenAI struck its $100 billion data-center deal with Nvidia, when it struck another with Oracle worth $300 billion. Analysts at KeyBanc Capital Markets estimated that Oracle will have to borrow $100 billion of that amount$25 billion a year for the next four years. Every morning the opening screen on my Bloomberg is whats going on with CDS spreads on Oracle debt, Shalett said, referring to credit default swaps, the financial instrument that was obscure before the Great Financial Crisis, but infamous for the role it played in a global market meltdown. CDSs essentially serve as insurance to investors in case of insolvency by a market entity. If people start getting worried about Oracles ability to pay, Shalett said, thats gonna be an early indication to us that people are getting nervous. She added that all the indications to her speak of the end of a cycle and history is littered with cautionary tales from such times. Oracle did not respond to requests for comment. 90% growth since the last bear market Since the October 2022 bear market bottom and the launch of ChatGPT, according to Shaletts calculations, the S&P 500 has soared 90%, but most of these gains have come from a small group of stocks. The so-called Magnificent Sevenincluding high-profile names like Nvidia and Microsoftplus another 34 AI data-center ecosystem companies, are responsible for, as cited by Shalett and separately by JP Morgan Asset Managements Michael Cembalest, about three-quarters of overall market returns, 80% of earnings growth, and a staggering 90% of capital spending growth in the index. Comparatively, the other 493 names in the S&P 500 are up just 25%showing just how concentrated the rally has become. The so-called hyperscaler companies alone are now spending close to $400 billion annually on capex supporting AI infrastructure, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management calculated. The economic influence of AI capex is now immense, contributing an estimated 100 basis pointsfully one percentage pointto second-quarter GDP growth, according to Morgan Stanleys research. This pace outstrips the rate of underlying consumer spending growth by tenfold, underscoring its centrality to both market performance and broader economic data. People conflate AI adoption, which is in the first inning, with the capex infrastructure buildout, which has been going full-out since 2022, Shalett told Fortune. She cited concerns about the prominence of private equity and debt capital coming into play, as that tends to produce bubbles, because it may be unspoken-for capacity. In other words, people have money to burn and theyre throwing it at things that may not pay off. Shalett waved away macro theories about the labor market or the Federal Reserve. We think thats missing the forest for the trees because the forest is entirely rooted in this one story about AI infrastructure. Morgan Stanleys bull-case mid-2026 price target for the S&P 500 is an eye-popping 7,200, but Shalett highlights that even the most optimistic outlook admits that risk premiums, credit spreads, and market volatility do not seem to fully account for the vulnerabilities lurking beneath the AI-fueled advance. Shaletts analysis suggests that AI capex maturity is approaching and some possible slowdowns are already visible. For instance, hyperscalers have already seen free-cash-flow growth turn negative, a sign that investment may have outpaced underlying technology returns. Strategas, an independent research firm, estimates that hyperscaler free cash flow is set to shrink by more than 16% over the next 12 months, putting pressure on lofty valuations and forcing investors to demand more discipline in how these funds are deployed. Shalett was asked about data centers disproportionate impact on GDP throughout 2025, which media blogger Rusty Foster of Today in Tabs described as: Our economy might just be three AI data centers in a trench coat. The Morgan Stanley exec said Thats what makes this cycle so fragile, adding that at some point, were not gonna be building any data centers for a while. After that, its just a question of whether you crash: Do you have a mild 1991-92-style recession or does it really become bad? A more bullish case Bank of America Research weighed in on the semiconductors sector in a Friday note, writing that vendor financing in the space, especially Nvidias $100 billion commitment to OpenAI, has been raising eyebrows. Nevertheless, the team, led by senior analyst Vivek Arya, argued that the deal is structured by performance and competitive need, rather than pure speculative frenzy. In an interview with Fortune, Arya explained why he wasnt worried despite the optics being pretty obviously bad. Its very easy to say, Oh, Nvidia is giving [OpenAI] money and they are buying chips with that money and so on, but he argued the headlines are misleading about how much money is actually being spent and the $100 billion sticker price on the OpenAI deal scared everyone. Noting that the deal has multiple tranches that will play out over several years to come, he said its not like Nvidia is just handing a $100 billion check to OpenAI [and saying] you know, go have fun. Nvidia didnt fund all of it, Arya said of the wider generative AI capex boom. Citing public filings, Arya argued that Nvidias entire investment in the AI ecosystem is in fact less than $8 billion or so over the last 12 months, not such a large figure after all. And hes still bullish on Nvidia and OpenAI, he added, because he sees them as the winners of this particular story. We think they are going to be among the four or five ecosystems that come up. Its not like Nvidia is going and investing in every one of those ecosystems, right? Theyre only investing in one of those five, which is, of course, the most disruptive, that being OpenAI. When asked about his own fears of a bubble, Arya actually sounded a calmer but strikingly similar tune to Shalett. Im extremely comfortable with what will happen in the next 12 months, Arya said, And I have high sense of optimism about what will happen in the next five years. But can there be periods of digestion in between? Yeah. Explaining that this is the nature of any infrastructure cycle, its not always up and to the right. In other words, after the next nine months in Shaletts opinion and the next year in Aryas, the data-center buildout endgame could be in play. When these data centers are built, Arya said, they are not built for todays demand. Theyre built with some anticipation of demand that will develop in the next, you know, 12 to 18 months. So, are they going to be 100% utilized all the time? No. Rising worries about a bubble Some of the biggest names in tech and Wall Street offered were hedging hard about the possibility of a bubble on Friday. Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon and Jeff Bezos, both speaking at a tech conference in Turin, Italy, said they were seeing the same patterns as Shalett. Solomon said the massive amounts of spending werent fundamentally different from other booms and busts. There will be a lot of capital that was deployed that didnt deliver returns, he said. Thats no different from how investment works. We just dont know how that will play out. Bezos characterized it as kind of an industrial bubble, arguing that the infrastructure would pay off for many years to come. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who got markets jittery in late August when he mentioned the B-word, was asked again to comment on the subject while touring (what else?) a giant new data center in Texas. Between the 10 years weve already been operating and the many decades ahead of us, there will be booms and busts, Altman said. People will overinvest and lose money, and underinvest and lose a lot of revenue. For his part, Cisco CEO John Chambers, one of the faces of the dotcom bubble, told the Associated Press on October 3 that he sees a lot of tremendous optimism about AI that is similar to the irrational exuberance on a really large scale that marked the internet age. It indicates a bubble to him, but only a future bubble for certain companies. Is there going to be train wreck? Yes, for those that arent able to translate the technology into a sustainable competitive advantage, how are you going to generate revenue after all the money you poured into it? When asked whether the size of this potential bubble represents uncharted waters for the economy, especially considering the one-note nature of the long bull market, Shalett said Wall Streeters are always evaluating risk. But putting on her American citizen hat, she warned about the media consolidation that sees Oracles founder Larry Ellison also now playing a major role in TikTok (as part of a buying consortium of Trump-friendly billionaires) and Paramount in Hollywood and CBS News in New York (through his son, David Ellison, the media companys new owner). Shalett said shes worried about groupthink filtering into the functioning of markets. That is not something that most of us have experienced in our lifetimes, she said. You stop factoring in risk premiums into markets, there is no bear case to anything. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com The Department of Energy is looking to cut billions more in federal funding, and many promising startups as well as automakers Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis could be affected by the Trump administrations decision. The proposed cuts would cancel more than $500 million of contracts awarded to more than a dozen startups, according to a TechCrunch analysis of an internal document that has not become public yet. All of the proposed cuts are grants that had been awarded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The proposed cancellations, many of which have not been reported before, come on top of more than $7.5 billion in contracts the Trump administration said it would cut last week. Startups might not be the only losers. Other companies slated to lose grants worth hundreds of millions of dollars include Daimler Trucks North America, Ford, General Motors, Harley-Davidson, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Stellantis, and Volvo Technology of America, according to the document viewed by TechCrunch. Sources confirmed with TechCrunch these are proposed cuts. General Motors could lose at least $500 million in grant money issued from a federal Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grant program. The money was going to be used to retool the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant in Michigan. The automaker announced in July 2024 it planned to produce electrified vehicles, including hybrids, at the plant. Some of the awards are significant and, if cut, will undoubtedly affect the startups operations. Several were included in a list of proposed cuts that leaked last week, but many are new and have yet to be announced. TechCrunch has reached out to several of the companies and will update this article if they reply. Two awards on the chopping block topped $100 million, including a $189 million award granted to materials startup Brimstone. Those funds would have helped the company build a plant to produce Portland cement, alumina, and other materials using less carbon dioxide. The other went to Anovion, a Chicago-based startup that is working to build a factory to produce a domestic supply of synthetic graphite for lithium-ion batteries. Currently, Chinese companies dominate the graphite market. Battery materials startup Li Industries received $55.2 million under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to recycle LFP batteries in an attempt to wrest part of that supply chain from China. Other cement startups are on the list, too. Somerville, Massachusetts-based Sublime Systems was given an award for $86.9 million to build an ultra-low-carbon cement plant. Mountain View-based Furno, which is making a novel, modular cement kiln, would lose its $20 million grant to build a demonstration plant in Chicago. Trilogy Metals (TMQ) shares more than tripled today after President Donald Trumps administration announced a sizable position in the mining firm based out of Vancouver, Canada. The U.S. government has agreed to invest nearly $36 million in TMQ in exchange for a 10% stake. More News from Barchart Trilogy Metals focuses primarily on the Ambler mining district in Alaska, which, according to the companys chief executive, Tony Giardini, is home to some of the worlds richest known copper-dominant polymetallic deposits. Following todays explosive rally, TMG stock is trading more than 500% higher than its price at the start of this year. www.barchart.com What a Federal Stake Really Means for Trilogy Metals Stock The announced federal stake is meaningfully positive for Trilogy Metals stock primarily because it suggests potential alignment with federal priorities around domestic mineral security. TMQ assets include copper (HGZ25), cobalt, and zinc (ZAF26) all of which are vital for clean energy, defense, and infrastructure. With Washington increasingly focused on reducing reliance on foreign supply chains, especially China, Trilogy projects could benefit from fast-tracked permitting, grants, or strategic partnerships. This is a vote of confidence in American mining, said a TMQ spokesperson. The Ambler Road project, long mired in environmental review, may now see renewed momentum. More importantly, the White House investment could attract institutional capital to TMQ shares as well, giving the firm the much-needed financial runway to advance exploration and development. Risks of Buying TMQ Shares at Current Levels Despite the headline boost, investors should practice caution in initiating a position in TMQ stock as it remains a speculative bet at best. The mining company is yet to start generating any revenue. So far, it relies heavily on joint ventures and external funding. Therefore, its valuation having surpassed $1.5 billion is difficult to justify given the early stage nature of its assets and persistent permitting hurdles. Cash burn remains high, and dilution risk looms as the company seeks capital to fund exploration. Simply put, political involvement doesnt guarantee project success. (Reuters) -The United States has approved several billion dollars worth of Nvidia chip exports to the United Arab Emirates, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday. The Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security recently issued the Nvidia export licenses under the terms of a bilateral artificial intelligence agreement hashed out in May, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter. The deal would boost UAE's construction of data centers vital to developing AI models. Nvidia declined to comment on the report. "The Commerce Department is fully committed to the transformational U.S.-UAE AI partnership deal," a spokesperson for the government told Bloomberg. The White House and the U.S. Department of Commerce did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comments, white representatives for the UAE could not be immediately reached. The U.S. has a preliminary agreement with the Emirates' to allow it to import 500,000 of Nvidia's most advanced AI chips per year, starting in 2025, Reuters reported in May. The agreement was at least through 2027, but there was a chance it could be in place until 2030. U.S. President Donald Trump has made improving ties with some Gulf countries a key goal of his administration. Trump in May, while on a tour of the Gulf region, announced $600 billion worth of commitments from Saudi Arabia, including deals to buy large quantities of chips from Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices, and Qualcomm. (Reporting by Yazhini M V in Bengaluru; Additional reported by Mrinmay Dey; Editing by Rashmi Aich) By Stephen Nellis SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -U.S. lawmakers are calling for broader bans on chipmaking equipment to China after a bipartisan investigation found that Chinese chipmakers had purchased $38 billion of sophisticated gear last year. Inconsistencies in rules issued by the United States, Japan and the Netherlands have led to non-U.S. chip equipment manufacturers selling to some Chinese firms that U.S. companies could not, according to a report published on Tuesday by the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on China. The committee called for broader bans by the U.S. and its allies on chipmaking tool sales to China, rather than narrower bans on sales to specific Chinese chipmakers. The $38 billion was purchased 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. That accounted for nearly 39% of the aggregate sales of Applied Materials, Lam Research, KLA, ASML and Tokyo Electron, the report found. "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. Both U.S. Democratic and Republican administrations have sought to restrict China's ability to make microchips - crucial to fields such as artificial intelligence and military modernization. The two economic superpowers are also vying to sell advanced technology such as AI data centers to other nations. 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 in an interview. ASML and KLA declined to comment. Applied Materials and Lam Research did not respond to a request for comment. The committee said 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. Seasoned beauty executive Vasiliki Petrou has launched her own company, Veralis Group Ltd. Petrou, who served as Unilever Prestige chief executive officer for a decade, said on LinkedIn that Veralis was created to support founders at the intersection of beauty, wellness, longevity and consumer health. Our goal is to build ecosystems where everyone wins, and I am excited to start this new chapter with inspiring partners and collaborators. More from WWD Petrou began Unilever Prestige from scratch in 2014 and within 10 years assembled a 1.4 billion-euro division through an M&A-based strategy. She spearheaded a series of acquisitions at the CPG giant, starting with the much sought-after Dermalogica in 2015 for an estimated purchase price of $1 billion. Petrou built a division that by the time of her departure in June 2024 encompassed 11 brands overall. Her last acquisition there was the buzzy hair care player K18 Biomimetic Hair Science. Petrou is known for taking a founder-first approach to the business. I dont like one-size-fits-all, she said in a WWD article last year. No cookie-cutter. Under her leadership, Unilever became known for successfully integrating founder-led brands into the company with a method that respected the vision of the founder while allowing the brands to capitalize on the operational expertise and scale of the parent company. Earlier in her career, Petrou served as vice president of personal care at Unilever, and spent almost 19 years at Procter & Gamble in various positions, including as global managing director, marketing director and U.K. marketing manager of hair care. There is nothing cookie-cutter about Petrou, who eschews the traditional corporate uniform in favor of suits in tangerine, lime and hot pink and boldly patterned Pucci print shirts. Raised in Volos, Greece, Petrou earned a masters degree in American literature at the University of Texas. A post-graduation job in crisis management at Burson Marsteller spurred a desire to work in business, and Petrou headed to Columbia University, where she earned her MBA. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Research appears to back this up. A study published in the Healthcare (Basel) Journal (2) showed that increased social interactions and frequent gatherings with family improved the overall life satisfaction of older adults. Instead, Buffett prefers a more sentimental measure: Youll measure [wealth] by how many [people] really love you in the end. You cant buy love. Considering he was speaking to a congregation of college students, he said their energy and education already made it likely theyll make good money down the road, so that shouldnt be the primary yardstick for gauging success in their lives. Lifes basic necessities and interests, according to Buffett, arent much different for those with modest means and those with immense wealth. Think about it, seven hours a day you are in bed, he told the Georgia Tech students. Youve got the exact same mattress Ive got. So, we are on a parity. I cant outdo you in terms of my sleeping enjoyment We eat at the same places We dress more or less the same. Buffett believes that, beyond a certain level of wealth, peoples lifestyles and experiences arent actually all that different. Heres a closer look at the Oracle of Omahas method of tracking success. The Berkshire Hathaway CEO became a millionaire in his early 30s and a billionaire by his 50s. Hes now almost 94 years old and offers a unique perspective on wealth and success compared to his peers one that includes living a simple, frugal life. Buffett is the 11th wealthiest person in the world behind Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, among others with an estimated net worth of $135 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. (1) Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake heres what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how When you get to my age, you will not measure how well youve done with how much money youve got, I can guarantee you that, he once said in a speech to students at Georgia Tech. The money isnt going to be that big a deal. Weve all heard it before: money doesnt buy happiness and investing legend Warren Buffett took that sentiment one step further. Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. Story Continues On the flip side, social support and frequent interactions with other people were not the only factors determining life satisfaction. Another study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing (3) found that poverty had negative mental health impacts on elderly people as they struggled to meet their basic needs. Simply put, Buffett is correct in that money isnt everything. However, its still a vital ingredient for a long, fulfilling life. For example, being able to retire on your terms is a key part of enjoying your golden years. With that in mind, investing and building your long-term wealth is actually an important goal just dont forget to build friendships and social connections while you do it. Read more: US car insurance costs have surged 50% from 2020 to 2024 this simple 2-minute check could put hundreds back in your pocket Can money buy (some) happiness? Studies by Nobel Prize-winning economist Daniel Kahneman and happiness researcher Matthew Killingsworth have established a link (4) between wealth and overall life satisfaction. Earning more money, they found, tended to make people happier. For people seeking more satisfaction in their lives, they could still follow Buffetts principles on wealth-building. The Oracle of Omahas frugal spending habits, focus on long-term investments, diversification, avoidance of debt and value-oriented investment strategies could help many people accumulate sizable fortunes over time especially if they start young. But you dont need to be an investing guru to start amassing capital. For example, Buffett swears by low-cost index funds, such as an S&P 500 index fund. In my view, for most people, the best thing to do is own the S&P 500 index fund, Buffett stated during Berkshire Hathaways 2020 annual shareholders meeting. He also goes on to say that timing the markets isnt an effective strategy. Instead, what works is consistently investing in an index fund over a 30-year horizon, regardless of the stock market fluctuations. You dont need to invest thousands of dollars in an index fund to reap the benefits you can start with something as small as spare change from everyday purchases. For instance, if you invest just $30 each week for 20 years, youd end up with a balance of $93,660, assuming it compounds at 10% annually. (5) This isnt unachievable the S&P 500 index has generated 10.56% average annual returns since 1957. (6) If you want to get started investing, working with a robo-advisor tailored to your risk tolerance could be a good place to start. One option is to turn everyday purchases into an investing opportunity with Acorns. Acorns rounds up your everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference into diversified low-cost index ETFs. So, when you buy a coffee for $4.25, Acorns automatically invests the $0.75 difference into a smart investment portfolio. If you want to double down on your investments, Acorns also lets you set up monthly recurring contributions for your portfolio. Even better, you can get a $20 bonus investment to kickstart your investing journey when you sign up with Acorns and establish a monthly deposit. Of course, Buffetts investments go beyond just index funds. However, his portfolio is concentrated in just 41 stocks (as of the second quarter of 2025) underscoring the importance of picking your stocks with care. (7) But for most investors, it can be difficult to identify value stocks with precision. Fortunately, you can get advice from hedge fund analysts, thanks to platforms like Moby. Mobys team of former hedge fund analysts and experts spend hundreds of hours each week sifting through financial news and data to provide you with breaking stock recommendations. And if you sign up for Moby Premium you get one free top-stock. Mobys success speaks for itself. The platforms stock picks have outperformed the S&P 500 index by about 11.9% over the past four years. Even better, Moby offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can see if the service is right for you. If youre worried about stock market volatility, you could instead look into alternative asset classes, such as real estate. Over time, real estate values tend to go up, especially in growing cities, and can be relatively resistant to inflation and recession. They can also generate passive income. [If] you offer me 1% of all the apartment houses in the country and you want another $25 billion, Ill write you a check, its very simple, Buffett remarked during Berkshire Hathaways 2022 annual shareholders meeting. The reason is simple The apartments are going to produce rent. But real estate investments are more complicated than you might realize. If you want to be a landlord, you need to think about finding reliable tenants, paying for property taxes and general upkeep, as well as being the go-to person to fix issues like broken light fixtures or burst pipes. If this seems like too much to take on, you might consider investing in real estate through crowdfunding platforms like Arrived. Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived helps you buy into shares of prime residential real estate and vacation rentals across the country. Its also easy to build up steam since you can get started with just $100. Arrived manages everything for you from property taxes to finding reliable tenants so you can sit back and relax. And any rental income generated by the property is distributed to shareholders monthly, helping you set up a source of passive income. Plus, after the investment hold period ends, any capital appreciation of the property will be passed on to you through capital gains distributions. But the real estate market can fluctuate, too. If you want to capitalize on the growth opportunities while hedging against broader risks, you could tap into the $34.9 trillion U.S. home equity market instead. Those who have the capital on hand can consider investing in Homeshares U.S. Home Equity Fund. With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property. With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach can provide an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets. You May Also Like Join 200,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now. Article sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. Bloomberg (1); Healthcare (Basel) Journal (2); Journal of Advanced Nursing (3); The Guardian (4); Acorns (5); S&P 500 (6); GuruFocus (7) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Key Points Jumia hosted analyst visits and noted it was benefiting from cheaper Chinese goods to Africa due to U.S. tariffs. One Wall Street analyst hiked his price target on shares by 130%. Jumia also rolled out an electric bike delivery initiative in Uganda. 10 stocks we like better than Jumia Technologies Ag Shares of African e-commerce leader Jumia Technologies (NYSE: JMIA) rallied 35% in September, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. Jumia didn't have much in the way of company-specific news in the month, as it disclosed second-quarter earnings results back in early August. However, Jumia's management gave an interview and hosted analysts, explaining how the Trump administration's tariffs are actually benefiting the African e-commerce company. Midway through the month, a Wall Street sell-side analyst more than doubled his price target on shares, leading to a 22% increase on the same day. As U.S. levies tariffs on China, Jumia can buy for cheaper Early in September, Jumia CEO Francis Dufay gave an interview with Bloomberg, highlighting a number of points. Jumia has undergone a cost-cutting restructuring effort, and some of the currency volatility it experienced over the past quarters and years has calmed down. More encouragingly, Dufay noted Jumia now has better negotiating power with Chinese vendors as a result of the United States' recent tariff policies, which have raised prices to U.S. consumers. As a result of Jumia's lower costs and better bargaining power, on Sept. 16, RBC Capital's Brad Erickson raised his price target on Jumia shares from $6.50 all the way to $15. As of Oct. 7, Jumia's stock sits just a bit below $12 per share. Erickson noted that he sees Jumia's newfound leverage with Chinese sellers enabling it to increase the "take rate" -- or the fee that it's able to charge its vendors -- by a half to full point as a percentage of revenue annually over the next few years. The only company-specific news item during the month was Jumia announcing the launch of electric bike delivery in Uganda. The initiative is meant to replace its fossil fuel-based fleet, helping Jumia lower fuel costs and achieve its ESG goals. Image source: Getty Images. Jumia is a high-risk, high-reward international play With the U.S. market trading at a significantly higher valuation than other markets around the world, international stocks like Jumia might have more upside than their U.S. counterparts. Jumia isn't very cheap, though, especially not after last month's appreciation, trading at over 8 times sales, while the company is still losing money. However, the company is forecasting mid-teens GMV (gross merchandise volume) growth, with falling economic unit costs, and management predicts Jumia will get to breakeven by the end of 2026. Good morning. There are more leadership changes in the Fortune 500, with Verizons CFO, Tony Skiadas, gaining a new strategic partnerDan Schulmanas chief executive. Verizon (No. 30) announced on Monday that its lead director, Schulman, most recently CEO of PayPal and formerly with AT&T and Virgin Mobile, is succeeding Hans Vestberg as Verizons CEO, effective immediately. The company reconfirmed its full-year 2025 guidance and postponed the release of its third-quarter earnings report to Oct. 29. Mark Bertolini, Verizons chairman, called Vestberg, in a statement, an extraordinary leader who drove network investment and innovation. He said that with the Frontier Communications acquisition nearing completion, the board and Hans discussed that now is the right time for a CEO transition. Bertolini stated that Schulman is the right leader to guide Verizons next phase of increased customer focus and financial growth. Schulman said in a statement that hes honored to serve as CEO, adding, Verizon is at a critical juncture. Schulman has served on Verizons board since 2018 and was elected lead independent director in December. Michael Hodel, director of communications services equity research for Morningstar, told me that Verizon underperformed under Vestberg, at least in the eyes of many market participants. He continued, From my view, Verizon has struggled to articulate a clear strategy around market positioning, branding, and pricing, sticking too long to messaging that produced success when it was clearly the best network in the industry. Hodel added that Verizon needs to adapt to the current market structure and has failed to live up to growth forecasts under Vestberg. Hodel added: My guess is that the board was losing patience given how the stock has performed. Scott Simmons, co-managing partner at executive search firm Crist Kolder Associates, commented on Verizons announcement: Vestberg was named CEO in 2018, seven years ago, and the stock has not moved in the right direction the past few years, which increased pressure from investors, Simmons said. Verizons stock price has dropped notably since its peak between 2018 and 2020 and is down about 30% over the past five years, reflecting sustained underperformance compared to broader market indices. On Monday, the stock fell by 5% following the announcement that Schulman has replaced Vestberg as CEO. Verizon did not provide further comment on the reason for the CEO change. Simmons, who has more than 20 years of experience in executive recruiting, described Schulman as bringing a fresh perspective to Verizon, with leadership experience across multiple industries, including telecom and fintech. He noted that Schulman successfully transformed PayPal, now valued at nearly $70 billion. Schulman is the force that will change Verizons direction, Simmons said. Key Points Wolfspeed shares soared after it exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy. But existing shareholders faced substantial dilution. What will the future hold for this embattled chipmaker? 10 stocks we like better than Wolfspeed With shares up by more than 1,600% since late September, Wolfspeed (NYSE: WOLF) looks like the quintessential comeback story after it emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. But the devil is in the details. Let's discuss the specific terms of the company's recent debt restructuring deal and explore what these developments could mean for new investors who have been drawn by the potential for rapid multibagger returns. Image source: Getty Images. The devil really is in the details Unfortunately for Wolfspeed's long-suffering investors, the stock's recent rally is not what it seems. In late September, Wolfspeed exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy through an agreement that reduced its overall debt by around 70%. But this came at an incredibly steep cost. Legacy equity holders were almost wiped out because the company canceled all their old shares and issued them new ones at an exchange rate of less than 1%. In other words, if you owned 100 shares of Wolfspeed stock before restructuring, you have less than one share today, significantly diluting potential returns. Most of the ownership has been transferred to creditors, including through stock warrants and other financial instruments that can cause even more dilution when they are exercised in the future. But while Wolfspeed's legacy shareholders have pulled the short end of the stick with the recent debt restructuring deal, their loss could present an opportunity for new investors to bet on a much leaner and less debt-ridden version of the company. This also comes with challenges. What does the future hold for Wolfspeed? Wolfspeed's aggressive, equity-based debt restructuring deal may suggest that some of its creditors have faith in the future of the business. This may have something to do with its focus on next-generation technologies like silicon carbide-based semiconductors, which boast significant advantages in performance (such as higher thermal conductivity and lower energy loss) compared to traditional chips. Wolfspeed's technology is relevant to supply chains for electric vehicle (EV) production and renewable energy, which are sensitive to U.S. national security amid the intensifying economic competition with China. The company is in line to receive $750 million in federal funding for its U.S. plant expansion under the Biden-era CHIPS Act -- although it is unclear whether the Trump administration will follow through. This story was originally published on Social Media Today. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Social Media Today newsletter. X has renamed its X Premium business package, while its also added new tiers for business subscribers, as it looks to entice more brands to pay for its add-on features, in order boost their X presence. First off, X is changing the name of its business offering from Verified Organizations to Premium Business, which now includes three variable price tiers of membership: Im in Australia, so the prices here are listed in AUD (and annual), but monthly pricing in U.S. dollars is: X Premium Business Basic - $200/month X Premium Business Full Access - $1,000/month Which is pricey, but the Basic tier offers an alternative, with Verified Organizations only previously being available at the $1k per month full access price point. As you can see in the above overview of each package, Xs business offerings include a range of functional additions, which could be of benefit for your business. As explained by X: Premium Business is the ultimate solution to drive growth on X. Gain instant credibility with a gold checkmark the platforms strongest symbol of trust along with affiliate badges to grow your brands presence across the platform, advanced impersonation defense, and fast VIP human support to resolve issues quickly. Premium Business also unlocks a suite of tools to recruit top talent, monitor real-time news about your brand or industry, enhance productivity with SuperGrok, and so much more. So while it is an additional expense, there are some valuable benefits here. And with research showing that youre not going to get basically any organic reach at all for your X posts unless you pay for Premium, if you are serious about reaching your target audience in the app, it could be worth paying up. In addition to the repackaged offering, X has also announced a new marketplace for X handles, so that you can bid on the best @name for your business. As you can see in this overview, the final feature listed is the capacity to buy a vacated X handle, for a certain price. X hasnt outlined the actual costs on this front, but the platform has previously discussed auctioning off dormant handles (for up to $50k each), while the company has also reportedly reacquired some handles from users, in order to on sell them for the right price. So it seems like a lot of @handles may be available, if you want to pay for them. It does seem like the more common names might be out of the reach of smaller organizations, but there may be alternatives available for free that also suit. The initial sales results of Xiaomi's new 17-series smartphones have "exceeded expectations" so far, according to company founder, chairman and CEO Lei Jun in a Tuesday post on the Chinese microblogging platform Weibo. Beijing-based Xiaomi launched its 17-series smartphones last month, two weeks after Apple introduced its iPhone 17 models. In a separate Weibo post on Tuesday, Xiaomi's smartphone business president, Lu Weibing, apologised for the "insufficient stock" of the company's new flagship handset in the market, which has inconvenienced buyers. On October 2, Lu said more than 1 million units of the Xiaomi 17 had been sold a week after it was released, which surpassed the previous series' performance. 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. The latest posts from Xiaomi's senior executives reflected the company's confidence in its sharpened focus to compete in premium-priced smartphones, handsets that cost more than US$600, against rivals Apple and Huawei Technologies. At last month's product launch, Lei touted that the Xiaomi 17 series already "surpassed the iPhone 17 series in many areas". That included the latest models' thin design and a new imaging system, suitable for backlight photography, that was developed through a partnership with German optical giant Leica. Xiaomi founder, chairman and CEO Lei Jun speaks during the launch of the company's 17-series smartphones in Beijing on September 25, 2025. Photo: EPA alt=Xiaomi founder, chairman and CEO Lei Jun speaks during the launch of the company's 17-series smartphones in Beijing on September 25, 2025. Photo: EPA> The senior Xiaomi executives lauded the promotional and marketing efforts behind the 17 series in spite of some analysts' negative sales projections. Total Xiaomi 17 shipments were expected to be more than 20 per cent lower than the firm's original plan of 10 million units, falling below the previous Xiaomi 15 series shipments of 8 million units, according to a research note last week from TF International Securities analyst Kuo Ming-chi. Kuo said the lower shipment forecast was because of "weaker-than-expected" demand for the basic Xiaomi 17 model, compared with the stronger performance of the standard iPhone 17 model. In an unconventional move, Xiaomi jumped straight to the 17 series after its 15 series was launched in October last year, which signalled its direct challenge to Apple's latest flagship model. Efforts around preventing the spread of New World screwworm (NWS) continue on both sides of the U.S.-Mexican border as FDA officials announce conditional approval for a drug to prevent and treat larval infestations from the parasitic pest. The approval announcement comes on the heels of a report that NWS has been detected less than 70 miles from the U.S. border in the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon. USDA reported on Sept. 21 that this case the to-date northernmost incursion of NWS is located near a highway to Laredo, Texas, which is one of the most heavily trafficked commercial thoroughfares in the world. The drug, an injectable solution, earned conditional approval for cattle only; it is intended to treat a current infestation and prevent reinfestation for 21 days. The difference between conditional and full approval is laid out on the FDAs website: Both statuses require drug companies to prove that the animal drug is safe when used according to the label. However, to gain full approval, the FDA requires substantial evidence of the drugs effectiveness, whereas the bar to get conditional approval is a reasonable expectation of effectiveness. Conditionally approved drugs will be labeled as such, with a caveat that full approval status is pending. Companies can promote, advertise, and sell conditionally approved treatments for their labeled uses. The one-year status can be renewed for a total of five years, but the company is required to show the FDA they are making progress toward meeting the substantial evidence of effectiveness benchmark for full approval, FDA notes. FDA commissioner Marty Makary stated in the administrations Sept. 30 press release, We understand the urgency with which Americas farmers and ranchers are asking for tools to fight New World screwworm. We continue to work tirelessly to complete the review of other NWS products to protect multiple animal species in the U.S. The drug in question has already received full approval for treatment and control of some nematode and arthropod parasites in cattle and swine. FDA encourages producers and veterinarians to do their part to minimize the possibility of antiparasitic resistance by administering this type of drug only when necessary, as well as adhering to labeling instructions and using them as one tool in a comprehensive management plan. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. . . . Glovo is an on-demand, multicategory delivery platform that connects customers with local couriers to deliver food, groceries, pharmaceuticals, and other items through its mobile app. Glovo is available in 25 countries across Europe, Asia and Africa. By using the Celonis platform Glovo intends to streamline its financial operations as well as freeing up time to focus on analysing trends, identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements and providing deeper insights. Historically, Finance professionals have spent considerable time on manual data entry, reconciliation, and moving information between disconnected systems - processes prone to error and lacking in strategic contribution, said Fernando Ranz, Vice President and Country Leader for Iberia and Latin America at Celonis. Celonis fundamentally changes this dynamic by empowering teams with AI and PI. Using the Celonis Process Intelligence platform, Glovo is optimising cash flow and accelerating productivity by: Preventing incorrect payments: The Duplicate Invoice Checker App detects and manages duplicate invoices using AI-driven matching and real-time ERP integration. Optimising payments: The Payment Term Checker App highlights discrepancies between accounting documents, POs, and vendor master data to optimise payment term usage. Improving net cash flow: The Open Credit Memo App optimises memo management, monitoring and prioritising open memos based on value, aging, and risk of write-offs. Increasing automation: Intelligent Payment Reminders de-silo and unify invoice data, predict overdue payments, and accelerate collections with proactive reminders created with Action Flows. With Celonis, weve been able to intelligently automate the repetitive, time-consuming tasks in AP and AR, said Carles Rosas, VP of Finance at Glovo. This allows our team to spend less time on manual data entry and system transfers, and more time focusing on strategic work that drives our companys growth and profitability. Celonis makes this possible by combining process data from Glovos systems and enriching it with business context to create a living digital twin of business operations. This twin is at the heart of the Celonis platform and provides a common language for understanding and improving how the business runs. Teams, augmented by AI that knows how the business flows thanks to Process Intelligence, can optimise processes and orchestrate operations. "Our Celonis deployment was championed by our Data Team, whose understanding of both our business and technology landscape helped us to deliver value with incredible speed," said Shiro Theuri, Chief Technology Officer at Glovo. Celonis enabled us to go beyond the dashboard and build automations that drive real business impact. COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT: Company To Accelerate Provision of IT Managed Services Offering To Support Australian SMBs Scale Up and Out With AI Transformation Kytec, a leading systems integrator in the delivery and management of a full suite of IT, CRM and customer experience solutions, has announced a company rebrand after two decades of success in providing IT services for Australias mid-market businesses and public sector agencies. The rebrand, which includes a new logo, website (www.kytec.com.au), and modern visual identity reflects the companys renewed focus on agility, innovation, and customer partnership as it accelerates into a new era of AI-powered business transformation. Kytecs rebrand also coincides with the companys accelerated push into servicing the IT transformation requirements of Australian small to medium-sized businesses. The company now offers a suite of managed services to support new market opportunities afforded by AI-based digital transformation. Kytecs managed services are aimed at reducing costs and risks for SMBs while supporting them to rearchitect their business, improve and secure workflows, and optimise everyday business operations in areas such as customer and employee experience. The core transformation work weve long been known for - helping businesses transform operations and the customer experience - will continue across the enterprise and mid-market, says David Okulicz, CEO, Kytec. Whats especially exciting now is bringing those same capabilities to the SMB market. By combining our managed services with deep advisory and implementation expertise, were delivering high-value consulting thats traditionally been out of reach for smaller businesses. SMBs often lack the resources for top-tier guidance and end up navigating change on their own. As their MSP, were uniquely positioned to bridge that gap by leveraging day-to-day support insights to help drive transformation. Its a powerful capability no one else is offering. As part of its services, Kytec works with businesses to identify their challenges, assess the best delivery option and provide for scalable IT solutions to supercharge AI efficiency and contain costs. As SMBs look to differentiate themselves, the quantum of the AI opportunity on offer means more businesses are looking to make changes to unleash their full growth potential, says Okulicz. This means taking a fresh look at the business and how it operates. Businesses grow organically and slowly build up ways of working that enable them to run successfully. These patterns, practices, and processes make each business unique and our managed services are designed to support them, so leaders can focus on injecting intelligence and agentic AI into the way these practices are designed, delivered and executed. More than 80 per cent of Australian organisations with headcounts of 200 to 500 staff are attempting to embrace AI as are 68 per cent of small and medium enterprises, according to the National AI Centres Adoption Tracker. The Productivity Commission has estimated this game changing technology has the potential to add $116 billion to Australias economy over the next decade, via an unprecedented productivity surge. Faster access to accurate data which can be used to inform decision making is the business outcome most often sought, according to the Adoption Tracker, with enhanced resource optimisation and improved employee experience and engagement also high on the list. The businesses that get this right over the coming two to three years are the businesses that are going to dominate the market, win in their markets, scale to seize new opportunities, and continually refine the customer journey, says Okulicz. Our rebrand reflects that future, and we look forward to building mutually beneficial business opportunities with our customers and industry partners in the years ahead. China urges Group of Friends of Neutrality members to reform and improve global governance Xinhua) 08:07, October 09, 2025 Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, makes remarks in a video address delivered to the second meeting of parliamentary leaders of the Group of Friends of Neutrality member states, at the invitation of Dunyagozel Gulmanova, chairperson of the National Assembly (Mejlis) of Turkmenistan, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) BEIJING, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Leji, China's top legislator, on Wednesday called on member states of the Group of Friends of Neutrality to work together to revitalize multilateralism, and to reform and improve global governance. Zhao, who is chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, made the remarks in a video address delivered to the second meeting of parliamentary leaders of the Group of Friends of Neutrality member states, at the invitation of Dunyagozel Gulmanova, chairperson of the National Assembly (Mejlis) of Turkmenistan. Since its establishment more than five years ago, the Group of Friends of Neutrality has become a good platform for its members to enhance understanding and mutual trust, deepen exchange and cooperation, and implement multilateralism, Zhao said. He noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations (UN). And as the world has entered a period of turbulence and transformation, the UN and multilateralism now face headwinds. Zhao said that in early September, China's head of state proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which underscores the principles of sovereign equality, the international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach to governance, and real action. The GGI -- aimed at promoting a more just and equitable global governance system -- is another major, widely welcomed initiative following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, he said. Wednesday's meeting of parliamentary leaders centered on the role of inter-parliamentary dialogue in protecting world peace and trust, and carries far-reaching significance, Zhao said. Legislative bodies shoulder the responsibilities of actively advancing just, equitable global governance, and building a community with a shared future for humanity, he added. He called on all parties to implement the four global initiatives, strengthen cooperation, revitalize multilateralism, reform and improve global governance, and firmly uphold the international system with the UN at its core and the international-law-based international order. Noting that China and Turkmenistan are good friends and partners, Zhao said that the two heads of state have held friendly exchanges and charted a new course for the development of bilateral relations during Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's recent stay in China. "China is willing to work with Turkmenistan to implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state; deepen comprehensive, mutually beneficial cooperation; and advance the building of a China-Turkmenistan community with a shared future," Zhao said. The Group of Friends of Neutrality was established in August 2020 on the initiative of Turkmenistan. China is one of the 18 founding nations. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Syrian Christians Seek Stability, Equal Citizenship: Assyrian Patriarch Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem, head of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Syria's Christian minority continues to face an uncertain future decades into the country's conflict and political upheaval, according to the head of the Syriac Orthodox church, caught between dwindling numbers, political marginalization and hopes for an inclusive state. "Unfortunately, many Christians have migrated from Syria due to the lack of stability and the unclear vision of the future of Syria," Said Archbishop Ignatius Aphrem, a senior Syriac Orthodox, in an exclusive interview with Rudaw. "Christians are certainly part of the Syrian community, so the general situation of Syrians is also the situation of Christians," said Aphrem Aphrem said that although the community supported the political transition that brought the current government to power, little has improved for Christians or other minorities. "Of course, their situation has not changed for the better until now," he said. "They are the original inhabitants of Syria and have existed for thousands of years... But what we expect now in Syria is that Christians will be treated like first class citizens." According to the archbishop, Christians were encouraged to take part in the recent indirect parliamentary elections, but only two members of the community were elected, a result that "worries us." "We want Christians to be equal in all their rights and duties. It is our duty to serve our country. But we want to be given the opportunity to serve this country," he added. While the government of President Ahmed al-Sharra has sought to reassure minorities, Aphrem said that instability and internal divisions continue to hinder progress. "Even now, there is no complete control over the situation in Syria. Therefore, this is scary for everyone," he said. He described his May meeting with Sharra as "constructive and positive," noting that he gave them "some reassurances about the future of Syria and about Syria as a community for all its citizens." Still, he acknowledged the government's limitations. Aphrem stressed that Christians are not seeking special privileges or international protection. "We are against giving any privileges to Christians," he said. "But we want Christians to be citizens of the first degree... And this is what we heard from the president. This is what he really promised." Despite these assurances, the Christian population continues to shrink dramatically. "In my opinion, the number does not exceed 500,000 Christians in Syria from more than 1.5 million 10 years ago," he said, noting that most are Orthodox Christians spread across Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Qamishli, Hasakah, and the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartous. Below is the full transcript of the interview with Ignatius Aphrem: Rudaw: I would like to start with the situation of Christians in Syria. How do you assess the situation of Christians, especially after the change of government? Archbishop Ignatius Aphrem: Christians are certainly part of the Syrian community, so the general situation of Syrians is also the situation of Christians in general. Unfortunately, many Christians have migrated from Syria due to the lack of stability and the unclear vision of the future of Syria. Christians have been trying since the first day of the change in Syria to support the new government. Because it is in the interest of Christians and all Syrians to have stability in Syria, to have peace and to live with love and peace. Therefore, the situation of Christians is the same as that of the rest of Syrians. There are events that happen from one day to the next, which affect Christians as well as others, and this causes fear in the hearts of many people due to the lack of stability. Even now, there is no complete control over the situation in Syria. Therefore, this is scary for everyone. Has their situation changed for the better or for the worse after the change of government? Of course, their situation has not changed for the better until now. As I said, Christians are Syrians. They are the original inhabitants of Syria. They are from the original people in Syria and have existed for thousands of years.Their concern is that Syria will be stable and safe for all its people. But what we expect now in Syria is that Christians will be treated like first class citizens. They have rights and duties like all Syrians.This is what we hope that Christians, as well as the rest of Syrians, to live on their land with dignity and honor. Two days ago, there were elections for a new parliament, a temporary parliament for the people. Unfortunately, only two Christians were elected as members of this parliament.This worries us. We want Christians to be equal in all their rights and duties. It is our duty to serve our country. But we want to be given the opportunity to serve this country. Let's talk about your request. You mentioned that two deputies represent Christians in the parliament. Do they represent you? Did you boycott the elections? Was this the intention such as what the Druze, Kurds and Arabs in the north and east of Syria did? They did not participate in the elections. Did you boycott them? No, not at all. On the contrary, we encouraged our Christian children to participate in the elections. I should also say that the current government encouraged Christians to participate in the elections. But they did not participate. There were many Christians who were nominated for these elections, but they did not participate. This is what worries us the most. Why were they not elected? I don't know why. But maybe we are still living through a revolution of change, or a revolution of victory. Many Syrians thought that they were deprived for many decades from political work. Today is their chance, and we welcome this. We welcome the opportunity for all Syrians to work for Syria. Maybe some of them wanted to play a major role in these elections, but those other Syrian minorities were not given the opportunity to do so. Let me ask my question in a more clear way. Was there a lack of participation of Christians in the elections? Is this the main reason? Or do you have doubts about the election results? No, we do not have doubts about the election results. We do not have any information about any violations. But there was a lack of participation of some Christians. Yes, we encouraged them to participate, because we care that everyone participates. But there was a lack of participation of Christians and we need to study the reasons.Because the electors are a designated group of thousands of Syrians assigned by the interim government, including Christians, and these electors are the ones who elected from among themselves, around 140 members, and another 70 will be appointed by the president directly. Did you meet the president Sharaa? Yes, I met him last May. How was the meeting? It was constructive and positive. I think it was a good meeting. We were able to understand the direction. And of course, he gave us some reassurances about the future of Syria and about Syria as a community for all its citizens. And this is very important. And we still hear reassurances and good words from Syrian officials. But we also understand the difficulty of this government in implementing everything it wants on the ground for several reasons. What are the reasons? First, there are many regional and foreign interventions in Syria. Second, there are different groups that reached the government with the president, Ahmed Al-Sharra. And they differ in the degree of their religious commitment and openness to others. So, of course, there are some obstacles that prevent this government from implementing everything it wants now. But I personally do not doubt the government's intention. As for the situation on the ground, it still needs a lot of improvement. In your meeting, were there any promises to the Christians that were not fulfilled? Or do you have hope that they will be fulfilled? In the beginning, we do not ask for anything special for Christians in particular. And we are against international intervention or international protection for Christians. We are against giving any privileges to Christians. But we want Christians to be citizens of the first degree. And to act on the basis of citizenship. And this is what we heard from the president. This is what he really promised. And of course, there is an attempt by the government to reassure Christians and give positive signals on this issue. But I say again that this is still in its early stages. And of course, there is a need for time. But at this time, many Christians are leaving. And this is not good for Christians. They are still leaving? Yes. How many Christians are left in Syria? And the Orthodox in particular? In my opinion, the number does not exceed 500,000 Christians in Syria from more than 1.5 million 10 years ago. And most Christians in Syria are Orthodox. Of course, there are Syrians, Romans, and Orthodox Armenians. There are some Catholic churches and some Protestant churches as well. Where do they live? As a majority, for example. In which city? They are distributed throughout Syria. In every region of Syria. Of course, in Damascus, the capital, and around the capital, there is a large percentage. In the provinces of Homs, Aleppo, and the Syrian island of Qamishli, Haseka, in the north-east. And in Ladakia and Tartous. They are present in all these areas. Because they have lived on their lands for thousands of years. What do you think of the new constitution? The Kurds, Druze, and the Alawites rejected the new constitution. In fact, we do not have a new constitution yet. There is a constitutional declaration. It contains the main points that could be in the new constitution. In general, this constitution does not meet the aspirations of the Syrian people in general. Especially in the Islamic jurisprudence, which is the only source of legislation in Syria. Of course, we know and respect that Syria is a Muslim country. And the majority of the Syrian people are Muslims. But Syrians must have full rights, whether they are Muslims, Christians, or even non-Muslims. This constitution must be based more on civil principles. And this is what we missed in this constitutional declaration. And we hope that it will be amended in the future. Is this the only point in the constitution you have issues with? No, of course there are other points. But I am a religious man, I am the president of a church, and I do not practice politics. But of course there are politicians who object to the absence of representative democracy. Therefore, the people... In the current declaration, there are many authorities restricted to the president. And these things are brought up by politicians. For us, it is important that everyone is equal in everything, in rights and duties. And that they feel that they have a role in building a new Syria, which concerns us all. Are you confident about the new Syria and the future of Syria? I am optimistic, but I am careful. I am careful because the situation is still unstable. The vision is unclear. Many depend on the help of the neighboring countries and some of the countries that have the decision making power to help the Syrian people to advance towards a better future. But we hope that this help will not be at the expense of the Syrians. And this is what I mentioned at the beginning, interventions.If it is in the interest of the Syrian people, then of course we welcome it. But if it is for the national interests of these countries, then we cannot accept it. There were clashes in Suwayda and new clashes in Aleppo, in the Kurdish areas in Aleppo. Do you fear that Christians will be treated like Druze and Kurds in Syria? Of course, we are against the use of violence by anyone and against anyone.All Syrians are our holy blood. We do not want to see any form of violence anywhere. But as Christians, we are peaceful people and we love peace. We always ask for peace. The Lord Jesus Christ told us, He said to us, Repent to the maker of peace, because it is the children of God who are called. Therefore, we are not armed. We do not pose a threat to any party. We want to cooperate with the authorities at the head of the country. This is our duty as Christians. Therefore, I do not think that there is a possibility that Christians will be subjected to any form of aggression. As for what happened in the Syrian coast, or in Swayda in the south, and also what is happening these days in areas in Aleppo, or even in the north-east of Syria, in the Syrian island, we certainly hope and pray that these issues will be resolved peacefully. We want every Syrian to enjoy his rights, whether religious rights, national rights, or ethnic rights, in terms of language, culture, and these things. Of course, every cultural identity must be enjoyed, including the one Syrian identity. It is important for Syria to be a unified state, but this state has all its components, from ethnic and religious components, to be respected, and to be considered a special feature of each component, which is beneficial for Syria and not a threat to Syria. How is your relationship with the Kurds in Rojava, Kurdistan, or in the self-administered areas in Syria? There is a large Syrian gathering in the north-eastern cities of Syria, and an old Syrian gathering, and the Kurds lived with us in times of love and brotherhood, despite some disagreements that took place historically, but today there is understanding and agreement, but there are some problems that occur in schools, and we are certainly affected by them. Currently, our schools are closed, because the school administration rejects the application of the curriculum produced by the self-administered areas in the north-eastern cities of Syria. We are interested in being connected with the Ministry of Education in Damascus, as a unified state, as a unified country, because the students who graduate from med to high school will go to universities, to Syrian universities. Therefore, this is a sensitive issue for us, and it caused problems in the past few years, at the beginning of each school year, there is a problem with this issue, and this year the problem has developed and led to the closure of schools. We hope that this issue will be resolved quickly. How was this problem resolved? The schools were closed, and the students... They were at home. They do not go to school? Currently, no. They do not go to school? No. There are no schools in the self-governing areas, and they did not emigrate from the self-administered areas?! No, no, they did not emigrate, but our schools, the schools run by the church, which is run by the church, are currently closed, because members of the self-administered areas came and closed these schools, because the schools refused to respond to their demands in adhering to the curriculum. As a church, did you talk to the autonomous administration authorities? Of course, our clerics in Al-Hasakah are in a direct dialogue with the autonomous administration authorities, and so far they have not reached a conclusion. As a person, do you have a relationship with the Kurdish leadership? No, not at all. So you did not meet Mr. Mazloum Abdi? No, not at all. Do you have any intentions? I have not visited the Jazeera [north-east Syria] area for more than five years, and of course I am excited to go and visit it, but there are some religious reasons, I am waiting for some projects to be completed so that we can open it and have a complete visit, but I would like to meet any person, and of course I do not know General Abdi, but I would like to meet him and get to know him. We would like to have a good relationship with all parties, but within the national staff of Syria. Okay, but I noticed before the interview that you have a good relationship with the Kurds, because you spoke in Kurdish. I was born in Qamishli, and I was raised in Qamishli, before I left and joined the Kahnutiya [religious] studies, and I had Kurdish friends, so they spoke a little bit of Syriac, and I spoke a little bit of Kurdish, which is normal. I almost spoke Kurdish to you throughout the interview. I wish, for me, that every language is a gain and a blessing for a person, and I wish to learn it, of course, but this is because my childhood was in Qamishli, so between me and my friends in the Kurdish school, it is normal for them to speak in Syriac, and for us to speak in Kurdish. It is a beautiful thing. Of course, of course. Very, very nice. Do you have a relationship, how is the relationship between you and the Orthodox Church, for example, in Iraq, in the Kurdistan Region? Of course, the Orthodox Syriac Church is one church, and Patriarch is the head of the church all over the world. Okay, I mean in the Kurdistan Region, with the Orthodox and Syrians. Of course, the Syriac Church in the Kurdistan Region, which is a branch of Mosul, the Kurdistan Region, and Kirkuk, is one of the very important branches in the Syriac Church. Okay. And the head of the branch is Marni Kodim Westaud, which is the head of the church in constant contact with the Patriarchate, and I personally visited this region many times, mainly because of the displacement that happened as a result of the attacks and massacres committed by ISIS in Mosul, and in the Nineveh Valley, and most of the children of the Orthodox Syriac Church fled to the Kurdistan Region, and I visited them many times. And of course, each time we appreciate more the effort and service that the regional government provides in its presidency, whether it's President Massoud Barzani, or President Nechirvan, or Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, who we always like to pray for, they always make us feel a special concern for the followers of the church, especially those who were displaced. And we appreciate this, and we see that the followers of the church are comfortable here, so my relationship is a father-to-son relationship for those who are here. Thank you, thank you very much. It was a pleasure to meet you, and once again, welcome to Rodawe Media Network and Erbil. Thank you very much for the interview. Thank you. German Human Rights Delegation Meets Assyrian Representatives in Syria A German Christian human rights delegation met with senior Assyrian and Christian political leaders in Damascus on 7 October 2025, as part of a regional visit to Christian leaders, organizations, and active political parties amid a surge in violations targeting Christians. The visit aimed to assess the situation of Christians in Syria following the fall of the authoritarian regime of Bashar al-Assad amid growing reports of murder, displacement, persecution, and intimidation by unknown assailants and the inaction of the current government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa. The delegation met with Co-Chair of the Syriac Union Party Sanharib Barsom, Head of the Levantine National Council (LNC) Dr. Waddah al-Khouri, and Official of the Assyrian Democratic Organization (ADO) Gabriel Moshe. The visiting German delegation included: Professor Thomas Schirrmacher -- President of the International Institute for Religious Freedom and the International Council of the International Society for Human Rights, and former Secretary-General of the World Evangelical Alliance Matthias Boehning -- Secretary-General of the International Society for Human Rights, member of the Board of Trustees of the German National Human Rights Foundation, and former Director of the Sustainability Center of the World Evangelical Alliance in Bonn Philipp Hildmann -- Senior Policy Strategist at the Hanns Seidel Foundation Katja Buck -- political and religious scholar and international journalist specializing in religious minorities and interfaith dialogue, with a focus on Middle Eastern Christians Raid Gharib -- politician, entrepreneur, former President of the Parish Council of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Germany, and Secretary-General of the Global Syriac Business Association During the meeting, the hosting Assyrian / Christian delegation outlined the current situation of Christians and the Assyrian people in Syria. They described ongoing violations against Christians and presented their vision for the country's future -- emphasizing the need to recognize the rights of all peoples in the Syrian constitution, adopt a decentralized system of governance to safeguard representation and equality, and amend the constitutional declaration, which they view as reinforcing unilateral power. The German delegation listened attentively to the concerns and demands raised by the delegation, affirming that they would convey these issues to European parliaments and governments. They expressed full solidarity with Syria's Christian communities and their legitimate call for genuine representation within the government, parliament, and constitution. The delegation concluded by reaffirming its commitment to exert maximum effort to support and assist the Christians of Syria in their pursuit of justice, equality, and protection. Assyrians of Iraq: Where Did They Go? For nearly two millennia, Iraq's Christians have been a thread in Mesopotamia's history. From the monasteries of Nineveh to the churches of Baghdad and the mountain villages of the north, they preserved traditions that predate Islam. Their language, art, and liturgy carry the heritage of vanished civilizations. Today, their story is one of endurance--a people striving to remain visible in a land where faith and history are entwined, yet survival grows ever more uncertain. Vanishing Act Before the 2003 war, Iraq's Christians--mostly Chaldean Catholics, Assyrians, and Syriac Orthodox--were estimated at between 1.2 and 1.5 million, concentrated in Baghdad, Mosul, Basra, and northern towns across the Nineveh Plain. Over two decades, their numbers fell to under 250,000, according to church and humanitarian estimates. The decline began after the US invasion, when instability unleashed a wave of sectarian killings, kidnappings, and intimidation. Churches were bombed, priests assassinated, and families forced to abandon their homes. By 2014, the community was already hollowed out. When ISIS seized Mosul, Christians faced an ultimatum: convert, pay a special tax, or risk death. Homes were marked with the Arabic letter "N" for Nasrani--Christian--signaling targets for confiscation. Thousands fled overnight to the Kurdistan Region, leaving behind churches, schools, manuscripts, and ancestral homes. In Qaraqosh, Iraq's largest Christian town, entire neighborhoods were emptied. ISIS looted homes and burned churches, turning the city's Al-Tahira Cathedral into a shooting range. The Monastery of Mar Behnam, dating to the fourth century, was destroyed, highlighting the attempt to erase the community's identity. During the ISIS years, around 120,000 Christians found refuge in Erbil and surrounding towns, where church institutions provided temporary housing, schooling, and aid. Others crossed into Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkiye, or sought asylum in Europe, Australia, and North America. When Mosul and Nineveh were liberated in 2017, hopes of return emerged--but few returned. Reconstruction funds were limited; many properties were destroyed or seized; and competing security forces controlled different areas, creating uncertainty for returnees. As of 2025, humanitarian agencies estimate that fewer than half of those displaced have returned, with most relying on local protection units or church-organized initiatives. Fragmented Voices Christians in Iraq are represented by several small parties, but their influence has waned alongside their numbers. The Assyrian Democratic Movement (Zowaa), one of the oldest, has long championed minority rights and autonomy for the Nineveh Plain. The Chaldean Syriac Assyrian Popular Council and other smaller groups operate mostly in the Kurdistan Region. In recent years, the Babylon Movement has emerged as a powerful but controversial actor. While it occupies minority quota seats in parliament, many Christian leaders and civil society groups view it as unrepresentative, accusing it of exploiting the Christian identity for political leverage. Political divisions have undercut the community's ability to advocate collectively, leaving it split between secular and church-aligned factions, and between supporters of Erbil and Baghdad. Although Iraq's constitution guarantees religious freedom, Christians continue to face social and institutional barriers. Land disputes persist, particularly in mixed areas where Christian properties were seized during or after the ISIS war. Bureaucratic hurdles slow the restitution of homes and churches, while limited state support for rebuilding leaves many relying on international charities. In urban centers, Christian families report fewer overt attacks but describe subtle exclusion from public employment and political networks. Religious representation in local government remains minimal, and many Christian-run schools and hospitals struggle to secure licenses and funding. Dollars Hold Ground The exodus has created a vast global diaspora that now plays a crucial role in sustaining the community inside Iraq. From Detroit to Sydney and Stockholm, Iraqi Christian expatriates fund reconstruction projects and scholarships for displaced youth. Remittances help families rebuild homes, open small businesses, and maintain cultural institutions. Yet the diaspora's influence is double-edged. While financial support is vital, it also cements permanent migration patterns. Many families now maintain dual homes--relatives abroad provide money and advocacy, while those inside Iraq hold on to ancestral land as a symbolic claim. Hope In Rubble Iraq's Christian communities are slowly reclaiming their presence from the shadow of war. In Qaraqosh, Al-Tahira Cathedral welcomed Christmas Mass in 2021 for the first time since the conflict, filling its pews with thousands of worshippers. That same year, Pope Francis' visit drew international attention to their struggles, offering a rare moment of hope and renewed interest in preserving a heritage that has endured for centuries. Priests and volunteers have worked tirelessly to restore ancient manuscripts, reopen schools, and repair churches damaged or destroyed in the fighting. Yet countless sites remain in ruins. The Monastery of Mar Behnam, partially rebuilt, stands as both a symbol of survival and a silent testament to what was lost. Faith alone, however, cannot secure their future. Clergy and experts stress three urgent needs: security, economic opportunity, and the restitution of property. Without progress on these fronts, the demographic decline is likely to continue. Local councils and church groups have proposed special governance for the Nineveh Plain, placing administration in civilian hands and security under integrated local forces rather than militias. These initiatives, however, face stiff resistance in Baghdad and Erbil, where authorities remain wary of new autonomy models. For Iraq's Christians, the risk is clear: their communities could survive only in murals, manuscripts, and the memories of those who have fled. To be honest, I never imagined myself treating A-list celebrities and professional athletes in Manhattan. As a young physician in Juarez, Mexico, I spent my earliest years working in community clinics and even pharmacies on the citys impoverished peripheries. Back then, the idea of practicing at one of the most prestigious hospitals in the United States (let alone as a pain management specialist) was unthinkable. And yet, only a few years later, I found myself in the gilded hallways of a prestigious specialty hospital, rubbing shoulders with wealth, status, and the illusion of elite medicine. But behind the boutique facade and prestigious Academic associations, the truth was far less glamorous: a dumping ground of patients who have an addiction, hopelessly drug-seeking, and a system built on keeping them happy at all costs, even if it meant fueling the very addictions we claim to fight. The hidden damage When Americans talk about the opioid crisis, the numbers usually focus on overdoses, hospitalizations, or deaths. Those statistics are tragic, but they only tell part of the story. What rarely gets counted is the slow erosion of lives through relapses, people who might have been managing their addiction, only to be thrust back into dependency because a physician, often under pressure, wrote the wrong prescription at the wrong time. Those cases do not make headlines. They do not show up in federal dashboards. But they destroy families all the same. The literature bears this out. Relapse following opioid exposure in medical settings is common but vastly under-measured; studies in JAMA Psychiatry and Drug and Alcohol Dependence show that up to ninety percent of individuals with opioid use disorder relapse within one year, often triggered by renewed prescribing after hospitalization. Yet relapse is invisible in most national opioid metrics, which focus narrowly on overdose mortality. Medicine for the wealthy: a different kind of danger Much of the public conversation about opioids frames addiction as a crisis of poverty: Rust Belt towns hollowed out by pills, or low-income patients manipulated by Purdue Pharma. That narrative is true, but incomplete. Addiction thrives just as easily in wealthy zip codes, shielded by concierge medicine and private discretion. Many of the VIP patients who arrived at the specialty hospital were already dependent. They came armed with prescriptions from unethical concierge doctors who would hand over whatever the patient wanted: opioids, benzodiazepines, Adderall, the holy trinity of uppers and downers. These kinds of prescribing patterns are well documented: a 2017 Annals of Internal Medicine review found that benzodiazepines and opioids were co-prescribed in up to one-third of chronic pain patients, despite strong evidence of overdose risk. Celebrity deaths have repeatedly exposed the risks of VIP medicine. Prince died in 2016 of a fentanyl overdose after reportedly obtaining prescriptions from multiple doctors. Michael Jacksons death in 2009 was ruled a homicide, caused by propofol administered by a private physician who treated him as a client more than a patient. Matthew Perry, star of Friends, was found in 2023 with lethal ketamine levels, raising questions about access to experimental treatments without safeguards. Even Joan Rivers, though her death was due to procedural errors rather than opioids, exemplifies how special treatment for celebrity patients can bend standards in dangerous ways. The moral injury of golden wrapping Our inpatient pain management service was treated as the hospitals basement unit, necessary but undesirable, a place where real doctors sent the patients they did not want to deal with. Outpatient pain specialists considered themselves above inpatient care. Surgeons, often poorly educated in addiction medicine but well connected socially and financially, expected us to do their bidding: endless opioid prescriptions, regardless of medical judgment. Every day, I faced the same moral injury. Do I give in to the pressure and write for more opioids than any patient could reasonably need? Or do I risk retaliation by saying no? Management, patient advocates, even colleagues, all reinforced the same message: prescriptions keep the ratings high, and high ratings keep the donors and celebrities coming back. This is not just my perception. Research has shown that hospital patient satisfaction scores correlate strongly with opioid prescribing. A 2012 study in the Journal of Pain found that patients who received opioids during hospitalization were more likely to give high satisfaction ratings, regardless of medical appropriateness. As long as satisfaction is tied to reimbursement and reputation, the pressure to overprescribe remains. Addiction in velvet gloves Concierge and VIP medicine sells itself as a safer, more attentive alternative to the overburdened public system. The reality is darker: when patient wealth and satisfaction become the highest priority, medical standards collapse. Addiction is normalized for the privileged, wrapped in privacy and prestige. Meanwhile, frontline doctors are silenced or punished for resisting. The opioid epidemic did not emerge in a vacuum. It flourished because the health care system, whether in an underfunded rural clinic or a world-renowned Manhattan hospital, was willing to compromise medical integrity in exchange for patient satisfaction and profit. ADVERTISEMENT A call for change If we want to address addiction honestly, we need to look beyond overdose numbers and toward the hidden damage inflicted by our own health care structures. That means: Reforming patient satisfaction metrics that equate more drugs with better care. Holding concierge and boutique practices accountable for unethical prescribing. Protecting physicians from retaliation when they refuse to participate in addiction by prescription. Opioid addiction is not just a crisis of the poor. It is a crisis of prestige as well. Behind the golden wrapping of VIP medicine lies a simple truth: wealth and influence can be, occasionally, just as dangerous to public health as poverty and neglect. Closing note I left my job at the specialty hospital because the moral injury was irreconcilable. I miss my colleagues, the pay, the prestige, even the illusion of working at a world-class institution. But what I could not live with was the knowledge that I was being asked to harm patients in the service of the institutions reputation and financial well being. Addiction is indifferent to wealth, fame, or influence. And until our health care system recognizes that, VIP medicine will continue to ruin lives, quietly, elegantly, and with devastating effect. Carlos N. Hernandez-Torres is a family medicine and addiction medicine physician. Chaldean Church Rejects "Corrupt or Armed" Candidates to Represent Iraq's Assyrians The Chaldean Church in Iraq rejected on Thursday any "corrupt or armed" individuals seeking to represent Christians in the country's upcoming parliamentary elections, stressing that its loyalty remains solely to Iraq and its people. In a statement, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldeans in Iraq and worldwide, urged Iraqis--particularly Christians--to participate widely in the elections scheduled for November 11, 2025. He called on voters to "choose those most qualified to serve Iraq without discrimination--those known for sincerity, integrity, and respect for the nation's diversity and sovereignty." Cardinal Sako emphasized that the Church rejects representation of Christians by figures "tainted with corruption or by armed groups controlling towns and resources in the Nineveh Plain," warning that the Christian component "will not be a tool or fuel for such internal forces." He revealed that the Church had formally requested Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) to restrict voting within the Christian community to ensure fair representation for its various denominations, including the Chaldeans, Assyrians, and Syriacs. "However, our request was not implemented." According to Sako, the IHEC has pledged to uphold minority rights by extending protections under its minority representation framework and adopting measures to safeguard their presence and role in public life. "Christians, despite their wounds, will not surrender and will continue striving to secure their constitutional rights that guarantee their future and existence." The Church, he added, "will never sell itself nor submit to injustice; its loyalty remains unlimited to Iraq and its people." Iraq's 329-member parliament allocates nine seats to minority communities: five for Christians--one each in Baghdad, Duhok, Nineveh, Erbil, and Kirkuk--alongside one for the Shabak in Nineveh, one for the Feyli Kurds in Wasit, and one for the Sabean-Mandaeans in Baghdad. Campaigning for the parliamentary elections began on October 3, marking the start of a month-long race ahead of the November 11 polls. European Syriac Union Urges Sweden to Act Against Persecution of Syria's Christians Stockholm -- In response to a surge of violence targeting Christians across Syria, particularly in Wadi al-Masihiyeen (Valley of Christians) in the Hmoth (Homs) countryside, the European Syriac Union (ESU) filed an official case with the Swedish government, condemning widespread killings, looting, and intimidation by unidentified assailants, and denouncing what it called the "silence and inaction" of the Syrian government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa. The ESU held a series of meetings with European officials, focusing on Swedish representatives, to present detailed evidence of the deteriorating security and humanitarian conditions in Syria, as well as the ongoing violations against its indigenous communities -- including Christians, Yazidis, Kurds, and others. During the discussions, the ESU highlighted recent government measures that have further undermined the rights and identities of these groups. Among them was a controversial decision on official holidays, which "deliberately marginalized the national celebrations of the country's various peoples," such as Akitu -- the Babylonian--Assyrian New Year, Newruz -- the Kurdish New Year, and the Red Wednesday festival of the Yezidis. One of the key meetings was held with Johan Buser, a Swedish MP from the Social Democratic Party (Sveriges socialdemokratiska arbetareparti, SAP), who, according to the ESU, "listened attentively to the alarming testimonies and troubling information about the violations and suffering faced by Syria's peoples." Following the meeting, Buser sent a letter to Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard, raising several questions. "Do you have sufficient information about the dire conditions faced by minorities in Syria?" he asked, citing recent reports of killings targeting Christians in Hmoth as evidence of the worsening crisis. In his letter, Buser wrote that the crimes of killing, looting, theft, abduction, and torture clearly show that the central government has failed to protect Christians and the Syrian population in general. He noted the absence of accountability and the deliberate marginalization of Christians and other minorities, including the government's refusal to recognize their traditional and national holidays such as Akitu and Newruz. "This denial and marginalization of the peoples' heritage and religions constitute a violation," he added. Buser then posed a series of questions to the ministry: "How does the Swedish government assess and interpret the situation in Syria and the conditions of its peoples and ethnic groups? What steps can it take to urge the European Union and the international community to impose strong sanctions on the groups perpetrating violence and persecution against Christians and other communities? And what plans does the government have, through its foreign policy, to highlight the human rights situation and the religious and cultural rights of these peoples -- particularly given the Syrian government's refusal to recognize their national holidays?" The MP requested a written response from the Swedish government and urged stronger European engagement to protect Syria's vulnerable minorities and uphold their rights to security, dignity, and cultural identity. Marxist revolutionary Ernesto Che Guevara has reportedly been killed during a battle between army troops and guerillas in the Bolivian jungle. A statement issued by the commander of the Eighth Bolivian Army Division, Colonel Joaquin Zenteno Anaya, said the 39-year-old guerrilla leader was shot dead near the jungle village of Higueras, in the south-east of the country. Guevara, former right-hand man to Cuban prime minister, Fidel Castro, disappeared from the political scene in April 1965 and his whereabouts have been much debated since. His death has been reported several times during the past two-and-a-half years, in the Congo and in the Dominican Republic, but has never been proven. In his statement, Colonel Anaya said Guevara was one of six guerrillas killed in todays battle. It is understood five Bolivian soldiers were also killed in the clash. Guevaras body is due to be flown by helicopter to La Paz later today. It is understood that his hands have been amputated for identification purposes. Argentine-born Che Guevara, an experienced guerrilla leader, was a member of Fidel Castros 26th of July Movement which seized power in Cuba in 1959. But amid rumours of differences with Castro, largely on guerrilla warfare policies, and a desire to further his revolutionary ideals in other parts of Latin America, he resigned in April 1965 and disappeared. [] His death comes less than two months after an OLAS conference in Havana which highlighted the need for further armed guerrilla action in South America. Courtesy BBC News In context A post mortem examination on Che Guevaras body, carried out two days after his death, suggested he had not in fact been killed in battle but had been captured and executed a day later. His body was buried in an unmarked grave near Valle Grande and his remains were not found until June 1997, when they were returned to Cuba. Following his death, Guevara became a hero of Third World socialist revolutionary movements and remains a much-admired romantic figure to this day. He was born Ernesto Rafael Guevara de la Serna in Rosario, Argentina on 14 June 1928. As a teenager he was reading left-wing literature, by Marx and Lenin, and frequently took part in riots against the Peronistas in Argentina. He qualified as a doctor in 1953 but left Argentina soon afterwards to travel around South America, during which time he became involved in many left-wing movements. Bitterly anti-American, he joined forces with Castro in Mexico in 1956 and was one of 12 survivors of the failed Cuban take-over in the same year. It was also during 1956 that he married his first wife, Peruvian Hilda Gadea, with whom he had one child, but the couple were divorced soon afterwards. He escaped to the Sierra Maestra, Cubas vast mountain range, where he established a guerrilla force and from where the successful take-over in 1959 was co-ordinated. After the Cuban revolution he married Cuban Aleida Marsh and the couple had four children. Like this: Like Loading... Authorities are investigating a jewelry store near Cotai casinos suspected of facilitating fake card transactions to help gamblers withdraw cash, involving illegal money exchange. Preliminary police investigations found the store, open for over a year, handled roughly MOP27 million in transactions, with at least MOP540,000 in illicit profits. One store manager and two sales staff were arrested alongside a mainland man suspected of attempted illegal lending; another suspect remains at large. Police seized about MOP436,000 in cash and HKD400 in chips during the raid. Like this: Like Loading... The mainlands eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival Golden Week break concluded yesterday, with Macau attracting over 1.05 million visitors, exceeding both last years figures and pre-pandemic levels from 2019, due to government measures designed to draw tourists. However, the festive atmosphere varied across the region, with some areas flourishing while others faced challenges. According to Macau authorities, the region welcomed 1.055 million visitors over the past seven days, despite the approaching Typhoon Matmo on Sunday, resulting in an average of 150,000 daily arrivals, a 7.4% increase compared to the same period last year. Mainland Chinese visitors accounted for an average of 125,000 daily, while visitors from Hong Kong averaged 15,000 per day. The Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) reported that last Saturday marked the peak arrival day, with 191,000 visitors entering Macau. During the first seven days of the Golden Week holiday, total visitor arrivals surpassed 1.05 million, averaging 150,000 daily arrivals, which exceeded last years nearly one million arrivals and matched pre-pandemic levels from the 2019 Golden Week holiday, both of which were just seven days long one day fewer than this year when visitor numbers topped 980,000. Media outlets had previously indicated that this momentum could lead to a new record for visitor numbers during the National Day holiday period. However, this figure fell short of the Public Security Police Forces (PSP) projected total of 1.2 million visitors over the eight-day period. Two extremes in business performance Prior to the long holiday, Macau authorities, in collaboration with several associations, including the Industry & Commerce Federation of Macau Central & Southern District and the Industry and Commerce Federation of Islands of Macau, established temporary pedestrian zones in Taipas Old Village and Macaus Rua de Nossa Senhora do Amparo. These measures aimed to accommodate the surge in passenger traffic during the National Day holiday and enhance the travel experience for both residents and visitors, fostering a more comfortable and safer environment in these popular areas. The pedestrian zone activities concluded on Tuesday, and summarizing the events outcomes, Iun Ioc Va, president of the Industry and Commerce Federation of Islands of Macau, shared insights with the Times regarding business conditions in Taipa. He stated, Visitors generally responded positively to the activities, finding the environment more comfortable and noting a positive impact on the commercial atmosphere. Iun also cited data indicating that visitor flow was comparable to the May Day holiday period, with a slight increase. He emphasized, Feedback from merchants in the old district showed business growth, particularly as tourists are spending more time in the area, creating additional opportunities for businesses. He added that although attendance dipped on certain days due to weather conditions, the overall number of participants exceeded 35,000. He emphasized, It met our expectations. The temporary pedestrian zone was established in Old Taipa Village alongside a music festival at the former site of the Iec Long Firecracker Factory. Iun highlighted that these events particularly attracted young Gen Z visitors, remarking, The results were quite positive. He noted that the Old Village area of Taipa experienced substantial visitor numbers, with family tourists and snack enthusiasts being especially prominent. He emphasized that such events not only effectively boost business for local enterprises but also enhance the overall commercial atmosphere. He believes they play a crucial role in promoting the areas business environment, contributing to a vibrant and engaging experience for all visitors. For seven consecutive days, Taipa maintained a lively atmosphere. However, another industry and commerce association appears to have a different perspective. As reported by the Macao Daily News, Wong Kin Chong, president of the Industry and Commerce Association of Macau Northern District, expressed concerns about the lackluster business performance in the district during the National Day holiday. He pointed out that the areas economy largely depends on local consumer support. While Sanrio-themed photo spots and festive events attracted crowds to the area, they did not translate into significant business growth and struggled to generate lasting momentum. Wong highlighted that areas like Cotai and the citys central district experienced robust foot traffic, contrasting sharply with the relatively quiet atmosphere in older districts. Yuki Lei Like this: Like Loading... Myanmars military carried out a paraglider strike on a village that killed at least 24 people including children, and wounded more than 50 others, according to a member of a resistance group, villagers and media reports. The Monday night attack was carried out by a motorized paraglider, and targeted a village in the countrys central Sagaing region that was celebrating a Buddhist festival that included a rally calling for the release of political prisoners held by Myanmars military government, the reports said. Myanmar is in a civil war that began after the army seized power in February 2021 from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Much of the country, including the village of Bon To village where the attack took place, is under the control of resistance forces. The area is about 90 kilometers west of Mandalay, the countrys second-largest city. The sickening reports emerging from the ground in central Myanmar following a nighttime attack late on Monday should serve as a gruesome wake-up call that civilians in Myanmar need urgent protection, the human rights group Amnesty International said in a statement. More than 100 people from Bon To and nearby villages had gathered at the villages primary school compound Monday evening for an oil lamp lighting ceremony to mark the end of Buddhist Lent and to call for the release of political prisoners including Suu Kyi, said a member of a local resistance group who attended the event. A motorized paraglider dropped two bombs at about 7:15 p.m., killing an estimated 20 to 40 people, including children, villagers and members of local political activist groups and armed anti-military groups, said the resistance fighter, who spoke to The Associated Press yesterday on condition of anonymity to safeguard his personal security. More than 50 others were wounded, including himself, he added. The resistance fighter said an alert had been issued through a network of mobile phones and walkie-talkies that had tracked the paraglider from the armys northwestern military command in Monywa, about 25 kilometers north of Bon To village. A local resident who also attended Mondays ceremony said the crowd began to disperse after hearing reports of an approaching paraglider, but it arrived sooner than expected and dropped bombs while people were still in the school. The resident, who helped in rescue efforts after the attack, said at least 24 people were known to have been killed, though the death toll could be higher as the victims family members and rescue workers worked independently to collect the bodies. Both witnesses said the paraglider returned to the scene around 11 p.m. and dropped two more bombs without causing additional casualties. The military has not acknowledged carrying out an attack in the area. More than 7,300 people are estimated to have been killed by security forces since the armys 2021 seizure of power, according to figures compiled by nongovernmental organizations. Myanmars military also uses Chinese and Russian-made combat aircraft and helicopters, but since late last year has stepped up the use of low-tech motorized paragliders in what is believed to partially be an effort to save money. Resistance forces lack effective defenses against any kind of air attacks. GRANT PECK, BANGKOK, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... 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 [yesterday, Macau time], over security concerns. SUZAN FRASER, ANKARA, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka overcame an early scare to beat unseeded Rebecca Sramkova 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 at the Wuhan Open yesterday. The defending champion has had an amazing run in Wuhan her record is 18-0 while winning titles in 2018, 2019 and 2024. The U.S. Open champion Sabalenka broke her 68th-ranked opponent in the opening game of the final set and went on before converting her second match point to win in almost two hours. I knew that after that little break it will be not that easy to get back in my rhythm, Sabalenka said in her on-court interview. Im really gland the in the second set I found my game and stepped in and I think I played really great. Sabalenka started her rally by breaking her 68th-ranked opponent in fourth game of the second set and jumped to a 4-1 lead. She saved four break points in the seventh game. She faces next No. 16 seed Liudmila Samsonova who rallied to beat 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin 3-6, 6-3, 6-1. Sramkova broke Sabalenka twice in the opening set. Sabalenka, who took a Greek holiday after her second consecutive win at Flushing Meadows, withdrew from last weeks China Open, another WTA 1000-level event. Jessica Pegula was twice broken while serving for the match in the third set but recovered to edge Hailey Baptiste in a tight tiebreaker and advance. Sixth-seeded Pegula beat her fellow American 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (6) on her seventh match point to reach the third round. Pegula, who lost in the China Open semifinals last week, will next play ninth-seeded Ekaterina Alexandrova, who beat American Ann Li 7-6 (5), 6-2. No. 3 Coco Gauff, coming off a semifinal loss to eventual champion Amanda Anisimova at the China Open last week, breezed into the next round with a 6-1, 6-0 win over Moyuka Uchijima in 51 minutes. Also, qualifier Katerina Siniakova beat Maya Joint 6-3, 6-1. Eleventh-seeded Naomi Osaka was upset by unseeded Linda Noskova 7-6 (2), 6-3. The 20-year-old inform Czech was defeated by Amanda Anisimova in the final of the China Open on Sunday. Noskova, ranked 17th, will next face either Jaqueline Cristian or Elena Rybakina. MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... * Job discrimination? Macaus job market may be leaving non-Chinese residents behind, according to local professionals who spoke to the Times following a letter to the editor on the issue * Gaming | Best Golden Week performance in more than five years: JP Morgan * Events | First-ever NBA House in Macau offers fans a chance to meet legends * A doctor employed by the Corrections Bureau allegedly conspired with other physicians to falsify medical certificates, CCAC reveals * Health Bureau says cancer mortality rate declines as survival rates improve * A United Kingdom prosecutor says a spying case involving British nationals collapsed because Downing Street refused to label Beijing a threat * CR7 Billionaire DOWNLOAD PDF Thursday, October 9, 2025 edition no. 4814 Like this: Like Loading... The trial of two British men accused of spying for Beijing collapsed because the U.K. government refused to brand China a threat to national security, the countrys chief prosecutor said. Former parliamentary researcher Christopher Cash and academic Christopher Berry were charged in April 2024 with violating the Official Secrets Act by providing information or documents that could be useful to an enemy and prejudicial to the safety or interests of the U.K. between late 2021 and February 2023. But Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson said the case collapsed because no one from the government was willing to testify that at the time of the offense China represented a threat to national security. When this became apparent, the case could not proceed, he wrote in a letter sent yesterday [Macau time] to lawmakers on Parliaments home affairs and justice committees. The high-profile case was dropped unexpectedly last month, weeks before the trial was due to begin, sparking allegations of political interference, which the government denies. Parkinson said his team had tried over many months to get the evidence it needed but it had not been forthcoming from Prime Minister Keir Starmers administration. Conservative lawmaker Alicia Kearns, who worked with Cash when she served as chair of Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee, urged the government to provide more information about why the case collapsed. The government must come clean. Who is responsible for spiking the prosecution? she said. Continued stonewalling only invites further concern of concealment or conspiracy. The two men deny wrongdoing, and the Chinese Embassy has called the allegations fabricated, dismissing them as malicious slander. Under the Official Secrets Act, prosecutors would have had to show the defendants were acting for an enemy. British intelligence authorities have ratcheted up their warnings about Beijings covert activities and Parliaments Intelligence and Security Committee labeled Beijing a strategic threat in 2023. The center-left Labour Party government, which took power last year, has used the term strategic challenge. It has tried cautiously to reset ties with Beijing after years of frosty relations over spying allegations, human rights concerns, Chinas support for Russia in the Ukraine war and a crackdown on civil liberties in Hong Kong, a former British colony. Britains top diplomat and Treasury chief have both visited Beijing in the past year, and Starmer is expected to travel to China next year. Asked about the spying case, Starmer maintained that the government couldnt provide the testimony prosecutors wanted because the Conservative Party, which was in office at the time of the alleged spying, had not designated China a threat. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described Chinas growing authoritarianism as an epoch-defining challenge wording that defied many Conservatives expectations at the time that he would class China as a threat to U.K. security. You cant prosecute someone two years later in relation to a designation that wasnt in place at the time, Starmer said. All the focus needs to be on the policy of the Tory government in place then. Thats the only place that the evidence could be focused on. Critics say that explanation was not credible and allege the case was dropped to avoid damaging the relationship with China, a key trading partner. This is a clear example of U.K. officials trading away our national security, said Luke de Pulford, executive director of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China. The head of the MI5 domestic intelligence agency, Ken McCallum, has named China, Russia and Iran as the leading security threats to the U.K. In 2023 he said in an interview with the BBC that tens of thousands of people in the U.K. had been approached by Chinese spies, saying the espionage campaign was on a pretty epic scale. JILL LAWLESS & SYLVIA HUI, LONDON, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... A doctor employed by the Correctional Services Bureau allegedly conspired with several other physicians to falsify medical certificates for himself and his parents in order to fraudulently obtain sick leave and wages totaling nearly MOP150,000, according to the Commission Against Corruption (CCAC). The anti-graft body said the doctor, whose name was not disclosed, worked with multiple friends in both public and private medical institutions between 2018 and 2024 to produce false medical certificates. These documents were allegedly used to justify absences from work, even though neither he nor his family members were ill. The certificates, issued under the pretext of personal or family sickness, allowed the doctor to take paid leave while attending to private matters. Investigators found that the doctor also held paid part-time positions without the knowledge or approval of his department, which is another violation of public service regulations. The CCAC said the public servant, his relatives, and the doctors involved from private institutions are suspected of committing fraud and document forgery under the Penal Code. Meanwhile, the public-sector doctors implicated in the case may also face charges of forgery by a public servant, a more serious offense. According to the CCAC, the case has been referred to the Public Prosecutions Office for further action, and the relevant government departments have been notified. The commission noted that this is not an isolated case, pointing to a recent rise in incidents involving public servants abusing sick leave entitlements. It reiterated its warning that both public employees and medical practitioners must adhere strictly to the law and uphold professional ethics. Public servants and medical staff should know and abide by the law, keep their professional ethics in mind and shall not abuse the sick leave regime, the CCAC said in its statement. In the CCACs 2024 Macau Commission Against Corruption Work Report published earlier this year, the graft-buster reported a notable case involving four customs officers, who were suspected of colluding with medical professionals to exaggerate illnesses, such as back and leg pain, in order to obtain hundreds of medical certificates. The officers allegedly fraudulently claimed between 900 and 1,400 days of sick leave, receiving salaries ranging from MOP600,000 to MOP1.7 million during their absences. Like this: Like Loading... Philippine Ambassador to India Josel Ignacio and the Bhutanese Ambassador to India Major General Vetsop Namgyel formally established diplomatic relations in New Delhi, India on Monday, October 6. In his remarks, Ignacio underscored the importance of mutual understanding between the two countries. - Advertisement - Today, we have given flesh to the mutual aspiration of our governments and peoples to promote mutual understanding and strengthen friendship and cooperation, guided by the principles of the UN Charter and international law, he said. Ignacio also emphasized that countries had built ties for years, with the Philippines actively extending training and other technical assistance to the Kingdom. We foresee engagements between both our countries gaining new momentum-in economic interaction; people-to-people, tourism and cultural exchanges; and cooperation in multilateral fora to advance shared advocacies, he added. For his part, Namgyel also highlighted the two countries warm relations and fruitful cooperation even before formal diplomatic ties were established. Over the years, Bhutan has benefited from education and training opportunities in the Philippines for our students and officials-through the Colombo Plan, the Asian Development Bank, and the JICA Third Country Program. Many Bhutanese students have completed undergraduate and masters degrees in Philippine universities, he said. The ambassador further expressed his governments commitment to work closely with the Philippine Embassy, noting to take our friendship and cooperation to new heights in the years ahead. With the signing of the communique, the Philippines became the 58th country to establish diplomatic relations with Bhutan and the 6th among ASEAN states. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), citing information from the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi and its Consulate General in Nepal, announced Wednesday that there have been no reports of Filipinos stranded or rescued during the blizzard on Mount Everest. According to the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi and its Honorary Consulate General in Nepal, there were no reports of Filipinos stranded or rescued during the blizzard in Mt. Everest, the DFA statement read. - Advertisement - On October 6, reports confirmed that rescuers have guided nearly 1,000 trekkers stranded by a blizzard near Mount Everest in Tibet to safety, but some remain trapped. Tourism in the vast, high-altitude area in Chinas western edge has increased in recent years, and outdoor enthusiasts flocked to its famous trekking spots for this years eight-day national holiday that concludes Wednesday. But an intense blizzard over the weekend buried camps and complicated travel, sparking a large-scale rescue operation involving firefighters, horses, yaks and drones. In total, 580 hikers and more than 300 personnel, including local guides and yak herders, have arrived safely in a nearby township, state news agency Xinhua reported Tuesday evening. Local staff are organizing their return journeys in an orderly manner, the report said, adding that about a dozen additional hikers had been brought by rescue teams to a meeting point with supplies. Their return to safety brings an end to rescue efforts in the mountainous Chinese region, though the unexpected extreme conditions have wrought further damage in nearby areas. In the mountains of neighboring Qinghai province, one hiker died from hypothermia and altitude sickness, state media reported Monday. Over the border in Nepal and India, landslides and floods triggered by heavy downpours killed more than 70 people, officials said Monday, as rescue workers struggled to reach cut-off communities in remote mountainous terrain. Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Port Moresby also reported that the Filipino community in Lae City and nearby areas is safe following a 5.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on Tuesday, October 7. The Department is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Philippine Embassy, the DFA said. The agency also confirmed that there are currently 36,000 Filipinos in Papua New Guinea. With Agence France Presse The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported on Thursday that the foreign exchange stall at the Gardermoen Airport in Oslo, Norway was using an outdated Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, which still included the Philippines. The DFA issued the statement after investigating an incident shared by broadcast journalist Gretchen Ho on social media. Ho said one of her family members, who was traveling to Norway, tried to exchange Philippine banknotes but was denied. - Advertisement - The Philippines was officially removed from the FATF grey list in February 2025, and the EU grey list in August 2025, following the introduction of rigorous reforms that fortified the integrity of the Philippines financial system and reaffirmed the countrys commitment to combating financial crimes, the DFA explained. The FATF is an intergovernmental body established by G7 countries to set global standards in combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing. Countries added to its grey list are subject to increased monitoring for possible financial crimes. The foreign affairs department also said the Philippine Embassy in Oslo contacted both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway for clarification. The Norwegian Foreign Ministry officials committed to follow up with the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway to update and delist the Philippines on the forex companies list of countries with high risk for money laundering or terrorist financing, the DFA added. To recall, in a social media post, Ho shared that a family member attempted to exchange $300, or less than P20,000, at the airports foreign exchange counter. However, the counter attendant denied the exchange due to concerns about corruption and money laundering in the Philippines. Comments on the post indicated that her familys experience was not isolated, as some Filipinos reported having similar issues. I have already spoken with the Philippine Ambassador to Norway. He called me up last night after I emailed an official incident report on what happened to my family member at Gardermoen Airport in Oslo. The Ambassador was surprised. As far as he knows, these incidents shouldnt be happening. He says hell be meeting with the Norwegian foreign ministry to address the issue, Ho said. This incident comes amid revelations of multibillion-peso corruption related to flood control that has surfaced in various Senate and House hearings. Celebrations have erupted in Gaza and Israel at the announcement by Trump on Truth Social that a peace agreement has been reached between Israeli and Hamas negotiators in Egypt. That there is celebration is understandable, especially for Gazans who until this point faced a future of certain death by bombardment or starvation. However, we must tell the truth, ugly as that truth may be. Firstly, what Israel and Hamas have agreed to, as Trump himself admitted, is not the full implementation of his plan, but just its first phase. Secondly, if it does mark the first step to the full implementation of Trumps peace plan, it will have resolved nothing fundamental in the long run. What does this first phase consist of? A ceasefire will come into place in 24 hours; Israel will begin a phased withdrawal of the IDF, leaving it in control of 53 percent of the Gaza Strip; The rest of the living Israeli hostages and a number of Palestinian prisoners will then be released within a 72-hour window; and 400 trucks of aid per day will be allowed to enter Gaza. The first thing to say is this: such an agreement a ceasefire and exchange of hostages could have been made at any time since 7 October 2023. Hamas had already agreed to it. It was not made because the Biden Administration, the European imperialist powers, and the Trump Administration until this point, have backed Israeli aggression to the hilt. The second thing to be said is that this is a humiliating defeat for Netanyahu personally, and for his government. Netanyahu is trying to spin it as a victory. But everyone can see it for what it is: an imposition against Netanyahu on the part of Trump, and a complete climbdown from the position of his cabinet, which was to completely ethnically cleanse and permanently occupy Gaza. His political existence depended on this war. This shows something of the enormous pressure he is under not just from Trump, but above all from the massive weight of public opinion inside Israel which supports the deal. The whole thing may yet collapse. No agreement has been reached as to when the IDF will withdraw from Gaza. And no commitment has been made by Hamas on disarming and effectively disbanding, as demanded by the Trump plan. Netanyahu may be counting on Hamas refusing to disarm, for instance, as a pretext for recommencing the war. He may get what he wants. A monstrous plan If this agreement could have been signed two years ago at the start of the conflict, why has it only been brought about now? The ruthless continuation of Israels onslaught against the Palestinians in Gaza was weakening the position of its imperialist backers. This war has stoked social unrest in the Arab nations and in Europe, culminating in the general strike we saw in Italy last week. It has made it politically very difficult for the European imperialist powers to give their full backing to Israel, which has been left increasingly isolated internationally. Netanyahu is trying to spin this as a victory for him. In fact, it is an ignominious defeat for himself and his government / Image: own work More importantly from the point of view of US imperialism, the war has strained its alliances in the region to breaking point, and risked isolating it even further to the benefit of its rivals like China and Russia. The turning point in this regard was the attempted assassination of Hamas negotiators by Israel when it bombed buildings in Doha, Qatar. This has left the reactionary Gulf states questioning whether they can depend upon US military backing. Netanyahu is an expert maneuverer, but he has overextended himself, and Trump was forced to act. Trumps 20-point peace plan, however, far from being a guarantee of peace, is a monstrosity that will guarantee further conflict, while the plight of the Palestinian people will remain bleak. If successfully carried into effect, it would place Gaza under the dictatorship of a board of trustees including Donald Trump and Tony Blair, the butcher of Iraq. IDF troops would be replaced at an undetermined time in the future by an occupation consisting of troops from Arab and Muslim countries. There have been many promises about reconstruction but no detail on who would pay for it. In fact, Gaza would remain a permanent refugee camp under a foreign occupation. The Zionist annexation of the West Bank would continue apace. Palestinian self-determination is permanently ruled out. Thousands of Gazans are understandably celebrating even a temporary reprieve and resumption of aid, which represents a sliver of hope compared to certain death. But in the long term nothing whatsoever is solved by this agreement. While Trump has bombastically hailed this as the start of a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace, his plan will inevitably prepare new conflicts, new wars, new genocides, and new suffering for the Palestinian people. Gaza turned to rubble The situation in Gaza right now reminds us of the words of Tacitus: They make a desert and call it peace. 78 percent of all buildings in the Gaza Strip have been damaged. More than half have been completely destroyed. Most schools have been destroyed, not a single university remains. There is not one functioning hospital. Most of the population live today in tents in central Gaza and along the southern coast. 98.5 percent of agricultural land has been destroyed. All infrastructure is gone: there is no running water, no sewerage system, nothing. Gaza has been reduced to rubble and there is no prospect of reconstruction. We are reminded of Tacitus' words: "they make a desert and call it peace." / Image: Zoe Lafferty, Twitter Every corner of Gaza is littered with unexploded ordnance. It has been truly transformed into a wasteland unfit for human life. If serious rebuilding efforts were to begin, it would take many decades to repair Gaza. But no such reconstruction plans exist. Gaza thus has a future as a huge, permanent refugee camp, which will be completely dependent on foreign aid. The territory will be blighted by huge social problems, and enormous resentment will continue to boil. Therefore, even if Hamas agrees to disarm and effectively disband, there will be no shortage of recruits to armed resistance groups filling the vacuum left by Hamas. Hamas itself grew out of the atrocious conditions in Gaza after the Oslo Accords 30 years ago. The conditions are even more atrocious now, which are fertile ground for new resistance groups akin to Hamas. The aims of Israeli expansionism will not change one iota either. The Zionists are certain to plunge into new wars. Since 1948, the attitude of the Zionists has been what we have, we hold. Expand, occupy new territory, push things to the limit, and then retreat temporarily, sign an agreement, act reasonable, on the private understanding that you will break that temporary agreement when the time is right. The Oslo Accords were such an agreement. The idea of a Palestinian state was held aloft, based on a Palestinian Authority ruling over Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank. What happened? The Palestinian Authority was systematically undermined in Gaza. In the West Bank, the agreement was undermined by a constant build-up of Zionist settlements. Finally, the whole thing was cast off after 7 October 2023. Now there is a new agreement. Israel will continue to hold a buffer area, and in the meantime, West Bank settlement expansion continues. The Zionists will hope that unlivable conditions in the territory will encourage Palestinians to leave. And new opportunities will arise to occupy it once more. Meanwhile, imperialism is continuing to destabilise the whole region, in which new conflicts are being prepared. Overthrow Zionism! Overthrow imperialism! The effects of the Gaza war will be long lasting. If this peace holds, it will be far more onerous than the peace that existed before 7 October 2023. Peace under imperialism is just a period of preparation for new imperialist wars, the outlines of which we can already see. But this reactionary war has also wrought other changes. It has also torn apart the fabric of Israeli society. Before 7 October 2023, the Israeli ruling class was in a state of near-civil war with itself. The war temporarily masked those contradictions, and its end will reveal them once more only raised to the nth degree. This war has enormously shaken the faith of a large layer of Israeli citizens in the ability of the Zionist ruling class to protect them. If Trumps peace plan goes ahead, Egyptian, Turkish and Saudi soldiers will have the task of policing the Gaza strip on behalf of the Israelis, keeping Palestinian resistance down. This will make the Palestinian question even more explosive inside these countries. Far beyond the region, the genocidal war has acted as a catalyst, bringing to fruition the anger of millions of workers and young people and giving it a point of reference in the solidarity movement. That anger, in millions of minds, has connected Zionism and imperialism with remilitarisation and austerity at home. The changes wrought by this war cannot be undone, including the awakening of the working class and youth, for which this question has acted as an enormous catalyst / Image: PCR The political general strike in Italy in solidarity with Palestine, and particularly the direct action taken by dockworkers to block trade with Israel, was the high point of this movement. That cannot be undone: it represented an awakening of the working class who tasted their own power. It represented a qualitative advance in the class struggle, with the emergence of very advanced methods. If the entry of the working class onto the scene was not the only factor, it was clearly one very palpable factor feeding the anxieties of the ruling class in the West, which finally forced it to bring serious pressure to bear on Israel. Whatever the outcome of this peace negotiation, we must carry with us these lessons. That the working class has the power to bring down the war machine. That fighting Zionism and fighting imperialist war means bringing down our own ruling class at home. That, ultimately, the horrors in the Middle East are the product of capitalism and of imperialism, and that the struggle to free Palestine is a struggle to overthrow capitalism, to form a Socialist Federation of the Middle East, and to eradicate imperialism throughout the world. The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) on Tuesday, 07 October 2025 has raised grave concerns over a sharp escalation of violence in northern Mozambique, forcing nearly 22,000 people to flee their homes in a single week in late September. Xavier Creach, UNHCRs representative in Mozambique, described the surge as a turning point, noting that after years of instability, families are reaching their breaking point some staying despite imminent danger, while others flee with dwindling hope of return. Over 100,000 people have been displaced in 2025 alone, pushing the total number uprooted since the conflict began in 2017 to more than 1.3 million. For the first time, all 17 districts of Cabo Delgado province have been directly affected by attacks. Civilians continue to face severe human rights violations, including killings, abductions, sexual violence, and the forced recruitment of children. Women and girls are at heightened risk when carrying out daily tasks such as fetching water or firewood, while older people and those with disabilities often cannot escape during assaults. By August, security incidents in 2025 had already surpassed the peak levels recorded in 2022. Beyond conflict, families are also grappling with cyclones, floods, drought, and soaring food prices. Despite receiving only $66 million of the $352 million required, UNHCR is providing essential support, including psychosocial services, dignity kits, and replacement of civil documents. Creach urged the international community to step up assistance, warning that the crisis is far from over. Scientists say they have developed the worlds first accurate blood test to diagnose myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Researchers say a new blood test can detect chronic fatigue syndrome with over 90% accuracy Researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Oxford Biodynamics (OBD) analysed blood samples from patients and found a consistent biological marker that may allow for a reliable diagnostic test. Currently, ME/CFS is diagnosed based on symptoms alone, often leading to years of uncertainty or misdiagnosis. The test, detailed in the Journal of Translational Medicine, showed 92% sensitivity and 98% specificity. The team examined 47 patients with severe ME/CFS and compared results to 61 healthy individuals. Prof Dmitry Pshezhetskiy, from UEA Norwich Medical School, said: ME/CFS is a serious and often disabling illness characterised by extreme fatigue that is not relieved by rest. We know that some patients report being ignored or even told that their illness is all in their head. With no definitive tests, many patients have gone undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. We wanted to see if we could develop a blood test to diagnose the condition and we did. Our discovery offers the potential for a simple, accurate blood test to help confirm a diagnosis, which could lead to earlier support and more effective management. Alexandre Akoulitchev, chief scientific officer at OBD, which co-authored and funded the study, said: Chronic fatigue syndrome is not a genetic disease youre born with, thats why using EpiSwitch epigenetic markers which can change during a persons life, unlike fixed genetic code was key to reaching this high level of accuracy. However, experts not involved in the study urged caution. Prof Chris Ponting, of the University of Edinburgh, said: This test needs to be fully validated in better-designed and independent studies before it is considered for clinical application. Even if validated, the test will be expensive, likely (about) 1,000. Dr Charles Shepherd, from the ME Association, added: These results, using epigenetic profiling, appear to be an important step forward in the search for a diagnostic blood test. However, as the researchers point out, a diagnostic blood test has to be both highly sensitive and specific to that condition. At least 12 civilians were killed and 17 others injured on Wednesday, 08 October 2025 when Sudans paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shelled the El-Fasher Hospital in North Darfur, local medical officials reported. Among the wounded were a female doctor and a member of the nursing staff, according to the Sudan Doctors Network. The group condemned the attack as a full-fledged war crime and an egregious violation of international humanitarian law protecting medical personnel and facilities. It urged the United Nations Security Council and the international community to act swiftly to halt continued assaults on hospitals and civilian homes, warning of the collapse of El-Fashers already fragile health system. The RSF, which has besieged El-Fasher since 10 May 2024, has yet to comment on the latest incident. The city, a critical hub for humanitarian operations across the five Darfur states, has been under growing strain amid the ongoing conflict between the RSF and Sudanese army forces. Fighting that began in mid-April 2023 has killed more than 20,000 people and displaced around 15 million, according to UN and local sources. However, research by American universities places the death toll significantly higher, estimating approximately 130,000 fatalities since the conflict erupted. Morocco, whose Monarch chairs the Al-Quds Committee, has welcomed the announcement made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the conclusion of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Morocco expresses its deep appreciation for the sustained efforts and personal commitment of HE President Donald Trump, which have played a decisive role in achieving this hopeful outcome, and also commends the constant efforts of all mediators, the Moroccan Foreign Ministry said in a statement released this Thursday in Rabat. Morocco urges all parties to fully implement this agreement, in order to safeguard lives, ensure the release of hostages and prisoners, allow for the swift and sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid, launch the reconstruction process, and open prospects for a just, comprehensive, and lasting solution to the Palestinian conflict, the statement added. The Kingdom of Morocco, whose Sovereign chairs the Al-Quds Committee, reaffirms its firm attachment to the two-state solution as the only viable foundation for achieving a just and lasting peace in the region through the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, including the Gaza Strip, living side by side with the State of Israel in security and peace, the statement pointed out further. The statement affirmed that Morocco stands fully ready to actively contribute to all agreed steps and initiatives aimed at guaranteeing the rights of the Palestinian people and supporting stability in the Middle East. The Turkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF), scheduled for October 1617 in Istanbul, is expected to reinforce economic cooperation between Turkiye and African nations as mutual trade is projected to surpass $35 billion by the end of the year. Nail Olpak, chair of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), revealed that Turkiyes exports to Africa reached $14.6 billion and imports stood at $7.7 billion between January and August 2025. Major Turkish exports to the continent include machinery, iron and steel, energy, and food products, while imports primarily consist of energy, agricultural goods, cocoa, and minerals. Olpak said Turkiye aims to raise its trade with Africa to $40 billion next year and up to $70 billion in the long term. He emphasised that Turkiyes Africa strategy is anchored in a win-win partnership, focusing on diversification beyond North Africa toward Sub-Saharan markets through logistics centres and local production. The plan also includes expanding Turkish Eximbank financing, promoting free trade incentives, strengthening defence and contracting sectors, and increasing scholarships for African students. With participation expected from over 4,000 businesspeople, as well as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, First Lady Emine Erdogan, and Trade Minister Omer Bolat, the Forum will prioritise collaboration in agriculture, renewable energy, mining, logistics, defence, and digital technologies. Opposition parties in the Central African Republic (CAR) have announced a boycott of the upcoming elections scheduled for December 28, in which President Faustin-Archange Touadera is seeking a controversial third term. The Republican Bloc for the Defence of the Constitution (BRDC), an opposition coalition, told AFP on Wednesday that it has no confidence in the electoral process. The group had earlier rejected the 2023 constitutional referendum that allowed Touadera to extend his rule beyond the previous two-term limit. The elections will include presidential, parliamentary, regional, and local contests. BRDC coordinator Crespin Mboli Goumba confirmed that the coalition would not reverse its decision, citing the governments failure to ensure credible and inclusive polls. President Touadera officially filed his candidacy last week before the October 11 deadline. Although he had initially shown openness to political dialogue earlier in the year, talks have since stalled after an initial meeting in early September, with no new dates set by the government. The opposition insists that without genuine dialogue and transparency, participation would only legitimise what it describes as an unfair electoral process. 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: Dr. Utkarsh Gupta demonstrates the enfacement illusion, with an image filter applied to the photo on the right. Credit: Anglia Ruskin University New research has discovered that briefly altering how we perceive our own body can help unlock autobiographical memoriespotentially even those from the early stages of childhood. Published in Scientific Reports, the study is the first to find that adults can better access their early memories after embodying a childlike version of their own face. Led by neuroscientists at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Cambridge, the study of 50 adult participants involved an "enfacement illusion," which allows people to experience a face they see on a computer screen as their own, as though looking in a mirror. The participants viewed a live video of their own face, digitally altered using an image filter to resemble how they might have looked as children. As they moved their heads, the face on screen mirrored their movements, creating a strong sense that the childlike face was their own. A control group viewed their unaltered adult faces under the same conditions. After the illusion, participants completed an autobiographical memory interview, recalling events from both their childhood and the past year. The researchers recorded and quantified the amount of detail that participants provided when recalling their episodic autobiographical memories. These are memories that enable one to mentally relive previous experiences and mentally "time travel" back to events from one's own past. Dr. Utkarsh Gupta explains how the enfacement illusion works. Credit: Anglia Ruskin University The study is the first to show that access to remote memories can be affected by changes to the bodily self and the results found that participants who viewed the childlike version of their face recalled significantly more episodic childhood memories than those who saw their adult face. The researchers believe the findings offer new insights into how bodily self-perception interacts with memory and could pave the way for new techniques to access previously inaccessible memories, including possibly those from the "childhood amnesia" phase, which is typically before the age of three. Lead author Dr. Utkarsh Gupta conducted the study as part of his Ph.D. at Anglia Ruskin University and is now a Cognitive Neuroscience Research Fellow at the University of North Dakota. Dr. Gupta said, "All the events that we remember are not just experiences of the external world, but are also experiences of our body, which is always present. "We discovered that temporary changes to the bodily self, specifically, embodying a childlike version of one's own face, can significantly enhance access to childhood memories. This might be because the brain encodes bodily information as part of the details of an event. Reintroducing similar bodily cues may help us retrieve those memories, even decades later." Senior author Professor Jane Aspell, who leads the Self & Body Lab at Anglia Ruskin University, said, "When our childhood memories were formed, we had a different body. So we wondered: if we could help people experience aspects of that body again, could we help them recall their memories from that time? "Our findings suggest that the bodily self and autobiographical memory are linked, as temporary changes to bodily experience can facilitate access to remote autobiographical memories. "These results are really exciting and suggest that further, more sophisticated body illusions could be used to unlock memories from different stages of our livesperhaps even from early infancy. In the future, it may even be possible to adapt the illusion to create interventions that might aid memory recall in people with memory impairments." More information: Illusory ownership of one's younger face facilitates access to childhood episodic autobiographical memories, Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-17963-6 Journal information: Scientific Reports 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 While stuttering was believed to have purely psychological causes up until about 30 years ago, scientists today attribute it to a variety of factors capable of contributing to its development. For instance, several genes have been identified that increase the risk of stuttering, and anatomically, the brains of individuals with speech flow disorders show differences in neural connections and brain activity compared to those who speak fluently. PD Dr. Christian Kell, neurologist and director of the Cooperative Brain Imaging Center at Goethe University Frankfurt, explains, "The left hemisphere of the brain can process signals that occur in rapid succession. However, in people who stutter, the auditory cortex in the left hemisphere interacts less with the motor cortex, which controls the muscles involved in speech. "As a result, the brain may delegate these tasks to the right hemisphere, which struggles with the rapid signals characteristic of speech." The outcome: Although affected individuals know exactly what they want to say, they get stuck on certain words. Kell does not consider stuttering to be a disease that necessarily requires therapy. "I believe it would be ideal if society could accept that some people stutter," says the neurologist. At the same time, he is convinced that medicine should offer services to those who suffer from their speech flow disorder and seek help. Following extensive scientific preparation and at the patient's repetitive request, the teams from Frankfurt and Munster implanted a hair-thin wire into the left thalamus of a man who stutters. The thalamus is a central relay station deep within the brain. Through this wire, the brain region was stimulated with mild electrical currents. Standardized tests were then used to measure how the patient's stuttering changed. Kell is thrilled with the results: "In the months following the start of stimulation, the frequency of stuttering gradually decreased by 46%, and the stuttering became significantly less severe. When we turned off the deep brain stimulation without the patient knowing the timing, the stuttering worsened again, demonstrating a genuine biological effect dependent on the strength of the brain stimulation." Unlike Parkinson's patients, whose tremors typically diminish immediately after starting brain stimulation and return as soon as the stimulation is stopped, the stuttering in this case increased very slowly after the stimulation was turned offbut not to the same extent as before. Kell attributes part of this effect to the patient himself: "Through the experience of stuttering less during stimulation, he and his brain likely found ways to further reduce the stuttering." The research team is now preparing a study to investigate whether deep brain stimulation can also help other individuals who experience severe stuttering. However, Kell is careful to curb overly high expectations. "Deep brain stimulation is an intensive physical procedure and, like any surgery, carries risks. These must be carefully weighed against the distress experienced by a person who stutters. We also want to explore whether we can achieve similar effects by stimulating the brain externallywithout surgery." This work is published in the Journal of Fluency Disorders. More information: Christian A. Kell et al, Left thalamic deep brain stimulation for persistent developmental stuttering, Journal of Fluency Disorders (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jfludis.2025.106147 Provided by Goethe University 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: More than 200 health centers in eastern Congo are running out of essential medicine due to ongoing fighting and a lack of humanitarian aid, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned. The organization said it surveyed 240 medical facilities in North and South Kivu, provinces hit hard by violence involving M23 rebels and other armed groups. The conflict has made it nearly impossible for supplies to reach clinics on both sides of the front line. "The lives of thousands of people are at stake," Francois Moreillon, head of the ICRC delegation in Congo, told The Associated Press. There's an urgent shortage of medicines for malaria, HIV, tuberculosis and other life-threatening illnesses, Moreillon explained. The Red Cross says the situation has become dire as humanitarian organizations scale back or completely shut down due to severe funding shortages. "Currently, more than 80% of health facilities in the Kivu provinces receive no support from humanitarian partners and are only operational thanks to the remarkable commitment of their staff on both sides of the front lines," Moreillon said. Further, nearly half of the centers are also facing staff shortages as medical workers flee the violence. Eastern Congo's decades-long conflict, fueled by more than 100 armed groups competing for land and mineral resources, has escalated this year. Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured the key cities of Goma and Bukavu earlier in 2025, killing an estimated 3,000 people. All told, about 7 million have been displaced. While international peace efforts have slowed some fighting, smaller clashes continue, making it harder for aid workers to reach civilians in need. More information: The United Nations Refugee Agency has more about humanitarian crises around the world. 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain About 93% of U.S. adults access the internet, and 80% of those search for health information, despite low levels of proficiency in health literacy. In a new study, researchers have developed an automated approach to assess how easily understandable patient educational videos are for individuals looking for information on diabetes. The study's findings offer insights for content creators and health care organizations on improving users' engagement with online materials by developing a digital therapeutic approach that uses evidence-based digital health technologies to change behavior persuasively. Conducted by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), Arizona State University (ASU), and Michigan State University (MSU), the study appears in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. "With the vast amount of health information available in multimedia formats on social media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook, billions of people across the globe are accessing health care information via social media without any way to verify the accuracy, understandability, or relevance of the content," says Rema Padman, Trustees Professor Of Management Science And Healthcare Informatics at Carnegie Mellon's Heinz College and principal investigator of project, who coauthored the study. "In this context, there is an urgent need and a unique opportunity to design a way to curate online health information using multiple criteria to meet the health literacy needs of a diverse population." Providing access to high-quality health information and educational materials for patients is essential for empowering patients, improving health and cost outcomes, and building societal resilience. But limited health proficiency is a challenge worldwide; in the United States, only 12% of adults are considered proficient in their ability to interpret health information meaningfully. In this study, researchers developed a human-in-the-loop, augmented intelligence approach that focuses on the interaction between humans and algorithms on YouTubethe largest video-sharing social media platform. The approach combines guidelines from the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) with features extracted from online videos for patients. It also uses annotations of the videos by domain experts and co-training methods from machine learning to assess the understandability of videos on diabetes and classify them. With this information, researchers then examined the impact of understandability on several dimensions of viewers' engagement with the videos. The study collected nearly 10,000 YouTube videos on diabetesamong the most prevalent chronic condition in many parts of the worldusing search keywords extracted from a patient-oriented forum and reviewed by a medical expert. The analysis demonstrated that the co-training classification model, which combined machine learning with expert input, performed strongly. In addition, higher levels of understandability had a positive effect on viewers' engagement, yielding more views, likes, and comments, and boosted the likelihood of expert recommendations for patient education. These results point to the importance of improving video understandability for enhancing patients' engagement with educational materials on contextually relevant health-related topics, potentially advancing the health literacy of individuals and populations. The study's approach may be more widely applicable across various health domains, say the authors. The methods and principles could be adapted to other chronic, acute, and infectious health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, and to broader patient education contexts, such as medication adherence and patient safety. Among the study's limitations, the authors note that the PEMAT is not designed for user-generated content, but for materials produced by health care organizations, so the PEMAT criteria may require adaptation or extension to YouTube videos in evaluating sub-criteria (e.g., whether the materials used for illustration are uncluttered, whether the technical quality of the video is satisfactory). In addition, the study relied heavily on four physicians' evaluations of patient education materials, which poses risks of evaluator bias. "Currently, digital technologies for public health literacy and patient education are limited, lack scalability, and do not fully use the vast amount of publicly available health information found online and on social media platforms," explains Xiao Liu, assistant professor of information systems at ASU's W.P. Carey School of Business and co-PI, who coauthored the study. "Providing a strong open platform provides a credible alternative to the vested interests of private organizations with proprietary technologies, which will lead to innovations in new data collection devices, digital platforms, and technologies in the context of health literacy initiatives." Anjana Susarla, Omura-Saxena professor of responsible AI in the Department of Accounting and Information Systems at Michigan State University's Broad College of Business and co-PI, who coauthored the study, adds, "Our findings can offer a path toward patient education and empowerment, as well as improved health literacy of the population, by providing clinicians and patients the ability to easily retrieve understandable and relevant video-based information on health education." More information: Xiao Liu et al, Promoting Health Literacy With Human-in-the-Loop Video Understandability Classification of YouTube Videos: Development and Evaluation Study, Journal of Medical Internet Research (2025). DOI: 10.2196/56080 Journal information: Journal of Medical Internet Research This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Using millions of microscope images magnified up to 130,000 times, researchers from Radboud University Medical Center and Toronto have unraveled the structure of two key proteins in the malaria parasite. With this knowledge, scientists are developing new vaccines that block the transmission of parasites via mosquitoes. Malaria, a parasitic infectious disease, has existed since the time of the ancient Egyptians and still threatens nearly half of the world's population. In recent years, two malaria vaccines have become available that protect against infection, but they do not offer complete protection. Moreover, these vaccines do not stop the spread of the malaria parasite from one person to another via mosquitoes. That's why researchers are working on new vaccines that do block this transmission. 30 billion parasites These new vaccines mainly target two proteins of the malaria parasite. "These proteins were discovered back in the 1980s, but we still didn't really know what they looked like," says Ph.D. candidate Ezra Bekkering from Radboudumc. "That's because they're difficult to produce." Bekkering and his colleagues, together with scientists from The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute in Toronto, have now finally unraveled the structures of these two proteins and published their findings in the journal Immunity. To analyze them, the researchers needed to obtain enough of the proteins. To do this, they cultured thirty billion malaria parasitesa process that took six months. They extracted the proteins from the parasites and then resolved their 3D structure using cryo-electron microscopy. This technique allows proteins to be visualized at the atomic level by taking millions of images with a microscope that can zoom in up to 130,000 times. Sexual reproduction Although the structure of the proteins is now elucidated, their role remains somewhat mysterious. Researcher Matthijs Jore explains, "They are part of a complex on the surface of the malaria parasite and are specific to this pathogen. That makes them a suitable target for vaccines. These proteins likely help the parasite during sexual reproduction." Now that researchers know the 3D structure of the two proteins, they better understand how the malaria parasite infects mosquitoes and how antibodies against these proteins can block parasite development in the mosquito. They can now use the structure as a blueprint to develop new malaria vaccines that contribute to eradicating this deadly disease. Jore adds, "If you don't know what something looks like, it's hard to protect yourself against it. The elucidated structures offer new opportunities for better malaria vaccines." 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 A global analysis led by La Trobe University has highlighted the hidden harms to women and children caused by men's alcohol use and calls for urgent gender-responsive and alcohol policy action worldwide and in Australia. The paper, "Harms to Women and Children from Men's Alcohol Use: An Evidence Review and Directions For Policy," analyzes findings including three recent reviews of 78 papers. Globally, up to one in three women in some countries report living with a heavy-drinking partner and children exposed to men's harmful alcohol use face increased risk of violence, neglect, poor health and reduced life opportunities. The harms are most severe in low- and middle-income countries and in societies with high levels of gender inequality. The review, led by Professor Anne-Marie Laslett from La Trobe's Center for Alcohol Policy Research (CAPR) and published by global non-profit research institute RTI International, shows that men drink more heavily than women and are more likely to engage in behaviors that harm others when they drink. Women and children are disproportionately impacted, often experiencing physical injury, mental health challenges, financial hardship and disruption to education and family stability. "Research shows that the consequences of men's alcohol use extend far beyond the individual that drinks," Professor Laslett said. "Women and children pay a heavy price, yet policies rarely take their experiences into account. This is a major gap in international public health and social policy." International data also reveal wide gender disparities between countries, with prevalence and patterns of alcohol use differing sharply. In some regions, these disparities make harms to women and children especially pronounced. "Globally there has been poor recognition that others' drinking, and particularly men's drinking, contributes to many harms to women and children," Professor Laslett said. "Social, cultural and economic policies, as well as alcohol-specific policies, need to change to ensure that they are responding to the harms to women and children highlighted in this review." In Australia, the findings are particularly timely given growing national attention to domestic and family violence. Alcohol's role in driving partner violence has been recognized in recent government reviews, with calls to strengthen regulation and prevention strategies. Australia's Federal Government last year commissioned a rapid review that recommended addressing alcohol's regulatory environment. The review emphasizes that while proven policies such as raising alcohol taxes, restricting availability, and limiting marketing remain essential, they should be paired with interventions that tackle harmful gender norms and empower women and children. An intersectoral approach involving health, legal and social services is critical for meaningful change. Professor Siri Hettige, a researcher from Sri Lanka's University of Columbo who collaborated on the project, said targeted, community-level interventions that addressed the realities faced by women and children were essential. "Given the nature of the social context in which the harm to women and children from men's drinking occurs, interventions to reduce such harms might have to go beyond current alcohol policies," Professor Hettige said. More information: Anne-Marie Laslett et al, Harms to women and children from men's alcohol use: An evidence review and directions for policy, (2025). DOI: 10.3768/rtipress.2025.op.0098.2509 Rian Johnson has got nothing for a fourth Knives Out movie. Director Rian Johnson has 'got nothing' for a fourth Knives Out movie The 51-year-old director has helmed the whodunnit series since its 2019 debut, and with the third instalment Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery releasing next month, Johnson has admitted he is all out of ideas for a fourth film. Speaking about a potential fourth Knives Out with The Hollywood Reporter, Johnson said: I got nothing. If you have anything, Ill take it. I think its good to totally empty the well and then start from scratch on the next one. In Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) returns to solve a chilling new case involving faith, betrayal, and murder in a small towns church. As secrets surface and loyalties twist, Blanc faces his most dangerous mystery yet. Reflecting on the future of the series, Johnson said he would continue the Knives Out franchise as long as he and Craig continue to enjoy making the movies. He said: As long as Daniel and I have fun doing it and he wants to do them, as long as audiences like them, and also as long as we can keep challenging ourselves and coming up with something thats genuinely new. Johnson called Wake Up Dead Man his most personal Knives Out movie yet. The Star Wars: The Last Jedi filmmaker said: Its about faith and religion. I grew up very religious. Im not anymore, but its something that I still have a lot of strong feelings about. So this one was made very much with the intent of digging back into something that was very personal for me. Johnson previously teased Wake Up Dead Man would be a personal journey for Benoit Blanc. He told Empire magazine: He has the biggest personal journey in this one. Benoit has to engage with [the case] in a different way. He's in a very different place than in the previous two films. Daniel and I had a lot of fun thinking about where Blanc is at in his life. And I think he's going through some s***. The Looper director added Wake Up Dead Man would be more gothic in tone than 2019s Knives Out and 2022s Glass Onion. He said: It's Gothic in its tone. It's going back to the real origins of the [mystery] genre, which are Edgar Allan Poe, Murders In The Rue Morgue. Johnson explained that he was inspired by Martin McDonagh's 2022 black comedy The Banshees of Inisherin in making Wake Up Dead Man - although the film still maintains the humour that features in the two previous Knives Out flicks. He explained: McDonagh is so amazing in the way that he focuses on this tight group of characters. It's so rich and unexpected. It's still a Benoit Blanc movie. It still has a lot of humour in it. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery will also star Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis, Cailee Spaeny, Glenn Close, Josh OConnor, Thomas Haden Church and Andrew Scott, and is set to release in select cinemas on November 26, 2025 ahead of its December 12 launch on Netflix. 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: The MetaGraph framework. Credit: Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09603-w Rare hereditary diseases can be identified in patients and specific mutations in tumor cells detectedDNA sequencing revolutionized biomedical research decades ago. In recent years, new sequencing methods (next-generation sequencing) in particular have resulted in numerous scientific breakthroughs. In 2020/2021, for example, they enabled the rapid decoding and global monitoring of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Meanwhile, more and more researchers are making the results of sequenced DNA publicly available. This has given rise to the creation of huge data volumes, which are stored in central databases such as the American SRA (Sequence Read Archive) or the European ENA (European Nucleotide Archive). Around 100 petabytes of data are stored thereroughly the same amount as all the text on the internet, one petabyte being the equivalent of one million gigabytes. To date, biomedical scientists have needed massive computing power and other resources to search through this amount of DNA sequences and compare them with their own sequencesmaking the efficient searching in such mountains of data a sheer impossibility. Computer scientists at ETH Zurich have now solved this problem. Full-text search instead of downloading entire data sets The scientists have developed a method that greatly shortens and facilitates this search. The research is published in the journal Nature. The "MetaGraph" digital tool searches the raw data of all DNA or RNA sequences stored in the databasesjust like a conventional Internet search engine. After entering a sequence they are interested in as full text into a search mask, researchers can find out within seconds or minutes, depending on the query, where it has already appeared. "It's a kind of Google for DNA," says Professor Gunnar Ratsch, data scientist at the Department of Computer Science at ETH Zurich. Until now, researchers had to search the databases for descriptive metadata. In order to access the raw data, they had to download the respective data sets. These searches were incomplete, time-consuming and expensive. "MetaGraph" is comparatively favorable in terms of costs, as the researchers state in their study. The representation of all public biological sequences would fit on a few computer hard drives, while larger queries should cost no more than 0.74 dollars per megabase. As the DNA search engine the ETH researchers have developed is also both precise and efficient, it can help to accelerate genetic researchfor example, in the case of little-researched pathogens or new pandemics. In this way, the tool could become a catalyst in research into antibiotic resistance: for example, by identifying resistance genes or useful viruses that can destroy bacteriaknown as bacteriophagesin the databases. Compression by a factor of 300 In the study, the ETH researchers demonstrate how MetaGraph works: the tool indexes the data and presents it in compressed form. This is achieved by way of complex mathematical graphs that improve the structure of the datasimilar to spreadsheet programs such as Excel. "Mathematically speaking, it is a huge matrix with millions of columns and trillions of rows," as Ratsch states. The idea of rendering large amounts of data searchable with the help of indexes is standard practice in computer science research. What is new about the work of the ETH researchers, however, is the complex linking of raw data and metadata and the compression by a factor of about 300, similar to a book summary: it no longer contains every word, but all the main storylines and connections remain intactmore compact, yet without any relevant loss of information. "We are pushing the limits of what is possible in order to keep the data sets as compact as possible without losing necessary information," says Dr. Andre Kahles, who, like Ratsch, is a member of the Biomedical Informatics Group at ETH Zurich. By contrast with other DNA search masks currently being researched, the ETH researchers' approach is scalable. This means that the larger the amount of data queried, the less additional computing power the tool requires. Half of the data is already available now The ETH researchers first presented MetaGraph in 2020 and have been continuously improving it ever since. The tool is already available for queries (link). It provides a full-text search engine for millions of sequence sets from DNA and RNA, as well as proteins from viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants, animals and humans. At present, just under half of the sequence data sets available worldwide are indexed. According to Gunnar Ratsch, the rest should follow by the end of the year. Given that MetaGraph is available as open source, it could also be of interest to pharmaceutical companies that have large amounts of internal research data. Kahles even believes it is possible that the DNA search engine will one day be used by private individuals. "In the early days, even Google didn't know exactly what a search engine was good for. If the rapid development in DNA sequencing continues, it may become commonplace to identify your balcony plants more precisely." More information: Mikhail Karasikov et al, Efficient and accurate search in petabase-scale sequence repositories, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09603-w Journal information: Nature 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 In the United States, significant numbers of adults with dementia require long-term care services. For example, around 750,000 people who live in nursing homes have a diagnosis of dementia. However, transportation insecurity for this population has not received sufficient attention. Although long-term care facilities provide basic medical services, residents with dementia often need external, preventative, and follow-up care such as specialist visits, diagnostics, and dental or vision services. Without reliable nonemergency medical transportation, these needs may go unmet. To demonstrate the extent of this problem, Postdoctoral Research Scientist Soojeong Han, Ph.D., and her colleagues reviewed existing literature on non-emergency medical transportation services for individuals with dementia living in long-term care (LTC) facilities. The study, "Transportation Services in Society for Individuals Living With Dementia in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Scoping Review," was published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. Their review found only five publications that mentioned this topic, and even then, only briefly. Across these studies, caregivers, health care professionals, and people with dementia consistently described nonemergency medical transportation as a critical need. Reported barriers included financial strain, rural-urban disparities, lack of continuity among transportation vendors, and dementia-specific challenges such as cognitive decline, stigma, and the need for caregiver accompaniment. The authors call for development of research on dementia-friendly transportation systems and interventions that prioritize accessibility, affordability, and adaptability, which could reduce social isolation, improve continuity of care, and enhance quality of life for LTC residents living with dementia. A feasible path to spotting financial and social hardship in childhood cancer care Screening for financial hardship in pediatric oncology settings is feasible using a multipronged approach, a Columbia University School of Nursing study led by Assistant Professor Melissa Beauchemin, Ph.D., reports. The study, "Prevalence of Financial Hardship and Health-Related Social Needs in Pediatric Oncology: A Practice-Level Analysis of Systematic Screening," was published in Pediatric Blood & Cancer. According to the paper, despite continued advances in the treatment of childhood cancer, disparities in outcomes among low-income and minoritized groups, specifically Black and Hispanic patients, persist. Financial hardship and health-related social needs (HRSN), such as lack of stable housing and transportation, can reduce a patient and family's ability to access and receive the recommended cancer treatment. As a solution, the researchers suggest implementing a screening mechanism to identify patients that are experiencing financial hardship or have HRSN. This recommendation is based on screenings the team conducted in person via a social worker and through the electronic health records patient portal of a large academic pediatric oncology clinic in New York City. The screenings featured questionnaires that evaluated a patient's financial situation and environment. Of 621 pediatric oncology patients, 76% completed the screenings. Among the respondents, 21% reported food insecurity, which was more common among Hispanic (35%) and Black (24%) patients versus White (6%) and Asian (7%) patients. Financial hardship was reported by 76%, with especially high rates among Hispanic (87%), Black (87%), and Spanish-speaking (97%) patients. These findings suggest screenings were successful at identifying at-risk patients and families. The researchers urge providers to conduct their own screenings and analyze respondent data to understand which patients need additional resources, in order to help avoid catastrophic financial situations and potentially improve patient and household outcomes. More information: Soojeong Han et al, Transportation Services in Society for Individuals Living With Dementia in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Scoping Review, Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2025.105745 Melissa P. Beauchemin et al, Prevalence of Financial Hardship and HealthRelated Social Needs in Pediatric Oncology: A PracticeLevel Analysis of Systematic Screening, Pediatric Blood & Cancer (2025). DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31988 Journal information: Journal of American Medical Directors Association 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: The work serves as a model for how to conduct public health research during a pandemic. Credit: Vazquez-Prokopec lab A novel disease prevention strategytargeting a mosquito that spreads the dengue virussignificantly reduces both the mosquito numbers and cases of disease across a community, finds a major new study. The New England Journal of Medicine published the results of the large, randomized clinical trialconsidered the gold standard for evaluating the effectiveness of an interventionled by Emory University. The research was conducted in Merida, a city of one million in the Mexican state of the Yucatan, through a close collaboration with the Autonomous University of the Yucatan, the Yucatan Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Health of Mexico. The project tested an intervention that previous Emory research found promising: Targeted indoor residual spraying of insecticide, or TIRS, conducted before an outbreak occurs. The method is aimed at a particular species of mosquito, Aedes aegypti, that is perfectly adapted to live with humans in an urban setting. "Our study showed that the TIRS method reduced numbers of these mosquitoes by 60% for a period of six months," says Gonzalo Vazquez-Prokopec, senior author of the study and Emory professor of environmental sciences. "The results also quantified a 24% mean reduction community-wide in cases of dengue fever, even in the context of a record-breaking outbreak of dengue in Merida." "This project was a major undertaking," says Natalie Dean, first author of the study and associate professor of biostatistics and bioinformatics and epidemiology in Emory's Rollins School of Public Health. "The team conducted a well-executed and powerful study, combining epidemiology and entomology, to test the efficacy of an intervention for a mosquito-borne disease over years of different outbreak seasons." There is little precedent, she notes, for such a comprehensive approach to testing the effectiveness of public health interventions for Aedes-borne diseases. Emory co-authors include Lance Waller, professor of biostatistics at Rollins School of Public Health, and Matthew Collins, assistant professor in the School of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases. Co-author Pablo Manrique-Saide, professor of biology at the Autonomous University of Yucatan, led efforts on the ground in Mexico. The mosquito is notorious for its ability to carry an array of dangerous viral pathogens, giving it the potential to spark outbreaks of chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika. Dengue, also known as break-bone fever due to the debilitating pain it causes, is the most prevalent disease spread by Aedes to people, causing an estimated 100400 million infections globally. In severe cases, dengue can be fatal. Outbreaks are most common in tropical and subtropical regions with large areas of densely packed, substandard housing, where Aedes tend to proliferate. Most cases of dengue are asymptomatic, and the disease is so common that only a small fraction get reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2023, WHO recorded a historic high of 6.5 million dengue cases globally, including more than 7,300 dengue-related deaths. A member of the project's field team, left, explains the study to a resident of Merida as the resident's dog looks on. Credit: Emory University For nearly two decades, Vazquez-Prokopeca leading expert on diseases spread by mosquitoes, ticks and other vectorshas tracked outbreaks spread by bites from Aedes in various parts of the world. He uses global information systems to record and map the movements of people, combined with blood tests to determine if they carry one of the viruses. He also maps the locations of the Aedes mosquito, studying its behaviors and whether it is developing resistance to a particular pesticide. The "couch potato" of mosquitoes, Aedes' preferred habitat is inside homes, where it rests behind and beneath furniture and at the bases of walls. It feeds almost exclusively on the blood of people and is a poor flier, with a range of just 100 meters. These behaviors mean most of these mosquitoes survive when public health departments spray insecticide up and down streetsthe standard response to an outbreak of dengue or other Aedes-borne diseases. Vazquez-Prokopec and colleagues began investigating the novel approach of indoor spraying of a long-lastingor residualinsecticide, safe for use indoors. Spraying in homes is time-consuming and labor intensive, making it impossible to cover an entire city. Instead, his research team uses a targeted approachtreating homes in neighborhoods where dengue outbreaks have repeatedly occurred, so-called "hotspots." The method, dubbed TIRS, is applied as a preventative measure months before outbreaks typically occur. The researchers had previously established that the TIRS method significantly knocked down Aedes populations in dengue hotspots of Merida. The NIH grant allowed them to also test the impact of TIRS on disease incidence, using the gold standard of a randomized clinical trial. The project launched in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, making the ambitious trial even more challenging. Working remotely over Zoom, Emory scientists trained a team of 80 people from the University of Yucatanincluding nurses, anthropologists, social workers and othersto go into the field for the recruitment phase. This "ground crew" adhered to strict COVID-19 safety protocol. Going door-to-door, team members enrolled nearly 5,000 children, ages two to 15, for the study, along with thousands more households. Altogether, the trial included 33,000 homes within 50 clusters of city blocks that included hotspots for dengue fever. Over the course of the study, local health department officials treated some of the homes with a long-lasting insecticide, weeks in advance of the rainy season when mosquito activity peaks. Houses not receiving treatment served as controls. From 2021 to 2024, the research team regularly contacted families with children participating in the study for medical monitoring of symptoms of an Aedes-borne disease. Blood draws and analyses were required to confirm a child's infection status. "Our close partnership with our colleagues in Mexico allowed us to mount and maintain such a large study over three years," Vazquez-Prokopec says. "We believe our work serves as a model for how to conduct field research during a pandemic," he adds. In advance of the rainy season, local public health officials sprayed a long-lasting insecticide safe for indoor use, targeted to areas where the Aedes mosquito prefers to hang out. Credit: Emory University The results of the Herculean effort confirmed that TIRS significantly reduces the Aedes population as well as the disease burden in a community. Over the course of the study, 422 Aedes-borne disease cases were confirmed in children, almost exclusively dengue cases, with the majority occurring in 2023, during the record-setting outbreak of the disease globally. (Mexico's Ministry of Health confirmed nearly 55,000 cases of dengue that year, with 47% classified as severe dengue, setting a historical record for cases in the country.) TIRS yielded no significant impact on children's cases of dengue within the Merida study cohort, the researchers found. Analysis of Ministry of Health surveillance data, however, encompassing all community members within the study area, showed TIRS treatment reduced dengue cases by 24% in the community overall. The surveillance data captured older populations, which are more likely to experience their second or third dengue infection. These infections are more likely to be symptomatic. Other factors that may have influenced the variation in data for different age groups include differences in mobility patterns. Dengue cases declined during 20202021, when people were less mobile during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by increases in mobility, perhaps opening the door to the record-breaking surge of dengue. "Mosquitoes are just one factor in a complicated story," Vazquez-Prokopec says. Dengue and other Aedes-borne diseases are extremely complex. Dengue, for instance, comes in four different viral serotypes and is mainly spread by people who are asymptomatic. Over the course of their lives, people can become immune to one serotype and not another. In 2023, Mexico saw the reemergence of the DENV-3 serotype, which had not circulated in a decade. "Our study is one of the very few random-controlled trials to show a significant impact for an intervention against an Aedes-borne disease," Vazquez-Prokopec says. "We are continuing to evaluate the TIRS approach to learn how it may be further improved. We want our work to have lasting benefits for the many people affected by dengue throughout the world." Many tools are needed for the control of the Aedes mosquito, he adds, as a warming world and rapid urbanization hold the potential to fuel more record-breaking outbreaks of the diseases it spreads. Co-authors among the project's international consortium include scientists from University of Florida; University of Central Florida; University of Washington; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center; U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Secretary of Health, Mexico City, Mexico; National Institute of Public Health in Cuernavaca, Mexico; and Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel. More information: Natalie E. Dean et al, Randomized Trial of Targeted Indoor Spraying to Prevent Aedes-Borne Diseases, New England Journal of Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2501069 Journal information: New England Journal of Medicine 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 A study led by University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers demonstrates that their nanoparticle-based vaccine can effectively prevent melanoma, pancreatic and triple-negative breast cancer in mice. Not only did up to 88% of the vaccinated mice remain tumor-free (depending on the cancer), but the vaccine reducedand in some cases completely preventedthe cancer's spread. The study is published in Cell Reports Medicine. "By engineering these nanoparticles to activate the immune system via multi-pathway activation that combines with cancer-specific antigens, we can prevent tumor growth with remarkable survival rates," says Prabhani Atukorale, assistant professor of biomedical engineering in the Riccio College of Engineering at UMass Amherst and corresponding author on the paper. Atukorale's previous research showed that her novel nanoparticle-based drug design can shrink and clear cancer tumors in mice. Now, she's demonstrated that it can also work preventively. The first test paired her nanoparticle system with well-characterized melanoma peptides (called an antigen, similar to how a flu shot typically contains parts of the inactivated flu virus). The formulation activated immune cells called T cells, priming them to recognize and attack this type of cancer. Three weeks later, the mice were exposed to melanoma cells. Eighty percent of these "super adjuvant" vaccinated mice remained tumor-free and survived until the completion of the study (250 days). In comparison, all of the mice vaccinated with traditional vaccine systems, non-nanoparticle formulations or unvaccinated mice developed tumors; none survived longer than 35 days. The vaccine also protected against the spread of cancer to the lungs. When exposed to melanoma cells systemically, which mimics how cancer metastasizes, none of the nanoparticle-vaccinated mice developed lung tumors, while all of the other mice did. "Metastases across the board is the highest hurdle for cancer," says Atukorale. "The vast majority of tumor mortality is still due to metastases, and it almost trumps us working in difficult-to-reach cancers, such as melanoma and pancreatic cancer." Atukorale describes this as "memory immunity." "That is a real advantage of immunotherapy, because memory is not only sustained locally," she says. "We have memory systemically, which is very important. The immune system spans the entire geography of the body." This first test was conducted using a vaccine with well-characterized antigens that matched the type of cancer. However, developing antigens tailored to different cancers requires whole-genome sequencing or complex bioinformatics screening. So, for the second part of the study, the researchers used killed cancer cells derived directly from the tumor mass, called tumor lysate. After vaccination with the nanoparticle lysate vaccine, the mice were then exposed to melanoma, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma or triple-negative breast cancer cells. The tumor rejection rates were striking: 88% of mice for pancreatic cancer, 75% of mice for breast cancer and 69% of mice for melanoma rejected tumors. Of these tumor-free, nanoparticle-vaccinated mice, all of them remained tumor-free when the researchers tested if the cancer would metastasize, given systemic exposure. "The tumor-specific T-cell responses that we are able to generatethat is really the key behind the survival benefit," says Griffin Kane, postdoctoral research associate at UMass Amherst and first author on the paper. "There is really intense immune activation when you treat innate immune cells with this formulation, which triggers these cells to present antigens and prime tumor-killing T cells." This robust T-cell response is possible because of the particular nanoparticle design of the vaccine. Vaccinesregardless of the target diseasecontain two primary components: the antigen and the adjuvant. The antigen is the piece of the disease-causing pathogen (in this study, cancer cells) that the immune system can be trained to target. The adjuvant is a substance that activates the immune system to recognize the antigen, treat it as a foreign intruder and eliminate it. The Atukorale Lab draws inspiration from how pathogens naturally stimulate the immune system. To mount a strong immune response, the body requires multiple "danger" signals triggered through different pathways. "In recent years, we have come to understand how important the selection of the adjuvant is because it drives the second signal that is needed for the correct priming of T and B cells," says Atukorale. However, just like oil and water, many of the most promising adjuvants for cancer immunotherapy do not mix well at the molecular level. To overcome this, the Atukorale Lab has engineered a lipid nanoparticle-based "super adjuvant" capable of stably encapsulating and co-delivering two distinct immune adjuvants that activate immunity in a coordinated, synergistic way. The researchers say that their design offers a platform approach that could be used across multiple cancer types. The researchers envision that this platform can be applied to create both therapeutic and preventative regimens, particularly for individuals at high risk for cancer. This is an idea that Atukorale and Kane have turned into a startup called NanoVax Therapeutics. "The real core technology that our company has been founded on is this nanoparticle and this treatment approach," says Kane. "This is a platform that Prabhani developed. The startup lets us pursue these translational efforts with the ultimate goal of improving patients' lives." Next, Atukorale and Kane plan to extend this technology to a therapeutic vaccine and have already taken the initial de-risking steps in translation. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain At a memorial service in 2022, veteran Air Force Capt. Monte Watts bumped into a fellow former Minuteman III nuclear missile operator, who told him that she had non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Watts knew other missileers with similar cancers. But the connection really hit home later that same January day, when the results of a blood test revealed that Watts himself had chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. "I don't know if it was ironic or serendipitous or what the right word is, but there it was," Watts said. Within the community of U.S. service members who staff nuclear missile silos scattered across the Northern Rockies and Great Plains, suspicions had long been brewing that their workplaces were unsafe. Just months after Watts was diagnosed in 2022, Lt. Col. Danny Sebeck, a former Air Force missileer who had transferred to the U.S. Space Force, wrote a brief on a potential cancer cluster among people who served at Minuteman III launch control centers on Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana. Sebeck identified 36 former workers who served primarily from 1993 to 2011 and had been diagnosed with cancer, including himself. Of those, 11 had non-Hodgkin lymphoma; three had died. The Air Force responded swiftly to Sebeck's findings, launching a massive investigation into cancer cases and the environment at three intercontinental ballistic missile bases and a California launch facility. The goal is to complete the research by the end of 2025. The service has released portions of the studies as they conclude, holding online town halls and briefings to highlight its findings. But while former missileers say they are heartened by the rapid response, they remain concerned that the research, which crosses decades and includes thousands of ICBM personnel and administrative workers, may address too large a population or use statistical analyses that won't show a connection between their illnesses and their military service. They need that tie to expedite benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Historically, the Department of Defense has been slow to recognize potential environmental diseases. Veterans sickened by exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, Marines who drank contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and service members who lived and worked near burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan fought for years to have their illnesses acknowledged as related to military service. In the case of the missileers, the Air Force had already studied potential contamination and cancer at Malmstrom in 2001 and 2005. That research concluded that launch control centers were "safe and healthy working environments." But with Sebeck's presentation and the decision to pursue further investigation, Air Force Global Strike Commandthe unit responsible for managing nuclear missile silos and aircraft-based nuclear weaponssaid the earlier studies may not have included a large enough sampling of medical records to be comprehensive. Sebeck, who serves as co-director of the Torchlight Initiative, an advocacy group that supports ICBM personnel and their families, told congressional Democrats on April 8 that the Defense Department has not accurately tracked exposures to the community, making it difficult for veterans to prove a link and obtain VA health care and disability compensation. "I had to go to a VA person and pull some papers," Sebeck said, referring to the government system for recording service members' environmental risks. "It says that I visited Poland once. It doesn't mention that I pulled 148 alerts in a launch control center with polychlorinated biphenyls and with this contaminated air and water." PCBsand the missileers exposed to them PCBs are synthetic chemicals once used in industry, including missile control electrical components such as display screens, keyboards, and circuit breakers. They have been banned for manufacture since 1979, deemed toxic and a likely carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Air Force's Missile Community Cancer Study compares 14 types of common cancers in the general U.S. population and the missile community and also studies the environments at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California to determine whether they may have contributed to the risk of developing cancer. The Malmstrom, Warren, and Minot bases together field 400 Minuteman III missiles, the land-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad, which also includes submarine- and aircraft-launched nuclear weapons. The missiles are housed in silos spread across parts of Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska, staffed around the clock by missileers operating from underground, bunkerlike launch control centers. So far, the Air Force investigation has found no "statistically elevated" deaths from cancer in the missile community compared with the general population, and it found that the death rates for four types of common cancersnon-Hodgkin lymphoma, lung, colon and rectum, and prostate cancerwere significantly lower in missileers than in the general population. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma accounted for roughly 5.8% of all cancer deaths among people who worked in launch control centers from January 1979 to December 2020. Early results, derived from Defense Department medical records, found elevated rates of breast and prostate cancers in the missile community, but a later analysis incorporating additional data did not support those findings. The studies also did not find increased rates of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Air Force officials noted during a June 4 online town hall, however, that these assessments are based on roughly half the data the service expects to review for its final epidemiological reports and cautioned against drawing conclusions given the limitations. The final incidence report will include federal and state data, including information from civilian cancer registries, and delve into subgroups and exposures, which may "provide deeper insights into the complex relationship" between serving in the missile community and cancer risk, wrote Air Force Col. Richard Speakman in a September 2024 memo on the initial epidemiology results. Gen. Thomas Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, said during the June town hall that only the final results will determine whether the missile community's cancer rates are higher than the general population's. Some lawmakers share the concern of missileers about the Air Force study. Following the release of a University of North Carolina review of Torchlight Initiative data that showed higher rates of non-Hodgkin lymphomaat younger agesamong Malmstrom missileers, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) introduced an amendment to a defense policy bill calling for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to review health and safety conditions in the facilities. "Let's make sure that we have some outside experts working with the Air Force studying cancer rates with our ICBM missions," Bacon posted July 30 on the social platform X. "We want to ensure credibility and that whatever results come out, we've done total due diligence." Regarding additional studies on the working environments at the installations and a possible relationship between exposures and cancer risk, Speakman, who commands the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, said Malmstrom had two types of PCBs that the other two missile wing bases did not. He added that benzene, found in cigarette smoke, vehicle exhaust, and gasoline fumes, was the largest contributor to cancer risk in reviews of the bases. The assessment concluded that the health risks to missileers is "low, but it's not zero," Speakman said. He said it would be appropriate to monitor the health of launch control workers. Next steps Watts, whose story has been highlighted by the Torchlight Initiative, has asked the Defense Department's inspector general to investigatethe watchdog agency referred his request to Global Strike Commandand is closely watching the Air Force research. He said the bulk of the cancer cases reported to Torchlight occurred in the 2000s, when ICBM personnel still used technology that contained PCBs, burned classified material such as treated paper and plastic coding devices indoors, and possibly were exposed to contaminated water. "I open the door and there's guys standing there in pressurized suits with sampling equipment," Watts recalled. "They said, 'We're here to check for contaminated water.' I look at my crew commander, and we're standing there in cotton uniforms. I said, 'Do you see anything wrong with this?'" Launch control operators no longer burn code tapes indoors and the Air Force has made improvements to air circulation in the centers. Sebeck wants Congress to consider including missileers and others sickened by exposure to base contamination in the PACT Act, landmark legislation that mandates health care and benefits for veterans sickened by burn pits and other pollutants. "It's documented that there is a large cancer cluster in Montana, probably also in Wyoming. People act surprised, but all they have to do is go to the oncology office in Denver. I can find my missileer buddies there. We are sitting in the same chairs getting chemotherapy," Sebeck said. Air Force Global Strike Command spokesperson Maj. Lauren Linscott said in response to Sebeck's remarks that the unit understands the impact of cancer on its personnel and is committed to supporting them. "While current findings are preliminary and no conclusions can yet be drawn, we are dedicated to a rigorous, peer-reviewed, data-driven process to better understand potential health risks because the safety of our airmen is our top priority," Linscott said. Bills introduced in the House and Senate would address the situation. In addition to Bacon's amendment, the Senate version of an annual defense policy bill would require a "deep cleaning" of launch control centers every five years until the sites are decommissioned as a new ICBM, the Sentinel, replaces the Minuteman IIIs. The Air Force aims to release its final epidemiological report by the end of the year. 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: Credit: Ivan Samkov from Pexels To offer the best possible medical treatments, many health care providers and administrators in recent years have started to rely on patient personas. By grouping together patients with similar characteristicssuch as their medical diagnoses, needs, preferences and behaviorsdoctors plan better overall care at hospitals and other medical facilities. Then, after zeroing in on one patient's characteristics and concerns, they map out an individual health care journey. Personas have been credited with revolutionizing the delivery of patient-centered care, which allows people more input into their own health management. Industrial and systems engineers who focus on improving health care and patient outcomes see them as a powerful tool, and two graduate students at Binghamton University have suggestions for making them more effective. In research recently published in the Journal of Healthcare Risk Management, Jhanille Hurde and Amaya McCollough from the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science's School of Systems Science and Industrial Engineering analyze the use of personas and how it can help patients as well as the health care system as a whole. "In health care, or in any industry, there are a lot of personas. With job roles, you have the manager, you have the supervisor, you have the crew membereach person has a persona," Hurde said. "As a patient, you have your own persona. Even if you have breast cancer and somebody else has breast cancer, you are two different personas, because you need different treatments and different interventions." This semester, Hurde is finishing her master's degree while working at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City through the Watson Institute for Systems Excellence (WISE), which embeds students in industry to conduct real-world research. Hurde's advisor, SSIE Assistant Professor Sreenath Chalil Madathil, said researching personas and related health care tracking can improve patient outcomes and system performance. "Patient journey mapping serves as a critical foundation for health care systems engineering, enabling evidence-based optimization of care delivery by capturing real patient needs and experiences," Madathil said. "Using dynamic patient personas, engineers can identify problems in processes, enhance workflows and effectively utilize AI-driven predictive analytics." During her research on personas, Hurde discovered that few health care providers have a standard way to collect and format the information, which makes it difficult to collate and compare data. That lack of standardization can lead to biases when collecting the material, and it hampers efforts to apply artificial intelligence to predict better outcomes. "We need to have more dynamic patient personas in this new age that we're in, using technology to do predictive analytics, or using machine learning and AI to help us along that journey," she said. "We use those tools every day, and we use them a lot in health care, so why not use them to serve our patients?" Through her work at MSK, Hurde knows the importance of understanding not just patients' clinical needs, but also their mental and social well-being. "If you're creating new technologies, like a heart rate monitor, who are you tailoring those devices for?" she said. "Is it meant for a cardiac patient who needs reliable at-home arrhythmia detection, or someone just tracking fitness? Different personas, different needs." McCollough earned her bachelor's degree in ISE from Binghamton earlier this year and works as an associate engineer for the energy company Avangrid. She also is earning her master's degree through the SSIE School's Executive Program in Health Systems taught in Manhattan. Her role in the research involved working with Hurde to find supporting evidence and to double-check conclusionsbut that proved to be more challenging than they originally thought. "A lack of published research about personas made doing the review a little harder, because there wasn't as much information regarding them," she said. "Few people are publishing anything about their application. That makes it hard to connect what I'm doing right now with topics like enterprise systems, which deal with customer relations, resource planning and supply-chain management." Hurde and McCollough agree that the focus of their research is on patients, but improving collection and implementation of personas could solve "pain points" in the health care system overall, such as delays in care, hospital admissions or discharges. Redesigning workflows for optimum efficiency requires as much data as possible. "There's a disconnect with almost all the research where people did the work, and the work is goodbut where is it being applied in the real world right now?" Hurde said. "There's no documentation or research being put out to see how it's being used. What are the outcomes? What are the benefits? That was a real shock to me." SUNY Distinguished Professor and Director of the SSIE School Mohammad T. Khasawneh appreciates the fresh ideas that student researchers bring to the health care discussion. "Improving health care systems has been a long-time goal for WISE," he said. "We are proud of what Jhanille and Amaya have accomplished with this research, and we look forward to seeing where their future careers take them." More information: Jhanille Hurde et al, Enhancing healthcare with patient personas: A systematic review, Journal of Healthcare Risk Management (2025). DOI: 10.1002/jhrm.70014. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jhrm.70014 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: University of Kentucky A team of researchers at the University of Kentucky Sanders-Brown Center on Aging now have a better understanding of how the brain's support cells communicate with blood vesselsa process that goes awry in Alzheimer's disease. The study was recently featured on the cover of the Journal of Neuroscience. The cover image was taken by Blaine Weiss, first author on the paper and a graduate student in the Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences in the UK College of Medicine. The team revealed a critical weak link that may help explain why and how the brain's energy supply short-circuits in people with Alzheimer's and related dementias. "This study pinpoints a crucial breakdown in communication between brain cells and blood vessels in Alzheimer's," said Chris Norris, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology and nutritional sciences, associate director at Sanders-Brown and senior author of the study. "It opens the door to new ways of thinking about astrocyte-centric therapies to help restore normal blood flow and metabolic health in the aging brain." Norris and the team looked at astrocytesstar-shaped support cells that help the brain's blood vessels deliver energy where it's needed and that maintain healthy communication between nerve cells. In Alzheimer's, astrocytes become reactivechanging how they function in ways that are still not fully understood. This study is part of Norris's larger project called Strategies for Targeting Astrocyte Reactivity in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (STAR-ADRD). Researchers used advanced imaging in a mouse model, combined with a custom analysis program (designed by Weiss), to watch and measure astrocyte activity around blood vessels in real time. Their findings show that, in mice with Alzheimer's-like changes, astrocytes show hyper-frequent activity that is "out of sync" with one another and with blood vessel activity. "This means the brain may not get energy when and where it's needed, contributing to problems with thinking and memory," said Norris. Norris's team included experts from Sanders-Brown, the Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, Department of Biostatistics, Department of Behavioral Science and Division of Neuropathology at UK along with researchers from the Stark Neuroscience Research Institute in Indianapolis. More information: Blaine E. Weiss et al, Disrupted Calcium Dynamics in Reactive Astrocytes Occur with End FeetArteriole Decoupling in an Amyloid Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease, The Journal of Neuroscience (2025). DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0349-25.2025 Journal information: Journal of Neuroscience 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: Nirma Khatri Vadlamudi, Ph.D., M.P.H., an assistant professor of pharmaceutical outcomes and policy in the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, led a team of Canadian researchers in studying the national impact of hospitalizing young children with RSV. Credit: Nate Guidry A team of researchers led by a University of Florida Health scientist recommends the universal immunization of pregnant women and infants against RSV, following a years-long assessment of the impact of hospitalizing children with respiratory syncytial virus. The study was published in The Lancet Regional Health Americas. With the research, Nirma Khatri Vadlamudi, Ph.D., M.P.H., an assistant professor of pharmaceutical outcomes and policy in the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, and her team of Canada-based researchers aim to reduce the global disease burden of RSV, a major cause of lung infection and pneumonia in pediatric populations, especially infants. Though Vadlamudi's work studied Canada's children, she said the results apply equally in the United States, where, according to a 2023 study in The Lancet, 89% of 2,000 infants studied suffered an RSV infection in their first year of life that resulted in a health care visit. In severe cases, RSV can cause wheezing, a barking cough and difficulty breathing. "No matter where you are in the world, RSV causes serious illness in those under 1 year of age," Vadlamudi said. "By universally providing RSV monoclonal antibodies or the maternal RSV vaccine, we can prevent young infants from serious illness associated with this virus." RSV affects 90% of children across the globe before the age of 2, she said, and otherwise healthy children can require hospitalization or respiratory support in an intensive care unit. "Hospitalization is a scary experience for everyone, particularly for young children and their parents. It takes an enormous financial and health-related toll on families," Vadlamudi said. In 2019, there were 33 million RSV infections, 4 million hospitalizations and 30,000 inpatient deaths among children under 5 years of age globally, said Vadlamudi, a former postdoctoral research fellow at the University of British Columbia. Most children recover from RSV at home, she said. But around 12% of children require hospitalization, and rates are higher for children born prematurely or those with risk factors like congenital heart disease, chronic lung disease or immunodeficiency. Vadlamudi and her colleagues assessed the health care resources associated with RSV-related pediatric hospitalizations by scouring data from the Canadian Immunization Monitoring Program, which monitors pediatric care centers across Canada. The researchers tracked RSV-related hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions, mechanical ventilation use and the number of children who died in hospitals. Figures from the Canadian Institute of Health Information database provided the national incidence of RSV and its economic impact. The data quantified a profound connection between RSV and pediatric patient populations: infants under 6 months accounted for nearly 45% of 30,000 RSV-related hospitalizations between 2017 and 2023. This translates to about $23 million U.S. dollars, or half the amount RSV costs the Canadian health care system each year. Vadlamudi and her team advise swift action by government policymakers. "Adding RSV monoclonal antibodies or the maternal RSV vaccine to immunization programs is strongly recommended to protect infants under 6 months from severe RSV illness," Vadlamudi said. A vaccine given to pregnant women in the last trimester protects them and their infant against serious RSV for up to five months following delivery. Another given to infants at birth protects them against serious RSV illness for up to six months. More information: Nirma Khatri Vadlamudi et al, Healthcare costs and resource utilization for acute respiratory syncytial virus pediatric hospitalizations in Canada: a population-based study, The Lancet Regional Health - Americas (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2025.101257 Journal information: The Lancet This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Stacey Knoll thought the court summons she received was a scam. She didn't remember getting any medical bills from Montrose Regional Health, a nonprofit hospital, after a 2020 emergency room visit. So she was shocked when, three years after the trip to the hospital, her employer received court orders requiring it to start funneling a chunk of her paychecks to a debt collector for an unpaid $881 medical billwhich had grown to $1,155.26 from interest and court fees. The timing was terrible. After leaving a bad marriage and staying in a shelter, she had just gotten full custody of her three children, steady housing in Montrose, Colorado, and a job at a gas station. "And that's when I got that garnishment from the court," she said. "It was really scary. I'd never been on my own or raised kids on my own." KFF Health News reviewed 1,200 Colorado cases in which judges, over a two-year period from Feb. 1, 2022, through Feb. 1, 2024, gave permission to garnish wages over unpaid bills. At least 30% of the cases stemmed from medical careeven when patients' bills should have been covered by Medicaid, the public insurance program for those with low incomes or disabilities. That 30% is likely an underestimate since medical debt is often hidden behind other types of debt, such as from credit cards or payday loans. But even that minimum would translate to roughly 14,000 cases a year in Colorado in which courts approved taking people's wages because of unpaid medical bills. Among the other findings: Patients were pursued for medical bills ranging from under $30 to over $30,000, with most of the bills amounting to less than $2,400. As the cases rolled through the legal system, accumulating interest and court fees, the amount that patients owed often grew by 25%. In one case, it snowballed by more than 400%. Cases trailed people for up to 14 years after they received medical care, with debt collectors reviving their cases even as they moved from job to job. Medical providers of all stripes are behind these billsbig health care chains, small rural hospitals, physician groups, public ambulance services, and more. In several cases, hospitals won permission to take the pay of their own employees who had unpaid bills from treatment at the facilities. Colorado has company. It is one of 45 states that allow wage garnishment for unpaid medical bills. Only Delaware, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Texas have banned wage garnishment for medical debt. As KFF Health News has reported, medical debt is devastating for millions of people across the country. And now the problem is likely to grow more pressing nationwide. Millions of Americans are expected to lose health insurance in the coming years due to Medicaid changes in President Donald Trump's tax and spending law and if Congress allows some Affordable Care Act subsidies to expire. That means health crises for the newly uninsured could lead them, too, into a spiral of medical debt. And the hurt will linger: Large unpaid medical bills are staying on credit reports in most states after a July decision from a federal judge reversed a new rule aimed at protecting consumers. "If you can't maintain your health, how are you going to work to pay back a debt?" said Adam Fox, deputy director of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, a nonprofit aimed at lowering health costs. "And if you fundamentally can't pay the bill, wage garnishment isn't going to help you do that. It's going to put you in more financial distress." Flying blind on medical debt When someone fails to pay a bill, the creditor that provided the servicewhether for a garage door repair, a car loan, or medical carecan take the debtor to court. Creditors can also pass the debt to a debt collector or debt buyer, who can do the same. "At any given point, about 1% of working adults are being garnished for some reason," said Anthony DeFusco, an economist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who studied paycheck data from ADP, a payroll processor that distributes paychecks to about a fifth of private sector U.S. workers. "That's a big chunk of the population." But specific research into the practice of garnishing wages over medical debt is scant. Studies in North Carolina, Virginia, and New York have found that nonprofit hospitals commonly garnish wages from indebted patients, with some studies finding those patients tend to work in low-wage occupations. Marty Makary, who led research on medical debt wage garnishment in Virginia at Johns Hopkins University before joining Trump's cabinet as Food and Drug Administration commissioner, has called the practice "aggressive." He co-authored a study that found 36% of Virginia hospitals, mostly nonprofit and mostly in urban areas, were using garnishment to collect unpaid debts in 2017, affecting thousands of patients. The Colorado findings from KFF Health News show that hospitals are far from the only medical providers going after patients' paychecks, though. Researchers and advocates say that, in addition to a dearth of court case data, another phenomenon tends to obscure how often this happens. "People find debt shameful," said Lester Bird, a senior manager at the Pew Charitable Trusts who specializes in courts. "A lot of this exists in the shadows." Without data on how often this tactic is employed, lawmakers are flying blindeven as a 2024 Associated Press-NORC poll showed about four in five U.S. adults believe it's important for the federal government to provide medical debt relief. Colorado was among the first of 15 states to scratch medical debt from credit reports. Debt buyers in the state aren't allowed to foreclose on a patient's home. If qualified patients opt to pay in monthly installments, those payments shouldn't exceed 6% of their household incomeand the remaining debt gets wiped after about three years of paying. But if they don't agree to a payment plan, Coloradans can have up to 20% of their disposable earnings garnished. The National Consumer Law Center gave the state a "D" grade for state protections of family finances. Consumer advocates said they aren't sure how well even those Colorado requirements are being followed. And people wrote letters to the courts saying wage garnishment would exacerbate their already dire financial situations. "I have begun to fall behind on my electricity, my gas, my water, my credit cards," wrote a man in western Colorado in a letter to a judge that KFF Health News obtained in the court filings. Court records show he was working in construction and at a rent-to-own store, with about $8,000 in medical debt. He wrote to the judge that he was paying close to $1,000 a month. "The way things are going now, I will lose everything." The people being sued in KFF Health News' Colorado review worked in a wide array of jobs. They worked in school districts, ranching, mining, construction, local government, even health care. Several worked at stores such as Walmart and Family Dollar, or at gas stations, restaurants, or grocery stores. "You're really kicking people when they're down," said Lois Lupica, a former attorney working with the Denver-based Community Economic Defense Project and the Debt Collection Lab at Princeton. "They're basically suing the you-can't-get-blood-from-a-turnip population." In 2022, court records show, Valley View health system based in Glenwood Springs was allowed to garnish the wages of one of its patients over a $400 medical bill. The patient was working at a local organization that the health system supported as part of the community benefits it provides to keep its tax-exempt status. Nonprofit hospitals like Valley View are required to provide community benefits, which can also include charity care that covers patients' bills. Stacey Gavrell, the health system's chief community relations officer, said it offers options such as interest-free payment plans and care at reduced or no cost to families with incomes up to 500% of the federal poverty level. "As our rural region's largest health care provider, it is imperative to the health and well-being of our community that Valley View remains a financially viable organization," she said. "Most of our patients work with us to develop a payment plan or pursue financial assistance." The collection agency that took the employee to court, A-1 Collection Agency, advertises itself on its website as empathetic: "We understand times are tough and money is tight." Pilar Mank, who oversees operations at A-1's parent company, Healthcare Management, said it accepts payment plans as small as $50 a month and that most of the hospitals it works with allow it to offer a discount if patients pay all at once. "Suing a patient is the absolute last resort," she said. "We try everything we can to work with the patient." If you can't maintain your health, how are you going to work to pay back a debt? Hospitals sometimes also garnish wages from their own employees for care they provided them. In one case, a hospital employee worked her way up from housekeeper to registrar to quality analyst. She even participated in public events representing her employer and appeared on the hospital's website as a featured employeewhile the court issued writs of garnishment until her $10,000 in medical bills from the hospital was paid off. "Hospital care costs money to deliver," said Colorado Hospital Association spokesperson Julie Lonborg about hospitals' garnishing their own employees' wages. "In some ways, I think it's funny to be asked the question. I would understand if someone said, "Why aren't you garnishing their wages?'" Studies show that hospital debt collection efforts through wage garnishment bring in only about 0.2% of hospital revenues, said April Kuehnhoff, a senior attorney with the National Consumer Law Center, which advocates for people with low incomes. "We also know that there are states that don't allow this at all," she said. "Hospitals are continuing to provide medical care to consumers." Smooth sailing for collectorsbut not for patients Health care providers appeared as the plaintiffs in only 2% of the medical debt cases. Instead, cases were filed almost entirely by third-party debt collectors and buyers, with BC Services and Professional Finance Company behind more than half of the cases, followed by A-1 Collection Agency and Wakefield & Associates. Debt buyers make money by buying debt from providers who've given up on getting paid, then collecting what they can of the money owed, plus interest. Debt collectors get paid a percentage of what they recover. Some companies do a bit of both. BC Services declined to comment, and Wakefield & Associates did not respond to questions. Charlie Shoop, president of Professional Finance Company, said his company initiates wage garnishment on less than 1% of all accounts placed with it for collection. Health care providers in Colorado can no longer hide behind debt collectors' names when they sue people, according to a 2024 state law prompted by a 9News-Colorado Sun investigation in partnership with a Colorado News Collaborative-KFF Health News reporting project. In many states, the path for filing a case against a debtor and garnishing their wages is relatively smoothespecially if the debtor doesn't appear in court. "It's unbelievably easy," said Dan Vedra, a lawyer in Colorado who often represents consumers in debt cases. "If you have a word processor and a spreadsheet, you can mass-produce thousands of lawsuits in a matter of hours or minutes." Within KFF Health News' sample, nearly all the medical debt cases were default judgments, meaning the patient did not defend themselves in court or in writing. Missing a court date can happen for a variety of reasons, such as not receiving the notice in the mail, assuming it was a scam, knowingly ignoring it, or not having the time to take off from work. Vedra and other debt law experts said a high rate of default judgments indicates a system that favors the pursuers over the pursuedand increases the chances someone will be harmed by an erroneous bill. But in New Hampshire, creditors now have to keep going to court for each paycheck they want to garnish, because the state allows creditors to garnish only wages that have already been earned, said Maanasa Kona, an associate research professor at the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University. "It might not look like much on paper," she said. "It's just not worth it if they have to keep going back to court." If you have a word processor and a spreadsheet, you can mass-produce thousands of lawsuits in a matter of hours or minutes. Wrongly pursued for bills The nation's medical billing setup is already prone to errors due to its complexity, according to Barak Richman, a law professor at George Washington University and a senior scholar at Stanford Medicine who has studied medical debt collection practices in several states. "Bills are not only noncomprehensible, but often wrong," Richman said. Indeed, Colorado's Health Care Policy & Financing Department, which runs Medicaid in the state, said it sent out nearly 11,000 letters in the past fiscal year to health providers and collectors that erroneously went after patients on Medicaid. Bills for Medicaid recipients are supposed to be sent to Medicaid, not the patients, who typically pay a nominal amount, if anything, for their care. Shoop said his industry has pushed Colorado, without success, for access to a database that would allow them to confirm if patients had Medicaid coverage. Colorado's Medicaid program declined to comment. Patricia DeHerrera in Rifle, Colorado, had to prove that she and her children had Medicaid when they received care at Grand River Healthbut only after A-1 contacted her employer at the time, the gas station chain Kum & Go, with court-approved paperwork to take a portion of her paychecks. She contacted the state, which sent letters to the hospital and the collector notifying them they were engaging in "illegal billing action" and telling the collector to stop. The companies did. Theresa Wagenman, controller for Grand River Health, said if a patient can present a letter from a Medicaid caseworker saying they're eligible, then their bills get removed from the collections pipeline. Wagenman also said patients get at least eight letters in the mail and several phone calls before Grand River gives the go-ahead for the collector to send them to court. DeHerrera's main advice to others in this situation: "Know your rights. Otherwise, they're going to take advantage of you." Yet fighting back isn't easy. Nicole Silva, who lives in the 900-person town of Sanford in south-central Colorado, said she and her family were all on Medicaid when her daughter was in a car crash. Still, court records show, her wages were garnished for a $2,181.60 ambulance ride, which grew to more than $3,000 from court fees and interest. She tried to prove the bill was wrong, contacting her county's social services office, but Silva said it wasn't helpful and she wasn't able to reach the right person at a state office. The state Medicaid program confirmed to KFF Health News that her daughter was covered at the time of the wreck. Fighting the bill felt like too much for Silva and her husband to handle while parenting a growing number of kids, one of them severely disabled, and workingshe as a preschool teacher and he as a rancher. Not receiving the roughly $500 a month that she said came out of her pay was enough to affect their ability to pay other bills. "It was deciding to buy groceries or pay the electric bill," Silva said. When their electricity got shut off, she said, they had to scramble to borrow money from colleagues and friends to get it turned back onwith an extra fee. She said the saga makes her hesitant to call an ambulance in the future. Fox, of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, said consumers often think they cannot do anything to stop their wages from being garnished, but they can contest it in court, for example by pointing out they should have qualified for discountedor charitycare if the hospital that provided the treatment is a nonprofit. DeFusco, the economist, believes filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is an underused option for debtors. It halts garnishment in its tracks, though not always permanently, and it comes with other consequences. But he understands it's a Catch-22: It's a complex process and typically necessitates hiring a lawyer. "To get rid of your debt, you need money," he said. "And the whole reason you're in this situation is because you don't have money." Methodology We wanted to know how often Coloradans get their wages garnished due to medical debt. Courts don't compile this information, and researchers and advocates haven't tracked it systematically. So we created our own database. We requested a list of all civil cases across the state in which judges gave permission for a person's earnings to be garnishedknown as writs of garnishment in court lingofrom Feb. 1, 2022, through Feb. 1, 2024. The Colorado Supreme Court Library provided a list from all courts except for Denver County Court, which provided its own records. The combined list comprised nearly 90,000 unique court cases. We split up the cases by county populationsmall (fewer than 10,000 people), medium (10,000 to 100,000 people), and large (more than 100,000 people)then generated a random sample of 400 cases from each group to ensure we evaluated medical debt across counties of all sizes. To identify medical debt cases, we looked at the original creditors named in court records, primarily the complaints or affidavits of indebtedness. Often, this information was available through a state website. When it wasn't available online, we asked county courthouses to send us supporting documents. We counted dentists as medical providers. We excluded 14 cases in which the debt wasn't exclusively medical. We looked only at cases in which courts approved money to be garnished from someone's paycheck, as opposed to from other sources such as their bank accounts. We did not review garnishment cases involving child support, taxes, or federal student loans. 2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Slash says a new Guns N' Roses album will "happen when it happens". Slash has offered an update on where Guns N' Roses are with regards to a new album The axe-slayer has promised that a new record by the legendary hard rock veterans is "coming", as there is a wealth of new material, but he cannot offer a time frame for when it will be released. He told Guitar World: Theres so much material at this point its a matter of having the discipline to sit down and f****** get into it. But the thing with Guns is, in my experience, you can never plan ahead. You can never sit down and go, Were going to take this time, and were going to do this. Every time weve done that, it falls apart. On their creative process, he said: It just spontaneously happens through some sort of inspiration that triggers it. And the next thing you know, its off and running. Slash vowed: So its coming. I know its coming because everybody is thinking about it. Itll just happen when it happens. The group's last studio album was 2008's Chinese Democracy, but Slash and bassist Duff McKagan didn't feature on that record. Their last full-length project was 1993's The Spaghetti Incident?. In 2023, the group released the tracks Perhaps and The General, which were both recorded around the same time as Chinese Democracy, just like 2021's Absurd and Hard Skool. The notorious record was delayed for years and held up by legal issues, while Slash, Duff and drummer Matt Sorum quit the group, and only frontman Axl Rose and keyboardist Dizzy Reed remained. The band reunited with original members Slash and Duff for the 2016 Not in This Lifetime... Tour. Earlier this year, Guns N' Roses parted ways with longtime drummer Frank Ferrer, who was behind the kit for the band for almost two decades. Isaac Carpenter who is drummer for AWOLNATION has been touring with them since. Ferrer first joined the November Rain band during a show in June 2006, replacing Bryan Mantia. Ferrers last show was on November 2023. The bands lineup now consists of frontman Axl, Slash, Duff McKagan, Dizzy Reed, Richard Fortus, Melissa Reese, and Carpenter. Guns N Roses' 2025 world tour began May 23 in Saudi Arabia. The run included a stop at Londons Wembley Stadium on June 26, their first headline gig there since 1992. " " The combined net worth of all billionaires exceeds $16 trillion. Aldrick Stock Photography / Shutterstock The countries with the most billionaires have an outsize impact on international affairs. From shaping the global economy to funding political campaigns and philanthropic efforts, their money moves markets. Today, more than half of all billionaires worldwide live in just a handful of countries. Advertisement The latest data from Forbes, collected in March 2025, highlights the distribution of wealth across the globe. These top countries don't just host the highest number of billionaires; they also reflect where power, innovation and opportunity continue to concentrate. A new parenting website featuring graphic videos about childbirth and recovery has drawn criticism for overwhelming new mothers with what some call trauma-dumping content. Frida Uncensoreds graphic birth and recovery videos have sparked trauma-dumping concerns among new mums Frida Uncensored, launched in the UK this summer by the US parenting brand Frida, describes itself as a stripped-down resource for women, by women. The site offers unfiltered instructional videos featuring partially undressed women demonstrating intimate postpartum care routines. Video titles include How to heal a postpartum vagina, How to soothe engorged breasts, How to treat cracked nipples, and How to clean a postpartum vagina, which shows a mother squirting soap with a peri bottle while seated on a toilet. Another clip demonstrates a woman stretching her vulva with a perineal massage wand. Fridas founder and CEO, Chelsea Hirschhorn, told The Times the content is not for provocation but for education. She appears in some videos herself and uses products from the Frida brand, including those developed with her mother. The company says the platform was created after research found one in three UK mothers feels unprepared for childbirth and struggles to find accurate, practical information. However, some viewers and commentators worry the videos, while well-intentioned, may cause unnecessary anxiety. Critics argue the raw, visual content borders on trauma-dumpinga trend where personal, often distressing experiences are shared in ways that can overwhelm others. Some parents say the content risks deterring young women from starting families rather than supporting them. Others believe it promotes a fear-based view of motherhood that doesnt reflect the full reality of early parenting. Frida Uncensored enters a crowded digital parenting space alongside platforms like Mumsnet and Netmums amid ongoing debate over the psychological impact of sharing extreme personal experiences online. China calls on WTO members to collectively address trade turbulence, jointly uphold multilateralism Xinhua) 08:11, October 09, 2025 GENEVA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- China has called on members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to collectively address the escalating trade turbulence and jointly uphold the core values and principles of the multilateral trading system. Speaking under the agenda item "Heightened Trade Turbulence and the WTO's Response" initiated by China at the fourth WTO General Council meeting this year, held from Monday to Tuesday, Li Yongjie, China's permanent representative and ambassador to the WTO, noted that global economic and trade turbulence continues and is worsening. U.S. trade policies have disrupted supply chains and destabilized global markets, becoming a major source of global instability, Li said, adding that some members have been coerced into agreements, affecting the legitimate rights and interests of third parties. This has led to "power-based" trade relations that are gradually eroding the "rules-based" multilateral trading system, Li said, expressing strong concern. Li outlined three recommendations in response to the intensified trade turbulence. They include enhancing transparency and monitoring, collectively reaffirming commitment and adherence to the rules-based multilateral trading system, and taking concrete actions to enable the WTO to achieve pragmatic outcomes. The European Union (EU), Brazil, Australia, Switzerland, Pakistan, and other members called for upholding the fundamental principles of the WTO and advancing its reform. The EU expressed grave concern over the erosion of the "rules-based" multilateral trading system by "power-based" trade relations. Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and others called on the WTO Secretariat to strengthen oversight of unilateral tariffs and relevant bilateral agreements, encouraging members to notify the WTO of their bilateral agreements. Nigeria and Bangladesh emphasized the impact of the unilateral tariffs and uncertainties in trade environment on vulnerable developing members, urging the WTO to provide necessary assistance. Members including Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba condemned the U.S.'s unilateral tariffs and coercive practices. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) King Charles' "fondest hope" is that his new documentary will encourage a new generation to help save the planet. King Charles is making a new documentary The 76-year-old monarch has long been an advocate for the environment and his upcoming Amazon Prime film, Finding Harmony: A King's Vision, will see him reflect on his commitment to promoting a sustainable world and he wants it to shine a spotlight on ways of working "with, rather than against, nature". To mark the announcement of the documentary, a new portrait of the king has been released and he said: Nature is our sustainer; we are a part of nature. Therefore, what we do to her, we do to ourselves. For much of my life, I have sought to promote and encourage ways we can work with, rather than against, nature. In other words, to restore balance to our planet, which is under such stress. This film will, I hope, demonstrate just some of the remarkable work being done around the world to put harmony into practice, from the forests of Guyana to sustainable communities in India and, closer to home, through the work of my Kings Foundation at Dumfries House and Highgrove. Never has it been more important for the world to make a concerted effort to protect and prioritise our planet and to restore our relationship with it. It is therefore my fondest hope that this film may encourage a new audience to learn about the philosophy of harmony and perhaps inspire the same sense of determination it has given me to help build a more sustainable future. Filming began in January at Dumfries House in Ayrshire, where The King's Foundation is based, and guests in the documentary will include the charity's ambassador Sir David Beckham. Kristina Murrin, chief executive of the King's Foundation, said: At The Kings Foundation we are proud to have stood beside the King for the past 35 years of his harmony journey and it is both moving and inspiring to see that journey committed to film. Our work spans many of the Kings passions, whether that be protecting traditional skills, teaching young people about nature and the outdoors, or building green towns and cities with sustainability at their core. It is gratifying to see this work represented on screen in Finding Harmony. Cameras have also been present at the king's Highgrove home and in July, they captured footage of his first 'Harmony Summit', which saw the monarch draped in a circlet of feathers and a scarf while sacred smoke coiled up over the apple trees in a nod to traditional cultures and forms of healing. The documentary will see the king looking back over archive footage of his speeches and engagements but his appearances are said to be "minimal" so the film can focus on his work and ideas. Director Nicolas Brown said: Working on this film we became aware of how important this story is. Remarkably few people around the world know the full depth of the Kings lifelong battle to bring nature and humanity into harmony. Even today, His Majestys work with The Kings Foundation is transforming the world in so many inspiring ways. This is a story of hope and resilience. People who watch this film will leave feeling uplifted and motivated. The Kings philosophy offers something for everyone. Mostly, he shows us the power of resilience and how following your intuition can transform the world. internet crashes or slowdowns caused by network congestion viruses sabotage satellite failures phone line failures electrical outages natural or man-made disasters lost, late, misdirected, postage-due, unintelligible, returned, or undelivered entries or email lost, interrupted, or unavailable satellite, network, server, Internet Service Provider (ISP), website, or other internet connections, providers, or platforms failed telephone, satellite or cable hardware or software or lines, or jumbled, scrambled, delayed, or misdirected transmissions computer hardware or software malfunctions, failures, or difficulties other errors of any kind whether human, mechanical, electronic, or network Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of this contest or website, or act in violation of the official service, as solely determined by the station, will be disqualified. Neither sponsor nor promotion parties are responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information whether caused by website users, tampering, hacking, or by any of the programming or equipment associated with or used in this contest, and assume no responsibility for any errors, omissions, deletions, interruptions or delays in operation or transmission or communication line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized website access. My Keene Now / WKBK-AM is not responsible for injury or damage to participants or any other persons computer or property related to or resulting from participating in this contest. Should any portion of contest be, in My Keene Now / WKBK-AMs sole opinion, compromised by virus, worms, bugs, unauthorized human intervention (i.e., hackers) or other causes which, in the sole opinion of the station, corrupt or impair administration, security, fairness or proper play of this contest, or contest plays, My Keene Now / WKBK-AM reserves the right at its sole discretion to suspend, modify or terminate the contest. Sacramento, CA A new law in California will provide a statutory definition of ultra-processed foods and phase out those types of items from school meals. The legislation, AB 1264, was signed by Governor Gavin after receiving bipartisan support in both the Senate and Assembly. Newsom states, This first-in-the-nation law builds on that work to make sure every California student has access to healthy, delicious meals that help them thrive. Proponents argued that school lunches are the only reliable meal for some students, and it is important that they receive healthy ingredients. They cite that the CDC has found links between ultra-processed foods and higher risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Mother Lode Republican representatives, including Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil, Assemblyman David Tangipa, and Assemblyman Heath Flora, all voted in support of AB 1264. The Governors Office reports that it comes on top of other actions previously taken, including a long-standing ban on sodas at K-12 campuses, restrictions on caffeine, and a requirement that entrees be sold on the same day or the day after they appear on the menu. The second weekend in October is coming up and there are several events planned. Today, Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 7 PM will be the Tuolumne County Community Forum Finding Common Ground at the Aronos Club in Sonora. The event will be a conversation on the nature of good and evil and welcomes collaborators from all points of view to speak as detailed in the event listing here. The three-day Barktoberfest dog show begins this Friday. The Sierra-Tuolumne Kennel Club hosts the event at the Motherlode Fairgrounds with over 100 breeds of dogs. All three days dogs of all breeds and mixed breeds will be competing in Performance Events Rally, Obedience, Temperament Testing, Canine Good Citizen, and Trick Dog. On Saturday, youngsters from ages 6-9 will show their dog to earn a prize. Food trucks and booths selling pet merchandise will be there too. More details are in the event listing here. Friday at 2:30 PM is the Sonora High School Homecoming Parade from the school down Washington Street to Stockton Street with a concert in Courthouse Park. Columbia State Historic Park is offering a cornucopia of crafts, demonstrations, music and dancing on the shady streets of the Park during the Harvest Festifall. All day Saturday and Sunday. Almost forty vendors, dressed in 1850s attire, will display their handmade arts and crafts for sale, including pottery, jewelry, apparel, baked goods and more. In Angels Camp the Mark Twain WildWest Fest returns this Saturday. This years festival-goers will enjoy two stages of non-stop live music, featuring crowd favorites Black Irish Band and Old West Trio, alongside roving performers, cowboys, outlaws, and axe-throwing demonstrations. Gold panning experts will offer live demos, inviting guests to try their luck just like the Forty-Niners. More than ten artisan vendors will line the streets with handcrafted goods, local art, and delicious food. Families can explore the childrens petting zoo, shop at Henry Angels Trading Posts, and dive into interactive crafts like candle making, corn husk doll crafting, weaving, and woodworking. Guests are encouraged to dress in period costume, with costume contests held throughout the day for Wild West, Victorian, Edwardian, Gothic, and Steampunk styles. The Angels Camp Museum will be fully open, with docents guiding visitors through exhibits including the Jumping Frog Jubilee, Albert Michelson, the Carriage House, Altaville Foundry, and the Ranching & Mining building. More details are here. Fresh produce, handmade goods, and unique treasures from local farmers, artisans, and young entrepreneurs will be found at the last local Sonora Farmers Market this Saturday morning. The Farmers Market at Murphys Community Park is open this Sunday and through October 26 as detailed here. Walking Dead Sonora, Zombie Walk & Halloween Festival, will take place this Saturday at Courthouse Park in downtown Sonora. The yearly fundraiser and costume contest supports the Humane Society of Tuolumne County. The Sonora Chamber of Commerce presents 2nd Saturday Art Night every 2nd Saturday of the month in downtown Sonora on both sides of Washington Street. The After 8 Summer Concert will feature the group King Hippo starting at 8 PM at Coffill Park. Bring your chairs and your dance shoes. This will be the final season for the Concerts in Coffill Park series as detailed here. The Bridlewood Equestrian Center in Copperopolis is partnering up with Copper Hills 4-H Club for the third annual Pumpkin Patch. All pumpkin proceeds will go towards their club. The hours are Saturday from noon to 7 and Sunday from 1 to 6 PM. There will be tractor rides, pony rides, games and more. Location details are here. Mountain Youth and Community Theatre (MYACT) is performing the tragic tale of Sweeney Todd better known as The Demon Barber of Fleet Street The play is set in early 19th century London, Todd after being wrongfully imprisoned for 15 years, is set on revenge. The performance is for mature audiences, details are here. Murphys Creek Theater continues with the last performances of Mrs. Whitmans Words for Women this weekend. The play explores the roots of the womens rights movement. A detailed blog by Tori James about the play is here. Performances of Of Mice and Men continue at the Sierra Repertory Theatres (SRT) Fallon House in Columbia. A detailed blog about the performance is here. At the east Sonora location SRT is hosting performances of Constellations A detailed blog by Tori James calls it A multiverse love story. Sunday is the 49th Annual Sonora Bach Festival Salon Concert is Sunday at 3 pm at a private residence in east Sonora, ticket details are here. Dodge Ridge is closing out summer with Oktoberfest this Saturday and Sunday to launch the countdown to the 75th Winter Season. There will be live music, hay rides, cornhole, pumpkin decorating, a pie eating contest, stein holding competition and more. The restaurant of the month for October is The Smoke Cafe in Jamestown. Check out the movie times at local theaters, including Pinecrest Movies Under the Stars, and local gas prices are in our traffic section. Sonora, CA District Four Tuolumne County Supervisor Steve Griefer has authored a new myMotherLode.com blog explaining why there was no vote this week on a resolution opposing Congressional redistricting. It had called for the county to take an official stance against the statewide Proposition 50 ballot measure. Click here to view an earlier story about the board discussion. Griefers blog explains why the item was pulled and also includes the full proposed resolution that he had hoped to see approved. You can find it by clicking here. The Tuolumne County Supervisors are invited to author myMotherLode.com blogs as a way to communicate with constituents and detail their positions on county issues. NEW ORLEANS (AP) All 10 fugitives who made a brazen escape from a New Orleans jail in May are back in custody after the last inmate who was still on the run was captured hiding in the basement crawl space of an Atlanta home. Derrick Groves, 28, was found Wednesday holed up beneath the home by a police dog sent inside after an Atlanta Police Department SWAT team spent hours searching the home and deploying tear gas into it. The other nine inmates had been recaptured within six weeks of the May 16 breakout, most of them in Louisiana. A New Orleans jury convicted Groves last year of killing two people after he opened fire on a family block party in what prosecutors said was a feud with rival drug dealers. He faces life in prison on that conviction. A brazen escape from a New Orleans jail Groves and nine other men made the audacious overnight escape by fleeing through a hole behind a toilet and scaling a wall while the lone guard assigned to their cell pod at the New Orleans jail was away getting food. The men scaled a fence and used blankets to avoid being cut by barbed wire. Surveillance footage showed some of them sprinting across a nearby interstate and into a neighborhood. Following the jailbreak, law enforcement tracked down three escapees within 24 hours and most of the others within the next few weeks. While some of the fugitives roamed through nightlife hot spots and another made Instagram posts, Groves had kept keep a low profile. A tip brought authorities to an Atlanta home The tip leading to Groves capture came in via New Orleans Crimestoppers, an anonymous tip program, said Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair. Groves was the only person in the house, and no one else was arrested. But multiple people appeared to have helped Groves, and they could face charges for aiding and abetting, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said. Based on how long it took a seasoned, well-trained SWAT team to get him out, he had planned to hide for a while, Fair said. Shirtless, shoeless and shackled at his wrists and ankles, Groves blew a kiss then grinned at someone filming him while he was being led into a police car, a video provided by the Atlanta Police Department showed. Police found a handgun, a shotgun and 20 pounds (9 kilograms) of marijuana inside the home, according to a spokesperson for the attorney general. Groves agrees to be sent back to Louisiana Groves waived his right to fight extradition to Louisiana during a Thursday court appearance before a Fulton County magistrate judge. I want to return where Im from, the New Orleans native said during the televised hearing. Louisiana authorities said they are discussing the logistics of retrieving Groves, who will be held at the states maximum security prison in Angola, Murrill said. He faces the charge of simple escape, though Murrill said Wednesday she is considering bolstering the charge to aggravated escape which carries a five to 10 year sentence. Groves attorney in Louisiana, Peter Freiberg, said late Wednesday afternoon he had not yet spoken with his client and declined to comment. He did not respond to request for comment Thursday. The nine other men accused of breaking out of the city jail pleaded not guilty to escape charges in July. The escape charge carries a sentence of two to five years in prison. By JACK BROOK and SEAN MURPHY Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) Congressional Republicans have voted to roll back restrictions on mining, drilling and other development in three Western states, advancing President Donald Trumps ambitions to expand energy production from public lands. Senators voted 50-46 Thursday to repeal a land management plan for a large swath of Alaska that was adopted in the final weeks of Democratic President Joe Bidens administration. Lawmakers voted to roll back similar plans for land in Montana and North Dakota earlier this week. The timing of Bidens actions made the plans vulnerable to the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to terminate rules that are finalized near the end of a presidents term. The resolutions require a simple majority in each chamber and take effect upon the presidents signature. The House approved the repeals last month in votes largely along party lines. Trump is expected to sign the measures, which will boost a proposed 211-mile road through an Alaska wilderness to allow mining of copper, cobalt, gold and other minerals. Trump ordered approval of the Ambler Road project earlier this week, saying it will unlock access to copper, cobalt and other critical minerals that the United States needs to compete with China on artificial intelligence and other resource development. Copper is used in the production of cars, electronics and even renewable energy technologies such as wind turbines. The road was approved in Trumps first term, but was later blocked by Biden after an analysis determined the project would threaten caribou and other wildlife and harm Alaska Native tribes that rely on hunting and fishing. The Biden-era restrictions also included a block on new mining leases in the nations most productive coal-producing region, the Powder River Basin in Montana and Wyoming. On Monday, the Trump administration held the biggest coal sale in that area in more than a decade, drawing a single bid of $186,000 for 167.5 million tons of coal, or about a tenth of a penny per ton. Trump has largely cast aside Bidens goal to reduce climate-warming emissions from the burning of coal and other fossil fuels extracted from federal land. Instead, he and congressional Republicans have moved to open more taxpayer-owned land to fossil fuel development, hoping to create more jobs and revenue. The Republican administration also has pushed to develop critical minerals, including copper, cobalt, gold and zinc. A decision on whether to accept the recent bid from the Navajo Transitional Energy Co. is pending, and the lease cannot be issued until the Montana land plan is altered. The dirt-cheap value reflects dampened industry interest in coal despite Trumps efforts. Many utilities have switched to cheaper natural gas or renewables such as wind and solar power. Administration officials expressed disappointment that they did not receive stronger participation in the Montana sale. In a statement, Interior Department spokesperson Aubrie Spady blamed a decades long war on coal by Biden and former Democratic President Barack Obama. Republican Sen. Tim Sheehy of Montana said the repeal of the land-management plan in his state was putting an end to disastrous Biden-era regulations that put our resource economy on life support. Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska called the Biden-era plan for 13 million acres in the central Yukon region a clear case of federal overreach that locks up Alaskas lands, ignores Alaska Native voices and blocks access to critical energy, gravel & mineral resources. The GOP legislation restores balance, strengthens U.S. energy & mineral security and upholds the law, Sullivan said in a statement. Democrats urged rejection of the repeals, arguing that Trumps fossil fuel-friendly agenda is driving up energy prices because renewable sources are being sidelined even as the tech industrys power demands soar for data centers and other projects. We are seeing dramatic increases in the price of energy for American consumers and businesses and the slashing of American jobs, so that Donald Trump can give an easy pass to the fossil fuel industry, Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia said Wednesday on the Senate floor. Last week, the administration canceled almost $8 billion in grants for clean energy projects in 16 states that Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris won in the 2024 election. Ashley Nunes, public lands specialist at the Center for Biological Diversity, an environmental group, said Republicans were unleashing a wholesale assault on Americas public lands. Using the Congressional Review Act to erase land management plans will sow chaos across the country and turn our most cherished places into playgrounds for coal barons and industry polluters, she said. ___ Brown reported from Billings, Montana. By MATTHEW BROWN and MATTHEW DALY Associated Press A grand jury has indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James on a fraud charge, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Thursday. It is the latest indication of President Donald Trump and his administrations determination to use the Justice Department to pursue the presidents political foes. James last year won a staggering judgment against Trump and his companies in a lawsuit alleging he lied to banks and others about the value of his assets. James was indicted in the Eastern District of Virginia on one count after a mortgage fraud investigation, said the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter. James has denied wrongdoing. She has said that she made an error while filling out a form related to the home purchase but quickly rectified it and didnt deceive the lender. The Latest: Judge blocks National Guard deployment in the Chicago area for 2 weeks U.S. District Judge April Perry found no substantial evidence that a danger of rebellion is brewing in Illinois. Its a victory for Democratic officials who lead the state and city and have traded insults with Trump about his drive to put troops on the ground in major urban areas. Perry didnt lay out details of any order. Read more about the judges block Schumer says James indictment is horrifying Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said he spoke to New York Attorney General Letitia James Thursday afternoon after her indictment for fraud in the Eastern District of Virginia. Trump has turned the Justice Department into personal attack dogs against their political enemies and its just outrageous, Schumer said. Sen. Adam Schiff says he wont be intimidated by Trumps prosecutions Sen. Adam Schiff is also on a list of Trumps perceived political enemies. The California Democratic senator says it is exceedingly dangerous to have a Justice Department that responds to the presidents orders to target his political enemies. But I can tell you this, he added. Those of us on the presidents enemies list and it is a long and growing list will not be intimidated. We will not be deterred. We will do our jobs. We will stand up to this president. The US is sending about 200 troops to Israel to monitor Gaza ceasefire deal The United States is sending about 200 troops to Israel to help support and monitor the ceasefire deal in Gaza. They will be part of a team that includes partner nations, nongovernmental organizations and private sector players, U.S. officials say. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not authorized for release, say U.S. Central Command is going to establish a civil-military coordination center in Israel. The officials said the center will help facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid as well as logistical and security assistance into the territory wracked by two years of war. Read more about the United States plan to send troops to Israel Sharpton says James indictment is part of Trumps political retribution tour The Rev. Al Sharpton, an ally of James, called out the indictment as part of a tactic that the right wing has constantly sought to use against Black women in power. This isnt the delivery of justice. It is the latest stop on Donald Trumps political retribution tour, Sharpton said Thursday in a statement. If he can indict the former FBI Director or the Attorney General of New York, what stops him from going further? James becomes the latest foe of Trump to be prosecuted by his Justice Department James infuriated Trump by suing him and his company for fraud in a case that played out as he was running for office. She was indicted by a prosecutor who was hastily appointed last month amid Trump administration pressure to deliver criminal cases against his adversaries, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it. James office had no immediate comment Thursday. Her lawyers have vigorously denied any allegations and characterized the investigation as an act of political revenge. The indictment comes two weeks after a separate criminal case charging former FBI Director James Comey with lying to Congress. Its the latest indication of the Trump administrations determination to use the law enforcement powers of the Justice Department to pursue the presidents political foes. Senate Democrats decry Trumps deployment of National Guard troops to US cities With a series of Senate floor speeches, Democrats are decrying how Trump has sent National Guard troops to U.S. cities as part of his campaign against crime. The Democratic senators say that the presidents decision to send troops onto city streets presents a constitutional crisis that could threaten Americans civil rights and liberties. The Senate is voting later on an annual defense authorization bill, and Democrats are pressing for a Senate hearing on Trumps domestic use of National Guard troops. The president has no legal basis for deploying federal troops to Illinois against the wishes of the Illinois governor. There is no rebellion or insurrection happening in our state. Americans have the right under the First Amendment to protest this administrations cruel and misguided immigration policy, said Sen. Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, in one of the floor speeches. Troops will miss paychecks next week without action on the government shutdown The nations third shutdown in 12 years is once again raising anxiety levels among service members and their families because those in uniform are working without pay. While they would receive back pay once the impasse ends, many military families live paycheck to paycheck. During previous shutdowns, Congress passed legislation to ensure that troops kept earning their salaries, but time is running out. Heather Campbell said her family of five will have to survive on credit cards if her husband isnt paid on Wednesday. Hes an officer in the Air Force. Youre asking us to put our lives on the line or the people we love to put their lives on the line, said Campbell, 39, who lives outside Montgomery, Alabama, near Maxwell Air Force Base. And youre not even going to give us our paycheck. What? More airports report delays Thursday because of a shortage of air traffic controllers during the shutdown More flight delays were reported Thursday at airports across the country because a number of air traffic controllers who are expected to work without pay during the shutdown have been calling in sick. The major hub of Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey was reporting average delays of almost an hour and a half Thursday afternoon because of staff shortages. Earlier in the day, the Dallas-Fort Worth airport was reporting delays but those resolved by the afternoon. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is urging controllers to show up for work, but he understands that they are frustrated with the shutdown and worried about how they will pay their bills without a paycheck. Problems have been reported at various airports all week. Theres no way to predict where there might be problems. And even a small number of absences can cause problems because the FAA is already critically short on controllers. New York Attorney General Letitia James indicted on fraud charge, AP source says A grand jury has indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James on a fraud charge, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Thursday. James was indicted in the Eastern District of Virginia on one count after a mortgage fraud investigation, said the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter. Read more about Letitia James Trump doesnt offer details on what conditions might lead to a two-state solution The president was asked about an element of his peace proposal that says there may eventually be a path for Palestinian statehood if conditions are in place, and Trump said, Were going to see how it all goes. Theres a point at which we may do something that would be a little bit different and may be very positive for everybody. But well be looking at that at the time, Trump said. The president added that he was hopeful things would progress that far, adding: I think well get to that period, too. Chicagos mayor accuses Trump of sowing chaos and terror Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has accused Trump of overstepping his authority by sending troops into his city, sowing chaos and terror. Johnson spoke to reporters outside a courthouse in Chicago during a break in proceedings Thursday at which the state of Illinois urged a judge to order the National Guard to stand down in the Chicago area. The mayor said he would use every legal tool available to resist, whether that means turning to the courts or issuing executive orders. He said the city has won every lawsuit it has filed against the Trump administration and defeated every lawsuit brought against the city. I just want the people of this city to know, that were not alone as we continue to band together and show our collective strength. Thats how we defeat tyranny. Thats how we defeat authoritarianism. Trump says Walter Reed is a semi-annual physical The president, who is headed to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday, says hes going there for a semi-annual physical. The White House caused some confusion this week when they announced the visit because it characterized it as a routine yearly checkup. Trump got his annual physical in April. Im meeting with the troops and Im also going to do a, sort of, semi-annual physical, which I do, Trump told reporters from the Oval Office on Thursday. I think Im in great shape, but Ill let you know. Despite long commenting on why he doesnt have a Nobel Peace Prize, Trump says of Fridays announcement: Whatever they do is fine The president, while sitting with Finlands President Alexander Stubb in the White House, said, I dont know about his chances of getting the prize, which will be awarded Friday morning. But he ticked off a list of conflicts where he said he has brokered peace and said, I didnt do it for that. I did it because I saved a lot of lives. Theyll have to do what they do, Trump said of the Nobel Committee. Whatever they do is fine. Trump suggests Spain should be thrown out of NATO The president criticized Spain for not meeting the military alliances defense spending target of 5% of GDP, calling the country laggard. Maybe you should throw them out of NATO, frankly, Trump said. US Finland announce deal on icebreakers Trump and Stubb said the two countries have reached an agreement to build 11 new icebreakers ships that could help bolster U.S. defenses in the Arctic region. Four will be constructed in Finland and seven in the U.S., under the deal. Trump noted to Stubb that Finland will be teaching the U.S. about the icebreaker business. I think this is a huge strategic decision by the president, Stubb said, noting that the Arctic is a key strategic region for U.S. interests. Trump noted at the NATO summit in June that he was working on a potential icebreaker deal with Finland. Kentucky Gov. Beshear denounces troop deployments over local objections as un-American Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear has denounced Trumps decision to send troops to states over local opposition as un-American. Beshear said Thursday that every governor, regardless of party affiliation, should stand up against such National Guard deployments. He said one of this countrys founding principles is that we dont militarize our communities. Beshear said the president doesnt get to deploy the National Guard to places where he thinks crime is too high, or to pick a fight with a Democratic governor or mayor. Beshear criticized Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbotts support for sending Texas guardsmen to Illinois. If the situation were reversed, and Illinois guardsmen were sent to Texas over Abbotts opposition, Beshear said Abbott would want Texas to secede from the Union. Trump welcomes Finnish president Shortly after 3 p.m., the president greeted Finnish president Alexander Stubb to the White House. As Trump welcomes Stubb, he did not respond to shouted questions about Ukraine and Gaza. Kennedy cites unproven link between autism and giving babies Tylenol after circumcisions At a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reiterated the unproven link between Tylenol and autism. He said children who are circumcised early have double the rate of autism, which is because theyre given Tylenol afterward. This unfounded claim seems to refer to a study in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine in 2015, which looked at ritual circumcision and the risk of autism spectrum disorder in boys under 10 in Denmark. It found that those who had undergone the procedure, which involves removal of the foreskin from the penis, were more likely to develop autism than other boys in the study. Researchers suggested a potential link might be due to the pain of the procedure. They point out that they had no data on painkillers or anesthetics used so couldnt address the whether Tylenol was linked to autism. Other researchers pointed out that the Denmark study looked at correlation, not causation. They also point to other studies that found no evidence to support a link between circumcision and autism. Ag secretary says aid for farmers is coming but delayed by shutdown Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Thursday blamed the government shutdown for a delay in announcing an aid package for U.S. farmers, who have seen one of their biggest markets almost disappear because of Trumps tariff war with China. Weve got to get the government reopened so that we can move forward on that, Rollins said at a cabinet meeting, where both she and Trump sought to blame the Biden administration for the woes faced by U.S. farmers. Last week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a significant aid package could come as soon as Tuesday. China has urged the U.S. to remove unreasonable tariffs to resume soybean trade. Trump and Chinese President Xi are scheduled to meet in about three weeks in South Korea. Appeals court considers Trumps use of Oregon National Guard A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is considering whether Trump had the authority to take control of 200 Oregon National Guard troops. The president had planned to deploy them in Portland, where there have been mostly small nightly protests outside an ICE building. During arguments Thursday, Justice Department attorney Eric McArthur told the court the Department of Homeland Security had been unable to protect federal property with regular forces. Arguing for Oregon, attorney Stacy Chaffin said Portlands protests had seen only isolated incidents of crime or violence that were handled by civilian law enforcement. Judge Ryan Nelson told the parties he understands that the Founders were clearly concerned about domestic use of the military. But he questioned whether the courts have a role in second-guessing the presidents determination about whether troops are needed. The judges said they would rule as soon as possible. Senate fails for the seventh time to advance bill to end government shutdown Another day in the Senate, another failed vote. Senators declined for the seventh time to advance to a final vote on a stopgap funding bill. The 54-45 vote tally fell along the same lines it has since the start of the shutdown, with three members of the Democratic Caucus voting in favor and one Republican voting against. Frustration is running high at the Capitol without signs of significant progress toward ending their impasse. Democrats are demanding that Congress take up an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies before they vote to end the shutdown. Thune floats an off ramp from shutdown Senate Majority Leader John Thune suggested on Thursday that the promise of a vote on expiring health care subsidies might be an off ramp as Democrats say they wont vote to reopen government until the tax credits are extended. If there are eight or 10 Democrats that would vote to open up, that might be an off-ramp, Thune told Semafor. It is unclear if Democrats would accept an offer for a vote without more robust negotiations or a predetermined outcome. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said on Wednesday that we need to solve the problem as the expanded Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year. Judge puzzled by claim federal agents beard ripped off near Chicago In a moment of levity at a Thursday hearing for a lawsuit over National Guard deployment in Chicago, Judge April Perry expressed surprise over prosecutors claims that a federal agent had his beard ripped off during protests. Ok so you have some facial hair, she said quizzically, gesturing emphatically at the attorneys beard as audience members laughed. How does that happen? Was, was it a real beard? Justice Department lawyer dodges questions about National Guard presence in Chicago A judges questioning of an attorney representing the federal government at a Thursday hearing offered clues and added to confusion over the potential breadth of the National Guards presence in the Chicago area. Justice Department lawyer Eric Hamilton repeatedly dodged a judges questions about what National Guard members were being trained to do in Illinois and where they would be sent. This is a dynamic situation that could change, Hamilton said. When Judge April Perry pressed prosecutors on if National Guard troops would only be stationed around federal buildings or also in neighborhoods, schools and hospitals, Hamilton responded that they are not limited to just protecting federal buildings and can be used to protect ICE agents on the field during immigration enforcements. He said this is consistent to how the National Guard was used in California. Illinois attorney calls National Guard deployment constitutional crisis A lawyer with the Illinois attorney generals office called on a judge Thursday to block National Guard deployment in the Chicago area, calling it a constitutional crisis. Christopher Wells, an attorney representing the state of Illinois, also chastised the federal government for ignoring the legal challenge when it sent troops overnight to a Chicago-area immigration enforcement building, despite the judge urging them to hold off until Thursday. The city and state are suing Trump, arguing he exceeded his authority in deploying the National Guard. The defendants plowed ahead anyway, Wells said at a Thursday hearing. Now, troops are here. Tomorrow, theyre being sent to this courthouse. Trump express confidence in Netanyahus political future The days ahead could be politically tricky for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has been shadowed by an ongoing corruption trial as he navigated the Gaza war. His grip on power has been largely contingent on the support of hard-line, far-right coalition partners who had been urging him to continue to prosecute operations on Hamas until the group was eliminated. But Trump suggested Netanyahus political standing has been bolstered by the ceasefire and hostage deal. I think hes very popular right now. Hes much more popular today than he was five days ago, Trump said of Netanyahu. I can tell you right now people shouldnt run against him. Five days ago, might not have been a bad idea. Ahead of meeting with Xi, Trump figuring out how to deal with China limiting access to rare earths Trump said he had just heard that China had put new export controls on rare earths ahead of his scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, adding that he had yet to be briefed on the matter. Trump said that the U.S. might have to stop importing so much from China, adding that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick would address any restrictions on the difficult-to-mine metals that are needed from China for an array of industrial products. Im sure well be able to handle it, Trump said. The president has also said that he expects more and more opening up of American soybeans being sold to China as part of his talks with Xi. Sales of U.S. soybeans to China have dropped as both countries are jockeying for an advantage in trade talks that Trumps import taxes caused. Trump says he will address the Knesset The U.S. president says he has been invited to speak before the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, when he travels to the Middle East in the coming days. If they would like me to, I will do it, Trump said, noting that he had been invited to speak. He said he would be the first U.S. president to address the Knesset, but thats not accurate. Former President George W. Bush spoke before the parliamentary body in May 2008. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Trump talks with Muslim leaders at UN proved to be a turning point in sealing Gaza deal Trump last month gathered with the leaders of eight Arab or predominantly Muslim countries on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly to discuss strategy on ending the Israel-Hamas conflict and a plan for postwar Gaza. Days after that meeting, Trump met at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the plan and the two leaders agreed to Trumps 20-point proposal to end the war. Rubio noted that Trumps negotiators then stepped up their efforts through intermediaries in Qatar and Egypt to get Hamas on board. Trump, meanwhile, held extraordinary phone calls and meetings with world leaders that required a high degree of intensity and commitment to get the deal to the finish line. I think whats important to understand is that yesterday what happened was really a human story, Rubio said. He added, Perhaps the entire story will be told about the events of yesterday. But, suffice it to say, its not an exaggeration, none of it would have been possible without the president of the United States being involved. NY governor says Trump cuts to security grants amount to defunding the police As New York fights in court to restore $34 million in counterterrorism grants recently cut by the Department of Homeland Security, Gov. Kathy Hochul warned Thursday that our safety has already been compromised. The federal money, Hochul said, had long been used to pay for surveillance cameras on the subways, added police patrols and cyber security measures. They are defunding the police, full stop, added Hochul, a Democrat, describing the move as a punitive gesture to punish blue states like New York. The Trump administration previously announced $187 million in funding cuts for New Yorks law enforcement and counterterrorism but reversed course and restored the funding following bipartisan outcry. A spokesperson for DHS didnt return a request for comment. Illinois governor blasts military deployment as court hearing begins Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker says the Trump administrations deployment of troops in the state is a huge mistake. The two-term Democrat spoke to reporters Thursday as a court hearing challenging the National Guards recent arrival in Illinois was underway. Illinois and Chicago have sued saying the military is unnecessary. Trump has portrayed Chicago as lawless and crime-ridden, even as crime has steadily dropped in line with national trends. He wants everybody to think that he is bringing down crime, Pritzker said. (Hes) doing nothing of the sort. Leading GOP Jewish group says rename Nobel Prize for Trump Its not enough to award Trump the Nobel Peace Prize for his administrations effort to bring about an end to the war in Gaza, according to the nations leading Jewish Republican advocacy group. President Trump shouldnt just win the Nobel Prize. It should be renamed after him, the Republican Jewish Coalition said in a statement. After 734 days, this comprehensive agreement ushers in a new dawn for the Middle East, reaffirms the unbreakable alliance between the United States and Israel, and advances trailblazing opportunities for expanding the circle of peace throughout the region. Noem says Homeland Security is looking to buy facilities in Chicago and Portland The Homeland Security secretary said her department is looking to purchase buildings in the Chicago to operate out of despite resistance form local officials. Were gonna not back off. In fact, were doubling down, Noem said. The mayor of Chicago has signed an order banning federal immigration agents from using city owned property. Noem said department was also looking at purchasing buildings in Portland. If we have to do it the hard way in Portland and Chicago, we will, she said. Trump says hostages will be released from Gaza on Monday or Tuesday The president opened a meeting with his Cabinet at the White House on Thursday by speaking about the ceasefire deal and his plans to travel to the Middle East. Trump said he will be going to Egypt for a signing ceremony. It was not clear if he would be traveling elsewhere on the trip. He said it is a complicated process for the hostages to be released from Gaza, but it will be happening Monday or Tuesday. He said there will also be the remains of about 28 hostages to be brought back, but he didnt offer details or timing on that. United Nations ambassador is no longer Cabinet-rank One person who was not present at the presidents Cabinet meeting on Thursday was Mike Waltz, the newly-confirmed U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Thats because the White House has decided that the position will not be Cabinet-rank, according to two congressional officials familiar with the matter. Whether the ambassador role is in the Cabinet is something that fluctuates between administrations. For former President Joe Biden, he included the position in his Cabinet. Trump, in his first term, downgraded the position to non-Cabinet level in 2018. When Trump announced his slate of Cabinet picks in January, he had included Elise Stefanik, who eventually withdrew from consideration, on the list. A race in Trumps shadow Republican Winsome Earle-Sears and Democrat Abigail Spanberger will likely blame the others party for the chaos in Washington at their gubernatorial debate Thursday night. Virginia is one of two states choosing governors this November, a bellwether for the party in power across the Potomac River ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Washington politics are especially relevant this year in Virginia, as Trumps cuts to the federal workforce and Congress shutdown impasse have an outsize impact in a state filled with federal employees and military personnel. Read more about what Virginia politics may foretell Egypts president invites Trump to witness the ceasefire deal signing Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner met with Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi in Cairo Thursday. Witkoff and Kushner arrived from Sharm el Sheikh, where the ceasefire deal was brokered between Israel and Hamas. In a statement after the meeting, the presidents office welcomed the ceasefire agreement and called for to be signed as soon as possible. All countries want to end the war, the statement said, and Egypt will continue to work with the United States to implement the plan. El-Sissi also reiterated his invitation for Trump to visit Egypt to witness the signing of this historic agreement in a ceremony befitting the occasion. Other Democratic-led states join legal challenge of Guard deployment All 24 other states with a Democratic attorney general or governor have signed on to a court filing supporting California and Oregons legal challenge to the Portland deployment. By calling forth troops when there is no invasion to repel, no rebellion to suppress, and when state and local law enforcement are fully able to execute the law, the filing with the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals says, the President flouts the vision of our Founders, undermines the rule of law, and sets a chilling precedent that puts the constitutional rights of all Americans at risk. Military wife pleads with House Speaker to hold vote on troop pay Republican leader Mike Johnson is taking some tough questions from Americans on C-SPAN, none tougher than from a Virginia woman who pleaded for the House to pass legislation enabling military pay during the shutdown. The woman, identified as Samantha, said her husband is serving and that if the military doesnt get paid on Oct. 15, my children do not get the medication thats needed for them to live their life because we live paycheck to paycheck. My kids could die, she said. You could stop this. Federal court weighs Trumps Chicago-area Guard deployment Trumps deployment of the National Guard in Illinois faces legal scrutiny at a pivotal court hearing with a small number of troops already protecting federal property in the Chicago area. U.S. District Judge April Perry will hear arguments Thursday over the states request to block the deployment. An element of the 200 Texas Guard troops sent to Illinois started working in the Chicago area on Wednesday, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Northern Command, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity in order to discuss operational details not made public. The troops, along with about 300 from Illinois, arrived this week at a U.S. Army Reserve Center in Elwood, southwest of Chicago. All 500 troops are under the Northern Command and have been activated for 60 days. Read more about the federal court challenge of deployments in Illinois By Sudhin Thanawala and Konstantin Toropin Frustrated lawmakers say lack of trust makes ending the shutdown harder A president looking to seize power beyond the executive branch. A Congress controlled by Republicans unwilling to directly defy him. A minority party looking for any way to fight back. The dynamic has left Washington in a stalemate on Thursdays the ninth day of the government shutdown, and some lawmakers are venting their frustration as they seek traction without the trust thats typically the foundation of any bipartisan deal. Groups of lawmakers huddled over dinners, on phone calls, and in private meetings have tried to brainstorm ways out of the standoff that has shuttered government offices and threatened to leave hundreds of thousands of federal employees without a scheduled payday. But relations between the parties are badly broken. Were in an environment where we need more than a handshake, said Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat Read more about lawmakers frustrations over the shutdown Trump was nominated before. Experts say a Nobel Peace Prize win is unlikely this year Trumps bid to win the Nobel Peace Prize has drawn added attention to the annual guessing game over who its next laureate will be. Longtime Nobel watchers say Trumps prospects remain remote despite a flurry of high-profile nominations and some notable foreign policy interventions for which he has taken personal credit. Experts say the Norwegian Nobel Committee typically focuses on the durability of peace, the promotion of international fraternity and the quiet work of institutions that strengthen those goals. Trumps own record might even work against him, they said, citing his apparent disdain for multilateral institutions and his disregard for global climate change concerns. Still, the U.S. leader has repeatedly sought the Nobel spotlight since his first term, most recently telling United Nations delegates late last month, everyone says that I should get the Nobel Peace Prize. A person cannot nominate themselves. Read more about this years prize The Associated Press WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) World leaders on Thursday expressed hope for peace and urged Israel and Hamas to fulfill their commitments in the hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the parties had agreed to the first phase of a deal signaling a major breakthrough in the two-year war in Gaza. Hamas will release all 20 living hostages in the coming days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace, Trump wrote on social media. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media: With Gods help we will bring them all home. Heres how other leaders responded. United Nations The United Nations will support the full implementation of the agreement and will scale up the delivery of sustained and principled humanitarian relief, and we will advance recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, U.S. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. The U.N. chief urged all parties to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward towards ending the occupation, recognizing the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and achieving a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security, he said. Canada I am relieved that the hostages will soon be reunited with their families, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posted on social media. After years of intense suffering, peace finally feels attainable, he said. Canada calls on all parties to swiftly implement all agreed terms and to work towards a just and lasting peace. Carney, like several other leaders, praised Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for their role in the negotiations. Argentina I want to take the opportunity to say that I will sign the candidacy of Donald J. Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to international peace, Argentine President Javier Milei posted on X. Any other leader with similar achievements would have received it a long time ago, the libertarian leader and Trump ally wrote. Malaysia This development offers a semblance of hope after months of unbearable suffering and devastation, Malaysias Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in a statement. He urged all parties to seize the opportunity to move toward a comprehensive and enduring peace. Japan Japan welcomes that the agreement on the first phase has been reached among the involved parties, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters. This agreement is an important step toward de-escalating the situation and achieving the two-state solution, he said. He also praised the U.S., Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and other mediating countries for their relentless effort and sought sincere and steady implementation by all involved parties. Hayashi promised Tokyos support and contribution to improving Gazas humanitarian conditions and reconstruction. Australia Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the agreement as a ray of light. The announcement brought hope that after eight decades of conflict and terror, we can break this cycle of violence and build something better, he said. Today the world has cause for real hope, the Australian leader added. New Zealand Over the past two years, both Israelis and Palestinians have suffered immensely, New Zealands Foreign Minister Winston Peters said Thursday. Today is a positive first step in bringing that suffering to an end. Peters urged Hamas and Israel to fulfil their parts of the deal. This is an essential first step towards achieving lasting peace, Peters said. We urge Israel and Hamas to continue working towards a complete resolution. India We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X on Thursday. Pakistan Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote on X that the deal represents a historic opportunity to end the suffering in Gaza and move toward a just and durable peace. He praised Trump for his role in paving the way for the deal. President Trumps leadership throughout the process of dialogue and negotiations reflects his unwavering commitment to world peace, he said. Sharif also praised the roles of Qatar, Egypt and Turkey in mediating the agreement. Above all, we pay tribute to the resilience of the Palestinian people, who have endured unimaginable hardship that must never be repeated, Sharif said. - Associated Press writers around the world contributed to this report. By CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAY Associated Press King Charles wants to "protect and prioritise our planet". King Charles will feature in the TV film The 76-year-old monarch is set to feature in a new TV film, provisionally titled Finding Harmony: A King's Vision, which will air on Prime Video in 2026. Charles said: "For much of my life I have sought to promote and encourage ways we can work with, rather than against Nature. In other words, to restore balance to our planet which is under such stress. "Never has it been more important for the world to make a concerted effort to protect and prioritise our planet, and to restore our relationship with it. It is therefore my fondest hope that this film may encourage a new audience to learn about the philosophy of Harmony - and perhaps inspire the same sense of determination it has given me to help build a more sustainable future." The film has been directed by Nicolas Brown, who thinks it will leave people "feeling uplifted and motivated". Nicolas said: "This is a story of hope and resilience. People who watch this film will leave feeling uplifted and motivated. The Kings philosophy offers something for everyone. Mostly, he shows us the power of resilience - and how following your intuition can transform the world." The director explained that the film made him "aware of how important this story is". Nicolas said: "Remarkably few people around the world know the full depth of the Kings lifelong battle to bring nature and humanity into harmony. Even today, His Majestys work with The Kings Foundation is transforming the world in so many inspiring ways." Meanwhile, Charles previously described climate change as the "wolf at the door". The monarch joined forces with Tony Juniper, a former Friends of the Earth director, and Cambridge University climate scientist Emily Shuckburgh to write a book about the challenges and possible solutions to the issue of climate change. In his foreword for the book, he wrote: "I hope this modest attempt to alert a global public to the 'wolf at the door' will make some small contribution towards encouraging requisite action; action that must be urgently scaled up, and scaled up now." (Top) Mechanical engineering masters students Reese Rodely (left) and Kamal Kunwar discuss what they are observing in SIU Carbondales 3D metal printer. (Second photo) Doctoral student Himal Sapkota prepares data and sets up builds for 3D printing. (Third photo) Rodely shows a 3D-printed lattice structure. (Fourth photo) Assistant professor Sangjin Jung (second from right) and his students gather in the lab. Their work is an example of what makes SIU Carbondale a Research 1 university. (Photos by Russell Bailey) SIU researcher aims to make 3D-printed metal parts more robust and strengthen trust in the tech by Tim Obermiller CARBONDALE, Ill. To many, 3D printing evokes images of desktop gadgets spitting out plastic trinkets. In reality, additive manufacturing (AM) now builds metal components for aircraft engines, medical devices and other intricate parts not easily made with traditional methods. The catch? Tiny, hard-to-avoid defects in printed metals can weaken parts and erode manufacturer confidence. Southern Illinois University Carbondale professor Sangjin Jung is tackling that reliability problem head-on. With a new $200,000 National Science Foundation Engineering Research Initiation grant, Jungs two-year project focuses on designing metal parts that stay strong even when small defects inevitably occur so companies can trust what comes off the printer. Real production isnt perfect, Jung said. Instead of pretending defects dont happen, we build them into the design process and make the part robust anyway. Jung brings a blend of industry and academic experience to the work. Before joining SIU in 2021 as an assistant professor in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Materials Engineering, he served as a senior research engineer at LG Electronics Production Engineering Research Institute and as a research scientist at both Carnegie Mellon University and Pennsylvania State University. Why AM matters and where it shines One of AMs biggest advantages is design freedom, Jung said, noting that the grant can help position SIU and regional businesses as a hub for additive manufacturing. Unlike traditional machining, which often limits shapes, AM can create highly complex, lightweight geometries that would be impossible or prohibitively expensive otherwise. Its also material-efficient because parts are built layer by layer, generating far less scrap than cutting from a solid block. Add rapid prototyping and localized production, and AM can shorten supply chains while speeding the path from idea to finished part. These strengths already power sectors that need custom, high-performance components: aerospace and automotive for weight reduction and fuel efficiency, medical for patient-specific implants and prosthetics, and defense and energy for complex, high-duty parts. In all these cases, Jung said, the ability to create tailored, intricate geometries gives AM a clear advantage over traditional methods. The problem: microscopic defects AM part defects can spring from many sources laser power, scan speed, hatch spacing, recoater wear or even powder quality. These flaws dont always show up the same way, which makes performance unpredictable. Current design methods often assume defect-free parts, optimize the geometry and only then discover real-world issues during testing. Jungs approach flips that script. His team will model the likelihood and impact of defects inside their simulations, then optimize the design to be defect-tolerant from the start. The goal: reduce trial-and-error in the lab and deliver parts that perform reliably in real manufacturing conditions. The potential payoff is big. The global AM market is projected to grow to $100 billion by the early 2030s, but that growth depends on proving consistent, certifiable performance at scale. If designs can tolerate real-world variability, manufacturers can move more parts from pilot runs to true serial production and do it with confidence. What it means for students, courses, labs and local industry The grant strengthens SIUs design for additive manufacturing (DFAM) capabilities by leveraging the universitys metal 3D-printing facilities. Students will work on interdisciplinary projects that blend simulation, optimization and hands-on printing, gaining experience that translates directly to industry needs. Lessons learned will flow into DFAM-related curricula, modernizing courses and labs. Partnerships are central. The team plans workshops and applied projects with local companies, opening doors for capstone collaborations and internships. The result is a talent pipeline for Southern Illinois industries exploring advanced manufacturing and a clearer route for companies to apply Jungs research to real AM production problems. The research simulates how real-world defects affect performance and then refines the design accordingly, Jung said. This will dramatically cut costly experimental iterations while producing designs that align with real manufacturing conditions. What success looks like If the approach works as planned, it could shift AMs reputation from a promising tool that sometimes disappoints to a reliable production technology that consistently yields defect-tolerant parts. That boost in trust could accelerate adoption over the next decade, moving AM from niche use to a mainstream manufacturing strategy, especially for complex, lightweight designs where it already excels. Bottom line SIUs goal is simple and ambitious: design resilience into metal AM from day one, unlock certifiable performance at scale and graduate engineers ready to help manufacturers print reliably, repeatably and with confidence. Kaleb Cooper has booked his first-ever flight, so he can film a new solo show. Kaleb Cooper books first-ever flight to shoot new solo show in Australia The 27-year-old farming contractor, who shot to fame on Jeremy Clarkson's Amazon Prime Video show Clarkson's Farm, is heading to Australia without the former Top Gear host for his new programme, Kaleb: Down Under. He said: "I spend most of my time with the most travelled man in the world, so I got brave and booked my first ever flight to see what all the fuss was about. "Australia here I come! "And Australia, youll be gaining a new farmer for a couple of months as I discover if I can make my farming contracting business go international." Kaleb's new four-part show will see him experience what farming is like across Australia's vast landscape. He will meet Aussie farmers and be immersed in local culture, as well as get down and dirty with farm work Down Under. Kaleb will jet to Oz this autumn, and an official release date for his new Prime Video show is yet to be revealed. Filming for the star's new show is set to come just months after he was the victim of a robbery. Kaleb questioned what is "going on with England at the moment" after he had a 7,000 post knocker - used for hammering in fence posts - stolen. Kaleb said on Instagram: "My post knocker was stolen last night. "As well as the John Deere tractor. "Can we please make this as hot as possible! "What is going on with England at the moment!" Home and Country Fencing, the company whose tractor was also stolen, also addressed the robbery on social media. They said: "Unfortunately, we have had one of our tractors and post knockers stolen overnight. "There has been a silver 4 x 4 burnt out just down the road which is possibly related." PRNewswire New Delhi [India], October 9: India's three largest mobile network operators - Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea - today provided an update on how they are further strengthening their efforts to tackle digital scams, through the GSMA Open Gateway initiative. * New GSMA report shows more than half of Indian's have been scammed, with 14% reporting financial loss While the three operators are running a series of individual programmes to help keep their customers safe from scams, today they outlined how they are also working together as a mobile ecosystem, through the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, to provide banks and other online platforms with new, federated ways to verify customer identities and combat digital fraud. The updates come as the GSMA published new research at India Mobile Congress showing that digital scams are an escalating concern for consumers across India, with more than half of Indian consumers (53%) having been scammed, with 10% having fallen victim in the past year. The GSMA commissioned "India Consumer Scam Report 2025", authored by advisory firm Armidale, shows that growth in digital scams and fraud is eroding digital trust. Indian Operators Provide GSMA Open Gateway Update at India Mobile Congress Speaking at India Mobile Congress 2025, the operators outlined plans to provide enterprise developers at banks and online retailers with federated access to new services including the SIM Swap and Number Verification APIs (Application Programmable Interface). Federated CAMARA APIs, certified by the GSMA, help developers build services that work with every participating mobile network, while allowing each operator to keep control of its data, policy and revenue. The software provides an interface, interoperability and global cross-country coverage, so digital enterprises can easily and securely connect their services to the rich, intelligent functionality that mobile operator networks can provide. Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea have already launched the SIM Swap API, which help banks prevent account takeover attacks, where fraudsters use social engineering techniques and stolen personal data to take control of the account owner's SIM card. All three operators also plan to launch a CAMARA-based Number Verification API before the end of 2025. This API is a more secure replacement for SMS One-Time Passwords (OTPs). It allows businesses to verify a mobile user's identity by matching their phone number against real-time network data to protect Indians against digital scams, simultaneously ensuring a seamless customer experience. GSMA Launches India Consumer Scam Survey The GSMA commissioned "India Consumer Scam Report 2025" published today, also highlights why the mobile industry is looking to work more closely with financial services and online retail firms to tackle scams and fraud by building new innovative services. The report found widespread concerns over scams, as well as significant financial and emotional impact on victims. It revealed: Victimisation: 10% percent of respondents were scammed in the past year;Financial harm: 14% of victims lost material sums that still trouble them.Digital trust: 58% of Indian consumers said they are "very worried" about scams, with 84% believing they are increasing. Some 42% believe the threat is "increasing rapidly."Attack vectors: Email, SMS and Messaging Apps are the biggest channels for scammers; however, Dating App and QR code scams are more prominent in India than other parts of Asia. (Online dating scam victims: 14% vs. 7% ASEAN Average and QR Code scams: 18% vs. 10% ASEAN average).GSMA Open Gateway Hackathon: India Connected - APIs for a Billion Lives India's three largest mobile operators have also teamed up with Nokia and the GSMA, to an inaugural GSMA Open Gateway Hackathon at India Mobile Congress to accelerate development of new innovations and network API based services using network capabilities. The hackathon entitled "India Connected - APIs for a Billion Lives" has received more than 2,300 registrations and 400 ideas, or solution concepts, from developers, startups, and innovators with 100 finalists invited to attend and build new API-powered solutions to address real-world challenges across India's diverse landscape. Using Open Gateway APIs, and Nokia's Network as Code platform, participants will create services that improve lives, unlock new revenue streams, and demonstrate the transformative potential of network intelligence. In addition to developing new services that prevent fraud, participants are invited to develop and showcase new innovations, using Nokia's Network as Code platform, that show how network API services can support financial inclusion, healthcare access, emergency services, agritech and rural connectivity, education and digital inclusion in India. Previous GSMA Open Gateway hackathons in Barcelona and China have led to the development of new services including an application called, "On Time" that used location and population density APIs to analyse real-time passenger information, over-crowding and delays on Catalonia's public transport system. In Asia, China Telecom helped tackle digital exclusion by developing TeleNavi, a voice-only intelligent location technology to help the elderly hail taxis. Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific, GSMA, said: "India is the world's second largest mobile market and home to a significant developer community. Mobile operator commitment to GSMA Open Gateway innovation can further accelerate India's digital transformation, creating secure, interoperable services that protect consumer trust and create new revenue opportunities. This week's hackathon and joint announcement are a symbol of collaboration that will collectively combat the scam economy. It will further support the creation of new innovations and network API-based services that can address real-world business and societal challenges to support India's role as a global telecoms statesman." Sharat Sinha, CEO & Director, Airtel Business, said: "For over a year, Airtel has been at the forefront of combating spam, leveraging advanced network intelligence and artificial intelligence to restore consumer trust and ensure business continuity. The AI-powered spam defense and fraud detection solutions have already demonstrated significant efficacy, safeguarding over millions of customers by blocking over 53 billion unwanted calls, 2.5 billion SMSs and close to 4 lakh fraudulent links. Building on this established success, we are now furthering this mission through a strategic partnership with GSMA and other leading telecom providers, enabling access to our network APIs. This collaboration is designed to empower enterprises, enabling them to fortify their own protective measures for both their operations and their customer base, thereby fostering a safer, spam-free digital India." Avneesh Khosla, CMO, Vodafone Idea, said: "Consumers are at the centre of every innovation we deliver. Network APIs have the ability to redefine digital trust by bringing unmatched safety, transparency, and simplicity to everyday online experiences. From protecting individuals against fraud to enabling frictionless logins, these APIs ensure that people enjoy both security and convenience without compromise. Together with GSMA and our ecosystem partners, we are committed to empowering consumers with solutions that make their digital life safer, more inclusive, and truly effortless." Shkumbin Hamiti, Vice President and Head of Network Monetization Platform, Cloud and Network Services at Nokia, said: "We're honoured that Nokia's Network as Code has been chosen as the exclusive platform for the India Mobile Congress Hackathon. Partnering with GSMA Open Gateway and India's top MNOs, Nokia is excited to show how Network as Code empowers India's vibrant developer ecosystem to build new API-powered solutions that combat cybercrime, strengthen digital trust and address a wide range of real-world challenges." The Indian initiative forms part of the global GSMA Open Gateway programme, which now includes more than 79 mobile operator groups representing 291 networks and nearly 80% of mobile connections worldwide. By bringing together operators from around the world, the GSMA Open Gateway initiative facilitates the design of digital products capable of operating seamlessly on all devices, regardless of the country or operator. The service APIs are available through the CAMARA repository, an open-source project by the Linux Foundation and a fundamental part of the GSMA Open Gateway initiative. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1882833/5554204/GSMA_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) MediaTek, a leading Taiwan-based semiconductor company, announced its latest Dimensity 9500 chipset, emphasising its capabilities and the company's strong presence in India. Anku Jain, Managing Director of MediaTek, speaking exclusively to ANI, highlighted the company's 47% market share in India's smartphone sector and its leadership in verticals such as smart TVs, routers, and Chromebooks. "So we had a very busy day, and especially we had an announcement of our Dimensity 9500 chipset... we are a chip design company, a semiconductor company, and we design chipsets for several verticals like smartphones, smart TVs, routers, and Chromebooks. So in fact, smartphones we have 47% market share in India," he said. Jain also discussed the booming semiconductor ecosystem in India, driven by the government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has led to the announcement of 10 new products. While acknowledging challenges such as a shortage of skilled manpower, he expressed optimism about India's roadmap for advanced technology nodes over the next 10 to 20 years. "I think the semiconductor ecosystem is really developing now in India... In fact, 10 products have already been announced based on the PLI scheme... However, as you said, there are certainly some constraints. I would say that the constraints are things like skill manpower... So I think overall I feel the momentum has really picked up in the last 2-3 years, and we are looking at the next 10-20 years kind of roadmap for India,' he said. Anku Jain further expressed excitement about India's developing ecosystem, emphasising the company's role as a leading design firm that partners with manufacturers. He highlighted MediaTek's advancements in satellite communication, announcing chipsets for IoT-NTN and NR-NTN. "But all this is very exciting for MediaTek as well because although MediaTek is a fabulous design company, we don't manufacture; that is done by our partners, but it is great to see the ecosystem getting developed in India... For SATCOM, we have already announced our chipsets for IoT-NTN and NR-NTN," he said. Jain expressed optimism about the Indian market, citing its vast growth potential, stating, "So MediaTek is a Taiwan-based company, headquartered in Taiwan and in India we have engineering centres here... I think India is a very big growth engine and that's the reason that MediaTek is very bullish on the Indian market..." (ANI) Russell T Davies "wishes" Prince William would make a Doctor Who cameo. Russell T Davies hopeful Prince William will make Doctor Who cameo The Prince of Wales visited Bad Wolf Studios, where the BBC sci-fi show is filmed, in Cardiff earlier this week, and Davies is hoping it will lead to the 43-year-old royal - who made a cameo as a stormtrooper in 2017 movie Star Wars: The Last Jedi, along with his brother Prince Harry - making a guest appearance in a future Who episode. Asked at the 2025 Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar, if Prince William could make a cameo in Doctor Who, he exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "I wish. "There's a long history of the Doctor Who producers trying to get members of the Royal Family to cameo in Doctor Who, but it's never happened. "I can't give away names of people who have said no. "But there's a long, secret list." During his set visit, William was allowed to step foot in the famous TARDIS. However, Russell didn't get the chance to welcome the prince into the time machine. He added: "I wasn't actually there. I wasn't allowed. I think they thought I might've revolted or something. I behaved. "But it was lovely. It was lovely for the whole of Bad Wolf and for Wales. He was there supporting Wales." Russell also refused to be drawn on whether another streaming service could come in to fund Doctor Who if Disney+ pull out of the iconic show. Asked if another streamer could pump money into Doctor Who if Disney were to exit the TARDIS, he replied: "We're not going there." For now, Whovians have been left in the dark about a new series of the show. Earlier this year, Russell wrote in Doctor Who Magazine: "We dont know whats happening yet, and while everyone works that out, Ill take a pause on this page... Hopefully, well have news soon." Palak walked the ramp in a stylish, modern ensemble that looked every bit stunning. The actress wore a navy-blue sleeveless top paired with a matching mini skirt that featured colourful hand-embroidered patterns. Her look was completed with a white shirt and printed tie, along with a colorful handmade bag. Lakme Fashion Week, which began on October 8, will conclude on Sunday, October 12. The event celebrates creativity and innovation in fashion, bringing together top designers and emerging talents from across the country. The 25th edition of Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI opened on October 8 at The Grand, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, marking a landmark year for India's most celebrated fashion showcase. On the film front, Palak was last seen playing a journalist in Guddu Dhanoa's film "Romeo S3", co-starring Thakur Anoop Singh. Romeo S3 is an action-thriller that follows DCP Sangram Singh Shekhawat (Thakur Anoop Singh) as he battles a drug cartel in Goa. His investigation soon uncovers a much bigger conspiracy involving a deadly virus and its antidote, which is controlled by a ruthless mafioso. To take down the cartel, he joins forces with investigative journalist Tanu (Palak Tiwari), whose pursuit of the truth thrusts her into the heart of the danger. As the stakes rise, she is kidnapped by the villain's son. The film, produced by Pen Studios and Wild River Pictures, was released in cinemas on May 16. (ANI) United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Yash Raj Films (YRF) Studios, where he was treated to the iconic romantic track 'Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jana Sanam' from Aditya Chopra's directorial, 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'. The popular track was played to mark the film's 30th anniversary. Released in 1995, DDLJ remains a landmark film of Indian cinema. People loved the romantic chemistry between Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, and the song 'Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jana Sanam', composed by Jatin-Lalit and sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Kumar Sanu, has become a timeless romantic track. Taking to the Instagram handle, YRF shared the video in which UK PM Keir Starmer can be seen enjoying the hit track. "Incredibly honoured to have had the opportunity to host the UK Prime Minister @keirstarmer at Yash Raj Films in Mumbai yesterday! The UK & YRF's relationship go back a long way and we were thrilled to make the PM listen to the iconic Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jaana Sanam from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) as the Bollywood blockbuster celebrates its 30th anniversary. Our ties with the UK deepen with a three movie production pact starting 2026. YRF is currently producing the stage adaptation of DDLJ, the English musical Come Fall In Love, to entertain audiences with this beautiful cross-cultural, East meets West love story!," reads the caption. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPlCoZQAfF0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== The UK and Yash Raj Films have a special connection with DDLJ, as it was extensively shot in London and other parts of the United Kingdom. Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani, who hosted Starmer at the studio, emphasised this special bond. "The U.K. holds a very special place in our hearts and some of our most iconic films, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) were shot in this beautiful and incredibly hospitable country," he said, reported Variety. "It is truly special to reignite YRF and UK's filming ties in the 30th anniversary of 'DDLJ' - a film that is synonymous to U.K.-India's relationship," Widhani added. "Bollywood is back in Britain, and it's bringing jobs, investment and opportunity, all while showcasing the U.K. as a world-class destination for global filmmaking," Starmer said. "This is exactly the kind of partnership our trade deal with India is destined to unlock." YRF announced that its relationship with the UK will deepen through a three-film production pact set to commence in 2026. YRF is also currently producing the English-language stage musical adaptation of DDLJ, titled Come Fall In Love: The DDLJ Musical, which celebrates the spirit of inclusivity and love beyond borders, an 'East meets West' story that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, as per the press release. Keir Starmer, who is on a two-day visit to India, met with Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji at Yash Raj Films Studios on Wednesday. (ANI) At least eight people were injured on Wednesday when two scooters exploded in the Mulganj area of Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur, officials said, prompting a full-scale investigation by police and forensic teams. Police Commissioner Raghuveer Lal suspected that the blast may have been caused by crackers or some nefarious activities, adding that all angles were being investigated. "At first glance, this blast may have been caused by crackers or some nefarious activities. We are investigating every angle. Forensic team, ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad), BDDS (Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad), and our officers are present at the scene," he told ANI. Of the eight people injured in the scooter blast at a toy market in Mishri Bazaar, four sustained minor injuries, while the other four were referred to a higher centre in Lucknow for treatment. "At 1:15 AM, an incident occurred in a toy market in Mishri Bazaar, Mulganj. Two scooters exploded. A shop, Abdullah's shop, was also damaged. This is a densely populated residential area of a particular community. A woman, a ragpicker, was seriously injured. Eight people were injured, four with minor injuries. Two have gone home from the hospital. Two are under observation. Four have been referred to a higher centre in Lucknow," Commissioner Lal said. He added that one scooter was registered to Ashwini Kumar, who was among the injured, while the second vehicle belonged to Vijender Rastogi, who has not yet been contacted. Officials inspected the two parked scooters, where a blast occurred in the Mishri Bazaar area under the Mulganj police station on Wednesday. Forensic, Bomb Detection and Disposal, Anti-Terrorism, and Special Task Force teams are at the site. Pedestrians standing nearby were also injured and admitted to the Ursula Hospital in Kanpur. Joint Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Ashutosh Kumar said, "In the Mishri Bazaar area under the Mulganj police station, two scooters were parked today, in which a blast occurred. The incident occurred around 7:15 PM. People are injured, including one woman. All are undergoing treatment and are out of danger." He added, "Our forensic team is present at the scene, and we are investigating what could be the cause of this. We have traced the scooter, and inquiries will also be made with those who were riding it. Whether this is an accident or a conspiracy will only be known later." Further investigation is underway. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Police on Wednesday announced a reward of Rs 20,000 for information leading to the owner of Srisan Pharmaceuticals, Tamil Nadu, the manufacturer of Coldrif Syrup linked to the deaths of 20 children in the state, Chhindwara Superintendent of Police (SP) Ajay Pandey said. The state police had travelled to Tamil Nadu to arrest the company owner but were unable to locate him, prompting the announcement of the reward, he added. Meanwhile, the bail application of Dr Praveen Soni was rejected by the Chhindwara sessions Court on Wednesday, officials said. Dr Soni, a government paediatrician at Civil Hospital, Parasia in Chhindwara, was recently suspended and later faced legal action, resulting in being sent to 14-day judicial custody on Monday. The Chhindwara Chemist Association has also announced an indefinite strike from midnight in protest against the action taken on Wednesday against several medical stores in the district. Santosh Chore, President of the Chemist Association, expressed strong disagreement with the administration's decision to seal chemist shops, saying that responsibility should instead be fixed on the medicine manufacturers and the laboratories that approved the drugs. "We are going on strike starting midnight in protest after five chemist shops, which have been sealed and served a showcause notice. We are not objecting to the investigation, and samples should be collected. However, we do not agree with the sealing of chemist shops. Action should be taken against the medicine producers and labs that pass them," Chore told ANI. He also demanded the release of five chemist shop owners and a revision of the investigation procedures. "Today samples are being taken from our shops, we are not able to do our business and nor we are able to clean our shops for Diwali, our chemist shops are living under fear. We want the authorities to release five chemist owners and demand a change in investigation standards," Chore said. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla said on Wednesday that 20 children had died so far in the state due to the consumption of Coldrif cough syrup, while five others were undergoing treatment. Of the 20 deaths, 17 were reported from Chhindwara district, two from Betul district, and one from Pandhurna. "Twenty children have lost their lives in the unfortunate incident from Chhindwara, Betul and Pandhurna districts. The state government is quite strict. The police teams from Chhindwara have reached Chennai and Kanchipuram to arrest the owner of Coldrif manufacturing company, and strict action is being taken into the matter," Shukla told reporters. He added that all possible efforts were being made to save the children under treatment. "I met five children who are undergoing treatment in Nagpur, two at Government Medical college, two at AIIMS and one in a private hospital and their families. The management and doctors are making all efforts to save the lives of children undergoing treatment," Shukla added. Earlier on Tuesday, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that the state government would bear the entire cost of treatment for children being treated in Nagpur for kidney infections caused by the cough syrup. A joint team of executive magistrates and doctors has also been deployed in Nagpur for continuous health monitoring. "Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has directed that the state government would bear the entire cost of treatment for nine children suffering from kidney infections caused by cough syrup, who are being treated in various hospitals in Nagpur. A joint team of executive magistrates and doctors has been deployed in Nagpur to ensure proper medical arrangements and continuous monitoring of the affected children," the Chief Minister's Office said in a post on X. (ANI) Following Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi's cryptic post on X amid the seat-sharing talks in the NDA, Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal on Wednesday said that "all is well" in the alliance. Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the BJP Election Committee, Jaiswal said that the party discussed the seats it had lost in the last election. He further stated that they have prepared a panel of three to four people for each assembly constituency, which will be sent to the central leadership, and the candidacy will be finalised after discussions with them. Jaiswal said, "Today was the third meeting of the election committee. Today, we discussed the seats where we could not secure a victory last time... Additionally, we have prepared a panel of three to four people for each assembly constituency, which will be sent to the central leadership, and the candidacy will be finalised after discussions there... They will complete this process within two to three days. All is well. Everything is proceeding very smoothly, and everything will be completed on time." Earlier in the day, Manjhi shared a cryptic post on X, seemingly expressing his disappointment with NDA seat-sharing talks. "Ho nyaay agar to aadha do, yadi usme bhi koi baadha ho, to de do kewal 15 gram, rakho apni dharti tamaam, HAM wahi khushi se khayenge, parijan pe asi na uthayenge," the post read. However, Manji told ANI, "We have no dispute with any party. We're demanding enough seats to be recognised in the Bihar Assembly...We want our party to be recognised. This is our main demand..." Asked about the meeting, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said that a detailed discussion took place on the forthcoming elections. He said, "A meeting of the election committee was held, everyone was present, and there was a detailed discussion." Ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, Union Minister and BJP in-charge of the election, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and co-in-charge Keshav Prasad Maurya, chaired a BJP Election Committee Meeting at the party office in Patna. Maurya expressed his confidence and said, "Again, NDA will form the government in Bihar." Denying the allegation that the Bihar Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) (HAM(S)) founder, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and the president of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJP(RV)), Chirag Paswan, are unhappy with the seat sharing, Maurya said that everyone is happy. "Once everything (on seat sharing) is finalised, you will be informed. It will be told after the meeting. No one is angry, everyone is happy, and everyone will remain happy," he added further. 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 the counting of votes scheduled to take place 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) In a sharp response to the recent visit of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, Tripura BJP spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharjee stated that there was "absolutely no moral need" for them to come to the state at this time, especially when relief work in their own state of West Bengal is ongoing. The leader alleged that everyone is aware of the TMC's "corrupt nature," accusing them of being involved in the chit fund scam and other dishonest activities. "We only removed their party flags and posters. There was no attack on the place they had rented to operate their office. When they came to Tripura today, they were asking for vehicles -- but they could have arranged that from their own party. The truth is, they have no one in Tripura to support them," he clarified. He further claimed that the TMC delegation struggled to gather support in Tripura. "Only six of them came, while such a programme would have needed at least 600 people. Still, our administration made proper arrangements for their visit," he said. Highlighting the party's alleged history of violence, the BJP leader said, "Everyone knows the kind of people they are -- in the past, they have attacked others violently. Their leader himself has been accused of looting chit fund money and has old connections with former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, even visiting Rose Valley together to promote investments." Condemning TMC's claims of upholding democracy, he added, "They talk about democracy, but their recent attack on a BJP MP in West Bengal exposes their real face. Instead of condemning that, they are here lecturing about democracy." Asserting that the TMC has no future in the state, he remarked, "TMC will never take root in Tripura. Here, there is no protective shield like in West Bengal. Anyone crossing the border illegally is arrested -- this is not Bengal." He concluded by emphasising Tripura's commitment to cultural harmony and the BJP's principles: "Our government has always supported traditional and cultural exchanges with Bengal, but politically, we stand firmly with the Bharatiya Janata Party and will continue to do so." (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami approved an amount of Rs 9.81 crore under the State Plan for the construction of a motor road from Doonikhal to Ratidhat in the Betalghat block of Nainital, stated a release. CM Dhami also approved the establishment of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Battalion control room as a Command and Control centre for better exchange of information related to disaster management. Additionally, an amount of Rs 25 lakh from the SDRF capacity development component has been sanctioned for its upgradation with modern technologies. The CM has also approved Rs 4.56 crore for the construction of the Tehsil Thal office building in Pithoragarh district. Earlier, a delegation from Larsen and Toubro (L&T) paid a courtesy call to CM Dhami in New Delhi. On this occasion, the delegation handed over financial assistance of Rs five crore to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to support relief and rehabilitation efforts for people affected by the recent natural disasters in the state. CM Dhami expressed his gratitude to the L&T representatives for their commendable support, stating that the contribution from the corporate sector during this challenging time would prove to be a significant help for the state government. He added that the state government is giving top priority to relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction work in disaster-affected areas, and the active participation of the private sector will help expedite these efforts and provide timely assistance to the affected communities. The Chief Minister further said that Uttarakhand is a disaster-prone state, where, due to geographical conditions, it frequently faces natural calamities. The state government has taken several concrete steps to strengthen disaster management and enhance the efficiency of the relief mechanism. Last month, CM Dhami conducted an on-site inspection of relief and rescue operations in the disaster-affected Nandanagar area of Chamoli district and met the affected people. Seven people lost their lives in the Chamoli cloudburst, whereas 11 people were left injured and have been treated in local hospitals. (ANI) The Madhya Pradesh police have arrested S Ranganathan, the owner of the Tamil Nadu-based pharmaceuticals company that manufactured the Coldrif cough syrup linked to 20 children's deaths, police said on Thursday. According to Chhindwara SP, Ranganathan will be presented before the Chennai court today and will be brought to Chhindwara after securing transit remand. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla on Wednesday informed that 20 children have died in Madhya Pradesh after consuming the Coldrif cough syrup; meanwhile, five are undergoing treatment Of these 20 children, 17 are from Chhindwara district, two from Betul district, and one is from Pandhurna district. "20 children have lost their lives in the unfortunate incident from Chhindwara, Betul and Pandhurna districts. The state government is quite strict. The police teams from Chhindwara have reached Chennai and Kanchipuram to arrest the owner of Coldrif manufacturing company and strict action is being taken into the matter," Shukla told reporters. Notably, a group of doctors and representatives of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) held a protest in Chhindwara district on Tuesday, demanding the release of a government doctor, Praveen Soni, who was recently sent to jail in relation to the death of children due to alleged consumption of cough syrup in the district. Dr Soni is a government paediatrician at Civil Hospital, Parasia in Chhindwara, who was recently suspended and later faced legal action, resulting in being sent to 14-day judicial custody on Monday. Earlier on Monday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav held a high-level meeting at the CM residence in Bhopal regarding the Chhindwara incident and ordered suspension of two drug inspectors, the Deputy Director of Food and Drug Administration, and transfer of a drug controller. The CM also directed that along with banning the sale of Coldrif syrup, the existing stock in shops should be seized. A thorough campaign should be conducted to recover the drug from the households of families who have consumed it in Chhindwara and nearby districts. (ANI) Sniffer dogs and bomb detection experts carried out thorough checks on vehicles entering the airport premises. An email received by the Madurai Airport Director claimed that a bomb had been placed inside the airport. Following this, Airport Director Muthukumar informed ANI on a phone call that the Madurai District Collector and the Commissioner of Police had been informed about the threat. Subsequently, CISF personnel and police jointly conducted intensive searches in and around the airport premises. All vehicles entering the airport were subjected to strict checks by the bomb disposal squad before being allowed inside. Sniffer dogs were deployed, and bomb detection experts carried out detailed inspections at vehicle parking areas, passenger arrival zones, and other public gathering points within the airport. Earlier on October 4, Madurai's Meenakshi Amman Temple received a bomb threat via e-mail, according to the police. The threat targeting the renowned temple triggered extensive security operations in the aftermath. According to Madurai city police, an email threat was sent to the Director General of Police (DGP) office, claiming that a bomb had been planted inside the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple. The world-famous Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple attracts thousands of devotees every day from various states. Following this, the Madurai City Bomb Disposal Unit police personnel, along with sniffer dogs, conducted intensive searches inside the temple, including the sanctums of Goddess Amman and Lord Swami, the Golden Flag Mast area, the Annadhanam (free meal) hall, and the Teppakulam (temple tank) area. Later, thorough checks were also conducted at the four gopuram (tower) entrances of the temple, areas accessible to devotees, mobile phone deposit counters, and the coconut stalls in front of the temple. Additionally, the footwear storage area and all surrounding locations were rigorously searched by the bomb disposal unit and police personnel. After three hours of search operations, the official confirmed that no explosive materials were found and reported that the bomb threat was a hoax. (ANI) The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on Thursday reaffirmed its committment to advancing India's Green Ports Mission through the adoption of clean fuels for a sustainable tomorrow on the occasion of World Hydrogen Day. In a post on X, the Ministry stated that it is actively promoting hydrogen-based technologies to power vessels, ports, and logistics, thereby paving the way for a more sustainable maritime sector. https://x.com/shipmin_india/status/1975863016273932471 "On #WorldHydrogenDay, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing India's Green Ports Mission through the adoption of clean fuels for a sustainable tomorrow. Under the leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, MoPSW is actively promoting hydrogen-based technologies to power vessels, ports, and logistics, paving the way for a cleaner and greener maritime sector," the post read. World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day is a global initiative aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source, along with the versatile technology of fuel cells. This day serves as a platform to acknowledge the potential of hydrogen and fuel cells in addressing the pressing challenges of climate change, energy security, and environmental sustainability. Recently, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said that Hydrogen is not just the fuel of the future but a key pillar of energy security, economic competitiveness, and environmental responsibility. Puri underlined the scale of ambition, reminding that India aims to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, backed by a robust policy framework and Rs 19,700 crore under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. "Every electrolyser manufacturer in the world is coming here because they see potential," he said. Citing examples like Indian Oil's green hydrogen plant in Panipat and Tokyo Energy's competitive bids at Vizag, the minister noted how India's hydrogen production costs are steadily falling, which is a sign of growing investor confidence and technology maturity. He also pointed to Solar Energy Corporation of India's green ammonia tenders, calling green ammonia a "critical export opportunity" given its logistical advantages over natural gas. The Union Cabinet approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission on 4th January 2023, with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore. The overarching objective of the Mission is to make India a Global Hub for production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives, by targeting production of 5 MMT per annum of Green Hydrogen by 2030. (ANI) A new documentary tells the story of AFP journalists who were trapped in the Gaza Strip at the beginning of the Israeli offensive, witnessing the destruction of their own reality through a lens. Independent journalist Helene Lam Trong's documentary "Inside Gaza" will be screened at the Bayeux prize for war reporters on Thursday in the presence of six of the seven permanent AFP journalists who covered the beginning of the Gaza conflict. It traces their daily lives after October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacks in Israel led to the deaths of more than 1,200 people, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Then came the Israeli offensive, which has killed more than 67,000 people, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry -- figures the United Nations considers reliable. Day after day, the journalists had no choice but to document the unimaginable suffering of their own people. "I wanted to explain what this profession is, which is primarily carried out in the field," filmmaker Lam Trong said. "Inside Gaza," which was co-produced by AFP's documentary production unit at Factstory along with Arte and RTBF, almost exclusively relies on AFP images, mostly taken by the journalists who testify in it. Reporting in Gaza means being surrounded by children who are injured or in shock, and dead bodies wrapped in shrouds or buried under the rubble. There is no let-up, as Israel has forbidden foreign journalists from entering the Palestinian territory. "They are seasoned journalists in their fifties, and they know how to maintain their rigour under conditions of extreme urgency and discomfort," said Lam Trong, who conducted lengthy interviews with them after they left Gaza in early 2024. But attempts to discredit these journalists are frequent. AFP journalist Mohammed Abed recalls several Western media outlets asking him to prove that a child had died, after pro-Israel lobby groups claimed that a photo he had taken of a father embracing his dead child in a shroud was actually that of a doll. "We have rarely seen such questioning of information disseminated by experienced journalists," said Lam Trong. "Palestinian journalists have faced the ultimate level of distrust from the media." What is broadcast is severely downplayed, the director said, describing a careful curation process and a decision to remove the most disturbing footage from the film -- a difficult task given the extent of Gaza's destruction. AFP's seven journalists and their families were evacuated between February and April 2024 and now reside in Doha, Cairo and London, struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. The news agency is now working with a dozen freelancers in Gaza. "The purpose of the film is to provoke reflection on what journalists do" as the profession faces global threats -- particularly in Gaza, where the press is constantly targeted, said film producer and Factstory's documentary unit head Yann Ollivier. "I hope that those who claim there are no journalists in Gaza will be compelled, after watching this film, to acknowledge that there are indeed journalists there, and that they adhere to the ethics of factual journalism," he told AFP. Around 200 journalists have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the war began, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders. The documentary will be broadcast on French-German TV channel Arte on December 2. Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla on Thursday said that the state government is quite active in taking action in the matter over the death of 20 children linked to Coldrif cough syrup in the state. Deputy CM Shukla highlighted that the owner of the Tamil Nadu-based Sresan pharmaceuticals company, manufacturer of the Coldrif cough syrup due to which children died, was arrested, and he would be brought here on transit remand. "The state government is very active in taking action in this matter. As soon as we came to know about the children's death due to Coldrif cough syrup, manufactured by Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharmaceutical company, an immediate case was registered and an SIT was constituted. Yesterday, the owner of the Coldrif cough syrup manufacturing company was arrested, and he will be brought here on transit remand," Shukla told ANI. The Deputy Chief Minister further emphasised that the state government is working sensitively, with CM Mohan Yadav visiting Chhindwara and meeting the affected families. The drug controllers have been advised to ensure that such medicines are not found in the market again in the future. Earlier today, Chhindwara Superintendent of Police (SP) Ajay Pandey stated that the owner of the Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals company had been arrested and would be brought to Chhindwara after completing the formalities in Chennai. "The SIT that left from Chhindwara has arrested Sresan Pharma owner Ranganathan. He was rounded up late at night and then arrested. As part of the procedure, his medical examination will be done and other proceedings will be undertaken in Chennai. Then after he will be brought to Chhindwara," Pandey told ANI. Earlier on Wednesday, Dy CM Shukla informed that 20 children have died after consuming the Coldrif cough syrup in the state. Of these 20 children, 17 are from Chhindwara district, two from Betul district, and one is from Pandhurna district. "20 children have lost their lives in the unfortunate incident from Chhindwara, Betul and Pandhurna districts. The state government is quite strict. The police teams from Chhindwara have reached Chennai and Kanchipuram to arrest the owner of Coldrif manufacturing company and strict action is being taken into the matter," Shukla told reporters. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reaffirmed India's commitment to promoting peace in the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. PM Modi stated that India supports the restoration of peace and the resolution of every conflict, including the Gaza issue, through dialogue and diplomacy. The Prime Minister's remarks were made while addressing a joint press conference with United Kingdom PM Keir Starmer in Mumbai following delegation-level talks between the two leaders. "India and UK are natural partners. Mutual trust in values like democracy, freedom and rule of law lies in the foundation of our relations. In the current era of global instability, this growing partnership between India and UK has been an important base for global stability and economic progress," PM Modi said. "In the meeting today, we discused Indo-Pacific, peace and stability in West Asia and Ukraine conflict. On the issues of Ukraine conflict and Gaza, India supports all efforts to restore for peace through dialogue and diplomacy. In Indo-Pacific region, we are committed to enhancing maritime security cooperation." PM Modi emphasised that in the present time, the growing partnership between India and the UK has become a crucial foundation for global stability and economic progress. "In the current era of global instability, this growing partnership between India and the UK is becoming a crucial foundation for global stability and economic progress," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister also asserted that both countries have agreed to work towards establishing an Industry Guild and Supply Chain Observatory for cooperation on critical minerals, with a satellite campus to be located in ISM Dhanbad. "We have decided to establish an Industry Guild and Supply Chain Observatory for cooperation on critical minerals. Its satellite campus will be at ISM Dhanbad," PMModi said. PM Modi also expressed happiness towards the opening of nine UK university campuses in India. "The largest and most influential delegation from the education sector so far has come with Prime Minister Starmer. It is a matter of great joy that now nine universities from the UK are going to open campuses in India. The Gurugram campus of Southampton University was recently inaugurated, and the first group of students has also taken admission," he said. Praising the Business Leaders Summit held on Wednesday, PM Modi noted that both countries will address the India-UK CEO Forum and Global Fintech Festival today. "The biggest business leaders' Summit between India and the UK was held yesterday. Today, we will address India-UK CEO Forum and Global Fintech Festival. With all of these suggestions and possibilities to further strengthen India-UK cooperation," he said. Earlier today, PM Modi and PM Starmer held a delegation-level meeting in Mumbai. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the agreement on the first phase of President Donald Trump's peace plan on Thursday. The Prime Minister said this development reflects the strong leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He expressed hope that the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring much-needed respite and pave the way for lasting peace in the region. "We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump's peace plan. This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu. We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace." Earlier, Qatar's Prime Minister and official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Majed Al Ansari, stated on Thursday that an agreement had been reached on all provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Ansari said that the deal covered the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. In a post on X, he wrote, "The mediators announce that tonight an agreement was reached on all the provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid. The details will be announced later. (ANI) BJP National Spokesperson Shri Shehzad Poonawalla held a press conference in the capital city today at the BJP central office, where he questioned Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi with regard to the 26/11 attacks. "At the time of the attack, when the Home Minister, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and the ministers were in favour of a responsive strike on Pakistan, did Sonia Gandhi personally intervene to ensure that India did not give a befitting reply to Pakistan after the 26/11 attack? Was it her vote bank politics which compelled her to do so?," he said. He further asserted that the Gandhi-Vadra family needs to come clean, as the matter concerns national security. Poonawalla recalled that Rahul Gandhi was more curious to know about the number of fallen Indian jets during India's responsive strike on Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, where the Indian armed forces were given "complete freedom" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Why is it that the Gandhi-Vadra family, right from 26/11 to now, have been questioning the valour of the Indian forces in Operation Sindoor?" he asked. He alleged that the Congress party is Pakistan's A-team and has a soft corner for it. He further claimed that Sonia Gandhi and the Gandhi-Vadra family are personally responsible for this. The BJP Spokesperson stated that even though the Army was prepared, the Congress party never gave them the complete freedom to take down terrorists during their time in power. He referred to a statement by P. Chidambram where he said that the thought of a responsive strike had crossed his mind, but there was global pressure, hence India did not retaliate. Poonawalla further questioned who stopped the attack if Chindambram himself wished for the strike to happen, along with other ministers and army officials. "P. Chidambram must answer this question because when the cabinet ministers, the Indian Army, the IAF and the rest of the nation wanted an attack on Pakistan, who was that one minister in the UPA government who decided against it," he said. (ANI) PP Chaudhary, Leader of India's first delegation to the UNGA, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on One Nation One Election, delivered India's national statement during the General Debate in the Third Committee of the United Nations on October 8, 2025, where he sharply exposed Pakistan's record of oppression and propaganda, read a press note. Rejecting Pakistan's baseless remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhary reaffirmed that the Union Territory is an integral and inalienable part of India. He criticised Pakistan's habitual misuse of UN platforms to advance narrow political ends while rigging elections, jailing popular leaders, bombing its own population, and brutally suppressing popular protests. He reminded the global community that even Pakistan's own Army Chief has described the country as a "dump truck," exposing the rot within its governance. Chaudhary underlined that India's Constitution, inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, provides a rights-based framework ensuring every citizen can reach their full potential. Chaudhary also used the occasion to highlight India's achievements in inclusive development. He noted that over 250 million people have been lifted out of multidimensional poverty in the past decade, while nearly 800 million people benefit from the Public Distribution System. He stressed that social security now covers 64.3% of the population. On women's empowerment, Chaudhary stated that "Nari Shakti" has become a national mission, with women now recording the highest global enrolment in higher education and workforce participation rising to 40.3% in 2024-25. He also pointed to the Women's Reservation Bill, 2023, as a landmark in women-led governance. He further emphasised India's youth empowerment and technology-driven growth, mentioning the success of MY Bharat, Skill India, PM-NAPS, and the YUVAi AI skilling programme, alongside digital innovations like Direct Benefit Transfer (USD 512 billion delivered digitally) and UPI, which have transformed financial inclusion. He also expressed pride in the Meri Panchayat App, which won the WSIS 2025 Champion Award for empowering 265,000 village councils. Concluding, Chaudhary said India is firmly committed to its vision of "Viksit Bharat - Developed India by 2047" and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue to stand as a trusted partner of the Global South and the United Nations, in stark contrast to Pakistan's divisive and oppressive policies, the statement read. (ANI) Locals in West Bengal's Darjeeling are facing a tough time following heavy rainfall over the past several days that has led to the destruction of infrastructure, including damage to the road connecting Dudhia to Mirik and to Nepal. As water levels in the area rose due to incessant rains, several houses and buildings also collapsed, leaving residents in distress and fear. A local said that a bridge that connected the area to other areas had also collapsed adding to their problmes. He further appealed to the government to send help. "It rained very heavily on Sunday and was raining till 6 am... my house and shop got destroyed in the rain... we left from here early in the morning... the bridge has also broken here and it is causing a lot of trouble for the people since no one can travel anywhere... There has been no electricity here... a couple of houses have been destroyed here... We appeal to the government to send up help..." the local told ANI. Amrit Thani, another local, also expressed his concern over the broken roads, further raising questions about the government's help. "The bridge was the main road for the people to travel here and now that it is broken, the people are stuck here... The CM did come here and spoke about the compensation for the people who were killed but what about the people who are left with nothing?" Thani told ANI. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday visited the flood and landslides-affected areas in Darjeeling. Rijiju inspected the losses and interacted with the affected people in the area. He was accompanied by Darjeeling MP Raju Bista. The Minister also urged the state government to "step up" its relief measures, asking the TMC government to map the disaster and take measures to rehabilitate the affected people. "From what we have seen so far and as per reports, the impact of the rains in Darjeeling has been huge. There has been an immense loss of life and property. Local representatives and administration are doing all they can, but the state government needs to step up its relief measures. The CM came to Siliguri to meet the victims of the disaster, but we want the state government to map the disaster... Those affected by the disaster, who have lost their livelihood and homes, should be provided relief and rehabilitated. This will be a challenge," Rijiju said. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has stated that 27 people, including one person from Nepal and another from Bhutan had lost their lives in the wake of severe rain and landslides in North West Bengal.(ANI) The NDA alliance in Bihar is working towards sealing its seat sharing deal with principal constituents JDU, BJP, LJP (RV) and HAM bargaining hard for their share. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) Bihar chief Raju Tiwari on Thursday said that the party has entrusted full authority to its National President, Chirag Paswan, to take the final call on the matter. Speaking to reporters after a key party meeting in Patna, Tiwari said, "All senior leaders of our party were present in today's meeting. We have all unanimously given the entire responsibility to our National President Chirag Paswan to take the final call, and it will be acceptable to each and every member of the party." Earlier today, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief and Union Minister Chirag Paswan said that discussions are underway regarding the seat-sharing formula within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled to be held in two phases next month. Chirag Paswan told reporters, "Discussions are going on. I have other responsibilities too. As long as I am a Minister, I have the responsibility of the ministry too. I am going for that right now." LJP (RV) has convened an emergency party meeting at its Patna office on Thursday to discuss the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections and organisational matters. The NDA led by the BJP and JD(U) 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). The new entrant, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj, has also staked claims on all 243 seats of the state. 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 the counting of votes scheduled to take place on November 14. (ANI) BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari held a press conference in the capital city today at the BJP central office, where he questioned Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi with regard to the 26/11 attacks. "At the time of the attack, when the Home Minister, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and the ministers were in favour of a responsive strike on Pakistan, did Sonia Gandhi personally intervene to ensure that India did not give a befitting reply to Pakistan after the 26/11 attack? Was it her vote bank politics which compelled her to do so?," he said. He further asserted that the Gandhi-Vadra family needs to come clean, as the matter concerns national security. Bhandari recalled that Rahul Gandhi was more curious to know about the number of fallen Indian jets during India's responsive strike on Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, where the Indian armed forces were given "complete freedom" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Why is it that the Gandhi-Vadra family, right from 26/11 to now, have been questioning the valour of the Indian forces in Operation Sindoor?" he asked. He alleged that the Congress party is Pakistan's A-team and has a soft corner for it. He further claimed that Sonia Gandhi and the Gandhi-Vadra family are personally responsible for this. The BJP Spokesperson stated that even though the Army was prepared, the Congress party never gave them the complete freedom to take down terrorists during their time in power. He referred to a statement by P. Chidambram where he said that the thought of a responsive strike had crossed his mind, but there was global pressure, hence India did not retaliate. Bhandari further questioned who stopped the attack if Chindambram himself wished for the strike to happen, along with other ministers and army officials. "P. Chidambram must answer this question because when the cabinet ministers, the Indian Army, the IAF and the rest of the nation wanted an attack on Pakistan, who was that one minister in the UPA government who decided against it," he said. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday met the newly elected Kunal Chaudhary, President of the Delhi University Student Union and Vaibhav Meena, Joint Secretary of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union, stated a release from the Chief Minister's office. On the occasion, the CM congratulated both on their remarkable victory in the student union elections. ABVP Delhi Pradesh Organisation Minister Ramkumar Gupta, All India Student Leader Manu Kataria, and State Minister Sarthak Sharma were also present during the meeting. Earlier, the CM met the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary and Uttarakhand State In-charge Dushyant Gautam on Wednesday evening in New Delhi. During the meeting, the Chief Minister held discussions with him on various contemporary issues, according to a release. Meanwhile, CM Pushkar Dhami also met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss the development of railway infrastructure in Uttarakhand. During the meeting, the Chief Minister requested the Union Government to "bear the full expenditure" for the expansion and strengthening of Dehradun and Haridwar railway stations and to develop them as "Model Railway Stations," along with completing the doubling of the Haridwar-Dehradun railway line. The Union Minister agreed to develop both stations as model stations and assured that the proposal for the doubling project and full central funding "would be examined and an appropriate decision taken." The Chief Minister also requested the inclusion of Almora and Someshwar regions in the alignment of the Tanakpur-Bageshwar railway project, along with provisions for road connectivity and tunneling. The Railway Minister said that "this proposal would be considered." Additionally, the Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to "permanently close" the old Rishikesh railway station and "transfer all rights" over the land to the State Government. He further assured that if additional land is required at Yog Nagari railway station for smooth operations following the closure of the old station, the State Government would "extend full support and cooperation". The Railway Minister gave his "in-principle approval to this request". (ANI) The Supreme Court on Thursday permitted the key accused in the Lakhimpur violence case - Ashish Mishra, son of former Union Minister and BJP leader Ajay Mishra Teni, to travel to Lakhimpur on October 20 to celebrate Diwali with his family. The permission was granted by a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi after Ashish Mishra's counsel requested for the same. During the hearing, the counsel appearing for Uttar Pradesh (UP) government informed the bench that FIR has been registered against Mishra, on a complaint alleging that Mishra is influencing a witness in the case. Earlier, on August 7, the top court had expressed dissatisfaction over the UP police's explanation for not having acted on the threat complaint it received from the witness Baljinder Singh. The top court had directed that a senior police official may go to the witness to record his statement if the said witness is reluctant to go to the police. The Court also directed the Superintendent of Police (SP) to file an affidavit regarding the status of witness Baljinder Singh's complaint after verifying the same. Today, when the top court was informed that it has been verified that some kind of pressure is being exerted on a witness and an FIR is revisited to that effect, the bench was of the view that the same senior officer who undertook the preliminary exercise to verify the witness complaint should investigate the FIR. On January 25, 2023, the top court granted interim bail for eight weeks to Ashish Mishra and imposed various conditions. Later, it was extended from time to time. The top court had directed Ashish Mishra to inform the concerned court about his location. The Court had also clarified that any attempt by Ashish Mishra or his family to influence witnesses and try to delay the trial may lead to the cancellation of his bail. Subsequently, in May 2025, the Supreme Court allowed accused Ashish Mishra to visit Lakhimpur Kheri to meet his family. Mishra can see his family each Saturday (evening) till Sunday (daytime) and will return to Lucknow, the top court had said. It had also clarified that Mishra will "strictly" only spend private time with his family while visiting Lakhimpur Kheri and will not participate in any other public meetings. Today, the top court modified the interim bail condition to allow Mishra to visit his family in Lakhimpur for Diwali. Mishra's counsel submitted that his client will return back to Lucknow, on October 22. The top court directed that all the other conditions imposed on his interim bail must be abided by Mishra. (ANI) The Gujarat government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, is celebrating a state-wide 'Vikas Saptah' from October 7 to 15. Additionally, the state will observe 'Industry Entrepreneurship Day' on October 10, dedicated to celebrating the state's spirit of industrial excellence and innovation. As the state celebrates the 'Vikas Saptah' programme, the Government of Gujarat announced that from 2008-09 to 2022-23, the auto manufacturing output in Gujarat experienced a remarkable growth, with a nearly 22-fold increase in total manufacturing output. Notably, various initiatives launched in 2009 in the automobile manufacturing sector under CM Modi have transformed Gujarat into India's leading automobile manufacturing hub. According to the Government of Gujarat, the production of motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers in the state was approximately 3,200 crore in the fiscal year 2008-09. This figure soared to around 71,425 crore by 2022-23, marking the highest level ever achieved. Between 2015-16 and 2022-23, the manufacturing sector for motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers in Gujarat skyrocketed by an impressive 12 times. The manufacturing output increased from 5,836 crore in 2015-16 to a record-breaking 71,425 crore in 2022-23. The statement stated that, post-pandemic, Gujarat's auto sector had doubled its output in just two years. According to the latest data for the motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers segment, manufacturing output increased from 34,107 Crore in the COVID-affected 2020-21 to a record 71,425 Crore in 2022-23, representing a 109% surge. In 2018-19, production stood at 27,049 Crore; by 2022-23, that figure had nearly tripled. With its strategic location and world-class port infrastructure, Gujarat has further strengthened its status as a leading global hub for automobile exports. According to DGCIS, Ministry of Commerce and Industry data, in FY 2024-25, the state exported auto components/parts worth approximately. 2,628 crore and motor vehicles/cars worth 11,172 crore, a total of 13,799.79 crore. This reflects 31.54% growth in motor vehicle/cars exports compared to the previous year. During FY 2024-25 alone, Gujarat exported 1,77,924 motor vehicles/cars to 102 countries, including South Africa, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Chile, the UAE, Mexico, and Colombia, underscoring its diversified global footprint. In comparison, FY 2023-24 saw exports worth over 2,764 crore in auto components/parts and 8,493 crore in motor vehicles/cars, highlighting the sharp surge in vehicle exports in the following year. The Gujarat Government stated that over the past one and a half decades, Gujarat has experienced significant expansion in automobile manufacturing, auto components, logistics, and research & development. With companies like Suzuki, Tata, Hero Corp, and Honda, Sanand and Mandal-Becharaji Special Investment Regions (MBSIR) have become the state's leading auto hubs. Sanand hosts a robust auto component ecosystem, featuring giants like Tata Motors and JBM, while Mandal-Becharaji is attracting international brands with its world-class infrastructure and export-oriented facilities. These hubs are playing a crucial role in making Gujarat India's 'Automotive Heartland' and advancing Prime Minister Modi's vision of "Make in India" and "Make for the World." (ANI) Discord has shared an update that dives deeper into the attack that happened against them as it has now been claimed that as many as 70,000 government IDs were compromised. Over the weekend, Discord confirmed that there was a data breach against one of its customer service providers, which they immediately handled. The still-unknown threat actors have reportedly asked for monetary payment in exchange for the stolen data and credentials, but Discord claims that they are working with the authorities to resolve this case. Discord Claims 70,000 Gov't IDs May Have Been Compromised Discord shared a new update regarding the latest attack that recently targeted one of its customer service providers that handles a part of its support for users. The platform is now saying that 70,000 government IDs may have been leaked in this attack. The latest figure was revealed by Discord after claiming last week that only a small number of credentials and data were compromised by the unauthorized party. The company also claimed that there may be other user data exposed in this attack by the unauthorized party, but the company specify what other information was stolen in the process. That said, Engadget reported that Discord said that the other information that could have been compromised includes users' names, their Discord usernames, email, and other contact information they shared with customer service providers. New Reports Claim Discord Attack Is Larger This latest update was released by the company after reports circulated online that claimed that the breach on Discord's customer service provider is larger than what the company said. There is a report says that the unauthorized party responsible for the breach had stolen as much as 1.5 terabytes of age verification-related photos, with as many as 2,185,151 photos to be exact. Chat, we are cooked Discord is being extorted by the people who compromised their Zendesk instance They've got 1.5TB of age verification related photos. 2,185,151 photos tl;dr 2.1m Discord users drivers license and/or passport might be leaked. Unknown number of e-mails vx-underground (@vxunderground) October 8, 2025 The report said that as many as 2.1 million government IDs, like driver's licenses and/or passports, may have been leaked in the latest attack, and this figure is far from what Discord initially reported. Despite the latest report, the company's update reiterated that the attack was not on Discord and its platform directly, but on its third-party customer service provider, which only handles its Customer Support or Trust & Safety teams. Moreover, the company also clarified that no messages or activities were accessed beyond what users have talked about with the customer service team. Discord maintained that they have revoked the license of the said third-party vendor whose operations were compromised by the said attack. Originally published on Tech Times Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan on Thursday strongly advocated for the 'One Nation, One Election' concept, terming it the "need of the hour." Chouhan emphasised that frequent elections act as a barrier to the country's development. "It is the need of the hour. Frequent elections often prove to be a hindrance to the country's development. An amendment should be brought in the Constitution to hold Lok Sabha and Assembly elections simultaneously," he said. Meanwhile, in New York, P.P. Chaudhary, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on One Nation One Election, led India's first delegation to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and delivered a powerful national statement during the General Debate in the Third Committee on October 8, 2025. In his address, Chaudhary sharply criticised Pakistan's record of oppression and propaganda, highlighting its divisive policies. Reaffirming India's commitment to its vision of "Viksit Bharat - Developed India by 2047," Chaudhary emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India remains a steadfast partner of the Global South and the United Nations, standing in stark contrast to Pakistan's approach. "India is firmly committed to its vision of "Viksit Bharat - Developed India by 2047" and under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue to stand as a trusted partner of the Global South and the United Nations, in stark contrast to Pakistan's divisive and oppressive policies," he said. The 'One Nation, One Election' bill was referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee in December 2024. The Lok Sabha on August 12 accepted a motion to extend the tenure for the Joint Parliamentary Committee's report on the 'One Nation, One Election Bill'. The extension will enable the committee to submit its findings by the first day of the last week of the 2025 winter session. The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2024. The bills were sent to the Joint Committee of both houses for further examination. (ANI) Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) President Chirag Paswan met Minister of State for Home Affairs and BJP leader Nityanand Rai in Delhi on Thursday to discuss seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Rai struck an optimistic note, stating, "Everything is positive." Earlier, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi shared a cryptic post on X, seemingly expressing his disappointment with NDA seat-sharing talks. "Ho nyaay agar to aadha do, yadi usme bhi koi baadha ho, to de do kewal 15 gram, rakho apni dharti tamaam, HAM wahi khushi se khayenge, parijan pe asi na uthayenge," the post read. However, Manji told ANI, "We have no dispute with any party. We're demanding enough seats to be recognised in the Bihar Assembly. We want our party to be recognised. This is our main demand." Meanwhile, in Mahagathbandhan, Congress leader Tariq Anwar said that the seat-sharing arrangement within the opposition's Mahagathbandhan for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections will be finalised soon. "Our coordination committee is holding continuous meetings, and I hope all the seat-sharing will be finalised between today and tomorrow. The exact seat-sharing will be finalised," Anwar told ANI. Commenting on the ruling NDA's leadership, Anwar said there appeared to be confusion as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had not been declared the alliance's chief ministerial face, despite several visits to the state by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The NDA and the Prime Minister have not yet declared Nitish Kumar as the Chief Ministerial candidate. The Prime Minister has visited Bihar several times, but even in Nitish Kumar's presence, he did not confirm that Nitish Kumar will be our CM candidate. Therefore, there is confusion," he said. He added that within the Mahagathbandhan, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav was functioning as the alliance leader. "From our side, it is clear that Tejashwi Yadav is acting as the leader of our alliance and has assumed responsibility. The coordination committee will decide whether we should contest the elections with a face or without one," he added. The NDA led by the BJP and JD(U) 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). The new entrant, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj, has also staked claims on all 243 seats of the state. 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 the counting of votes scheduled to take place on November 14. (ANI) Amid the opposition's allegation of inaction on the Sabrimala temple gold plating row, Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan said that any irregularities in the functioning of the Devaswom Board will be investigated. Reacting to the opposition's demand for the resignation of former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran and his own, he stated that no case has been registered against them in court. "The Opposition is demanding that former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran resign from his MLA post and that I resign from my ministerial position. Do we have any cases filed against either of us in any court?" he said. He further added, "If there are any irregularities in the functioning of the Devaswom Board, the government will investigate them. The government's stance is that the culprits must be brought before the law. If anyone has taken even a single piece of gold from the Sabarimala temple, it will be returned there, and strong legal action will be taken." Critising the opposition, he said, "Why are the Watch and Ward staff, who remain silent, being attacked? This is not an ornament to democracy. Like Abhimanyu trapped in the Chakravyuha, the Opposition fled from the Assembly. The Opposition is even challenging the High Court." Meanwhile, the Sabrimala gold-plating controversy is intensifying and BJP leaders and workers staging protests in several parts of Kerala. Earlier, it was reported that investigators were struggling to trace key records linked to the 30.3 kg of gold and 1,900 kg of copper donated by industrialist Vijay Mallya in 1998 for cladding the sanctum sanctorum and wooden carvings of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple in Kerala. Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan, in response to ANI, said a detailed probe was underway under High Court supervision. "The pedestal was recovered from the residence of Unnikrishnan Potty, who himself raised the complaint, which reveals who the culprit is. More facts will emerge as the investigation progresses," the minister said. On opposition charges of negligence by the state government and Travancore Devaswom Board, the minister said the allegations were aimed at diverting attention. "When the very item in question was found in the complainant's house, the facts became evident," Vasavan added, while confirming that Unnikrishnan Potty's influence was under scrutiny. The probe team clarified there was no dispute over Mallya's donation but admitted that registers and supporting documents confirming the quantity of gold used were missing. Without these, the actual amount of gold plated or lost cannot be verified, raising suspicion of deliberate record tampering. Historical records show that the 1998 gold cladding, completed in 1999, was carried out under the leadership of Chennai-based jeweller Nagarajan of JNR Jewellery with the expertise of 53 Tamil Nadu artisans. The process involved layering gold beaten into thin foils and bonding them onto copper plates with mercury. In 2019, during repairs, Devaswom records listed the removed panels as copper sheets. When the replated panels were returned, records showed a reduction of 4.41 kg. Unnikrishnan Potty testified that the sheets given to him were copper-based with residual gold, later replated at a Chennai firm. At the time, K S Baiju served as Thiruvabharanam Commissioner before retiring, succeeded by R G Radhakrishnan under whose supervision the work was carried out. Then Devaswom Board President A Padmakumar. Unnikrishnan Potty, along with his associates from Bengaluru, sponsored the 2019 replating. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari on Thursday held the state government responsible for the death of children linked to the consumption of Coldrif cough syrup in the state. The Congress leader while addressing a press conference in Bhopal also questioned the functioning of the drug controller, alleging corruption in the approval medicine in the state. "It is the responsibility of the drug controller for sampling of each medicine every year and there is a rule of sampling of medicines. But in Madhya Pradesh, instead of sampling of medicines, signatures (referring to approval certificates without testing) are done. The drug controllers take huge amounts for the approval of medicines. I am not making an allegation, everyone knows about it. Of that amount, a significant part of it reaches the health minister. The blame for this incident lies with the functioning of the Drug Controller. It occurred because there was a commission and the state government led to the death of children in that corruption," Patwari said. Additionally, he raised several questions about the functioning of the state government, asking why the drug controller was not arrested and the health minister not resigned from his post. "If the Tamil Nadu government did not check the medicine then what was the Madhya Pradesh government doing? Were they enjoying a circus? What is the responsibility of the government? Why are they in power? I again say that if anyone is responsible for the death of the children then, it is the Mohan Yadav-led state government and its functioning. Why was the drug controller not arrested, why a case was not registered against him and why the health minister did not resign. Why is the Principal Secretary of the health department not removed," the Congress leader said. He further added that the Congress party would take out a candle march on Thursday to pay homage to the death of the children due to consumption of Coldrif cough syrup in the state and also pray for the wisdom of the state government. "We will also demand the resignation of the health minister and FIR against the drug controller. The Principal Secretary of the health department is the most corrupt officer and the CM does not want to remove him," the Congress leader alleged. Earlier this week on Monday, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav held a high-level meeting at the CM residence in Bhopal regarding the cough syrup tragedy and ordered suspension of Drug Inspector of Chhindwara Gaurav Sharma, Drug Inspector of Jabalpur Sharad Kumar Jain, and Deputy Director, Food & Drug Administration Shobhit Koshta, while Drug Controller Dinesh Maurya was transferred. (ANI) The Delhi Crime Branch arrested a wanted criminal in the Meerut murder following an encounter in the Rohini area on Thursday. According to the Delhi Police, the accused, Hamza was shot in the leg and is wanted in a murder case in Meerut. Earlier in Meerut, a resident of Lisadi Gate, Adil, was picked up from his house and taken to a nearby jungle area where his friends mercilessly murdered him. According to Dy. Commissioner of Delhi Crime Branch Police Sanjeev Kumar Yadav said that the victim was shot three times in the chest at point-blank range with a pistol. Disturbingly, the act was recorded on a mobile phone, and a 12-second video of the incident has surfaced on social media. Later, the accused Hamza was identified as one of the main perpetrators. During interrogation, Hamza confessed that he and his associates had killed Adil by shooting him three times in the chest from close range. In 2024, he had also opened fire on another individual named Wasi, who sustained a gunshot wound in the incident. According to security officials, his close associate Julkmar was arrested following a brief exchange of gunfire with the Meerut Police, but Hamza managed to escape and has been on the run since then. Meanwhile, in another incident, the Special Staff of Delhi Police's 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, officials said. 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. After the encounter, the police took him to AIIMS Trauma Centre, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. "The police team retaliated, firing five rounds, during which the accused sustained bullet injuries. He was immediately shifted to AIIMS Trauma Centre, where doctors declared him brought dead," said Tiwari. As per the Police, Jora was a notorious interstate criminal who was involved in at least six cases of murder, dacoity, and burglary across Delhi, Gurugram, Gujarat, and Bengaluru. He was also wanted in a recent burglary at a BJP leader's residence in Gurugram and had been absconding for several months. From his possession, police recovered one sophisticated automatic pistol, one live round, several empty cartridges, and a bag containing house-breaking tools. The Police are currently investigating to identify his associates and the network involved in his interstate criminal activities. (ANI) The Gujarat government is celebrating a state-wide 'Vikas Saptah' from October 7-15 with October 10 being observed as 'Industry Entrepreneurship Day,' dedicated to Gujarat's spirit of industrial excellence and innovation. According to a release issued by the Gujarat Government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the State has emerged as a driving engine of India's industrial growth. Notably, various initiatives launched in 2009 in the automobile manufacturing sector, when he was Chief Minister, have transformed Gujarat into India's leading automobile manufacturing hub, it added. In the last 15 years, Gujarat has made a giant leap in the auto sector with a CAGR of 24.84 per cent. According to the Government of India's Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), the production of motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers in Gujarat was around 3,200 crore in 2008-09, which increased nearly 22 times to 71,425 crore in 2022-23, the highest level ever achieved. This achievement reflects an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 24.84 per cent, a testament to Gujarat's successful journey in the automobile sector. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary call of "Make in India, Make for the World" at the heart of its growth strategy, Gujarat is racing ahead to position itself as not just India's but the world's most trusted manufacturing hub. Launched in 2014, the Make in India campaign has found one of its strongest success stories in Gujarat, a state that has pursued the vision with unwavering commitment. Between 2015-16 and 2022-23, Gujarat's motor vehicle, trailer, and semi-trailer manufacturing sector has skyrocketed by an astounding 12 times. Manufacturing output surged from 5,836 crore in 2015-16 to a record-breaking 71,425 crore in 2022-23, a leap that underscores the state's manufacturing prowess, investor-friendly climate, and robust industrial ecosystem. In a remarkable post-pandemic turnaround, Gujarat's auto manufacturing sector has roared back to life, more than doubling its output in just two years. Latest data for the motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers segment reveals manufacturing output from 34,107 Crore in COVID-hit 2020-21 to a record 71,425 Crore in 2022-23, a phenomenal 109 per cent surge. The state's broader growth trajectory has been equally impressive. In 2018-19, production stood at 27,049 Crore; by 2022-23, that figure had nearly tripled. Export Powerhouse: Gujarat Ships approx. 13,800 Crore worth of Autos & Auto Components Worldwide in FY 2024-25 With its strategic location and world-class port infrastructure, Gujarat has further strengthened its status as a leading global hub for automobile exports. According to DGCIS, Ministry of Commerce and Industry data, in FY 2024-25, the state exported auto components/parts worth approx. 2,628 crore and motor vehicles/cars worth 11,172 crore, a total of 13,799.79 crore. This reflects a 31.54 per cent growth in motor vehicle/car exports compared to the previous year. During FY 2024-25 alone, Gujarat exported 1,77,924 motor vehicles/cars to 102 countries, including South Africa, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Chile, the UAE, Mexico, and Colombia, underscoring its diversified global footprint. In comparison, FY 2023-24 saw exports worth over 2,764 crore in auto components/parts and 8,493 crore in motor vehicles/cars, highlighting the sharp surge in vehicle exports in the following year. Over the past one and a half decades, Gujarat has significantly expanded in automobile manufacturing, auto components, logistics, and research & development. With companies like Suzuki, Tata, Hero Corp, and Honda, Sanand and Mandal-Becharaji Special Investment Regions (MBSIR) have become the state's leading auto hubs. Sanand hosts a strong auto component ecosystem with giants like Tata Motors and JBM, while Mandal-Becharaji is attracting international brands with its world-class infrastructure and export-oriented facilities. These hubs are playing a crucial role in making Gujarat India's 'Automotive Heartland' and advancing Prime Minister Modi's vision of "Make in India" and "Make for the World." (ANI) The operation commenced with sharp surveillance action, leading to the interception and apprehension of 28 Bangladeshi nationals from various locations in the national capital. Upon interrogation, it was revealed that they entered India illegally through the Khulna border, West Bengal, along with several others. https://x.com/DelhiPolice/status/1976171276034068585 All 28 apprehended migrants have been placed at a Temporary Detention Centre, where further necessary legal formalities for their deportation are actively underway. As of now, a total of 235 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants have been deported, and the deportation process for the recently apprehended 28 individuals is in progress. Preliminary profiling reveals that these individuals are largely unskilled, working as ragpickers, farm labourers, or undertaking other casual occupations. None of them possessed valid documents or authorisation to remain in the country. Earlier, a team from the Operations Cell, South West District, detained two illegal Bangladeshi migrants who had been living in India without valid visa documents for the past two years, police said. According to officials, the deportation process has been initiated with the assistance of the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Delhi, after all formalities have been completed. Police identified the detainees as Md. Abdulaziz Mian (46), a resident of Sakhipur, Tangail district in Bangladesh, and Md. Rafiqul Islam (29), a resident of Kaliganj, Gazipur district in Bangladesh. "During the exercise, secret information was received regarding an illegal Bangladeshi migrant seeking accommodation in the Mahipalpur area. Acting promptly, the team reached the spot, identified two suspects with the help of the informer, and conducted a thorough enquiry. On demanding valid visa and travel documents, both individuals failed to produce any, and admitted that they had entered India about two years ago but overstayed after expiry of their visas," the police said in a statement. (ANI) The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC), held in Mehsana, successfully organised a Semiconductor Workforce Development session. During this session, Gujarat introduced the theme "From Vision to Velocity," which aims to enhance the semiconductor workforce as part of the Vibrant Regional Conference initiatives. The synergy of industry and education for Gujarat's semiconductor talent took centre stage at the VGRC in Mehsana. Notably, VGRC is being held at Ganpat University in Mehsana, North Gujarat, as stated in the release. On October 9, a successful Workforce Development Session was organised. The theme of this session was "Workforce Development for Semiconductor Chips: From Vision to Velocity," strategically focusing on strengthening the state's talent ecosystem to support Gujarat's growing semiconductor industry. According to the release, this conference highlighted Gujarat's strong resolve to establish itself as a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing and design. Distinguished dignitaries were present at the event, where S. Aparna, CEO of GRIT, emphasised the state's leading role in the semiconductor ecosystem and stressed the importance of improving educational systems to strengthen Gujarat's semiconductor talent. It is significant that India's Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, while addressing the main event, also highlighted the national need for skilled talent in this crucial sector. Additionally, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology P. Bharathi, Director of Gujarat State Electronics Mission Neha Kumari, Director of the Indian Semiconductor Mission (ISM) Manish Hooda, and Vice Chancellor of Gati Shakti University Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Chaudhary also shared their insights through various presentations during the session. To strengthen the synergy between education and industry, two engaging panel discussions were organised. The first panel, "Building Gujarat's Semiconductor Talent Pipeline," was moderated by Nilesh Ranpura, Director of ASIC at eInfochips. Experts from leading institutions and companies discussed strategies to strengthen Gujarat's semiconductor talent ecosystem, presenting strong ideas and insights on industry expectations, skill gaps, curriculum modernisation, and advanced manufacturing skills. The panel discussion included participants such as Dr S. S. Manoharan, DG, PDEU; Prof. Nihar Mahapatra, IIT Gandhinagar; Shahbaaz Saiyed, Head TA, Micron Semiconductor Technology India; Dr Rajgopalan Pandey, Assistant Professor, NAMTECH; and Dr Kamaljeet Singh, Director General, SCL. In this important session, IIT Gandhinagar Director Prof. Rajat Moona delivered his address and participated in the exchange of MoUs. These MoUs included collaborations for the Gujarat Government's Samarth Project with IIT Gandhinagar, Digantara for their new facility, Gati Shakti University, and several banks. Additionally, a partnership between Monk9 and Nirma University was also established for workforce development. In the final session titled "Collaboration for Innovation," moderated by Dr Anurag Kandiya, Associate Professor at PDEU, discussions centred on facilitating effective collaboration between academia and industry. The panellists shared insights on international cooperation, joint research and development, advanced packaging skills, and initiatives for the fab workforce. An interactive question-and-answer session followed, featuring participants such as Matsuno San(JICA), Marmik Bhatt (CEO, Monk9), Montu Makadia (Senior Advisor, SFAL), Dr Wasi Uddin, Head of R&D, Kaynes, Sheetal Mehta (Director, Sudhee Semicon), and Prof. Amitabh Jain (Professor of Practice, TEPL). (ANI) Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology and indigenously designed semiconductors are poised to become India's next strategic leap in the deep-tech space, Parag Balwant Naik, Executive Vice President - Silicon and Broadcast System & Satcom at Tejas Networks, formerly Saankhya Labs told ANI today. "D2M is the first deep-tech technology stack coming entirely out of India," Naik said. "It has been in development for nearly eight years, with multiple trials conducted in Bengaluru and ongoing pilots in Delhi. The technology has now matured to a point where it's ready for deployment," he said on the sidelines of India Mobile Congress in New Delhi. Naik described D2M as India's first fully Swadeshi deep-tech platform, developed end-to-end with indigenous hardware, software, and chipsets--marking a significant milestone in the country's quest for self-reliance in next-generation communications technology. D2M, or Direct-to-Mobile broadcasting, enables multimedia content to be transmitted directly to mobile devices using broadcast frequencies, without consuming mobile data or requiring internet connectivity. This holds enormous potential in a country like India, especially for rural and underserved areas where mobile networks are patchy and data is expensive. At the core of this breakthrough lies India's first homegrown fabless semiconductor design capability. According to Naik, the company has built three generations of chipsets, based on sophisticated software-defined radio (SDR) architectures and digital signal processing (DSP). These chipsets power both the handset and infrastructure ends of the D2M ecosystem. "This is not just about software or apps," he noted. "These are complete silicon systems, designed and developed in India, forming the backbone of a technology platform with national-scale implications." Tejas Networks, through its legacy at Saankhya Labs, has long advocated for a convergence of broadcast, cellular, and satellite technologies. The D2M platform is a natural extension of this vision. While satellite TV via platforms like Doordarshan's FreeDish is already widely used across rural India, D2M will enable the same content to be received seamlessly on mobile phones and other personal devices--without relying on mobile broadband networks. Naik stressed that this convergence will become increasingly important as India prepares for 6G and future satellite-based connectivity. "The 5G is still rolling out, and 6G is in early standardisation stages," he said. "But this time, unlike 4G and 5G, we're ahead in building the tech stack. Academia, startups, and companies like us are already contributing to early development." Naik also emphasised India's progress in satellite communication systems, particularly in collaboration with ISRO. For over a decade, the company has worked with the space agency to build real-world applications in Satcom--ranging from fishermen safety networks to train tracking systems for Indian Railways. "India is already ahead in Satcom and broadcast applications," he said. "With D2M as the first indigenous deep-tech deployment, we are well positioned to lead globally in 6G and satellite convergence over the next five to ten years." From a strategic and commercial standpoint, D2M also offers massive potential to reduce mobile network congestion, deliver public service content efficiently, and open up new monetisation models for broadcasters, telecom operators, and infrastructure providers. While a commercial rollout timeline for D2M is yet to be officially announced, the technology's maturity and successful field trials point to its readiness for mass adoption. For an industry long dependent on imported semiconductors and telecom hardware, this signals not just a technological milestone--but a turning point in India's deep-tech capabilities. (ANI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin praised the economic growth of the southern state at the Tamil Nadu Global Startup Summit 2025, which was held on October 9th to 10th in Coimbatore. During the event, Stalin remarked that the Global Startup Summit and similar industrial conferences are a testament not only to Tamil Nadu's industrial growth but also to the state's overall development. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister stated that these conferences demonstrate that Tamil Nadu is a state where industries can operate with complete peace of mind. "The Global Startup Summit and similar industrial conferences have become a testament not just to Tamil Nadu's industrial growth, but to the overall development of the entire State! When industries grow, the entire State grows through them. Through the jobs they create, families grow and thrive; in that sense, industries stand as symbols of such progress. Industrialists always choose states that ensure peace and strong law and order. Conferences like this stand as a symbol of the confidence that Tamil Nadu is a place where industries can operate with complete peace of mind," said Stalin. Furthermore, he also claimed that the southern state has attracted numerous industrial projects over the last four and a half years and is working towards a goal of a 1-trillion-dollar economy by 2030. "In the four and a half years since we assumed office, Tamil Nadu has attracted countless industrial projects. We have attracted high-tech industries that draw significant investments, as well as industries that create a large number of employment opportunities. Through these efforts, our Government is diligently working towards achieving the goal of making Tamil Nadu a 1-trillion-dollar economy by the year 2030. It's not just large industries that play a role - MSMEs, too, contribute significantly. Likewise, emerging innovative startups are also playing a vital part in this growth journey..." added Stalin. Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the Space and Defence Industries Exhibition in Chennai on Tuesday. During his address, MK Stalin said that Tamil Nadu is emerging as a leader in the manufacturing sector and emphasised the state's commitment to the growth of India's space sector. "Tamil Nadu is emerging as a leader in the manufacturing sector. It is the only state to have achieved double-digit economic growth. The state is making its mark in all kinds of industries. Tamil Nadu will also be a strong support to the growth of India's space sector," MK Stalin said. (ANI) A delegation comprising approximately 30 representatives from various countries, including the Maldives and Nepal, visited the headquarters of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, specifically the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Civic Centre. According to the release, this visit was part of a study tour organised in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA). The delegation met with the Mayor of Delhi, Sardar Raja Iqbal Singh, to gain insights into Municipal governance and solid waste management practices implemented by the MCD. During the interaction, Deputy Mayor Jai Bhagwan Yadav, Standing Committee Chairperson Satya Sharma, Leader of the House Pravesh Wahi, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee Sunder Singh, MCD Commissioner Ashwini Kumar, and other senior officials were also present, as stated in the release. Welcoming the delegation, Mayor Sardar Raja Iqbal Singh expressed his pleasure at hosting the international representatives. "It is a matter of great pride for us to welcome such a distinguished group of delegates from across the globe," he said. Highlighting the role of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Mayor stated, "MCD is one of the largest urban local bodies in Asia, serving a population of nearly 20 million. We are committed to making municipal governance more transparent and effective through sustainable development, public participation, and innovation. Solid waste management remains a key challenge, and we have implemented several initiatives, including source segregation of waste, scientific landfill management, waste-to-energy conversion, and active community engagement." He added, "We hope that this visit will provide you with valuable insights into our systems and initiatives. At the same time, we look forward to learning from the best practices of your respective countries." Senior MCD officials briefed the delegation on town planning, the Master Plan of Delhi, and the online process for building plan sanctions. Furthermore, officials provided a detailed overview of solid waste management, including waste generation, primary and secondary segregation, transportation, and final disposal mechanisms, as well as the unique challenges faced by Delhi, a landlocked megacity, in managing urban waste. (ANI) On the first day of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference at Ganpat University in Mehsana, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held a one-on-one meeting with the New Zealand High Commissioner Patrick John Rata. The High Commissioner praised Gujarat's VGRC initiative, noting its innovative approach to regional industrial development, according to a release issued by the State government. During the discussion, Patrick John Rata highlighted progress in areas of cooperation in agriculture, dairy, and cooperative sectors, as discussed during his previous visit to Gujarat. He also explored ways to strengthen collaboration with NDDB, Amul, and the State Agricultural University. The Chief Minister proposed leveraging New Zealand's expertise to increase agricultural productivity per acre through aquaculture and technology sharing. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister M K Das, Additional Chief Secretary of Agriculture Anju Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of Energy S J Haider, Principal Secretary of Industry Mamta Verma, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Avantika Sindh, and Secretary Vikrant Pandey. Meanwhile, Union Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday said that Gujarat is becoming a foundation pillar of India's development journey in the fields of semiconductors, modern logistics and electronics manufacturing. Gujarat is a hub of semiconductors, electronics and logistics, which will make India a leader in the direction of making it a developed nation by 2047, he said, according to a release by the Ministry of Railways. Stating that a total investment of Rs 1,25,000 crore has been made in this sector, the Union Minister also discussed major projects such as Tata Electronics plant in Dholera, Micron manufacturing center in Sanand and plants of CG Power and KEC. He added that due to this ecosystem, around 30 Japanese companies are setting up units in Gujarat to supply chemicals, gases and substrates that are needed. The "ultra-pure" materials used in the industry are measured in "parts per billion", which will raise the quality standards for other industries like pharma and chemicals as well. (ANI) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out searches in the case of KC Veerendra, Congress Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Chitradurga constituency in Karnataka, and others related to cheating the public in an illegal online betting case. In a search operation conducted by the ED's Bengaluru zonal office under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the agency claimed to have seized 24-carat gold bullion weighing 40 kg, worth Rs 50.33 crore, from two lockers in Challakere, Karnataka. Earlier, ED has seized assets worth Rs 103 crore in the form of around 21 kg gold bars, cash, gold and silver jewellery, bank accounts and high-end vehicles. Total seizure in the case is more than Rs 150 crore till date. https://x.com/dir_ed/status/1976293532647182560 The searches and tracing of Proceeds of Crime in an illegal online betting case have been undertaken during the Judicial custody of the prime accused, Veerendra, who was arrested in August this year. ED said its investigation revealed that "Veerendra, in association with other friends and family members, is involved in operations of many illegal online betting websites, viz. King567, Raja567, etc and cheating innocent players through the same." Furthermore, the agency stated that funds collected from players have been routed through several gateways, like FonePaisa. "The money so collected is routed through several mule accounts which are sourced by these betting operators from intermediaries from all across India." ED investigation has revealed a nexus of online betting apps with isolated instances of cybercrime across India, by way of mule accounts creation in the name of individuals in exchange for petty sums. "The estimated turnover of these betting applications being controlled by Veerendra is more than Rs 2,000 crore. Veerendra, his family members and associates have booked several international travel tickets, visa and other hospitality services worth crores of rupees, financed through a network of mule accounts linked to proceeds from online betting websites." Further, the ED said, expenses like marketing, bulk SMS services, platform hosting, Search Engine Optimization etc. with respect to operations of these mule accounts is also paid through these accounts controlled by Veerendra and his associates. "The evidences suggest that the funds used for these high-value transactions were diverted from illicit online activities and funnelled through multiple intermediary accounts to obscure their origin," added the ED. (ANI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in a press conference, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is using these mechanisms to manipulate voter lists and target citizens. Banerjee claimed that the BJP is using SIR as a pretext to implement NRC and remove names from the voter list. "In the name of SIR, they are trying to place NRC, want to remove names from the voter list, I assure you no genuine voter will be unlisted," Mamata said. She warned the BJP against escalating tensions through their policies, accusing them of provocative actions, saying, "I warned the BJP, don't play with fire." Banerjee claimed that she heard that the "Union Home Minister said in a party meeting that we will drop many names." "Be prepared for public outrage. People of Bengal never believe you. I heard that the Union Home Minister said in a party meeting that we will drop many names; who is he to drop them? Today, his government is there, but tomorrow it will not be there," the Chief Minister said. She challenged the BJP's use of central agencies to target her government, expressing readiness to confront such actions, saying, "If you think you'll take action against us through the agency, know that we're ready." "How can he say that 1.5 crore voters will be deleted? Are they deciding these things in a party office? There is a double-engine government in Bihar; there are orders from the party office to conduct SIR, but this will not happen here in Bengal," she said. She highlighted recent NRC notices issued in Assam, specifically mentioning two individuals from Nadia, West Bengal, receiving such notices after the Puja festival. "After Puja, again NRC notices have been served from Assam; two people from Nadia have received notices," the TMC leader said. (ANI) Ahead of the Bihar Assembly election, the Congress party has intensified its attack on the NDA government and has released a booklet titled "Bees Saal Vinaash Kaal" (20 years of bad governance) during a press conference held in Patna on Thursday in the presence of top party leaders, including Congress General Secretary (Communication) Jairam Ramesh and former chief ministers of Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, Ashok Gehlot, Bhupesh Singh Baghel, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, respectively. Congress General Secretary emphasised that the booklet is not just a "charge-sheet" but a factual account of the state's situation under the "double-engine government ". In a post on X, Congress wrote, "This is not just a charge sheet; it contains facts from the last 20 years. Its purpose is that - The public should know what the situation of Bihar has become under the double-engine government? Bihar stands at a decisive juncture today, and two paths are visible. First- The path of social harmony, social empowerment, social justice, and economic development, which is the path of the grand alliance. Second- The path of the double-engine government without fuel, Bihar's future cannot be built on migration; Bihar's future will be built through industrialisation, agricultural development, better health, and improved education facilities." https://x.com/INCIndia/status/1976259053643784525 Speaking to ANI on the occasion, former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Bhupesh Baghel stated that the NDA government should address the question of the twenty years of misgovernance. Baghel said, "20 years of misgovernance and it has 20 questions, the NDA government should answer them..." Congress's senior observer for Bihar, Ashok Gehlot, who also attended the conference, highlighted the lack of governance and said, "The situation here is really very delicate. There is no governance here, there is misgovernance...Tejashwi Yadav and our leader are talking to each other and all decisions will be made in a day or two..." Meanwhile, emphasing the value of his words and promise, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, "I may be young, but my word is firm" (umr kacchi hai, par zubaan pakki hai). Following his announcement of creating a law to ensure government jobs for every household in Bihar, the state leader of the opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, stated that he doesn't need to provide any proof to implement his announcement. He asserted that the Mahagathbandhan government aims to achieve economic justice alongside social justice, noting that within 20 months, no family in Bihar will be without a government job. "We have made a historic announcement today. We want to do economic justice, besides social justice, for the people. Today, we have announced that whichever family in Bihar does not have a government job will be given a government job within 20 days of the formation of our government. In 20 months, there will be no family that will not have a govt job...When every family in Bihar has a govt job, everyone will run the Bihar Govt besides Tejashwi...Tejashwi ki umr kacchi hai, par zubaan pakki hai. So, we do not need to give proof. People of Bihar know that Tejashwi will do what he says," Yadav told ANI. Tejashwi Yadav's announcement follows his statement that, within 20 days of the formation of the Mahagathbandhan government, it will enact a law ensuring a government job for every household in Bihar. The Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly announced that within 20 months, no family in Bihar will be left without a government job. The RJD leader said that he has the vision and willpower to implement the announcement. He highlighted that his party has done extensive research and a survey to implement the plan. ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday said that the Tamil Nadu government was not cooperating as it should in relation to the Coldrif cough syrup tragedy. A Tamil Nadu-based Sresan pharmaceuticals company is the manufacturer of Coldrif cough syrup which is linked to death of 20 children in Madhya Pradesh. "In Madhya Pradesh, children's kidneys were damaged, and some died after consuming cough syrup made in Tamil Nadu. Our police went to the location where the medicine was produced and arrested the pharma owner, but the Tamil Nadu government is not cooperating as it should. The drug controller of Tamil Nadu should thoroughly investigate the non-standard medicine found there and submit a detailed report," CM Yadav told reporters. "It is true that wherever the pharmaceutical companies are located, the ultimate responsibility for medicines lies with them. Nonetheless, we still took a random sample from our location. If any errors occurred, then we removed the controller, suspended some officials and took action against other concerned persons, including doctors," he added. The chief minister highlighted that they expressed their full concern to the entire matter not only from a humanitarian perspective but also from the governmental and administrative viewpoint. "I believe that wherever such companies manufacture medicines, the state governments there should take strict action against them and carry out proper proceedings," he added. Additionally, the CM urged the Congress party to stage a sit-in in Tamil Nadu and should question how the licence of the pharma company was renewed. "I would also like to tell my Congress colleagues who are speaking on this issue to go to Tamil Nadu and stage a sit-in there and ask how that pharma company was granted a drug license and how it was renewed. Also, how a factory was established in such a small place," the CM said. CM Mohan Yadav also visited AIIMS Nagpur and met with victims undergoing treatment who fell ill after consuming cough syrup. "Today, I have come to meet the sick children who were admitted after drinking poisonous cough syrup. The Nagpur administration is also worried, the doctors of AIIMS are also worried. All of us are trying in every way to ensure that no one faces any problem. We are doing the best we can. I said that if anyone needs anything, please let us know. We hope these people recover soon. All the arrangements are covered by the state government," he added. Earlier today, Chhindwara Superintendent of Police (SP) Ajay Pandey said that the owner of the Tamil Nadu-based Sresan pharmaceuticals company was arrested and he would be brought to Chhindwara after completing the formalities in Chennai. "The SIT that left from Chhindwara has arrested Sresan Pharma owner Ranganathan. He was rounded up late at night and then arrested. As part of the procedure, his medical examination will be done and other proceedings will be undertaken in Chennai. Then after he will be brought to Chhindwara," Pandey told ANI. (ANI) In a major breakthrough against Pakistan's ISI-backed terror network, Counter Intelligence (CI) Jalandhar has busted a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror module with the arrest of its two operatives and recovered RDX-based improvised explosive device (IED), weighing nearly 2.5kg and one remote control from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Thursday. According to an official release, the module was being operated by UK-based handlers Nishan Jaurian and Adesh Jamarai, at the direction of BKI mastermind Harwinder Singh alias Rinda. Those arrested have been identified as Gurjinder Singh, alias Rinku, a resident of the village of Athwal in Gurdaspur, and Deewan Singh, alias Nikku, a resident of Nikko Saran Kalan in Gurdaspur. Police teams have also impounded the black-coloured Hero Splendour motorcycle they were riding. DGP Gaurav Yadav said that both the arrested persons were receiving direct instructions from their UK-based operatives, Nishan Jaurian and Adesh Jamarai. Preliminary investigation has revealed that the recovered RDX-based IED was intended for a targeted terror attack, he said. Sharing operational details, the DGP said that following reliable inputs, teams from CI Jalandhar launched an Intelligence and Human-Intel based operation and apprehended both suspects from the Guru Nanakpura area in Jalandhar, when they were going to deliver the consignment to another party. He said that further investigations are on to establish backwards and forward linkages in this case, and to identify the persons who were supposed to receive the consignment. Meanwhile, a case FIR No. 58 dated 08.10.2025 has been registered under sections 10, 13, 15, 17, 18, 18-B and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act at Police Station SSOC, Amritsar. (ANI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to hold a meeting of its Central Election Committee (CEC) on October 12 at 6:30 PM at the party headquarters in New Delhi. The crucial meeting is expected to discuss and finalise the party's candidates and strategy for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Senior party leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP National President J.P. Nadda, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, are expected to attend the session. A panel of three potential candidates has been prepared for each seat. To finalise the names, the BJP's Bihar Core Group will hold a meeting in Delhi on October 11. The final approval of the candidates' names will take place after these meetings, and the first joint list of the NDA is expected to be released on October 13, marking the formal start of the NDA's election campaign. The discussions are likely to focus on seat distribution, alliances within the NDA, and key constituencies where the BJP aims to strengthen its position ahead of the polls. The NDA, led by the BJP and JD(U), 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). The new entrant, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj, has also staked claims on all 243 seats of the state. 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 the counting of votes scheduled to take place on November 14. (ANI) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday (local time) handed US President Donald Trump a handwritten note during a White House event, urging him to approve a social post related to a Middle East deal, Al Jazeera reported. "You need to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first," the note, written on White House stationery, read, as reported by Al Jazeera. Rubio, who was not part of Trump's roundtable discussion with conservative influencers, entered the room, handed him the note, and whispered to him. The third day of Gaza ceasefire talks is underway in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh to finalise the details of Trump's 20-point plan. Trump said he may travel to Egypt this weekend, adding that negotiators are "very close" to a Gaza deal and "they are going to need me pretty quickly," Al Jazeera reported. Trump told reporters, "I was just dealing with people from the Middle East on the potential peace deal for the Middle East. 'Peace for the Middle East'. That's a beautiful phrase... I may go there sometime toward the end of the week, maybe on Sunday... Negotiations are going along well, dealing with Hamas and many of the countries... Nothing like that has happened before... If that's the case, we'll be leaving probably on Sunday, maybe Saturday, maybe a little later than Saturday evening, but that seems to be our schedule." Meanwhile, at least eight Palestinians have been killed and 61 others injured in Israeli attacks across Gaza in the past 24 hours, says the enclave's Health Ministry, as quoted by Al Jazeera. In Spain, parliament voted in favour of an arms embargo on Israel introduced by PM Pedro Sanchez, aimed at ending what he called "the genocide in Gaza". Spanish lawmakers have passed a law ending all trade of arms, defence equipment or technologies to Israel, Al Jazeera reported. Nearly 42,000 Palestinians in Gaza have sustained major, potentially life-changing injuries over the past two years, according to the United Nations. "One in four of those injured are children, and more than 5,000 amputations have been recorded," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, as reported by Al Jazeera. Since October 2023, the Israel-Gaza conflict has killed at least 67,183 people and wounded 169,841. Thousands more are believed to be buried under the rubble of destroyed buildings. A total of 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7, 2023, attacks, and about 200 were taken captive. (ANI) The man who carried out a deadly attack outside a synagogue in Manchester, northern England, had pledged his allegiance to ISIS while carrying it out, police said on Wednesday (local time), CNN reported. During the initial stages of the attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue last Thursday, the assailant phoned the police "claiming to pledge allegiance to the so-called Islamic State," a spokesperson for Counter Terrorism Policing North West said in a statement. Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, was named by police last week as the suspected attacker. He was shot dead by firearms officers at the scene, CNN reported. The attack took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. Two men were killed during the attack, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said, naming them as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66. Both victims were from Crumpsall, the Manchester suburb where the violence took place. One of the men was likely shot by armed officers aiming for the killer, police said on Friday, adding that they believe the victim was huddled behind a door in the synagogue, trying to prevent the attacker from entering, when he was shot. "The only shots fired were from GMP's Authorised Firearms Officers as they worked to prevent the offender from entering the synagogue and causing further harm to our Jewish community," GMP's Chief Constable Stephen Watson said Friday, CNN reported. "It follows, therefore, that subject to further forensic examination, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end," he added. Police say Al-Shamie "may have been influenced by extreme Islamist ideology." He had recently been arrested on suspicion of rape, but was released on bail "pending further enquiries," GMP said. It is unclear where the alleged offence took place, as per CNN. (ANI) Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - A two-day high-level meeting has been held in the Saudi city of Jeddah to highlight the importance of establishing effective and robust regional cooperation and strengthening international partnerships in asset recovery and anti-corruption US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have "signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan". In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said, "This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace." "All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!" he added. Trump is scheduled for a "routine yearly check-up" at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington DC, on Friday morning, according to the White House, Al Jazeera reported. He may travel to the Middle East, where negotiators are trying to finalise a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel "shortly thereafter," White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said. Hamas's Gaza chief, Khalil al-Hayya, is meeting with Egypt's intelligence head to put the finishing touches to a "historic" Gaza agreement, says a source briefed on the talks, Al Jazeera reported, citing its sources. An agreement could be announced on Thursday, the sources told Al Jazeera. Palestine has accused Israel of waging a "genocidal war" in Gaza in a letter to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), warning that the devastation has reached unprecedented levels, Al Jazeera reported. Published on the State of Palestine's official X account, the letter said, "while the rest of the world exerts all efforts to stop the bloodshed, Israel, the occupying power, persists with its genocidal war against the Palestinian people in Gaza". It said Israel had "insisted on its criminal path of collective punishment", accusing it of destroying Palestinian society and pursuing the "colonisation and annexation" of occupied land, as per Al Jazeera. According to the statement, "The casualty toll since October 2023 has surpassed at least 2,37,000 Palestinians in Gaza alone," with most homes and civilian infrastructure destroyed. It also warned that Israel's "all-out assault on Palestinian existence risks being replicated in the West Bank", citing rising settler violence and forced displacement. "Israel's degradation of life and of international law must be halted. On this tragic second anniversary, we reiterate: This genocide must be stopped," the letter concluded. (ANI) The trial of two men accused of spying for China was scheduled to begin this week in London. But prosecutors unexpectedly dropped the case last month, The New York Times reported. The decision came amid a separate legal dispute involving a Bulgarian group accused of spying for Russia. The issue centred on the interpretation of the word "enemy" under the Official Secrets Act. The Bulgarians' defense lawyers argued that it should apply only to a country that was at war with Britain or likely to be so in the foreseeable future. The Court of Appeal later ruled that an enemy nation could be one that represented "a current threat to the national security of the UK", such as Russia, adding, "Friendly powers would fall outside this definition," as reported by The New York Times. This updated legal test presented the prosecutors in the China case with a problem. They would have had to prove that at the time the two men were accused of spying, China was viewed as a threat to Britain's national security. But in the period from December 2021 to February 2023 the government, then led by the Conservative Party, did not classify China as an adversary. The government instead called China a "systemic competitor" in 2021 and an "epoch-defining and systemic challenge" in 2023. Stephen Parkinson, the Director of Public Prosecutions, explained in a letter to lawmakers on Tuesday that prosecutors had spent "many months" trying to secure government statements to meet the updated legal test. While witness statements were provided, "none of these stated that, at the time of the offense, China represented a threat to national security, and by late August 2025 it was realized that this evidence would not be forthcoming," Parkinson wrote. "When this became apparent, the case could not proceed," The New York Times reported. Kearns, the lawmaker for whom Cash worked as a researcher, has accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government of deliberately undermining the prosecution to "appease Beijing." Starmer, who was formerly Britain's chief prosecutor, said the government was "disappointed" that the case had collapsed but told reporters on Tuesday night that the cause was procedural. "You can't prosecute someone two years later in relation to a designation that wasn't in place at the time," he said. If the government had provided a statement declaring that China was not a friendly nation, that could have been challenged by the defense in court. That hasn't satisfied political critics who argue that the government could have provided some kind of witness statement to help the prosecution move forward, and who claim its failure to do so was a convenient way to protect trade ties with Beijing, as per New York Times. In April 2024, two men -- Christopher Cash, then a parliamentary researcher to Alicia Kearns, a senior Conservative lawmaker, and Christopher Berry, a teacher -- were accused of gathering and providing information "prejudicial to the safety and interests" of Britain to China between December 2021 and February 2023. Both men denied the charges. The law under which they were charged, the Official Secrets Act, dates from 1911 and criminalizes information gathering that is "useful to an enemy." The issue that collapsed this case is unlikely to present itself again, because the Official Secrets Act has been repealed by new legislation called the National Security Act. That law, which came into effect in 2023, applies to conduct for any "foreign power," not only for an "enemy" state. Jonathan Hall, the British government's adviser on tackling state threats, said that under the new law, espionage prosecutions can be brought "without the UK being at war, or at risk of war, and without even having to show that the foreign power is a persistent threat." In 2015, the Conservative-led government promised a "golden decade" of Anglo-Chinese relations -- language that no mainstream British politician would use now. But the case encapsulates the central dilemma for Downing Street in dealing with the world's rising superpower: whether Britain can simultaneously protect its economic interests and its national security, New York Times reported. "We will cooperate where we can, compete where we need to and challenge where we must," the Labour Party wrote in its policy agenda ahead of the 2024 general election, which it won. The government subsequently sought to improve a relationship that had soured in recent years, in part because of China's crackdown in Hong Kong and allegations of Chinese cyberattacks. Last November, Starmer became the first British prime minister to meet President Xi Jinping in more than six years. But alarm has grown in the security services, and in his most recent public threat assessment, Ken McCallum, the director general of MI5, Britain's domestic intelligence agency, named China in a section on "state threats." (ANI) Arizona's Democratic senators got into a heated hallway confrontation with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday as the US government shutdown entered its eighth day, CNN reported. The exchange between Johnson and Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego reportedly centered on Johnson's decision not to swear in Democrats' newest congresswoman-elect until the Senate breaks the deadlock and reopens the government. Full of traded insults and forceful cross-talk, the six-minute exchange underscored just how far apart the two parties remain on how to approach reopening the federal government as each side digs in, as reported by CNN. The Democratic senators had been speaking with reporters outside the speaker's office in the US Capitol to argue he was refusing to swear in Republican-elect Adelita Grijalva because she'd be the deciding signature to force a House vote related to the Jeffrey Epstein case files. The speaker exchanged handshakes with the pair as he approached to push back on their claims. "Your excuse just keeps on moving," said Gallego, as the Democrats pointed to Johnson's swearing-in of Florida GOP Reps Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine during a pro forma session - when the House wasn't formally in session - earlier this year. Johnson defended his decision to not do the same for Grijalva by saying "that was the exception we did because the family was here. Grijalva, Rep-elect Grijalva has not yet had a scheduled date because she was elected after the House was out of session. So, I am anxious to administer the oath to her as soon as you guys vote to open the government," CNN reported. Johnson, who said he was happy Grijalva was elected, denied that it had anything to do with a vote on the Epstein files and remarked the House didn't need to vote on releasing more of them because the House Oversight Committee is already conducting a bipartisan investigation. "They're doing the work. They're doing it methodically. They're doing it with subpoena power, and you don't need an act of Congress for that to happen because they're already on it," Johnson said. After accusing the Democrats of "holding the American people hostage," Johnson ended the exchange. "OK I'm going to get back to work. These gentlemen had a publicity stunt here. You see the issue, they need to go vote to reopen the government, plain and simple. The House has done its work," he told reporters, as per CNN. (ANI) The Indian Navy's stealth frigate, INS Trikand, visited Safaga, Egypt, from October 6-8, as part of her operational deployment. During the port call, India's Ambassador to Egypt, SK Redd, interacted with the ship's crew. Sharing the details in a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Cairo said, "INS Trikand visited Safaga, Egypt, from 06-08 Oct 2025 as part of her operational deployment. During the port call, Ambassador @AmbSKReddy interacted with the ship's crew. A cordial call-on with the Egyptian Navy further strengthened India-Egypt maritime cooperation. This is yet another demonstration of close and growing exchanges between India and Egypt in the field of defence cooperation." https://x.com/indembcairo/status/1976032052056039649 The Indian Navy in a post on X said, "#IndianNavy's stealth frigate #INSTrikand, during her ongoing operational deployment made a port call at Safaga, Egypt on #06Oct 25. The port call underscores the shared commitment to strengthen defence cooperation between India and Egypt Capt Sachin Kulkarni, CO INS Trikand, called on RAdm Ramy Ismail, Commander, Red Sea Naval Base. Discussions centered on topics of mutual interest & maritime cooperation. Ambassador of India to Egypt @AmbSKReddy, visited the ship & interacted with the crew." https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1975896363725631541 Egypt and India enjoy cordial defence relations. As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Egypt continues to be a major transit hub for Indian aircrafts and naval vessels enroute/returning from overhauls as well as military exercises in European region and Atlantic. In past few years, a number of Indian Air Force air-crafts and Indian Navy ships have visited through Egypt. (ANI) The leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Australia defence cooperation, including defence industry, cyber defence, maritime security and regional challenges. Sharing details in a post on social media platform X, Rajnath Singh highlighted that the leaders reaffirmed the importance of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Noting the rapid growth of India's defence industry and India's growing stature as a credible source of high-quality defence tech globally, Singh said that they discussed the potential for deeper defence industry partnerships between India and Australia. "I thank Australia for its steadfast support on cross-border terrorism & shared regional stability. Together, we will deepen cooperation for a free, open, and resilient Indo-Pacific", Singh underscored. https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/1976114069402013701 India and Australia inked key defence agreements during the visit of the Defence Minister. Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles has described the newly signed defence agreement with India as a "hugely significant step" in strengthening the operational partnership between the two nations' armed forces. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Marles said, "I think the significance of today is that what we are seeing in terms of deep trust and strategic alignment is now being expressed in a much deeper operational level of engagement between our two defence forces. The Agreement that we have signed in terms of staff talks between our operational commands is hugely significant... We are very excited about that." Singh arrived in Canberra on Thursday as part of his official visit to Australia aimed at strengthening defence and strategic cooperation between the two nations. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Parliament House by Richard Marles, where a traditional 'Welcome to Country' smoke ceremony was held in his honour, a gesture symbolizing respect and acknowledgement of Australia's Indigenous heritage. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the agreement on the first phase of President Donald Trump's peace plan. The Prime Minister said this development reflects the strong leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He expressed hope that the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring much-needed respite and pave the way for lasting peace in the region. "We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump's peace plan. This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu. We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1976135900884033671 On Thursday, Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar appreciated India's support. In a post on X, he said, "Thankful for the efforts of the Israeli delegation and all involved in reaching the agreement that will release all our hostages. Special thanks to POTUS Trump. May we see peace restored soon, free from terror threats. Appreciate India's support all along!" https://x.com/ReuvenAzar/status/1976121208531009548 Earlier, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by US President Donald Trump. He lauded the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye in brokering the deal and urged all concerned parties to abide fully by the terms of the agreement. Qatar's Prime Minister and official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Majed Al Ansari, on Thursday said that an agreement was reached on all the provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Ansari said that the deal covered the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. In a post on X, he wrote, "The mediators announce that tonight an agreement was reached on all the provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid. The details will be announced later. "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also hailed what he calls "a great day for Israel", saying he will "convene the government tomorrow [Thursday] to approve the agreement and bring all our precious kidnapped people home." He thanked the Israeli military and security forces, as well as US President Donald Trump and his team, "for their commitment to this sacred mission of freeing our kidnapped people". Hamas has released its first public statement since US President Trump said the Palestinian group and Israel had "signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan". In a post on Telegram, Hamas announced the "conclusion of an agreement stipulating an end to the war on Gaza, the occupation's withdrawal from it, the entry of aid, and a prisoner exchange", as per Al Jazeera. The statement called on the US leader, Arab mediators and international parties to "compel the occupation government [Israel] to fully implement the agreement's requirements and not allow it to evade or delay the implementation of what has been agreed upon". The group concluded by saying it will remain "faithful to our pledge and will not abandon our people's national rights, including freedom, independence, and self-determination," Al Jazeera reported. (ANI) US President Donald Trump yet again reiterated his false claims of brokering peace between India and Pakistan during the conflict in May. He made the remarks in an interview to Fox News. While responding to the question by Fox News on how he brought the countries to the talking table when it came to Gaza peace deal, Trump said, "Having the ability to use tariffs have brought peace to the world... You know I made seven peace deals." He said countries had been fighting for several years, with millions being killed. "Not in all cases but probably at least five of the seven (peace deals) we've done so far were by trade, that we are not going to deal with people who fight and we're going to put tariffs on you..." "You look at India and Pakistan, I said well we are not going to do business with either of you if you don't put it together. These are two nuclear nations. Seven planes were shot down as you know and they were really at it... I said we are not going to do any business with you, we are not going to have anything to do with you, we are going to out massive tariffs on you and in both cases they said, well we're going to start talking about it. There is tremendous amounts of money and power that we are dealing with and within 24 hours I had a peace deal that they stopped the fighting ..." Operation Sindoor, which was launched on May 7 following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. Operation Sindoor hit at terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK. Indian Armed Forces also effectively repelled subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. Following India's strong response, Pakistani DGMO approached his Indian counterpart for cessation of hostilities. Earlier on October 3, Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said that the Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force destroyed 12-13 of Pakistan's combat aircraft, including four to five F-16s on ground and five F-16s and JF-17s in the air along with two spy planes, Addressing the press conference on the 93rd Air Force Day celebrations in the national capital, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) said that five Pakistani fighter jets, which could be F-16s or Pakistan's 'pride', the backbone of its air force, Chinese JF-17s, were shot down using the long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) S-400 Triumf "Sudarshan Chakra" system. Another four to five F-16s, which were undergoing maintenance in hangars, were destroyed after the IAF peppered them. The Air Chief also added that the IAF cratered several Pakistani airbases, damaging radars, command centres, runways, hangars, and a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. Trump has time and again repeated the false claims towards mediation. On September 21, Trump repeated his Indo-Pakistan conflict mediation claim, stating that he should be honoured with the Nobel Prize for "ending seven wars." Speaking at the American Cornerstone Institute Founder's Dinner on Saturday, Trump said, "We are forging peace agreements, and we are stopping wars. So we stopped wars between India and Pakistan, Thailand and Cambodia." "Think of India and Pakistan. Think of that. And you know how I stopped that -- with trade. They want to trade. And I have great respect for both leaders. But when you take a look at all of these wars that we've stopped," he added. Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for stopping hostilities between India and Pakistan after New Delhi's effective response to Islamabad's aggression following precision strikes on terror infrastructure. However, India has time and again refuted the claims made by the US President, reiterating its policy that India and Pakistan bilaterally address any matter related to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI) A local journalist, Muhammad Manaf, has condemned the continuing pattern of attacks and harassment against journalists in Pakistan, saying that such incidents are "nothing new" and that press freedom in the country remains largely an illusion. Manaf stated that journalists across Pakistan face constant intimidation and violence for performing their professional duties. Journalists are harassed every day. The job of a journalist is to highlight issues in society, but some people do not like those issues, and that is why they are killed," he remarked. He criticised the government's repeated claims of ensuring media freedom, calling them far removed from reality. "It is said that the media is free, but it is not. "A journalist cannot express his opinion openly here," Manaf stated, adding that reporters often have to self-censor to protect themselves from retaliation. The senior journalist noted that the lack of accountability and legal protection for media workers has created a climate of fear in newsrooms nationwide. "When a journalist is attacked, no strict action is taken. The government promises to act, but those promises rarely translate into justice," he said. According to Manaf, the state's failure to address violence against journalists has emboldened those who wish to silence critical reporting. He urged the authorities to enact a special law to safeguard journalists and ensure punishment for those responsible for such attacks. He emphasised that journalism plays a crucial role in promoting awareness and strengthening democracy, yet reporters in Pakistan are denied the respect and protection they deserve. "Journalists highlight the issues of ordinary citizens and play a vital role in society. But here, they are treated as ordinary people, not as defenders of truth," Manaf stated. Press freedom organisations have also raised alarm over the worsening situation, with Pakistan ranking among the most dangerous countries for journalists. Manaf's remarks serve as a grim reminder that despite official claims of free expression, the country's journalists continue to work under constant threat, their only crime being the pursuit of truth. (ANI) United Kingdom's Prime Minister Keir Starmer shared that he discussed the situation in West Asia with PM Modi and welcomed the first steps towards the peace plan in Gaza. He also shared that the two leaders discussed the need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and the need for stability and security in the Indo-Pacific. Starmer made the remarks on Thursday during his joint remarks to the media along with PM Modi. He shared that India and the United Kingdom discussed issues of "vital importance" to global stability and security, including the situation in West Asia. "I strongly welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of the peace plan in Gaza. This is a moment of profound relief felt around the world, particularly for the hostages and the families and for the civilian population of Gaza who have all ensured unimaginable suffering over the last two years. I am grateful for the tireless diplomatic efforts Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, United States and many others in securing this crucial first step. This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza. The UK will support these crucial initial steps and the next stages of the talks to ensure the full implementation of the peace plan," he said. "The Prime Minister and I also discussed the need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, the need for stability and security in the Indo-Pacific and the need to cooperate in critical areas like climate and energy including breaking away from dependence on fossil fuels, " Starmer added. Pitching for India at the UN hightable, Starmer further mentioned, "India is a global player. We sit together at in the Commonwealth, G20, and we want to see India taking its rightful place on the UN Security Council too. So we are committed to strengthening our strategic partnership." Speaking about the strong defence cooperation between India and the UK, he noted Exercise Konkan 2025 taking place in India's west coast. "Our Carrier Strike Group is here in India right now exercising with the Indian Navy, showing the strength of that relationship of defence and security, which we want to take even further," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the press conference reaffirmed India's commitment to promoting peace in the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. PM Modi stated that India supports the restoration of peace and the resolution of every conflict, including the Gaza issue, through dialogue and diplomacy. PM Modi emphasised that in the present time, the growing partnership between India and the UK has become a crucial foundation for global stability and economic progress. Earlier, Qatar's Prime Minister and official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Majed Al Ansari, on Thursday said that an agreement was reached on all the provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Ansari said that the deal covered the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has released its first public statement since US President Trump said the Palestinian group and Israel had "signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan". In a post on Telegram, Hamas announced the "conclusion of an agreement stipulating an end to the war on Gaza, the occupation's withdrawal from it, the entry of aid, and a prisoner exchange", as per Al Jazeera. (ANI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday paid homage at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, honouring the memory of Indian soldiers who fought valiantly alongside their Australian counterparts in distant lands. https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/1976226629853839668?t=foTBXVp9HV3tqdtV2leT5g&s=08 Posting on X photographs of his visit to the war memorial here, the defence minister said, "Paid homage at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, a place that stands as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice in defence of the values of freedom and democracy that our two countries cherish." "Honoured the memory of Indian soldiers who fought valiantly in distant lands with their Australian mates. Their sacrifice reflects the indomitable spirit of courage and duty, an enduring legacy that binds India and Australia through shared values and history," the post said. Earlier in the day, he held a bilateral meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong. During the day, Rajnath Singh met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and hailed the positive developments in the bilateral relationship. During the meeting, the Australian PM underscored how India and Australia's defence partnership is built on trust, shared interests and a commitment to a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. In a post on X, he said, "Australia and India's defence partnership keeps getting stronger - built on trust, shared interests and a commitment to a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Great to meet with the Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on his first trip to Australia for the Inaugural Australia-India Defence Ministers' Dialogue." Notably, India and Australia inked key defence agreements during the visit of the Defence Minister. Marles has described the newly signed defence agreement with India as a "hugely significant step" in strengthening the operational partnership between the two nations' armed forces. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Marles said, "I think the significance of today is that what we are seeing in terms of deep trust and strategic alignment is now being expressed in a much deeper operational level of engagement between our two defence forces. The Agreement that we have signed in terms of staff talks between our operational commands is hugely significant... We are very excited about that." Singh arrived in Canberra on Thursday as part of his official visit to Australia aimed at strengthening defence and strategic cooperation between the two nations. (ANI) New York, US (PANA) - The UN Secretary-General has welcomed the announcement from US President Donald Trump that Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of his 20-point peace plan, following days of intensive indirect negotiations in Egypt US President Donald Trump spoke about the strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities earlier this year, noting that Iran was close to developing nuclear weapons and if that had happened then the Gaza peace deal would not have been possible. He made the remarks in an interview to Fox News. Trump said, "Iran was about one month, maybe two months away from having a nuclear weapon, and if I allowed that to happen, this deal would not have been possible -- or if it was, it would have a tremendous cloud over it because you have a country with a nuclear weapon that was obviously not very friendly and the power of nuclear weapons is something we shouldn't even be talking about... so it's a very much different Iran". He further added that the efforts towards the peace deal brought the world together and had Iran gotten the nuclear weapon , there would have been a dark cloud over the peace progress. The White House shared a video on Thursday where US President Donald Trump was speaking to the family members of the hostages in Gaza and thanked him for the peace deal. https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/197611655843610635 Earlier, Qatar's Prime Minister and official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Majed Al Ansari, on Thursday said that an agreement was reached on all the provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Ansari said that the deal covered the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has released its first public statement since US President Trump said the Palestinian group and Israel had "signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan". In a post on Telegram, Hamas announced the "conclusion of an agreement stipulating an end to the war on Gaza, the occupation's withdrawal from it, the entry of aid, and a prisoner exchange", as per Al Jazeera. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that India is opening up its nuclear power sector to private participation, calling it a new opportunity to elevate cooperation between India and the United Kingdom. Speaking at the India-UK CEO Forum in Mumbai, PM Modi said, "I am pleased to announce that we are opening up the nuclear power sector to the private sector, and all this has created opportunities to take India-UK cooperation to new heights. I invite you to join India on this development journey." Emphasising the government's focus on infrastructure, the Prime Minister added, "Infrastructure development is a priority for us. We are investing in next-generation physical infrastructure. We are rapidly progressing towards the target of 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030... Let India and the UK set global benchmarks together." Connecting the focus on infrastructure and reforms, PM Modi highlighted the broad scope of ongoing changes in India's economy. He said, "Today, extensive reforms are underway in the Indian economy. There is a strong focus on improving the ease of doing business while reducing compliance." He also pointed to the recent tax reform aimed at boosting growth, stating, "Recently, we announced GST reform. This will give new impetus to the growth story of our middle class and MSMEs, and will also expand opportunities for all of you." In line with these reforms, and as part of the broader economic transformation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the next generation of GST reforms during his Independence Day address this year, aimed at simplifying India's tax regime and easing the financial burden on households. The move is aimed at rationalising tax rates and improving consumer affordability across key sectors. The government has provided major relief to citizens by reducing taxes on Electronics and Solar Devices. The GST on products such as air conditioners, televisions, and dishwashers has been cut to 18 per cent from the earlier 28 per cent. The rate on monitors and projectors has also been revised to 18 per cent. This reform is expected to boost India's digital economy, encourage technological innovation, and further strengthen the start-up ecosystem. In addition, the tax on Renewable Energy Devices, including Solar Panels and photovoltaic cells, has been lowered to 5 per cent from 12 per cent. The reduction is likely to bring down installation costs for both residential and industrial users, expanding access to sustainable and affordable energy solutions. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the Global Fintech Fest at Jio World Centre in Mumbai, highlighting India's achievements in digital innovation, financial inclusion and the country's growing leadership in the global fintech ecosystem. Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, "This year's Global FinTech Fest theme also advances and strengthens India's democratic spirit. India's UPI, Aadhaar enabled payment system, Bharat Bill Payment System, Bharat QR, DigiLocker, Digi Yatra, and GEM are all the backbone of India's digital economy. I am happy that India's digital stack is giving birth to a new open ecosystem. The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is proving to be a boon for small shopkeepers and MSMEs, helping them reach new markets. Similarly, the Open Credit Enablement Network (OCEN) has made access to credit easier for small entrepreneurs." Underscoring India's inclusive approach to governance and technology, the Prime Minister said, "India has made this democratic spirit a strong pillar of governance. India has shown that technology is not just a tool of convenience but also a means of equality. This inclusive approach has transformed our banking system. What was once a privilege has now become a medium of empowerment through digital technology." He added that digital payments have become an integral part of everyday life in India, crediting the JAM Trinity, Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile, for this transformation. "Today, digital payment is a part of everyday life. The credit for this goes to the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile). Just look at the transactions under the UPA. Today, 20 billion transactions are taking place every month. (Applause) Their value exceeds 25 trillion rupees, or 25 lakh crore rupees. (Applause) Today, out of every 100 real-time digital transactions in the world, 50 take place in India alone," he said. Reflecting on the journey of the Global Fintech Fest, PM Modi said, "Five years ago, when the Global Fintech Festival was started, at that time the world was fighting with a global pandemic. Today, this festival has become a global platform for financial innovation and financial cooperation. This time, the UK has participated in this event as a partner country. The partnership between two big democracies of the world will strengthen the global financial landscape." The Prime Minister also emphasised India's strong democratic and technological foundations. "India is the mother of democracy. When we talk about democracy, it is not limited to elections or policymaking alone. India has made this democratic spirit a strong pillar of governance. In the past decade, India has democratized technology. Today's India is one of the most technologically inclusive societies," he said. PM Modi's address at the Global Fintech Fest showcased how India's digital infrastructure, open networks and inclusive financial systems are setting new global benchmarks for innovation and cooperation. (ANI) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday praised United States President Donald Trump, saying he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. In a post on X, the Israeli Prime Minister wrote, "Give @realDonaldTrump the Nobel Peace Prize - he deserves it!" The post was accompanied by a photograph showing President Trump standing with raised arms amid applause, confetti, and Israeli flags, with a backdrop reading "Peace Through Strength." The image quickly gained attention online, drawing widespread engagement and reactions, coming just weeks after President Trump addressed the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, where he declared that within seven months of his presidency, he had achieved what many thought impossible. He asserted that he had ended seven "unendable" wars and reiterated his claim of having helped broker a truce between India and Pakistan earlier this year. "In just 7 months, I have ended 7 unendable wars," Trump told world leaders. "They said they were unendable, some were going for 31 years, one was 36 years. I ended 7 wars, and in all cases they were raging with countless thousands of people being killed." The US President listed the conflicts he said were brought to a close under his watch, citing Cambodia and Thailand, Serbia, the Congo and Rwanda, Pakistan and India, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, and Armenia and Azerbaijan. Trump has repeatedly linked his claims at the UNGA with remarks he made earlier this week in Washington. On September 21, while speaking at the American Cornerstone Institute Founder's Dinner, he again asserted that he played a role in "stopping wars," including between India and Pakistan, and even suggested he should be honoured with the Nobel Prize for "ending seven wars." "We are forging peace agreements, and we are stopping wars. So we stopped wars between India and Pakistan, Thailand and Cambodia," Trump said at the event. Expanding on his claim, he added, "Think of India and Pakistan. Think of that. And you know how I stopped that -- with trade. They want to trade. And I have great respect for both leaders. But when you take a look at all of these wars that we've stopped." At the same event, Trump listed conflicts he said were halted under his leadership, including "Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kosovo and Serbia, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, Rwanda and the Congo." "Just look at that. India, Pakistan, Thailand, Cambodia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kosovo and Serbia, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, Rwanda and the Congo. We stopped all of them. And 60 per cent of them were stopped because of trade," he stated. He further claimed that his pressure had been decisive. "Like with India, I said, 'Look, we're not going to do any trade if you're going to fight and they have nuclear weapons. They stopped." Turning to the war in Ukraine, Trump linked the conflict to his broader claim of being a peacemaker. "I said, 'Well, what about the seven others? I should get a Nobel Prize for each one'. So they said, 'but if you stop Russia and Ukraine, sir, you should be able to get the Nobel'. I said I stopped seven wars. That's one war, and that's a big one," he told the gathering. Trump said he initially believed the conflict would be easier to resolve because of his ties with Moscow. "Because I have a good relationship with President Putin, disappointed in him, but I do. I thought that would be the easiest one, but we'll get it done one way or the other," he said. He suggested energy prices were directly linked to ending the war. "... That (oil drilling) will automatically stop the war with Russia and Ukraine; you get the prices down a little bit more, that's got to stop it. I am very disappointed in President Putin. Anywhere between 5000-7000 people are dying every week..." Reiterating his criticism of Moscow, Trump said the Russian president had failed to meet expectations. "He has let me down. I mean, he's killing many people and he's losing more people than he's, you know, than he's killing. I mean, frankly, Russian soldiers are being killed at a higher rate than the Ukrainian soldiers," Trump said at a press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The president acknowledged the limits of his influence, admitting, "Even though I thought that the Russia-Ukraine war would be the 'easiest' one to solve, it was not the case." He insisted, however, that the war would not have begun had he been in office. "This was a thing that would have never happened had I been president. If I were president, it would have never happened. And it didn't happen for four years. Most people agree it didn't happen, nor was it close to happening," he stated. Trump also recalled his past diplomatic outreach, referring to his summit with Putin in Alaska, where he urged the Russian leader to engage directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He said despite those efforts, "a peace deal did not materialise." The conflict has continued since then. In February 2022, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine, aiming to "demilitarise and denazify" the country, according to President Vladimir Putin. The Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began with Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014, escalated into a full-scale war in 2022. Fighting has continued with Ukrainian counteroffensives alongside Russian gains in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In August 2024, Ukraine launched an incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast, capturing territory and prisoners. (ANI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday welcomed the progress toward establishing lasting peace in the Middle East, calling it a crucial development not only for the region but for global stability. In a post on X, Zelenskyy said, "It is important that the prospect of establishing lasting peace in the Middle East is drawing closer to being realised. This matters not only for that one region, but for the whole world. An agreement is moving forward that could help everyone." https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1976236269815398797 Emphasising the broader impact of peace efforts, the Ukrainian President added, "If violence and war are halted in one part of the world, global security increases for all." He further expressed gratitude to the United States for its diplomatic leadership, saying, "We are grateful to President Trump @POTUS and the United States for their leadership, and to every country and leader who are helping." Zelenskyy also voiced hope for the release of hostages and an end to civilian suffering in Gaza. "We hope that the Israeli hostages, held for more than two years, will be released, and there will be no more victims in Gaza," he said. Drawing a parallel to Ukraine's own struggle, the President added, "And we hope that global efforts will likewise be sufficient to achieve real peace for our country, in our region." Condemning ongoing aggression by Moscow, Zelenskyy stated, "Russia remains the largest source of war and terror in the world today, and we expect just and firm international pressure on this aggressor to bring about lasting peace and guaranteed security." His remarks came as Russian President Vladimir Putin 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. The warning followed reports that late last month, US Vice President JD Vance said the White House was considering providing Kiev with Tomahawk missiles, which reportedly cost about USD 1.3 million each and have a range of 2,500 kilometres (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 defence 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. (ANI) United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday announced new initiatives to strengthen bilateral cooperation with India across technology, education, and creative industries, reaffirming the deep and evolving partnership between the two countries. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Starmer said, "We are opening the UK-India Technology Security Initiative to boost opportunities for great British companies and deliver dozens of new investments into the United Kingdom, harnessing tech as one of the biggest engines that we have for jobs and for growth." Highlighting key outcomes from his visit, he said collaboration between India and the UK continues to expand into new areas. "Other standout wins this week have come in filmmaking, with the announcement that three new Bollywood blockbusters will be made in the United Kingdom, and in education, with the announcement today that the University of Lancaster and the University of Surrey will open new campuses in India, joining other British universities setting up here, and making the UK India's top international education provider," Starmer said. He noted that the partnership between the two nations extends far beyond trade and investment. "We're out there leading the way and winning these opportunities for our country because the fact is this relationship matters more than ever across the economy, security, energy, climate and more. Our history together is deep. The human connections between our people are truly special," he said. Reaffirming the importance of continued collaboration, Starmer added, "So this week, we've built on all of that, building on our historic trade deal. We're remaking this partnership for our times -- forward-facing, focused on winning the opportunities of the future together and bringing them home for the British people." Earlier in the day, Starmer had called for a "hands-on" approach to implementing trade and investment deals between the UK and India, stressing that his government aims to work closely with industry leaders to ensure tangible results from the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and other bilateral partnerships. Addressing a high-profile business forum attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top CEOs from both countries, Starmer said, "Too often in the past, governments have negotiated trade deals and then left them on the table, saying, 'Well, it's now over to you.' I think we've got to do things differently." He added, "Governments have to provide more follow-through support, making sure the connections are in the right place. We want to be on the pitch with you, not just building the stadium and walking away." The event saw the announcement of new contracts with Indian airlines and fresh investments from UK fintech firms Revolut and Tide, which Starmer described as a "powerful example" of the kind of cooperation that can drive shared prosperity for both nations. Reflecting on the broader trade relationship, Starmer said, "The trade deal, as I've said a number of times over the last two days, is of course the writing, what's written down, what that will mean for reducing barriers to trade, whether it's tariff or other barriers, but it's more than that because it's about mood, it's about confidence, it's about a statement of intent that goes beyond the pure words on the page." He added that the results of ongoing collaboration were already visible. "In the three months since we actually signed that back in Chequers, we've seen a 6 billion boost in trade and investment. That's on top of the increased numbers over the last year already in the great ambition we have to go further, which I believe we can do as we go down this road. It includes Rolls-Royce agreeing huge new contracts with major Indian airlines. Today, we're announcing new investments from Revolut and Tide. Exactly these sorts of connections we're trying to build," Starmer said. Accompanied by Business Secretary Peter and Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas, Starmer said the UK government was committed to ensuring that trade and investment agreements deliver concrete benefits. "We're here to help you maximise the potential in relation to this FTA," he said, noting that the presence of senior ministers highlighted "how seriously" his administration views the economic partnership with India. Calling on business leaders to identify challenges that hinder the full implementation of trade deals, Starmer said, "The world moves much more quickly now than it did in the past, and governments need to keep up with that pace. Tell us what we need to do, where barriers exist, and what more can be done to capitalise on opportunities." He concluded that the business forum, attended by both Prime Ministers, marked a new phase in India-UK engagement focused on collaboration and accountability. "Today is just the start. Now the task is to follow through together. We are committed to doing that because we know the enormous benefits this partnership brings for businesses, for our countries, and for working people across both nations," Starmer said. (ANI) The United Kingdom on Thursday signed a new 350 million defence deal with India that will support hundreds of jobs in Northern Ireland while supplying India, "a key strategic partner," with air defence missiles and launchers, the UK government said in a statement. The contract is set to deliver UK-manufactured Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) built in Belfast to the Indian Army, delivering on the Government's Plan for Change in another significant boost for the UK defence industry. According to the UK government, the project secures over 700 jobs in Northern Ireland, as the air defence missiles and launchers to be manufactured for the Indian Army are the same as those currently being manufactured in Belfast for Ukraine. The deal paves the way for a broader complex weapons partnership between the UK and India, currently under negotiation between the two governments. Furthermore, the UK government noted that a "new milestone" has also been reached in the UK and India's cooperation on electric-powered engines for naval ships, as both countries signed the Implementing Arrangement to advance collaboration to the next stage, worth an initial 250 million. It comes during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's two-day visit to Mumbai, and as the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG) participates in complex air and naval exercises in the Indian Ocean with the Indian Military, in a further sign of the growing strategic partnership between both countries, the statement noted. Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said, "The defence deals announced today show how our growing strategic partnership with India will boost UK business and jobs." "I am hopeful that this will pave the way for a deeper relationship between our two defence industries, particularly in the development of electric engines for naval ships and in air defence," he added. "As we deepen our defence relationship with India, we will harness the UK defence industry as an engine for growth, securing vital jobs in Northern Ireland and throughout the UK. The UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, commenced Exercise Konkan with the Indian Navy on Sunday, October 5, in the Western Indian Ocean, marking another major engagement with partners in the Indo-Pacific," Healey stated. The UK CSG, currently on an eight-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region known as Operation Highmast, linked up with the Indian Navy's Carrier Strike Group, led by the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, to begin four days of complex maritime exercises involving ships, submarines, and aircraft from both forces, the UK government noted. Following the completion of the exercise, CSG units will visit Mumbai and Goa. During these visits, in addition to enhanced military interactions, the UK CSG will promote engagements between UK and Indian industries, facilitate cultural exchanges, and participate in outreach activities within the local communities. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with United States President Donald Trump on Thursday and congratulated him on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan. The two leaders reviewed the "good progress" achieved in trade negotiations and "agreed to stay in close touch" over the coming weeks. "Spoke to my friend, President Trump and congratulated him on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan. Also reviewed the good progress achieved in trade negotiations. Agreed to stay in close touch over the coming weeks," PM Modi said in a post on X. India and the United States are holding negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement. A team of officials from the office of the United States Trade Representative visited India on September 16, and positive discussions were held on various aspects of the trade deal. It was decided to intensify efforts in this regard. In continuation of these discussions, a delegation led by the Commerce and Industries Minister, Piyush Goyal, visited the United States for meetings on September 22. The delegation took forward the discussions with a view to achieving an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement. The United States has imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25 per cent penalty for the import of Russian oil. PM Modi had earlier in the day welcomed the agreement on the first phase of President Donald Trump's peace plan. "We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump's peace plan. This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu. We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace," he said in a post on X. Trump announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have "signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan". "This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!" he said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], October 9 (ANI/TPS): Following the guidance of the political echelon, thousands of police officers, volunteers and fighters will take part in security, escort and public order missions and will be deployed at various points and sites, in accordance with the outline of the agreement for a Gaza ceasefire and the operation for the return of Israeli hostages to be called "Return to Their Border." "The forces are prepared and ready for any scenario, in all sectors and in accordance with situation assessments, while maintaining the safety of the kidnapped and their families throughout the country," said the Israel Police. "The Police Command, the police officers, the fighters and the volunteers are committed to the sensitive national mission with dedication and pride, and hope and expect the return of all the kidnapped to the bosom of their families and to the entire people of Israel." (ANI/TPS) The UN human rights experts have demanded that China and Vietnam explain the arrest, disappearance, and disputed death of prominent Tibetan spiritual leader Tulku Hungkar Dorje Rinpoche, who reportedly died under suspicious circumstances in Ho Chi Minh City earlier this year, as reported by Phayul. According to Phayul, in two formal communications addressed to Vietnam and China issued on August 8, 2025, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, and the Special Rapporteurs on Extrajudicial Executions and Minority Issues expressed "serious alarm" over the case. The experts warned that both governments might have breached international human rights law through their handling of the Tibetan lama's detention and death. Tulku Hungkar Dorje, born in 1969, was the abbot of Lung Ngon Thubten Choekor Ling Monastery in Gade County, Golok, Amdo. Renowned for his humanitarian projects, he helped build schools and health facilities for Tibetan nomadic communities and was widely revered for his religious teachings and community leadership. The lama was first detained in August 2024 in Qinghai Province for resisting Chinese pressure to conduct state-controlled religious events. Following his release, he fled to Vietnam seeking safety. However, on March 25, 2025, Vietnamese authorities, allegedly accompanied by Chinese officials, arrested him in Ho Chi Minh City. His whereabouts remained unknown until officials announced four days later that he had died of a heart attack, despite having no prior medical history of such illness. His cremation on April 20, carried out under the supervision of both Chinese and Vietnamese officials without family consent, has been described by Tibetan advocacy groups as highly irregular. Restrictions were later placed on his monastery, and dissemination of his teachings was quietly suppressed, as cited by Phayul. UN experts emphasised that any death in custody creates a presumption of state responsibility and reminded both nations of their obligations under the Minnesota Protocol (2016), which mandates transparent, independent investigations into such incidents. Neither China nor Vietnam has responded within the UN's 60-day deadline. The case has since drawn global condemnation, with rights groups warning that it reflects China's increasing cross-border repression of Tibetan religious figures, as reported by Phayul. (ANI) New York, US (PANA) - The United Nations has condemned a Myanmar airstrike that killed dozens of civilians, including children, calling it part of a disturbing pattern of indiscriminate attacks by the countrys military One week after the heavy downpour, major highways of Nepal are out of order, forcing people to take long-distance walks and leaving them stuck in village areas. Sabita Lama, along with her children and siblings, crossed a section of the BP Highway in Chaukidanda, wading through the Roshi River, which, till last Friday, was a diversion road. "Last week, I had travelled through this road and it was good, it was before Dashain. Now I have faced difficulties to get across it. Ever since last week's heavy rainfall, I was stuck in my village. Movement across has been very difficult," Lama told ANI after getting across the river. Various sections of the BP Highway, built with Japanese assistance, were swept away by the floods of 2024, which, within weeks of the disaster, were brought into operation by setting up diversions. The local authorities, in coordination with the central government, are again setting up diversions, but people were forced to cling to rocks to get across the road section and catch a bus to continue their journey. Those on bikes and two-wheelers also have to risk their lives and enter the river to get across, which is not an easy task. People who walked longer distances are now left with no other option than to take off their shoes and wade through the water, which still has a strong current. One week since the heavy rain battered the Himalayan nation, at least nine major highways connecting various parts of the country remain completely obstructed, as per the latest update of Nepal Police. As a result, many who had left Kathmandu Valley for their village homes for the Dashain festival have been facing difficulties in returning to their workplaces and temporary residences. "On my way up to here from my home (Kharpachowk), the condition of roads is almost similar as here (Chaukidanda); two to three sections have been badly damaged. The locals themselves have been working to make roads suitable for movement. The road that I left behind is very difficult to travel," Lama added. As per the vehicle operators as well, due to the road blockages, especially in the eastern part of Nepal, vehicles that left the valley have not returned on time. Though the authorities have asked vehicles to use alternative routes, the absence of proper infrastructure has been hitting them hard. "Before the section of road was washed by the river, an average of four to five hundred vehicles used to pass through here. On the very day of the disaster, about one hundred vehicles had got through this section," Shiva Prasad Neupane, a resident of Kavrepalanchok district along the BP Highway, told ANI. The World Bank's recent Nepal Development Update noted that severe floods and landslides from September 26 to 28 last year, caused by unusually intense monsoon activity intensified by climate change, resulted in damage amounting to 0.8 per cent of the GDP. The total damage is estimated at Rs 46.7 billion, affecting infrastructure, agriculture, and social sectors. As the Roshi River flows further down to the southern plains, it has unleashed further terror. The devastating floods and landslides had swept away around a 10-kilometre-long road from Bhakundebesi in Kavre to Nepalthok of Sindhuli on September 27-28. The road was washed away in some places and was severely damaged in others. The Kavre section of the BP Highway was badly damaged in Mamtikhola, Kaldhunga, Boksikuna, Narkepul, Pinathalibesi, Dalabesi, Bhyakurekhola, and Mangaltar, among other places. The roads were swept away in these areas. In the year 2025, the heavy downpour of three days starting October 3 has now swept away the diversion constructed last year to resume transportation along the highway. "People now have to take difficult routes to get through the section. With proper functioning of the road (creating diversion), the situation would further ease. Even the alternative routes don't have bridges and other infrastructure, and people are not able to pass through the road section," Neupane, also a principal at a local school, added. The BP Highway, built with Japanese assistance, started on foot in 1995 and was completed in 2015 at a cost of NRs 21.5 billion. The single-lane 160 km highway links Banepa of Kavre to Bardibas of Mahottari through Sindhuli. The highway is the shortest route connecting eastern Tarai and hills with the capital, Kathmandu. (ANI) Nine leading universities from the United Kingdom have now received approvals to open campuses in India, under the National Education Policy (NEP), Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Wednesday. While adressing the special briefing on the UK PM's official visit to India, Misri stated, "there are nine leading UK universities that have now received approvals for opening their campuses in India." "This is literally a silent revolution in the field of education that is taking place under the NEP. And you might be aware that some months ago, in July, Southampton University became the first university to actually open a physical campus in India and has already taken in its first cohort of students," he added. Misri also outlined the scale of the delegation accompanying Starmer on his first official visit to India. "Prime Minister Starmer is accompanied by a very high-powered delegation. He has with him the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle; the Secretary of State for Scotland, Douglas Alexander; Minister for Investment, Jason Stockwood; and an unprecedented 125-strong business delegation." "This is the largest ever business delegation from the United Kingdom that is visiting India. In addition, this delegation comprises nine vice chancellors of major UK universities, all of which have plans for India and are in fact already executing their plans for India," he added. These are nine universities: Southampton University in Gurgaon, Queen's Belfast University in GIFT City, Coventry University in GIFT City, the University of Surrey in GIFT City and the University of Bristol in GIFT City. The University of York in Mumbai, the University of Liverpool in Bengaluru, the University of Lancaster in Bengaluru, and the University of Aberdeen in Mumbai received approvals to open campuses in India. Meawhile, the UK government released a statement, saying "UK's world-leading higher education sector is set to bring in a 50 million boost to the economy as part of a major expansion of British universities in India." Currently, there are 40 million students at universities in India, but 70 million places are needed by 2035. The UK's world-renowned higher education sector is capitalising on that demand by giving thousands of Indian students the chance to study for a UK degree without leaving home - while bolstering our economy by millions of pounds. International education brought over 32 billion of export revenue to the UK in 2022, with nearly 1 billion of that coming from international campuses - showcasing its power as a growth market, the statement added. Further, the UK government noted that the UK is set to become the country with the biggest higher education footprint in India, in a major boost for the UK's reputation abroad. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the milestone in a meeting with UK Vice Chancellors in Mumbai on Thursday. Starmer is on a two-day trade mission to strengthen ties with one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and put money back into the pockets of hard-working British people. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "Our great British universities are admired all over the world for their teaching excellence, high-quality research and commitment to innovation. "I'm delighted that more Indian students will be able to benefit from a world-class British education in the near future - strengthening the ties between our two countries while pumping millions back into our economy and supporting jobs at home." (ANI) China and India are expected to resume direct flights before the end of this month (October), a spokesperson from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Thursday. Earlier on October 3, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had stated that the resumption of direct flights between India and China aligns with the growing trend towards normalisation in the relationship between the two nations. Addressing a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Yesterday we had issued a press release and thereafter I understand that commercial activity in this regard has started. This is, of course, in line with the growing trend towards normalisation in the relationship between India and China." As part of this understanding, India and China are slated to resume direct flights by late October. The civil aviation authorities of the two countries have been engaged in discussions on resuming air services and finalising a revised Air Services Agreement. The MEA, in a statement, said that it has been agreed that direct air services connecting designated points in India and China can resume later this month. "Since earlier this year, as part of the Government's approach towards gradual normalisation of relations between India and China, the civil aviation authorities of the two countries have been engaged in technical-level discussions on resuming direct air services between the two countries and on a revised Air Services Agreement," the MEA said. "Following these discussions, it has now been agreed that direct air services connecting designated points in India and China can resume by late October 2025, in keeping with the winter season schedule, subject to the commercial decision of the designated carriers from the two countries and fulfilment of all operational criteria," it added. According to the statement, this agreement between the civil aviation authorities will further facilitate people-to-people contact between India and China, contributing towards the gradual normalisation of bilateral exchanges. Direct flights between India and China had been suspended following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. They were not resumed in view of the Doklam standoff. This development follows commitments made during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to India in August. During his bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, both sides had agreed to resume direct flight connectivity between the Chinese mainland and India at the earliest and finalise an updated Air Services Agreement. They also agreed on facilitating visas for tourists, businesses, media, and other visitors in both directions. During his August visit, Wang Yi also co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives' dialogue on the Boundary Question with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. He also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.PM Modi underlined that stable, predictable, and constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional and global peace and prosperity. He later attended the SCO Summit hosted by China. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, in their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Summit of the leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on August 31, noted the need to strengthen people-to-people ties through direct flights and visa facilitation. (ANI) US President Donald Trump held a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday morning, a day after announcing that the "first phase" of the Gaza ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas would begin soon. At the meeting, he highlighted his administration's role in addressing global conflicts, claiming that seven wars had been ended during his tenure and referring to the signing of the first phase of Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas as "number eight." "We settled seven wars, or major conflicts, but wars. And this is number eight. And the one that I thought would be maybe the quickest of all would be Russia-Ukraine. I think that's going to happen, too. But in the meantime, they're losing about 7,000 people a week, and that seems pretty bad...That war should never have happened. It would have never happened if I were President," he said. His remarks echoed those he made earlier on September 23 at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he claimed that within seven months of his presidency, he had achieved what many thought impossible. Trump stated that he had ended seven "unendable" wars and reiterated his claim of having helped broker a truce between India and Pakistan earlier this year. "In just seven months, I have ended seven unendable wars," Trump told world leaders. "They said they were unendable, some were going for 31 years, one was 36 years. I ended seven wars, and in all cases they were raging with countless thousands of people being killed." The US President listed the conflicts he said were brought to a close under his watch, citing Cambodia and Thailand, Serbia, the Congo and Rwanda, Pakistan and India, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, and Armenia and Azerbaijan. Trump has repeatedly linked his claims at the UNGA with remarks he made earlier this week in Washington. On September 21, while speaking at the American Cornerstone Institute Founder's Dinner, he again asserted that he played a role in "stopping wars," including between India and Pakistan, and even suggested he should be honoured with the Nobel Prize for "ending seven wars." "We are forging peace agreements, and we are stopping wars. So we stopped wars between India and Pakistan, Thailand and Cambodia," Trump said at the event. Expanding on his claim, he added, "Think of India and Pakistan. Think of that. And you know how I stopped that -- with trade. They want to trade. And I have great respect for both leaders. But when you take a look at all of these wars that we've stopped." At the same event, Trump listed conflicts he said were halted under his leadership, including "Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kosovo and Serbia, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, Rwanda and the Congo." "Just look at that. India, Pakistan, Thailand, Cambodia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kosovo and Serbia, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, Rwanda and the Congo. We stopped all of them. And 60 per cent of them were stopped because of trade," he stated. He further claimed that his pressure had been decisive. "Like with India, I said, 'Look, we're not going to do any trade if you're going to fight and they have nuclear weapons. They stopped.'" Turning to the war in Ukraine, Trump linked the conflict to his broader claim of being a peacemaker. "I said, 'Well, what about the seven others? I should get a Nobel Prize for each one'. So they said, 'but if you stop Russia and Ukraine, sir, you should be able to get the Nobel'. I said I stopped seven wars. That's one war, and that's a big one," he told the gathering. Trump said he initially believed the conflict would be easier to resolve because of his ties with Moscow. "Because I have a good relationship with President Putin, disappointed in him, but I do. I thought that would be the easiest one, but we'll get it done one way or the other," he said. He suggested energy prices were directly linked to ending the war. "... That (oil drilling) will automatically stop the war with Russia and Ukraine; you get the prices down a little bit more, that's got to stop it. I am very disappointed in President Putin. Anywhere between 5000-7000 people are dying every week..." Reiterating his criticism of Moscow, Trump said the Russian president had failed to meet expectations. "He has let me down. I mean, he's killing many people and he's losing more people than he's, you know, than he's killing. I mean, frankly, Russian soldiers are being killed at a higher rate than the Ukrainian soldiers," Trump said at a press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The President acknowledged the limits of his influence, admitting, "Even though I thought that the Russia-Ukraine war would be the 'easiest' one to solve, it was not the case." He insisted, however, that the war would not have begun had he been in office. "This was a thing that would have never happened had I been president. If I were president, it would have never happened. And it didn't happen for four years. Most people agree it didn't happen, nor was it close to happening," he stated. Trump also recalled his past diplomatic outreach, referring to his summit with Putin in Alaska, where he urged the Russian leader to engage directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He said, despite those efforts, "a peace deal did not materialise," and the conflict, which began with Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014, escalated further. The war has since continued, with Russia launching a large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, aiming to "demilitarise and denazify" the country, according to President Vladimir Putin. Fighting has persisted through 2024 and 2025, with Ukrainian counteroffensives alongside Russian gains in Donetsk and Luhansk. In August 2024, Ukraine launched an incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast, capturing territory and prisoners. (ANI) TOKYO, Oct 09 (News On Japan) - Typhoon No. 22, classified as a very strong system, made a direct hit on the Izu Islands, leaving widespread damage across the region. On Hachijo Island, located about 300 kilometers south of Tokyo, the storm brought record-breaking rainfall and violent winds, leaving residents stunned by the destruction. From early morning on October 9, torrential rain reduced visibility to near zero as wind-driven sheets of rain battered the island. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that more than 120 millimeters of rain fell within an hour, with maximum gusts reaching 54.7 meters per second. Power outages affected approximately 6,480 households across the island. At Hachijo View Hotel, only emergency lights were functioning before dawn, and the dining area ceiling began leaking heavily. Staff members used buckets and flashlights to contain the water, but it quickly flooded the floor. This is the worst weve ever seen, one hotel employee said. The leaks have started in several other areas too. Another hotel reported that windows in its restaurant were shattered by strong gusts, while puddles formed throughout the building. The JMA downgraded the special heavy rain warning for Hachijo Town to a standard heavy rain alert by the afternoon, but severe conditions continued. When residents ventured outside after the storm, they found scenes of devastation. A ramen shop had its roof torn off and walls destroyed, exposing its frame. I never imagined the roof would be blown away, said the shop owner. Im lost for words I was prepared for some damage, but this is overwhelming. In one parking lot, a small car was flipped and hurled onto the road by the fierce wind. Something like a tornado must have passed, said the owner. My car was completely overturned. Its beyond repair. A company president described how the walls of his materials yard were blown off and plywood flooring soaked through. The wood is completely ruined, he said. Fallen trees also blocked multiple roads, with several large trunks completely cutting off access. Its terrible, said one long-time resident. Ive lived here 80 years and never seen anything like this. Streetlights along the sidewalks were also bent out of shape by the wind. On nearby Aogashima Island, the garage roof of a house was ripped off. Small stones came flying like machine-gun fire, one resident recalled. They shattered two windows it was terrifying. While Typhoon No. 22 left behind significant destruction, meteorologists are now warning that a new storm, Typhoon No. 23, has formed south of Japan. It is expected to approach Okinawa between October 10 and 11 before tracking north toward Honshu over the three-day holiday weekend. Meanwhile, several hotels on Hachijo Island have suspended operations due to severe damage. Hachijo Park Hotel reported that the roofs of its second-floor dining hall and large bath area were completely torn off. This is the first time in 55 years of operation weve experienced such damage, a staff member said. We want to inform guests with upcoming reservations that we cannot accommodate them, but with both electricity and Wi-Fi down, we have no way to reach them. Source: FNN TOKYO, Oct 10 (News On Japan) - Japan's Imperial Household Agency has released The Official Record of Empress Kojun, chronicling the life of Empress Kojun, wife of Emperor Showa and grandmother of the current Emperor. The record, which took 17 years to complete, sheds light on the wartime activities of the Imperial Family, revealing that the Empress herself helped manufacture components for military equipment. Empress Kojun, who lived through Japans turbulent modern era, passed away in 2000 at the age of 97. The chronicle provides new insight into the intersection between the Imperial Household and the war. According to the record, Empress Kojun presented artificial eyes and limbs to wounded soldiers and, when school evacuations were implemented, sent about 410,000 biscuits to children across Japan. At that time, her son, now Emperor Emeritus, had been evacuated to Tochigi Prefecture the biscuits were distributed on December 23, his birthday. Between 1944 and 1945, as the war intensified, the Empress spent time making grids, components used in vacuum tubes for radio detection devices that could locate enemy submarines. Such parts were typically produced by female students mobilized nationwide to compensate for labor shortages. The record reveals that Empress Kojun also participated in this work within an air-raid shelter at the Imperial Palace known as Gobunko. For the first time, the record also describes her actions on the day Japan announced its surrender. At 11:55 a.m., Her Majesty turned on the radio in the Gobunko and listened quietly until the end of the Imperial broadcast announcing the end of the Greater East Asia War. Afterward, she greeted His Majesty and inquired after his well-being, it notes. The newly released chronicle offers a valuable primary source for understanding Japans modern and wartime history through the life of the Showa Empress. Source: TBS Shenyang sees tourism boom during National Day holiday Xinhua) 08:25, October 09, 2025 Citizens watch a live show at 1905 Art Re-Creative Space, which is transformed from an abandoned factory, in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Oct. 6, 2025. Many industrial heritages in Shenyang of northeast China's Liaoning Province have been transformed into public leisure spaces, creative industry parks, and distinctive neighborhoods, offering citizens and tourists unique experiences during this year's National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) Tourists visit the Industrial Museum of China in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Oct. 1, 2025. Many industrial heritages in Shenyang of northeast China's Liaoning Province have been transformed into public leisure spaces, creative industry parks, and distinctive neighborhoods, offering citizens and tourists unique experiences during this year's National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) Tourists visit the Industrial Museum of China in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Oct. 1, 2025. Many industrial heritages in Shenyang of northeast China's Liaoning Province have been transformed into public leisure spaces, creative industry parks, and distinctive neighborhoods, offering citizens and tourists unique experiences during this year's National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) People take photos at a cultural and creative site, which is transformed from an abandoned factory, in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Oct. 6, 2025. Many industrial heritages in Shenyang of northeast China's Liaoning Province have been transformed into public leisure spaces, creative industry parks, and distinctive neighborhoods, offering citizens and tourists unique experiences during this year's National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) People select products at 1905 Art Re-Creative Space, which is transformed from an abandoned factory, in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Oct. 6, 2025. Many industrial heritages in Shenyang of northeast China's Liaoning Province have been transformed into public leisure spaces, creative industry parks, and distinctive neighborhoods, offering citizens and tourists unique experiences during this year's National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) People visit the Hongmei cultural and creative industry park in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Oct. 1, 2025. Many industrial heritages in Shenyang of northeast China's Liaoning Province have been transformed into public leisure spaces, creative industry parks, and distinctive neighborhoods, offering citizens and tourists unique experiences during this year's National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) Citizens read books at a cultural and creative site, which is transformed from an abandoned factory, in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Oct. 6, 2025. Many industrial heritages in Shenyang of northeast China's Liaoning Province have been transformed into public leisure spaces, creative industry parks, and distinctive neighborhoods, offering citizens and tourists unique experiences during this year's National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) Tourists visit the Industrial Museum of China in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Oct. 1, 2025. Many industrial heritages in Shenyang of northeast China's Liaoning Province have been transformed into public leisure spaces, creative industry parks, and distinctive neighborhoods, offering citizens and tourists unique experiences during this year's National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) A woman poses for photos at a cultural and creative site, which is transformed from an abandoned factory, in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Oct. 6, 2025. Many industrial heritages in Shenyang of northeast China's Liaoning Province have been transformed into public leisure spaces, creative industry parks, and distinctive neighborhoods, offering citizens and tourists unique experiences during this year's National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) Children have fun at a cultural and creative site, which is transformed from a barn, in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Oct. 8, 2025. Many industrial heritages in Shenyang of northeast China's Liaoning Province have been transformed into public leisure spaces, creative industry parks, and distinctive neighborhoods, offering citizens and tourists unique experiences during this year's National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) People visit the Hongmei cultural and creative industry park in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Oct. 1, 2025. Many industrial heritages in Shenyang of northeast China's Liaoning Province have been transformed into public leisure spaces, creative industry parks, and distinctive neighborhoods, offering citizens and tourists unique experiences during this year's National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) The son-in-law of disgraced attorney Tom Girardi, David Lira, has been sentenced to four months in prison for reportedly covering up the fact that his father-in-law withheld settlement funds from clients whose relatives were fatal victims of the tragic 2018 Indonesian plane crash. The defendant was a long-time attorney at his father-in-law's now-defunct law firm and was said to have helped obtain a historic $7.5 million payout for a group of Indonesian widows and orphans in 2020. David Lira Sentenced to Jail That payout came after Lion Air Flight 610 crashed into the Java Sea, tragically taking the lives of all 189 people who were onboard. Girardi and Lira's lawsuit held the company, Boeing, accountable for the aircraft's faulty design, which was a 737 Max. They also cited the company's failure to properly disclose issues with the plane's automated flight-control system. However, at that time, Girardi was found to have misappropriated roughly $3 million of the settlement money, partly to fund his lavish lifestyle with his wife, Erika Jayne. This summer, a Los Angeles judge sentenced Girardi to seven years in prison for stealing from his clients, according to the Los Angeles Times. In June, Lira pleaded guilty in Illinois federal court to one count of contempt of court for defying the order of a Chicago judge regarding the distribution of settlement funds. After he was ordered by Judge Thomas M. Durkin to send the withheld funds to clients immediately, Lira still covered up for Girardi in failing to do so. Under the latest plea deal, prosecutors agreed to drop other charges against Lira, including eight counts of wire fraud and two false statement charges. They sought a three-year prison sentence against the defendant for his role in his father-in-law's legal fraud scheme. Legal Fraud Scheme Lira's attorney, Damon Cheronis, said in an email that they asked and hoped for a non-custodial sentence, which they believed would have been enough under the circumstances. He added that his client has already paid a steep price and noted his otherwise exemplary career, Reuters reported. The 65-year-old defendant was described by his attorney as a "good man who made a serious mistake." He was initially charged alongside his father-in-law, Girardi, and Christopher Kamon. The latter is the former chief financial officer of their defunct law firm, Girardi Keese. In the government's sentencing memo, U.S. Atty. Andrew Boutros said that instead of notifying authorities, Lira covered for his father-in-law and lied to the victims of the crash. He added that his lies perpetuated Girardi's theft, as per Yahoo News. Somalias government has firmly denied allegations that it entered into a secret agreement with Sweden to accept deported Somali nationals in exchange for redirected development aid. In an official statement, the Office of the Prime Minister rejected claims that Somalia received $9 million in Swedish aid as part of a covert deal. There is no secret or conditional arrangement with any partner concerning the return of its nationals or the allocation of development assistance, the statement read, calling the media reports false, misleading, and unfounded. The controversy stems from a report by Swedens public broadcaster Ekot, which alleged that funds were channeled to projects linked to Somalias Prime Ministers Office in return for facilitating deportations. Swedens Ministry of Defence declined to comment directly but noted ongoing bilateral cooperation. The Somali government emphasized that all development aid is managed transparently via institutions such as the World Bank, UN agencies, and Somalias financial systems. It also reiterated that all international engagements are conducted through formal diplomatic channels and subject to cabinet oversight. The denial comes amid rising tensions between African nations and Western governments over deportation practices. Somalia joins other countries like Nigeria and Eritrea in pushing back against migration policies seen as coercive or lacking legal safeguards. As African governments increasingly assert their sovereignty in migration matters, Somalias firm stance reflects a broader demand for equal and transparent partnerships in global diplomacy. Morocco and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement to encourage and protect mutual investments, aiming to safeguard investors rights and boost cross-border capital flows as the two nations strengthen economic cooperation. The deal was signed in Rabat by Moroccan Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah Alaoui and Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih who is on an official visit to the North African nation at the head of a high-level government delegation. In a post on its official X account, the Saudi Ministry of Investment said both ministers signed an agreement to encourage and protect mutual investments between the two Kingdoms, to strengthen the economic partnership between them, safeguard investors rights, and support the flow of investments in various sectors. Under the agreement, the two countries committed to creating a stable and transparent environment for investors. It guarantees fair and equitable treatment, freedom to transfer funds, and protection against expropriation without fair compensation. The pact also enables investors to seek international arbitration in the event of disputes The two sides also discussed ways to enhance financial partnerships, economic policies, stimulate growth, and strategies for financing major developmental projects. The deal also aims to promote sustainable economic growth and address challenges faced by investors, thereby strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries. The Saudi Investment Minister held separate talks with other Moroccan officials, including Minister of Investment Karim Zidane and Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour, as well as with a group of business and financial leaders. The meetings discussed the strategic vision for sustainable development, the evaluation of public policies and the improvement of the business environment and explored ways to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries. Strengthening industrial and commercial cooperation, developing manufacturing industries, and attracting new investments, were also at the focus of talks. This partnership aims to strengthen cooperation while creating employment opportunities for young workers in both countries. Morocco and Saudi Arabia are thus cementing their economic partnership through targeted investments in renewable energy, industrial development, and infrastructure, marking a significant shift in bilateral cooperation between the North African kingdom and the Gulf powerhouse. During talks with Moroccan officials, the Saudi Investment Minister praised Moroccos business environment and institutional stability, reported lEconomiste daily. The Saudi minister emphasized that Moroccan markets represent strategic importance for Saudi companies seeking regional expansion opportunities. His remarks underscore a broader Saudi strategy to diversify investment portfolios beyond traditional oil-dependent sectors, with Morocco emerging as a preferred destination for capital deployment estimated at several billion dollars. Energy transition stands at the forefront of this collaboration, with Moroccos exceptional solar and wind resources attracting significant Saudi interest in renewable energy projects and green hydrogen production. Moroccos geographical advantages and established renewable infrastructure make it an ideal platform for Saudi Arabias energy diversification ambitions, aligning with both nations sustainable development goals, the daily commented. Industrial cooperation forms the second pillar of engagement, encompassing automotive manufacturing, mining operations, and phosphate processing. The just concluded investment protection agreements have established legal frameworks securing supply chains and joint ventures in these strategic sectors, providing confidence for long-term Saudi commitments. Tourism and infrastructure development complete the strategic framework, supported by Moroccos ongoing reforms and Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 sustainability objectives. Trade figures reflect growing economic integration, with bilateral commerce reaching 26.4 billion dirhams in 2024, up from 24.6 billion the previous year. Moroccan exports to Saudi Arabia totaled 1.15 billion dirhams, while imports stood at 24.8 billion, indicating substantial room for rebalancing through increased Moroccan industrial output. Morocco, whose Sovereign chairs the Al-Quds Committee, welcomes the announcement made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the conclusion of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Morocco expresses its deep appreciation for the sustained efforts and personal commitment of His Excellency President Donald Trump, which have played a decisive role in achieving this hopeful outcome, and also commends the constant efforts of all mediators, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement released this Thursday. Morocco calls on all parties to fully implement this agreement, in order to safeguard lives, ensure the release of hostages and prisoners, allow for the swift and sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid, launch the reconstruction process, and open prospects for a just, comprehensive, and lasting solution to the Palestinian conflict, The statement added. The Kingdom of Morocco, whose Sovereign chairs the Al-Quds Committee, reaffirms its firm attachment to the two-state solution as the only viable foundation for achieving a just and lasting peace in the region through the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, including the Gaza Strip, living side by side with the State of Israel in security and peace, the statement pointed out further, affirming that Morocco stands fully ready to actively contribute to all agreed steps and initiatives aimed at guaranteeing the rights of the Palestinian people and supporting stability in the Middle East. The General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), which represents the private sector, has welcomed the conclusion of a new trade agreement between Morocco and the European Union covering farming products, including those from the Southern Provinces. CGEM hailed the deal as a major step forward in deepening economic cooperation and sustaining the momentum of Moroccan exports to Europe. It described the agreement as a diplomatic milestone achieved under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, reaffirming the strategic role of Moroccos Southern Provinces. The deal is expected to enhance the regions appeal as a prime destination for European and international investment, CGEM said in a statement. The agreement establishes a favorable framework for investment, job creation, and value-added production, serving as a catalyst for the economic development of the Southern Provinces, which are rich in potential across various sectors. Moroccan business leaders welcomed the continued preferential access of agricultural and fisheries products from the Moroccan Sahara to the European market. The agreement also highlights strategic sectors such as renewable energy, recognizing the expertise and competitiveness of companies operating in the region. Morocco remains the EUs top trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade exceeding 640 billion dirhams (60 billion euros) annually. The Southern Provinces alone account for over 200,000 tons of exports to Europe each year, valued at 6.41 billion dirhams (590 million euros), supporting nearly 140,000 jobs. The CGEM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting this momentum through its engagement with EU institutions and its backing of both Moroccan and foreign companies operating in or with Morocco, aiming to turn the agreement into a driver of shared economic growth and integration. News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. Princess Lalla Hasnaa, President of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, took part, on Thursday, as a guest of honor in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress. The opening ceremony was marked by the speech delivered by Princess Lalla Hasnaa, in which she indicated that under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, who raised the protection of the environment and the preservation of natural ecosystems to national priorities, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection embodies this Royal Vision through concrete and quantifiable actions. Our mission is ambitious: to sustainably integrate education for sustainable development and the preservation of natural ecosystems into public policy, business practices, and civic life, she emphasized, adding that we are convinced of a fundamental truth: safeguarding biodiversity is inseparable from educating and mobilizing society. She emphasized that preserving ecosystems and fostering education for sustainable development are inseparable pillars of a single ambition: building a better future founded on knowledge, responsibility, and solidarity. Princess lalla Hasnaa underscored that the success of any environmental policy depends on citizen participationespecially the engagement of local communities and vulnerable populations. Empowering these communities and supporting their conservation efforts is essential to achieving a fair and inclusive ecological transition. This spirit is reflected in the programs of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, as evidenced by Eco-Schools and Young Reporters for the Environment, through which the Foundation nurtures in children and youth the conviction that protecting biodiversity and ecosystems is not an accessory, but a condition for their future, HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa stated. She also highlighted several actions led by the Foundation showcasing the spirit of inclusion and co-building that guides its commitments, such as the B7ar Bla Plastic campaign which, launched in 2019, has mobilized entire communitiescitizens, NGOs, and businesses alikearound a common goal: to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans and safeguard marine life. There is also the preservation of the Palm Grove project in Marrakech, as well as restoration efforts at the RAMSAR sites of Marchica, Oued Eddahab, and Dakhla, she explained, adding that in this same spirit of innovation, the Foundation is exploring new pathways where the preservation of natural ecosystems can be advanced through sport. Sport speaks a universal language. It inspires collective values and has the power to raise awareness, mobilize communities, and engage youth in environmental stewardship, she said. Princess Lalla Hasnaa, who has placed the youth at the center of her speech, spoke directly to the youth, particularly African youth, by stressing that they are not only the leaders of the future, but are already shaping the present. In this vein, she noted, technology, and particularly, artificial intelligence, will play an important role, pointing out that AI could help to better understand ecosystems, anticipate risks and design solutions that were previously out of reach. But it is you, the youth, who will ensure that these tools are used ethically, inclusively, and in the service of nature and humanity, she stressed, adding that with the strength of youth, especially in Africa, we can build a future where humanity and nature thrive as one. Education, mobilization, innovation, and youth: these are our levers to transform this Vision into tangible reality. Following the opening ceremony, chaired by Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Princess Lalla Hasnaa held talks with Dr. Sylvia Earle, American Oceanographer and Marine Biologist, President of the NGO Mission Blue and Ambassador to the IUCN. She then visited the pavilions of the United Arab Emirates, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and Africa. Gathering heads of state, ministers, leaders of international organizations and experts from around the world, the IUCN World Conservation Congress is the opportunity for the entire world to pool efforts to define priorities and lead actions for the conservation of nature, the fight against climate change and the promotion of sustainable development. Report Finds Workplace Injuries Common Among Small Businesses, Mental Health a Rising Concern Pie Insurances latest workplace safety survey reveals key trends impacting small businesses, from rising injury costs to growing concerns about employee wellbeing. A new national survey by Pie Insurance shows that three out of four small business owners reported at least one workplace injury in the past year, with nearly half saying those incidents could have been prevented. The 2025 State of Workplace Safety Report, based on responses from more than 1,000 employers, highlights the persistent risks facing small businesses and the financial toll of workplace injuries. About one-third of respondents said their injury-related costs exceeded $20,000 annually. The survey also revealed that mental health is now viewed as a leading safety issue. Nearly half of small business owners identified mental health concerns as their top workplace safety risk, ahead of more traditional hazards such as slips, falls, and equipment-related injuries. Pie Insurance noted that if small businesses were able to prevent even half reported incidents, they could save an average of $10,000 or more each year in costs tied to medical bills, workers compensation, and lost productivity. The report underscores the importance of proactive safety programs, investment in training, and attention to employee well-being as key strategies to reduce risks and expenses. In the Permian Basin, oilfield theft has evolved from stolen wrenches to stolen tankers. What was once a nuisance crime is now a multimillion-dollar operation, prompting Texas to step in with a dedicated task force to combat organized petroleum theft. Texas producer associations and law enforcement have noticed in recent months a surge in organized crime at the numerous oilfield sites in the most prolific oil-producing basin in America. The state legislature earlier this year passed a bill to crack down on Permian Basin oil theft, mandating the creation of a petroleum product theft task force. Organized criminals and cartels have increasingly targeted oil pipelines and storage tanks, stealing millions of dollars from communities in the Permian Basin, the office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in June, when the Governor signed into law several bills aimed at protecting the critical role energy development plays in fueling the Texas economy. The Railroad Commission of Texas, the oil regulator, this week announced the 13 Texans who will be the members of the newly created State Taskforce on Petroleum Theft (STOPTHEFT) in Senate Bill 494. The members include energy industry executives as well as state, federal, and local law enforcement, who will help tackle petroleum theft. Related: EIA Confirms Crude Build, Moderate Product Draws The task force will review product theft laws and regulations in other U.S. jurisdictions as well as international laws, and analyze the impact of theft on state tax collections and long-term economic impacts. STOPTHEFT will also make recommendations on law enforcement training to combat petroleum product theft and prepare a report to submit to the Governor and the Legislature. Oilfield theft has become increasingly organized and sophisticated, costing Texans millions and threatening the integrity of our states energy sector, RRC Commissioner Christi Craddick said in a statement. RRC Commissioner Wayne Christian commented, Petroleum theft isnt petty crime its organized, often tied to border security failures, and it threatens Texas economic security and Americas reliable energy supply. I stand with the STOPTHEFT task force to send a clear message: Texas will protect its producers, defend taxpayers, and bring criminals to justice. In the latest quarterly Dallas Fed Energy Survey, 41% of exploration and production company executives said their operations have been impacted by theft in the oil field in the past year. Of those impacted by theft, 61% reported crude oil theft, 58% said piping valves and wiring were stolen, and 39% had equipment stolen over the past year. Most executives rated the impact of theft on their firms operations as low. As early as the beginning of 2024, the Permian Basin Petroleum Association (PBPA) flagged the issue with oilfield thieves. Individual crimes of convenience where someone comes across a tool left out in the open or an unlocked, unmonitored vehicle are one thing, PBPA President Ben Shepperd told the Odessa American in March 2024. However, what members of the oil and gas industry have been experiencing more recently in the field has been described as organized crime, Shepperd added. Traditional targets of copper, tools or other heavy equipment that might be relatively easy to move are not the only targets. Full tanker truck loads of produced oil have been removed from private locations throughout the Permian Basin. There have been instances of loads of tubing and even an entire pumpjack stolen, the associations president noted. The organized theft from oilfields has become an even bigger problem over the past year, to the point that the Texas legislature and regulators have created the STOPTHEFT task force. Jim Wright, Railroad Commission Chairman, said that Petroleum theft not only impacts oil and gas producers, it also impacts our state coffers and it must STOP. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The following Aberdeen Investments U.S. Closed-End Funds (NYSE: ACP, AGD, AOD, ASGI, AWP, THQ, THW and NYSE American: FAX, FCO, VFL), announced today that the closed end funds in the chart directly below will pay the distributions indicated on a per share basis on October 31, 2025 to all shareholders of record as of October 24, 2025 (ex-dividend date October 24, 2025). Ticker Exchange Fund Amount ACP NYSE abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund $ 0.0775 AGD NYSE abrdn Global Dynamic Dividend Fund $ 0.1100 AOD NYSE abrdn Total Dynamic Dividend Fund $ 0.1000 ASGI NYSE abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund $ 0.2100 AWP NYSE abrdn Global Premier Properties Fund $ 0.0400 FAX NYSE American abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. $ 0.1650 FCO NYSE American abrdn Global Income Fund, Inc. $ 0.0700 THQ NYSE abrdn Healthcare Opportunities Fund $ 0.1800 THW NYSE abrdn World Healthcare Fund $ 0.1167 VFL NYSE American abrdn National Municipal Income Fund $ 0.0500 At the end of each calendar year, a Form 1099-DIV will be sent to shareholders, which will state the amount and composition of each fund's distributions and provide information with respect to their appropriate tax treatment for the prior calendar year. Each Fund's distribution policy is subject to modification by the respective Board of Directors/Trustees at any time, and there can be no guarantee that the policy will continue. You should not draw any conclusions about any of these Funds' investment performance from the amount of the distributions. MANAGED DISTRIBUTION POLICY FUNDS ANNOUNCE DISTRIBUTION PAYMENT DETAILS abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund ("ASGI") abrdn Healthcare Opportunities Fund ("THQ") The above-noted Aberdeen Investments U.S. Closed-End Funds (the "Funds" or individually the "Fund"), today announced that the Funds will pay the distributions noted in the chart above on October 31, 2025 to all shareholders of record as of October 24, 2025 (ex-dividend date October 24, 2025). Each Fund has adopted a distribution policy to provide investors with a stable distribution out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital in reliance on an exemptive order granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under applicable U.S. tax rules, the amount and character of distributable income for each Fund's fiscal year can be finally determined only as of the end of the Fund's fiscal year. However, under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and related rules, the Funds may be required to indicate to shareholders the estimated source of certain distributions to shareholders. The following tables set forth the estimated amounts of the sources of the distributions for purposes of Section 19 of the 1940 Act and the rules adopted thereunder. The tables have been computed based on generally accepted accounting principles. The tables include estimated amounts and percentages for the current distributions to be paid as well as for the cumulative distributions paid relating to fiscal year to date, from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short-term capital gains; net realized long-term capital gains; and return of capital. The estimated compositions of the distributions may vary because the estimated composition may be impacted by future income, expenses and realized gains and losses on securities and currencies. The Funds' estimated sources of the current distributions to be paid and for its current fiscal year to date are as follows: Estimated Amounts of Current Distribution per Share Fund Distribution Amount Net Investment Income Net Realized Short-Term Gains* Net Realized Long- Term Gains Return of Capital ASGI $0.2100 - - $0.0063 3 % $0.0441 21 % $0.1596 76 % THQ $0.1800 - - $0.0396 22 % $0.0396 22 % $0.1008 56 % Estimated Amounts of Fiscal Year to Date Cumulative Distributions per Share Fund Fiscal Year** to Date Distribution Amount Net Investment Income Net Realized Short-Term Gains* Net Realized Long- Term Gains Return of Capital ASGI $0.2100 - - $0.0063 3 % $0.0441 21 % $0.1596 76 % THQ $0.1800 - - $0.0396 22 % $0.0396 22 % $0.1008 56 % * includes currency gains ** ASGI and THQ have a 9/30 fiscal year end. Where the estimated amounts above show a portion of the distribution to be a "Return of Capital," it means that Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all the money that you invested in a Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with "yield" or "income." The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The final determination of the source of all distributions for the current year will only be made after year-end. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to change based on tax regulations. After the end of each calendar year, a Form 1099-DIV will be sent to shareholders for the prior calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. The following table provides the Funds' total return performance based on net asset value (NAV) over various time periods compared to the Funds' annualized and cumulative distribution rates. Fund Performance and Distribution Rate Information Fund Average Annual Total Return on NAV for the 5 Year Period Ending 09/30/2025 Current Fiscal Period's Annualized Distribution Rate on NAV Cumulative Total Return on NAV Cumulative Distribution Rate on NAV ASGI 11.27 % 11.49 % 12.96 % 11.49 % THQ 5.73 % 12.07 % -12.19 % 12.07 % 1 Return data is net of all fund expenses and fees and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan. 2 Based on the Fund's NAV as of September 30, 2025. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about a Fund's investment performance from the amount of the Fund's current distributions or from the terms of the distribution policy (the "Distribution Policy"). The value at which a closed-end fund stock may trade on a public exchange is a function of external market factors that are not at the control of the Fund's Board or Investment Advisor. Closed-end Fund shares may therefore trade at a premium or a discount to net asset value at any given time. Shareholders should be aware that a fund's premium to net asset value may not be sustainable and a fund's discount to net asset value can widen as well as narrow. Shareholders of a fund trading at a premium who participate in that fund's dividend reinvestment plan should note the reinvestment of distributions may occur at a premium to net asset value. While NAV performance may be indicative of the Fund's investment performance, it does not measure the value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund. The value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund is determined by the Fund's market price, which is based on the supply and demand for the Fund's shares in the open market. Pursuant to an exemptive order granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Funds may distribute any long-term capital gains more frequently than the limits provided in Section 19(b) under the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder. Therefore, distributions paid by the Funds during the year may include net income, short-term capital gains, long-term capital gains and/or a return of capital. Net income dividends and short-term capital gain dividends, while generally taxable at ordinary income rates, may be eligible, to the extent of qualified dividend income earned by the Funds, to be taxed at a lower rate not to exceed the maximum rate applicable to your long-term capital gains. Distributions made in any calendar year in excess of investment in company taxable income and net capital gain are treated as taxable ordinary dividends to the extent of undistributed earnings and profits, and then as a return of capital that reduces the adjusted basis in the shares held. To the extent return of capital distributions exceed the adjusted basis in the shares held, capital gain is recognized with a holding period based on the period the shares have been held at the date such amount is received. The payment of distributions in accordance with the Distribution Policy may result in a decrease in the Fund's net assets. A decrease in the Fund's net assets may cause an increase in the Fund's annual operating expense ratio and a decrease in the Fund's market price per share to the extent the market price correlates closely to the Fund's net asset value per share. The Distribution Policy may also negatively affect the Fund's investment activities to the extent that the Fund is required to hold larger cash positions than it typically would hold or to the extent that the Fund must liquidate securities that it would not have sold, for the purpose of paying the distribution. Each Fund's Board has the right to amend, suspend or terminate the Distribution Policy at any time. The amendment, suspension or termination of the Distribution Policy may affect the Fund's market price per share. Investors should consult their tax advisor regarding federal, state, and local tax considerations that may be applicable in their particular circumstances. Circular 230 disclosure : To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the U.S. Treasury, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. In the United States, Aberdeen Investments refers to the following affiliated, registered investment advisers: abrdn Inc., abrdn Investments Limited, and abrdn Asia Limited. Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. A Fund's investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor's shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the net asset value (NAV) of the fund's portfolio. There is no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Closed end funds | Aberdeen SOURCE Aberdeen Investments U.S. Closed End Funds Russia has extended its gasoline export ban and introduced a diesel export ban in response to the fuel shortages and ongoing drone attacks. Both Ukraine and Russia have intensified attacks on each other's critical energy infrastructure, impacting fuel production and natural gas output. Ukrainian drone attacks have caused a significant fuel shortage in Russia, with gasoline supply estimated to be down by 20%. Ukraines drone attacks on Russian refineries have resulted in a fuel crunch in Russia, where the shortage is estimated at up to 20% of demand, Ukrainian Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday. According to our data, the enemys gasoline shortage is up to around 20% of needs. Estimates vary from 13 to 20%, but it is confirmed that the shortage is already significant. In our view, it is about 20% today, Zelenskyy wrote on X. Our weapons are delivering tangible results, the Ukrainian president added, as both Ukraine and Russia have intensified attacks on each others critical energy infrastructure ahead of the winter. Earlier this week, Zelenskyy said that Ukraines data showed that the fuel shortage in Russia specifically gasoline is already approaching 20 percent. Theyve now begun tapping into diesel reserves, which theyve been saving for a rainy day, the Ukrainian president added. Russia last month extended the ban on gasoline exports and introduced a ban on non-producers to export diesel by the end of the year. The extension of the gasoline export ban and the introduction of a diesel export ban for trading companies is not surprising, as fuel shortages have emerged amid intensified Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries and other energy infrastructure. Set OilPrice.com as a preferred source in Google here Russia has not commented on the extent of the damage done by Ukrainian drones, but various reports have said that at least 10 refineries have been targeted with drones by Ukraine, and some of them have sustained damages and had to temporarily halt crude intake. Russia, for its part, has attacked heavily Ukraines gas producing and transportation systems in recent days, including on October 3 the largest strike on Naftogaz Groups gas production facilities since the start of the war in early 2022. Last weeks massive Russian attacks on energy infrastructure in the Poltava and Kharkiv regions in Ukraine have forced the shutdown of about 60% of the Ukrainian natural gas production, sources familiar with Ukraines talks with its allies told Bloomberg on Thursday. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Germany could suffer economic losses of around 40 billion euros if this winter turns out colder than average, gas utility Uniper has warned in a report that said such a development could plunge Germany into a recession. Every year, as October begins and with it, quite often, heating season, Europe begins a race to fill its gas storage facilities in time to secure a comfortable level of stocks ahead of peak demand for electricity and heat. Norway stands ready to step up gas exports to the European Union, U.S. LNG producers stand ready to boost cargoes bound for Europe, and, according to Germanys energy market regulator, there is plenty of gas. There is one problem with that. The situation could change very quickly. Germanys gas storage capacity is currently at a little over 76% full. It should be 90% full to prevent the economic devastation Uniper is warning about. There would still be losses, even with 90% full storage, but they will be a lot lower than 40 billion euros, which is equal to some $46.6 billion. If storage is full at 90%, a very cold winter would only cost the German economy 14 billion euros, or $16.3 billion, according to the study that Uniper commissioned, conducted by a consultancy outlet called Frontier Economics. The second sum might not look like peanuts, but, according to Uniper, the difference between the two is a difference of around 25 billion euros, which would make the difference between stability and recession. This is how vulnerable Germanys economy has become to any unfavorable fluctuations in gas supply. Related: Oil Tankers Jam Seas as Global Glut Builds From the Uniper report, it appears that some financial damagemeasurable in double-digit billion sumsis guaranteed. It is also unlikely that this damage remains as low as 14 billion euros because keeping storage levels at 90% during peak demand season is impossible precisely because it is peak demand season. Not everyone is so pessimistic, however. In another recent report, Independent Commodity Intelligence Services said that even extra-low temperatures during December and January would not compromise the supply security of natural gas in Germany, so there was no reason to worry about it. Even in the event of a very cold winter, gas storage and additional liquefied natural gas (LNG) can together ensure sufficient supply with Europe having built enough regasification capacity, ICIS said in its report. The outlet admitted that in a severe winter scenario, Europe could see its gas reserves drop all the way to 20%, which is red-zone low, but that would not be a problem because there will be more liquefaction capacity coming online next summer. Still, ICIS also admitted that price could become a problem as demand for LNG rises during the winter. Meanwhile, earlier this month, Uniper asked for permission to close one of Germanys largest natural gas storage facilities because it could not fill it in time. The reason has to do with the geology of the storage site, which is porous rather than cavernous, meaning it needs to be filled and emptied slowly, Bloomberg said in a report on the news. It also, per Uniper, has to do with regulations, which have made it uneconomical to make the effort to fill the Breitbrunn facility. Also, meanwhile, Ukraine has said it would need to step up gas imports this winter, and by quite a margin. We plan to boost import capability by around 30%. It will all depend on how quickly we can restore things. The sooner we manage to put facilities back into operation, the less gas we'll need to import, energy minister Svetlana Grinchuk said this month. The gas would be coming from G7 members, among them Germany. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Russia and Iran this week discussed boosting their cooperation in nuclear energy, including in building small nuclear reactors (SMRs) in the Islamic Republic, Iranian media report. Mohammad Eslami, director of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), discussed nuclear energy cooperation in Tehran with Nikolai Spassky, Deputy CEO for International Relations at Rosatom, Russias state-owned nuclear energy company. Spassky was returning a visit by Eslami to Moscow last month, during which Iran and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in construction of small nuclear power plants in Iran. The two countries sanctioned by the West have also signed a MoU on collaboration on the IranHormoz Nuclear Power Plant Project, which envisages the construction of four 1,250-megawatt reactors. Earlier this year, Iran and Russia vowed to enhance their energy cooperation as Russian companies signed a deal to develop oilfields in Iran and the countries discuss the creation of a natural gas hub in the Islamic Republic. Iran and Russia signed in January a so-called Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, which included among various other commitments a pledge to expand cooperation in the energy sector, including in energy supply and swap operations. Russia and Iran have been deepening their cooperation, including in the energy sector, for years, and especially after the Russian invasion of Ukraine cut off a lot of Moscows previous oil and gas customers. The boosting of nuclear energy cooperation with Russia comes as Iran remains defiant as the UN sanctions snapped back in place at the end of September. Ahead of the return of the UN sanctions adding to U.S. sanctions, Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said, referring to Irans oil exports to China, They will continue, we have no problem. In the last years, we have faced such severe restrictions from the unjust and unilateral U.S. sanctions that, in practice, [U.N. sanctions] won't add much to this situation, the Iranian minister said, as carried by Reuters. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Last weeks massive Russian attacks on energy infrastructure in the Poltava and Kharkiv regions in Ukraine have forced the shutdown of about 60% of the Ukrainian natural gas production, sources familiar with Ukraines talks with its allies told Bloomberg. With more than half of its domestic gas production offline ahead of the winter, Ukraine will be forced to spend a lot more on natural gas imports to meet winter heating and power demand. Russia will do everything to prevent us from extracting our gas, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv earlier this week, as carried by Bloomberg. They will do everything. It will be difficult to protect all this. The task is to have money to import gas so that people have gas. 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. Ukrainian Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk said on Tuesday that Ukraine had discussed with G7 countries additional natural gas purchases as it seeks to boost imports by 30% to offset the damage from Russian strikes on its gas infrastructure. Last week, Naftogaz signed a $349 million (300 million euros) loan agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to use the financing to purchase gas to build long-term gas reserves and to ensure stable winter supplies for Ukrainians, following damage to infrastructure caused by Russias ongoing attacks. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: There will be enough natural gas for the UK during the winter season, the countrys National Energy System Operator said in a report ahead of peak energy demand season. National Gas, the UKs top supplier of the energy commodity, also sees no cause for concern for the coming winter, Reuters reported, citing both organizations. Domestic natural gas production is on the decline as energy self-sufficiency falls down the priority list to be replaced by emissions reduction and the decarbonization of the economy, but this should not be a problem, NESO and National Gas said. NESO warned that electricity prices this winter would be heavily influenced by gas market developments. Only a rare combination of events such as a very cold UK winter coinciding with a major supply disruption, would pose a material risk to our gas or electricity systems, Glenn Bryn-Jacobsen, director of Energy Systems & Resilience at National Gas, said in the organizations new report. The UK imports natural gas from Norway via pipeline and from other suppliers as LNG. This winter, National Gas forecasts 6% lower domestic gas supply and 7% higher imports of liquefied gas, the Financial Times reported. At the same time, National Gas has predicted lower consumption as well, down 3%, thanks to higher expected generation from wind and solar. Related: Forget OPEC Warnings the Real Oil Shock Is Happening Inside Russia National Gas warned, however, that there will be a certain degree of tightness on the domestic gas market this winter. Our margins for winter 2025/2026 are tighter than we have seen in the last four years, the company said in its winter gas outlook, adding that This is largely due to the well-documented continued decline in supplies from the UK Continental Shelf. This winter, some 33% of the UKs gas supply is expected to come from its own North Sea fields, with another 36% coming from Norway and 24% coming from global LNG suppliers. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Serbias oil system came under immediate strain Thursday after Washington let a sanctions waiver for Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS) lapse, exposing the Gazprom Neft-linked refiner to U.S. measures and putting crude flows via Croatias JANAF pipeline on a short OFAC license that runs to October 15. Reuters reported that the move followed weeks of extensions, confirming the waivers expiry and its immediate operational impact. NIS operates the Pan?evo refinery and supplies about 80% of Serbias gasoline and diesel and over 90% of jet and heavy fuel oil. The refinerys nameplate capacity is about 4.8 million tonnes per year, according to company data. Ownership remains majority-Russian: Gazprom Neft holds 44.9%, an affiliated investment arm about 11.3%, and the Serbian state 29.9%. On Thursday, Croatias economy ministry told HRT media that Zagreb would honor U.S. and EU measures and confirmed JANAFs license status through October 15. Croatian daily Novi List cited a JANAF statement saying the operator was coordinating with the government and U.S. legal advisers and warned that the loss of NIS throughput could remove roughly 18 million in revenue. NIS said the U.S. license enabling unhindered operations was not renewed and that sanctions took effect at 06:00 local time. The company told customers it holds sufficient inventories and that retail sites remain open. Customers can pay in dinars if foreign card transactions are disrupted. Serbian President Aleksandar Vu?i? told reporters that without new crude deliveries, the refinery could face strain after November 1, though existing stocks should cover domestic demand into year-end. Meanwhile, Croatian officials publicly discussed the corporate fallout. Economy Minister Damir Habijan said Croatia would fully respect allied sanctions, while JANAF executives noted that crude transport to Serbia had stopped pending Washingtons next decision, according to HRT. Before Thursdays cutoff, JANAF held a short-term U.S. authorization to continue shipments until October 15 to complete contracted volumes. Regional media underlined the commercial stakes. According to Novi List, JANAFs transport contract with NIS runs through end-2026, representing roughly one-third of its annual revenue, and that termination could heavily impact Croatian pipeline earnings. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Washington is flexing againthis time hitting China in a fresh sanctions blitz aimed at choking off Irans oil cash flow and tightening the screws on Moscows influence in the Balkans. The U.S. Treasury on Thursday blacklisted around 100 individuals, vessels, and companiesincluding Chinas Shandong Jincheng Petrochemical Group, a Shandong teapot refinery accused of buying millions of barrels of Iranian crude since 2023. Also sanctioned: the Rizhao Shihua Crude Oil Terminal at Lanshan Port, accused of handling Irans shadow fleet tankerslike the Kongm, Big Mag, and Voythat quietly move sanctioned barrels across Asia. Its the fourth U.S. round this year targeting China-based buyers of Iranian oil, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent vowing to degrade Irans cash flow by dismantling key elements of its export machine. The move lands just as Washington allowed a sanctions waiver to expire for Serbias Gazprom Neft-linked NIS refinery, which supplies roughly 80% of Serbias fuels. That decision forced crude flows via Croatias JANAF pipeline onto a short OFAC license that expires October 15. The cutoff immediately hit regional logistics, with JANAF warning it could lose about 18 million in revenue and Serbias president cautioning that stocks may only last into November. Together, the two actions mark Washingtons most aggressive sanctions volley since midsummer, when it blacklisted over 115 people, companies, and ships tied to Irans sprawling Shamkhani-controlled oil networkthe largest Iran-related crackdown since 2018. The timing isnt accidental. With a Gaza ceasefire still fragile and Irans regional proxies on alert, Washingtons latest round appears designed to signal that sanctions enforcement will not easeeven as crude markets balance on geopolitics. Chinas teapots may shrug for now, but a growing list of blacklisted intermediaries could make insuring, financing, and disguising Iranian barrels far riskier than it was even a week ago. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A new report produced by the watchdog group Greenpeace documents how Russias environmental policies and practices are causing global harm. The report, titled Fossil Fuel Empire: The Environment of Post-2022 Russia and the Kremlins Threat to Domestic and Global Stability and Sustainability, shows how Russia, in confronting environmental challenges over the past few decades, has gone from active engagement in the 1990s to deliberate detachment and obstructionism in recent years. Negative trends in a variety of areas, including deforestation, water contamination and land degradation, have accelerated since Russia launched its unprovoked attack on Ukraine. The Kremlins need to maintain Russias war machine is overriding any concerns about the damage done to ecosystems. It also means that the Kremlin has turned into an arch-opponent of efforts to combat global warming. The country increasingly acts as a brake on global progress both by adopting obstructionist positions in climate, biodiversity and pollution negotiations, and by promoting alternative narratives that emphasize sovereignty, development-first approaches and resistance to tightening international environmental norms, the report states. Desperate to earn revenue amid the Western-imposed sanctions regime, Russia is rapidly depleting its natural resources, not just oil & natural gas, but other commodities such as timber. Deforestation is among the top five environmental concerns among Russians, along with industrial air pollution, water pollution, vehicle emissions and poor waste management. Having lost much of its European market due to sanctions, Russia has reoriented energy exports eastward and southward, especially to China and India. This shift has led to the creation of export infrastructure that threatens fragile ecosystems, particularly in Siberia and the Arctic, where extraction and transportation involve high environmental risks. Meanwhile, the loss of Siberian forestland can contribute to climate change and the melting of permafrost, which can result in increased methane levels in the atmosphere, which, in turn, feed global warming. Much of the timber now being harvested in Siberia is being shipped to China and Central Asian states. Related: Forget OPEC Warnings the Real Oil Shock Is Happening Inside Russia Proper forest management practices, aimed at preventing deforestation and enhancing carbon storage, are essential to ensuring that Russias forests continue to function as global carbon sinks and storage, the report states. Greenpeace also raises an alarm about environmental degradation in the Arctic. The Russia-Ukraine war has brought the work of the Arctic Council, a grouping with a mandate to manage the regions fragile environment and resources, to a standstill. Over the past two decades, the Arctic has been increasingly militarized, the report adds. Concerns about the degradation and depletion of resources are heightened by a lack of reliable data, according to Greenpeace researchers. Russian authorities have increasingly classified or restricted access to critical environmental data, the survey notes. Deforestation statistics are not true, as the official reports exclude illegal logging and wildfire impacts are continuously misreported. The report contends the political and economic systems built by the Kremlin to maintain the countrys war effort foster both domestic and international instability. The model constructed by the Putin regime threatens not only the future of Russia itself, but also global stability the Kremlin wages war and stokes other military conflicts, destroys global institutions, accelerates the climate crisis and contributes to the loss of biodiversity, the report asserts. The model in which natural resources are used to enrich the elite, maintain power and wage wars of aggression leads to deep domestic crisis, the degradation of nature and state and social institutions, and a loss of international legitimacy, it adds. By Eurasianet More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: CREOLA, Ala., Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EXCEL, a leader in industrial construction and maintenance services, proudly announces the opening of its new office in Creola, Alabama, approximately 15 miles north of Mobile. This strategic expansion enhances EXCEL's ability to serve clients across the Eastern Gulf Coast and Eastern United States, including Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, southern Georgia, and South Carolina. EXCEL Contractors Expands to Better Serve the Southeastern Region of the United States The Creola office will provide comprehensive services, including construction, fabrication, maintenance, turnarounds, project management, and disaster recovery. This expansion positions EXCEL to better support key industrial sectors in the region, including petrochemicals, pulp and paper, steel, shipbuilding, power generation, and manufacturing. With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Brad Peacock has been appointed Regional Director to lead operations from the new Creola office. Brad's extensive background includes building strong relationships with clients and industry professionals, and his leadership is expected to drive EXCEL's growth and commitment to excellence in the region. "Brad's deep understanding of industrial construction and his passion for the skilled trades make him the ideal leader for our expansion," said a company spokesperson. The Creola office's proximity to major industrial facilities, including Novelis Aluminum Facility, SSAB, Olin, PowerSouth, Chevron's Pascagoula Refinery, U.S. Steel's Fairfield Works, AM/NS Calvert, Alabama Power, and key shipyards along the Gulf Coast, enables EXCEL to provide timely and efficient services to its clients. EXCEL's commitment to community engagement and economic development remains a cornerstone of its operations. The company looks forward to contributing to job creation and building relationships with local suppliers and vendors in the region. For more information about EXCEL's services or to contact the Creola office, please visit www.excelusa.com. About EXCEL Group EXCEL Group, a trusted provider of turnkey construction solutions, guides clients to complete their projects on time and within budget, encompassing constructability analysis, procurement, construction, commissioning, and start-up. For EXCEL Group employment inquiries in the Mobile/Creola Area, please visit www.excelwithus.com/careers. Interested in learning more about EXCEL Group? Go to www.excelwithus.com SOURCE Excel Group By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Oregon journalist Andy Ngo was at the White House on President Trumps panel on Antifa> His remarks below: Here is what I said when I spoke to President Trump and members of his cabinet. pic.twitter.com/Yqp2rFzbTB Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) October 8, 2025 By Lars Larson NW and national radio host, The Northwest Nonsense Lawfare, like that used against President Trump, now lives in Portland. Consider what happened to online journalist Nick Sortor. Antifa terrorists, laying siege to ICE in Southwest Portland, didnt like Sortor videotaping their crimes. One Antifa assaulted Sortor. Bizarelly police arrested the victim, not the assailant. Then the cops took an hour to figure out what crime to charge Sortor with. They settled for the catch all, 2nd degree disorderly. Monday morning, Sortors attorney, Angus Lee, filed a legal demand for all communications between the terrorist group and police. Less than an hour later, the DA announced all charges dropped, to wipe out the discovery motion. Attorney Lee accuses Portland police of not only ignoring crimes by Antifa, but of using their power of arrest to thwart Antifa coverage by journalists. Lee charges that police coordinated with the designated terrorist group. They DO say politics makes strange bedfellows. Angus Lee promises to file whats known as a federal 1983 complaint charging police with violating Sortors civil rights. Meanwhile, President Trumps Department of Justice has launched a civil rights investigation of its own of Portland police. Part-time police Chief Bob Days chickens are coming home to roost. Thats the Rose City Rap. Join me at noon on KXL for 4 hours of Honestly provocative talk. Im Lars Larson Expert jurors from 26 countries select Farizon SV for IVOTY shortlist High standards of efficiency and safety are key factors jurors consider Winner to be announced at Solutrans Expo in Lyon, France on 19 November HANGZHOU, China, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new born-electric Farizon SV large van has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2026 International Van of the Year (IVOTY) Award. The news comes ahead of the overall winner being announced at a ceremony to be held at the Solutrans commercial vehicle expo in Lyon, France on 19 November. An expert panel of jurors from 26 countries have selected the Farizon SV after evaluating numerous new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) that have been introduced to global markets this year. The jurors consider a vehicle's contribution to high standards of efficiency and safety among other factors when deciding on the final shortlist. Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the International Van of the Year Award, said: "We're in a very interesting period in our sector, with new players coming into the marketplace, with fresh thinking, creating new segments, and offering new solutions, all with emission free technologies. These new brands are most welcome, and to have them in the contest alongside household names in the trade, makes our job when voting even more difficult." Cook Xue, CEO at Farizon Auto International Company, said: "We set out four years ago to develop and build the world's best van, and being shortlisted for the IVOTY award is testament to the hundreds of engineers and manufacturing colleagues that produce the Farizon SV. In conjunction with distribution partners around the world, we have successfully launched across Europe, the Gulf region and Asia Pacific through 2025, and to cap off the year with the IVOTY award would be very gratifying. We're excited to hear the result in November." The Farizon SV The Farizon SV features a host of advanced innovations, including drive-by-wire technology, a unique hidden B-pillar design, and cell-to-pack battery packaging, which combine to deliver market-leading cargo capacity. With a payload of up to 1,465 kg, load space up to 13 m3, and an ultra-low loading height of just 550 mm, the SV sets a new benchmark for capability and versatility in the global medium / large van sector. A single highly-specified trim level includes several premium features as standard, including a unique payload monitoring system, heated seats, heated multifunction steering wheel, heated windscreen, and a 360-degree surround view, depending on market. A comprehensive suite of ADAS safety systems is also included. The SV has earned the highest five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. The model line-up includes the option of a 49 kWh, 67 kWh or an 83 kWh battery, or a 66 kWh or 106 kWh battery, depending on market. Depending on the model, peak power is rated at 200 kW (272 PS) and maximum torque at 343 Nm. The SV delivers a WLTP range of up to 551 km (342 miles) on the WLTP city cycle, and up to 398 km (247 miles) on the WLTP combined cycle. A 20 to 80 per cent top-up charge can be completed in as little as 36 minutes. About Farizon Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group is the commercial business division of Geely Holding Group. With the support of Geely Holding Group's Central Research Institute, Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group has founded China's largest new energy commercial vehicle research institute. It is responsible for the R&D of a new generation of green and intelligent commercial vehicle products based on passenger vehicle technology. Farizon has become China's first commercial vehicle brand to offer a full range of new energy product. Farizon is committed to becoming a comprehensive intelligent and green transportation technology service provider. Farizon has doubled its Chinese market share for three consecutive years, with a product market share exceeding 20%, continuously consolidating its leading position in the new energy commercial vehicle industry. In 2024, Farizon has reached the milestone of 300,000 unit sales, becoming the first new energy commercial vehicle brand ever to achieve this goal. For more information regarding Zhejiang Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group please refer to the official website at https://global.geelycv.com/ SOURCE Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group 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 Most Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) forest carbon offset projects significantly overstate their climate benefits, according to a new study published in Science. The findings come from an international team of researchers, primarily based at the Guangdong Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy (SZ), China, with contributions from Prof. Dr. Jonathan Chase of the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) and the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU). The study analyzed 52 REDD+ initiatives, a total of 66 project units (some initiatives included multiple units), certified under Verra's Verified Carbon Standard. It follows a 2023 study also published in Science, together with major media investigations, that raised questions about the credibility of carbon credits issued under the same standard. While not directly linked, the new research corroborates those concerns, confirming that only a minority of projects achieved meaningful reductions in deforestation, and just 19% met their reported emissions targets. How REDD+ impact was measured To evaluate REDD+ effectiveness, the researchers used so-called synthetic control methodsa statistical approach that compares what actually happened in a project area to what would likely have happened without intervention. This "counterfactual baseline" is built by selecting nearby areas with similar environmental and socioeconomic conditions but without REDD+ implementation. The project sites span 14 tropical countries across Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. These matched control sites act as a stand-in for a REDD+ project's alternate reality, allowing researchers to estimate the true impact of forest protection efforts. By comparing forest loss in REDD+ areas to these controls, the researchers assessed whether the projects actually reduced deforestation and how many of the resulting carbon credits were backed by real climate benefits. "Our analysis shows the problem is real, but not hopeless," says co-author Dr. Jonathan Chase, head of the Biodiversity Synthesis research group at iDiv and MLU professor. "By building transparent counterfactuals, we can see which projects deliver and which do not." Partial gains signal promise About one-third (32%) of the project units (21/66) showed significantly less deforestation than expected, with some Brazilian projects achieving dramatic reductions. However, nearly one-fifth (17%) of the units (11/66) experienced more deforestation than their matched controls, and about 35% of initiatives (18/52) reported deforestation baselines that were far higher than what the data supported. In Colombia, for example, most projects claimed deforestation risks more than ten times greater than the study's estimates, suggesting substantial overcrediting. To quantify the scale of the issue, the team examined 48 of the 52 projects with publicly available carbon credit data. By the end of 2022, up to 228 million credits had been issued, with 127 million used by companies or individuals to offset their greenhouse gas emissions, yet only about 35 million were likely to represent real emissions reductions. That amounts to only an estimated 13.2% of tradable credits being backed by evidence of avoided deforestation. This discrepancy raises major concerns about the reliability of current offset practices, according to the authors. "The market needs credits that mean what they claim. We estimate that only about one in eight tradable credits represents real emissions reductions today. Stronger baselines, independent evaluation, and diversified portfolios can raise that number and restore confidence," Chase adds. Rethinking REDD+ Despite the challenges, the authors believe that REDD+ remains a promising tool for climate mitigation. Even among underperforming projects, the researchers found many projects delivered partial climate gains. When implemented carefully and evaluated robustly, these projects can deliver climate benefits under the right conditions. According to the authors, the aim is not to abandon REDD+, but to fix it so that every credited ton reflects real climate benefit. More information: Yuzhi Tang et al, Tropical forest carbon offsets deliver partial gains amid persistent over-crediting, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adw4094. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adw4094 Journal information: Science 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: Overlay of the infrared emission (black and white) with the radio emission (colour). Credit: Keck/EVN/GBT/VLBA Dark matter is an enigmatic form of matter not expected to emit light, yet it is essential to understanding how the rich tapestry of stars and galaxies we see in the night sky evolved. As a fundamental building block of the universe, a key question for astronomers is whether dark matter is smooth or clumpy, as this could reveal what it is made of. Since dark matter cannot be observed directly, its properties can only be determined by observing the gravitational lensing effect, whereby the light from a more distant object is distorted and deflected by the gravity of the dark object. "Hunting for dark objects that do not seem to emit any light is clearly challenging," said Devon Powell at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics and lead author of the study. "Since we can't see them directly, we instead use very distant galaxies as a backlight to look for their gravitational imprints." The research is published in the journal Nature Astronomy. The team used a network of telescopes from around the world, including the Green Bank Telescope, the Very Long Baseline Array and the European Very Long Baseline Interferometric Network. The data from this international network were correlated at the Joint Institute for VLBI ERIC in the Netherlands, forming an Earth-sized super-telescope that could capture the subtle signals of gravitational lensing by the dark object. They found that the object has a mass that is a million times greater than that of our sun and is located in a distant region of space, approximately 10 billion light years from Earth, when the universe was only 6.5 billion years old. This is the lowest mass object to be found using this technique, by a factor of about 100. To achieve this level of sensitivity, the team had to create a high-fidelity image of the sky using radio telescopes located around the world. John McKean from the University of Groningen, the University of Pretoria, and the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, who led the data collection and is the lead author of a companion paper, stated, "From the first high-resolution image, we immediately observed a narrowing in the gravitational arc, which is the tell-tale sign that we were onto something. Only another small clump of mass between us and the distant radio galaxy could cause this." The zoom in shows the pinch in the luminous radio arc, where the extra mass from the dark object is gravitationally 'imaged' using the sophisticated modeling algorithms of the team. The dark object is indicated by the white blob at the pinch point of the arc, but no light from it has so far been detected at optical, infrared or radio wavelengths. Credit: Keck/EVN/GBT/VLBA To analyze the massive dataset, the team had to develop new modeling algorithms that could only be run on supercomputers. "The data are so large and complex that we had to develop new numerical approaches to model them. This was not straightforward as it had never been done before," said Simona Vegetti at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics. "We expect every galaxy, including our own Milky Way, to be filled with dark matter clumps, but finding them and convincing the community that they exist requires a great deal of number-crunching," she continued. The team applied a special technique called gravitational imaging, which allowed them to "see" the invisible dark matter clump by mapping its gravitational lensing effect against the radio-luminous arc. "Given the sensitivity of our data, we were expecting to find at least one dark object, so our discovery is consistent with the so-called 'cold dark matter theory' on which much of our understanding of how galaxies form is based," said Powell. "Having found one, the question now is whether we can find more and whether their number will still agree with the models." The team is now analyzing the data further to better understand what the mysterious dark object could be, but they are also looking into other parts of the sky to see if they can find more examples of such low-mass dark objects using the same technique. If they continue to find such mysterious objects in other parts of the universe, and if they really turn out to be completely devoid of stars, then some theories of dark matter may be ruled out. More information: D. M. Powell et al, A million-solar-mass object detected at a cosmological distance using gravitational imaging, Nature Astronomy (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-025-02651-2 Related: J P McKean et al, An extended and extremely thin gravitational arc from a lensed compact symmetric object at redshift of 2.059, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1093/mnrasl/slaf039, academic.oup.com/mnrasl/article/544/1/L24/8262431 Journal information: Nature Astronomy HONG KONG, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Global recently released the 2025 Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) score results for Fosun International Limited (HKEX stock code: 00656, "Fosun International" or "Fosun"). Fosun International's S&P Global CSA score has risen to 72 points, significantly outperforming the industry average and maintaining its leading position in the industry. In the 2024 S&P Global CSA, Fosun International achieved an excellent score of 70, ranking in the top 5% of its global industry peers. This year, Fosun International's sustained and deepening commitment to sustainability was once again recognized, with its S&P Global CSA score rising to 72 points. Fosun International demonstrated strong performance across all dimensions of this year's S&P Global CSA. It scored 75 in the Environmental dimension, 72 in the Social dimension, and 70 in the Governance and Economic dimension, fully reflecting its balanced development in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) areas. Fosun International achieved outstanding results particularly in various sub-dimensions, including Energy, Water, Waste and Pollutants, Environmental Policy and Management, Business Ethics, Risk and Crisis Management, Customer Relations, and Human Capital Management. Due to its ongoing commitment to ESG initiatives, Fosun International was once again included in the S&P Global's Sustainability Yearbook 2025 and was selected as the top 1% in S&P Global's Sustainability Yearbook 2025 (China Edition). Fosun International has achieved significant milestones in global ESG ratings. As of now, Fosun International has maintained an MSCI ESG rating of AA. It received an HSI sustainability rating of AA- and has been included in the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index for consecutive years. Fosun also retained a leading FTSE Russell ESG score and continued to be selected as a constituent stock of the FTSE4Good Index Series. Fosun International remains steadfast in its commitment to being a responsible global corporate citizen. It has established a robust ESG governance structure and management system, embedding sustainability principles across all levels of its operations. In terms of green operations, Fosun International actively responds to China's carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals by promoting carbon neutrality and energy conservation and emission reduction. Fosun International has published Climate Information Disclosures Reports for three consecutive years, demonstrating its commitment to global climate action. Fosun International has also established a Carbon Neutrality Committee and Working Group to guide and facilitate the implementation of carbon neutrality management across member companies. Regarding social contribution, the Rural Doctors Program, launched in 2017, has supported 25,000 rural doctors and benefited 3 million rural families. The initiative, "Rural Doctors Program Empowering Rural Medical Services", was honored as one of the UNGC's "20 Cases of Private Sector's Sustainable Development in China for 20 Years". Fosun Pharma has consistently contributed the "China Solution" to the fight against malaria in Africa. As at the end of June 2025, its independently developed artesunate for injection had been used to treat more than 84 million patients with severe malaria worldwide. Additionally, Fosun Pharma had cumulatively supplied over 420 million doses of artesunate for injection globally. Since its establishment, Fosun International has remained committed to its original aspirations of "Self-improvement, Teamwork, Performance, and Contribution to Society". Looking ahead, while continuing to focus on business operations, Fosun will further strengthen its sustainable development management, actively fulfill corporate social responsibilities, and advance ESG practices. Leveraging the resources and advantages of its global industrial ecosystem, Fosun strives to continuously create a better world. About the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment Launched in 1999, the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) grades enterprises on how they put sustainability into practice, covering 61 different industry-specific ESG standards. Evaluating more than 7,000 companies each year, S&P Global CSA has become a reference tool for enterprises, helping them gauge the financial importance of a company's sustainability performance from the perspective of investors. SOURCE Fosun 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 Ever wonder what your dog is trying to say? Well, a University of Texas at Arlington researcher is aiming to turn barks, howls and whimpers of man's best friend into intelligible speecha kind of Rosetta Stone of woof. Computer scientist Kenny Zhu has built what he says is the world's largest video and audio catalog of canine vocalizations. In papers published this year, Zhu and his colleagues at the university report potential phonemesthe smallest units of soundand word-like patterns that could one day be turned into full sentences understandable to humans. "The ultimate goal is to make a translator where you can talk freely with your pet," said Zhu, a professor of computer science and engineering at UT Arlington. "We can already do instantaneous communication between human languages. Perhaps in the future we can do the same with animals." AI interprets dog Humans have long wanted to talk to animals, and in the last century, scientists have tried: from teaching great apes sign language and English to bottlenose dolphins. Zhu's fascination with animal communication began in Nanjing, China, where he spent his childhood surrounded by dogs, ducks, chickens and the occasional hedgehog. He often wondered what the animals were saying to each other, though his curiosity cooled over time. It wasn't until decades later, when he was watching a BBC documentary on whale and dolphin communication, that questions from his childhood reemerged. The documentary showed how long and hard it was to record and decode whale and dolphin exchanges. But with artificial intelligence, Zhu thought, there had to be an easier way to translate animal speech. With his background in natural language processing and AI development, he felt up to the task. For his first project, Zhu wanted to see if a language model could hear a difference between Shiba Inus in Japan and in the United States. He and his colleagues mined dog videos posted on YouTube for the test. After it didn't reveal any doggy dialect split, Zhu and his colleagues compiled hundreds of hours of synced audio and video to train an AI model to separate canine vocalizations into discrete phonemes. Deciphering the vocalizations involves both sound and context, as a dog's bark or whine may be tied to its situation, Zhu said. If a term aligns with the dog's activity, that correlation signals potential meaning. So far, the researchers have transcribed about 50 hours of barks into syllables. They have identified some possible words, like cat, cage and leash, and how these words seem to sound different based on the dog breed. They have also identified how a dog's linguistic capability appears to change as it ages. In one study, Zhu and his colleagues found that as a husky grows older, its bark lasts longer and potentially becomes more sophisticated. Dr. Doolittle at your fingertips This effort isn't just about chatting with Fido like your next-door neighbor: It could also help flag early clues about your dog's health, Zhu said. If a dog experiences any mental or physical changes, a smartphone app or other device outfitted with a dog translator could inform the owner. To a similar end, Zhu is working on decoding cats. He's drafting a proposal to the Morris Animal Foundation for a study investigating whether a cat's vocalizations can provide insight into its mental state or behavior. Another one of Zhu's projects, with Texas A&M University, is tackling the sounds of cattle. Dozens of cows in monitored pens at the university have been recorded 24/7 for audio and video for over two months. The data will be compared to the animals' veterinary records to see how it correlates with their health. Zhu and his collaborators hypothesize that herd small talk may carry cues about bovine well-being. By analyzing those vocal patterns for linguistic structure, they hope to spot illness before a human sees a sick cow. They aren't the only ones using AI to decipher animal speech. At the University of Michigan, researchers have processed dog barks using AI models originally trained on human speech, and at Virginia Tech, scientists are building an AI system to decode cow vocalizations. Meanwhile, a cottage industry of AI-powered dog collars and "cat translator" apps has sprung up, promising users the ability to better understand the needs of their pets. 2025 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Bay scallops are raised in the Castagna Shellfish Research Hatchery, an 1800 sq.ft. seawater facility that houses William & Mary's Batten School & VIMS Eastern Shore Laboratory's aquaculture research. Credit: Darian Kelley Virginia's bay scallop population is experiencing an unprecedented resurgence, thanks to years of dedicated restoration work led by the Batten School & VIMS Eastern Shore Laboratory (ESL) in Wachapreague. Once locally extinct due to habitat loss, bay scallops are now multiplying exponentially in the restored eelgrass meadows of the Eastern Shore's southern coastal bays, possibly setting the stage for a future recreational fishery. The VIMS ESL's 2025 Bay Scallop Survey documented an average density of 0.114 scallops per square meter, with researchers routinely finding multiple scallops within a single square metersomething unimaginable just a few years ago. With the recent trend of progressive growth, researchers estimate the population will double in less than 1.5 years. "The restoration of bay scallops to their former range along the Virginian Eastern Shore represents a significant societal and ecological achievement," said VIMS ESL Director Richard Snyder. Annual results from William & Mary's Batten School & VIMS Bay Scallop Survey. Credit: William & Mary's Batten School & VIMS Importantly for seafood lovers, the new numbers match Florida's minimum population density for a stable population, opening the possibility that Virginians may one day be able to harvest local bay scallops themselves. The commonwealth currently has a moratorium on harvesting wild bay scallops. "In New England, North Carolina and Florida, individuals with a fishing license can harvest scallops," explained VIMS ESL Assistant Director Stacy Krueger-Hadfield. "The next step for us is to review management and regulatory frameworks being used for harvest elsewhere and provide advice to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to establish rules for Virginia, so that we don't decimate the population we just restored." Bay scallops (Argopecten irradians) once thrived in Virginia waters until an eelgrass wasting disease in the 1930s decimated their natural habitat. For approximately 90 years, the species was absent from the commonwealth's coastal bays. William & Mary's Batten School & VIMS Eastern Shore Laboratory conducts an annual survey documenting the population of bay scallops in Virginia's coastal bays. Credit: Reba Turner Smith, Batten School & VIMS Eastern Shore Laboratory Bay scallops are bred at William & Mary's Batten School & VIMS before being released into Virginia's coastal bays. Credit: Reba Turner Smith Bay scallops live in seagrass beds, which provide structure and cover for juveniles. An eelgrass wasting disease in the 1930s decimated bay scallop habitat in Virginia, leading to a local extinction. Credit: Reba Turner Smith However, in 1997, Batten School & VIMS researchers launched a seed-based submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) restoration project now considered the largest and most successful seagrass restoration in the world. With the reintroduction of eelgrass, scientists saw an opportunity to bring back bay scallops. Early years showed relatively low, fluctuating numbers, but recently the population has grown exponentially and researchers say its upper limit remains unknown. "It's incredibly fulfilling to see this progress," said Darian Kelley, a nursery manager at VIMS ESL who works closely with regional shellfish farmers. "The combined success of the seagrass and scallop restoration efforts is creating a more resilient and productive coastal ecosystem while potentially adding a new product to our state's aquaculture industry." 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: Chris Wang/Unsplash, CC0 Public Domain The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established in 2015 to address some of the world's most pressing problems. The 17 goals include 169 targets such as eradicating poverty, reducing inequality and acting on climate, in service of peace, prosperity and environmental sustainability. Since 2015, the use of AI has grown exponentially, while progress toward most of the targets has ceased or even reversedparticularly on poverty, hunger and climate resilience. AI offers new possibilities for addressing some of the SDGs as well as further both constraining and amplifying the issues the SDGs were created to addresse.g., the mounting energy needs of large data centers. The issue is no longer if AI matters for sustainable development or not, but how to apply it in ways that decrease costs, expand access, improve decision making, and do not further deepen inequality. In this regard, it is important to consider the intersection of AI and the SDGs. One promising frontier lies in agricultural livelihoods. AI assistants deployed in multiple local languages now answer millions of questions each year by farmers. Three dynamics are responsible for their popularity. First, cost compression: the model's applicability is widening, infrastructure is maturing, and deployment means are becoming cheaper. Second, usability: voice and image inputs allow people to contribute without typing or high literacy, overstepping a historical barrier to digital participation. Third, context applicability: systems can merge a farmer's question with real-time weather, market price and local knowledge to provide dynamic, context-specific guidance rather than static advisories. These features are tackling the SDGs head-on regarding food security, fair work and climate resilience. Information is evolving at a rapid rate under environmental change, thus conventional datasets get outdated very quickly. Most of the languages and contexts central to the SDGs remain largely underserved in training data. Closing that gap will require multilingual, community-driven "gold" datasets to anchor models in on-the-ground needs and reduce systematic error for marginalized communities. No less important is deployment design. Most benefits happen where tools meet actual users, not in idealized model training. The practical solution is responsible deployment, not constant delay in the interest of perfection. Governance and infrastructure can control whether AI reduces or increases socio-economic gaps and can help us establish new ethical paradigms, learning from spiritual leaders and Indigenous people. Ethical principles and voluntary codes help, but regulatory clarity and dependable funding are what ensure principles become facts. Ensuring core digital accessdevices, connectivity and computational poweras a civil right would acknowledge that bandwidth scarcity and hardware costs systematically preclude many communities from the potential advantages arising from AI rather than just the disadvantages. Public investment in socially disadvantaged groups is not alms, but rather a necessary correction enabling engagement in data co-creation, service co-design and governance. Education is essential: as climate distress and AI destabilize existing social structures, the absence of inclusive digital literacy will widen educational and socio-economic cracks. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Community-led AI is a necessity and a necessary cultural approach for a trust-building strategy. Models constructed in one city or regime of risk are rarely transferable to another; hyperlocal information co-produced with local citizens is required for effective flood alerts, heat-risk maps and service targeting as well as protecting those who are externalizing the cost of large corporations via health, environmental and social issues. Low-code geospatial building blocks can make it possible for non-experts to combine satellite imagery, sensor feeds and scenario tools, making passive recipients co-analysts. Trust grows organically when communities shape the questions, own parts of the pipeline, and see outputs tied to tangible improvements rather than extractive data practices. Co-creation and empathy are necessary ingredients for the change we need. This approach aligns with SDGs on sustainable cities, health and reduced inequalities, while building the civic capacity needed for long-term adaptation. And, of course, no assessment is complete without confronting AI's energy appetite. Training and running big models takes lots of power, and the climate co-benefits are counteracted by extra emissions and grid strain. If computational power is the new chokepoint, digital equity conflicts with energy justice: Socially vulnerable people have no way of getting affordable, consistent power and high-speed internet, so they can't build or even operate models. The efficiency win, fit-for-purpose model choice, and smart scheduling will assist, but the development agenda needs to do more. And, to repeat a question I was recently asked: Is there such a thing as ethical AI? I am not sure there is an answer. Local microgrids, clean-power data-center procurement, and public policies prohibiting the concentration of computational centers in forms that recreate past resource inequities are required. For sure, the second round of the SDGs must ensure that an AI dividend is not paid for at a cost of climate deficit. Global institutions are effective for norm-setting but generally lack binding power. Cities, regional associations and public-private partnerships can act more quicklyif procurement brings openness; if data-sharing arrangements protect rights while enabling research; and if evaluation methods are portable across borders but responsive to local language, law and culture. Looking forward to 2030 and beyond, the choice is not between AI-as-solution or AI-as-threat. AI will evolve whether we want it to or not. We can, however, make choices today that will shape AI infrastructure for the next few decades. AI can refresh stale targets with fresher signals, emphasize neglected goals and unexpected trade-offs, and enable retrospective analyses to reveal which interventions actually have impact. Techniques that expose the "why" something occurred and which parameters drove that change are modern accountability tools, not just technical AI novelties anymore. But let me be clear: the human component must still be the most important aspect of AI. Nothing can replace human judgment, political will and social trust with a search online. The most important work remains ethical: to pledge justice in the funding, governance, powering and measurement of AI. Applied in this sense, AI can expand what is actionable and knowable for sustainable development, speeding up where it has stalled and lighting up routes previously unexplored. But it will only assist the SDGs if it is designed with, for and by the people whose lives it will transformand fueled in a manner the world can afford. Provided by State of the Planet This story is republished courtesy of Earth Institute, Columbia University http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Santa Catalina Island's mule deer are back in the crosshairs. The California Island Conservancy has announced a plan to rid the landscape of its entire nonnative deer population using contracted hunters, saying the animals increase the risk of wildfire. Last year, the conservancywhich manages 88% of the islandscrapped a proposal to shoot the deer from helicopters, facing community outrage and opposition from local representatives. This time around, professional contractors would shoot the island's estimated 2,165 deer on the ground with rifles, said Pepe Barton, communications director for the conservancy. The latest iteration of the project is stirring up familiar ire, with some expressing a deep connection with, and concern for humane treatment of, the deer. But the conservancy says the deer must go in order to restore the health of the island. "When deer are eating native plants, those are being replaced by invasive annual grasses, and then those dry out quickly and burn easily," Barton said. "And then as a burn comes through, the native plants that are trying to grow back are eaten down again." "So you have to really kind of think of it as like a bad habit," he added. "The more it happens, the harder it is to break." Barton said January's devastating wildfires were a wake-up call. Fearing fire, the nonprofit shut down the interior of the island and canceled all ecotours. Southern California Edison cut power. Catalina, one of the Channel Islands, is about an hour's ferry ride from Long Beach; it's challenging for crews to get there in a pinch, Barton said. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is now considering the conservancy's permit application for its restoration work, according to a spokesperson for the agency. Pending state approval, the concerted hunt could begin as soon as early next year. It's expected to take roughly five years. L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, whose district includes the island, urged state wildlife officials to reject the request in a letter to the director of Fish and Wildlife. In a news release, the supervisor said she appreciated that the conservancy had abandoned the use of aerial sharpshooting, but the new proposal "still represents a drastic and inhumane approach that ignores the values of many Catalina residents and visitors." According to the release, L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone pushed back on the notion that deer pose a fire hazard, telling the supervisor he believes the animals mitigate fire risks by eating vegetation. The conservancy "should be attempting every possible alternative before resorting to their eradication," Hahn said, pointing to expanded hunting seasons, relocation and sterilization. On its website, the conservancy says it considered and ruled out all of those options except sterilization, which could be used for some deer around the city of Avalon. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Mule deerwith their white hindquarters and regal antlerswere first brought to the island in 1928 as game animals, according to Barton. While recreational hunting continues to this day, the nonprofit says it has failed to curb the species. Last year, 1,000 tags were offered, but only 379 deer were harvested, according to the conservancy. If the deer removal is green-lit, locals will still be able to hunt during the designated season in the early phases of the project, the nonprofit said. Brendan Cummings, conservation director for the Center for Biological Diversity, said that removing deer would offer hope for an island that ranks "among the state's most fragile and imperiled biodiversity hotspots." Throughout the Channel Islands, an archipelago referred to as the Galapagos of North America, removing invasive species had led to recovery. "If the unique and irreplaceable native species on Catalina are to survive and ultimately recover, the single most important thing that needs to be done is to remove the nonnative deer herd from the island," he said in a statement. For now, Barton said there are several plants that can thrive on the island only with fencing surrounding them, including the endemic island tree poppy. Visit the fenced flora today, "and it looks like a museum of native plants because they have to be protected in order to survive." 2025 Los Angeles Times. 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: Jean-Etienne Liotard, L'Archiduchesse Marie-Antoinette d'Autriche, future Reine de France, a l'age de 7 ans (1762). Credit: University of Oxford The most famous portrait of Marie Antoinette as a child is really of her sister, according to new research. Catriona Seth, Marshal Foch Professor of French Literature and Fellow of All Souls College at the University of Oxford's Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages made the discovery while researching a book and working with the Musee d'Art et d'Histoire (MAH) in Geneva. The distinctive drawing by the Swiss painter Jean Etienne Liotard in 1762 has helped to shape the way we think of the last Queen of France in her early years. She is depicted as a seven-year-old, holding a shuttle used for weaving and staring directly at the viewer with a determined look in her eyes. This has long been thought to demonstrate that the future Queen was destined for a life of significance. But through close examination of Liotard's portraiture and archival research, Professor Seth has revealed the portrait is likely to be of her older sister Maria Carolina, who later became Queen of Naples. Professor Seth has identified another girl in the same collection of Liotard's portraits as Marie Antoinettebut this gives a very different impression, with the girl holding up a single rose and smiling demurely as she looks to the side. Professor Seth said, "I have always been fascinated by the picture said to be of Marie Antoinette as a child and even used it on the cover of a book I wrote 20 years ago. But while researching my latest book which centers on portraits of Marie Antoinette, something was niggling at me, so I went back to the MAH in Geneva to look more closely at Liotard's full collection of portraits of Marie Antoinette and 10 of her siblings. "The first clue came from what was thought to be a brooch worn by 'Marie Antoinette' in the portrait. The girl is wearing the medal of a specific order of chivalry which was conferred on Marie Antoinette and her sisters. But I realized Marie Antoinette, as the youngest sibling, did not receive hers until nearly four years after the portrait was takenwhile Maria Carolina was awarded hers in 1762, when Liotard was in Vienna painting the imperial family. I worked out there had to have been a switch with the younger-looking child in one of the other portraits being Marie Antoinette, rather than Maria Carolina." Professor Seth added, "The girl is wearing distinctive earrings that I managed to find in a subsequent picture of the queen of France. She is also holding a rose, which has been a recurring feature of portraits of Marie Antoinette throughout her life." At the MAH, the identification of individuals in portraits, notably when this might rely on accessories, was already drawing the attention of Dr. Marie-Eve Celio, senior curator and head of the graphic arts collection: "I was very excited about Prof. Seth's discovery. At the MAH we have been investigating the provenance and the materiality of this prestigious series. We found out that the identity of the two sisters was already mixed up when these drawings entered the museum in 1947 thanks to the generosity of the Societe auxiliaire du Musee (now Societe des Amis du Musee d'Art et d'Histoire) and the Gottfried Keller Stiftung." Working together, Professor Seth and Dr. Celio have been inspired by this discovery to start a project looking at how we can better authenticate historical portraits by using a mixture of AI and archival research. It has led to a new research collaboration, the INTERART project, between Oxford University, the MAH in Geneva, Idiap Research Institute, as well as the School of Criminal Justice of the University of Lausanne. "There have long been challenges to the accurate authentication of portraits," Dr. Celio continued. "We look at and compare, for example, the colors of the subjects' eyes, but the pigments can change over time, which means we don't necessarily see what the artist meant." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "AI could transform how we look at portraits and people if we train it to assess how faces change with age or how different artists represent the same face," said Professor Seth. "For example, if someone claims to have discovered a new portrait of Shakespeare, AI might learn from authenticated portraits of him to project how his face would have looked at the right time for the newly claimed identification." Further information on the INTERART project will be released later this year, while the new exhibition of Liotard's portraits is expected at the MAH in the autumn of 2026. Marc-Olivier Wahler, director at the MAH said, "While these remarkable portraits have been on display many times over the last 250 years, it will be extra special to see Marie Antoinette as she actually was, rather than mistaking her for her sister! It is so exciting to find out more about this major artist and I am very much looking forward to this fantastic interdisciplinary collaboration." 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: Graphical representation of the events lead to GOE. Credit: Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02576-8 The appearance of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere was a turning point in the history of our planet, forever transforming the environment and setting the stage for complex life. This event, known as the Great Oxidation Event (GOE), occurred roughly 2.1 to 2.4 billion years ago. Yet, although oxygenic photosynthesis in cyanobacteria is thought to have evolved hundreds of millions of years earlier than this event, oxygen levels in the atmosphere remained low for a prolonged period. Scientists have debated why Earth's oxygenation was delayed, exploring factors ranging from volcanic gases to microbial activity. However, a complete explanation has been elusive. A recent study set out to address that mystery by examining an often overlooked but crucial factor, the influence of trace elements and compounds, specifically nickel and urea, on cyanobacterial growth. Lead researcher, Dr. Dilan M. Ratnayake from the Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University, Japan (current address is Department of Geology, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka), explained, "Generating oxygen would be a massive challenge if we are ever to colonize another planet. Therefore, we sought to understand how a tiny microbe, cyanobacteria, was capable of altering Earth's conditions to make them suitable for the evolution of complex life, including our own. The insights gained from this study will also provide a new framework for the sample analysis strategies for future Mars sample return missions." Professor Ryoji Tanaka and Professor Eizo Nakamura from the Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University, also contributed to the study. The findings of the study were published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment on August 12, 2025. To explore the role of trace elements and compounds in early Earth environments, the researchers conducted a two-part experimental study simulating Archean conditions (approximately 42.5 billion years ago). In the first set of experiments, mixtures of ammonium, cyanide, and iron compounds were exposed to ultraviolet light (UV)-C radiation, mimicking the UV that likely reached Earth's surface before the formation of the ozone layer. These trials tested whether urea, an essential nitrogen source, could form abiotically under prebiotic conditions. In the second part, cyanobacterial cultures (Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002) were grown under controlled lightdark cycles with varying urea and nickel concentrations in their growth media. Growth was tracked by optical density and chlorophyll-a level to assess how these compounds influenced proliferation. From these findings, the researchers propose a new theoretical model of Earth's oxygenation. In the early Archean, high nickel and urea concentrations acted as bottlenecks, keeping cyanobacterial blooms rare and short-lived. As Dr. Ratnayake explains, "Nickel has a complex yet fascinating relationship with urea regarding its formation as well as its biological consumption, while the availability of these at lower concentrations can lead to the proliferation of cyanobacteria." This sustained expansion ultimately drove long-term oxygen release and triggered the GOE. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. The real-world implications of this work are far-reaching. "If we can clearly understand the mechanisms for increasing the atmospheric oxygen content, it will shed light upon the biosignature detection in other planets," shares Dr. Ratnayake. "The findings demonstrate that the interplay among inorganic and organic compounds played crucial roles in Earth's environmental changes, deepening our understanding of the evolution of Earth's oxygen and hence the life on it." Beyond Earth, the results may guide strategies for detecting biosignatures, as chemical markers like nickel and urea could influence oxygen buildup, and thus the potential for life on exoplanets. This study uncovers how nickel and urea shaped the timing of Earth's oxygen evolution. By experimentally confirming urea production under Archean conditions and demonstrating its dual role, both as a nutrient and as a potential inhibitor at high levels, the research reframes how we think about early life's ecological constraints. Ultimately, it shows that the decline of nickel and moderation of urea paved the way for cyanobacterial expansion and the rise of oxygen, providing a clearer picture of how Earth transitioned to a habitable world. More information: Dilan M. Ratnayake et al, Biogeochemical impact of nickel and urea in the great oxidation event, Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02576-8 Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Smarter decisions about real-world problems start with better dataand Earth observation can provide just that, thanks to European efforts to open up access to massive amounts of satellite data collected every day. Imagine using space technology not just to explore the stars, but to stop a disease outbreak before it starts, or predict and monitor natural disasters such as floods. That is exactly what European researchers are doing with Earth observation (EO)turning satellite data into real-world solutions that protect people and the planet. Mosquito monitor Since 2020, a pioneering service called the Early Warning System for Mosquito-Borne Diseases (EYWA) has been tracking mosquito breeding grounds using high-resolution satellite images. Why? Because as climate change spreads mosquito-borne diseases, advance information can save lives. According to Dr. Haris Kontoes, research director at the Institute for Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Applications and Remote Sensing of the National Observatory of Athens in Greece, this is a good example of how EO data can be put to use. "It was always a big problem considering that millions of people are affected worldwide, but in the last 10 years these diseases have been increasingly transmitted in Europe, even northern European countries," said Kontoes, the coordinator of EYWA. EYWA's data-driven system helps local authorities act fasttargeting breeding sites before mosquitoes multiply. The results? In some areas, mosquito populations have been cut in half. Today, EYWA protects about 30 million people, from farmers in Greece to residents in Cameroon. Behind this success is a multidisciplinary global team led by the National Observatory of Athens, working with partners in EO, health, climate modeling and data analytics. Earth observation data for everyday problems EYWA is just one success story from a wider movement supporting the use of EO data for practical benefit. The European Group on Earth Observations (EuroGEO), Europe's contribution to the global GEO alliance, brings together governments, researchers and businesses to harness satellite data in practical ways for a range of uses, including disaster response, agriculture, health and climate resilience. For example, EuroGEO's rapid flood monitoring service helped communities in Central Europe manage devastating floods in 2024. And there is more to come. The value of the EO data market is expected to nearly triple by 2030, but much of this beneficial data is still underused. From pilots to permanent solutions EYWA was involved as one of the case studies in the e-shape project, which tested 37 different applications across Europe and beyond. From tracking air pollution to predicting water conditions for divers, these pilots showed what is possible when scientists and end users design tools together. But scaling up is the challenge. "Sustainability depends on securing funding and meeting real needs," said Kontoes. "That attracts further investment, including from the private sector." EYWA has already attracted support from the EU, the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Horizon Prize on Early Warning for Epidemics. But the goal is to make such services permanent. "Users of EO want to see that what they are doing is sustainable," said Kontoes. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. The power of co-design EuroGEO promotes "co-design"creating tools hand-in-hand with those who actually use them. "It's about talking with the users, engaging them, and building cooperation," said Professor Thierry Ranchin, director at the Center for Observation, Impacts, Energy at Mines ParisPSL, who led the e-shape initiative. This approach is shaping the next phase of EuroGEO, which includes the creation of a strong, permanent governance structure under a EuroGEO Secretariat (EuroGEOSec). Unlike previous actions, this is not about starting new pilots. It is about connecting existing ones, making them sustainable, and breaking down silos between data, programs and people. This movement toward greater integration and collaboration is encapsulated in the #OneEuroGEO approach, which reflects Europe's ambition to build a truly connected EO ecosystem. It works through EuroGEO Action Groupsspecialist teams tackling issues in areas including disaster resilience and health, agriculture, energy and more. These groups do not just share data, they combine tools, models and expertise, deploy cloud infrastructure, open access to IoT networks, and even deliver training for local users. Making data work for people A key aim is to close the gap between those who collect satellite data and those who need it. The EuroGEO team hopes this will make it simpler for local officials and national agencies to take advantage of satellite insights, such as for disease control and climate response. Right now, more than 100 terabytes of EO data pour in every day from programs like Copernicus and Destination Earth. But too often, local authorities and frontline workers cannot access or use it. EuroGEOSec aims to fix this so that a health official in Portugal can use the same satellite insights as a national agency in Brussels. "There's fragmentation today in the EU landscape," said Ranchin. "We are working to reduce it, but it demands a lot of coordination." In 2025, EuroGEOSec plans to deliver a roadmap that makes EO data easier to access and apply for the likes of ministries and municipalities, and even individual citizens. "There will be an explosion of EO data in the coming years," said Ranchin. "The question now is, how can we make sure that it can be put to good use in as many areas as possible?" From space-based mosquito control to real-time flood alerts, the answer is clear: what is captured in orbit can help change life on Earth for the better. 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: Schematic of methods used to estimate the environmental footprints of salmon aquaculture feeds. Credit: Nature Food (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43016-025-01236-6 A new study led by researchers from the University of Tasmania, in collaboration with international partners including The University of Manchester, has found that the environmental footprint of aquaculture feeds is influenced more by where ingredients are sourced than by the types of ingredients used. The research, published in Nature Food, focuses on Atlantic salmon farming and compares two feed scenarios: one dominated by fishmeal and fish oil, and another primarily composed of plant-based ingredients. While the shift from marine to terrestrial feed sources has been a key strategy in reducing reliance on wild-caught fish, the study reveals that this transition brings its own set of environmental challenges. "This research underscores the importance of looking beyond ingredient types when assessing the sustainability of aquaculture feeds. By considering where and how feed materials are produced, we can make more informed decisions that support environmental stewardship across both land and sea. It's a timely reminder that sustainability is as much about context as it is about composition," says Professor Duncan Cameron, Chair in Environmental Sustainability, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. To understand the myriad environmental pressures that arise from aquaculture feed, the team used a spatial modeling approachassessing where the feed came from geographically as well as what type of feed was usedto calculate the cumulative environmental pressures. Their model took into account greenhouse gas emissions, habitat disturbance, nutrient pollution and freshwater consumption, as well as geopolitical and economic factors which were combined to create a cumulative pressure index (CPI), a measure of impact, allowing for comparison across different feed compositions and sourcing locations. While it is currently generally assumed that plant-based fish feed is more sustainable than fish-derived feeds, the findings show that this may not always be the case; the environmental footprint of a feed varies significantly depending on where its ingredients are produced and how they are processed. Additionally, the environmental impact of a feed can vary within its own type; for example, some fish-derived feeds are better than others, and the same is also true of plant-based feeds. For example, soybean production in Brazil was found to generate greenhouse gas emissions more than ten times higher than in the United States, largely due to land use change. Similarly, fishmeal sourced from the Southeast Pacific required significantly more raw fish biomass than that from the Western-central Atlantic, due to differences in species composition and oil yield. Additionally, the authors noted that geopolitical and economic factors influence how raw materials are chosen, as in the case of Brazilian soybeans. From 2002 to 2010, China was looking to increase foreign investment and Brazil was looking to develop their export markets. This set of mutually beneficial conditions led to an agreement between the two countries that saw Brazilian soybeans imported for Chinese pig-feed despite the negative environmental impact. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "This research challenges the assumption that plant-based feeds are inherently more sustainable. Responsible sourcing, knowing where and how ingredients are produced is key to reducing the environmental footprint," says Dr. Richard Cotrell, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania. The modeling method employed by the researchers also pointed to the potential trade-offs involved in sourcing decisions. For example, avoiding fishmeal from regions with high carbon emissions may inadvertently increase habitat disturbance if alternative sources rely on species with lower yields but higher ecological impact. Similarly, while seafood processing waste is increasingly used in feed production, its environmental benefits depend on the species and region from which it is sourced. The authors argue that sustainability assessments should move beyond a narrow focus on specific ingredients or singular environmental impacts (such as solely focusing on carbon dioxide production) and instead consider the full feed formulation and its sourcing context. This includes recognizing the variability in production practices at subnational levels and supporting best-in-class producers within regions. The study's methodology provides a foundation for future research into spatially aware modeling for environmental impacts, such as biodiversity loss and water scarcity. By integrating data on species distribution and sensitivity to environmental pressures, researchers can better understand the localized effects of feed production and inform more robust sourcing strategies. In time, the model could be further developed to be used by businesses and policymakers to make more informed decisions about the aquaculture industry, as well as be adapted for use in other industries such as the livestock sector. The researchers acknowledge that implementing responsible sourcing practices is not without challenges, however. They caution against over-reliance on a small number of highly efficient producers, instead encouraging policymakers and industry to support producers who are working to improve their practices. This would diversify the supply chain, protecting it from vulnerabilities due to disruptions from extreme weather events or geopolitical tensions, for example. Ultimately, the research calls for a more nuanced approach to feed sustainabilityone that considers not only what ingredients are used, but where and how they are produced. This approach can help aquaculture and livestock industries design sourcing strategies that support environmental goals while maintaining resilience and supply chain integrity. The full dataset and code used in the analysis are publicly available via the Sustainable Aquafeeds Project GitHub repository, enabling further exploration and application of the findings. More information: Richard S. Cottrell et al, The origins of aquaculture feed ingredients matter more than composition for aquafeed environmental footprint assessments, Nature Food (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43016-025-01236-6 GitHub: github.com/Sustainable-Aquafeeds-Project Journal information: Nature Food 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: David Brown from Pexels The fossil fuel industry is falling far short of its pledge to lead the energy transition, according to new research from the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology at the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB). The study shows that the world's largest oil and gas companies are responsible for only 1.42% of renewable energy projects worldwide. The research, recently published in Nature Sustainability, challenges the dominant narrative promoted by the fossil fuel industry that positions itself as a key player in tackling climate change through "green" energy projects. Drawing on data from Global Energy Monitor, the study analyzes the world's 250 largest oil and gas producersresponsible for 88% of global hydrocarbon outputand identifies 3,166 unique wind, solar, hydro and geothermal projects in which these companies have a stake, whether directly, through subsidiaries, or via acquisitions. The results show that only 20% of these 250 companies own a renewable energy project in operation, with renewable energy representing a mere 0.1% of their primary energy extraction. This failure to invest in renewables contrasts starkly with the industry's repeated claims about playing a central role in cutting emissions. For the top 100 oil and gas companies, almost a quarter have set greenhouse gas reduction targets for 2030, with an average commitment of 43% cuts in their own operations, according to Zero Carbon Analytics. Marcel Llavero-Pasquina, researcher at ICTA-UAB and lead author of the study, said, "Oil and gas companies' renewable deployment is anecdotal at best. Their contribution to the fight against the climate crisis should be judged solely by how much fossil fuel they leave in the ground." The findings raise serious doubts for institutions and organizations that continue to engage with fossil fuel companies under the assumption that they are key players in the energy transition. Llavero-Pasquina added, "After decades of empty words, it is time for governments, universities and public institutions to recognize that the fossil fuel industry will always be part of the problem, not the solution to the climate crisis. Oil and gas companies should not have a seat at the table where the future of climate and energy policy is decided." Julia Steinberger, professor at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, said the study confirms what is already known about the oil, gas and coal industries: that despite their green slogans, they are failing entirely in their transition to clean energy. "Despite slogans like 'Liar, liar, planet on fire,' fossil fuel lobby groups and think tanks continue to influence our politicians," she warned. Kasandra O'Malia, Project Manager for the Global Solar Power Tracker at Global Energy Monitor, said, "Oil and gas companies simply aren't investing in renewables like they've pledged. Claims to the contrary are greenwashing." More information: Oil and gas industry's marginal share of global renewable energy., Nature Sustainability (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41893-025-01647-0 Journal information: Nature Sustainability 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: Changes in Mars' axial tilt (obliquity) drive shifts between polar ice caps at low obliquity and widespread mid-latitude glaciation at high obliquity. These cycles result in ice accumulating inside craters, from thin and localized deposits to thick, extensive fills. Such ice-rich deposits not only record Mars' past climate variations but may also mark potential zones of past habitability. Credit: Associate Professor Trishit Ruj from Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University, Japan. For decades, scientists have been curious about how much water Mars once had and what led to its gradual transformation into the dry planet we see today. A new study published online on September 2, 2025, in the Geology journal, sheds light on this mystery by looking deep inside Martian craters, which act like "ice archives" that store a frozen record of the planet's past. These craters reveal that Mars went through repeated ice ages over hundreds of millions of years; however, with each cycle, the amount of remaining ice decreased steadily. The study was led by Associate Professor Trishit Ruj from Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University, Japan, along with Dr. Hanaya Okuda from Kochi Institute for Core Sample Research, Japan, Dr. Hitoshi Hasegawa from Kochi University, Japan, and Professor Tomohiro Usui from Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Japan. By studying the glacial landforms preserved in craters between 20N and 45N latitude, the team was able to reconstruct how Mars stored and lost its water through time. Dr. Ruj explains, "Mars went through repeated ice ages, but the amount of ice deposited in craters steadily shrank over time. These icy 'time capsules' not only reveal how Mars lost its water but also mark places where future explorers might tap into hidden ice resources." To investigate this, the researchers analyzed high-resolution images from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. They focused on craters with indicative signs of glaciation, such as ridges, moraines (piles of debris left behind by glaciers), and brain terrain (a pitted, maze-like surface formed by ice-rich landforms). By comparing the shapes and orientations of these features with climate models, they found that ice consistently clustered in the colder, shadowed southwestern walls of craters. This trend was consistent across various glacial periods, ranging from approximately 640 million to 98 million years ago. The results show that Mars didn't just freeze onceit went through a series of ice ages driven by shifts in its axial tilt, also known as obliquity. Unlike Earth, Mars' tilt can swing dramatically over millions of years, redistributing sunlight and triggering cycles of ice build-up and melting. These changes shaped where water ice could survive on the planet's surface. Over time, however, each cycle stored less ice, pointing to a gradual planetary drying. The team highlights the significance of these findings: "By tracing how Mars stored and lost its ice, this study guides future explorers to water supplies and offers insights that can be applied to Earth's changing environment." The implications of this work extend far beyond understanding Martian climate. Hidden ice deposits could be important for future human missions to Mars. Buried ice can be used for drinking water, converted into oxygen for breathing, and split into hydrogen and oxygen to make rocket fuela process known as in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). This would allow astronauts to live off the land rather than carry all their supplies from Earth, making long-term missions more practical and affordable. "Knowledge of long-lived ice deposits helps identify safe and resource-rich regions for future robotic and crewed landings," notes Prof. Usui. Beyond space travel, the study also offers lessons for our own planet. The shrinking ice on Mars is a planetary-scale example of climate change, showing how water systems respond to long-term environmental shifts. The same imaging and modeling tools used in this research can also help scientists monitor glaciers, permafrost, and hidden water reservoirs on Earth, where the effects of climate change are already visible. "Mars serves as a natural laboratory for understanding how ice behaves over vast timescales. The insights we gain here can sharpen our understanding of climate processes on Earth as well," emphasizes Dr. Hasegawa. In conclusion, the discovery of multi-stage glaciations paints a picture of Mars as a planet that once cycled through periods of icy abundance, only to see its frozen reserves steadily diminish. These findings not only enrich our understanding of Mars' past but also help chart a path forward for its exploration. By learning from the red planet's icy history, humanity may one day unlock the resources needed to survive and thrive on another world. More information: Trishit Ruj et al, Long-term and multi-stage ice accumulation in the martian mid-latitudes during the Amazonian, Geology (2025). DOI: 10.1130/g53418.1 Journal information: Geology SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Generate Capital, PBC ("Generate"), a leading infrastructure investment firm, today announced the closing of an $85 million tax equity commitment with SOLCAP, KeyState's tax equity investment platform, for Fund X, supporting a portfolio of eight community solar projects across New York and Illinois totaling 38 MWdc. The projects are scheduled to achieve commercial operation between Q4 2025 and Q1 2026. This marks Generate's 10th community solar tax equity fund overall and its 5th fund with KeyState since 2021, underscoring the company's track record as one of the sector's most active and reliable tax equity providers. To date in 2025, Generate has raised over $807 million in project debt and over $608 million in tax equity over $1.4 billion in total including this latest close. "Community solar continues to be one of the most effective ways to expand access to clean energy while delivering tangible local benefits," said Peggy Flannery, Managing Director, Investments, at Generate Capital. "Since 2017, we've been proud to support the development of community solar, working alongside long-term partners like KeyState to bring reliable, cost-effective clean power to households, businesses, and communities across the country." Josh Miller, CEO of KeyState, which manages the SOLCAP platform, added, "Generate sets the standard in sustainable infrastructure investing, and our partnership has directed meaningful capital into projects that drive both returns and real-world impact. We value our partnership and look forward to continuing to grow together." Since entering the community solar market in 2017, Generate has built one of the most experienced community solar platforms in the industry, owning and operating more than 430 MW of community solar across multiple states. Its long-standing relationships with leading sponsors, developers, and institutional investors have enabled Generate to scale the sector, expanding access to clean energy while supporting grid resilience and community economic development. Counsel for the transaction included Orrick (sponsor counsel) and Kutak Rock (investor counsel). About Generate Capital Generate is a specialized investment platform that builds, owns, and operates critical infrastructure. The firm finances and delivers affordable, resilient solutions that provide essential resources to customers and communities, while supporting the nation's growing demand for power. Since 2014, Generate has invested in and operated assets across six key sectors: power, mobility, waste, green digital, water, agriculture, and industrial decarbonization. With more than $14 billion raised since inception, the firm's portfolio includes over 2,000 assets and more than 50 partnerships with leading technology providers and developers. For more information, please visit www.generatecapital.com. About KeyState and SOLCAP KeyState helps community banks unlock earnings from unexpected places. Since 1991, KeyState has partnered with 150+ banks, delivering innovative investment structures that boost profitability. Through SOLCAP, its renewable energy tax equity and ITC transfer investment platform, KeyState syndicates investments from community and regional banks to finance renewable energy projects with leading developers. Launched in 2019, SOLCAP has deployed or committed over $1 billion in capital to develop 200+ renewable energy projects in communities across more than a dozen states. For more information, please visit www.sol-cap.com. SOURCE Generate Capital 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: Merged three-color EPIC X-ray image of the four NGC 5746 observations. Red colors represents the soft X-ray band (0.30.7 keV), green colors the medium 0.71.2 keV band and blue colors the hard 1.25.0 keV band. arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2510.00868 Using ESA's XMM-Newton satellite, astronomers have conducted deep observations of a massive galaxy known as NGC 5746. As a result, they detected a hot gaseous outflow in the galaxy. The new findings, presented Oct. 1 on the arXiv pre-print server, could shed more light on the nature of NGC 5746. NGC 5746 is a massive barred spiral galaxy located some 94.5 million light years away. The galaxy is seen almost edge-on, has a stellar mass of about 110130 billion solar masses, and a modest star-formation rate (SFR), which is estimated to be 0.81.0 solar masses per year. It forms a very wide galaxy pair with NGC 5740 and is the largest member of the NGC 5746 Group of galaxies. Previous observations of NGC 5746 have detected a hot X-ray halo extending out to at least 65,000 light years from the center of the galaxy. However, later research has found that this halo does not exist. The doubtful presence of the X-ray halo and the low level of SFR in NGC 5746 raise questions regarding the evolution of this galaxy. A team of German astronomers led by Roman Laktionov of the Dr. Karl Remeis Observatory in Bamberg, Germany, decided to address these questions with the help of XMM-Newton's European Photon Imaging Camera (EPIC). They employed EPIC to search for the potential X-ray halo of NGC 5746 and to investigate its gas content. "Due to the larger effective area and better low-energy response of EPIC compared to the Chandra ACIS, XMM-Newton is more sensitive at energies below 1 keV compared to Chandra and thus better suited for the search of faint, diffuse emission in the halo of galaxies," the researchers explained. The observations provided strong evidence for a diffuse X-ray halo out to, on average, 100,000 light years, and even more than 130,000 light years to the east and west of the disk of NGC 5746. The halo has a plasma temperature of about 0.56 keV, which is higher when compared to halos in other spiral galaxies. Within the halo, the observations identified two hot bubbles above and below the galactic plane. The biconical structure of the bubbles is reminiscent of a stellar outflow. However, this structure appears to be less clumpy and more extended than in other spiral galaxies. According to the authors of the paper, these results suggest that the outflow is not currently active, but has happened in the past. It allowed the heated gas to extend and relax in a larger volume. The astronomers noted that the signs of a recent stellar outflow in NGC 5746 indicate that the star-forming activity in this galaxy is higher than previously thought. They estimate it to be at a level of approximately 2.9 solar masses per year. The study also found that the disk of NGC 5746 has a plasma temperature of about 0.7 keV and it turned out that the diffuse X-ray emission from the disk is strongly dominated by unresolved X-ray binaries. Written for you by our author Tomasz Nowakowski, 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: Roman Laktionov et al, Deep XMM-Newton observation reveals hot gaseous outflow in NGC 5746, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2510.00868 Journal information: arXiv 2025 Science X Network 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: Researchers reveal the consequent tug-of-war between monetary policy and market participants in the lending market. Credit: Associate Professor Junnosuke Shino from Waseda University, Japan It is widely recognized that the Bank of Japan's Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) purchases had a substantial impact on stock prices. Market participants and media reports have often highlighted that the policy distorted market valuations. At the same time, they pointed out that ETF management appeared to accelerate stock lending activity as the number of ETFs held by the Bank of Japan increased over time. This pattern suggests that the stock market, particularly the lending market, has mechanisms that enhance market efficiency and counteract the effects of the Bank of Japan's policy. Recently, a team of researchers from Japan, led by Dr. Junnosuke Shino, associate professor at the Faculty of International Research and Education, Waseda University, along with Dr. Mitsuru Katagiri from the Faculty of Commerce, Waseda University, and Dr. Koji Takahashi from the Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies, Bank of Japan, has shed new light on this tug-of-war between monetary policy and market participants in the lending market. Their findings were made available online and published in The Review of Asset Pricing Studies on 4 September 2025. The key finding of this study is that the Bank of Japan's large-scale purchases of ETFs in recent years have not only directly pushed up stock prices in the equity market but have also had a significant impact on the securities lending market, where stocks are borrowed and lent for activities, such as short selling. "While previous studies have focused on the price-boosting effects of the policy, our research reveals a mechanism whereby increased ETF purchases by the Bank of Japan lead to a greater supply of stocks in the securities lending market, making short selling easier and thereby weakening the initial price-boosting effect of the Bank of Japan's purchases," explain the researchers. This is a novel finding, indicating that through ETFswhich have rapidly gained prominence worldwide in recent yearsthe equity and securities lending markets are interlinked and jointly influence stock prices. Notably, this study is based on actual data from the stock market, making the findings directly relevant to the real world. In particular, it suggests that the stock market functions efficiently to some extent. In other words, although an investor may aim to constrain stock supply in the spot market to push up prices through large-scale purchases, the stock lending market acts as a mechanism that helps mitigate distortions in stock prices. They said, "Our work is important in that it reveals how central bank asset purchase policies can influence financial markets and asset prices not only through direct channels, but also via a variety of indirect mechanisms. This highlights the need to assess the impact of such policies from a broader perspective when designing future asset purchase programs or financial market systems. In particular, given that the Bank of Japan still holds tens of trillions of yen worth of ETFs, the study provides a valuable viewpoint for considering the potential effects that may arise as the Bank gradually unwinds these holdings in the future." Furthermore, the findings of this research are valuable for foreign central banks and international institutions as well. Japan's unprecedented experience of large-scale purchases of equity index-linked ETFs by a central bank could serve as a reference point for future policy decisions. For investors and market participants, understanding the impact of ETFs on the securities lending market also offers useful insights for asset management and risk control. In this way, the present study offers not only academic contributions but also practical implications that can support decision-making in policy implementation and market activities. More information: Mitsuru Katagiri et al, To Lend or Not to Lend: The Bank of Japan's ETF Purchase Program and Securities Lending, The Review of Asset Pricing Studies (2025). DOI: 10.1093/rapstu/raaf008 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: Locations of the studied 425 dryland sites across the globe. The vegetation patterns of 58 sites exhibit disordered hyperuniformity. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2504496122 If you've ever traveled through drylands, you may have noticed striking vegetation patternsstripes, spots, or ringsscattered across otherwise barren landscapes. From "tiger bush" in West Africa to the enigmatic "fairy circles" of Namibia, these patterns have long inspired wonder and scientific curiosity. Decades of research show that such patterns emerge spontaneously through a process called spatial self-organization. These self-organized patterns are more than aestheticsthey can help the organisms cope with stress such as prolonged droughts, allowing the ecosystems to persist and function well even in extreme environments. Recently, a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences discovered a new self-organized vegetation state, known as "disordered hyperuniformity," across global drylands. "'Disorder' means that if you're standing in the field and looking around at plants within a few meters, their positions seem completely randomthere's no obvious order. But if you zoom outsay, with a drone capturing hundreds of meters of landscapeyou'll find that plant density is surprisingly uniform across the entire area. That's hyperuniformity," explained Wensi Hu of Nanjing University, China, the study's lead author. "Disordered hyperuniformity is a kind of 'hidden order,' because it is invisible to the naked eye," added Professor Lijuan Cui of the Chinese Academy of Forestry, the study's co-lead author. "It's fundamentally different from the regular, spatially periodic patterns we've studied before." So far, this phenomenon had been found mostly in microscopic systems, such as the arrangement of light-sensitive cells in bird eyes. Using mathematical models, the researchers explored how such a hidden order could emerge in drylands. They found that it arises from simple, local interactions between plants and their environment. For example, in arid conditions, plants typically compete fiercely for water and nutrients (a negative interaction). Yet, established plants also improve local soil conditionsenhancing water retention and nutrient availabilitya positive effect that can persist even for years after the plants die. This "ecological legacy" makes it easier for new seedlings to establish near the remains of their predecessors. Over time, as this cycle of death and rebirth repeats, the vegetation gradually organizes into a disordered hyperuniform state. "This legacy effect mimics a kind of random reorganization," said Professor Ricard Sole of Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain. "In physics, we know that similar particle movements can produce robust disordered hyperuniform material structures as an emergent property at the 'critical absorbing state.'" "Disordered hyperuniformity may arise from various combinations of positive and negative ecological interactions, but these interactions boil down to a few fundamental physical principles, such as the Turing principle and phase separation principle," said Professor Quan-Xing Liu of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Critically, ecosystems in a hyperuniform state use limited rainfall far more efficiently. "This collective organization allows dryland vegetation to support higher plant densities and persist under harsh conditions," said Dr. Miguel Berdugo of Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain. But there's a catch. "Forming this hidden order takes time," said Professor Sonia Kefi at Universite de Montpellier, France. "Once disruptedsay, by overgrazing or land degradationit's difficult to recover. There's no free lunch in nature." To test how widespread this phenomenon is, the team analyzed high-resolution satellite imagery from over 400 dryland sites around the globe. "Roughly one in 10 of the sites we studied showed clear signs of disordered hyperuniformity," said Professor Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo at Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiologia de Sevilla (IRNAS) and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC). "This isn't a rare oddityit's a global feature of dryland ecosystems." The discovery bridges scales and disciplines. "What's most fascinating," said Professor Chi Xu of Nanjing University, "is that the same physical principles governing the arrangement of particles or cells also shape entire ecosystems. Elegant design in nature can hide in plain sighteven in something as seemingly simple as dryland vegetation." More information: Wensi Hu et al, Causes and consequences of disordered hyperuniformity in global drylands, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2504496122 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 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: Biosynthesis of mitraphylline in M. parvifolia. Credit: The Plant Cell (2025). DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koaf207 Researchers at UBC Okanagan have uncovered how plants produce mitraphylline, a rare natural compound that may help fight cancer. Mitraphylline belongs to a small group of plant molecules called spirooxindole alkaloids. These compounds have unusual "twisted" ring structures and are known for their strong effects, like fighting tumors and inflammation. Despite their promise, the molecular steps plants use to make spirooxindoles remained a mystery. That changed in 2023, when Dr. Thu-Thuy Dang's research group at the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science found the first plant enzyme that can twist a molecule into the spiro shape. Building on that breakthrough, doctoral student Tuan-Anh Nguyen led the effort to identify a pair of enzymesone that sets up the molecules' 3D configuration and another that twists it into mitraphylline. The findings are published in The Plant Cell journal. "This is similar to finding the missing links in an assembly line," says Dr. Dang, UBC Okanagan Principal's Research Chair in Natural Products Biotechnology. "It answers a long-standing question about how nature builds these complex molecules and gives us a new way to replicate that process." UBC Okanagan doctoral student Tuan-Anh Nguyen, left, and Dr. Thu-Thuy Dang examine plant samples in their lab. Their research has uncovered how tropical trees produce mitraphylline, a rare compound with potential anti-tumor properties. Credit: UBC Okanagan Natural compounds are often found in very small amounts in plants, making them difficult or costly to reproduce in the lab. Mitraphylline is one such example: it occurs only in trace amounts in tropical trees like Mitragyna (kratom) and Uncaria (cat's claw), members of the coffee family. By identifying enzymes that build and shape mitraphylline, researchers now have a roadmap for producing it and related compounds in sustainable ways. "With this discovery, we have a green chemistry approach to accessing compounds with enormous pharmaceutical value," says Nguyen. "This is a result of UBC Okanagan's research environment, where students and faculty work closely to solve problems with global reach." "Being part of the team that uncovered the enzymes behind spirooxindole compounds has been amazing," Nguyen adds. "UBC Okanagan's mentorship and support made this possible, and I'm excited to keep growing as a researcher here in Canada." The project is the result of collaboration between Dr. Dang's lab at UBC Okanagan and Dr. Satya Nadakuduti's team at the University of Florida. "We are proud of this discovery coming from UBC Okanagan. Plants are fantastic natural chemists," she says. "Our next steps will focus on adapting their molecular tools to create a wider range of therapeutic compounds." More information: Larissa C Laforest et al, A chromosome-level Mitragyna parvifolia genome unveils spirooxindole alkaloid diversification and mitraphylline biosynthesis, The Plant Cell (2025). DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koaf207 Journal information: Plant Cell 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: Schematic of X-ray magnetic circular dichroic scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, with the experimental observation of altermagnetic domains and topological nanotextures in MnTe. Credit: CPfS MPG / C. Donnelly Magnetic materials have been known since ancient times and play an important role in modern society, where the net magnetic order offers routes to energy harvesting and data processing. It is the net magnetic moment of ferromagnets that has so far been key to their applications, with an alternative type of magnetic material, the antiferromagnet, deemed "useless" by their discoverer Louis Neel in his Nobel Prize lecture. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in antiferromagnets, which offer a number of exciting advantages for technologies including robust order and ultrafast dynamicshowever with the challenge that they are hard to detect and manipulate electrically. The recent discovery of a new type of magnetic orderthe altermagnethas overturned this view: by combining antiferromagnetic ordering with ferromagnet-like properties such as spintronic effects, they promise a multitude of advantages for future applications. Since the first theoretical works predicting altermagnetism, the field has grown rapidly, with both theoretical and experimental works leading to advances in our understanding. One of the questions that remained, however, was the bulk nature of the order, and whether this could be measured experimentally. With most previous experimental studies making use of thin films, or techniques that are intrinsically surface-sensitive, the question remained as to how the altermagnetic properties manifest through the bulk of a material. To address this challenge, an international research team led by Claire Donnelly at the Max Planck Institute performed scanning transmission Xray microscopy (STXM) measurements with nanoscale spatial resolution on lamellae extracted from a single crystal. In this way, they were able to successfully observe altermagnetic domains in bulk samples of MnTea candidate altermagnetthat up until now had only been seen in thin film systems. The work is published in the journal Physical Review Applied. These Xray measurements not only allowed the team to observe the magnetic configurationbut by performing them as a function of Xray energy, they were able to address outstanding questions about the altermagnetic nature of the material. "In previous measurements published by our colleagues, the measured Xray dichroism was significantly weaker than had been predicted by theory," says Rikako Yamamoto, postdoctoral fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids, and first author of the study. "But when we compared our results, we saw that the signal strengths matched the theory almost perfectlyallowing us to confirm that the bulk of our sample is altermagnetic." The experiments were conducted at the MAXYMUS beamline of the BESSYII synchrotron in Berlin. In the experiment, circularly polarized Xrays were focused down to a nanoscale spot size, and scanned across the sample, with the transmitted signal measured for different polarizations. This socalled "Xray magnetic circular dichroism" is most commonly associated with ferromagnets, where the signal corresponds to a net magnetic moment, but is typically zero in antiferromagnets, where the net magnetization vanishes. Altermagnets, on the other hand, do exhibit this Xray dichroism, despite their antiferromagnetic order, which offers a route to mapping their properties on the nanoscale. "What was particularly interesting was the variety of features we observed in the Xray dichroic images," says Donnelly. "As well as observing bright and dark regions which correspond to regions of different orientations of the altermagnetic order, we also saw a number of nanoscale features with more complex patterns." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Dichroic signals suggestive of topological structures were observed, including both domain walls and winding, vortexlike textures. "The fact that such structures could be seen in naturally grown single crystals was surprising," continued Yamamoto. "This hopefully means that this approach can also offer a platform for exploring topological magnetic texturesand how they behave." This study not only provides experimental evidence for the bulk nature of altermagnetism in MnTe, but also establishes transmission Xray nanoimaging as a powerful method for identifying altermagnetic order. Going forward, the approach can be readily applied to many other candidate altermagnets, which are being predicted by theorists. Marcus Schmidt, scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids, who grew the single crystal MnTe, explained, "The fact that we can now grow these materials, and directly probe their altermagnetic order on the nanoscale with Xrays is very excitingwho knows what we will find." More information: Rikako Yamamoto et al, Altermagnetic nanotextures revealed in bulk MnTe, Physical Review Applied (2025). DOI: 10.1103/dp7v-qszq Journal information: Physical Review Applied 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: Hydroclimatic anomalies during the warm season of 2023 with respect to the most recent climate normal (19912020). (a) Daily precipitation (P). (b) Daily maximum temperature (T max ). (c) Daily minimum temperature (T min ). (d) Cumulative daily anomalies for the spatially averaged T max , T min , and P. Spatial maps are average anomalies for the North American monsoon season (JulySeptember). Credit: Geophysical Research Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1029/2025gl118308 Dry soils in northern Mexico may trigger episodes of simultaneous drought and heat wave hundreds of miles away in the southwestern United States, such as Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, according to a new study. These "hot droughts" in the region increasingly persist through consecutive days and nights rather than easing up after sundown, the research also found, leaving no window for afflicted areas to recover. Hot drought can kill crops, worsen wildfire risk, and shock workers and outdoor enthusiasts with unexpectedly high temperatures, all more than either drought or heat alone can do. Scientists involved in the study say the findings could help communities better anticipate and prepare for these stressful events in advance, such as by limiting outdoor working hours, keeping medically vulnerable individuals inside, and opening cooling centers when soils far upwind desiccate. The study appears in Geophysical Research Letters. "Hot droughts will propagate to other parts of the country and have detrimental effects on health, on infrastructure, on daily life," said Enrique Vivoni, a hydrologist at Arizona State University and senior author on the study. As climate change continues, the authors said, more places will likely experience the dry soil conditions that spur and spread hot drought. "We need systems to alert us to hot drought just like we have systems that alert us to hurricanes." In summer 2023, Southwestern North America weathered an unusually intense hot drought. Using temperature records, rain gauge readings, and a soil moisture dataset from satellite and ground-based measurements, Vivoni and Somnath Mondal, a hydroclimatologist at Northeastern University, set out to characterize the event in the context of previous hot droughts and identify the conditions that set the stage. For this study, they defined hot drought as any period when at least two weeks of abnormally low rainfall overlapped with at least three straight days of unusually high temperatures. Even ordinary summers in the region can get brutal, with daytime temperatures since 1980 typically sitting at around 35 to 40 degrees Celsius (95 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit) in some locations. But 2023's hot drought, the duo found, cranked up the heat by as much as 8 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit). This resulted primarily from weather patterns that suppressed the transfer of atmospheric moisture from the Pacific Ocean into the North American Monsoon, which from July to September typically provides 40 to 80% of the region's annual rainfall. The weak monsoon exacerbated the drought already gripping the U.S. Southwest and Northern Mexico at the time. "Lack of rainfall can increase heat, which can further intensify the loss of water," noted Mondal. Soil heats up and releases heat more readily when dry, since more of the sun's energy is spent warming the air and earth rather than evaporating soil moisture. All told, the event reached nearly five times the severity of average hot drought conditions in the region over the past four decades. Percent change in heat wave and drought severity (S) during the warm season of 2023 (April 1 to September 30) with respect to conditions during 19802023. (a) Daytime heat waves (HW day ). (b) Nighttime (HW night ). (c) Terminating droughts (Dr term ). (d) Initiating droughts (Dr init ). Severity is obtained through cumulative deviations with HW calculated using daily T max and T min and droughts obtained using SPI12 and a threshold of 0.5. Terminating (initiating) droughts ended (started) in the warm season of 2023 but may or may not have started (terminated) in the same period. Scale bars range from 120 to 440 to show percent change in S. Credit: Geophysical Research Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1029/2025gl118308 Dry winds know no borders, and desert nights lose their cool The duo also made two surprising discoveries they hadn't gone looking for. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Normally, when rain falls over northern Mexico, some of the moisture evaporates from the land surface and returns to the atmosphere, recharging rainclouds that then bring rain downwind to the southwestern U.S. The weak 2023 monsoon may have left Mexican soils too dry to start this cycle, the researchers suggested, triggering hot drought north of the border as well. The correlation between dry Mexican soils and hot drought in the southwestern U.S., on the rise since 1980, is strong enough that soil dryness in the southwestern U.S. itself appears to play a smaller role. "In 2023, Mexico influenced Arizona's hot drought in a stronger way than the soil of Arizona itself," Mondal said, describing the first discovery. "I verified it five times to be sure I was doing the right calculation." "We know we receive water vapor, clouds, and rain from Mexico," Vivoni said. "We didn't know we could also receive a hot drought." The second surprise came from the strength of a hot drought at night. Previous hot drought research has mostly ignored nighttime conditions, since in a stable desert climate, most daytime heat dissipates after dark. But in extreme cases like in 2023, so much daytime heat accumulates that it doesn't all fade away overnight. Instead, some of it hangs in the atmosphere, piling onto the heat of the next day, which adds to the following night's heat, and so on, creating a cycle that can intensify over weeks. The researchers found this occurring increasingly over the past 40 yearseven in rural areas, which typically retain less heat overnight than urban zones. As climate change makes hot droughts more intense and frequent, health risks from heatstroke and heat-related mortality also rise. "There isn't a good understanding that in a hot drought, you need to take more precaution than if it's just a heat wave," Vivoni said. When temperatures stay high through the night, for instance, even hikers and laborers who rise early to beat the heat may be in danger. Raising awareness about these risks could make communities safer, the researchers said. Monitoring upwind climate conditions could also provide early warnings of hot drought for downwind regions. Looking forward, the duo would like to create models to examine the physics of how hot drought propagates downwind, rather than making inferences based on observations in upwind and downwind locations. Mondal also hopes to investigate whether the downwind transfer of hot drought occurs in other arid, monsoonal regions, such as the IndiaPakistan border. "Climate doesn't respect national borders," Vivoni said. "We're more interconnected than we thought." More information: Somnath Mondal et al, Hot Drought of Summer 2023 in Southwestern North America, Geophysical Research Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1029/2025gl118308 Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters 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: Engineers mount the sunshield and solar array module to the rest of ESAs Plato spacecraft. Credit: European Space Agency By fitting its sunshield and solar panels, engineers have completed the construction of Plato, the European Space Agency's mission to discover Earth-like exoplanets. Plato is on track for the final key tests to confirm that it is fit for launch. The activities to complete Plato started soon after the spacecraft arrived at ESA's Test Center in the Netherlands. On 9 September, in a dedicated clean room, engineers prepared for the delicate operation by suspending the combined sunshield and solar panel module from special lifting gear. They then maneuvered the module to precisely align it with the back of the spacecraft, and carefully mounted it in place. "With this operation, we have completed the Plato spacecraft. The combined sunshield and solar array module was the last remaining essential part," comments Thomas Walloschek, ESA's Plato Project Manager. "It is very satisfying to have reached this moment and to see Plato in its final shape. This is the result of excellent cooperation between ESA, the Plato Mission Consortium members and Plato's industrial core team." The sunshield and solar panels are vital elements for the Plato mission. Once in orbit, the solar array catches light from the sun to generate the electricity needed to power the spacecraft's electronics. The sunshield keeps the scientific equipment in shadow, away from the sun's glare. "Over the years we have seen what Plato would look like in countless detailed drawings and simulated images, yet seeing the real, completed spacecraft feels very special," adds Ana Heras, ESA's Plato Project Scientist. "Plato has a distinctive design, conceived to efficiently integrate its advanced cameras within the spacecraft. Its overall layout is optimized to monitor more than 150,000 bright stars at the same time, with high precision. This will enable scientists to hunt for terrestrial planets orbiting stars similar to our sun." To spot exoplanets, Plato carries 26 advanced cameras tasked with capturing the tiniest variations in the intensity of a star's light. To achieve the necessary high sensitivity, the cameras must be kept cool, so that each camera is kept at its best-focus temperature about -80C. Protected from sunlight by the sunshield and facing deep space, Plato's scientific instruments will cool down and stay at the required frigid temperature throughout the mission's lifetime. Power to Plato The structure supporting the solar panels and acting as a sunshield wraps around the back of the spacecraftthe part that in orbit will be facing the sun. During launch, the solar panels are kept firmly folded in. Once Plato is in space, they will unfold, extending outwards like a pair of wings. So, after mounting the combined sunshield and solar array module, engineers tested whether it could correctly deploy. They deployed the left and right wing separately, on 16 and 22 September. Because the solar arrays will unfold in space, the deployment test must be carried out as if gravity were absent and the panels were weightless. For this, the panels were suspended from a supporting frame with a system of pulleys that moved along as the panels smoothly unfolded. Once the panels were deployed, engineers used a special lamp to simulate the effect of sunlight hitting the arrays and verified that they supplied the right level of electricity to the rest of the spacecraft. This last step confirmed that the deployment was successful. By fitting its sunshield and solar panels, engineers recently completed the construction of Plato, the European Space Agencys mission to discover Earth-like exoplanets. Credit: European Space Agency Tough exams ahead Plato is on track to launch in December 2026, as originally planned, on an Ariane 6. But, before graduating for launch, the spacecraft will have to pass a series of tough exams. These involve vigorously shaking the spacecraft and blasting it with powerful noise during vibration and acoustic tests that mimic the mechanical stresses of a rocket launch. Then, placing the spacecraft inside the Large Space Simulator, Europe's largest cryo-vacuum chamber. Therein, Plato will get its first taste of space's harsh environment and will have to demonstrate that it can work flawlessly once in orbit. About Plato ESA's Plato (PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars) will use 26 cameras to study terrestrial exoplanets in orbits up to the habitable zone of sun-like stars. Plato's scientific instrumentation, consisting of the cameras and electronic units, is provided through a collaboration between ESA and the Plato Mission Consortium composed of various European research centers, institutes and industries. The spacecraft is being built and assembled by the industrial Plato Core Team led by OHB together with Thales Alenia Space and Beyond Gravity. Plato is a medium-class mission of ESA's Cosmic Vision program. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A broiler chicken sips water from a water line in a poultry growing house. A study by researchers with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station examined the microbial makeup of biofilms in poultry house drinking water lines. Credit: U of A System Division of Agriculture photo Water quality could impact the kind of microbial populations in poultry drinking water lines and lead to the buildup of a biofilm that can harbor pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella, according to a new study. Biofilm is a thin, slimy layer made up of long-chain carbohydrates, proteins, fats and other substances that serve as a sort of cocoon for microscopic bacteria. These biofilms form regardless of water quality, according to Tomi Obe, an assistant professor of poultry science with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. "If you have good water quality, that doesn't mean you don't want to understand what's in your water lines and in the biofilm," said Obe, who is also a member of the food science department and the Arkansas Center for Food Safety. "We want to know what's in the biofilm, and how that can contribute to the persistence of pathogenic bacteria." A recent study by Obe, with lead author Tolulope Ogundipe, DVM, who recently completed a master's degree from the poultry science department under Obe's advisement, examined two groups of poultry houses. One group of five houses had historically normal sulfur-iron water and another group of five houses had historically high sulfur-iron water. Between the two groups, the researchers found there were no major differences in the quantity of Salmonella incidence. However, there were differences in the microbial makeup of both the poultry litter on the ground and in the biofilms within the poultry water drinking lines. The study showed that a Bacillus species with probiotic properties was more prevalent in the biofilms of poultry house water lines with a historically normal sulfur-iron content, and a pathogenic Bacillus species was more prevalent in the biofilm of water lines in the historically high sulfur-iron content group. Additionally, the one farm showing a low level of Salmonella in the biofilm was also the farm with the highest quantity of Salmonella in the litter. Although that farm was in the historically high sulfur-iron water group, another farm in that group had the lowest quantity of Salmonella in its litter. "It's hard to say that one group is good compared to the other," Obe said. "We just observed different microbial populations, and we're saying the water quality can impact the kind of microbial population that we see in the water line." The recently published study is titled "Differences in microbial composition of litter and water line biofilm of broiler farms as influenced by water quality history." Other co-authors of the study include Samantha Beitia, University of Arkansas Ph.D. student in the poultry science department, and Li Zhang and Xue Zhang, assistant professors of poultry science and animal and dairy sciences, respectively, both with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station at Mississippi State University. Effective removal of biofilms is "crucial for controlling Salmonella at pre-harvest poultry production," the study noted. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Pipeline monitoring Although the microbial load of drinking water is monitored regularly at the source on broiler farms, Obe said not much has been done to assess the inside of drinking water pipelines for the presence and composition of biofilm despite it being a control point for Salmonella. The study noted that while maximum recommended levels for poultry drinking water are less than 0.3 parts per million for iron and 200 ppm for sulfate, sulfate concentrations of 50 ppm or more in combination with high levels of magnesium and chloride in water could negatively affect bird performance. Water containing high levels of iron and manganese supplied in commercial poultry houses can also serve as nutrients for the survival of some pathogens. This is problematic, the study added, especially for farms in rural areas that use well water and have a history of such water quality issues. Poultry farmers will often add a water filtration system to help reduce the mineral content; however, routine water line microbial analysis is not a common practice, Obe said. "We don't often think of it, but water is a very important nutrient, and routine monitoring of water lines should be important to the poultry industrynot only the quality but the content as well," Li Zhang said. "We didn't expect a big difference in quality, but the water source apparently does affect biofilm content." Obe and Li Zhang said they are considering the potential for adapting "sight glasses," or small windows that let viewers see inside pipelines, for visual monitoring and access to swab and analyze microbial content. More information: Tolulope T. Ogundipe et al, Differences in microbial composition of litter and water line biofilm of broiler farms as influenced by water quality history, Poultry Science (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2025.105832 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: The Saffir-Simpson scale classifies hurricanes solely by sustained wind speed, ranging from Category 1 to Category 5. Credit: Georgia Institute of Technology As climate change continues to reshape the intensity and behavior of hurricanes, meteorologists and researchers are examining whether the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, a decades-old classification system, still adequately communicates the full scope of hurricane hazards. While the scale remains a widely recognized tool, experts like Zachary Handlos, director of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at Georgia Tech, suggest that a complementary system could enhance public understanding of the broader risks hurricanes pose. Developed in 1969 by civil engineer and Georgia Tech alumnus Herbert Saffir, CE 1940, and meteorologist Robert Simpson, the scale classifies hurricanes solely by sustained wind speed, ranging from Category 1 to Category 5. It has long served as the primary tool for describing hurricane intensity in forecasts and media coverage. "For anyone that follows hurricane coverage on TV, social media, the internet, or in any other form, the Saffir-Simpson scale is the way that hurricanes are described and classified," said Handlos. Toward a more comprehensive hazard framework Handlos noted that while the scale is widely recognized, it does not account for other major hazards such as storm surge, inland flooding, tornadoes, and storm size. "Maximum wind speeds are certainly a threat if one is in the path of a hurricane," he said, "but several other hazards are also problematic." A new scale to complement the Saffir-Simpson scale could be beneficial. It would need to have accurate messaging about all aspects of a hurricane event while also continuing to record Saffir-Simpson scale data for comparison to past events. Any effort to revise or supplement the scale would require broad collaboration across sectors. Handlos emphasized that input from government agencies, emergency managers, academic researchers, and private industry would be essential, and that formal adoption of any new system would likely involve coordination with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Hurricane Center. He added, "If there is a way to update this scale or devise a new scale that both accounts for all types of hurricane hazards and is something that is digestible to the general public, this could be helpful in the future." Forecasting advances and communication challenges Climate change is not currently altering how hurricane strength is measured, but it is changing the conditions in which hurricanes form. Handlos said that with the observed increase in global average temperature over the past several decades, scientists also anticipate sea surface temperature values continuing to rise. This would result in the additional transfer of heat energy from the ocean's surface to the atmosphere, further fueling hurricanes. It also provides the potential for hurricane development farther poleward in both hemispheres. He also pointed to changes in atmospheric moisture. As air temperature rises, the atmosphere's capacity to hold water vapor is expected to increase. One possible consequence of this is that any rainfall associated with hurricanes could be associated with higher rain rates and more total precipitation, which could intensify inland flooding. Advances in forecasting technology are helping meteorologists improve how hurricane hazards are predicted and communicated. According to Handlos, the integration of traditional numerical weather prediction models with artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, alongside data from radar, satellites, weather balloons, and aircraft, has significantly enhanced the accuracy of hurricane forecasts over the past two decades. Still, Handlos cautioned that effectively reaching the public remains a persistent challenge. "Despite repeated warnings and widespread messaging, we often hear stories of individuals choosing not to evacuate, because they've weathered previous storms without issue," he said. "In today's environment of nonstop social media, constant notifications, and information overload, people can struggle to identify which messages are most important and trustworthy." 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: Functional use of chambers and spatial organization in naked mole-rat colonies. (A) Photographs of functional chambers observed in naked mole-rat colonies, including nest (left), toilet (center), and garbage chamber (right). Credit: Yamakawa et al., Sci. Adv. 11, eady0481 Naked mole-rats are one of the rare examples of eusocial mammals. Eusocial animal species are those in which a single female within the group is tasked with reproduction, along with a select group of males, while the rest of the group focuses on other tasks related to maintaining the living area, gathering food, or caring for young. This kind of caste system is most often seen in insects, like ants and bees. Research into the daily lives of naked mole-rats has been somewhat limited due to difficulties in monitoring all colony members simultaneously over long periods in underground burrows. But, a research group in Japan has found a way around this limitation. In their new study, the group developed and used an automated RFID tracking system to monitor 102 mole-rats across five different colonies. The system enabled a unique view of the fascinating social hierarchy and habits of these strange creatures, which the team then analyzed by applying clustering algorithms to behavioral parameters to identify phenotypes. Their work is now published in Science Advances. The team created five different burrows for the five mole-rat groups in the lab, consisting of nine chambers connected by tunnels. Out of the available chambers, the mole-rats designated each one as either a nest, toilet, or garbage area, while the rest were what the researchers referred to as "other." The authors note that the mole-rats had a preference for keeping the nests in corners, as well as the toilet chambers, while the garbage chamber was usually centrally located. The nests were frequently moved around, however. The mole-rats were tracked by RFID readers as they moved through the burrows, allowing the researchers to determine when individuals were moving about, which individual was in which location, and to check for behaviors like following others, synchronized activity, or if some individuals stayed near other particular individuals. Play fighting between two nonbreeders around a follow event. Credit: Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ady0481 The group found an array of distinct behaviors among the different groups. They identified seven distinct behavioral phenotypes: one for breeders and six for nonbreeders. Nonbreeders appeared to be associated with certain locations and some phenotypes exhibited less social interactionespecially between nonbreeder-nonbreeder pairs when compared to breeders. Some phenotypes also exhibited more mobility than others. "These differences may reflect a form of task allocation. For example, cluster 1 individuals (high mobility and garbage occupancy) may serve as transport specialists, whereas those in cluster 4 (low mobility and frequent occupancy of nonfunctional chambers) may engage primarily in digging tasks. Cluster 5 individuals, who frequently occupied toilet chambers, may contribute to a cleaning-related role. These functional differences among clusters suggest that differentiated behavioral roles may emerge in association with broader life-history traits," the study authors write. They note a particularly strong bond among all breeders, with high synchrony in their activities, close spatial proximity, and frequent following behavior. But, their interactions with nonbreeders were more dominant. "Breeders uniquely exhibit frequent short rests, possibly reflecting repeated patrols and dominant interactions. Breeding females patrol burrows and display agonistic dominance toward nonbreeders, paralleling queen aggression in primitively eusocial insects. Because dominant breeder behavior involves a form of following, namely, displacement through shoving, our observation of breeders following nonbreeders supports this interpretation," the study authors say. Another interesting behavior was revealed during video footage for studying types of interactions. Some of the mole-rats were found to engage in "tail-tugging," often before following the individual whose tail they tugged on. This was more common in some phenotypes than in others. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "In addition, high-mobility nonbreeders (cluster 1) attracted a frequent following. Among nonbreeders, follow events frequently involve tail tugging, where the tail-puller typically becomes the followee. Given this, the frequent followee status of high-mobility nonbreeders suggests that they may commonly initiate tail-tugging interactions," the authors explain. The study has shed light on the previously unseen social world of naked mole-rats with a novel system for tracking eusocial mammalswith more complex results than expected. However, the researchers involved believe combining RFID with image-based tracking or tracking more diverse groups could potentially reveal even more complex behavioral details. The study authors also note, "Future studies that integrate experimental manipulations or additional observation methods promise to deepen our understanding of eusociality in this unique mammalian system and uncover underlying mechanisms driving cooperative society." Written for you by our author Krystal Kasal, edited by Gaby Clark, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you. More information: Masanori Yamakawa et al, Quantitative and systematic behavioral profiling reveals social complexity in eusocial naked mole-rats, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ady0481 Journal information: Science Advances 2025 Science X Network STOCKHOLM, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boliden will announce its Interim Report for the third quarter 2025 on Wednesday October 22 at 07:45 (CEST). A press and analyst conference will be held on the same day at 09:00, which also can be followed via webcast and telephone. The report will be presented by Boliden's President and CEO Mikael Staffas, and CFO Hakan Gabrielsson. Press and analyst conference Wednesday, October 22 Time: 09:00 (CEST) Venue: Klara, Room Dagerman Address: Klarabergsviadukten 90, Stockholm To participate via the webcast, please use the link below: https://boliden.videosync.fi/2025-10-22-q3-2025 To participate in the telephone conference, please register 5 minutes before the opening of the conference via the link below. After the registration you will be provided with phone number and a conference ID to access the conference. If you wish to ask a question, please dial *5 on your telephone keypad to enter the queue. https://service.flikmedia.se/teleconference/?id=5005251 After the call, presentation material and the recorded webcast will be available on our website: https://www.boliden.com For further information, please contact: Olof Grenmark Director Investor Relations +46 70 291 5780 [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/boliden/r/invitation-presentation-of-boliden-s-q3-2025-report,c4247664 The following files are available for download: SOURCE Boliden Built on one of the world's largest Parkinson's and dementia datasets and adopted across major U.S. health systems and NHS Trusts, Kneu is creating a population-scale foundation for managing neurodegenerative decline Kneu's smartphone platform, FDA-cleared for Parkinson's tremor measurement, is the first clinically validated system to track motor, speech and cognitive change entirely by phone, embedding proactive monitoring into daily life and clinical workflows Powered by clinically trained AI models that turn voice, movement and memory into predictive biomarkers, Kneu helps detect neurological decline earlier and support timely intervention LONDON, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kneu Health , a precision neurology platform for Parkinson's and dementia, today announced the close of a $5.6 million oversubscribed seed round. Co-led by Oxford Science Enterprises and Cedars-Sinai, with participation from Social Impact Enterprises, JIMCO, G.K. Goh Ventures and SXSW London, the funding will accelerate U.S. expansion by scaling Parkinson's deployments, expanding commercial capacity, and publishing outcomes data, while also advancing dementia monitoring. The round brings Kneu's total funding to date to $11.2 million. Neurological disorders are surging into a major public health crisis. Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurological disease worldwide, while dementia cases are projected to triple by 2050 . In the U.S., patients often wait many months between specialist visits, and neurologist shortages are leaving health systems unable to keep up with demand. The result is a care model that reacts too late, after decline has already accelerated, instead of providing the continuous support patients and families need. Kneu's technology builds on more than a decade of longitudinal research, expanded with over 500,000 digital measures from 1,400+ users across NHS and U.S. deployments. Clinically trained AI models analyze speech, movement and cognition to generate predictive biomarkers that stratify risk across populations and guide targeted interventions. FDA clearance for smartphone-based Parkinson's tremor measurement affirms the platform's clinical rigor and enables proactive monitoring to be embedded directly into daily life and care pathways. Clinicians report delivering better patient care, with 67% of cases achieving faster-than-standard access to treatment and data-driven insights supporting medication changes for over half of patients. Patients themselves report up to a 30% improvement in knowledge, confidence, and self-managementtranslating into greater independence and daily functioning. NHS pilots demonstrate the platform's ability to boost efficiency by 30%, reduce emergency admissions, and shift Parkinson's care from reactive to planned settingsequivalent to saving 1,000 bed days in a single provider. "We've spent the last two years proving that remote monitoring can transform neurological care. Clinicians are getting clearer insight without added workload, patients no longer face months of uncertainty between visits, and gain confidence that changes will be recognized rather than missed," said Caroline Cake, co-founder and CEO, Kneu Health. "This funding allows us to bring that model to the U.S. at the right moment, when health systems are ready to move beyond band-aid solutions and embrace continuous neurological care as core infrastructure, accessible to anyone with a smartphone." With first contracts underway at Cedars-Sinai and Mass General Brigham and participation in the Global Incubator Programme at Texas Medical Center Innovation (TMCi), Kneu has established a presence in America's most influential medical ecosystems. Together, these efforts point to a larger shift: neurology can no longer rely on episodic care alone, and Kneu is showing that continuous data belongs at the center of how health systems operate. "Neurology has had plenty of algorithms. What it has lacked is longitudinal signal that clinicians can trust and act on inside real workflows. Kneu has turned everyday phone interactions into a clinically governed measurement layer that scales across populations without new hardware or staffing," said Joel Schoppig, Health Tech Investment Principal, Oxford Science Enterprises. "With evidence emerging on both sides of the Atlantic, Kneu is laying the foundation for a reference dataset and operating platform in Parkinson's and dementia that raises standards of care while finally making the economics work for hospitals and payers." "The strength of Kneu's approach is how rigorous science is carried through into day-to-day practice. By giving neurologists longitudinal signal between visits, the platform reduces avoidable appointments and sharpens focus on the cases that matter most," said Nirdesh Gupta, Managing Director, Cedars-Sinai Technology Ventures. "This is the kind of clinically governed infrastructure we look for, and it is why we chose to back Kneu and bring it into our ecosystem." About Kneu Health Kneu Health is pioneering continuous intelligence for neurological care through smartphone-based monitoring of Parkinson's and dementia. Built on Oxford University's decade-long longitudinal research and validated across leading health systems, the company's FDA-cleared platform transforms daily interactions into clinical insights that enable earlier intervention and personalized care. Backed by Oxford Science Enterprises, Cedars-Sinai, and a global syndicate of investors, Kneu operates across eight NHS Trusts and flagship U.S. health systems. Learn more at kneuhealth.com . Media contact: [email protected] SOURCE Kneu Health Cozumel working toward expanding island coverage with new hospital Cozumel, Q.R. The island of Cozumel is working toward expanding its current hospital coverage. During a recent hearing, Mayor Jose Luis Chacon highlighted the urgent need to expand island coverage with a new hospital. He reported that the state government has already donated four hectares for the construction of the new hospital that will serve the needs of the islands population. In an effort to guarantee dignified and timely medical care for the people of Cozumel, Mayor Jose Luis Chacon Mendez attended the Chamber of Deputies to participate in the hearing The Construction of the Cozumel Hospital: Free, Universal, and Decent Healthcare, convened by the Health Commission. During his Tuesday speech at the San Lazaro Legislative Palace, Chacon Mendez emphasized the importance of addressing a long-standing need for the population and thanked the legislators, especially Representative Pedro Pablo Zenteno Santaella, president of the Health Commission, for opening a space to listen to the demands of Cozumel. The mayor recalled that the only IMSS hospital on the island was built in 1978 and since then, no significant expansion has been carried out despite the fact that 65 percent of the population depends on this medical service. He also emphasized that the islands status exacerbates the situation as the last maritime connection to the mainland is at 10:00 p.m. and the first at 7:00 a.m., leaving residents without access to hospital infrastructure for nine hours. The reason is to request your support to build a hospital that will serve more than 100,000 residents and the millions of tourists who visit the island. I deeply thank our governor, Mara Lezama, who has already designated four hectares so that any health institution can establish the new hospital there, the mayor said. Chacon Mendez reiterated his appreciation for the support of Quintana Roos Secretary of Health, Flavio Carlos Rosado, as well as the backing of business leaders, the education sector and the City Councils technical team, who are working together to complete this project, which represents a substantial improvement in the quality of life for Cozumel families. Representative Pedro Pablo Zenteno Santaella emphasized that the issue of island status must be addressed as a priority as it represents specific challenges for ensuring universal, quality healthcare services. The construction of a hospital in Cozumel will be a spearhead for improving care on the countrys islands, which face different conditions than the mainland, he stated. Also at the hearing were Representative Jennifer Paulina Rubio, president of the Health and Social Assistance Committee, Juan Carlos Pastrana, representative of former Representative Salma Luevano Luna, Willma Padilla Barbosa, president of Coparmex Cozumel and the Peninsular Federation of Coparmex Nacional, Consuelo Natalia Florentini Canedo, rector of the Autonomous University of Quintana Roo and Rosaura Villanueva Arzapalo. With this initiative, Mayor Jose Luis Chacon Mendez reaffirms his commitment to follow up and address one of the main demands of the public, joining forces with the state government and the Congress of the Union to make a decent, modern hospital with an island perspective a reality. Man who lured minor from Guanajuato to Quintana Roo charged with rape Othon P. Blanco, Q.R. A man who lured an underage girl from her state to live with him in Quintana Roo has been charged with rape. Police say Jesus Fernando N convinced the girl to leave Guanajuato where they both lived. Once in Quintana Roo, he made the girl his girlfriend. He has since been charged with rape. In a statement, police said the accused, Jesus Fernando N, is being investigated for events that started on September 19 of this year, when he arrived in Othon P. Blanco from Leon, Guanajuato, with the victim whom he convinced to move to Quintana Roo to escape a problematic family situation. According to preliminary investigations, the minor met the suspect in Leon, Guanajuato, where a friendship developed. She confided in him that her family mistreated her and forced her to work for a drug-dealing criminal organization, which made her fear for her life, as she had received threats. The man promised her that if she came with him to Quintana Roo, he would help her get into a military school where she would be safe. But upon arriving in Quintana Roo, he told her she would be his partner and that if she didnt accept, he would tell those looking for her where she was. Fearing that this would happen, she stayed with Jesus Fernando N. Meanwhile, the minors family reported her missing to the Guanajuato Attorney Generals Office, which activated an Amber Alert to locate her. After locating the minor, Jesus Fernando N was arrested. The victim was handed over to Guanajuato state authorities to be returned to that state where she will be integrated into a support network. National Guard arrests passengers carrying narcotics, assault rifle and thousands of rounds at Cancun International Cancun, Q.R. National Guard say they intercepted an aircraft carrying narcotics, an assault rifle and thousand of rounds of ammo at the Cancun International Airport. The interception also lead to the arrests of onboard passengers. An assault rifle and thousands of rounds of ammo were locate hidden in passenger luggage during their inspection. On Wednesday, Guardia Nacional reported detaining passengers after detecting illegal objects and substances. In a statement, they said in compliance with the Mexican Governments National Security Strategy, members of the National Guard arrested three people in possession of weapons and narcotics. The incident happened at Cancun International Airport where National Guard personnel were conducting security and crime prevention inspections in the landing area. There, they came into contact with a private plane from Guadalajara, Jalisco, from which three people disembarked. Upon inspection inside the aircraft, they discovered the illegal items hidden in the luggage. National Guard said those illegal items included a 7.62 mm caliber assault rifle, 3,300 useful cartridges, 50 magazines and one drum magazine, five linked belts with 100 5.56 mm caliber cartridges, 32 bags weighing 39 kilograms of apparent narcotics and cash, pending accounting. Approximately 39 kilos of narcotics were found hidden inside passenger luggage. The three individuals were read the Bill of Rights for Persons in Detention, registered in the National Registry of Arrests and, along with the weapons and narcotics, were brought before the Federal Public Prosecutors Office in the state, where the exact weight and type of drugs will be determined, allowing further investigation, they reported Wednesday. PDC gang members facing weapons and drug dealing charges Playa del Carmen, Q.R. Three criminal gang members facing weapons and drug charges have been taken into custody in Playa del Carmen. The arrests of Francisco Javier N, Brandon N, and Maria Esther N were made in coordination with the Playa del Carmen Citizen Security Secretariat. According to police the arrests were made in flagrante delicto on Tulum Street, between Bakhalal and Hunab Ku Avenue, in the Cataluna neighborhood where officers observed the three people handling small bags of dried, green grass that resembled marijuana. During the routine inspection, they seized a long gun loaded with live cartridges, metal magazines each containing live cartridges, a tactical vest, as well as dried green plants resembling marijuana and fragments of a crystalline substance resembling methamphetamine. All three were taken into custody and are facing drug dealing and weapons charges. Police said all three have been linked to a PDC criminal group. HONG KONG, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lingnan University in Hong Kong has entered the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026. In the latest published results, Lingnan ranked among the world's top 301350 out of 2,191 universities from 115 countries or territories, delivering a notable performance across several indicators. These include an impressive 47th place in International Outlook, recognising Lingnan University's achievement in fostering international diversity and collaborative research on a global scale. Lingnan Universitys first entry in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, reaches 47th place worldwide in International Outlook. Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University, welcomed the results, saying "Lingnan has made remarkable progress in research output and citation impact in recent years. To further strengthen our capabilities in research and knowledge transfer, we are bringing in world-class scholars through the Lingnan-60 Global Talent Recruitment Campaign and the Lingnan University Institute for Advanced Study (LUIAS), creating a vibrant hub for nurturing the next generation of research talent. As of the end of September 2025, we have recruited 31 leading scholars through Lingnan-60 across emerging fields, including artificial intelligence (AI), data science, advanced materials, and carbon neutrality. This reinforces our commitment to becoming a leading research-oriented liberal arts university comprehensive in arts and sciences in the digital era. We are confident that our achievements will be increasingly reflected in future rankings." The THE World University Rankings are based on five core pillars of evaluation: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and industry. Earlier this year, Lingnan University gained global recognition by ranking No. 1 worldwide in SDG 4: Quality Education in the THE Impact Rankings 2025. This notable achievement marks the first time a Hong Kong higher education institution has topped the global league table in this category, affirming Lingnan's internationally recognised contributions to quality education and its commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, 43 Lingnan scholars are featured in the 2025 edition of the World's Top 2% Scientists list, an increase of almost 50% from last year's 29. Among them, 19 scholars rank in the global top 100 in their respective disciplines, underscoring the international recognition of Lingnan's research excellence and rising international impact. SOURCE Lingnan University Filipino actress Jonica Lazo has said she is not in a relationship with Singapore DJ Glenn Ong in a recent Instagram story. She also called the 55-year-old "a good man and friend" and hit back at users for "all the hurtful words" directed at both of them. Ong has since reposted a screenshot of her story with a caption which read, "Let's all move on". NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng admits he was concerned by the recent judgment surrounding Income Insurances handling of a claim. A district court had denounced Income for "wholly unreasonable behaviour" in refusing to pay claims to an elderly man who had suffered brain damage following a traffic accident. Ng said Income must balance rigour with empathy in a Facebook post on Wednesday (8 Oct). Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. CCTV: China announced that President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony of the Global Leaders Meeting on Women and deliver a keynote speech. Can you share more details? Guo Jiakun: This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women organized by the UN, which was held in Beijing. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted at the conference 30 years ago, which became a milestone in the development of womens cause globally. In 2020, President Xi Jinping attended the High-Level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women via video link and delivered an important speech, in which he proposed to convene another Global Leaders Meeting on Women in 2025. To deliver on this important proposal of President Xi, China will convene the Global Leaders Meeting on Women in Beijing from October 13 to 14, supported by UN Women. The meeting will bring parties together to renew the spirit of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, accelerate the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, provide new impetus for promoting gender equality globally and the all-round development of women, and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity. President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony of the meeting and deliver a keynote speech. Dozens of heads of state and government, leaders of parliament, deputy prime ministers, ministerial-level officials, heads of international organizations and friends from around the world will attend the meeting. We look forward to working with the international community to make this meeting a great success and set it up as another milestone in the history of the development of womens cause globally. RIA Novosti: Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he has asked the Chinese side to support the proposal for an Olympic Truce for all wars, including Ukraine and the Middle East, during the Olympic Winter Games in February 2026. Does China support Italys proposal? Guo Jiakun: The Olympic Truce is a time-honored tradition. It embodies humanitys pursuit of peace for all and support for each other, and reflects the founding mission of the UN, that is, safeguarding world peace and security. At the moment, the world is neither peaceful nor tranquil, and regional security hotspots keep cropping up. China supports taking the Olympic Truce resolution as an opportunity to bridge differences through dialogue and replace confrontation with cooperation, enhance mutual understanding and safeguard world peace and development. China Daily: Its reported that the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted by consensus the resolution tabled by China on economic, social and cultural rights. Can you further brief us on that? Guo Jiakun: The 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on Monday adopted by consensus the resolution on Promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities submitted by China on behalf of nearly 70 countries, including Bolivia, Egypt, Pakistan, and South Africa. The resolution calls for stronger multilateralism and international cooperation and efforts of fully leveraging the role of the knowledge hub for economic, social and cultural rights, which was established under Chinas proposal, so as to better provide technical assistance and capacity-building support for countries in need. Representatives of various countries extended their congratulations to China. Developing countries said that the resolution reflects the real needs of people around the world and serves as a strong response to the developing countries call for greater input into economic, social and cultural rights. China will continue upholding true multilateralism, enhancing dialogue and cooperation with all sides based on equality and mutual respect and helping to promote the sound development of the international human rights cause. Global Times: Its reported that the House Select Committee on China recently released an investigationHow visa policies enable Chinese defense entities to tap U.S. higher educationto spread disinformation and propose restrictions on normal exchange and cooperation in education between the two countries. Whats your comment? Guo Jiakun: There is nothing credible about the committee you mentioned which keeps attacking and smearing China for its political agenda. Over its irresponsible investigation, the Chinese side has protested to the U.S. side. Let me stress that exchange and cooperation in education between China and the U.S. is mutually beneficial. It is in the interest of both sides, is what the two countries expect, and is conducive to interaction and understanding between the two peoples. Some U.S. politicians overstretch the concept of national security and interfere in and disrupt normal educational cooperation and people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Their attempts find no support and will lead nowhere. We urge the U.S. to act on President Trumps commitment to welcoming Chinese students to study in the country and stop harming relevant parties interests and China-U.S. ties. China will keep a close eye on what the U.S. says and does and will do what is necessary to firmly defend its legitimate rights and interests. CGTN: Indias Foreign Ministry said that direct flights between India and China will resume before the end of October. Whats Chinas comment? Guo Jiakun: China and India will restart direct flights before the end of October this year. This is the latest move that demonstrates how the two sides faithfully act on the important common understandings reached between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tianjin on August 31. Its also an active move that facilitates the friendly exchanges of over 2.8 billion Chinese and Indian people. China stands ready to work with India to view and handle bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, be friends enjoying good-neighborliness and partners helping each other succeed, and realize a cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant so as to deliver more tangibly for the two peoples and make due contributions to upholding peace and prosperity in Asia and beyond. BBC: What is Chinas reaction to allegations that it instructed two British men, Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, to spy on the UK? Guo Jiakun: Now that the UK judicial authorities have dropped the case you mentioned, it is all the more evident that the so-called spying for China allegation is pure fabrication. China firmly opposes peddling spying activities and China threat narratives to vilify China, and we urge some in the UK to avoid being paranoid. AFP: Premier of the State Council Li Qiang arrived in the DPRK today for the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Workers Party of Korea. This is Chinese Premiers first visit to the DPRK since 2009. What message does China want to send to the world through this trip? Guo Jiakun: Weve released information on Premier Li Qiangs visit to the DPRK, which you may refer to. China and the DPRK are traditional friends and neighbors. It is an unswerving strategic policy of the Party and the Chinese government to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK relations. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers Party of Korea. 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. BBC: Can we ask for information about APEC? Can you confirm that President Xi will attend APEC in South Korea later this month and early November? And can you confirm that he will visit South Korea and have a meeting on the sidelines with President Donald Trump? Guo Jiakun: China attaches great importance to APEC. We stand ready to work with other parties at this years meeting to produce positive outcomes and contribute to the economic growth of the Asia-Pacific and the wider world. As for the specifics you asked about, I have no information to share at the moment. China Youth Daily: Its reported that recently the 31st regular meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Andean Community was held and through discussion accepted China as an observer state of the organization. Whats Chinas comment? Guo Jiakun: The Andean Community is a major integration organization in Latin America. In 2000, China established a political consultation mechanism with the Andean Community. Chinas relations with member states of the organization have maintained a sound momentum of development with solid political mutual trust, fruitful practical cooperation and diverse people-to-people exchanges. As China becomes an observer state of the organization, we stand ready to take this opportunity to work with the Andean Community to forge a new cooperation paradigm featuring complementary bilateral and multilateral interactions, in an effort to deliver more benefit for people in China and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and contribute to building a China-LAC community with a shared future. AFP: The U.S. government said yesterday that it fired a State Department employee for concealing a romantic relationship with a Chinese national. Whats the Foreign Ministrys comment? Guo Jiakun: We have no comment on the U.S.s domestic affairs. That said, we oppose drawing lines along ideological difference and maliciously vilifying China. AFP: I want to know what is Chinas response to the proposed deal on Gaza? Guo Jiakun: China hopes that a full and permanent ceasefire in Gaza will be realized as early as possible, the humanitarian crisis will be effectively eased, and tensions in the region will be diffused. China upholds the principle of the Palestinians governing Palestine and promotes the implementation of the two-State solution. We stand ready to work with the international community to make unremitting effort towards an early, full, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question and a peaceful and stable Middle East. Beijing and Seoul vow to strengthen cooperation 08:26, October 09, 2025 By Wang Qingyun ( China Daily Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call with his Republic of Korea counterpart Cho Hyun on Tuesday as the two countries vowed to further consolidate bilateral ties. It was the second interaction between the two foreign ministers in less than a month. Cho visited China in September and met with Wang in Beijing. China hopes to work with the ROK to enhance mutual trust, avoid disruptions and deepen cooperation, thus contributing to each other's success and to the region's peace, stability and development, Wang said during Tuesday's phone conversation. The two countries are important neighbors and close cooperative partners, Wang said, adding that China has always valued its ties with the ROK. The ROK is the host of this year's APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, which will begin on Oct 31, and China is the host of next year's meeting. Noting the fact, Wang said that he hopes both sides will support each other, further build consensus among all parties and strengthen unity and collaboration. Both sides should safeguard the international trade system, uphold multilateralism and advance the process of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, Wang added. Cho said his country attaches great importance to ties with China, and will do all it can to develop the ties. He voiced the hope that the ROK will take the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting as an opportunity to promote high-level interaction with China and deepen exchanges and cooperation. China and the ROK, which established diplomatic relations in 1992, enjoy robust exchanges in trade and other fields. China is the ROK's largest trading partner, the largest market for the ROK's exports and the largest source of imports for the ROK, according to China's Foreign Ministry. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Zhong Wenxing) SEATTLE, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Luxor Technology Corporation ("Luxor") announces the launch of its new Energy business, Luxor Energy, providing Bitcoin miners with a full suite of energy services, including a Retail Electricity Provider ("REP") business with Level 4 QSE support, demand response signals, and Intelligent Mining. Luxor, which already manages over one gigawatt of Bitcoin mining machines through LuxOS firmware, is expanding its trusted services by bringing these new energy capabilities to its partners. Luxor Energy's REP is positioned as the market-leading franchise, able to accept collateral in Bitcoin, with reduced collateral requirements for Luxor Pool users. Luxor will soon be able to auto-pay energy bills for clients, netted against their mining pool balance. Luxor Energy offers clients a holistic view of their mining revenue, miner performance, and power cost in a single, unified dashboard, minimizing operational complexity. Luxor Energy puts miners on offense by unlocking Demand Response, Ancillary Services, and Peak Avoidance with a single Dispatch Signal. Our plug-and-play signal snaps into any mine-management stack through a simple integration with the onsite software. One of Luxor's most transformative innovations is Intelligent Mining, a system that continuously tunes mining machines to their optimal performance profile, ensuring every unit of hashrate is deployed for maximum profitability. The system integrates Luxor's Dispatch Signal with Hashrate Index's API and Power Price API, feeding this logic into LuxOS firmware. Field results in ERCOT's West Texas demonstrate an 814% improvement in profitability over legacy binary mining operations. "Over the past 8 years of delivering world-class software and financial products to Bitcoin miners, we have developed a deep understanding of how to add value to miners' energy procurement. Energy is the most critical component for data centers, and our new Energy business will supercharge mining operations," said Matt Williams, Luxor's Head of Financial Services. About Luxor Technology Corporation Luxor Technology Corporation delivers hardware, software, and financial services that power the global compute and energy industry. Its product suite spans Bitcoin mining pools, ASIC firmware, hardware trading, hashrate derivatives, and energy services. If you are interested in contacting Luxor, please email [email protected]. SOURCE Luxor Technology Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. For months now, polling has made it clear that President Donald Trumps agenda is not very popular with voters. Republican lawmakers seem to be feeling the brunt of it; since March, many of them have stopped holding town halls entirely, on the advice of House Speaker Mike Johnson. At a few town halls that went ahead, things got heated. In Kansas back in March, for example, Republican Sen. Roger Marshall held a town hall with an angry crowd who demanded explanations for the Trump administrations decisions to shrink federal agencies and limit rural health care, and the waning support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Nebraska Rep. Mike Flood similarly faced furious constituents in an August town hall which ended with attendees shouting Vote him out! California Rep. Doug LaMalfa could barely speak at his August town hall before people started shouting him down over his vote supporting the presidents signature policy achievement, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Some little-noticed comments from one Iowa representative that CNN spotted and surfaced this week give us an insight into just how much pressure at least some Republican lawmakers have been under from their constituents. At a meeting with local Republicans back in August, shortly after Trumps OBBBA passed, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks recounted a conversation with a local Iowa reporter who asked her when she might hold a town hall again. Miller-Meeks answered: When hell freezes over. She continued venting to the local Republican group. I dont have to hold a town hall so you can come and yell at me, said Miller-Meeks, who had voted yes for OBBBA and said she was facing pressure over the Medicaid cuts it contained. You can yell at me at the county fairand you did! And you did. They did. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have plenty of opportunities to yell at me and tell me I should be ashamed of myself, she said to cap things off. And by the way, I am not. These comments seem like quite the crash-out, as Miller-Meeks struggles to square her work to execute the presidents agenda with the reality of how deeply unpopular said work is with her constituents. And shes in a pretty precarious position: Miller-Meeks won her district by only about 800 votes, and the Cook Political Report has her race as a toss-up for the 2026 midterm elections, though Trump comfortably carried it with about 55 percent of the vote last year. Going on defense seems to be a popular way to cope in Iowa, where Sen. Joni Ernst chose to tell angry constituents at a May town hall that we are all going to die when she was pressed about the health care cuts in OBBBA that she voted for. Outside of Iowa, many Republicans are simply dismissing the angry outbursts and blaming them on Democratic agitators. Advertisement The thing is, when you vote for a piece of legislation that will rip health insurance coverage away from roughly 15 million Americans by 2034, the largest cut of its kind in Medicaids history, people will understandably be upset. The cuts also put more than 300 rural hospitals at immediate risk of closure, while also making it harder for low-income Americans to qualify for Medicaid coverage. Advertisement In the meantime, Democrats have been taking advantage of the Republican retreat from town halls by holding their own in competitive districts. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, who held a town hall in Republican Andy Harris district back in March, told Slate he wasnt surprised that the Big Beautiful Bill has made House reps like Miller-Meeks more hesitant to come out of hiding. Advertisement Because politicians are slashing Medicaid, raising health care premiums, and attacking reproductive rights, obviously they cant face their constituents, he said. Ms. Mariannette Miller-Meeks says she wont have a town hall until hell freezes over. In the meantime, shes bringing middle-class Americans a health care system that is hell on earth. Advertisement In protest over those Medicaid cuts, Democrats refused to vote last week for the appropriations bill that would keep the government open, and Republicans have been trying (so far, polling suggests, unsuccessfully) to put the blame on them. In Iowa, Miller-Meeks unhinged rant might give a boost to her Democratic challenger, Christina Bohannan, whom she only beat narrowly last year. Bohannan immediately jumped on the news of Miller-Meeks leaked comments, responding on X, In all of Miller-Meeks complaining about Iowans being upset with her, do you think she has ever once stopped to consider that cutting peoples healthcare was, you know, a big deal? Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. This weeks episode of Amicus included a mailbag special in which Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern answered listeners burning questions about the law and its odds of surviving a second Trump administration. Amicus listeners have a lot of smart questions, so were starting a new occasional Dear (Juris)Prudence series in which we share your questions and Mark and Dahlias answers. Write to amicus@slate.com to pose a question to Dahlia and Mark. This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity. Dear (Juris)Prudence, Have any bar complaints been lodged against the Justice Department? Drew Ensign apparently straight-out lied to a judge in court. Isnt that perjury? Are ordinary citizens allowed to lodge complaints to the ABA or local bar associations? Emily Dahlia Lithwick: The answer, Emily, is hell yeah. It can be done. It is being done. Theres a little something called the McDade Amendment, passed in 1998, that actually requires federal government lawyers to follow both the ethics rule of the state where theyre licensed to practice and federal regulations. That means there are rules that actually prohibit DOJ attorneys from participating, for instance, in cases where they have a personal or political relationship (imagine!) with involved parties. The law actually says you are subject to state bar discipline, and that could range from reprimands to having to pay fines to permanent disbarment. This is no trivial threat. Groups like the Legal Accountability Center released a bar complaint a few short weeks ago naming Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, saying that he has massive conflicts of interest in his review of Ghislaine Maxwell and her testimony on the Epstein case because he has a prior relationship with Donald Trump. Theres another complaint accusing Ed Martin of ethics violations. So I think its fair to say that this is happening, but the problem is that this is a very slow and cumbersome process. Its not that that relief isnt there, its just that it can take years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you go back and look, Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Kenneth Chesebro, Sidney Powell, and the other election deniers all faced actual consequences including disbarment and big fines for their efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. But in some cases, it took years and years. Youve also got regional differences where New York Bar officials went lickety-split to suspend Giulianis law license, whereas in Texas they dismissed a complaint against Sidney Powell. The larger issue at the beating heart of the matter is that this is a very cumbersome method of seeking accountability. It was never anticipated that this was going to be the best way to go after DOJ lawyers, who have a whole web of obligations to answer to the Constitution and not the president. Nonetheless, its there and it works. These lawyers answer to a whole array of people up to and including Pam Bondi, but at the end of the day, if youre lying in court, you face the consequences. It shows how far we have fallen, that this is the sanction we are having to deploy, but this is the sanction we have to deploy, and it works. Advertisement Advertisement Mark Joseph Stern: I think that part of the problem is that state bars are by their nature conservative. They dont like taking risks, and they are disinclined to initiate proceedings against a high-profile individual accused of misconduct, especially one who works for the federal government. These associations are used to disbarring people who, say, defrauded their clients or were utterly incompetent in court over and over again, et cetera. It reminds me a little bit of the voters who tried to challenge Trumps candidacy in 2024 under the 14th Amendments insurrection clause, by using procedures that mostly exist so that you can challenge a candidate who doesnt live in the district theyre running for. The system isnt set up for that. Maybe it can handle it, but thats not what the system has traditionally been used for. Advertisement I would like to see people who are interested in this issue, lawyers who are interested in this issue, try to get elected to their state bars and take positions of power in which they actually have the authority to entertain these complaints and potentially to disbar people, like Drew Ensign, who have perjured themselves in court over and over again and committed egregious misconduct. I actually think that that should be one of the solutions to the damage being done in the Trump era, if and when it ever ends. We need to restore the integrity of the profession of law in this country by going to state bars and saying: These people have completely lost their privilege of practicing law. Drew Ensign should never be allowed to step foot in a court and argue before a judge again. He has proved to be utterly untrustworthy and inclined to perjure himself every time he opens his mouth before a judge. Well see if that happens. But if you are a lawyer and this piques your interest, look to see how you can get involved with your local bar, because that is where the power is, and it is currently rarely being used to punish those who deserve to be punished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dahlia Lithwick: And one other thing that I would add is that there is a whole lot of semi-plausible defense in this along the lines of: Im just following orders. Its not my fault. I was not materially representing. I either chose to not know or I was misled. I really didnt know if those planes had taken off. And I decided there was no way I could find out. But there are things you can do as an attorney if you misrepresent the record. We know Justice Department lawyers who have come forward and said they were wrong, and that they were sorry. The question is, what do you do about the people who just sail from case to case and dont feel any compunction about having misrepresented? I think in the absence of meaningful consequences, if you make a mistake, you dont fix it, and you get to make the same mistake or a bigger one in the next case, it has to be bad for both the rule of law and confidence in the rule of law. It's hard not to root for a guy that skipped his high school graduation in order to go to the racetrack. Meet 80-year-old harness owner, trainer and driver Gerry Longo, who is currently competing at Shenandoah Downs in Woodstock, Virginia and is fresh off a driving win on Sunday, Oct. 5 -- his ninth since turning 80 back on April 22 -- with four-year-old pacing mare Rollin In The Sand. The driving victory was number 3,124 for Longo, in start number 20,200. Later on Sunday's card, he scored a runner-up finish with Hoo Nien A -- which marked career start number 8,400 as a trainer. Not bad for a guy who was born in Rochester, New York, grew up in the carnival business in California and after high school, packed his bags to chase a career in harness racing. "My dad died when I was nine so my uncles told my mom to come work at a carnival they operated in California. When I wasn't in school, I'd be blowing up balloons and running 'dime on a dish,'" recalled Longo. "My mom would let me go to the races -- we only lived three miles away from Los Alamitos. All the fairs in California had a combination of harness, Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred racing and when I saw drivers on harness horses for the first time, I was hooked." "I ended up seeing a harness driver named Larry Gregory at all the same fairs I attended. Wherever he would go, I'd be there and one day I asked him for a job," continued Longo. "He said, 'Oh no, we're not hiring.' I told him I'd work for free. I got the job. I shovelled manure and walked horses. I'm 15 or 16 years old and still making $500 and $600 [USD] a week in the carnival business. In the 1960s, that was a lot of money." Longo bought two horses while still in school and neither did any good. He sold both, graduated high school then left to pursue his dream in Batavia, New York, heading east with Gregory. After arriving, Longo bought a horse for from Roy Saul for $1,000 USD who went on to win six in a row. He went to Northfield, Ohio next and spent $1,500 USD on another purchase -- who also went on to win six in a row. He has been buying and selling horses since. A number of decades have passed since that first taste of Standardbred racing but surprisingly, Longo's career highlight came just three years ago when he won the Dan Patch Stakes at Running Aces in Minnesota with his horse, A Major Omen. "I finally got my good horse," he said. "A real good horse. I bought him for $60,000 [USD] in the fall of 2021, brought him to Shenandoah Downs and won the first two races with him. A year later, he won the Dan Patch. That was my biggest thrill in the business. I've won over $300,000 [USD] with him so I made back my investment and then some." Up until Cal Expo closed recently, Longo's annual circuit included stints at tracks in California, Minnesota, Virginia and Illinois -- an ambitious schedule for any horseman let alone a 70-something. "I wouldn't give this life up for anything," he said. "I own. I train. I drive. I've never had any other job except working at the carnival when I was in high school. I don't have a home. I'm always mobile. Home is wherever l'm racing at the time. I'll sleep in dorm rooms at the track I'm at. My daughter has a home in Riverside, California and I've only been to see her three times in the last five years, mainly for holidays. I've got to take care of horses seven days a week. I told her wherever I die, just bury my ashes at the track I'm at because they're going to have to scrape me off the track." Longo has been consistent as a driver and trainer over the years. He has been first or near the top of the driver standings at tracks like Cal Expo, Hollywood Park and Los Alamitos. His first driving win was in 1966 at the Tiffin Fair in Ohio. Most recently, Longo has been very supportive of Virginia tracks. He competed at Colonial Downs from 2010-2014 and has been a regular at each of the 10 fall meets at Shenandoah Downs since. He doesn't see himself slowing down any time soon. "I feel like I'm going to live to be a hundred years old," he said. "I still get a rush out of driving. I still get a rush out of being in the winner's circle. I still think I'm competitive. I plan to keep going until I don't think I'm competitive any longer. I'm still proud of new accomplishments. The horse I won with Sunday is a new purchase. She was winning when I bought her and I've been able to keep that going." Since records kept going back to 1977, Longo has won more than a hundred races in a year as a driver six different times. His best season was in 1993 when the horse he drove earned more than $600,000 USD in purse money. Asked if there is a secret to his endurance and consistency, he replied, "Good work, hard work and good health. It's not the driving that wins a race. It's the horse and the people behind the scenes. The grooms and trainers get them out every day and work hard. We don't have any lazy people in the horse business. We have to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I wouldn't have it any other way." (Shenandoah Downs) SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Neumont College of Computer Science announced today that it will once again be known as Neumont University, a change that reflects the institution's growth in academic scope and its continued commitment to preparing the next generation of technology leaders. A Name That Fits "Neumont continues to evolve," said Aaron Reed, Ph.D., Ed.D., President of Neumont University. "Restoring the title 'University' reflects the exceptional academic standard set by the institution at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Neumont's curriculum, academic system, faculty, and pedagogy have shaped thousands of students over the years, giving them the knowledge and tools to excel in today's workplace. I'm optimistic about the future of technology and enthusiastic about the future of this great institution. Go Llamas!" From College to University: What It Means for Neumont The return to Neumont University highlights the range of opportunities the institution offers, from intensive undergraduate study to graduate-level programs, uniting its enduring strength in computer science with a forward-looking focus on Artificial Intelligence. Students can now pursue a path that begins with certificates, advances through bachelor's degrees, and extends into post-baccalaureate study. This continuum ensures Neumont adapts with the industry and equips students for success at every stage of their careers. New Version: Same Mission While the name is changing, Neumont's mission remains unchanged: improving lives through education. The University continues to provide intensive, career-focused computer science and technology-aligned education that prepares students to thrive in a rapidly changing field. Thousands of Neumont alumni are already shaping the future of technology by innovating, creating, and realizing their own dreams. About Neumont University Founded in 2003 and located in Salt Lake City, Utah, Neumont University delivers intensive, career-focused education in computer science and technology. With programs spanning certificates, bachelor's degrees, and graduate study, Neumont equips students with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the technology industry. For more information, visit http://www.neumont.edu. Media Contact: Rob Duane [email protected] 801-822-6500 SOURCE Neumont College of Computer Science Supplemental payments for the Breeders Crown three-year-old and open events are due by Monday, Oct. 13 at noon (EDT) at the Woodbine Mohawk Park race office or Hambletonian Society office. In order to supplement, a cheque for the correct amount as listed below, payable to the Hambletonian Society, Inc. and addressed to Jim Gillespie, Racing Secretary at Woodbine Mohawk Park, P.O. Box 160, 9430 Guelph Line, Campbellville, Ontario, L0P 1B0, or The Hambletonian Society at 109 S Main Street, Ste 18, Cranbury, N.J., 08512, must be received by the deadline. The supplemental declaration fees are listed below. $600,000 USD Three-year-old events - $72,000 USD supplemental entry fee. $600,000 USD Open Trot & Pace - $72,000 USD supplemental entry fee. $400,000 USD Open Mare Pace & Trot - $48,000 USD supplemental entry fee. The entrance fee is included in the supplemental amount. This one-time supplemental payment also makes a horse eligible to all subsequent years Breeders Crown events under the normal schedule of payments. The percentage of the supplement added to the purse is determined by The Hambletonian Society. Anyone wishing to mail a cheque or wire funds directly to the Hambletonian Society before the day of declaration should notify the Hambletonian Society by Thursday, Oct. 9 and ensure funds are received before the end of the business day on Friday, Oct. 10. A horse will not be drawn in and funds will be returned if the owner decides not to enter the horse, the Mohawk race office does not receive a proper entry by Monday, Oct. 13 at noon, or if the owner enters and then withdraws the horse prior to that deadline. Owners must make a declaration in writing, electronically, or by calling the race secretary at 905-854-7805 before Monday, Oct. 13 at noon, in addition to making the supplemental payment. Regular entries for all horses not making a supplemental declaration are due to the Mohawk race office by Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 10:30 a.m. (EDT). (Hambletonian Society) 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: Alloy production by means of arc melting in the material synthesis lab of the Institute for Applied MaterialsMaterials Science and Engineering. Credit: Chiara Bellamoli, KIT A new material might contribute to a reduction of the fossil fuels consumed by aircraft engines and gas turbines in the future. A research team from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has developed a refractory metal-based alloy with properties unparalleled to date. The novel combination of chromium, molybdenum, and silicon is ductile at ambient temperature. With its melting temperature of about 2,000C, it remains stable even at high temperatures and is at the same time oxidation resistant. These results are published in Nature. High-temperature-resistant metallic materials are required for aircraft engines, gas turbines, X-ray units, and many other technical applications. Refractory metals such as tungsten, molybdenum, and chromium, whose melting points are around or higher than 2,000C, can be most resistant to high temperatures. Their practical application, however, has limitations: They are brittle at room temperature and, in contact with oxygen, they start to oxidize, causing failure within a short time already at temperatures of 600C to 700C. Therefore, they can only be used under technically complex vacuum conditionsfor example, as X-ray rotating anodes. Due to these challenges, superalloys based on nickel have been used for decades in components that are exposed to air or combustion gases at high temperatures. They are used, for example, as standard materials for gas turbines. "The existing superalloys are made of many different metallic elements, including rarely available ones, so that they combine several properties. They are ductile at room temperature, stable at high temperatures, and resistant to oxidation," explains Professor Martin Heilmaier from KIT's Institute for Applied MaterialsMaterials Science and Engineering. "Howeverand there is the rubthe operating temperatures, i.e., the temperatures in which they can be used safely, are in the range up to 1,100C maximum. This is too low to exploit the full potential for more efficiency in turbines or other high-temperature applications. The fact is that the efficiency in combustion processes increases with temperature." Microscopic appearance of the oxide scales from Cr-36.1Mo-3Si after 100 h of cyclic oxidation. Credit: Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09516-8 A chance for a technological leap This limitation existing with the materials available today was the starting point for Heilmaier's working group. Within the "Materials Compounds from Composite Materials for Applications in Extreme Conditions" (MatCom-ComMat) research training group, the researchers succeeded in developing a new alloy made of chromium, molybdenum, and silicon. This refractory metal-based alloy, in whose discovery Dr. Alexander Kauffmann, now professor at the Ruhr University Bochum, played a major role, features hitherto unparalleled properties. "It is ductile at room temperature, its melting point is as high as about 2,000C, andunlike refractory alloys known to dateit oxidizes only slowly, even in the critical temperature range. "This nurtures the vision of being able to make components suitable for operating temperatures substantially higher than 1,100C. Thus, the result of our research has the potential to enable a real technological leap," says Kauffmann. This is specifically remarkable as resistance to oxidation and ductility still cannot be predicted sufficiently to allow a targeted material designdespite the great progress that has been achieved in computer-assisted materials development. More efficiency, less consumption "In a turbine, even a temperature increase of just 100C can reduce fuel consumption by about 5%," explains Heilmaier. This is particularly relevant to aviation, as airplanes powered by electricity will hardly be suitable for long-haul flights in the next decades. Thus, a significant reduction of the fuel consumption will be a vital issue. Stationary gas turbines in power plants could also be operated with lower CO emissions thanks to more robust materials. "In order to be able to use the alloy on an industrial level, many other development steps are necessary," says Heilmaier. "However, with our discovery in fundamental research, we have reached an important milestone. Research groups all over the world can now build on this achievement." More information: Frauke Hinrichs et al, A ductile chromiummolybdenum alloy resistant to high-temperature oxidation, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09516-8 Journal information: Nature 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: Data-sharing statements and indication of whether consumers can limit the corresponding sharing practice in GLBA notices. Credit: arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2507.05415 Banks are among the most tightly regulated institutions in the United States, but a new University of Michigan study suggests they may be sharing customers' personal data far more freely than most people realize. The researchers analyzed privacy policies from more than 2,000 of the nation's largest banks and found a maze of contradictory, confusing, and overlapping disclosures about how customer information is collected, used, and shared. Nearly half of the banks examined published multiple privacy policiesoften with inconsistent statements that make it hard for consumers to know what really happens to their data. "In many cases, banks claimed they don't share customer data with outside parties in a federally required U.S. Consumer Privacy Notice, yet disclosed such sharing elsewhere or deployed marketing tracking cookies without acknowledgment," said study lead author Lu Xian, doctoral student at the U-M School of Information. The analysis, posted to the arXiv preprint server, matters because it raises concerns about transparency in the financial industry and the effectiveness of existing privacy laws. The team focused on third-party data sharing for marketing, one of the most privacy-sensitive practices. They found frequent mismatches between what banks report under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Acta federal law requiring financial institutions to tell customers in a concise two-page notice how they share personal information and safeguard itand what they disclose in other parts of their websites. "The issue is that the federal law requires a short notice, but that banks now have so many other privacy notices accompanying their online services and mobile apps that the simplified federal notice now often provides an incomplete if not misleading picture of a bank's data practices," said Florian Schaub, U-M associate professor of information and the study's principal investigator. The study highlights how overlapping and fragmented privacy laws can create confusion for both banks and their customers, ultimately undermining transparency and trust. Consumers share vast amounts of personal information with their banks to manage salaries, bills and savingsdata that can then be passed to third parties for advertising or analytics, potentially influencing access to financial products or even health care options, the researchers noted. To better protect their data, consumers can: Use the "To limit sharing" box in the U.S. consumer privacy notice to restrict financial data sharing. Click the "Do Not Sell My Personal Information" link on bank homepages or enable Global Privacy Control in their browsers to limit third-party data sharing under state privacy laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act. Manage or reject advertising cookies through website banners, browser settings or industry opt-out tools. In addition to Xian and Schaub, other researchers on the study included Lauren Lee and Meera Kumar of U-M, Yichen Zhang of the University of Wisconsin and Van Hong Tran of the University of Chicago. The analysis will be presented at the ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security (ACM CCS 2025), held Oct.1317 in Taipei, Taiwan. More information: Lu Xian et al, Layered, Overlapping, and Inconsistent: A Large-Scale Analysis of the Multiple Privacy Policies and Controls of U.S. Banks, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2507.05415 Journal information: arXiv 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: Session on renewable energy and energy efficiency, the Women Development Committee, Felidhoo Island, Vaavu Atoll, March 2017. From the POISED Project Management unit. Credit: Oxford Open Energy (2024). DOI: 10.1093/ooenergy/oiae006 For the first time, renewables have toppled coal as the world's leading source of electricity, in keeping with International Energy Agency projections for this historic shift. But progress is uneven. The shift away from fossil fuels has slowed in the United States and the European Unionbut accelerated sharply in developing nations. China attracts headlines for the sheer scale of its shift. But many smaller nations are now taking up clean energy, electric vehicles and battery storage at remarkable speed, driven by governments, businesses and individuals. Importantly, these moves often aren't about climate change. Reasons range from cutting dependence on expensive fossil fuels and international market volatility to reducing reliance on unreliable power grids to finding ways to boost livelihoods. Pakistan's enormous solar boom is partly a response to spiking power prices and grid unreliability. Meanwhile, Pacific nations see clean energy as a way to slash the crippling cost of importing diesel and expand electricity access. My research has given me insight into the paths four countries in South Asia have taken to seize the benefits of clean technology, each shaped by unique pressures and opportunities. All are moving rapidly, blending necessity with ambition. Their stories show the clean energy path isn't one-size-fits-all. Bhutan: From hydropower giant to diversified energy The landlocked Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has long relied on hydroelectricity. But the country faces a persistent challenge: seasonal variability. Most of Bhutan's plants are run-of-the-river, meaning they don't have large dams. As a result, power generation drops sharply during dry winter months when river flows are low, particularly between January and April. At the same time, rapid industrialization has driven up demand for power, outstripping winter capacity. Climate change is expected to worsen this variability. During these months, Bhutan shifts from its role as clean-energy exporter to an importer, buying electricity from India. But imports aren't a long-term solution. To secure reliable supply year-round, Bhutan's government is diversifying energy sources. To that end, up to 300 megawatts of solar is expected to be installed, potentially as soon as next year. Bhutan's first utility-scale solar farm is under construction. Over time, Bhutan will blend hydro with solar, wind and biomass to create a more balanced clean energy mix. Nepal: Electric cars in Kathmandu Nepal has long imported all its petrol from India. But when India launched an unofficial blockade in 2015, vital supplies and fuel tankers stopped coming. Fuel prices surged. People queued for days at petrol stations, while black-market prices soared and public transport collapsed. Households, already enduring many hours of daily blackouts, faced even worse conditions. The crisis exposed Nepal's deep vulnerability. The mountainous nation makes its own electricity, largely through hydropower. But it had to import petrol. In 2018, authorities launched an ambitious program to shift to electric vehicles and free the nation from dependence on imports. Electric vehicles would charge on domestic hydropower and reduce Kathmandu's well-known air pollution. The plan called for electric vehicles to reach 90% share of new commuter vehicle sales (including popular two-wheelers) by 2030. This year, the electric vehicle share for new four-wheel vehicles reached 76%, jumping rapidly in just the past year. Exemptions and incentives have supported this growth. As electric vehicles surge, new charging station and maintenance businesses have emerged. It's not all smooth sailing. A protest movement recently overthrew Nepal's government, creating uncertainty. Analysts warn stable government policy and infrastructure investment will be essential. Sri Lanka: Innovation emerging from crisis Between 2022 and 2023, a serious economic crisis hit Sri Lanka. Citizens reeled from severe energy shocks, such as fuel shortages, 12-hour blackouts and punishing electricity price hikes of over 140%. Half a million people were disconnected from the grid as they were unable to pay. The crisis showed how fragile the island nation's energy system was. Authorities looked for better options. Hydroelectricity has long been a mainstay, but solar and wind are growing rapidly. Sri Lanka runs on about 50% renewables, with hydro the largest contributor by far. By 2030, the goal is to reach 70% renewable energy. While renewables offer cheap power, they have to be coupled with energy storage and new systems to integrate them into the grid. In response, universities, international partners and companies have worked to integrate renewable energy in the grid, developing artificial intelligence-based systems to improve reliability and supply to consumers. For instance, they can reduce voltage fluctuations associated with high uptake of rooftop solar. Importantly, some of these projects have a gender focus, prioritizing women-led small enterprises and training for women engineers. The crisis may prove a turning point by exposing vulnerabilities and pushing Sri Lanka to adopt new energy solutions. Maldives: Bringing solar to diesel-dependent islands Few countries are more vulnerable to fossil fuel dependence than the Maldives. Spread across 1,000 islands, the nation relies on imported diesel for power generation, with high transport costs and exposure to oil price swings. In 2014, Maldivian authorities launched the Preparing Outer Islands for Sustainable Energy Development project as part of a plan to reach net-zero by 2030. The project focuses on around 160 poorer islands further from the capital, progressively replacing a reliance on diesel generators with solar arrays, battery storage and upgraded power grids. Women's economic empowerment is a priority, as women-led enterprises run solar systems and utilities train female operations officers. The Maldives government released a 2030 roadmap, which has a welcome focus on the "just energy transition"ensuring communities benefit equitably. For the Maldives, renewables are more than an environmental choicethey are a lifeline for economic survival and resilience. Lessons from the margins While these energy transitions rarely make global headlines, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives show how smaller economies are finding their own pathways to cleaner, more resilient energy. Their reasons to act stem from different crises, from blockades to economic upheaval. But each nation is working to turn challenge into opportunity. More information: Reihana Mohideen et al, Managing gender-inclusive, just energy transitions in South Asia, Oxford Open Energy (2024). DOI: 10.1093/ooenergy/oiae006 This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Performance Brokerage Services, the leader in dealership buy-sell activity, announces the sale of Louisburg Garage in Cuba City, Wisconsin from Mike Timmerman and Mary Ann Timmerman Survivors Trust to Chad Richardson IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Performance Brokerage Services, North America's highest volume dealership brokerage firm, is pleased to announce the sale of Louisburg Garage in Cuba City, Wisconsin from Mike Timmerman and Mary Ann Timmerman Survivors Trust to Chad Richardson. Performance Brokerage Services - Louisburg Garage - Chad Richardson Louisburg Garage is a third-generation, family-owned and operated dealership, founded in 1939 by Ervin Timmerman. The dealership secured the Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram franchise in 1992, building on its long history of customer loyalty and community trust. In 1977, Ervin's sons, Floyd and Mike Timmerman, took over the business and continued its growth. Following Floyd's passing in 2018, Mike Timmerman continued to operate the dealership, upholding the family's legacy in the community, with support from family members involved in office and sales operations. After the sale, Carrie Lory, daughter of Mary Ann Timmerman and niece of Mike Timmerman, shared, "Matt Willis and Emily Bourne of Performance Brokerage Services were highly responsive, easy to work with, and consistently professional. We trusted them to handle the sale of our family business, which my grandfather started 86 years ago, and we were very pleased with the outcome." Over the last 5 years, Performance Brokerage Services has advised on the sale of nearly 400 dealerships, making it the highest volume dealership brokerage firm in North America. Paul Kechnie, Senior Partner, Matt Willis, Partner, and Emily Bourne, Partner of the Texas & Midwest Offices for Performance Brokerage Services were the exclusive sell-side advisors for this transaction. Matt Willis commented, "It was an honor to work with the Timmerman family on the sale of Louisburg Garage. This dealership has been a cornerstone of the community for generations, and helping facilitate a smooth transition to Chad Richardson was incredibly rewarding. We're proud to have supported the Timmermans and Chad throughout this milestone transaction." Emily Bourne added, "Transactions like this are why we love what we do. Louisburg Garage has a rich family legacy, and our goal was to ensure the sale honored that history while providing a seamless experience for both the Timmermans and Chad Richardson. Seeing the families satisfied with the outcome makes all the effort worthwhile." Chad Richardson expands his dealership portfolio with the addition of Louisburg Garage, a multi-franchise dealership representing Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram. This complements the brands he currently represents at his Dubuque location, which include Buick, Cadillac, GMC, and Honda. Chad Richardson shared, "Working with Matt Willis and Emily Bourne at Performance Brokerage Services was a great experience. They made the purchase of Louisburg Garage in Cuba City smooth and straightforward, and their professionalism and guidance were second to none. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to buy or sell a dealership." The dealership will be renamed Richardson Motors Wisconsin, Inc. and will remain at its current location at 2049 Louisburg Road in Cuba City, Wisconsin. About Performance Brokerage Services Performance Brokerage Services, Inc. is North America's highest volume dealership brokerage firm, specializing in buy-sell activity for automotive, RV, commercial truck, powersports, and equipment dealerships. With over 30 years of experience, 900 dealerships sold, and a 90% closing rate, the company's reputation is unmatched and governed by the utmost ethical conduct and integrity. The company offers a unique approach by providing complimentary estimates of value with no upfront fees or retainer, no reimbursement of costs, and paid a success fee only after the transaction closes. Headquartered in Irvine, California and supported by 12 regional offices across the United States and Canada, clients benefit from national exposure with local representation. As trusted and respected experts in the field, the company utilizes an extensive network of industry related attorneys, accountants, hundreds of registered buyers, and longstanding relationships with various vehicle manufacturers. For more information about the services offered by Performance Brokerage Services, visit https://performancebrokerageservices.com. Media Contact: Jesse Stopnitzky, Co-Owner (949) 309-2851 [email protected] SOURCE Performance Brokerage Services, Inc. LONDON, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BizClik, a global B2B media and events company, has released the latest editions of its Procurement & Supply Chain portfolio, featuring: Supply Chain Digital Procurement Magazine Procurement And Supply Chain Out Now Each digital magazine delivers exclusive interviews, company features, editorial insights, and our signature Top 10 rankings, spotlighting the executives, organisations, and innovations shaping industries around the world. Supply Chain Digital - October 2025 Cover Feature: Chris Roe reveals how Amazon Freight, once built to serve its own network, is now reshaping logistics for businesses worldwide (p.86). Company Features: Veolia - Leading Ecological Transformation Through Innovation (p.140) Top 10: Top 10: Logistics CEOs (p. 68) Editorial Highlights: The Supply Chain Interview - Shelley Salomon, VP, Global Amazon Business (p. 24) Can Sustainability Partnerships Power Supply Chain Change? Insights from Finserv, Klarna, SAP, and EcoBeautyScore Association (p.125) Event Highlights - Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE London 2025 (p. 34) Supply Chain Technology & Big Data - Insights from Altimetrik and Microsoft (p. 176) Read the issue here Procurement Magazine - October 2025 Cover Feature: DPW Amsterdam Founder, Matthias Gutzmann, on this year's event, which featured speakers from companies such as Henkel, EcoVadis, Kearney, and more (p. 94) Company Features Procurement Garage - Exclusive interview with its CEO, Leo Alexander, on transforming Latin America supply chains through AI (p. 116) Procurement Garage - Exclusive interview with its CEO, Leo Alexander, on transforming Latin America supply chains through AI (p. 116) Quantiphi - Why Enterprises Must Own Their Agentic AI Stacks (p. 176) Top 10: Top 10 Contract Lifecycle Management Platforms (p. 66) Editorial Highlights: The Procurement Interview - Andrew Roszko, CEO at Jaggaer (p. 24) The Procurement Special Report - How AI Has Transformed Digital Contract Management (p. 127) Read the issue here Leadership Quotes "Leading companies are turning every pound of spend into a lever for growth, even in the toughest conditions," said Michael Agresta, Chief Financial Officer at Coupa, in Supply Chain Digital "I've observed firsthand there's this convergence between procurement and supply chain," said Andrew Roszko, CEO at JAGGAER, in Procurement Magazine Looking Ahead: 2026 Global Events BizClik is preparing a landmark year of events for the Procurement & Supply Chain portfolio. In April 2026, the flagship Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE London will join forces with Sustainability LIVE to create a single, globally focused event in London. This world-class gathering will unite leaders in procurement, supply chain, and sustainability, bringing together strategy, innovation, and ESG under one roof. With a global audience of senior executives, innovators, and policymakers, the event will provide a powerful platform for collaboration and drive transformative change across industries. Why it matters Each edition delivers thought leadership, market insight, and strategic storytelling for senior executives across procurement, supply chain, and manufacturing. Supported by a calendar of international events, the portfolio offers year-round opportunities for global decision-makers and innovators to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of industry. About the Procurement & Supply Chain Portfolio The Procurement & Supply Chain portfolio includes Procurement Magazine, Supply Chain Digital, and Manufacturing Digital, covering procurement strategy, global logistics, and manufacturing transformation. Together, these titles reach a worldwide audience of senior decision-makers driving innovation, resilience, and efficiency. About BizClik BizClik is a UK-based media company with a global portfolio of leading digital communities spanning industry, business, and lifestyle sectors. Its brands cover Technology & AI, FinTech & InsurTech, Manufacturing, Procurement & Supply Chain, Sustainability & Energy, and more. For further information, visit here. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2789557/PSC_October2025_Editions_Blog__1.jpg SOURCE BizClik Media This story is meant particularly for the people who know exactly what happened that afternoon 20 years ago, and why. Those with information are encouraged to make the call that may unravel the mystery of May 14, 2003. Adobe's AI technology will support Red Sea Global's vision to deliver personalised experiences on VisitRedSea.com to attract visitors to Saudi Arabia's new destination Powered by Adobe Experience Manager , visitors will receive personalised communications based on their interests and past interactions from trip planning to resort arrival and beyond Adobe's technology will be implemented by Red Sea Global's technology partner Globant and is central to the delivery of the Connected Visitor Experiences RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Adobe and Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA in Saudi Arabia, have announced a partnership that will see Adobe for Business products form the digital foundation for delivering personalised experiences for visitors to VisitRedSea.com. RSG's technology partner Globant, responsible for the delivery of the technology-powered Connected Visitor Experience, will lead the implementation. In order: Luc Dammann - President of EMEA at Adobe, Sultan Moraished - Group Head of Technology and Corporate Excellence at Red Sea Global, and Federico Pienovi - CEO of New Markets at Globant. The Red Sea is one of the newest travel destinations in the world, welcoming its first guests in 2023. With the need to appeal to a new audience of travellers, Red Sea Global recognised the importance of showcasing the region's unique beauty and the incredible experiences on offer as people begin researching their next holiday. "When visitors come to The Red Sea they are captivated by the landscapes and resorts, and we needed the digital experience on VisitRedSea.com to have the same breathtaking effect," said Sultan Moraished, Group Head of Technology and Corporate Excellence at Red Sea Global. "The incredible content and personalisation capabilities in Adobe Experience Cloud leave a lasting impression at every step of the journey, from researching and booking, to arriving at their resort and throughout their time at The Red Sea." The Red Sea Global team built the Visit Red Sea digital properties on Adobe Experience Manager ensuring visitors and prospective guests receive a personalised digital experience, bringing the destinations and luxury resorts across The Red Sea's islands and beaches to life through AI-powered dynamic content on web and mobile. "With Adobe, prospective visitors are immediately met with stunning visuals and a personalised experience that captures the unique beauty of the destination from the moment they visit VisitRedSea.com" said Luc Dammann, President of EMEA at Adobe. "Red Sea Global's vision, combined with the power of Adobe's AI technology, sets a new standard for digital experiences in the travel industry, where every interaction counts." By combining Adobe's AI and realtime decisioning capabilities with Globant's endtoend architecture, integration and journey orchestration, Red Sea Global are able to unify content, data and AI to serve contextaware experiences at every step from initial destination research through to planning itineraries, booking and the onsite experience. With the Connected Visitor Experience, our focus is to help Red Sea Global generate tangible value while delivering world-class experiences," said Federico Pienovi, CEO of New Markets at Globant. "By unifying data, AI, and IoT around the traveler, and combining Adobe's advanced suite of tools with Globant's expertise in AI and cross-industry innovation, we are building an ecosystem that works seamlessly end-to-end. This foundation enables RSG to scale, personalize responsibly, and set a new benchmark for luxury travel worldwide. Adobe Experience Manager's robust decisioning engine, seamless integration with Adobe Target and built-in analytics features, are essential to delivering the high degree of personalisation that means every visitor to VisitRedSea.com receives content and communications that match their individual preferences, both on-site and across its digital channels, while also driving conversions to the resorts booking sites. About Adobe Adobe is changing the world through digital experiences. For more information, visit www.adobe.com . About Red Sea Global Red Sea Global (RSG) is a vertically integrated real estate developer with a diverse portfolio across tourism, residential, experiences, infrastructure, transport, healthcare, and services. This includes the luxury regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea, which began welcoming guests in 2023, and AMAALA, which remains on track to welcome first guests in 2025. A third destination, Thuwal Private Retreat, opened in 2024. RSG has also been entrusted with refurbishment works at Al Wajh Airport, focused on upgrading the existing terminal and infrastructure, and building a new international terminal. RSG is a PIF company and a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's ambition to diversify its economy. Across its growing portfolio of destinations, subsidiaries, and businesses, RSG seeks to lead the world towards a more sustainable future, showing how responsible development can uplift communities, drive economies, and enhance the environment. www.redseaglobal.com About Globant At Globant, we create the digitally-native products that people love. We bridge the gap between businesses and consumers through technology and creativity, leveraging our expertise in AI. We dare to digitally transform organizations and strive to delight their customers. We have more than 30,000 employees and are present in more than 35 countries across 5 continents, working for companies like Google, Electronic Arts, and Santander, among others. We were named a Worldwide Leader in AI Services (2023) and a Worldwide Leader in Media Consultation, Integration, and Business Operations Cloud Service Providers (2024) by IDC MarketScape report. We are the fastest-growing IT brand and the 5th strongest IT brand globally (2024), according to Brand Finance. We were featured as a business case study at Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. We are active members of The Green Software Foundation (GSF) and the Cybersecurity Tech Accord. For more information, visit www.globant.com. 2025 Adobe Images: https://fileport.io/gxtkgJzHWWv5 Press Contact Mike Ruppert Head of Enterprise Communications UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa Adobe [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2792574/Adobe_x_RSG_x_Globant.jpg SOURCE Adobe At the official launch of the Michelin Key Global Hotel Rating System on October 8, the Michelin Guide unveiled its 2025 selection, marking a historic milestone. For the first time in over a century of defining culinary excellence through the Michelin Stars, the Michelin brand has expanded its legacy into the world of hospitality. After months of rigorous anonymous evaluations, Viet Nam made a remarkable debut in the ranking, with 13 hotels and resorts honoured including two with Three Michelin Keys, three with Two Keys, and eight with One Key. Among the distinguished winners, Capella Hanoi (Ha Noi) by Sun Group stands out as one of only two Vietnamese hotels to achieve the Three Michelin Keys distinction the pinnacle of excellence, reserved for properties that deliver a 'trip of a lifetime'. Meanwhile, Hotel de la Coupole MGallery (Sa Pa, Lao Cai) was awarded One Michelin Key for its uniquely artful stay experience in the misty mountain town of Sa Pa. These two exceptional representatives reflect Viet Nams dual charm in luxury hospitality the refined, sophisticated allure of Ha Noi and the romantic, highland artistry of Sa Pa. Michelin described this as a remarkable debut for Viet Nam on the worlds luxury tourism map, underscoring the nations rising stature in the global high-end hospitality arena. Launched with the mission to expand Michelins rating standards from gastronomy to hospitality, the Michelin Key is considered the Michelin Star for hotels, establishing a new global benchmark for the art of hospitality and the stay experience. The Michelin Guide has curated a selection of over 7,000 hotels across more than 125 countries and territories. Hotels in the selection are evaluated according to five universal criteria: how well the property connects guests with its destination; excellence in architecture and interior design; consistency in service quality, comfort, and maintenance; coherence between experience and value; and the propertys unique identity reflecting authenticity and character. The criteria emphasise the holistic experience rather than facilities alone, setting a new international standard for high-quality hospitality. Hotels awarded Keys are categorised into three levels: One Key for a special stay, Two Keys for an exceptional stay, and Three Keys the highest level for an outstanding stay. Michelin describes Three Key hotels as a destination for the trip of a lifetime. For Michelin, a Key-awarded hotel is not merely a comfortable place to sleep but an emotional journey where guests can feel the spirit, story, and people of the destination. Michelin praised Capella Hanoi as a hotel that captures the spirit of opera through exquisite design, immersing guests in the cultural rhythm of the city. Located just a five-minute walk from the iconic Hanoi Grand Opera House and the Old Quarter, the hotel, designed by world-renowned architect Bill Bensley, is a masterpiece inspired by the golden age of opera, where each suite tells a unique story of Ha Nois 1920s artistic era. With only 47 rooms, the hotel delights guests through personalised living spaces, refined service, and meticulous attention to detail. Since its opening, Capella Hanoi has quickly become a favourite destination for art lovers and travellers seeking to experience Ha Noi through the lenses of culture, art, and personalisation. It is also the only hotel in Viet Nam featuring three restaurants recognised by the Michelin Guide 2025, including Hibana by Koki, which proudly maintains its One Michelin Star for the third consecutive year. Meanwhile, Hotel de la Coupole MGallery in Sa Pa impresses with its fusion of French haute couture and the rich cultural heritage of Viet Nams northern highlands. Also designed by Bill Bensley, the hotel resembles a vivid painting amidst the clouds of Sa Pa, blending local traditions with modern sophistication. Guests can enjoy cocktails at the Absinthe Bar on the 10th floor, admire the panoramic view from the glass bridge connecting to the Chic restaurant, or simply sit by the outdoor fireplace, savouring a French-style dinner in the cool mountain air. The ambiance at MGallery stimulates all five senses sight, sound, touch, taste, and scent turning every moment of stay into an unforgettable memory. The recognition of these two Vietnamese hotels in the Michelin Key 2025 list not only affirms their international service and management excellence but also cements Sun Groups pioneering position in Viet Nams high-end hospitality sector. Following the success of Vietnamese cuisine on the Michelin stage, the countrys luxury accommodation industry has now been officially acknowledged by the worlds most prestigious rating system proving that Viet Nam offers not only stunning landscapes and memorable cuisine but also sophisticated, world-class stay experiences for global travellers. Source: Michelin Guide All the Key Hotels in Viet Nam 2025 HCM CITY As the countrys largest industrial and service hub, HCM City is now spearheading policies that foster digital transformation, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in production. These efforts, combined with national strategies, are creating favourable conditions for enterprises to invest in advanced technologies, enhance competitiveness, and meet global supply chain standards. Viet Nams mechanical and manufacturing sector is entering a new stage of modernisation, with growing demand for automation, smart production management, and international connectivity. According to o Phuoc Tong, chairman of the HCM City Association of Mechanical Electrical Enterprises (HAMEE), by September 2025, Viet Nams mechanical and manufacturing industry had shown clear signs of recovery and posted impressive growth. He emphasised that the sector is now at a crucial turning point where technological renewal, automation and digitalisation are no longer optional, but prerequisites for survival and expansion abroad. The industry currently focuses on three major segments: motorbikes and spare parts, household mechanical products, and automobiles with related components, which together account for about 70 per cent of domestic production value. These fields also enjoy strong demand and steady growth in the domestic market. To ensure that Viet Nams mechanical industry truly advances, support must come from multiple directions associations, authorities, international partners but most importantly from the determination of enterprises themselves. One of HAMEEs key missions is to highlight the value of Vietnamese industrial products, promote the use of goods made by our own people, and gradually build trust among international customers, Tong said. Nguyen Ba Tong, vice chairman and southern representative of the Viet Nam Association for Supporting Industries (VASI), noted that despite remarkable growth, Viet Nams supporting industries still face many challenges. Most enterprises are small and medium-sized, with limited technology and management capacity. Their ability to meet international standards remains uneven, leading to a localisation rate in sectors such as automobiles that is still lower than national targets. Only about 17 per cent of domestic firms have joined the supply chains of multinational corporations. He stressed that building platforms and forums to help Vietnamese enterprises gain access to technology, enhance production capacity, and connect with global partners is now more urgent than ever. Role in the industrial hub In HCM City, the industrial and construction sector continues to play a leading role, with the citys Index of Industrial Production (IIP) recording the highest growth in recent years. Since early 2025, the citys manufacturing industry has regained its momentum, reaffirming its position as the southern hub of both industry and services. Cao Thi Phi Van, deputy director of the Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC), explained that mechanical engineering holds particular importance, as it supplies machinery, equipment and foundational solutions for the entire production chain. She pointed out that in 2025, the industry faces opportunities and challenges from global trends such as AI, automation, green transition and the circular economy. To stay competitive, the sector must accelerate technology adoption, improve productivity and quality, and meet increasingly stringent international requirements. Enterprises in the city also underlined the importance of preferential credit policies, digital transformation support, training for high-quality human resources and national e-commerce standards. They believe that these measures will act as catalysts for growth, while coordination between distributors, technology firms, associations and regulatory bodies will form a brand alliance, ensuring Vietnamese products are safeguarded and developed sustainably. Digital transformation momentum Several domestic companies have already established AI application centres for research, development and logistics, using smart technology for routing and marketing. A survey released by Synology in 2025 showed that nearly 90 per cent of enterprises in Southeast Asia have invested in digital transformation. However, 85 per cent remain at the initial stage, while over 55 per cent have experienced cyberattacks, and only one-fifth trust their ability to recover fully from such incidents. Jola Le, business manager of Synology Viet Nam, said that enterprises now have broader solution options to meet diverse demands. Cyber resilience has become a top priority for IT leaders, directly determining business continuity and competitiveness. Synologys expanded portfolio provides simple, flexible and secure solutions, helping enterprises protect their most valuable assets and pursue sustainable growth in the digital era, she said. VNS HA NOI The Vietnam International Electronics and Smart Appliances Expo (IEAE) 2025 will take place from October 30 to November 1 at the Hanoi International Exhibition Center (ICE), showcasing innovation and fostering collaboration in the consumer electronics and household appliance industries. Organised by Chaoyu Expo and Vinexad, with support from the Vietnam Electronic Industries Association (VEIA), the Vietnam E-Commerce Association (VECOM) and other relevant agencies, the expo covers 6,000 square metres, featuring more than 260 exhibitors across 350 booths. The event is expected to welcome over 15,000 visitors, including businesses, buyers, distributors, and tech enthusiasts, offering a wide array of products and interactive experiences. IEAE 2025 aims to open opportunities for partnerships and drive the upgrading and development of technology in Viet Nams electronics and appliances sectors. A series of seminars and specialised activities will accompany the exhibition, with domestic and international experts discussing global trends, technological innovation, governance strategies, and value chain cooperation to enhance business competitiveness amid the global production shift. The B2B matching programme will provide VIP buyers with a direct platform to connect with businesses, discuss product performance, streamline processes, and accelerate potential partnerships. VNS Dr Paul Brennan to present on the association of early biomarker modulation with long term clinical outcomes from the MATCH Ph II study of non-engineered macrophages in cirrhosis Dr Lara Campana to present on anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of regenerative macrophage therapy in models of liver fibrosis EDINBURGH, Scotland and LONDON, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Resolution Therapeutics Limited ("Resolution" or "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering Regenerative Macrophage Therapy in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, today announces two abstracts have been selected for presentation at the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) The Liver Meeting 2025. The conference will take place in Washington D.C., between 7-11 November 2025. Dr Paul Brennan MD, PhD, Clinical Lecturer in Hepatology, University of Dundee, UK, will present data from the University of Edinburgh's MATCH 2 clinical trial demonstrating that regenerative macrophage therapy (RMT) is associated with early changes in biomarkers associated with liver function (INR; dMELD), which in turn correlate with much longer survival in patients with advanced cirrhosis. Details below: Title: Early modulation of INR and MELD after regenerative macrophage therapy is associated with favourable clinical outcomes at three-year follow-up Publication Number: 2435 Author: Dr. Paul Brennan, PhD Date/Time: 8 November 2025, 8:00am 5:00pm EST Track: Portal Hypertension and Other Complications of Cirrhosis ("2280-2479") Dr. Lara Campana, Ph.D., co-founder and Senior Vice President of Research and Translational Science at Resolution will present a poster detailing the preclinical data supporting the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of regenerative macrophage therapies in models of liver fibrosis. Details below: Title: Assessment of regenerative macrophage therapy pharmacology supports anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in preclinical models of liver fibrosis Publication Number: 3391 Author: Dr Lara Campana, PhD Date/Time: 9 November 2025, 5:00pm 6:30pm EST Track: Liver Fibrogenesis and Non-Parenchymal Cell Biology ("3335-3420") Members of the Resolution senior leadership team will be attending the conference. Please reach out to set up a meeting to learn more about the Company. 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 AASLD AASLD is the leading organization of scientists and health care professionals committed to preventing and curing liver disease. It fosters research that leads to improved treatment options for millions of liver disease patients. It advances the science and practice of hepatology through educational conferences, training programs, professional publications, and partnerships with government agencies and sister societies. SOURCE Resolution Therapeutics HA NOI Viet Nams livestock exports reached an estimated US$447.5 million in the first nine months of 2025, up 18.6 per cent year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. In particular, milk and dairy products brought home $89 million, down 4.9 per cent, while meat, edible offal and by-products totalled $151 million, rising 27.4 per cent. In September alone, export earnings were valued at $53.7 million, data show. Facing stricter international market requirements and intensifying competition, the ministry has asked localities to expand successful biosecure and circular farming models and to promote linkages between businesses and farmers. This will help tighten control across the production chain, elevate domestic animal husbandry, and attract greater foreign investment to high-tech farming. Authorities, associations and provinces have also been instructed to step up measures against cross-border smuggling of animals and related products in efforts to create a healthy business environment, boost livestock production linked with processing for higher added value and step up trade promotion. In addition, the ministry called for developing disease-free zones, strengthening market research and forecasting and supporting enterprises in production planning and market expansion. These steps aim to sustain growth momentum and improve the global competitiveness of Viet Nams livestock sector. VNA/VNS HA NOI Vietnam Airlines will launch its first direct Ha NoiCebu (Philippines) route on December 1, with three weekly Airbus A321 flights, marking the airlines first connection to Cebu and a step forward in its Southeast Asia expansion strategy. Deputy CEO ang Anh Tuan said the route demonstrates the airlines commitment to regional connectivity and supports Resolution 59-NQ/TW on international integration, boosting tourism, trade and cultural exchange. The three-hour direct flights will replace sixeight hour transit trips, offering greater convenience and four-star service standards. The new service is expected to generate stable two-way travel demand and raises Vietnam Airlines total weekly flights between Viet Nam and the Philippines to 12, including existing services to Manila. To mark the launch, special round-trip fares start from VN5.66 million (US$212) for economy and VN24.44 million for business class, available for tickets purchased by February 28, 2026, for travel until that date. Passengers also receive extra baggage allowance and Lotusmiles bonus miles. BIZHUB/VNS HA NOI Vietnamese pomelo has officially earned the green light to enter the Australian market, marking a significant milestone for the countrys agricultural sector and its integration into the global supply chain. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), in co-operation with the Australian Embassy in Viet Nam, held a ceremony on Thursday to announce the export of Vietnamese pomelo to Australia and Australian blueberries to Viet Nam. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Hoang Trung affirmed that Vietnamese pomelos official presence in Australia represented a major achievement, demonstrating the quality and competitiveness of the countrys agricultural products. He added that the introduction of high-quality Australian blueberries to Viet Nam expanded consumer choices while laying the foundation for a mutually supportive two-way supply chain in the region. Trung credited the accomplishment to effective coordination between management agencies, businesses and farmers from both countries, particularly the efforts of Viet Nams Plant Production and Protection Department and Australias Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) in negotiating, conducting pest risk analyses and establishing phytosanitary import requirements. The Deputy Minister emphasised that the export of Vietnamese pomelo to Australia was not merely a commercial milestone but also affirmed the countrys strength in quality management, phytosanitary control and international reputation. With this development, Vietnamese pomelo joins the ranks of high-quality agricultural products recognised globally, opening new markets and reinforcing its position as a trusted, dynamic and sustainable partner in the international supply chain. Currently, Vietnamese pomelo is available in 14 markets, including the US, South Korea, New Zealand and Japan. Australia becomes the 15th market and a key gateway to Oceania. Last year, fresh pomelo exports generated around US$60 million in turnover. The area dedicated to pomelo cultivation has expanded from 50,000 hectares in 2015 to over 100,000 hectares this year, producing nearly 1 million tonnes annually. Bilateral agricultural and food trade between Viet Nam and Australia reached $2.9 billion last year, reflecting a deepening economic relationship between the two countries. Australias Ambassador to Viet Nam Gillian Bird expressed excitement that Vietnamese consumers would soon enjoy Australian blueberries, which are grown in diverse soils and climates, offer high nutritional value, and meet strict safety and sustainability standards. Ambassador Bird noted that, thanks to the proximity between the two countries, Australian blueberries could reach Viet Nam within 24 hours of harvest. She also looked forward to enjoying Vietnamese pomelo in Australia and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting two-way market agreements that promote trade and foster agricultural development between the two nations. BIZHUB/VNS HA NOI Product identification and traceability remain the two pillars of modern market management, according to Tran Huu Linh, Director General of the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, speaking at a conference yesterday on enhancing the value of Vietnamese products. Linh explained that identification enables precise recognition of products from production to consumption, while traceability provides complete and verifiable information about the products journey. Combined, these elements create a transparent management ecosystem where every transaction can be verified and authenticated. He stressed that a unified national traceability system is essential one that employs modern, accessible technologies, can be integrated with management systems across other ministries and sectors, and complies with international practices. Economists noted that applying traceability systems not only helps businesses strengthen their brands but also serves as a passport for Vietnamese goods to overcome technical barriers and access demanding markets. In recent years, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has been developing a legal framework for product identification and traceability, including drafting a decree on criteria for determining the origin of domestically circulated goods. Once issued, the decree will provide a crucial legal basis for distinguishing genuine and counterfeit products, Vietnamese and imported goods, while supporting anti-fraud measures and protecting consumers. Meanwhile, the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development is working with other agencies to implement advanced technologies such as blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), QR codes and GS1 barcodes to ensure full-process, accurate traceability. Vietnam currently has 19 free trade agreements, 17 of which have taken effect or are being implemented. Head of the Goods Origin Division under the Agency of Foreign Trade Tran Thanh Binh said the network of major FTAs offers Vietnamese goods enormous opportunities to penetrate international markets. Preferential tariffs under FTAs provide a significant competitive advantage abroad, but to fully benefit from these agreements, enterprises must meet all regulatory requirements, with traceability being a key condition. She explained that goods management in Viet Nam is divided into two categories: domestic circulation and importexport. For goods circulated within the country, the focus is on identification and traceability, while for exports, determining origin is mandatory. Though these areas differ, they are closely coordinated to protect consumers and meet international obligations. In practice, tariff differentials based on origin certification create a substantial competitive edge. For example, Vietnamese rice exported to the EU without a certificate of origin faces a tariff per tonne, whereas with a valid certificate the rate drops to zero, helping Vietnamese enterprises enhance their competitiveness in global markets. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam is keen to draw on international experience in developing its crypto-asset market, aiming to create a professional platform for investors, attract financial resources, and foster national economic growth, Deputy Prime Minister Ho uc Phoc has said. Speaking at a meeting on Thursday with Marco Dal Lago, Vice President for Global Expansion and Strategic Partnerships at Tether Group, Phoc noted that the Government has recently adopted Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP on the five-year pilot of crypto asset trading. Competent authorities are currently reviewing applications and are expected to license around five strong crypto-asset trading platforms. Following the pilot phase, once stability is ensured, a comprehensive legal framework will be introduced to regulate the market. The Deputy PM highlighted Viet Nam's robust economic performance, with an anticipated growth rate of about 8 per cent this year and total import-export turnover of US$911 billion. To maintain this momentum, he said, Viet Nam needs significant resources for major infrastructure projects, such as expressways, high-speed railways, airports, seaports, and an international financial centre. Against that backdrop, Viet Nam hopes to learn from technological and regulatory frameworks in other countries to operate a safe and transparent crypto-asset market. Phoc also encouraged Tether Group to explore cooperation with a leading Vietnamese enterprise to develop a crypto-asset exchange. Dal Lago described Viet Nam as one of Tethers most promising and strategic markets, citing its young population, dynamic economy, and substantial remittance inflows. With modern technology, competitive costs, and extensive experience, Tether is confident in its ability to collaborate effectively with Vietnamese partners to build and manage crypto-asset trading platforms, he said. He affirmed Tethers commitment to supporting Viet Nam in establishing a sustainable crypto-asset market. The group also expressed readiness to assist in developing a clear and transparent regulatory framework to help repatriate offshore financial flows and spur economic growth. During their discussions, both sides exchanged views on system security and safety, policy formulation for crypto-asset trading, potential cooperation models, and best practices for managing capital flows through digital asset exchanges. Tether Group is a leading global issuer of stablecoins, with total reserve assets exceeding $177 billion, including about $120 billion in US Treasury bonds. VNA/VNS HA NOI Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son on Thursday signed a decision establishing the Vietnam Sub-Committee under the Joint Committee of the Viet NamCuba Trade Agreement. The sub-committee will be chaired by a Vice Minister of Industry and Trade, with a division-level official from the Government Office serving as Secretary. Standing members include department-level representatives from the ministries of industry and trade, foreign affairs, construction, finance, agriculture and environment, science and technology and the State Bank of Vietnam. The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) will act as the standing body, with the sub-committee headquartered at the ministry. Specific working groups and sub-groups may be formed based on the needs of the Joint Committee. Members will juggle their roles alongside existing duties, taking personal responsibility for tasks assigned under the Prime Ministers decision on the establishment and operation of Vietnam sub-committees within intergovernmental committees. The sub-committee chair is authorised to use the MoITs official seal for administrative purposes. Viet Nam and Cuba share a decades-long relationship that has gained momentum in trade. Bilateral trade has hovered above US$100 million annually, with Viet Nam ranking as Cubas second largest Asian trading partner. In 2024, two-way trade reached $134.7 million, with Viet Nams exports soaring 184.3 per cent to $133.36 million, while imports totaled $1.33 million. Key Vietnamese exports include rice, electronics, apparel, footwear, cosmetics, construction materials, household goods, stationery, fertilisers and medical equipment. Rice, a linchpin of Cubas food security, remains a strategic export, while demand for cement, steel, and apparel is growing. Cuba, meanwhile, exports pharmaceuticals, vaccines, activated carbon, and rum to Viet Nam. The Caribbean nations advanced biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors have gained traction, with products widely adopted in Viet Nam. Viet Nam is also Cubas largest Asian investor, with five major projects, including the first time-bound concession granted to a wholly Vietnamese-owned enterprise in Cuba. The two nations have inked several trade agreements, notably the 2018 bilateral trade pact, which has facilitated smoother export, import and investment flows. VNA/VNS HA NOI Aid from Vietnamese friends has reached northern Gaza, providing much-needed food and clean water to Palestinian families, including children. Palestinian Saleem Hammad entrusted donations to the Moonlight Humanity Foundation, which coordinated delivery of rice and lentil soup and clean water to local communities. People lined up with plastic containers to collect water for their families, while two water tanks of 20,000 litres each were distributed weekly to about 5,000 people. "Two water tanks of 20,000 litres each had been distributed to about 5,000 people each week at VN25 million (US$950) means priceless to the people," Saleem Hammad wrote on his Vietnamese fanpage with hundreds of thousands of followers. "They are the drops of life, of human kindness that have been entrusted by Vietnamese friends for the Palestinian people." In recent weeks, aid has successfully reached those in need in Gaza. In a speech to the United Nations Plenary meeting, President Luong Cuong called for a ceasefire and the opening of aid corridors to deliver essential food and water to Palestinians. Last week also saw demonstrations in many countries urging an end to the conflict and the provision of humanitarian assistance to ordinary people Born in a small village north of Jenin city in 1993, Saleem Hammad has called Viet Nam home for the past 14 years, having moved to Ha Noi to attend college. A graduate of Ha Noi National University, he has become a well-known expat in the country, who not only speaks fluent Vietnamese but also embodies the Vietnamese spirit. He said he shares the belief that one day his Palestinian people will live in peace. "At 18, when I went to Viet Nam to study, I cried and laughed at the same time. I cried because during my 18 years back home, I never knew peace nor freedom. Landed in Viet Nam, I got to laugh in a foreign land, I got to know the sweet taste of peace, the simple yet so sacred happiness that my fellow people have desired for so many generations." Just last August, Saleem's younger brother was wounded. The war back home felt both distant and painfully close as news arrived that his brother was in the ICU and later underwent operations to remove bullets from his backbone and leg. Thousands of well-wishers in Viet Nam sent their support via Saleem's announcements and updates. Others asked insensitive questions, such as why he did not return to fight with the Palestinian people or how he could enjoy life in Viet Nam while others were suffering. Saleem has proven himself through his work. The first shipment from Viet Nam reached the people in need. He has also launched a larger plan to introduce Viet Nams tourism and agricultural produce to the Arab world. Not only well-versed in Vietnamese, his vocabulary is enriched with a large number of proverbs and literary idioms, which makes him stand out among the growing number of international friends learning the language. He even engaged in a friendly contest with Ethan Kelly, an Australian who speaks Vietnamese fluently and with great humour, despite having spent less than a month in Viet Nam. It was a wake-up call for many Vietnamese to see two young men, a Palestinian and an Australian, sitting by Ha Nois iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, challenging each other on Vietnamese history and music. (Scan QR code for Video) On National Day, Saleem wrote a fitting tribute to his friends. "I'd like to send my message to my dear Vietnamese friends: be proud of your country," he said. "You deserve to have peace, to have prosperity and please remember that over the Mediterranean Sea, Palestinians are all following Viet Nam with admiration and hope. Please do not forget us, who still desire peace like you used to." VNS HA NOI Chung Mot Dong Song (On The Same River), the first feature of Vietnamese revolution cinema, will be screened at Metrograph Theatre in New York as part of the Memories of a Vietnamese Cinema event, selected by the Viet Nam Film Institute. Directed by Pham Ky Nam and Nguyen Hong Nghi in 1959, Chung Mot Dong Song follows lovers Hoai, a guerrilla fighter from the North, and Van, a young woman from the South, during the war against the French. Their romance becomes a casualty of partition when the country is divided at the Ben Hai River. Nam (19281984), considered a pioneer of Vietnamese revolution cinema, was the first director from North Viet Nam to receive formal training in France. He began his career with this landmark film and went on to direct early features and documentaries on President Ho Chi Minh. In recognition of his contributions to Vietnamese cinema, Nam was posthumously awarded the State Prize for Literature and Arts in 2007. Co-director Nguyen Hong Nghi, a pioneering documentarian who worked closely with President Ho Chi Minh, was gifted North Viet Nams only film camera in the early 1950s. On The Same River demonstrates how Vietnamese cinema has, from its origins, channelled national struggles through the lens of romantic relationships. The film won the Golden Lotus prize at the 2nd Viet Nam National Film Festival (VNFF) in 1973. Other films to be screened at the event include Em Be Ha Noi (The Little Girl of Ha Noi, 1974), Hy Vong Cuoi Cung (The Last Hope, 1981), Bao Gio Cho en Thang 10 (When the Tenth Month Comes, 1984), Thi Xa Trong Tam Tay (Town Within Reach, 1983) and Ha Noi Trong Mat Ai (Ha Noi Through Whose Eyes?, 1983), all produced by the Viet Nam Feature Film Studio. The lineup also features Ganh Xiec Rong (Travelling Circus, 1989) by Giai Phong Film Studio, Hay Tha Thu Cho Em (Please Forgive Me, 1992) by Young Cinema Centre, and two animated works from Viet Nam Animation Film Studio, ang oi Thang Cao (The Fox Got What Deserved, 1959) and Con Sao Biet Noi (The Talking Bird, 1967). When The Tenth Month Comes and Town Within Reach were directed by award-winning ang Nhat Minh, one of Viet Nams foremost filmmakers. Town Within Reach, Minhs debut feature, emerged from years of frustration with translating Russian films and co-directing documentaries. A visit to Lang Son, a northern town devastated by the 1979 border conflict, inspired Minhs first venture into screenwriting and direction. The film marked the start of his illustrious career and cemented his position as a true cinematic auteur. Minhs films, often penned by himself, offer profound insights into human existence, societal reflection and a perspective rooted in introspection rather than propaganda. Town Within Reach won the Golden Lotus Award at the 6th VNFF in 1983, and Minh received the same honour for When The Tenth Month Comes at the subsequent festival in 1985. This film not only garnered local acclaim but also became a timeless gem in Vietnamese cinemas post-war period, earning numerous international accolades. In 2008, it was included on CNN's list of 18 all-time best Asian films, alongside works by legendary filmmakers such as Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, Chinese director Zhang Yimou, Hong Kongs Wong Kar-wai and South Korean Bong Joon-ho. Minh was the first Vietnamese person to be awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture in 1999. When The Tenth Month Comes was the first Vietnamese film to be screened in the US and won a special jury prize at the Hawaii International Film Festival in 1985. Memories of a Vietnamese Cinema will take place from October 1831 as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of Viet NamUS diplomatic relations. VNS HA NOI - Puppeteer, director and designer Alicia Britt from the UK will be hosing a workshop during at Puppet Slam Hanoi 2025 which begins on October 25. The two-week event is hosted by ToLo Puppet Theatre and will showcase bold and playful new forms of puppetry for fans of all ages. As a puppeteer and puppetry coordinator, Britt is proficient in many different types of puppetry such as screen, moving mouth, marionette, table top, object and shadow. She is the founder of Loaded Object Theatre, a puppet theatre company specialising in the progression of puppetry through socio-political issues. She is currently a resident puppetry director at Kings College London. Her credits include being a puppeteer for the 2024 TV series Knuckles and for a music video for the Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa song 'One Kiss'. Puppet Slam Hanoi will also feature a trip Nguyen Xa Water Puppet Troupe in the Hung Yen Province. The village has a long tradition of making puppets and performing water puppetry. The ToLo Puppet Theatre was founded by Linh Valerie Pham and Tran Kim Ngoc in 2023. They started working together in a team of co-creators and directors for a show called Life Puppets in 2020. After two years, the show premiered in April 2023 and has been running regularly ever since at o Theatre in Nha Trang Ward in Khanh Hoa Province. - VNS HA NOI The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) has released a bilingual VietnameseEnglish photo book entitled Marching Forward with Motherland in Our Hearts, featuring unique images and deep impressions of parades and marches through historical periods. Published under the direction of the Party Central Committee's Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation, the book features nearly 230 carefully selected images from the VNA archives, the Navy, the National History Museum, the Armoured Forces Museum, and renowned photographers. It traces key events from the August Revolution and National Day on September 2, 1945, through major parades on January 1, 1955; May 1, 1973; September 2, 1975; and September 2, 1985. Its central focus is the grand celebrations marking the recent 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day at historic Ba inh Square. The images highlight Viet Nams international stature and aspirations for development in the modern era. Produced with meticulous attention to content and design, the 224-page, 23x25cm book is printed in full colour, combining a modern, dignified layout with a celebration of patriotism, national pride, and unity. The book is structured in three sections. The first part revisits historic milestones, recalling the symbolic parades from 1955, 1973, 1975, and 1985 that reflected Vietnams struggle for independence, reunification, and the prelude to national reform. The second also the focal part highlights the ceremony, parade and march celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day. The photos show Party and State leaders participation, military and police contingents, aerial and naval displays, and mass civilian participation. They preserve vivid historical moments and emotional highlights, showcasing the resilience and spirit of the Vietnamese people over eight decades. The book concludes with impressions of Viet Nam, capturing Party and State leaders' attentions to participating forces, the rigorous preparations of participants, the festive streets of Ha Noi, public reactions, and cultural performances that celebrated the historic events. The publication was supported by Viettel Group and Vietnam Railways, contributing to the preservation and promotion of Viet Nams cultural and historical heritage. The photo book is available nationwide through the Vietnam News Agency Publishing House's distribution network. VNA/VNS SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Xcellerant Ventures (XVC) today announced the launch of the Jetstream Venture Fund (Jetstream), an innovative interval fund recently declared effective by the SEC. Jetstream seeks to provide professionals with access to venture-style investments that were traditionally limited to institutional institutions and the ultra-wealthy through a minimum investment of $20,000. Structured for accessibility and flexibility, Jetstream allows investors to: Buy in starting at $20,000 (versus $250K$500K minimums in traditional VC) The ability to withdraw funds every six months Stay invested through the full growth cycle of a company with an evergreen structure Share all profits with no carried interest profit sharing (instead, a flat 2.9% management fee applies plus operating expenses) "Early-Stage Venture capital has been the highest-performing asset class in the U.S. for decades, but most professionals have been shut out," said Mike Shufeldt, General Partner at Xcellerant Ventures. "Jetstream was built to close that gap and give professionals a straightforward, professionally managed way to take part in early innovation." Backed by Proven Healthcare & Innovation Leadership Jetstream is led by John Shufeldt, MD, JD, MBA, a nationally recognized physician, entrepreneur, and investor who has built and sold multiple healthcare companies. Dr. Shufeldt pioneered and scaled NextCare Urgent Care, later sold to private equity, launched MeMD, acquired by Walmart Health, and continues to lead healthcare innovation through ventures like VivaMed BioPharma. "I've spent my career building companies that solve problems in healthcare," said Dr. Shufeldt. "With Jetstream, we're applying that same entrepreneurial approach to investing; giving investors access to the kind of opportunities that can transform industries." Joining him is Chris Yoo, PhD, a scientist, entrepreneur, and venture investor with a background in bioinformatics and commercialization, Doug Sylvester, JD, LLM, a visionary leader at the intersection of law, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and Mike Shufeldt, MBA, a decorated Air Force fighter pilot and healthcare entrepreneur. Together, the leadership team blends medical expertise, operational experience, and venture acumen. "Unlike many venture firms, we've been operators inside the industries we invest in," said Dr. Yoo. "We understand the challenges and opportunities because we've lived them. That's the perspective Jetstream brings to its investors." Positioned at the Intersection of Healthcare and Innovation While Jetstream is structured as a generalist fund, its leaders see particular opportunity in MedTech, BioTech, and HealthTech areas where Shufeldt and Yoo have decades of combined experience. Their vantage point allows Jetstream to identify and support companies with real-world impact, while giving investors access to deals that were previously behind closed doors. "We're looking for breakout opportunities where innovation meets scale, whether that's in healthcare, life sciences, or adjacent high-growth sectors," said Sylvester. "We are at the forefront of the public-private trend and want to invite everyone who is interested in early-stage VC investing to take a close look at our Fund." About Jetstream Venture Fund Jetstream Venture Fund is an interval fund managed by Xcellerant Ventures and Sweater Industries LLC, that seeks to provide investors access to early-stage, high-growth companies with flexible terms, lower minimums, and no carried interest. Jetstream is one of the first funds of its kind, bringing venture-style investing opportunities to a wider professional audience. Back-end administration is provided by Sweater Ventures a ground-breaking turnkey fund management company. About Xcellerant Ventures Xcellerant Ventures (XVC) is a Phoenix-based venture capital firm investing in early- and seed-stage startups in HealthTech, MedTech, and BioTech. With a team of seasoned investors and industry leaders, XVC supports transformational companies through regulatory pathways, commercialization, and scaling strategies. www.xcellerantventures.com Disclosure Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund and can be obtained by emailing [email protected] or by visiting the Fund's website at https://www.jvf.vc. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. Media contact: Dawson Fearnow at MMPR Marketing, [email protected], 602-264-2655 SOURCE Xcellerant Ventures HCM CITY The annual Entrepreneur and Book Week kicked off at the HCM City Book Street on Thursday to promote reading habits about business. The four-day event with the motto of Where knowledge meets Vietnamese entrepreneurship is co-organised by the Saigon Entrepreneur Weekly, the HCM City Book Street Company, along with the southern representative agency of the Viet Nam Publishers Association. Tran Hoang, editor-in-chief of the Saigon Entrepreneur Weekly, said the programme aims to honour business writers and encourage them to create more helpful works. He added that it also provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to meet and share their experiences and knowledge with readers. The programme features a showcase of 100 must-read books for entrepreneurs and corporate workers written by international and Vietnamese authors. They feature different topics, including management and leadership, working skills, marketing and sales, business and startup, self-development and healthy living, corporate culture, motivation, the application of technology and artificial intelligence in business. Books on President Ho Chi Minhs thoughts about economics are also included. The organisers also announced the 10 best books written by Vietnamese entrepreneurs in 2025. Among them are Quan Tri Bien ong va Khung Hoang (Managing Volatility and Crises) by Chairman of the Members' Council of Petrovietnam Le Manh Hung, Chao Ngay Moi (Hello New Day) by Chairman of the Members' Council of Saigon Books Nguyen Tuan Quynh, and Khong Ai Can uoc AI (No One Can Stop AI) by General Director of Pencil Group Nguyen Tien Huy. A discussion with business writers about book publishing will be held at the Book Street. The 2025 Entrepreneur and Book Week remains open until October 12 at the Book Street on Nguyen Van Binh Street in Sai Gon Ward. VNS by Vu Van Anh, LL.M. While adoption creates a lasting bond between parents and a child, Vietnamese law allows this relationship to be dissolved in certain circumstances. Below is what the involved parties should know about the grounds and procedures for termination of adoption. Under Vietnamese law, in what circumstances can an adoption be terminated, and who is entitled to apply for termination? According to Article 25 of the 2010 Law on Adoption (the Law), an adoption, whether domestic or intercountry, may be terminated in the following cases: The adopted child has reached adulthood and both the adoptive parents and the adoptee voluntarily agree to terminate the adoption; The adopted child is convicted of intentionally infringing upon the life, health, dignity or honour of the adoptive parents; mistreating or abusing them; or committing acts that dissipate their property; The adoptive parents are convicted of intentionally infringing upon the life, health, dignity or honour of the adopted child; mistreating or abusing the child; or The adoption violates the prohibitions specified in Article 13 of the Law, such as abusing adoption for personal gain, labour exploitation or sexual abuse; using adoption to commit acts contrary to law, social morality or Vietnams fine cultural traditions; exploiting adoption for child abduction or trafficking; falsifying documents; or discriminating between biological and adopted children, among others. Under Article 26 of the Law, those entitled to request termination of an adoption include the adoptive parents; the adoptee, if he or she has reached adulthood; the biological parents or guardian of the adopted child; and relevant authorities of Vietnam. All rights and obligations between the adoptive parents and the adoptee cease from the effective date of the courts decision to terminate the adoption. If the adoptee is a minor or an adult who has lost civil act capacity or is unable to work, the court will assign that person to his or her biological parents or another individual or organisation to ensure his or her best interests. If the adoptee is returned to his or her biological parents, the rights and obligations of the biological parents that had been terminated will be restored. If the adoptee possesses personal property, he or she is entitled to reclaim it. Where the adoptee has contributed to the common property of the adoptive parents, he or she is entitled to a portion corresponding to that contribution, as agreed upon or as determined by the court if no agreement is reached. The adoptee also has the right to resume his or her family name and given name as before the adoption. If adoptive parents wish to terminate the adoption, what should they do? Adoptive parents must prepare a dossier and submit it to the regional Peoples Court in charge of the locality where either the adoptive parents or the adopted child resides or works. Dossier The dossier of application for termination of adoption must comprise an application and supporting documents. Under Clause 2, Article 362 of the 2015 Civil Procedure Code, the application must include: Date of the application; Name of the court competent to settle the case; Name, address and contact details (phone, fax, email if any) of the applicant; Specific request, reasons and legal grounds for terminating the adoption (as provided in Article 25 of the Law on Adoption); Names and addresses of related persons (if any); Other relevant information; and Signature of the applicant. Supporting documents include the identity cards or passports of the adoptive parents; the identity card of the adoptee (if any); the adoptees birth certificate; the adoption certificate; and any other documents or evidence proving that the application is lawful and well-grounded. Processing time Once all required documents are submitted, the court will process the application for termination of adoption in accordance with the procedures set out in the Civil Procedure Code (Articles 363, 365 and 366) as follows: Within three working days after submission, a judge will be assigned to review the application. If the application is incomplete, the applicant has seven working days to amend or supplement it. Once the application is deemed sufficient, the court will notify the applicant to pay the court fee within five working days. Upon receipt of the payment receipt, the court will officially accept the case. The court will issue a notice of acceptance within three working days and review the application within one month from the date of acceptance. The court will issue a decision to open a hearing and must hold the hearing within 15 days after issuing such decision. Hence, the entire process for terminating an adoption typically takes around two months under normal circumstances. If the biological parents of an adopted child regret their decision and want to take back their child, does that terminate the adoption? Under Article 3 of the 2010 Law on Adoption, adoption establishes a parentchild relationship between the adopter and the adoptee, which is recognised only after registration by a competent authority. Once the adoption is registered, the biological parents no longer have any rights or duties toward the child. To ensure the lawful rights and obligations of all parties, Vietnamese law requires that if a to-be-adopted child has biological parents, the commune-level Peoples Committee must consult them during the adoption process. Specifically: The biological parents must give voluntary and honest consent, free from coercion, intimidation, bribery or any material gain; Their opinions must be recorded in writing and signed or fingerprinted; and The civil statusjudicial officer must clearly explain that once the adoption takes effect, the biological parents no longer have rights or obligations to care for, nurture and represent the child, or to manage the childs property, unless otherwise agreed. However, Decree 19/2011/ND-CP, which guides the implementation of the Law, provides an exception under Clause 3, Article 9. Accordingly, if the biological parents, due to not having full awareness, not clearly understanding the matters they were advised on, or being influenced or affected by psychological or health factors, have agreed to give the child up for adoption but later wish to change their decision, they must, within 15 days from the date they were consulted, notify in writing the commune-level Peoples Committee handling the adoption application. In such cases, the adoption process will end immediately. After the 15-day time limit, the biological parents may no longer revoke their consent and cannot request the court to return the child unless the adoption is terminated under Article 25 of the Law, as mentioned above. VNS HA NOI General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation left Ha Noi for Pyongyang early Thursday for a three-day state visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). During the visit, made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Workers Party of Korea (WPK) and President of the State Affairs of the DPRK Kim Jong Un, he will attend the celebration of the 80th founding anniversary of the WPK. Joining the delegation are Politburo members Le Minh Hung, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of its Organisation Commission; Phan inh Trac, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of its Commission for Internal Affairs; Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of its Inspection Commission; o Van Chien, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee; Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Chairman of the Central Theory Council; General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member and Minister of National Defence; and General Luong Tam Quang, Politburo member and Minister of Public Security. The Party chief's entourage also comprises Le Hoai Trung, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs; Nguyen Chi Dung, member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Prime Minister; Nguyen Khac inh, member of the Party Central Committee and Vice Chairman of the National Assembly; Pham Gia Tuc, member of the Party Central Committee and head of the Party Central Committees Office; Tran uc Thang, member of the Party Central Committee and Acting Minister of Agriculture and Environment; To An Xo, Assistant to the Party General Secretary and head of the Party General Secretarys Office; and Le Ba Vinh, Ambassador of Viet Nam to the DPRK. Seventy-five years ago, on January 31, 1950, the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam (now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam) and the DPRK officially established diplomatic relations. Since then, their traditional friendship has been consistently cherished, reinforced and developed by their Parties, States, and peoples. Both sides have maintained mutual support and cooperation in their respective struggles for national liberation and socialism construction. General Secretary To Lams state visit to the DPRK holds particular significance as it marks the first of its kind by a CPV General Secretary to the DPRK in 18 years. Taking place as the two countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations (19502025) and the Viet NamDPRK Friendship Year 2025, the visit demonstrates the high regard both Parties and States attach to the two countries' traditional friendship. VNA/VNS PYONGYANG General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam and a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam arrived at Pyongyang International Airport on October 9 morning, beginning a state visit to the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) at the invitation of General Secretary of the Workers Party of Korea (WPK) and President of the State Affairs of the DPRK Kim Jong Un. DPRK officials welcoming the Vietnamese leader and delegation at the airport included alternate member of the Politburo, member of the State Affairs Commission and Director of the International Department of the WPK Central Committee Kim Song Nam, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Im Chon In. Vietnamese Ambassador to the DPRK Le Ba Vinh and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy were also present to welcome General Secretary To Lam and his entourage. The DPRK was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Viet Nam, in 1950. Their traditional friendship has been nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kim Il Sung, and generations of the two countries leaders. The DPRK stood side by side and assisted Viet Nam during the latters struggle for national liberation while Viet Nam has always supported the DPRK during trying times. General Secretary To Lams state visit to the DPRK takes place as the two countries are celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and their Friendship Year 2025, vividly reflecting the importance that the two Parties and States attach to the long-standing ties between the nations. It also demonstrates Viet Nams consistent foreign policy of treasuring relations with the countries it shares traditional friendship with. The visit is an important opportunity for the top leaders of both Parties and States to exchange views and agree on strategic orientations to further inherit and promote the traditional friendship, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu. Furthermore, as an active and responsible member of the international community, through this visit, Viet Nam continues to demonstrate its consistent support for peace, stability and cooperation on the Korean Peninsula, in the region and in the world. VNA/VNS PYONGYANG General Secretary of the Workers Party of Korea (WPK) and President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un chaired a welcome ceremony in Pyongyang on Thursday morning for General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation who are on a state visit to the DPRK. A 21-gun salute was fired in honour of General Secretary To Lam and the Vietnamese delegation. The DPRK was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Viet Nam in 1950. The traditional friendship between the two countries has been nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kim Il Sung, and generations of leaders of both nations. The DPRK stood side by side and assisted Viet Nam during the latters past struggle for national liberation while Vietnam has always supported the DPRK during trying times. General Secretary To Lams state visit to the DPRK takes place as the two countries are celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and the Friendship Year 2025, vividly reflecting the importance that the two Parties and States attach to the long-standing ties between the nations. It also demonstrates Viet Nam's consistent foreign policy of treasuring relations with traditional friends. The visit is a very important occasion for the top leaders of the two Parties and two countries to discuss and agree on strategic orientations to inherit and promote the traditional friendship between the two Parties and two countries, and strengthen bilateral cooperation in the new period in accordance with relevant international regulations, meeting the aspirations and wishes of the people of the two countries. VNA/VNS HA NOI The first Congress of the Governments Party Organisation for the 2025-30 tenure will be held in Ha Noi on October 12-13, heard a press conference on Thursday. Regarding the preparations for the congress, Deputy Secretary of the Government Party Committee, Minister and Chairman of the Government Office Tran Van Son stated that this is the first congress of the Government Party Organisation under the new organisational model. It takes place in the context that the entire Party, people, and armed forces are making concerted efforts and determination to successfully achieve the socio-economic development goals for 2025 and the 2021-2025 plan, towards the 14th National Party Congress. The congress will be attended by 453 delegates, including 60 ex-officio, 157 officially appointed, and 236 elected delegates, who represent over 209,000 Party members from 2,211 grassroots Party organisations. Around 120 guest delegates are invited to the congress. Party General Secretary To Lam is expected to attend and deliver a speech at the event. The congress will review and assess the results of the work; and evaluate the leadership and direction of the Government Party Committee during the 2020-25 term; set out the directions, goals, tasks, and solutions for the new term; and discuss and contribute opinions to the draft documents to be presented at the 14th National Party Congress. VNA/VNS PYONGYANG Party General Secretary To Lam held talks with Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers Party of Korea and President of State Affairs of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday during a State visit to Pyongyang, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers Party of Korea (October 10, 19452025). The visit is seen as a strong driving force to enhance mutual understanding, political trust and elevate relations between the two Parties and countries toward realising each nations socialist development goals. The year 2025 also marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Viet Nam and the DPRK (19502025), established by the late President Ho Chi Minh and President Kim Il Sung and nurtured by successive generations of leaders on both sides. Party chief Lam extended congratulations on the achievements of the DPRK and its Workers Party of Korea, saying he believed that under the principles of 'putting the people first,' 'great national unity' and 'self-reliance,' the DPRK would continue its accomplishments and open a new era of comprehensive national rejuvenation and prosperity. DPRKs top leader Kim expressed appreciation for the valuable assistance that the Party, State and people of Viet Nam had extended to the DPRK during difficult periods of national construction and defence. During Viet Nams struggle for national liberation, the Korean people also gave wholehearted selfless support to the Vietnamese people. He expressed confidence that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, headed by General Secretary To Lam, the Southeast Asian country will successfully realise its development goals and continue to achieve even greater success in socialist development in the future. Both leaders agreed to further substantively promote the Viet NamDPRK ties, which are expected to contribute to each countrys development goals, the happiness of their peoples, and peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world. The two sides also agreed to enhance high-level and multi-level delegation exchanges and cooperation on all channels to build political trust, share experiences and deepen mutual understanding. They further agreed to maintain dialogue and cooperation mechanisms effectively, explore potential areas for collaboration, and promote people-to-people exchanges to strengthen the traditional friendship between the two countries. Party chief To Lam proposed that both sides make full use of Party-to-Party cooperation channels, organise theoretical seminars to share experiences in Party building and national development and promote both bilateral and multilateral parliamentary cooperation. He also called for expanding mutually beneficial economic cooperation in line with the development goals of both sides and with international regulations. Viet Nam stands ready to share its experiences with the DPRK on economic renovation, external economic engagement and socio-economic management and development, said Lam. He also suggested broadening cooperation in potential areas such as culture, sports, tourism, education, health and communications. Sharing the same viewpoints, DPRKs top leader Kim underscored that the DPRK wishes to work closely with Viet Nam in Party building and national development and stands ready to advance cooperation across various suitable fields. He proposed that the Partys agencies, foreign ministries and relevant ministries, sectors and localities of both sides strengthen coordination to effectively implement the major directions agreed during this visit to enhance bilateral ties. These measures are expected to usher the Viet NamDPRK relations into a new stage of development that brings tangible benefits to both peoples. Discussing regional and international issues, the two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation, mutual support and coordination at multilateral forums. Party General Secretary Lam reaffirmed Viet Nams support for all concerned parties to promote dialogue and settle differences through peaceful means, jointly maintaining a peaceful, stable, cooperative and developmental environment on the Korean Peninsula. He also called on the DPRK to support efforts to promote respect, ease tensions and resolve disputes in accordance with international laws, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday expressed his hope and confidence that Vietnamese enterprises and entrepreneurs will advance hand in hand with the nations development, while concluding a meeting with representatives of the business community on the occasion of Viet Nam Entrepreneurs Day (October 13). At the meeting, business leaders and entrepreneurs thanked the Party, State, and Government for their continued attention and support, which have enabled their community to grow stronger. They expressed confidence and ambition to rise in the new era by enhancing competitiveness, accompanying the Government in driving national development, and taking the lead in digital transformation, innovation, and development of the green economy and knowledge-based economy. Enterprises proposed that competent agencies soon submit to the Politburo a Resolution on the development of State-owned enterprises; further concretise the Politburos Resolution No. 68 on private-economic-sector development, including mechanisms for placing orders with private firms; and promptly address outstanding difficulties so that businesses can operate with confidence. They also called for a more enabling, service-oriented administrative system that better serve citizens and enterprises. Responding to business recommendations, the PM affirmed the Governments consistent commitment to integrity, innovation, and proactive governance, always serving the people and the business community. The leader expressed his hope that Vietnamese enterprises and entrepreneurs will wholeheartedly follow the Partys leadership; uphold the spirit of great national unity and international solidarity; join the entire nation in combining national strength with the power of the times for development; stand side by side with the people, remain steadfast on the path of national independence and socialism; and together with the people, build up the overall strength of the nation. At the event, PM Chinh and Deputy PMs presented numerous prestigious awards from the Party, State and Government to outstanding entrepreneurs and enterprises with remarkable achievements. In the first nine months of 2025, more than 231,000 new and reactivated firms were recorded nationwide, a 26.4 per cent increase year on year. Total additional capital injected by operating businesses reached VN3.3 quadrillion (US$125.25 billion), up 186.5 per cent. As of October 5, the country had approximately one million active enterprises. Viet Nam's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 7.84 per cent in the period. State budget revenue reached VN1.92 quadrillion, equal to 97.9 per cent of the annual estimate, up 30.5 per cent from the same period last year. Total import-export turnover hit $680.66 billion, up 17.3 per cent, resulting in a trade surplus of $16.82 billion. VNA/VNS PYONGYANG Party General Secretary To Lam and his entourage visited Kyongsang kindergarten and a classroom named after President Ho Chi Minh on Thursday (local time), as part of their ongoing state visit to the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK). The delegation was treated to a music show by pupils, with traditional folk songs celebrating Viet NamDPRK ties, love for the homeland, and a solo piano performance. On this occasion, General Secretary Lam presented gifts to the kindergartens teachers and pupils. Founded in 1954, Kyongsang kindergarten began as a standard educational establishment before transforming in the late 1970s into a specialised music school for gifted children. Its seasoned teachers, many with 40 years of experience, teach at the school and scout musical talent across other DPRK schools. The kindergarten enjoys special support from DPRK leaders, with multiple visits by Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers Party of Korea (WPK) and President of State Affairs. Many of its students have earned top honours in international competitions. Kyongsang maintains strong ties with the Viet NamDPRK Friendship Kindergarten, a gift from the DPRK Government to Viet Nam in 1978. In 2010, the Vietnamese kindergarten sent 100 winter coats to Kyongsang. A cooperation agreement, signed in 2011 during a Viet NamDPRK Friendship Association delegation's visit, led to the establishment of a classroom named after President Ho Chi Minh. During a DPRKViet Nam Friendship Association delegations visit to Viet Nam on March 27, 2019, the two kindergartens co-hosted a cultural exchange event. Later in the evening, General Secretary Lam, General Sectary Kim, together with other foreign delegations from Laos, China, and Russia headed by Laos' President Thongloun Sisoulith, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Chairman of the United Russia Party and Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev, respectively attended a music show celebrating the WPKs 80th founding anniversary. The show celebrated the WPKs eight-decade achievements with elaborate art and gymnastic displays honouring the nation, its founders, and current leaders. Tens of thousands of spectators used coloured placards to create vast mosaic backdrops, complemented by fireworks, music, and dance. Earlier the same day, the Vietnamese Party chief attended a state banquet hosted by WPK General Secretary and President of State Affairs Kim. VNA/VNS VIENTIANE The foreign ministries of Laos and Viet Nam will continue to effectively implement their cooperation agreement, the joint action programme on economic diplomacy, and other bilateral mechanisms to further strengthen ties across fields, a Vietnamese diplomat said. Ambassador Nguyen Minh Tam on Friday led a delegation of the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos to extend congratulations to Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Lao diplomatic service (October 12, 1945 2025). He also presented a bouquet and a congratulatory letter from Le Hoai Trung, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, to the Lao side. Tam praised Laos for its significant achievements over past decades, noting that the Lao diplomatic service has made crucial contributions to those accomplishments. He expressed confidence that, building on its 80-year legacy, the sector will continue to make major strides, enhancing Laoss international standing and contributing to building a peaceful, independent, democratic, and prosperous nation. Highlighting the enduring great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos, Tam voiced pride in the deepening bilateral relationship, which has become increasingly practical and effective thanks in part to close coordination between the two foreign ministries. He emphasised both sides commitment to maintaining close collaboration, sharing information and experience, and supporting each other at regional and international forums. For his part, Thongsavanh Phomvihane reaffirmed his ministrys commitment to continuing close coordination with Viet Nam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassy to effectively implement high-level agreements and promote joint strategic projects. He also pledged to boost collaboration across multiple channels and strengthen links between ministries, sectors, and localities. On this occasion, the minister and the ambassador discussed measures to further enhance cooperation between the two Parties and countries. VNA/VNS Joining Other Leading Companies to Provide Strategic Focus in the Security Space MIAMI, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Seguritech, a leader in advanced security technology integration, today announced its participation at the 18th Annual National Emergency Number Association ("NENA") Congress, in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The National Emergency Number Association is an association of over 13,000 members that work every day on providing an effective and accessible 911 service for North America. Representing NENA at the event were Lee Ann Magoski, 2nd Vice President of NENA, and Southeastern Region Director, Cassie Lowery, ENP. With thirty years of experience creating systems to improve emergency response, Seguritech experts have demonstrated that technology plays a fundamental role in preventing, controlling, and providing timely assistance in various emergency situations. "We are excited to participate in the 18th Annual NENA Congress, being able to converse with other leading companies and agencies in the emergency management space is an invaluable resource." Said Chief Technology Officer, Pablo Maiolo, "As Seguritech looks to foster meaningful conversations with both government agencies and other security companies alike, NENA's event is the ideal place to connect with industry leaders and peers." To learn more about this event, please visit NENA 9-1-1 Association. About Seguritech Seguritech is a pioneer in the integration of advanced security technologies, with 30 years of experience transforming and evolving to become a benchmark in the industry. The company delivers comprehensive, innovative solutions that combine surveillance, communications, and data systems to support residential, institutional, and governmental clients. Seguritech is recognized for its commitment to performance, reliability, and the development of smart, integrated safety systems that help create safer, more resilient communities. For more information, please visit seguritech.com, seguritech-international.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter). Media Contact: Dan McDermott, ICR [email protected] SOURCE Seguritech HA NOI The community of lawyers nationwide has been making significant contributions to protecting justice, the socialist rule of law, human rights, and the legitimate rights and interests of businesses, citizens, and organisations, thereby promoting socio-economic development and international integration, and building a socialist rule-of-law state of the people, by the people, and for the people, State President Luong Cuong remarked on Thursday. Delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 80th Traditional Day of Vietnamese Lawyers (October 10, 1945 2025) held by the Viet Nam Bar Federation, President Cuong appreciated and commended the great contributions of Vietnamese lawyers and the federation to the nations struggles for liberation and reunification in the past, as well as to the current cause of national construction and defence. In the context of profound and comprehensive international integration, particularly as Viet Nam has joined numerous new-generation free trade agreements, the leader underlined that the lawyers must not only be capable of providing domestic legal consultancy and litigation but also be proficient in foreign languages, skilled in negotiation with international partners and clients, knowledgeable about foreign legal systems and international dispute resolution mechanisms. This, he said, enables them to best protect the rights and interests of Vietnamese citizens, organisations, and enterprises, as well as national interests in case of international legal disputes. He further noted that the group should master technology and apply digital platforms to address legal challenges arising from the digital environment, such as disputes over e-commerce, intellectual property, personal data, and cybersecurity. At the same time, President Cuong stressed that each of them must constantly strive to improve, cultivate ethics, professional integrity, and morality, as well as enhance knowledge, foreign language skills, practical experience, and professional expertise, while being ready to fulfill the political and legal tasks entrusted by the Party and the State. He added that they must uphold the principles of independence, honesty, and respect for objective truth, strictly comply with the Constitution and laws, maintain professional ethics, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of citizens and organisations, the socialist rule of law, and the lawful interests of the State. Viet Nam now has nearly 21,000 practicing lawyers, over 6,000 law firms and legal organisations, and 34 provincial and municipal bar associations, all united under a single professional organisation the Viet Nam Bar Federation. VNA/VNS HA NOI In Bat Trang Traditional Pottery Village, a growing number of young people who have studied at universities in the city are returning to their home village to continue their ancestors' craft. With the knowledge and creativity of youth, they are breathing new life into the traditional pottery trade. Nguyen Minh Quang, 25, was born into a family of potters in Bat Trang and studied at Ha Noi University of Arts and Design. After graduating, rather than staying in the city like many of his friends, Quang chose to restore his long-dormant family pottery workshop. I have loved pottery since I was a child, Quang told phunuvietnam.vn. When I was in high school, whenever I had free time, I would visit the pottery kilns of the village artisans to practise clay moulding and vase making. Seeing my love for the craft, the potters gave me enthusiastic guidance. During village festivals, when I saw veteran artisans being honoured, I also dreamed of one day sitting in the master craftsman's chair. Quang officially began working with the craft at the age of 19 years. Whenever he has time, he fondles the clay. According to him, pottery is not difficult to make, but creating beautiful products requires patience, sophistication and experience. It takes at least six months to master the technique of clay kneading. And a potter must spend 10,000 hours practising the ceramic wheel technique equivalent to five years of holding a pottery wheel to become proficient, Quang said. And then the enamel making technique. The firing temperature of each kiln is a closely guarded secret. The craftsman has to try it hundreds of times to gain experience." After six years of working with the craft, Quang has mastered all stages required to make a vase. In 2023, although still young, he surpassed dozens of skilled craftsmen to win third prize in the 'Golden Hands' competition organised by Bat Trang Village. His pottery workshop has also become a destination for young people eager to learn and experience the craft. Quang said he has a particular passion for hand-thrown pottery. According to him, handcrafted products are characterised by spontaneity and variability during the creation process, giving them unique, distinctive value qualities that hand-thrown ceramics embody perfectly. At present, Quang is known for two lines of ceramic products: crackle-glazed porcelain and emerald-glazed ceramics, combining traditional elements with modern trends. Regarding the emerald glaze, Quang said it is a rare type of glaze with high fluidity and melting point. After years of perseverance, the young artisan has mastered the technique to fire vases with uniform, deep, rich glaze surfaces that sometimes shimmer with metallic hues. My current achievements are the result of harmonising experience gained in the village with the knowledge and mindset acquired at university neither of which could be dispensed with, Quang said. Furthermore, the university environment has helped me connect with customers, learn marketing skills, and professionally present the value of my products. New knowledge for an old craft Like Quang, To Minh Hoang, 24, returned to Bat Trang Village to further develop the traditional craft after graduating from Ha Noi Foreign Languages University. Not only pursuing the creation of ceramic products, Hoang also aims to develop craft village tourism. He said that the knowledge and contacts gained during his studies at the university have helped him a lot. "I not only studied foreign languages but also learned a great deal about the interests and cultures of countries. From there, I can think of ways to best convey the value of Bat Trang pottery to tourists. My old friends from university also help me reach more customers," he said. Hoang a young man who wants to be both a pottery artisan and a village tourism organiser has not only learned from his own familys workshop but also from the stories of other neighbouring ones in the village. He believes that one must have a deep understanding to be able to present the essence of the craft and must also personally mould the clay to experience the difficulty and hardship, and to be proud of the pottery craft passed down from one's ancestors. In Bat Trang Village now, not only Quang and Hoang but dozens of young villagers have returned to develop their craft after studying elsewhere. To Thanh Son, 70, one of the village artisans, said that the generation of 20-30-year-old potters is growing in number. Drawing on new knowledge, the young generation of craftsmen has created many unique ways of practising the craft, he said. "They are the future of the village. We care a lot and create conditions for them to demonstrate their talents, Son said. The village's artisans association often organises competitions and exhibitions where they can exchange experiences and showcase their skills." VNS THAI NGUYEN In response to widespread flooding in Thai Nguyen and Lang Son provinces, numerous units and organisations from across the country came to the localities on October 8, bringing large amounts of relief supplies to help local people overcome the aftermath of the disaster. Meanwhile, in Lang Son Province, Lieutenant Colonel Bui Huy Khanh, Head of the Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Department of the provincial police, said his unit had mobilised more than 100 officers, 18 vehicles and boats, together with specialised rescue equipment. They worked alongside other provincial police units, the army and local forces to carry out operations in the communes of Bac Son, Tan Tien, That Khe, Huu Lung and Van Nham. The unit helped evacuate over 200 residents trapped by floodwaters, including many elderly people and children, and moved valuable belongings to safety. In coordination with local authorities, they also distributed food, drinking water and other essential supplies to isolated households. The Mobile Police Force deployed 70 officers with vehicles and equipment to support rescues in That Khe and Huu Lung. In That Khe Commune alone, 38 people were rescued, including four elderly and 34 women and children. The Mobile Police Force has assisted more than 100 residents in returning home once floodwaters subsided, helped them clean houses and belongings, and delivered hundreds of boxes of bottled water and instant noodles to affected families. According to initial reports from communes and wards in the province, as of 4 pm on October 8, floods had injured three people and affected around 4,000 households. Six houses collapsed, one was severely damaged, 1,971 were flooded, 1,751 were isolated, 197 suffered landslides, 43 were at risk of landslides, and 31 auxiliary structures were damaged. HA NOI The Ha Noi Public Administration Service Centre will soon put into operation four new models designed to bring public services closer to the community, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and workers. According to a document signed by Deputy Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Truong Viet Dung, community public administration service points will be implemented in large urban areas and crowded supermarkets including Times City, Smart City, BigC Thang Long, Aeon Mall and Co.opmart. The service points are electronic kiosks that allow citizens to perform administrative procedures any time, even outside regular working hours. At the kiosks, people can use free wifi, print receipts, consult guidance documents, pay fees online and store results. The system integrates an artificial intelligence (AI) virtual assistant with multilingual support, helping the elderly, people with disabilities, and those less familiar with technology to use the services. Another highlight is the mobile public service model, which will be conducted by converting old buses or electric cars into travelling administrative offices. These vehicles will be fully equipped with computers, printers, scanners and high-speed internet connections, and will move according to a fixed schedule to suburban areas, industrial zones or places with high numbers of workers, elderly people and people with disabilities. The mobile offices will offer five groups of services, including creating electronic identification accounts, submitting online applications, on-the-spot scanning and digitising of paper documents, online payments and checking the status of administrative dossiers. Services are planned to operate once a week in suburban areas far from the city centre, twice a week in industrial zones and regularly in densely populated residential areas. Information about the schedule will be publicly available on the centres portal as well as on social media platforms. A centre spokesperson told the Dan Viet e-newspaper: Citizens will not only receive support for submitting documents and making online payments, but will also be guided in using public services, contributing to improving digital literacy within the community. Reaching out to people Along with expanding service points, Ha Noi is also leveraging social strength through the public administration collaborator model. Collaborators include students majoring in law, administration and information technology, youth union members, experienced retired officials and members of unions and social organisations. They will directly assist citizens in preparing documents and using online public services, especially targeting vulnerable groups. Public administration collaborators will also participate in surveying citizens satisfaction levels and raising awareness of new policies promptly among the public. Soon, public service kiosks will also be located in residential areas. In densely populated urban areas, service points will be placed in community activity centres. In former rural districts far from the centre, such as Ba Vi and My uc, the kiosks will be located at cultural houses or commune health stations. Citizens needing to complete administrative procedures can register in advance and receive support in the evenings or on weekends. These service points will have public staff members directly assisting with document preparation, answering questions and guiding online submissions. Equipment will include computers, printers, scanners, internet connections and direct links to Ha Nois public service portal. According to the centre representative, the new service models aim for flexibility and convenience, reducing travel time and minimising the use of paper documents. Modern technology such as AI virtual assistants, support chatbots and online payment systems not only increases transparency and reduces hassle but also saves long-term costs for both citizens and management agencies. "These models are expected to create a significant breakthrough in administrative reform, improving service quality and increasing the satisfaction of citizens and businesses," said the representative. VNS HA NOI The Viet Nam Coast Guard (VCG) has joined hands with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and local authorities to help affected communities in Cebu city recover from the devastating impacts of Super Typhoon Bualoi and a 6.9-magnitude earthquake. The Vietnamese delegation aboard Ship CSB 8002, led by Major General Tran Quang Tuan, Commander of the VCGs Coast Guard Region 2, is on a working and exchange visit to the Philippines. In recent days, parts of Cebu city have been severely hit by Super Typhoon Bualoi and the earthquake, which claimed 69 lives, injured more than 150 people, and destroyed over 3,500 houses, causing estimated damage of 1.7 billion PHP (US$29.3 million). On Wednesday, VCG officers and soldiers, together with members of the PCG, travelled more than 100 kilometres from Ship CSB 8002s anchorage site to Bogo province, one of the hardest-hit areas, to deliver aid and relief supplies. The Vietnamese delegation presented one tonne of rice, instant noodles, dry rations, and bottled water to local authorities and residents. Military doctors of Ship CSB 8002, in collaboration with PCG medical personnel, also provided free health check-ups and medicine to local people. VNA/VNS HA NOI The Viet Nam Education Publishing House (VEPH) was honoured with the Outstanding Digital Transformation Enterprise and Public Institution Award at the Viet Nam Digital Transformation Awards 2025, held in Ha Noi on October 8. The Viet Nam Digital Awards (VDA), established in 2018, is a highly respected ceremony organised by the Viet Nam Digital Media Association, with support from the Ministry of Science and Technology. Managed by VietTimes, the awards have gained increasing prominence for their role in advancing the nations digital government, economy, and society. The 2025 VDA, now in its eighth year, features five categories: Outstanding Digital Transformation Government Agency; Outstanding Digital Transformation Enterprise and Public Institution; Outstanding Digital Technology Products, Services, and Solutions; Digital Transformation Products and Solutions for the Community; and Individual Excellence Recognition. At the 2025 VDA, VEPH earned recognition in the Outstanding Digital Transformation Enterprise and Public Institution category for its digital solutions ecosystem for publishing operations and management, and digital textbooks. This award recognises enterprises, public institutions, and professional-social organisations across various sectors that have successfully applied digital technology to transform their management, production, and business models, achieving outstanding digital transformation with high efficiency. Since 2020, VEPH has gradually implemented a comprehensive ecosystem of digital solutions, comprising 15 core, self-developed technology solutions and a modern office solution (O-365 integrated with AI). These cover the entire publishing value chainfrom project management, editing, and reviewing, to archiving, publishing, accounting, production, human resources, document management, and distribution. As of now, 100 per cent of VEPHs core processes have been digitised, reducing publishing timelines by one to two months, cutting operational costs by around 20 per cent, and enhancing both content quality and transparency. Furthermore, students and teachers nationwide can now access free digital textbooks via VEPHs platform, taphuan.nxbgd.vn. As a leading state-owned enterprise, VEPH is at the forefront of transitioning educational publishing to the digital age, contributing to the nations broader digital transformation strategy in education. With a history spanning 68 years, VEPH is the largest publishing house in Viet Nam, responsible for producing textbooks and educational materials for millions of students and teachers across the country. In todays digital age, VEPH views digital transformation as a strategic imperative, modernising governance, improving product quality, and expanding its services. This award marks a significant milestone in recognising VEPHs ongoing digital transformation efforts. Looking ahead, VEPH remains committed to furthering digital technology and innovation in the education sector, with the goal of creating a modern, efficient publishing house that serves its readers and society in the digital era. VNS HCM CITY MSD ( Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA in the United States and Canada), in collaboration with the National Institute for Control of Vaccines and Biologicals (NICVB), organised a series of international scientific symposia under the theme New Perspectives on Pneumococcal Disease Prevention in Children: Integrating Clinical Data, RealWorld Practice, and Expert Recommendations. The events took place in HCM City and Ha Noi, in both in-person and virtual formats, attracting more than 3,000 experts and healthcare professionals from public and private immunisation systems. This scientific forum aimed to update the latest biomedical evidence, share real-world experiences, and provide professional recommendations on the prevention of pneumococcal - one of the leading causes of serious illness and death in children. Assoc. Prof. MD. PhD. Nguyen Vu Trung, president of Pasteur Institution at HCM City, commented: Infants under one year have immature immune systems, while maternally derived antibodies wane rapidly after six months. The period between six to 12 months is particularly high-risk, when children are vulnerable to invasive and dangerous pneumococcal diseases, especially those caused by highly virulent serotypes such as 3, 22F, and 33F. ST3 is a persistent serotype despite the introduction of multiple vaccines previously. The mortality rate of ST3 can reach up to 47 per cent, leading to severe conditions such as empyema, sepsis, cardiac complications, and meningitis. In addition, serotypes 22F and 33F have also been associated with high 30day mortality rates. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Health approved MSDs next-generation 15-valent pneumococcal vaccine for both children and adults. The introduction of this vaccine helps expand access for Vietnamese people to an advanced preventive solution, offering early protection, especially for children under one year old. Presenting at the conference, Dr. George G. Zhanel, Professor and Associate head-department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Director-Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Canada, said: In children, WHO recommends evaluating not only the number of serotypes but also the vaccines immunogenicity, particularly where reliable evidence in children shows antibody concentrations may decline as additional serotypes are included. MSDs 15valent pneumococcal vaccine is appropriate for preterm infants, a finding supported by multiple studies and by widespread use in more than 47 regions worldwide. Assoc. Prof. MD. PhD. Pham Quang Thai, deputy head of Department of Infectious Disease Control, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, also emphasised the importance of continuously updating professional recommendations based on the latest evidence for the prevention of pneumococcal disease in children. The policy context also demonstrates strong consensus. Resolution No. 72NQ/TW, dated September 9, 2025, of the Political Bureau on breakthrough measures to strengthen protection, care, and improvement of public health, emphasises the orientation of shifting the focus from treatment to prevention, with preventive healthcare and primary healthcare as the foundation. General Secretary To Lam has repeatedly affirmed the goal of building a healthcare system responsive to the needs of the people, ensuring equitable and high-quality access for all. Dr Phan Trong Giao, medical director of MSD Vietnam, stated: Viet Nam is advancing policies to protect and improve public health, with a particular focus on children, who are among the most vulnerable. After nearly 30 years partnering with Viet Nams healthcare sector, MSD remains committed to its mission of applying cuttingedge science to save and enhance millions of lives. With a comprehensive vaccine portfolio and close collaboration with healthcare experts, we are confident in our ability to work together to protect the community against vaccine-preventable diseases. Through this series of indepth scientific symposia, MSD and its strategic partners in the health sector reaffirm their commitment to support Viet Nams efforts to strengthen disease prevention and improve public health. The events delivered not only uptodate scientific evidence but also provided a platform connecting domestic and international experts to promote advanced solutions that help protect future generations from the burden of pneumococcal disease. VNS BAC NINH In recent days, prolonged heavy rain coupled with upstream flows has caused the Cau River, which runs through Thai Nguyen and Bac Ninh provinces as well as Ha Noi, to swell to abnormal levels, inundating residential areas along its banks. Hundreds of officers and soldiers from the provincial Military Command, together with local militia, commune police and residents, have been mobilised to reinforce vulnerable auxiliary dykes with sandbags, bamboo stakes and waterproof tarpaulins. Round-the-clock patrols have also been deployed to deal with possible emergencies. In some areas, floodwaters have risen more than two metres, destroying crops and property. By midday on October 9, many households remained cut off. HA NOI Construction officially begins on Ha Noi Metro Line No.2 (Nam Thang LongTran Hung ao) on Thursday, marked by a groundbreaking ceremony held by the citys Peoples Committee. The project has a total investment of more than VN35 trillion (over US$1.3 billion) from the capitals budget and ODA loans provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The metro line spans nearly 11km, including 1.94km elevated and 9km underground, with 10 stations. Set for completion and commercial operations in 2029, this will be the third metro projects in the capital city, following Cat LinhHa ong (Metro Line No.1) and NhonHa Noi Station (Metro Line No.3) that have been put to use. The underground Hoan Kiem Station (C9) will link with the public park on the bank of the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, integrating public transport with public spaces and architecture and heritage conservation. An 11.3ha depot will be built in Xuan inh, serving as a hub for maintenance, repair and operations training. Notably, the Xuan inh Depot is the first transit-oriented development (TOD) model in Viet Nam, combining transport hubs with services, commerce and housing. The Nam Thang LongTran Hung ao metro line is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve the environment and enhance the quality of life for residents, according to Nguyen Cao Minh, director of the Ha Noi Metropolitan Railway Management Board (MRB). He also highlighted Ha Nois commitment to complete the project on schedule, in line with the citys green and sustainable development goals. Ha Noi Peoples Committee Deputy Chairman Duong uc Tuan said the project is not only a key infrastructure development but also a symbol of the citys vision and aspiration to modernise its urban model. He called on municipal departments, local authorities and stakeholders to coordinate closely with the project investor during implementation. He also urged contractors to mobilise all available resources, manpower and equipment to ensure rapid, safe and high-quality construction in full compliance with regulations, meeting technical, aesthetic and schedule requirements. Addressing the groundbreaking event, Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Ito Naoki expressed confidence that the metro line will see significant traffic and become a symbol of JapanViet Nam cooperation. The planned extension of the line to Noi Bai International Airport is highly anticipated by Vietnamese citizens, international visitors and businesspeople, said the diplomat, adding that Japan looks forward to cooperating with Viet Nam on the project. By 2030, Ha Noi plans to develop 15 metro lines with a total length of 619km, forming a modern, high-capacity and environmentally-friendly public transport network. VNS HA NOI Natural disasters across Viet Nam have claimed 238 lives or left people missing, injured 367 and damaged or unroofed about 258,000 houses since the start of the year up to October 9, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Hoang Hiep said at a government meeting on Thursday on urgent measures to address the consequences of Typhoon Matmo. More than 555,000 hectares of rice fields, crops and plantations have been submerged since early this year, with total estimated damage reaching VN33.549 trillion (US$1.4 billion). Typhoon Matmo and subsequent disasters alone have left 15 people dead or missing and seven injured as of Thursday morning. About 221,000 houses were flooded and nearly 17,000 damaged, he said, while around 23,280 hectares of rice and crops were inundated. In terms of transportation, 66 national highway locations were blocked by landslides or flooding, and many provincial and rural roads remain deeply submerged, causing widespread traffic disruption. Approximately 546,000 electricity customers in Thai Nguyen, Bac Giang, Cao Bang and Lang Son were affected by power outages. Power has been restored to 329,000 households, with around 217,000 still awaiting reconnection. The Ministry of National Defence has deployed more than 11,000 officers and soldiers, along with 256 vehicles and organised four flights transporting 8.7 tonnes of relief supplies to flooded areas. Typhoon Matmo has been one of the most severe natural disaster events in recent years, producing widespread flooding and particularly dangerous phenomena such as record-level floods, flash floods and landslides, causing extensive damage to lives, property, dike systems, reservoirs and essential infrastructure, the Deputy Minister said. Permanent member of the Party Central Committees Secretariat Tran Cam Tu urged authorities to review and compile detailed assessments of the damage, particularly in localities that remain flooded or isolated, and to implement support measures promptly. An urgent priority is to restore the operations of medical facilities and schools to ensure healthcare services for residents and allow students to return to class, he said. Tu also emphasised the need to continue mobilising contributions from organisations and individuals, as well as human and material resources, to support affected communities. He called for the prompt allocation of financial aid directly to residents and localities to help them recover and overcome the hardships caused by the storms and floods. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said recent natural disasters have evolved in highly complex ways, with record-level floods causing severe losses of life and property and negatively affecting economic growth. While disasters in 2024 caused losses equivalent to about 0.4 per cent of GDP, damages in 2025 are estimated at no less than 2 per cent, he said. With prolonged flooding and the potential for further storms, the Prime Minister urged more accurate disaster forecasting, better coordination with other countries and timely, effective, targeted responses. Ministries, sectors and forces, particularly the military and police, have been instructed to coordinate with local authorities to mobilise all available personnel and resources, using every possible means to reach isolated areas and deliver food, essential supplies and medicine to affected residents, ensuring no one suffers from hunger or cold. Authorities must be ready to assist localities in reinforcing dikes, securing reservoirs, helping residents clean up homes and roads, and providing temporary shelter so that no one is left homeless. The Government should provide maximum support to businesses and individuals suffering production and financial losses, particularly in agriculture, to swiftly resume and stabilise production, contributing to the achievement of Viet Nams 2025 economic growth targets. Looking to the longer term, the Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Ministry of Construction to guide localities in developing socio-economic, infrastructure and residential planning suited to increasingly abnormal conditions, and to ensure readiness and on-the-spot response capability following the 'four-on-the-spot' principle: on-site command, on-site forces, on-site materials and on-site logistics. Recalling the solidarity and dedication shown by the armed forces and citizens in assisting affected communities, Prime Minister Chinh called for timely commendations and rewards for outstanding performers, while insisting on strict action against those who failed in their duties, responded slowly, showed indifference or exploited peoples losses for personal gain. VNS The veteran online casino marks its 27th anniversary with three new exclusive slots and debuts its highly-anticipated Free Spins bonus feature PANAMA CITY, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Slotland, a pioneer in the online casino industry, is marking its incredible 27th anniversary this October with a month-long celebration packed with three new exclusive slot games, the introduction of free spins bonuses, and generous promotions for both new and loyal VIP players. Slotland Celebrates 27 Years of iGaming Innovation Since 1998, Slotland has been at the forefront of online gaming, and this birthday celebration is a testament to its enduring commitment to player satisfaction and innovation. The centerpiece of the anniversary is the launch of three high-quality slot games: Arcane Treasure, Safari Sunsets, and Spartan Conquest. Each game offers unique themes, engaging bonus features, and the classic gameplay Slotland players love! Reflecting on this significant milestone, Slotland's Michael Hilary shared: "Reaching our 27th birthday is a monumental achievement, and it's been a long journey. From the early days of pixel reels on bulky CRT monitors and feature phones to once popular flash-based games, we've evolved through every era of digital gaming. Today, we're proud to deliver sleek, mobile-friendly games that our players can enjoy anywhere, anytime. This anniversary is a celebration of our entire community who has been with us along the way." 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Renowned for developing its own unique and exclusive games, Slotland offers a personalized and secure gaming experience with a focus on customer service and fair play. The platform continues to evolve, providing players with exciting new content and generous promotions year after year. James Heston PR Manager Lyceum Media [email protected] This release was issued through WebWire. For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com. SOURCE Slotland MOSCOW Viet Nam and Russia have agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation through cultural and educational projects designed to promote Vietnamese reading culture and introduce Vietnamese culture to Russian audiences. The agreement was reached on Wednesday (October 9) between a delegation from the Viet Nam Education Publishing House (VEPH) under the Ministry of Education and Training and the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia. During its working visit, the VEPH delegation, led by Editor-in-Chief Pham Vinh Thai, met embassy representatives to discuss strategic cooperation initiatives and presented a Vietnamese bookcase to support Vietnamese language education and cultural preservation. The delegation also visited the Russian State Childrens Library, the countrys largest childrens library, founded in 1969. Both sides explored potential cooperation with leading Russian institutions, including the Saint Petersburg Committee for International Relations, the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) and the Lomonosov Publishing House. Discussions focused on understanding Russias publishing market, identifying reader demographics and developing joint publishing projects, including copyright and academic exchanges, to deepen mutual understanding between the two nations. Mai Nguyen Tuyet Hoa, First Secretary of the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia, praised VEPHs initiatives, calling them 'a strategic and promising direction' that aligns with the growth of the Viet NamRussia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. She affirmed that the embassy would assist VEPH in carrying out its projects, promoting Vietnamese culture and education among Russian audiences and meeting the learning and research needs of the Vietnamese community in Russia. On this occasion, VEPH presented a Vietnamese bookcase, an initiative designed to practically support the teaching and learning of the Vietnamese language and preserve the cultural identity of young Vietnamese abroad. During the visit to the Russian State Childrens Library, Editor-in-Chief Thai met with Director Maria Vedenyapina and the librarys leadership. The two sides exchanged insights on childrens book trends in Viet Nam and Russia, as well as cooperation models linking publishers, libraries and schools. They also discussed specific collaboration opportunities between VEPH and the Russian State Childrens Library to promote reading culture, host cultural exchange events and, Thai shared, the publisher has already launched Vietnamese bookcases in seven countries and hopes to expand the model to more Russian localities with large Vietnamese communities. On this occasion, VEPH donated a selection of childrens books and Vietnamese language textbooks to the library, laying the groundwork for establishing a Vietnamese bookcase at the worlds largest childrens library in Moscow. Emphasising the symbolic value of the initiative, Hoa said the activity is not merely about donating books. Its about planting seeds of knowledge and nurturing the enduring friendship between the peoples of Viet Nam and Russia. These books will help lay a solid foundation for a bright future in bilateral relations, she said. The initial outcomes of this working trip go beyond opening new cooperation channels. They lay a concrete foundation for joint publishing projects, the development of reading culture and stronger support for the Vietnamese community in Russia, further enriching the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. VNS The events, held from October 5-8 in both in-person and virtual formats, offered a platform to share the latest biomedical research, real-world vaccination experiences, and professional recommendations for preventing one of the leading causes of serious illness and death among children. The conference series served as a bridge connecting local and international experts to promote advanced solutions, contributing to protecting future generations from the burden of pneumococcal disease "Infants under one year have immature immune systems, while maternally derived antibodies wane rapidly after six months," said Nguyen Vu Trung, president of the Pasteur Institution in Ho Chi Minh City. "The period between 612 months is particularly high-risk, when children are vulnerable to invasive and dangerous pneumococcal diseases, especially those caused by highly virulent serotypes." ST3 is a persistent serotype despite the introduction of multiple vaccines previously. The mortality rate of ST3 can reach up to 47 per cent, leading to severe conditions such as empyema, sepsis, cardiac complications, and meningitis. In addition, serotypes 22F and 33F have also been associated with high 30day mortality rates. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Health approved MSDs next-generation 15-valent pneumococcal vaccine, indicated for both children and adults. The introduction of this vaccine helps expand access for Vietnamese people to an advanced preventive solution, offering early protection, especially for children under one year old. Presenting at the conference, George G. Zhanel, a professor at the University of Manitoba and director of the Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance, said, "In children, the World Health Organisation recommends evaluating not just the number of serotypes but also the vaccines immunogenicity, particularly where reliable evidence in children shows antibody concentrations may decline as additional serotypes are included. MSDs 15valent pneumococcal vaccine is appropriate for preterm infants, a finding supported by multiple studies and by widespread use in more than 47 regions worldwide." Pham Quang Thai, deputy head of Department of Infectious Disease Control at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, also emphasised the importance of continuously updating professional recommendations based on the latest evidence for the prevention of pneumococcal disease in children. The policy context also shows broad consensus. Resolution No.72NQ/TW, issued on September 9, outlines new measures to strengthen public health, emphasising a shift from treatment to prevention, with preventive and primary healthcare as the foundation. General Secretary To Lam has repeatedly stressed the goal of building a healthcare system that meets the needs of the people while providing equitable, high-quality access for all. Phan Trong Giao, medical director of MSD Vietnam, reaffirmed the companys commitment to supporting Vietnams healthcare sector "After nearly 30 years of working with Vietnams healthcare sector, MSD remains committed to its mission of applying cuttingedge science to save and enhance millions of lives," said Phan Trong Giao, medical director of MSD Vietnam. "With a comprehensive vaccine portfolio and close collaboration with healthcare experts, we are confident in our ability to work together to protect the community against vaccine-preventable diseases." Through this series of indepth scientific symposia, MSD and its strategic partners in the health sector reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Vietnams efforts to strengthen disease prevention and improve public health. The events provided uptodate scientific evidence and created a platform for domestic and international experts to share advanced solutions aimed at protecting future generations from the burden of pneumococcal disease. MSD brings hope to triple-negative breast cancer patients MSD (known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA in the United States and Canada) is collaborating with hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to hold a series of scientific seminars titled Updates on the Effectiveness of Immunotherapy for Early -Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. First AI exhibition on HPV prevention held in Vietnam 'Love Your Future Self', the first health exhibition in Vietnam to apply AI and 3D projection technology, is being held in Ho Chi Minh City from October 18 to 20. Thai Nguyen expects a boost in foreign investment post merger Thai Nguyen has been one of the bright spots for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam, especially in the northern midlands and mountains. After the merger, the locality has continued to promote its potential to improve its position on the investment map. In the first nine months of 2025, the province achieved impressive results in attracting investment, affirming its position as one of the leading localities in the region in terms of capital absorption capacity. This growth comes not only from new projects but also from the continued trust and expansion of production by existing investors. In the first three quarters, the locality issued investment planning decisions and approved 80 projects, with total registered capital of VND29.07 trillion ($1.16 billion). In addition, the province approved for four new projects with VND10.69 trillion ($427.6 million) and adjusted capital for 26 existing projects, worth VND3.11 trillion ($124.4 million). FDI is still a solid pillar for Thai Nguyen's economy. In the first nine months of 2025, the province registered new investment of $169.8 million. Trust among existing investors by additional capital injections, with 36 foreign-invested projects adding $192.4 million. Creating opportunities for breakthroughs Based on these results, Thai Nguyen is continuing to upgrade its strategy to attract FDI, prioritising high-tech industries, clean technology, digital transformation, renewable energy, deep processing, and modern services. In addition, the province has determined to develop green and sustainable industries and balance economic development with environmental protection. The selection of investors is also now under stricter criteria, requiring financial capacity, modern technology, and long-term commitment to the locality. In addition, the province aims to strengthen the connection between foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) and domestic enterprises through supply-demand connection programmes, support for technological innovation, and human resource training. This is an important step to spread value from FIEs to the entire local economy. The province also clearly identifies capital inflow as an important driving force for sustainable socioeconomic development, so it has synchronously implemented preferential policies and effective support solutions. The province is focusing on promoting administrative procedure reform, shortening the time to approve investment dossiers, driving digital transformation in investment management, and establishing special working groups to remove difficulties for FIEs. Local leaders maintain regular dialogue with enterprises, proactively encourage on-site investment, and expand cooperation with international organisations and foreign business associations. Thai Nguyen also organises business trips for provincial delegations to key markets such as South Korea, Japan, the United States, and the EU to introduce its potential and strengths, and call for investment. In 2025, the locality is expected to attract about VND90 trillion ($3.6 billion) in non-budgetary investment capital, of which domestic enterprises will account for VND38.2 trillion ($1.52 billion) and foreign-invested capital at VND39.3 trillion ($1.57 billion), mainly focusing on investment in industrial parks and clusters. Yen Binh K-Town Pho Yen. Models such as serviced apartments for experts, high-class boarding houses for engineers, and small business premises for commerce are being built for foreign-invested enterprises and investors Thai Nguyen owns Nui Phao polymetallic mine, one of the largest tungsten reserves in the world. The mine is invested in and operated by Nui Phao Mineral Exploitation and Processing Co., Ltd. (under Masan High-Tech Materials), with a total initial investment of more than $500 million. The project is located in Hung Son town, Ha Thuong commune, Tan Linh commune, and Phuc Linh commune, about 24 km from the Thai Nguyen city centre. The mining site is nearly 152 hectares, of which 90 ha was licensed for mining in 2010. Nui Phao not only exploits tungsten but also processes accompanying minerals such as fluorspar, bismuth, copper, and gold, playing a strategic role in the global high-tech materials supply chain. Meanwhile, the former Bac Kan province is also known as a land rich in minerals, with many rare metals such as lead, zinc, antimony, copper, and gold. The merger with Thai Nguyen opens up opportunities to connect the value chain of mining, processing, and minerals, thanks to more synchronous infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, and the manufacturing capacity in Thai Nguyen. Bac Kan and Thai Nguyen have a long history, a common formation and development process (separated from the old Bac Thai province), a close geographical connection, and similarities in cultural traditions, customs, and practices. The merger of the two provinces is of special importance to expanding development space, unleash resources, and closely connect the dynamic industrial and urban centre of Thai Nguyen with the unique ecological and cultural potential of Bac Kan, said Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung. Thai Nguyen needs to focus on driving forces for economic growth, environmental protection, high-tech industry, clean agriculture, green tourism, the digital economy, private economic development, and FDI attraction. In addition, the province needs to proactively propose and pilot mechanisms for private economic development and high-tech enterprises, and promote the development of green, smart, energy-saving industrial park models, circular production, and the use of renewable energy, DPM Dung directed. The Gold Ball Blends Art, Fashion, and Community to Launch Newark Arts Festival 2025 NEWARK, N.J., Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Newark Museum of Art shimmered in gold as The Gold Ball returned to kick off Newark Arts Festival 2025: JOY, New Jersey's largest celebration of arts and culture. For one unforgettable evening, Festivals United Newark leaders, Newarkers, visionaries, and artists gathered in their finest attire for a night where art, fashion, and community converged. Photo Credit FUN Photo Credit Festivals United Newark Inspired by last year's sold-out Pink Ball, this year's Gold Ball was bigger, bolder, and brighter. Guests stepped into a world curated by visionary designer Bailey Li and fashion artist Erika Hicks, where immersive art installations and stunning fashion created an atmosphere of pure possibility. From the first golden glow at the entrance to the final beat of the afterparty, attendees experienced JOY in its most radiant form. "The Gold Ball is more than an eventit's a celebration of Newark's creative spirit," said Lauren LeBeaux Craig, Executive Director of The Newark Museum of Art. "We are proud to open our doors to a night that blends art, fashion, and community, and to launch the Newark Arts Festival with JOY at its heart." "Designing a luminous art installation for The Newark Museum of Art was an honor of a lifetime," said Bailey Li. "Seeing guests interact with shimmering surfaces and soft draped forms was magical." "This night celebrated culture, creativity, and endless possibilities," added Erika Hicks. "Watching guests serve up stunning looks was unforgettable." The evening also marked the opening of "Ode to Joy", an exhibition in the Traphagen Gallery featuring six local visual artists. Their works explore JOY as a transformative force through diverse mediums, celebrating resilience, identity, and community. Li, whose career journey spans real estate, home staging, and now interior design, has earned national acclaim with features in NBC's Open House NYC, Essence Magazine, Fast Company, and Forbes. Hicks, founder of Milele Atelier, infuses ancestral heritage into fashion, creating wearable stories that spark conversations about culture and humanity. The Newark Arts Festival continues citywide through October 12, offering exhibitions, performances, and experiences that celebrate JOY in every form. About Festivals United Newark | www.festivalsunitednewark.org Funded through a $1.5 million grant awarded to the Newark Alliance from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Festivals United Newark (FUN) is a unique partnership of leading festival and event organizers in the City of Newark, NJ. For the first time, Newark's major festival planners have come together to form a coalition of the city's most beloved cultural events. Together under one umbrella, FUN members include AfroBeat Fest, Halsey Festival, Lincoln Park Music Festival, Newark Arts Festival, Newark Pride, and Newark Winter Village, all in partnership with the Newark City Parks Foundation. FUN ensures a summer, fall, and winter filled with music, art, food and community. FUN is more than just a name it's a movement. 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